Various aspects in theyyam celebrations

Thottam

The initial phase in a theyyam performance is usually marked with an act called thottam. The term thottam is derived from the word sothram.Thottam can be considered as a narration using which the gods are requested to be inhibited into the theyyam artist.During the thottam, the history of theyyam is also narratted, Literally thottam means to create, appear.Theyyam artist pray infront of the kaav and he is dressed with a red clothe covering the head.Simple dress and only makeup being the sandle paste over areas like, forehead, shoulders, chest and so on.Thottam is basically a realisation through which theyyam artist get converted into the god.Thottam is usually followed by chenda in the background. Theyyam artist also perform on chenda though on a very light notes.

Vellattam

The small form of theyyam is called vellattam. Vellattam basically marks the childhood days of theyyam. All theyyams do not have a vellattam. If a particular theyyam has thottam, it does not have vellattam. Also if a particular theyyam has vellattam, there would be no thottam for that theyyam. Vellattam is performed with a picturesque costume and attractive face paintings whereas thottam is not performed on a similar note. Vellattam, unlike theyyam does not have a big head gear over its head and thus more physical and acrobatic performanuces are carried out in vellattom performance.

Elamkolam

Elam kolam marks the youth/childhood of female theyyams. Vellattoms are for male theyyams.