Visited several times since 2000
Kannur is very close to my heart because I have spent some of the best times of my life there - College Days! I did my graduation from the Govt. College of Engineering, Kannur. Those 4 years have gifted me some of the best and most beautiful memories in life.
I realised it later that I didn't explore much in Kannur during my college days. It used to be visiting the Kannur city, friend's homes or Parassinikadavu temple and a few other places. I don't think I had spent time to explore the culture or iconic destinations of Kannur that time. These days, after settling back in India, I've done a few trips so far on various occasions. Here are those stories for you.
My most recent visit was to the village of Talora near Taliparamba to visit Sarveshwari Vallarkulangara Bhagawati temple to watch the Kaliyatta Maholsavam. I had heard of and watched a few earlier, but was quite interested to see Theyyam in its best and this visit really made it happen.
We woke up quite early in the morning and visited the temple inside the premises of which all the events were to take place. After a few hours, the Dharmadaivam Theyyam did their 'Purappadu'. After the Thottam and Purappadu, it is the time for the devotees to seek blessings, narrate their difficulties and sufferings to Theyyam. It is an extremely social atmosphere where no caste, creed or religion has any ban. All are welcome to the abode where they can witness the divine presence walk to them, talk to them, listen to them and bless them in the form of Theyyam! What more can one expect!
The next was the purappadu of Dhooliyankavu Bhagawati. The crown was lit up with several sticks of fire like flambeau all around and around the waist. It was incredible to see the Purappadu.
Then came Bali Theyyam, perhaps the most awaited one. This Theyyam often walk across bright red coal as part of the rituals.
After this was the arrival of Madayil Chamundi. I felt this had a ferocious outlook and nature and the entire get up and moves were awesome watch.
Following was Vishnumoorty, of a relatively calm nature. The attire was slightly different with palm leaf strings starting well from the chest and the hands were always lifted up in a blessing posture.
The most awaited was Gulikan Daivam. This one had a very unique headgear, so long maybe upto 3-4 m height. The dance form was also quite unique where the Theyyam walked on stilts.
A few videos of the Theyyam:
Kannur:
Light House:
Located in the middle of the city, this is a nice place to enjoy watching the sea. The Light House Museum houses a few artefacts and informative miniatures.
Chirakkal Folklore Museum:
Located by the side of a huge water pond at Chirakkal, this museum houses the depictions of Kannur's folklore, predominantly Theyyam. We can also see the amazing craftwork in bronze by the veterans of Kunhimangalam.
Payyannur:
Payyannur is like an hour plus drive from the city. We had just 2 days here, so picked up a few places to visit during our stay.
Kavvayi Backwaters
Kavvayi is a beautiful backwater area with amazing round shaped mangrove forest. We can hire a boat from the entrance to ride to the mangroves and the sea on the other side of the backwaters.
Madayipara:
This place is an open barren land spreading across a vast area. Depending on the season of the year, the outlook of the place changes. When we visited, it was like golden rays all around.
Kunhimangalam:
The pride of Payyannur, Kunhimangalam, whose bell metal work is famous round the globe for its precision, beauty and detailing. Its fully handmade and the craftsmen are hereditary bell metal experts with over four hundred years of legacy.
Muzhapilangadu Beach:
On our way back, we drove into the Muzhapilangadu beach. Its a drive in beach where we can park our car near the beach, enjoy the sun and sand and maybe an ice cream too :)
Comments