Theyyam Performances to Be Held at Assembly Complex During Book Festival

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Legislative Assembly premises will turn into a cultural venue during the fourth edition of the Kerala Legislature International Book Festival, with Theyyam performances scheduled as part of the week-long event. The festival will be held from January 7 to 13, 2026, and the ritual art form of north Kerala will be staged in the capital from January 8 to 12.

According to the organisers, the inclusion of Theyyam is aimed at bringing Kerala’s traditional art forms closer to a wider audience. For many in southern districts, the performances offer a rare opportunity to experience Theyyam without travelling to north Kerala, where the art form is traditionally performed.

Rooted in the cultural life of regions such as Kannur, Kasaragod and parts of Kozhikode, Theyyam blends ritual, dance, music and storytelling. It is usually performed in village temples and sacred groves, and carries strong social and cultural messages.

The performances at the Assembly complex are being organised by the Mahe Theyyam Heritage Committee under the leadership of Padma Shri awardee E P Narayanan. The Theyyam segment will be inaugurated on January 8 at 6 pm by Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian, in the presence of Kerala Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer.

Different forms of Theyyam will be presented on each evening of the programme. In addition, a Kalaripayattu demonstration is scheduled to be held on January 11 ahead of the Theyyam performance.

Organisers said the Assembly premises provide a prominent and accessible setting for the performances, helping to draw in book lovers, art enthusiasts and the general public attending the festival. They added that the book festival is conceived not only as a literary event but also as a platform to showcase Kerala’s diverse cultural traditions.

Visitors are expected to witness the striking costumes, rhythmic music and powerful narratives associated with Theyyam, making the performances one of the key attractions of this year’s book festival.