Kerala, India’s lush paradise of culture and rituals, comes alive each season with the electrifying art form called Theyyam. For any traveler seeking the wild heartbeat of tradition, Theyyam is not just a dance—it’s a portal into centuries-old stories performed by living gods, channeling local legend through dazzling costume, music, and trance. Whether you’re spiritually curious, a photographer, or a culture lover, here’s an immersive guide to Theyyam’s calendar, hotspots, etiquette, and everything you need to plan your journey with Travebrate.
What is Theyyam?
Theyyam (“deity” or “God”) is North Kerala’s most dramatic ritual art, uniting dance, theatre, and worship. With more than 400 varieties, every Theyyam is rooted in folklore—sometimes an ancient warrior, sometimes a goddess, sometimes a tribal spirit or nature force. Ritual performers, adorned with fiery makeup, towering headdresses, and bright costumes, transform as the god itself, performing in village shrines (“kavus”) and sacred groves for locals and wanderers alike.
Theyyam Season: When to Visit
Theyyam starts in October and runs until late May, following the “Theyattam” calendar set by local temples, families, and communities in Kannur and Kasaragod.
Peak months:
- November to February: Greatest density of performances, with larger audiences and dozens of events per week.
- March to May: Fewer, but sometimes more mystical and remote performances, including rare night Theyyams and fiery trance rituals.
If you want to maximize your Theyyam journey, plan between November and March. Many performances are free, open to all, and occur at dawn, dusk, and occasionally overnight for the most spellbinding effect.
Where to Watch Theyyam
The absolute best places are Kannur and Kasaragod districts in North Kerala. Performances happen at ancient shrines (“kaavu”), village temples, and sacred groves known for preserving folklore. Some top temple venues and villages:
Kannur District Hotspots:
- Payyanur: Malat Kavu, Kavvayi Kavu
- Cherukunnu: Gurukkalottu Bhagavathy Temple
- Pinarayi: Chambadu Sree Koormba Temple
- Kunhimangalam: Malliyodu Palottu Kavu
- Thalassery: Chirakkavu Bhagavathy Temple
- Dharmadam, Koyon, Kankol, Naduvil
Kasaragod District:
- Manjeshwar: Ancestral Kavus
- Kumbla, Cheruvathur, Pilicode: Famous shrines
- Bekal Fort region
Theyyam Calendar – 2025 and 2026
Each temple features unique Theyyams and a rotating calendar, so it’s recommended to follow the annual temple schedules posted locally and online through Travebrate, Kerala tourism, and Kannur district portals.
Here is Theyyam calendar of 2025 and 2026
| Date | Place | Temple/Kavu/Tharavadu | District | Is It famous |
| October 18, 2025 | Cheruvathur | Thimiri | Kasaragod | No |
| October 27, 2025 | Neeleshwar | Patten Veedu Tharavadu | Kasaragod | Yes |
| October 28, 2025 | Kanhangad | Arayi Karthika | Kasaragod | Yes |
| October 29, 2025 | Neeleshwar | Anhootambalam Veerar Kaavu | Kasaragod | Yes |
| October 30, 2025 | Padannakkad | Valiyaveed Tharavad | Kasaragod | No |
| October 31, 2025 | Cheruvathur | Kovval Azhivathukkal Sree Vishnumoorthi Kshethram | Kasaragod | Yes |
| October 31, 2025 | Neeleshwar | Kunhippulikkal Vishnumoorthy Temple | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 1, 2025 | Cheruvathur | Kovval Azhivathukkal Sree Vishnumoorthi Kshethram | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 1, 2025 | Kanhangad | Kizhake Vazhakkodan Tharavadu | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 2, 2025 | Cheruvathur | Azhivathukkal | Kasaragod | No |
| November 2, 2025 | Cheruvathur | Kovval Azhivathukkal Sree Vishnumoorthi Kshethram | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 2, 2025 | Kanhangad | Theruvath Sree Arayil Bhagavathi Devalayam | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 3, 2025 | Cheruvathur | Kovval Azhivathukkal Sree Vishnumoorthi Kshethram | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 3, 2025 | Kanhangad | Theruvath Arayil Bhagavathi Temple | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 3, 2025 | Kanhangad | Theruvath Sree Arayil Bhagavathi Devalayam | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 4, 2025 | Neeleshwar | Mungath Bhagavathi Temple | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 4, 2025 | Trikkarippur | Pekkadam Kuruvappalli Ara Kaliyattam | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 7, 2025 | Aalanthatta, Cheruvathur | Vannadi Poduval Veedu | Kasaragod | No |
| November 7, 2025 | Pilicode | Sree Rayaramangalam Vadakkenvathil Veethkunnu Sree Vishnumoorthy Kshetram | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 8, 2025 | Cheruvathur | Ponmaalam Vishnumoorthy Temple | Kasaragod | No |
| November 8, 2025 | Erikkulam | Kottam | Kasaragod | No |
| November 8, 2025 | Pilicode | Rayaramangalam Veethukunnu | Kasaragod | No |
| November 8, 2025 | Pilicode | Sree Rayaramangalam Vadakkenvathil Veethkunnu Sree Vishnumoorthy Kshetram | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 9, 2025 | Bellikkoth | Athiyal Theru Bhagavathi Temple | Kasaragod | No |
| November 10, 2025 | Cheruvathur | Kaariyil Aalin Keezh Sree Vishnu Moorthi Kshethram | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 10, 2025 | Pilicode | Theru Someshwari Temple | Kasaragod | No |
| November 11, 2025 | Cheruvathur | Kaariyil Aalin Keezh Sree Vishnu Moorthi Kshethram | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 11, 2025 | Kadangod | Kottaram | Kasaragod | No |
| November 11, 2025 | Ozhinhavalapp | Ozhinhavalapp Tharavadu | Kasaragod | No |
| November 12, 2025 | Cheruvathur | Kariyil Mundya- Ottakkolam | Kasaragod | No |
| November 12, 2025 | Cheruvathur | Kaariyil Aalin Keezh Sree Vishnu Moorthi Kshethram | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 12, 2025 | Kadangod | Koyampuram Kalichan Temple | Kasaragod | No |
| November 12, 2025 | Kariyil, Cheruvathur | Vishnumoorthy Temple | Kasaragod | No |
| November 12, 2025 | Kayyur | Aaligeel Temple – Ottakkolam | Kasaragod | No |
| November 13, 2025 | Udinoor | Kinathil Vishnumoorthy Temple | Kasaragod | No |
| November 14, 2025 | Ori | Vishnumoorthy Temple-Ottakkolam | Kasaragod | No |
| November 18, 2025 | Kanhangad | Paalakki Tharavad -Athiyambur | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 18, 2025 | Neeleshwar | Vayalil Arekkal | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 18, 2025 | Neeleshwar | Poyilavalapp Tharavadu,Pallikkara | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 19, 2025 | Kanhangad | Vishnumoorthy Temple,Padinharekkara | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 20, 2025 | Neeleshwar | Aanikkeel Tharavadu | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 22, 2025 | Bellikkoth | Panayanthatta Tharavadu | Kasaragod | No |
| November 22, 2025 | Ravanishwaram | Appliyath Tharavadu | Kasaragod | No |
| November 23, 2025 | Chaathamath | Puthiyara | Kasaragod | No |
| November 24, 2025 | Neeleshwar | Pattena Tharavadu | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 24, 2025 | Pariyaram | Sree Kottiyoor Nanmadam Temple | Kannur | Yes |
| November 25, 2025 | Arayi | Valiyaveed Tharavad | Kasaragod | No |
| November 25, 2025 | Kanhangad | Puthiyodan Veedu, North Kottachery | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 25, 2025 | Pariyaram | Sree Kottiyoor Nanmadam Temple | Kannur | Yes |
| November 26, 2025 | Bellikkoth | Unnamadam, Padinharekkara | Kasaragod | No |
| November 26, 2025 | Pariyaram | Sree Kottiyoor Nanmadam Temple | Kannur | Yes |
| November 26, 2025 | Ravanishwaram | Koonhangad Tharavad | Kasaragod | No |
| November 27, 2025 | Balla | Puthiyakandam Vishnumoorthy Temple | Kasaragod | No |
| November 27, 2025 | Pariyaram | Sree Kottiyoor Nanmadam Temple | Kannur | Yes |
| November 28, 2025 | Palayi | Nalpathirand Kandam Paramb | Kasaragod | No |
| November 29, 2025 | Kanhangad | Pulikkodan Tharavad | Kasaragod | Yes |
| November 30, 2025 | Neeleshwar | Nagacheri Vishnumoorthy Temple | Kasaragod | Yes |
| December 1, 2025 | Kanichira | Kaalichaan Temple | Kasaragod | No |
| December 2, 2025 | Neeleshwar | Pallikkara Kenamangalam Temple | Kasaragod | Yes |
| December 3, 2025 | Madikkai | Aalampady Illam | Kasaragod | No |
| December 4, 2025 | Arayi | Erath Mundya | Kasaragod | No |
| December 5, 2025 | Bellikkoth | Ayakk Veedu Tharavadu | Kasaragod | No |
| December 6, 2025 | Meenappees | Batherikka Purushu Tharavadu | Kasaragod | No |
| December 7, 2025 | Kanhangad | Makkakkodan Tharavad, Athiyambur | Kasaragod | Yes |
| December 8, 2025 | Pulloor, Kasaragod | Kodavalam Nitturkurupp Tharavad | Kasaragod | No |
| December 9, 2025 | Madikkai | Cheruvai | Kasaragod | No |
| December 10, 2025 | Pulloor, Kasaragod | Keloth Tharavadu | Kasaragod | No |
| December 11, 2025 | Cheemeni | Valiyaveedu Tharavad | Kasaragod | No |
| December 12, 2025 | Neeleshwar | Palere Keezhil Temple | Kasaragod | Yes |
| December 13, 2025 | Kanhangad | Kunnummal Vishnumoorthy Temple | Kasaragod | Yes |
| December 14, 2025 | Velloth tharavadu | Idathala Moolachery Tharavadu | Kannur | No |
| December 16, 2025 | Alappadamb, Payyannur | Theyyottukaavu | Kannur | No |
| December 17, 2025 | Kanhirapoil | Vennannur Mundya | Kasaragod | No |
| December 18, 2025 | Pilicode | Panayakkad Bhagavathi Temple | Kasaragod | No |
| December 20, 2025 | Madikkai | Malappacheri Mundya | Kasaragod | No |
| December 21, 2025 | Uduma | Kizhakke Tehru,Vellikkunnu | Kasaragod | No |
| December 22, 2025 | Neeleshwar | Koottathilara Padinhattam Kozhuval | Kasaragod | Yes |
| December 23, 2025 | Bangalam | Nileshwaram Angakalari Sree Vettakoru Makan Kottaram Paadarkulangara Bhagavathy Temple | Kannur | No |
| December 24, 2025 | Cheruvathur | Kunnur Tharavadu | Kasaragod | No |
| December 25, 2025 | Puthilott | Maappidichery Tharavad,Puthilott | Kannur | No |
| December 26, 2025 | Puthukkai | Puthukkai Tharavadu | Kasaragod | No |
| December 27, 2025 | Thaikkadappuram | Chaalakkad Tharavad | Kasaragod | No |
| December 29, 2025 | Pettikund | Thoduvalam Chamundeshweri Temple | Kasaragod | No |
| December 30, 2025 | Kanathur | Nalvar Temle | Kasaragod | No |
| December 31, 2025 | Alappadamb, Payyannur | Theyyottukaavu | Kannur | No |
| January 1, 2026 | Karivellur | Neelangai Chamundi Temple | Kannur | No |
| January 2, 2026 | Kanathur | Naalvar Temple Kaliyattam | Kasaragod | No |
| January 6, 2026 | Karivellur | Madappalli Someshwary Temple,Theru | Kannur | No |
| January 7, 2026 | Periye | Pulibhootha Temple Kanhangad | Kannur | No |
| January 10, 2026 | Payyannur | Koormba Temple | Kannur | Yes |
| January 11, 2026 | Purakkatt | Kaalakkatt Illam, Perumthatta | Wayanad | No |
| January 13, 2026 | Trikkarippur | Vadakkevalapp Ara – Kadappuram | Kasaragod | Yes |
| January 17, 2026 | Chirakkal | Arayambeth Kshetram | Kannur | No |
| January 18, 2026 | Chirakkal | Arayambeth Kshetram | Kannur | No |
| January 19, 2026 | Chirakkal | Arayambeth Kshetram | Kannur | No |
| January 20, 2026 | Kodoth | Bhagavathi Temple | Kasaragod | No |
| January 22, 2026 | Thaliparamba | Sree Pottan Devasthanam | Kannur | Yes |
| January 23, 2026 | Thaliparamba | Sree Pottan Devasthanam | Kannur | Yes |
| January 24, 2026 | Cherkala | Paadi Meethale Veedu Kamalon Tharavad Devasthanam | Kasaragod | No |
| January 25, 2026 | Mundayad near Elayavoor | Sree Pullivettakorumakan Arooda Kshetram | Kannur | Yes |
| January 25, 2026 | Iritti | Koolichembra Sree Pottan Devasthanam | Kannur | Yes |
| January 25, 2026 | Malur Tholambra | Sree Chandroth Muttappan Madappura | Kannur | Yes |
| January 26, 2026 | Malur Tholambra | Sree Chandroth Muttappan Madappura | Kannur | Yes |
| January 26, 2026 | Iritti | Koolichembra Sree Pottan Devasthanam | Kannur | Yes |
| January 26, 2026 | Mundayad near Elayavoor | Sree Pullivettakorumakan Arooda Kshetram | Kannur | Yes |
| January 27, 2026 | Mundayad near Elayavoor | Sree Pullivettakorumakan Arooda Kshetram | Kannur | Yes |
| January 27, 2026 | Manniyott | Vishnumoorthy Temple | Kasaragod | No |
| January 27, 2026 | Payyannur | Maavichery Temple | Kannur | Yes |
| January 28, 2026 | Kanhangad | Kannoth Veed, North Kottachery | Kasaragod | Yes |
| January 28, 2026 | Madiyan | Poochakkadan Tharavadu | Kannur | No |
| January 29, 2026 | Neeleshwar | Eruvatt Tharavad | Kasaragod | Yes |
| January 30, 2026 | Anjarakandy | Narikode Sree Pothikottam Kshetram | Kannur | Yes |
| January 31, 2026 | Payyannur | Mambalam Ara | Kannur | Yes |
| January 31, 2026 | Ravanishwaram | Maakki | Kasaragod | No |
| February 1, 2026 | Bangalam | Puthiyarambath Bhagavathi Palakkat | Kannur | No |
| February 2, 2026 | Ravanishwaram | Vishnumoorthy Temple, Thannott Thidil | Kasaragod | No |
| February 3, 2026 | Neeleshwar | Koroth Tharavadu | Kasaragod | Yes |
| February 4, 2026 | Ravanishwaram | Thathron Veedu | Kasaragod | No |
| February 5, 2026 | Neeleshwar | Thattachery | Kasaragod | Yes |
| February 6, 2026 | Puthukkai | Narikkattara Pullikkaringali Temple | Kasaragod | No |
| February 7, 2026 | Kattukulangara | Kuthirakkali Amma Devasthanam | Kannur | No |
| February 8, 2026 | Kanhangad | Mukkuvachery,Kanhangad Kadappuram | Kasaragod | Yes |
| February 9, 2026 | Neeleshwar | Muthirakkaal Tharavadu | Kasaragod | Yes |
| February 10, 2026 | Nellikkatt | Koyadam Veedu Tharavadu Sree Pukkalath Chamundeswari Kshetram | Kasaragod | No |
| February 11, 2026 | Karivellur | Makkeel Mundya | Kannur | No |
| February 12, 2026 | Kanhangad | Pilakkal Tharavadu,Kunnummal | Kasaragod | Yes |
| February 12, 2026 | Trikkarippur | Nadakkavu Mundya | Kasaragod | Yes |
| February 14, 2026 | Ravanishwaram | Thekkumbad | Kasaragod | No |
| February 15, 2026 | Kanhangad | Thalaappan Tharavad | Kasaragod | Yes |
| February 15, 2026 | Ozhinhavalapp | Puthiyapurayil Tharavad | Kasaragod | No |
| February 18, 2026 | Kanhangad | Kakkanan Veed , Kanhangad South | Kasaragod | Yes |
| February 18, 2026 | Trikkarippur | Thalichalam Kattachery Karimchamundi | Kasaragod | Yes |
| February 19, 2026 | Banam | Ponnamparambath | Kasaragod | No |
| February 21, 2026 | Madiyan | Thazhathuveedu Tharavad | Kannur | No |
| February 22, 2026 | Madiyan | Patten Veedu Tharavadu | Kannur | No |
| February 23, 2026 | Madiyan | Chandachan Veed Tharavadu | Kannur | No |
| February 23, 2026 | Pulloor, Kasaragod | Kekkadavan Tharavadu,Keloth | Kasaragod | No |
| February 24, 2026 | Kuttikol | Thamburatty | Kannur | No |
| February 25, 2026 | Kasaragode | Aiver Devasthanam, Pulikkunnu | Kasaragod | Yes |
| February 25, 2026 | Payyannur | Maavichery Temple | Kannur | Yes |
| February 26, 2026 | Karivellur | Manhammada Iruvar Temple,Niduvappuram | Kannur | No |
| March 1, 2026 | Neeleshwar | Chaathamath Aala | Kasaragod | Yes |
| March 2, 2026 | Arayi | Karimchamundi Temple, Alloth | Kasaragod | No |
| March 3, 2026 | Karivellur | Kurunthil Kottaram,Niduvappuram | Kannur | No |
| March 4, 2026 | Kanhangad | Kannoth Bhagavathi Temple, Thoyammal | Kasaragod | Yes |
| March 5, 2026 | Pulloor, Kasaragod | Allangodan Tharavadu,Kurumbalam | Kasaragod | No |
| March 6, 2026 | Payyannur | Porkkali Kalari | Kannur | Yes |
| March 7, 2026 | Karivellur | Parambath Ara,Kuniyan | Kannur | No |
| March 8, 2026 | Achamthuruthi | Ottakolam | Kasaragod | No |
| March 9, 2026 | Trikkarippur | Olavara Mundya | Kasaragod | Yes |
| March 10, 2026 | Balla | Maappilangatt Tharavad | Kasaragod | No |
| March 11, 2026 | Kanhangad | Muthappanarkaavu,Kovval Store | Kasaragod | Yes |
| March 28, 2026 | Neeleshwar | Pallikkara Bhagavathi Temple | Kasaragod | Yes |
| April 16, 2026 | Madiyan | Pailingal Tharavad | Kannur | No |
| April 17, 2026 | Uppilikkai | Vettakkoru Makan Maadam | Kasaragod | No |
| April 18, 2026 | Pulloor, Kasaragod | Pachikkaran Tharavad,Maakkaramkott | Kasaragod | No |
| April 19, 2026 | Melangot | Mananikkunnu Vishnumoorthy Temple | Kasaragod | No |
| April 20, 2026 | Thachangad | Mungathu Tharavdu | Kasaragod | No |
| April 22, 2026 | Payyannur | Vetakorumakan Kotam, Kunhimangalam | Kannur | Yes |
| April 23, 2026 | Neeleshwar | Kayakkeel Temple, Podothuruthi | Kasaragod | Yes |
| April 24, 2026 | Madikkai | Madikkai Maadam, Theeyarpaalam | Kasaragod | No |
| April 27, 2026 | Pulloor, Kasaragod | Pulikkodan Tharavad | Kasaragod | No |
| April 29, 2026 | Ravanishwaram | Vadakkekkara Tharavad | Kasaragod | No |
| April 30, 2026 | Neeleshwar | Kottappuram Vaikunta Temple | Kasaragod | Yes |
| May 1, 2026 | Trikkarippur | Kodakkathi Bhagvthy Kavu,Thalichalam | Kasaragod | Yes |
| May 2, 2026 | Neeleshwar | Koyithatta Tharavad | Kasaragod | Yes |
| May 4, 2026 | Melangot | Menapram Maadam Vettakorumakan | Kasaragod | No |
| May 5, 2026 | Thuruthi | Arayam Thuruthi | Kannur | No |
| May 7, 2026 | Karivellur | Vaaniyillam, Theru | Kannur | No |
| May 7, 2026 | Madakkara | Thalakkatt Tharavad | Kannur | No |
| May 9, 2026 | Thuruthi | Orkkulam Tharavad | Kannur | No |
| May 10, 2026 | Kanhangad | Parakkadan Tharavd, Kozhummal | Kasaragod | Yes |
| May 11, 2026 | Echikkanam | Panjuruli Devasthanam | Kannur | No |
| May 12, 2026 | Thuruthi | Pathravalapp Tharavad | Kannur | No |
Journey Planning: Can You Combine Alleppey and Munnar?
Absolutely. Theyyam is best experienced in North Kerala, especially Kannur and Kasaragod, but Travebrate can craft multi-destination itineraries:
- Kannur/Kasaragod: Witness Theyyam and visit beaches, forts, and hill stations.
- Alleppey: Cruise the legendary backwaters, see houseboats, and enjoy village life.
- Munnar: Escape to tea gardens, rolling hills, wildlife, and misty landscapes.
Traveling from Kannur (Theyyam) to Alleppey or Munnar is straightforward by train or car and makes a memorable Kerala circuit for both spiritual and nature lovers.
What Else to See Around Kannur & Kasaragod?
- Beaches: Payyambalam (pristine city beach), Muzhappilangad (drive-in), Thottada (local charm), Meenkunnu (peaceful sunset).
- Forts: St. Angelo’s Fort, Thalassery Fort—highlights of colonial history.
- Museums: Arakkal Museum (royal house of Kerala’s only Muslim dynasty).
- Local Food: Malabar biryani, seafood specialties, fresh coconut treats.
- Village Experiences: Weavers, craftspeople, folk markets.
Whether between Theyyam rituals, enjoy Kerala’s traditional hospitality and lush landscapes.
Famous Theyyam Deities to Witness
Some legendary Theyyams, stunning in form and narrative, include:
- Muchilot Bhagavathi (paragon of power and mother goddess)
- Vishnumoorthy (snake-god, protector)
- Sree Muthappan (most accessible of all Theyyams, revered for giving blessings year-round)
- Kuttichathan (mystic spirit, playful and mysterious)
- Chamundi, Gulikan, Pottan, Raktha Chamundi, Kathivanoor Veeran
Each temple or village typically performs four to ten major Theyyams in their season. Ask Travebrate for the full calendar based on your dates and location.
Dress Code, Rules, and Etiquette
Respect for ritual is absolute. Travelers and photographers are welcomed, but should remember:
- Dress modestly: Full-length traditional wear or simple western clothes; avoid shorts and bright colors. Women may cover their hair.
- No shoes inside shrines.
- Photography: Permitted, but always request local or temple permission. Flash and intrusive equipment are discouraged. Stay at a respectful distance; avoid blocking views or disturbing performers.
- Don’t interact with or touch performers. Fold hands in namaste as greeting; keep physical distance.
- No loud talking, commentary, or selfies during rituals.
- No religion barrier: All backgrounds and faiths are welcome. Ritual participation is for locals, but observation is open to everyone.
- Support local community: Buy crafts, donate, and respect local customs.
Visitors are encouraged to support temple staff and elders, and to approach the festival as a unique privilege—not just a photo opportunity.
Why Watch Theyyam With Travebrate?
Travebrate specializes in authentic Kerala itineraries, crafting journeys that take in rarely witnessed Theyyams, guided temple tours, introductions to local priests and communities, and seamless logistics. Combine your trip with cultural, nature, and spiritual highlights for a truly immersive Kerala season. Detailed calendars, up-to-date guides, and respectful travel etiquette ensure every guest leaves with stories and connections that will last a lifetime.
Final Tips
- Plan in advance—major Theyyams attract crowds.
- Check temple/tour calendars for newest updates.
- Respect, curiosity, and humility will make your experience magical.
Ready to witness the wild heart of Kerala? Contact Travebrate for custom Theyyam, Malabar, and Kerala itineraries today.