Theyyam (thirra) Theyyam (Malayalam: തെയ്യം) is ritual performed since ancient days in North Malabar. In this form of ritual, a man will be fabricated as God’s symbol. In Kadathanadan Area (i.e. Present Vadakara), Theyyam is known as Thirra (Malayalam: തിറ). The performance is conducted on a stage called Theyya-thara in this area. There are around 400 types Theyyams. The weird head-hoods, colourful attires and body painting and dazing performances are amazing. Each type has a distinguishing headgear and costume made out of natural materials like coconut leaves and bark. Musical accompaniments are chenda (Malayalam: ചെണ്ട), elathalam (Malayalam: ഇലത്താളം) and kuzhal (Malayalam: കുഴല്) (horn). Theyyam - A Ritual Art of North Malabar
Thottam Pattu Main article: Thottam Pattu Thottam Pattu (Malayalam: തോറ്റം പാട്ട്) is vocal ballad sung just before performing Theyyam ritual. These are played in Theyyam temples before the commencement of Theyyam Art. Thottam Pattu - A invocative prayer as a ritualistic l Art of North Malabar
Kalaripayattu Main article: Kalaripayattu Kalaripayattu (Malayalam: കളരിപയറ്റ്)is a very famous martial art which was originated from North Malabar. It is known as indigenous martial art of India. This has been developed between the 9th and 12th centuries. Kalaripayattu - A Martial Art of North Malabar
Vadakkan Pattukal Main article: Vadakkan Pattukal The Ballads of North Malabar or the Vadakkan Pattukal (Malayalam: വടക്കന് പാട്ടുകള്) extol the adventures of brave men and women of North Malabar, set against a feudal and medieval background, the stories celebrate the valour and skills of the renowned characters. The Vadakkan Pattukal reflect the peak of Kerala folk-poetry and these ballads are associated with Kadathanadu of North Malabar. The movie Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha capitalised on the popularity of these stories. Vadakkan Pattukal - The Ballads of North Malabar