Veeran (Hero) · Fire Theyyam
Kandanar Kelan
കണ്ടനാർ കേളൻ
Photo: Bobinson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
The hunter who died in a forest fire and was revived by Wayanadan Kulavan; a fire Theyyam performed with a burning stack of logs.
Kandanar Kelan is a hero Theyyam popular in the Payyanur and Taliparamba belt. Performed by the Vannan community, it features a large fire into which the performer walks, recalling the forest fire that consumed the hunter Kelan. Kandanar Kelan is often performed together with Wayanadan Kulavan, the deity who brought him back to life.
The legend
Kelan, a Thiyya hunter of Kandanar, went into the forest, was trapped in a wildfire and died. Wayanadan Kulavan, the forest deity, found his body and restored him to life. Both are worshipped together.
Performed by
Vannan community
Costume & kolam
Red costume with a tall conical mudi; enters and circles a blazing pyre.
This is a fire Theyyam. Keep well behind the volunteers' line, never use flash near the pyre, and keep children at a distance.
Kandanar Kelan in pictures
Photo: Bobinson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Bobinson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Bobinson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Bobinson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Ashu905 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Kuttappan Chettan · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Where to see Kandanar Kelan (28 venues)
Adukkunnu Kaav Bhagavathi Kshethram Payyanur
Payyannur
Dates to be announced
Sree Muthappan · Vishnumoorthi · Raktha Chamundi
Arathil Sree Bhadrapuram Kshethram
()Narikkam valli, Narikkamvalli
Dates to be announced
Vishnumoorthi · Raktha Chamundi · Kandanar Kelan
Chenthalam Puthiya Valapp Sree Vayanattukulavan Devasthanam Attenganam
Blathur
Dates to be announced
Vishnumoorthi · Kandanar Kelan · Wayanadan Kulavan
Cherukunnu Kovvappuram Muthachivalappil Vayanatkulavan Devasthanam
Cherukunnu Kovvappuram Muthachivalappil
28 Oct – 29 Oct 2026 · Thulam 11–12Held
Gulikan · Kandanar Kelan · Wayanadan Kulavan
Dermal Puthiya Bhagavathy Temple
Pilathara
17 Jan – 19 Jan 2027 · Makaram 3–5Estimated
Vishnumoorthi · Gulikan · Kandanar Kelan
Edakkeppuram Thekk Kalikkotuvalappil Tharavad Sree Vayanattukulavan Devasthanam
Cherukunnu
Dates to be announced
Gulikan · Kandanar Kelan · Wayanadan Kulavan
Edanad Sree Kannagatt Bhagavathi Temple
Edanad
Dates to be announced
Vishnumoorthi · Raktha Chamundi · Gulikan
Edanad Sree Thiruvarkad Bhagavathy Temple
Edanad (Edat), Payyanur
10 Jan – 13 Jan 2027 · Dhanu 25–28Listed · not confirmed
Vishnumoorthi · Raktha Chamundi · Gulikan
Edanad Sree Thuruthipalli Tharavad Thondachan Devasthanam
Kunhimangalam
Dates to be announced
Vishnumoorthi · Kandanar Kelan · Bhagavathi (Kurumba / Chamundi forms)
Eeyyambod Sree Muthappan Madappura
Thillankeri, Padikkachal
Dates to be announced
Sree Muthappan · Gulikan · Kandanar Kelan
Kaaden Tharavad Thondachan Devasthanam
Kannapuram
Dates to be announced
Vishnumoorthi · Gulikan · Kandanar Kelan
Kaiparath Tharavad Kshethram
Kandamkulangara, Kunjimangalam, Kunhimangalam
Dates to be announced
Vishnumoorthi · Raktha Chamundi · Gulikan