Pottan Theyyam

The revolutionary Theyyam: a Pulaya man who challenges Adi Shankara on caste and lies on a bed of burning embers.

Pottan Theyyam is the most socially charged of all Theyyams. Its thottam (song) is a fiery argument on human equality: "When you are cut, is not your blood red? When we are cut, is it not the same?" The performer, wearing a mask of coconut frond and a costume of tender palm leaves, walks and lies on a bed of glowing embers (meleri) several times. It is performed by the Pulaya and Malayan communities and is popular in family shrines across Kannur.

The legend

Shiva, disguised as a Pulaya labourer, blocked the path of the philosopher Shankaracharya, who ordered him aside because of his caste. The "Pulayan" responded with a searing critique of untouchability. Realising he was facing God, Shankara bowed.