Kasaragod-Culure & Tradition

CulturalHeritageThe legions of arts speaks in volumes the rich cultural heritage of Kasargod regions. The spectacular pageant of Theyyam deities impersonated - raises Kasargod into a land of fabulous fantasies. The symphonic melody created by Yakshgana, Kambala (buffallo race), Cock fight etc. of the Thulanad culture reverberates the atmosphere with awe.Poorakkali, Kolkali, Duff Mutt, Oppana etc. are enchanting performing art forms which are dyed deep into the cultural fabric. Visitors will be enthralled by such art forms.Theyyam The Theyyam or Theyyattam is a popular ritual dance of Kasargode district. As a living cult with century old traditions, rituals and customs, it embraces almost all castes and classes of Hindu religion in this region. The term Theyyam is a corrupt form of daivam or God. It is a rare combination of dance and music and reflects important features of a tribal culture. Theyyams are performed before the local temples dedicates for such deities. The whole community participates in the function believing that propitiating the deity would bring prosperity to them
Yakshagana
Yakshagana is musical dance drama played in the open air.Yakshagana is one of the most important folk theatres of Karnataka and Kasargod which has brought fame to this region. The stories of Yakshagana were drawn from the Ramayana , Mahabharatha , Bhagavatha and from other mythological episodes. The main attraction of yakshagana is stage craft where characters like Gods, Demons and Sanyasis are presented in a supernatural atmosphere and the audience are carried to a world of fantasy.There are about 100 ragas in yakshagana.The yakshagana is a total theatre because it has everything of a performing art. It entertains and enlighten both the learned and the illiterate. Some of the Yakshagana troupes of the district have the heritage of 100 to 150 years
BombeyattaYakshagana is presented through puppets and hence it is known as Yakshagana Bombeyatta.String puppets and rod puppets are dressed with colourful costumes according to the character in the story. Bombeyatta is controlled from a curtain chamber specially put up behind the scene for the purpose. Musical instruments are also used just as that of Yakshagana.
THIDAMBU DANCE
Thidambu dance is a ritual temple art form performed in Kasaragod District. Thidambu is the replica of an idol in a temple which could be taken out of the sanctum sanctorium for certain rituals connected with the poojas/festivals of the temples. It represents the idol of the presiding deity in the sanctum sanctorium. Thidambu dance is performed only in connection with the annual festivals of temples, by the Brahmins.
PoorakkaliThis is an integral part of pooram festival celebrated during the month of Meenam (March-April). Pooram is celebrated to praise and please the god of love named Kamadeva. The song sung by the group leader is repeated by the other artists ,in chorus. This is a dance rhythmically around a sacred lamp with elegant steps. While dancing the players clap their hands uniformly to the tune of the song and according to the Thalam by the group leader. Poorakkali has got 18 different forms. Most often stories from the epic Ramayana constitute the subject matter of the ritual songs.
FESTIVALS
Kasargod is rich in folk-culture, visual arts and festivals. The different religions, groups and communities in their historical evolution have subscribed to the growth of a dream like panorama of folk art and visual art forms in the region.Onam Vishu,deepavali,pooram,makarasankranthi,Ganesh chaturthi are the major festivals of the district.
Makham Uroos of Muslims and Perunnals of Christians are the famous festivals celebrated in much gaity.
Sarvajanika Ganeshotsavam This festival is celebrated during September every year in connection with Ganesh Chathurthi, by the local people under the banner of Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava Samithi, Kasaragod. A big idol of Lord Ganesha is made with clay and adorned for five or seven days conducting poojas and on the last day the idol is taken with a procession through the town and to immerse in the Temple tank. This festival attracts thousands of devotees. Ganesh Chathurthi day has been declared as public holiday in Kasargod District.
Annual Festival at Anantheswara Temple, ManjeswaramThe annual car festival of the temple is on the Marga Shira month usually between the 3rd week of November and 3rd week of December. It is also called Shashti festival, which attracts thousands of devotees and pilgrims
Madhur Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka Temple Annual 7 days festival is held during the month of March/April. Special festival Moodappa seva is conducted periodically in view of the huge expenses involved. A large number of devotees attend the festival.
Mallam Durga Parameswari templeThe temple situates near Bovikanam in Muliyar village about 10 kms away from Kasargod. The temple is dedicated to Durga Parameswari. The only one temple from where the devotees get daily annadanam (food). A large number of piligrims visit the temple especially women folk. Tuesday and Friday are very important days in the temple. The annual festival lasts for 7 days, which falls in the month of February-March .
Thalaklayi Subrahmanya Temple, ParavanadukkamSituated about 5 kms away south of Kasargod town,the temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya. The Shasti festival during the month of December-January every year is famous and attracts large number of devotees.
Kizhur Sri Sastha Temple, ChandragiriThis is an ancient temple situated at Chandragiri which is about 6 kms away from Kasaragod town. This is the head quarters of Anjooru Nayanmars - Troupes of five hundred professional singers sing jointly in praise of the greatness of the diety. This temple has close connections with Trikkannad Siva temple. The dignitaries of all the Kazhakams of Saliyas from Pattuvam to Panamboor (present Manglore) known as Pathinalu Nagaram assemble here annually on the second saturday of November.
Trikkannad Siva TempleThe Siva temple which is a very important Hindu temple known for the rituals performed for the well-being of the souls of the dead is situated on the sea shore Owing to its importance ,this temple is also known as Dakshina Kasi. The one week festival in the temple starts with the Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) during the month of March-April every year. Ashtami Villakku and Pallivetta are associated with the festival. This is the only one temple with face to the west.
Bharani Maholsavam The famous festival of Palkkunnu Palakkunnu Shree Bhagavathy Kshetram temple is Bharani Maholsavam which falls in the month of March every year. Maruputhari festival, during the month of December-January, Kalam Kanippu Maholsavam during the month of January and 'Poorolsavam' of March-April, are the other festivals of the temple. Bharani festival starts, the next day of the Arattu festival of Trikkannad temple. A large number of people from all over the district and other districts and Karnataka state attend the Bharani festival especially to witness the Kazhchas and the fire works display which lasts for hours.
Mannanpurathkavu, NileshwarMannan purath kavu temple is situated at Nileshwar, near the railway gate. This temple is dedicated to 'Durga' where poojas are performed by a sect called Pidarar. Another specialty of this temple is that Kurathi is performed here by sacrificing cocks. A large number of devotees visit this temple on Tuesday and Friday, the important days of the temple. Annual festival in this temple is known as 'Kalasam' which falls during Edavam (May) every year. Theyyam is performed on these festival days.