Kannur, Kerala – Land of Looms & Lores.

We recently visited Kannur; Kannur is a city and a municipality in Kannur district in Kerala. Kannur is known as Land of Looms and Lores. Kannur was known by its Portuguese name of Cannanore which is still in fairly common usage. Kannur is situated at a distance of 137 kms from Palakad and 131 kms from Manglore and 310 kms from Kochi. Airport is available in Kannur.

Theyyam in Kannur

During our stay @ Kannur, we luckily get a chance to see a spectacular ancient dance called Theyyam. Theyyam is an ancient ritualistic dance form, which originated in North Kerala or Malabar especially in the districts of Kannur and Kasargod. This ritual art form is an integral part of the people of Malabar and is usually performed in front of the village shrines (these small temples called as Kavu in Malayalam). I was inspired with this dance performance and started chatting with a local person about this dance performance. He explained me about Theyyam dance performance. There are around 400 Theyyams  performed in Kerala during the month of December to April in different Kavu i.e village temples in and around Kannur and Kasargod districts.

Speciality of this dance is the dancer dancing with spectacular face decoration with colorful dresses with huge headgear. The costumes, facial makeup differs from one form of Theyyam to the other . Rice powder, turmeric, vermilion, ink and other natural ingredients are used for painting the face. Headgear made from nature’s own resources like bamboo, areca nut palm spathes and silk. Headgear are huge in height, we can’t imagine the weight of the headgear. Height of the headgear will differ from one Theyyam to other he added.

Parassinikkadavu Sree Muthappan Temple in Kannur

We visited to Parassinikkadavu Muthappan, a small and beautiful temple situated in the bank of back water. Muthappan is a god mixed with Shiva and Vishnu called as Muthappan and Thiruvappan. People of all castes, religions and nationalities are permitted to enter the temple and take part in the worship. People offering Fish and toddy to Muthappan, Theyyam will be performed daily in the morning through out the year. Snacks and Tea (Chayya) will be provided to all the people visiting to this temple.

Boating is available here. This temple and around the places are good picnic spot in Kannur. Frequent buses are available from Kannur bus stand to Parassinikkadavu Muthappan temple. Vismaya amusement park is available on the way to this temple.

Payyambalam Beach

Our Kannur trip end with the famous beach in Kannur called Payyambalam beach. Payyambalam beach is calm and beautiful to relax in the evening. This beach is just 2 km from Kannur city. A small park is available for kids to enjoy. Camel & horse ride are added attractions in this beach.

Specialty in Kannur

Bakery items are famous in Kannur. Barley Biscuit, rectangular shape, small wrapped Plum cakes are the special