Perumthitta Tharavad

13 February 2023 - 19 February 2023

Religious

Kasargod, Kerala

27°C / Clouds

A cultural fiesta of traditions, colours, and history, the Perumthottam Tharavad festival is one of the most recognised artistic expressions of vibrant traditions of Kerala. Regarded as the prominent Theyyam festival which is extremely popular in the state, Perumthitta Tharavad celebrations are an extraordinary display of ethnicity of tribal communities thriving in the state. The celebration of this vibrant festival is held at Kattakuzhy in Kasaragod district of Kerala where the entire region springs to joy and life.

Best Time to Visit Perumthitta Tharavad Festival

Celebrated annually for 10 days during the month of December, Perumthitta Tharavad is where you can witness the ancient Keralite traditions. It is a perfect time to plan a trip to Kerala and explore places like Kasaragod that have undeniable beauty.

History of Perumthitta Tharavad Festival

Having its origin from ancient times, the main ritual of the festival is Theyyam which is the religious and ritualistic dance-drama performances inspired by mythological references and famous folktales of the Malabar region in Kerala. These regional dance performances are associated largely with religion, mythological references, way of worshipping and various rituals practiced in the state of Kerala. Some of the popular Theyyams like Perumthitta Tharavad, Elayoor Theyyam, Chamundi Theyyam, Panchoorla Theyyam, Muthor Theyyam etc reflect the 1500-year-old Dravidian culture. Representing the ancient traditions of Neolithic and Chalcolithic tribal communities thriving in the region, these Dravidian artforms have always been a major part of cultural heritage of India.

During the dance performances, artists dress up with heavy makeup and paint their entire body to represent the prominent mythological and ancient characters from the folklores. They adorn heavy costumes and masks to display the divine prowess of these characters. Every year, the festival is celebrated with all authentic Theyyam rituals which are believed to bring prosperity and ward off evil from life.

Major Attractions of Perumthitta Tharavad Festival 2023 in Kerala

1. A Visual Treat

The local festival is a definite treat for eyes; as during the festivities one gets to explore this part of Indian culture in a ‘never before seen’ manner. Moreover, during the occasion, people get to satiate their senses with several Theyyams like Chamundi Theyyam Festival, Panchoorla, Muthor Theyyam, Elayoor Theyyam. The rhythmic flow and the overall energy of this festival cannot be explained in words and has to be experienced in person.

2. A Nice Blend of Rituals and Customs

Perumthitta Tharavad, Kottamkuzhy sees a crowd of tourists, devotees, and locals who gather to witness these iconic celebrations in Kasaragod district, Kerala. All of these people who come here from all across the nation, essentially want to enjoy this festival and get to experience a nice blend of various rituals and customs wrapped under Indian heritage.

Places to Visit When Attending Perumthitta Tharavad Festival

1. Bekal Fort

One of the top places to visit in Kasaragod is this 300 year old fort which is surrounded by a beautiful golden beach. The impenetrable palm trees fringed alsong the majestic sea coast is a visual treat for the travellers.

2. Ranipuram Hills

Located about 55km away from Kasaragod, Ranipuram hills is a beautiful place that is known for marvelous trekking trails. Perfect place for adventure enthusiasts, holiday makers and solace seekers, Ranipuram hills are totally worth visiting.

3. Parappa Wildlife Sanctuary

Parappa wildlife sanctuary offers a unique flora and fauna which makes it a must visit tourist place in Kasaragod. Famous for some exotic species of turtles, porcupines, hornbills, wild jungle cats etc, this sanctuary in Kerala is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

4. Ananthapura Lake Temple

Dedicated to Sri Padmanabha, Ananthapura Lake Temple is an ancient temple built beside a beautiful lake. There is also a cave near the lake where the idol of the crocodile is worshiped.

5. Mallikarjuna Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is situated in the heart of Kasaragod city. Built by the Iyer kings, the temple is adorned with beautiful paintings which grab the attention of the spiritual seekers.

6. Backwaters of Valiyaparamba

Kerala is famous for serene houseboat cruises and backwaters of Valiyaparamba. It is a great way to enjoy the stunning landscapes and a freshly cooked meal while onboard.

7. Nileswaram

A famous town in Kasaragod, Nileswaram is the cultural capital where you can witness the rich cultural heritage of the country. It is a beautiful place where you can catch a glimpse of the vibrant culture of Kerala.

How To Reach for Perumthitta Tharavad 2023

This vibrant festival of Kerala is celebrated at Kattakuzhy in Kasaragod district which is easily accessible by road, air and railways. Here are the details on how you can reach Kasaragod by the following means of transportation.

Nearest Airport from Kasaragod. Mangalore International Airport (Karnataka)
Distance from Mangalore. 65km

By Air. Deboard at the Mangalore International Airport (IXE) situated at a distance of about 65 km. The airport is well-connected with other Indian cities and states. After deboarding at the airport, you can consider booking some means of public transport like a cab to reach here.

By Train. If planning to travel via train, then deboard at the Kasaragod Railway Station (KGQ). From the station book a cab or take some other means of public transport available to continue your journey.

Nearest railway station: Kasaragod

By Road. Depending upon your geographical location, you can also consider travelling to Kasaragod via road networks. NH17 is the main highway passing through the Kasaragod district. You can easily book buses (private/interstate), private cabs from nearby regions and cities. However, if you like to travel at your own pace then self-driving would also be a good option.