Protecting sacred groves and tracing Theyyam in Kerala

Theyyam is an indigenous ritualistic art performed mainly in the sacred groves of the Northern Malabar region of Kerala.The practice works on the local belief that residing deities from these sacred groves are summoned to the performing man's body. The sacred artform has for centuries secured the groves from destruction, just as the groves have remained the keepers of the practice. As modernity and urbanization come knocking, these residing deities have shifted to temples. The result is the loss of these groves and its unique biodiversity, rare medical plants and improved microclimate.

Cherish Expeditions, a travel-based impact initiative, has tied up with conservationists and content creators to come together. The idea is to work towards creating awareness about the issue by planting 100 species of Rare Endemic and Threatened Species (RET) trees. The initiative is supported by the Responsible Tourism Mission, Kerala. During the 7-day event, 15 storytellers will document the connection between Theyyam and the sacred groves. The project focuses on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 15, (Life on Land). The tree campaign has high relevance in the context of the UN decade (2021-2030) on Eco-restoration.

The disappearance of sacred groves has also threatened the practice of Theyyam, leaving Theyyam artists vulnerable. Through this expedition, the group is trying to support Theyyam artists community and trace the footprints of Theyyam, which is a beautiful amalgamation of myth, belief, and art form. Theyyams are believed to be possessed Gods who sacrificed their lives against the caste system, gender inequality and other societal inequalities. As each Theyyam performs and converses with their devotees, Thottam Pattu, the Theyyam song, is vocalized in the background, conveying the folklore. To become a Theyyam artist is a privilege only given to the lower caste, providing an equal status for the society's tyrannized community.

The activities planned include taking participants through folklore and myths, which deep dive into telling how our forefathers worshiped and protected nature through an artform. A virtual interactive section will explore how an ordinary human transcends to God's avatar (Theyyam) and becomes capable of supernatural acts. The event will also host walks through islands, forts, courtyards, stepwells, and villages and take the participants on a culinary exploration of the region.

Note: Cherish Expeditions is a travel-based impact initiative that offers immersive, sustainable and transformational experiences. Each of their initiatives focuses on uplifting local communities' livelihoods. The programs offered are carefully curated to integrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The projects aim to mold aspiring change-makers, climate leaders, and personal transformation coaches, social and ecological entrepreneurs through hands-on problem-solving and real-life experiences.

www.cherishexpeditions.com

India Homepage

You may also like:

February: the month of celebrating sustainability

Khonoma – a green village that can inspire the world