Kasargod: A youth collapsed after being hit by Theyyam during a religious ceremony in Kasaragod, Kerala.
A youth collapsed on the spot after being hit on the head by a Theyyam wooden shield in Nileshwara, Kasaragod. The incident occurred during the 'Vellattam' festival of Poomaruthan Deva at the Vishnumurthy Temple in Pallikkara near the Railway Road Overbridge in Nileshwara.
A Theyyam-wearing man had a fight with a person standing in the middle of the road, and at this time the Theyyam-wearing man hit him with a shield. At this time, the youth collapsed. The locals immediately took care of the youth, and fortunately the youth escaped danger.
What happened anyway?
In Theyyam, a form of religious ritual, the performer traditionally holds a sword in one hand and a wooden shield in the other. The performance is marked by vigorous movements, including twirling the shield and swinging the sword rhythmically.
As part of the traditional practice, the Theyyam performer hits the 'valyakars', the religious attendants associated with the temple, and sometimes even onlookers, with the shield. Residents said the 'valyakars' usually gather around the performer, shouting and demanding to receive the blows and increase the intensity of the ritual.
However, during the performance, the wooden shield held by Poomaruthan Theyyam hit and injured resident Manu on the head. Manu immediately collapsed and lost consciousness. Other devotees stopped the 'vellattam' and started rescue efforts.
The injured youth was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was given first aid. Doctors later confirmed that he did not have any serious injuries, after which he was discharged from the hospital. Manu's relatives said he was fine.
The video of Theyyam being shot with a shield is currently going viral on social media.