Kandanar Kelan Theyyam Story
I remember the day I first saw Kandanar Kelan Theyyam. Not just saw it, more like felt it, smelled it, heard it in every pulse of my body. It was in Muthachivalappil Tharvadu in Kannur at 4 am. There were people, including family groups, neighbours, photographers and curious travellers, all gathered to witness this art form. There was no light in the space where the Theyyam was about to take place. Then, they set fire to coconut leaves — and from that glow, Kandanar Kelan Theyyam began. Everyone around the space waited in curiosity for the Theyyam to appear. My heart was already pounding, even before it began.
There is an intriguing story behind the legend of Kandanar Kelan. I still remember the first time I heard the story of Kandanar Kelan Theyyam from my great-grandmother. It has a spellbinding effect.
It began in Meledath Tharavadu, a well-known family in Kunnaru, Ramanthali near Payyannur. The lady of the house, Meledath Chakki Amma, once took in a baby from Mukkuttikadu and raised him as her own, and she called him Kelan.
Kelan grew up strong, skilled, and deeply connected to the land. In fact, every piece of farmland under their care flourished with his touch. Precisely speaking, the soil itself listened to him. But Chakki Amma had a dream: she wanted the distant lands of Wayanad, including Mukkuttikadu, Moovarkunnu, Nallathenga, and Karimbanakkadu, to flourish just the same.
When she asked Kelan, he agreed. How could he not? He prepared himself by packing his bow and arrows, carrying enough toddy to last him through the journey. I can imagine that walk long, quiet, perhaps even a lonely one. By the time he reached the forests of Wayanad, he was intoxicated but determined.
And then comes the part that always gives me chills.
Kelan began clearing the land. Trees fell one after another until only a single gooseberry tree was left standing. He didn’t know that two nagas — Kali and Karali — lived in that very tree. He set the forest on fire to clear the space. But the fire turned on him, trapping him inside.
Desperate, Kelan climbed the gooseberry tree. The snakes, terrified by the fire, bite him. Their fates tangled together, man and nagas all three falling into the fire and perishing.
But this isn’t where the story ends.
The warrior god Vayanat Kulavan happened to pass by. Seeing Kelan’s burnt body, he brought him back to life. He also blessed him, renamed him Kandanar Kelan, and gave him a place by his side.
That’s why, even today, during the Kandanar Kelan Theyyam, you’ll see the performer with two snakes drawn across his chest. A striking reminder of that moment. The theyyam runs through actual fire, dressed in silk and wearing silver anklets, showing us Kelan’s anguish, his fury, his pain.
They say he is perhaps the only theyyam to wear silk while performing in fire. Others usually use tender coconut leaves. Something is haunting about that choice, as if Kandanar Kelan refuses to let go of the memory of burning.
Every year, this theyyam comes alive at Nambiar Makkuni Tharavad in Azhikode, Kannur. It is performed by the Vannan community. When you stand there among the crowd, you can feel the fire in your whole body. You are not just watching a ritual; you can feel it in your veins.
After witnessing this gripping Kandanar Kelan Theyyam, what I felt was something that can’t be explained in words. I am pretty sure that I can’t quite capture what it feels like to be part of something legendary. Because it is beyond words, it is something one must witness in their lifetime.
Discover the beautiful art form, Theyyam in Kerala, with us. Are you interested in knowing more? Then join our Kerala Theyyam tours here. We believe that our website, “Hidden Mantra,” has explored the hidden world of Theyyam and given you immense insights. This will inspire you to dig more into this rich and enchanting tradition. We welcome you to read more related blogs to know further.
Kandanar Kelan Theyyam 2025-2026 Dates (Upcoming Performances)
The upcoming dates for Kandanar Kelan Theyyam are usually scheduled by local temples and cultural committees. These dates can sometimes vary based on temple traditions or regional adjustments. Before planning your visit, it’s best to confirm the exact schedule directly with the temple authorities or local organizers to avoid any changes.
| Date | Place |
| October 28,29 | Pookotti tharawad vayanattukulavan kshetram, Kannapuram |
| October 28,29 | Muthachivalappil tharawad vayanattukulavan kshetram, Kovvappuram – Cherukunnu |
| December 11,12 | Kalathil tharawad vayanattukulavan devasthanam, Vengara |
Special thanks to Aswin Kolathuvayal for providing the date list and to the Kandanar Kelan Theyyam WhatsApp group for their support.
Kandanar Kelan Theyyam Photos:
