Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: Recently, ‘Nagaraja Thira’ was celebrated at the Sree Muchilottu temple at Kuthiravattom in Kozhikode.
| About Thira | Description |
| Region | Malabar region of Kerala |
| Performers | Artists from the Malaya community, who are recognized as Perumalayans (Peruvannan caste) |
| Deities | Bhagavathi and Shiva |
| Difference between Thira and Theyyam | Thira is a sub-division of Theyyam, with the difference being that in Thira, the performer is considered possessed by the deity, while in Theyyam, the performer is considered to be the god he represents. |
| Costume | Performers wear ceremonial paint and clothing and represent specific deities |
| Sponsorship | Devotees sponsor the performers as a prayer offering |
| Purpose | Viewed as a way to bring the gods to life, with performers seen as possessed by the gods during the dance |
| About Theyyam | Revere form of dance worship in Kerala and Karnataka. Each Theyyam is a man or woman who has achieved divine status through their heroic deeds or virtuous life. Most Theyyams are considered incarnations of Shiva or Shakti or have strong associations with them |
