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Celebrating one of the largest and most significant scared festival nights of India known to be the ‘Mahashivratri,’ it was here at the Kalarigram, people rejoiced in the Shiva energy during the annual event Tantrosav 2018.

Known to be the Adi Guru or the first Guru, from whom the yogic tradition originates, there were several events that took place based on ‘Lord Shiva.’

Kids from Pondicherry along with their master, Govindraj performed Malkhamb, while it was Acharya Raghu who displayed the Sailum martial art using the weapon Dhamozam which was used by Bodhi Dharma.

Bringing to life the great stories of Kerala through ‘Guru Theyyam,’ which exalts the beliefs of the ancient tribals who gave a lot of importance to the worship of heroes and the spirits of their ancestors, the ceremonious dance is accompanied by the chorus of such musical instruments as Chenda, Elathalam, Kurumkuzal and Veekkuchenda.

Performers wear heavy make-up and adorn flamboyant costumes. The headgear and ornaments are truly majestic and fill one with a sense of awe and wonder.

And its was Ghosha Yatra that kept the crowd busy, as beautifully dressed women led the Yatra followed by men shouting ‘Nada Nada’ (Walk, Walk) and the women replying the same.

Then the women reach the place after the procession and take blessing from the man who performed ‘Theyyam.’ In an interview with Subha, she shares about the origin of Theyyam which she says is a folk theater from Kerala which was usually performed in villages. The villagers in time of adversity called upon such performers for an advice. And with the event being organised till the early morning, Carolina Prada performed Chhau and other events concluded the energetic night.