Mannampurathu Kavu
മന്നൻപുറത്ത് കാവ്
A goddess shrine in a sacred grove at Nileshwaram, where Theyyam, a ritual dance in which dancers embody deities in painted costume, is performed. An essential part of North Kerala's culture.
Theyyam is a ritual dance of spirit possession unique to North Malabar. Performers wear heavy face paint and enormous headdresses to embody the gods and dance through the night in the sacred grove of a shrine, where the spirits are believed to descend. Mannampurathu Kavu in Nileshwaram is one of the most important Theyyam venues in Kasaragod. The Kalasam festival in May is especially grand, and the nearby Nileshwaram Palace is also worth a visit. Performance dates follow the Malayalam calendar and are not fixed, so check with your hotel or locals. Viewing is free. Avoid using flash at close range, and dress modestly.
Opening hours
Depends on festival dates; mostly at night into early morning
Nearby sights
- Hosdurg Fort
- Valiyaparamba Backwaters
- Bekal Beach Park
- Bekal Fort
- Kappil Beach
- Chandragiri Fort
- Malik Dinar Mosque
- Ranipuram