A woman sews herself into the male-dominated ritual tradition of Theyyam

M. Priya sews the traditional costumes worn by the Theyyam artists. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

In the ritualistic world of Theyyam, where women rarely find a place in traditional roles, 41-year-old M. Priya from Kannayi Mukkott near Payyannur has created a distinctive space for herself. Rather than performing rituals, she sews costumes and decorative garments that transform male performers into divine figures in the sacred groves and temples of Malabar.

For Priya, Theyyam season is also the busiest time of the year. Starting in November and continuing until March or May, depending on the festival calendar, she employs her sewing machine.

Unlike conventional tailoring, Ms. Priya specializes exclusively in traditional clothing worn by Theyyam artists. They make costumes and decorative accessories for almost all forms of Theyyam as per individual measurements and requirements.

“It takes almost two days to sew a complete costume for a Theyyam character. Each form has its own distinctive style of clothing, which requires patience, precision and an understanding of traditional patterns,” she said.

Ms. Priya learned the craft from her father, who used to sew Theyyam costumes by hand before sewing machines became common. “I learned it by watching my father sew costumes at home. I became interested in this particular kind of sewing and gradually started doing it myself,” she said.

Not into conventional tailoring

Although she has been doing this work for more than 15 years, Ms. Priya has never ventured into conventional tailoring. Performers from various districts of Kannur and Kasargod approach her in terms of size and requirements.

Among the items she makes are kaani, kachunkaraa, Valinjery, kuttithaya and Velimban, Kayipodip, Thalachut, besides several other components of the Theyyam attire. Sewing designs and patterns vary in character, so each job is a specialized assignment.

Orders are pouring in as the season approaches. Mrs. Priya spends her evenings from 4 to 9 pm at the sewing machine. Her work has earned the recognition of performers who rely on the precision and quality of their costumes.

Prashanth Panicker, who has been playing Theyyam since a very young age, gets his costumes stitched by Ms. Priya.

“Taking Theyyam’s costumes requires a lot of patience. Once we get her costumes made, there’s almost no need to look elsewhere. The stitching is precise. I perform at several venues in Kannur and Kasaragod, and her craftsmanship has become a familiar signature in the costumes I wear,” he says.

For Priya, crafting is not just a job. Theyyam is deep in her family. Her father was associated with this tradition, while her brothers’ children also performed yam.

Continuous support

Her husband M Sashi was a constant source of encouragement. The autorickshaw driver supports her work, helps her find customers and attend to her interests. When the Theyyam season is over, they drive more actively.

“Since our family is connected to Theyyam, she has always taken a genuine interest in it. She does an exceptionally good job. I also help her find people who need costumes,” he said.

Interventions in the drama

Besides the sewing machine, Ms. Priya remains active in the cultural life of her locality. Coupled with folk songs and dance, it is also part of the drama in Payyannur.

In a tradition where women remain largely absent from the scene, Ms. Priya’s contribution may be less visible to the audience. Yet every carefully tailored garment he sends to the sacred grove becomes part of the visual splendor of Theyyam.

Published – 07 Nov 2026 06:55 IST