Thiri Uzhichchil Kerala Traditional art form

Thiri Uzhichchil is also performed as one of the items in Ayyappan Vilakku festival. This item is performed early morning at about 3 am after the Ayappa Jananam (Birth of Ayyappa) ritual and the Paal kindi ezhunnaLLippu (ritual procession of Ayyappa bringing tiger’s milk).

In the case of Thiri Uzhichchil in Ayyappan viLakku, the accompaniments are ilaththaaLam(cymbal) and Chenda (traditional Keralite drum). The Velichapaaduafter uranju thuLLal (trance-like shivering and jumping continuously) starts with one thiri (flaming torch) and increases it to two and three and even goes up to five thiris. The thiri or pandam is a flaming torch made of group of cotton wicks strapped together by coconut leaf fronds. The wicks are fuelled by coconut oil, into which they are dipped before the performance.

Arts & Culture Attractions Art Forms, Ayyappan Vilakku, dance form, kerala, Thiri Uzhichchil, thiriyuzhichil