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Nedumbaliyan Theyyam – Story – Information

Nedumbaliyan theyyam is a theyyam based on the epic Ramayana and is performed during the annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival in Kannur and Kasaragod regions of Kerala. As per information, this is a theyyam of Bali, the Vanara king in the Ramayana. The main story of Nedumbaliyan Theyyam is that of him defeating Ravana and other demons. The difference of opinion between Vali and Sugriva results in Sugriva joining forces with Sri Rama and killing Bali.

As per the local legend, Bali was the family deity of Vaduka King. Mannumel Ashari (carpenter) who went to work in the palace of the Vaduka king became an ardent devotee of Bali. Impressed by the devotion of the carpenter, the deity arrived at the Mannumel Padinjare Tharavadu atop a white traditional umbrella. Today, Bali is the Kula Devata of Ashari community.

The theyyam is annually performed at the Thazhe Mundayat Sri Bhagavathi temple, Cheruvathur Muzhakkoth Thekke Veedu Tharavadu Devasthanam temple, Pattuvam Muthukuda Dhooliyankavu Bhagavathi Kavu temple, Kannapuram Kizhakkekavu Cherukunnu temple, and Kalliasseri  Kalloori Vishwakarma Bhagavathi temple.