"Theyyam turns the world upside down" says a performer. In the land dominated by the caste system, where once the poor and untouchable were even refused to enter the temples, Theyyam is a cry for justice. And the cry so loud that it continues to scare even the highest caste of Brahmins.
Theyyam is a worship of masses, emerged as an answer to their plights and misstreatment. Since only the "untouchables" have the right to perform the rites, Theyyam elevates the poorest almost to the level of the gods. It's a reminder that god is everywhere, not only in splendid temples, but also sacred forests, not only in the consecrated priests but in a heart of every single person.
Theyyam changes with every year, it alters with each avatar, no two acts are the same. It's not a theatrical performance but an evolving entity. The panteon of Theyyam gods is countless, the same as the number of problem it adresses.
In this world the sacred meets the profane, the gods decent on Earth to listen to their beloved people, and the misticism is born far away from hum of crowded cities in the purity of the woodlands.