Thottam Pattukal, also called Vaytharu, are ritualistic songs performed before
Theyyam in
Kerala. It explains a story in the form of song.
Mainly these songs deal with legends or myths of deities including their origin, journey, power, beauty and boldness. Some others describe the sight of Theyyam and some about war and hunting.
There is a belief that the deity enters the body of the singer at the end of the song, which continues for about five hours. The social, cultural and linguistic characteristics of North Kerala are revealed in these songs.
