E. P. Narayanan

E. P. Narayanan is a performer of Theyyam, the ritual dance-worship of north Kerala, in which the performer embodies a deity. He was named for the Padma Shri in 2024 in the field of art, from Kerala ^[1].

Born into Theyyam

He was born on 13 October 1956 in Kannur district into a family of Theyyam performers ^[2]. He began training at four, learning first from his father and later from two other masters ^[2]. His devotion to the art led him to leave high school ^[2].

Long performances

Narayanan has performed demanding Theyyams many hundreds of times ^[2]. He has performed Kathivannur Veeran, which involves the martial art kalaripayattu and lasts many hours, more than 300 times ^[2]. Over 40 years he has performed Puthiya Bhagavathy, a 13 to 14-hour Theyyam that includes a dance with fire around the performer’s body, more than 400 times ^[2]. He has performed Muchilott Bhagavathy for more than 35 years and the Bali Theyyam at the Keezhattoor shrine for 50 years without a break ^[2].

Teacher and craftsman

He teaches the thottam pattu, the songs that invoke the deity, to younger performers, and makes the ornaments and decorations worn in the performance ^[2]. He has won a state-level award ^[2].