Theyyam is the popular ritual art form of north Kerala. The Theyyam dance is performed in front of the village shrine, groves, and in the houses as ancestor worship. Man assumes the form of God and dances propitiating and appeasing them and in return, the Gods assure prosperity and peace to society and is the belief behind the Theyyam performance. The performers of Theyyam belong to communities like Vannan, Malayan, Mavilan, Velan, Munnoottan, Anjunnoottan, Pulayar, Kopalar and others.