The Tereyattam dance is performed in the Malabar region of
Kerala during the month of February or March. This dance is more of a religious rite, meant to pacify the gods and demons.
The performers of Tereyattam dance wear horrifying costumes and makeup to resemble angry gods and demons, who are known by the names Gulikan, Gurikanmar, Koodam Gurikal, Bhairavam Karnavar, Kurumba, Puttan and Kutichatan. Dancing in the manner of demons and monsters, they visit the village temple and circle it 3 times. Uttering some religious chants, they go to the nearby pond or river to catch hens, which they sacrifice to the deities.
