Ritual actors

1. In the ritual specific communities and families, prescribed by tradition, are responsible in fufilling many of the roles required. Muttupan for example can only be done by people from the minority community known as Anhuuttaan. A tale is told of the origin of this tradition. A young Nayar woman who was pregnant went for a festival at Payyavur temple and lost her way home. She stayed with a family there who provided her with protection although she was extremely unhappy and homesick. Soon the baby was born. Lord shiva felt sorry for the lady and sent Muttupan to go and reveal his true form. Muttupan showed himself to the woman and her baby were euphoric at this sight of divine truth. Muttupan returned to his prior form so that they would be able to comprehend him, and ordered that her son should represent him and wear his attire during festivals. The ruler of Kottayam, upon learning this, bestowed him with a tract of land at Vallyayi which is even now known as Anhuuttan Parampu.

2. The tribesmen Chantan is represented by someone from the Adiyar tribe. Chantan himself had no children so the position was given to another family known as Pullaayikkodi.

3. The position of the Komaram (oracle) was given to the family of Chantan wife.

4. Another family known as Karakkattedam was given the position of Vaanavar (one who rules) by Muttupan. The head of the family plays this role and is the presidor of the function. He provides goods, offerings, and anything else needed by Muttupan or the ritual. .

5. The Kudupati lights the lamps and executes work ordered by the vaanavar.