As the South-West Monsoon enters its final stages during the Malayalam month of Karkatakam (roughly June 15 - August 15), it signals the arrival of a distinct group of theyyams. Majority of these theyyams are performed in the month of Karkadakam, with a few performed during the early part of the Malayalam month Karkkidakam 16th (roughly August 15 - Sept 15). These theyyams are different in size and form compared to the ones that are witnessed during the main theyyam season in Kerala that starts from October to May every year.

Polatheyyam or Maaritheyyam has six characters namely Maari Kaliyan, Maamaya Kaliyan, Maari Kalichi, Maamaya Kalichi, Maari Kuliyan and Maamaya Kuliyan. The theyyams appearing during the month of Karkatakam visit households and are worshiped by people to ward off diseases and hardships that come with the rainy season. These theyyam characters represent various gods, goddesses and heroic characters as per the Hindu religious beliefs.

Late Kaanhan Pojaari (former Sanghetha Academy award winner) and his family members from Mattul Panchyath was the main performer of Polatheyyam. Now his son Mr Kumaran keeps the tradition alive with his family members. These theyyam rituals are closely related to Madayikkavu and Chirakkal Kovilkam.