Photo-tour during the enigmatic performances of Theyyam, in Kannur (Kerala)

The Theyyam is one of the most spectacular and ancient ritualistic art forms of India; it is thought to be anterior to Hinduism and originates in the monsoon celebration done by indigenous people.  Little by little, this indigenous culture would have been enriched by Hindu traditions to become the amazing current ritual.  It is therefore a unique combination of music, songs, mimes, invocations and trance dance to which the amazed visitors are invited to join.

The dance, or invocation, is usually performed in front of the village temple (Kavu) or individual sanctuaries called Devasthana, located in the Kannur and Kasaragod districts of northern Kerala.

The ritual, which can last up to 24 hours, tells the legends of heroes, gods and celestial spirits.  The Theyyam is considered by artists as a channel to a particular god or spirit so as to seek their blessing.  There are over 400 distinct Theyyams, each with their own music, style and choreography.

The flamboyant, mysterious, even frightening make-up of the artist and the sometimes huge costumes are an integral part of the ritual.  It is said that it is during this first stage that the artist obtains supernatural powers and can thus incarnate or communicate with the gods and the spirits.  Music is also indispensable in the Theyyam, especially the drums that mark the rhythm of the trance.

Attending a performance of Theyyam is a unique and powerful experience, which leaves you with an impression of touching the sacred and returning to the roots of ancient India.

For the photographer, Theyyam is incredibly photogenic although the situations are quite difficult, you have to manage the crowd and lack of light, but what a show!

Photo-tour Programme

Day 1. Arrival in Kannur

We welcome you warmly at the airport of Kannur and drive you to your hotel in Kannur. Briefing with our guide photographer. Night in Kannur.

Day 2. Make-up and performances

Before the artist turns into a god, he must go through an intense make-up session that lasts several hours. Then, he puts on his costume, sometimes impressive. When these steps are over, the artist finally looks at himself in a mirror; this gesture, called ‘mukhadarshanam’, marks that the artist is now ready for the spirits to manifest themselves in him. We will follow step by step this transformation of the artist into ‘god’ in one of the temples of Kannur. During the day, we will visit several temples playing different types of Theyyams to have a maximum of impressive shots. In the evening, we will attend a special performance of Theyyam where the artist-god walks in the fire. Overnight in Kannur.

Day 3 & 4. Makeup and performances

After breakfast, we will join another temple to attend a make-up session of another character of Theyyam. Theyyam’s artist in a trance gives his own interpretation of the spirit embodied in him, which makes each representation of Theyyam unique. For photographers, it’s a great opportunity to cover different aspects of Theyyam. Like the day before, we will attend various ceremonies in several temples during the days 3 & 4. Overnight in Kannur.

Day 5. Departure

After this feast of color, sounds, mysterious and sacred, we will drop you off at Kannur airport, unless you want to continue the adventure with us!