Theyyam is a popular ritual form of worship of North Malabar in Kerala, India. People consider Theyyam itself as a God and they seek blessings from them.
This shot is of ‘Aaralathu Bhagavati*’, from my home in Nileshwaram (Kasargod district), Kerala.

*Bhagavati, is a word of Sanskrit origin, used in India as a polite form to address or as an honorific title for female deities in Hinduism.

Manyu Varma

Theyyam is a ritual form in Kerala, India. This particular Theyyam is one variation of ‘Pottan Theyyam’, a vivid, lively and colourful ritualistic performance which comes in the traditional art form of Theyyam. It is believed Pottan Theyyam is a manifestation of Shiva. ‘Pottan Theyyam’ is traditionally performed with a large fire, the embers of which ‘Pottan Theyyam’ will rest upon (with the people insisting/requesting him to get up). After the performance and customs, the locals may approach and speak with ‘Pottan Theyyam’ and receive his response and blessing.

Ganesh Krishnan R

people sitting on white bench during daytime

Anuroop Kanayil

man wearing full-face mask holding torch with both hands

Theyyam is a ritual form in Kerala, India. This particular Theyyam is one variation of ‘Pottan Theyyam’, a vivid, lively and colourful ritualistic performance which comes in the traditional art form of Theyyam. It is believed Pottan Theyyam is a manifestation of Shiva. It is a form of resistance, symbolizing goodness that would wipe out the social evils in the community. The Theyyam re-enacts in ritualistic expressions the life of those personalities who had laid down their life for a social cause and is interpreted as a spiritual satire that is characteristic of the Theyyam’s personality.

Vineeth Vinod

Theyyam is a ritual form in Kerala, India. If you have ever had a chance to be a part of it, you will know that the person performing the Theyyam is considered as the supreme power while in that state. There are many numbers of ‘Theyyam’ in the North Kerala region. This was one of 39 Theyyam that took place at my native place spanning for a period of 3 days and the shot exudes peace and energy at the same time that dwells in him. The people performing the ritual put up huts and stay in them for the period of the ritual in addition to other customs that need to be followed such as fasting.