Theyyam – the Ritual Dance of the Gods​.

We designed this amazing photo tour opportunity around India’s fascinating Theyyam festivals which span from February to April throughout northern Kerala in the south of India. You can expect to photograph up to as many as 15 different Theyyam performances during our 6-day adventure.

Kerala – ‘God’s Own Country’ is known for its exotic culture, tradition and nature. It has been a must visit for travelers and photographers around the globe. This stunning location is known for its untouched nature, beautiful landscapes, welcoming people, traditional art forms, Ayurvedic heritage and diverse cultures. At PWA we twist the tour around this magical destination and extend it to North Kerala, with a uniquely designed adventure. During our photo tour we travel through the rustic locations of Kasargod and Kannur to witness the 1500 years old tradition known as Theyyam.

‘Theyyam’ which literally means ‘gods’, is a ritual dance form only found in North Kerala. It depicts the ancient myths of gods, goddesses, saints and demons, making it a vibrant dance-drama. This ancient art form has been graciously carried on and practiced over generations. It continues to be an intricate part in the cultural heritage of Kerala. With around 456 varieties of Theyyam, it is one of the most sought after festivals by photographers. This traditional custom is predominantly found in rural villages of North Kerala. It is believed to have originated from tribal rituals, and through the ages has transformed into a ritual performed in shrines. Very interestingly, we get to see these performances at traditional Kerala houses, where families continue to observe Theyyam, as an ancestral worship. 

The pomp and extravagant pageantry will amaze you with the energy generated from vigorous drumbeats, hypnotic chants and the movements that will leave us aghast. It is believed that the spirit of the deity gets transferred to the ‘Kolam’ or performer, whose animation is witnessed through the performance. They don elaborate costumes, exotic make-ups, art ornaments, breastplates, bangles, garlands and decorations which depict the culture and tradition of Kerala. Some of the more powerful executions incorporate fire and huge headpieces which make this art form extra-ordinary and supernatural. 

A crucial part of Theyyam is its make-up, which is done by specialists and remains unique to each type. All the products used for make-up come from natural herbs, keeping each element earthy and rustic. Colors are extracted from saffron, turmeric, quick lime, rice powder, etc., which are mixed with water and coconut oil as a base. Even the brush used for painting is made of a coconut leaf stem. Intricate designs and elaborate paintings, compliment the eminent narration and performances. Throughout our photo tour you will get to experience all of this and more. We take pride in bringing you the Theyyam tour to our very successful Kerala Photo Adventure.

This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity. 

In addition, you will become knowledgeable about how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas, and great fun. We cannot think of a better place to express your creativity than in Kerala, India.

‘Theyyam’ which literally means ‘gods’, is a ritual dance form only found in North Kerala. It depicts the ancient myths of gods, goddesses, saints and demons, making it a vibrant dance-drama. This ancient art form has been graciously carried on and practiced over generations. It continues to be an intricate part in the cultural heritage of Kerala. With around 456 varieties of Theyyam, it is one of the most sought after festivals by photographers. This traditional custom is predominantly found in rural villages of North Kerala. It is believed to have originated from tribal rituals, and through the ages has transformed into a ritual performed in shrines. Very interestingly, we get to see these performances at traditional Kerala houses, where families continue to observe Theyyam, as an ancestral worship. 

The pomp and extravagant pageantry will amaze you with the energy generated from vigorous drumbeats, hypnotic chants and the movements that will leave us aghast. It is believed that the spirit of the deity gets transferred to the ‘Kolam’ or performer, whose animation is witnessed through the performance. They don elaborate costumes, exotic make-ups, art ornaments, breastplates, bangles, garlands and decorations which depict the culture and tradition of Kerala. Some of the more powerful executions incorporate fire and huge headpieces which make this art form extra-ordinary and supernatural. 

A crucial part of Theyyam is its make-up, which is done by specialists and remains unique to each type. All the products used for make-up come from natural herbs, keeping each element earthy and rustic. Colors are extracted from saffron, turmeric, quick lime, rice powder, etc., which are mixed with water and coconut oil as a base. Even the brush used for painting is made of a coconut leaf stem. Intricate designs and elaborate paintings, compliment the eminent narration and performances. Throughout our photo tour you will get to experience all of this and more. We take pride in bringing you the Theyyam tour to our very successful Kerala Photo Adventure.

This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity. 

In addition, you will become knowledgeable about how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas, and great fun. We cannot think of a better place to express your creativity than in Kerala, India.

TOUR OVERVIEW

*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.