Theyyam "God" Dancers of Kerala

The word " Theyyam" derives from Daivam, which in Sanskrit ( and in Malyalam--language of Kerala) means "God".

It is believed that, in some of the villages of northern Kerala, Gods from heavens descend in the form of "Theyyams" and give solace to thousands of low caste villagers called "Dalits". Every year during the Theyyam season, December thru March, ritual Theyyam dances are performed at various temples and at special venues called (Kavus} glorifying the various Goddesses--all played by Dalit men only who are colorfully dressed to personify various Hindu deities.

Theyyam dancers are generally male from the lower castes and this privilege is passed down from father to son thru generations.
The chosen dancer must adhere to, during the Theyyam season, vegetarian diet and celibacy.

After elaborate process of face painting, wearing extensive costumes ansd masks, the man to God conversion is complete only when the dancer looks at his face in the mirror as his new incarnation and accepts the descending of the spirit into his body.
Most Theyyam dancers perform around family temples and begin late at night to early dawn hours.These dance performances can be very hectic, high energy and can involve fire walking over hot coals.

During and after the dances, the man to God like dieties are approached by brahmins and other people of higher caste ( often their employers ) to get their blessings and good wishes for the future.

Theyyam is a very unique celebration and takes place only in the Malabar district of Northern Kerala during Dec.-March each year.
In 2014, I was previleged to phtograph these unique ceremonies near Kannuar, Kerala.