The Perumthitta tharavadu is situated about 26 kilometers away from Kasaragod on the Kannur highway. I reached there early morning and found a sleepy little village with the make shift shops selling condimemts and toys for the crowds being set up. After a cup of hot tea I went around shooting the festivities. Theyyam is a metaphysical dance form popularly performed across the tharavadus of Kannur and Kasaragod. It is a corruption of Daivam or God. Though predominantly Hindu in nature they are deep rooted in ancient tribal cults and the worship of the Mother Goddess. It was ideal to shoot the make up of the Theyyam. The elaborate make up and costume is to portray the super human or god like qualities of the Theyyam. There are currently around 400 varieties of theyyam manifestations in Kerala. It is normally self decoration with the aid of a couple of helpers and all paints are made from natural dyes. After the make up is done he holds up the mirror that marks the transition from Man to God begins. The first theyyam was the Vishnumoorthi and depicts the slaying of the demon Hiranyakashipu by the Narasimha avatar. It is more ritualistic than artistic and the second one began in the afternoon and was even more elaborate. The Chamundi Easwari is a local manifestation of the mother diety. The crowd and the “Tharavadu” elders were very supportive in setting up shots and moving around with my camera and equipment. It was an intense experience to soak in the dancer in his very peculiar outfits performs to the rhythmic beats of the accompanying band of instruments and raise a crescendo. Great photo opportunities when the Gods come down to visit man. Location: Across many tharavadus in Kannur and Kasaragod districts in Kerala. Time: November to January Special Guidelines: Seek permission prior to shooting
Theyyam – The Dance of the Gods
