Photography

The story behind: Theyyam Makeup

Sreejith Nair

Welcome to the ‘Mystic North Kerala’…

We are in the middle of yet another Theyyam season, vibrant days and nights… filled to the brim with drum beats and saturated colors.

Sleepless nights are well compensated by the divine dance of the Theyyams …

Theyyam make up is always interesting as it’s very much part of the transformation process, in which meager mortals become immortals, though, for a few hours.

Let me share a few images which I captured last week, while organizing a festival tour for our wonderful guests from Germany, Hans and Lilo.

Theyyam-1Theyyam-3Theyyam-4Theyyam-6Theyyam-7Theyyam-8Theyyam-9Theyyam-11Theyyam-12Theyyam-13Theyyam-14Theyyam-15Theyyam-16Theyyam-17Theyyam-2.JPG

 

Published by Sreejith Nair

I am from the south indian state of kerala, and now living in Bangalore. My passion is travelling and photography.

18 thoughts on “The story behind: Theyyam Makeup”

    1. I found it more interesting to explore all the preparations behind these ritualistic folk art …

      There are more than a thousand different Theyyam and each one has a unique story behind it as well…

      Thank you so much for your visit and sharing encouraging comment 🙂

      Wish you a wonderful year ahead 🙂

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    1. It’s really fascinating, Amy 🙂

      Though, I am born and grew up in the land of this ritualistic folk art form, I am yet to explore and experience a fraction of the different Theyyam forms.

      Thank you so much for checking out my post 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much for your visit and sharing your observant comments, Eliza 🙂

      There are different dimensions to approach Theyyam, as an art, ritual, spiritual, religious and above all it’s social relevance with respect to the caste system.

      Each of my Theyyam experience was unique and taught me a lot about my own land, culture and even about myself …

      This is something to experience 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much for your visit and checking out my images 🙂

      Theyyam is not just an art form, it’s a ritualistic folk art.

      Something even harder for me to define, as I grew up in the land of Theyyam and it has a special place in our spiritual and religious life as well…

      Wish you and Family happy holidays and a wonderful year ahead 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much, Divya 🙂

      You will be overwhelmed with the photographic opportunities if you are here in North Kerala during Theyyam time.

      I have to admit that, I haven’t even explored 1% of what’s on offer.

      There are over one Thousand different Theyyams been performed across hundreds of small temples and sacred groves in Kannur and Kasaragod districts, each one with a unique story behind it.

      Do plan a trip, may be next season and I am sure, you will enjoy your time with Camera in your hand 🙂

      Wish you a wonderful year ahead 🙂

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