Photo: T J Varghese- taken from a temple festival near kannur, North kerala

Kerala is a land of old traditions, rituals, customs and arts. Most of them spring from folk tradition but they are often related to religious rituals and mythological stories.

Theyyam is one of the oldest popular devotional performance of Kerala. The performer usually takes a role of one deity and continue the character over the year.

Each performer stands out in a unique make up and costumes like crowns, hand gear, breast plate, ornaments, specially shaped garments and special face paintings, which similar to Kathakali, all combine into an unforgettably colourful presentation.