Ancient Indian ritual where humans become gods

For nearly 300 years, a family’s ancestral home in the southern Indian state of Kerala has been the stage for theyyam, an ancient folk ritual.

Rooted in ancient tribal traditions, theyyam predates Hinduism while weaving Hindu mythology. Each performance is both a theatrical spectacle and an act of devotion, transforming the performer into a living incarnation of the divine.

The mainly male performers of Kerala and neighboring Karnataka embody the gods through elaborate costumes, face painting and trance-like dances, mimes and music.

Every year, nearly a thousand theyyam performances take place at family residences and temples across Kerala, traditionally performed by men from marginalized tribal and caste communities social margin.

It is often called ceremonial theater because of its riveting plays, which include daring acts such as walking on fire, diving into burning embers, chanting mystical verses, and prophesying.

Historian KK Gopalakrishnan celebrates his family’s legacy of celebrating theyyam and the vibrant traditions of the ritual in a new book, Theyyam: An Insider’s Vision.

He explores deep religiosity, rich mythology, and surprising developments in the arts, including the rise of theyyam rituals performed by Muslims in a tradition rooted in the tribal and Hindu practices.

Theyyam is performed in the courtyard of Mr. Gopalakrishnan’s old family house (above) in Kasaragod district. Hundreds of people gathered to witness the performances.

The theyyam season in Kerala usually lasts from November to April, matching the post-monsoon and winter months. During this time, many temples and family estates, especially in northern Kerala districts like Kannur and Kasaragod, organize performances.

The themes of performances at Mr. Gopalakrishnan’s house include honoring deified ancestors, venerating the warrior-hunter deity and worshiping the tiger spirit symbolizing strength and protection.

Before a performance honoring a local goddess, a ceremony would be conducted in a nearby forest, revered as the deity’s earthly home.

After an elaborate ceremony (above), the “goddess’ spirit” is transferred to the home.

Mr Gopalakrishnan is a member of the Nambiar community, a matrilineal branch of the Nair caste, where the most senior maternal uncle oversees the arrangements. If he is unable to fulfill this role because of age or illness, the next most senior male member takes his place.

The women in the family, especially the eldest, play an important role in rituals.

They ensure traditions are maintained, prepare for ceremonies, and oversee arrangements inside the house.

“They are highly respected and play an integral role in maintaining the family legacy,” Mr. Gopalakrishnan said.

This scene is a blend of loud cries, flaming torches and fierce scenes from epics or dances.

Performers sometimes suffer physical harm from these daring acts, with burns or even the loss of a limb.

“Fire plays an important role in some forms of theyyam, symbolizing purification, divine energy, and the transformative power of ritual. In some performances, theyyam dancers interact directly with fire, walking through flames or carrying a burning torch, signifies the deity’s invincibility and supernatural abilities,” Mr. Gopalakrishnan said.

“The use of fire adds a dramatic and intense visual element, further enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the performance and illustrating the power of the deity over natural forces.”

Deities can be incarnations of gods and goddesses, ancestral spirits, animals, or even natural forces.

Here, the theyyam performer (above) is the embodiment of Raktheswari, a fierce manifestation of Kali, the Hindu goddess of destruction.

She is depicted drenched in blood, a powerful symbol of her raw energy and destructive power.

This intense ritual delves into themes of magic, voodoo, and divine wrath.

Through impressive costumes and ritual dances, the performance conveys the powerful energy of Kali, calling for protection, justice and spiritual purification.

During the performance, the artist (or kolam) transforms into these deities, through elaborate costumes and body paint, their striking colors making the deities come alive.

Here, the performer meticulously adjusts his goddess costume, checking his appearance in the mirror before entering the ritual. The conversion is both an act of devotion and preparation for the electrification show to come.

Distinctive facial features, intricate designs, and vibrant colors – especially vermilion – create their unique makeup and clothing styles.

Each appearance is carefully crafted to represent the deity depicted, demonstrating the rich variety and detail that distinguish this ceremonial art. Some of them do not require face painting but only use masks.

Theyyam’s animist roots shine through in its reverence for nature and its creatures.

This crawling crocodile theyyam symbolizes the power of reptiles and is revered as a protector from their dangers.

With detailed costumes and lifelike movements, it highlights humanity’s deep connection to nature.

Sometimes the deity will bless a large number of devotees after a performance.

Here, a female devotee unburdens herself before Puliyurkali, the powerful embodiment of goddess Kali, seeking solace and divine intervention.

As she offers her prayers, the sacred space becomes a moment of spiritual release, where devotion and vulnerability intertwine.