Udayam Madam Payyanvalappil Thondachan Devasthanam in Kannur district, an ancestral home that has been a Theyyam temple for centuries, has put up a ‘Photography is not allowed’ banner for the first time this year. Prajeesh, a family member, says the decision has been taken after the bad experience the family had to face during Theyyam rituals last year.
When Kandanar arrived at Kelan Theyyam (a major warrior deity) Thirumuttam (inner courtyard) for the fire-walking ritual Tharawad (Ancestral house) Last year, there was no place for the demonstration. This is not an isolated situation. Many Theyyam temples in the North Malabar region have started banning similar photography.
Anek Theyyam Religious places in northern Kerala have banned photography. | Photo Courtesy: Tulsi Kakkat
In the age of social media, the proliferation of content creators is posing a threat to the formal proceedings of ritual performance. People living in a reel-obsessed world, yearning to be seen and remembered, arrive at the sacred groves (where these performances are held), armed with cameras or expensive mobile phones, oblivious to the seriousness of the tradition. they block Thames’ (The artist) follows the specified path, and enters the sacred areas where the ritual dance is performed. They often do not understand the difference between art and ritual while posting content online and even deter devotees and members. Tharawad Hosting Theyyam to see their “gods” up close.
According to UK-based travel guide publisher Rough Guides rankings, Kerala is ranked 16th among the top 26 travel destinations in the world for 2026. And Theyyam has been a recurring visual depiction in pop culture – from Kerala tourism advertisements to films and music videos to, most recently, rapper Hanumankind’s single run it (2025). What is shown as Theyyam outside Kerala is basically fancy-dress acting by the actors. Such repetitions do not hinder the performance of Theyyam in the sacred groves (Theyyam Kaavu). However, the actual koladhari Those who perform Theyyam do not perform outside Kavas. Even resentment is expressed over this. If they do so, they may also face an unofficial ban Kavas.
TheyyamUnlike art performances like Kathakali and Koodiyattam, it is a divine ritual. | Photo Courtesy: Tulsi Kakkat
divine Providence
Vinu Peruvannan, one of the leading Theyyam artistes, who has embodied heroic deities like Kathivanur Veeran, Kandanar Kelan, Thottumkara Bhagavathi and Nedubaliyan, blames the lack of awareness and knowledge for this. “People even sneak in Aniyara (backstage) are equipped with their cameras to take photographs, which shows a complete lack of knowledge about the faith and ritual norms. The ruckus they create during performances often disrupts the rituals,” Peruvannan lamented.
The artists who perform Theyyam are called koladhari. Once koladhari After donning the ceremonial dress and adornment, he is no longer seen merely as an artist but becomes distinguished Theyyam Or god. Thames It is believed that these are the reincarnations of those who have been wronged or have been wronged. According to legend, these men and women are reborn ThamesTo take revenge.
According to belief, the soul of Theyyam deeply rooted in Kaavu (Sacred grove) and land. there are Thames who live among stones and thorns Kanjiram (Strychnine) trees, or in fields and bushes, or in pits dug to trap wild boars and tigers. The villagers of North Kerala believe that Thames Protect them. and this Thames Keep them close to you too, address them as “my children”, listen sympathetically to their pain and sorrow, console them with warm embraces and give them your blessings.
Ritual performances abound in Kerala, such as Thira And MudiyettuOf these theyyam There is more visual memory for outsiders. Theyyam and Bhootkola (Remember the movie Kantara) are basically the same, one is prevalent in Kerala, the other in Tulu Nadu, Karnataka. On the other hand, Kathakali and Koodiyattam are purely art forms.
Since ancient times, stories of the Thames have fascinated people from far-flung lands. | Photo Courtesy: Tulsi Kakkat
Theyyam Tourism
From ancient times, stories of Thames It has crossed geographical boundaries and attracted people from far-flung countries. And those who come to see these deities in their bright forms and glory become one with the local people. They are treated with respect in sacred groves smelling of turmeric and burning palm-leaf torches.
Even with changing times and ideological and technological advances, questions arise that challenge ThamesThey are saved – rejoicing in their steadfast devotion. But their current reality has been shaped by a generation that yearns to be seen and remembered, that uses them to garner ‘likes’ and expand their online ‘reach’.
Santosh Vengara, 54, who pioneered the concept of Theyyam tourism in northern Kerala in 2010, believes a sense of restraint should be applied to photography in sacred groves. Over the years, Vengara has brought thousands of tourists, both international and domestic, to witness Theyyam. He says, “Tour organizers have a responsibility to explain the art to the tourists and create a sense of awareness about the sanctity of the rituals. Photographers should be allotted a designated space for a fee.” Tourists are never a problem, but the influx of photographers who interrupt ritual performances to get the perfect angle shot is an issue that needs attention.
Photographers interrupt the ritual performance, aiming for that perfect angled shot. | Photo Courtesy: Tulsi Kakkat
Sriranj Sridhar, 56, a street and documentary photographer who has been conducting Theyyam photography workshops, echoes this sentiment. Problems created by content creators and photographers Kavas He says this is a matter of concern. Sridhar tries to explain to his customers the divinity of the place and the need to behave accordingly. Although he does not support a complete ban on photography, “a dedicated ticketed space for photographers would help control pesky crowds as well as generate income for them.” Kavas,” He says.
Amidst all this, one cannot help but wonder about TheyyamThe artist himself. Does he have no stake in the copyright of these photographs? When photos and videos Thames Used for commercial gain, are the artists’ rights and privacy being respected?
thulasidas.pv@thehindu.co.in
published – January 19, 2026 06:00 AM IST