The photographs presented are taken at Ashtamanchal Baghavathi Temple, Payyannoor, Kannur, Kerala, India between 22nd-24th April 2012. The yearly celebrations where held at the temple during this time and I was fortunate to witness the local legend.
Theyyam is unique, since only in northern Kerala, it exists as a major form of worship.
The term Theyyam means Deyvam or God. Few selected men wear an extravagant make-up to potray themselves as living Gods
People of these districts consider Theyyam itself as a God and they seek blessings from this Theyyam.
One thing that fascinated me throughout my journey was the transformation of Theyyam performers (men) into Bhagavathi (Mother Goddess).
In a male dominated society, men taking up the form and spirit of a feminine grace was a rare sight for me.
