Theyyam: A Living Legacy of North Malabar

In the vibrant cultural tapestry of North Malabar, few traditions resonate with as much power and history as Theyyam. ‘Beyond The Frame’, a photo series by S Devarajan (Dev), captures the mysticism and grandeur.

In Kerala, Theyyam has been performed for over 1,500 years, maintaining continuity from early tribal rituals to the present day. The ritual season begins in October and lasts up to seven months, culminating in major performances at shrines in the North Kerala city of Kannur. Today, there are approximately 400–456 types of Theyyam, each with unique legends, costumes, and ritual significance.

Theyyam represents a fusion of ancient tribal worship, Dravidian spiritual practices, and Hindu ritualism, evolving over centuries into a complex, living tradition that continues to shape the cultural and spiritual identity of North Malabar. It stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of indigenous religious practices in Kerala.

Beginning as early as 5:30 am, the rituals continue until midnight in some villages. The captivating photograph capturing this sacred tradition has earned widespread international acclaim, receiving the Platinum Winner award for International Photography and People Photography – Religious at the Global Photography Awards, the Gold Winner for Editorial Photography at the London Photography Awards, and the Silver Winner for People Photography at the New York Photography Awards. It was also honoured as a Bronze Winner at the Tokyo International Foto Awards, received a Certificate of Achievement at the Paris Photo Prize, and was nominated in the People category at the 18th International Colour Awards.

S. Devarajan (Dev) is a former Managing Director of Cisco Systems India and Tata Elxsi. A former President of MAIT, he serves on several corporate boards. An award-winning photographer, Dev has won more than 56 international photography awards and enjoys music and travel.