OVERVIEW : 

In a single tour, you will able to experience three different cultural forms of Kerala ie. Theyyam, Kalaripayattu and Kathakali. 

Theyyam is an ancient folk art form of north Malabar region of Kerala, India. It is living culture of Kerala which can be traced back to several thousand years of rich tradition. It is elaborate combination of dance, music, mime and passionate devotion. There are over 400 different Theyyams and each has its own music, costume, make up and dance style. Theyyam artists spend years in learning the dancing skills and other delicate parts of the tradition like from how to make costumes to the delicate art of face painting. In the weeks leading up to a ritual, this dancer lived a life of purity. He consumed no non-vegetarian food or alcohol, nor did he lie or speak bad words to others.

Theyyam performers wear heavy make-up, jewellery and very colourful costumes. The headgear, face painting, ornaments, dresses are truly majestic and create a larger than life impact on viewers. Local people consider Theyyam artists as God and seek blessings from them after the performance. These rituals can go on for hours, depending on how long it takes for the artist to enter a trance as he dances and spins to the drums.

Kalaripayattu is an Indian martial art originated in Kerala and and is one of the oldest surviving martial arts in India. Elements from the yoga tradition as well as finger movements in the nata dances, were incorporated into Kalaripayattu. It includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry, and healing methods.

Kathakali is a major form of classical dance in India associated with storytelling. A Kathakali performance, like all classical dance of India, synthesizes music, vocal performers, choreography and hand and facial gestures together to express ideas. However it can be distinguished from the others through the intricate and vivid make-up, unique face masks and costumes worn by dancers as also from their style and movements that reflect the age-old martial arts and athletic conventions prevalent in Kerala and surrounding regions.

To know more about Theyyam read my blog post :

KERALA THEYYAM: THE DANCE OF THE AVTARS!

ITINENARY:

Day 1 ( 30^th Nov, 2025, Sunday) : Arrival at Kannur international airport by afternoon. Pick up from Kannur International Airport and transfer to the accommodation for check-in and get fresh. We will have a tour briefing session at evening. We have some Theyyams scheduled at night at same day, we will start shooting right from same day late evening / night.

Day 2  and 3  (1^st and 2^nd Dec, 2025, Monday and Tuesday) : Depending on festival  schedule and preference, we will decide 3 to 4 different types of Theyyam festival locations, shoot and timing. We will try to make the best out of this unique Theyyam experience for you !

1^st and 2^nd December evening we will arrange an exclusive Kalaripayuttu photography session ( an unique martial art dance performance of Kerela ) on a beach-side location and a private Kathakali preparation and dance session.

Day 4 ( 3^rd Dec, 2025, Wednesday) : After breakfast check out and end of the program.

NOTE : Different types of Theyyams are performed in different temples at different intervals on the same day. Usually night fire Theyyams takes place between 6pm-12pm and 3am-6am. Morning Theyyam starts at 6am and sometime continue day long. Be prepared for an unpredictable shooting schedule.

COST INCLUDES :

• Accommodation at Kannur District, Kerala
• All meals ( starting from 30^thNov Lunch to 3^rd Dec breakfast)
• All local transport
• Local Tour Guide and translator’s fee
• Arrangement of Kalaripayattu Dance performance
• Arrangement of Kathakali Dance performance  

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Any domestic or international flight
• Airport / railway station pickup and drop not included in the fee. We will arrange on request
• Additional snacks and beverage
• Tips and other personal expenses
• Anything that is not in “ INCLUDE” list

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

• If you cancel your registration, then you will be refunded according to the following schedule, based on the full fee of the Workshop:
• 30 days or more: 50% of total workshop fee is refundable
• Less than 30 days : Non –refundable

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