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.

ITINERARY:

 Day 1 ( 28^th Jan, 2027) : Arrival at Kannur by afternoon. Reach pre-booked hotel, check-in and get fresh. We will have a tour briefing and introduction 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 Day 3  ( 29^th Jan  and 30^th Jan, 2027) : Depending on festival schedule and preference, we will decide 4 to 5 different types of Theyyam festival locations and shoot. We will try to make the best out of this unique Theyyam experience for you !

29^th Jan  and 30^th Jan 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 ( 31st Jan, 2027) : 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.

How to Reach Kannur, Kerala :

• Kannur Railway Station(station code: CAN)
• Kannur International Airport ( code : CNN)

COST INCLUDES :

• Accommodation at Kannur near shooting locations
• All meals ( starting from 28^thJan dinner to 31^st Jan breakfast)
• All local transport from hotel to different shooting locations
• To make your Theyyam experience memorable , we will hire a local guide to explain participants about different Theyyam performance and stories related to Theyyams  
• Arrangement of private Kalaripayattu performance
• Arrangement of private Kathakali Dance performance  
• Mentor’s guidance fee

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Any domestic or international flights
• Pick-up and drop from Kannur airport or Kannur railway station. We will arrange pick up and drop 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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