The sound of beating drums reverberates through a small crowd gathered around this rare act of worship. Performers emerge dressed completely in colourful costumes, with their faces painted in an elaborate design. As they start to move to the sounds of the drums, you’ll come to understand that this is not just any dance performance. 

Theyyam is a very unique act of worship found only among the Malabar Coast of Kerala. It’s an ancient Hindu ritual performed by lower caste members of society outside rural village temples. To catch a glimpse of a Theyyam performance is an incredibly rare spectacle.