man wearing full-face mask holding torch with both hands

Theyyam is a ritual form in Kerala, India. This particular Theyyam is one variation of ‘Pottan Theyyam’, a vivid, lively and colourful ritualistic performance which comes in the traditional art form of Theyyam. It is believed Pottan Theyyam is a manifestation of Shiva. It is a form of resistance, symbolizing goodness that would wipe out the social evils in the community. The Theyyam re-enacts in ritualistic expressions the life of those personalities who had laid down their life for a social cause and is interpreted as a spiritual satire that is characteristic of the Theyyam’s personality.