Kerala's Ancient Folk Ritual

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theyyam performer

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ancient Indian ritual

BBC

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Entertainment

In pictures: Ancient Indian ritual where humans become gods

Summary

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66% Informative

Historian KK Gopalakrishnan has written a new book about the ancient Indian ritual theyyam.

The ancient folk ritual is rooted in ancient tribal traditions and weaving in Hindu mythology.

Each performance is both a theatrical spectacle and an act of devotion, transforming the performer into a living incarnation of the divine.

Performers bear the physical toll of these daring feats, with burn marks or even the loss of a limb.

This crawling crocodile theyyam deity symbolises the power of reptiles and is venerated as a protector against their dangers. With its detailed costume and lifelike movements, it highlights humanity’s deep-rooted connection to nature. Sometimes the deity will bless a large congregation of devotees after a performance. Here, a female devotee unburdens her troubles before Puliyurkali , a powerful manifestation of goddess Kali , seeking solace and divine intervention. As she offers her prayers, the sacred space becomes a moment of spiritual release, where devotion and vulnerability intertwine..

VR Score

Informative language

Neutral language

Article tone

semi-formal

Language

English

Language complexity

Offensive language

not offensive

Hate speech

not hateful