EXPLORE THEYYAM : 18-22 DEC 2021

Theyyam is the most colourful, action packed, raw and humanitarian festival of India wrapped in the warmth of faith, devotion and ritual of human emotions together. It is probably the longest running festival in the world that runs in terms of days (nearly 8 months at a stretch) in a single season. The word THEYYAM literarily means GOD in Malayalam language, which is derived from “DEIVAM”, the Devnagri synonym of god. It is the local festival of Kerala, where natives consider this as the channel to communicate with the god directly and to gain his blessings. In the process, different variety of Theyyam programs are organised in order to keep the state and its people safe from the different natural calamities, like drought, flood, fire, epidemic et all which they religiously consider as the wrath of the god. That is why in every event, performance is made in the form of different Theyyam based on old mythological stories, where divine power is shown to protect people from those deadly happenings. People from lower communities, like Vannan(washerman), Gulika(Tantrik), Teli(oil extractor) etc. get the privilege to perform Theyyam as a traditional right from their ancestors since generations. There are nearly 456 different form of Theyyam, most of those are being performed in Kannur and Kasargad district of Kerala, in the more than thousand temples in this “god’s own state”. The festival is performed both in the day and in the night. Night Theyyam or Fire Theyyam is more enchanting, charismatic and popular among the viewers as well as worshippers. Devakooth is the only Theyyam where the performance is done by a female, which occurs only once in two years. The other notable Theyyams are Sree Muthappan Theyyam, Padikutti Amma, Vishnumoorthy, Gulikan, Padamadakki Bhagavathy, Chamundi, Kuttichathan etc.
Theyyam performance is generally enacted by men performers, for both male and female parts. The performer who enacts the role of the divine, powerful, mythological or hero character is known as “Kollam”. Decorative headgear, elaborate makeup, heavy ornaments, colourful costumes and exotic make-up are the main highlights of Theyyam. of performers. But the prime interest that makes the event more attractive lies on the unique way of the performance consisting of face painting, dancing in raze, looking at the mirror for the spirit transformation, dancing and jumping on and over the fire, sacrificing rooster and so on. Altogether, each and every such distinct and unique aspect of this ritual smitten with the essence of faith and reverence makes this festival different from any other around the world.

Kalaripayattu or Kalari is the ancient form of Indian Marshal Art, which is still being practiced in Kerala as a traditional form of culture. Many consider this to be mother of all martial arts and to be the oldest of all the martial arts in the world for being it dated back to 3^rd Century BCE. All castes are eligible to practice and perform this art.
(This program will be a part of the workshop subjected to more than 06 participants)

Kambala is an annual buffalo race held in the southwestern Indian state of Karnataka. Traditionally, it is sponsored by local Tuluva landlords and households in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, a region collectively known as Tulu Nadu. The kambla season generally starts in November and lasts until March. The kambalas are organized through kambala samithis (Kambala Associations), of which there are currently 18. Over 45 races are held annually in coastal Karnataka, including smaller remote villages such as Vandaru and Gulvadi.

TRIP ITINEARY :

Day 1 :
18^th Dec: We will start from Mangalore with the Kambala event. Individuals will be picked up and taken to the field to attend the event Kambala. We will leave for Kannur around 7 pm. and reach there by 12 am approx. Getting settled a taking a short nap, we shall be ready for our late night FIRE THEYYAM event.

Day 2:
19^th Dec: After breakfast, we will go for the day Theyyam shoot as per the calendar. Will be back for lunch and will take a good rest. Again in the night will follow the Theyyam shoot as per timing. This shoot may continue throughout the night.

Day 3:
20^th Dec : After breakfast we will go for the day Theyyam shoot as usual. Will be back for lunch and then will shoot the Kalaripayattu in the evening. Again in the night will follow the Theyyam shoot as per timing. This shoot too may continue throughout the night.

Day 4 :
21^st  Dec : After breakfast, we will go for the day Theyyam shoot as per the calendar. Will be back for lunch and will take a good rest. Again in the night will follow the Theyyam shoot as per timing. This shoot may continue throughout the night.

Day 5 :
22^nd  Dec : Will start for Kannur airport in the morning after the morning Theyyam shoot (if the female Theyyam takes place). Our trip ends here.

#Schedule of the Theyyam performance may shift or change or get canceled due to pandemic restrictions.

FAQ  & TOUR INFO

COST OF THE TOUR : Rs. 18,000/- (Double occupancy) / Rs. 28,000/-(Single occupancy) for Indians and 450$(Double occupancy)/700$(Single occupancy) for Non-Indian(foreigner/NRI) participants.

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:

45 days or more: 75% refund

30 days or more: 50% refund

Less than 30 days: 25% refund

Less than 15 days : Non –refundable

Fee Includes :

• Shared double bed room (same gender participants) in a standard clean guest house in Kannur, with western toilet. For separate room extra charge is applicable.
• It will cover your main meals (breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner), starting from 18^th Dec evening tea  to 22^nd Dec Breakfast.
• Mineral  water will be provided only during meals
• Tea/Coffee will be provided with breakfast and in evening
• All local transports related with our tour
• Mentor’s fee for photography tour, on-field photography assistances and image reviews

Fee Doesn’t Include :

• Train/flight tickets to and from your place.
• Travel charges for airport/Railway Station/Bus stand pickup and drop.
• Travel charges from Mangaluru to Kannur(will be shared, vehicle will be arranged).
• Any additional food items or beverages during meals.
• Any extra mineral water bottle/beverage will be your personal expense.
• Any personal habit, medication or expenses.
• Anything that not in “Included” list.

What do I get from this photo-tour?

1. A thoroughly guided photographic experience by an expert in the field who knows the places and events very well.
2. Slide show presentation of photographs and information of locations and events before each day’s shoot.
3. Guiding all participants about lens requirement, creative composition and camera settings on the field during photo shoot.
4. Review of participants’ photographs.
5. Assisting in possible editing guidance.
6. Guiding participants in finding photographic locations and vantage points for places and events.
7. Helping in finding the local delicacies.

Am I eligible for this tour?

Anyone above 18 years (unless accompanied by a parent or guardian) is welcome to join this photo tour.

I am new to photography. Will I join this trip?

Yes of course. This tour is for all photography enthusiastic people. The more you travel and explore, the more your photographic eye will open. Moreover, our team leaders will ensure to give special attention to the beginners.

What equipments are required for this Trip?

Well, even the point-and-shoot camera will work fine. If you have a DSLR camera, any zoom lens and a wide-angle lens will work, but preferably a full-frame camera with faster wide-angle lens will serve best. A laptop with post-processing software, an Extention charging board, an external hard drive, and extra memory cards will be helpful.

What is the difference between ASP Photo Tour and other tours?

We are not offering a package tour for general tourists; it is specifically meant for photography enthusiastic people and designed by experienced professional photographers. You will discover the place and learn a lot about this ancient city, local people and their culture which is an important part of our travel photography. We will try to observe the local people, their daily activities and cultural beliefs and will try to capture those moments using the right compositions and techniques. Our Team Leaders will help our guests to learn camera settings, framing and as well as post-processing. If that’s what is your requirements then surely join us for this exciting Varanasi photo tour with ASP.

#Under any unavoidable circumstances, if we have to cancel our photo tour, your entire booking money will be refunded. 

DISCLAIMER

• We don’t have any control over weather conditions, pandemics, accidents or any medical emergencies. Under any unforeseen conditions, we may have to change our schedule. We expect your cooperation under such circumstances.
• In the COVID19 PANDEMIC situation, we expect all our guests to follow the ASP and Govt laid down rules of social distancing and precautions throughout the tour.

Click here https://www.arunsaha.com/dt_gallery/theyyam-wrath-of-god to see the entire Varanasi portfolio.

For more Details :

Contact(call or WhatsApp) #8605013985

Or mail us at arunsahaphotography@gmail.com