Theyyam, the colourful ritual art form, is an integral part of the life of people in Malabar, the region comprising the northern districts of Kerala. The performance is a continuing tradition at numerous shrines and ancestral homes in the region.

Theyyam evolved from the Malayalam word ‘Daivam’, which means God. A Theyyam is god incarnate to the believers. There are about 400 Theyyams. Presented in the video is Thee Chamundi Theyyam.

In this, performers jumps into heaps of ember. The performance of Thee Chamundi is believed to save devotees from catching small pox. The video is shot from Aadikumpara temple in Kannur district.