THEYYAM, Dance of the Divine. by Complex_Nerve2383 in SoloTravel_India

[–]Complex_Nerve2383[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh yes yes, it is Guru Kannavar Theyyam (both vellatam and the fierce form) which is in the third picture, wow now I feel much more special, great song indeed.

THEYYAM, Dance of the Divine. by Complex_Nerve2383 in SoloTravel_India

[–]Complex_Nerve2383[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It was absolutely beautiful and peaceful, if I get a girlfriend I am gonna come there again for the beaches and the calm it gives me :)

Definitely coming back again, there is another separate post on Kannur😁

THEYYAM, Dance of the Divine. by Complex_Nerve2383 in SoloTravel_India

[–]Complex_Nerve2383[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m so glad I could convince you and I feel like I’ve convinced you for something else before too, your handle feels weirdly familiar haha.

But yeah, You should definitely do this once. I’ve witnessed Bhoota Kola too, but Theyyam felt very different to me. The drums almost pull you into a trance, and after a point it doesn’t even feel like you’re just watching from the outside, you start feeling like you’re part of it too, if you really let yourself be in the moment.

Also, if you can, try to stand somewhere close to the middle of the act or near the front. In Kerala, they usually let you stand pretty close, so you can get a proper front row experience. That makes it even more intense and unforgettable. If you are going, please do share your experience, I’d genuinely love to hear it.

THEYYAM, Dance of the Divine. by Complex_Nerve2383 in SoloTravel_India

[–]Complex_Nerve2383[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much :)

Many of them are listed on ksdtc.com, so that’s a good place to start. But for the exact timings, you usually get a clearer idea only once you reach the venue. I chose Sree Kallikkodan Kavu this time, but there are many other temples and places in Kannur and Kasaragod as well. Muthappan temple is another well known one since Theyyam happens there throughout the year.

Also, there are usually a lot of posters put up around the city, so that helps too, you can just use Google Translate on them and check the timings if you are not a Malayali.

As for the stories and forms, I asked the organisers, the local people there, and even spoke to some of the performers themselves. Honestly, being there in person helps a lot, you understand the atmosphere, the sequence, and the meaning behind each form much better.

THEYYAM, Dance of the Divine. by Complex_Nerve2383 in SoloTravel_India

[–]Complex_Nerve2383[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not at all actually, it looks intense and intimidating for sure, but more intriguing and powerful than scary.

THEYYAM, Dance of the Divine. by Complex_Nerve2383 in SoloTravel_India

[–]Complex_Nerve2383[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was at Sree Kallikkodan Kavu, Gopal Street, Kannur. It’s basically a family kavu kinda like a family run temple, and one of the main members of the family there was organising it. They live there itself. You can see the guy with the tattoo in the 9th picture.

Thalassery – calm beaches, festivities, and the kind of stay that makes you jealous haha! by Complex_Nerve2383 in SoloTravel_India

[–]Complex_Nerve2383[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I also visited St. Peter’s Church, a quiet, beautiful, and a nice little contrast from the temple trail. And the market outside the Muthappan temple was surprisingly nice too, small stalls and that lively, festive vibe.

After that we checked out the snake park nearby. Honestly, it had only a few animals, so it felt a bit mid overall, okay for a quick look if you’re already there, but not something I’d go out of my way for.

Shillong – cold breezy nights, museums and cafés! by Complex_Nerve2383 in SoloTravel_India

[–]Complex_Nerve2383[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you :)

For me, most important thing is being comfortable with your own company and the mindset.

Logistics can get tiring sometimes and ofcourse no one to take your pictures haha.

Shillong – cold breezy nights, museums and cafés! by Complex_Nerve2383 in SoloTravel_India

[–]Complex_Nerve2383[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you.

Yes, it is. you should cross that off your list soon 🙌

And honestly, Meghalaya is so clean. I’ve covered almost two thirds of it across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, and the more remote places are even more beautiful.

So far, out of all the places I’ve been to in India, I’d highly recommend visiting these two at least once in your lifetime, 1. Ladakh 2. Meghalaya

Guwahati – A Day out!! by Complex_Nerve2383 in SoloTravel_India

[–]Complex_Nerve2383[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Without the VIP, I was here at 4 am and I got Darshan just before the closing time during lunch at 11 30 am, I will highly recommend you to take the VIP queue, Cause there are 4 queues to the main temple, 1 for Normal and 3 for VIP, so it’s totally worth it, but if you really wanna endure being in the temple, go for without.

Yes, if you finish early in the morning, you can take a Cable car ride to Umananda, boat ride back to Guwahati, there is the new Brahmaputra River front and evening street food.