The Malakari Daivam, Kannur - a breath-taking performance which is a display of martial arts using flexible steel swords and fire, coming dangerously close to the spectators in the dark of night.

The blood-curdling Bhairavan Theyyam of Lord Shiva, the God of destruction and rebirth. His eyes are covered with a silver eye-mask and despite being able to see only through a small slit, the Theyyam moves around with fury. In this picture, he is getting ready for his performance.