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A fiore india theyyam ceremony 8 PEOPLE MAXIMUM


South India, The Theyyam Festival

7,450 US$

A South India photo tour to Kerala for the night Fire Theyyam and Elephant Festivals. With a possible extension to the fabulous Varanasi. More than 20 years visiting India year after year. Good boutique hotels, great food. And a cruise in the backwaters of Kerala in our exclusive boat with our onboard cook and air conditioning.

Buying directly the seafood and fish in a riverside village.

Two of the most incredible and singular photographic opportunities on the planet: the rite of Theyyam and the Kerala Elephant Festival. Theyyam is a common style of rituals performed in North Malabar, Kerala, as a living cult with several centuries of belief systems, rituals, and customs.

While performing Theyyam, the performers are assumed Gods and are regarded as such by the crowds who seek their blessings. This God’s Dance, where performers in folds of heavy red and white and gold fabric perform a rite that is several thousand years old, is a world of color and life.

Please click this link that should give you a good understanding of what makes my India so Special My India
Please visit my personal work on Varanasi and Varanasi Again as well as some posts on my Varanasi at dawn . This is where I took in 2012 the picture that won and later lost the National Geographic Photo World Contest.

EXPLORE NOMAD'S INDIA

photo tour to india in theyyam

HIGHLIGHTS

 

- Our photographic coverage of the night fire Theyyam ceremonies which may last the whole nights.

 

- The Elephant festival, led by throngs of drummers and whirling dancers.

 

- Photographic sessions at the Kalamandalam School of Dance

 

- Get the incredible luxury of Kerala´s viridian hills and plantations, and visit Cochin.

 

- Our private Kathakali performance in the theatre. From the makeup and the dressing rooms to the performance itself, we will have a chance to photograph the dancers at all stages of the event.

 

- Our daily life in Benares, staying beside the Ganges, in contact with the people of our Gaht: pilgrims, barbers, flower salesmen, boatmen, Holy Men and the occasional tourist.(Extension)

 

- We will cross to the other side of the Ganges, rarely visited by anyone.(Extension)

 

- The Gath’s, some hidden temples, the religious life on the Ganges.(Extension)

 

- The early morning and evening ceremonies next to the river.(Extension)

 

- The enjoyement of  photography with intensity accompanied by a professional travel photographer that understands the secrets of  India. The hidden locations.

 

 

Our photographic adventure starts in Delhi, with a dedicated visit the Old City.

Later we will head south to enjoy and photograph two of the most incredible and singular photographic opportunities on the planet: the rite of Theyyam and the Kerala Elephant Festival.  We will end with a fabulous cruise in the backwaters of Kerala in our exclusive boat with our onboard cook and air conditioning. Buying directly the seafood and fish in a riverside village. We will enjoy photographing the villagers in their daily life by the waters. 

Theyyam, the God’s Dance, where performers in folds of heavy red and white and gold fabric perform a rite that is several thousand years old, is a world of color and life. We will spend two days exploring the world of bhoota spirits and the rich history of the southern provinces as we document this unique and age old tradition with our cameras.

Then we are off to the Elephant festival, where many great beasts bedecked with beads and ribbons and intricate headpieces parade through the towns to the temples of worship, led by throngs of drummers and gaily whirling dancers.

We will end the first part our expedition visiting the green, tranquil province of Kerala to the south – one of our favorite destinations in India. It has a peaceful and relaxed ambiance compared to the rest of the country. From impressive network of waterways along the Malabar Coast to the expanse of lakes and lagoons that make up the Backwaters, you can find rolling viridian country dotted with spice and tea plantations. Cochin has origins as far back as the Roman times, and is noted as the oldest European outpost in India. It still maintains a small but beautiful Jewish Quarter and a busy spice market, it has an interesting blend of varying architectural and religious influences.

This trip was my third with Harry, after two in India, and a true testament to his ability and to the opportunities he exposes us to is that I am planning trips number four and five only 10 days after my return from Ethiopia.

The trip to Ethiopia was a dream come true. It felt as though I had been dropped right into the pages of National Geographic Magazine, which I read as a child, and which instilled a thirst for travel to Africa.

Harry ‘s organization and guidance leave nothing to chance. He uses wonderful people on the ground to drive, guide, and make each experience seamless. The festivals and amazing opportunities, remote and wonderful locations are trademarks of his trips.

Harry is a genuine character, with a wonderful sense of humour, an eye for the magic in photographic situations, and a natural teacher’s ability to explain how to make use of light,
line and composition in our shots.

Thank you Harry for an unforgettable experience.

Ynda Greenberg (Toronto, Ontario)



ITINERARY

 

Day 1. Feb 23 - DELHI

Arrival to Delhi airport. On arrival, transfer to hotel and check-in.
Afternoon introductory briefing and first exploration of the city.

 

Overnight in the Hotel.

 

 

Day 2. Feb 24- DELHI- KANNUR - THEYYAM FESTIVAL

Today we will fly from Delhi to Kannur via Bangalore , which is in the southern Kerala province.


On this night, depending on the schedule, we will attend and photograph a Theyyam dance – ornate red and white costumes covered in beads and cloth make the men with faces painted red and startling, look like crested, towering creatures of myth as they perform this ancient, several millennia old ritual that is integral to how their people view the world.

The dance may last the entire evening and well into the night.

 

Overnight in the Hotel.

 

 

Day 3. Feb 25- KANNUR - THEYYAM FESTIVAL

Morning to recover from the very  late night and to see some of the rituals in the day time.  Or relax at the beach or explore some of the nearby fishing villages.

Late evening again visits the dance at the local temple.

Theyyam is a corruption for Deyvam ‘God’. 'Aattam' means dance. Thus 'Theyyaattam' means the God’s Dance. The person who plays and personifies the deity is generally called ‘Kolam’. The word Kolam means figure or shape or make-up in Tamil and Malayalam. In Tulunad, north of Kolathunaad, the custom of Kolam dance is widely prevalent as a form of worship of the Bhootas or spirits. There, the dance was conducted before the sthaanams, where the Bhoothas or the spirits used to reside.

 

The dance may last the entire evening and well into the night.

 

Overnight in the Hotel.

 


Day 4. Feb 26- KANNUR - PALAKADD- ELEPHANT FESTIVAL

After an early but not too early breakfast, we will drive a few hours out to Palakkad, to see the Elephant Festival. We will check into the hotel upon arrival.

Ayyamkulangara Kanipayyur is the local word for the Elephant Festival, which is frankly speaking, a photographic dream come true. Colorfully decorated Elephants wear ribbons and tassels, brightly dyed cloth and beads, parade through the town to the temples, carrying effigies of deities on their backs while gaily dressed drummers and dancers swirl at their feet, leading them along the road to worship.

We will spend all day at the elephant festival, with some scheduled shoots, but mostly, as the festival is so lively and ever changing, this will be a day of more spontaneous photography. We will return to the hotel at night.


Overnight in the Hotel.



Day 5. Feb 27- PALAKKAD- KALAMANADALAM DANCE SCHOOL - COCHIN

After breakfast we will head out to see the Kalamandalam School of Dance for a scheduled photo shoot.
The school was founded by the famous poet Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon. It has become an important and universally known name in India, renowned for preserving cultural heritage. It is a residential school, and though the structure itself is not overly ornate, the performances inside the simple classrooms are astounding. We will have a guided tour of the classes and time to interact and photograph some of the dancer students and teachers.


After our photo session we will head to Cochin, and arrive in the early evening.


After check in at our hotel we will go out just before sunset for a boat cruise to see the chinese fishing nets being hauled in just as the sun sinks below the horizon. We have hand selected the spot so they we will have the best possible shots of the fishermen and the atmosphere.


Overnight in the Hotel.



Day 6. Feb 28- COCHIN

Early in the morning we will head out to photograph fishermen in the harbor, again taking in the Chinese fishing nets at sunrise, then on to the fish market, the colorful and photogenic local laundry, and a few other surprises on the streets along the way.

We will also take time out today to visit a Jewish synagogue, a Dutch Palace, and the Vasco D’ Gama Church, with ample time to photograph the architecture and learn about the region´s culture.

Later in the afternoon we will go to see, and photograph a Kathakali performance in the theatre. From the makeup and the dressing rooms to the performance itself, we will have a chance to photograph the dancers at all stages of the event.

Overnight in the Hotel

 

 

Day 7. March 1st- BACKWATERS OF KERALA

After breakfast, we will drive to Alleppey, the boarding point for the houseboat that will take us through the backwaters of Kerala.

We will have private houseboat with your own cook and staff. Once we reach Muhamma we will visit the village market and see some coir making. Then, the cruise will proceed to Pathiramanel and anchor for overnight stay. Alleppey is a small town situated in the Backwaters of Kerala, and it is the ideal place to start a cruise along the winding waterways, lakes and canals of this peaceful area. There is a long stretch of beach to wander along and several interesting small churches to visit.

The romantic and unique Backwaters of Kerala are made up of a labyrinth of canals and lakes that stretch between the capital Cochin and the town of Quilon to the south.

From the vastness of Lake Vembanad to the quiet streams just large enough for a canoe, the Backwaters form the arteries through which rural daily life calmly flows – you will get the chance to capture with your camera the tranquility of life here; children splashing in the water, women washing clothes at the water's edge, fishermen up to their necks in water digging out fish with their feet, rice barges transporting coconuts and rice and of course the stunning backdrop of lush forest reflecting green off the river as our boat sails calmly by.

Overnight in the Houseboat

 

 

Day 8. March 2nd- COCHIN – INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURES and/or VARANASI EXTENSION DEPARTURES

We will slowly return on our boats to Allepey and from there to Cochin.

International Flight departures.  Local Flights for Varanasi for those taking the optional extension.

 

 

 



EXTENSIONS

Varanasi (02 Mar 2023)


We often start in Varanasi at the very first hour of dawn, 'the blue light' just before dawn. The priests meet with the worshippers for the Arati rite, the morning prayers.

 

Our days will be really busy reaching the Ghats to photograph Brahmins offering ritual shaving, dressed bathing women. Bearded, hirsute Holy Men, bare feet, watching stunned families bathing dressed in bright Indian saris. Groups of pilgrims down the huge wooden barges.

 

Then the calm of our hotel, close to the Ganges, attending dinner before the night ceremony. In the calm of "our" Ganges. We will go down the sacred river in our boat and visit an “akhara”, a gymnasium where Kusty fighters train and compete. We will be able to make a photo coverage of their workouts.

 

Early in the mornings is about true low-light photography, where the tripod becomes an almost indispensable tool. You want to use every glowing object as much as you can. But for sure, you've got to have both interest and patience as well as a keen eye and you will get great results.

 

We remain, taking pictures of the river until the sun sets out from the horizon and lights up the landscape. And in this instant, we photograph, immutable, women and men both half-naked and immersed in both the water and the ritual of their bathing.

 

A rowboat comes close to the bank and drifts along the line of observing devotees and tourists who are contemplating the scene from the terra firma.

 

The occasional goat or sacred cow, distracted by its appetite, joins the scene of eating the flowers left by the devotees on the small altars as offerings. No one, though, stops the animals from eating them.

 

 

 

Day 1. March 2nd- DELHI-VARANASI

Late morning flight and, on arrival, after getting to our hotel we will start..

 

 

 

Day 2,3,4.- VARANASI

 

 

We will be in Varanasi, calmly, with time to enjoy our stay in contrast to the hustle and bustle of Shamans, boatmen, pilgrims, cows, tourists, barbers, and fake Sadhus. We will cross to the other side of the river where no one normally goes, to admire the city from another perspective and witness the daily coming and going of pilgrims.

 


We will stroll though the back streets of the ghats, the alleys, and discover temples outside the normal tourist route. We will meet people there, and wait for the certainty of the unexpected to happen.

 

 

In the mornings we will usually start at dawn in order to be at the place when the first prayers begin at the Ganges. It will nearly be night photography, with candle lights. Later we will be walking the Gahts. Each of them is different and worshippers from different regions come to pray their particular gods.

 

 

Depending on the day and the photographic opportunities it will be time for a break, some organization of our pictures, and eventually a photographic analysis and discussion of the work done. Later, when the light will be appropriate, we will walk in the old city with its narrow alleys. Only then the sun enters and transforms everything.

 

 

In the afternoon, again depending on the day, we will explore hidden places of the old city before the Arati ceremony before dinner. We will go down the sacred river in our boat and visit an “akhara”, a gymnasium where Kursty fighters train and compete. If we are lucky we will be able to make a photo coverage of their workouts.

 

 

Our days will be really busy reaching the Ghats to photograph, amongst remains of wreaths and cremation ashes, Brahmins offering ritual shaving, dressed bathing women. Bearded, hirsute Holy Men, bare feet, watching stunned families bathing dressed in bright Indian saris. Groups of pilgrims down the huge wooden barges. Then the calm of our hotel, attending dinner before the night ceremony. In the calm of "our" Ganges.

 

 

 

Day 5. March 6th- VARANASI - DELHI

Early morning flight. International departures.

 

 

 

 

 



Prices per person
9-10 Participants 7,450 US$


Supplements
SIngle Room Supplement 850 US$
Single Room Varanasi Optional Extension 450 US$


Extensions
Varanasi 3,400 US$


WHAT'S INCLUDED

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.  A limited quantity of single-occupancy rooms are available for an additional charge.

 

The maximum number of participants are listed under "Maximum Group" in the Price section of each individual workshop. However, we reserve the right to add by up to two , the maximum number of participants per workshop at any time.

 

 

INCLUDED

 

-Workshop Leader Roberto Pazzi

-All meals, excepted the first and the last day.

-Gratuities:  baggage porterage, driver and assistant,  housekeeping and meals served as part of the tour. The fees do not include the customary gratuity for your guide on the main itinerary and the optional extension. 

-Transfers on arrival and departure.

-Transport as specified. 

- One Internal Flight included.

- Two internal flights on the Varanasi Optional Extension

-Lodging 4 stars  hotels  and excellent  local and boutique hotels , double room, double occupancy. Private bath and air conditioned. 

-Visit and activities as specified in the itinerary.

 

 

NON INCLUDED

 

-International flights

-Gratuity for the guides on the main itinerary and the optional extension. 

-Alcohol of any kind on the meals

-Personal extras, drinks, laundry, phone, etc..

-Camera insurance

-Visa.

-Airline taxes

-Any item or service not expressly defined as included.