Some years back I was fortunate to travel to Muzhappilangad near Thallassery, northern Kerala, to catch any Theyaam ceremonies going on. These are spiritual ritual dances where the participants (mostly men) become transformed into spirits and gods.
Some of the possessed participants will provide advice, blessings and forecast events in people's lives (for a fee). Some events will even have bonfires where the possessed walk across or sit on the on-fire piles. The possessed are all from 'lower casts', and seem to use a highly alcoholic drinks to help them maintain their state of mind. During the whole event multiple drummers loudly and vigourously performed as well.
Below are a fair number of pics of a 24 hour event I attended. It was extraordinarily hot even at night, but in the day when they started an intense bonfire for 'fire sitting'.....youch!
Please click on the pic to embiggen!
Getting painted up in preparation.
Having a strong drink to keep going.
Getting a roaring fire going for the walk and sitting ceremony.
Female deity getting ready to get dressed and do fire sitting.
Smoking!
Walking!
Just having a sit on coals so hot I could feel the heat 20 feet away.
Providing advice on current and future issues, for a fee.
