Chennai-based Ramya Sriram’s Theyyam photograph wins an award

For Chennai-based photographer and avid traveller Ramya Sriram, capturing ritualistic forms on camera is not just a hobby, but a passion to document tradition and culture. “I am delighted because I feel it is a recognition of my decade-long effort,” says Ramya, whose photograph will be part of Nat Geo’s calendar. 

The ‘Capture in Motion’ campaign invited photographers to share powerful images of movements that conveyed stories. 

Ramya’s photograph of Kandanar Kelam Theyyam was taken amid flames in a small and crowded temple at Kannur in Kerala. The campaign was part of National Geographic’s initiative to celebrate World Photography Day on August 19, 2025.

Chennai-based photographer Ramya Sriram.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Her winning image captures the spirit of Theyyam, a ritualistic performance known for its intensity, fire and speed.

Theyyam is performed only by men who morph into gods, adorning headdresses with colourful feathers and faces painted in vivid hues. They dance around shrines to the loud beats of the Chenda and the sounds of the cymbals and bless devotees. The sacred ritual also includes walking on the fire.

Ramya’s journey with Theyyam began long before the contest. She first travelled to Kerala post-COVID in 2021. In 2022, she began to gather information about Theyyam – its legend, the communities that perform and temples where it is performed.

Ramya’s image of Kandanar Kelam Theyyam.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

“In many temples, women are not allowed near certain spaces. So, I make it a point to check  with the temple authorities and family custodians before photographing” adds Ramya. She has also explored other ritualistic forms that exist across North Kerala, which sometimes made her travel into dense forests.

The award-winning photograph was taken in 2023 after Ramya waited for nearly eight hours. “When the performance began, there was chaos all around. Flames rose nearly 10 ft high. The performer had very little space to move. As the crowd surged, I was pushed to the ground near burning coals. I was injured and had to leave. Out of the five frames that I shot, three were out of focus. Fortunately two were good enough to be submitted in the culture category of the contest.” she says.

From Mayana Kollai and Kulasai Dasara to Masan Holi, Ramya has also documented many ritualistic performances.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Ramya is also busy documenting ritualistic performances of Tamil Nadu such as Mayana Kollai and Kulasai Dasara and Masan Holi of Varanasi.  She has also taken photographs of the Pushkar Camel Fair, Mahakumbh Mela, and heritage towns through both a camera and a drone. She hopes to compile her work as a book and display them at exhibitions too. 

Ramya describes herself as a visual storyteller dedicated to documenting festivals, faith and human connection.