A ritual evolved through hundreds (likely thousands) of years, wherein merge the tributaries of folk religion, Hinduism, ancestor reverence and an esoteric fusion of the human and the divine. There are more than 400 documented Theyyams associated with villages and temples scattered across North Kerala. The elaborate rendition, aimed at propitiating the local deity, can last up to a day, featuring men—only at one temple is it performed by women—decorated in vivid make-up and soaring headdress, and accompanied by traditional musical instruments and vocals.