Chennai-based photographer Ramya Sriram has brought global attention to India’s cultural heritage after her powerful image of the ritualistic Kandanar Kelan Theyyam won top honours at the Nat Geo India Worldwide Contest 2025.
The award-winning photograph will be featured in National Geographic’s 2026 calendar, a prestigious platform that showcases outstanding visual storytelling from around the world.
The image was captured under extremely challenging circumstances inside a crowded Kerala temple, where Ramya endured chaos, intense heat and even minor burns while attempting to document the ritual. Her achievement has been widely celebrated as a milestone for Indian cultural photography and highlights the importance of preserving traditional art forms through visual narratives.
A Triumph Born From Passion and Perseverance
Ramya Sriram’s photograph, which captures the electrifying energy of the Kandanar Kelan Theyyam ritual, has placed her among the most celebrated photographers on an international stage. The Nat Geo India Worldwide Contest is known for recognising images that combine technical brilliance with emotional depth, and Ramya’s frame stood out for precisely these qualities.
Reacting to the honour, she described the recognition as a lifelong dream fulfilled. “To be recognised by National Geographic is widely considered the ‘Holy Grail’ for photographers like an Oscar. No words can explain this moment of happiness. It validates my years of work and gives global recognition,” she said in an interview.
The photograph was taken in a small temple in northern Kerala during the early hours of the morning. Theyyam rituals are deeply spiritual performances that involve elaborate costumes, intense choreography and fire elements. Capturing such a moment requires not only technical skill but also patience and courage. Ramya waited for nearly eight hours through the night for the ritual to begin.
When it finally did, the environment became overwhelming, with devotees and photographers jostling for space. “Everyone was pushing and pulling. There was chaos and the fire was too high. I had to stop shooting after just five shots because I was pushed down near the fire and suffered burns on my hand, camera and clothes,” she recalled.
Out of the five frames she managed to capture in those tense moments, three were out of focus, two were usable and one turned out to be extraordinary enough to win an international prize.
Documenting India’s Living Traditions
The Kandanar Kelan Theyyam ritual, primarily performed in the Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala, is part of a centuries-old tradition that blends mythology, devotion and performance art. For Ramya, photographing Theyyam has not been a one-time interest but a long-term commitment.
Over the past four years, she has travelled extensively across Kerala, documenting different forms of the ritual as part of a personal project aimed at preserving India’s intangible cultural heritage.
Cultural photography, she explains, is far from glamorous. It demands long hours, unpredictable conditions and deep respect for the communities being documented. “It’s one of the toughest Theyyams to shoot in a crowd. Cultural photography is never easy because of the time, travel and intense conditions. But the happiness it gives is on another level,” Ramya has said.
Organisers of the Nat Geo India contest praised the overall quality of entries this year, noting that the competition attracted visually compelling stories from across the world. Although no specific government statement has been issued regarding Ramya’s win, the achievement has drawn appreciation from photography circles and cultural enthusiasts who view it as an important moment for Indian representation in global media.
Beyond her personal work, Ramya is actively involved in mentoring aspiring photographers. She conducts workshops through institutions such as EDITN’s entrepreneurship division and offers both online and offline training sessions. She also plans curated photography tours to culturally significant locations, hoping to inspire more young creators to explore India’s traditions with sensitivity and curiosity.
Her journey from a passionate photographer to an internationally recognised visual storyteller underlines how dedication and resilience can transform individual effort into global impact.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Ramya Sriram’s achievement is more than a personal success it is a celebration of India’s cultural richness and the power of authentic storytelling. At a time when much of mainstream attention is focused on modernity and fast-changing trends, her photograph reminds the world that India’s traditional art forms continue to thrive with profound relevance and beauty.
Such recognition also highlights the crucial role played by photographers, filmmakers and artists in preserving living heritage. Rituals like Theyyam are not merely performances; they are embodiments of community memory, belief systems and identity. When documented respectfully, they help future generations understand and value the diversity that defines India.
Ramya’s story also sheds light on the often-unseen challenges faced by cultural photographers from physical risks to financial uncertainty and lack of institutional support. Achievements like hers demonstrate why greater encouragement, funding and platforms are needed for creators who dedicate themselves to documenting grassroots traditions.
