Kerala has a rich and fascinating culture. With people from many communities and religions living in this small state along the west coast of South India, Kerala is a melting pot of cultural influences. Some of the major cultural events of Kerala are the Onam Festival, the Temple festival at Thrissur, the annual Snake Boat Races at Alleppey and the festivals of Id and Christmas.
KATHAKALI
The culture of Kerala is one of its kinds in India. Traditional yet modern, the fascinating aspects of Kerala culture have been covered in our related sections. You will be amused to read about the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, which till date is intact in almost all natives of Kerala. The traditional rituals and sacred practices are very much alive even today. People over there are fiercely protective of their cultural heritage and are very proud of it.
Performing Arts A slice of Culture!
MOHINIYAATTAM
Kerala’s performing arts are feast to the eyes of tourists. A sheer variety of art forms, when performed by consummate artistes with the requisite paraphernalia make watching them worth. Legends and legendary characters resurrect from the dog-eared pages of history books and make their apparitions on the stages leaving the audience in ecstasy. The attire, roves and facial expressions of the artistes are a sumptuous treat for eyes. Centuries down, Kerala’s performing arts had enjoyed the patronage and pats from successive rulers. Besides, the now defunct feudal system had also contributed for the nourishment of art and culture. The Northern region of the state is a repertoire of arts and culture. Many of these performing arts are enmeshed with the cultural history of religious communities. While classical art forms such as Kathalkali and Bharathayatyam were the stronghold of upper class, those from lower strata of the society performed dance forms such as theyyam and padayani. If the former class performed in the temple premises and specially erected stages, the later had to venture on streets to show their artistic prowess. The traditional dance forms of Kerala that we have covered in our related sections are Kathakali, Krishnattam and Mohiniattam. Apart from the dance forms, Kerala also has an ancient form of martial art known as “kalaripayattu”. The music of Kerala is very melodious. There are many forms of music in Kerala, be it vocal or instrumental. People have sets of songs for every occasion. The devotional songs are sung so beautifully that it is no less than a divine experience listening to them attentively. THEYYAM There are many folk dances and performance styles in Kerala which include Theyyam – known for its fearsome masks and the trance like state of the performer, Thiruvathirakali – a graceful dance by women during Onam and Kaikotikalli a dance performed by women to celebrate a wedding.
Spectacular visual effects and stunning music are hallmarks of Kerala’s performing arts. In a land which cannot boast of monumental architectural feats, unlike many other parts of India, the performing arts, both individually and collectively, make up for the lost magnificence. No other State in India can match the grandeur and creativity of Kerala’s performing arts. The classical and ritual arts of Kerala have always enjoyed a rich patronage, from the former kings who ruled the state to the latter day democratic governments.
Besides, the aborigines of the state have their own art forms. Cherumarkali, a harvest dance is one among them. Dancers, men and women, with hands entwined, waltz rhythmically to the drumbeats. They will send you into trance. Rapturous moments for audience. Dainty world of performing arts. Engrossing ensemble of dance and folk arts.
FULL MEALS [SADYA] While music and dance provide food for the soul, the actual “food” of Kerala is a sumptuous treat to anyone who is visiting Kerala. The cuisine has a wide range to choose from. The staple diet of Kerala is rice. There is much in store for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The vegetarians can choose from a variety of steamed and fried treats, while the non-vegetarians can feast on sea food. Kerala is famous for its handicrafts and art work. Make sure that you buy a work of art as a souvenir for yourself to remind you of Kerala, which is aptly named God’s Own Country. Kerala’s unique selling point is its rich culture which was mellowed by centuries-old rich heritage. Culture and heritage are pervasive presence across the state and are kept alive through the state’s performing arts. THRISSUR POORAM Flamboyant cultural procession is an integral part of any festival here. In temple fests, deities adorned with glittering jewels and colorful garlands are shouldered in the procession to the accompaniment of chanting of hymns, blowing of conches and playing of nadswaram. To Be Continued……
