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Fragrance of Kerala
Kerala a state located on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India. Many tourists thronged to this nature's paradise every year in thousands number. And in such Kerala offers number of things to do for its visitors.
Though physically and culturally Kerala is part of India, it is one of the distinctive regions of the area. Historically it has been isolated from the rest of the Peninsula. It is hard for many Keralites to admit that once Kerala was more caste-divided than any other area; it was only here that "untouchability" developed into "unapproachability" and "unseeability"; on the other hand, today it is one of the least caste-conscious and communally tranquil areas of India. Many young Keralites even do not know that the Nair gentry with its matrilinear organization (Marumakkathayam) once practiced polygamy and polyandry, Kerala has a high percentage (22%) of Christians whose traditions go back to St. Thomas the Apostle. The "white Jews" of Cochin are another cultural rarity. The first democratically elected Communist Party came to power in Kerala for the first time in the whole world.
Kerala a state located on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India. Many tourists thronged to this nature's paradise every year in thousands number. And in such Kerala offers number of things to do for its visitors.
From shopping to entertainment to water sports activity, Kerala offers something to everyone. Besides, one can also enjoy festivals, recreation activities and some spicy south Indian cuisines in Kerala. The exotic trip of Backwaters of Kerala will take you in the world of golden silence. Not only this one can also experience Ayurvedic Therapy as well as Spa massage.
Shopping in Kerala is a delightful experience. Traditionally rich in handicrafts, Kerala offers various magnificent craft objects to shop. Most of the artifacts are made of coconut shells, teak wood, fragrant rosewood and sandalwood. Besides, other notable item of shopping in Kerala is spices. Notable for its rich flavored spices, Kerala has its own global spice market. Another main item to shop in Kerala is the objects made of wood or "papier-mache".
A state of many different communities and traditions Kerala offers many avenues for entertainment of its visitors. Theatre, Cinema, Music, Dance and cultural centers provide never-ending fun and entertainment. Street plays and community theatres are very popular in Kerala.
Being located at the coast of Malabar, Kerala has a vast coastline that offers many water sports activities. The adventurous water sports offered by Kerala include Canoeing, Sailing, Para Sailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Wind Surfing and many others. If you do not want to be a part of this adventure journey then you can also laze on the golden sands of Kerala beaches.
Theyyam is one of the most outstanding folk arts of Kerala and has its origin in the northern parts of the state. Also called Thirayattam, (because every thira or village performed this ritualistic art at the village temple) this primitive ritualisic art demands long hours preparation before the performance.
TheTheyyam (a form or shape) represents a mythological, devine or heroic character. There are over 350 Theyysma in northen Kerala. The hood, headdress , face painting, Breast plate, bracelets,garlands and fabric of attire of each of these Theyyams are distinct and meticulously crafted according to the character presented. Musical accomaniments are chenda and veekuchenda (drums), elathalam and Kuzhal(horn). This art form is mostly performed in Bhagavathy temples. Performances are on between october and May. Thira is the main subdivision of Theyyam.
Cherumarkali is a harvest dance in which the dancers, both men and women move in a swift rhythm, linked in a back lock or holding arms. The costumes are in striking red and white.
Kaalavela is a spectacular procession of huge, gaudily decorated motifs of bulls (kaala.)
Kalampattu (kalamezhuthu pattu) is another folk art form that belongs to the northern regions of Kerala. This art form which is over 600years old is performed by a group of five to fifteen people in Bhadrakali and Ayyappa temples. The rituals is performed around the kolam -an elaborate picture, usually of Bhadrakali, drawn on the floor, using five colours. The performance in the light of temple torches lasts through the night. The singers are neatly dressed with women wearing their hair on the side of the head. A series of songs (kalampattu) are sung to the accompaniment of nanthuni and elathalam.
Kalaripayattu is the comprehensive system of martial arts if Kerala, regarded as one of the oldest and most scientific in the world. Kalaripayattu training aims at the ultimate co-ordination of mind and body. The traditional training in a Kalari includes specialisation in indigenous medical practices too. Kalaris are also centres of religious worship.
Kaliyoottu is an eight day long colourful folk ritual which re-enacts the combat between goddess Durga and the demon Darika. The ritual is performed in different stages. The climax of the play- the ritual called paranettu- is performed on a specially constructed 100 feet high stage on the eight day.
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