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Kerala is often referred to as "God's Own Country" because of its rich cultural diversity, which includes customs, the arts, and cuisine. Its unusual costumes, delicious food, big festivals like Onam, and unique performing arts like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam are its defining features.
The state also has a rich architectural and historical legacy, which is displayed by its historic temples and traditional homes. Kerala's non-prehistoric cultural origins may be traced back to its possession of the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms, which were all part of the ill-defined historical territory known as Thamizhagom.
At that period, music of Kerala, dance, language, and Sangam were all similar to those of the rest of Thamizhagom. The revivals of religious organizations, the Sanskritization of Dravidian ethos, and reform efforts against caste discrimination all contributed to the evolution of culture of Kerala.
Kerala Culture
Kerala, the southernmost state of India, gently slides down the hills to the golden shore that is surrounded by beautiful greenery. With its rivers, hillocks, and thickets, as well as its long coastline of surfing waves, this beautiful spot exudes love and fascination to everyone. Without a doubt, God's own country, the little state of India, is a gift from God. Kerala's identity is derived from its ecosystem, which is dominated by Kera (coconut trees). Some believe that the ancient Chera kingdom is where its identity originated.
Its unique cultural mosaic, which is characterized among other things by tradition, heritage, and culture, has developed throughout time as it has absorbed the ethnic and cultural currents from the nearby regions. Kerala maintains its diverse traditions via all the religions with high religious tolerance and amity and these communities are dispersed throughout its varied ecology and different regions, include various tribes, peasant groups, fishermen, and others.
The primary language of this state is Malayalam- the Dravidian language family includes Malayalam, one of India's ancient languages. Malayalam literature has been around for a thousand or more. It has enhanced Ayurvedic literature and practice by creating its own indigenous medicinal system in addition to its own language and literature.
Kerala has made significant contributions to the study of architecture through its many architectural monuments and constructions, both secular and religious. In terms of music and other fine arts, the state has an impressive history. Kerala has an abundance of customs. The festivals of churches, mosques, and temples are associated with rituals.
Kerala's performing arts have a long history. Tribal, folk, classical, and modern dances are some of the best ways to showcase Kerala's culture and traditions. Kerala provides a spectacular Indian cultural show. the well-known dance-drama pantomime, Kathakali. UNESCO has recognized Koodiyattam as another outstanding example of oral and intangible heritage. Kerala's food reflects the uniqueness of its culture. It is enhanced by the pervasive coconut, exotic fruits, vegetables, and seafood, and it is expertly garnished with the unique scent of spices.
Culture of Kerala- It's Key Aspects
Cuisine - Food of Kerala
Kerala offers a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. Rice dishes, pork, chicken, and fish make up the meal. Kerala cuisine is also loaded with spices. A banquet feast known as Kerala Sadya is served for festivals and events. Kerala has an abundance of coconuts, so to thicken flavors, they add milk and coconut oil. Many rice dishes, such as idli, dosa, and others, are made using a batter produced from rice and are considered to be part of Kerala cuisine. Common ingredients include asafoetida, curry leaves, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, and chilies.
Clothing & Traditional Dresses of Kerala
Women of Kerala typically wear blouses and sarees and they dress in set sarees known as Kasavu during festivals. The "mundu," a long piece of clothing wrapped around the waist in a certain way, is worn by males. An integral part of Keral culture, the mundu is similar to a dhoti and a lungi. Younger generations normally wears western clothes. However, whereas sarees are chosen for formal events, lungis still very common for casual occasions.
Architecture of Kerala
Kerala's unique architecture stands in contrast to the Dravidian architectural style that is often seen in other southern regions. Vastu Shastra and other architectural disciplines are major sources of inspiration for architecture of Kerala. The temples are constructed using two construction theories, Thantra-Samuchayam and Sliparatnam, which let good energy into the building and do not hold back any bad energy. Any residential or religious center's construction typically comprises of a cylindrical or rectangular base with lower roofs.
Folk Dance and Music
The Kaikotti Kali, Kuthiyottam, Tiruvathira, Thirayattam, and Kakkarissi Kali dances are among the traditional dances of Kerala. Desathukali, another name for Kanniyar Kali, is a dance performed before Goddess Bhagvaty. Among the oldest folk dances is this one. The dance moves quickly to the upbeat devotional folk song. Women of Kerala perform the Kaikotti Kali traditional dance, also called Thiruvathirakali, by dancing in symmetrical circles and it is often performed during holidays like Onam and Thiruvathira.
The literary riches of Thiruvathira songs are sung by women. With their hands clapping, the women dance elegantly in both circular and counterclockwise circles. In Thiruvananthapuram district, Kuthiyottam dance is a famous dance that is done in front of gods at temples. The dance involves four people. Padapattu and Kalaripattu are the songs that are sung during the dance. During the Kavus Festival, thirayattom dance is held. Throughout the dance, torches are used. In the Thiruvananthapuram district, the Kuravas people perform the Kakkarissi Kali. The participants in this dance are really enthusiastic.
The dance also features drumming. An instrument known as the dappu is used in the dance known as Dappu Kali and there are an equal number of dancers, who form 2 rows and alternate sides. The agricultural community's Kolkali dance is a type of group dance in which men and women march in circles while holding sticks and slamming them together.
Men who practice kalaripayattu, a style of swordplay, wield swords and move elegantly as though protecting and striking one another. The "story play" aspect of Kathakali dance involves the dancers wearing elaborate costumes and makeup while using their movements to narrate a tale. Other dances include Sarpam Thullal, Poorakkali, Ayyappan Vilakku, and Parichamuttu Kali.
Music of Kerala
A major part of Malayalam literature is music and Kerala is well known for its Kathakali music as well. Carnatic music and Sopana Sangeetham are well-known in Kerala. Sopana, which means "holy steps," is a kind of classical music known as Sangeetham, in which people sang songs of invocation within temples.
Literature of Kerala
The 13th century is when Literature of Kerala first appeared. Poems and songs (pattu) made up most of Malayalam literature at first and within the state, Manipravalam poetry a blend of Malayalam and Sanskrit also flourished. Like the champus and sandeshakavyas, several prose and poetry works also appeared. Known as the "founder of the Malayalam language," Ezhuthachan made significant contributions throughout the 16th century.
Art and Craft in Kerala
Kerala is famous for its Art and some of the arts are Chinese pottery, bells, lamps, teapots, caskets, tin candle stands, and brass inlay. Apart from having an unique look, Keralite jewelry is mostly composed of gold. The women's long necklace is made up of a strong foundation chain that is attached to an extended chain of gold pieces. The connected gold pieces can be any form, including mangos and petals. Mundus are also bought from Kerala.
Ayurveda - an age-old practice in the state
Kerala has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. Kerala's traditional heritage was hugely influenced by the several kingdoms that reigned there, such as the Cholas, Pandayas, and Cheras. The practice of Ayurveda is one of the most integral parts of the state's heritage and it is known that the state has been using ancient Ayurvedic ways to enhance lifestyle and health for more than 5000 years. In this sacred place, one may genuinely revive and mend their mind, body, and soul through Ayurvedic clinics and health resorts.
Festivals of Kerala
- In August and September, Kerala celebrates Onam, a 10-day harvest celebration and it is a big occasion for the locals. People can participate in contests and fairs. The floors are decked out with floral patterns, and there are celebratory dances and a snake boat racing (Aranmula Boat racing) competition called Vallamkali. The tenth or last day of Onam is considered to be the most significant and is one of the most well-known examples of culture of Kerala. The people of Kerala celebrate Vishu as the New Year. Medam, which typically occurs in April, is the first month. On this day, Lord Krishna receives a variety of offerings known as vishukani.
- In the month of Medam, people celebrate Thrissur Pooram. It is a temple festival when two traditional groups, Thiruvambai and Paramekkavu, compete against each other and provide their finest performances by dressing their elephants in beautiful clothing and holding various huge umbrellas.
Religion in Kerala
The two main faiths practiced in Kerala are Islam and Hinduism. In Kerala, around 26% of people are Muslims and over 54% are Hindus. About 19% of people identify as Christians, while others practice Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, and other religions. Kerala's rich diversity of cultures is widely known.
Tourism in Kerala
Kerala is well-known for its culture, temples, and backwaters, among other things. Since the early 2000s, Kerala's tourist business has been flourishing. Kerala's tourism industry was aggressively promoted by the government, and named it as "God's Own Country." It was able to grow its tourism industry help of heavy advertising. Because of the effectiveness of its advertising campaign, it was among the locations with the "highest brand recall" in the minds of consumers. Kerala is a state that welcomes visitors. Kerala's culture is definitely worth experiencing, and everyone must visit this paradise once in life.
Elephants of Kerala
The elephant is the state animal of Kerala as the culture of Kerala is deeply rooted in elephants. During every religious occasion, elephants may be seen outside of temples. Known as "sons of Shaya," elephants may also be seen on the logo of Government of Kerala
Occupation of Kerala
The people of Kerala were originally engaged in agriculture. Apart from that some people enjoyed fishing and animal husbandry. Keralites have been well-educated and employed in the cities over the years. However, most of Kerala's skilled workers and college graduates relocate overseas, particularly to the Middle East. So, Kerala experienced a shortage of trained labor, which contributed to inflation.
Rituals of Kerala
The people of Kerala observe several rituals on various occasions. The ceremonies are mostly temple-related. In the Poothanu Mathirayum ritual for Goddess Kali, dancers disguise themselves as Kaali Ma and perform at all of the village's temples in an effort to defeat and kill the evil demon Daarikan. Patayani is a dancing ritual for Goddess Kali that lasts for a week. It takes place along the Pamba River's banks. As the dancers by taking up various character roles, they tell the tale of how evil is destroyed. Similar rituals include Koothu and Midiyettu.
Modern society
India's highest education and literacy rates are seen in Kerala state. According to the 2011 census, it has a favorable sex ratio of 1084 (1084 women for 1000 males). In 2015, Kerala had the lowest positive population growth rate in India and the highest Human Development Index. Kerala has a history of agriculture, but it has continued to move away from it due to advancements in technology, the freedom of ideas, and a wider perspective.
Kerala: Where guest is God
Kerala is referred to be "God's Own Country" for a reason, the southern region of the country is home to a rich cultural and heritage that has been carefully maintained and nurtured over many generations. Every traveler's dream destination is Kerala, which is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, serene backwaters, charming hills, and a varied environment. This state's natural charms are only one aspect of its attractiveness. Its lively culture is a superb reflection of its traditional heritage.