Through the Districts of Kerala - Kasaragod

Kasaragod, was formed on 24th May 1984. Kasaragod is derived from the word Kusirakood meaning Nuxvomica forests (Kanjirakuttom). The Kasargod district was was formerly called as Kanjirakuttom. Kasaragod is also the northernmost municipality of Kerala. The Malayalam spoken here has influences from Tulu, Kannada, Urdu, Konkani etc. People from southern Kerala generally find it difficult to understand the Malayalam spoken here.

Kasaragod district has Arabian sea to the west and Western ghats to the east. Kasaragod is known as the land of Gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful sea shores the largest and the best preserved Bekal fort is already in the world tourist map. The old temples and mosques are rich in unique architecture and culture of this region. As it was part of Canara, still you can hear Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, Hindi and Urdu in the region apart from Malayalam.

Lying on the north western coast of the State, Kasaragod was famous from time immemorial. Many Arab travellers, who came to Kerala between 9th and 14th centuries AD, visited Kasaragod as it was then an important trade centre. They called this area Harkwillia.

Through the Districts of Kerala - Kannur

Kannur, is a city and a municipality is the administrative headquarters of Kannur district. Kannur is the fourth largest urban agglomeration in Kerala. It is popularly known as the city of Looms and Lores. Theyyam is the famous performing art of Kannur. Kannur is also famous for its beautiful virgin beaches. Another attraction of Kannur is the Handlooms.

Kannur was an important port on the Arabian Sea which carried out trade with Persia and Arabia in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries and it was the British military headquarters on India's west coast up to 1887. In conjunction with her elder sister Tellicherry it was the third largest city on the western coast of British India in the eighteenth century, after Bombay and Karachi.

Kannur district derived its name from the location of its headquarters at Kannur town. The old name 'Cannanore' is the anglicised form of the Malayalam word Kannur. According to one opinion, 'Kannur' is a derivation from Kanathur, an ancient village, the name of which survives even today in one of the wards of Kannur Municipality. Another version is that Kannur might have assumed its name from one of the , deities of the Hindu pantheon, a compound of two words, Kannan (Lord Krishna) and Ur (place) making it the place of Lord Krishna. In this context, it is worth mentioning that the deity of the Katalayi Sreekrishna Temple was originally installed in a shrine at Katalayi Kotta in the south eastern part of the present Kannur town.

Through the Districts of Kerala - Wayanad

Wayanad District was formed on November 1, 1980. Though the word Wayanad is believed by some to have originated from Vayal (paddy) and Naad (land), 'Land of Paddy Fields' The region was known as Mayakshetra (Maya's land) in the earliest records. Mayakshetra evolved into Mayanad and finally to Wayanad. There are many indigenous tribal in this area.

Nestled among the mountains of Western Ghats, Wayanad is one of the loveliest hill stations of Kerala. The backwater district is perhaps one of the biggest foreign exchange earners of the state by its cash crops of Pepper, Cardamom, and Coffee, Tea, Spices and other condiments. Most of the reserve forest is in this district. The loamy soil generally shows vide variation in depth and texture with a very high content of organic matter.

Wayanad has a powerful history. Historians are of the view that organized human life existed in these parts, at least ten centuries before the Christ. Countless evidences about New Stone Age civilization can be seen on the hills of Wayanad. The two caves of Ampukuthimala located between Sulthan Bathery and Ambalavayal, with pictures painted on their walls and pictorial writings, speak volumes of the bygone era and civilization.

Through the Districts of Kerala - Kozhikode

Kozhikode was also known as Calicut, was the traditional capital of Northern Kerala under the Samuthiri ruler. Calicut, the most important city of Malabar region of Kerala, was a leading trading center for spices on the West Coast of India during the medieval period. The word Calicut is the anglicized version of the Persian name Khalikuth - means 'Port of Truth'. Traditionally Calicut was a world famous port for trading and it has a long time relationship with Arabian Peninsula.

Calicut is the anglicised form of Kalikut the Arabic for the Malayalam, Kozhikode It is also called after the Persian name kozhikooth - means 'Hen of Truth' or the Cock Fort the term means Koyil (Palace) Kodu (Fortified). Anyhow, it is a historical town with a hoary past. It is the third largest city in Kerala and the headquarters of Kozhikode district. Kozhikode was once the capital of an independent kingdom, and later of the erstwhile Malabar District.

Traditionally Calicut was a world famous port for trading and it has a long time relationship with American peninsula. Compared to other parts of Kerala, Calicut's cuisine is very tasty and unique. The famous "Malabar Biriyani" is only one among them. Local people are very nice and helping in nature they love Football more than anything.

Through the Districts of Kerala - Malappuram

Malappuram District took its birth on June 16,1969. This place has still the ruins of an ancient fort built by Tippu Sultan.The district has a rich Cultural and Political Heritage. Malappuram is known for national movements such as Khilafat Movement and Malabar Rebellion, in which the common man struggled against feudalism and colonialism alike.Muslims constitute the majority of the population, and next come the Hindu and the Christian communities respectively. The Muslims of Malappuram District are known as Mappilas.

Four important rivers of Kerala, flow through Malappuram district. They are Chaliyar (Beypore River), Kadalundipuzha, Bharathapuzha and Tirurpuzha. The district has a total forest area of 28.47% of the total geographical area. The major forest area is concentrated in Nilambur and Wandoor blocks and Melattur in the Western ghats. Of the forests, 80% is deciduous and the rest is evergreen.

Through the Districts of Kerala - Palakkad

Palakkad, also known as Palghat (the other name Palghat Palm Tree is a contribution of the British Raj) is prime among Kerala's most picturesque districts to its distinctive “Palmyra Trees” and extensive green paddy fields. Palakkad has probably the biggest mountain pass in the world (30-40 Kms) separating the two folds of the Western Ghats on the border of Kerala with Tamil Nadu. Palakkad is rightfully therefore known as the "Gateway of Kerala", giving the rest of India access to the State. Palakkad had to bear the brunt of invasions from the bordering kingdoms in the past. It therefore no wonders that this place is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnic denominations, enriching its life, arts & culture.

Palakkad is a railway junction on India's Southern Railway. The town lies on the Ponnani River in a break in the Western Ghats range known as the Palghat Gap. It is a marketplace for grain, tobacco, textiles, and timber; its industries include tobacco processing, rice milling, weaving, and light manufacturing.

There are any numbers of views on how Palakkad (or "Palghat" the anglicised version) got its name. One view is that the word 'Pala' (barren land) together with 'Kadu' (jungle) gave the land its name. Yet others is that it is connected with the ancient Jain temple in the town: 'Pali' being the sacred language of the Jains, giving the land its name as 'Palighat', which over the years changed to Palakkad. However, most believe that Palakkad is derived from 'Pala', an Indigenous Tree which once densely occupied the land, and hence Palakkad or "the forest of Pala trees"

Through the Districts of Kerala - Thrissur

Thrissur district was formed in July 1, 1949. It is an important cultural centre, and is known as the "Cultural Capital of Kerala". It is famous for the Thrissur Pooram festival, the most colourful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. It has a large number of well known temples around, including Guruvayur, Thriprayar, Kodungaloor and Irinjalakkuda.

The name Thrissur is derived from 'Tri-Shiva-Perur', which means the place with three famous Siva temples which are said to be the Vadakkunnathan, Kottapuram Siva Temple and Punkunnam Siva Temple. (Alternately, the name can be parsed as 'Thiru-Siva-Perur', the place with the holy name of Siva). Thrissur was also known as Vrishabhadripuram and Ten Kailasam in ancient days.

Through the Districts of Kerala - Ernakulam

Ernakulam District was formed on April 1, 1958 initially the district headquarters was at Ernakulam, which gave the district its name; the headquarters was later shifted to Kakkanad. The district includes the city of Kochi, an important seaport.

From ancient times Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kingdom of Cochin and left their impressions in the town. The word Ernakulam was drawn from a Tamil word “Erayanarkulam” means abode of “Lord Shiva”.

The District which has an area of 895 km² can be divided geographically into highland, midland and coastal area. The Periyar River, Kerala's second longest, flows through all the taluks except Muvattupuzha. The Muvattupuzha River and a branch of Chalakkudy River also flow through the district. The district has a moderate climate, and mostly falls within the Malabar Coast moist forests eco region, while the highlands are part of the South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests eco region. Many types of sands, soil and also rocks which are geological importance is abundant here.

Through the Districts of Kerala - Idukki

Idukki the district headquarters is located at Kuyilimala (earlier it was at Painavu). It is the second largest District of Kerala. Rugged mountains and forests cover about 97 percent of the total area of the District Anamudi, the highest peak in India south of Himalayas, is in the Kuttampuzha Panchayat of Adimali Block 13 other peaks in the district exceed a height of 2,000 m (6,562 ft). The Periyar, Thodupuzhayar and Thalayar are the important rivers of the district.

The High Range of Idukki attracted Scottish planters in the 19th century and they left behind some bungalows in an around Munnar, which are quite notable for their architectural beauty. Perhaps the most visible one to the tourists is Ladbroke House, which is named after the Ladbroke Square in London. The Trout, coniferous trees and dark green planter's cap are all contributions of those planters. Quite interestingly, Munnar had railway lines almost a century back! The torrential rain and storm of 1924 destroyed the major part of the rail system and the Mattupetty dam still has the remains of the rail lines.

Idukki has the largest arch dam in India, the Idukki Dam, constructed for the Idukki Hydro Electric Power Project in 1969 with the cooperation of the Canadian Government. This single project powers almost half of the entire state and some parts of neighboring states.

Through the Districts of Kerala - Kottayam

Kottayam Bordered by the lofty and mighty Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, hills and hillocks, extensive rubber plantations, places associated with many legends and a totally literate people have given Kottayam District the enviable title: “The Land of Letters”, Legends, Latex and Lakes. Kottayam town is the first town in India to have achieved 100% literacy (a remarkable feat achieved as early as in 1989).

Kottayam literally means the interior of a fort - "Kotta + Akam". Kottayam has played its role in all the political agitations of modern times. The 'Malayali Memorial' agitation may be said to have had its origin in Kottayam. It sought to secure better representation for educated Travancoreans in the Travancore civil service against persons from outside. The event marked the beginning of the modern political movement in the state.

It was in Kottayam that the famous Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-25), an epic struggle for eradication of untouchability, took place. The ' Nivarthana ' agitation of the early thirties, to secure adequate representation for the non-caste Hindus, Christians and Muslims in the state Legislature, enjoyed considerable support from this district. The district was also a centre of the agitation led by the state Congress for responsible Government in Travancore.

Through the Districts of Kerala - Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta was formed on 1 November 1982. The district is part of the historical Central Travancore region of Kerala. The Central Travancore consists of the South-Central districts. More than 50% of the district is covered by forests. The district's name is a combination of two Malayalam words “Pathanam” and “Thitta”, which together mean "Houses by the Riverside".

Pathanamthitta is a pre-dominantly agricultural district with major crops being coconut, rubber, paddy, pepper and tea. The hilly terrain coupled with high humidity make it suitable for rubber and tea plantations. Hydroelectric power plants situated in the district provide one-third of the electricity demands of the state. Three important rivers, the Achankovil, Manimala and Pamba flow through the district. Pamba originates from Sabarimala and is considered a holy river. Pathanamthitta holds the distinction of being declared the first polio-free district in India.

Through the Districts of Kerala - Alappuzha

Alappuzha it was formed as Alleppey District on August 17, 1957. The name of the district was officially changed to Alappuzha in 1990. The district is a widely known Tourist Destination, and is well-known for its Coir Factories. Most of Kerala's coir industries are situated in and around Alappuzha. The district is also known for its Communist Traditions. It is home to the Punnapra Vayalar strikes against the British and also the revolt against Feudal Raj. Alappuzha is strongly connected by waterways to various other parts of Kerala, including the famous tourist destination, Kumarakom.

It has the highest population density among all districts of the state. Alappuzha, the district headquarters, is a town with picturesque canals, backwaters and lagoons, was described as the "Venice of the East" by Lord Curzon.

Snake boat races are the most significant traditional event in Alleppey. These spectacular regattas are usually held between August and October, and involve long thin boats. The most famous snake boat race is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.

The church located at Kokkamangalam or Kokkothamangalam was one of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Another church in Edathua attracts thousands across the country.St George Ferona Church is believed to be a centre for so many miracles

Through the Districts of Kerala - Kollam

Kollam earlier known as Quilon district, the district is representative of all the natural attributes of Kerala, and is endowed with a long coastal region, a major sea port on the Arabian Sea, plains and the mountains, lakes, lagoons and Kerala Backwaters, forests and the farm land, and rivers and streams. The area had mercantile relationship with Phoenicians and the Romans.

About thirty percent of this district is covered by the Ashtamudi Lake, thereby making it a gateway to the Kerala Backwaters. India’s most popular English magazine India Today has rated Kollam as the best district in the country in terms of law and order and social harmony.

Through the Districts of Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is the Capital of the Indian state of Kerala and the headquarters of the Thiruvananthapuram District. Referred to by Mahatma Gandhi as the "Evergreen city of India", the city is characterized by its undulating terrain of low coastal hills and busy commercial alleys.

The city is the state capital and houses many central and state government offices, organizations and companies. Apart from being the political nerve centre of Kerala, it is also a major academic hub and is home to several educational.

Kerala State - An Introduction

The state of Kerala, has 14 districts. Most of the districts in Kerala have the same name as the important town or city in the district. (Exception is Wayanad district).

From South to North order
•Thiruvananthapuram (old anglicised name "Trivandrum")
•Kollam (old anglicised name "Quilon")
•Pathanamthitta
•Alappuzha (old anglicised name "Allepey")
•Kottayam
•Idukki
•Ernakulam
•Thrissur (old anglicised name "Trichur")
•Palakkad (also called "Palghat")
•Malappuram
•Kozhikode (old anglicised name "Calicut")
•Wayanad
•Kannur (old anglicised name "Cannanore")
•Kasaragod

Kerala's fourteen districts are distributed among Kerala's three historical regions:
Malabar (northern Kerala), Kochi (central Kerala), and Travancore (southern Kerala). Kerala's modern-day districts (listed in order from north to south)

•Malabar: Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad
•Kochi: Thrissur, Ernakulam
•Travancore: Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram

Traditional Kerala Lunch - Sadhya

Sadhya means "big feast" in Malayalam it is a big feast associated with a special occasion. A Sadhya is traditionally a vegetarian meal served on a plantain or banana leaf; people eat sitting cross-legged on the floor; it requires a special skill to eat the food from the leaf without spilling it.

There is a specific place for each item on the plantain leaf. The Sadhya is usually served as lunch. The curries are made of different vegetables and are of different tastes. The idea of making many dishes in the Sadhya is that there will be at least two or three dishes liked by everybody. Coconut, being abundant in Kerala, is used in almost all dishes. Coconut milk also finds various uses in cooking. Coconut oil is used for frying.

The meal is always followed by Vettila Murukkan, i.e., chewing of betel leaf with lime and arecanut. This adds to the digestion of the heavy meal and also cleanses the palate.

The usual items in a Sadhya

Parippu: A thick lentil dish eaten with rice, Papadum and ghee.

Sambar: Thick gravy made of lentils, tamarind, coconut, vegetables like drumsticks, tomato, etc., and flavored with asafoetida.

Rasam: A watery dish made of tamarind, tomatoes, and spices like black pepper, asafetida, coriander, chili pepper, etc. It is very spicy in taste and aids in digestion.

Aviyal: Thick mixture of all vegetables, yogurt, and coconut. It is seasoned with coconut oil and curry leaves. This dish is usually made of leftover vegetables.

Kaalan: Made of yogurt, coconut, and any one vegetable like "nendran" plantain or a tuber-like yam. It is very thick and more sour than avial.

Olan: A preparation of pumpkin, coconut milk, and ginger seasoned with coconut oil.

Koottukari: One or two vegetables like banana and coconut with a hot and sweet taste.

Kichadi: Made of yogurt and cucumber in raw or cooked form.

Injipuli: Curry made of ginger, tamarind, green chilies, and jaggery.

Thoran: A sauteed dish of vegetables like peas, green beans, raw jackfruit, carrots, or cabbage with grated coconut.

Pickles (Achar): Spicy pickled vegetables like mango, lemon, lime, etc

Pradhaman - It is a sweet dish in the form of a thick liquid. It is made with white sugar or Jaggery to which milk or coconut milk is added. There are different types of Pradhamans as:

* Palada Pradhaman is made of flakes of cooked rice, milk, and sugar.
* Pazha Pradhaman is made of cooked "Nendra" Plantain in Jaggery and coconut milk.
* Gothambu Pradhaman is made of broken wheat.
* Parippu Pradhaman is made of green gram.
* Chakka Pradhaman is made of jackfruit.

Kerala Breakfast Specials - Appam & Stew

Appam is a favourite dish of Kerala Christians. Appams, Kallappams or Vellayappams are rice flour pancakes which have soft, thick white spongy centers and thin golden crip lace like edge.

Appam is normally served with Ishtu (stew) a combination of solid food ingredients that have been cooked in water or other water-based liquid, and that are then served without being drained. Ingredients in a stew can include any combination of Vegetables, Fruits, Meat, Poultry, Sausages and Seafood.

Kerala Breakfast Specials - Pathiri

Pathiri is a sort of pancake made of rice flour. It is part of the local cuisine among the Mappilas (Muslims) of Kerala. Crushed rice is made into white dough and baked on pans called oadu. After preparation, sometimes Pathiri is soaked in coconut milk, to keep it soft and to increase taste.

Pathiri is also known as Ari Pathil or Pathil in some parts of the Malabar region. The word Pathiri has its origin traced to the Arabic word fateerah meaning "Pastry". It is believed that Pathiri is a result of the Arab influence in Malabar, when they came centuries ago to spread the message of Islam.

Kerala Breakfast Specials - Puttu

Puttu is a culinary specialty in Kerala. It is a steamed rice cake which is a favorite breakfast of most Malayalees. It is served with either brown Chickpeas cooked in a spicy gravy, Papadams and boiled small green Lentils, or tiny ripe yellow Kerala Plantains. In the highlands there is also a variety of Puttu served with Paani (the boiled-down syrup from sweet palm toddy) and sweet boiled bananas.

Cuisine of Kerala

The cuisine of Kerala is linked in all its richness to the history, geography and culture of the land. Most of the non-vegetarian dishes are spicy.

The food habits of Travancore and Malabar (southern and northern Kerala) are quite different to each other.

Kerala is known for its traditional sadhyas, a vegetarian meal served with boiled rice and a host of side-dishes. The sadhya is complemented by payasam, a sweet milk dessert native to Kerala. The sadhya is, as per custom, served on a banana leaf. Coconut and Coconut Oil is an essential ingredient in most of the food items and is liberally used.

Festivals of Kerala - Kerala Piravi

Kerala Piravi (Kerala Foundation Day) this is event that is organized to commemorate Kerala’s recognition as a state. The birth of the state of Kerala - the unification of Travancore, Cochin and Malabar The state of Kerala was created by the States Reorganisation Act on November 1, 1956.

Malayalis from around the world celebrate November 1st as Kerala Piravi which in Malayalam means the 'birth of Kerala'. Social reforms enacted in the late 19th century by Cochin and Travancore were expanded upon by post-independence governments, making Kerala among the Third World's longest-lived, healthiest, most gender-equitable, and most literate regions.

Festivals of Kerala - Bakrid

Bakrid, to be rightly called Idul-Azha or the festival of sacrifice, is the festivals of Islam. It falls on the 10th of Dhul-Hagg, the last month of the lunar year. It is celebrated in commemoration of Abraham's willingness to offer his only son as a sacrifice at God's command. In Kerala as, this day dawns with the resounding of Thakhir (Allahu Akbar), the declaration that God is great.

Every Muslim house wakes up with the spirit of sacrifice and festivity. Men, women and children, dressed themselves in their best attire and reciting the Thakbir, proceed to Id-Gah which is the wide open space set apart for public prayers. After the prayer and the sermon over, the gathering exchange greetings and as an expression of affectionate brotherhood, hug each other. In Kerala on the occasion of Bakrid, special meetings are held in which distinguished members of sister communities participate. This occasion serves to foster brotherly relationship among members of various communities. A spirit of tolerance, mutual understanding and universal brotherhood pervades such gatherings.

Festivals of Kerala - Christmas

Christmas is celebrated with equal enthusiasm by all communities in Kerala. No other celebration is so enriched with so many customs and ceremonies. There is an array of spectacles like Christmas Star, Christmas tree, the Crib, Christmas cake, Christmas presents and the Christmas Father. Christmas takes on the look of a festival of children. The mood is set with the advent of the season by the twinkling of Christmas stars and there is no home or shop without the Christmas star, the beautiful pointer to the Babe of Bethlehem.

The hymn 'Gloria in Exelcis Deo' is intoned amidst the explosion of crackers. A sumptuous lunch with rate delicacies is a significant feature of the celebration. X'mas retains its homeliness and expresses itself in the cultural forms of the country without losing what is native to itself.

Festivals of Kerala - Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur Pooram A most spectacular spectacle in the state, this festival was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of erstwhile Kochi state. The festival parades the fulgent faces of Kerala culture. With every passing year Thrissur Pooram, the temple festival, attracts large masses of devotees and spectators.

Celebrated in Medom (April-May) it consists of processions of richly caparisoned elephants from various neighboring temples to the Vadakumnathan Temple, Thrissur. The most impressive processions are those from the Krishna Temple at Thiruvambadi and the Devi Temple at Paramekkavu which is quite a significant event for its devotees.

Festivals of Kerala - Onam

Kerala is a land of colourful festivals, which have a long history and tradition behind them. Kerala's innumerable festivals however stand out because of their uniqueness. In Kerala life is a celebration as is brought forth during the gaiety and fervor during their festivals.

Onam is the most famous festival of Kerala. All irrespective of religion celebrates it and it is considered as a national festival. It falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug-Sept). It is the harvest festival of Kerala. Legend states that Onam is celebrated as the home coming of Mahabali, the king who ruled over Kerala in the age of plenty and was pushed down to the infernal regions (Patala) by Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana.

It synchronizes with the tourist week celebration, which starts formally on the day of Atham asterism. Children go around collecting flowers and decorate them in the front portion of the house in various designs and patterns and grand Sadhya (Traditional Lunch) is prepared on Thiruvonam day. The important days of the festival are Uthradom and Thiruvonam days. It's a perfect example for the religious harmony of the state.

Classic Dance form of Kerala - Mohiniyattam

Mohiniyattam; is a traditional South Indian dance form from Kerala. It is a very graceful dance meant to be performed as a solo recital by women. The term Mohiniattam comes from the words "Mohini" meaning a woman who enchants onlookers and "aattam" meaning graceful and sensuous body movements. The word "Mohiniattam" literally means "dance of the enchantress". The main theme of the dance is love and devotion to God, with usually Vishnu or Krishna being the hero. Devadasis used to perform this in temples. But it also has elements of Koothu and Kottiyattom in it. it is a drama in dance and verse.

The dance involves the swaying of broad hips and the gentle movements of erect torso from side to side. There are approximately 40 different basic movements, known as 'Atavukal', in Mohiniyattam.

The costume includes white sari embroidered with bright golden brocade (known as Kasavu) at the edges. The dance follows the classical text of Hastha Lakshanadeepika, which has elaborate description of Mudras (gestural expressions by the hand palm and fingers). The vocal music of Mohiniattam involves variations in rhythmic structure known as chollu. The lyrics are in Manipravala, a mixture of Sanskrit and Malayalam.

Dances of Kerala - Oppana

Oppana is makeup. This is dance by Muslims girls while doing bridal makeup. It is an all girls' performance in the bridal chamber. Friends and other girls of the bride's age sing to the rhythm of clapping hands in fast tempo and dance teasing the bride on the eve of marriage preparing her for the ceremony doing her face make up, manicuring and applying henna on the palms and feet.

Sometime Oppana is also presented by males to entertain the bridegroom. It usually takes place just before the bridegroom leaves for the bride's residence where the Nikah (marriage) takes place or at the time he enters the Maniyara. The word Oppana may have been derived from an Arabic form Afna. There are two types of Oppana, one is Oppana Chayal another is Oppana Murukkam. When Oppana chayal is performed, they do not clap their hands. If it begins with Chayal it would also end with Chayal only.

Dances of Kerala - Kaikottikali

Kaikottikali, also known as Thiruvathirakali, is a very popular, graceful and symmetric group-dance of the women of Kerala often performed during festive seasons like Thiruvathira and Onam. It is a simple and gentle dance with the lasya element predominating, even though the thandava part is also brought in occasionally, when men also participate as seen in some parts of the Malabar area.

Typically dressed in Kerala style with Mundu and Neriyathu and the Hair bun bedecked with jasmine garlands the women dance in gay abandon, singing melodious Thiruvathira songs which are well-reputed for their literary flourish. One of the performers sings the first line of a song while the rest repeat it in chorus, clapping their hands in unison. Moving in a circle, clockwise and at time anticlockwise, at every step they gracefully bend sideways, the arms coming together in beautiful gestures, upwards and downwards and to either side, in order to clap

Dances of Kerala - Margomkali

Margomkali is a ritual folk art of the Syrian Christians of Kottayam and Thrissur districts. A dozen dancers sing and dance around a lighted wick lamp (Nilavilakku), clad in the simple traditional white dhoti and sporting a peacock feather on the turban to add a touch of colour. This is an allegorical enactment with the lamp representing Christ and the performers his disciples. The performance is usually held in two parts and begins with songs and dances narrating the life of St. Thomas, the apostle.

It then takes a striking turn with a martial play of artificial swords and shields. The narration is stark without musical accompaniments. The songs date back to a period much before the Portuguese invasion. Today, Margomkali is only performed as a stage item by women.

Kerala Arts - Theyyam

Theyyam also known as Kaliyattam, it is a ritual dance popular in North Kerala or the erstwhile Kolathunadu. As a living cult with centuries old traditions, ritual and custom, it embraces almost all castes and classes of Hindu religion in this region. The term Theyyam is a corrupt form of Daivam or God. Theyyam incorporates dance, mime and music and enshrines the rudiments of ancient tribal cultures which attached great importance to the worship of heroes and the spirits of ancestors. People at these districts considers Theyyam as God and they get blessings from Theyyam

'Thudangal' (the beginning) and 'Thottam' (the invocation) are the introductory rituals of the Theyyam or the Thira, as it is known in south Malabar. The headgear and other ornamental decorations are spectacular in sheer size and appearance.

Kerala Arts - Kalaripayattu

Kalarippayattu, handed down the centuries, by heritage, become popular among the lovers of martial art, an offshoot of the Hindu way of life. The villages of medieval Kerala had a Kalari, a Temple and a public pond for bathing, a rare combination of religious hygiene, public health and defence.

The Kalari system has become a popular physical culture for defence and offence. Kalaries are run under the supervision of an Asan or Guru, who was revered in the society with the title 'Panikkar'. Kalarippayatt has four successive stages of training Maippayatt, Koltari, Ankatari and Verumkaiprayogam. Maippayattu or 'Meiotukkappayattu', a series of body control exercise, systematically designed and practiced according to Vaythari or verbal instructions, which gives proper orientation, suppleness and flexibility to the body. On mastering 'Maippayattu' the next stage is fighting with the wooden weapons called 'Koltari'. Mastering 'Koltari' leads to ' Ankatari' the technique of fighting with metal weapons. The final stage is training in empty hand fighting techniques called 'Verumkaiprayogam'. 'Marmaprayogam', the attack on the vulnerable points of the body, instructed to pupil with good willpower and discipline. All exercise in Kalari is performed in strict accordance with 'Vaylari' or systematically developed verbal instruction given by Guru.

Kerala Arts - KathaKali

Kathakali is the classical dance-drama of Kerala, which dates from the 17th century and is rooted in Hindu mythology. Kathakali has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, drama, acting and dance. The connoisseurs of art world qualified as 'a total art' form of immense sophistication and power'. Kathakali - "Katha" means story and "Kali" stands for dance.

It is a mime show, dancing with mudras (formulated hand gestures conveying the text of lyrics) and specialized dancing steps following the song rendered in the background by a singer to the accompaniment of Chenda, Maddalam (country drums), Chenkila and Elathalam (Cymbals). Aattakkadhakal (stories for dance), the poetic compositions of legendary stories to special metric scale, set to music in classical Carnatic style are danced out.

KERALA

KERALA
Kerala is a narrow green strip of land located in the South West corner of Indian Peninsula which is also known as “God’s Own Country”. It is sandwiched between the Western Ghats mountain range on the East and the Arabian Sea on the West. Kerala is an enchantingly beautiful place with rivers, backwaters, beaches, coconut palms, paddy fields, mountains etc. The National Geographic Magazine refers to it as one of the fifty must see destinations of the world…

There is no other state in the country that can present so much enthusiasm for life as it is visible in Kerala. Place in Kerala in its true spirit and much faster than most of the states in the country. Kerala is full of good things. There is a legend about Kerala which says that Parasuraman, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu threw his axe into the sea from Gokarnam and it is believed the sea retreated from where his axe fell to give birth to Kerala, the land of plenty and prosperity.

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