About God's own Country Kerala India
Kerala.. Commonly known as "gods own country" or "land of coconut trees" or else as "land of scenic beauty" is a green strip of land, in the south west corner of Indian peninsula. It has only 1.1 8 per cent of the total area of the country but houses 3.43% of the country's population. Kerala is a land of rivers and backwaters. Forty-four rivers (41 west-flowing and 3 east-flowing} crises-cross the state physique along with countless runlets. During summer, these monsoon-fed rivers will turn into rivulets especially in the upper parts of Kerala.
Kerala' s equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June - November) are best suited for ayurveda's curative and restorative packages. In fact, today, Kerala is the only state in India which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication. Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole. Making it the natural way to refresh yourself, eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain resistance and good health
Evolution of Kerala
Parashuraman Known as the founder of Kerala. Long ago in the mists of time, Lord Vishnu descended from the heavens in his incarnation of Parashuram. After slaying the evil kings 21 times over to repeal their force from the earth, he did penance for waging the terrible war, and threw his axe into the sea. The area where the axe land ed, from shaft to blade, rose from the sea as Kerala, a land of plenty and prosperity. Its geographical position has been responsible too Kerala 's historic ebb and flow
ART AND CULTURE
Art and culture With about 35 different types of tribal people in Kerala, tribal dances like ELELAKKARADI, PANIYARKALI and MANKALI still survive Of over 50 folk dances in Kerala, the popular ones are KALIYATTOM, KOLAM THULLAL, KOLKALI, VELAKALI and KAIKOTTIKALI. All these are performed in accompaniment of songs and drumming and often in colorful ornamental costumes. From these arose KERALA'S classical dances like KOOTHU, KATHAKALI, MOHINIATTOM and PATOKOM
KATHAKALI
Kathakali uses vivid and eloquent mudras (hand signs). A visually powerful art form, the Kathakali dance dramas are based on stories from the two great indian epics - the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. It is said to have evolved from a rivalry between two princely families. One had written a story cycle revolving around the life of Krishna , called Krishnattam, the other around the life of Rama called Ramattam. Thullal is a solo dance, a kind of a one man ballad opera, presented simply and laced with wit and humour.Ottam Thullal is said to have originated with the Poet Kunjan Nambiar. Mohiniattom which literally means "the dance of the enchantress", is sensuous and lyrical. Dancers display grace as well as passion. The chavittu natakam originated with the portugese missionaries as an alternative to kathakali. Patterned on the lines of european opera and ballet, it tells the stories of christian saints and heroes. Not only do the dancers sing and recite, they literally stomp their feet on the wooden dance floor.
MARTIAL ARTS - KALARIPAYATTU
The martial art of Kerala - Kalaripayattu - consists of a series of intricate movements that train the body and mind. The discipline is continually practised and complemented by the Kerala's famous ayurvedic and nature cure techniques.These are believed to have travelled to eastern China, where they inspired the evolution of other martial art forms. 'Verumkai' is the final and most difficult of lessons taught in the kalari. The others are Maithozhil - combat through kicks, Kolathiri - combat using sticks and Angathiri - the use of metal weapons
Handicrafts
An old time industrial art is bell metal casting. One famous product is the Aranmula polished metal mirror, made of an alloy of copper and tin. In woodcraft, apart from the temple art tradition, kathakali models and accessories, weaving of mats, baskets, coir matting figure among it's handicraft. Since the ban on ivory trade, Kerala's ivory carvings, especially that of the snake boat are now made of buffalo horn. Kerala is also known for it's jewellery. Designs range from the elaborate and exquisite to the simple and functional.The Nagapadam or serpent-hood pendant was originally used by Nair women. Namboodiri women wore the cherutali necklace and Tamil Brahmin women, the oddiyanam waist-chain. Christian women wore the Mekka Mothiram. Though relegated to history, contemporary goldsmiths still draw inspiration from them for their designs
FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS
Onam
Kerala is the land of lakes, lagoons and festivals. After the long spell of monsoon rain the sky becomes blue again, the traditional festivals start to bloom throughout Kerala out of which ONAM stands out significantly. Along with the enchanting natural beauty which dazzles every human eye, Kerala also owns a resplendent cultural and artistic tradition which reflects in her festivals and fairs. The unique national festival of Kerala, 'Onam' celebrated with ever growing zest by the entire people of this state irrespective of religion, caste or creed. Perhaps the elequant artistic display is a legacy of the cultural past of Kerala. One of the important event of 'ONAM' festival is the vegetarian feast( ONAM SADYA ), lavishly served to depict the glorious period of the rule of King Mahabali, a period free from crime, corruption. poverty, illness and exploitatory and when all people were equal.King Mahabali is a wise and good king, but he belongs to the faction known as the Asuras, or demons. The gods or Devas are afraid that he might become too powerful. So they ask Vishnu (also known as the Preserver in the Hindu trinity of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva or Creator-Preserver-Destroyer) to curb his power. Vishnu takes the form of a dwarf called Vamana and knocks at the gates of Mahabali's palace. The king receives him politely, feeds him, and offers Vamana a boon.
Great Elephant March
The Great Elephant March, with events centered, successively, in Trochyr, Alleppey and Trivandrum . Created for visitors, it stages the caparisoned elephant-and-umbrella display of Trissur Pooram; the boat race of 100-oared vallams normally associated with Nehru Trophy Boat Race of Alapuzha; and the martial arts of Kerala, one of which has a center in Triuvananthapuram. There is also a most unusual display of masked dance, some preformed by artistes in towering headdresses, whose origins could go back to the Stone Age
Malayattur Feast
- The Malayattur-Feast commemorates the establishment of one of the seven churches and shrine by St. Thomas , the Apostle of Christ. As St. Thomas sailed from Syria to the ancient port of Kodugallore his followers are still known as Syrian Christians. On this feast, celeberated on the second Sunday after Easter Sunday, devotees wind up the 2,000-foot-high hill, treading a stony path to a simple little church. Chants and prayer fill the air there is the inevitable fair.
Thrissur Pooram
Trissur Pooram is the festival of the great vadakkumnathan temple crowning the hill around which the town has grown. Only on trissur Pooram day are non-Hindus allowed to enter the temple, built in the ancient style of Kerala- sanded courts, wooden louvers stone sculptures, a traditional auditourium and multi-level roofs, in many ways like a Japanese shrine.In the evening, two lines of 13 elephants face each other on the slope below the temple. Each pachydern bears an umbrella-holder, a peacock-fan carrier and a yak-tail fly whisk wielder. Between the two lines of beast stand percussion and wind orchestras. All around are massed teeming crowds of spectators. As each orchestra reaches a crescendo, a new display of brilliant ceremonial umbrellas blossoms over the elphants and the supportings and the supporting crowd applauds. This goes on till elephants and the supporting crowd applauds. This goes on till sunset when the elephants depart and, late at night, the darkness elplodes with a magnificent fireworks display
Kerala' s equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June - November) are best suited for ayurveda's curative and restorative packages. In fact, today, Kerala is the only state in India which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication. Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole. Making it the natural way to refresh yourself, eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain resistance and good health
Evolution of Kerala
Parashuraman Known as the founder of Kerala. Long ago in the mists of time, Lord Vishnu descended from the heavens in his incarnation of Parashuram. After slaying the evil kings 21 times over to repeal their force from the earth, he did penance for waging the terrible war, and threw his axe into the sea. The area where the axe land ed, from shaft to blade, rose from the sea as Kerala, a land of plenty and prosperity. Its geographical position has been responsible too Kerala 's historic ebb and flow
ART AND CULTURE
Art and culture With about 35 different types of tribal people in Kerala, tribal dances like ELELAKKARADI, PANIYARKALI and MANKALI still survive Of over 50 folk dances in Kerala, the popular ones are KALIYATTOM, KOLAM THULLAL, KOLKALI, VELAKALI and KAIKOTTIKALI. All these are performed in accompaniment of songs and drumming and often in colorful ornamental costumes. From these arose KERALA'S classical dances like KOOTHU, KATHAKALI, MOHINIATTOM and PATOKOM
KATHAKALI
Kathakali uses vivid and eloquent mudras (hand signs). A visually powerful art form, the Kathakali dance dramas are based on stories from the two great indian epics - the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. It is said to have evolved from a rivalry between two princely families. One had written a story cycle revolving around the life of Krishna , called Krishnattam, the other around the life of Rama called Ramattam. Thullal is a solo dance, a kind of a one man ballad opera, presented simply and laced with wit and humour.Ottam Thullal is said to have originated with the Poet Kunjan Nambiar. Mohiniattom which literally means "the dance of the enchantress", is sensuous and lyrical. Dancers display grace as well as passion. The chavittu natakam originated with the portugese missionaries as an alternative to kathakali. Patterned on the lines of european opera and ballet, it tells the stories of christian saints and heroes. Not only do the dancers sing and recite, they literally stomp their feet on the wooden dance floor.
MARTIAL ARTS - KALARIPAYATTU
The martial art of Kerala - Kalaripayattu - consists of a series of intricate movements that train the body and mind. The discipline is continually practised and complemented by the Kerala's famous ayurvedic and nature cure techniques.These are believed to have travelled to eastern China, where they inspired the evolution of other martial art forms. 'Verumkai' is the final and most difficult of lessons taught in the kalari. The others are Maithozhil - combat through kicks, Kolathiri - combat using sticks and Angathiri - the use of metal weapons
Handicrafts
An old time industrial art is bell metal casting. One famous product is the Aranmula polished metal mirror, made of an alloy of copper and tin. In woodcraft, apart from the temple art tradition, kathakali models and accessories, weaving of mats, baskets, coir matting figure among it's handicraft. Since the ban on ivory trade, Kerala's ivory carvings, especially that of the snake boat are now made of buffalo horn. Kerala is also known for it's jewellery. Designs range from the elaborate and exquisite to the simple and functional.The Nagapadam or serpent-hood pendant was originally used by Nair women. Namboodiri women wore the cherutali necklace and Tamil Brahmin women, the oddiyanam waist-chain. Christian women wore the Mekka Mothiram. Though relegated to history, contemporary goldsmiths still draw inspiration from them for their designs
FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS
Onam
Kerala is the land of lakes, lagoons and festivals. After the long spell of monsoon rain the sky becomes blue again, the traditional festivals start to bloom throughout Kerala out of which ONAM stands out significantly. Along with the enchanting natural beauty which dazzles every human eye, Kerala also owns a resplendent cultural and artistic tradition which reflects in her festivals and fairs. The unique national festival of Kerala, 'Onam' celebrated with ever growing zest by the entire people of this state irrespective of religion, caste or creed. Perhaps the elequant artistic display is a legacy of the cultural past of Kerala. One of the important event of 'ONAM' festival is the vegetarian feast( ONAM SADYA ), lavishly served to depict the glorious period of the rule of King Mahabali, a period free from crime, corruption. poverty, illness and exploitatory and when all people were equal.King Mahabali is a wise and good king, but he belongs to the faction known as the Asuras, or demons. The gods or Devas are afraid that he might become too powerful. So they ask Vishnu (also known as the Preserver in the Hindu trinity of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva or Creator-Preserver-Destroyer) to curb his power. Vishnu takes the form of a dwarf called Vamana and knocks at the gates of Mahabali's palace. The king receives him politely, feeds him, and offers Vamana a boon.
Great Elephant March
The Great Elephant March, with events centered, successively, in Trochyr, Alleppey and Trivandrum . Created for visitors, it stages the caparisoned elephant-and-umbrella display of Trissur Pooram; the boat race of 100-oared vallams normally associated with Nehru Trophy Boat Race of Alapuzha; and the martial arts of Kerala, one of which has a center in Triuvananthapuram. There is also a most unusual display of masked dance, some preformed by artistes in towering headdresses, whose origins could go back to the Stone Age
Malayattur Feast
- The Malayattur-Feast commemorates the establishment of one of the seven churches and shrine by St. Thomas , the Apostle of Christ. As St. Thomas sailed from Syria to the ancient port of Kodugallore his followers are still known as Syrian Christians. On this feast, celeberated on the second Sunday after Easter Sunday, devotees wind up the 2,000-foot-high hill, treading a stony path to a simple little church. Chants and prayer fill the air there is the inevitable fair.
Thrissur Pooram
Trissur Pooram is the festival of the great vadakkumnathan temple crowning the hill around which the town has grown. Only on trissur Pooram day are non-Hindus allowed to enter the temple, built in the ancient style of Kerala- sanded courts, wooden louvers stone sculptures, a traditional auditourium and multi-level roofs, in many ways like a Japanese shrine.In the evening, two lines of 13 elephants face each other on the slope below the temple. Each pachydern bears an umbrella-holder, a peacock-fan carrier and a yak-tail fly whisk wielder. Between the two lines of beast stand percussion and wind orchestras. All around are massed teeming crowds of spectators. As each orchestra reaches a crescendo, a new display of brilliant ceremonial umbrellas blossoms over the elphants and the supportings and the supporting crowd applauds. This goes on till elephants and the supporting crowd applauds. This goes on till sunset when the elephants depart and, late at night, the darkness elplodes with a magnificent fireworks display
Aranmula Boat Pagent
The Aranmula Boat Pageant, or Aranmula Uthittahi, conducted on the Pamba river in front of Sri Parthasarathy temple. According to legend, the pagent recalls the time when the idol installed in the temple was ferried across the river in a raft made of six bamboo poles. 'Ara' is six in Malayalam, the language of most of the people of Kerala. Through large Snake Boats take part in this festival, they do not race with each other. Instead, they row in unsion, to the accompaniment of songs, and reach their destination together because Lord Krishna is believed to be present in each boat
Christmas
Christmas, celeberated all over Kerala, is basically a family festival, but because of Kerala's Christmas heritage, and the fact that such religious celeberations soon become faith-bridging social festivals, christmas decorations brighten many non-Christians shops and houses. Particularly appealing are the constellations of Christmas stars that twinkle every night all over the state
Ramadan
Ramadan is derived from the Arabic root word ramida or ar-ramad denoting intense scorching heat and dryness, especially the ground. From the same root there is ramdaa, sunbaked sand, and the famous proverb: " Kal Mustajeer minar Ramadaa binnar" - to jump out of the frying pan into the fire. And in a hadith the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: "The prayer of repenters is due when the young camel can feel the sun's heat early in the morning." Thus, the word Ramadan is so called to indicate the heating sensation in the stomach as a result of thirst). Others said it is so called because Ramadan scorches out the sins with good deeds, as the sun burns the ground. Some said it is so called because the hearts and souls are more readily receptive to the admonition and remembrance of Allah during Ramadan, as the sand and stones are receptive to the sun's heat
