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About
Kerala
Cultural heritage
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The
culture of Malayalees has a flavour of its own,even
though it forms part of the Indian and Dravidian culture.This
is because of the peculiar geographical features of
Kerala. Bounded on the east by the Western Ghats and
the west by the Arabian sea, it has had long periods
of insular existence. This has resulted in the distinctiveness
of their language, dress, culture and institutions.
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Original inhabitants were animists, followed by the
Dravidians.After Alexander's triumphant sweep over Asia
Minor, the ports of Kerala became a link between the
Middle East,the Mediterranean and China.
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In 1498, Vasco da Gama made his historic landing on
the Malabar Coast. In 1723, the East India Company signed
a strategic treaty with King Marthanda Varma. For a
few decades, Hyder Ali and his son -Tipu sultan proved
to be a thorn in the flesh of the British, sweeping
down several times into Kerala. In 1947, it was the
turn of the British to pack their bags.
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The
state has tropical climate with two monsoons - northeast
(mid Oct. to Feb.) and Southwest (June to mid- Oct.).
Geography is destiny in Kerala with the monsoon winds
bringing the gift of life annually. Monsoons are often
likened to a battalion of roaring wild elephants. Temperature
remains relatively stable throughout the year and ranges
from 18 to 35 degree Celsius. March to May is the summer
season. April to October is the hottest months and December-January
is the coolest. However life goes on unhindered by the
climatic changes and the peak of tourist season is in
January-February.
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Kerala lies between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer,
almost in the middle and forms the south western tip
of the Indian peninsula. The land is well demarcated
by natural boundaries like the western ranges in the
east and northeast and Arabian Sea in the western side.The
state lies between 8 17' 30 north latitude and 74 51'
and 77 24' 47" east longitude. The breadth of the
land varies from 32 kms to 120 kms.
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The
festivals of Kerala are vibrant and packed with
centuries of unbroken tradition. They are spectacular,
enchanting, colourful, mesmerising, miraculous
display of fireworks, processions of goldbedecked
elephants etc. Kerala festivals dates are decided
in accordance with the Malayalam calendar and
the local traditions and customs.
Onam
is the most important national festival of Kerala,
falls in the month of Chingam(August-September).
It is the harvest festival of Kerala. The 10-days
festival is supposed to begin from the lunar
asterism Atham and culminate in asterism Thiruvonam.
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10-day annual festival at Sreekandeswaram Temple, Thiruvananthapuram,
8-days' annual festival at Siva Temple,Ernakulam and
Makaravilakku Maholsavam at Sabarimalai are the main
festivals in January. In February, is the week-long
Nishagandhi Dance festival. The famous Pooram festival
in Thrissur is around April-May. Another important festival
is the annual Pongala Utsavam, to which only women are
allowed at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram.
Therayattam festival is held to propitiate the gods
and demons recognized by the pantheon of the Malayalis.
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One
aspect of the state's rich cultural heritage is manifest
in its varieties of religious architecture: ancient
Hindu temples with copper-clad roofs, later Islamic
mosques with "Malabar gables," and colonial
Portuguese Baroque churches. Splendid paintings, especially
murals, exhibit distinct local traditions and styles.
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Kerala,
the homes of several dance forms. Some of which have
been adopted from other areas and over centuries transformed
into a local expression typical of Kerala. Classical
dances are based fully or partially on the principles
and techniques embodied in the ancient Hindu scriptures
and technical texts on dance and allied arts.
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Mohiniyattam, Bharatha Natyam, Kathkali, Theyyam, Koothu,
Koodiyattam, Krishnatam, Ramanatam, Ottan Thullal and
Ashtapadi Attom are the most important Classical dances.
Kerala is known the world over by its own performing
art form the Kathakali. Mohiniattam is the typical dance
form of Kerala. The concept of portraying emotion, the
grace of the individual dances and the virtuosity of
the isolated poses are all important in classical dances.
Emphasis has been given to different aspects of the
dance, namely pure bodily movements, aids to dance like
theme, song, instrumental music,the expression of emotions,
moods and sentiments, the dress, ornaments, makeup and
the stage.
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Society & People
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With
its 29 million people, Kerala is India's most
advanced society in terms of education, literacy
and health. In fact, Kerala has the highest
physical Quality of Life Index too. The age
old wanderlust of the people of Kerala has taken
them to virtually every nation on the face of
this earth.
Kerala also has considerable ethnic diversity.
The Malayali majority belong to the Dravidian
group of early Indian peoples. The official
language is Malayalam. A long contact with the
outside world has led to an intriguing blend
of cultures and given Keralites a cosmopolitan
outlook.
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The Hindus form the majority (more than 50%), followed
by the Muslims (25%) and Christians of many denominations
(Syrian Christians and Latin Catholics), form around
23% of the population.Trivandrum is the Capital City
of Kerala. Kerala is politically highly evolved. A Congress
led United Democratic Front,and the Communist led Left
Democratic Front are the main parties of the political
spectrum. This two-party system has ensured some degree
of political stability to this state.
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Kerala
is the place to simply sit back and enjoy. The name
means "land of coconuts" and the palms shade
nearly the entire state from the tropical sun,many call
the beach at Kovalam the best in India .Visitors can
spend a day riding small ferries through the backwater
lagoons or watching elephants cavort in the wildlife
sanctuaries,the spicy food may be the best vegetarian
cuisine on the planet.
A
green shawl spread out in the gleaming sunshine. Kerala-the
paradise of travelers. She is simply charming.Still
unmarred by the onrush of modernity.The intricate coconut
groves,the lush greenery of the valleys and splendid
sights atop the hills are so alluring.The backwater
cruises along the coastal lagoons mesmerize the travelers
with the transquilizing lullaby of nature.
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Tourism is Kerala's boom industry. Strategically located
at the south western tip of India, Kerala enjoys unique
geographic features which has made it one of the most
sought after tourist destinations in Asia. The state
is a breathtakingly beautiful green, greenland. Natural
endowments like tranquil beaches, soothing backwaters,
exhilarating hill stations, enchanting waterfalls, historic
monuments, spectacular artforms, rejuvenating health
packages, exotic wildlife and year-round festivals offer
the tourists a unique experience, which enchants him
throughout his life.
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