KERALA CULTURE TOURISM
Kerala's rich cultural past finds expression in dance
forms like Kathakali and Mohiniattam, while Kalaripayattu
the traditional martial art form of Kerala has been practiced
for ages.
Art and cultures of kerala
Kerala lovely state of swaying palms and surf washed beaches
is the home of several dance, music and arts forms some
of which have originated in the region and some of which
have been adopted from other areas and, over the centuries
transformed into a local expression typical to Kerala.
Most of these are unique to the land and reflect the love
for life of its people. Some of them are..
Kathakali is perhaps the only dance form in which the
entire body is used to portrayastory. The Kathakali artistes
wear elaborate costumes ornaments and facial makeup .This
dance drama has been referred to as ' the first theatre
of imagination in the world '.
Koodiyattam is the form of Sanskrit drama which is associated
with temple rituals is perhaps the oldest form of classical
arts in Kerala. Performances of Koodiyattam unlike most
dance forms in Kerala and other parts of India, include
women participants.
Theyyam,the dance form glorify the goddess and there themes
revolve around thetriumph of the goddess over the demon
Daruka and other devil characters. The dance is always
performed by men and they are often decked up as women
in exotic makeup and costumes
Kerala Culture Tour
From the ancient times of Kings, the classical rituals
and performing artisans received rich patronage, which
has been the major reason for ther grandeur and creativity
of Kerala's performing art forms. Traditional dances such
as Kathakali and Mohiniattam are an unmissable part of
the cultural tourism experience in Kerala.
Kerala has a fascinating heritage of art and culture.
'Kathakali', a rhythmic dance based on ancient epics and
'Kalarippayattu' the worlds oldest martial art are known
all over the world. Kalarippayattu is said to be the origin
of all other marital arts in this world. Tourist flock
the shores of Kerala to learn these art. Some of the other
art forms are 'Koothu', 'Koodiyattam', 'Mohiniyattam',
'Ottamthullal'.
Kerala stands as an example for religious harmony. All
the temples, churches, Mosque stand shoulder to shoulder
that sometimes one fails to distinguish between them.
All the festivals like Christmas, Ramzan, Onam, Diwali
is celebrated here same pomp and gaiety. Another interesting
example of religious harmony is celebration of Pooram
festival at Thrissur. Malayalees from all over the world
irrespective of religious sentiment reach this district
to watch this festival. This festival is known for the
elephant march and fire-crackers.
Bharathanatyam is normally practiced by women. The dancers
artistically tells storiesand events from the epics through
mudras (movements of the hand and feet) and facial expressions.
Training in Bharathanatyam starts at a very tender age.
The dancer should have a strong and supple body, good
expressive face and eyes and an in-born, natural sense
of rhythm. Kalashetra has emerged as one of the the foremost
training centre for Bharathanatyam
Mohiniyattom the dance of the celestial enchantress ,came
into being when four female Bharathanatyam dancers came
from a neighbouring province of Tamil nadu to the court
of Trivandrum. Later Swathi Thirunal Maharaja, King of
erstwhile Travancore, breathed fresh life into the dance
form making it popular. Mohiniyattom along with other
dance forms enjoyed royal patronage during his regime.
It is performed as a solo dance and is very lyrical in
its rendering
Ottam Thullal, this dramatic form was staged as a solo
performance in which the actor in a colourful costume
recited the verses in a ringing tone, besides acting and
dancing to the accompaniment of drums and cymbals and
a singer who repeated exaggerated impact. This dramatic
form was created in 18th century by Kunjan Nambiar, known
variously as the 'people's poet par excellence' and the
censor of his age who had a powerful influence on society.
Kalaripayattu is one of the performing arts of Kerala
lay great emphasis on physical skill and fitness. This
form evolved out of the practice of regular combat exercises
designed to strengthen the body and impart suppleness
to the muscles . It is widely believed that the origin
of Karate lies in the martial dance of Kerala and that
technique was carried to south Asia by Buddhist monk.
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