ART AND CULTURE

Art and Culture about Kerala

If you try and learn about Kerala, you will discover that the land is a blend of Dravidians and Aryans. It was during the 10th century, when Kerala was actually a part of Tamilkalam and its culture was very much an influence of Dravidian culture. There are various art forms that the state is proud of and here are some of my personal favorites:

 Ayyappanpattu

 Mohiniyattom

 Ashtapathiyattom

 Ottamthulla

 Bhagavathyppattu

 Pallipana

 Chathankali

 Pana

 Chakkyar Koothu

 Padakam

 Kuthiyottam

 Ramanattom

 Koodiyattom

 Theeyattu

 Krishnanattom

 Theyyam

 Kavadiyattom

 Thidambunritham

 Kurathiyattom

 Kathakali

Some of the prime mentions when it comes to ancient literature are Sankara Panikkar, Kumaran Asan, Ullor, Vallathol Narayana Menon and Madvava Pankkar. These are some of the renowned and well-respected names that took Malayalam poetry to the very next level. Other renowned writers include honorable mentions in Kerala literature, like G. Sankara Kurp, M.T Vasudevan Nair and Arundhati Roy.

Traditional music here was popularized in the 19th century by none other than Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma. Temples form a very important part of Kerala’s tradition as there are several festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. Of course, you don’t forget ‘Onam’ just like that. The festival season goes on from the month of October to November.

Some of the religious customs that have gained worldwide attention include the names like:

 Achukuli

 Sanchayanam

 Uzhichil

 Choroonu

 Sapthapadi

 Segam

 Ekadashi

 Shasthipoorthi

 Orikkal

 Kanyadanam

 Thalikettukalyanam

 Vidyarambham

 Kuttiyoottu

 Theyyattu

 Vratham

 Kuthirakettu

 Thalikettu

 Kuronthiripattu

 Veli

 Malayankettu

 Murajapam

 Samavarthanam

 Upanayanam

Marriages are equally colorful as rest of the traditional stuffs in Kerala. Hindus follow ‘what they say as’ the ‘Kettukalyanam’ style of marriage in which the bond is solemnized in a temple or at home in the presence of few important people. Thereafter, the attendees enjoy a tasty sadya or treat in an auditorium, on their signature banana leaf.