Kerala Arts
INTRODUCTION-Art Forms in Kerala
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The Indian state of Kerala is well known for its diverse forms of performing arts. The various communities in Kerala contribute to its rich and colorful culture. Kerala boasts of a long tradition of performing and ritual arts. These art forms impart Kerala its own unique character and makes up its essence. Religious and social history contributes in the origin of these arts and thus makes them a part of the social life of an average Malayali ( People of Kerala). The performing and ritual arts of Kerala are very much a part of the religious Festivals and social events such as marriages, childbirth etc. These arts are handed down generation after generation.
Glancing on Kerala’s culture, different kinfolk and culture groups have dominated the culture of Kerala over a long phase of time. The pioneers were the Aryans who colonized the state first and later were copied by Jains, the Buddhist and the Brahmins. These mixes of culture piloted the various art forms presently flourishing in the region. The Koodiyattam & Mudiyettu of the local Dravidian culture have been titled as the “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO“. For the lover of dance, drama and music, Kerala is heaven. You have scores of art forms, which are quite unique in nature to Kerala, like Kathakali, Ottamthullal, Chakyar Koothu, Krishnanattam, Padayani, Pavakathakali, Theyyam, Velakali, Thiruvathirakali, Kolkali etc. Watch them and experience endless and varied emotions to win your passion, love, kindness, compassion, mirth, joy, sorrow, grief, anger, wonder, horror, fear, valour, courage etc. And then relax with the thought, all the world is a stage.
Our culture is unique in several ways, whether it is the first day a Malayalee child is initiated into the process of learning with the blessings of the Goddess Saraswati, or the need for men and women to wear traditional dresses to enter most temples in Kerala. Today, the performing art forms such as Kathakali or the sensual movements of Mohiniyattom are some facets of Kerala that are visible all over the world.
Thunchan Parambu, where the father of the Malayalam language - Thunchanth Ezhuthachan - was born and worked over 400 years ago, is one of the places where thousands of children are initiated into the wonders of learning, when they first trace the first letters of the Malayalam alphabet. Thunchan Parambu is in Tirur. Kerala Kalamandalam in Cheruthuruthy (near Thrissur) is the citadel of learning for all major Kerala performing arts. Tender Coconut can organise visits to the Kalamandalam, for those interested in knowing more about our art forms.
Onam is the most important festival for Keralites and every household in the State celebrates it by having sumptuous feasts (Sadya), having spectacular floral arrangements in front of their homes and the whole State acquires a carnival like atmosphere - surprising considering that Malayalees are not normally a loud lot! Onam is celebrated on the first day of the Malayalam month of Chingam which usually falls in August/ September. Vishu (in April) Malayalee New Year is on the other hand celebrated with the sound of firecrackers and the traditional Sadya.
Plan a trip to the Kerala with Keralatourismfinder.com and enjoy your best holidays in the treasure trove of indigenous cultural practices and art forms.
Kerala Ritual Art Forms | Kerala Classical Arts | Kerala Folk Arts