Kerala Culture and festivals

Kerala has a great cultural heritage. The culture of Kerala is a part of both Indian and Dravidian culture. Even then there is some part that has its own flavor. The culture of Kerala was expanded with the influence of neighboring areas as well. The cultural heritage of Kerala can be seen from the different art forms and customs of Kerala. The landlords of earlier times encouraged these arts and culture together with holding the moral values of it. A significance of art of Kerala is the special visual effects and good music. Kerala can boast of its performing arts proudly. There is no other state in India which can match up with the creativity of arts of Kerala. The people of Kerala lead a simple life and are culturally inclined and traditional and celebrate the festivals well.

Kalaripayattu: 

Kalaripayattu is learnt in four stages. The first stage involves increasing the flexibility of the body. The student learns to twist, jump and flex his/her arms that will help when learning the next stage. The second stage involves learning how to handle wooden sticks and other wooden weapons. The third stage involves handling metal weapons. The final stage involves fighting with bare hands. The students are taught arm locks, wrestling and defense. Not only does one master the art of fighting, but also learns how to treat injuries and heal bruises and cuts by learning Ayurveda.

Kathakali: 

The Kathakali dance basically means story telling. The scenes that are enacted are emoted with much vigor and vitality to bring life to the myths and legends. This dance form highlights complex body movements and facial expressions. The characters they enact seem so real, that at some point during the performance you will feel as though they have swapped their real identities with the characters. Since these complex and intricate body movements require suppleness of muscles, the Kathakali performers have to undergo special massage for their arms, necks and faces. Since the music does not have lyrics, the dance is performed on drum beats and other instruments.

mohiniattam: 

Mohiniattam dance is a very expressive form of dance of Kerala. It is made of two words, "mohini" and "attam". Mohini refers to a beautiful lady and attam means dance. So this traditional Mohiniattam dance form basically means the dance of an enchantress. In Kerala, classical mohiniatam dance form evolved centuries back under the influence of the great king of Travancore, Swati Tirunal. This king was a great patronage of fine arts and encouraged artists from all over India to perform in his court.

ayurveda: 

Ayurveda - This 5000 year old ancient form of treatment is inextricably related to Kerala's culture. It is this link that has ensured a continuing faith in this ancient system of healing despite progress in modern method. Not only the natives, rather people from all over India and other parts of the world flock to experience the magical effect of a massage. An ayurvedic treatment is useful in curing as well as instilling a renewed vigour in mind, soul and body.

Important Festivals in Kerala:

Onam Festival:

Onam is celebrated in Kerala when the August monsoon rains give way to the pleasant warmth of autumn. Onam is a harvest festival and the celebration of the return of Mahabali, the once and future king. This king ruled "when all men were equal, when no one was poor, when there was neither theft nor dread of thieves". 


Kerala Boat Festivals: 

On the great backwaters of Kerala, fierce boat races and water carnivals erupt every year in a dramatic spectacle and hold tens of thousands of people spell-bound, cheering the action, laying bets, goading the boatmen to row faster. The water carnivals and snake boat races herald the week of the great harvest festival of Onam. It is Kerala's most important celebration and in scores of villages spread across central Kerala, competitive races featuring the smaller churulans, oadis, and irrutukuthies provide expression to the spirit of an intrepid, athletic people, born and bread near water. 


Vishu Festival :

Vishu falls on the first of Medam (March-April), which is the Malayali New Year's Day. Since it is considered propitious to view good things on this day for year round good fortune, Vishu morning is an important time in Kerala. 

Thrissur Pooram Festival :

The most spectacular festival of Kerala is Thrissur Pooram. Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of erstwhile Kochi state, introduced this festival. Celebrated in Medom (April-May) the festival parades the fulgent faces of Kerala culture. With every passing year Tthrissur Pooram, the temple festival, attracts large masses of devotees and spectators to Kerala. 

Payippad Jelotsavam Festival:

Payippad Jelotsavam held in memory for the Prathista ceremony of Haripad Subramanya temple and therefore has a religious significance. This festival is celeberated for three days commencing from the Onam festival day. Snake boat processions are taken out on the first two days and competitive boat race take place on the third day. 
Attukal Pongala Festival:

Attukal Pongala this is the one and the only temple festival in the world where lakhs of women assembled together to make offerings by cooking a pudding for the goddess in the Attukal temple. It is taken home after the chief priest of the temple will come and sprinkle the holy water and will shower the flowers. This festival will come to an end in the evening with a procession from the temple. 
Makaravilakku at Sabarimala Festival: 

For centuries, Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta has been a major pilgrim centre in Kerala attracting lakhs of devotees from all over India, more so from the southern states. The presiding deity is Lord Ayyappa known as Dharma Sastha, a considered symbol of unity between Vaishnavites and Saivites. 

Christmas Festival:

With a large number of Christian population in Kerala, Christmas is a festival that is celebrated with much vigour and enthusiasm in the state. Easter is also an important festival in the state. The numerous churches that are spread across the state brighten up around this time.