CULTURE OF KERALA CUSTOM, TRADITION AND LIFESTYLE
3 years ago
Kerala is one of the amazing and beautiful states in India which is blessed with an abundance of natural marvels. The State of Kerala is located in the southwestern region of the country, India.
Historians and legends claim that the emergence of the State of Kerala was out of the sea when King Parshuram threw the battle axe he owned into the sea. King Parshuram was said to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu and therefore, the State of Kerala was literally known to be the “Gods Own Country”. Kerala is extravagant in its own terms with attractive tourist destinations and enthralling activities to engage with. The fascinating traditional dance forms of Kerala are Mohini Aatam and Kathakali. The official animal of the State is an Indian Elephant. The language spoken here is Malayalam.
The gorgeous sanctuaries, backwaters, museums, beaches, and most importantly temples make this State a popular destination across the world. The must-visit places in the land of Kerala are Alleppy, Kumarakom, Munnar, and Kovalam.
Kerala is also well – known as the “Land of Coconut Trees” as you will encounter coconut trees all around the State. Kerala is famous and mostly exploited for the variety of spices, especially the black pepper, and therefore it is also known as the “Spice Garden of India”. The auspicious traditional festival of Kerala is Onam which is a ten-day festival celebrated annually by all the Keralites. The attraction of this place is the numerous types of Pookalams they put in front of their houses which is actually done for the warm welcome of Great King Mahabali who is believed to be visiting the people’s home.
CUSTOM AND TRADITION OF KERALA:
Malayalam literature can be traced back to the 13th century majorly consists of songs (pattu) and poems. ‘Manipravalam poetry’ which is known to be a mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit language, flourished in this region. Several poetries and prose too emerged namely, ‘Sandesha Kavyas’. Ezhuthachan who has given astounding contribution in the 16th century to the Malayalam literature is addressed as the father of Malayalam language.
The folk dances of Kerala are as follows: Kaikotti Kali dance, Kuthiyotam dance, Kakkarissi Kali, Thirayattam dance, Kathakali, and Kanniyar Kali. Kanniyar Kali is also known as Desathukali which is one of the old folk forms of Kerala. Thiruvathira Kali which is also known as the Kaikotti Kali is performed by women in symmetric circles. This folk dance is usually performed in the festive season of Onam and Thiruvathira.
Music has a divine place in the tradition of Kerala. ‘Sopana Sangeetam’ which is a form of classical folk music, invocatory sung inside the temples. Carnatic music is again a popular form. Even the Kathakali music is popular here.
The traditional festivals of Kerala are Onam and Vishu. Onam is a ten-day harvest fest usually celebrated in the month of August or September. While Vishu which is considered to be the New Year of Kerala is celebrated in the month of Malayalam called Medam which comes around the month of April. Onam is the famous manifestation of the Culture of Kerala. Thrissur Pooram is known as the festival of temples. There are several rituals of Kerala which are majorly the temple ritual.
In India, Kerala is the state with the highest literacy rate. Kerala has a prestigious educational level and even the agricultural background has faced several positive improvements in technology.
LIFESTYLE OF KERALA :
The journey from ‘Thorthu’ to ‘Mundu’ to ‘Saree’ might have been a beautiful shift for women. The traditional women of Kerala wear blouses and sarees, especially ‘set sarees’ on auspicious occasions which are also known as ‘Kasavu’ while men wear a piece of garment which they wrap around their waist in a specific manner which is known as ‘mundu’. ‘Mundu’ is similar to ‘Dhoti’ and ‘Lungi’.
The younger generations prefer western clothing on a usual basis but wear those attires informal and traditional occasions.
The cuisine of this coastal region is rice, fish, meat, poultry fully loaded with a number of spices for the preparations. The traditional way of eating the food here is on the banana leaf. While today, this pattern is only followed on certain auspicious days.
The famous Kerala Sadhya is a meal prepared during festivals and functions. Coconut oil and coconut milk are used for thickening flavors. There are a plethora of rice preparations, such as dosa, idli, appam, and so on. Spices like asafoetida, turmeric powder, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chilies are frequent items in food preparation in Kerala. Today ‘Malabari Biriyani’ is well known around the country.
Kerala once had an agrarian culture on which the whole lifestyle of people was dependent. Earlier in Kerala, families used to follow the system of Matriarchy. Though things have changed today because of economic and social convenience.
Kerala is anyways also known for the hospitality it offers to the visitors, guests, and tourists. And therefore, the State of Kerala is one beauty of its own.
Also read: Food Flavors of Kerala
Also read: Important events to explore in Kerala