MUSIC
Unearth a treasure-trove of music nurtured and passed down the generations. Listen to soothing folk lullabies, stimulating Kathakali music, Carnatic music which is the classical music of south India, northern ballads extolling the valour of the warriors, the vast repertoire of film music or even offbeat tribal music.
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MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Featured in this section are traditional musical instruments which are still widely used in Kerala. Immerse yourself in the scintillating music of the Chenda, the Kombu, the Panchavadyam which is an orchestra of 5 instruments and a Pandimelam orchestra, a part of Kerala’s temple festivals.
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LANGUAGE
If Kerala is God’s own country then Malayalam is the language of heaven. Malayalam is spoken in 3 dialects . Join in the journey of the Malayalam language down the ages .
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ARTS
Kerala has a wide variety of folk arts. Some of the most popular art forms are compiled in this section.
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FESTIVALS
Festivals are an essential part of life in Kerala .
Entertain yourself with details of the the popular ‘Onam’a harvest festival and ‘Vishu’ which signifies an year of prosperity. Also included are the regional festivals .South Kerala has the Attukal Pongala a festival exclusively for women and the Nishagandhi dance festival featuring classical artists from all over India. Central Kerala’s boat races featuring the magnificent snakeboats. The Thrissur Pooram is a feast for the eyes with numerous caparisoned elephants and sequined parasols. North Kerala has a the Malabar Mahotsavam which showcases the cultural heritage of Kerala. Photos : 67 Audio clips : 1 Video clips : 17FOLK
PERFORMING ARTS
Come and take a look at the mesmerizing
performing arts of Kerala. Showcased are the 300 years old world famous ‘Kathakali’ which combines ballet, opera, masque and pantomime, ‘Mohiniyattom’ the dance of the enchantress, ‘Thiruvathirakali’ performed for marital bliss, ‘Oppana’ which is part of muslim wedding entertainment and various others. Revel in this unparalled mix of colour, expression, music ,dance and drama .Also included is a list of training centers.
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TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE
Showcased here is the intriguing ‘Nalukettu’ made by the ‘Thatchans’. Be a part of the development of this unique style of architecture from the one storied house to the multistoried “Pathinarukettu” .
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NATÏVE TECHNOLOGY
Kerala’s native technology that has been passed down the generations. See the ‘Mappila Khalsi’ teams work wonders with heavy wrecks and the bronze makers of Aranmula who make the world famous cast metal mirrors.
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MONUMENTS
The monuments of Kerala are milestones in its enchanting past From the Neolithic etching in Eddakkal caves to the grand forts and palaces remnants of the colonial past, each one of these monuments has a story to tell.
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ASTROLOGY
Astrology plays an important part in every Indian’s life.
Explore the intricacies of modern day astrology as
practiced in Kerala.
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AYURVEDA
Ayurveda is a widely practiced an ancient indian medical system. People from all over the world come to Kerala to experience the healing power of ayurvedic treatments. From the rejuvenating ‘Panchakarma’ to the use of Ayurveda in modern herbal beauty treatments. This section will familiarize you with the ‘divine science of life’.
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MARTIAL ARTS
‘Kalaripayettu’ is said to be the mother of all martial art forms in the world. It is a blend of physical prowess, mindset, martial techniques and medical system. Learn more about this priceless martial art form exclusive to kerala.
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RITUAL ARTS
Art forms for ritualistic purposes are very much a part of kerala’s culture. ‘Theyam’ a combination of dance ,mime and music, ‘Chakkiar Koothu’ a socio-religious art full of satire and wit, ‘Velakali’, all which will transport you to another magical world.
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CRAFTS
Kerala is known all over the world for its handicrafts. Take a look at Kerala’s wooden carvings, cast metal work , jewellery, granite idols, coir and coconut products, seashell products and handloom weaving which are very much in demand.
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OCCULT
Most Keralites have a strong belief in the supernatural and the practice of the occult is very common in Kerala. Included in this section are details of the snake cult, fire walking, the evil eye belief and Kuttichathan, the poltergeist.
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