Kerala Culture
|| Kerala Culture || Kerala Architecture || Kerala Cinema || Kerala Fine Arts || Kerala Music || Kerala Theater ||
Kerala culture is heterogeneous due to presence of various linguistic and communities throughout the state. This south India coastal land of coconut boasts a rich tradition deep-rooted in history. The Malabar Coast was an ancient trade centre for Arab, Rome, Greece before the Common Era; Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Chinese had been sailed to this coast to trade in spices, sandalwood and ivory. After the European conquest started by the Portuguese navigator Vas Co Da Gama, Portuguese, Dutch, British came to Kerala for trade. Early settlement of the Jews, Muslims all have contribution to the mix culture of Kerala. Now people of all religions lead their rich social and cultural life and all form an assimilated culture. Simply Kerala culture denotes the meaning of the local culture of Kerala people.
Kerala is one of the unique travel destinations of the world due to its unique cultural heritage. In a survey of National Geographic, Kerala found its place as one of the Ten Paradises found in the world, for its diverse geography and overwhelming greenery. Kerala is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, ballads, songs and dances, rituals and intellectual pursuits.
Fairs and festivals of Kerala are unique in the world in its celebration which is deeply related to the monsoons as well the agrarian communities of the state. Intertwined with many religious beliefs, these fairs and festivals display the legacy of Kerala and temple heritage. Festivals and Fairs are a main signification of multi-culture fabric of Kerala. Ancient rulers of the state were great patrons of art and culture.
The most colorful festival is Onam celebrated in the months of August and September to herald the harvest season. This is a great colorful extravaganza featured by celebration of flowers, lights, feasts, fireworks and games. Snake boat race is a spectacular fiesta of the Onam festival. Temple festivals are an important part of Kerala culture and the most renowned is Thrissur Pooram.
Other important festivals of Kerala celebrated with great religious devotion are Eid, Easter, Muharram, and other festivals of the local Hindus which are traditionally celebrated all over the country. The migration of different religions into Kerala’s land like Jainism and Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Judaism have great influence in the main stream cultural fabric of the state. Age-old cultural heritage of the state is on the process of assimilation as culture is dynamic.
There is always a cosmopolitan air in the social environment of Kerala, bearing the first history of European conquest Kerala gets a cosmopolitan environment. The majority of the population belongs to the Dravidian race and Hinduism is the main predominant religion. Christians, Muslims, Jews, Jainism are other inhabitants of Kerala.
Martial arts of Kerala are an important segment of culture. The most renowned martial arts are Kalaripayattu, Parisa Kali, Velakali, and Njaninmel Kali. It is said that many arts forms of east countries has its origins in Kalaripayattu art of Kerala.
The cuisine of Kerala is quite different from other parts of India. The Hindus are mostly vegetarian and the Muslims and Christians are mostly non-vegetarians. Bryanis, pilafs, pulaos are some of the popular dishes prepared from meats, spices, steamed cooked rice and onions. Kerala cuisine is rich in its taste and variety.
Kerala culture is a collective variety of fairs and festivals, art and sculpture, religion, cuisine, etc.
