Art and Culture of Kerala

Culture is the mirror of one's society, and the culture of Kerala is really opulent. Many poets have been inspired to sing an ode to Kerala's culture. Beside the physical beauty, Kerala has a rich cultural heritage, which fascinates tourists a lot. The art and culture of Kerala portrays various dance form and martial arts performed with the accompaniments of vocal and instrumental music. The state's rich cultural heritage is evident in a multitude of religious architectural wonders as well. Kerala the land of charity is rich in folk- culture, visual arts and festivals. The Aryan culture and Sanskrit language nourished the tribal culture of Kerala and the particular culture of the Hinduism can be traced in the traditional culture of Kerala. Really the culture of Kerala reminds us of Mathew Arnold , who once said ' the culture has one great passion,- the passion for sweetness and light.' The people of Kerala enjoy cosmopolitan outlook and it should be mentioned here that the percentage of literacy is highest in Kerala. Kerala is one of the most progressive state in terms of social welfare and the matriarchal system here is a unique social heritage. The culture of Kerala is best represented in their art form some of them are as follow.

Art Forms of Kerala
Kathakali – Kathakali is a theatrical dance form of Kerala. It has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. Previously it was performed only in temples but now it is open to all. Kathakali events are held through out the year. The richness of colour, music, expression, drama and dance make Kathakali an unparallel art form.

Chakyarkoothu - Chakyarkoothu is one of the oldest classical theatre arts of Kerala. It is usually performed in the temples and the performance begins with the invocation of the deity. It is also called koothu and is famous for its comic elements which adds to its dramatic character. It is a fine blend of comedy, mime and satire.

Mohiniyattam - This dance form is said to have originated in Kerala and it portrays feminine love. It is essentially a solo dance and the movements are very graceful. The accompaniments of Mohiniyattam are Veena, Venu, Vocal, Maddalam and Idakka.

Theyyam - This form of dance enshrines the rudiments of ancient tribal culture. It embraces almost all castes and classes of Hindu religion of this region. It is a ritual and folk- dance form supported by a vast literature of folk songs.

Thullal – Thullal is famous for its simplicity wit and humour. The themes of this art form are based on mythology. It is a solo performance combining the dance and recitation of stories in verse.

Koodiyattam – Koodiyattam or kutiyattam is the earliest classical dramatic art form of Kerala. It is enacted inside the temple theatre with two or more people on the stage at the same time.

Thiruvathirakali – This form of dance is perfomed by woman in order to attain everlasting marital bliss. This dance is the celebration of marital fidelity and female energy.

Oppana – This dance form is essential to the entertainment and festivities of the Malabar Muslim. The themes are often teasing comments about the bride's anticipated nuptial bliss.

Tholppayakkoothu – This is a leather puppet show performed during the annual festivals in the Kaali Temple, depicting the life of Lord Rama since his birth till coronation as the king of Ayodhya. It is a shadow play in which the puppets are moved to depict the various scenes from the Ramayana. It is performed in the specially designed play house in the premises of the various temple.

Velakali – This spectacular dance form of Kerala is performed by men dressed in traditional clothes and colourful headgear of the medieval Nair soldiers engaged in active movements and sword play.

Festivals of Kerala
The cultural synthesis that took place in Kerala has made it adopt and accept different religious belief.
The most important festival of Kerala is Onam it is a time for sports and festivities in Kerala . Chrismas is another festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm and vigour in Kerala. Id, Muharram are also celebrated in Kerala.

Cuisine of Kerala
Cuisines of Kerala are extremely delicious and spicy and offers several gastronomic opportunities. Kerealites are generally rice and fish eating people. And the food is generally fresh, aromatic and flavoured. Kerala is famous for its pan cakes and steamed rice cakes made from pounded rice. It has its own fermented beverages – the famous kullu and patta charayam.

Ayurveda and Spa
Kerala is famous for its Ayurveda or Spa therapy. Infact today Kerala is the only state in India which practices this traditional medicine with absolute dedication.

Kerala is genious for adoption and fusion of old traditions and new values in every sphere of human thought and endeavor is evident in every aspect of Keralites.

Thus in totality the culture of Kerala represents collective achievements of the people in the fields of religion and philosophy, language and literature, art and architecture, education and learning and economic and social organisation.