culture of kerala
Kerela is a wonderful bouquet of various natural and man-made treasures. Apart from these attractive charms, Kerala is also famous for its distinct and unique culture which is an amalgamation of Aryan and Dravidian influences. But, with the gradual passage of time, the culture of Kerala has expanded as it comes into contact with neighboring regions and overseas culture. These things have added more vitality to the culture of Kerala. The Dravidian people, considered the ancient rulers, left behind a great cultural legacy whose reflection is still visible in every aspect and corner of Kerala.
Keralites lifestyle:
Keralties are very simple, culturally inclined and traditional people. Nearly half of Kerala’s population relies solely on agriculture for income. Some 600 varieties of rice are produced in the state, along with tea, coffee, rubber, cashew nuts and spices. Keralites are also used in traditional industries such as coconut fiber, handlooms and crafts.
Idiom:
Malayalam is the official language of Kerala, thus the people of the state are known as Malayalees. However, Keralite people are also well versed in English, Kannad and Tamil.
Kitchens:
Cuisine is an integral part of any culture. Rice and fish are the staple food of the Keralites. They love to include coconut in each of their cuisines. Seafood is also very popular among non-vegetarians. Some of the famous cuisines of Kerala are like payasam, sambar, rasam, puzhukku, puttucuddla and pulisherry. To quench their thirst or refresh themselves, Keralites love to drink coffee, tea, and buttermilk.
Suits:
Mundu and Neriyathu is the traditional costume of Kerala, worn by both men and women. Along with this, Keralites women love to wear saree-blouse and Churidar-Kurta while men wear jeans, trousers and T-shirts.
Religion:
Hinduism is the main religion of Kerala. However, a significant number of Muslims and Christians also reside in Kerala.
Fairs and parties:
Kerala is known as the land of festivals. Keralites love to immerse themselves in parties and festivals as these are marked as family gatherings. Onam is the main festival of Kerala. On this occasion, several famous regattas are held in the state. Other popular Hindu festivals are Maha Shivratri, Navaratri, Vishu and Deepavali which are also celebrated across the state irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Muslims celebrate Bakri Id, Muharram, Miladi Sheriff and Ramadan. Kerala also has a significant population of Christians. They celebrate Easter and Christmas.
arts and crafts:
Kerala is enriched with various forms of arts and crafts. It is well known throughout the world for its performance art, which is a mix of music, dance, mythology, and theater. Kerala performing arts can be classified into classical dance and music, folk dance, martial arts, etc.
Dances: Mohiniattam and Kathakali (classical dances), Pulikalli and Theyyam (folk dances),
Music: Carnatic music (classical music), Sopanam Sangeetam (devotional music), Instrumental music.
Martial Arts: kalarippayattu, Thaduthuthallu, Vadipayattu
Literature:
Malayalam literature is also a vital part of Kerala culture. It has an ancient heritage and a modern thrust. In the second half of the 20th century, Jnanpith laureates such as S.K. Pottekkatta, G. Sankara Kurup and M.T. Vasudevan Nair have enriched Malayalam literature with their commendable works. The state has its own calendar known as the Malayalam calendar which is used to plan religious and agricultural activities.
