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Showing posts with label Kerala art and Craft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kerala art and Craft. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Shopping Experience in Kerala

Kerala Shopping

Kerala is an idle place to shop.  The State is renowned for its hand looms,gold ornaments,spices etc. The handicrafts of Kerala are known for their uniqueness of style perfection of form and elegance of design. All of these are available at shops across the State.



Aranmula Kannadi. This metal mirror, the making of whi9ch is a closely guarded secret , had its origins long before the modern mirror made its debut. Made of an alloy of copper and tin, and oval is shape , it is 6 inches in size with tail like handle.

Nettur Petti
- Richly embellished with a conical lid,this ethnic jewel box of Kerala was once the priced possession of the rich and famous. Made of rosewood, this fully handcrafted casket is a collector's item.

Kasavu Mundu. The hand loom sarees of Kerala are known for their elegant simplicity. Soft and light , and laced with gold kasavu, they are treasured items.

Spices - The height ranges of Kerala are home to endless stretches of spice plantations. The state produces twelve varieties of spices including pepper,cardamom.clove, cinnamon etc.

Traditional Gold Jewellery. Kerala's traditional jewellery items like necklaces,chains,bangles, ear rings etc. are rich in variety and design. Natural motifs like flowers,m leaves,birds  etc. used as embellishments set them apart. 
Aranmula Kannadi
                                     Nettoor Petti                                                        

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Kerala Art and Culture

Kerala has a rich cultural heritage, which fascinates the tourists a lot. The art and culture of Kerala portrays various dance forms and martial arts performed with the accompaniment of vocal and instrumental music. All these art forms are performed during some celebration or festivity. Culture and heritage are pervasive presence across the state and are kept alive through the state's performing arts.

Theyyam  -  Theyyam is Kerala’s most popular art form which was developed by Hindus and the folk dances depict the Hindu culture. This dance is performed as an offering to the gods. They are performed at sacred groves. Theyyam refers to the shape of the deity. Theyyams are of different types and they are about 450 in number.



Kathakali - Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It originated in the area of southwestern India now known as the state of Kerala. Kathakali is a group presentation, in which dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology, especially the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

 

Mohiniyattam - the feminine classical dance form of Kerala. Literally meaning the  Dance of the Enchantress, it is deeply rooted in femininity,  GRACE (Lasya) and  BEAUTY (Sringara)  forming the quintessence of this dance form.The traditional costume worn in Mohiniyattam is white with a gold border, and gold ornaments are worn. The unique coiffure with hair gathered on the left side of the head reflect it's aesthetic appeal, making it distinct from the other dance forms of India. The regional system of music that Mohiniyattam follows is the  SOPANA  style which in it's lyricism is evocative of the spiritual element.

 

Thiruvathira - Thiruvathira is celebrated on the asterism Thiruvathira in Dhanu, the fifth month of Malayalese calendar (Kolla Varsham). This corresponds to the month of December-January according to Gregorian calendar. Thiruvathira is essentially women's festival. Ladies on this day worship Lord Shiva and pray for conjugal harmony and marital bliss. The other very interesting facet of the festival is the enchanting Thiruvathirakkali dance performed by women on this day.




Kalaripayattu - Kalaripayattu - The Orient's treasure trove, a gift to the modern world and the mother of all martial arts. Legend traces the 3000-year-old art form to Sage Parasurama- the master of all martial art forms and credited to be the re-claimer of Kerala from the Arabian Sea. Kalaripayattu originated in ancient South India. Kung- fu, popularized by the monks of the Shoaling Temple traces its ancestry to Bodhi Dharma - an Indian Buddhist monk and Kalaripayattu master.






Wednesday, November 4, 2009

About kerala

Kerala is a must-visit destination with its wealth of ecological wonders, cultural heritage and a delectable cuisine. But Kerala is much more than a site-seeing itinerary - it is also a potentially spiritual adventure. The natives of Kerala are well known for their endearing hospitality and friendly nature. And it is this fact that drives us to encourage you to undertake a journey to Kerala - God's Own Country!

Kerala, located on the south-western tip of India, enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Asia. Fondly referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala was selected by the National Geographic Traveler as one of the 50 destinations of a lifetime and one of the thirteen paradises in the world.

An equable climate, serene beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife are the major attractions of this land. A unique advantage of Kerala is that most of the destinations here are only a two - four hour drive from the other.

Classical art forms, colourful festivals, exotic cuisine are some of the cultural marvels that await travellers. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine and Panchakarma, the rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda have also helped Kerala to gain a pan-global reputation as a worth-visit destination.