CULTURAL HERITAGES OF KERALA 

KOODIYATTOM

Koodiyattom   UNESCO Human Heritage Art. This UNESCO Cultural Heritage has a known history of 2000 years .It is the oldest existing classical theatre form in the entire world. Traditionally, Koodiyattam, Sanskrit drama is presented by "Chakyars" (a sub caste of Kerala Hindus). The female roles went only to "Nangyars" (Women of Nambiar caste). The name 'Koodiyattam' (combined dance form) came because it is the combined performance of Chakkyar and Nangyar. Kulasekhara Varma Cheraman Perumal, an ancient King of Kerala was known as the creator of Koodiyattam in the present form. The "grammar" of performance is entirely based on the stipulations of "Natyashasthram" by Bharatha Muni, the most authoritative book on the science of acting.

KATHAKALI

Kathakali    the 300 years old Classical Dance-Drama of Kerala,India. Kathakali has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. Kathakali follows "Hasthalakshana Deepika", the book of hand gestures, for Mudras (hand gestures). The great poet Mahakavi Vallathol Narayana Menon, the founder of Kerala Kala Mandalam, gave Kathakali the look and feel we see today.

Thullal

                          Kunchan Nambiar who lived two centuries ago wrote the text of Thullal and choreographed it for the stage. All the sixty plays of Thullal composed by Kunchan Nambiar are replete with humour, sarcasm and social criticism. Thullal has three divisions Seethankan, Ottan and Parayan. The distinction between them lies mostly in the make-up and costumes and to some extent in the metres and the rhythm used. In Thullal, episodes from the Indian Epics are retold in simple Malayalam poetry.The songs, written in simple Malayalam, frank to outspoken wit and humour, the simplicity of presentation and the direct appeal to every day life made Thullal very popular. The stylised singing of the lines carries with it the beauty of the dravidian metres. Thullal is a solo performance.The instruments used in Thullal are the maddalam and the cymbals. Thullal is a more popular entertainment than other temple arts. The word Thullal belongs to the Dravidian family of languages and literally means 'jumping', this however can be extended to mean 'to leap about' or to 'cut a caper'.As this is composed in the language of the layman, it is known as the 'poorman's Kathakali' . Thullal is classified into three different types. Ottan, Seethankan and Parayan based on the difference in costume, dance and also the metre and rhyme of the Thullal songs.Of all Thullal dances the Ottan Thullal is the most popular.

SNAKE BOAT RACE (VALLAMKALI)   The largest team sport in the world.                                                 

           Snake boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in August/September. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts participate in these events. The snake boat races are the largest team sport in the world. The team comprises of four helmsman (Lead man), 25 singers ( Who sang the rhythm) and 100-125 oarsmen (rowers) who row in unison to the fast rhythm of the Vanchipattu man a snake boat.

 CHUNDAN VALLAM (SNAKE BOAT)                  

                 The boats of Kerala are known after their shapes, sizes or purposes. The Chundaanvallam is so called because of its pointed prow. The term snake boat comes from its stern, which represents the raised, the hood of a snake and its length . The front end of this type of boat will be tapering in shape and the rear end will be very high from the water level. They have a length of about 60-65 meters and a capacity carrying hundred to hundred and ten people during the race time. The stern is majestically caparisoned and decorated with a flag and brass ornaments. It has got a resemblance to the shape of a snake, when it advances in a competition and hence became popular as snake boats. Snake boats are the traditional battle vessels of Kerala known as Chundan vallams. They were originally designed as a naval vessel used for battle.

Trichur Pooram

      

                            Trichur Pooram which is the most colourful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. The word pooram literally means a group or a meeting, it was believed that every year the dynastic gods and goddesses of neighbouring province met together for a day of celebration. Trichur Pooram is held in the Malayalam month of Medam (April- May). It is conducted at the great Vadakkunnatha temple of Trissur. Introduced during the reign of Sakthan Thampuran (1775- 1790), the Raja of Kochi, Pooram is an assemblage of suburban deities before the presiding deity at the Siva temple in down town Trichur. Traditionally, two groups representing the main geographic divisions of Trichur, Paramekkavu temple and Thiruvambadi temple enter in to a friendly competition called kudamattom, a display of colurful umbrellas with a  face to face arrays of richly caparisoned elephants (15 on each side). The whole event took place in rhythm with the traditional orchestra 'Pandimelam'as well as "Pancha Vadyam".  Some of the other main Pooram festivals are at Aratupuzha,  Uthralikavu, Cheeramkulangara, Mannarkad, Perumanam, Aryankavu, Mangottu, Medamkulangara, Kodikal, Thirumandhamkunnu etc. in and around Trichur district.
 

ONAM- The national Festival Of KERALA.

                 Once upon a golden time, a kind, able and loving king called Mahabali ruled Kerala.  King Mahabali’s popularity with the people and ability to govern such a diverse tract of land made the Gods envious. So they banished him to the nether world ( By the reincarnation of Vishnu- VAMANA). Mahabali asked for a boon : that he should be allowed to visit his people once every year.
                   It is believed that King Mahabali, returns every year on Thiruvonam at the end of August beginning September when the life imparting monsoons have departed and the harvest has been gathered. Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala and it celebrated with much fan fare for four days in every house of Keralites and the Malayalie (The people who spoke the language Malayalam) diaspora all over the world. On the occasion, Keralites celebrates the return of King Mahabali and indulge themselves in week long festivities known to the world as Onam. There are festival feasts, traditional dances, boat races, including the world famous snake boat races.