Both vegetarians and non-vegetarians have a wide variety of dishes to choose from. Meanwhile, a parallel cultural revival was taking place in Kerala and in 1935, the great poet, Vallathol Narayana Menon established Kalamandalam to revive and popularise Mohiniyattam, besides the other major art forms of Kerala like Koodiyattam and Kathakali. Mohiniyattam got a further impetus when he invited the Tanjore Quartet to improve upon the technique of the dance form. The rambling greenery, the glittering backwaters, the mouth-watering cuisine and the Dravidian culture - all have intrigued people worldwide for ages and hauled his imagination to a high. These singers describe the story in their song. Sanskrit theatre was brought to Kerala by the Aryan Brahmin settlers from the North. 7. How would you answer this IELTS Cue Card question about describe an interesting tradition? The Western Ghats on one side insulated it from the rest of south India, while the Arabian Sea on the other constantly exposed it to foreign influences. One of the healthiest vegetarian dishes, Avial is made with mixed vegetables cooked in a paste of ground coconut and flavoured with coconut oil. Around the world, a variety of monuments have been erected to commemorate death or memorialise the dead. Kerala stretches for about 360 miles along the Malabar Coast, varying in width from roughly 20 to 75 miles. The state has its light music, pop music, and devotional songs which are popular. It will be played with full of drum beats, listen to be very energetic. KERALA’S SPICE AFFAIR! Hindu, Christian and Islam religion found in Kerala and Malayalam is the local language of Kerala. Yes, there are lots, like in most cultures. Its soft, graceful movements, unhindered by any abruptness, is reminiscent of the swaying palm trees and the undulating waves of the ocean. In temples, Melam is the best music form. Just as every art form experiences its phases of revival and neglect, Mohiniyattam too emerged from an eclipsed state. Travancore palace records reveal that even as early as 1801, the palace was incurring expenditure on Mohiniyattam. Tradition : The lifestyle of the people of Ladakh is heavily influenced by Buddhism & Tibetan culture. It is also known as Land of Spices. Idiyappam can alternatively be teamed up with stew or can be enjoyed by drenching it in coconut milk. It is an imperative component of the traditional Kerala feast, called sadya. Travelogy India recommends you to spend an evening watching a Kathakali performance in Kerala. The performers of … Describe a meal you enjoy eating. Maharaja Kartika Tirunal Balarama Varma, author of Balarama Bharatam (1758-1798) said that the book had been written after a careful study of Lasya Tantra ( the style of the lasya dance). It is not surprising to find here the first church built in India or the oldest mosque, preceding which was the significant presence of Jainism and Buddhism. Although there may be sporadic rains, but overall it’s a wonderful time to experience the unique magic that place has to offer. However, what distinguishes Koodiyattam theatre from others in the same genre is the role of women in it, both as actors and singers. Just add a kick of salad or raita to go with it. But, most of them follow Buddhism. Highest gold consumption in the country Source. The combo is easy to cook and therefore forms a go-to recipe for a quick and healthy breakfast. These golden and crunchy chips are made from raw plantains which are thinly sliced, left to dry in the sun, and then deep fried. These celebrations in India are held in Karnataka and exhibit the essence of culture … People in Kerala speak Malayalam.More than 99% of the people can read. This paper tries to describe the life journey of transgender individuals in Kerala through stages of realisation (stages of reaching ). Photo Source. 2. One of the interesting stories behind the origin of the dish is that it was created by the character of Bhima from Hindu mythology, who, upon being forced to cook during his exile, chopped up whatever vegetables he could find and then cooked them together. Top 3 tips for anyone visiting Kerala? Culture: Kerala’s culture is an integral part of Indian culture. Diwali is a five-day festival that straddles the new moon. “Kerala, a state in India, is a bizarre anomaly among developing nations, a place that offers real hope for the future of the Third World. Hi Kartik! With his vast knowledge of the arts along with the assistance and influence of the Tanjore Quartet and dancers like Sugandhavalli among others from Tamil Nadu, Tirunal possibly enhanced whatever form of Mohiniyattam was prevalent at that time. Pre-wedding Rituals. Vishnu transformed himself into Mohini whenever evil prevailed and restored good. The capital is Thiruvananthapuram. Then, according to the third-century Acts of Thomas, in the year 52, the apostle sailed, in the company of a Jewish traveler named Abbanes, to the southern tip of India, to the port of Muziris, present-day Pattanam, in Kerala state. This tradition is not only one of the oldest and richest, but perhaps the one with the longest sustained history. This is a delectable evening snack, originating from the Malabar region of North Kerala, yet is surprisingly little known in the rest of the central and southern parts of the state. Though the drape begins like a normal nivi drape, once the pleats are made, they are twisted around the body and tucked at the waist from the other end instead of the front. Close-up of rice boat or traditional houseboat roof on the Backwaters in Kerala, India Traditional Nālukettu house Kerala India. However, despite this, the culture of Ladakh is rich and fascinating. As per my understanding and knowledge, there are two. Perhaps the most distinct aspect of the social fabric of Kerala was the prevalence of the matriarchal system known as Marumakkatayam, where the women enjoyed the right to inheritance. A sweet rice kheer prepared with palada is a delicacy made in almost all Kerala households during the festival of Onam and many other special occasions. The Kerala tradition links him with certain families and the founding of churches in certain places. It can then be eaten with various accompaniments such as green chilly chutney, fish curry, chicken or beef curry. After formal proposal comes from the groom’s side, a date is set for the formal engagement ceremony. Culture. The state of Kerala consumes about 20% of the country's gold. The problem which Kerala highlights in global health, is the persistence of traditional modes of examining development, of building more more instead of accomplishing more with less. These deep fried golden banana fritters are made from long slices of ripe plantain bananas cut length-wise, which are then dipped in a batter of flour and then deep fried in oil. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", Kerala meen (fish) curry I © Prasad Pillai/Flickr, The best way to relish Puttu and Kadala is by smashing the Puttu into the Kadala curry with hand, The quantity of water used while mixing the dough determines the outcome of the Idiyappam, Perforated appams with crispy brown edges look the most appetising, Pathiris may be kept soaked in coconut milk to retain moisture and flavour, The Malabar biryani is made by filling pieces of meat and masala in between layers of rice, © Shobha Elizabeth John/ Wikimedia Commons, Avial originated in Kerala but has gained favour in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu as well, Banana chips are part of starters served during sadya – the traditional Kerala feast, Unnkaya is usually consumed during festivities such as weddings and Iftar, © Thamizhpparithi Maari/Wikimedia Commons) and Beef Fry (right | © Miansari66/Wikimedia Commons) is the ideal choice of meal for Malayalis who like to savour it while drinking alcohol. Language. With rainfall patterns changing almost every year, the Indian government has started looking at means to revive the traditional systems of water harvesting in the country. These works extolled the virtues of the highly accomplished courtesans who were well-versed in the sensuous tradition of Sanskrit love poetry. Well, the traditions and culture of Kerala depends on the “Religion” first, then “caste and community”. Kerala is considered as land of festivals, with numerous festivals falling across the year. Like the rest of the country, Kerala too had a temple-dance tradition known as Dasiyattam, which was probably introduced from Tamil Nadu. There are many variations of it, however, the traditional recipe uses only basic ingredients like rice ada, milk, sugar and ghee. Kerala, southwestern coastal state of India. The state is actually named after the coconut tree. The dough is broken down into long strips, which are then rolled together and flattened to form a multi-layered pancake. Biryani’s variations are present all across the country, and in different forms. Gradually this theatre-form started getting a regional character by imbibing its indigenous culture. It has also found international recognition. Onam is the most biggest festival in Kerala. Sample Answer: Day of the Dead, or Dia de Muertos, as we call it. It is really surprising how the work of an Oriya poet left an indelible mark on the cultural ethos of Kerala. This lengthy harvest festival marks the homecoming of mythical King Mahabali, and it showcases the state's culture and heritage. It is a small state, constituting only about 1 percent of the total area of the country. Culture of India manifested in its traditions, languages, handicrafts, values, arts and religions etc. The megalithic culture in South India was a full fledged iron age culture when the great benefits of the use of this metal were fully realised by the people. We also get an idea of the popularity of Mohiniyattam from the works of Kunchan Nambiar, who in his Ghoshayatra mentions Mohiniyattam in passing. Onam is the most biggest festival in Kerala. Since prehistoric times, humans have attempted to come to terms with death. A simple comfort food, it is made by boiling tapioca, smashing it, and then mixing it with spices. Best cuisine of Kerala is Meen Curry – Kerala style fish curry made in fried coconut. Kerala, a state situated on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.Named as one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler, Kerala is famous especially for its ecotourism initiatives and beautiful backwaters. Describe an occasion that you celebrated recently. The people of Ladakh are Dards, an ancient Aryan race. This is in two pieces, one is draped on the lower part of the body and then the neriyathu is worn over a blouse. Kadala curry is a mildly spicy curry of black chickpeas cooked in thick, aromatic coconut gravy. IELTS Speaking Test Part 3 Do you know any other interesting customs or traditions? Another one of the famous festivals of South India is the Hampi Festival. Kerala, a state situated on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.Named as one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler, Kerala is famous especially for its ecotourism initiatives and beautiful backwaters. Find detailed information about Indian Culture. Music is a great carrier of sustaining cultures and traditions. He also persuaded Irayaman Thampi, well-known poet and musicologist in his court to compose pieces for Mohiniyattam. Describe a national festival in your country. As a region abounding in black gold (as pepper was known) and other exotic spices, foreign traders were lured from far and wide, beginning from the Phoenicians to the Arabs, Chinese and the Europeans. See more ideas about kerala traditional house, traditional house, kerala house design. Culture of India manifested in its traditions, languages, handicrafts, values, arts and religions etc. The origin of Mohiniyattam can be traced to the concept of Mohini, the enchantress. the culture and came back to Kerala), family, their individual experiences of seeking education and livelihood, rights based organisations working for them and so on. The cuisine of Kerala, a state in the south of India, is linked to its history, geography, demography and culture. Bursting with flavours and rife with textures, the classic recipes from this southern state on the western coast of India have a huge fan following. Kathakali is an impressive form of classical dance originated more than 500 years ago in … Like the ashtapadis, its quintessence was Bhakti with sringara forming the leitmotif. Kathakali. 6. Kerala is the only state in India where highest number of Indian Elephants are found. Contemporary music is influenced by western music too. In Kerala, this was a period of hectic creative activity. Puttu is made of rice powder mixed with coconut and water, which is then steamed in cylindrical steel or coconut shaped mould. Marriage tradition among Kerala Muslims varies according to their geographical area. Kerala is every food-lover's paradise. This privilege enjoyed by the women-folk of Kerala could have inspired the aesthetic and cultural life, finding expression in many feminine dance forms like Nangiar Kuthu, Kaikuttikali and Mohiniyattam. This tradition is not only one of the oldest and richest, but perhaps the one with the longest sustained history. Jayadeva’s Geeta Govindam, one of the most revered works in classical Sanskrit poetry, celebrating the divine love of Radha and Krishna was introduced in Kerala with the spread of the Bhakti movement, led by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 16th century. Kochi is a popular travel destination among tourists. Much of the everyday life of the Ladakhi people revolves around the gompa or monasteries, which is a major part of their culture. Research on folk healing practices is an on-going project of Science and Society program’s History of Indian Healing Traditions. Popularly known as ‘God’s Own Country’, this abode to the Almighty is a heart keeper. Like appam, it can be consumed at any time of the day, and requires a spicy or flavourful curry to go with its otherwise bland taste. Another beloved breakfast dish for Malayalis (natives of Kerala) is the combination of Idiyappam and Egg Curry. It is an imperative component of the traditional Kerala feast, called sadya. Due to concerted efforts of dance researchers and the performers themselves, Mohiniyattam is today acknowledged as one on the most prominent dance forms of India. So Let me make it more short and generalized here 1. Many of the kavyas and champus written from the 12th century onwards describe courtesans and their social life. The first reference to Mohiniyattam is in Vyavaharamala composed by Mayamangalam Narayanan Namboodri in 1709 A.D. But the untimely demise of the Maharaja proved to be a huge setback for this dance form. According to Puranic legends, Vishnu, the Preserver, appeared in the form of a damsel to protect the Universe from evil. Onam is the biggest festival of the year in the south Indian state of Kerala. It is a small state, constituting only about 1 percent of the total area of the country. The solution is then being willing to use seemingly radical techniques and reforms to accomplish development on a human scale, as opposed to on the economic scale it is measured on now. Idiyappam With Curry. The common and mostly practiced, where the bride stays in the groom's house ever after the marriage. Kerala is known for traditional arts and people enjoy traditional, percussion-filled music.They also enjoy tribal ceremonies, martial arts, and sports such as soccer, cricket, and badminton.Kerala is popular for Kalaripayattu, a martial arts form and Kathakali Kathakali, a Hindu performance art.