Culture of Kerala
The historic name of the place, Keralam, is believed to have come from the words “kera” and “alam”, with the former meaning coconut and the latter meaning land, altogether meaning “The Land of Coconut Trees”. As the southern-most state of India, Kerala was a part of Thamizhagam, which we know now as Tamil Nadu, which also covered the regions of Chera, Chola and Pandya.
While its language, music and dance are once similar to those of Thamizhagam, the original Keralan cultural heritage was transformed with the arrival of Vasco da Gama and the coming of Portuguese traders.
Now, to find the best Kerala holiday packages for learn more of the culture of the state, it is good to have some bits of useful information.
People in Kerala
The people of the state are known as the Malayalis, who are of Dravidian stock and speak Malayalam. They are distinguished from the rest of the country in a way that most of them are literate (literacy rates are almost two times of that of the rest of India), well read, politically aware and, for Keralan Hindus, extremely caste conscious. When visiting the place, you would see opinions abound and display to the public on the streets, building walls and markets. Majority of the sex here are women, with traces of a matriarchal system showing that Malayali women are enjoying a degree of social respect, unlike in other communities.
Diversity of Keralan Culture
Kerala has a rich and diverse culture that is influenced by three main religions—Hinduism, Islam and Christianity—with exquisite music, dance and sculptures prevalent in the historic development of the state’s traditions. For example, there are art forms that have evolved from their folk origins, such as Kathakali and Mohiniattam, where the former is a 300-year-old dance that combines performing art forms of ballet, opera, pantomime and masque to create a dance that beautifully blends of drama, color, music and expressions.
In a sense, Kerala has gained a lot of fame thanks to the popularity of this form of performing arts. Other dances that contribute to the diverse culture of the state include Mohiniyattom, Krishnanattom, Koodiyattom, Kolkkali, Thullal, Kakkarishi Natakom, Thiruvathirakali, Chavittunatakom and Oppanna. As for music, there are the Panchavadyam, Omanathinkal Kidavo and Nadanpattu, which also evolved over the centuries.
Cultural Hotspots of Kerala
For your cultural tour of the state, you should start with the following places:
- Thrissur - Originally known as Thirusivapperoor, this is the cultural capital of Kerala due to its rich cultural heritage, history and archaeological wealth.
- Kochi - This place speaks of the old-world leisure and charm, with a historically and culturally rich port that serves as the gateway for tours across the state.
- Bekal - This significant tourist hub is known for its unique charm and for having cultural attractions, such as forts and temples.
- Thiruvananthapuram - The cultural richness and historical monuments of this place are enough to entice visitors towards it. It is also dotted with many religious shrines and mutts.
Exploring the Culture of Kerala
To make the most out of your cultural tour in this beautiful state of India, you can book Kerala tour packages with us here at La Vacanza Travel.