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Performing
Arts |
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 Kathakali
: is
one of the oldest theatre forms in the world.Kerala owes
its transnational fame to this nearly 300 year old classical
dance form which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque
and the pantomime.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.Characters are categorized
according to their nature. The technique of Kathakali includes
a highly developed language of gesture, through which the
artist can convey whole sentences and stories.The extraordinary
costumes and make-up serve to raise the participants above
the level of mere mortals, so that they may transport the
audience to a world of wonders. One of the most interesting
aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate make-up code. |
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Mohiniyattom
: There
is no precise historical evidence to establish the antiquity
of Mohiniyatttam, the classical female dance-tradition of
Kerala. Probably it was evolved in the seventeenth century.The
sinuous dance of the enchantress, this is a distinctive classical
dance form of Kerala. Slow, graceful, swaying movements of
the body and limbs and highly emotive eye and hand gestures
are unique.Mohiniyaattam was specially created for female
dancers. This dance-form was different from the other performing
arts of Kerala mainly in two respects. Firstly, the dominantly
religious atmosphere of the other classical dance-styles
is absent in Mohiniyaattam. Secondly, it did not flourish
in temple-precincts like Bharathanatyam Odissi, or Kuchipudi.
 Bharathanatyam
: Centuries
old dance form performed throughout India, enriched by
Kerala's own legendary dance performers. This dance form
was first conceived and authored by the great sage Bharatha.
So it is called Bharathanatya. 'Natya' means dance
Koodiyattom
: literally
means "acting together". This, the earliest classical
dramatic art form of Kerala. has been recognised by UNESCO
as a Human Heritage Art. Rightly so. It is the oldest existing
classical theatre form in the entire world, having originated
much before Kathakali and most other theatrical forms based
on Sage Bharatha's 'Natyasasthra' of the second century. |
Thiruvathirakali
: is
a dance performed by women, in order to attain everlasting
marital bliss, on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month
of Dhanu (December- January).
Chavittunatakom : A
Christian art form of Kerala. Evolved at the turn of the
16th Century AD during the Portuguese colonization and
bears definite traces of the European Christian Miracle
Play. |
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 Ottan
Thullal : Thullal
is a solo performance combining the dance and recitation of stories
in verse. Staged during temple festivals, the performer explicates
the verses through expressive gestures, yet has a distinct mass
appeal due to its simplicity in terms of costume, style of singing
and at times pulling the legs of the audience at certain stages
of the ´thullal´ performance.Thullal
is a considerably simplified single-actor performing art that enjoyed
much more popular appeal than Kathakali, the so called
‘total theatre’. Kunchan Nambiar who lived in the 18th century
composed dozens of tullal stories, adding to the literature
of the local language, Malayalam, a new genre which consisted
of narrative poetry replete with social criticism surcharged
with pungent satire and sarcasm. These compositions were singularly
suitable for presentation on the stage attracting even the
unsophisticated illiterate through highly rhythmic recitation
enlivened by closely accompanying percussion instruments and
agile dance involving mono-act. |
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Krishnanattom
: A
spectacle for both the scholar and the simple rustic. The visual
effect is enhanced by varied and colourful facial make-up with
larger-than-life-masks, made of light wood and cloth padding |
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| Ritual
Arts |
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Mudiyettu
: is
a ritual dance performed in some Kaali temples of Ernakulam
and Kottayam districts (central Kerala). The dance celebrates
the goddess's triumph over the demon Daarikan. |
 Theyyam
: is
one of the most outstanding ancient dance form of Kerala.
The word 'Theyyam' originated from 'Daivam' means nothing
but God. It is a very fascinating ritual practised for centuries
by the tribal people and the villagers of Northern Kerala.Theyyam
is also known as Kaaliyattam, it is
a ritual dance popular in north Kerala. The word 'Theyyam'
originated from 'Daivam' means nothing but God.It is one
of the most outstanding ancient dance forms. The Theyyam
or Kolam (a form or shape), represents a mythological, divine
or heroic character. There are around 400 Theyyams in northern
Kerala. The bizarre head dresses, costumes and body painting
and trance like performances are very extraordinary. Each
one has a distinguishing headgear and costume made out of
natural materials like coconut leaves and bark.
Patayani
: is
a week- long ritual dance, held in Kaali temples on the banks
of the Pamba river during the Malayalam months of Meenam
and Medam (March - April) |
Koothu
: is
a socio-religious art performed in the Koothambalam or the
Koothuthara of temples, either independently or as part of
Kootiyattam. It is a solo narrative performance interspersed
with mime |
| Theeyattu
: is
a solo dance-drama performed in front of the Kalam or Dhooli
Chitram (ritual drawing with coloured powders). It is enacted
in some Bhagavathy temples of Thiruvalla, Kottayam, Thripunithura |
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| Martial
Arts |
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 Kalaripayattu
: the
Orients 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 reclaimer of Kerala from the Arabian
Sea. Kung- fu, popularized by the monks of the Shaolin Temple
traces its ancestry to Bodhi Dharma - an Indian Buddhist monk
and Kalaripayattu master. is
the traditional martial art of Kerala. It is believed to be
the forerunner of all eastern martial arts . It has played
a significant role in the technical development of all other
performing arts in Kerala. Its roots can be traced back to
the 12th century when skirmishes among the many feudal principalities
were very common. Masters of Kalarippayatt are called GURUKKAL.
Kalarippayatt is taught inside a special arena called KALARI,
which is part school, part gymnasium and part temple. A kalari
is constructed following traditional principles. Its rectangular
design is always aligned east - west direction and Hindu deities
are represented at each corner.Training
in Kalarippayatt begins at a very young age. |
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Festivals
: Kerala
is a land of colourful festivals, which have a long history
and tradition behind them. Kerala's innumerable festivals
however stand out because of their uniqueness.December is
the starting month of festivals and it ends upto the last
week of April |
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 Onam
- The National Festival of Kerala :
Kerala's
most important festival, honouring King Mahabali, a mythological
king of ancient Kerala, whose period was reckoned as the
golden age in the history of the state. He was the embodiment
of virtues, goodness. So was his regime which was marked
by equality and harmony among people. Onam is marked by festivity. Keralites
bash up the day. Flower carpet is being prepared in the front
yard of every house.
Special prayers are offered in temples. Delicious dinner
on Onam celebration. Traditional food is served on plantain
leaves. An emotional string is attached to this festival
since Keralites living elsewhere in the world make it a point
to reach their native place to join the gala. |
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Vishu : The
first month of Malayalam Calendar is Medam (April-May) and the
first day of Medam is celebrated as Vishu, the New Year day.
Begin an auspicious day; it is a common belief that the fortune
of the coming year depends on the first day. So the first day
begins with ceremony of Kani Kanal, which literally means first
sight. At the dawn, the Malayali's begin the first day of the
Year by waking up in front of Kani. The Kani includes gold ornament,
white cloth, a measure of rice or paddy, bell metal mirror, flowers
of the Konna tree (Cussia fistula), halved jack fruits, halved
coconuts, yellow cucumber, and two standing oil lamps emitting
sparkling light their eyes. Another interesting features of this
day are Kaayi neetal where the elder members in the family gift
money to the younger ones |
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 Thrissur
Pooram : The
most spectacular spectacle in the state. This festival was
introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of erstwhile
Kochi state. A finely executed shot of the Thrissur Pooram
showing a row of well-adorned elephants to parade themselves,
face to face. Caparisoned elephants and the exchange of parasols
are other virtual feast to eyes. he connoisseurs of festivals
are blessed with the rare chance to enjoy Kerala's art and
culture. The hours-long dazzling fire works submerge the
Thrissur city in an ocean of colour.
Cherai
Temple Festival : Cherai
temple is one of the Important pilgrimage centre in Kerala
also known as South Pazhani, built in 1912. Gowreeswara temple
is dedicated to Lord Muruka. The idle was installed by Sree
Narayana Guru. To see Cherai at her best come with the festival.
The trumpeting of more than 30 elephants and the magical
sound of "Panchavaadya"
and the spectacular view of celebratory fireworks |
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 Cherai
Chariot Festival ( Ratholsav ) : The
exquisite temple was constructed in A.D1869. Azheekkal Sree
Varaha Venkateswara Temple is the only
"Sampoornakshetra" in South India. This is the only
temple in India where both the deities of Sree Varaha and Sree
Venkateswara are installed side by side and worshiped as single
moorthy (God). The
famous temple "Ratha" (Chariot) is a rarity in temple
architecture. This is the only chariot in the world, which
runs on the rail. The festival take place twice in a year.
The chariot is pulled by devotees around the temple with huge
drum beats. The
famous temple "Ratha" (Chariot) is a rarity in
temple architecture. This is the only chariot in the world,
which runs on the rail. The festival take place twice in
a year. The chariot is pulled by devotees around the temple
with huge drum beats. |
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We
can arrange these art forms for our guests on request, except
for Pooram & Theyyam since they are events connected with
temple festivals. |
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