Kerala Traditions
Kerala, India is known for its folk art forms and classical dance forms that form an integral part of the traditions and culture of Kerala. Some of the popular classical dance forms that form a part of the traditions of Kerala are Chakyarkoothu, Bharatnatyam, Mohiniattam and Kathakali.
The tradition of painting in Kerala goes as far back as can be conceived. Drawing large figures of deities such as Bhagavathy and Bhadrakali has been in vogue either as Kalamezhuthu or in some other form.Paintings are a part of the Keralan lifestyle. Chedikkalam for example, is a style of floor drawing. The variety, style and innovativeness of Malayali artists in the world of paintings are unsurpassed.
Mylanchi or henna tattooing is an art the women of Kerala have practiced since eternity. Tainting their fingertips and nails and palms with the paste of the Mylanchi shrub’s leaves was heir age old method of beautification. With time they refined this art with intricate designs and assimilated Arabic patterns. They perfected the use of contrasts and floral patterns to give a grandiose effect.
Face and body paintings forms an integral part of Kerala’s performing arts. Dances such as Kathakali, Theyyam and the Ottan Thullal are virtually unimaginable without the fine art of face and body painting.
Kerala has traded its spices – cardamom, ginger, turmeric and black pepper – with Arab, Chinese and European merchants for thousands of years. As Sugatha Kumari, a Keralite poet and ecologist, said: “Once there was a time when the whole world was enamoured of the fragrance of Kerala”.
The people of Kerala are distinguished by a fair complexion, regular features and clean habits. The closing of a festival is marked by the Arattu or holy bath. The idols of the deities are carried in a procession to the river for the bath. The purified idols are escorted back to the temple by a grand elephant pageant - the panchavadyam.
Kerala has had a long tradition of martial arts. In fact the different rulers who have reigned in this region over the years have patronized different art forms, be it architectural styles that are reflected in the ancient buildings, temples and churches in the region, classical art forms like dance, music and theater. Besides the foreign influences on Kerala's traditions have become an integral part of Kerala's culture that is reflected in the forts and buildings constructed by the Dutch and the Portuguese in this region.