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The word Kerala comes from land of Chera, precisely Chera empire. Chera became Kera in
course of time. 'Alam' means 'land'. Kerala is the Gods own country. Kerala is one of the smallest states in the Indian Union.
Its area 38.855 square kilometers is just 1.3 percent of the total area of India. The land of India comprises the narrow coastal
strip bounded by the western Ghats in the east and Arabian Sea on the west. Hence it has played a vital role in the commercial
and cultural history of India. With its evergreen mountain, dense forests stately palms, swift flowing rivers, extensive backwaters
and blue lagoons, it look like a fairyland. This atmosphere of beauty and peace has nurtured religion and art in Kerala and
enabled her to become a precious gem in the necklace of Indian culture. There are three main religions in Kerala they are
Christianity, Hinduism and Muslim. Indian poets of eminence have showered their praises for the abundance of its Peppers,
the fragrance of its sandal and the wealth of its coconuts. No part of India is so widely known or has played so important
a part in world in history as Kerala.
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| Thrissur Pooram |
THRISSUR POORAM
Thrissur Pooram, the most colourful and spectacular temple festival
of Kerala is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medom (April-May). This year the Pooram is celebrated on 31st April and
1st May. Spectacular pageant of fully caparisoned elephants, sonorous percussion, quintet like Panchavadyam and Pandimelom
and grandiloquent fireworks give you innumerable moments to cherish. The splendour of this magnum feast can never be forgotten.
Come down to Thrissur and enjoy this cultural fiesta. Snap up the fabulous Divine Durbar and the fascinating "changing of
parasols" (Kudamattom). Or join the rasping crowds to cheer-on the panchavadyam and drum concert troops or count the stars
that are contrived when the fireworks floweret in the night sky.
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| Nehru Trophy Boat Race |
NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE
Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the annual water carnival at Punnamada
Lake in Alappuzha is considered as the biggest snake boat race in the world. The colourful boat pageantry, which precedes
the boat race, is a marvelous treat to the onlookers. The snake boats with 100 to 120 oarsmen plough the waters to the tune
of the legendary songs. Jawaharlal Nehru,the first Prime Minister of Indian who was enthralled by the charm and
gaiety of the water carnival instituted the Nehru Trophy. This boat race attracts a large number of tourists.
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| Kathakali |
KATHAKALI
A rich and flourishing tradition of dance drama can be witnessed in the
picturesque state of Kerala, a narrow strip of beautiful land running along the west coast of India. Here, in the night, the
drums roll, beckoning an audience to a most magnificent spectacle. Kathakali, a well-developed dance-drama, is a performance
where the actors depict characters from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata and from the Puranas (ancient scriptures). The
dancers adorn themselves in huge skirts and head-dress, wearing a most intricate style of make-up.Kathakali draws heavily from drama and
is danced with elaborate masks and costumes.
THIRUVATHIRAKALI
Thiruvathirakali is a
very popular dance form of Kerala, It is usually performed in connection with the Native festival called Onam and Thiruvathira.
The festival Thiruvathira comes in Dhanu Maasam (January). Thiruvathirakali is also called as "Kaikottikali".
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