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Kerala is known for its rich cultural heritage, which is evident in the art forms that are unique to this region. These art forms have been passed down through the generations, and continue to play an important role in the lives of Kerala’s residents. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most well-known traditional art forms of Kerala, as well as the ritual art forms that are specific to this region.
Cultural Heritage of Kerala Art Forms
Cultural Heritage of Kerala Art Forms: Kerala is known for its rich cultural heritage, which is evident in the many art forms that are unique to the region. These art forms play an important role in the everyday life of Kerala’s residents and reflect the region’s unique history and culture.
Traditional art forms of Kerala
Kerala is also home to a variety of traditional art forms that are used for everyday purposes as well as ritual ceremonies. These Kerala art forms are deeply rooted in the cultural history of the region and reflect the unique aesthetic sensibilities of the people of Kerala. Some of the most popular traditional art forms of Kerala include
Pattachitra:
Pattachitra is a traditional painting style that originated in the state of Odisha but is also popular in Kerala. The paintings are typically made on a cloth canvas and depict religious or mythological scenes.
Tholpavakoothu:
Tholpavakoothu is a traditional form of shadow puppetry that is popular in the Malabar region of Kerala. The puppets are made out of buffalo hide and are illuminated by a lamp placed behind them, casting shadows on a white screen.
Theyyam:
Theyyam is a traditional dance form that is popular in the North Malabar region of Kerala. The dancers wear elaborate costumes and masks and perform in front of a sacred fire.
Kolam:
Kolam is a traditional form of floor painting that is popular in the Tamil region of Kerala. The paintings are typically geometric designs that are meant to bring good luck.
Nangiar Koothu:
Nangiar Koothu is a traditional form of dance-drama that is popular in the Tamil region of Kerala. The plays are performed by women and tell stories from Hindu mythology.
Theeyattu:
Theeyattu is a traditional form of martial arts that is unique to Kerala. The art form combines dance, music, and combat and is often used to celebrate major life events.
These are just a few of the many traditional art forms that are unique to the region of Kerala. These Kerala art forms play an important role in the cultural life of the people of Kerala.
Ritual art forms of Kerala
One of the most distinctive aspects of Kerala’s cultural heritage is its ritual art forms. These ritual art forms of Kerala are used to celebrate major life events, such as births, weddings, and deaths, and often involve complex ceremonies that can last for several days.
Pulikali:
One of the most famous ritual art forms of Kerala is Pulikali or the Tiger Dance. This dance is performed during the Onam festival, which celebrates the harvest season. The dancers dress up as tigers and perform a lively dance that is accompanied by music and drums.
Margam kali:
Margam kali is a ritual art form that is often performed during weddings. It involves a team of dancers who perform traditional dances while wearing elaborate costumes.
Kathakali:
Another popular ritual art form of Kerala is Kathakali, which is used to dramatize traditional Hindu stories. Kathakali performances are often very elaborate, with dancers wearing heavy makeup and costumes.
Thiruvathira:
Thiruvathira is a traditional dance form that is popular in Kerala during the winter months. The dance is performed by women and is said to be based on the story of the Hindu goddess Parvati.
Chakyar Koothu:
Chakyar Koothu is a traditional form of storytelling that is popular in Kerala. Storytellers, known as chakyars, recite traditional Hindu stories with the help of acting and hand gestures.
Kalamezhuthu:
Kalamezhuthu is a Kerala ritual art form in which the deity’s shape is drawn on the floor with five different colours of powder. Many groups in Kerala practise this, and it is a part of many ritual practises. Kalamezhuthu and Pattu are performed to appease the gods and keep bad luck at bay. It is performed in Bhadrakali (Mother Goddess) temples during festivals and on special occasions in SarppaKavu (snake groves) and AyyappanKavu (temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa).
Panna:
Paana is a ritualistic art form in Kerala that is practised to appease the goddess Bhadrakaali. Paana comes in two varieties: Kalipaana, which lasts for a day, and Kallipaana, which lasts for both a day and a night. Ponnani, Ernadu, Kochi, Thrissur, and Palakkad are among the locations where this ritual art form is popular.
64 poles carved from the Paala tree support a temporary thatched tent or canopy (Panthal) ( Alstonia scholaris). The panthal will be ornamented with soft palm fronds and a plantain tree with a lot of fruits in the future (kulavazha).
Conclusion
Kerala is a state in southern India that is known for its rich cultural heritage. This heritage is reflected in the art forms that are unique to the region. From traditional dance and music to painting and sculpture, there are many art forms that define Kerala’s culture. Many of these art forms have been passed down from generation to generation, and they continue to play an important role in the lives of the people of Kerala. Students who want to learn more about this fascinating part of Indian culture should visit Kerala and experience its unique art firsthand.
