Kerala Arts, Crafts & Ayurveda
u
Arts and Crafts
Kerala specializes in bell metal, wood, cane, fibre and coconut shell craft.
Kathakali models in wood, painted in the vibrant colours of the art form are
popular souvenirs, as are rosewood elephants, miniature models of snake
boats, baskets, trays and furniture made of cane, coconut shell cups, vases
and spoons.
Necklaces and bead curtains fashioned out of sea shells, bell metal lamps and sculptures, exquisitely crafted jewellery boxes, incense burners, betel boxes, nutcrackers, screwpine articles, lacquerware, terracotta, wooden toys and dolls, intricate gold jewellery appreciated by women of taste all over the worlds.
The Aranmula kannadi, the unique metal mirror craft of Kerala has no parallel in the world.
u
Classic Performing Arts
The tradition of classical arts in Kerala dates back over a thousand years.
Koodiyattam, a dance-drama associated with temple rituals is perhaps the
oldest of these. The temple arts are usually performed in the Koothambalam
(temple theatre).
Kathakali, popular as the art form of Kerala has been referred to as ‘the first theatre of imagination’ of the world owing to its elaborate costumes, ornaments and facial make-up.
Mohiniyattom, the dance of the enchantress, reflects the graceful nature of the land.
The movements of the dancer have been compared to the palms swaying in the gentle breeze and the sweeping waves, which are so much a part of Kerala’s lush landscape.
Thullal, another classical art form is social satire at its best, and keeps the audience in a constant state of merriment. Ottanthullal, Parayanthullal and Sheethanganthullal are the three different forma of Thullal.
u
Folk Performing Arts
Kerala has a rich repertoire of folk performing arts, folk songs and folk
drama reflecting man’s overpowering rapport with nature and his constant
desire for communication with the unknown.
The tribal people of Kerala, adivasis (the first native people), keep alive a folklore tradition in the eco- friendly life they lead and the natural pharmacy they practice.
Theyyam, Thira,Mudiyettu, Kaduvakali, Velakali, Kakkarissi Natakom, Chavittunatakam, Margamkali, Kolkali, Parichamuttukali, Bhadrakalipattu, Pulluvanpattu, Thiruvathirakali and so on are only a few of Kerala’s folk art form. Many of them began as temple ritual arts.
Theyyam exists in four hundred different forms. The brilliantly painted masks worn by the artistes of Theyyam, Padayani and so on are fine examples of the crafts of Kerala. The masks and head gear of Theyyam symbolize social consciousness and a sense of morality.
The best time to enjoy the performing arts of Kerala is during January and February, the time of temple festivals.
u
KALARIPAYATTU
Kalaripayattu the martial art the form of Kerala is regarded as the oldest
and most scientific in the world.
Training in combat is given at the kalari (Training school). The principles of kalari education stipulate that training in martial arts should begin with a full-body oil massage, which makes one's body agile and supple. Feats like Chattom (Jumping) , Ottam (Running) , Marichil (Somersault) etc. are then taught, followed by lessons in the use of weapons such as daggers, swords, spears, maces, the bow and arrow and so on.
Kalaripayattu training aims at the ultimate co-ordination of the mind and body. The traditional training in a Kalari includes specialisation in indigenous medical practices too. Kalaris are also centres of religious worship. The general guidelines to be followed in Kalaripayattu demand that once the course is complete, a person should undergo oil massage and engage in the practice of the feats at least once a year to help him keep in shape.
u
AYURVEDA
Harmony of body, mind and soul
Ayurveda evolved around 600 BC in India. This system of medicine stresses on
the prevention of body ailments in addition to curing them. Today, it’s a
unique, indispensable branch of medicine – a complete natural healing system
that depends on the diagnosis of your body’s humours- vata, pitta and kapha
– to achieve the right balance.
Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole. Ayurveda offers a natural way to eliminate imbalances, rejuvenate human body and maintain optimum health.
Kerala, the land of Ayurveda
Kerala's geography and climate is aptly suited for Ayurvedic treatments.
Kerala’s equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of
herbs and medicinal plants) and the cool monsoon (June – November) make
perfect background setting for Ayurveda’s curative and restorative
packages.
In fact, today,
Kerala is the only State in India, which practices this system of Ayurvedic
medicine with absolute dedication.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |












