Kerela is a wonderful bouquet of several natural and artificial treasures. Beside these alluring charms, Kerala is also famous for its distinct and unique culture, which is an amalgamation of Aryan and Dravidian influences. But, with gradual passage of time, culture of Kerala has expanded as it comes in contact of the neighboring regions and overseas culture. These things has added more vibrancy to Kerala’s culture. The Dravidian people who are considered as the ancient rulers left great cultural legacy whose reflection are still visible in every aspect and corner of Kerala.
Life style of Keralites:
Keralties are very simple, culturally inclined and traditional people. Nearly half of Kerala’s people are dependent on agriculture alone for income. Some 600 varieties of rice, along with tea, coffee, rubber, cashews and spices are produced in the state. Keralites are also employed in traditional industries like coir, hand looms, and handicrafts.
Language:
Malayalam is the official language of Kerala, due to which people of the state are known as Malayalees. However, Keralites people are also well versed in English, Kannad and Tamil.
Cuisines:
Cuisine is an integral part of any culture. Rice and fish are the staple food of Keralites. They love to include coconut in their every cuisine. Seafood is also very popular among the non-vegetarian people. Some of the famous cuisines of Kerala are like payasam, sambar, rasam, puzhukku, puttucuddla and pulisherry. To satisfy their thirst or to refresh themselves, Keralites people loves to drink coffee, tea and buttermilk.
Costumes:
Mundu and Neriyathu is the traditional costume of Kerala, which is worn by both men and women. Along with this, Keralite women loves to wear, saree-blouse and Churidar-Kurta whereas men wears jeans, trousers and T-shirts.
Religion:
Hinduism is the major religion of Kerala. However, significant number of Muslims and Christians people are also resides in Kerala.
Fairs and Festivals:
Kerala is known as the land of festivals. Keralites people love to immerse themselves in feasts and festivals as these marked as family get-together. Onam is the main festival in Kerala. On this occasion, various famous boat races are held in the state. Other popular Hindu festivals are Maha Shivratri, Navaratri, Vishu and Deepavali, which are also celebrated in the entire state, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Muslim people celebrates Bakri Id, Muharram, Miladi Sheriff and Ramadan. Kerala also has significant population of Christians. They celebrate Easter and Christmas.
Art and Crafts:
Kerala is enriched with various forms of art and craft. It is well known all across the globe for its performing art which is a blend of music, dance, mythology and theater. Performing art of Kerala can be classified into classical dance and music, folk dances, martial art etc.
Dances: Mohiniattam and Kathakali(classical dances), Pulikalli and Theyyam (folk dances),
Music: Carnatic music (classical music), Sopanam Sangeetam (devotional music), Instrumental music.
Martial Art: Kalarippayattu, Thaduthuthallu, Vadipayattu
Literature:
Malayalam literature is also a vital part of Kerala culture. It has an ancient heritage and a modern thrust. In the second half of the 20th century, Jnanpith awardees like S. K. Pottekkatta, G. Sankara Kurup and M. T. Vasudevan Nair have enriched the Malayalam literature with their commendable piece of works. The state has its own calendar known as the Malayalam calendar that is used to plan the religious and agricultural activities.
