Kerala Culture

Kerala has a rich and interesting culture. With people from many communities and religions living in this small state along the west coast of South India, Kerala is a melting pot of cultural influences. Some of the major cultural events of Kerala are the Onam Festival, vishu,  the Temple festival at Thrissur, the annual Snake Boat Races at Alleppey and the festivals of Id and Christmas. Depending on the time of year you can see some of these celebrations on tours of Kerala with Kerala Backwater.

Some of the performing arts of Kerala, which form a part of the culture of Kerala are Kathakali, Kalaripayattu and Mohiniattam. There are many folk dances and routine styles in Kerala which include Theyyam - known for its fearsome masks and the trance like state of the performer, Thiruvathirakali - a graceful dance by women during Onam and Kaikotikalli a dance performed by women to celebrate a wedding.

The best known of Kerala's classical arts, which you can see on tours of Kerala with Kerala backwater are:

Kathakali is a classical dance form, which is very theatrical in its presentation. Depicting tales from the Indian epics, Kathakali is characterized by its elaborate costume, which takes hours for the performer to put on. A Kathakali performance is an enthralling sight,depicting the rich culture of the state.

Mohiniattam is also known as the dance of the celestial enchantress. This graceful classical dance is performed by women wearing the traditional white sari with a golden border that is characteristic of Kerala's culture. 

Kalaripayattu is a traditional martial art of Kerala. Practiced by the troops of the rulers of Kerala, this martial art involves exercises and fighting with swords, shields, sword belts and leaping and acrobatic movements, which has been a part of their culture.