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Kerala, the land of high literacy and development, is rich in green, fertile land; beautiful beaches with golden sand, and magnificent backwaters. Besides these, Kerala is blessed with a rich cultural heritage. The culture of Kerala sprouted as a combination of Aryan and Dravidian influences. In the later ages, the culture of Kerala was expanded by the contact with the neighbouring regions and overseas cultures, which also gave it more vibrancy.
The Dravidians, the ancient rulers of 'God's Own Country', had left a great cultural legacy, whose reflections are still very much evident in the customs and heritage of this fascinating land. Majority of the people in Kerala are Hindus. However, there are significant communities of Muslims and Christians.
The people of Kerala are simple, culturally inclined and traditional, with a love for feasts and festivals. Malayalam is the official language of Kerala. The people in Kerala are referred to as Malayalees. However, there are many English speaking communities in Kerala. According to the 2001 census, the state has attained a literacy rate of 90.86 percent, which is highest in the country.
The traditional costumes of Kerala are mundu and neriyathu, for both men and women. Saree and blouse also form the traditional costume of Kerala women. However, the men and women can be seen in the modern costumes in great numbers, such as jeans, trousers, T-shirts and churidar kurta for women, and jeans, trousers and T-shirts for men.
Kerala's cuisine is an integral part of its culture. Rice and fish are the staple food of Kerala. Due to abundance of coconut trees, coconut is the major ingredient in the daily meal. Seafood is very popular in Kerala. Coffee, tea and buttermilk are the popular drinks in Kerala. The dishes like payasam, sambar, rasam, puzhukku, puttucuddla and pulisherry are very popular in the state.
Kerala is world-famous for its performing arts, which is an interesting combination of music, dance, mythology and theater. The classical dances in Kerala are Mohiniattam and Kathakali. The traditional ritual arts in Kerala include Mudiyettu, Theyyam and Kummattikkali. The classical music in Kerala is based on raag-taal. It is popular for Sopanam. Music is an integral part of the daily life in Kerala. The traditional folk songs are sung on the social occasions such as childbirth and marriages. There are also some devotional songs such as Maripattu and Ayyappanpattu, which are rendered along with playing of the string and wind instruments. All of these colours the culture of Kerala with rich and vibrant hues.
Kerala is renowned for its carvings in rosewood and sandalwood. The sandalwood items, handlooms, metal work and woodcraft of Kerala are very popular. The state boasts its rich style of oil paintings. The use of henna to paint the body parts such as hands and feet gives unique identity to the state. Kerala boasts its singular art forms of floor paintings and drawings (Kalamezhuthu). The martial art forms are very popular among the tourists. Kalaripayutu, Parisa Kali, Valeru, Njaninmel Kali, Velakanni and Kunderu are the forms of ancient martial arts, which are still practiced in the state. The ancient medicinal system of Ayurveda also achieved its pinnacle of growth in Kerala, and this ancient practice is still carried out in Kerala with great authenticity.
Desserts
Kerala is known as the land of festivals. The people in Kerala are very social and the festivals are marked by the family get-together, joy and excitement. Onam is the most important festival in Kerala. At this time, the famous boat races are held in the state. Some of the popular Hindu festivals are Maha Shivratri, Navaratri, Vishu and Deepavali, which are also celebrated across the state, and not necessarily only by the Hindus. The Muslim communities in the state celebrate Bakri Id, Muharram, Miladi Sheriff and Ramadan. Kerala has significant Christian population. They celebrate Easter and Christmas. However, the popularity of Christmas is not confined among the Christians alone, but has a state-wide appeal.
Malayalam literature 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. The state has its own calendar known as the Malayalam calendar that is used to plan the religious and agricultural activities.
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