Heritages of kerala

Kalaripayattu

The martial art of Kerala "Kalaripayattu"-is regarded as one of the oldest and most scientific martial art in the world. Training is given in "Kalari" (training school). The training in martial arts begins with an oil massage to make the body agile and supple. Feats like "Chattom" (jumping), "Ottam" (running), Marichil (Somersault) etc are taught followed by lessons in the use of weapons like daggers, swords, spears, maces, bow & arrow and so on. Ostrich Tours

its ancestry to Bodhi Dharma - an Indian Buddhist monk and Kalaripayattu master. Kalaripayittu originated in ancient South India in the present day state of Kerala. Crafted in ancient South India drawing inspiration from the raw power and sinuous strength of the majestic animal forms – lion, tiger, elephant, wild boar, snake, and crocodile ... Kalaripayattu laid down the combat code of the Cholas, the Cheras and the Pandyas. Shrouded in deep mystery and mists of secrecy Kalaripayattu was taught by the masters in total isolation, away from prying eyes. Following the collapse of the princely states and the advent of free India – Kalaripayattu has lost its significance as a mortal combat code. In a Phoenix like resurrection, Kalaripayattu is today emerging in a new avatar – an ancient art form – a source of inspiration for self-expression in dance forms – both traditional and contemporary, in theatre, in fitness and in movies too.

KasavuMundu and Neryathu

are extremely light pure cotton handlooms edged with golden thread. The golden edging is sometimes touched with contrasting bright colours. They are worn as traditional saris or used as dress material. A Malayalee (Keralite) woman wearing the mundu and neryathu, with her long black oiled hair tied loosely and strung with a garland of Jasmine, is the very picture of elegance. The men wear the mundu around the loin and the neryathu around the shoulders.

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Murals

The temples and palaces of Kerala are invariable sagas of Hindu gods and goddesses and visual poems of their heroic deeds

Nettipattom

is crafted in with Three and a half kilograms of copper and three sovereigns (24 gms) of gold by a skilled clan of artisans. Nowhere in India is an elephant decorated so extravagantly

Thookuvilakku

etc are widely used in each and every house. A variety of bronze (Vellodu) is often used for making this and it has more alloy content of lead

Netturpetti

is shaped and chiseled by the hand. The wooden box is first varnished and then fixed with brass frames.

Aaranmula mirror

Only two master craftmen and their families still make them.

Jewellery

Irrespective of religion or caste, most women in Kerala wear gold ornaments and it forms an inevitable part of most religious and social occasions like marriages. The most outstanding piece of the Christian women's jewellery collection used to be the enormous ring worn on the upper ear lobe. Muslim women also have their distinctive ear rings, necklaces and elaborately designed articles for the waist (Odyanam).

The popular traditional ornaments are, gold necklaces like Manonmani, ilakkathali, Poothali, Palaykkamala, Mangamala, Dalamini, ChuttiyumChelum and Puliyamothiram. Ear studs like Jimikki, Kannuneerthulli, Thodaetc; Bangles like Kappu, stones, pearl and enamel painted bracelets etc. The ornament worn around the waist inside the dress is called Aranjanam which is usually a thin chain but those worn by the Muslim women like a 'belt' over their dress are called Odyanam.

PavithraMothiram

The PayyannurPavithraMothiram is a uniquely crafted golden ring shaped like a knot and considered to be a sacred ornament. The sole right to make this holy ring was vested in the hands of a particular family at Payyannur in Kannur district. This ring is believed to be a luck and grace to anyone who wears it with devotion.

Nilavilakku

and evening prayers. Lighting the nilavilakku on any occasion is believed to be auspicious

Musical Instruments

The folk field has a variety of instruments like pulluvanveena, pulluvankudom, udukku, tampattam, sooryappira, ampilivalayametc, which are selectively used in non-Aryan temple rituals and in religious songs and dances and also in some social ceremonies. The traditional theatrical and ritualistic musical instruments include chenda, chengala, maddalam, thimila, edakka, maram etc. and they assist the ritualistic and festive music of the Aryan temples and traditional dance dramas like koothu, kathakali etc.

Naalukettu

homestead where customs and rituals were a part of life.The mansion is created using wood and tiles, central open courtyard and wondrous architecture.The interiors of the house are tastefully decorated with a wealth of antiques made from teak, sandalwood, mahogany etc. The Nalukettu is flanked by out houses and utility structures. The ‘Padippura’ (a gabled gateway) serves as the entrance to the walled compound. This pattern of architecture became a standard feature of feudal Kerala. The enclosed courtyard or ‘Ankanam’ is usually sunk, and therefore called Kuzhi (pit) Ankanam.

Astrology

Astrology: or 'jyothisham' occupies a prominent place in the Vedangas, which is the most widely used knowledge base. It involves two parts viz: mathematics and prediction. The former involves astronomy and its calculations leading to the construction of a horoscope, which shows the relative planetary positions in the zodiac for any given time and place. The latter consists of making forecasts using the horoscope. The 'Nirayana' system is followed here. The commencement of the zodiac is at a fixed point which is about 180 degree from the star 'Chittira'. Indians have divided the zodiac into equal parts; each called a 'Rasi'.

In another type of division, there are 27 equal parts with the 13 degree 20' called lunar mansions or Asterisms ('Nakshathram' or stars). Astrological interpretations are made on the basis of relative planetary positions resulting from the placement of a planet in a particular division. Natal astrology is the most widely practiced & is concerned largely with the destiny of human beings, and makes predictions on the basis of time and place of birth and the relative positions of planets. At the time when a query is posed to the astrologer, a horoscope is built on the basis of a random mechanism. Predictions are then made on the basis of this horoscope. An important aspect unique to Kerala astrology is the use of the 'Gulikan' in specific astrological