When it comes to South Indian breakfasts, Puttu and Kadala Curry holds a special place in the hearts of Keralites. Simple, hearty, and incredibly flavorful, this combination is not only a culinary staple in Kerala homes but also a cultural icon. Whether you’re a foodie exploring traditional Indian dishes or someone craving a healthy, plant-based…
Sadya (pronounced sah-dee-yah) is more than just a meal – it’s a cultural experience. Originating in the southern Indian state of Kerala, Sadya is a grand vegetarian feast typically served on a banana leaf during special occasions, festivals like Onam, weddings, and temple festivals. The word “Sadya” in Malayalam simply means “banquet,” but what it…
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Margamkali — one of the oldest surviving Christian folk dance traditions in India, blending faith, storytelling, and communal grace in a way few dances ever do. What Is Margamkali? Margamkali is a traditional group dance performed by the Syrian Christian community of Kerala, especially during weddings and church feasts. The word “Margam” means ‘the way’…
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In a dimly lit temple courtyard in Kerala, the air fills with the sharp beat of drums. Flames flicker. A performer, face painted red and eyes blazing, enters with a towering headdress swaying above him. The crowd gasps, children hide behind elders, and the battle begins — not with swords, but with rhythm, masks, and…
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On a scorching afternoon in Thrissur, the streets start to tremble — not with thunder, but with drumbeats. Suddenly, a wave of orange, yellow, and black comes charging through. Dozens of painted “tigers” leap and roar to the rhythm of the chenda, delighting the thousands gathered to watch. This is Pulikali — Kerala’s most outrageous,…
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In the shadowy night of a Kerala village temple, the air vibrates with the thunder of drums. Flaming torches light up enormous masks — some fierce, others hauntingly serene. Dancers, possessed by rhythm and spirit, stamp their feet in perfect sync with the chenda as the crowd watches in awe, caught between fear and fascination….
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What Is Thiruvathirakali? Thiruvathirakali is a traditional group dance performed by women in Kerala, mostly during the festival of Thiruvathira, which falls in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December–January). The word “Thiruvathira” refers to a star in the Malayalam calendar, believed to be sacred to Lord Shiva. The dance is a way for women to…
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Imagine standing under a canopy of trees in a quiet village at dawn. Drums pound louder with each beat. A man — or is it a god? — emerges, painted in vivid red and black, wearing a towering headdress and eyes blazing with something beyond human. This is not a performance. This is Theyyam —…
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When we talk about ancient theater, most people think of Greek tragedies or Shakespearean drama. But few realize that nestled in the temple halls of Kerala is a tradition even older — Koodiyattam. It’s the world’s oldest surviving Sanskrit theater form, and it’s not just a performance — it’s a cultural time capsule, a sacred…
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If Kathakali is Kerala’s thunder, then Mohiniyattam is its moonlight. Soft, slow, and flowing like a gentle river, Mohiniyattam is one of India’s most graceful classical dance forms — often described as poetry in motion. Less known than its male counterpart Kathakali, Mohiniyattam stands quietly in its own power, celebrating femininity, devotion, and beauty through…