The people of Kerala are a forward thinking lot, yet they like to retain their heritage and value their age-old culture. Malayalies celebrate festivals involving ancient customs and rituals. Fesivals are an occasion for family reunion and the people of Kerala celebrate it with gusto, as they form a community interested in remaining connected with their families. Not only the older generations but today’s youth too, irrespective of whichever part of the globe they happen to be in, are closely bonded with their family ties. The social and cultural background offers the base to the Malayaly to have his roots intact in his birthplace and give him a sense of belonging, as well as carry his culture with him wherever he goes.

The people of Kerala are proud of their culture, heritage and education. The malayaly lifestyle is a unique combination of traditional values and a modern mindset. The traditional costume of the malayaly male is the ‘mundu’ or plain dhoti worn around the waist with an’uthareeyam’ or a simple shawl thrown over the shoulder. During festivals and occasions, the two-piece attire is made grand with ‘zari’or golden border. Women generally wear the traditional ‘set mundu’ or two-piece outfit along with a blouse, which is worn basically like a sari sans the pleats in front. The Kerala ‘set sari’is another typical attire worn by the womenfolk, which is an off-white or cream -coloured sari, plain or with simple motifs, with coloured or gold border and an intricately designed ‘pallu’.

Kerala society is largely matriarchal, with women entitled to several rights and privileges that are denied to the fairer sex in many other states. The original inhabitants of the land were Dravidians comprising the ‘adivasi’ community with their pure and rich tradition of folklore, customs and traditions. Later on, the Aryans came down from the north and settled in the south, bringing with them their own variant culture and lifestyle. Thus a healthy intermingling of diverse cultures took place and these manifested in all aspects of life such as religion, art, cuisine, celebration etc.

A striking feature of the state today is the prevalence of communal harmony and sense of brotherhood among the various sections of the people who subscribe to diverse sets of principles, beliefs and practices. A large majority of the people are educated and endowed with a high degree of social and intellectual awareness. Kerala society is a heterogeneous, multi-ethnic, secular one. The state is rich in culture, cuisine and capabilities. The performing arts of Kerala which combines music, dance, theatre and mythology add to the state’s rich culture repertoire. The handicrafts, martial arts, boat races and literature of Kerala speak volumes about its glorious cultural tradition.

Culture in Kerala

Kadhakali	Ottamthullal	Thiruvathirakali

Margamkali	Kalaripayattu	Mohiniyattam