Ground Report

Kerala has always been known for its spices that were taken to Europe by merchants in bulks. Another reason travellers have been coming here is its white, sandy beaches. In recent times, hill stations like Munnar have made the state popular among honeymooners. Palm-lined backwaters and the houseboats on them have also captured the attention of couples as have Ayurvedic therapies and luxurious resorts. One aspect, which is still relatively unexplored, is its native culture. To understand the beliefs and traditions of the locals with Kerala tour packages, vacations can attend these four performances.

Kodungalloor Bharani
Celebrated at Kodungalloor Bhagavathy Temple in Thrissur, the Kodungalloor Bharani festival gives an insight into the culture of tribals. During it, people, claiming to be oracles, swarm into the temple, wearing bright red clothes. They then run and dance around the courtyard, while wielding a sword on themselves. This mystical performance is believed to symbolise their spiritual union with god. To acknowledge this union, devotees hit the shrine walls with a stick, and also throw offerings on the roof and courtyard. It is celebrated in the month of Meenam as per the Malayalam calendar, corresponding to April or March.

Pulikali
Most famously performed on Swaraj Ground in Thrissur, Pulikali is a part of Onam. Its central figure is a tiger as the animal was considered the symbol of the military might by the former local rulers. The performance is done by men, with their entire body painted in black and yellow stripes, representing the physical features of the beast. On their bellies, a large face of a tiger or lion can be seen painted. The performers march towards Swaraj Ground in a procession, all the while shaking their bodies and dancing to the rhythm, maintained by drummers. To observe this fun and energetic event, Kerala packages can be picked for the month of September.

Pooram
Pooram, observed in March or April as per the local calendar, represents the assimilation of deities of North India into the South Indian culture. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is a major religious figure in the northern part of the country. Its highlight is the procession of elephants that are richly decorated with colourful umbrellas. The main elephant is the most brightly adorned as it carries the idol of the presiding deity of the temple, where Pooram is being observed. On the penultimate evening, lamps are lit, and the next morning, various dances are performed. The most famous Poorams are held in the shrines of Arattupuzha, Chinakkathoor and Peruvanam.

Patayani
Patayani is a type of ritualistic dance, done in the honour of Goddess Kali, worshipped in the state as Bhadrakali. The performance portrays the mythical story of the aftermath of the slaying of a demon by the goddess. In Neelamperoor, the ritual is accompanied with a procession of ornately decorated effigies of birds, Ravana and Bhima. During Kerala holidays, travellers can also witness such events in Kadammanitta, Kurampala, Kallooppara and Kunnamthanam.

These four events can be attended with Kerala tour packages to learn about the local culture.