Classical dance Kathakali is a classical dance form that originated in the state of Kerala in southern India. It is a highly stylized and expressive form of dance-drama that combines elements of dance, music, poetry, and acting. The name Kathakali is derived from two Malayalam words, Katha which means story, and ‘Kali, which means play. Thus, Kathakali literally means story-play. The origins of Kathakali can be traced back to the traditional art forms of Kerala such as Krishnanattam, Ramanattam, and Koodiyattam. These art forms were performed in temples and were based on stories from the Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Kathakali emerged as a distinct art form in the 17th century when it was performed by a group of actors known as the Kalluvazhi. Kathakali is known for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and intricate hand gestures known as mudras. The costumes are made of colorful silk and cotton fabrics and are adorned with gold and silver ornaments. The makeup is also elaborate and is used to represent different characters such as gods, demons, heroes, and heroines. The makeup is applied using natural dyes and is designed to highlight the facial features of the characters. Hand gestures or mudras […] read more

Historical Hubris And New Age Aura… ” Sheer temptation. For once You see Kollam, you would never want to go anywhere else, so goes the adage. such is the magic caress of her backwaters. The exhilaration of her wilds. The romance of her history. Succumb to the subtle seduction, Fall madly in Love..! ” Sometime in the tenth century, Common Era, when Kakasseri Bhattathiri defeated the great Tamil scholar Udananda in open debate the gave a culinary reason for his success. The aviyal, [ Avial is an Indian mixture of 13 vegetable dishes with origins in the Kerala region ] he gushed, is the flower of Kerala civilization and it refined the understanding and improved the complexion, was a cure for intestinal stasis and even soothed the pangs of unrequited love… History doesn’t record whether Udananda ever had a rematch with the Bhattathiri, either home or away, or whether he spent spies over to the Chera Country to smuggle out the relished recipe. Posterity does know, however, that it was during roughly this period that a distinct Kerala or Malayalee identity was born. A century of Chola-Chera conflict culminated in the breakup of Tamizhagam or the Tamil Empire. Kollam became the capital […] read more