Project Feasibility:

Cultural tourism in Kerala provides an opportunity to revive dying arts, crafts and art forms but
it also runs the risk of infusing commercialization, standardization, adaptation of tourist
demands and monotony into such aspects of local culture.

Kerala’s culture is mainly Dravidian in origin, deriving from a greater Tamil – heritage region
known as Tamilakam. Later Kerala’s culture was elaborated on through centuries of contact
with overseas cultures. Native performing arts are star tourism attractions; which include
Koodiyattom, Kathakali and its offshoot Kerala Natanam, Koothu, Mohiniattom, Thullal,
Padayani and Theyyam. Other arts are more religion – and tribal – themed and showcased
adeptly towards attracting, cultural tourists. These include Chavittu Nadakam, Oppana
(Originally from Malabar), which combines dance, rhythmic hand clapping, and ishal
vocalizations.

Kerala tourism must provide an opportunity to instill pride within communities on the richness
and diversity of their culture and it must never become a medium to exhibit or showcase
culture. This calls for sensitivity in what tourism promotes, how tourists behave and how the
destination is portrayed. Tourism, if promoted sensitivity, Kerala can also help bring back old
world charms of community cultural activities.

Protection and promotion of art forms:

Classical theatre arts as tourist consumer produce is exploited by a group of business people.
Tourists are given fake performances as if artificial Thrissur Pooram is organized forthe tourists.
These fake performances create negative impact. It destroys the artistic value.
Most of the art centre lacks the following objectives:

1. Try to present a sample piece rather than a sensational piece.

2. Cultural experience should be aimed at rather than “selling the art”.
3. Tourist operators should make in tie-up with a reputed cultural agency for presenting the art.
For instance, Margi’s services in this area is well respected.
4. Do not limit the propaganda that Kathakali is the only popular form. Present Kudiyattam,
Krishnanattam, Mohiniyattam and so on.

“The traditional assets of Kerala namely Koodiyattom, Krishnanattom, Kathakali,

Mohiniyattom and Thullal are not bonded with the common people to the effect it had in
the past”. Cultural tourism has the capacity to revitalize and strengthen the bond in various
dimensions as regards local domestic and foreign tourists. “Art forms of Kerala are getting
universal recognition which is a huge thing for the promotion of cultural tourism in the state.
An art centre which helps to teach, learn and practice art forms with tourist attractive
objectives will be a feasibile proposal for the decaying artforms in Kerala.
Statistical informations pertaining to tourist arrivals to Kerala show that tourists in large
numbers have come to Kerala in the past years mainly from European countries with a
predominant cultural motivation; a few staying back to learn performing art forms like
‘Kathakali’,‘Mohiniyattom’ and also the martial art form ‘Kalarippayattu’.

The various centres conduct training programmes on following classical arts.

• Kathakali: The spectacular dance drama of Kerala integrates dance, music, poetry, and
histrionics.

• Koodiyattam: Sanskrit drama performed in Kerala-the oldest existing classical theatre form in
the entire world, having originated much before Kathakali and most other theatrical forms.

• Thullal: This art is characterized by simplicity of presentation, wit & humour.

• Mohiniyattam: It is one of the gracefully elegant classical dance forms with lasya as the
predominant element.

Kalaripayattu is an ancient tradition of martial training and Discipline. Tourists are eager to
learn this powerful martial art which can be applied in many fields. Dancers, performing artists
and people who need flexibility of the body practice Kalarippayattu in order to make their
profession extra-ordinary and exemplary.

70 per cent of Kalaris follow northern style which concentrates on Martial arts. Northern style
can be divided into ‘Arappukai’, ‘Pillathangi’ and ‘Vattenthirippu’. ‘Kalaris’ in Kerala give priority
to Martial arts because it improves the physical fitness and treatment is only a secondary
activity. The southern style, invented by Agasthya Maharshi known as ‘Adimura’ and ‘Adithada’
was in prevalence in Kanyakumari and Thiruvananthapuram districts.

Ref: Sujatha M (MG University,research on health tourism)

Nearly three-fourth (73.6%) ‘Kalaris’ have both martial arts as well as treatment. Treatment
inside the ‘Kalaris’ started as a part of Kalari training.

Ref: Sujatha M (MG University,research on health tourism)

Establishment of Kalari is a costly affair. Government subsidy is not provided either for
promotion or renovation of Kalari. The reduction in the number of establishment of Kalari in
the last decade [2001-2012] from 84 to eight kalari is notable,So there is a need for more
kalaries in order to protect this art.