KERALA God’s own CountryLocation * KERALA is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast * The state has an area of 38,863 km (15,005 sq mi) and is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the east and south and the Arabian Sea on the west. Few facts * Official language - Malayalam * Kerala is a popular destination for its Backwaters, Beaches, Ayurvedic tourism and Tropical greenery . * Highest literacy rate, life expectancy and highest sex ratio in India * Low infant mortality rate * United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organisation (WHO) designated Kerala the world's first 'Baby Friendly State. * Doctor patient ratio of 1:700 which resembles most of the European nations’ health facilities.Kerala Culture in the Indian background Cs \ Synthesis of Aryan & Dravidian culture a | —— * Composite and cosmopolitan * Unity in diversity * Cultural pluralism 4 Land of Ayurveda & Spices » * Kerala has the largest number of Ayurveda colleges and : | practitioners in comparison to any other place in the world * Kerala Ayurveda is famous for its 5 prolonged treatment, named ‘Panchakarma’ * One of the major spice shipping hubs for the globe since as early as 3000 B.C.Art formes KK va > choo SNS fran 3 | A LalArt and Craft in Kerala The art and craft of Kerala are a testament to its artistic mastery. Kathakali and Kalamkari paintings are famous for their vibrant colours and intricate detailing. Aranmula Kannadi, or metal mirrors, are handmade using a unique alloy that gives them a special reflective quality. Wood carving is another significant craft in Kerala, with artisans creating beautiful sculptures and furniture. When it comes to crafts, you can find brass items, Chinese ceramics, tin, bells, lamps, ete. The jewellery worn in Kerala is unique and is mostly made of gold. The necklaces that women wear are long and have a thick chain with gold pieces attached. These pieces are of various shapes and sizes, making them an important part of Kerala’s culture and tradition.Festivalscuisine of Kerala When it comes to Kerala’s culture and tradition, food plays a prominent role in this beautiful land. The cuisine of Kerala consists of a variety of non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes. Meat, fish, poultry, rice and vegetables are all part of the cuisine of Kerala. Coconut, spices, and rice rule the kitchen. People here love to cook with coconut in various forms, like coconut oil and coconut milk, which give the dishes a unique taste. Rice, the staple food, takes centre stage in most meals. It’s usually served with a variety of mouthwatering side dishes. These side dishes can be vegetable curries, spicy fish or chicken preparations, and they're packed with flavour - thanks to the generous use of spices like black pepper, cardamom, and cloves.Folk Dance and Music Kerala is known for its vibrant folk dance and music forms. People love to dance and have many different types of folk dances. One of the oldest dances is Kanniyar Kali, done in front of Goddess Bhagvaty. It’s fast and uses 2's Kaikotti devotional folk tunes. ‘Then ther Kali, where women dance in cireles during festivals like Thiruvathira and Onam. Women sing special Thiruvathira songs and dance gracefully in circles, clapping their hands. famous i Kuthiyottam Thiruvananthapuram nd is performed in temples in front of the deities. Four people join in this dance, singing Padapattu and Kalaripattu songs. The Thirayattom dance is performed during the Kavus festival. It involves torches, creating an exciting show. The Kuravas folk in Thiruvananthapuram perform Kakkarissi Kali, a dance filled with enthusiasm and drumming.Dappu Kal instrument known as the dappu, and dancers in even num pers switch sides. Kolkali is another dance form where men and women trom farming communities move in circles, clashing sticks together. Kalaripayattu is a swordplay da Kathakali is wear heavy stories throu for music, es} ance with graecful movements. ike a story play, where dance! costumes and makeup to tell gh dance. Kerala also has a love pecially Sopana Sangeetham and Carnatic music, which you can hear inside temples. It h forms as wel as some other popular dance like Ayyappan Vilakku, Parichamuttu Kali, Poorakkali and Sarpam Thullal.