|
Sun kissed beaches of endless silver sands.
Blue green stretches of the serene backwaters.
The jungles and hills that whisper secrets of a little known land...
and the nature's symphony for the ears and a soothing balm for the mind
Kerala the southern most state of India took birth on 1st November 1956, long after Indian Independence on 15th August 1947. Beforehand it was three Independence provinces named Malabar, Cochin and Travancore. Kerala originally got its name after the first ruler, Keralian, who ruled one of these Independent provinces in the early Centuries.Kerala Stretch along from Gokarnam to Parasala with Arabian Sea as the border on one side. The other border is the western Ghat with the rich flora and fauna.
Kerala's major activity is agriculture. The major crops are paddy, coconut tree and Rubber. Kerala is rich in its greenery.
According to the Hindu mythology Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Mahavishnu (The God-Lord), created Kerala. Parasurama flung his "Mazhu" (a weapon) from Kanyakumari (cape comerin) to the sea and the sea receded to create the land Keralam.The modern Kerala is divided into fourteen Districts with Trivandrum as the State Capital. Kerala is the first place in the world where a Communist Ministry came into power by General Election in 1957.
This soil fertilised the spreading of religions in time to time. The majority of the people in Kerala are the followers of Hinduism. The Hinduism comes with the Aryans who invaded Kerala in the 5th Century. It is believed that Jainism and Buddhism were fast spreading in the 3rd BC. Christianity was introduced to Kerala by the arrival of St. Thomas - An Apostle - in AD 52. The trade between Kerala and Arabia led to the growth of Islam in the 6th Century. In the 10th Century the Jews were welcomed to this land and gave all rights and privileges by the King of that time.Now this entire people live in Harmony without interacting in one's religious beliefs. Mosques, Temples and Churches situating shoulder to shoulder is a fine example for Kerala's communal Harmony.
Keralites are famous for their hospitality. They are prepared to give their best for their guests. In the field of literacy Kerala boasts as the most educated. Kerala is the first state in India where 100% literacy is achieved. India's largest circulated daily newspaper is in Malayalam. Kerala gave birth to great philosophers, scholars, writers and Poets. The major form of food is rice. It is eaten with spicy curry less boiled vegetables (Thoran) and fish. Fish is one of the major non-vegetarian foods which is prepared in different styles. Another favourite seafood is prawn.
Kerala is famous for its own "Kathakali". Several unique features distinguish it. It is almost an all night performance in which two or three characters perform the whole show. The acting is done through facial expressions and hand gestures. It is a total art form of immense sophistication and power. The major forms of dance are "Ottamthullal" and "Mohiniyattam". "Kalarippayattu", the ancient martial art of Kerala is believed to be the forerunner of all martial arts. "Kalarippayattu" - combat training inside the "Kalari" - consists of self-disciplinary training and physical culture.
"Kalarippayattu" training aims at the ultimate co-ordination of mind and body. The trainees will be taught about the "marmas" or most vulnerable points in the human body. It also gives training to use arms such as spear, dagger, sword, shield etc. Kerala clings like a slim green leaf, to the base of the western mountains of India. Kerala is famous for its rich flora and fauna, which have not been completely assessed and recorded. Rare and valuable plants are found in "Agasthyakoodam" near Trivandrum. Kerala is the home of wide variety of birds and animals. One can see some of the best sights in Kerala's wildlife sanctuaries. The "Periyar" national park has got tigers, a large elephant population and a wide variety of birds. The "Silentvalley" National Park, Thattekkad bird sanctuary, Wyanad sanctuary, Peppara sanctuary, Peechi sanctuary, Parambikulam sanctuary and so on are a few of the excellent wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala.
Kerala's backwaters are a piece of beauty in the eyes of an outsider. Alleppey, one of the important tourist centers is called Venice of the East because of its intricate maze of backwaters, canals, and bridges. A trip in the backwaters in a country boat will take you to one of the finest Journey, in which you could see many beautiful sights and scenary. One of the greatest events in backwaters is the snake boat race. A number of boat races will be held in around Alleppey, mostly in the month of August and September. "Chundon Valloms" as these snake boats are called is ready with over hundred rowers to capture the crown for the fastest "Chundon Vallam".
"Ayurveda" is the ancient Indian health science developed through Centuries long research works of sages, who were eminent scholars. The term "Ayurveda" means the knowledge of life. According to "Ayurveda" human body is composed of three fundamental elements called "Doshas", "Dhatus" and "Mulas". The role of physicians is to understand the inbalance happened to these elements and to take necessary action to correct it to the original stage. An "Ayurvedic" doctor is making his patients healthy and not treating for the disease. "Ayurveda" gives special emphasize on prevention of diseases. Kerala has got a special type of Ayurveda treatment. These special treatments are "Pizhichil"(oil bath), "Navarakizhi"(rise bundle massage) etc., which are widely used for a number of diseases. Ayurveda is not merely a collection of effective drugs, herbs and remedies but is the essential knowledge of science of living. There are a number of renowned centers in Kerala.
|
