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Authorized marketing agent of Kerala Tourism Development Corp.--- the official host to Kerala -God's Own Country --- |
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Shopping Options in Kerala |
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Owing to the abundance of forests and coconut groves in Kerala, wood, coir and coconut shells traditionally remain the base of such handicrafts. A whole range of souvenirs and trinkets are made from these. Artifacts made of teak, deep-wine rosewood and fragrant sandalwood may arrest your eyes while shopping in Kerala. Buffalo horn is also popular with Kerala artisans as a raw material for the handicrafts. |
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But the sea-fringed state of Kerala is also the land of spices. Since long past Kerala has carved a niche of its own in the global spice market for its rich flavored spices. Spices are used in medicines, preservatives, perfumes and above all in cooking. Do pick up some exquisite variety while shopping in Kerala. |
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Shopping in Kerala make for a delightful experience. The land is traditionally rich in handicrafts. The skilled hands of the artisans of Kerala crafted out a wide variety of objets d'art |
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Bronze Wares |
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The most famous bronze craft in India is the ancient statue of Nataraja (Lord Siva in dancing posture). But in Kerala bronze (bell metal or gun metal) popularly known as Odu is used for making small and big vessels, lamps etc. Huge wick lamps in different sizes and shapes like the Nilavilakku , Thookkuvilakku - hanging lamp, etc are widely used in each and every house.
The Valkannadi (literally tailed mirror) is representative of Lakshmi - the goddess of prosperity. Other pooja articles like the Kindi (water container of a particular shape with a sprouting nozzle), Uruli (wide shallow cooking vessel), Thattu (plates), etc are exquisitely crafted in bronze. Most of these are now only available in curio shops as collectors items. The originals are pretty expensive. The Malayalee kitchen once almost fully occupied with odu ware are now replaced by stainless steel, aluminium, ceramic and glass ware.
But even today for rituals and religious occasions 'Odu' wares are still used. A variety of bronze (Vellodu) is often used for making the uruli and it has more alloy content of lead.
The odu is cast mostly in northern Kerala. Places like Payyannur and Kunhimangalam in Kannur, Irinjalakuda in Thrissur, Pallippuram in Palakkad - are all in the northern regions and towards south Aranmula and Mannar in Alappuzha district have several bronze casting units |
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Replica of Chundan Vallom |
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Made of Anjili wood, the Chundan valloms or Snake boat of Kerala are over 24 to 36 metres long with raised sterns designed to resemble the hood of a cobra. These giant backwater wonders can accommodate up to 100 oarsmen.
Kerala has always had a wide range of ethnic boats which served various purposes of transportation. The most grandeous among these being the Chundan valloms. The boat races of modern Kerala have legends associated with them. When aristocracy was prevalent in the state, the rulers of the various kingdoms would be accompanied on their journeys by quite a few boats - each for a particular purpose like carrying food, clothes and vessels, servants, women, arms etc. These royal entourages, colourful processions were an exciting spectacle for the people. Once royalty moved out of the scene these processions became a ritualistic tradition to be kept alive. The modern boat races thus have become the sole occasions when most boats are used.
The first Chundan vallom dates back to the 9th century and used to accommodate upto 200 men on board. The early Europeans who came to Kerala called them 'Snake boat' because of its great length that resembled the 'Snake boats' of Norway.
Today, Chundan vallom miniatures have carved a niche for themselves in every home, as well as curio shops and handicrafts emporia across the State. Hundreds of villagers have made an occupation of making these models which are in great demand across the world.
The Chundan miniatures are seen with varied decorations - sandalwood or ivory fittings, brass buttons etc and are often modified as candle stands, pen stands, key holders etc. Prices range from less than a hundred rupees to a few hundreds depending on the size, the kind of wood and embellishments used. They are available at bargainable rates at fancy stores and for standard rates at government emporia across the State |
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Aranmula Mirror |
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Centuries ago the native craftsmen invented a mirror made of metal. The bronze ( odu) workers of Aranmula (Pathanamthitta district) specialize in making the world famous cast metal mirrors with handles known as the Aranmula Kannadi |
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Nilavillaku (Lamp) |
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The Nilavilakku is integral to all the rituals and ceremonies in a Malayalee's (Keralite) life. As dusk creeps in, young girls of the family bring the lighted lamps (nilavilakku) to the verandah of the house. In the flickering light of the nilavilakku she is joined by the children and elders of the family, especially the grandparents, in chanting hymns and evening prayers.
Lighting the nilavilakku on any occasion is believed to be auspicious. Huge nilavilakku play an important role at the presentation of various art forms since most of them are performed at night in the light of the traditional lamp.
You can buy one from a handicrafts emporium or a paathrakada (exclusive kada or shop for steel, copper and iron household utensils). |
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Nettippattom |
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The Keralites' love for gold is reflected even in the manner they adorn their favourite beast. The elephant, which is an integral part of any celebration here, is turned out in full regal splendour for any pageant or procession. The nettippattom (the glittering ornament that adorns the forehead of the elephant) is crafted in gold by a skilled clan of artisans. Nowhere in India is an elephant decorated so extravagantly, or so befittingly.
The making of the nettippattom: Three and a half kilograms of copper and three sovereigns (24 gms) of gold go into the making of a simple nettippattom. It takes not less than 20 days to craft this ornament which is priced between Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000. The size of the nettippattom varies with that of the elephant. An elephant of 9 to10 ft height would require an ornament of 60" - 66'' in length with at least 11 chandrakkala (crescents) on it.
The nettippattom is today made in Thiruvankulam village of Ernakulam district and the adjoining areas of Thrissur |
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Netturpetti (Jewel Box) |
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' Netturpetti', the ethnic jewel box of the Kerala woman was once a mark of the influential families of the land. The casket ( petti) originally designed in the Nettur region of Malabar is testimony of the patience and skill of the artisans who make it. The box usually made of rosewood is fully handcrafted. Every joint, every screw and lock is shaped and chiselled by the hand. The wooden box is first varnished and then fixed with brass frames. Today, this richly embellished box with its conical lid is a collector's item. Very few of the artisans remain and the casket is fast becoming a rare object |
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Sandal Wood Oil |
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Sandalwood oil, otherwise called the "liquid gold" is a popular perfume of the land over the years. Extracted from the roots and wood of sandalwood (Santalum album), the oil is a costly item marketed at a few choosy outlets all over the state.
Compared to the neighbouring states like Tamilnadu and Karnataka (especially the forests of Mysore), Kerala has less acres of sandalwood forests. We have it at Marayoor near Devikulam - a popular hillstation 149 km from Kottayam town - and a few forest areas in Wayanad hills.
Marayoor is the only place in Kerala with natural sandalwood forests. The sandalwood factory run by the Forest Department is of tourist interest. Less rainfall is suitable for the growth of best sandalwood trees from which good quality oil can be extracted.
An inevitable cosmetic of the elite, the sandal oil from the Karnataka Government gained a good market in Kerala over the years. Most of the handicrafts emporium in Kerala have this item for sale |
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Banana Chips |
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Chips are a favourite snack with people of all ages, all over the world. Anyone would be familiar with Pringles potato chips, Bahl-Sen flavoured chips and a variety of French fries. And no one would deny the fact that once they begin to eat chips they can never stop.
In Kerala, our exotic cuisine offers a rare variety of natural chips - without artificial colours or added flavours. We make chips from unripe bananas, jack fruits, tapioca, potatoes etc. You can find chips makers all over the State. These crisp, salty, deep fried thin slices of vegetables are also made in the houses and the most common is the banana chips.
Prices vary according to that of the cooking oil, (usually coconut oils), bananas, jack fruits, tapioca, potatoes and so on |
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Pulpaya (Grass Mat) |
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Smooth, cool, red and black designed, the traditional Pulpaya or grass mats of Kerala is one of the oldest hand woven products of the State. These mats have even found mention in the Atharva Veda (3500 - 1500 BC), one of the four Vedas (philosophical treatises of ancient India). Used to sit on as well as to sleep on depending on their size and shape, these mats were at that time used mostly by the elite when ordinary people used wooden planks to sit.
Woven out of the Korappullu, ( Cyperus corymbosus) a 91.5 to 152 cm tall species of grass belonging to the family of the Papyrus, these mats are designed in various colours. The Korappullu grows to its maximum height during August-September. The villagers collect them in bulk quantities, cut them into long thin strips and dry these for three days. These strips are then dyed by boiling the grass in water along with pieces of the bark of a tree called Chapangam ( Caesalpinia sappan). Usually it takes an entire day for one weaver to weave a Pulpaya of 183 cm length and 91.5 cm width.
The Pulpaya is a cool seating material and is widely used in the State during the summer even today. Other articles like bags, table mats, wall hangings, etc are also woven of this grass. An industry common in the Palakkad and Thrissur districts these mats and other articles have found a large international market. And they have been exported to Canada, Germany, the U.S, the U.K, Italy, New Zealand etc, for decades.
The Pulpaya has a market in the rest of India too, especially in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Calcutta.
Comparatively cheaper one mat may cost you rupees 45/- to 800/- depending on size, texture and design |
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Indian Cashew Nuts |
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A popular dry nut of God's Own Country, cashewnut kernels are either eaten raw or roasted and salted. For centuries a commercial export item of Kerala, cashewnuts are traditionally used for seasoning the sweet delicacies of the land's cuisine. It is said that cashewnuts were brought here by Portuguese traders.
The cashewnut tree ( Anacardium occidentale) is popularly called Parangi mavu in Malayalam and most of the cashew processing units in the state are concentrated in Kollam district.
The cashewnut tree grows 12 m high and are mostly found in the tropical temperate regions of the world like - India, Srilanka, Malayasia, Philippines, Brazil and Africa. The tree starts yielding by the third year of planting. During the eighth to the tenth year the fruit bearing capacity touches a maximum and the tree lives up to 30 to 40 years.
Cashewnut processing includes roasting, removing the shell, extracting oil from the shell, peeling the kernel, selecting and packing the nuts according to quality. The nuts are available in the market at prices that vary with quality and brand names |
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Paintings by Raja Ravi Varma |
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Raja Ravi Varma: The prince among painters and a painter among princes
Kerala's rich tradition of painting is rooted in its rituals like Kalamezhuthu (pictorial drawings on the floor) and the magnificent frescoes and mural art found in the old temples and churches here. Before the advent of paper and ink, palmyra leaf and vegetable dyes were used here. In modern times Kerala has attained international repute through the works of Raja Ravi Varma.
Prince Ravi Varma(1848-1906)of Kilimanoor Palace of Travancore perfected his skills even at a very early age. He learnt oil painting from Theodor Johnson, an English painter who was then staying at the palace.
Ravi Varma's paintings capture the subtle emotions and sublimity of physique of human characters and nature alike in a realistic manner.
The exquisite works of Ravi Varma are on display at the Sree Chithra Art Gallery. The gallery is located in the Napier Museum compound, Thiruvananthapuram city. It is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Mondays. The gallery also houses the works of Roerich and fascinating works in the Mughal, Rajput and Tanjore schools of art, pieces from the Ajanta and Bagh caves, and an oriental collection from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali.
Today, there are two major institutions in Kerala where painting is taught as a subject - The College of Fine Arts, Thiruvananthapuram and Govt.Ravi Varma Collegel of Fine Arts, Mavelikkara, Alappuzha district. The Ravi Varma school of fine arts was established by his son Rama Varma |
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Ramacham Vettiver |
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Ramacha vishari (literally fan made of Vettiver) and sleeping mats made of Ramacham and thailam or perfume extracted from its roots are a range of products used in Kerala since ancient times during the hot summer. Even though their purposes are 'better' served today by the modern electrical amenities, they still are luxurious ethnic items seen in Kerala homes.
Botanically Ramacham is Vettiveria zezanoides. The grass and its roots are used widely for medicinal purposes.
Usually water is sprinkled on the Ramacha vishari so that it gives cool perfumed breeze. Ramacham mats used as blinds would also be sprinkled with water to keep the rooms cool and soothing during the hot summer days.
The poor man's airconditioner, an indigenous device, is made using water, Ramacham roots, and an electric motor. The breeze from this contraption is not only fresh and cool, but also healthy. Bits of the roots of this plant are put in the earthen water pots to make the drinking water sweet. Drinking such water is believed to bring down the high body temperature quickly. It is also a common practice to spread dried Ramacham on the roofs and sprinkle them with water on summer evenings to cool the rooms below. |
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Cloves |
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A common spice of Kerala, clove are the dried floral buds of Eugenia caryophyllaeta. Keralites call it Grambu or Karayambu.
Clove is one of the key ingredient of 'garam masala' (spices in varying proportions roasted and powdered). Traditionally garam masala is prepared and preserved at home, but now masala in ready to use powder form is available under different brand names. Clove are also used to flavour sweets.
Clove are available in sealed packs, which can be preserved for years together, at any provision store in the state.
In addition to being a flavouring agent clove has medicinal value too. Clove oil is a balm for tooth ache - Even the crushed leaves of the clove tree give relief to tooth ache. Clove oil is also effective in the treatment of acidity and indigestion. Prices varies according to quality and seasons. |
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Fibrecrafts |
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Dolls as light as feather, mats, purses, bags, bangles, wall hanging, even parts of dresses... The list of handmade fibre articles is endless and is best left to the creativity of the craftsmen. A product of the cottage industry, these articles reach the cities from many hamlets across the state.
Usually white or flaxen, these fibres are obtained from plants like the banana (stem), Pineapple (leaves) etc. The soft, silky texture of the fibre gives a glazed finish to the products. These fibres are twisted, tanned and then dyed with pigments, before they are woven intricately into these numerous articles.
Fibrecraft articles are available in fancy stores, the SMSM Institute - a state owned handicrafts emporium at Thiruvananthapuram and are also sold by street vendors at different tourist destinations.
These articles are not too expensive and last a lifetime if used with care and kept in dust free environs |
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Kasavu Mundu and Kasavu Neryathu |
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Kasavu Mundu and Kasavu Neryathu, are extremely light pure cotton handlooms edged with golden thread. The golden edging is sometimes touched with contrasting bright colours. They are worn as traditional saris or used as dress material.
A Malayalee (Keralite) woman wearing the mundu and neryathu, with her long black oiled hair tied loosely and strung with a garland of Jasmine, is the very picture of elegance. She hardly uses any facial make-up other than the bindi on the forehead and kajal on her eyes, not to mention the gold ornaments which are her passion. The combination is unique to this land and gives an attractive but natural look. The men wear the mundu around the loin and the neryathu around the shoulders |
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Payyannur Pavithra Mothiram |
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The Payyannur Pavithra Mothiram is a uniquely crafted golden ring shaped like a knot and considered to be a sacred ornament. The sole right to make this holy ring was vested in the hands of a particular family at Payyannur in Kannur district. This ring is believed to be a luck and grace to anyone who wears it with devotion. |
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Uru or Dhow Models |
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The Uru or dhow was the traditional Arabian trading vessel. Once the Arab traders discovered wealthy Kerala, her solid timber, skilled craftsmen and her native technology centuries ago, they shifted their dhow construction to Malabar (northern Kerala).
Beypore in Kozhikode district, the most important harbour in the region, thus became the centre for ship building. The industry thrived here until recently when iron and steel took over as the best material for construction.
Urus were gigantic vessels, created meticulously by nailing together well planed planks of timber. It took a team of fifty men at least four years to complete a vessel.
Today, not many vessels are launched from Beypore and the artisans have taken to crafting little wooden models of their gigantic masterpieces. These four inch to eight foot 'Model Vessels' crafted out of teak wood would cost you anything from Rs.180/- to Rs. 25,000/-.
Fancy artefacts like the models enclosed in bottles are more popular and priced between Rs. 125/- and Rs. 500/-. |
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Pepper |
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In Kerala pepper is cultivated in a mixed crop environment. In Wayanad, pepper is planted amongst coffee plantations, and cultivated on a large scale. Pepper is also a main item in most kitchen gardens of Kerala.
The spice-scented shores of Kerala have beckoned traders from time immemorial, and its allure continues to hold sway even today. The spices trade still dominates the commercial transactions of the State. India, the world's largest exporter of spices, realises three fourths of its total output from the rich plantations of Kerala.
Kerala's spice trade with Babylon and Egypt can be traced back to the 3rd millennium B.C. Cinnamon from Kerala was used in embalming the dead bodies of the Pharaohs and in the manufacture of perfumes and holy oils. King Solomon of Israel (1000 B.C) is recorded to have sent his ships to Kerala for spices. Cinnamon from Kerala first found its way to the Middle East through the Arabs. |
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Sandal Wood Figurines |
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They are a little expensive, but they carry with them the fragrance and memories of a rich land. The sandalwood sculptures of Kerala are popular souvenirs : icons of Ganapathy - the elephant headed god, the trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, little snake boats, elephants...
Handicrafts emporia across the State offer a range of such sculptures in sandalwood. A sample of our craftsmen's skills, these artefacts capture the expressions, features and proportions of the subject, the golden colour of the wood adding to the richness. Sandalwood retain its fragrance for years, a sprinkling of water on the article can perfume your room for days together.
Price varies with the size and complexity of carving. You can pick one up for anything from Four hundred rupees onwards |
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Cardamom |
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Spice trade in Kerala dates back 7500 years. The Spice Coast of Malabar has found mention in ancient travelogues. And if chilli and pepper have been the hot favourites across time, the cardamom of Malabar is considered the best in the world. In fact, today only cardamom from Kerala is used for any medicinal purposes in the West.
Cardamom ( Elettaria cardamomum), apart from its medicinal qualities, has a pleasing flavour and aroma that makes it a chief condiment for tea, cool drinks, confectionaries and sweetmeats, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. At 750-1000 m above sea level the wooded Western Ghats are the home of the cardamom. The hills of Idukki district, which is the main cultivator of the spice, are called Cardamom Hills.
India is the world's largest producer of cardamom and Kerala contributes the lion's share. Commonly used in the state (and in the country), cardamom is available at all provision stores, super markets and state owned emporia across the country. Though the standard price is around Rs. 500/kg to Rs. 600/kg it may vary depending on quality |
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Mural Paintings |
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Kerala stands next to Rajasthan in having the largest collection of murals based on puranic (ancient Indian mythology) themes. The murals of Kerala bear the stamp of uniqueness in aesthetic composition and techniques. Most of these were painted between 15th and 19th centuries, many even date back to the 8th century AD.
The temples and palaces of Kerala are invariable sagas of Hindu gods and goddesses and visual poems of their heroic deeds. It took a lot of dedication and devotion to create these visual wonders. The pigments, gum, brushes etc are all taken from plants or natural minerals. Frequently used pigments in Kerala are saffron-red, saffron-yellow, green, red, white, blue, black, yellow and golden yellow.
If you are a serious student of this art, here are a few destinations which you should not miss while in Kerala.
The oldest murals of Kerala are found in the Thirunandikkara Cave temple now a part of Kanyakumari district of the neighbouring state of Tamilnadu.
The largest mural panel in Kerala - the Gajendra Moksha - is at Krishnapuram Palace near Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district. Extensive murals depicting scenes from the Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Bhagavatha are preserved at the Mattancherry Palace, Ernakulam district. The murals of the Shiva temple in Ettumanoor provide insight into the earliest forms of Dravidian mural art.
If you are not satisfied just seeing them, then stop by at the Vasthuvidya Gurukulam , Parambarya Thachu Sastra Chuvarchithra Samrakshana Kendram, Aranmula, Pathanamthitta, Kerala. You could buy one at Rs.2000/- per sq.ft. depending on the complexity of the picture and its size. But make sure that you specify the size and theme when you order it.
If you're still unsatisfied, you could travel to the Mural Institute, Guruvayoor Devaswom, East Nada, Guruvayoor, Thrissur district, north Kerala, where you can train yourself in the art |
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Gold Ornaments |
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The Keralite's love for gold can be traced back to very ancient days itself. Even from those days each community or caste had its own traditional designs of ornaments which were made specially by the family goldsmith. But the modern days see an entirely different trend. The boom in the fashion industry has brought all these - the traditional designs and the modern patterns under one roof, the jewellery shops.
Irrespective of religion or caste, most women in Kerala wear gold ornaments and it forms an inevitable part of most religious and social occasions like marriages. The main ritual in the Kerala wedding ceremony is the thaalikettu, the tying of the sacred nuptial thread on which is stringed the 'thaali' - a tiny leaf shaped gold plate, which marks the sacred bond of marriage. The Christians have a little cross engraved on the 'thaali'.
The most outstanding piece of the Christian women's jewellery collection used to be the enormous ring worn on the upper ear lobe. Muslim women also have their distinctive ear rings, necklaces and elaborately designed articles for the waist (Odyanam).
Gold ornaments are made in almost all parts of the state. Thrissur in central Kerala has always been a shopping paradise for traditional gold jewellery. The jewel street in Thrissur is famous for having the maximum number of jewellery shops on a single lane.
The popular traditional ornaments are Payyannur Pavithra Mothiram (ring), gold necklaces like Manonmani, Ilakkathali, Poothali, Palaykkamala, Mangamala, Dalamini, Chuttiyum Chelum and Puliyamothiram. Ear studs like Jimikki, Kannuneerthulli, Thoda etc; Bangles like Kappu, stones, pearl and enamel painted bracelets etc.
The ornament worn around the waist inside the dress is called Aranjanam which is usually a thin chain but those worn by the Muslim women like a 'belt' over their dress are called Odyanam. These Odyanams are usually broad and have intricate designs |
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Natural Coir Products |
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Simple and elegant, the beautifully crafted coir products of Kerala give an aesthetic touch to any home or office. Crafted by the women of the picturesque coir villages of the land of coconuts, the innovative range of products include mats, rugs, wall hangings, door pieces, bags, hammocks, ceiling/floor furnishing, beds, cushions, little show pieces, blinds...
Made from the husk of the coconut, coir craft is a long drawn out process. First the coconut husks in huge quantities are left to decay in the backwaters surrounding these villages. Once the softer parts decay and only the fibre remain, it is collected and woven into ropes on indigenous machines. These are then dyed and meticulously crafted to fill orders.
Most of the coir industry is concentrated in the Kollam and Alappuzha districts. Over four hundred thousand people, of which nearly 84 percent are women, are engaged in coir making, one of the traditional industries still surviving, in Kerala.
You can pick up these coir products from the showrooms of the Kerala State Cooperative Coir Marketing Federation (Coirfed) across the country. http://www.coirfed.com, the Coirfed site on the internet offers facilities to choose or contribute designs and to place your orders. These environment friendly articles will be shipped to you within days of receiving your orders. Prices range from less than a hundred rupees to a few thousands depending on the texture and size of the article ordered |
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Replica of Caparisoned Elephant |
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The more you come to know about our festivals the more you become familiar with phrases like 'caparisoned elephants', 'coloured parasols' etc. In Kerala, the elephant is a part of our lives and almost every house has at least one. You can carry one home in your trunk too. Our craftsmen are skilled at carving out little elephants in wood and stone, and decorating them with little mirrors, beads and embroidery to make them look like the actual caparisoned tusker.
Kerala is famed for its carvings, cast bell metal work, jewellery, granite idols, pillars, coir, coconut shell and sea-shell products, carvings in wood (especially rosewood or sandalwood), snake boat models and other figurines. Each of these crafts is confined to select regions. Craftsmen in Thiruvananthapuram make rosewood elephants besides conch and sea shell articles like paper weights and lamp shades. The actual caparison and decorations for elephants, and other festival paraphernalia are made in Thiruvankulam in Ernakulam district and the adjoining areas of Thrissur.
You can walk into any handicrafts emporium at the tourist destinations in the State and pick up the article of your choice. The SMSM Institute, a state owned emporium in Thiruvananthapuram is the most sought out outlet for such handcrafted items |
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Seafood |
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Shrimp, cuttlefish, squid and quite a few other fish from Kerala have found a large global market. The land blessed with rich inshore fishing areas yield commercially important varieties like oil sardines (mathi chala), mackerel (ayila), prawn (chemmeen) and silver bellies (mullans).
With a 36,000 sq km marine water spread and 3600 sq km of inland water bodies comprising 44 rivers, lakes, estuaries, backwaters, canals and fishfarms, Kerala is the largest fish landing state in India. The land has a maximum marine resource potential of one million tonnes annually.
Canned seafood from Kerala is a favourite in markets like South East Asia, West Europe, Japan and the USA. Japan has been for many years the single largest consumer of Kerala's marine export.
A third of the State's fish landing comes from Kollam, especially Neendakara, an old sea port on the Arabian sea coast. Kollam has 24 inland fishing villages. Moving towards central Kerala, Alappuzha, popularly known as the Venice of the East, is also a great contributor to the large fish harvest. Kochi, the Queen of Arabian Sea, has a large concentration of seafood export companies.
Kasaragod with its 80 km long sea coast has several fishlanding centres. Kannur district, also in northern Kerala, has an 82 km coast line which offers vast potential for the fishing industry |
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Kathakali Models |
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Kathakali has become synonymous with Kerala and a Kathakali mask or model is today considered representative of Kerala. Little models of the artform or its mask cast in plaster of paris or carved out of wood are popular souvenirs. The Kathakali puppet is a rich representation of the Kathakali vesham (costume) and varies in size from small curios to huge statues.
Kathakali, the 300 year old classical dance drama, involves mime, mudras and musical accompaniments and is based on mythology.
Capturing the human as well as super human characteristics, the Kathakali costumes and make up strictly follow certain representational rules.
The headgears and paint on the face vary for different characters. The costumes are distinct from other artforms in their billowing umbrella skirts, full sleeve blouses, heavy ornaments and large headgears.
The Kathakali puppet models have all these specifications. These models are readily available in handicraft emporiums across the state, and can be made to order in certain villages were the craftsmen live.
Orders for custom made models can be placed at the government owned handicrafts emporium SMSM Institute in Thiruvananthapuram. Here you get these articles for a standard price |
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Hay Art |
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The backwaters and the evening sky, vallomkali (boat race), village fairs and festivals, huts and hamlets, hills and valleys... all the spellbinding sights of Kerala are captured and given life in straw art. This peculiar craft of pasting straw cut to different sizes on cloth or canvas to create images is called vaikkol chritrangal (straw picture).
A popular cottage industry, straw pictures find a good market during festivals like Onam, Christmas, New Year etc. in the form of greeting cards. These greeting cards are comparatively less expensive than others in the market.
The vaikkol craftsmen are mostly villagers. Hence the simplicity of the villager, his thinking and aesthetic sense is very much reflected in these pictures. Huge wall hangings sometimes made even two dimensionally are also available. These finely crafted works of art, the elegant and innovative straw pictures, are available throughout the year in handicraft emporia all over the State |
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Trivandrum
The Capital city of Kerala. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give |
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Kovalam beach
The Kovalam beach situated 16 Km. south of Trivandrum city, is one of the best beaches in India. It's a must see |
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Poovar beach
Poovar is one among the natural wonders where the Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet the land. A rare find in Kerala, the |
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Kochi (Cochin)
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land |
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Munnar hills
One of the most popular hill stations in India is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, |
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Thekkady wildlife
The pride of Kerela and a testimony to nature's splendor and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated |
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Varkala beach
Varkala is a seaside tourist resort and spa. A small town 55km north of Thiruvananthapuram, it is also an important |
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Alleppey backwaters
Alappuzha ( Alleppey ) is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains |
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Kumarakom backwaters
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the |
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Wayanad hills
Bedecked among the High Ranges of the Western Ghats Wayanad district which lies between 700 to 2100 metres mean |
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Bangaram Islands
Located 29 km north-west of Thrissur District in God's Own Kerala, Guruvayur is one of the most important pilgrimage |
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Agattii Islands
One of the world’s most spectacular tropical island systems, Lakshadweep is tucked away at 220-240 kms. Off the |
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