Local traditions and culture in State of Kerala

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East fort got its name from the eastern entrance to the fort built by the Kings of Travancore. The old city was all inside the fort on four sides with the Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple at the center. It is said that there were huge metal gates on this entrance to the Fort which was decorated with the symbol of a conch, which was the isignia of the Royal Family of Travancore.

Sri Padmanabha swami temple is situtated inside this fort. Kuthiramalika Palace museum, built by His Highness Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, Maharaja of erstwhile Travancore.

Gandhi Park is situated in front of the fort, which is famous for hosting socio-politico gatherings. Gandhi Park has been completely remodelled with modern urban landscaping, and is a popular spot for a relaxing stroll or time-out. The Gandhi Park provides a maginificient view of the entrance to the East Fort which is lit up.

The Ganesha temple, Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple, is also situated at the East Fort.

It is from the East Fort that one enters the Chalai Bazaar (Market), which was the main business center of Travancore. Gold, Flowers, Iron and Steel, Fruits and Vegetables to Cars and Computers, this is one spot where you get everything. The central road is over 2 km long.

AYURVEDA

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Useful Drugs

Ayurveda is a branch (Upaveda) of Atharvana Veda which deals with natural curing of diseases, including chronic. As the name 'Ayuh' suggests it denotes the lifetime of a man and suggests remedies to increase his span of it. It is our ancestral treasure and the oldest existing health care and is a heritage of India.

We Indians ought to be proud of this Ayurveda which dates back to thousands of years ago when even script or means of publication were not invented. India is a land of sages which is rich in treasures of innumerable varieties of wonderful herbs.

The Vedic Rishis used to depend on fruits and natural vegetation. Their power, wisdom, knowledge of nature and personal experiences led to the invention of Ayurveda. The Bharatiya Rishis of yore viewed the miracles of herbs and passed it on to future generations as Ayurveda. Recognising the medicinal properties of natural vegetations, our Acharyas propounded detailed principles in Ayurveda which are proving irrefutable in this advanced age of science.

In the history of Ayurveda, there is mention of two brothers, Ashwani Kumars, who were experts in the science of herbs and who rejuvenated Chyavan Rishi, joined the cut-pieces of Daksh-Prajapati's head, cured King Chandra of phthisis and rendered medical aid to persons wounded in war with the help of only herbs. There are innumerable examples of curing the diseases only by seeing and touching herbs. Cases where scientific medicines proved worth fail, these Ayurvedic medicines and indigenous herbs succeed admirably well in saving human lives.

The mythological anatomy, which is furnished in Ayurveda, is provided here. Medical recommendations for ailments and specific queries are covered in this Ayurveda service.

Everybody wants to have better health, without diseases. Though peoples are taking precautionary measures, sometimes they get and suffer from diseases. City life has become more conjusted and unhygienic.
In these circumstances, Asanas help you to keep your health and mental alertness in good condition.
The Asanas (a few important Physical postures) very important and practicable by all types of practitioners. Kunjal, Neti, Dhoti etc., the exercises for the purification of the nerves, innersystem - digestive, respiratory and secretory etc. are clear portraits of a Yogi. Through a few important exercises of deep breathing (Pranayama) purification and balancing of the vital forces and mind can be accomplished.

Yoga should be practised by each and every individual according to their own capacity and temperament, under the personal guidance of an experienced yogi Guru.

The yoga (unification and communication with one's ownself) is an utmost necessity of life. Yoga practice, if adopting which one can fulfill one's daily duties well and following the same, attain the perfection (the Ultimate End) of life. The practice of Yoga brings the busy, bewildered, puzzled man to a path of stability, worrylessness, divinity, freedom and perfection.

Yoga is the most perfect system. The brain, the muscles, the nerves, all the different organs and the tissues are toned up and energised. all chronic diseases are rooted out by performing the Yogic Asanas. Regular practice of Yogic exercises or Yoga Asanas even for fifteen minutes a day will keep the Sadhaka quite fit and soon make them hale and hearty. The practitioner will have abundant energy, muscular strength and nerve power, a charming personality and will live long.

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Kathakali performance is a traditional keralan mime act. The show started with the performers sitting on stage putting on their make up, then an introduction is given and explanation of what is going on. The performers do not speak but communicate through facial expressions and in particular the eyes. The audience were given a fact sheet so we would know what the story was about. After making up the guys then dressed in costumes and the show began. It was very good and enjoyed by all.

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The fishermen on the beaches of kerala are very hard working and traditional. The nets were put far out to sea and slowly hauled in. The 2 groups of fishermen would start off about 3 hundred metres apart and as the net came closer to the shore they would be feet apart, They sang whilst they were pulling the nets in and as it came near the beach 1or 2 of them ran in the sea and splashed and shouted at the fish to stop them escaping from the net, thats the idea anyway I dont know if it actually works. It was fascinating to watch and hubby helped out a couple of times. When the net is finally landed it always ends in a big arguement as the men fight for their share.

In kerala before entering a religious place, it is expected that you remove your footwear. There would be vendors who would keep your footwear in safe custody till you return for a fee of Rs.2 /- . Even when visiting someone's home it is better to ask the person whether you need to remove your shoes before entering. It is more due to the climate of kerala ( Rains) that people insist on doing so, so as to keep their premises clean. The religious places consider the footwear unhygienic.

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During Onam keralites pay homage to Mahabali by creating a small floral pattern on the floor.The base is prepared using mud and cow dung on which flowers are stuck .the flowers are changed every day and on the tenth day 'thiruvonam' there is usually a grand feast, traditional dances ,traditional games . After a short prayer and offering of rice dessert the decorations are dug out.

elaborate floral patterns are made only in front of institutions and during competitions.

These little chapels may be found elsewhere in India where there is a Christian community, but it was in Ernakulum that I found this one. The images are Christian but the garlands and offerings are Hindu.