Kerala Folklore Academy

 Kerala Folklore Academy

   Kerala Folklore Akademi, an independent center for cultural affairs, was established on 28 june 1995. The main objective of the akademi is to promote and project the traditional art forms of Kerala. Kerala Folklore Akademi, an autonomours center for cultural affairs, is located in Kannur. Kannur District, Kerala.The institution was constituted by the Goverment of Kerala and works under the Cultural Affairs Department, Goverment of Kerala.
      The institution provides financial assistance of folk artists.Economic aid programs and academic councils are conducted to promotr the traditional Kerala art forms. The institution aims to promote and preserve the traditional art forms of Kerala. Kerala Folklore Akademi was constituted by the Goverment of Kerala on 28 June 1995 under the Cultural Affairs Department,Goverment of Kerala, Trivandrum. The Institution was formed under the Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration act of 1955. It began functioning on 20 January 1996.

      For those keen to follow and understand the artistic heritage during their visits to Kerala, it would be an ideal choice to drop in at The Kerala Folklore Academy, located at Chirakkal in Kannur, the northern district of Kerala.

Established in 1995, welfare of the folk artistes is the prime concern of the academy. Set up by the Government of Kerala, the academy, while ensuring the welfare of folk artistes also strives for reviving, preserving and promoting the rich folk art traditions of Kerala. The academy is located by the side of the beautiful Chirakkal Lake, which is reputedly the second largest of its kind in Asia.

The academy functions from traditionally built structure called nalukettu and presently houses a folklore library, a museum and a publication department, besides the administrative departments.

The library at The Kerala Folklore Academy features over 1000 volumes on the folk art traditions of Kerala and is one of the largest of its kind and a popular haunt of scholars and researchers in the field.

And checking out the museum at the academy, one would find a collection of over 300 precious objects of folk art, including life-size replicas of varioustheyyams and patayani, folk and tribal musical and percussion instruments, farm implements and weapons. Some of these items are used in ritual arts like Kuthurathib, Devakoothu, Chat, Poorakali, Kaliyootu, Mudiyettu, andKaniyarkali. The museum also has over 175 photographs that depict the drama of these art forms.

One of the missions of The Kerala Folklore Academy is to compile and publish books and periodicals on folklore. The academy has already brought out fourteen volumes on the culture, art and life of the people. It also brings out a quarterly journal named Poli. These publications have gone a long way to promote awareness about folk life, art and rituals among the present generation.

Objectives

   To promote the folk performing art forms of Kerala.
 To provide training for boys and girls in folk art forms.
 To record these arts scientifically and classify them categorically.
 To prepare records of folklore materials after conducting basic survey.
 To publish folklore Directory and Folklore Encyclopedia.
 To Establish folklore museum and archives. 
 To collect and publish folk stories and songs which are transmitted from generation.
 To Evolve new art forms from the traditional arts without loosing their identity.
 To Honor leading artists by giving awards and fellowships. 
 To Give awards to high quality research publications on these area.
 To Start and maintain a publication.
 To Conduct festivals in the field of folk arts.
 To Arrange performance by troupes approved by the Akademi inside and outside the state.
 To promote interstate cultural exchange program was and thereby contribute to the national 
   integration of India.
 To perform other additional functions that may be entrusted to the Akademi by the Government 
   time to time.
 To give grants and financial assistance to institutions which impart training in the folk arts.
 To Establish a Folklore library.

      Kerala has a rich tradition of Folklore. Folklore in this region is a spontaneous expression of human behavior and thoughts. Generally speaking, Folklore could be defined as the lore of the common people who had been marginalized during the reign of feudal Kings. The Keralites have their culture and lore which were mostly part of agricultural. Sowing, planting of nharu (sidling) dearing out he weeds, harvests etc are the different stages of agriculture which have their typical rituals. Numerous songs and performing arts are accompanied with them. Kanyar Kali, Padayani, Mudiyettu, Malavayiyattam, Theyyam, Kothamooriyattam, Nira, Puthari, etc. are some of the ritual folklore of Kerala. Kerala could be divided into four cultural areas: Travancore – Cochin, Central Kerala, South Malabar and North Malabar. North Malabar has its own cultural identity. It was under the rule of Kolathiris. The Kings of Kolathunadu had codified the rituals, beliefs, taboos and Folk Performing arts. Even the dates of specific fertility rituals and Folk Performances were decided by the Kolathiris in which most of them are continuing even today.The dates of Theyyam festivals are conducted as per the dates once fixed by the King. Human fertility is an important aspect of Folklore. Magical rituals were widely performed by the Keralites to get children. Most of them are practiced for barren women for fertility. The magical rituals like 'Shadkarmas' were also practiced in this region. Black magical rituals like Maranam (slaughter), Vasyam (the trick of entice others), Uchadanam (eradication) and Sthambhanam (getting obstructed) were widely influenced by the people of North Malabar.

     There was no cast distinction in the Kavus (Shrines) of North Malabar. Hindus only were permitted to enter the temples even today. But in the Kavus, the worshipping places of the castes below Brahmins were welcomed everybody irrespective of religion and caste. There are about 400 Theyyams still performed in the Kavus of North Malabar. About twenty castes perform Theyyams. All the people in the village involve in the performances of Theyyam and Poorakkali. Even muslim Theyyams are also performed. So we can definitely say that the folk culture of North Malabar is a secular one. Caste distinction is not observed during folk performances in the Kavus or open places. During British rule, Folklore is served as a vehicle for political protest. Some of the folk literature in the feudal system reflected the aspirations and protest against social oppression. The Theyyam like Pulimaranja Thondachan, Palanthayi Kannan, Chathambali Vishakandan, Thotumkara Bhagavathi etc. were the martyrs of social oppression of the local chieftains. Mappilappattu, Kolkkalippattu, Thottampattu, Poorakkalipattu, and Nattipattu, are typical examples of this kind of protest. Classical arts like Chakyarkooth, Kathakali, and semi classical art Thullal are prevalent in some places of North Malabar. But irrespective of industrialization and modernization Folk performing arts and other genres of Folklore are still alive in this are. Theyyams are performed I n the hundreds of Kavus. To an extend fertility rituals also survive here. North Kerala is still a repository of Folklores. Thousands of tourists are visiting here to witness and study the diversified culture, Folk performing arts, the simple and even the folk oriented life style and attractive folk ritual tradition.

To view more photos Click here

Courtesy : http://keralafolkloreakademy.com

Read More

Chirakkal

Chirakkal Chira

      The big pond in Chirakkal popularly known as Chirakkal Kovilam Chira was a wonderful creation of the Kolathiris.Mooshaka kingdom, present Kasaragod, Kannur and other nearby places of north Kerala state in India, had come to be known as Kolathunad and the rulers known as Kolathiris. The Kovilakam (Palace in the Malayalam language) of Kolathiris were in Chirakkal, 6 km from the present Kannur town. Kolathiri were also known as Chirakkal Raja or King of Chirakkal. The southern branch of this family ruled over Venad and is today known as the Travancore Royal family.

       Kolathiris are the successors of Mooshiks Kings who ruled Northern Kerala in AD First Century. The detailed history of this dynasty and Hidden history of this region is mentioned in "Mooshika Vamsham" a Sanskrit poetic Text, written by Athulan in the AD 10th century. Mooshika Vamsham is believed to be one of the earliest Sanskrit Books written based on the History of Northern Kerala.Kolathiris were political and commercial rivals of the Zamorins of Kozhikode.Historian Nandakumar Koroth in his work History of Bekal Fort argued that the Bekal Fort and Chandragiri Fort were originally under the Chirakkal Rajas until the time of Shivappa Naik's Invasion of Kolathunadu. 

      Chirakkal Chira is associated with the Chirakkal Dynasty.Mooshaka kingdom, present Kasaragod, Kannur and other nearby places of north Kerala state in India, had come to be known as Kolathunad and the rulers known as Kolathiris. The Kovilakam (Palace in the Malayalam language) of Kolathiris were in Chirakkal, 6 km from the present Kannur town. Kolathiri were also known as Chirakkal Raja or King of Chirakkal. The southern branch of this family ruled over Venad and is today known as the Travancore Royal family.
      Kolathiris are the successors of Mooshiks Kings who ruled Northern Kerala in AD First Century. The detailed history of this dynasty and Hidden history of this region is mentioned in "Mooshika Vamsham" a Sanskrit poetic Text, written by Athulan in the AD 10th century. Mooshika Vamsham is believed to be one of the earliest Sanskrit Books written based on the History of Northern Kerala.

     Chirakkal Chira spread over 14 acres is one of the prestigious and oldest monument of Kannur. It was the property of the Chirakkal royal family but now turned into a public property .

Chirakkal Kadalayi Sree Krishna Temple

     Chirakkal Sri Krishna Temple is one among the ancient temples in Kerala . Thousands of pious devotees throng the Chirakkal Sri Krishna temple all round the year to catch a glimpse of Lord Krishna. There is an interesting legend associated with the origin of the temple. It is believed that the idol of Lord Vishnu consecrated here is the very idol worshiped by Sathyabhama, the consort of Lord Krishna at Dwaraka in the Mahabharata Era more than 5,000 years ago. One day it so happened that she failed to notice her husband standing nearby as she was immersed in performing Pooja to the idol. The Lord, furious, kicked the idol off the pedestal. It flew into the nearby sea, when its right hand was broken. Time and tide took the idol to the Kannur sea belt off Dwarka. A fisherman happened to net it. It being a precious catch, he presented it to King Valabhan, the Kolathiri King ruling over the area in that period.

     The king had constructed a temple, Kadalayi, in a village about 6 km (3.7 mi) north of Kannur and was on the lookout for an idol to be consecrated there. The astrologers understood the sanctity of the idol and confirmed that the idol, though its hand was broken and thus deformed, was worthy of consecration. The idol was thus consecrated at Kadalayi. When the temple was ruined due to the devastating onslaught of time a new temple was built at Chirakkal 180 years ago and the old idol re-consecrated. The temple, though situated at Chirakkal, is still referred to by its old name, Kadalayi.

To view more images click here

Read More

Peralassery

Peralassery

      Peralassery is a census town in Kannur district in the Indian state of Kerala. Situated on Kannur Kuthuparamba high road 12 km from Kannur town. Peralassery is 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the district headquarters Kannur. The nearest town and railway stations are Thalassery which is 14 km (8.7 mi) and Kannur which is15 km (9.3 mi) away. The Place is surrounded by 4 panchayats: Kadambur, vengad, Anjarakandi, Pinarayi. The Panchayath Office is located near Peralassery Subrahmanya Temple.

Peralassery Subramanya Temple

    Peralassery Subramania Temple along with Payyanur Subramania temple is probably the most important and must visit Subramania Temples in Kerala. The story or “Aithihyam” behind this temple is unique and has it’s roots in the Ramayana epic.

        It is believed that the Subramania Peralassery Temple is a place where Lord Sri Rama along with Lakshmana halted on their way to Sri Lanka, in their search and endeavour to rescue Sita Devi from Ravana’s imprisonment.The Peralassery Subramanya Temple, is located 15 kms from Kannur. It is also believed that people who visit Peralaserry temple must also visit the nearby Makrery temple. The main “vazhipaddu” or offerings in this temple are “Subramania Puja” and “Mutta Oppikal” (offering of eggs to the revered snake deity). The main deity of this temple is Lord Subramania.

     The Stepped Pool/Tank or “Chira” of  the Peralassery Subramania temple is a magnificent structure. The week long Kodiyettam festival associated with the Peralassery Subramanya temple is in the Month of December, every year. The annual festival of the temple is celebrated for eight days. Kathakali, Chakyarkoothu, Ottanthullal, Parayan Thullal and Seethankan Thullal are the main art-forms performed during the festival. Another important concert during the festival is a highly religious dance, ' Thidampunritham' performed by the priest. Peralaserry Subramania Temple along with Payyanur Subramania temple is probably the most important and must visit Subramania Temples in Kerala. Once Lord Subramanya asked Lord Brahma Deva the meaning of 'Ohm'.The meaning and its  explanation given by Brahma Deva was not felt  satisfactory for Lord Subramanya.He captured him and put him in a cell in custody.Lord Shiva when
understood about this horrible  mistake of his son he released Brahma Deva and explained to Subramanya that his deed in that regard was a great sin. For that sin Subramanyaswamy had to take the form of a serpent and had to live in an isolated well.To protect him from Sun and rain other serpents stood over the well with raised hoods.The  place where the serpents protected Subramanya is Peralassery according to the legends.

    In the 'Thretha Yuga' when Sri Rama reached here in search of Sita Devi he reached this place.There was a temple at this place known as 'Ayyappan Kavu' and presiding deity was Lord Ayyappa.Sri Rama recognized presence of Subramanya there.He told Hanuman Swamy to bring an idol from the Himalayas.Hanuman did not reach in time of the auspicious moment to consecrate the idol and so Sri Rama consecrated his bangle instead of the idol.The bangle is called as 'Vala' in Malayalam and  the bangle of the prince was called as 'peruvala'.Thus the place name was derived as 'Peruvalassery' which got transformed as 'Peralassery'.When Hanuman Swamy reached with the idol it was also consecrated  there by Hanuman Swamy himself.After the consecration, for performing the 'unction' Hanuman Swamy created a pond by hitting on the ground by his tail  with great force.Kathakali,Chakyarkoothu,Ottanthullal,Parayanthullal etc will be held as part of the festivities and also a religious feature known as 'Thidambu Nritham' which is performed by the temple priest.

Large number of devotees visit Peralassery temple to get rid of 'Sarpa Kopam'(the bad effects of Serpent curses).
Devotees of all faiths  are allowed to enter this temple for worship.

Temple" Chira" (Stepped pond ) positioned just outside the temple is a structure of impressive scale.It is the biggest among all ponds present in Kerala.

Peralassery Hanging Bridge 

Peralassery Hanging Bridge from  Peralassey to Vengad Panchayaths is a notable tourist attraction.This is one of the few hanging bridges in Kannur.Bridge is across Kallada River.It has been Renovated in 2004.

To view more photos of Peralassery view our Gallery or Click here

Read More

Exploring the Beauty of Ezhimala

EZHIMALA

    Ezhimala, a hill reaching a height of 286 metres, is located near Payyanur in Kannur District of Kerala, SouthIndia. As the former capital of the ancient Mushika Kingdom, it is considered to be an important historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory 38 km north of Kannur Town. A flourishing seaport and center of trade around the beginning of theCommon Era, it was also one of the major battlefields of the Chola-Chera Wars of the 11th century. It is believed by some that Lord Buddhahad visited Ezhimala. The hill was once known as Mount Delly by the British. Ezhimala, which is part of Ramanthali panchayath, is one of the most important places in the recorded history of North Kerala.

     The name ‘Ezhimala’ is believed to be the malayalam equivalent of ‘Seven Hills’ and is derived from the seven hills dominating the skyline of this area. The place was also known as ‘Elimala’ meaning ‘Rat Hill’ possibly due to the large number of rodents infesting the forests here. Yet another legend has it that the name was derived from ‘Ezhil Malai’ meaning land of beauty. Folklore has it that the seven hills are part of the ‘Rishabadri’ mountain that fell to the earth when Lord Hanuman was carrying the mountain with Mrita Sanjivani and other herbs to lanka.  

     The history of the area is well documented over the last 1500 years. The area has been successively ruled by the Ashoka and Vijayanagaram empires as well as by Tipu Sultan. Ruins of fortifications erected by Tipu Sultan can be seen near mt dilli light house.   The area fell into British hands, after they defeated Tipu Sultan in the third mysore war. The portuguese are also known to have held this land during the nineteenth century. The name Mt Dilli is understood to be a refinement of Mt D'elli which was the original name given by the portuguese.  

      An erstwhile thriving sea port and centre of business in ancient Kerala, Ezhimala had also been one of the major war zones in the 11th century that was held between the Chola-Chera Dynasties. Now Ezhimala is home to the country’s premier defence naval training establishment known as the Indian Naval Academy.With prior permission from the Naval Academy, you can visit the Mount Dilli Lighthouse between 3:00 to 5:00 pm, which is situated inside the naval base. Its not a very high lighthouse, but its worth a trip as it gives you a breathtaking view of the virgin beaches of Ezhimala and Zamorin. The entry fee for the lighthouse is Rs. 10/- for adults, Rs. 3/- for children, Rs. 25/- for foreign tourists, camera charges Rs. 20/- and video photography Rs. 25/-.

      Just next to the lighthouse, you'll see a tiny fort which is known as the Ezhimala Fort and is under major restoration work. There isn't much to see and do there as of now, however, its worth a wait for a few more months when the fort will be ready for public viewing.

Anjaneya Giri

The Tallest Hanuman Statue in Kerala (41 feet) is Located At Anjaneyagiri Ezhimala.Statue is about 286 meters above sea level. Anjaneya giri Hanuman statue is a Project by Surya Trust Payyanur Its is a well known tourist place in Kannur.It is located in Ramanthally. It is 3 Km away from Kakkanpar Village and  10 km from payyanur

 Ettikulam Beach

    The Ettikulam Beach lies at the northern boundary of Kannur. Rare medical herbs (Ramayana) with mythological significance grow on Ezhimala, the strange seven-peaked range. Around 50 kms from here, is the Mount Deli Lighthouse, an old tower of great antiquity. It's maintained by the Navy and is a restricted area. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer that in other areas. At the Ettikulam bay one could enjoy watching dolphins. Ezhimala Beach is situated at the top of a clump of hills at an altitude of 286m and it is 55 kilometers from Kannur. An ancient cave and a burial chamber are also present at the foot of the hill and the hills are known rewritten for a lot of medicinal herbs. An ancient mosque also resides on a nearby hill. This place has witnessed a lot of historical events in 11th century of North Kerala and it is also believed that Buddha has also visited this place.
     It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory, 38 km north of Kannur.There is a famous temple of Hanuman, the Mount Deli Light House. It is maintained by the Indian Navy and is a restricted area. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. At the Ettikulam bay, one can enjoy watching dolphins.

Indian Naval Academy

     Ezhimala was chosen by Indian Navy to locate the Naval Academy due to its picturesque surroundings, seafaring traditions of the region and rich historical past. In 1982, the Government of India approved the Navy's proposal after the Government of Kerala agreed to provide the proposed 2500 acres of land and basic infrastructure for area development, free of cost. The predominant hill feature of Ezhimala, the Mount Dilli,  is 260 m  high. Mt Dilli Light house is situated in the southern part of the base and to the north lies the Kavvayi backwaters.

To  view more photos of Ezhimala and Ettikulam Beach  Click here

Read More