The lotus ( Sanskrit : पद्म , romanized : Padmā ), Nelumbo nucifera , is an aquatic plant that plays a central role in the art of Indian religions such as Hinduism , Buddhism , Jainism , and Sikhism .
101-748: Vishu (Malayalam: വിഷു) is a festival celebrating the Malayali New Year in Kerala , Tulu Nadu , and Mahe of India . Vishu falls on the first day of the month of Medam in the Malayalam Calendar (April 14 or 15 in the Gregorian calendar ). It is the traditional new year, while the Kollam era calendar new year falls on the 1st Chingham . Vishu falls either on the same day or near April 14/15 as other new years in parts of India where
202-722: A Palakkad -based poet also influenced a lot in the growth of modern Malayalam literature in its pre-mature form, through a new literary branch called Thullal . The prose literature, criticism, and Malayalam journalism , began following the latter half of 18th century CE. The first travelogue in any Indian language is the Malayalam Varthamanappusthakam , written by Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar in 1785. The Triumvirate of poets ( Kavithrayam : Kumaran Asan, Vallathol Narayana Menon and Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer ) are recognized for moving Keralite poetry away from archaic sophistry and metaphysics and towards
303-415: A dessert made of flour, like baked, layered Chapati s with rich filling, Arikkadukka and so on. Malayalis have their own form of martial arts called Kalaripayattu . This type of martial arts was used as a defensive mechanism against intruders. In ancient times, disputes between nobles ( naaduvazhis or Vazhunors ) were also settled by the outcome of a Kalaripayattu tournament. This ancient martial art
404-596: A tharavadu . Ettukettu (eight halls with two central courtyards) or Pathinarukettu (sixteen halls with four central courtyards) are the more elaborate forms of the same architecture. An example of a Nalukettu structure is Mattancherry Palace . Malayalis use two words to denote dance, which is attom and thullal . The art forms of Malayalis are classified into three types: religious , such as Theyyam and Bhagavatipattu; semi religious , like Sanghakali and Krishnanattom; and secular , such as Kathakali , Mohiniyattam , and Thullal. Kathakali and Mohiniyattam are
505-470: A continuation. For example, Vishukkaineettam is gifted in amounts such as Rs 11, Rs 21, Rs 51, 101, etc. In earlier times, many used to give the kaineettam of a rupee and a quarter, with the quarter being an indicator of growth in abundance and prosperity. Pathamudayam is celebrated on the 10th day of Medam Month in Malayalam Era and 10th day after Vishu. According to the tradition, ‘Pathamudayam’
606-699: A detailed study of the evolution of the Singapore Malayalee community over a period of more than 100 years was published as a book: From Kerala to Singapore: Voices of the Singapore Malayalee Community. It is believed to be the first in-depth study of the presence of a NRI Malayalee community outside of Kerala. According to scholars, the Malayalam language is descended from a dialect of the Tamil Language spoken on
707-466: A feast called Sadhya . In Kaineettam , elders give a small amount of pocket money to children. Vishu , from Sanskrit Viṣuvam , literally means 'equal', and it connoted to the celebration of spring equinox in the past. The spring equinox however occurs 24 days before the day of Vishu, on 21 March/ Meenam 7, due to precession of equinoxes . Vishu marks the first day of the astronomical year. Vishnu and his incarnation of Krishna are worshiped on
808-539: A few weeks earlier. Malayali Minority [REDACTED] Islam (mainly Sunni Islam )- 26.56% [REDACTED] Christianity - 18.38% The Malayali people ( Malayalam: [mɐlɐjaːɭi] ; also spelt Malayalee and sometimes known by the demonym Keralite ) are a Dravidian ethnolinguistic group originating from the present-day state of Kerala & Union Territory of Lakshadweep in India , occupying its southwestern Malabar coast . They form
909-592: A lesser extent, other developed nations with a primarily immigrant background such as Malaysia , Singapore , the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Australia , New Zealand and Canada . As of 2013, there were an estimated 1.6 million ethnic Malayali expatriates worldwide. The estimated population of Malayalees in Malaysia in year 2020 is approximately 348,000, which makes up 12.5% of
1010-511: A more lyrical mode. In 19th century Chavara Kuriakose Elias, the founder of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate and Congregation of Mother of Carmel congregations, contribute different streams in the Malayalam Literature. All his works are written between 1829 and 1870. Chavara's contribution to Malayalam literature includes, Chronicles, Poems – athmanuthapam (compunction of the soul), Maranaveettil Paduvanulla Pana (Poem to sing in
1111-511: A pepper emporium called Male , which clearly gave its name to Malabar ('the country of Male'). The name Male is thought to come from the Dravidian word Mala ('hill'). Al-Biruni (973–1048 CE ) is the first known writer to call this country Malabar . Authors such as Ibn Khordadbeh and Al-Baladhuri mention Malabar ports in their works. The Arab writers had called this place Malibar , Manibar , Mulibar , and Munibar . Malabar
SECTION 10
#17327752573901212-669: A popular event conducted in Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam. Thousands of people gather on the banks of the river Pamba to watch the snake boat races. Nearly 50 snake boats or chundan vallams participate in the festival. Payippad Jalotsavam is a three-day water festival. It is conducted in Payippad Lake which is 35 km from Alappuzha district of Kerala state. There is a close relation between this Payippad boat race and Subramanya Swamy Temple in Haripad . Indira Gandhi Boat Race
1313-610: A population of 41,816, predominantly Malayalis. Just before independence, Malaya attracted many Malayalis. Large numbers of Malayalis have settled in Chennai (Madras), Delhi , Bangalore , Mangalore , Coimbatore , Hyderabad , Mumbai (Bombay), Ahmedabad and Chandigarh . Many Malayalis have also emigrated to the Middle East , the United States , Canada , Australia , New Zealand and Europe . As of 2009–2013, there were approximately 146,000 people with Malayali heritage in
1414-545: A second language and 19.64% of the total knew three or more languages. Malayalam was the most spoken language in erstwhile Gudalur taluk (now Gudalur and Panthalur taluks) of Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu which accounts for 48.8% population and it was the second most spoken language in Mangalore and Puttur taluks of South Canara accounting for 21.2% and 15.4% respectively according to 1951 census report. 25.57% of
1515-470: A significant presence of Hindustani music as well. The king of Travancore, Swathi Thirunal patronaged and contributed much to the Hindustani Music. The pulluvar of Kerala are closely connected to the serpent worship. One group among these people consider the snake gods as their presiding deity and performs certain sacrifices and sing songs. This is called Pulluvan Pattu . The song conducted by
1616-766: A stylised lotus flower. Likewise, following the introduction of Christianity to China by the Church of the East , the Nestorian cross was frequently depicted on a lotus flower in Chinese Christian iconography. The international Baháʼí Faith community adopted the symbolism of the lotus in the design of the Lotus Temple in New Delhi , India. In the classical written and oral literature of many Asian cultures
1717-707: A traditional matrilineal system known as marumakkathayam which has in the recent years (post-Indian independence) ceased to exist. Christians, majority of the Muslims, Kerala's gender relations are among the most equitable in India and the Majority World. Kerala, the ancestral land of the Malayali people, has a tropical climate with excessive rains and intensive solar radiation. The architecture of this region has evolved to meet these climatic conditions by having
1818-479: A very minimal role to play in the affairs of the Tharavadu. It was a true matrilineal affair. The Karanavar took all major decisions. He was usually autocratic. However, the consent of the eldest female member of the family was taken before implementing the decisions. This eldest female member would be his maternal grandmother, own mother, mother's sister, his own sister or a sister through his maternal lineage. Since
1919-537: Is a boat race festival celebrated in the last week of December in the backwaters of Kochi , a city in Kerala. This boat race is one of the most popular Vallam Kali in Kerala. This festival is conducted to promote Kerala tourism . Malayalis celebrate a variety of festivals, namely Onam , Vishu , Deepavali , and Christmas . Malayali cuisine is not homogeneous and regional variations are visible throughout. Spices form an important ingredient in almost all curries. Kerala
2020-565: Is a new style of dance that is now recognized as a distinct classical art form evolved from Kathakali . The Indian dancer Guru Gopinath (ഗുരു ഗോപിനാഥ്) a well-trained Kathakali artist and his wife Thankamani Gopinath developed this unique form of dance. Performing arts in Kerala is not limited to a single religion of the Malayali society. Muslim Mappilas , Nasranis Mappilas and Latin Christians have their own unique performing art forms. Duff Muttu , also known as Dubh Muttu/Aravanamuttu
2121-576: Is a performing art form prevalent among the Muslim community. It is a group performance, staged as a social event during festivals and nuptial ceremonies. Oppana is a popular form of social entertainment among the Muslim community. It is a form accompanied by clapping of hands, in which both men and women participate. Margamkali is a performing art which is popular among the Nasrani Mappilas . It combines both devotion and entertainment, and
SECTION 20
#17327752573902222-678: Is also a considerable Malayali population in the Persian Gulf regions, especially in Bahrain , Oman , Qatar , UAE , Kuwait and European region mainly in London . The city of Chennai has the highest population of Malayalis in a metropolitan area outside Kerala, followed by Bangalore . Besides, the Malayalee citizens in Malaysia are estimated to be 229,800 in the year 2020 whereas
2323-478: Is also home of Carnatic music . Legends like Swati Tirunal , Shadkala Govinda Maarar, Sangitha Vidwan Gopala Pillai Bhagavathar, Chertala Gopalan Nair, M. D. Ramanathan , T.V.Gopalakrishnan , M.S. Gopalakrishnan , L. Subramaniam T.N. Krishnan & K. J. Yesudas are Malayali musicians. Also among the younger generations with wide acclaim and promise is Child Prodigy Violinist L. Athira Krishna etc., who are looked upon as maestros of tomorrow. Kerala also has
2424-480: Is also known as the poor man's Kathakali , which was created by the poet Kunchan Nambiar as an alternative to Chakiarkooth (another performing art), which was open only for higher castes to see. Theyyam is a ritualistic art form of Malayalis, which is thought to predate hinduism and to have developed from folk dances performed in conjunction with harvest celebrations. Theyyam is performed as an offering to gods so as to get rid of poverty and illness. Velakali
2525-510: Is an essential ingredient in most of the food items and is liberally used. Puttu is a culinary specialty in Kerala. It is a steamed rice cake which is a favorite breakfast of most Malayalis. It is served with either brown chickpeas cooked in a spicy gravy, papadams and boiled small green lentils, or tiny ripe yellow Kerala plantains. In the highlands there is also a variety of puttu served with paani (the boiled-down syrup from sweet palm toddy ) and sweet boiled bananas. to steam
2626-489: Is another ritualistic art form, mainly performed at temples in the festival time. Kolkali is a folk art in which dance performers move in a circle, striking small sticks and keeping rhythm with special steps. Many ancient Malayali family houses in Kerala have special snake shrines called Kavu . Sarpam Thullal is usually performed in the courtyard of houses having snake shrines. This is a votive offering for family wealth and happiness. Kerala Natanam (കേരള നടനം) ( Kerala Dance)
2727-527: Is claimed as the mother of all martial arts . The word " kalari " can be traced to ancient Sangam literature . Anthropologists estimate that Kalarippayattu dates back to at least the 12th century CE. The historian Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai attributes the birth of Kalaripayattu to an extended period of warfare between the Cheras and the Cholas in the 11th century CE. What eventually crystallized into this style
2828-405: Is constructed within a large compound. It was called Nalukettu because it consisted of four wings around a central courtyard called Nadumuttom . The house has a quadrangle in the center. The quadrangle is in every way the center of life in the house and very useful for the performance of rituals. The layout of these homes was simple, and catered to the dwelling of numerous people, usually part of
2929-835: Is generally agreed that the Quilon Syrian copper plates of 849/850 CE is the available oldest inscription written in Old Malayalam . For the first 600 years of Malayalam calendar , the literature mainly consisted of the oral Ballads such as Vadakkan Pattukal (Northern Songs) in North Malabar and Thekkan Pattukal (Southern songs) in Southern Travancore . The earliest known literary works in Malayalam are Ramacharitam and Thirunizhalmala , two epic poems written in Old Malayalam . Malayalam literature has been presented with 6 Jnanapith awards ,
3030-481: Is known for its traditional sadhyas , a vegetarian meal served with boiled rice and a host of side-dishes. The sadhya is complemented by payasam , a sweet milk dessert native to Kerala. The sadhya is, as per custom, served on a banana leaf. Traditional dishes include sambar , aviyal , kaalan , theeyal , thoran , injipully , pulisherry , appam , kappa (tapioca), puttu (steamed rice powder), and puzhukku . Coconut
3131-500: Is only 0.15% of the total number, but is as much as about 84% of the population of Lakshadweep. In all, Malayalis made up 3.22% of the total Indian population in 2001. Of the total 33,066,392 Malayalam speakers in India in 2001, 33,015,420 spoke the standard dialects, 19,643 spoke the Yerava dialect and 31,329 spoke non-standard regional variations like Eranadan . As per the 1991 census data, 28.85% of all Malayalam speakers in India spoke
Vishu - Misplaced Pages Continue
3232-463: Is predominantly used in Malaysia and Singapore by the migrant Muslim community. The modern Malayalam grammar is based on the book Kerala Panineeyam written by A. R. Raja Raja Varma in late 19th century CE. World Malayali Council with its sister organisation, International Institute for Scientific and Academic Collaboration (IISAC) has come out with a comprehensive book on Kerala titled 'Introduction to Kerala Studies,’ specially intended for
3333-509: Is reminiscent of the word Malanad which means the land of hills . According to William Logan , the word Malabar comes from a combination of the Dravidian word Mala (hill) and the Persian / Arabic word Barr (country/continent). Hence the natives of Malabar Coast were known as Malabarese or Malabari in the foreign trade circles. The words Malayali and Malabari are synonymous to each other. The Skanda Purana mentions
3434-535: Is similar to the pacchadi food prepared on new year day such as Ugadi by Hindus in Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in the Indian subcontinent . These traditional festive recipes, that combine different flavors, are a symbolic reminder that one must expect all flavors of experiences in the coming new year, that no event or episode is wholly sweet or bitter, experiences are transitory and ephemeral, and to make
3535-531: Is the ancestral home of aristocratic families in Kerala , which usually served as the common house for the matrilineal joint family system practiced in the state. Each Tharavadu has a unique name. The Tharavadu was administered by the Karanavar , the oldest male member of the family. He would be the eldest maternal uncle of the family as well. The members of the Tharavadu consisted of mother, daughters, sons, sisters and brothers. The fathers and husbands had
3636-513: Is the attribute of sun and fire gods. It symbolizes the realization of inner potential, and in Tantric and Yogic traditions, it symbolizes the potential of an individual to harness the flow of energy moving through the chakras (often depicted as wheel-like lotuses) flowering as the thousand-petaled lotus of enlightenment at the top of the skull. Vishnu is often described as the "Lotus-Eyed One" ( Pundarikaksha ). The lotus's unfolding petals suggest
3737-426: Is the day when the sun is most powerful and astrological science support the believe. To symbolise the ten sunrises from Vishu, traditional oil lamps with 10 wicks are lit in every house. A number of festivals are associated with Vishu - this includes vishuvela , vishukummaatti , etc. In some of the rural regions of Kerala, the elders of the various castes and clans of that region (" kaaranavar ") come together during
3838-523: Is the emblem of Macau and appears on its flag . The founders ( tirthankaras ) of Jainism are portrayed seated or standing on lotus thrones . As his name suggests, the Jain tirthankara Padmaprabha is also represented by the symbol of a lotus. Padmaprabha means 'bright as a red lotus' in Sanskrit. It is said in Śvetāmbara sources that his mother had a fancy for a couch of red lotuses – padma – while he
3939-638: Is the major item. Hence Vallam Kali is also known in English as Snake Boat Race and a major tourist attraction. Other types of boats which do participate in various events in the race are Churulan Vallam , Iruttukuthy Vallam , Odi Vallam , Veppu Vallam (Vaipu Vallam) , Vadakkanody Vallam , and Kochu Vallam . Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one of the famous Vallam Kali held in Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha district of Kerala. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
4040-550: Is the oldest and most popular Vallam Kali in Kerala. The race is held on river Pamba on the moolam day (according to the Malayalam Era ) of the Malayalam month Midhunam, the day of the installation of the deity at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple. The Aranmula Boat Race takes place at Aranmula , near a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna . The President's Trophy Boat Race is
4141-492: Is the oldest available inscription in Malayalam, as they contain two modern Malayalam words, Ee (This) and Pazhama (Old), those are not found in literary Tamil . Although this has been disputed by scholars who regard it as a regional dialect of Old Tamil. The use of the pronoun ī and the lack of the literary Tamil -ai ending are archaisms from Proto-Dravidian rather than unique innovations of Malayalam. The origin of Malayalam calendar dates back to year 825 CE. It
Vishu - Misplaced Pages Continue
4242-426: Is thought to have been a product of existing South Indian styles of combat, combined with techniques brought by other cultures. Kalaripayattu may be one of the oldest martial arts in existence. The oldest western reference to Kalaripayattu is a 16th-century travelogue of Duarte Barbosa , a Portuguese explorer. The southern style, which stresses the importance of hand-to-hand combat, is slightly different than Kalari in
4343-456: The puttu , there is a special utensil called a puttu kutti . It consists of two sections. The lower bulkier portion is where the water for steaming is stored. The upper detachable leaner portion is separated from the lower portion by perforated lids so as to allow the steam to pass through and bake the rice powder. Appam is a pancake made of fermented batter. The batter is made of rice flour and fermented using either yeast or toddy,
4444-662: The Mappila songs , which is a genre of the Arabi Malayalam literature. The Arabi Malayalam script , otherwise known as the Ponnani script, is a writing system - a variant form of the Arabic script with special orthographic features - which was developed during the early medieval period and used to write Arabi Malayalam until the early 20th century CE. Though the script originated and developed in Kerala , today it
4545-881: The United States , with an estimated 40,000 living in the New York tri-state area. There were 7,093 Malayalam speakers in Australia in 2006. The 2001 Canadian census reported 7,070 people who listed Malayalam as their mother tongue, mostly in the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario . In 2010, the Census of Population of Singapore reported that there were 26,348 Malayalees in Singapore. The 2006 New Zealand census reported 2,139 speakers. 134 Malayalam speaking households were reported in 1956 in Fiji . There
4646-520: The body, speech and mind , as if floating above the murky waters of material attachment and physical desire. According to the traditional biographies, Gautama Buddha 's first seven steps made lotus flowers appear. Lotus thrones are the normal pedestal for most important figures in Buddhist art , and often that of other Indian religions. In Tibet, Padmasambhava , the Lotus-Born, is considered
4747-634: The 'desam' (region) during this time. The date of Vishu coincides with that of festivals in other parts of India. Vaisakhi , celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs in north and central India, marks the solar new year, as does the Tamil New Year day called Puthandu . Likewise, Bihu is celebrated in Assam. The new year day is on or next to 14 April every year, and is also the new year for many Buddhist communities in parts of southeast Asia such as Myanmar and Cambodia, likely an influence of their shared culture in
4848-502: The 1st millennium CE. Bishu, a Nepali festival, is celebrated on Baisakh 1 of Nepal 🇳🇵 calendar in Farwest Province of Nepal. It is the most important festival in that region. However, this is not the universal new year for all Hindus. For some, such as those in and near Gujarat, the new year festivities coincide with the five day Diwali festival. For many others, the new year falls on Ugadi and Gudi Padwa , which falls
4949-631: The Indian census of 2001, there were 30,803,747 speakers of Malayalam in Kerala, making up 93.2% of the total number of Malayalam speakers in India, and 96.7% of the total population of the state. There were a further 701,673 (2.1% of the total number) in Tamil Nadu , 557,705 (1.7%) in Karnataka and 406,358 (1.2%) in Maharashtra . The number of Malayalam speakers in Lakshadweep is 51,100, which
5050-710: The Malabar coast, and largely arose because of its geographical isolation from the rest of the Tamil speaking areas. The Sangam literature can be considered as the ancient predecessor of Malayalam . Malayalam literature is ancient in origin, and includes such figures as the 14th century Niranam poets (Madhava Panikkar, Sankara Panikkar and Rama Panikkar), whose works mark the dawn of both modern Malayalam language and indigenous Keralite poetry. Some linguists claim that an inscription found from Edakkal Caves , Wayanad , which belongs to 3rd century CE (approximately 1,800 years old),
5151-621: The Malayali diaspora across the globe. J.V. Vilanilam, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kerala; Sunny Luke, medical scientist and former professor of Medical Biotechnology at Adelphi University, New York; and Antony Palackal, professor of sociology at the Loyola College of Social Sciences in Thiruvananthapuram, have edited the book, besides making other contributions to it. Tharavad , also spelled as Tharavadu
SECTION 50
#17327752573905252-513: The Second Buddha, having brought Buddhism to that country by conquering or converting local deities; he is normally depicted holding a flower. One account of his birth is that he appeared inside a lotus flower. In Chinese culture , Confucian scholar Zhou Dunyi 1017–1073) wrote (borrowing from Gautama Buddha 's famous metaphor): I love the lotus because while growing from mud, it is unstained. Chinese : 予獨愛蓮之出淤泥而不染。 The lotus
5353-689: The Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus is untouched by water. In the Aṅguttara Nikāya , the Buddha compares himself to a lotus ( padma in Sanskrit , in Pali , paduma ), saying that the lotus flower rises from the muddy water unstained, as he rises from this world, free from the defilements taught in the specific sutta. In Buddhist symbolism , the lotus represents purity of
5454-747: The Vishu date, sharing similar traditions such as the Vishu Kani, flower blossoms, traditional foods, and fireworks The festival is marked by family time, preparing colourful auspicious items and viewing these as the first thing on the Vishu day (Vishukkani). In particular, Malayalis seek to view the golden blossoms of the Indian laburnum ( Kani Konna ), money or silver items, cloth (pattu), mirror, rice, coconut, cucumber, fruits and other harvest products. Days before Vishu, people start bursting fireworks at their houses and it concludes with lot of fireworks on day of Vishu. People wear new clothes ( Kodi ) and they eat
5555-492: The available raw materials and their transformation as enduring media for architectural expression thus became the dominant feature of the Malayali style of architecture. Nalukettu was a housing style in Kerala. Nalukettu is a quadrangular building constructed after following the Tachu Sastra (Science of Carpentry ). It was a typical house that was flanked by out-houses and utility structures. The large house-Nalukettu
5656-611: The bereaved house) and Anasthasiayude Rakthasakshyam – and other Literary works . Contemporary Malayalam literature deals with social, political, and economic life context. The tendency of the modern poetry is often towards political radicalism . The writers like Kavalam Narayana Panicker have contributed much to Malayalam drama. In the second half of the 20th century, Jnanpith winning poets and writers like G. Sankara Kurup , S. K. Pottekkatt , Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai , M. T. Vasudevan Nair , O. N. V. Kurup , and Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri , had made valuable contributions to
5757-471: The context of Indian music , forms the most important canon of popular music in India. Film music of Kerala in particular is the most popular form of music in the state. Vallam Kali is the race of country-made boats. It is mainly conducted during the season of the harvest festival Onam in Autumn. Vallam Kali include races of many kinds of traditional boats of Kerala. The race of Chundan Vallam (snake boat)
5858-417: The day before preparing a setting, usually a tray, of auspicious items. This setting is the first thing they see when they wake up on the Vishu day. The Vishukkani setting consists of items such as rice , golden lemon , golden cucumber , coconut cut open, jack fruit, Kanmashi , betel leaves, arecanut , Aranmula kannadi ( Vaalkannadi ), golden colour Konna flowers ( Cassia fistula ) which bloom in
5959-474: The day of Vishu, and an idol of the deity is kept with the vishukani as a mark of auspiciousness. The vishukani at the Guruvayoor temple is famous across the state. The current Vishu year is 01-01-5124 Vishu Varsham (same year as Kali Yuga, as of April 15, 2022). Records that Vishu has been celebrated in Kerala occurred from the reign of Sthanu Ravi since 844 CE, when the new era calendar (Kolla Varsham)
6060-479: The divinities Vishnu and Lakshmi often portrayed on a pink lotus in iconography; historically, many deities, namely Brahma, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Kubera, usually sit on a stylized lotus throne . In the representation of Vishnu as Padmanabha (Lotus navel), a lotus issues from his navel with Brahma on it. The goddess Saraswati is portrayed on a white lotus. The lotus is the symbol of what is divine or immortal in humanity, and also symbolizes divine perfection. The lotus
6161-626: The ecclesiastical office of the Thachudaya Kaimal who is referred to as Manikkam Keralar (The Ruby King of Kerala), synonymous with the deity of the Koodalmanikyam temple. Hence the term Keralar seem to precede the usage of the word Malayala/Malayalam. Malayalam is a language spoken by the native people of southwestern India (from Mangalore to Kanyakumari ) and the islands of Lakshadweep in Arabian Sea . According to
SECTION 60
#17327752573906262-409: The expansion of the soul. The growth of its pure beauty from the mud of its origin holds a benign spiritual promise. In Hindu iconography , other deities, like Ganga and Ganesha , are often depicted with lotus flowers as their seats. The lotus plant is cited extensively within Puranic and Vedic literature, for example: One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto
6363-408: The fact that in Malayalam language, musical poetry was developed long before prose . Kerala is musically known for Sopanam . Sopanam is religious in nature, and developed through singing invocatory songs at the Kalam of Kali , and later inside temples. Sopanam came to prominence in the wake of the increasing popularity of Jayadeva 's Gita Govinda or Ashtapadis . Sopana sangeetham (music), as
6464-404: The family. This is called Vishukkaineetam . Another tradition is of giving alms and contributing to community charity. Children enjoy setting off firecrackers. Kaineettam literally means 'extension of hand'. As seen in many Hindu expressions of good-will, charity and philanthropy, and sustenance of dharma , the kaineettam usually ends with the numerical 1, indicating a new beginning, while also
6565-442: The first Malayalam film Vigathakumaran was released and over the following decade or two, Malayalam Cinema had grown to become one of the popular means of expression for both works of fiction and social issues, and it remains so. Music formed a major part of early Malayalam literature , which is believed to have started developing by 9th century CE . The significance of music in the culture of Kerala can be established just by
6666-429: The following lines: കണികാണും നേരം കമലാനേത്രന്റെ നിറമേറും മഞ്ഞത്തുകിൽ ചാർത്തീ കനകക്കിങ്ങിണി വളകൾ മോതിരം അണിഞ്ഞു കാണേണം ഭഗവാനേ (Oh Lotus -eyed, during the vision of Kani, let You be seen adorned with the increasingly glowing yellow costume and the bangles, bells and rings of gold.) The tradition is that elders light the lamps after waking up, then wakes up juniors in the family. As soon as you wake up, you walk to
6767-407: The form of buildings with low walls, sloping roof and projecting caves. The setting of the building in the open garden plot was again necessitated by the requirement of wind for giving comfort in the humid climate. Timber is the prime structural material abundantly available in many varieties in Kerala. Perhaps the skillful choice of timber, accurate joinery, artful assembly, and delicate carving of
6868-406: The hands of the Cholas proved to be the catalyst of a distinct Malayali identity, wading away from the Tamil cultural sphere of influence over several millennia. The Malayalis live in a historic area known as the Malabar coast , which for thousands of years has been a major center of the international spice trade, operating at least from the Roman era with Ptolemy documenting it on his map of
6969-490: The home-ground and community-grounds, and they blossom during the time of Vishu. It is also during the time of Vishu, that people lend their ears to the calls of Vishupakshi . The Sadhya (feast) is a major part of all Kerala festivals, special dishes called Vishu Kanji , Thoran and Vishu katta are also made. The Kanji is made of rice, coconut milk and spices. Vishu katta is a delicacy prepared from freshly harvested rice powder and coconut milk served with jaggery. For Thoran,
7070-412: The kani eyes closed, and sees Kani as the first scene of the year. The same tradition is followed in Kongu Nadu region on Puthandu day. Traditionally, the vegetables, fruits, nuts, etc. that are included in Vishukkani are usually those that are home-grown - coconut, cucumber, mango, pine-apple, jack-frut, betel-leaves, arecanut, etc. Kanikonna (Golden Showers) is one of the trees that is planted in
7171-499: The lineage was through the female members, the birth of a daughter was always welcomed. Each Tharavadu also has a Para Devatha (clan deity) revered by those in the particular Tharavadu. Temples were built to honour these deities. Kerala's society is less patriarchal than the rest of India. Certain Hindu communities such as the Nairs , Muslims around Kannur , Some parts of Kozhikode district and Ponnani in Malappuram , and Varkala and Edava in Thiruvananthapuram used to follow
7272-550: The local spirit. It is fried using a special frying pan called appa-chatti and is served with egg curry, chicken curry, mutton stew, vegetable curry and chickpea curry. Muslim cuisine or Mappila cuisine is a blend of traditional Kerala , Persian , Yemenese and Arab food culture. This confluence of culinary cultures is best seen in the preparation of most dishes. Kallummakkaya (mussels) curry , Irachi Puttu ( Irachi means meat), parottas (soft flatbread), Pathiri (a type of rice pancake) and ghee rice are some of
7373-623: The lotus is present in figurative form, representing elegance, beauty, perfection, purity and grace, being often used in poems and songs as an allegory for ideal feminine attributes. In Sanskrit the word lotus (पद्म padma ) has many synonyms : since the lotus thrives on water, ja (denoting birth) is added to words for water to derive synonyms for lotus, like rajiv , ambuja ( ambu (water) + ja (born of)), neerja ( neera (water) + ja (born of)), pankaj , pankaja ( panka (mud) + ja (born of)), kamal , kamala , kunala , aravind , arvind , nalin , nalini and saroja and names derived from
7474-489: The lotus, like padmavati (possessing lotuses) or padmini (full of lotuses). These names and derived versions are often used to name girls, and to a lesser extent boys, throughout South and Southeast Asia. The lotus flower is the state flower of several Indian states, including Karnataka , Haryana , and Andhra Pradesh . The lotus flower is the election symbol of the Bharatiya Janata Party , one of
7575-523: The major political parties in India. It has been considered a symbol of beauty, absolute purity, honesty, rebirth, self-regeneration, enlightenment. It was considered a supreme plant by Egyptians for its fragrant transformative scent while living its alternating existence below and above the water surface. It was also used by the Egyptians as a means of inducing altered states of consciousness and making contact with other realms of existence. The blue lotus
7676-688: The majority of the population in Kerala and Lakshadweep . They are predominantly native speakers of the Malayalam language, one of the eleven classical languages of India . The state of Kerala was created in 1956 through the States Reorganisation Act . Prior to that, since the 1800s existed the Kingdom of Travancore , the Kingdom of Cochin , Malabar District , and South Canara of the British India . The Malabar District
7777-584: The modern Malayalam literature. Later, writers like O. V. Vijayan , Kamaladas , M. Mukundan , Arundhati Roy , and Vaikom Muhammed Basheer , have gained international recognition. Arabi Malayalam (also called Mappila Malayalam and Moplah Malayalam) was the traditional Dravidian language of the Mappila Muslim community in Malabar Coast . The poets like Moyinkutty Vaidyar and Pulikkottil Hyder have made notable contributions to
7878-637: The modern state of Kerala. The people of Malabar were known as Malabars . Until the arrival of the East India Company , the term Malabar was used as a general name for Kerala, along with the term Kerala . From the time of Cosmas Indicopleustes (6th century CE) itself, the Arab sailors used to call Kerala as Male . The first element of the name, however, is attested already in the Topography written by Cosmas Indicopleustes . This mentions
7979-467: The most from them. The word 'Padakkam' in Malayalam means firecrackers. Firecrackers are burst during Vishu the same way north Indians burst firecrackers during Diwali. Konna ( Cassia fistula ), commonly known as golden shower is the flower of the Vishu festival. The tradition of buying of new clothes for the occasion of Vishu is called Puthukodi or Vishukodi. There is also a popular tradition of elders giving money to younger ones or dependents of
8080-410: The night of Vishu and engage in " koorayidal " - a ritual indicating the starting of a period of auspiciousness. This may extend for many weeks, till the culmination of the vela / kummaatti . During this time, the members of these castes and clans engage in acts of nobility. Even those who consume non-vegetarian items and alcoholic drinks move themselves away from these. Acts of violence are forbidden in
8181-526: The north. Sacred lotus in religious art In Asian art, a lotus throne is a stylized lotus flower used as the seat or base for a figure. It is the normal pedestal for divine figures in Buddhist art and Hindu art and is often seen in Jain art . Originating in Indian art , it followed Indian religions to East Asia in particular. Examples of Hindu deities (from top): Vishnu , Ganesha , Shiva , Durga , Kali and Saraswati . Hindus revere it with
8282-479: The other specialties. The characteristic use of spices is the hallmark of Mappila cuisine. spices like black pepper , cardamom and clove are used profusely. The Kerala Biryani , is also prepared by the community. The snacks include Unnakkaya (deep-fried, boiled ripe banana paste covering a mixture of cashew, raisins and sugar ), pazham nirachathu (ripe banana filled with coconut grating, molasses or sugar), Muttamala made of eggs , Chattipathiri ,
8383-419: The people. Malayalam, the native language of Malayalis, has its origin from the words mala meaning "mountain" and alam meaning "land" or "locality". Kerala was usually known as Malabar in the foreign trade circles in the medieval era. Earlier, the term Malabar had also been used to denote Tulu Nadu and Kanyakumari which lie contiguous to Kerala in the southwestern coast of India, in addition to
8484-525: The population of the Malayalee expatriates is approximately 2,000. They make up around 10 percent of the total number of Indians in Malaysia. During the ancient period, the people of present-day Kerala were ruled by the Chera dynasty of Tamilakam , with their capital at Vanchi. The dynasty lent the region its name, uniting the entire coast under their suzerainty. The fall of the Cheras in the 15th century CE at
8585-453: The pulluvar in serpent temples and snake groves is called Sarppapaattu, Naagam Paattu, Sarpam Thullal, Sarppolsavam, Paambum Thullal or Paambum Kalam. Mappila Paattukal or Mappila Songs are folklore Muslim devotional songs in the Malayalam language. Mappila songs are composed in colloquial Malayalam and are sung in a distinctive tune. They are composed in a mixture of Malayalam and Arabic . Film music , which refers to playback singing in
8686-461: The season of Vishu, nilavilakku , idol of Vishnu or his incarnation Krishna , and other auspicious items. Mirror in Vishukani is a symbol of seeing yourself as a part of abundance you see in the form of Kani. One of the Vishu related devotional songs (also popularised as a song from the 1962 Malayalam movie 'Omanakkuttan') that communicate the glory of Krishna in his childhood form, begins with
8787-478: The second half of the 16th century. However, many of these native art forms largely play to tourists or at youth festivals, and are not as popular among ordinary Keralites. Thus, more contemporary forms – including those heavily based on the use of often risqué and politically incorrect mimicry and parody – have gained considerable mass appeal in recent years. Indeed, contemporary artists often use such modes to mock socioeconomic elites. Since 1930 when
8888-448: The second-most for any Dravidian language and the third-highest for any Indian language. Designated a " Classical Language in India " in 2013, it developed into the current form mainly by the influence of the poets Cherusseri Namboothiri (Born near Kannur ), Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan (Born near Tirur ), and Poonthanam Nambudiri (Born near Perinthalmanna ), in the 15th and the 16th centuries of Common Era. Kunchan Nambiar ,
8989-399: The side dish, there are also mandatory ingredients. Other important Vishu delicacies include Veppampoorasam (a bitter preparation of neem ) and Mampazhappulissery (a sour or ripe mango soup) Even temple offerings called bewu bella , include a mix of sweet jaggery, bitter neem, and other flavors. The mixing of sweet, salty, sour, bitter and astringent flavors for the new year Vishu meal
9090-613: The state. Malayali minorities are also found in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu , mainly in Kanyakumari district and Nilgiri district and Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu districts of Karnataka and also in other metropolitan areas of India. Over the course of the later half of the 20th century, significant Malayali communities have emerged in Persian Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain , Saudi Arabia , Oman , Qatar and Kuwait and to
9191-576: The sun's path is followed, such as in states like Tamil Nadu , Odisha , Bengal , Northeast India , Punjab , Haryana , Uttarakhand , and Jammu . Additionally, the Songkran festival of South East Asia also falls on the Vishu date, with the significance of the Kanikonna as part of Laos new year same like of Vishu celebrations in Kerala .The Sinhalese New Year in Sri Lanka also coincides with
9292-528: The total number of Indian population in Malaysia that makes them the second biggest Indian ethnic group in Malaysia, after the Tamils . Most of the Malayalee population in Malaysia aged 18 to 30 are known to be either the third, fourth, or fifth generation living as a Malaysian citizen. According to A. R. Raja Raja Varma , Malayalam was the name of the place, before it became the name of the language spoken by
9393-688: The total population in the Kodagu district of Karnataka are Malayalis, in which Malayalis form the largest linguistic group in Virajpet Taluk. Around one-third of the Malayalis in Kodagu district speak the Yerava dialect according to the 2011 census, which is native to Kodagu and Wayanad . Around one-third of population in Kanyakumari district are also Malayalis. As of 2011 India census, Mahé district of Union Territory of Puducherry had
9494-418: The two classical dance forms from Kerala. Kathakali is actually a dance-drama . Mohiniyattam is a very sensual and graceful dance form that is performed both solo and in a group by women. Kutiyattam is a traditional performing art form from Kerala, which is recognised by UNESCO and given the status Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity . Ottamthullal is another performing art, which
9595-551: The very name suggests, is sung by the side of the holy steps (sopanam) leading to the sanctum sanctorum of a shrine . It is sung, typically employing plain notes, to the accompaniment of the small, hourglass-shaped ethnic drum called idakka , besides the chengila or the handy metallic gong to sound the beats. Sopanam is traditionally sung by men of the Maarar and Pothuval community, who are Ambalavasi (semi-Brahmin) castes engaged to do it as their hereditary profession. Kerala
9696-583: The woodwork for columns, walls and roofs frames are the unique characteristics of Malayali architecture. From the limitations of the materials, a mixed-mode of construction was evolved in Malayali architecture. The stonework was restricted to the plinth even in important buildings such as temples. Laterite was used for walls. The roof structure in timber was covered with palm leaf thatching for most buildings and rarely with tiles for palaces or temples. The Kerala murals' are paintings with vegetable dyes on wet walls in subdued shades of brown. The indigenous adoption of
9797-623: The world in 150 AD. For that reason, a highly distinct culture was created among the Malayali due to centuries of contact with foreign cultures through the spice trade . The arrival of the Cochin Jews , the rise of Saint Thomas Christians , and the growth of Mappila Muslim community, in particular, were very significant in shaping modern-day Malayali culture. Later, Portuguese Latin Christians , Dutch Malabar , French Mahe , and British English , which arrived after 1498 left their mark through colonialism and pillaging their resources. In 2017,
9898-660: Was annexed by the British through the Third Mysore War (1790–92) from Tipu Sultan . Before that, the Malabar District was under various kingdoms including the Zamorins of Calicut , Kingdom of Tanur , Arakkal kingdom , Kolathunadu , Valluvanad , and Palakkad Rajas. According to the Indian census of 2011, there are approximately 33 million Malayalis in Kerala, making up 97% of the total population of
9999-675: Was in her womb. Chinese Manichaeism borrowed the iconography of Chinese Buddhism , frequently depicting religious figures revered in Manichaeism seated upon lotus thrones in its religious art. Since the introduction of Christianity to India, the iconography of the Saint Thomas Christians has depicted the Saint Thomas Christian cross , also called the Persian cross, resting on a lotus throne,
10100-410: Was initiated replacing the older calendar with 13 months in a year. The Malayalam word "kani" literally means "that which is seen first", so "Vishukkani" means "that which is seen first on Vishu". The traditional belief is that one's future is a function of what one experiences, that the new year will be better if one views auspicious joyful things as the first thing on Vishu. Therefore, Malayali's spend
10201-425: Was performed by men in groups. Since 1980's women also have found groups. The dancers themselves sing the margamkali songs in unison call and response form. Parichamuttukali is another performing art which is popular among Nasranis. This is an artistic adaptation of the martial art of Kerala, Kalaripayattu . Chavittu nadakom is a theatrical art form observed mainly by Kerala Latin Christians, dating back to
#389610