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Our culture is unique in several ways, whether it is the first day a Malayalee child is initiated into
the process of learning with the blessings of the
Goddess Saraswati, or the need for men and women to wear traditional dresses to enter most temples in Kerala. Today, the performing art forms such as Kathakali or the sensual movements of Mohiniyattom are some facets of Kerala that are visible all over the world.
Thunchan Parambu, where the father of the Malayalam language - Thunchanth Ezhuthachan - was born and worked over 400 years ago, is one of the places where thousands of children are initiated into the wonders of learning, when they
first trace the first letters of the Malayalam alphabet. Thunchan Parambu is in
Tirur.
Kerala Kalamandalam in Cheruthuruthy (near Thrissur) is
the citadel of learning for all major Kerala performing
arts. Tender Coconut can organise visits to the
Kalamandalam, for those interested in knowing more about
our art forms.
Onam is the most important festival for Keralites and
every household in the State celebrates it by having
sumptuous feasts (Sadya), having spectacular floral
arrangements in front of their homes and the whole State
acquires a carnival like atmosphere - surprising
considering that Malayalees are not normally a loud lot!
Onam is celebrated on the first day of the Malayalam
month of Chingam which usually falls in August/
September. Vishu (in April) Malayalee New Year is on the other hand celebrated with the sound of
firecrackers and the traditional Sadya.
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This art form is performed by both men and women wearing elaborate 
Theyyam is India's oldest ritual art form and is performed in the Kali temples of Kasargode and Kannur. There are over 400 different forms of Theyyam and the masks and head gear are truly breathtaking and each one is meticulously crafted according to the character presented.
The
classical dance of the enchantress is very
graceful and sensual and creates a mood that
is primarily Sringara (erotic). The dance is
performed by females and consists of
traditional Kerala attire with golden
borders and the hair is adorned with
Jasmine.
This
is a traditional dance performed by the
Muslim community during a marriage. The
Bride is seated in all her finery and her
female friends and female relatives sing and
dance around her.
A classical art form is social satire at its best and the costume and head gear add to the character of the performer. Thullal is usually performed during temple festivals.
Kalaripayattu is the Martial art form of Kerala that evolved over several thousand years. The training normally begins at a very young age and aims at the ultimate co-ordination of the mind and body. Students of this art are agile and have supple bodies that help them during combat. Armed and unarmed combat are taught to students depending on their capabilities Massage and medicine are an integral part of
Kalaripayattu.
Panchavadyam literally means the symphony of five instruments, is a traditional temple orchestra that is a real treat to hear and observe during Poorams (temple festivals). During some Poorams, there are two opposing teams of Panchavadyam specialists and there ensues a fierce, but respectful competition that climaxes in a charged and deafening crescendo.