Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
The Thookkuvilakku or traditional brass lamp, is an integral part of all rituals and ceremonies in Kerala and lighting the lamp on any occasions is believed to be auspicious. Bronze, popularly known as Odu in Kerala, is used for making all types of brass lamps. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Vegetables and fruits typically constitute an essential part of the daily diet in India and they are in great demand year-round by most sections of the population. Open markets are very common in both small towns and cities of South India, where people buy and sell their fresh vegetables and fruits. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Mutthukkudas are one of the main attraction in Kerala’s religious and political ceremonies, especially at the Thrissur Pooram, the state’s primary festival. During the pooram festival time there is one attraction called kudamattom (exchanging umbrellas) which is the most important aspect of the Trissur Pooram, were hundreds of beautiful long stemmed glittering umbrellas are exchanged rhythmically along with a traditional music orchestra and chenda melam played in the back ground. Continue reading
Cuphea is a flowering plant native to the tropical regions of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. More than 250 species of Cupheas grow around the world, including both perennial and annual varieties. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
During the monsoon paddy fields are sub-merged in water and no farming can be done. At this time Lotus and Water Lilies grow abundantly, creating one of lowland Kerala’s most beautiful views.
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
The word Gopuram refers to the monumental tower built at the entrance of South Indian Dravidian temples. These Gopurams are multistoried structures decorated with painted sculpture and carvings depicting Hindu mythology.
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Mr. Senthil, a cardamom planter in Kerala, went for a forest trek yesterday and experienced one of his best trips in the Periyar so far. He was happy to share some of his photos. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
The Bharathapuzha is the second longest river in Kerala. It takes its origin from the Western Ghats and joins with the Arabian Sea after a long journey of 209 kms. Considered as the Nile of Kerala it is also known as ‘Nila”. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Kakkoor Kalavayal is a traditional post-harvest festival celebrated by the farmers of Kakkoor and the surrounding villages near Cochin. Legend has it that this is the annual meeting of the Goddesses of the villages of Edapra and Ambassery. The most exciting moment of this festival is the grande finale of the bullock race. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Elephants are important part of many temple ceremonies and festivals in India especially in the southern states. Frequently the temple elephant carries the idol of the Lord Ganasha and walks in procession around the temple grounds to receive offerings and give blessings in return by placing the trunk gently on the devotee’s bowed head. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
The history of worship in Indian is difficult to chronicle with certainty because the recorded history depends on oral traditions handed down through generations. Hindu religion is beautifully preserved in southern India. The art of temple building made its transitions from temporary structures in wood to more enduring stone edifices that have stood through the ravages of time. Continue reading
Gavi, Kerala
Photo Credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Bullock carts play an important role in both rural and urban transportation in India. Even in the 21st century they are frequently used for the transfer of materials and people in villages and cities alike. Continue reading
Hollyhock is an annual summer flower which is very common in Kerala’s high range gardens. Proud and upright, the impressive flower stands out from the rough, generally heart-shaped leaves. Continue reading
Photo credits: Joshy Manjummel
A night on Lake Vembanad is a night surrounded by nothing but the vast expanse of sky and water floating on house boats made in the traditional handcrafted style. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Theyyam is a synthesis of tribal, Dravidian and Aryan cultural practices. It seems as if Northern Kerala believed that the Indian pantheon of 33 crores (330 million) Gods was not a large enough contingent, they added ancestors and heroes to the list and gave them a special space in the Theyyam rituals. Continue reading
Petunias are a low spreading plants with downy leaves and multicolored flowers. These attractive plants are members of the solanaceae family. There are about 35 different species of petunias. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Flower Garlands play an important role in the culture and traditions of India, crossing all religious and economic lines. Garlands are used for all ceremonies and welcome rituals: weddings, birthdays, offerings to Temples and blessings, now not exclusively for Hindus. Continue reading
Strawberries belong to the family Fragaria ananassa, a genus of flowering plants in the rose family or Rosaceae. The popular fruit are cultivated worldwide. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
With its abundant paddy, Kuttanad has been termed the “Rice Bowl of Kerala”. Kuttanad is a large area made up of land from the three adjoining districts of Alappuzha, Kollam and Kottayam. Most of Kuttanad consists of paddy fields that spill out into vast stretches inland from the backwaters. Heavy monsoon rains bring top soil and minerals from the high ranges of the Western Ghats, depositing them in the low-lying Kuttanad region in a periodic replenishment that keeps the soil fertile.
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