Culture & Heritage - The Magic of Kuttanad
Kuttanad’s diversity in its culture & heritage reveals a strong sense of faith. The essential uniqueness of Kuttanad evokes a spiritual relationship between the inhabitants and the region, binding the locals to their
surroundings. The connection between man and land rooted in true belief explodes in tradition, molded over their powerful reliance on resources and memories.
Boat Race
The Kuttanad region is home to several boat races like
- Moolam Boat Race/ Champakkulam Boat Race– is a 400-year old tradition that marks Kerala’s boat race carnivals. On Raja Incidentally, the sanctification of the Krishna idol at the Ambalappuzha temple is celebrated by this race. Consequently, every year begins with a water carnival announced by the Raja of Chempakasseri. The race is held on the Champakkulam on River Pamba. The race has diverse categories like the chundan (snake boat), veppu, iruttu kuthi churulan etc.
- Uthradam Thirunal Pamba Boat Race – The tranquil waters of the River Pamba at Neerettupuram in Alappuzha changes into a race track, every year. The decorated snake boats part the waters to the rhythmic notes of boat songs.
- Payippad Boat Race- A legend surrounds the secluded village by Payippad River. It is believed that the occupants witnessed a whirlpool in a vision. Thereafter, they made their way to see it for themselves. On reaching Kayamkulam Lake, they discovered a beautiful idol. It was that of the Hindu deity, Sree Subramanya. Furthermore, they offered the idol to the Subramanya Swamy Temple. This boat race celebrates its consecration.
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race is amongst the leading snake boat races (100 ft long) in Kerala. It is held on the second Saturday of August every year. For this celebration, people gather in great numbers. to observe this long boats contest.
Image 1: Kuttanadan.com property | Image 2: Photo by Rajesh_India/ CC BY
Culture & Heritage of Padayani
- Neelamperoor Padayani is held at Neelamperoor, Alappuzha. It spans over fifteen days of celebration. Additionally, people create several effigies of human and non-human figures. Although there are different kinds of performances in Kerala, Neelamperoor Padayani is the only kind of Padayani that creates effigies. To add to its beauty, artistes perform dances with headgear and masks.
Culture & Heritage of Garudan Thookkam
Garudan Thookkam (Eagle Hanging) is a ceremonial art performance that takes place in Kali temples in Central Kerala districts. People don the avatar of Garuda and complete the dance. Moreover, boats or bullock carts in certain places display the Garudas.
Image 1: Photo by Sujith Sudarsan | Image 2: Photo by Arjun/ Unsplash
Architectural Heritage
Some of the notable heritage sites of Kuttanad include:
- Champakulam Church- Champakulam Kalloorkadu St. Mary’s Basilica belongs to the Syro-Malabar Church under the Archeparchy of Changanacherry. Remarkably, It is a Forane church consisting of several parishes under it.
- Pulinkunnu Church- In the lap of Kuttanad in the Alappuzha district lays the iconic St. Mary’s Forane Church, reflecting Portuguese architecture.
- Edathua Church- St. George Forane Church in Edathua is also known as Edathua Pally. It is a parish of Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. Saint George is the patron saint of the church.
- Chakkulathu Kavu – Chakkulathu Kavu is a Hindu temple dedicated to Durga. The temple is located near Thiruvalla in Neerattupuram. It is situated in the Thalavady panchayat in Alappuzha. Chakkulathu Kavu is one of the most famous temples in the state.
- Karumadi Kuttan – Karumadi Kuttan is a renowned Buddhist pilgrim centre. It has a 11th-century statue of Lord Buddha. This statue is associated to several fascinating legends surrounding it. Currently, the State Archaeological Department safeguards the site.
- Thakazhi Museum – Thakazhi Museum and Smritimandapam is a Museum Memorial Hall devoted to the memory of Thakazhi Sivasankaran Pillai. He is a famed Malayalee writer who won the Jnanpeeth award in 1984.
Image 1: Photo by Brian Snelson / CC BY | Image 2: Photo by Mike / CC BY | Image 3: Photo by John Chacks / Wikimedia | Image 4: Photo by Keralatourism.org | Image 5: Photo by Sanandkarun / Wikimedia
Culture of Folklore & Songs
Vanchipattu/ boat song, is a part of the folk song tradition of Kerala. It depicts all facets of local life. It represents the pure essence of rhythm. Especially, when the contestants row boats. Customarily, the rhythm of a folk song results from the movement that it displays. In turn, the rhythm of the words changes the ordinary to the magical. This culture is prevalent in how the community approaches work. Especially, while working in the paddy fields.
Image 1 & 2: Photo by Kuttanadan.com
Festivals
Some of the local Kuttanadan festivals include:
- Neelamperoor Padayani Festival– Amongst the greatest sights seen in all of Alappuzha district is the annual Neelamperoor Padayani Festival. It is held at the Neelamperoor Palli Bhagavathy Temple. Its unique tradition of Kettukazhcha exhibits gorgeously decorated effigies. People have been in awe of the aura and magic surrounding this locale and its customs for centuries. As a result, it is amongst the most notable occasions in the whole district.
- Edathua Perunnal – The Edathua Church, built-in 1810, is well-known for its structural pride. It symbolises God’s Own Country’s architectural inheritance. Dedicated to St. George, it draws in great crowds for its annual Perunnal of St. George.
- Ayilyam Festival – The Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple in Alappuzha District is dedicated to the Serpent Gods. A Brahmin woman is the head priestess of this temple. The main festival here is the Ayilyam Festival.
Image 1: Photo by Keralatourism.org | Image 2: Photo by Keralatourism.org | Image 3: Photo by Keralatourism.org
Movies
The setting of Kuttanad has become a favoured location for film shooting, particularly for song-and-dance sequences in big-budget movies.
Over the years, several films – across Mollywood, Bollywood movies, songs and a Hollywood movie have been shot here. Its gorgeous paddy fields, coconut gardens, and houseboats create an inviting ambience.
Some of the movies and songs include:
- Bhayanakam – A 2018 Indian Malayalam period drama war film directed by Jayaraj.
- Ottaal – An adaptation of Chekov’s Vanka, is brilliantly directed by Jayaraj.
- ‘Amen’ – Directed by award-winning filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery.
- Basmati Blues – Directed by Dan Baron, is a heartwarming romantic Hollywood comedy.
- Kuttanad was the backdrop to some scenes from the hit song, ‘Jiya Jale’ song from the movie Dil Se.
Image 1: Photo on Youtube | Image 2: Photo by Times of India Article | Image 3: Photo by Times of India Article | Image 4: Photo by Digit.in | Image 5: Photo by Alidabdul.com
Literary Representation
Kuttanad continues to be the inspiration for several pieces of literature. Some of the notable books written referencing this land include:
- Kuttanadum Karshaka Thozhilaali Prasthaanavum, 1993/1999- written by Kamalasanan N K from the Samskaarika Prasidheekarana Vakuppu. It reveals the history of Kuttanadu brilliantly along with an exploration of the farmer movements.
- Kuttanadinte Naerkkazhchakal, 2007- Published by Veettoor J K S, Nakshathra publications, Alappuzha. It accurately portrays the historical, cultural, and geographical features of Kuttanadu.
- Purakkadu Rajyavum Chempakassaeriyum, 2003- written by Joseph Kottapparampan and published by Fr Francis Kuttickal. It features Purakkadu, one of the ancient ports in Kerala as it’s central theme. It also depicts Kuttanad’s history, myths, and fantasies.
- Jalolsavangalude naattil, 2008- written by Kainakary Surendran, S P C S, Kottayam. This literary delight beautifully describes Vallamkali, Kerala’s traditional boat race. The book includes oral narratives and memories of the laymen and legends of Kuttanad.
- Moustache – This novel written by Malayalam author S Hareesh won the coveted JCB Prize for Literature 2020. The book addresses concerns afflicting society through the representation of a moustache.