|
 |
 |
| |
| |
|
Vol
6, Issues 2&3; (combined edition of June-Sept/2006
and Oct2006-Jan2007
Nature:
The twelve year visitor chooses
one more destination
The mass flowering of Neela
Kurinji (Strobilanthes Kunthiana) occurs once in 12
years and it happened this year. So far in Kerala,
the place known for the flowering of this plant was
the high ranges of Munnar. But mass flowering of Neela
Kurinji is reported for the first time at Attappadi
hill range of Mannarkkad Forest Division in Palakkad
district.
Heritage:
Exquisite Murals at Padmanabhapuram
Palace
By P. Naveen Kumar
Padmanabhapuram Palace,
situated in Kanyakumari, but under the control of
Govt. of Kerala, is one of the excellent showpieces
of the architectural and artistic heritage of India.
Earlier this was the headquarters of Travancore Rajas
and during the rule of Rama Varma, in 1758, shifted
the headquarters to Thiruvananthapuram. The ancient
murals depicted on the four walls on the top floor
of the Upparikka Malika is an invaluable heritage,
but entrance to this room is restricted, in order
to preserve it.
Ayurveda:
Precautions and regimens
during Panchakarma and Poorvakarma Ayurvedic Therapies
Dr.M.Lalithambika, D.A.M, Medicus Ayurvedic Centre,
Thiruvananthapuram
|
 |
Tourism :
Select Destinations- Kerala
Short notes are given on select destinations
with a tourism point of view on the following areas.
North Wayanad and Neighbourhood-
Tholpetty Wildlife Sactuary, Kuruva dweep, Thirunelly temple,
Pakshipathalam, Pazhassi Raja's tomb
Kozhikode and Neighbourhood- Kuttichira
mosques, Pazhassiraja Archeological museum & Art gallery,
V.K. Krishna Menon museum, Regional Science centre & Planetarium,
Beypore, Kadalundy Bird Sactuary, Kappad Beach, Kozhikode
beach and Mother of God Church
Bekal and Neighbourhood- Bekal
fort & beach, Pallikare beach, Kappil beach, Chandragiri
Fort, Palakkunnu Sri Bhagavathy temple, Anandasramam, Nithyanandasramam
and Madiyan Kulom Sri Kshethrapalaka temple
Kannur and Neighbourhood- Arakkal
kettu & museum, Chirakkal Palace and Folklore Academy
Museum, St. Angelos Fort, Thottada beach, Payyambalam beach,
Muzhappilangad beach, Parassinikkadavu temple and snake park
|
|
| |
Regular features-
Festival Calendar, Classified commercial information and
news briefs.
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
|
Vol
6, Issue 1 : Feb-May 2006 (32 pages including
cover)
Art
A new dimension to Holy
Sculptures
The Dwarapalaka sculptures
recently installed at Karumarakkad Siva Temple,
Vadakkancherry in Thrissur district is an experiment
by the sculptor Santhosh Shivan, adopted from
the ancient texts to suit the norms of temple
architecture.
Village Panorama
Exhibition of paintings
by Victoria, recently held at Durbar Hall Art
Gallery, Ernakulam portrait love and ethnicity
of Villages in India
Heritage stay :
The colonial Renaissance
150-year-old Varikkat
home in Thiruvananthapuram city will take you
to the colonial era of the British and it is
now in the safe hands of a seasoned soldier,
Col. Roy Kuncheria.
Heritage
The Presidential
village of Uzhavoor :
|
 |
Kocheril Veedu, a traditional
small home at Kurichithanam, the ancestral home of the
former President of India, K.R.Narayanan, who died in
November 09, 2005 is now preserved by Navajyotji Karunakara
Guru Research Centre for Ayurveda and Sidha, a research
centre by Santhigiri Ashramam.
Fusion of Nature and Spirituality
If you travel a few kilometers east of Kanhngad town
you are at Guruvanam. This is the place where the saint
Swami Nithyananda had gone into spiritual retreat four
decades back. The caves, temple, natural springs, the
forest and farms in a calm surrounding have made this
place a real spiritual retreat centre.
Restoring the Glorious Heritage
The 200-year-old palace complex of Arakkal dynasty,
the only Muslim ruling family of Kerala based at Kannur,
has now renovated by Archeological Department, Govt.
of Kerala with the financial assistance of Tourism department
and opened to the public as Museum.
|
|
| |
Nature :
Take a break with Nature
The narrow trail with ups and downs, huge trees, wild
creepers, gigantic rocks, accompanied by the tinkle
of river Kallar and finally a breathtaking view of the
Meenmutty water fall, stories about the recent attacks
of wild elephants - is a treat to a nature lover, which
makes this short trip a memorable one. With comments
by Megan Epler Wood, sustainable tourism projects consultant
worldwide
New Property :
Neelambari Resorts- A secret
portal to Nirvana
Nestling in the spice hills and quiet estates, Neelambari
Resorts is set in 110 acres with spectacular views of
surrounding natural forests, mountains and valleys.
It is the ideal getaway to an unspoilt part of North
Kerala.
Regular features-
Festival Calendar, Classified commercial information
and news briefs.
|
|
| |
VOL 5, ISSUE 3
Oct./05 - Jan./06 (32 pages including cover)
Pavakkadhkali, Puppetry with Kadhakali
charectors - Puthillathu vadika family
- Sagnikam Athirathram 2006
- Yagasala Vadian.
|
 |
|
| |
|
VOL
5, ISSUE 2 ; June - Sept./05 (32 pages including
cover)
Art
Majic in Bamboo
A feature about N. Janardhanan
from Kollam, a sculptor and a craftsman whose
special interests are in bamboo.
Ayurveda
Pizhichil- the 'Kerala
Special' treatment & Comments by experts
A brief about the
Kerala special treatment pizhichil and comments
about its applications by expert Ayurveda physicians
from Kerala
Folk art
The Bhootha performance
during Onam season
Kummatty is ritual folk
form that can be seen in Thrissur during Onam
season. The performance of Kummatty is called
Kummattykkali. In this, a group of people disguised
as Kiratha(the hill tribes mentioned in Hindu
mythology) wearing masks and grass costumes,
go around in procession accompanied by drum
beats creating a terrifying effect. This feature
narrates its legend, local history, performance,
costumes and its present status.
|
 |
The involvement of Vadakkummuri
Kummatty Committee, the 50 yr old public organization
that took Kummatty from a mere ritual to a mega cultural
event and the Karappuram family are detailed. Also featuring
about K.N. Viswanathan, who creates the masks for Kummatty.
Tradition
'Krishn Collections'- the
seamless creation
Pookkottu Krishnan is from
a traditional handloom weavers' family but highly talented
and can weave an entire cloth- shirt, trousers, skirt
etc. with out any stitch, whatsoever. But still facing
difficulty to market it to the right targets.
|
|
| |
Guest
Prof. Farley Richmond - Interview
by K R N Chakyar
Prof. Farley Richmond, Director of Centre for Asian
Studies, Franklin College of Arts and Science, University
of Georgia is considered as a scholar in ancient theatre
in India especially Kootiyattom. Now every year he visits
Kerala along with his students as a part of their cultural
assignment. During his recent visit to Kerala in June
2005, Mr. K.R.N.Chakiyar, on behalf of Welcome Kerala
spent some time with Prof. Richmond and gathered his
views.
Nature
The backwater destination
of Malabar
Bakel Boat Stay, promoted by Bakel Resorts Development
Corporation ltd, operates four houseboats at Valiyaparamba
in Kasaragod district, the most beautiful backwater
destination of Malabar.
Heritage
The ancient Synagogue at
Chennamangalam
About the abandoned Synagogue (the place of worship
of Jews) at Chennamangalam, near North Paravur in Ernakulam
district which was recently renovated and opened for
the public and tourists.
Ritual
A sacred grove with a peculiar
ritual simply "laugh and clap"
- Naveen Meppayur & P.C. Sreejith
Narayanakulangara Thazhekavu commonly known as Thazhekkavu,
near Guruvayur in Thrissur district is a Kavu(sacred
grove) with a small sanctum sanctorum dedicated to the
Goddess Bhadrakali and does not have any vegetation
like a typical kavu, but the speciality is a peculiar
ritualistic offer, 'Chirichukottal' by the believers,
literally laugh and clap.
Eco-tourism
Unwind a day with Nature
The eco-tourism project at Kakkad forest area, near
Thamarassery in Kozhikode district is a highly scenic
location to unwind and relax. You can also visit the
tribal colony inside the forest. The facilities are
provided by Kakkad Vana Samrakshana Samithy.
Other
contents
Showcase-Umbrella
stone called Muniyarakkallu/Kadakkallu at Priyattidakkam
in Kasaragod district.
Festval calendar-Iimportant
festivals during Sept.- November.
Festval calendar-
important festivals during Sept.- November
Classified- Commercial
information about Ayurveda, Kalari, Yoga, Resorts,
Home stays' hotels, travel agents, houseboats etc.
|
|
| |
VOL 4, ISSUE 3
Oct./04 - Jan./05 (32 pages including cover)
Heritage
The Ettukettu of Konnathu Tharavadu
The 300yr. Old ettukettu
at Painkulam, near Cheruthuruthy in Thrissur Dt. is not
only a specimen of traditional architecture but also a
monument to Socio-economic changes of Kerala. The memories
of Konnathu Deviamma takes you to the world of feudal
lords.
Museum of world musical instruments
The man who has the largest
collection of musical instruments, one who can play the
maximum number of musical instruments and the one who
has the technical know-how of maximum number of musical
instruments
- Mr. Joseph V. Fernandez alias Joy.
Tantric Ritual
Yagams and Sanathana Samskara
by Ramachandran C.T, Angadippuram
The author explains his views
on Yagam in relation to Sanathana Samskara. Here is a
chance to experience Somayaagam 15-21/April/2005 at Angadippuram
in Malappuram Dt.
|
 |
|
| |
Thrisandha
An article about the ongoing vedic
session called Thrisandha at Bhahmaswom Madom, Thavanur
in Malappuram district. The Session will continue till
April 2005. Those who are interested in Vedic culture
can go there and see.
Ayurveda
P. N Ayurvedasramam, Kodungallur - a profile
The P.N Ayurvedasramam instituted
by Sree Narayana Dharma Sangam at Kodungallur is a new
venture not only providing authentic ayurvedic treatments
but moving with a vision to preserve the heritage of Ayurveda
and architecture of Kerala.
Architecture
New Little Flower Church at Elamkulam
The reconstructed church of Little Flower ( Cherupushpam
Palli) at Elamkulam in Ernakulam was consecrated on 2nd
Oct. '04.
Ritual Folk Art
Perumkaliyaattom of Muchilottu Bhagavathy
By tradition, Perumkaliyaattom, the grand Theyyam festival
involves the participation of various communities and
the public. Hence this mega festival is not only a religious
ritualistic performance handed over through generations,
but observed as an event to maintain communal harmony.
Kottila Sree Muchilottu Bhagavathy Kshethram
- Perumkaliyaattom From 27-30/Dec/2004
Karamel Sree Muchilottu Bhagavathy Kshethram -
Perumkaliyaattom From 05-08 /Feb/2005
Regular Columns
Showcase - Festival Calendar - Theyyam Calendar
- Classifieds - Update - New Properties etc..
|
|
|
| |
VOL 4, ISSUE 2
June - Sept./04 (32 pages including cover)
Pilgrimage
Malayattoor Kurisumudi - St. Thomas' International shrine
at at Malayattoor
The shrine, blessed with the visit of St.Thomas, the disciple
of Jesus Christ is a symbol of inter-religious fraternity.
Today Malayattoor Kurisumudi has shot into prominence in the
Pilgrimage and Tourist map of the world as Pope John Pole
II declared Malayattoor Kurisumudi as an international shrine
on 25th April 2004, the only one of its kind in India.
Classical Art
Koodiyattam - 'Kaarthyayaneepurappadu' was staged
Koodiyattam performance of the story of 'Kaarthyayaneepurappadu'
was staged recently at regional theatre, Thrissur directed
by the famous Koodiyattam-Nagyarkooth artist Usha Nagiar.
|
|
|
| |
Tradition
Uru - The traditional sea faring vessel - Construction at Beypore.
A golden opportunity for tourists and travelers to see the construction
of an Uru The feature explains how the experts are making the
Uru in traditional method
Kai Uzhichil - The ancient art of
Kalari massage by hand
A feature about the significance of Kalaripayattu in Kalari
massage, especially Kai Uzhichil, based on the Kalari Uzhichil
workshop recently held at Kannur, sponsored by Kannur District
Kalaripayattu Association.
Heritage
Jain temple, Palakkad - The Jain
temple at Palakkad, the ancient temple situated at Jainimedu,
is one of the few places in Kerala where the vestiges of Jainism
have survived.
Treasure of heritage revealed at
Vaakamoli kshethram.
Vaakamoli Vishnu kshethram situated at Vaakamoli near Quilandy
is a temple with a unique and rare heritage. Two young mural
artists during their expedition for ancient murals discovered
the heritage value of this temple.
Heritage stay
Harivihar - The heritage home
The 150 year old colonial mansion at Calicut in traditional
architecture offers authentic Ayurvedic treatments. This traditional
home is also a retreat for heritage tourists.
Architecture
Golden flag post at Thgirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy temple
Recently a new kodimaram(flag post) was installed at Thirumandhamkunnu
Bhagavathy temple, Angadippuram in Malappuram district by following
strictly the traditional architecture.
Ayurveda - A healthy life style
Mr. Thdathil Ramachandran, an scholar in the philosophy of Ayurveda
explains his views on Ayurveda and its philosophy.
Nature
Kanchan Ganga - The heaven of artist's at Kasaragod-
A private farm land owned by the famous artist, P. S. Punchithaya,
blessed with nature, even flowing a small stream infront of
his house creating marvelous waterfalls.
Ritual Folk Art
The off-season Theyyams at Parassinikkadavu
Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple in Kannur district is a rare
place where one can see the performance of Theyyams, almost
everyday irrespective of the season. Theyyam is a unique ritualistic
performing folk art of North Malabar, specifically Kannur and
Kasaragod districts, the northernmost districts of Kerala.
|
|
|
|
|
VOL
4, ISSUE 1
Feb-May/04 (32 pages including cover)
Heritage:
Chirakkal Kovilakam - The new premise for Folklore Academy
A Nalukettu, the traditional home of Chirakkal Raja's
now converted into folklore museum and also the headquarters
for Folklore Academy at Kannur.
The Catholic museum, Kochi-
A venture to preserve the heritage of Catholics in Kerala.
Catholic art museum is an innovative venture to protect
and hand over to posterity the historical and cultural
heritage of the Syro Malabar Church, especially that
of the archdiocese of Eranakulam - Angamaly.
Cheruthuruthy - A heritage
village
Cheruthuruthi, a small hamlet on the bank of River Nila,
presently also known as Vallathol Nagar in memory of
the great poet of Malayalam literature Late Vallathol
Narayana Menon, is situated in Thrissur district. The
village is rich in culture and heritage. Even now one
can see the signs of traditional Kerala village - paddy
fields, banana cultivations, organic vegetable farms,
various clans, temples, rituals, arts and so on..........
|
 |
Nature
Poongottukavu with the uniqueness
of Myristica forest
A piece of sylvan forest as a sacred grove at Mattannur in Kannur
district is rich in biological diversity. A specimen of the
myristica swamp forest can be seen here.
Kuruva Dweep - The Ecological park in Kabani river.
950 acre virgin uninhabited natural ecological park formed as
islets in Kabani river in Wayanad district.
Ayurveda
Rasayana Chikilsa - an overview By
Dr.Arya Devi, BAM
The significance of rasayana is more in the post-treatment period
of diseases such as meningitis, TB, typhoid, hepatitis, wheels,
gynecological disorders etc. In such diseases, rasayana chikilsa
is applicable for recuperation of the affected organ and the
body.
Zamorins Ayurvedic Health Retreat
- A profile
About the Ayurveda home near Guruvayoor in Thrissur district
providing treatments for various ailments.
Rituals
A rare chance to witness a tantric
ritual - Somayagam
A brief about Somayagam, the centuries old tantric ritual with
file photos.
Thidambu Nrutham - a tantric ritualistic
art form of North Malabar
A note on the ritualistic dance form Thidambu Nrutham usually
performed during the temple festivals in Kannur and Kasaragode
districts.
Tradition
Vishnu Maya temple and Avanangattu
Kalari
The Vishu Maya temple at Avanangattu, Peringottukara in Thrissur
district is legendry for its amazingly mighty Lord having devotees
all over Kerala and outside. The God guarded by numerous Chathans
is ever committed to the well being of the noble souls and the
annihilation of the wicked.
|
|
| |
|
|
VOL 3, ISSUE 2&3
June - Sept./03 & Oct. /03 - Feb /04
(24 pages including cover)
A special issue on Ayurveda in
North Kerala(Kasaragode, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode,
Malappuram, Palakkad and Thrissur) published in connection
with the mega event Mystiques
of Malabar - 2003 held
at Kadavu resort, Kozhikode.
Highlights
Panchakarma Treatments in Ayurveda
Ayurveda Colleges in North Kerala
Ayurveda Hospitals in North Kerala
Ashtavaidyan Families
Kerala Tourism Classified Ayurvedic Resorts in North
Kerala.
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
VOL 3, ISSUE 1
Feb- May /03 (24 pages including cover)
Nature :
A glimpse on the fauna of Kadalundy Estuary
By Jafer Palot & C Radhakrishnan, Zoological Survey
of India
A tiny wet land near Kadalundy estuary in Malappuram
district where you can see even migratory birds during
season. The extensive mudflats and riverine mangrove
forest provide a unique and rare ecosystem.
Other Highlights - Festivals
Thrissur Pooram
Held at Thrissur and is considered as the mother of
all poorams. The 30 hour long spectacular event is briefly
explained.
|
|
Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram
The 11 day festival held annually at Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy
temple, Angadippuram in Malappuram district. Technically considered
as the one of the best temple festivals.
Kottiyur Ulsavam
Kottiyur Ulsavam is a rare festival held during monsoon season.
Various communities perform rituals and functions here. The
festival is held in a temporarily build thatched sheds in Baveli
river in Kannur district. A typical Kerala temple is situated
on the bank of the river.
Sri Madiyan Kulom Kalasolsavam
This is about the annual festival Kalasolsavam. The temple with
brilliant architecture is situated near Kanhangad in Kannur
district.
Edappally church thirunal
The annual feasts held at Edappally church in Ernakulam district
dedicated to St. George locally known as Geevargese. This is
one of the ancient churches in Kerala.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
VOL 2, ISSUE 3
Oct/02 - Jan/03 (24 pages including cover)
Ayurveda
100 years of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala
A profile about the 100 year old Ayurveda institution,
Arya Vaidya Sala at Kottakkal in Malappuram district
founded by Late P.S Warrier.
Heritage
Purasvasthu Museum - One man's endeavor to culture and
heritage.
A personal museum of rare and precious collection of
antiques owned by Kappekkaded Beerankutty situated at
Ponmala near Malappuram.
Ritual
- Ayyappan Pattu and Ayyappan Theeyyattu
The two rituals connected with Lord Ayappan. Ayappan
pattu is usually held during Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
A 24 hour long narrative and sportive ritual connected
with the story Lord Ayyappan.
Ayyappan Theeyattu is performed by Theeyadi Nambiar
community and almost similar to the ritual Kalampaattu
in Bhagavathy temples.
|
|
Craft
Uravu - Atribute to bamboo
A society situated near Kalpetta in Wayanad district, to empower
marginalized social groups. Over hundred varieties of articles
are produced here using bamboo.
Pilgrimage
Sabarimala Sree Dharmasastha Kshethram
A holy religious place nestling deep in the green exotic forests
on the slopes of the Western Ghats in Pathanamthitta district.
This evergreen stretch of forest, laced in mystery, legends
and divinity attracts millions of pilgrims every year from all
over India.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
VOL 2, ISSUE 2
June-Sept./02 (20 pages including cover)
Heritage
Divine Architecture - A revival at Kadampuzha and Thiruvambady
temples
Kadampuzha Kshethram one of the renowned Devi Temples
of Kerala, situated in South Malabar, have now renovated
a unique and divine 'Sreekovil' with all the glory of
traditional architecture. And Thiruvambady temple, popular
as a major participant of world famous Thrissur Pooram,
recently constructed a 'Nalambalam' in the temple complex,
that too, without diluting the concept of traditional
architecture.
Both the places the chief architects(Vaastu Silpi) and
their associated were from Kerala, proving that Kerala
still have such masters in the field of traditional
architecture.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda a brief - Dr. Rajesh Devan
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
VOL 2, ISSUE 1
Feb-May/02 (20 pages including cover)
Focus
Destination Kannur
An informative feature about the places of tourists'
interest in Kannur, the land of Looms and Lores.
Ritual
Theyyam- The divine dance
of North Malabar
An overview on Theyyam, the unique ritualistic performing
art form of Northern Kerala.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
VOL 1, ISSUE 2
Aug/02 (12 pages including cover)
Pilgrimage
Parassinikadavu Muthappan Kshethram(Madapura)
The parasinikadavu Kshethram, The abode of the God, Lord Muthappan,
situated 20km away from Kannur now attracts thousands of pilgrims
even from abroad. A rare temple where you can see the performance
of Theyyam, the ritualistic performing art of North Malabar,
every season.
Village sport :
Pothu Poottu Malsaram
A photo feature on the sportive event
conducted during the Onam season, usually in the districts
of Malappuram and Palakkad districts.
|
|
|
| |
VOL 1, ISSUE 1
April/01(12 pages including cover)
Tradition :
Onam - The celebration of Kerala
The legend and practices connected with the festival of Kerala-
Onam
Village sport
Vallamkali - The attraction for
the season
About the major Snake boat races of Kerala, held annually.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
