Kerala Village Fair 2024 - from Monday, Jan 15 to Wednesday, Jan 31

The Kerala Village Fair is a vibrant and traditional celebration that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, a state in southern India. These fairs often take place in various villages and offer a glimpse into the local way of life. Mid-January is the time for cultural events in the lush villages around Kovalam every year. Traditional thatched houses are decorated during this ten-day-long festival and are the venue for folk dances, music, and festivities.

 

A typical Kerala village - gramam is recreated and replete with the traditional Nalukettu houses, chayakkada local teashops, etc.

 

Traditional thatch houses (Nalukettu) are decorated during this ten-day-long festival and are the venue for folk dances, music, and festivities. This fair represents the nostalgic recreation of the bygone era of rustic simplicity and ethnic charm. Astrologers, artisans, and even sorcerers provide the visitor with a glimpse of Kerala's rich past.

 

Nalukettu, the traditional upper-class homestead (Tharavadu ), the quadrangular mansion recreated using wood and tiles with a central open courtyard, corridors, massive pillars, and dormer windows is typical of Kerala's Architectural Style. Inside the Nalukettu are displayed a wealth of antiques. Priceless furniture in Teak, Mahogany, and Sandalwood, charming curios like Jewellery Boxes, Spice Bowls, Ethnic Jewellery, Exquisite Paintings, and Shields and Swords Wielded by men of yore are on show. Musical Instruments, Palmyra Fans, majestic Wooden Four Poster Beds, and household utensils remind one of a bygone era.

 

Decorated with a colorful Pookalam, the floral decoration in the courtyard, the Nalukettu looks enchanting with village belles in the traditional Kerala attire, dancing the Thiruvathira around the tall brass lamp.

 

In the evenings, almost every dance, art and martial art form of Kerala is performed in the open-air auditorium of Gramam. Various classical dances like Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, traditional and folk dances like Oppana, the martial art form, Kalaripayattu and other ritualistic folk arts like Theyyam, Pulikali, Villupattu, Pavakkoothu, Kakkarisi Natakam, Panchavadyam, Thullal and Bhajans etc. are performed.

 

At the Chayakada , the village teashop, relish the taste of the tender coconut, the refreshing tea (chaya) or the tangy limejuice. One can savour local delicacies like Kappa and Meen (steamed tapioca served with fish curry) or Puttu and Kadala (pounded rice cake steamed in bamboo shoots served with a lentil dish) during the festival.

 

At Kamalagramam , the artisans enclave, are stalls selling handcrafted artifacts. Here one can watch craftsmen at work on traditional spinning wheels, handlooms etc.

Highlights of the Kerala Village Fair

1. Traditional Crafts and Handicrafts: You’ll find stalls selling beautiful handicrafts such as coir products, handwoven fabrics, bamboo and wood crafts, and traditional pottery.

2. Local Cuisine: Food stalls offer an array of traditional Kerala dishes like sadya (a festive meal), puttu (steamed rice cake), kadala curry (black chickpea curry), and various snacks like banana chips and jaggery sweets.

3. Cultural Performances: Expect performances of traditional art forms such as Kathakali (classical dance-drama), Mohiniyattam (classical dance), and Theyyam (ritual dance).

4. Folk Music: Local folk music performances, including traditional songs and drumming, are common, creating a lively atmosphere.

5. Games and Competitions: Traditional village games and competitions like pallankuzhi (a traditional board game), tug-of-war, and other local games.

6. Agricultural Exhibits: Exhibits showcasing local farming practices, produce, and innovations in agriculture.

7. Religious and Ritualistic Activities: Depending on the time of year, the fair might include religious ceremonies, temple visits, and ritualistic events.

Here’s a detailed look at why these fairs are important:

1. Cultural Preservation

• Showcase of Traditions: Village fairs preserve and showcase Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. They feature traditional art forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, as well as folk music and dance, which are essential for passing on cultural knowledge and practices to future generations.

• Traditional Crafts: The fairs provide a platform for local artisans to display and sell traditional crafts, helping to keep ancient techniques alive and promote regional craftsmanship.

2. Social and Community Bonding

• Gathering Space: Fairs are a common space for community members to come together. It fosters a sense of unity and belonging among villagers, strengthening social bonds and providing opportunities for social interaction.

• Shared Experiences: These events create shared experiences through cultural performances, communal meals, and games, which help to reinforce community ties.

3. Economic Impact

• Support for Local Economy: Fairs boost the local economy by providing a marketplace for artisans, farmers, and food vendors. It helps local businesses thrive and provides a source of income for many.

• Tourism Attraction: The fairs attract tourists, which benefits the local economy. Tourists visiting the fairs also spend money on accommodations, transportation, and dining, contributing to the region’s economic growth.

4. Educational Value

• Learning Opportunities: Visitors can learn about Kerala’s agricultural practices, traditional crafts, and cultural traditions. It serves as an educational experience for both locals and tourists about the historical and cultural significance of the region.

5. Preservation of Agricultural Heritage

• Agricultural Exhibits: Fairs often feature exhibits of local farming techniques and produce, which helps to preserve and promote traditional agricultural practices. It also educates visitors about the importance of sustainable agriculture and local food systems.

6. Celebration of Festivals and Rituals

• Religious Significance: Many village fairs are associated with religious festivals and rituals. They provide a space for communal worship, rituals, and spiritual celebrations, which are central to the cultural and spiritual life of the community.

7. Promotion of Local Cuisine

• Culinary Experience: The fairs are an opportunity for people to enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine. Local food stalls offer a variety of dishes that reflect the region’s culinary heritage and promote the diversity of Kerala’s food culture.

8. Preservation of Folk Arts

• Folk Performances: The fairs support the preservation of folk arts and performances, which are often in danger of being lost in the face of modernization. These performances keep alive stories, music, and dance that have been passed down through generations.

9. Encouraging Sustainable Practices

• Eco-friendly Initiatives: Many village fairs promote eco-friendly practices like using biodegradable materials and encouraging waste management, which helps to raise awareness about environmental conservation.

10. Platform for Emerging Artists and Artisans

• Opportunities for New Talent: Fairs provide a platform for emerging artists and artisans to showcase their work and gain recognition, which can lead to further opportunities in their respective fields.

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