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Gramam,
the exotic village fair represents the nostalgic recreation of bygone era
of rustic simplicity and ethnic charm.
Held in January, on the golden sands of the famous
Kovalam Beach Resort,
just 16 kms from Thiruvananthapuram
city, it is a typical Kerala village of yore, replete with the traditional
Nalukettu. Astrologers,
artisans and even sorcerers, provide the visitor a glimpse of Kerala's
rich past. Classical art forms of Kerala are presented in evenings.
Nalukettu: The
Unique Architecture Recreated
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, household utensils remind one of a bygone era.
Decorated with a colourful '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.
Savour The Local Cuisine At The Chayakada
At the 'Chayakada', the village tea shop, relish the taste of the tender
coconut, the refreshing tea (chaya) or the tangy lime juice.
Sitting on the comfortable wooden chairs and stools, 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).
Kamalagramam For Perfect Souvenirs
At Kamalagramam, the artisans' enclave, are stalls selling handcrafted
artifacts. Here one can watch craftsmen at work on traditional spinning
wheels, handlooms etc.
One can pick up anything from gold and silver ornaments to coir, conch
and coconut shell articles, metal mirrors, Kerala sarees, Woven cloth
etc., or have them made to order.
Mesmerising Art forms
The fair wears a new look 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 a
few of the attractions.