Kollavarsham (Malayalam Calendar)

Originating in 825AD, Kollavarsham (the Malayalam calendar) is a solar and sidereal Hindu calendar used in Kerala, India. Even to this day, it has a huge significance in the daily lives Keralites in India – several festivals, events, and temple ceremonies follow this calendar. Similar to the Gregorian calendar, Kollavarsham follows 12 months a year, and 7 days a week. However, one of the several things that make the Kollavarsham unique is the 27 Nakshatras (following Hindu astrology). In many ways, since its origins, the calendar has ingrained itself as a major form of communication in the livelihoods of its people. For instance, agriculture (which makes up a huge part of Keralite culture) derives its monsoon names from the calendar – the northeast monsoon (thulavarsham) means “rain in the month of thulam.”

http://kollavarsham.tumblr.com/

Kathakali Dance:

Kathakali is a classical dance form originating from Kerala, India. While the development of this art form is unclear, it emerged in popular culture sometime during the 16th and 17th centuries. More than just being a dance, Kathakali is an art of storytelling. It combines several artistic elements – dance, drama, music, costumes, and makeup – to convey the story. According to the Kerala Kalamandalam, “the 24 hand-gestures the Kathakali actor has, developed a language comprising of more than 600 words.” This is supported by the large variety of different rhythms, tempos, facial expressions, and body movements. Most of the stories this particular art form conveys are epics from Hindu literature (Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas).

https://www.culturalindia.net/indian-dance/classical/kathakali.html

https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/travelnews/story/66990/the-art-of-kathakali

http://www.kalamandalam.org/ontraditionalarts.asp#1

https://www.culturalindia.net/indian-dance/classical/kathakali.html