Click to play videoThrissur (Kerala): In Kerala the Tourism Department is driving away the economic gloom with a song and a dance. This is also helping them to revive the state’s traditional art forms to attract tourists.
Theyyam, an elaborate ritual art form, is unique to North Kerala and is now being showcased in several districts in the state.
The performers with unique and colorful costumes, headgear and facial and body make up called ‘Kolam’, represent deities.
“I am doing Vishnu Murthy Theyyam here. It has the story of Prahlada who killed Hiranyakasipu. It takes three and half hours for the decorations,” says an artist, A Soman.
The presentation of Theyyam is a part of an Utsavam or festival organised by the tourism department, which is trying to tap Kerala's traditional art forms to overcome the economic meltdown.
“KTDC is trying to promote cultural tourism by Utsavam. It's a four months program. We are presenting folk and traditional art forms to attract international tourists at these times of economic meltdown,” says KTDC spokesperson A Jackson.
And, the efforts of the tourism department seem to have paid off.
“Theyyam is an integral part of Kerala culture. The make up costume and music are very interesting. I can’t wait to see this performance,” says a tourist from Poland, Karolina.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)
More on IBNLive Right Now
TOP NEWS
MOST SHARED
PHOTOGALLERY
