Cultural Archive

Paliya Ulsavam is the annual festival of the Paliyar community in Kerala, held every April. Rooted in forest traditions and ancestral worship, the festival today blends temple rituals with cultural expressions like Kummi-adi and Paliya Nritham. From the sacred pilgrimage to Kalluveriyar to votive offerings such as Mulapayaru, Maavilakku, and Theechatti, the celebration reflects the community’s deep faith, resilience, and collective identity.

Paliya Nritham, a dance form practiced by the Paliya community in Kerala in their settlement at Kumali, is an example on how the...

Among the Mannan tribal community of Kerala , a rich cultural tradition continues to beat to the rhythms of drums and the chants of...

Balikkala is a ritual art, practiced by the Malayar community of northern Kerala. Performed for the health and well-being of women, it has g

Balikkala is a traditional folk art from North Malabar, Kerala, with historical roots in the Malaya community, who traditionally...

‘Koothu Kondakari’ is a traditional composition of the Irular community featuring the National award-winning singer Nanjiyamma along with...

Rajan Panikker is a Sorcerer (Mandrikan) from Kozhikode (Kerala). In this video by Team Arpo, he explains the story of the Malaya...

Listen to the captivating rendition of an old folk song performed by Madhavi Amma and her friends for northern Kozhikode. This heartfelt...

Thirayattam, a traditional ritualistic dance form performed in the sacred groves of South Malabar, has long been a bastion of male...

Umesh PK, an award-winning artist from the Malavettuvar community in Kerala, shares his insights with ARPO regarding his community's...