Cultural Archive

Paliya Nritham, a dance form practiced by the Paliya community in Kerala in their settlement at Kumali, is an example on how the community builds livelihood by upholding their cultural practice and identity. Tucked away from the hectic tourist spots of Thekkady, Vellayankaani Paliya Parambaragatha Nritham, a team of 20 + enthusiastic individuals from Paliyakudi, Kumily practices their dance form of Paliya Nritham to their set of songs with various traditional instruments. He

Among the Mannan tribal community of Kerala, a rich cultural tradition continues to beat to the rhythms of drums and the chants of ancient tales. This is Mannan Koothu, a traditional dance-drama that weaves storytelling, music, and ritual into a unique form of cultural expression. At its heart lies the retelling of the legendary Kannaki - Kovalan saga, a story rooted in Tamil Sangam literature but uniquely adapted by the Mannan people into their own version of the epic. WATCH

May 11, 2025 — Mazhuvadi, Kanjikuzhi In the serene mountain valley of Mazhuvadi, Idukki district, a remarkable gathering unfolded on 11th May 2025. Elders from the Mannan community came together in a rare participatory dialogue — an event that bridged memory, oral tradition, and collective inquiry. At the forefront of the gathering were Ayyapan, Rajappan & Kumaran, senior members from the Mannan community, who expressed joy at the opportunity to rekindle internal dialogue and

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