Culture of Kollam
Script error: No such module "AfC submission catcheck". The culture of Kollam is a rich and vibrant blend of different influences. The city has been a major trading center for centuries, and this has led to a diverse cultural heritage. The culture of Kollam is influenced by Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as by the cultures of neighboring states such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Geographical and Historical Context[edit]
The historical significance of Kollam can be traced back to ancient times. It was a major trade hub and a prominent port along the legendary Spice Route, which connected India with the Mediterranean region, Europe, and the Middle East. The city's maritime activities attracted merchants, explorers, and travelers from different parts of the world, leading to cultural exchanges and the assimilation of diverse influences.
Kollam has a rich history of various dynasties and rulers. The city was once the capital of the Venad Kingdom, an ancient feudal state in southern Kerala. It flourished under the Chera dynasty and witnessed the rule of the Travancore kingdom during the medieval period. The influence of these dynasties is reflected in the architecture, art, and traditions of the region.
The historical context of Kollam also includes its association with European colonial powers. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a trading post in Kollam in the early 16th century. Later, the Dutch, followed by the British, arrived in Kollam, leaving their mark on the city's culture and architecture. The remnants of colonial-era buildings and structures, such as churches, forts, and warehouses, still exist in Kollam, showcasing the amalgamation of European and local architectural styles.
Kollam's historical and geographical context has played a crucial role in shaping its culture. The city's maritime trade connections have brought in various cultural influences, resulting in a diverse and cosmopolitan society. The blend of indigenous Malayalam culture with external elements has created a unique cultural fabric in Kollam, evident in its language, art forms, festivals, cuisine, and religious practices.
Literature[edit]
Kollam has been a center for literary activities, with several literary festivals, book fairs, and literary discussions held in the city. These events provide platforms for writers, poets, and literary enthusiasts to come together, exchange ideas, and celebrate the richness of Malayalam literature.
The contributions made by the descendants of Sangramadhira Rabarman, Samudrabandhan, Kavibhushan, Shaktibhadra, Kottarakkara Tampuran etc. to the language and literary culture are immeasurable. Paravoor Keshavanashan, who started the first newspaper in Kollam, KC Kesavapilla, dramatist and singer, Vedic-Vedanta Parayana Pannissery Nanupilla, social reformer VV Aryan, Karua Krishnanashan and others are memorable.
The contributions of the successful Kambissery Karunakaran, Vaikam Chandrasekharan Nair and others cannot be appreciated. ONV Kurup, the poet Tirunelloor Karunakaran and the young poet Kuripuzha Sreekumar are the proud songs of Kollam district.
Kollam city was one of Kumaranashan's main areas of activity. In 1903, he was the general secretary of the second anniversary of the SNDP meeting held at Kollam. The first all-Kerala exhibition other than the Travancore circuit was held on this occasion. When Mahakavi continued to serve as General Secretary for fifteen terms, he often concentrated his activities in Kollam.
Quilon Public Library[edit]
Quilon Public Library and Research Center was inaugurated on January 31, 1979. Quilon Public Library was a blessing to the people of Kollam.
Kadapakkada Sports Club and Reading Room[edit]
Kadapakkada Sports Club and Reading Room is an institution that has given birth to a magnificent cultural heritage in the city of Kollam. It was formed in 1942.
Samasta Kerala Sahitya Parikshit[edit]
The first state conference of Samastha Kerala Sahitya Parikshit was held in Kollam on 29th, 30th and 31st December 1930. The maharathas participating in it are Ullur S. Parameshwarayar, Mahakavi Vallathol, Kalabhai Chattopadhyay and others. E V Krishnapilla, C Keshavan, TM Varghese and others were the main organizers of this conference.
Performing Arts and Folk Traditions[edit]
The city of Kollam in Kerala is well known for its affinity to drama and drama theaters. There were more than 450 drama troupes in Kollam in the past.[1] Kalidasa Kalakendram is one among them, founded by thespian O. Madhavan on 25 January 1963 with the support of O. N. V. Kurup, Vaikom Chandrasekharan Nair and Devarajan Master.[2]
Sopanam[edit]
'Sopanam' is the epitome of cultural revival in Kollam. This art center is an affiliate of Quilon Public Library and Research Center, which was born seventeen centuries ago. Designed for the presentation of audiovisual arts, this modern auditorium has a seating capacity of 700. Sopanam features facilities for holding art galleries, art exhibitions and film screenings. Standing proudly at the southern end of the Kollam Public Library premises, this Chaturni building has a total floor area of 2776 sq.m. It was created by the famous painter and architect MV Devan. Its foundation stone was laid on 15 October 1987. Kanai Kunjuraman has suitably decorated this auditorium. A 'Kundalini' sculpture by the famous painter Jayapalapanika will add to the charm of the Sopanam. This sculpture is a wonderful phenomenon of his. If you look closely at this sculpture, which looks like a tangled snake, you will think that it is a living poisonous snake.
Festivals[edit]
Kollam is home to a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Kollam Pooram, the Oachirakkali, and the Kettukazhcha. These festivals are a major part of the cultural life of the city, and they attract visitors from all over the world.
Kollam Pooram[edit]
Kollam Pooram (Malayalam : കൊല്ലം പൂരം) is a festival held each April in Kollam City in the Indian state of Kerala. The festival attracts large number of people from all parts of the state and is organised in connection with the annual festival of the Asramam Sri Krishnaswamy Temple at Kollam's Asramam Maidan.[3] The festival has now assumed the status of a national festival attracting tourists in large numbers.
Cuisine[edit]
The cuisine of Kollam is a delicious blend of different influences. The city is known for its seafood dishes, as well as for its sweets and snacks.
Sports[edit]
Football has a prominent place in the sports scene of Kollam. There used to be a football court where Lal Bahadur Stadium is today. The idea of a stadium for Kollam was born in 1953. The government has given permission to build a stadium with galleries that can seat 12000 people. Kerala won the 10th Junior National Football Trophy held at Lalbumhadur Stadium in March 1973. Kerala destroyed their opponents with four unanswered goals.
Kollam has a famous and renowned tradition in the field of sports and arts. Suresh Babu, TC Yohannan, Janis Spink, Erel Declas, Karunakaran, Pappusar, Vijayan and others who have achieved prestigious achievements at the national level are the wealth of Kollam.
Boat Races[edit]
The President's Trophy Boat Race (Malayalam: പ്രസിഡന്റ്'സ് ട്രോഫി വള്ളം കളി) is a popular boat race held on the Ashtamudi lake in Kollam city on 1 November every year.[4] The day marks the birth of the Indian state of Kerala, known as Kerala Piravi.
Kallada Boat Race is one of the most popular races held in the southern regions of Kerala. 28th Onam day is selected for the race every year, which is the day of Thiruvonam in the month of Kanni. All leading snakeboats participate in the event. Munroe Thuruthu in Kollam district is the venue for this spectacular boat race. Puthiraparambu Karuthrakadavu Nettayam in the Kallada river is where the boats compete. [5]
Wrestling tradition[edit]
Kollam was a place of wrestlers and wrestling. In Kollam there were not only fayalwans, but also kalaris who trained wrestling. Many world-renowned wrestlers had come to Kollam and displayed their wrestling performances. The National Wrestling Championship was held in 1967 at Kollam Lal Bahadur Stadium.
References[edit]
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- ↑ "Kalidasa Kalakendra invests Rs.40 lakh on Macbeth". The Hindu. 26 September 2013. Retrieved 25 July 2017.
- ↑ "Novel unfurls memories of bygone days". The Hindu. 24 July 2017. Retrieved 25 July 2017.
- ↑ "Kollam Pooram today". The Hindu. 15 April 2005. Archived from the original on 28 July 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2015. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "President's Trophy Boat Race at Ashtamudi backwaters | Explore Kollam Festivals". www.keralatourism.org. Retrieved 2020-10-31.
- ↑ https://www.keralatourism.org/onam/boat-races/kallada-boatrace. Missing or empty
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