Even if you visit India today, you would find the very essence of classical music in all Indian compositions. The dance forms still reverberate the pulsation of the royal lineage. The temples and mosques, the tombs and palaces, every nook and corner of India still smell of its consolidated past.
India is flavored with the abundance of its cultural heritage. The traditional artforms, the food recipes, the languages, the religious practices remind of the enriched cultural cultivation that happened over thousands of years. You might love Idli today without knowing that the very first of its recipes go back to 920 CE. Even the Kancheepuram silk you love to wear has a fulfilling past in its making.
India being the cultural hub that it is, has become increasingly popular amidst the Western world for having retained its traditional heritage. And the Southern part of India is one amongst the other renowned states that seeks most engaging attention due to the presence of an abounding cultural history. Let us explore some of the most treasured cultural associations of South India.
South Indian Music
The world-renowned Carnatic music goes back to the early 15th century. This form of classical music has its roots delved deep into the Hindu traditions and is popularly practiced in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Telangana and Tamil Nadu. The ‘gayaki’ or the playfulness of the vocal cords happen to be the primary attraction of the Carnatic music. If you want to witness some exceptional Carnatic music, catch hold of a concert by Bombay Sisters or M. Balamuralikrishna. It’s an assurance that you won’t be disappointed.
South Indian Food
The South Indians have a sentimental bond with their food habits. The food is generally served on banana leaves and is eaten with bare hands. Idli, Dosa, Sambar, chutney form the staple diet. Consumption of rice in various forms is the principal food habit in South India.
The coastal regions of Southern India might provide you with the best seafood. And if you are an Indian, you must be aware of the rich historical past of Biryani. Visiting Hyderabad and not tasting the biryani of Hotel Aadab Bawrachi Quahana or Hotel Shadab is next to a criminal offense.
South Indian Dance forms
South India has given birth to some fine dance forms considering the techniques and display of art. Bharatnatyam is one of those dance forms that goes back to the ancient days of royal rule. The expression, the mudras, the postures are a treat to the eyes. The attire enhances the beauty of the dance even more.
Kathakali is not just a dance form. It tells a tale through the enactment of dance-drama. The appearances of the performers are visually appealing since the makeup and attire is not the usual way of beautifying the features. Most stories that are performed are drawn from the ancient myths. The strong message rings with many echoes that has a revolutionary outlook. Cochin, being a tourist spot is a good place to visit. And if you happen to be on one of your errands in Cochin, go and book your tickets at a theater. You surely will have an experience of a lifetime.
Temples and festivals
Most of the temples in South India were built during the Dravidian Era. The intricate stone works, the fine detailing of the idols are ethereal to see. South India has the possession of some of the most extolling temples of India. Virupaksha temple, Ramanathaswamy Temple, Meenakshi Amman Temple are some of the must-visit temples in South India. Not just the temples, but the surrounding locations impart a grandeur and magnificence that brings out the dedicated side of our beings.
If you consider South India’s festivals as the reference to its cultural cultivation, you aren’t much wrong. Every festival that has been born in Southern India has its origins penetrated deep into the religious significance. Whether it be Onam, Pongal or Pulikali, the religious and mythological significance of these festivals are humongous. The February-April tenure might be a good time to visit South India if you wish to witness the vibrancy and the refinement of these festivals.
If you haven’t yet visited any of the cultural hubs of South India, hurry up. Book your tickets and plan the next vacation. You won’t be disappointed in the flavors that India has in store for you.
Authors Bio
Yogi and Suchna believe in taking the road less travelled and stumbling upon some hidden gems along the way! For over a decade, they’ve mapped their way across various continents, sniffed out unusual routes, discovered new flavours and stayed at quirky hostels. TheBackpackerCo is their expression of soul travel. You can catch up with them at TheBackpackerCo.
