Local Customs & Etiquette in Munro Turuttu, Kerala, India
1. Kerala Saree Dress Code
Traditional attire for women in Munro Turuttu. It's a two-piece garment with the blouse and saree in matching colors, often adorned with local motifs.
- Respectful Dress: Wearing traditional Kerala sarees shows respect for local culture and customs.
- Color Symbolism: Colors of the saree can indicate different things, such as marital status or social status.
- Local Motifs: Intricate local motifs on sarees show appreciation for traditional art forms.
2. Mundu (Dhoti) for Men
Traditional lower garment worn by men in Munro Turuttu. It's a simple cloth wrapped around the waist and then draped between the legs.
- Cultural Symbol: Wearing mundu symbolizes respect for local traditions and customs.
- Versatile Design: Mundu can be worn in various ways, such as with a shirt or angavestam (waistcoat).
- Different Patterns: Mundus come in various patterns and colors, each with its unique cultural significance.
3. Removal of Shoes at Temples
Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering temples in Munro Turuttu. This is done as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
- Respectful Gesture: Removing shoes shows respect for the sacred nature of the temple.
- Cleanliness: Keeping the temple clean is important in maintaining a peaceful and reverential atmosphere.
- Leaving Shoes Safely: There are usually designated areas to keep shoes during temple visits.
4. Kerala Vegetarian Cuisine
Traditional food in Munro Turuttu is predominantly vegetarian. Sadya (feast) is a popular communal meal consisting of numerous dishes served on banana leaves.
- Respect for Life: Vegetarian cuisine shows respect for all forms of life.
- Communal Dining Experience: Sadya is a unique way to enjoy local cuisine and connect with the community.
- Banana Leaf Plate: Using banana leaves as plates adds an authentic touch to the dining experience.
5. Kettuvallam (Houseboats)
Traditional houseboats used for sightseeing and accommodation in Kerala's backwaters. Made from recycled materials, these boats are an eco-friendly way to explore the region.
- Eco-Friendly Travel: Houseboats made from recycled materials help reduce waste and promote sustainability.
- Unforgettable Experience: Cruising through Kerala's beautiful backwaters offers a unique perspective on local life.
- Supporting Local Craftsmen: Hiring a houseboat supports the local community of boat builders and crew members.
6. Kathakali Performances
Traditional dance form in Kerala that uses elaborate makeup, costumes, and masks to tell stories from Hindu epics.
- Cultural Preservation: Kathakali performances help preserve ancient tales and traditions.
- Artistic Expression: The intricate makeup, costumes, and masks used in Kathakali are works of art themselves.
- Appreciation for Storytelling: Watching a Kathakali performance offers an immersive experience into Kerala's rich storytelling tradition.
7. Karakkad Avanazhi (Martial Arts)
Traditional martial art from Kerala that emphasizes agility, balance, and flexibility.
- Physical Fitness: Practicing Karakkad Avanazhi can improve physical fitness and coordination.
- Cultural Understanding: Learning Karakkad Avanazhi offers insights into Kerala's martial arts history and culture.
- Self-Defense Skills: Knowing Karakkad Avanazhi techniques can provide useful self-defense skills.
8. Taravadu (Joint Family System)
Traditional joint family system where multiple generations live together under the same roof in Munro Turuttu.
- Community Living: Living in a Taravadu offers an opportunity to experience communal living and extended family bonds.
- Respect for Elders: Taravadu reinforces the value of respecting and caring for elders within the community.
- Shared Responsibilities: The shared responsibilities in Taravadu encourage cooperation and mutual support.
9. Thiruvathira Dance
Traditional women's dance performed during the month of Dhanu (December–January) in Kerala.
- Cultural Celebration: Thiruvathira dance is a celebration of women's strength and unity.
- Community Bonding: Participating in Thiruvathira dance fosters connections within the local community.
- Beautiful Costumes: The traditional costumes and jewelry worn during Thiruvathira dance make for a visually stunning performance.
10. Keralan Ayurveda
Traditional system of medicine from Kerala that focuses on holistic wellness and uses natural herbs.
- Natural Healing: Ayurveda treatments use natural remedies, promoting a more sustainable approach to health care.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Ayurveda practitioners create individualized treatment plans based on each patient's unique constitution.
- Ancient Wisdom: Ayurvedic practices have been passed down for centuries, offering a rich cultural experience alongside wellness benefits.
11. Theyyam (Masked Dance)
Traditional dance and ritual from Kerala that features elaborate masks, costumes, and music.
- Cultural Preservation: Theyyam helps preserve ancient tribal traditions and rituals.
- Spiritual Connection: Participating in Theyyam can deepen one's spiritual connection with deities.
- Visually Stunning Performance: The intricate masks, costumes, and music of Theyyam make for a captivating performance.
12. Kerala Backwaters Boat Racing
Traditional boat race held in August as part of the Onam festival. Teams of rowers compete using traditional snake boats.
- Community Pride: Boat racing showcases local pride and unity.
- Physical Endurance: Rowing the snake boats requires strength, endurance, and teamwork.
- Cultural Spectacle: Boat racing offers a unique glimpse into Kerala's rich cultural heritage.
13. Kerala Cashew Nut Factories
Traditional cashew nut processing factories where nuts are shelled and roasted using local methods.
- Supporting Local Economy: Purchasing cashews from traditional factories helps support local farmers and processors.
- Authentic Flavor: Traditionally processed cashews offer a unique, authentic flavor compared to mass-produced varieties.
- Cultural Experience: Visiting traditional cashew nut factories offers insights into local processing methods and traditions.
14. Nakkurumbagam (Fish Markets)
Traditional fish markets where fresh seafood is sold daily. These markets are an integral part of local life and cuisine.
- Authentic Seafood: Purchasing seafood from Nakkurumbagam ensures freshness and authenticity.
- Cultural Immersion: Visiting Nakkurumbagam offers insights into local life and the importance of fishing in Kerala's economy.
- Variety of Seafood: Nakkurumbagam offers a wide variety of fresh seafood to choose from, including exotic species not commonly found elsewhere.
15. Keralan Coffee Plantations
Traditional coffee plantations where Arabica coffee beans are grown and processed using local methods.
- Supporting Local Economy: Purchasing coffee from traditional plantations helps support local farmers.
- Authentic Flavor: Traditionally processed coffee offers a unique, authentic flavor compared to mass-produced varieties.
- Cultural Experience: Visiting traditional coffee plantations offers insights into local farming methods and the history of coffee cultivation in Kerala.