THE CHINESE FISHING NETS, FORT KOCHI, KERALA.

Kerala is one of the most beautiful Indian states. So the tourism department of Kerala has adopted the slogan “Gods Own Country”. The iconic fishing nets are found along the Fort Kochi’s shorelines. The Chinese fishing nets (cheena vala in Malayalam) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced it here. This is the only location in the entire world outside of China where such fishing nets can be seen in use. The antique fishing nets that provide Kochi with its signature style had made their way to Kerala round 13^th century. Like elegant hammocks, the vast bamboo and teak structures with an outstretched net are lowered into the water by a team of 5 or 6 fishermen, and then raised a few minutes later using a complex system of large stones and ropes as counterbalances. The entire structure of these nets is about 10 meters in height each fishing net spread to about 20 meters over the water body. The beaches of Kochi are beautifully lined with these Chinese nets. These nets have multiple usages, they do form the main fishing accessory in Cochin, but besides this, they also form a major tourist attraction in Cochin. Walk out to the ancient Chinese fishing nets to see how lanterns are used to attract and catch the fish at night. The guests of Aroma Homestay can buy varieties of fishes from here and Aroma is there to prepare delicious, spicy, seafood recipes and the taste and flavor will be in their travel memories. For more please visit our web site http://www.aromahomestay.com/

AROMA HOMESTAY

“KATHAKALI” THE CLASSICAL DANCE DRAMA OF KERALA

Kerala is rich in many dance forms which are highly developed. One of the most popular and most rigorous dance-drama forms is the Kathakali. It is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world, having its roots in Hindu Mythology in the 17^th century. Kathakali is a mixture of dance, literature, music and painting. Kathakali explains the culture and history of Kerala. It is the greatest visual miracle that Kerala has ever presented to the world of performing arts. In the temple sculpture in Kerala and frescoes in the Mattancherry temple of approximately the 16^th century, dances scenes so typical to Kathakali are seen. 

Kathakali is held in high esteem by connoisseurs and aficionados for its structural and technical versatility. Kathakali has basically four components for its system of acting. They are hand gestures (Angikam) emotive expressions of the face and total body acting (Satwikam), flamboyant costumes and elaborate facial make-up (Aharyam), the Aharya has many faces like Pacha, Kathi, Thadi, Minnuku etc. and oral expression by way of music (Vachikam) accompanied by percussions, vocals and other instruments. The make-up they wear helps to bring various emotions. The colours used and the names depicts the nature of the characters. The dance extravaganza last all through night to dawn. Watching a Kathakali performance is invigorating experience because it has the inherent capability to conveying ample measure the basic artistic essence to the human mind. Aroma Homestay arranges the facility to watch Kathakali performance for our esteemed guests. The contribution of the Namboothiri community to the evolution, overall development and promotion of Kathakali dance drama can never be over stressed.Go to this link to view Kathakali performance  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3scgayEovc

THIRUONAM

ONAM is the state festival of Kerala. It is a 10 day long festival. The celebration of Onam start on Atham (Hasta Nakshtra) and on the tenth day Thiruonam is celebrated. It is the most auspicious day during the Onam festival which is marked by happiness, excitement and enjoyment among all sections of people. On this festival people of Kerala commemorates the imaginary annual visit of a mythical, righteous king-Mahabali from the nether world to meet his subjects. People forget their routine lethargy and engage themselves in cleaning their households, preparing onasadya and indulge in various games. Children have a ten day Onam holiday and they dart in the neighbourhood in search of flowers to make floral carpets (pookalam) that adorn their courtyards and an idol of Thrikkakkara Appan is placed in the middle of the pookalam. The central feature of Onam is the grand feast called onasadya prepared on Thiru Onam day. People sit on the floor and the onasadya is served on banana leaves, it is a nine- course meal consisting of eleven to thirteen essential dishes (the number of curries can be increased accordingly). There is a saying in Malayalam (the official language of Kerala) that “kaanam vittum Onam unnanam” which means ‘we should have the Thiru Onam lunch even if we have to sell all our properties’ which shows the importance of the grand lunch of this auspicious day. Onasadya is well known for being one of the most sumptuous feasts ever prepared by mankind. The afternoon is marked with various traditional Onam games. The rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the Onam festival. The beauty of this festival lies in its secular fabric. People of all religion, castes and communities celebrate this festival with equal joy and verve.

SANTA CRUZ BASILICA FORT COCHIN, KERALA. INDIA.

SANTA CRUZ BASILICA

Aroma Home Stay takes you to one of the versatile portions of Fort Kochi that is marked by historical edifices and structures; one such inimitable landmark where devotion embraces history, artistry and architectural grandeur is the Santa Cruz Basilica. It is one among the eight Basilicas’ of India and serves as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin, which is the second oldest Diocese of India. This church is counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala. Its construction work was started when the first Portuguese viceroy got permission from the Cochin Raja to build a church. The foundation stone was laid on May 3, 1505, the feast day of the invention of the Holy Cross hence the church was named Santa Cruz. The main altar was decorated by the renowned Italian Painter Fr. Antonia Moscheni with frescoes and mural paintings. The seven large canvas paintings one among it is of the ‘Last Supper’ a beautiful reproduction by Leonarda da vinci are a real feast for the eyes. The painting in the ceiling of the church depicts scenes from via crucis of Christ. Another attraction of the church is the stained windows. The style of architecture is Gothic with overwhelming arches. The festal celebrations in Santa Cruz Basilica ate held on September 14 as the Titular Feast, then on the 1^st Sunday of October is the Feast of Our Lady of Rosary this feast is celebrated with grand colorful procession and the Feast of Our Lady of Fathima starts on the 26^th of December the very next day after Christmas and concludes on 31^st evening the last day of the year with a solemn procession followed by drummers (chenda mellam) and a brilliant display of fireworks. This church is one of the prime attractions in Fort Cochin, Kerala, India.

Please visit these links.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4MzQJ-Dbvhg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Cruz_Basilica

Kerala the land with largest literacy rate in India has changed the Kerala society in greater way. Keralites are open towards social and technological developments they have a mixed life with traditional values and advanced life style. Kerala is divided into fourteen districts and Fort Cochin is situated in Ernakulum district which is the commercial capital. Fort Cochin in the pre colonial Kerala was a fishing village. Fort Emmanuel was built by the Portuguese and thus the first part of the name Fort Cochin comes from this fort. The streets of Fort Cochin have a mix of old houses built by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British during the colonial period. One of the tourist hub of Kerala Fort Cochin is bestowed with beaches, coconut palms,  Historic churches, palaces, temples, shopping areas, and around Cochin the water falls, elephant crawl, bird sanctuary, wild life, trekking, spice garden, villages etc. Kerala has its own performing arts like Koodiyattam (a form of Sanskrit drama) Kathakali (where katha is story and kali is performance) Mohiniattam (dance of the enchanters) Thullal, Padayani, Theyyam etc. It has its own indigenous form of martial art called Kalaripayattu (kalari means place or threshing land and payttu means exercise or practice) which is considered as god of all martial arts.

AROMA HOME STAY amidst in these tourist destinations is a newly constructed house which is having six ensuited rooms out of which four are twin bed and two with double coat bed. With A/C and non A/C rooms. It has a large living and dining area with an open terrace. Aroma home stay will also provide package tours, house boat cruise, tickets for kathakali, cultural dance show, kalari paittu etc. Yoga, Ayurvedic remedies, cooking class. Free 24 hours Wi-Fi, Toiletries, bath linen, locked wardrobe and room cleaning. Our check out time is 12 noon and check in time is 11 Am. The host is Elizabeth and Joseph. Elizabeth was a high school teacher and Joseph was engaged in his own business now both then are involved in running Aroma home stay. Please visit our web site www.aromahomestay.com

WISH YOU HAPPY ATHAM

                                                                         ATHAM

Onam the festival of Kerala begins with Atham. It is a ten day long festival. On the tenth day is Thiru Onam. The rituals of Atham is started by taking a bath in the morning and going to temple to offer prayers. The break fast menu from Atham to Thiru Onam will be steamed bananas and fried pappadam. Ladies and children will enjoy swinging by singing Onam songs. The swings will be decorated with flowers which will be tied from branches of the trees in the court yard or close by compounds. A Pookalam ( design with flowers ) starting from Atham will be done in the front courtyard of the house by the girls on the belief that king Mahabali will be visiting them. Each day new flowers of different color will be added to the Pookalam which will be completed only on Thiru Onam. A carnival procession will be held on Atham day at Tripunithura (situated in Cochin city a few Kms. from AROMA HOME STAY ) called as Atha Chamayam. One can see in this procession decorated elephants, performance of traditional art form of Kerala, tableau's depicting kings rule, current issues, dancing ( tiger dance ) fancy dress etc. Regardless of religion each and everyone celebrates the ten day long Onam festival with great enthusiasm and happiness.