Had plans to post this after Tu Madrasi Hai Na ? but it is hard to pinpoint, especially because there are so many! With the world becoming a smaller place day by day, a lot of things unique to Kerala are more accessible to everyone. So the world can experience things like typical Kerala food, tourism or art. However, there are some things that really define the essence of being a Malayalee.
If you approach Kerala from beach side it looks like some tropical island but it's not if you approach to Kerala from the other side it's high range and hill stations. Though you can enjoy Kerala's nature by being a tourist you will never enjoy it like a native.
The first thing our beautiful language - Malayalam! Very few non-Malayalees can speak the language correctly, but Malayalees are actually pretty good at learning and speaking other languages.Probably the numbers and varieties of sounds used in speaking Malayalam helps to adapt easily to other languages.
100% greenery during monsoon
The Snake Boat Race
Around 30 boats participate in Annual Kerala Boat Race.The feeling is truly exhilarating as you watch teams of hundred oarsmen row their boats.
A train ride
A train ride from Ernakulam to Trivandrum via Kollam to get a beautiful overview of the state. Along the journey, you will come across the marvellous lakes, the sparkling backwaters of Kerala, the coconut trees, the wide plantations. It is a quick, cheap and easy way of knowing God’s own country, Kerala.
The paddy fields
Walking through the very heart of the paddy fields. Watching the native folks working on the fields, striking a conversation,having a great walking experience!
Blend of all kind of harmony you can find in KSBC (Kerala State Beverages Corporation) queue. Learn from their discipline.😂 🤣
The chit-chat at the local tea shop.
The daily chit-chat at the local tea shop is something not to be missed.If you thought they are talking about the most trivial things,you couldn't be more wrong.They discuss a wide variety of topics including, but not limited to,national and international politics.Although,it must be said that with increasing urbanisation such tea-shops might soon disappear.
A ride in the "aana vandi"
Most of us keralites refer to the state run KSRTC buses as aana-vandi.A ride in one of these buses is considered essential for being a complete Malayali!
Festivals, A lot of Festivals
We celebrate almost eveery festival, irrespective of the religion. We share almost all religious celebrations.
Toddy Shops
A toddy shop is a drinking establishment particularly seen in Kerala where palm toddy, a mildly alcoholic beverage made from the sap of palm trees, is served along with food.The food served with toddy is very spicy and hot with chilies. The main dish is tapioca with red fish curry.
Kerala Traditional Clothes
Some North Indains think its madrasi, no its not!It's purely a malayali thing.
Malayalam Movies
You get to see the original version of a film before Bollywood reamkes them.Movies with low budget and great stories go on to be high grossers after a remakes in other languages.If you truly want to know the class of actors like Mohanlal and Mamootty, then you must know the language.And it is real fun in getting the ticket for their movies for FDFS(First Day First Show).
Unexpected holidays
Thanks to the political parties, strikes are common.So many trade unions and strikes in Kerala. Our favorite holiday is actually hartal.
These Khakhi clad Auto Drivers. Start arguing with them regarding the fare, they respond by citing words like 'Inflation' 'Economic Recession'. Step outside Kerala, the only response you get is "No!"
Kerala Cuisine
There is no restrictions on our food items and you wont get this much spicy dishes. There are some special items that you can find only in Kerala.
The immense craze for Football
FIFA World Cup is almost celebrated as a festival in Kerala. You can really witness the craziness during these times in every corner of Kerala in the form of flex boards, posters, paintings etc.
Vintage comedies and its frequent quoting in real life - Some jokes like "Polandine kurichu oraksharam mindaruth" (Don't talk about Poland!)
Rare combination of communism and democracy.
Free imported perfumes and dates from Gulf
Atleast one of our family member will be working there 😇😜
#BengaliLaboursEverywhere
While asking a route on the road side you might sometimes get a reply "Malayalam maalum nai". ( I don't know Malayalam!)
Because of this huge migration of Bengali workers, the buses have started writing the names of places in Hindi too! I dont think any of the other Indian state would do that.
Visit Kerala if you get a chance , there's a reason it's called the God's Own Country!
Natural Beauty
God's own country - granted the name for the rich and natural beauty, Green lush and peaceful.
100% greenery during monsoon
The Snake Boat Race
Around 30 boats participate in Annual Kerala Boat Race.The feeling is truly exhilarating as you watch teams of hundred oarsmen row their boats.
A train ride from Ernakulam to Trivandrum via Kollam to get a beautiful overview of the state. Along the journey, you will come across the marvellous lakes, the sparkling backwaters of Kerala, the coconut trees, the wide plantations. It is a quick, cheap and easy way of knowing God’s own country, Kerala.
The paddy fields
Walking through the very heart of the paddy fields. Watching the native folks working on the fields, striking a conversation,having a great walking experience!
Blend of all kind of harmony you can find in KSBC (Kerala State Beverages Corporation) queue. Learn from their discipline.😂 🤣
The daily chit-chat at the local tea shop is something not to be missed.If you thought they are talking about the most trivial things,you couldn't be more wrong.They discuss a wide variety of topics including, but not limited to,national and international politics.Although,it must be said that with increasing urbanisation such tea-shops might soon disappear.
A ride in the "aana vandi"
Most of us keralites refer to the state run KSRTC buses as aana-vandi.A ride in one of these buses is considered essential for being a complete Malayali!
Festivals, A lot of Festivals
We celebrate almost eveery festival, irrespective of the religion. We share almost all religious celebrations.
Toddy Shops
A toddy shop is a drinking establishment particularly seen in Kerala where palm toddy, a mildly alcoholic beverage made from the sap of palm trees, is served along with food.The food served with toddy is very spicy and hot with chilies. The main dish is tapioca with red fish curry.
Kerala Traditional Clothes
Some North Indains think its madrasi, no its not!It's purely a malayali thing.
You get to see the original version of a film before Bollywood reamkes them.Movies with low budget and great stories go on to be high grossers after a remakes in other languages.If you truly want to know the class of actors like Mohanlal and Mamootty, then you must know the language.And it is real fun in getting the ticket for their movies for FDFS(First Day First Show).
Guess should make a different post on the remakes from Malayalam movies.🤔
Unexpected holidays
Thanks to the political parties, strikes are common.So many trade unions and strikes in Kerala. Our favorite holiday is actually hartal.
There is no restrictions on our food items and you wont get this much spicy dishes. There are some special items that you can find only in Kerala.
The immense craze for Football
FIFA World Cup is almost celebrated as a festival in Kerala. You can really witness the craziness during these times in every corner of Kerala in the form of flex boards, posters, paintings etc.
Vintage comedies and its frequent quoting in real life - Some jokes like "Polandine kurichu oraksharam mindaruth" (Don't talk about Poland!)
Rare combination of communism and democracy.
Free imported perfumes and dates from Gulf
Atleast one of our family member will be working there 😇😜
#BengaliLaboursEverywhere
While asking a route on the road side you might sometimes get a reply "Malayalam maalum nai". ( I don't know Malayalam!)
Because of this huge migration of Bengali workers, the buses have started writing the names of places in Hindi too! I dont think any of the other Indian state would do that.
Visit Kerala if you get a chance , there's a reason it's called the God's Own Country!