The Kerala tourism roadshow held in the city recently highlighted the traditional dance from the state. Team Viva reports
The sound echoing in the background was reminiscent of the instrumental music one hears during the Mohiniyattam and Kathakali performances. The aroma of freshly ground spices and southern delicacies filled the air and in the corner a group of children, dressed in traditional classical dance costumes, waited eagerly to get on the stage. If you have been to Kerala, the scene at the hall in the Shangri la hotel would have definitely took you back to the times that you spent in the picturesque Kerala.
Kerala tourism made an attempt to present the best from their country at a small event hosted recently. The purpose was to launch the advertising campaign to attract more foreign tourists to the state.
“Kerela has always contributed to the tourism revenue. We are promoting its culture and tradition through such programmes where we showcase our traditional dance forms and music. We recently concluded our two-day tour in Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Mumbai. We also conducted a few business activities, where we invited local tour companies and offered them packages which include local transportation, food, accommodation, Ayurvedic health holiday centres, communication services and shopping centres,” said Tourist Information Officer, Nandakumar KP and added, “Tourists visiting India, always want to visit Kerala, but there is a lack of information about particular cities’ exotic places and best services. Through these packages, they can choose holiday destinations according to their will.”
Mohiniyattam, Kalaripayattu, Kathakali and Oppana among other dance recitals from Kerala were performed by a group of students. Jaya Prabha Menon, the choreographer of the show said she paid great attention to costumes and Sopana Sangeetham music, traditional music of Kerala. “These dance forms need right expressions, elaborate costumes and well-defined body moves. All the performers are school students and were trained to perform with perfection,” said Menon.