All over Kuttanad
you come across folklore, songs
and the unforgettable rhythm of snake
boat songs. It is the home of a rich
genre of folksongs transferred through generations
of many centuries. Some of the well known folksongs
(nadan pattu) of Kuttanad
such as Panan pattu,
Pulayan pattu, Pulluvan pattu,
Njattu pattu, Yatra pattu,
Kalamezhuthu pattu, Kuttiyotta
pattu, Ayyappan pattu,
Gandharvan pattu, Theeyattu
pattu are associated with the rituals
of specific ethnic groups for their deities
and their traditional occupations. These art
forms thrived and also survived under the patronage
of the ancient rulers and chieftains of Kuttanad,
notably the royal household of Chembakassery.
Currently the most popular folksongs of Kuttanad
have the unique smell of its soil. They are
mostly sung by farm laborers as they work in
groups in the paddy fields. Indeed these songs
which have become part of the cultural heritage
of the region have helped in reducing the drudgery
and hardship of work for ordinary people.
Musical rhythm is so much central to the life
of villagers in Kuttanad. The thuds of Vallapattu
(boat songs) and the music of Chakrapattu (water
wheels) have become essential part of their
daily lives. Vela kali is a traditional folk
dance form of Kuttanad.
