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| Kerala |
Kerala is a long and narrow
fertile strip along the south-western tip of India. Its ribbon
of palm-fringed beaches, gives way to the high ranges of
the Western Ghats.
No less than a quarter of Kerala is still
covered by forest - though it is the most densely-populated
of all the Indian states.
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There are emerald paddy fields, deep red earth, brilliantly
coloured flowers, spice plantations of cardamon, areca, cinnamon,
rubber, pepper, tea and coffee.
The earth is regarded by the Keralan people as a living
entity, a sacred abode of the gods. Each rock, tree, river,
plant contains the creative energy which is the source of
life, also embodied in the many manifestations of Hindu gods
and goddesses.
Kerala is a land of stories... |
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Reghu's Village
Reghu’s village, Karukapilly, is set in the middle
of forests of palm trees, with a wide swift-flowing river
where the villagers wash their clothes and bathe. He lives
in a small mud-brick house with his extended family . They
have a cow, a calf, a goat, grow herbs and spices, aryuvedic
plants, draw their water from a well. The air is filled with
the chants and drumming from the nearby temple, the croaking
of frogs in the paddy field, the calling of birds in the
forest.
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After the Kathakali performance, Reghu always returns to
his beloved village, where he plans to build a small traditional
house for guests from Europe to come and share his simple life-style
and a school where he will teach dance. |
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Fort Cochi ,
where the Kathakali Centre is situated, is an hour’s
drive from the village.
It is set in a magnificent natural
harbour, a town of islands and peninsulas, graced by
the unique outline of the medaeival Chinese fishing nets...
The old town still has a lively spice market in the streets
of ancient Dutch and Portuguese houses.
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