Culture and Cuisine in Wayanad

Incredible India is full of many attractive and alluring places full of natural life. Wayanad is one of them, a place far away from the hustle. It is known as a Green Paradise, a popular tourist destination and a hill station south of the Deccan plateau, on the Western Ghats in North Kerala, 1000 m above sea level. Wayanad is not only famous for its tourist spots but is also known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. The region is home to a diverse population that includes indigenous tribes, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, each with unique traditions and customs.

In this blog post, we will explore the culture and cuisine of Wayanad, highlighting some of the region’s unique features that make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the rich diversity of India.

Culture

Culture in Wayanad

Wayanad’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its festivals, music, dance, and art. The region is known for its traditional folk art forms such as Theyyam, Thira, Koodiyattam, and Kathakali.

Theyyam is a popular folk art form performed during the festival season from November to May. It is a ceremonial dance performed by men with elaborate costumes and makeup. The dance is accompanied by drumming and chanting and is believed to be a way of invoking the gods.

Thira is another traditional folk art form performed during the festival season. It is a form of shadow puppetry performed by men who hold intricately carved leather puppets against a backlit screen. The puppets are manipulated to create various characters, and the performers narrate the stories.

Kathakali is another classical dance form that is popular in Wayanad. It is a storytelling dance that combines dance, music, and drama. The performers wear elaborate costumes and makeup and enact stories from Hindu mythology.

Apart from these traditional art forms, Wayanad is also known for its rich musical tradition. The region has its unique style of music called Nadan Pattu, sung by local folk singers during festivals and special occasions. The term ‘Nadan Pattu’ means ‘local song’ in the Malayalam language, which is the official language of Kerala. It is usually sung in a group, with each member singing a specific part of the song. The lyrics of the songs are traditionally in Malayalam and are based on everyday life experiences such as love, relationships, and social issues.

Cuisine

Cuisine in Wayanad

Wayanad’s cuisine uniquely blends traditional Kerala and indigenous tribal cuisine. The region’s fertile soil and abundant rainfall ensure that the food is fresh and flavorful, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.

Some of the must-try dishes in Wayanad include:

Malabar Parotta and Beef Fry: Malabar Parotta is a flaky, layered bread typically served with spicy beef fry. The beef is slow-cooked with a blend of spices, giving it a rich flavor.

Puttu and Kadala Curry: Puttu is a steamed rice cake made by layering rice flour with grated coconut. It is typically served with Kadala Curry, a spicy black chickpea curry.

Appam and Stew: Appam is a fermented rice pancake that is crispy on the edges and soft in the center. It is typically served with a coconut milk-based stew with vegetables, meat, or seafood.

Kappa and Fish Curry: Kappa is a boiled tapioca dish commonly eaten in Kerala. It is typically served with spicy fish curry, made with a blend of spices, coconut milk, and fresh fish.

Payasam: Payasam is a sweet dish made by cooking rice, vermicelli, or broken wheat with milk and sugar. It is typically flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts.

Along with these traditional dishes, Wayanad is also known for using local spices and herbs, giving the food a unique flavor. Some must-try spices include black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, and curry leaves.