The culture of Wayanad, mainly, can be related to the tribal culture. This place is home to a huge population of Adivaasis or tribal people. Some of the main tribes that live here include Adiyars, Paniyas, Kurumas, Kattunaikar and Kadans along with a few other ones. Malayalam is the main language that is spoken here but there are other languages too due to cultural differences. These tribes are known for having a rich legacy of arts and crafts, dance, music, as well as handicrafts. Kolkali, Vattakali, Koodiyattam, Gadhika and Nellukuthu pattu are the main art forms of Wayanad. They also employ several organized farming methods and using herbal medicines for treating any illness, which has been gaining popularity from as past few years. A number of tribal folk performances take place between the months of February and May.
Economy
With low urbanization levels just 3.79 percent, economy’s main stay is agriculture. The main crops grown here are plantain, tea, coffee, cocoa, pepper and vanilla. Amongst cash crops, rice is the most important crop. Tourism makes an important addition to the revenue of the state.
Tribal culture
In the South Indian state of Kerala, Wayanad houses the largest population of aborigine people who belong to distinct tribes. Even today most of the tribes today follow a way of living that is in accordance with the nature. There ornamentation is inspired from natural motifs, material and themes.
Arts
The major tribal arts the Wayanad district include Vattakali and Koodiyattam where thudi and kuzhal by Paniyas, Nellukuthu pattu by kurichias, Kolkali by Kurumas and Gadhika by Adiyas is used.
Festivals
Follow are the major festivals celebrated in Wayanad:
Karthigai
There is a possibility that the only light festivals celebrated in Malayali houses is Karthigai. On this day, the temple of the village makes an arrangement for a bonfire that is made from useless materials. Every family of the village carries a burning torch, which is made from palm leaves from here to their house that have been decorated with oil maps.
Mahasivarathri
Mahasivarathri, celebrated in the Kumbam month (February-March) of the Kerala calendar, is one of the major festivals of Hindus. This day is celebrated as the day of remembering the day on when Lord Shiva had consumed the deadly poison (Kalakuda Visham) for saving the world from destruction. On the day of the festival, people visit temples of Lord Shiva to offer prayers.
Thirunelli Festival
Thirunelli festival is a 2-day festival that is celebration on Vishu day and its eve, which falls in the Malayalam month of Medam (April). It is a yearly festival of Sree Thirunelli Devaswom that is organized at the Thirunelli temple in Wayanad. On this day, people take a dip in the river Papanashini flowing along the temple, to wash away all their sins. Near this temple, there is a rock where on the new moon day of Malayalam month of Karkkidakam (July-August), Kumbham (February-March) and Thulam (October-November) people make ritual offerings for their ancestors.
Asthami Rohini
Celebrated in the month of Chingam (August- September), Asthami Rohini is the festival of celebrating the birthday of Lord Krishna with great enthusiasm. On this day, the devotees of the Lord, visit Krishna temples to offer prayers. Several cultural programmes are also organized on this day.
Easter
Easter, the oldest festival of Christians, is celebrated with great fervor in Wayanad. This festival is celebrated in rememberance of the re-birth of Jesus, the main tenet of Christianity.
Christmas
One of the most prime festivals in Wayanad is Christmas, celebrated on 25th Decenber. On this day, holy mass is held in churches, all around Kerala. Devotess decorate their houses, sing Christmas carols, set-up a decorated Christmas tree in their houses, exchange cards, gifts and more.
Bakra Eid
An important Muslim festival, Bakra Eid is celebrated in the commemoration of the sacrifice of Ibrahim in obedience to the command of the God. It is one of the main festivals that is celebrated all around in Kerala. The followers of Islamic religion relish special hearty feasts on this day, sacrifice a goat, and so on.
Along with these fairs and festivals, other festivals of Wayanad are Seethadevi Temple festival and Nadavayal St.Thomas Church festival celebrated in January as well as Valliyurkavu Bhagavathy Temple festival and Pallikkunnu Church festival celebrated in February.
