INDIA KERALA
“Arriving in Kerala, a state in India , I found myself on a boat, drifting in the famous backwaters of Kochi. A tropical place full of coconut trees in every sight, and cities along the coastline surrounded by the backwaters , fed by the Arabian sea and rivers from across Kerala.
In this photo series on our 7 days trip I wanted to capture some unique characteristics of the state, the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu, the iconic fisherman’s of Kerala, the oyster farmers in the backwaters and the coconut climbers. “
Kalaripayattu
“In this photo series, my aim was to capture the spirit and resilience of these individuals, honoring their dedication to preserving this ancient martial art form. Through their unwavering commitment, they embody the essence of Kalaripayattu – a testament to the enduring legacy of India's martial heritage.”
At 6:00 in the morning, amidst the humid air of Trivandrum, Kerala, India, I found myself setting up lights and adjusting my camera inside a Kalari – a traditional gymnasium where practitioners train in the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu. Despite the early hour, the Kalari was already buzzing with activity as dedicated individuals commenced their training.
Kalaripayattu, renowned as one of the oldest martial arts in India, has endured the test of time, preserving its techniques and traditions throughout history. Our journey to explore this ancient art led us to C.V.N. Kalari in Trivandrum, where we encountered Raam, the nephew of the guru who owns the school. Raam shared with us the rich history of the Kalari, recounting tales of resilience and perseverance against colonial oppression during British rule.
As Raam, a dedicated practitioner himself, commenced his training, he paid homage to Shiva, the deity associated with Kalaripayattu, by touching the ground with reverence and lighting candles in each corner of the Kalari. The session began with rigorous stretching exercises followed by focused practice on kicks and strikes.
Witnessing the discipline and dedication of the students, I was inspired by their commitment to unlocking their inner potential and transcending physical limitations. Each movement was executed with precision and purpose, reflecting a profound sense of harmony and balance.
After concluding our session with Raam, he graciously provided us with the contact information for another Kalari school, overseen by Guru Gowthaman. With his blessings and honor, we arranged an early morning photo shoot to capture the dedication of his students after their rigorous training sessions. Following this, Guru Gowthaman also shared the contact details of a Kalari school in Kollam. Thus, our journey documenting Kalari fighters came to a close, enriched by the experiences and stories shared along the way.
Toddy Tappers -Oyster Farmers
“During our arrival in Kochi we came across the famous backwaters, fed from hundred of rivers across Kerala. Drifting with a small boat around the backwaters we found oyster farmers and the famous Toddy tappers. Toddy tapper is an individual who extracts sap from coconut palms to make toddy, a traditional alcoholic beverage. This process involves scaling tall trees using traditional climbing techniques, such as using a rope tied around their waist and feet.“
“Fishermen’s “
“I was eager to capture the essence of the local fishermen's lives. Arriving at the beach at sunset, the beach transforms into a stunning sight, with the sun painting the sky in vibrant hues. Fishermen return with their catch, creating a bustling scene. Despite their long day at sea, the fishermen graciously allowed us to photograph them, sharing stories of their experiences with warmth and kindness. It was a humbling and enriching encounter with some of the most welcoming people I've met.“
