Kerala government decided to create a microsite on ‘Islam in Kerala’.
The Kerala government has decided to create a microsite on ‘Islam in Kerala’, a promotional digital production tracing the roots of Islam in Kerala.
Kerala Tourism has sanctioned a sum of ₹93.8 lakh for this project, which will showcase the sociocultural evolution of the religion in the State.
According to a senior officer with Kerala Tourism, Islam boasts a rich history, culture, and tradition in the State dating back to the 7th century. The digital production will shed light on the early years of Islam in the State, and the places of worship, architecture, lifestyle, culture, art forms, and festivals associated with the religion.
The microsite will feature the saga through six chapters
The microsite will feature the saga of Islam in Kerala through six chapters with the aim of showcasing it to international and domestic travellers.
The first chapter, ‘History of Islam in Kerala’, will have details of how the religion took root in the State through traders, and their first settlement along the Malabar coast.
Chapter two will be on the Islamic pilgrimage centres in Kerala, right from Beemapally in Thiruvananthapuram to Juma Masjid in Kasaragod.
A host of ancient mosques that are pilgrimage centres, such as the Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungallur, Jama-at Mosque in Malappuram, Mishkal Mosque in Kozhikode, Odathil Palli in Thalassery, Palayam Mosque in Thiruvananthapuram, Ponnani Juma Masjid, Pazhayangadi Mosque in Kondotty, and Vavar Mosque in Erumely, will be featured.
Chapter three will shed light on the culinary skills of Muslims — the Mappila cuisine, which is a blend of traditional Kerala, Persian, Yemeni, and Arab food cultures.
The chapter four on lifestyle will mainly deal with the vibrant costumes of the community, including those worn at weddings, and pre-wedding and post-wedding ceremonies, which are expected to be an attraction for tourists.
The chapter five on architecture will have details on the blend of the Arabic tradition with indigenous construction techniques.
The final chapter will deal with art forms and festivals of Muslims in Kerala, including the influence of Mappila songs, a popular folklore that emerged in the 16th century.
Kerala Tourism had earlier created microsites on Christianity, Judaism, and temples in the State.
“Be it mosques, churches, or temples, spiritual tourism has a huge potential in Kerala. Yet, it is one of the least tapped sectors in the State,” said Siji Nair, CEO, Global Travel Mart.
‘Need to hail attempt’
Mr. Nair cited the example of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. “Despite being considered one of the wealthiest temples in the country, it is hard to see a spiritual tourism campaign revolving around it. The temple had shot to international fame following the discovery of priceless treasures in its subterranean vaults. So, any type of attempt to promote spiritual tourism should be hailed and appreciated,” he said.
(source:The Hindu)