Gothuruthu Lifestyle

The lifestyle of Gothuruthu village is covered in this circuit. Tourists can experience the traditional boat trips, cook their own sea food, enjoy the traditional arts and performances and try various other local activities in the village.

Chavittunatakam: In the 17th century, Portuguese missionaries brought their art form to this coastal area and blended it with local art forms to create the dance drama Chavittunatakam, which basically portrays Christian history. In olden days, Kathakali and Koodiyattom were performed regularly in the temples. In Chavittunatakam or 'stamping drama' the performers stamp their feet hard into the wooden stage, to make a loud noise, which gave the form its name. The language of this drama is Sanskrit. Originally, there would be 150-200 people on stage for a regular show. Now, the performers are down to 75 and the duration of a show is reduced to 2-3 hours. The Chavittunatakam performers live on Gothuruthu Island, where the Kerala Chavittunatakam Academy has been founded.

Gothuruthu Church: This is the old church located at the centre of the village. A school which is about 100 years old is located close to the Church and the priests' office is nearby. Chavittunatakam art is performed annually in the month of January,at the church in Cheria Pallamthuruthu, in connection with the festival of St.Stephen.

Traditional Boat Trips: Tourists can enjoy the traditional boat trips to this island. Arrangements will be made for them to try their hand at cooking traditional sea food dishes.

Chinese Fishing Nets: Chinese Nets are operated by a team of up to six fishermen. This setup consists of a net, which is suspended over the sea or river, at one end and stones suspended from ropes as counterweights, at the other end. Access from one end to the other is through the beam tied to the platforms. The net is left for a short time in water and then is raised by pulling the ropes. When the rope is raised the stones come to rest one by one, on the platform. The operations vary depending on the tides.

Lime shells: Using their Valloms, people go up the river and dive in to collect shell fish called Kakkas, from the river bed. These shells are used for making lime powder, which is widely used in construction of buildings.

Vallom Kali: Vallom Kali is performed in the month of September. "Chundan Vallom" or snake boat and Iruttukuthy Vallom participate in the races. Both the valloms are with the Church under the guardianship of the St. Sebastin Club.

Traditional fishing nets: The fishing community here has traditionally used various types of fishing nets. Tourists will find it interesting to learn about the traditional nets and methods of using those nets. The fisher folk are happy to allow tourists to try to make a catch using these unique nets.