Our homestay is one of the centuries old feudal Namboothiri (Kerala Brahamin) Illam (house), and we have a glittering cultural heritage in the field of Kathakali (classical dance form) , Carnatic Music, Melam and Thayampaka (classical percussions) , Literature and Rig Veda.
The Mana (house) is located at Vellinezhi, a small village 40 km (25 miles) away from Palakkad town, less than 100 kms(60 miles) away from Cochin / Coimbatore / Calicut airports. Vellinezhi surrounded by the unpolluted river Kunthi on northern and western side is literarily known as Thourathrika Gramam (village with perfect blend of Music, Rhythm and Dance.)
History
The twist of events in the course of history will make certain happenings inevitable. The latter half of Twentieth century witnessed unbridled sweeping changes in the socio-cultural and economic life in Kerala.
Kerala's splendor in varied forms of fine arts is an internationally acclaimed one. No adjective is enough to describe the contributions made by the then Feudal Namboothiris.
Our homestay is named after the family name of feudal lords. They belong to priestly Brahmin Caste of Kerala, namely Namboothiris. Mana means Home of Kerala Brahmins in Malayalam.
They were immensely rich till the land reforms act was implemented in Kerala during 1965-70. They were patrons of art forms like Kathakali, Percussions, Classical Music, Literature, Vedic and Sanskrit education.
Cultural Background
The present most popular form of Kathakali, namely Kalluvazhi Chitta originated here, nearly 150-200 years back. The Olappamanna Kaliyogam (School of Kathakali) was just transplanted in Kerala Kalamandalam by Vallathol for perfection of teaching the Art form.
Similarly a magazine exclusively for Poetry was published from this Mana during early 20th century. O.M.C. Narayanan Namboothiri Pad has translated the whole Rig Veda (consisting of ten thousand and odd four line stanzas) into Malayalam from Sanskrit.
Present Situation
Since the land ceiling act came, they had to leave all splendidness, as their thousands of acres of land were taken over by Government, without any compensation. Such a stringent land ceiling law was implemented only in Kerala State in India.
It has become impossible for the owners to stay in such a big house without sufficient servants and inmates. Now the main building is kept under lock and key, except for opening it every day morning and evening for conducting rituals to their family deity.
Now the maintenance of the building itself is very costly and the present owners are struggling for want of funds.
Events Free of Charge;
Kalam Ezhuthi Pattu a rare Hindu ritual, in which the picture of Goddess Kali will be drawn, using organic, natural colours, followed by a series of rituals, including an oracle with sward rounding the picture. The drawing starts at 4:30 pm and every thing will be over by 8:15 PM.
Events At Extra Cost;
1. Kalam Ezhuthi Pattu: On days when it is not available free, the guest can book at the actual cost is Rs.1600/-. More than 6/7 local people involved and hence the cost.
2. Kathakali: 3-31/2 hours Kathakali (One Story) can be performed at the Birth Place of Kathakali (Kalluvazhichitta) at a nominal actual cost of Rs.25000/- More than 20 local people involved. Performance just after sun set.
3. Thayampaka: This is a performance with Chenda (Drum) by one person mainly showing a lot of miracles on this instrument. More than 8/10 local people involved. Performance just after sun set. See Video Link in our Website. This also will cost Rs.22,000/-
4. All these events are to be booked before one month or earlier to arrange the persons involved, especially during high season for the artists.
Bathroom 1 info not found.
Stringent: No charges will be levied if booking is canceled 61 days prior to check-in. If cancellation is done between 30 to 60 days prior to check-in, 50% of the total booking amount will be charged. Post that, there will be no refund.
Alcohol not allowed. Foot ware is not permitted in side the Main Building. Smoking is not permitted in the Main Building. Non-vegetarian foodstuffs and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in whole Mana premises.