Monsoon

Kerala experiences two prominent rainy seasons each year. The first, the Southwest Monsoon, arrives in June and is locally known as Edavappathy, as it begins in the middle of Edavam, a month in the Malayalam calendar. Later, around mid-October, the Northeast Monsoon begins. This is called Thulavarsham, meaning "the rains of Thulam", in reference to the Malayalam month it arrives in. The rain clouds, driven by northeast winds, sweep in from the Bay of Bengal, entering Kerala through the Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats. The sight of dark, swirling clouds rolling over lush landscapes is a visual symphony that never fails to captivate.

Kerala's traditional art forms, known for their grace and discipline, require rigorous training and absolute control over the body. To support this, practitioners often undergo Ayurvedic therapies. During the Monsoon season, these treatments are especially effective-special herbal oils and medications are applied to improve muscle flexibility and movement precision, essential for performing classical dances and martial arts like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu.

As nature rejuvenates itself through rain, Ayurveda prescribes the same for the human body. The Monsoon, with its cool and dust-free environment, opens the skin’s pores, allowing it to absorb herbal oils and medicines more efficiently. This makes it the ideal season for Panchakarma and other restorative therapies.

Our video beautifully captures the essence of Kerala's monsoon-the life-giving rains, the verdant landscapes, and the ancient Ayurvedic practices that bring harmony to body and soul.