Nature shots

I am so glad today because of you

2012-01-09T00:02:00.000-08:00

Yes I am so glad today because of my beloved followers number reached fifty today. Yesterday I had read an article from Amrithanandamayi Amma. In it she had written that consciousness is the basic of all. Become aware of the moment. I am truly enjoying this moment and with all my heart I wish you all a wonderful lifemoments ahead.

Mukkutti

2011-12-27T07:56:00.001-08:00

Mukkutti-Biophytum sensitivum-peetha pushpa
This small herb has antisceptic property also. A bit of knowledge I had got from my neighbour today. Every day we will meet at evenings, our children will play for that time and we will discuss about everything. She had two beautiful girls. Today we had discussed about these small little wonders around us. Then she told that mukkutti is a good medicine for wounds. After squeezing the whole plant we can place it on the top of the wound. It has high healing powers. All these are part of a medicine called 'Griha vaidyam'. We had some knowledge from the ancient times. Now we had neglected all those tips and always keeping in queue to take antibiotics as the last word of any illness.
Its a small piece of knowledge I got from my neighbour. We have to listen, listen to the breeze, listen to the chirping of birds, listen to the sounds of leaves and more and more.
Last month I had bought the book of letters of Nehru to his beloved daughter Indira. In it he is telling that every thing has a story to tell. After reading that I had thought a lot about that point. Every stone has a story to tell, but we have to care them, listen to them and nurture them.
We have to give more respect to Mukkutti. Because it had some prominent medicinal qualities.

Some devotional thoughts

2011-12-27T07:20:00.000-08:00

The trigger of this post is from "Idea star Singer". Last week I had seen an episode with Yesudas it was very touching. He had sung the famous song
'Oru neramengilum kanathe vayyente guruvayurappa nin divya roopam'
Oru mathrayengilum kelkkathe vayyente murali pozhikkunna ganalapam'
Its also my personal favourite. He expressed that everyone with strong belief must have permission to enter to the temple. He had sung that song with great devotion thats the energy of the song. Now also its the evergreen song of Sri Guruvayurappa.
Its not fair to hold such ancient laws in terms of rituals. A believer has the right to enter any devotional place.
This song is from the 'Thulasi theertham'
All the songs from this CD are super hits.
Lines of the song
Some devotional songs always fill tears in my eyes. Another one is 'Guruvayurappa nin munpil njan oru nullu karpooramayi pala pala janmam njan ninte kala murali than sangeethamayi'
'Oru yugam thozhuthalum theeratha durithangal makam thozhuthal annu theerum mithuna lagnathinte poomukhathannamma madhura smitham thooki nilkum' This song is about Chottanikkara Amma.

Wishing you all a happy new year and Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T04:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends

Wishing you all a happy Christmas and prosperous new year through this wonderful platform.

This image is from Wayanad taken by my husband during our last trip to Bangalore. We have some friends with us during that trip.

I am here ...

2011-12-07T23:40:00.000-08:00

After a long time I am back to this platform. During the last six months going through some gruelling experiences in my work area. So I had missed a lot from my blogger friends. Firstly I must say a big thanks to my followers. Now I am really busy with your earlier posts. I am eager to read Preethi's positive posts, Patti's wonderful photos, Balachandran's nice writings and more and more.
Really hoping to share some time with all of you...

We are shifting

2011-06-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

Its very sad to say good bye to my old house. The house whose walls rich with the drawings of my children, even if its not neat its a comfort zone for me. We have a study corner, there we shared our knowledge, class room wits and settled the non stop quarrels. Now I realise that this tiny little space had a large space in our minds. I think it may it miss my tot's laughs, quarrels and musings. Its very hard to say a permanent good bye to the platform who witnessed lot of happenings in my life. But I have to do it with a cute smile. Life is like this, we have to do the things which we don't like. My dear home, the last words to you is 'I love you with all my heart'. I am taking all memories attached to every nook and corner of you.

Little details of life

2011-06-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

It may be a look, a touch, a smile, a mail, a message or even a call makes you vibrant. Our mind needs all these. Everyone needs attention and love. Children express it in the right moment. As adults we are trained to suppress our feelings and vent it out as frustrations. The above picture is from my friend, its taken on a vacation trip. Its details make it more perfect and more beautiful. Little acts of kindness and love make our life more beautiful and meaningful. We have to start this from our home.

In our life we may be chasing towards our goal, but we can make this chase more colourful by just watching the surroundings and happenings around us. Sometimes children will call us to see something, it may be a craft, an insect or may be a rainbow. Earlier I always scold them and warn them to don't call for such silly matters. Last week I had attended a gathering of parents arranged by the art of living group. Its the concluding session of the art excel course for young children organised by them. It was very interesting for me. In it they had told a story.

The story is about a new year event occured in a village. A family went to the new year carnival just to enjoy. Family included parents and a little child. From the beginning the child started crying without any particular reason. Father bought balloons, ball, toys and some eatables to stop his crying. After some time he became mad and scolded him a lot. Then some toys fell into the ground from the little one' s hand, the father leaned towards to take them from the ground and then only he noticed that his son can only see the legs of the crowd !! He can not see the other events occured around him because he is too small for it.

We have to think that if we are a parent like the father in this story.....

Smile with the nature

2011-06-01T22:42:00.000-07:00

Its raining

2011-05-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

Its raining in Kerala. Some yellow flowers from the road side.

Welcoming a new day

2011-05-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

Flowers with dew drops. Its a common sight in Idukki during cold mornings. Is this image a right thing to share my happiness today? I am really happy to have a platform like this to share my thoughts. Everyday I am eager to see the updates of other blogs too. Variety of subjects, that's the interesting part of blogging. Once more thanking all of you for following me and inspiring me at the right time.

Chitteenthal

2011-05-30T03:01:00.000-07:00

A smaller version of 'Eenthappana'. Locally its known as Chitteenthal. Its leaves are used to make broom. Images are from Iduki.

Dr. Kalam's speech about our country

2011-05-24T23:38:00.000-07:00

A nice post from Hastakala

2011-05-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

All these flowers are from Idukki. Wishing you all a nice day with a big smile like these flowers.

Flowers from wild

2011-05-20T23:23:00.000-07:00

Flowers from the wild. Its like Frangi pani. Its taken by my friend during one of her picnics in High ranges. I found its so attractive. Pure and gentle. When I observe these wild flowers I can feel the breeze, sound of insects, rattling sounds made by walking, dry leaves, termite hills, aroma of spicy leaves, music of bamboo groves and above all the purity of forest. Yes, I need to spend two days in a forest. These flowers triggered my passion to green. I am eagerly waiting for that.

Little angels of nature

2011-05-19T22:19:00.000-07:00

Two types of lillies from High ranges of Kerala.

Is it a nano???

2011-05-18T23:34:00.000-07:00

This nano car is from my table top. We had bought it from Bangalore-Mysore highway. We loved its shape and its cute smile. I loved it more because its nature friendly and emanate a positive energy through its smile. We had placed it in our office table and it had became my lovely companion. Some things catch our attention may be because of the colour, smell or shape . Anyway I searched for these type of toys in google and found lot of information.

On that shop I had seen lot of toys with wood. I liked almost all of them. These are from a rural village known as Channapatnam in Bangalore. Now this village is knowing as 'Gombegala Ooru' or toy town. This craft has a history of more than 50 years. The story begins from Tipu Sultan who trained the local artisans from the experts of Persia!! Ivory wood is mainly used to make these toys. Karnataka Government is now providing assistance to this small industry. For colouring these toys vegetable dyes are used. Its 100% child friendly. More than 6000 people are involved in this small industry.

During the recent visit Mrs. Obema had purchased these toys. Its so curious to think that these small toys exhibited at the white house.

Art Excel from Art of living

2011-05-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

Hari had attended an Art Excel course at Kochi. He enjoyed it. Its the course for children above 8 and below 13. Course has some meditations, pranayams and lot of games. I think its a nice thing to be aware of our breathe. It calms our mind, soothes our emotions and relax us mentally and physically. Last day there was a parents meeting. They emphasized to spend some time with children. They under lined the word 'quality time'. We have to play with them, read with them and just listen to their talks. We have to find out some time for them. Its a nice time with parents and the art of living teacher.

Mambazhakkalam

2011-05-10T00:07:00.000-07:00

During a recent trip to Bangalore we had seen some vendors with a wide variety of Mangoes. These stalls were in front of mango groves. It remembered me lot of things. The first one was the song'Gundu manga thottathile...'. When I saw these ripe mangoes, the story of Endosulphan came into my mind. I had heard that endosulphan is using in mango groves also. I can not remember the exact place and I am not familiar with the names of mangoes. Like our moovandan, thathachundan and perakka manga they have Bainagappalli etc. We had bought some mangoes and gave it to our friends at Bangalore. We can not have any fruits without the fear of pesticides.
Mango images from a fellow blogger
Another mango post

Emu

2011-05-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

Shots from an Emu farm from Coimabatore.
More about the bird from Wiki
Emu farming is a thriving business in Tamil nadu. Its meat, feathers, nails and oil is used for various purposes. Its meat has low fat and low cholestrol, its oil has more therapeutic usages, feathers are used for brush making and eggs are used for ornamental purposes.

Its the second largest bird according to height in the world

Its native place is Australia
Snaps taken from Coimbatore. Children loved them with their huge size. They were curious to know that whether it is the Ostrich....

An Innocent snap

2011-05-05T03:53:00.000-07:00

A snap from Bandipur forest area. We had seen a herd of deer but its not an easy task to take snap from the distance.

Vacations

2011-04-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

Vacations had started. My children is also in full swing to enjoy the holidays. My elder one had lot to do for these holidays. In my working time I miss them. I want to read with them, play with them and eager to do crafts with them. Working mums miss their children too much.

Oh its the day for woman!!!

2011-03-07T20:58:00.001-08:00

On this day its quite natural to remember the woman characters who helped to shape my life. My Ammoomma and my amma must come in first place, they had a great role in my journey and without them this list will be meaningless. Then comes the sisters of my mother and we are calling them as 'Chitta'. Our neighbours, my teachers, friends and close relatives. Its not an easy task to list all of the characters that influenced us but this attempt made me more humble. Try to take a list and make a call to atleast two of them. Its a great thing to remember their cooking skills, jokes, clean houses and all and all. Through this post I am praying to all of them including my blog friends to have a nice day .

A silent departure

2011-02-13T20:45:00.000-08:00

Picture Courtsey:internet
Its a sad note from my side. My grand mother is not so good and my heart is filled with love towards her. I am expecting a ring in my phone to hear the news of her departure , now she is in her 94. But still my mind is not ready to accept that truth.

Lot of memories fill tears in my eyes and my throat feels the grief. I know its time to say a silent good bye to her, but still I loves her. Yesterday my mother called me, just to cry. In such moments we realise that life is too short.

Steamed banana Trifle....

2011-02-10T22:23:00.000-08:00

My little one is not a fan of fruits and raw vegetables. His taste buds have more inclination to spicy things. Its a great task for him to eat a fruit. Yesterday I had steamed some ripe bananas and asked him whether he need a piece. He is so curious about the dishes and he asked about this name and I said'Steamed Banana trifle'. Surprising me he asked for one piece and finished it abruptly. Then he asked me to make it for the next day snack at school, thus he can show this to his friend. Every thing had a marketing technique. Now I am surfing the net for new names for my old dishes. Our children are more exposed to the consumer world. 'Pazham puzhungiyathu' or 'Ethakka puzhungiyathu' will not impress them. We have to be more smart than our parents to manage all these:)

Kavadi

2011-02-07T20:58:00.000-08:00

Its a post that remembers my presence here. Posting some shots from the thaipooya kavadi festival from our temple. My children carrying kavadi.

Life is going on with cheers, teasing and applaudes. Some happenings will click a pause to the travel. One of the recent happenings that made me think was the tragedy happened to the innocent girl in the passenger train of Kerala. I can not blame anybody but we have to be more aware of our surroundings. Its always terrific to think that someone is following you or watching your daily travels. At night in my thoughts , screams of that girl echoes , remembering me my train journeys to Thrissur. I was bewildered the loneliness in train compartments. In that time I had changed compartments to avoid the loneliness. Cruelty has no bounds. Start everyday with sincere prayers to god to save us from criminals.

Every year its a great relief to me to participate in the kavadi festival in my home town. Its a great thing to observe our children enjoying all these festivities in the right spirit.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and Happy new year

2010-12-22T21:58:00.000-08:00

Thiruvathira

2010-12-20T20:32:00.000-08:00

Image courtsey:Mr. Krishnakumar,USA
A grant event for Women. I don't know about the thiruvathira celebration in any other state. Its a great tradition of Kerala to celebrate this day of the month 'Dhanu' with the ethnic dance form of Kerala. Thiruvathira day has a glittering of kasavu, rhythm of thiruvathira songs, aroma of special dishes , sacredness of herbs, serenity of fasting and all above a connection with the vibrant Lord Shiva.

This year's thiruvathira celebration is on 22nd December. Traditionally women observe 'Orikkal' means one time rice food on Makayiram , the day before thiruvathira. This is for their children. Thiruvathira is for the husband. Girls observe this routine for getting good husbands.

Legends

In most of the stories this event has connection with Lord Shiva and Parvathi. It is considered as the day Shiva married Parvathi devi. Some says that its the day Shiva given rebirth to Kamadeva.

In some stories it has connection with Krishna and Gopikas.

Without doubt its a festival for women folks to pray for their best half and it may be the one to express their inner joy through the slow paces of the thiruvathira dance.

This event is more popular among the Namboothiri and nair casts in Kerala. Rituals vary from region to region. Some of them starts the events one week before thiruvathira day. In our region we observe the rituals from the day before thiruvathira, ie Makayiram. This ritual is for our children. Many terms associated with Thiruvathira. Ettangadi, pathirappoochoodal, thudichukuli, poothiruvathira and dashapushpam

In brief on thiruvathira day we observe fast and will not sleep that night. During the day time we can have 'Ettangadi' and 'Thiruvathira puzhukku'. Two of them are very special for thiruvathira . At the night ladies gather at a house or a temple and perform thiruvathira dance and in early morning they will take bath in nearest pond. After bathing they will adorn their hair with dasha pushpam. This process is known as 'Pathira poochoodal'. Legends say that Sree parvathi used the flowers of Neelakoduveli and leaves of Konna and Erukku.

The first thiruvathira after marriage is known 'Poothiruvathira'. Its a grand celebration with friends and relatives.

Thiruvathira is a celebration of togetherness with souls and with Lord. In this IT era its a sweet remembrance of our past.

Thiruvathira kali- A dance form which originated from Kerala. Once it was associated with this Thiruvathira day rituals. Now it attained a position in our youth festivals. Its a group dance and must contain even numbers. At one time every nair/namboothiri family have a tradition to teach their girls thiruvathira at home. Its a slow pace dance with songs from our epics. Attire will be our traditional dress, Settu and mundu and the hair must be adorned with 'Dasha pushpam'.

Dasha pushpam-10 sacred herbs easily available in Kerala

Ettangadi- Eight tubers which are kachil, chena, chembu, koorkka, Nanakizhangu, Kappa , maran chembu and Kattu kizhangu.

Thiruvathira puzhukku- In this also we use tubers and red cow beans.

Recipe of Thiruvathira puzhukku on my food blog

Thiruvathira is festival for our partner. Whenever the sheer of this festival ushers in my mind I always think of these haunting line from NN Kakkad from his poem 'Saphalamee yathra'

'Aardramee dhanumasa ravukalilonnil Aathira varum pokumalle sakhi

Njanee janalazhi pidichottu nilkkatte neeyennarikathu thanne nilkkoo'

'Aathira varum neram orumichu kaikal korthethirelkkanam namukkikkuri

varum kollam arennumenthennum arkkariyam'

These are the lines written during his sick days. For the lyrics of this poem.

He is insisting his wife to welcome thiruvathira with a thalam with full of memories and without falling a drop of tears through the small window.

Malayalam version of the poem Saphalamee yathra from NN Kakkad

Koovalathila

2010-12-19T20:23:00.000-08:00

More about Koovalam

An ornamental plant from waste land

2010-12-16T23:22:00.000-08:00

I don't know its name . Noticed it because of its shape and colour. Looked like Colocasia leaves. It may be of the same category. I think its an ornamental plant. We can see this plant in waste lands of Kochi. Its very nice to observe nature closely.

Images taken from Nettoor, Kochi.

Thripunithura Vrischikotsavam

2010-12-15T21:03:00.000-08:00

Sree poornathrayeesha temple utsavam images. All these images are taken by our friend and sharing these wonderful images with all of you.
Panchari melam lead by Peruvanam Kuttan Marar

Gandharajan

2010-12-14T00:25:00.000-08:00

Its flowers have very unique smell so its called 'Gadharajan' meaning king of fragrance. Flowers are of white colour with thick petals.

Malayalam name:Gandharajan, Somanadi Kayam

Sanskrit:Jantuka

English:White emetic Nut

Hindi:Dekamari

Botanical name:Gardenia Gummifera

In Kerala its flowers are used for poojas. Its resin is used in medicines, it has antiseptic property.

West Indies Cherry plant

2010-12-14T00:20:00.000-08:00

Its a shrub. Fruits are of Sour. Its our 'Local cherry fruit'.

Bhadraksha

2010-12-08T21:01:00.000-08:00

Sanskrit name:Bhadraksha

Botanical name:Scavala Taccada

English:Beach Naupaka

A soft wooded shrub with white flowers used in Ayurvedic medicines.

Chathura mulla

2010-12-08T01:24:00.000-08:00

A herb used in Ayurvedic medicines

Botanical name:Myxopyrum spilacifolium

Its stem is crushed and boiled with coconut oil is used as a medicine to Migraine in sidha medicines.

Kacholam

2010-12-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

Malayalam name:Kacholam

Botanical name:Kaempferia Galanga

Its herb used as carminative. Its roots are used as medicine.

Mulberry plant

2010-12-07T20:24:00.000-08:00

Aana chamayangal

2010-12-03T01:59:00.000-08:00

Aalavattom with kazhuthumani
kachakkayar
Alavattom made with peacock feathers. Its a hand crafted product.
Nettipattam
muthukkuda

At the far end we can see the kolam
Aalavattom and Venchamaram.
Today is the flag hoisting day of 'Vrischikotsavam' of Sri poornathrayeesha temple of Thripunithura. Yesterday we visited the temple and can see the elephant ornaments displayed there. 'Aanachamyangal' thats the malayalam of elephant ornaments. A detailed description of them in my elephant site.

The displayed items are nettipattam, muthukkuda, aalavattom, venchamaram, kazhuthumani, pallamani and kachakkayar.

Great work of artists from Thrissur who also are an inevitable part of Thrissur pooram the ethnic festival of Kerala.

Poornathrayeesha temple

Colours of Thripunithura Vrischikotsavam

Kazhcha sheeveli at Thripunithura Vrishchikotsavam

Loobikka

2010-12-03T00:13:00.000-08:00

A sour fruit from Kerala.

When I had started blogging I had written about this popular fruit with images of ripe loobikka.

Its so nostalgic to think about this red fruits. Lot of memories from School about this cute, shiny red fruit. Loobikka has another name lovlolikka, it has nothing to do with love but almost all the friendships in that time had a sourness of loobikka.

Googled for the english name of this fruit. If you know pls comment.

Earlier post about this fruit

Biriyani kaitha

2010-12-02T22:45:00.000-08:00

Leaves of this herb are used to garnish Biriyani. Leaves have a spicy taste. Another name is Rambha.

Sappotta(Chikku)

2010-12-01T20:42:00.000-08:00

Sappotta More details about this fruit

Puttu kutti

2010-12-01T00:24:00.000-08:00

One of the vessels from my ancestors. Its a pleasure to handover utensils and still my mother is using this. Traditional puttu kutti made of bronze.

Ottupathrangal

Kachil

2010-11-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

Malayalam:Kachil, Kavuthu

English:Asiatic Yum, Greater yum

Sanskrit:Alukam

Hindi:Khamalu,Chupri Alu

Botanical name:Dioscorea Alata Linn

A common tuber in Kerala. Its a must item for 'Puzhukku'. Main ingredient in ' Thiruvathira puzhukku'. Its a climber.

Panikoorkka

2010-11-25T23:09:00.000-08:00

Malayalam: Panikkoorkka

Tamil:Karpooravalli, Omavalli

Botanical name:Coleus Aromaticus

Its a well known herb in Kerala. As its name indicates its a medicine to fever. Its a medicine to children. Decotion of its leaves are excellant remedy fever. It has a nice aroma. It can be propagated easily through planting stems.

Mosanta

2010-11-25T22:22:00.000-08:00

'Earth laughs in flowers'-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Eiviral

2010-11-25T22:01:00.000-08:00

Moodilla thali

2010-11-24T22:14:00.000-08:00

Its a common creeper in Kerala. It has no leaves. I had noted it earlier and posted its picture. Yesterday my neighbour had explained a story about this wonderful plant. It is believed that these are the hair of Sita devi. These are thrown from the pushpakavimanam during the kidnapping time. Is it marvellous???

Sambar Cheera

2010-11-22T20:33:00.000-08:00

Sambar Cheera

Cheera with more water content. It can be added in sambar which will give a thick gravy. Flowers are of violet colour. Its leaves and stems are used to make sambar and thoran. Locally its called 'Sambar cheera'.

Kalyana saugandhikam flower

2010-11-21T23:19:00.000-08:00

'Kalyana saugandhikam' means the flower with great fragrance. This white flower has a magic smell. I love this flower not only because of its smell but also of its name in our 'Mahabharatha'. I am not sure about is it the flower which fascinated the Draupadi and crashed the ego of the great Bheemasena. Malayali will not forget the lines from the Kalyana Saugandhikam thullal.

'Nokkeda nammude marge kidakkunna markkada neeyangu marikkeda shadda'. A nice story which speaks about love and ego. We can see this story in Kathakali also. Bhima searches through the forest following its amazing smell. In childhood I had believed this flower had some relation with 'Kalyanam' means wedding. Later I came to know that the flower has connection with the great 'Panchali'. Years teach us new lessons, but we have to open our eyes and ears towards nature.

Botanical Name: Hedychium coronarium Koening

English:Butterfly Ginger Lilly, White Ginger Lilly, Garland flower

Hindi:Dolan Chamba

Tamil:chantiramullakai

Kannada:Suruli sugandhi

Telugu:Vasa vasanthi

Other malayalam Name:Elapoochedi

Thrikkarthika at Perunnai

2010-11-21T22:54:00.000-08:00

We had celebrated the 'Karthika vilakku' at my home town. Children with great enthusiasam made the event more special and memorable. My home is very near to the Subrahmanya swami temple at Perunna. Here the 10 day festival starts with the Kathika vilakku. Every home will light up with lights and traditional clay pots. I feel so proud to be there to see a place celebrate the event with such a spirit.

Every celebration have a cleaning part. Roads have first session of cleaning. This time I had seen a machine to remove the weeds from the sides of the road. Earlier cleaning will start one week before karthika. Now the machine had replaced that phase of cleaning also. The next part of cleaning in houses every one will clean the yard and the hedges. There will be stand to place the earthen pots. This stand will be made by banana stem. We can see neighbours cleaning the road and firing the leaves with great enthusiasm. We can see fumes from every corner of the place which indicate the cleaning is on progress. Whenever the thought of Karithika evoke in my mind this fumes and the lighter moments with my nice neighbours have a role on that frame. Then comes the third phase of cleaning, lamps and vessels. 'Nilavilakku' as we call bronze lamps has a great part in this festival. There will be grand arrangement of nilavilakku in every home and in temple also.

'Kodiyettam' for utsavam is on this special day. The first picture is of payasam from the temple for the devotees on this special day. This is called 'Idichu pizhinja payasam' . This have a different taste than the usual ones.
This image is of 'Karthika puzhukku'. Its also a special of this day. Every home will prepare this Puzhukku which contain most of the local tubers like kachil, chembu, kappa and koorkka. I will try to post a detailed recipe on my food blog.

The last but not least was the lights. We had lighted that evening with lot of lights. The festival had begun there with a large flag swaying in the kodimaram.

Our Deepavali

2010-11-06T01:58:00.000-07:00

'Thamsorma Jyothirgamaya Mrithyorma Amritham Gamaya'

Our Deepavali Sweet Maida Burfi

It was a nice evening filled with the vigour of Deepavali. This time we had not purchased any crackers. Children was not fully satisfied with only Diya lighting. This was a light Deepavali celebration filled with prayers.

Wishing you all a happy Diwali

2010-11-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

In Kerala its only a festival in words. Since my childhood I have not celebrated it. Last year because of my children I had also lit some lamps in my home and burst some crackers. This picture is from our last year Deepavali celebration.
Its celebrated allover India but I don't know the reason for why Kerala have no vigour to celebrate this lovely festival of lights. 'Diwali kulikkal' is a famous saying in Malayalam that means spending the money in a lavish way.
In my home the must thing in Deepavali is an oil bath. We had used gingelly oil(Ellenna) in that times. In that times it was a custom to make dishes with 'Uzhunnu' on Deepavali. My mother had made 'Special Idlis' for Deepavali in which she had added ginger and green chilli pieces to the Idli batter and the side dish was 'Sambar'. It was a different taste than the usual ones. We will distribute this breakfast dish among our neighbours. Thats the end of our Deepavali celebrations.
Years passed, roles changed but celebrations still same. One day my elder son from play school came with a new present from teacher , it was a painted diya. It was painted by him and teacher requested to have it on Deepavali. I noticed his curiosity on these small earthen lamps and then I decided to buy them for our home also. We have a tradition to light lamps on Karthika viakku. But beyond all traditions we lighted our own earthen lamps in the next Deepavali. My mother also gave me some diyas. Its a collection to lit our home with love and care.

Celebrations have a thread connected with the past. Mostly it may be the victory of god over evil spirits. In that days victory was celebrated with lights. We can celebrate this festival without any limits of states even if its the victory of Rama, Krishna or Devi.

Have an oil bath which is good for our body, increases the blood circulation and good for our skin too. Have some homemade sweets and make an array of lights . Children will enjoy it without knowing much of it but they know how to enjoy a moment with its maximum. It may be the most memorable moment in our life.

I am googling for recipes of Deepavali sweets, new diya painting ideas and searching shops for crackers... Its the spirit of celebration making something new and sharing some new ideas to children. I will be so happy to see them away from Television. For every weekends I plan for their activities. Search the internet for ideas, tools and shops. Usually fridays I will visit the craft shop and buy some craft paper, glue, clay, coloured papers, some paints etc. Now I am in this role of a mother and trying to play my best ...

Above all light we have to light our minds also. Every festival has this side also. It must clean up our mind and lit it up with noble ideas and love. We must create a deepavali in our mind also. The inner joy has a lot to do. It can do miracles in our life.

Deepavali 2009

Shamkupushpam Flowers

2010-11-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

Shamkupushpam with two or more petals

Its a vessel carrying flower to temple for the poojas. This flower vessel is from my home. This is my Amma's morning routine to fill this vessel with variety of flowers plucked from my home itself. She will do it with great devotion and always chanting some manthras. Its a nice thing to see my parents collecting all these flowers and going to temple. When you miss someone its nice to remember through some images. These flowery images of my parents always fill fragrance and positive approach to my life. Wishing them more healthy and wonderful life ahead... The image of this poopathram is from my home taken 2 years back.

A very good morning to all of my friends through images right from Kochi.

An earlier post about this herb

Shanku Pushpam- A perennial Herb

Scientific name: Clitoria terneata, Malayalam:Shanku pushpam, Sanskrit:Shanku pushpi, Tamil: Kakkattan, Hindi and Bengali:Aparajitha, English: Butterfly pea

May be because of the shape of the flower, malayalaees called them as 'Shamku Pushpam'. Its a very positive sight to see lot of blue flowers hanging. These images are from the front of my office, I couldn't capture the exact beauty because of my lack of expert in Photography. But I am sharing my happiness to see such lovely flowers as a starter of my works. This positive triggers are sometimes inevitable in this short period of life. We are not knowing the nice happenings around us. We are always running behind our targets almost ignoring the music of a bird, smell of a flower, smile of our child or the mesmerizing beauty of a butterfly. Its a nice experience to share some of these positive things through these platform. Everything in the nature has a story to tell us. These shankupushpam flowers had a lot of things behind its beauty. Googling helped me to note these wonderful usages of these blue beauties.

These flowers are used for pigmentation in some Asian countries. These flowers are eaten fresh in Burma. In Kerala it is widely used in Ayurvedic treatments. Its mainly used in Sexual Problems and menstrul disorders. Its a medicine for nervous system and its added in brain tonics.

This deep blue flower is the most common type in Kerala but we can see white flowers and pink ones occasionally. The white flowers are used to cure Goiter. The extrat from the root of this plant is considered to be a mental rejuvanator. These root extracts are used in medicines for Snake bites.

I can note conclude this post without a mention about the famous romantic song from Kerala.

'Shankupushpam Kannezhuthumbol Shakunthale ninne orma varum...' The magical poet of malayalam Vayalar Ramavaram portraits the grief of Dushyanta about his wife and he remembers her through the beauties of nature around him. This is written in 1965!! and still its a hit in Kerala. Remembering all those talented people behind this Cinema.

To know more about the cinema Shakunthala in Malayalam

Nilappana

2010-11-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

Kudangal

2010-11-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

Botanical name:Centella Asiatica
Malayalam:Kudangal
English: Gotukola/Penny wort
Used in Ayurvedic medicines. Its a medicine for brain disorders.

Kashi koovalam

2010-11-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

Puliyarila

2010-11-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

A herb used in Ayurvedic medicines. Its an ideal herb for stomach complaints.
Botanical Name:Oxalis Corniculata

Welcoming you to my food blog

2010-10-22T00:26:00.000-07:00

Sweet dish made by Ripe Papaya. To have a look at the recipe of Papaya Halwa

Aayudha pooja

2010-10-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

Shots from our office -Ayudha pooja as part of Navarathri celebrations

'Ya devi sarva bhootheshu shakthi roopena samsthitha

Namasthasii namasthasii namsthasii namo nama

Ya devi sarvabhootheshu vidya roopena samsthitha

Namasthasii Namasthasii namasthasii namo nama

Ya devi sarvabhootheshu mathruroopena samsthitha

Namasthasii namasthasii namo nama '

Navarathri that means 'Nine nights' in sanskrit. Worshipping the goddess in 9 forms in these 9 days. This festival is observed in almost all states of India. In Kerala this festival has more connection with Saraswathi devi.

'Vella palungu niramotha vidagda roopi

Kallm kalanju kamalathilezhunna shakthi

vellathile thirakal thalli varu kanakkennullathil

vannu vilayadu saraswathi devi'

A sloka about Saraswathi devi in Malyalam.

'Pooja vekkal' and 'Pooja edukkal' will be in Saraswathi mandaps or in saraswathi temples. Pusthaka pooja and Ayudha pooja are conducted in temples. On vijayadashami day Children will start their official learning and it is known as 'Ezhuthiniruthal'. We can start learning arts in this auspicious day. If we are continuing our classes on any art form on vijayadashami day we have to give 'Dakshina' to the Guru. It is believed that on vijayadashami day we are restarting our learnings even if it is in school or in any art. After the 'Poojayeduppu' we have to write in rice or in sand. First we have to write the 56 alphabets of Malayalam. Now most of the children doesn't know malayalam alphebets. In most of the schools Malayalam is an optional language!!!

Ayudha pooja has also an important role in Navarathri. All of the equipments and tools are kept on the side of Devi for her blessings on the day after durgashtami. There will be thorough cleaning in offices prior to pooja and distribution of sweets after the pooja.

Navarathri is truly a festival that reminds us of the devine power above all letters, arts and the technology. In Kerala Navarathri means Saraswathi pooja. Through the internet we can see different types of poojas in different states. Through this post I am thanking Miss Anuradha for a detailed description of Navarathri celbration in her home and neighbourhood. Its a great attempt to know the happenings around us and conveying them to the world. Pls have a look at her blog, amazing world of 'Golus'.

Kathakali

2010-10-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

Most of the Kathakali performances are at night. We were lucky to see one performance on the evening of Durgashtami as part of the navarthri celebrations of Venketeshwara mandir, Thripunithura. I am very glad to have my children with me to see this wonderful art form of our state.

The term Kathakali iteself brings the rich make up of the artist. Kathakali is an ethnic art form of Kerala. Most of the stories are from the great epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha. I had seen the Keechaka vadhom and Kalyanasaugandhikam. The music behind it is known as 'Kathakali padam'. Musician uses an instrument called 'Chengila' its made of bell metal. There will be percussion instrument like Maddalam, Idakka and chenda accompanied by Ilathalam.

The artist conveys the story through mudras and his facial expressions. The magical music of Kathakali has the power to grab the mind of audience. Colourful costumes, very familiar stories and the carnatic based music made its a popular art form before the Tele vision era. It may be the most popular entertainment of that time.

Very familiar song from a Malayalam Movie 'Danger Biscuit' written by Sri Sreekumaran Thambi and music by Sri Dakshinamurthy Swamikal

'Uthara swayamvaram kathakali kanuvan uthrada rathriyil poyirunnu' a very romantic song in the back ground of Kathakali. Kathakali is performed in front of a large vilakku and it is called 'Kali vilakku' . The stage is called Kali thattu.

To view the lyrics of that magical song

Kathakali Centres of Kerala are

Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy
RLV College, Thripunithura
Unnayiwarrier smaraka Kalanilayam, Thrissur
PSV Natyasanghom, Kottackal
Gandhi Seva sadanom, Palakkad
Margi, Thiruvananthapuram
Mudra, Ernakulam
Cochin cultural centre, Kochi

Cheera

2010-10-11T23:52:00.000-07:00

Cheera, I had done some earlier posts about it. As a house wife I am more concerned about the health of my family members, as a nature lover I am keenly observing the wonders of nature and as a blogger I am curious to find new interesting topics to discuss. So I am repeating the cheera post:)
Yesterday I had purchased some cheera stalks from a vendor. Here almost all cheera vendors are ladies I don't know the correct reason behind that. We can have cheera from the vegetable shops but I opt for the lady vendors because it will be fresh from the field. Whenever I purchase cheera, there will be a confusion of colour purple or Green. I had learnt from net that green is always better than others but mostly I opt purple because I need to add more colour to my life and my children love the purple colour:))
From my fellow bloggers I had learnt that the purple cheera is available only in Kerala. Then we have to be proud of our ethnic colourful leafy vegetable. I had done a post about my relatives cheera krishi.
Malayalm:cheera
English:Spinach
Cheera is rich with Iron and its good for our eyes too.
I am trying to get the images of varieties of Cheera.
Our nadan dishes with cheera are cheera thoran, cheera aviyal and cheera kichadi.
I had listed various varieties of cheera available in Kerala in this post.
Variety of dishes from a veteran blog Mahanadi

If you are searching about the nutrition content of our traditional dishes Pls have a look at this link

A short visit to Thalavady

2010-10-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

My earlier post about Thalavady

Its a Kuttanadan village. It was a journey to my father's home for a 'Sarpam pooja' at the Aayilyam day of Kanni month.
The above scene is from Thalavady. There we can see these type of hangings from every home. Most of the homes have traditional type of cooking they use 'viraku' or wood for cooking food. Here coconut tree is a common tree and these are the stem of the leaves in malayalam it is called 'Kavalan madal'. After removing all the leaves these are hanged out to dry.

'Ney kumbalanga' . Ash gourd variety used for Ayurveda medicine.

An earlier post about Kumbalanga. In sanskrit it is known as Kushmanda.

'Ada palaka' used to drain water from the rice( Ari varkkumbol adakkan use cheythirunnu) . In ancient times a special vessel made of wood used to collect the water drained from the rice is called 'Maravi'(kanji vellam collect cheyyan).

Some people tried to get the old versions. This 'Ada palaka' is a new one made for my cousin who is living in Muscat for more than 10 years. It was a curious news for me because he is a bachelor and trying to make a Kuttanadan touch to his new home there .

Punna -A common tree from Kuttanadu

2010-10-05T02:03:00.001-07:00

Punna tree with punnakka

Punna leaves
Scientific name-Calophyllum inophyllum

Name in Sanskrit-Punnaga

Name in English-Ball nut tree

Images of Punna maram from Aanaprambal. This tree is familiar to me through the stories of my father's ever green childhood.

The seed of punna rich with oil is very hard. Its collected, dried and given to oil mill. The oil is used to light lamps. The oil is very thick. Its 'Thavidu' remainings after the oil processings is a good pest repellant. This tree is widely seen in Kuttanadu. There will be a boat (vallam)
for every home for their daily use. The wood of the tree is used to make 'Vallam' and its also used to make the wheel(chakram) which is used to push water from one side of the paddy to the other.

My father still remembers the 'goli kali' with the seed of this tree. Children used to collect the punnakka under the tree and earned extra income through this. This oil is used as bio diesel and its also used in cosmetics.

All the details above are given my father who is an ardent lover of nature.

Its blooming denotes prosperity. Its leaves and oil are used in nervous disorders.

More details of punna tree

Some names with punna

Punnamadakkayal-Lake where the famous snake boat race take place

ezhupunna-A place near Cherthala

More details of this tree from Wiki pedia

Pranams to the Great Poet

2010-09-30T23:11:00.000-07:00

Got Jnanapith award for the year 2007
Got Padmasree in 1998
Is the second poet in Malayalam who got Jnanapith
Jnanapith award is the highest Literary award in India.
The first Jnanapith winner is G Shankara Kurup, the famous writer from Kerala
Other Jnanapith winners from Kerala are G. Shankara Kurup, S K Pottakkad, Thakazhy Shivashankara pillai and M T Vasudevan Nair.
To know more about Jnana pith from Wiki pedia

Ezhilam Pala(Alstonia Scholaris)

2010-09-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

Ezhilam pala is a common tree in Kerala. It filled our yakshi stories with its great fragrance. It became a common element to our poets. I am also curious to take some images of this plant and its amazing flowers. In my memory these flowers were formed like a carpet in front of the 'Sarpa kavu' of the temple. Its smell with the smell of turmeric and salt made a great mix. There were some manjadi seeds behind the sarpa kavu to add a different hue to the picture. Dedicating these pictures to the innocent childhood that passed by.....

Earlier post about Ezhilam Pala

Scientific Name:Alstonia Scholaris

Sanskrit name:Saptha parna (Leaves 5-7 in a whirl), Saptacchada, sharada, Vishama chada

Malayalam:Yakshippala,Daiva pala,ezhilam pala,pala

English:Indian Devil tree

The flowers of this tree will fell down from the tree within hours. The wood of the tree is used to make slates in some countries. The flowering months are November -October.

Flower of Pala tree from Vyttila. These trees are from the compound of Shiva subrahmanya temple, vyttila. These small white flowers filled the area with great smell.

Its very interensting to know more about the flowers with this peculiar smell. More detailed description of its name in Sanskrit from this site. These flowers had their roles in Kalidasa kavyas.

Some malayalam film song which mentioned 'palapoo'

'Ezhilam pala poothu Poomarangal kuda pidichu Velli malayil Veli malayil '

In the film 'Njan gandharvan' directed by padmarajan Pala comes into a song, heroine ask the tree about her thali because hero is a gandharvan.

'Palapoove enthiru mangallya thali tharoo makara nilave neeyen neehara kodi tharu

Kanathe vinnithalay marayum manmathanennullil kudiyeriya chandrotsavamay'

'Palapoovithalil vennilapuzhayil' from 'Thirakkatha'

Australia through Jayasree

2010-09-29T02:10:00.000-07:00

I am always curious to know more about the world. When I started blogging it became my platform for learning also.
This picture is from my friend's blog who is now in Australia. Big thanks to Jayasree for sharing these amzing pictures. Have a look to her blog .
More about the Apostles from Wikipedia
Another note about a fellow blogger . We are so familiar with lavender perfumes and lotions but how many of you are familiar with Lavender fields. Please have a look at these wonderful photos.

Vallasadya at Aaranmula Parthasarathy temple, Kerala

2010-09-27T22:51:00.000-07:00

'Thuzhakkar' singing vanchipattu at nadappanthal with great vigour

The great Aaranmula vallasadya. Adaprathaman, Aravana payasam, Aval , Avial , Banana chips; Chammanthi powder , Chukku vellum ,Curd,Ellunda , Fried banana, Ghee, Ginger curry, Holy water from river Pampa, Kaalhen , Kaalipazham payasam , Kalkandum , Kadala Prathaman ,Kychadi , Mango curry, Munthiri pachadi ,Olen, Koottu curry, Pacchadi , Paal payasm , Pachamoru, Pulisserry , Resam, Red Cheera Thoran , Sambar, Thakara Thoran Unniappam and vada.

Receiving Oarsmen at the Kadavu with Ashtamangalyam, fireworks, Kurava and thalappoli

Parasols during the procession

' Palliyodam' in Pamba river (Snake boats) in front of the Aaranmula temple 'Kadavu'. Pamba river on a rainy day. The famous 'Uthruttathi boat race' is taking place here.

Aaranmula parthasarathy temple, nadappanthal and Gopuram

Arrangements in front of the kodimaram for valla sadya
Niraparayum nilavilakkum

Aaranmula temple on a rainy day

Aaranmula temple 'kizhakke nada'

'Valla sadya' in Malayalam means feast in small boats. Kerala is famous for its back waters. In ancient times it was the only transporting system in Kerala. Its a very unique ritualistic feast to the crew 'Thuzhakkar' of Snake boats considering them as the representatives of the diety. Its a 'Vazhipadu offering to the diety of the Aaranmula temple( Krishna as partha sarathy).

Its an energetic ritual to praise the lord with hymns (vanchipattu) and serving them with a great feast which contained 41 ethnic Kerala dishes.

'Nale naleyennayittu bhagawane kanan ithra nalum purappedanja njan innu chellumbol

naleeka nayananenthu thonnumo innu nammodu naleekam karimbanameleytha poleyo'

It was the only vanchipattu familiar to me. This song accompanied by 'Thithitharo thitheytho thithey thaka theythey thom' create a positive atmosphere.

Vallasadya offered on Ashtami Rohini day is the largest one with almost one lakh people attending the feast.

My earlier post about Aaranmula Vallamkali

Earlier post about Aaranmula Kannadi

Isn't it interesting and Informative??

2010-09-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

Shots from the Ginger and Mango
When I had started blogging this blog was my dearest one. Its my time to say a special thanks and congrats to her for her great works. Blog contains very informative tips for gardening. Ginger and Mango is from US and contains wonderful pictures also. Its actually a food blog but in some posts she peeps into her garden and vegetable garden that's also a part of her life. This blog is an inspiration for me to write more posts about nature.

Wonderful Green Images from Urban Gardener
This picture is from the Urban Gardener. Its my favourite blog to see the cute Vegetables. Her poetic explanations and great pictures make us more close this greenery. Through this post I say a great thanks to Sunitha for sharing this great Knowledge and these amazing pictures.

Tips and Tricks to Kitchen Gardening from Geek Gardener

This picture led me to this blog. Its a must visit place to nature lovers and very informative posts to them that love kitchen gardens especially in cities. The blogger describes deeply with step by step pictures to start your own kitchen garden. Through his posts he lists tips to the newcomers to this field. I say a big congrats to the geek gardener for his great efforts. He explains his tirals in Hydroponic method also.

A parambikulam story from Niraksharan

2010-09-12T23:09:00.000-07:00

A very cool trip description from a fellow blogger with refreshing pictures. The description is in Malayalam. I am also eagerly waiting to visit Parambikulam. Wishing him all the success in life.

Ganesha Chathurthi

2010-09-10T23:49:00.000-07:00

'Vakra thunda mahakaya

suryakodi samaprabha

Nirvighnam kurume deva

Sarvakaryeshu sarvada'

Wishing you all the success in this auspicious day and praying Ganesha to remove all obstacles for a peaceful living. A very nice description of Ganesha picture from this site.

We had participated in Ashtadravya Ganapathi Homam at Pandavathu temple, Maradu. They had arranged a Gajapooja after the homam for the blessings of Ganesha.

Eight materials are used in Ashtadravya Ganapathi Homam. These are Coconut,Banana, Honey Sugarcane, Ghee, Modhaka, Jaggery and Puffed rice.

A well told picture of this celebration in other parts of the country by Lakshmi Sharath
In this auspicious day I am listing some of the famous Ganapathi temple sites from Kerala

Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathi temple

Kottarakkara Ganapathi temple

Edappally Ganapathi temple

Malliyoor Sri Maha Ganapathy temple

Say it with flowers

2010-09-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

Flowers, the most tender the most beautiful and the most lovely part of nature I love them because through that I love mother nature in all aspects.
Posting this flower image and linking it to the keybunch as part of their blog carnival and wishing them a nice and informative journey.

Images of nature

2010-09-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

A soothing image from Victoria Bennett Mayor in her daily photoblog. I am a follower of her wonderful blog. In this blog we can see her amazing work. Its a cool and refreshing blog. Its a must visit blog for nature lovers. Wishing her all the success in her life through this post.

Arootha plant

2010-09-05T22:41:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all a very happy Onam

2010-08-21T03:44:00.000-07:00

Sree and Hari spreading flowers

Pookkalam pictures from our office

Story of leaves

2010-08-19T02:18:00.000-07:00

'Leaves of life' This post from Windy skies is the true reason behind this post. Its truly inspiring and a solid reminder of our ancestors who loved green more than anything in the world. In this post Anil gives a detailed description of the use of leaves in various phases of society and at the same time he opens a bundle of leaves from his childhood also. As a Keralite I am not aware of Patravalli. Its very interesting to know more about nature because its very common to all of us.
In one of my earlier post I had written about the uses of Vazhayila (banana leaf) in Kerala. Here you can see it.
Other than Vazhayila we use Lotus leaves and teak leaves. Vatta leaves are used in some temples. Colocasia (chembu) are used to wrap meat and fish. Please share yr views about the usage of leaves. We can use more leaves and save mother earth from Plastic.

Ona Pachakam

2010-08-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

This is not a food blog. These pictures will remind you of a a food blog. These are from my kitchen. Its the preparation for the great Onam celebration. I am not a veteran cook but I managed to do all these things with my mother in law who is a very ritualistic hailing from Thalayolaparambu. Its a most time consuming process to make all these at home. But its a real joy to take it in snack time and share with relatives, some home made items on this auspicious time. I enjoyed these preparations and sharing my happiness through this post with all my heartfelt Onam wishes for all of you.

Sharkara peratti preparations in Uruli

Ethakka upperi in Uruli

Plantains cut ready to fry

Oh so yummy!!!!

Onam in my Kitchen.

Ethakka upperi(Plantain chips) a must item in Ona sadya and a very common snack in Onam time. The smell of the chips fried in coconut oil reminds me of my onam in childhood with lot of friends and relatives. Its a pleasure to have some chips prepared in our own way. Other snacks are Cheeda(Kaliyadakka) and the tasty 'Sharkar varatti' . Some make chips with Kappa'tapiocca', chembu and chena. Its also delicious. Onam is a harvest festival that may be the reason behind all these delicacies. Days before Onam we prepare all these fries and then we have to make these pickles. Inji(Ginger), Manga(Mangoe) and Naranga(Lemon) is a must in Onam sadya.

A very nice story about Ona pachakam from Adukkala

Another story of making upperi and sharkara peratti from Renu Ramanathan

A post about palada Pradhaman from Archana

Onam Wanderings

2010-08-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

Some terracota thoughts lead to this post. This picture is from 'Dress your Home'.

One of the stalls from the Manorama Fiesta at Kaloor International Stadium, Kochi. Large collection earth friendly pots for interior decoration. After uploading this photo I browsed for interior decorations using Terracotta. Terra cotta is an Italian word which means 'Baked from Earth'.

Found some bloggers who are taking this as a hobby and sharing their easy tips. Some of them are

A live story in Dress your Home about terracota pots

Lovely collection of Terracotta pots from Reshmi

Some Terracota news from The Hindu

Some doubts about Clay, Ceramic and Terracotta

Some more terracota news from Sangeetha

Floating flowers and some earthen pots from Mudram

Atha pookkalam

2010-08-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

Atha pookkalam from my neighbourhood.

Ambal poo

2010-08-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

Water lilly images from Ernakulam

Shots from Cheppanam. All of these shots from the premises of Sri Sri Ravishanker Vidya Mandir located at the village of Cheppanam in Ernakulam.
'Aambal poove neeyarinjo neeyarinjo ivalente murappennu murappennu'

Kakka poo

2010-08-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

Very happy to have some images of this flower in this Onam season. My father always cherish memories of collecting this flower for Atha pookkalam. Its very interesting to be with nature and enjoying the present moment with nature. I share my happiness with the world through these images. We have a magnifiscent world around us to teach us, to make us happy, to keep us cool and more productive. Take some steps from our side to keep this wonders for the next generation.

These flowers are from Cheppanam, a remote village in Ernakulam District. I thinks these flowers are called 'Kakka poo'.

Bali Tharpanam-A tribute to ancestors

2010-08-08T21:38:00.000-07:00

Shots are from Ayini temple of Maradu. This day is very special to offer tributes to our ancestors. Karkkidaka vavu bali is considered to be the most auspicious day to offer 'tharpanam' to our beloved ones.

Vavu bali have some more rituals than this pinda samarpanam. Above all rituals and legends its a day to remember them with great love and gratitude.

Karkkidaka Vavu bali

Its very nice...

2010-08-05T23:06:00.000-07:00

Congrats Padmaja for yr great work.....

Inspiration of this post is padmaja, a wonderful blogger, she is an artist too. I saw her picture titled as 'Reaching out'. Its something more than a picture. When we observe nature we can find more and more things. Through this post Padmaja trying to convey more things than her lovely picture. First appreciation for taking such an effort for thanking her fellow blogger, second one for drawing such a beautiful picture, third one for her live story behind the picture and the fourth one to her for taking resposibility for the society.

I like these blogs..

2010-08-03T22:54:00.000-07:00

Finally a dedication to table tops also... Colours Dekor had dedicated a month to Table tops.

Its very interesting to see wide range of table tops from various parts of the world.

The above table top is from Happier than a pig in mud . The image has a lot of positivity, a nature touch, cheer of colours and garden freshness also. We can see lot of creativity in table tops.

The attempt of Colours Dekor needs much appreciation. It evoked lot of memories in me. Its about my cousin's home. It was their daily routine to make a fresh table top. They had a small garden. They plucked fresh flowers and made energetic table tops which gave more positivity to the living room of their house. They made flower arrangements with dry grass and dry flowers also. Most of the flower vases are with Roses and Senia. They had an old fashioned round table made of wood. They placed these arrangements in the centre of the table and on the top of the TV stand. I loved them a lot. Thanks Colours Dekor for evoking my nostalgic memories. I had spent most of the holidays in this home very near to my mother's home. Most of my childhood memories have a connection with this home and its surroundings. Thanks for evoking the colour and smell of my childhood through your lovely table tops!!! Its not an easy way to convey our happiness to others. Its a rare thing to apply creativity in smaller details. Its a new idea and new theme and wishing you all the very best in your life. I expect more and more cute ideas from my fellow bloggers which inspire me to do more positive and loving things in my life.

Too spicy Kochi!!!!!

2010-08-01T23:57:00.000-07:00

Spice stalls at Broadway, Kochi

Kochi Spices

Images from the Broad way of Kochi. Heaps of spices, tempting smells lead to this image. Broadway is famous for its spice shops. We can have varieties of nuts and spices from these shops in the whole sale rate.

This may be the narrow way in the midst of the city, but in that time the it was the cozy road of Kochi and still it carries the name 'Broad way'. We can see streets packed up with people and a street for textiles only. Most of the shops are with ONLY Wholesale boards. Its a must visit place in Kochi to see the vigour of the queen of Arabian Sea.

Ithil Plant

2010-07-29T00:17:00.000-07:00

I was astonished to see a big ithil plant with somany branches with a rough look fell down from a big mango tree of our neighbours. There was strong wind in the last night was the reason behind that scene. The first thought was of its beauty, it was bent by nature in a cute way. It can be used for interior decoration. In Kerala a saying is 'Ithil kanni pole'. That means living under other's income. Its a parasite tree. I had seen lot of Ithil plants in Mango trees. I could not took the beautiful snap of that because of the heavy rains . Ya we are going through the kalla karkkidakam...and eagerly waiting for the grant sheer of Onam.

When I googled about 'Ithil Kanni' read an interesting ritual using this plant. Its a ritual associated with Christmas. Before christmas they will burn these dried 'Ithil kannis' as a symbol of removing all the sins from our mind. Ithil kannis are parasites, they will destroy the tree as our bad habits and sins destroy the purity of our mind. Isn't it interesting?
Its the view of these fallen plant from my kitchen window inspired me to know more about this and to write a small post about this plant. Please share your views..

Bamboo plant

2010-07-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

'Illimulam kadukalil...'
'Illimulam poovo alliyilam theno thengilaneero'
On my way to Office, there is a small bamboo forest(mulankadu). I can not capture it properly. Bamboo always attract me with its rich greenery and a soothing sound. I like the yellow variety.
Everyone is trying to be green. At last Laptop with the outer cover of Bamboo. Sounds Interesting... Pls have a look at it
For more products from Bamboo, visit Kerala State Bamboo Corporation Limited.

Durbar Hall, Kochi

2010-07-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

Dubar Hall ground at Kochi

Durbar Hall ground

Durbar Hall. I liked its architecture. It's not in ethnic Kerala style. It may be a fusion different styles. Anyway its a cool building. You can see the expanded view by clicking the picture.
'Durbar Hall is a place where Indian Kings had their formal and informal meetings.'wiki

Its a green place to have a walk in the midst of the city. The Royal look of Durbar Hall increase the charm of Durbar Hall ground. We can see Ramavarma Club from the ground. Everything have the royal touch here. We can see the famous Ernakulam Shiva Temple from here.

It was the durabar hall of the Cochin Royal family. Now it turned into an Art gallery. This ground had witnessed some important historical moments. Now its a busy hangout place in Ernakulam with pay and park and recreation facilities.

There is an open air stage at one end of the ground and one ancient building known as 'Kulapuramalika' is in the other corner. Jos junction is at walkable distance from here.
Pareekshith Thamburan Museum is also in this building. It has a wide collection of 19th centuary monuments, paintings and coins. Its must visit place in Ernakulam.

Fruits and sprouts salad

2010-07-26T22:38:00.000-07:00

We are too nutritious today!!! Oh its Salad day!!!

Salad with pome granate, green gram sprouts, red gram sprouts and apple pieces.
I am trying fruits with sprouts. I think children will like it. It is better to eat sprouts in raw form. I am grateful to the school for having such a day which made me to know more about salads. I am on my way to know more about salads. Everyday after brushing my little one will ask me 'innu enna dayyaa?' today is which day. He does not like salad day. But likes fruits day. My elder one is a great fan of raw vegetables and fruits but he will not eat any curries. When we cook cheera we have to convince them that it is the secret behind the great muscles of Popoyi, then they will start eating with great spirit.

Positivity day 2

2010-07-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

Its a great thing to have grateful for what we have

Karkkidaka is the month of Ramayana in Kerala. I feel happy when keeping rituals. It gives me the postitive surge to stick on it. In between all hurries I manage to read Ramayana. I have to complete it before chingam 1st. Today also I had read the Ramayana. When we read it loudly, it is believed that every living things around us will be benefitted from it. I am truly grateful for the great sages for their great work.

Karkkidaka is also the month of rejuvanation, according to Ayurveda. In Karkkidaka we must eat more leafy vegetables. Today one small boy came with some 'Cheera'. I am grateful for having some cheera in these rainy days. He had with him the purple coloured cheera and the green ones. I had bought the green one. He had another variety of cheera known as 'Kozhuppa'.

One of my close friends called me. I am always grateful for having such wonderful, supporting friends.

We had ordered for a bio bin for waste disposal. We can change our bio degradable waste into manure. So I am also going green!!!

Every positive note will be incomplete without my children. Grateful to have them because they make my moments lively and memorable.

Some positive thoughts

2010-07-22T23:15:00.000-07:00

I am also posting some of my positive thoughts today. I am thank ful to Preethi Shenoy for this great attempt and wishing all the success in her writing career.

Among all I am grateful to have a loving partner who had given me all the facilities to have a space in the internet.
We had seen an accident scene in the main juction at Kundannoor at Kochi. A lorry that carried an Ammonia tank fell upside down. I feel more grateful to the god for not having any gas leakage and no deaths. The picture taken from the car its not clear because of the crowd. Cranes are trying to lift the lorry.

Friday is fruits day for my kids. Now we try different type of fruits for fridays. During this day they must eat only fruits in their snack time. Today we had raw dates, plum, pear, Guava, small apples and Pome granate. Today morning we got a parcel from my in law which contained big mangoes(they are calling them as 'roti manga') and home grown pine apples. Now we are blessed with nature. So much fruits which include home grown also. I am really grate ful to nature for having a nice day.
I am a follower of Art of living and try to do 'Sudarshan kriya' in between all the chores. I feel very grateful to do 'sadhana' with great devotion.
I feel very much grateful to have two vibrant sons who hold me so close to their hearts. Yesterday during our story time I had to tell them about death. Then the elder one told these words 'amma, Please don't die, I will cry louder and louder' . These made tears in my eyes.

2010-07-19T00:21:00.000-07:00

Today I surely want to share my experiences of Art living Part I course held at TocH auditorium in last week.

In this world of stress we have to do something like this to remove the toxins accumulated in our body. We have to repair ourselves and rejuvanate each cell of our body to have a good start. It was very nice I can not explain my experiences through these words. Beyond all the breathing exercises, warm ups and other sessions I like the laughing sessions and the dancing sessions.

You can see more about the course here

Sprouts....

2010-06-29T23:26:00.000-07:00

Sprouts of Vanpayar(Red cow peas), it can be eaten as raw or we can make dish called thoran with coconut and chilly

How to make new salads....The only one I am familiar with is the basic salad with tomatoes, onion, ginger, green chilly spiced up with thick curd and salt. Tuesday is 'salad day' for my little ones. Yesterday I had tried my attempt with green gram sprouts. The first task was to convince them about its benefits.
Sprouts have more benefits...They are easy to digest, Sprouts which can be made at home is inexpensive, Vitamins content increases, It increases our immunity, fight against cancers and many more. I had gone through many sites when searched for the preparations with sprouts. I had listed some of them which will be useful to my readers...
Sprouts salad from Veggie platter
Watch this link with recipe for green gram sprouts with carrot salad
Kids doesn't appreciate the taste of green gram, this salad from Sulekha is a mix of sprouts and fruits..Watch it
Sprouts in sandwich...
Sprouts with Vegetables

How to make green gram sprouts

Sprouts with Spinach

Curry with sprouts

An informative post on sprouts from Mahanadi
Green Idlis!!!!

Salad Recipes from The Hindu

More sprouts Recipes from Mahanadi

Ramacham

2010-06-15T00:07:00.000-07:00

Ramacham plant image from my relative's home.
Still I remember lines of an ad of Radhas soap
'Ramacha vishari panineeril mukki aromal veeshum thanuppano
Kasthoori manjal purattum pularkala kanyake ninte thuduppano'
Roots of this herb have cooling effect. Its used as a cooling agent. Its used as a scrub for bathing and its oil is insect repellant.
During summer cooling agents gain more attraction. Today I read a neat post about Ramacham from 'Green crusader'. She had listed more uses of this cool herb. I am very happy to mention this link because any small effort to 'Go green' is for the next generation. We have to do some things for our children is it right?
Sudha's post on Usages of Ramacham

Some green efforts...

2010-06-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

Through blogging I became more nature friendly. Two simple steps taken by me to reduce wastage and plastic are ...

Now I am carrying a bag in my journeys instead of plastic bags. I had bought one cotton bag but its not suitable for the monsoon season. Now I proudly deny the plastic bag in the billing counter of the shop.

I am also planning to buy some tea cups for our office instead of the disposable one.

Always try to pack tiffin in steel containers rather than the plastic ones. My children always complain about the beautiful lunch box of their friends. I am really trying to convince them about the benefits of steel utensils.

World Environment Day on June 5

2010-06-02T23:21:00.000-07:00

World environment day is celebrated on June 5 of every year. This celebration is to make awareness of our environment among people. The host nation of World Environment Day 2010 is Pittsburgh and its theme is Biodiversity-Eco system management and the green economy.

We can also participate in the grand celebration through doing small things

We can demand for e bills other than paper bills
We can use bicycles for short distances
Convince your child about power saving and learn them to switch off unwanted equipments
Try to carry a bag always, then you can discard plastic carry bags
Try to plant a tree

Whenever I hear these slogans I always remember about the lines of the great poet ONV Kurup.

'Iniyum marikkatha bhoomi ninnasanna mrithiyil ninakkatmashanthi'

Erukku

2010-05-28T23:11:00.000-07:00

Buds of Erukku

Fruit of Erukku. Seeds can also be seen

Flower of Erukku.

This is an ayurvedic medicinal plant. This flowers are used for the poojas of shiva temple.

Is it Athi fruit???

2010-05-23T22:58:00.000-07:00

Shots are from Subhash park, Kochi. Still I am not sure about the name. Tree was an old one and full of fruits. If anyone knows the correst name please comment.
A nice description about Fig fruits

Moodilla Thali

2010-05-23T22:39:00.000-07:00

A creeper from Kerala which have no leaves. We can not find its root that may be the name 'Moodilla thali'.

Vaka flower

2010-05-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

'Vaka poo maram choodum varilam poonkulakkullil vadakakkoru muriyeduthu vadakkan thennal

vathilil vannethi nokkiya vasantha panchami pennin valakilukkam kettu koritharichu ninnu'

These flowers are a common sight in Kerala. Its a beauty for our roads, parks and grounds. Thus it became a matter of our poets too. The above lines may be the most popular song about the vaka flower.

Lyrics of the song in Malayalam and details of the creative team behind the song

These flowers are from the courtyard of Government Hospital, Ernakulam. It was a painful visit to see a neighbour who is a cancer patient. These flowers are posting with lot of prayers to him to have a good sleep, to have an easy breath and to have a smile in his face.

I will add the details of this flower in coming posts.

A detailed description in malayalam about vaka flower and our famous poet vayalar Ramavarma

Our guests after the first rain...

2010-05-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

We are calling this creatures as 'Eeyal' in Malayalam. It was the first sight in early morning in our porch. According to my in law its an indication of heavy raining.

Nature's beauty

2010-05-20T01:57:00.000-07:00

Images taken by my husband from Munnar