A WOMAN AND A FORK

29th,April,2010

Thursday

7P.m

Dear Friends,

Good Evening!

Yesterday we had the first heavy showers!I was on my way visiting my friend.She was my neighbour and before I leave for Thrissur I meet my relatives and friends.Thunder and lightening started accompanied by heavy down pour!Wow!The maddening smell of mud!The raindrops falling on the leaves and white flowers!I was enjoying the rain!It was fun sipping hot tea and having jackfruit ada and chakka varatiiyathu![the sweet made from jackfruit].There was power failure but nature was so generous with cool,cool breeze.

Today,Iwant to share a mail with all of you!I found it really impressive and inspiring and so thought of sharing with you.

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live.
So as she was getting her things 'in order,' she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain
aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like to read and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.Everything was in order and thePastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.''There is one more thing,''she said excitedly.'What's that''?came the Pastor's reply.'This is very important'the young woman continued.'I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand''.The Pastor stood looking at the young woman not knowing quite what to say.''That surprises you,doesn't it''?the young woman asked.''Well to be honest,I'm puzzled by the request''said the Pastor. The young woman explained.''My grandmother once told me this story,and from that time on I have always tried to pass along this message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners,I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared someone would inevitably lean over and say,''Keep your fork''.It was my favourite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate
cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!' So, I just want people to see me there in that casket
with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?' Then I want you to tell them: 'Keep your fork ..the
best is yet to come.' The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would
be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven
than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience
and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming. At tAt the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand.. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question,
'What's with the fork?' And over and over he smiled. During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had
with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the
people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it
either. He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come.
Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed.
Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share .....
Being friends with someone is not just an opportunity, but a sweet responsibility.
they do remember,
every time they pick up a fork.!
And just always remember.....keep your fork! The Best Is Yet To Come!

Let us always live with this beautiful thought!It makes us dream higher,makes us realise sky is the limit!

When depressing thoughts seem to get you down,put a smile across your face and Thank GOD-you are still alive and still around!

It's Anu signing off...............

I am leaving for my summer holidays to Thrissur-the land of temples and elephants.The life style is going to change with the time table of Amma and Nanda!You will get to know!:)

Be kind and good to people around,

Wishing you a wonderful and peaceful night,

Reminding Anu loves you dilse,

Will be getting back to you through posts:)[from thrissur]

Good night and sound sleep!Sweet dreams too!

Sasneham,

Anu

MESMERISING MOMENTS OF A MEMORABLE EVENT!

25th,April,2010

Sunday,

3p.m

Dear Friends,

Good Evening!

Thrissur Pooram was really grand!I missed the live show on television as I was away attending a cultural event held away from town!the sky was cloudy.since it was Saturday evening the open air ground was full. The young and talented participants were really enthusiastic.they showcased their talents under the able guidance of professionals.From Saraswathi Vandana to the Ipl dance,every item was brilliantly presented.The event also saw the the prize distribution of the best participants.

The Chief Guest arrived fifteen minutes late, as he had to travel a long distance.The moment he arrived with his wife,the mild showers started.There was chaos and commotion but Thank God,the showers stopped within ten minutes. Here I want to write about the Italian dance that enthralled the audience.I must tell you,yaar,I was completely bowled over by this enchanting performance!

There's an Italian saying that if you kiss under the 'Bridge of Sighs'in Venice your love will last forever.I'm not sure about this; still one can give a try!:)but the lovers must visit Venice-the most romantic city in the world-to glide along the Grand Canal in a gondola and you can see many couples kissing blissfully under the Bridge of Sighs sitting on those Venetian row boats hoping their love would last forever.

The traditional dance and music have been part of the community life in Italy.They sing and dance for their own entertainment,as part of their family and community rituals and events.

16th century Italiyan dances are the most complex of the different types of renaissance dance.Italian folk dance has been an integral part of Italian culture for centuries.Dance has been a continuous thread in Italian life from Dante through the Renaissance,the advent of the Tarantella and the modern revivals of folk music and dance.

The carol or carole[carola in Italian],a circle or chain dance which incorporates singing was the dominant Medieval dance form in Europe from atleast the12th through the 14th centuries.This form of dance was found in Italy as well.It is described a group of women leaving the church in Bologna at the festa of San Giovanni;they form acircle with the leader singing the first stanza at the end of which the dancers stop and dropping hands,sing the refrain.the circle is then reforms and the leader goes on to the next stanza.

In all the dances the upper body is kept erect,the arms are quiet and there is alittle movement above the waist.The steps were done with a rising and falling motion like the motion of a boat in waves.

The girls wore glittering gowns in white and red.The props were small cute green umbrellas,garlands and gypsi,the musical instrument which is round.the movemnets and the various formation were so graceful and beautiful!I was in some dreamland,specially after the mild showers and these dancers took me to the farthest land of Italy.

It was an unforgettable experience and real feast for eyes!With beautiful memories,

I came back home to a good night's sound and dreamy sleep!the rain drops still play the magic!:)

I was singing,..........Mujhe pyar hai thum se........................:)

It's Anu signing off...........

I want to get lost in the narrow streets along the canal.I want to join those men and women wearing masks and twirling around in circles to the lively Venetian music!:)Still concealing the identity anyone can join the group.Are you ready?Still I can find you out!

Wishing you a wonderful energetic week ahead,

Reminding you Anu loves you wholeheartedly,

Requesting you to inform me when you leave for Venice,

Sasneham,

Anu

TRICHUR POORAM,THE POORAM OF ALL POORAMS!

THE GREATEST FESTIVAL OF ELEPHANTS AND DRUMS!

23rd,April,2010

Friday,

9p.m

Dear Friends,

Good Evening!

Daily my phone call to Amma updates the happenings of Trichur.Nanda is never at home.yesterday was sample fireworks and today she has gone to see Aanachamayam!:)You can't see people at home these days in Trichur.They have all relatives and friends as guests and busy enjoying the different aspects of Pooram.

Tomorrow is the Trichur Pooram!The pooram of all poorams.The most popular pooram of Kerala!This is the biggest Temple Festival.Thrissur Pooram is one of the most spectacular fesivals inthe world.One can't find such afestive gathering and celebration on such a scale anywherelese.

Thrissur is a city situated in the centre of Kerala and it is known as the cultural capital of the state.I am so happy to inform you that I belong to Trichur.:)The name of Thrissur is derived from''Thiru-siva-perur'' which literally translates into

the city of the Sacred Shiva.In ancient days,Thrissur was known as Vrishbadripuram as well as Kailasam[Mount Kailasam,the abode of Lord Shiva in south].

Poorams are festivals held in Hindu Temples in Kerala and the highlights being caparisoned elephants and Panchavadyam-a classical performance of five musical instruments.

Thrissur pooram is celebrated on Pooram nakshthram[star]-Purva phalguni day in MeDAM masam[month] as per Malayalam Calendar.This festival attracts millions of devotees from all parts of the globe.Thousand of foreigners wait for this grand festival.Thrissur pooram runs for a Marathon thirty six hours ,with an intense crescendo of fireworks at 2.30 a.m.

Thrissur Pooram is a festival unique in its pageantry,magnitude and participation.It is the festival of festivals in Kerala.

On Thrissur Pooram, the deities of the temples in and around Thrissur town pay customary visit to the Vadakumnathan Temple on caparisoned elephants accompanied by the music of Chenda melam and Pachavadyam.

The ten participants of the pooram are theThiruvamdai Bhagavathy Temple and Parmekkavu Bhagavathi,Nethikkavu Bhagavathi,Karamukku Bhagavathi,Ayyanthole Bhagavathi,Laloor Bhagavathi,Choorakktukavu Bhagavathi,Chembukkavu Bhagavathi,Panamukkupally Sastha and Kanimangalam Sastha.The processions and rituals of each of these deties follow a very strict itinerary,scheduled in such a way that the tempo of the pooram celebrations-36 hours non stop- is maintained without loss of energy.

The most important processions are that of the Thiruvambadi Sree Krishna Temple and Paramekkavu Devi temple.Apart from these two major temples,eight small temples also particiapate in the pooram.Vadakkumnathan Temple ,dedicated to Lord Shiva remains a spectator during the festivl.

By noon crowds will be formed at Thekkinkadu Maidan[grounds] with the

'Madathil Varavu' procession of Thiruvambadi Sree Krishna Temple.The Parmekkavu Devi Temple procession along with the accomapniment of enters Shree Vadakumnathan Temple.The scintillating and highly appreciated 'Elinjithara Melam'[a classic performance of musical instruments] begins when the procession reaches Elenji Tree inside the temple compound.

The exitement will be at its peak when the processions of Thiruvamadi Shree Krishna Temple and Parmekkavu Temple stand face each other at the Thekke Gopuram area.The Kudamattam[changing the beautiful umbrellas] which is held here is the highlight of Trissur Poram.In teh 'kudamattom',the two sides engage in a competitive display of colourful umbrellas of amazing designs.Two months are spent in hardwork by the artists to make these colourful umbrellas.The beautiful clothes are imported from China.

People across the world wait for the fireworks displayed which is held at late night.From 2009 onwards,the firework display is envirnmental friendly with less deafening sound and more of colour.There are four major firework displays in Thrissur Pooram.The sample fireworks the day before the Pooram,the colourful sparklers that light up the sky[Amittu] by both sides on the Pooram evening afterafter the Suthward Descent,the most impressive event that mark the peak of Pooram celebrations in the early morning hours and the final fireworks the fllowing noon after the Goddesses bid farewell t each other that mark the end of Pooram!

The Thrissur Pooram comes to an end with the farewell ritual of Shree Thiruvambadi Krishna and Parmekkavu Devi Temples at noon on the next day infront of Shree Vadakkumnathan Temple.

You can see a sea of humans and elephants matching to the beat of the tantalising drums and trumpets.

I must tell you friends,festivals are occasions to break out the monotony of daily routine.Thrissur pooram stands better than the best.It is two hundred years plus young and before that Aaratupuzha pooram conducted at Aaratupuzha,fourteen kilometer away from Vadakkumnathan Temple was the biggest temple festival of Kerala.

The Trchur Pooram Exhibition,yet another major attraction of Pooram is one of the famous South Indian Trade Fairs.I still fondly remember,my Achan[Father] always used to take us for the exhibition.And we bought the colurful kuppivalakal,hair clips,eatables and so many other items!It's great to spend a day among the well decoarated stalls.

Most of the television channels will be telecasting live the Thrissur Poramon 24th,April,Saturday!

Thrissur is approximately located two hours drive from Kochi.

My cheriyamma and cousin have started their journey from Dubai to be at Trichur for Pooram!great!That is the real spirit!This is my pooram,your pooram and our Pooram!:)I will be missing the the live telecast as I will be attending a cultural event!And you know what,I do transform to Alice in wonderland ,with mouth wide opened,admiring the novel and marvellous designs of the glittering umbrellas !And hope you know,umbrellas are my weakness!:)

Last year I reached Thrissur on the day of Pooram and this year I have to start packing my baggage now.

Wishing you a wonderful Thrissur pooram,

It's Anu signing off....................

The fame of Thrissur fireworks crossed boundaries and reached USA and a master was invited to display fireworks in connection with a Presidential sworn in USA.

Every year new and never seen before items are added to the firewrks,with both the temples devoting a large share of resources for it.

Friends,plan your trip to Trichur next time to witness the amazing Thrissur Pooram!We will meet at Thekkinkadu maidan!:)

Do you know what?

Pooram ente aaveshamanu,vikaramnu;athyapoorvamaya oru anubhavamanu!

Wishing you a wonderful visual feast on television screen,

Reminding you Anu loves you dilse,

Requesting you to plan your Thrissur trip during Pooram time,

Once a life time you must watch this visual treat!

Enjoy a beautiful weekend,

Sasneham,

Anu

KUCH NA KAHO....................

KUCH BHI NA KAHO...........

19th,April,2010

Monday

9p.m

Dear Friends,

Good Evening!

Back to work after Sunday;yesterday I attended the marriage reception of Anoop and Sandhya.They tied the knot in the famous North Guruvayoorappan Temple in Delhi.I enjoyed the drive by the harbour side enjoying the sea from closer corners,feeling the fresh air and the illuminated ships at the sea!The sight was a feast for eyes.I always love the drives by sea side at night,enjoying the soft music.they gift me beautiful moments of life.

The function was held in an open area and the tables were decorated with blue and white balloons.they were flying with strings attached to the tables.I love balloons and feel like playing with them.:)I was wearing a light meroon kanchipuram pattu saree with mustard yellow border and same dots all over the saree.Keeping flowers for reception has become out of fashion but I didn't mind adorning my single plait with koimbatoor mulla[jasmine].wow!I have never seen these small mulla here.I was thrilled!a pearl set was the ornament I wore.A matching long meroon bindi with a small white stone below completed the make up!Mostly I feel,a bunch of jasmine strands and a beautiful smile make a cheerful face glow!:)As the newly married couple entered the reception area,the invitees blessed them standing in two lines and showering flowers on them!the marriage function held at delhi was shown on big screen.There was dj and the couples were introduced to the audience.After the cake was cut,bunches of balloons were flown to the sky........and I was spellbound looking at them disappearing into heights!It was then I really wanted to fly high,higher along with the balloons and disappear to the thin air!you know what,there were fireworks!they went up and turned into marvellous floral patterns in bright colour-yello,red,green,blue and purple!ayyo!so nice!I was like Alice in wonderland with balloons flying high and the fireworks![But then in a day I transform into Alice many times!]:)Guests went to the stage with gifts and bouquet and wished them a long and married life and posed for video.When the last guest came down,the dj started playing the romantic melodies......the ball room dance began and couples came forward!kuch na kaho.....................And with that my post begins...........:)Romance was in air with soft movements holding the right hands together and the other hand on the waist!Sandhya and Anoop danced really well.I had to resist myself.

So,I thought of a heart filled with love!:)

She brings a basket piled with flowers of laughter,

And gifts each to all the passers by!

There he stood,without a single word,

Looking at his deep eyes,struggling for words,

And that moment she realised,

Kuch nah kaho...................

Bathed from the sea,with her wet flowing hair,

She sat by the rocky shore,

Her body was unadorned,

He reached her slowly,

Her heratbeats rose higher,

Holding her soft waist,they prayed together,

Loking at the setting sun,

That moment she realised,

Kuch nah kaho..................

She feels speechless,

When he comes infront of him!

She knows she skips her heartbeats,

The whole body is shivering!

Her eyes glow with love

And she realised once again,

Kuch nah kaho...................

She hears him in silence,

She brings him the scent of springtime woods.

His smile is touched by intoxication

And her heart's mystery finds its own raga,

Then she realised at this moment,

Hum dil dey chuke sanam!

He gfted her the colourful world,

And she sang a Megha-Malhar song for him!

She prays,he remains with her forever!

His magical touch brings the blooms!

And at this moment she realised,

Kuch naa kaho...............

His flute plays in the thunder,

She wakes up to the tune!

His thoughts make her life's breath sweet!

He is not here before her eyes!

But within her eyes,he has taken his place!

At this moment she realised,

Kuch naa kaho.......................

No one can tell how in her song,

His music plays along.

One fine morning she found him,

But she fears he may disappear!

At this moment she realised,

Kuch naa kaho............................

It was a beautiful twilight,

They were walking on the sea shore;

Kissing her forehead tenderly,

With tears in eyes, he proposed to her......

The setting sun and the waves witnessed the beautiful moments!

It was then she realised,

Kuch naa kaho...................

She embraced him and whispered secretly,''Dear,I have discovered love in you!'

Friends,

I have to stop it here or else i will keep on writing,testing your patience.:)

Within that fire,through the melodious song, a world of dreams she built!

Love is the most beautiful feeling with the union of two minds.

''In life there are moments, when you miss someone so much,that you wish you could grab them out of your dreams and hug them tight!''

Tell me you had dreamt those dreams,right?:)

It's Anu signing off.............

The beautiful romantic song is my dedication................Ab mujhe raat din..............:)

Don't leave the words unsaid.Time and tide waits for none.:)

The moment passes at the wink of our eyes.

When the jasmine buds bloom in the garden,when the fragrance spreads ,remember,

We should not forget to live!keep the love awake!

Wishing you a lovely and beautiful night,

Requesting you to give the best of your smile,

Reminding you,Anu loves you sincerely,

Sasneham,

Anu

BEING ALONE IN A CROWD

16th,April,2010

Friday

9p.m

Dear Friends,

Good Evening!

It was a pleasant day,yesterday.Vishu celebration was grand.Early morning after seeing Kani at home,I could go to Shree Ayyappa Temple and Damodar Temple.

Any special day begins with prayers and seeking blessings from Amma.Thanks a lot my dear friends who reached me by phone calls,mails and greetings and comments.I could feel your love and joy.

When the streets are lonely,I saw a young dame,delicate and proud got out of the car.I was sitting in the balcony sipping my evening tea.She came up and rang the bell.She was my friend Loretta's cousin Deolina.Today's post is the net result of our chit-chat.She was in low spirits and was feeling so lonely.Her boyfriend had left for a party .She was in no mood to join him for reasons only known to her.

There is a gentle breeze blowing from the sea.
The sand is white as snow.
The sea is turned into yellow,purple and red,
By the reflections of the light from the ships.

At times,I'm sure you will agree with me,

We become all alone in a crowd.

We hear them,join the group,

But we are not listening to anyone!

I am lost,lost in thoughts!

Physically I may be present with you!

But,I know,mentally I am far away!

Hurt and pains I may hide,

Joy and happiness I will spread.

By the end of the day we realise,

We are lonely and feel like crying.

Just to have a true friend in life,

May not solve the problem!

I prefer to open up with my sparrows,

And with the calm waves of the sea.

We often feel we are surrounded by friends,

But the bitter truth is that,

They are friends as long as they need you!

Everyone can't read our hearts,

And I am the last person to let some one.

Loneliness is the constant companion,

I would like to embrace!

So many people all around,

But getting connected is so difficult!

It is tough to get fixed in!

I have feelings of invisibility often.

I did always want to stay encircled;

Attending parties,cracking jokes,

Dancing to the hit tunes,

Who always needed someone by my side.

Life was always fun and thrill!

Now I choose busy streets and bazaars,

For an evening stroll!

Noone knows you and it makes u happy.

She wishes she could run away,

From the thoughts that haunt her!

She doesn't want to be needed!

She wears a heart that is wounded.

Looking for positive thoughts,getting busy,

We have to move on;the truth of life!

Friends,

Did I say too much philosophy?pata nahim!One fine day I'm like this!

Someone, somewhere tells me,''There is always someone who loves you more than you know''.But I don't hear anymore.

For this weekend,I want you to try this tongue twister.:)

If you notice this notice,you will notice that this notice is not worth noticing.[how'z that?]I would be eager to know who can say it without a mistake.

It's Anu signing off.....

Tomorrow is a working day.:(But then,Sunday comes.

''If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday,

And the worries of tomorrow,

You have no today to be thankful for''.

My sparrows have gone to sleep.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,

Reminding you,Anu loves you dil se,

Good night and sound sleep with sweet dreams!

And let me assure you,

You are not alone!:)

Sasneham,

Anu

VISHU-THE BLESSED DAY!

NANMAYUDE VISHUKANI!

14th,April,2010

Wednesday

Dear Friends,

Good Morning!

A pleasant morning!There was thunder,giving hopes for a shower!But,no,rain is far away!

Today is a holiday due to Dr.Ambedkar Jayanthi!And tomorrow I have taken leave.Who will like to attend work on such an auspicious day?It's Vishu-The New Year Of Keralites and Bengalis!I'm happy that VISHU is my 200th post.I dedicate my Vishu post to Kannan,my Unnikannan who adorns my template with Yeshodha Maiyya.Born and brought up near the world famous Guruvayoor Temple,spending lot of time at the auspicious premises of Kannan,my life revolves Krishnan!The numerous stories of Kannan echo in my ears with great charm!

HAPPY PUTHU VARSHA PIRAVI-NEW YEAR to all my Tamalian friends!It's today!14th April!

Thanks a bunch for your sincere appreciation,suggestions and comments.Without readers,no writer can successfully reach this milestone.At this moment,my heart is filled with true gratitude!I would love to express my love by personal mails;but it is not possible.I reach you personally through my replies for your comments.

Like most parts of India,festivals in Kerala are an integral part of the social and cultural structure of the state and festival time is the best time to join one's family.

Vishu is one of the most important festivals of Kerala.Onam is the harvest festival.Vishu is the time to prepare the fields to sow the seeds of grains.

''When thumba blooms,it is Onam and when Konna blooms,it is Vishu!''Do you know how does this festival got the name,Vishu?The date when the day and night are of the same length is called Vishuvam in Sanskrit.Vishu means equal and signifies one of the equinox.Thulam the day and nights are the same.We celebrate this day of Medam as Vishu.

WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL AND PROSPEROUS HAPPY VISHU,tomorrow on 15th!

'VISHU' , the New Year of Malayalees is one of the important festivals of Kerala.This astronomical or Zodiac New Year in Kerala is observed on the first day of the Malayalam month of 'Medam"( April 14 / 15). In 2010,the Malayalam month is marked on 14th April,but Vishu is celebrated on 15th,April,Thursday.This is because The Surya Samkrmana takes place on 14th,April.
The traditional people of Kerala practise a lot of colourful rituals and customs on Vishu Day.Most of these traditions are based on a belief that Vishu must be celebrated well as the good things of the first day of the New Year will continue for the rest of the year too.The high light of the festival is Vishukani, Vishu Kaineetam and Vishubalam.
The heart of the festival Vishu is the preparation of Kani.The literal translation of Vishukani is the first sight of the day.
Malayalees believe that the fortunes for the year depend upon the nature of the object / objects one sees first in the morning of Vishu day. So preparation is every thing ! Raw rice is put in a circular bell-metal vessel knon as ' URULEE' and over it a folded newly washed cloth is spread.A golden coloured cucumber, halved jack fruit, halved coconut, flowers of the Konna tree ( cassia fistula) , a Grandha ( book of palm leaves), betel leaves, betel nuts, a gold oranament and few coins are placed over the cloth in the vessel.Behind this pot is kept the bell metal mirror (Vaalkannadi) anda galrlanded deity of Lord Krishna. A traditional oil lamp (Nilavilakku)
is also placed before the deity. Then some oil is put into two halves of the coconut , two wicks are lit and this illuminates the goodies inside.

Preparations of Kani are done at night before by the ladiies of the house. Early morning on the Vishu day , one of the members of the house, usually the eldest female member, lights the lamp and look at 'Kani'(an omen). She then wakes up other members of the family one after another and the Kani is shown to every one of them, Children are brought blind by folding their eyes from their beds to where the Kani is kept. The elder in the family give money (Vishu Kaineetam) to the youngsters and bless them. It is believed that the Kani one sees and its good tidings will stay with them till the end of that year. Even the cattle are not deprived of the privilage, as the Kani is taken to the cattle-shed and placed before them to have a dekko.

I fondly remember my Vishu celebrations of childhood.For festivals we must be with our dear and near ones.My Little Star and Maza always loved to prepare the Vishukani. They were never satisfied at the decorations done for Kannan.

On Vishu Day,a grand feast is prepared by women of the house and the whole family sits together at lunch to relish it.For lunch,vegetable dishes are usually prepared from jackfruits,pumpkins and gourds beside other vegetableswhich are in plenty at that time of the season. People also wear new clothes ( Kodi vastram) and burst crackers.Vishu kanji is very important.Coconut is put in kanji.'Puzhukku' is made out of tapioca,yam and other vegetables.

Firecrackers are the main attraction of Vishu!On Vishu,children enjoy bursting the crackers!

In certain parts of Kerala,where the paddy cultivation commences after the monsoon,there
is an observance called CHAAL (Furrow) ---the auspecious commencement of the agricultural operations in the new year ----closely associated with Vishu.

A large number of people prefer to see Vishu kani in temples. A huge rush of devotees can be seen in the temples of Guruvayoor, Ambalpuzha , Sabarimala etc where special prayers are organised to mark the day. People stay overnight in the courtyards of the temples at the night before Vishu to see Kani in the temple.

There are different stories behind each festival.one goes like this.

One day Ravanan,the King of Lanka was enjoying the sun rays in the terrace of his palace.The sun was so bright and Ravanan got angry.Thus he ordered the Sun,not to rise against his palace.henceforth the Sun stopped rising at the east.

Later when Sree Rama killed Ravana in the battle,the Sun started rising again from the east.In the memory of this incident,Vishu is celebrated.

' VISHU' at Vasco Ayyappa Temple:-

Sree Ayyappa Temple, Mangor hills, Vasco is also celebrating Vishu on a grand scale. Vishu day celebrations at the temple (on 15th April ) begin with the Vishukani morning at 4.30 hrs ( Brahma Muhurta). This will be followed by Shodasabhishekam at 5.45 hrs , Ganapathi homam and special poojas. . On Vishu day evening , after perforing Aarati at 7.00 p.m a special Bhajan and devotional song programme will be held at the Mandapa of the temple. Hundreds of devotees from different parts of Goa will reach the temple to witness Vishu kani . Vishuphalam ( fortune for the year) will be displayed on the Notice Board of the Ayyappa seva Samithi at the temple.

In Assam New Year is celebrated as Goru Bihu!It is the festival of the farmers!They wash the cattle early in the morning and apply turmeric.After this,jaggery and brinjal will be given to the cattle.

In Kashmir,the housewives keep ghee,sugar,curds,coin,plantainsand mirror in a tray and show everyone at home on their New Year Day.Interesting,nah?

The small chirpy bird -Vishu pakshi-is singing.....................,''Vithum Kaikottum'',''Chakkakuppundo?'',''Achan kombathu,Amma varambathu''!

Here a Happy New Year begins........a year filled with Hapiness,Cheer,Enthusiasm and Prosperity!''

HAPPY BAISAKHI to all Punjabis!

Asatho ma Jyothirgamaya!From the darkness to the light,let us walk together..........

It's Anu signing off...........

Eethu dhoosara sankalpangalil valarnnalum,

''Eethu yantravalkratha lokathil pularnnalum
Manassillundavatte gramathin velichavum,

Manavum mamathayum,

Ithiri konnappovum!''

My Vishukkaineetam to all!ORITHAL KONNAPPOV!But where is mine?:)

Be like the bright Konnappoov in others' lives

and Happiness is always yours!

Wishing you A beautiful and Prosperous VISHU,

Reminding you Anu loves you sincerely,

Sasneham,

Anu

MY KANIKKONNA-YOUR GOLDEN SHOWER

10th,Saturday,2010

April

5 p.m

Dear Friends,

Good Evening!

Being second saturday,today is a holiday.But I didn't do much;either creative or something fruitful.I need a pat very badly to be on my toes and cheer up!Beating the heat,I am tired.The clouds are not yet kind enough to Goans.It is too hot since a week.

Then I thought of our forthcoming festival,Vishu!Here,you can see this beautiful flower,Kanikkonna.It is known as Golden shower!The fully bloomed tree reminds us of Vishu!It blooms in late spring.Flowering is profuse,with trees being covered with yellow flora,with almost no leaf being seen!Growth of this tree is the best in full sun on well-drained soil.the flowers are of ritual importance in the Vishu festival of Kerala.In Hindi we call it,Dhanbaher or Girimaloah.It is also known as Amaltas.The Konna tree in full golden bloom is an exhilarting sight.

Flowers have been part of Kerala life life style since ages.The land of greenery is naturally home to innumerable variety of flowers.The flowers in turn invite butterflies and cute birds.Nature is at its best in spring.

Kanikkonna or Indian Laburnum[Cassia Fistula] is considered to be the flagship of the New Year-Vishu-coming to Kerala according to teh Malayalam Calender[Kollavarsham].It is also the official flower of Kerala.This golden colour flowers are the inevitable component of Vishukkani,a part of the auspicious occasion of Vishu,the New Year Day of Kerala.

Kanikkonna,the yellow flowers are the symbol of prosperity!Amma has written a poem on the origin of these flowers.It is published in Amma's second book-Smarananjali-dedicated to my Achan[Father].

There was a small cute young brahmin boy,who was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna.He belonged to an ancestoral illam[Brahmin house].There was a Krishna Temple near his house.Everyday after having a bath,this little boy used to pray to Kannan.Till the poojas are over,he used to be in the temple praying and requesting Kannan to give darshan.One day even after the priest closed the nada[ door] of Sanctum Sanctorum,the boy was not ready to go home.He was adament not to return home without seeing his favourite God in living form. He wanted to be with Kannan.He was crying,calling out Kannan to appear before him.He waited for so long.When he was about to go home, very much disappointed,immediately''HURRAH'',the sweet music from aflute was heard. .When he turned back,he was surprised to see the enchanting lovely form of Unnikannan infront of him.He was overjoyed and wonderstruck!Beautifully decorated,with gold ornaments and a peacock feather on the crown,Kannan was playing the flute!Both of them clasped each otherin love and affection.The little boy's delight knew no bounds.The little boy folded his hands in wonder and fell at the feet of Kannan.As a token of love,Kannan removed his,aranjanam[ waist ornamnet] from which small golden bells were hanging and gifted that to the little boy.Kannan made him wear it.

On the way, his mother was waiting for him.The little one was so excited and narrated the incident to his mother and showed her the expensive gift .She could not believe him and started scolding him.He was in tears and in pain.So he removed the ornament from his waist and threw the ornament to the near by Konna tree.It got stuck among the branches and immediately the whole tree bloomed with yellow flowers in the shape of small bells.

Amma,thank you sooooooooooooooooooooooo much for telling us the story of the origin of Konnappookal.I am spellbound asmiring these wonderful yellow coloured flowers!

This is the story behind the origin of Konnapookal.
Kanikonna is the state flower of Kerala state in India.The tree was depicted on a twenty Indian rupees stamp.The tree has strong and very durable wood.

The Golden Shower is the national flower of Thailand.

In Ayurvedic medicine,Golden Shower Tree is known as aragvadha[disease killer].. Its fruitpulp is used as mild laxative,against fevers,arthrites and vatavyadhi[nervous system diseases],all kinds of rakta-pitta[bleeding such as hematemesis or hemorrahges] as well as cardiac conditions and stomach problems such as acid reflux.

Kanikkonna in full bloom indeed convey an impression of proseperity.I feel like requesting the Golden Shower Tree to be generous and bless me with the splendid yellow shower!:)

Please wake up and find out The Golden Shower Tree in your neighbourhood.

Nanda wanted to pluck the konna flowers from Kuttankulangara temple;As she was about to
pluck the flowers,she saw the board,''NJAN KANNANTE ARAMANI KINGINIYAALEE?''[Am I not the waist ornament of Kannan?'']So,she left them untouched!What a way to stop the tempting hands?:)

It's Anu signing off..........................

Everyone is getting busy to welcome the New Year!It 's on 15th for us!Tamalians will be celebrating their Puthu Varsha Piravi[New Year!] on 14th.April.

And I feel like sharing a good news with you.I will be completing my 200th post by the next one.Am i excited?No!I take this opportunity to thank each and everyone for without you I would not be reaching this milestone.Heartfelt thanks for being kind and inspiring;for taking time for reading my posts and writing comments.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,DIANA!MANY MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY!MAY GOD BLESS YOU!

I love you,dear!Special b'day hugs to you!

Anu loves you a lot![But there is no proof if you ask for].

Wishing you a wonderful and prosperous VISHU,

Sasneham,

Anu