ONCE UPON A TIME...........

30th,August,2010
Monday
Dear Friends,
         Good Morning!

I had been to the capital city-Thiruvananthapuram and came back today morning.It is raining and the whole atmosphere is cold.We had our family functions held at Tvpm and after a long time I could  meet many of my relatives.Strengthening the bonds and reliving the memories we had a very  nice time.I was at the mike at the party inviting and encouraging one and all to present an event.I did sing a Hindi number dedicated to little baby,darling..After the dinner we had a real bash dancing to the different numbers in Hindi.I loved and enjoyed dancing  with Kishen,Maza and Vidya.We had fun.

A huge ball of jasmine garland was given in a big lotus leaf and I really loved the enchnating flowers.The strands were put beautifully on the hair.

Everyone at some stage needs somebody to talk .We are surrounded by close relationships.All our relationships have a special  place in our lives and affect us in different ways.They are all important to make our lives happily.Smoothness in relations is a must orelse the peace will be taken away.The greatest joy and sorrow come with relations.Today's post is on the pain the attachment has brought in someone's life.The friendhip has strained due to misunderstanding and tensions.
'Time makes us to forget some persons.But some persons make us forget time.Such  a lovely person is reading this post now.Hearty welcome!

Often we reach the  crossroads of life;

Getting confused where and how to go,
When we stand without moving ,
We wish for the sincere voice that guides us correctly.
But then it is not necessary we have the voice always;
It thus happened to the most wonderful friend of mine.
She is a chatterbox always bubbling with high spirits.

Reaching out to her friends when the need arises.

For her, friends meant a lot !
She loved each and everyone!

And she had someone special too!

He always had a listening ear whenever she needed!

She made others feel life is so meaningful and beautiful.

Deep  within the soul,they knew,

They shared a love unlike others;

His thoughts brought out emotions which she never knew.

She felt the magical moments,

By his words and mails and phone calls.

She learnt to love the heart that hurts her

But never hurts the heart that loves her.

Thinking back she remembers,

How vibrant and meaningful the friendship was,

And how good and comfortable they used to feel.

As  the time flew,she got busy with life,
Not knowing that changes are taking place in relations!
Her fingers wanted to get entangled with his,
And she wanted t lie down on his chest,
Listening to his heartbeats!

And she always felt that heart beats are for her!

She always thought he is forever her  friend
May be she was overconfident;
It was really shocking even for the special occasion,
He did not reach her to wish her,

But later she was heartbroken when her friend told her,

She received a greeting call from him!
Now life has taught her pain can be the wonderful teacher,
The life-changing incidents do occur unexpectedly.   

Now she has lost the word TRUST
from her life.
She does not find a calm moment now,
As she is attacked by the situations.
Still she strings words beautifully,
Bringing a smile and cheer.
She suffers the moments of silence now,
And they have become unbearable.
She was tossing restlessly in her sleep.
She was behaving quite oddly these days;
I can never think of my friend in pain or stress,

As she is my best buddy and a gem .

Removing the doubts and fears from the mind,

She is slowly moving on....

And I am with her assuring emotional and moral support..........

Friends,

           Relations  if they start taking their toll on our mental,physical and emotional health,it is better let go;move on.Depression and loneliness should not affect us.Some friendships will never mend again.We can hardly change people but we can change ourselves and our attitudes.Getting involved in activities and work let us live life in a better way.Now give  me a smile.Tonight I need it very badly.:)

It's Anu signing off..............
Kal usko dekhkar yaad aaya

Hum bhi kabhi mohabaat kiya karte they.

''We can not direct the wind;but we can adjust the sails''.

Requesting you to be very careful in building relations,

And see that the heart you love does not ache.

Praying her silence won't haunt him,

 Reminding Anu loves you,dil se,

Wishing All Of You A Wonderful Month Of Septemeber,

                                                    Sasneham,

                                                             Anu

A FLORAL CARPET OF GRATITUDE!

24th August,2010

Tuesday

Dear Friends,

    Good Afternoon from Trichur!

On this auspicious occasion of Onam ,Raksha Bandhan and Avani Avittam,I wish you good luck,prosperity and peace!Happiness accompanies!Amma and Nanda join me in wishing you the same.

Thrissur gave me a hearty welcome with the cool showers!That is the way I always want to be welcomed.:)

The garden is full of blooms and the fragrance and hues attract numerous butterflies and bees!Kanakambaram,mandaram,rose,thechi,kashithumba[balsam]pavizhamalli,mukkutty and thulsi!They provide a holy and pure ambience.The smiling flowers,the fresh green leaves,the waterdroplets falling on my face;the chirping of small cute birds;mornings are the best at Trichur!I can't even think of going back leaving this loving  and pleasing atmosphere.

Thank you so much

I am happy that I am completing 250th post today with your sincere and honest support.Your suggestions,comments and feedbacks inspire me a lot!Thanks to  everyone   of you for making it possible for me  to reach this milestone of 250 posts.It is really wonderful to know friends and readers across the globe take time to read my lengthy posts and write their views!Words fail to express my love,respect and gratitude to you!

During this season of my favourite festival ONAM ,I want to gift you a floral carpet of gratitude!
Like the variety of the flowers,
Your words reached me from different corners.

Without your knowledge,

I always held them close to my heart!

Like the dewdrops on the petals,

Many words made my eyes moist!
Like the bright and light colours of the petals,
I enjoyed your words of values  and trust,
Each flower has its language,
It has a special message to communicate!

Kowingly or unknowingly a strong bond was built.

The elegance,the kindness and cheerfulness,
You have spread made a lot of difference!
I might not have told all these individually,
But today I strongly feel,

I owe you a lot!

Friends,you were always generous,
To shower the sweet and kind words;
Even though I don't deserve many of those feathers to my cap!
Today I am able to accept the bouquets and brickbats similary,
Like teh two sides of a coin!
You have given me hope,
For a better future as a writer.
I have felt purity and honesty in your words,
And today I want to say it with flowers,
My love,friendship and gratitude!
As  and when you feel like reaching the words,

Of Sincerely yours,please don't hesitate!
The pleasure will be mine!
''One day you will ask me what I love more
You or my life and when I will say my life,
You will walk away from me without
Knowing that you are my life!''
It's Anu signing off......................
Inviting one and all to the grand pulikkali celebrations of Thrissur on 4th ONAM  on 26th, August,
Requesting naraz naho humse.......
Reminding Anu loves you dil se,
Seeking your blessings and prayers

I would like to share the thougt,

''You can win life by all means
         IF

You avoid just two things in life
Comparing with others
And expecting from others.

  

KAL HO YA NA HO

20th,August,2010

Friday
Dear Friends,
  Good Morning!
How are you?I had been to Bangalore on an official tour.Even though the weather was cold,I enjoyed my trip.The train was crowded with people specially going to their native places to attend the religiously important day of Maha Lakshmi Vratham.They were enthusiastic and cheerful.They reminded me of ONAM,when Keralites across the globe reach hometown to attend the Festival of Flowers.
I missed you friends,reading your posts and being in touch with you.Thank you so much for your sms and calls.They made a difference to my lonely moments.Thank you so much for your comments for the previous posts and I had not replied yet.
I hardly get time to express my thoughts in the morning as I have to rush for my work very early.But,if I don't write now,I will be taking another break from all of you.I have just unpacked my baggage.And it is time for another journey;this time,the journey is personal and I am eagerly looking forward to it.:)
                            My train journey was really amazing.Fields of sunflowers,marigold flowers,sugarcane plants,maize shrubs,bajra,the kuchacha roads lined by huge shady trees,the landed properties of acronuts and coconut trees told me the local people are really hardworking.I was not so confident about my official trip to an unknown destination and to be among strange people.But God took care of even the small happenings.I am so grateful for the kindness I received.

The small and beautiful moments of Bangalore,
How can I forget in my life?
Sitting under the huge beautiful shady trees,
Laden with colourful flowers,
Breathing fresh air in the open ground,
Enjoying the chirping of the cute little birds,
I was thinking about you!
As often,I never let you know,
How do I feel at present.
I value my feelings and respect them a lot,
They are not to be scattered in the air,
Or to be flown away with the wind.
Like the cattle grazing in the green fields,
Looking for greener pastures,
I just can't go away leaving what I have!
I was so delighted to see the pookalam
In my friend's house in Blore,
They realy made me nostalgic!
Taking me back to childhood memories,
Where we children did compete,
To collect the beautiful colourful flowers,
To decorate our courtyard with pretty pookalam.
The people were real hosts,
Where they took time to make me comfortable.
Even the cab driver was patient enough,
To answer my hundred questions
''What is this''?and ''What is that?''
And I was surprised he explained
The important circles,places and buildings,
With a tinge of sincerity!
I don't regret my friend,I could not permit you.

To come and meet me;
As I could stick to my resolutions,
But I value your friendship a lot.
I enjoyed the Antakshari session we had in the train,
And all of a sudden one Kannadiga lady,
Asked me to sing again,''Nanna re....Nanna re...''
And the comment I heard,
''Oh!the voice is so sweet''!
Bringing out a bright smile on my face.
Kal ho ya ho,be always kind and nice!
Friends,
I am busy with work and personal life.Time won't permit right now to reach each of your blogs;but I assure you I will be reading your posts very soon.
Anya,I miss you a lot;I miss your updates.You are always in my prayers and thoughts.Life has reached crossroads and one needs a strong mind.
The small and beautiful moments of daily life sum up our lives.So,live each and moment of life.It's celebration time once again.Onam is just three days away.


HAPPY ONAM TO ALL OF YOU!
Hum ko hami se churalo........
Dil mein kahim chupalo......
Hum akele ho na jaayen......

Door tum se.....................ho na jaayen.........
Paas aavo   gale se laga le.........
It's Anu signing off...
When you make a pookalm in the courtyard today,
Let the hues and fragrance of the flowers fill your hearts,
There is depth and life in each friendship,
Please try to understand it before you offer your friendship,
Reminding you,Onam is an auspicious occasion,
To reach your longlost friends and connections.
Forgive and forget the feelings of hurt,
And stretch your hands once again,
Someone somewhere needs you very badly.
Relive each and every day,
Kal ho ya na ho,
Anu loves you dil se,hamesha!
Let the harvest festival of ONAM unite us once again!:)
      Wishing you a beautiful and bright day ahead,
                                                             Sasneham,
                                                                          Anu

SHRAVAN-AN EVENTFUL MONTH

14th,August2010
Saturday
                   Dear Friends,
                                     How are you?Thank you so much for your kindness and care.I am feeling much better now.You have made me feel once again,friendship is an amazing gift from God.Your words bring a lot of joy and peace to me.I love you all.
Workload is heavier so,to cope up,  the only way is to change the attitude and accept challenges.So,to relax and enjoy and to be in the real patriotic spirits,I gave tune to a poem in Hindi  and felt so happy when it was accepted well.:)The small and bright moments of life that inspire me to work harder are always created this way.

It 's raining heavily.But today the sun is bright.Shravan month has started.It is considered as highly auspicious.The month of Shravan falls in the monsoon season and is a significant month where various devotional practices are made.Shravan month is a time when people generally eat vegetarian food.People buy locally grown vegetables like suran[elephant foot],taikhilo,tere,aloo,maskaachi[drumstick leaves]turmeric leaves for patoleo,ambade,karate[bitter gourd]etc.
Popular beliefs reveal that living a simple and healthy life style during the rainy days is important as many diseases are common in this season.And so to prevent them from any such unwanted incidents,people are encouraged to observe devotion and abstinence during this month.

Many festivals are celebrated in this month. All over India Hindus will celebrate Naga Panchami  today on 14th, ,AugustThe fifth day of the lunar month of Shravan is observed by Hindus as Naga Panchami.They offer flowers,fruits,milk and incence to TYclay idols of Cobras at home.After reciting filk songs at the anthill,the married Hindu women performs a special puja before snake's clay idol at home.Farmers worship Cobras as tehy play a vital role in crop protection;they prey on rodents..On this day people worship Naga Devata[cobras].People go to temples and snake pits and worship snakes.We have sarppakkav in our village home.Milk is offered to Nagas .Special ada will be steamed in haldi leaves.They give you the smell of haldi[turmeric] and tastes so yummy.
I went to Shree Ayyappa Temple today morning.Nira puthiri was conducted religiously.The first crops of the paddy field are brought with respect and rituals are followed.Naga Panchami was also celebrated with special puja.I derive a lot of positive energy after each divine darshan of Lord Ayyappa and upadevas.
The full moon day in the month of Shravan is celebrated as Narli Poornima.Naral means coconut and thus the festival is called Naarli Pournima and people offer coconuts to Sea-God on this day.It marks the advent of the new fishing season and fishermen appease the Sea-God before sailing out in their gaily-decorated boats.
Today is Atham and on the tenth day Keralites across the world will celebrate ONAM-the festival of flowers.
This year Onam is on 23rd August and Raksha Bandhan is  on 24th.
Shri Krishna Jayanthi or Gokulashtami also falls in the month f Shravan.It is also known as Dahi Handi and is celebrated with enormous zeal and enthusiasm.
Here,I remember my Muslim friends who follow the rigid practices of the holy month of Ramzan.The holiest month for Muslims,Ramzan is also known as the month of the Quran.Keeping the Ramzan fast leads to a disciplined life.One learns to overcome one's mind and its many desires.
Tomorrow Indians celebrate Independence Day on 15th,August.Tomorrow the Catholic world celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Assumption.
               In Goa,you can fish your heart away this Independence Day.Each year,the fishing enthusiasts of Ribandar hold an All-Goa Fishing Competition which sees anglers from as far as Vasco coming to revel in the hope of hooking a catch of fiesty fish.
Onam celebrations begin in the state today evening by FAGMA-All Goa Malayalee Associations.Pookalam competition and cultural meet will be held.The Chief Minister Shri.Digambar Kamat is the chief guestThe added attraction is Sinkari Melam and Chenda Melam by the female artists of Stree Sakthi Vanitha Vadhya Sangaham,Payyanoor.As I am leaving today on an official tour,I will be missing the Onam programme.
Friends,Shravan is a moth of festivals and events.Enjoy and celebrate.

                                 HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
I had written  apost last year-MERA BHARAT MAHAN
 Feeling so proud as an Indian,
                                      It's Anu signing off............
Reminding you to tell the stories behind each and every festival to the younger generation,
Requesting you to inculcate the patriotic feelings,
Thanking you for gifting me the wonderful memories to carry,
Wishing good luck and best wishes,
Getting ready to leave by the night train,
Will be away from blogs and posts for a short period,
Anu loves you dilse,
                                  Sasneham,

                                              Anu

THE SACRED RITUALS OF KARKIDAKA VAVU

Dear Friends,
             Good Evening!
                     Last week was hectic with meetings after the office hours,extra work load etc.Besides  I did  suffer from fever and cold.So,I could not reach many blogs  and leave commentsAs and when time and health permit I will be reading your posts..
Tomorrow is Karkidaka Vavu Bali-on 9th August,2010.A day dedicated to the departed souls of our beloved ones.The Hindus of Kerala offer the rituals and rites on the sea shore or the river banks.Thousands of people will throng on the sea shore to offer the holy prayers It is believed that the souls will visit homes on this day.The dear ones will prepare ada[sweet rice cake]and wait for the arrival of the soul..It is the no moon day or Karuta Vavu is Karkidakakam is very important to perform Shrardham.Bali performed on Amavasy pacifies the souls easily.The Bali in Karkidaka month is important because the  Dakshinayana period begins in this month.It is considered to be the night of the Devas.The popular belief is that the departed souls will achieve salvation[moksha] during this period due to the bali performed by relatives on the earth.
Tomorrow Aadi  Amavasi is observed in neighbouring Tamil Nadu  and people perform rites for the peace of departed souls.Hindu devotees take a holy dip in important theerthams and sacred rivers on this day.

 It is believed that Bali will appease the souls and the rites are performed according to Hindu customs and rituals.They are performed at Theertha Ghats.The rituals usually begin from 5 am and extends up to 12 noon.
                Janardhana Swamy Temple,Varkala,The Parasurama Swamy Temple,Thiruvallam and at the Shanmukham beach  will be crowded right from the wee hoursof Karkidaka Vavu.
Special arrangements have been done at all the  prominent beaches.Hundreds of priests will guide the devotees.Vavu comes in every month but Karkidaka Vavu is very important for Hindus.
The various Temple Ghats on the Pampa,Achan Kovil and Manimala rivers in Pathanamthitta district are abuzz with arrangements for the annual Vavu Bali.Elaborate arrangements are done for Bali Tharpanam.After doing the bali rituals on a banana leaf,it is taken to the river or sea and the devotee takes a holy dip in the water.Important temples on the river banks are chosen for doing Bali Tharpan.Aluva Shiva Temple is very popular for Karkidaka Vavu Bali.

On this occasion I want to share my pilgrimage to Gokarna,last week.Gokarna is one of India's sacred places situated in the district of Uttara Kannada,of coastal region of Karnataka.Gokarna is popular as Mukti Stala.The Hindus reach here to pay respects and perform the rites for the departed souls of their beloved ones.The Mahabaleshwara Temple,Ganesh Temple,Tamra Gowri Shrine,Koti Theertha,Chandikeshwara,Aadi Gokarneswara and Dattrateya.
Sitting on the sea shore attending and participating in the rituals,getting into the sea for the tharpan,one moment I felt like go further with the rising waves!It was totally an amazing experience.After a long time,I got wet with the sea water.
The  beautiful rivers  and breathtaking landscapes made the trip wonderful.
                Remembering all the sacred departed souls who left us,
                   It's Anu signing off........
Reminding you about the sacred and auspicious day,

 Remembering all our beloved and close to heart,
Requesting you to take time to think of them,
Life is always precious and we have to live till God wants us,
And in this short life avoid clashes and confusions,
Spread a smile and say a kind word;
My dearies,you will be blessed.
Let's be more humble,loving and caring,
As God has still left us alive.
         Anu loves you dilse,
                                         Sasneham,
                                                        Anu

A WORD OF PRAISE....

5th,August,2010
Thursday
Dear Friends,
           Good Evening!Thanks a lot for your appreciation and love showered on Friendship Day!I was really touched.The day was very pleasant  and it was special for me.I do  accept responsibility and I don't sidestep it.But then workload is getting more and more and coping up with job,blogging,reading other blogs make me sleep less.
Still the morning is beautiful with promising sunlight and the silent waves.I do feel the blessings by the presence of my beloved ones.Even my sparrows,crows,pigeons lift my spirit.
Morning I gave a talk on the feelings rain cause and one  thousand ears listened in pindrop silence.That is one thing I make sure.The moment I am at mike,I do need complete concentration.So,I begin with poems,quotes or songs.Audience appreciated the speech and words of praise were showered.I owe my presence of mind and confidence to my beloved parents who trained me right from school days.My day was made.Who does not need motivation and inspiration?:)In the words of the Biblical proverb of Solomon,''Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances''.

I would like to share a beautiful forward that reached me.

Three things in life once gone never come back.
1.Words2.Opportunity3.Time

Three things in life are never sure.
1.Dreams2.Success3.Fortune

Three things in life that make you a great person.
1.Hard work 2.Sincerity3.Success

 Three things in life are most valuable

1.Love2.SelFrespect3.Time

Three things in life must not be lost
1.Peace2.Hope3.Honesty

Three things in life that destroy a person
1.Greed2.Pride3.Anger
                                           Friends,
                          I hope and pray you liked the images with the apt values.You are important and your views are also important.Please do remember a word of compliment,a smile of appreciation  can make someone's day.I feel really satisfied by the end of the day where I have lots of self satisfaction at workplace and in blogosphere.Within two hours two posts are published one in Malayalam and one in English that too after attending a long meeting.:)
Not bad,nah?
It's Anu signing off........
Reminding you our approach and attitude make work stimulating,
Requesting you to be truthful,no matter how things go bad,
 Assuring you,Anu loves you dilse hamesha,
                                                       Sasneham,
                                                                Anu