SWINGING IN THE MEMORIES OF ONAM

BUT I MISS MY DECORATED SWING!

Dear Friends,

A Pleasant And Cheerful Morning!

From Atham onwards,it is raining.so,this onam will be drenched n the pookalam may be spoiled.but,rain is considered to be an auspicious sign and it's a gift of nature.
here i present my Onam post before you,on this auspicious Thiruvonam morning!

HAPPY THIRUVONAM TO ALL OF YOU!

Kerala's biggest festival ONAM is being celebrated today.It is a festival of flowers,farmers,nature and communal harmony!Today is the day when one gets to display one's culinary and creative side.Onam is basically a harvest festival and thus it is not related to any religion.It is about celebrating harvest in the best manner.

Keralites were busy purchasing the provisions,vegetables,fruits n new clothes.but here there was no uthrada pachil.everything has come in packets,the banana chips,sharkara upperi varattiyathu,palada packets[ready to make],vegetables,banana leaves everything is available in the market.
''Maveli nadu vaneedun kalam..........,
Manushyarellarumonna pole''.
When King Mahabali ruled Kerala,there was equality,peace,honesty n prosperity made the state the paradise on the earth.Once again Keralites across the world eagerly wait to welcome the legendary King Mahabali on Thiruvonam Day,2nd sept,2009.
I always cherish my childhood memories specially of festival days which add colour to my life,spring to my feet and light to my mind n a smile to my lips.and these memories make me miss my village in Kerala.
I was born n brought up in a joint family of twenty to thirty members n i was having my siblings n cousins to play with.we always had fun.we lived in the ancestoral tharavadu n in pathayapura uncle n fly stayed.it was another double storeyed house in the courtyard.
onam days begin with the wandering on the hill tops,the valleys near the fences for collecting flowers.onam takes us back to nature.i love the small cute white colured Thumba[a must],yellow coloured mukutti,red coloured shoe flowres[in many other shades too],violet coloured vadamalli,the bright coloured marigold,the red colured thechipoov n so many unknown flowers.the floral carpet on the cowdung smeared courtyard welcomed the guests from Atham onwards.the size of the pookalam will be increased by adding more flowers to it on every passing day.Thumba poov is given more importance as it is the favourite flower of Lord Shiva and King M ahabali was a worshipper of Lord Shiva.
After having an early bath,we wore the Onam Kodi[new dress]that were gifted by the eldest member of the family and put the beautiful pookalam.we used to wait for the Onam Kodi anxiously.the breakfast consists of steamed banana pieces[hot],fried papads n banana chips.wow!what mouthwatering wholesome breakfast.then we used to go to Guruvayoor Temple to have the punya darshan of Ambadi Kannan.on Uthradam devotees offer the bananas to Kannan.this is a famous offering.at both the nadas huge colourful pookalam will be put for ten days by the shopkeepers n different organisations.
in our tharavadu,the tenants used to bring bananas,vegetables n other crops cultivated in the fields and they were given Onam gifts.they used to address us as thampuran n thampuratti.kuttipennu still adress amma,''thampuratti''with respect.
Once we reach home,a sumptuous onam sadya awaits us with eleven to thirteen dishes.we sit on the mat laid on the floor.the sadya is served on tender banana leaves.a strict order of serving dishes one after another is obeyed.first the sadya is served for Lord Ganapathi infront of a lighted lamp as we start everything in the name of God.boiled bananas,fried chips,sweet banana chips,papad,parippu kari, puliyinchi,lime pickel,kalan,oalan,aviyal,sambar,pachadi,kootu kari,cabbage thoran,payasam n prathaman are the the items commonly prepared.whole family members start the preparations on teh previous night.the onam sadya is a joint effort.i love having hot boiled rice,ghee and parippukari.the colourful arrangement on the lush green banana leaves look even more tempting and irresistable.:)
After the grand meal,its time for people to indulge in recreational activities and enjoy the festival.men will be busy in rigorous sports like tug of war while ladies perform Kaikottikali n Thumbi Thullal.ladies wear the most beautiful traditional gold bordered mundu and neriyathu.gents wear gold bordered mundu and veshti.girls look beautiful in pattu pavada n blouse.besides,there is also a tradition of playing on a decorated swing hung from a high branch of a tree.onam songs are sung on the occasion.i miss the swing and the hands that used to swing me too.:) nanda n friends perform kaikottikali for the colony celebrationsand I was so happy they could perform the same before Lord Guruvayoorappan.
doing poojas to thrikkakarappan and having the neivedyam,ada after the pooja bring out the rituals behind the festival.
Onam is the only festival in Kerala that lasts for ten days.this is the festival that all keralites celebrate in high spirits.the proverb ,''Kaanam vittum onam unnanam''is really true.Onam reflects the faith of the people,a belief in the legendary past,religion n power of worship. from Chingam first onwards the preparation begins in the houses.
Friends,for the next onam,try to be in God's Own Country,the land of coconut trees,back water,house boats,ayurvedic get aways,thundering beats of drum,delightful festivals,enchanting nature,historical temples,snake boat races,traditional mohiniyattam,kaikottikali and finally the lip smacking home made food!
ENTE KERALAM ETHRA SUNDARAM![HOW BEAUTIFUL IS MY KERALA!]
If completing three yearsis a milestone in a blogger's life i'm happy n thrilled to announce that i've reached here successfully.i bow at the lotus feet of GOD ALMIGHTY with sincere prayers that i get peace of mind n self satisfaction through my simple writings.
thanking my family,my dear n near ones,my friends,my readers,my followers,my wellwishers,my sparrows,crows,pigeons,cat n kittens,flowers butterflies,the sea,the illuminated ships for inspiring n encouraging me to write the posts regularly to improve upon the quality n for giving the spark to write the posts..................... :)without you,anu can't celebrate the happy moments.
It's Anu signing off.........................

I love the bushes of shoe plants,the red,pink n yellow shoe flowers,the mylanchi plants,the pure white thumba poov,the golden coloured champak flowers,the taste of Ada prathaman,the off white traditional kasavu mundu n veshti,the white n pink pavizhamalli pookal,the pambin kavu,the wells n tank in my house in the village.
I miss onam in my house in Kerala with Amma n my family members.tomorrow i've invited my north indian friend n fly for Onam sadya as they really enjoy our feast. the spirit was always high and the hopes were bright n colourful.
Anu loves you,dil se.....wishing one n all A VERY HAPPY ONAM,let's wake up to a beautiful thiruvonapulari...............................I'm grateful to all of you,for your best wishes n good words...... and words fail to express my overflowing feelings for the wonderful onam gift from the best friend ever I had!:)I'm honoured,dear.thisOnam will be always unforgettable. The dedication song is ''Thumbi vaa thunchakudathil...........''n the dedication is to my dearies.........
It's a surprise,that Jains also celebrate their main festival of PARYUSHAN[DASLAKCHAN] for ten days,starting from 23rd August,2009.their main celebration is on 3rd september.
A WONDERFUL ONAM AWAITS ALL OF US! LET US SPREAD JOY N PEACE!

anu

SREE GURUBHYO NAMAHA!

4.9.2011
Sunday

SREE GURUBHYO NAMAHA!

HAPPY TEACHER'S DAY!

Dear Friends,
It is raining heavily and the weather is too cold.tomorrow,5th september is TEACHER'S DAY,the birth anniversary of one of the notable teachers n philosophers,the late Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan[sept5th1888-april17th,1975] who was India's second President.he was born in a poor family in Tirutani,Madras.After Dr.S.Radhakrishnan ebcame the president of India in 1962,his students requested him to allow them to celebrate his birthday,September5th,to which Dr.Radhakrishnan replied,''Instead of celebrating my birthday separately,it would be my proud privilege if September 5th is observed as Teacher's Day.''we take pride in the thoughts of teachings of the Guru of Gurus,someone who possessed the qualities of a rishi and a Raja and thus was considered a Rajarshi.He was a famous teacher and his birthday is celebrated as Teacher's Day in aIndia.after serving two times as vice president,Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was elected as President of India in 1962.He followed the philosophy of Swami Vivekanandan n Rabindra Nath Tagore.He was awarded Bharat ratna in 1954.Dr.S.Radhakrishnan is one of the great persons who is always remembered fondly;from humble beginnings to the greater heights.[i persons who is always remembered fondly;from humble beginnings to the greater heights.[I love reading the life histories of great personalities].
I dedicate this post to my parents,my first gurus ,my little star for whom teaching is passion n the teachers of my life n all the teachers in this globe.An old Indian saying puts teacher in third place,before God,in the order-''Maata,Pitha,Guru,Daivam''.Indian students have always shown respect to their teachers.

Gurur Brahma,

Gurur Vishnu,

Gurur Devo Maheshwara.

I respect n bow my head with gratitude at the feet of my parents n gurus.we have two sets of teachers in our life;our parents and the teachers who formally teach us.during summer vacation,Amma the respectable teacher ,used to teach us the grammar lessons for the forthcoming year.as English n Social Studies Teacher,Amma could create interest n curiosity in our minds to learn more n to explore the vast field of knowledge.i still recollect the respect n fame amma had in our village.such a soft,sweet,humble n elegant person who is full of knowledge.reading habit was inculcated at an early age and we five children were gifted with reading materials.Amma n Achan had wonderful collections of good books in english.even now amma reminds us to read the editorials of the newspapers which i just don't like.:)the regular training,the systematic ways of studying n the right guidance helped me to be the topper in Social Studies in tenth board exam.i was so thrilled.:)our young brother,Madhav stood first in the whole panchayat,scoring cent percent in maths an became the pride of us n the whole village.my parents always encouraged in participating in various competitions like,elocution,recitatin,dance,essay writing n story writing.the exposure gave all round development.whatever i'm today is due to the training n blessings of my parents n gurus.my Amma is my role model as the ideal teacher.:) if we have won the numerous certificates,trophies n medals ,the credit goes to the great inspiratin offered by our loving parents.the atmosphere was so creative.

Nanda wanted to become a college lecturer,but later in life she had to accept another prestigious job in another field in the middle east.still she is so amazing in finding solutions to the problems n teaching the practical lessons of life softly n lovingly.I miss you nanda.

Let's celebrate Teacher's Day,

In high spirits n cheer n enthusiasm,

honouring our dear teachers,

who teach us many things.

teachers play a prominent role

in moulding our lives,

they guide us to the path of success,

enriching the all round personality,

They bring out the untamed talents,

And bring out the best results.

The enthusiasm n thoughtfulness warm our heart.

The classes are enjoyable n inspiring,

The energy n passion possessed,

Are always remembered.

Teachers are the selfless givers,

The mentors of our lives,

Who devote their entire life,

In the enlightment of students.

without you we would have been lost,

Thank you teachers for guiding us,

inspiring us n making us,

what we are today in life.

How can i forget the hardwork n efforts,

That you do put in daily teaching,

With a great teacher like you,

Life will be a successful journey,

And i am sure,today,

You will also make the journey to success,

such a cakewalk!

On this auspicious occasion of Teacher's Day,

I want to thank my parents,little star n gurus,

For being so wonderful,

Teaching me to dream high,

To work hard to reach the goal,

with your kindness you win my heart,

Planting the seeds of motivation n curiosity,

You taught us to give without expectations,

To grow n grow n succeed.

And without doubts,I must say,

Teaching is the noblest profession.:)

Ican't forget my favourite teacher in Malayalam of Little Flower Convent school,who wrote a poem n story on me;)it was mutual admiration.I do remember all the faces so well n I remember all of you fondly.The great teachers remain ingrained in our memory far longer than their lessons.you have left lasting impressions.I'm happy to be a blogger as i 'm blessed with the best wishes of my parents,family n gurus.

I'm really grateful to the flowers,butterflies,star studded sky,the sea,the birds,the sparrows,the crows,the pigeons,the squirrels n the kittens.i learn a lot from nature.we have to sharpen our observation skills.nature is the best teacher.Mother Nature is my close friend now who teaches me to live a better life!:)[she will never hurt me or leave me].

The first call of the day will be to my AMMA thanking her for everything that amma has given to me n seeking her blessings for a bright future.:)I have many faces to remember fondly n to make calls n send sms.I don't want to forget my roots.

''The mediocre teacher tells.the good teacher explains.the superior teacher demonstrates.the great teacher inspire.''

''Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other profession''.

''The best teachers teach from the heart,not from the book''.

Words fail while expressing my gratitude towards my teachers.My drear teachers,you have touched my heart.Thanks a million for being there .You have taught me to learn from yesterday,live for today n hope for tomorrow.

Wishing all a wonderful night,n reminding you to give a token of love to your teachers,and to make a phone call to them n make them feel they are the blessing in your lives!:)Respect your gurus n teach the same to the young generation!

Would you like to be a teacher?Do u have a special teacher in your life?Think it over.Did u let her/him know how much you love n respect him /her?

Anu loves you all. I strongly recommend Taare Zameen Per to all the teachers,parents n students.Please watch it.

The dedication is,''Bum Bum Bole,Masti mei dole........''to all the students n teachers! :)

it's anu is signing off................

sasneham,

Anu

GANAPATI BAPPA MORIYA !

1st September,2011
Thursday
Good Morning from the land of sea,songs and sand.I reached here and joined duty.We have two days and so there is enough time to finish the pending work.
Today is so auspicious.Here,today we celebrate Vinayaka Chaturthi! The state is in aflurry of excitement.Ganesh Chaturthi and Eid preparations are in full swing.
AUM SHRI GANESHAAYA NAMAHA!The four letter mantra is chanted to begin the prayer to Lord Ganesha,an embodiment of of wisdom,intellect,knowledge,bliss,good luck and fortune,teh remover of obstacles and the guardian of all existing beings occupies a highly venerated place in the Hindu pantheon of thirty-three million Gods and Goddesses.He is the most beloved and and is revered for being merciful and endower of joy and success.Let us pray together teh most popular stotra..........

Vakratunda mahakaaya,
Sooryakoti Samaprabhaa
Nirvighnam kurumedeva
Sarvakaaryeshu sarvada

The stotra means-You of the twisted trunk and massive body.with the dazzle and light of millions of suns,lead me on apath that has no obstacles nor hindrances,clearing t

eh way in all that I do,ever and always.
Devotees were eagerly waiting to welcome the harbinger of goodwill and destroyer of ill-luck.
Chubby and smiling elephant headed Ganesh is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.He is invoked before any auspicious beginnings.Ganesh Chaturthi is also referred as Chavath.His four hands hold a conch,a discus,a bowl of sweets and a water lilly.Ganesha is pot-bellied and is always attended to by his vehicle -the Rat.Worshipping caly idols of Lord Ganesha is an ancient custom.I have many small and cute Ganesha idols received as gifts.
Ganesh Chaturthi is the only festival where Mother and Son are welcomed,consecreted and worshipped together.Parvati,mother of Lord Ganesha is worshipped on the prevuious day as Haritalika!This pooja is celebrated with great joy in all the communities with each community featuring distinct customs.This ia known as Gouri Pooja.
Parvati,the daughter of Mount Himalayas did penance to marry Lord Shankar.So,on this day,married women pray for the well being of their husbands by worshipping the Goddess.Strict fast with only intake of fruits and coconut water is carried out for the prsperity of the husband.
The idol of the Goddess,made up of clay is brought and set on a wooden paat.Haritalika Aaratis are sung with great pride and faith.The naivedya includes varan bhat and sweet kheer made up of rice and ghee.

Lord Ganesha has written the epic,Mahabharata,dictated by the sage Vyasa.So,Ganesh is always considered of the God of Learning,Wisdom,prosperity and Success.
Ganesh Chaturthi Festival is celebrated from the fourth day [Chaturthi] of the month of Bhadrapad of the
Hindu Calendar.
This year,the day of Chaturthi coincides with the completion of Ramzan.The Muslims break their fast after sighting the moon,while the Hindus do not lay sight on the moon on the day ofChaturthi.Devotees carried idols of Lord Ganesha yesterday for installation.
Chavath follows the rainy season.During this time,the state is in lush green and abounds in natural wealth like fruits and vegetables.Even in the wild,one finds different kinds of fruits wrapped by striking colours and plants in full bloom.Such properties that appear everywhere before the festival are seen hanging to the Matoli infront of the idol.Matoliis the main decoration at the chouth.A frame of bamboo or beetle nut palm is hung in front of the Ganesh.Each square in the frame is 8 to 12 inches with 16 to 24 squares.Bunch of wild fruits and cultivated crops are hung on the Matolli.The tradition is strictly adhered that athread from the Kevni plant only has to eb used to tie the frame to the roof,bunches of mango leaves and fruits.Variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables like cucumbers,white gourds,chibud,pumpkins,tangerines,bread fruitetc.and bunches

of local fruits like ambade,coconuts,Shiptem[raw beetle nut bunches],half-ripe banana are used traditionally.Besides this,specially brought wild fruits like Kanglam,Phaglam,Mattam are also used.All of them are arranged beautifully according to their sizes and colours.The fruits used for the Matolli are to be plucked carefully and should not touch the ground.
The festivals are a time for family reunions,community celebrations and functions.It is also a time for large gatherings and movements of people.Festivals bring together those who are far and near.Devotees enjoy bursing fireworks.All are enthusiastic.The Matolis are ready,the crackers have been bought andladoos,neoreos and modaks are all set to be gorged on over this week.Ganesh Chaturthi arrives after Shravan's month long diktat of abstience.

Hindus go to their ancestoral homes to participate in the rituals and celebrations.This reminds me of Onam celebrations when Keralites across the globe reach their dear ones.ദി to hyper mode in its celebrations,but with specific festivitiesin villages and ancestoral houses which may last between one and half day to seven,eleven and twenty one days.Now a days it is celebrate dfor one and half day due to work commitments.The villagers during the afternoon and night religious ceremonies vis

it each others' houses and join in singing the aartis of the tunes of the local drum called the Ghumat,an earthen pot covered.
Emersion of the idols is amagnificient event and every villager,young and ols join into sing,Ganapati Bapa Moraya,Pudiya Varsha Lavakar Ya meaning-Oh,Lord Ganesha,please come early next year.
Lord Ganesh loves modak, a jaggery and grated coconut paste in adeep fried crispy patti pouch.A visitor to any Goan Hindu home shall find delicatessen such as neureos,spicy shev,chivda and many such mouth watering delicacies.Twentyone modaks are steamed and served to God with neoroes,ladoos and fruits.The food is considered to be lord's favourite.
Devotees are running around picking up items from their lists.Everything from decorating the home to gifts for loved one.This not only marks an auspicious time on the Hindu Calendar,but the beginning of the business boom.
Ganesh Chaturthi signifies the inter relation of mankind and nature.The entire celebration worships nature with a strong belief that the very existence and sustainance of all creatures in the universe rely on nature.The same is reflected in the formal prayer-Prithivi say shalini-abundance's in natural wealth also reflected in the folk lore;oral traditions.
Crackers and Bhajana are the trademark of the huge processions that wind their way to waterbodies to immerse Lord Ganesha's statue.With a request to return next year devotees return homes to the chores of their regular lives.

GANAPATI BAPPA MORIYA!
May Lord Ganesh bless one and all!

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

Requesting to celebrate an eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi,
Pleading you to forget the ill feelings and get back to your lost friends,
Reminding to teach the rituals and importance of each festival to the young generatio n,
Assuring Anu's sincere love for ever,
Hey,tell me your modak is ready?:)
Wishing you a HAPPY VINAYAKA CHATURTHI,
Sasneham,
Anu

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