CELEBRATION

Celebration

Years passed,
Springs, festivals and emotions….things are now nostalgic

Perhaps the one form of rejoicing that has always found open acceptance in a society is celebration. Life with out celebrations is meaningless. Society without festivals and celebrations becomes insipid. Since time immemorial festivals have become a part of our culture. Festivals light up all our senses and serve an important function of bringing together all and reminding us of our roots and origin. Kerala, a land of festivals, is known all over the world for its enchanting beauty, traditions and celebrations.

TIPS FOR AMBITIOUS CAREER.

As you think so you will be

The colossus of every high profile and ambitious career today is essentially built on the bedrock of competition, another name for a tough acid test, which your potentials for success have to get through before you enter the corridors of bright future. Infact the higher you set a target for yourself as a career aspirant in the competitive marathon, the more exacting will be ordeals you may have to undergo on way to the career destination of your choice. Every bit of success thus comes to you as part of a hard earned victory of your confidence, endeavor and optimism over myriad challenges you face in course of achieving it.

We re responsible for what we are, and whatever we wish ourselves to be, we have the power to make ourselves. Whatever you think, that you will be, you can do anything and everything, faith, faith, faith in ourselves, faith, faith, faith, in god this is the secret of greatness and success. Preserve a right mental attitude, the attitude of courage, frankness, optimism and good cheer, and other will automatically rally around you and lend you a helping hand in attaining your coveted goal. Believe that you will succeed and believe it firmly. Confidence in yourself, confidence that you can and will succeed is the key to your success in any undertaking, venture or enterprise. Success will be sure and certain if we persist despite setbacks, continue the struggle and face the challenges with determination. if you go after your goal with energy, determination, persistence and an ever present, gnawing, burning , definite desire, nothing under the sun can stop you from achieving your goal or keep you from success.persisitance and dogged determination will guarantee success against all odds. No matter what happens keep cool and keep trying. Never give up.

Think high to rise; think deep to get what you want. The man who wins is the man who thinks he can….

SECRETS OF SUCCESS

What is success?

Success is simply getting or gaining what you want. It is simply the realization of your goal and the fulfillment of your want or desire.

Secrets of success

The study of the lives of the famous self made successful men all over the world and all through the ages highlights one very important leadership attribute. They all knew very well and were experts in the art of getting along with the people. They knew admirably how to sell themselves to strangers and friends, their bosses, colleagues and subordinates, to their neighbors and to their family members, infact to every one with whom they came into contact in their daily life both during business hours and during non business hours. if you cannot sell yourself to others, you will find extremely difficult to accomplish your goals and realize your wants. You must market and Sell your talents effectively so that people buy them willingly. Your ability to influence other and motivate them to buy the product is more important. The secret of success therefore is the art of influencing people and winning their co operation, good will, sympathy and help willingly, voluntarily and continuously. This secret you must learn well and practice well. One cannot succeed in life unless one is totally involved in the project one undertakes. Success cannot elude one who mentally and physically associates oneself with the project in hand. For him who has chosen the goal, one idea after another will troop into his mind day and night as he becomes totally committed to attaining the goal. Total involvement or commitment encompasses such qualities as sincerity, confidence, perseverance, planning and fiery zeal. As one progresses towards attaining ones goal would feel that circumstances too converge in such a way that boosts his optimism.

PHOTO GALLARY, RIVER SIDE VIEW

POPULAR RITUAL ART FORM OF KERALA

THEYYAM: A ritual art form of Kerala

Theyyam or Theyyatom is one of the most outstanding and popular ritual art of northern Kerala particularly now found in the traditional Kolathunadu of the present Kannur and Kasargod District. As a living cult with centuries old traditions, rituals and customs, it embraces almost all castes and classes of Hindu religion. The term theyyam is a corrupt form of Dhaivam or God. It is a rare combination of dance and music and reflects important features of a tribal culture.The indigenous Theyyam cult under the influence of the great classical Indian tradition incorporated new ideals and legends. The Theyyam dance is generally performed in front of the village shrines.and Tharavadu House, (Joint family House) as ancestor worship with elaborate rites and rituals. There is no stage or curtain and it is performed in an open theatre. A performance of a particular deity according to its significance and hierarchy in the shrine continues for 12 to 24 hours with intervals. The Chief dancer who propitiates the central deity of the shrine has to reside in the the aniyara( green room) and observe vegetarianism, fasting etc. as a part of rituals. Further, after the sunset, this particular dancer would not eat anything as a legacy of Jainism. His make up is done by specialist and others. First part of the performance is usually known as `Thottam’ or `Vellattam’. It is performed in the night without proper make up or decorative costume. Only a small red head dress is worn on this occasion. The dancer along with the drummers recites the particular ritual song which describes the myths and legends of the particular deity. After finishing this primary ritualistic part of the invocation., the dancer returns to the Aniyara( green room). After the interval, he appears with proper make up and costumes and with face painting. There are different types of face painting for which primarily and secondary colours are used. It had effected certain stylization also. Then the dancer comes in front of the shrine or sthanam, and gradually metamorphises’ as the particular deity of shine. After observation of certain rituals, the helpers places the head dress on his head and then dances. In the background folk musical instruments like chenda, Tuti, Kuzhal and Veekni are played with rhythm. All dancers take a shield and sword in their hands as continuation of the cult of weapon. Then the dancer circumambulates the shrine, runs in the courtyard and dances. The Theyyam dance has different steps known as “Kalasams”. Each Kalasam is repeated systematically from first to eight system of footwork. A performance is a combination of plying of musical instruments, vocal recitation, dance and strange make up and costumes. The stage practice of Theyyam and its ritualistic observations make it one of the fascination theatrical arts of India especially in northern Kerala.
The entire village folk attend the Theyyam festival in the village shrines and the members of Tharavadu and relatives attend the Theyyam festivals in their Tharavadus. Some of the grand theyyam festivals (Kaliyattoms) of the Vaniya caste, Thiyya caste and Maniyani caste are followed by the common feast for the entire devotees from the cult centre itself such feasts in favour of the mother goddesses and Kaliyattam take place one in 5 years or 25 years. Different castes and communities participate in such festivals.They share the expenditure by way of donation. Compulsory levy is also imposed up on the members of the particular caste who own the shrine and offerings made by the devotees. The elders settle major disputes and caste conflicts during Theyyam festival. It was an effective way of administration of justice in the medieval period and even continued in the days of British administration.The Theyyam ritual dance is exclusively performed by the male members of the traditional caste groups like Vannan, Malayan, Velan, Mavilan, Pulayan and Koppalan. These sections belong to scheduled caste and tribes. They are the sole custodians of Theyyam dance. These artists belong to the socially degraded group and only at the time of their performance get a social status and they are been respected by the devotees. It is a seasonal occupation to these groups. It is a social obligation on his part to perform the Theyyam dance in their areas as a hereditary right. Now these people get reasonable payment. Cloth, coconut, rice, paddy and coconut oil are also being given.Like many other performing arts, there are different areas in Theyyam art which are to be specialised by an artist. An eminent artist generally achieves mastery over all these branches. They are recitation of Theyyam song or Thottam, make up, preparation of costumes, playing of instruments and dancing. There are about one hundred thottam songs pertaining to different gods and goddesses. Some of them are lengthy texts including the legends, myths and traditions of their respective folk deities. These songs are to be memorized by the artist. The methods of recitation and oral revelation like `Varavili` are to be mastered. The ragas or melody vary from one context to the other. Thus he must posses some knowledge of musicology.Theyyam is a developed art form and hence systematic stylization had taken place in the course of its development. Most of the Theyyam dances maintain a unique style pertaining to the performance of each deity, within an particular area. In respect of rituals and songs there may be regional variations, but the visual appearance has no much variations. It is believed that one Manakkadan Gurukkal of Karivellur, a great Theyyam artist, had effected the present style in the 16th or 17th century, under the instruction of Kolathiri Raja. Following this tradition the Kolathiri or chieftains used to distribute the title like Manakkadan, Perumalayan, Peruvannan etc. to the distinguished Theyyam artists.Theyyam is mainly intended to propagate religions, Hindu mythology, and belief even among the uneducated masses. There the art form is considered only as medium of communication and the cult centre where it is performed is a sacred centre of social organisation . The continued patronage of the masses makes it popular ritual art.

PANCHAVADYAM, TEMPLE INSTUMENTS OF KERALA

Panchavadyam

Panchavadyam is the most popular and traditional orchestra of Kerala. The word Panchavadyam means five instruments, comprising Maddalam, Edakka, Thimila, Ilathalam and the horn Kombu. Panchavadyam is performed by a group of artists standing in rows facing each other. Panchavadyam is of significance during most of the festival occasions, religious processions and also during cultural events.Percussion instruments can be termed as almost all pervasive in the world of music. It is essentially a means for rhythm, which is vital to most forms of music. The sounds, vibrations and the tone of percussion instruments vary according to the size and nature of materials used to make themMost of the percussion instruments used in Kerala are chiefly made of wood and with playing surfaces made of animal skin. The instruments are played either with sticks or with fingers and palms of the hand or a combination of all the three. Among them one could find unique ones like the Mizhavu, the popular Chenda, the divine Thimila, the classical Mridangam and the smallest of percussion instruments used in Kerala – Thappu

Thappu
Thappu is among the small sized drums used in Kerala. Thappu is played with palms of both hands and is usually accompanied by traditional cymbals called the Ilathaalam. Unlike other percussion instruments of Kerala, Thappu does not have strings attached for adjusting the tone.

Mizhavu is one of the largest of percussion instruments used in Kerala and is pot shaped in its appearance. The present day Mizhavu is made of bronze and copper whereas the earlier ones were made of clay. It is traditionally played by the members of the Nambiar community, and is played by using the palms of both hands. It plays a pivotal role during performances of Kutiyattam and Koothu.

Maddalam
Maddalam another popular percussion instrument of Kerala is made out of a single block of hollowed jack wood. This percussion instrument is usually played as part of temple rituals and also during theatrical performances like Kathakali and Krishnanattam. While playing, the Maddalam is tied around the waist and is played by both the palms with finger tips covered with artificial caps.

Mridangam
Mridangam is a key instrument for south Indian classical performances. Though not of Kerala origin, it is widely used in Kerala. Mridangam, which resembles Maddalam, is also made out of jack wood. While playing, the artist sits cross-legged with the right foot slightly extended and placed above the left foot with the Mridangam placed on the right foot and ankle.

Thakil

Thakil is another percussion instrument, which has its origin in Tamil Nadu, but widely used in Kerala. The left side of the drum is played with fingers fitted with metal caps, while the right side is played with slightly curved wooden sticks. Thakil is often played as an accompaniment to Nagaswaram, a wind instrument and forms part of temple ceremonies as well as auspicious occasions like marriages in the Hindu tradition.

Thimila
A double-headed drum in the shape of a long hourglass, Thimila is an essential percussion instrument of temple orchestra to assist in rituals. It is also an important instrument while performing the Panchavadyam, the traditional musical ensemble of Kerala. It is believed that the rhythmic sounds of the Thimila add to the divinity of god’s abodes and also to the Panchavadyam.

Edakka
Edakka is another hourglass shaped smaller percussion instrument considered very divine like the Thimila and noted for its varied tones. It is a friction drum and its uniqueness lies in the fact that the instrument is a rare combination of pitch and rhythm.


Chenda
Chenda is an essential accompaniment for temple festivals and for some of the classical and folk forms of dance and music. The sound produced while playing the Chenda is usually high, which gives it a classification among percussion instruments with demonic traits. But, the beats of the Chenda can also produce astonishingly low tones and are used to accompany songs that are soft and soothing. During performance, the Chenda is hung from the shoulder of the player and is played with stick in both hands or with stick in one hand. This percussion instrument is at its best when played in the traditional musical ensemble called Thayambaka. Massed Chenda also takes centre stage during the grand festive occasions of Kerala like the famous Thrissur Pooram.

MUNNAR-THEKKADY- MUST SEE PLACE IN GODS OWN COUNTRY.

MEMMORABLE JOURNEY TO HILL TOWN.........

The beautiful valley of kunjithanni, which is a down town, hardly 30 kms from munnar is famous for colorful flowers, green pastures and lovely meadows. Travelling is my passion and I travel a lot in and around kerala, in search of a new world filled with wonderful colors of joy and happiness. I setout to kunchithanny with my four friends in the pleasant morning of 25th January. At the out set I could see the beautiful lilies and roses that spread around and the air is filled with the fragrance of the flowers. I could see the blue mountains at a distance, with numerous waterfalls, milky streams flowing between the mountains like a big serpent.. .. Its really a heaven for the people who love nature. This land is indeed blessed with colors and joys .Green pastures, colorful flowers, beautiful temples, big dams etc are the attraction of this place and there are so many other exciting places, a travel bug would really love to travel. City has its wonderful climate as it is hemmed in by mountains on three sides. The average temp remains around 20-30C throughout the year. Though it’s not a big city, one can spend a whole day in this land without getting bored. The climate is very cool and ideal for the cultivation of different species of spices. Indeed it’s a fascinating place. From dawn to dusk, we enjoyed and we were put up at a home stay that night. Erumadam built of bamboo was the main attraction& we spent some time at the top of erumadam enjoying the scenic beauty.


Next morning before sunrise we set off to thekkady (Periyar wild life sanctuary) located near kumaly. (100 kms from kunchithanny). We could reach thekkadi in two hours since the condition of the road was good. The greenery on the road side was amazing; journey from kunchithanny to thekkady was really incredible. Kumaly other wise known as spice town is the gate way to thekkady. The place is an important spice trade and shopping center. Thekkady one of the world’s most fascinating natural wild life reserves which is famous for breathtaking scenery and trekking place is hardly four km away from kumaly. Slight drizzling at the wee hours of morning made us uncomfortable. Thekkady is the only sanctuary in India where one can have unique experience of viewing wild animals at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The Artificaial Lake is sandwithched between the mountains on three sides, and the lake was formed by the mullaperiyar dam across the Periyar River. The one and half hour boat cruise through Periyar Lake was exciting. There were seven boats on the lake ready for the cruise. Ours was Jalaraj operated by kerala tourism department. We boarded into the boat and made our self comfortable by occupying the side seat of the boat. Out side at the shore, still tourists were pouring in heavily to the site. Almost all the boats were fully packed with tourists and there were more than 60 tourists in our boat. The boat started moving, both young as well as aged people were curiously waiting to see the wild animals roaming around the green meadows of the shore. The mist in the air, fragrance of flowers, the serene and tranquil ambiance of the nature really adds charm to our journey. I have never seen such a beautiful place like thekkady in my life. As we moved on, the first animal sited on the shore was flocks of wild pigs. Not that much far from these pigs, we could see a glimpse of the socks bison (wild buffalo) grazing at the meadows. Our close proximity made them feel messy and went off into the bushes shrugging their head. It was really fabulous to see these socks bison, (looks like buffalo wearing socks on their legs.) tourist at the upper as well as lower deck of the boat seemed to be excited and thrilled. The calmness that prevails and the tranquility that spreads in and out, really helps to unwind ones tension and adds up the joy and happiness. Next on the scene were wild dogs (nirnaya). Couple of nirnayas were enjoying their bath, in the fine and pleasant morning. Seeing our boat getting closer to them, many escaped to their burrows. Tourists were busy taking snaps of the wild animals, scenic beauty and the birds that flew around. Boating in the reservoir was an unforgettable experience. We were unfortunate as we missed out the elephants. The spot is surrounded by the evergreen forest and trekking trail. We can walk through the jungles for 3hours, for this special permission is required and they charge 100 rupees per person. Thekkady is one of the must see place on Gods own country. From kumaly, we went ahead to idukki dam, worlds second and Asia’s first arch dam, constructed across the kuravan and kurathi hills. Due to security reasons, most time the entry into the dam is restricted. Arch dam is unique in its construction style; photography too is restricted on the dam premises. The dam is open for tourist with special permission during festival season and holidays. The area is known for the cultivation of spices, like Elam, Vanilla, Grambu etc in large amount. The locals mainly depend on farming to earn their living. Panoramic views of peaks, forest and beautiful scenery makes idukki a splendid tourist spot. In between, we made a visit to Ramakalmedu, 42 kms from idukki, a local sight seeing place with abundant rolling grass hillocks and sloping meadows sandwithched between the border of tamilnadu and kerala. From the top one can have an aerial view of neighboring places. The cool mountain air and the kuravan and kurathi statue were the main attraction at the top. We were thrilled and excited seeing thee panoramic view of the picturesque villages of cumbum and theni ( tamilnadu.)Village on the eastern slope of the western ghats. We spent some time at the top, eating, drinking, passing crude comments and merry making. Ramakalmedu is an excellent place for mountain climbers, but due to frequent visit of tourists, the mountain is in bad shape today and remains partially polluted. We came down to the area where our vehicle has been parked. The incessant flow of tourists to spot continued….. till dark. We were put up at idukki in a home stay, that night, totally exhausted, fell to bed, expecting good dreams to come by…..

Early morning next day, we set out to Marayoor, which is a local village and enroute to idukki. Marayoor is a natural sandal wood forest with enchanting panoramic view and the place is famous for jaggery production in its unique style from sugar cane. There were so many check posts on the way since it lies between kerala and Tamilnadu border. The area is well protected since it’s a sandal reserve and unknowingly we trespassed into the forest and the forest guards fined us for the same. It was an embarrassing experience in my life because we have heard almost all sorts of abuses from the adivasi guards. Then after we made a visit to kanthallor, a local village to explore. Many corners of the land seems to be untouched and is famous for caves ( muniyara) with murals and relics of new stonage civilization. Since it was jan 26th we celebrated the republic day with local village school boys and posed in different angles with the students for photo shoot. We felt proud, even in the remote corners, people celebrating the republic day, the day of freedom with great enthusiasm. The place is a famous shooting spot. My friend driving the car for past two days was upset with his stomach.ache. Infact it was a tough journey through the risky and bent roads. My self,& my friends, took rest for some time. After enjoying the unique experience of village life, we headed back down to trichur, via thodupuzha to explore the wilderness of athirapallly and vazachal. By evening we reached athirapally, a beautiful picnic spot 35 km from trichur town. There were so many scenic spot in and around athirapally, but the main attraction was the view of excellent waterfalls through the steep mountains. The area is enriched with the scenic beauty of western mountain region and lush green forests. Trip to this splendid water falls was an unforgettable experience. The place is ideal for trekking and rock climbing, but deadly dangerous too. water falls has taken 40 lives so far. We spent some time at athirapally , took enough and more snaps and finally we had a stroll exploring new places. From there we went ahead to vazachal (panorama of water falls through rolling hills). Vazachal is hardly few kms from athirapally and this is the place where one can see the chain of water falls, surrounded by thick ever green forest. Vazachal is an excellent water fall cascades down in different steps/layers of rocks.

The journey through hill land was really wonderful and incredible, infact its land which would make come back again and again….. the scenic beauty, the mouthwatering recipes of hillside villagers, the authentic taste of homemade food made by one of my friend's mother especially for us, to name a few, mango mappas,egg thoran etc are still lingering in our taste buds ….. on the whole the hill side village is a heaven of tranquility.........