Nurungukal contd....

                                As the day of the marriage approached  sky was showing signs of the impending South East monsoon. It  started in sporadic drizzles. Slowly gathered momentum and turned into heavy down pours. As the level of gushing water increased all the drains were deepend and cleared to ensure a free flow to the nearest paddy fields. We used these channels as rivulets  for sailing paper boats.

                                Preparations for decorating the hall was started . Elder boys were in charge and many turned out to volunteer. All the sides of the Panthal was covered with palm leaves.Entrance was arch shaped.On both sides banana plants with big bunches were fixed and bunches of coconuts  {red variety }added beauty.  Long strips of paper garlands were hung here and there in varying combinations , On the white cloth which covered the roof beautiful designs of gilt paper were pasted. Every one was eager to exhibit their tastes to add a grand look.We had definite rolls to play viz helping the elders to hold paper strips, cutting them. fetching palm leaves etc etc. Among us rarely bits of quarrels also occurred.

                                My elder brothers who were studying in Madras arrived in the last minute and took charge of these preparation. As the function was in the morning no illuminations were possible, which actually disheartened our brothers, one of them was an expert in setting welcome board and electrical displays.

                                Mani panthal was set on one end facing east.On the four sides flower garlands were hung and the floor was as usual spread with a white cloth and items like NIRAPARA, BRONZE LANTERNS, FRUITS,etc, etc were placed in appropriate positions under the able guidance of one of our cousins, often  avoiding  the opinion of others.

                                In the kitchen hectic activity was in progress. Appu Menon giving  loud instructions. Seated on a chair with his pan box occasionally spitting the red sputum was character to be watched. In fact his presence on such occasions was essential otherwise it will be devoid of fun . It was his practise to taste each item and to effect corrections before serving. He was an expert in serving rice with a bamboo basket. He will look at the person and give a tilt to the basket serving exact quantity. His shouts to refill the basket can be heard to his helper no where he is to be. A scene which we do not see nowadays. In serving food to the SARVANI also his control  can be felt. I have seen on many occasions in his absence the situation going out of control and chaotic.

Nurungukal cntd......

                                Marriage was a rare occasion in those days.But the immediate neighbourhood took it as an opportunity  for a celebration.The wedding of my sister was one such. Although I have forgotten many details some events still remain fresh..

                                She was very young and sprightly. Pet of the family. I think she was only eighteen. Me and my kid brother used to play many village games with her. But after marriage she went with her husband to a far off place. The elders on both sides decided the date of the marriage  convenient to the bride groom. From that day onwards our house became a centre of hectic activity. The house was given a face lift. A white wash few repairs etc. Many close relatives made frequent visits for discussing the arrangements. Most important item was preparing the list of invitees, which went on till the last moment .There was not much time left. So the pace was very fast. Appu Menon was the person in charge of the feast. At that time he might have crossed fifty, very fair and vociferous.He gave the list of items of provisions and vegetables to be made available from day one onwards with meticulous detail. A big shed for housing the wedding function in the front court yard and another to run the kitchen in the back yard were  built with bamboo and coconut leaves . . Father was always busy to arrange funds  and other matters were taken care of by mother's cousins. Our main duty was to run errands for the elders. to near market and house holds.Most difficult job was to collect the utensils for preparing different items of the feast. There were some  traditionally rich families who stored such items. Servants were sent with a written request to spare them . One of my elder brothers was in charge of such things and the provision store  room was held by a cousin who was known for that job. He was very strict and disciplined in that respect.

                                House was always full with visitors.Elderly relatives gave their piece of advices. Mother was a busy bee going round and round giving instructions to each and every one. Her loud bursts of laughter  can be heard  frequently which added a vibrancy to the happy atmosphere. Father will be settled grace fully on an easy chair in the POOMUGAM ready to receive guests. Sister received  the attention of all and fluttered in the house, elegantly dressed. My mind will be always thinking of the forth coming function even while in the class room. Each day we used to hurry back to the house from school lest we may miss the fun. 

Nurungukal contd.......

                                Yesterday I mentioned about a trip to Guruvayoor which happened in 1950.The mode of transport was eco friendly without the use of any petroleum product. I feel that the abuse of natural resources took place during the last half a century and we have to be held responsible for the pollution and answerable to the next generation.

                                We stayed in a cottage rented by the guruvayur sathra with minimum facilities. The house keeper was an old lady whom my mother was familiar with.One or two small hotels  managed by Brahmins provided homely food. But we preferred to eat the prasadam rice along with mango pickle prepared by mother.

                                We used to stay for a week and took darshans from Nirmalyam to Athazha poja. We also enjoyed the Krshattam kali as father was very fond of it. He explained  the Mudras and Veshams.Those days people used to offer cows and even elephants. You can see them all round the temple. A few spotted deers and rabbits were also found inside the temple. Altogether we enjoyed the stay and journey and would return in a happy mood.

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                                As the last batch of sparrows vanish into the woods yonder leaving a hope to return next season the village responds to the sound of drums and processions heralding Poorams and Velas in the  village temples. Then many folklore artists parade one by one in loud chorus, reminding the glory of the bygone days. It is the beginning of happy  and adventurous days for us. The whole community participates and  each one playing their role to make  the event  a great success.

                                In the intervening days we used to make a trip to Guruvayur. On few occasions father arranged the journey in a house boat { PURA MANCHI }The back water river from our place extends up to Chavakad. We board the boat by dusk. There will be one or two close relatives in company. The whole night we have to be in the boat. A frugal dinner will be served. Mother will slowly open her bundle of stories. Children listened to the splashing of the long bamboo sticks in water as the rowers pushed the boat forward. In the night the river will be crowded with other boats carrying cargo, especially coir yarn. There were many small coir factories , processing coconut husks and spinning yarn on the two banks of this river.My father also had one. Often the rowers made different calls to draw the attention of boats coming in opposite direction, THEKKU PO WADAKU PO etc. Some of them were good singers of VANCHI PATTU.

                                We  will reach Chavkkad as the sun peeps out, or VELLA KEERA. From there the journey was in a bullock cart. The road was rickety, and the cart moved swaying with a clank.

Nurungukal contd.....

                                Anniversary day celebrations , each one of us look forward very eagerly. Those days we did not have  School Kalolsavam.Anniversary is a culmination of many days of sports and games events too. Long hall was the venue. Drama ,classical dances. Mono acts and many other art forms will be staged . Competitions were purely for sports and games and in literature .We had two PT teachers who took great pain to conduct the events meticulously . Encouragements came in the form of trophy, medal or some gift in the case of sports and games . Where as in the case of art items books written by famous authors were given.

                                Our school had a good KHO KHO team  and once we won a state level tourney. We took the trophy  in a procession on the main road. The hero of our team was one of my cousin ,Baby ettan, who is none other than the husband of actress Ambika {Kandam vecha kottu }Similarly there were some good sprinters also who won state level medals.

                                Ponani has given birth to many literary personalities like Edaseery Govindan Nair ,Uroob, K.P>Unnikrishnan. Because of that she always was a ground for many cultural activities. Krishna Panickar Vayanasala was a cultural hub in those days.

                                The ball badminton tournament conducted every year by the Union Club  carried the name of Ponani far and near. Teams from Tellichery, Cannoor, Coimatore etc took part in it. Each team exhibited unique style and mastery. We used to watch the games in wonder because the shots  and the takes were executed in such great speed and accuracy.

Nurungukal..cntd.

                                When I look back to my school days first thing that appealed me was the setting of the campus. About three acre cmpound, cotaining 3 to 4 old buildings and a vast play ground and assembly ground. The buildings were named viz; LONG HALL, CORONATION HALL, NEW HALL etc. There were tiled sheds also. Higher standards were housed in buildings and the lower ones in sheds.The laboratary and teachers room and craft room were fairly big when compared to those ones in other schools. The craft teacher tought us hand loom weaving .  Every student had to spin yarn with help of a spindle { THAKKILI }                         We had a peon named Kunhiraman, who was in charge of sports and games. The dexterous way in which he filled air in a foot ball was a sight to watch. Others would frequently damage the neck of the bladder. Similarly the speed at which he used to draw lines with lime powder for track and field events , I think nobody can attain. I can even now visualize the way he walks with a peculiar gait and his hair style KUDUMA.  There was another peon named Gopalan. He attended to office work always  putting up a smile, and  dear to all.

                                Many of the teachers  put on coats. Among them Achuthan master was the most harmless. Some naughty boys used to steal chalk pieces from his pocket and he pretended to have not seen it. He wrote on the black board with a beautiful hand. Such a hand writing I am yet to see. Madhava Warier, tall and fair walked in long strides was elegant and grace full. I heard that he has now crossed 100 years. Sekhara Warier who was the head master was a personality we all fear. He wuld go round the corridors with a cane and used to punish severely those who does mischief.Cicaly and Anandavally teachers were so loving and good in their profession. I am proud to be part of that legacy.

Nurungukal  contd ..........

                                As the sweet memories of Onam celebrations slowly fades away there emerges the rustic Mundakan  season of paddy accompanied by Thulavarsham.  It is muddy and splashy. When it gathers momentum all the paddy fields will be full of activity like, ploughing, sowing ,transplanting etc. Rows of bullocks or buffaloes will be taken  round and round in a definite pattern by rustic men to churn the  earth . Then the levelling , which attracts us . Very rarely the men will allow us to stand on the levelling plank while the cattle pull at fairly at good speed. It is a risky game . Because if we  loose the balance it is sure that we are thrown out and possible to get some injury.  If our father is around the men will never allow us and we have to remain as good spectators.  After the levelling in some places there will be some running race by the cattle's . For that the yoke and the levelling planks are of special make. Some land lords used to groom special breeds exclusively for this competition, which is a very costly proposition. I have seen this Kalapoottu in Anakkara. There will be a big crowd to encourage by shouting and drum beating which add fun to this village game.

                                Then the transplanting. When women takes over the stage. It is a sight to watch. A row of village belles will transplant the seedlings. In their left hand they will hold the bunch of seedling and with right hand it will be immersed at regular spacing in the field moving backwards. The movements are rhythmic to the tune of Wadakkan pattu. Now I should remember Kunhamma who  used to loudly lead the music and others  backed up in chorus.  During this season we heard this chorus from every field awakening the village. Now it is all a past glory. 

Nurungukal contd........

                                Mother with the help of a retinue of female and male assistants  cooked special food. On days like this food was served in plantain leaves which is supposed to have some medicinal effect Thiruvonam lunch was always special as the saying goes Kanam vittum Onam unnanam. Break fast menu was different. Steamed Nenthran banana pieces and fried Pappadam.

                                We will gather at pre set places ,usually in a house where there is a big compound. Our most favourite games were Thala panth, { similar to cricket or base ball } Hopping {kochi kal},foot ball { ball made out of rags }and even hide and seek {kallanum policeum } We even ventured to watch a movie in the local CENEMA TALKIES note not a theatre. For this we used to save the small tips our elders gave, which of course happened once in a blue moon.

                                Each of them was an exclusive experience which our children missed. The dialogue we had with nature and the togetherness we felt during  these adventures can not be revived in this computer age. May be such frolics imbibed in us a social commitment.I do not know whether we lost a culture, tradition under external influence or we went behind it unknowingly. Yet we say that "old order changes yielding place to new "!! Past is past be prepared for tomorrow.

Nurungukal: Nurun gukal contd.......... ...

Nurungukal: Nurun gukal contd..........                       ...: Nurun gukal  contd..........                                 Mukkiti poovu blossoms in the morning, as the sun rays fall on the buds. It...

Nurun gukal  contd..........

                                Mukkiti poovu blossoms in the morning, as the sun rays fall on the buds. It is bright yellow in colour. We collect them in Colocasia { chembu } leave kumbil. For eight days starting from Athum, in the month of Chingam flowers are arranged in different designs. Our sister selects the designs and she is very artistic. The celebrations gains momentum from Pooradam. Onam markets commence on this day. It is known as POORADAM VANIBUM. It is on this day at noon we make THRKAKARAPPAN in mud. This is a symbolic representation of Lord Vishnu. Three conical shaped mud blocs are placed in the NADUMITTAM. One used to be slightly bigger which is kept on a PEEDAM in the middle. The idols are seated on wooden plank after decorating the floor with rice paste . This consists of an intricate design, lotus shell horn, bow and arrow and sudarshana chakram, as you see Vishnu with all decorations. Bunches of different flowers add beauty to this arrangement.  Till Thiru onam every day thrice pooja is conducted by a boy, with the accompaniments of the beating of VILLU. My father was an expert on this and it will be almost like a Chenda Melam.

                                On UTHRADAM, there will be a musical performance by PANAN and his wife  accompanied by a fiddle. They will sing a few couplets praising THIKAKARAPPAN.

Nurungukal contd..............

                                Onam comes immediately after VIRIPPU harvest. There are three seasons for cultivating paddy. Virippu  {April to October }, mundakan {September to January } and punja December to April | They are based on the seasonal variations of weather and availability of water.  Variety of seeds and  package of practices are alsodifferent for each season. Many of the traditional seeds which  were used in those days have extinct now . New hybrid varieties have replaced them. So also the practices. It was purely organic . The advent of green revolution  brought in wide spread use of chemical ferts. The indiscriminate use of chemicals has brought in many problems, eapecialy on maintaining a rich bio mass.

                                After the viripu harvest the feilde will be full of Nellipoovu, a type of blue flower. Onam is a festival of clours and plenty. Coutyards will be decorated with designs of colour full flowers. In those days we used  mainly four flowers, Thumba, Mukkutty, Aripoo or Konginipoo and nellipoo. Children after coming from school go in batches to collect these flowers. Little baskets made of KAITHA OLA, which will be supplied by local carpenter woman are used . While plucking we sang some songs to add a vociferous rythom.

                                KATTA KATTA KAYARITTU,

                                KAYARALANJU MATAKKITU,

                                NETTIPATTAM  POTTITTU,

                                NEREVATHILKAL NEY VECHU

                                CHENNUKULUKKI, CHENNUKULUKKI,

                                CHENTHAMARA POOMKUNDA ILAYITTU,

                                POOVE POLI, POOVEPOLI POOVE....111

                                

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        Otu of the 27 NHATUVELAS, some are very important for agriculture viz; KARTHIKA,MKEERYAM, THIRUVATHIRA. Each NHATUYELA  has a duration of 13 days.  There are 27 of them ASWATHI  BHARANI, KARTHIKA.............. and  REVATHI It  is related to the Zodiac formation.

         In KARTHIKA the earth should scorch, in MAKSEERYAM it should rain in cats and dogs,and in THIRUVAATHIRA it should drizle without break. Summer rains are also good for vegitation.

                After Vishu the next ceremony is Nirapara. Usualy it is observed by Land lords. The month of Karkidakam when there will be incesant rain diseases are comon. Just to keep our body healthy and free of illness speciial foods are taken. It is the month of Ramayanam reading. On the first day of this month NIRA PARA is observed. Medicinal plants like NALPAMARAM { athi, ithi, arayal and peral } and Desapushpam { mukkitti, karuka,kayyunni,poovamkurunila, muyalchevi, uzhinha, cheroola, nilappana, thiruthali, krishnakranthi } termeric ,Nelkathir {heads of paddy } etc are collected and brought to the house ceremoniously. I think this event gave us awareness of medicinal plants .  In away it gave importance to biodiversity conservation and agriculure,

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          Seasons came one by one in succession without fail . Each of them behaved differently  . Their presence was felt not by the time chart in the calender, but by their exclusive influence on nature. If one was wet the other dry yet another windy. One so colourful.All made us to react to their tune. So was our festivals and carnivals . There was a synergy. Complementary to each other

          Medam is the first month for us. .  The VISHU is celebrated now..The first thing that comes to our mind is the bright yellow flower KANIKONNA which is the fore runner of this festival. The next is the VISHU KANI. The sight of self sufficiency. Then the crackers providing a noisy and colourful welcome to our new year. The frugal tip that father gave, with awesome blessing  invariably spent to hire cycle for a Joly ride. Mother always served  a full meal on these occasions with PAYASAM . Father would be busy in making arrangements to complete the paddy sowing process which he might have commenced on the previous day. Invariably there will be a drizzle providing moisture for the seeds to sprout.

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                          Seasons appeared in prompt schedule. Monsoon broke on June first without fail. The day when schools are reopened after the long summer vacation. Another  year of academic explorations.All new ,class mates , teachers  and rooms.  But no new text books.We collected them from our seniors. Slowly new friendship is developed and groups are formed. As the monsoon gains strength, it will pour in cats and dogs. All the ponds , rivulets and paddy fields will overflowing providing ideal locations for our frolics. We spend long hours in ponds swimming playing till our eyes become blood red. Fishing was another past time. There were many ways of catching. In traps, on hooks Even shooting with sharp pins. Elders taught swimming. The float we used was two coconut s tied together . Or we lie on the hands and vigorously slap hands and legs . Many a time I had drunk water as the hand is withdrawn. During rainy days it was difficult to know the time . There was no clock or time piece in our house. Usually we found the time by looking at the position of the sun rays inside the house. When  the light reaches certain positions we know the time to leave for school. Other wise  we have to depend on the movements of our adjacent children.

Nurugukal contd............Ponnani is on the shore of Arabian sea.Other sides are surrounded by Bharatha puzha,Biyyam back wates and stretches of paddy fields and coconut groves. Altogether it is a miniature Kerala { Gods Own country } The landscape is breath taking.Lush green patches of Paddy fields laced in between coconut gardens.Many canals and streams intertwine providing an ecology so pristine.Many species of fish frogs and other creatures nurtured on the banks of these rivers and rivulets. So was the sacred groves conserving biodiversity on a faith. It is an irony that faith was more power full than any man made laws.  One or two ponds adjacent to Nalukettu was common. There were no bath rooms instead we took bath in the crystal clear waters of the ponds.It also provided us an opportunity to learn swimming at our early ages.

Nurungukal contd......

Even now I have a vivid memmory of my childhood in Ponnani. Ponnani is so special because it carries a bundle of unioque cafeteria.It was a viillage in its true sense.