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.