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.