Nurungukal  contd.....

                                My sister arrived from Culkatta to give birth to her eldest son. It was on one of my birth days in 1950s.The entire family was so excited of the reunion, although the gap was very short.As she was in an advanced stage of pregnancy mother was very particular that no physical contact was made by us  as it might be harmful. We found that  our sister was entirely a new personality, more sobre and matured. She was no more  our playmate whom we bade fare well a few moths ago. The very next day mother summoned the midwife to examine sister. This lady was an expert in our locality to attend to deliveries. She was in those days more than a gynaecologist. People held her in great esteem and they were confident in her . No mishaps were reported when she was in charge. She was popularly known as MIDWIFE. Her children were the class mates of my elder brothers. There were only very few  Christian families in Ponani in those days. Thresia teacher was another. She was a close follower of Kelappaji the Kerala Ghandi. Kochappu from Kunnamkulam was  merchant. All of them were much known in our social circle.

                                Dr, Achutha Menon was the only physician practising general medicine. He was a dignitary to all of us. His prescriptions scribbled on a piece of yellow paper can be deciphered only by the pharmacist in A.M Medical store . It used to be always a brown or maroon coloured admixture of medicines which tasted very bitter. We used to hold our nose to gulp it and to counter the bitterness a scoop of sugar was needed. It will be supplied in a  green bottle with cut edges. Such bottles are not seen now a days. We would paste a paper strip cut into equal divisions on the bottle and that used to be the measure for each dose. More than his medicines the way he tendered his care was a touch of heal. He used to make a round of visits to a few rich families every morning in his Austine car.  and if the house was not connected with a motor able road a rikshaw would take him.This routine he never broke. To others he was accessible either in his house or dispensary.   contd....

Nurungukal   contd ............

                                My eldest brother who was working in a government department in Khozikode brought seedlings of a Chambakam and a grafted mango. I still remember how much care mother had taken to grow them. Both started flowering after 3 to 4 years. Every morning mother used to go round and round them in search of flowers and fruits. She was so happy the day when she located a mango and used to show it to all those who visited our house. In the first year there were only  one or two  golden yellow flowers on Chembakam and their fragrance was so nice. Similarly the mango fruits also tasted so sweet. Over the years the production increased. Me and my younger brother used to pluck the flowers and fruits very carefully under the strict supervision of mother. We had special hooks to pluck so that the mango will not fall on the ground and get damaged. Chemkam branches are very tender so we used a long pole with a fork at the top while we balanced on the lower branches. Both of them gained popularity as mother used to offer the produces to each and every important visitor, explaining their characteristics. The demand for the Chemkam flower grew especially among the Muslim ladies.Initially they were given free. Later a buyer came forward to market them. We called him Koya. A tiny person. Low in wight and adept in climbing to the top. He would precariously balance even on tender branches and collected the flowers briskly. Every noon he will appear and announce his attendance by a  loud call AMMAAA and started his work without waiting for permission. By the time mother woke from her short nap he would have spread the flowers on the front varandha. He took only the best ones and others  were offered to mother free !!.I remember that mother got only 2 or 3  nayapaise per flower were as he sold them at a premium price of 25 paise to his regular customers. But mother never asked for a better price. She would only say if questioned that let him have a livelihood !!. The most interesting part of this business was that he would often take back the amount given to mother as loan which remained unsettled !!.He continued this for many many years . Then slowly thee were long gaps in his visits . Much later we came to know that his call Ammaaaa will be never heard. He succumbed to dreadful disease Thus another link in mothers livelihood chain was cutoff !!!.

Nurungukal  contd......

                                As soon as they get a signal from the main stake holders, the first pair of animals would brought to the field accompanied by loud shouts and arpu vilikal. The whole crowd responds to it in higher notes. There would be a rush of spectators to have la clear glimps of the event and in the process weaklings like us rarely get a good position. But in our case special view points would have been arranged by the brother of our brother-in-law. All on a sudden the yoked animals would enter the play field  jumping over the ridges like a bullet and would take a fast lap, in agony.Much later only I came to know that how much torture those poor dump creatures had to suffer in order make  we humans happy. But in a game like this there is no relevance to such sentiments. One after other they were taken round and each pair trying to attain supremacy over the other . Some times they will run into the crowd if the men loose control causing injury to many. Every such accidents were taken lightly as the spectators were equally agile to dodge from  such attacks.

                                As the animals dash through the mud they were controlled by two or three trainers. The Jockey rider will balance on a wooden plank attached to the yoke prompting the animals to gain speed and in the process he often bites their tails and hit them hard. Others will run along with the animals to maintain the line and also to scare them by shouting and beating. As the animals gained speed mud would be syphoned through the holes on the plank. The height it goes indicates the speed and control of the jockey. The winner is decided by a team of experts and the price money depended on the capacity of the organiser. Prominent farmers and locals gave gifts either in cash or clothes  as a gesture of encouragement.  The winners would be positioned in a convenient place to  show them to the public and many interesting stories would be spread about their performance, features etc etc. After a sumptuous late lunch the crowd would disperse reluctantly with a hope to attend a similar event  next year. In the departing lot we could see many trying to balance on their two legs as a result of the country brew they had consumed. Yet others would be trying to make intimate passes towards other sex providing native love scenes. To us the day was full of fun and frolic.  Such events took place in our society with out any sort of prompting , but as part of our culture.  Bygones are always bygones.

Nurungukal  cntd......

                                Our next joyful event in Anakara was the kalapoottu. The entire community, especially the farmers and farm workers took part in it. It is connected with the transplantation of paddy.  The entire stretch of fields would have been already prepared for transplanting paddy seedlings. In the middle a big plot would be prepared specially for conducting the kalapoottu. The level of water and the depth of the mud is to be maintained properly so that the animals can run at high speed without skidding.  From early morning the preparations commence under the guidance pf experienced hands. The entire event will be managed by one or two big land lords. They organise such events to project their image and power. Many such families have , in later years become bankrupts, as these shows depletes their funds .

                                One such character was a cosine of my brother-in-law.  It  was a sight to see him going round the field shouting gesturing at people, in his silk juba and dark glass. Short in stature but a bundle of energy he maintained a charismatic control over the event till the end. My brother-in-law’s younger brother would hold a low profile yet others took his advice very seriously and held him in high esteem.  Many young volunteers would be moving around , with a head dress and tucked dhothi ready to take up responsibiliyies. Food and tea would be always  at your call. A little bit away from the field clandestine sale of other drinks would exhilarate the mela. Groups of men and village damsels clustered here and there enjoying the activities and waiting  joyfully for the entry of the animals. Occasionally they would also be singing loudly  couplets of popular nadan pattu, which would be reciprocated by the entire crowd with a clap and whistling.

                                Before noon the oxen and buffaloes would start reaching,  pair by pair. They would be positioned  at different places, and immediately the crowd in groups surrounded them, eagerly in search of their profiles. These animals were controlled by robust farm workers half clad and drenched in mud and water, Each of these animals were owned by rich farmers hailing from many parts of Palghat and adjacent area. The selection of animals are very meticulously done considering their pedigree and physical features. They were trained and nurtured with utmost care, and each would cost a few thousands even in those days.......to be contd......

Nurungukal  contd.....

                                Ever since our sister’s marriage we spent a few days in our brother- in- law’s house at Anakara during holidays.. It used to be always eventful because  his sister’s children were of our age except the last one who was a child then.  From Neeliyad it is a brisk walk on a serpentine mud road. On both sides of the road there were a stretch of lush green paddy fieldld. As if giving a company a canal flowed  with a mummer occasionally interrupted by the call of a water fowl. On the banks of it  healthy bushes of KAITHA provided shelter to many lower creatures like turtles. Mongoose and many species of fish. During night we heard the loud howling of packs of fox calling each other in chorus. There were  a few old mansions built of late rite and tiles at the foot of the hillocks adjacent to the paddy field, struggling to show up a past  feudal  glory. And the horizon far away was silhouetted with a row of  low mountains beyond which Nila flew majestically.

                                During such journeys Chathu the trusted assistant was our companion and caretaker. He would guide us with utmost humility, carrying our bags till we reach safely the destination with out uttering a word, but putting up a contended smile. For the service which he offered to our family till his retirement  I with all humility record here a word of gratitude and respect. Since I had many occasions of close association with him till I left Ponani after getting employed in Railways, I can with out any reservation vouchsafe his sincerity and loyalty to our family.

                                As there were no phone connection , our arrival was always a surprise and they jumped in joy.There were many  exclusive events which we enjoyed only in Anakara. My brother –in-law’s sister was  so lovable and gracious. She made sure that our stay on each occasion was memorable . It was a home away from our home. She used to take care of every thing we need . The food she specially made for us was  so tasty and delightful, especially her  recipe of dried sharks . I do not know  whether any of her daughters has acquired that talent .

                                Their house was on the slope of a hillock facing a long stretch of paddy field. Arecanut was their  main crop.In summer the arecanut trees were irrigated by drawing water from a deep well with the help of bullocks. It was known as KALA THEKU. In Ponani we drew water by hand lifting. The water is fetched from the well in an iron basket. The bullocks are brought near to the well and when the water is scooped in will be lifted as the bullocks  are lead forward. As the basket with water reaches the top it will be tilted by the operator by a rope {THUMBI } on which he is sitting . The whole exercise takes only a few minutes and the water will gush through the channels with force.  It needs  some  experience to  operate the system , especially to control the animals.

                                

Nurungukal  contd.....

                                We returned after a short sojourn in Calicut. Mother was anxious to know the details of the trip and the welfare of her brother and his family. She was much attached to them as she was looking after them for a period when uncle's wife died at an early age......... Slowly we returned to our routine life.

                                We always welcomed the arrival of our post man. From morning till after noon we can see him at his heels swinging the umbrella  as if to balance the stride. Holding the bundle of posts in the other hand , occasionally exchanging their positions. He will sit on the veranda and will announce his arrival by shouting ‘POST’.  He was careful to hand over the letters only to an elder member of the family. Fair ,lanky with a black puff like moustache he was very courteous and loved by one and all. Apart from his duty he spread a message of togetherness and love.  We were fascinated to watch the conversation between mother and he. After taking a glass of sambaram he would continue on his duty.

                                If the cover he delivered was blue we were sure that it was from our sister who was in Calcutta , Our brother- in -law was fond of blue and it looked  gracious. Often there used to be some photos . He had a box type KodaK camera and was an expert in capturing nice shots. I think his eldest son , who is now a retired officer has inherited the same quality. But the olden days black and white pictures stand out even now. After reading the letter immediately mother will write a long reply in which every thing which had happened in the immediate past would be recorded with minute details.  My father would write a few sentences in his long hand, impeccable and stylish. Those days that was the only mode of communication. Occasionally we would also scribble a few sentences , listing the items to be brought on her next visit. The habit of exchanging letters was an effective media for acquiring a creative taste.

                                

Nurungukal  contd......

                                Calicut was commercially an important destination in Malabar. The Big Bazar was famous for whole sale trade of almost all the items we need. Rice was a main commodity. Brokers facilitated the deals. The retailers purchased stocks through these brokers . The price of the commodities were fixed between the broker and the wholesaler in a peculiar manner. By holding their fingers under a towel will finalise the deal Then the broker negotiates with the retailer . The buyer is kept in dark the price agreed between the broker and whole saler.  From early morning Bullock carts will start arriving from  far and near. By noon the market will be crowded with bullock carts and  trolleys of varying capacity. The  loading and unloading  of goods will be over by 3 to 4 pm  and the market  will be deserted by late evening.

                                Traders from different parts of India mainly Gujaraties had settled down in Calicut. Gujaraties were known as Settus. There is a  street  named Gujaraty street. Nagji Purushotham Das was a very famous umbrella manufacturer. Those days there was a foot ball tournament  in his name and in which many popular teams from all over India took part. A team from Pakisthan also used to participate.

                                The towering chimneys of many tile factories in  Feroke made beautiful silhouettes as the sun made a slow dip into the Arabian sea. The timing of their sirens was synchronised to give an effect of the sound of many bugles playing in chorus. The Kallai river banks were full of huge logs of wood , mainly from Nilambur forest waiting to be sawed in one of the many saw mills.  They looked like rows of hippos basking in sun  on the banks of an African river.

                The  positive energy that we earned at Calicut beach was either  from the ecstasy of witnessing  an enchanting sun set  or by mingling in a vibrant crowd or in making a sand castle or by crumbling a few roasted pea nut pods, or by the intake of an  ozone rich breeze, I did not know. With much reluctance we bid good bye. On the way back a walk through the Sweet Meat street {S.M. STREET or MITTAYI THERUVU } was a different experience. Rows of shops selling many sweets,garments , toys , books etc  with luminous bulbs glaring at you was a sight to watch. As a grand finale we for the first time in our life enjoyed  the taste of Masala Dosai and filter coffee from the famous Shantha  Bhavan hotel.  That night we slept with these sweet memories  . But next day we bade farewell to Calicut with a hope to return at the very next opportunity.

Nurungukal  contd......

                                Next day evening we went to see  the  exhibition , wearing our new bush shirts and shorts. It was in the Samoothari Raja school ground . In front of it the Thali Shiva Temple pond  lay where many people were taking an evening bath. I was told that there are many such ponds in Chalapuram  and so the wells in the locality will not dry up even during the hottest summer . And that would have been the main reason for patronising this area by the elites. These temple ponds are the best models of rain water harvesting.

                                 We entered into the ground through a decorated gate . It was much bigger and more colourful than the ones we had seen in temple festivals. Each class room was a stall selling different items. The first few were for kitchen wares. Next for fancy items like earrings ,garlands,bangles etc etc  which were crowded by girls and women. A few grownup boys , may be college students were trying to squeeze through them who were immersed in selecting their favourite items. Some of them were throwing an angry eye on to the passersby. People moved through the serpentine path enjoying the displays or  making purchases, or exchanging pleasantries . And we drifted with them  as dry twigs in a turbulent stream. As we moved forward hand in hand, more and more exiting stalls appeared. 

                                A man clad in a three piece suit and black cap was inviting the passersby to take a photo in the company of  film stars or sitting in a car or on the moon etc.  We preferred the crescent moon.  That photo was with my mother till her death and I do not know were it is now . A magician's performance was very amazing, so was some circus items such as jugglery with balls , bottles, squeezing through a small ring. Parrots and dogs pulling fancy carts. There was an exclusive area for gambling. Many items of skills with the use of pistol, arrow, rings, balls etc  attracted a big crowd, because the offers were enchanting.

                                The merry go round section was our favourite, riding on a wooden horse, or car etc was very funny. There was a model aeroplane. One or two can sit in it. When  the pilot started it  will go a few feet high and landed with a thud . That was really a new experience .  Then the death well. It was a well made of wooden planks over ground. A motor cyclist will run a few circles in the bottom of the well  and suddenly as he gains speed took the cycle in rounds to the top and continued  to run at a speed making a pada pada sound and after a few rounds landed  at the bottom safely. It was adventur from the start to the end.This was my first experience and years later I have witnessed the same event in which a car and cycle, some time two cycles jointly performing !!  The last event on every night was a fire dive. On one side of a well filled with water  there will be a  high tower . A man wearing red pants and shirt will position at the top step.  After a mike announcement about the adventurous event  petrol will be poured in the well and ignited.Then the man on top will also pour some on him  and after igniting will jump into the blazing well with a loud sound  and simultaneously the fire will get extinguished. He will get out of the well unhurt!  I have seen every one holding their breath as the man in the shape of a fire ball slowly descending from that height and plummeting in to the water. To me it was the greatest show on earth then. later it was discontinued due to safety reasons. With our mind full of joy  and thrill returned home to explore Calicut next day.

Nurungukal  contd........

                                Where as other stations were open , Calicut was a covered one.It was a different world all together.Hawkers were shouting  Chaya  Chaya   and the name of other eatables in a chorus and briskly walking from one compartment  to another.. A few porters in red shirts and khaky shorts approached us to carry the luggage outside . But we  managed it ourselves. The guard and the station master looked like naval officers in their white uniform, cap and shoulder badges .Both were Anglo Indians fair and handsome . They stood apart from the crowd.

                                Every one was in a hurry to get outside and so there was  a sort of hurry bury at the exit gate and the ticket collector was busy in snatching the tickets.  A row of  horse carts were waiting for the passengers. They were known as Governer’cart. It was the first time I have seen such an elegant cart. There were also some Rikshaws and one or two private cars. The cart men and rikshaw pullers urged  the crowd to hire their vehicles. Since our place was near to the station we carried our bags and on foot reached home . It was were our uncle was staying . He was practising law in Calicut bar and  a very senior hand.

                                Chalapuram  in those days  was known for its elite crowd. Doctors ,lawyers, and fairly rich people were the residents. But side by side we could see people from lower strata  also making a living, mainly as cart men, rikshaw pullers  etc etc. It was on a Sunday we reached  there., the day when alms are offered. We witnessed  old men and  women going from house to house in batches to collect alms.  As children we could not understand the message such scenes  made on the social imbalance prevailed in those days. But definitely it had made some dents in me.  But on the contrary in another case I was  enthused to meet  a totally blind person  managing a livelihood  circumventing his handicap in the foot paths of Chalapuram  by selling vegetables. My uncle and his children were staying in a fairly big house ever since he started practising law. My eldest brother was also with them . He was an officer in a govt. deprt. Almost every student from our family had their college education  staying with uncle , including me.

                                

Nurungukal  contd.....

                                My eldest brother joined Government service.His younger brother took up a job inBhavani Hydel project in amil Nadu as a mechanic.Next one  Angappettan  was employed as a Demonstrater in Victoria College Palghat.  It was in a summer holidays  that Angapetan made a benovalant gesture to take me and my kid brother to Calicut to show an ehibition . I remember that my parents were not prepared to send maily because that we did not have good dress to  wear in a city lie Calicut. It was decided to stitch a naw pair. Usually on such occasions when father did not have enough funds he raised a loan  from Mambetta stores.  Mother was very particular that the dress should be in a new style and she chose Bush Shirt and shorts { trousers }which  was a fashion in Burma When she was there many years ago !.Our tailer in Ponani was not familiar with the design. Mother dug out an old photograph of my elder brothers  wearing bush shirts . As mother was familiar with dress cutting it was easy for the tailer { gopalan } to stitch in exact measurements. We were in a different world  while walking through the streets of Calicut wearing the exclusive ly styled dress.

                                                The journey to Calicut was a new experence to us . At that time Kuttipuram bridge was not constructed. We had to reach Calicut via Tirur crossing Bharatha Puzha. We reached the Western bank of the river on foot covering a short distance in a country boat, as water was deep for us. Walking on the crystal like sand was tiresome as for making each step we had to pull out our feet  from the sand. As we were overwhelmed  some how caught up with others.

                                                From Chammaravattam to Tirur the journey was in a bus and from there in train. This was our first trip in train. Totally a new experience. A stam engine was pulling 3 or 4 compartments , blowing a shreeking whistle now and then . Many hawkers selling  fruits and pea nuts frequented the comartments and each time we looked at our brother  in eagerness. But he avoided  us  looking at the passing land scapes. The seating arrangement in the comp. Was diferent then. It was length wise and passengers sat face to face. The hawkers and afew daring boys  stood on the foot planks out side the train precariosly holding on the windows. We had done the same mode of travel after many years when we were college students. We reached Calicut after a prolonged journey. And by the time we steped out of train our dress was spoiled by black cosl powder...............................

Nurungukal  contd.....

                                In 1950s it was a male dominant society. Very few women ventured to make a livelihood of their own. But Ennassery Ammu Amma, affectionately addressed as AMMOMA  stood apart. She found her living by selling milk and milk products.She was above 70 at that time. Slim and beautiful, although her fair skin was wrinkled. Dressed in crisp white with a slight bend, moved around elegantly. She always maintained half a dozen good cows. Without any male assistance she managed the venture proudly. One or two women workers helped to bring green fodder. In other words it was an all women show. Her day starts early in the morning  { vella keerumbol  By noon she would complete the distribution of milk to some exclusive customers. She chose the customer assessing their credibility. Very much professional in that respect. Then it is time to take care of the animals which  she did with meticulous care and love. Each cow was called by a pet name  such as chinnu, ponnu, karumbi, pulli , etc and they responded to her calls. After noon session is for selling milk products. She had an inborn capacity to prepare them  and they were in great demand. It was during such  time she paid a visit to my mother to exchange pleasantries and to carry news. The role of a mobile news channel !!. Usually at that time mother will be enjoying her siesta on the back side THINNA. Both were good conversationalists, hence the session went  on and on, intermittently with loud laughter. I used to enjoy their performance . Ammoma’s presence can be felt from the aroma of pure ghee .

                                Now being a dairy farmer I understands the amount of effort she might have put in to make a living. Women like her were the fore runners carrying the message of women empowerment . Now I can only  offer   this tiny paragraph to pay  homage to such bygone heroins.

Nurungukal  cntd.......

                                Krishnan and family were our neighbours. His wife Devaki and his sister Ammu worked with us.His brother Kuttappa was a coconut tree climber, but in an accident when his right arm was broken  he continued as a facilitator managing a team of climbers.Krishnan  was a cattle broker [PORUTHUKARAN }. He was unique and most wanted. Father depended on him to purchase cows. He was a well known person in almost all the cattle shanties, viz; Perumpilavil chantha, Vaniyamkode chantha etc. When required father will ask him to locate a cow. He will already have a list with exact descriptions. Out of this he will short list one or two and next day early morning will go for an inspection. If it is a holiday I will also accompany them. On foot we would cover at least three to four miles. The owner will be ready to milk. Father will go round the cow and would ask the owner to take the cow for a walk to know whether she had any defective legs.He will ensure the cow has bright eyes , long tail touching the floor, the udder is fairly big and the tits are equally positioned etc. The colour of the cow and sex of the calf are also important factors. A female calf can fetch better price.  Single colour, wide ears, short horns and soft skin etc are good characteristics. But only on few occasions such a cow can be found,  When the negotiation progress all these will surface.

                                Those days a good cow produced around 2 to 3 litres of milk. It was expressed in terms of nazhi about 200 ml. If the milk was not up to the projected quantity Krishnan would have a ready explanation. For example Our presence has frightened her and the lactation has been controlled by her, or the previous night the calf had sucked the tits etc  .etc . After a prolonged exchange of arguments and counters the price will be fixed and by evening she will be brought our house .

                                The ordeal commences next day morning. There was a lady  named Kunhamma to look after the cattle. When  she is about to touch the tits either the cow will give a kick or move out. After a prolonged  effort she will manage to milk half the quantity which was promised.  Some times the bucket will be kicked out just escaping the face of Kunhamma, or it will attempt to gore her. But Kunhamma will not succumb . if needed she would tie the cow tight to the pole or even the legs to accomplish the task .Immediately Krishnan will be summoned. He will appear before father showing all signs of reverence.  That posture is still fresh in me.He will remain slightly stooping forward, with  a  towel [ THORTH ] kept in between  arm and body { kaksham } and with a special facial expression showing his stained teeth. Father will be in his easy chair and  mother will take up the issue  in a hostile manner. But  Krishnan who is an expert  to  deal such out bursts will remain poised  and will put forth a number of reasons which we ha d to accept graciously..

                                I still remember an incident  in which he applied his presence of mind to buy a cow  for which there were many takers in Perumpilavil Chanda .  Many aspirants were surrounding it and there was no possibility of striking a low deal. His customer was very fond of the animal and wanted to buy. But what to do . Others were equally  fond of. It was now Krishnan used his sixth sense. He went round the animal and made a statement which was heard by the crowd.  "Hey this cow was  the one which had fallen in a well a few days ago , so let us with draw".  On hearing this one by one withdrew  and he easily fixed a deal for his customer. He had unique ways of striking deals which will satisfy both parties. I am yet to come across such a breed of cattle brokers . My salute to his professionalism.

Nurungukal  cntd........

                                We found our living from agriculture, although later we were forced to take up other  jobs to make both ends meet. So essentially our roots  were attached with  nature, more specifically with  PANCHABOOTHAMS. Among the five , earth and water were close to our heart. I strongly believe that sustainable agriculture and conservation of nature resources are inter related. That is why we give a stamp of ‘culture’ to that life saving activity. 

                                Kerala is blessed with two seasons of monsoon because of her position in the NILGIRI BIOSPHERE. Medam is our first month in Malayaklam era. Aswathi Nhattuvela commences on the first of Medam and others  { aswathi, bharani ............................etc. etc } ,each following one after the other with a gap of 13 days. Each one has a definite influence on the growth of plants.

                                Just before VISHU  a light drizzle facilitates sowing of paddy. As the month progress sporadic rains  accompanied by cool breeze  help the formation of moist atmosphere which helps the sprouting of seeds.  Come June the days of down pours. On the first of June when we are about to set to school after a happy vacation , a mummer, chill breeze, swaying of leaves, sound of falling pearls on the roof  , then  water  flowing through the channels of the roof tiles all around the house like a silver curtain, yes  rainy days are ahead.

                                On that day by dusk  a  chorus gaining pitch as the night proceeds can be heard . , The orchestra , where unknown notes are played  , is at its best. The performers are our little friends who have a missions to achieve in their short span of life. From the nearby paddy fields Tigrina frogs will be calling their mates at high pitch PEKROM PEKROM.  Through small burrows white ants { termites } will emerge in swam  fluttering for a while and completing their destiny. In the dark a swam of glow worms  will move around illuminating on and off. We used to catch one or two and keep in a glass bottle, inquisitively.

                                The situation changes by Edavapathy. Water will be gushing every where. Ponds wells , rivers . rivulets and paddy fields will all be overflowing. The level of water in the vast stretches of paddy fields  in  front of our house raises , forming into a lake . Our joy will reach new heights. In batches we go round splashing muddy water on to each other and will be totally wet which of course would attract a punishment. Our house is a NALUKETU. Rain water will splash in the NADUMITTAM making a rhythmic sound. This provides a one to one chat with nature. It was fascinating to watch the water slowly rising up in the fields and inundating the whole area. Big logs , fallen banana plants ,some times even a dead animal and many other odd things will come floating . Some adventurous youngsters dragged  these to the shore and made a living. Our fancy was to tie up a few banana plants and float on the water.  When the level and speed of the water reaches beyond control no such fun were allowed. Fishing was another hobby during such time. Toy boats made of coconut fronts will be set on sail . It is fun to watch them take speed and disappear or sink in the gushing water. Monsoon was always a source for frolics When the water recedes we saw the naked and rejuvenated soil ready for cultivation.....

Nurungukal  contd..................

                                My father and mother were poles apart in behaviour. He was a man of few words. Were as mother was vociferous and a continuous performer. She was a social being, involving in welfare activities. She maintained a friendly relationship with one and all, irrespective of their social status.  Father had his own reservations in mingling , but respected values. There used to be one or two visitors every day, from different walks of life. She had long sessions of talk with each one which very often prolonged till she bade them  farewell at the gate. I have seen, if it is a close relative they continue the chat after taking one or two strides between gate and the house !. And she would come back running to attend father  who would be relaxing on an easy chair . In fact I am yet to find a pair with such contrasts,living in perfect harmony.

                                One frequent visitor was Chathettan who was a distant relative of us. He was our neighbour. He was short and robust. We enjoyed his way of walking, taking short steps and his finger made a TUP TUP noise. I think he should have been awarded a KARSHAKASHREE if the Govt had such a one at that point of time. I learnt the basic lessons of paddy cultivation from him. From early in the morning we can hear his loud calls alerting the workers about he day’s work. Then the team usually accompanied by many pairs of buffaloes will set to the fields .His return will be late in the evening or if there is not much work by noon.  After a  luxurious bath in the pond and belly full of rice porridge the days news paper will be read siting in the gate house which we enjoyed. By 6 pm he will reach our house with out fail and the long session starts. The trio, father mother and Chathettan will be seated in their regular places i.e, father on easy chair, mother on the WOODEN PADI and Chathettan  on the floor.Mother would serve a  big glass of coffee to all. The conversation will touch upon each and every latest topic and some times on his past experiences in north India. A phrase he very often used was  Ammukutiye ninakunda kattu kutugniyittu. And by about 7.30 pm he will take leave making the same stride and TUP TUP sound.None of them are with us now . But I feel their presence  while brushing up such memories.

Nurungukal  cntd.......

                                It started raining cats and dogs on the morning of the marriage. A visit to our family temple by the bride's party had to be arranged , to accept the blessings of the Goddess. In hose days that was  a practise which can not be avoided. There was no possibility of arranging any kind of conveyance, so the bride accompanied by very close relatives and the Nadaswaram set was sent. They returned a few minutes before the Muhoortham fully wet but satisfied for accomplishing the mission. A few minutes later the bridegroom party reached the venue . While the bride was dressing for the occasion, the visitors were received at the entrance of the Panthal,as usual  by sprinkling rose water and washing the feet of the bridegroom. There were about fifty of them .There was a big metal trunk box  of dress for the bride and and a few baskets of vegetables , sweets and provisions , which was received by my brothers. Every body talked in subdued voice , and few calls now and then together reached a crescendo when the bride arrived blushed  in her pure white cloths . She looked extremely gorgeous. The nadaswaram party was trying to show there excellence , playing many classical ragas. We fancied to watch the piper whose cheeks were blowing according to the pitch .Other artists made typical movements to attract the attention.

                                The bride was taken to the Mani panthal  with a traditional retinue. She was seated on the left side of the bridegroom and the rest is part of our family history. We were just enjoying each activity and were not in a mood to paste them in our memory. Unfortunately those events were not recorded . Now we are left to depend on the impressions in our mind

                                Then the crowd  slowly started clustering conveying pleasantries, getting introduced to new relationships and refreshing broken links. My mother was standing out from the rest showing her in born ability of entertainment The feast followed and slowly the people started bidding good bye and the house and panthal was almost deserted. When my sister also bade a farewell I was standing in the middle trying to restrain from  sobbing................... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!