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.....