Nurungukal....contd...

                This is about another simple system of emptying a pond. Once in every two years ponds in our compound were emptied mainly for removing the silt in order to rejuvenate the sub soil water flow. It is done usually when the north west monsoon recedes. Kaikottatheku is operated by two men who are adept in lifting water in a bamboo basket in the shape of a cone.A long coir rope is tied at the top and bottom of the basket [kaikotta] on both sides. The length of the rope will be long enough so that the men positioned at opposite sides of the pond can take the basket to the water for immersing the basket for lifting water at each pull. The men will lean forward bending and will loosen the rope at the top to fill the basket and then will lift it to the top of the pond for emptying with a flick by the other rope. This action of drawing ,lifting and emptying will go on like a rhythm of a well oiled piston. They will also sing loudly in tune with their motion. Two or three men will be inside the pond to loosen the silt so that it can be easily carried out. When the water is almost emptied many species of fish will start jumping and crawling in the mud. The big ones will be caught by using a basket known as ottal. The common species of fish are kannan[muzhu],kadu,poozhan etc. To catch a kadu it needs some skill, other wise it will prick which is very painful. Smaller ones will be left to grow. As the operation progress number of kites will start circling in the sky and at times they will snatch away the fish in their claws before we are able to scare them. Egrets ,minas , crows etc will also take their rightful share. Often I used to be substituted to lift the water which I enjoyed very much. Once the pond is emptied and cleaned there will be good lunch and of course the main dish will be of fish. The men will take home some fish packed in coconut leaves. This is one of he most enjoyable events children look forward. After a few days the water level will slowly rise up and then it is time for us to enjoy a fresh water frolics in which all our play mates both boys and girls take part.