Nurungukal...contd...

           Circling the Deity, hand in hand, supporting each other, was a new experience. Her grip was gentle but firm and the occasional pressing of her thump on my right palm conveyed silent messages. Her attire was simple and elegant. She looked graceful with a bunch of fragrant jasmines and traditional ornaments. The emerald green nagapada thali was a perfect match to the Thulasi garland.In perfect harmony and rhythm we completed the rounds accompanied by our nearest relatives. The procedure connected with our nuptial ceremony step by step is a symbolic expression of entering into a silent contract of a life long partnership. An understanding of mutual respect and give and take. Even the offering of milk to the newly wedded, conveyed an assurance from the near and dear their support to the couple in their future journey.

             We were then taken to a nearby guest house where I found the other party had arranged a photo session. Fortunately a snap of that event is a precious document which we enjoy even today. Her mother an embodiment of humility stood close to us silently all the while radiating rays of love and intimacy. The way in which her eldest brother was conducting the proceedings left an impression of his meticulous planning. Even now he is the best in her family as far as the financial management is concerned.

            The guest house belonged to a very influential family in feroke. Even my mother used to say about their legacy. They owned tile factories, theatres etc. etc. Poothery family was in the high echelons of the society. Like them there were a few more names who prevailed high in the social and business world of Malabar. When I had visited Guruvayur along with my parents as a boy, I used to look at this guest house as a wonder land, comparing the facilities of the Sathram lodgings in which we used to stay. The temple, the pond ,the banyan tree, Sathrams, coffee shops, the wandering cows, the ladies with palm leaf umbrellas and of course the caprisoned elephants is the canvas I still prefer to visualise about Guruvayoor.

                     The feast was arranged in the Sathram hall. Those days there were no tables and chairs. I found many struggling to come to a squatting pose. The dishes were tasty and the size of the Guruvayur pappadam was big enough to cover many items. But I could not do justice. Leaving a big crowd to be attended to, our party left for Ponani as we were supposed to enter our house before a specified time....contd...