Sathee's Web Blog from India

They shoot each other,
focused right through.
Flashes of beams scare,
imaged in digital details.
So cool slangy vice(ViZ) kids!

As if from a planet alien,
dressed in fancy outfits,
they roam roaming mobiles,
holding gadgets of all size,
In every colour schemes.

Two IT kids are to tie knots.
Groom rides a bike to hall.
Exchanges’ sms” to bride
Reply arrives in” mms’’ soon,
with song in digital scale.

Leather jacketed groom,
shake hands with Jeanie bride.
Then winks on I- pod smart.
Cybering a theme of love,
networking to all n’ priests.

Wedding vow by multimedia,
care to share a compo note.
Rings on Intel four exchanges.
downloading an animated pic.
There arrives father in white.

No one cares his services.
His prayers turned gibber,
drowned in techno murmur.
kids ran amuck swarming.
Do you take this girl for your wife?
No, she just found another man,
from her net hangout cafe!
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By Satheesan Rangorath
Prologue
________

People queuing outside town hall,
holding flowers and wreaths.
His long nose still rises above his head,
nosing for a change, he envisaged.
Nothing changes from where he had left yesterday.
All his books, speeches, journals, criticisms,
Thoughts, will be aired for some time,
then they disappear only to be remembered on anniversary.

===============
Exclusive shot
===============

He had his last laugh.
Had a sip of water,
said his thoughts well.
pressing press.
Channels chipped well.
Cameras clicked him in.
Press conference is over.
While in camera,
he opened his eyes wide.
once more looked at the world.
gulped his last air.
and retired smiling
Head swayed to right a little.
that is it, he went away,
leaving a smile for world,
to decipher a mystery.
They captured his last breathe,
exclusively telecasted too.
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Prof. M.N VIJAYAN died in front of cameras while
speaking in a press conference. As a thinker, critique,
an orator, social leader, professor and a writer,
above all a fine human being, he created and represented a species that is in extinct.
This is a homage from an unknown person
________________

MY STORIES –Continue My journey back
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BY SATHEESAN RANGORATH
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From arrangements and activities of my father, I gathered that my holidays are ending. The evidence is that my grandma was busy preparing storable sweets and other Long storable snacks for us to take to Mananthawadi. In our lives religion and practices is a way of life. Every activity we involve will have underlying connection to religion.Al though it was never felt that there is an underlying current of mythology, philosophy and rituals. The day my father decided to travel back with his family was a date, which was decided by an astrologer. Who selected an auspicious time for us to leave the house.My grandma was very particular about right timings

Before concluding our holiday, we made it a point to visit our family temple. It was customary to make offering to deity with best of fruits and flowers. Every body is born under a star, according to Hindu calendar there are 28 stars under which each human being is born. His/her horoscope is written according to time of his/her birth and assigned star. Astrologer writes the chart and a long description of what all-important incidents would take place during the lifetime of that particular person.

At last, the day arrived. We got up early in the morning. My father packed and arranged our bags and baggage. I went to all elders and sleeked their blessings by touching their feet. My grandma gave me a warm hug and touched my head. She also put some money in my pocket and said you can buy candy on way. I touched her feet and cried. I touched all my cousins and bid farewell to them and some light touch to my favorite cousin sister. She gave me a beautiful pencil box, which I had used for a long time until my tenth standard class.

My father’s aunty was accompanying us to Mananthawadi. She took my hand and led me. Chami was waiting at the gate. I touched him and gave him the money that grandma gave me. It was such a pleasure to give him and his eyes was shining when he got the money. It is my sincere respect to him for all the trouble he took taking me everywhere.

My returning journey was not enjoyable. Although scenery on way is very exciting As we approached hill station, it did not attract my attention. Wild animals on way was also did not add thrill to my mood. All the way back I slept expecting and awaiting out journey back ends soon. Faces of my cousins and my special cousin sister and grandma.As we approached hilly region rain fall became strong and visibility was very low. Vehicles passing opposite side had switched on to head lights. I could not enjoy the scenery as sleep grabbed me strongly and lead me to the valley of dreams. When the bus stopped, it was raining and dark. Another surprise was waiting for me there. I learned thatWe are going to the old rented house, e were staying. We are going to move into a new house. Another reality is that I am losing my friends there our property owner’s daughters. When we reached, the new home it was dark there seems to nothing in the vicinity Or people have gone to bed so early because of rain and cold.From the bus stop, we walked almost mile to our new home. street was lit with hurricane lamps( kerosene ) placed on row of lampposts. Small night fly’s circle round each street lamp, Although, darkness was consuming feeble light that comes out of darkened glass chimneys had a heavenly look all the way. I liked the scenario, when small creatures’ circles round was shining like little stars. At last, we reached home through twilight
Our house was a thatched roof hut made up of mud, bamboo and palm leaves. As soon as we entered two catsjust ran away in protest. After dislodging our baggage, my father went to nearby Bungalow, where our new property owner resides. My father returned with a fat man and a woman who opened doors for us. After formal introduction we entered into our rented house, placing our right feet first .it is practice considered auspicious. House had a long veranda at the front, then a living room a bedroom on the side then kitchen at the far end. My mother entered the kitchen and quickly boiled some milk, which she had brought in a flask from our home. It is also considered a ritual to cook milk first before Regular cooking begins. We all had hot milk as refreshment while mother was preparing Our supper. She prepared’ kanji’ rice cooked like porridge with lots of water. We had to Satisfy ourselves with “Kanji” as there was no other alternative. Along with kanji, “Chammanthi” (ground red chilly with onion and salt) is a tasteful combination especially when it is raining.

Our day ended to an early retirement to bed. Over the roof I could see tiny holes, through which sparks of lightning was pouring down often giving view of tiny dots of sky.Dreaming about my little dreams of a long holiday,mother of sleep embraced me in to her warm breasts; there I rested my long day

I think enough for this blog before I bore my readers with my thoughts!
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MY STORIES – Continue. My First visit to a cinema theatre.
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There are symptoms of a change of weather in the air. In the morning monsoon, clouds started assembling on the Southwestern horizon. As a boy of 6 years, I am not able to identify east and west. I put my childhood memories here after almost five decades, I use the liberty to write in order address my stories in a suitable way for the present readers of mine. My stories may not have come out to light if I am not blogging it here .My apologies to my beloveds for any illogical writings in my stories. I am sure all of you would excuse me. I think I have a lot to tell the world. But I do not know when my laziness captures my pen and spirit. But I resolve to continue as far as possible. My command over my vocabulary and language is not good enough to express my feelings satisfactorily.

Rains are in the vicinity. Hot days of summer may take a retreat soon. My vacation also nearing to an end. Before retuning to my father’s work place may be, I would like to share a couple of joyful times among my cousins and family. Cousin Sisters and elder cousins decided another rendezvous during one of those days. It was decided that we children should cook some food of our own stealthily. If elders notice it they will not allow, because the place we are going to cook meals is not in the kitchen, it is an old barn house where no body comes in the afternoon, as all of them would be having their siesta.So on the adventure day my eldest cousin sister asked us gentlemen to collect some firewood from the compound. So the brusque activity started some stole rice, some brought vegetable from the kitchen garden. Some were on a mission to steal spices from kitchen. Chilies and salt. Mission control was my youngest uncle who was studying in 10th standard. After storing required rice and vegetables, sisters started lighting the oven Firewood was lit with a little kerosene and the cooking began. Water was boiled to cook rice. It was done with care. In another oven pulse was cooked, spices are ground to a fine paste with onion, grated coconut kernel with coriander and red chilies were also added All these spices add ed together with boiled potatoes, tomato and ladies finger. Salt added along with paste of tamarind. Curry seasoned with curry leaves a piece of red chilly and mustard seeds boiled together and sprinkled on top. We all sat on a line and ate our adventurous meal. It was tasted very well and still I can recollect aromatic taste of it
.taste of self-help is wonderful.

Next, I remember about my first movie that I had seen during my holidays. My Persian uncle was interested in taking us for a movie as the rain is approaching soon. In those days, there were no permanent cinema halls in our village. there used to be a touring cinema theatre in our village. They used to come to Elappulli during every summer and move away to another place where there are no rains. Those touring theatres were called Talkies, because cinema was just stepped up into talking cinemas from its silence. SoThey used to call the halls they conduct cinema shows as Talkies. In those days, Malayalam movies were very rare. Most of the movies that came for exhibition was Tamil movies .I do not see much of a change in the basics of movie. It will have a story line, then some songs, dialogue. Most of them were romantic stories of kings and queens There will be a hero, a heroine and a villain. A climax and lots of melodrama added together was a typical Tamil movie. Even now I do not see much of a change in their Story line. Malayalam movies are considered one of the bests in India now. It is being recognized all around the world for its artistry and directorship. ADOOR GOPALAKRISHNAN. ARAVINDAN. JOHN ABRAHAM, SHAJI KIRAN is some of the names who are being remembered as cream of Malayalam cinema.

The cinema hall was about a kilometer away from our house. In those days, short distances are covered by walking. Moreover, people liked walking. Therefore, we all decided to walk to the talkies, including grandma. My uncle secured first class tickets for all of us. Although, it is first class the seating arrangements are poor, there were a sort of twin wooden sofa’s with out any cushions. It was considered exclusive for the socially high ups of society. Entire family occupied the enclave. The theatre was a long shed roofed with dry coconut palm leaves and hay on top of it. Interior was decorated with white cloth on sealing and coloured gilt paper. There was a cheap chandelier and bare electric bulbs with out any shades as I have not seen a cinema hall before. I thoroughly enjoyed the place. The entire floor was covered by spreading river sand. An old Tamil song was blazing loudly. In the sound, all other sounds were submerged. Close communication was impossible. Altogether, I enjoyed the whole scenario. Movie was quite boring with innumerable classical songs. Only interesting part was a packet full of shelled peanuts for all and occasional tea and roasted millet that my uncle bought for us. We children had a nice sleep occasionally waking us up with bed bug bite that squeezed our blood by the time the movie was over. Movie was over by about 10 pm and we sleep walked all the way back to home. My grandma was very comfortable, and was talking and laughing all the way back holding my little hand. After wards, I had been to this cinema hall several times when I was a student in elementary and high schools in Elappulli. As I had to shift my studies in later part of my life. Those stories may be revealed later when I go further ahead with my stories.

Another week passed with out much memorable activities except that I had an opportunity to visit my aunt’s paddy fields nearby. She is the only auntie who was not at home during my vacation. One day Chami asked me come along as he was going to plough a piece of land in our paddy fields. He was carrying a wooden plough while guiding two bullocks to the field. After reaching the land, he put a yoke on the neck of the cattle while fixing the plough to the earth with a liver to hold. I looked at Chami with wonder while appreciating the swiftness in leading the cattle to plough. Far ahead, some of the paddy fields were already covered in green silky paddy sprouts, a sea of green plants were making waves continuously as breeze passes by. An occasional jumping and flutter of wings of cranes made the scenery so beautiful that words are not enough to describe the feeling I got while I was sitting on the ridge.

On my way back home Chami did not, talk much as he seemed tired. On reaching home discouraging news draw my attention, which we are planning to leave in a couple of day to my father’s work place. There was bit of news to rejoice too. My father’s aunty will accompany us to Mananthawadi. As she has no body to look after her since her husband had died very early when she was young. I was glad to see her with us and started calling her grandma. I hope to continue my stories in the next installments.
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Handwriting (not a poem just loud thoughts)
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It is very difficult to write some thing,
with an ink pen now a day.
They all have disappeared turned obsolete.
Dot or ball pens ruled for a while,
had to give way to micro tipped gel refills.
Quill pens made way for long nib steel pens,
who demanded an inkpot ready for a dip.
Fountain pens with iridium tipped nibs did not last.
Handwritings became illegible.
Transcription books are pre-historic!
Only doctors scribble, readable only by a pharmacist.
Love letters are never written.
Messages of love sent by “SMS’’.
through scrolling bottom on TV screens,
a full declaration for viewing public.
romantics from pink of heart
Spilling onto a perfumed pink paper,
with a’ Parker’ is no more.
Laptops took over letter pads.
Speeches written in e-notebooks
Writers use ‘Word’ ‘n spell check.
Wall posters fall to flexes of time.
Wallpapers are not any more in China.
Mao Tse Tung thoughts flash in e-brains.
Patented e-thoughts globalize in china
Children learn alphabets on a play comp.
Handwritings are memories of past.
Calligraphy is an ancient art form.
Fate of Hieroglyphics repeats again.

Oh, my god I want to write with my pen again.
Do not take away my free hand art of writing!
Did you hear death of typewriters and Pitman’s shorthand?
Yes world is getting rickety rattling.
My blue letter pad still waiting unwritten.
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MY STORIES Continue----- My first Photograph taken.
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After Malayalam New year celebrations, there was another surprise waiting for me.As I had stated I have three direct uncles, maternal uncles all are younger to my mother.Two of my uncles are studying, one, completed his secondary school class 12, studying Typewriting, and short handwriting. As college, education was not accessible to everyone, most of the Kerala lads learned to become stenographers. Moreover, secured good jobs in government and other corporate. During that time, it was wise to learn stenography and migrate to north India for jobs. There are quite a few to name who became famous in India during British regime and post ndependence. One of the famous was Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru’s personal secretary and stenographer Mr. Mathai and another famous man was Mr. V.P Menon, who drafted a famous document for merger of Local Kingdoms of India, which was numbered about 600. Many corporate heads and chief executives still now having stenographers from Kerala. My eldest uncle also studied same course and secured a job in Gray Mackenzie and company in Bahrain, with the help of his elder sister and brother-in-law. I call him Gopi Uncle and younger one Krishna and youngest Nanu. My grandma had taken special care in bringing up her sons, as they have to take care of the family.

It is learned that Gopi uncle also is coming on vacation. This news brought additional joy for our family and especially for grandma. she made special arrangements to receive him as he being the first male child of her and family. More over it is commendable about him that he supported his mother during her struggle days for existence and bringing up her family with respect. Grandma often spoke of Gopi uncle that he was a very sweet boy with pleasing manners and undemanding, unassuming nature. He often helped her in distributing milk to nearby houses before leaving for his school. After securing a job he supported his family by sending money every month. I have not seen my uncle yet as he was not at home when I was born. Therefore, I was curious about him.

One fine morning household was very busy early in the morning. Grandma was very active, giving instructions to her daughters and servants. Special dishes were under preparation. Grandma remembers his likes and dislikes. At last putting an end to our waiting and anxiety a taxi arrived at the gate. A plumb good-looking man with white complexion stepped out of the car. Oh, it was my uncle. He was very handsome and was smiling at us. My grandma ran crying up to him and hugged him passionately. I never had seen my grandma so emotional and crying. It was tears of happiness. All sisters. Brothers, nieces, and nephew have formed a circle around him. He was very happy. I looked at him with shyness and reservation. He touched my cheek and asked something I could not reply. After breakfast and usual family joy, he opened his big trunk box and distributed presents to all his sisters and brothers-in-laws. Children got toys and sweets I got a lead pencil with an eraser at the end, I liked it as it got a beautiful colour and i was holding a pencil for the first time. In those days children of my age are not allowed to write on papers, we had to use a slate made of thin Cuddappa(Graphite) rock fixed in a wooden frame. So Pencil was a treasure for me to possess. Next important aspect about my vacation as I remember was an offering for my Grandpa on his death anniversary. It is customary and tradition to pay homage and special offerings to ancestors and ancestors. According to Hindu scriptures, the departed souls live in a place called “Pithru Lokam” they will be there about 4 years before they take another body by birth. Therefore, Hindu believes that death is nothing but a beginning of an end. Journey continues through several births and and deaths through innumerable bodies. Before being born as as a human being a man has to travel through eight hundred and forty thousand various bodies, and to receive salvation one has to go though several millions of births and deaths as a human being. In this or her life as a human, his own Karma makes him to take birth in the lower species of animals and creatures again. Therefore, that is the reason why sages insist that man should work hard for his salvation when he is born as a human being. God has given super intelligence only to human in order to achieve this ultimate goal.

One day evening Chami (servant boy) called me to go along with him to market as he is going to buy some poultry and a goat for grandpa’s death anniversary function. I readily accompanied him stealthily as my father would never approve me going along with him. That to fetch a goat and poultry. However, I managed to skulk and went along with him.Cattle market was very busy. Shuts and whiplashes could be heard from long distance.I could not imagine what was happening there. When reached there I found that it is not an inviting place to be seen. Floor was full of cow dung and cattle urine was stinking.I thought I made a mistake by coming here. However, I managed to stay along and decided to watch. Chami talked to a broker and made arrangements for the goat and
Chickens. After paying money, we took possession of chickens and a goat. It was a cute looking goat with black and white skin. He looked at me and showed his teeth as if smiling. I gave him some jackfruit tree leaves. He consumed it happily all the way, through. I fed him with banana skin and mango leaves. Chickens were tied togetherwith a rope, was chanting louder bla bla bla in their language.

Next day I got up hearing a deep painful cry of my goat and deep penetrating cry of chickens. I ran out to see what was happening. To my surprise it is all over for goat and chickens. His head was lying apart and chickens were fluttering their wings with a painful cry and shaking legs.. Chami and his assistant was busy skinning goat and processing chickens. I never knew the fate of my short time friends. Although., I was planning all night to feed him next morning with more tasteful leaves and banana skins,
Did not materialize. I was very angry at chami and did not talk to him for few days.In the morning , afternoon and night there were special offerings for grandpas soul With special prayers. After the offerings members of family joined together and enjoyed the dinner with chicken and mutton. I still can hear the painful cry of my goat and chickens.

Another important occasion during my holidays was a family group photo taken by a photographer. My grandma insisted we should have a family photo taken as almost all her children and grand children are present at that time. My uncle arranged a photographer from a town studio. One afternoon by about 3 o clock photographer arrived. We all got ready in our Sunday best. Except one, all of my aunties and uncles were present. Photographer was insisting to hurry as he would not be able to take picture if sun goes down, a row of benches and chairs were arranged. We children had to sit on the front row and elders sat on chairs, with grandma at the middle. Youngster and uncles Were standing on the benches in between standing were sisters with their small babies in hand. I sat with my sister and next to Suni chichi. She was wearing a very beautiful dress and her perfume was very sweet. My sister was sitting near me, changed her mind and rushed to my mother as she wanted to be with her. So she had to carry her. I observed the camera with wonder. It was a huge one with a squire plate at the back. Photographer was very active as if he was operating a very complicated machine. I thought I would like to be a photographer when I grow up.. Finally the snap was taken, and my sister was crying at the time so I looked back to see what was happening. When the photo was received I found my head turned to right side. It was a wonderful experience. I think, that photo might me lying in one of my uncles family albums. I often craved to see my childhood picture but it is not available any where. I think I wrote enough for the reader this time. Please drop me a line if I am inflicting and thrusting with my Blog. Until then.
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When my new cousins arrived, days during my holiday started flying. When they came The Pandora boxes they had brought was hiding several things which I had never seen so far anywhere. All the things they had fished our of their trunk boxes were wonderful
and nice several toys cars, jeeps, busses toys of uniformed policemen, toy stethoscope, and a tricycle. It especially brought to my attention with a cute bell on it. My cousins who are the owners of it did not allow anybody to touch it. However, my other cousins took liberty and stole several rides to their hearts wish. The cycle bell was wonderful as it was very east to ring it by just turning the cup. All their things were great and looking fresh. Although, I wished if I could ride it for some time did not materialize until my vacation is over, as I was hesitant to use some ones toys with out his permission. So my desire subsided as days moved. I do not know I am repeating about electricity. At Mananthavadi, there was not electricity in our home. So in our house in the villages was connected to electricity that was another wonder for me to acknowledge. After tricycle, another item that I had seen was an electric iron box, fan and a radio. All those wonderful things made my eyes glitter with awe. I thought those kids are far superior to me as they could use it smartly. Radio was a very inspiring gadget for me to look. I never had a clue how it works. My cousins smartly switched it on and off by turning a knob. I knew I never will have a chance to own, one like that in the near future and it would cost a fortune and my father will never be able to possess one. In few days my other cousins became experts on using tricycle and radio, as I did not touch both items I lagged behind and remained very ignorant. For using radio and cycle stealthily with out my Malaysian cousins knowledge invited severe punishments for them, and they regretted for touching it. I looked it observed it and never touched any.

I switched on our own radio after 13 years when I was aged 19. That also we got it with some financial help from grandma. The radio was a local make having a three-band system. The day we decided to buy a radio I could not sleep until it was really brought home. My father and I went to the show room. Shopkeeper explained merits of the radio we are going to have. With full of thrill and anxiety we reached with the carton and, unpacked. An electrician was called home and he fixed antenna, was something like long copper mesh which he tied inside our front hall. I waited for the evening for switching on and listen to local programmes, especially film music. During that time there was a cricket match going on in Australia, between India and Australia, Nawab Pataudi was the captain of the Indian team. The match took place during nighttime in India and it would continue until following morning. My interest for hearing commentary on cricket match did not last long as my father did not approve of me wake up all night and not only disturbing others but also making the radio wearout, because of long time usage. Moreover, I had some of my friends too joining me to listen to commentary and could not say” no “to them. It was very difficult for my father to approve. On hearing a nice mouth lash by my father next day morning, I decided to stop using the radio and went on with my business of learning the score from the evening and morning news.

This writeup about radio in this blog is incidental, as I have to go back to my childhood stories again. Days went on smoothly, slowly relationships with my rich cousins also improved a lot, especially I had no complaints about them and they also was cordial as I did not touch any of their gadgets unless they forced me. My younger cousin Saru was very fond of me and we played often together. I remember she gave me a pencil sharpener and a Blue leafed letter pad, which I had kept safely until my college days. All of them considered superior to us as they were speaking English fluently and mothers, sisters and co brothers, all patronized them well by refereeing their skill in speaking English at a young age.

Most of afternoons we all spent time outside the house under the shades of coconut and other household trees. We boys started playing a game, which was quite new to me and I was not fit enough to play that game as I was still a small boy. The play requires your skill to climb on a tree quickly, which I do not posses at that time. The play called”Marakkolattam”. Any number of players can participate. A lot will select one boy, he is responsible to begin the play, as soon as he counts number one to twenty. In the mean time, all other children have to run and climb the tree. After finishing count, he will have to climb up the tree and touch one of other monkeys. In the mean time, any one of boys has to touch a stick that is kept under the tree in a circle. If any one touches the stick, the same process have to begin again, the odd boy has to count gain. If he is successful in catching any one, will have to go and start counting. In addition, the previous boy can join the side. Although, it is a sort of dangerous play, we all liked it. For the same reason it invited attention of elders and they come out of their siesta, scold, and lash us often with a tiny cane. Cousin Sisters were often responsible for informing elders.
However, we thoroughly enjoyed every day by playing in the pond in the household compound or visit to nearby temples and fighting with each other for some silly things, which was very important at that time. One of my cousins was very particular to have his meal in a new plate so; he used to hide all the new plates that were kept out for the new comers. Some times the quarrel shall be on such matters.

As I had stated there April 14 is approaching, New Year day in Northern parts of Kerala.This time all co-brothers with uncles decided to shop for the celebration. chami followed them carrying a big bamboo basket. My self some how managed to accompany them.
They bought fruits and vegetable then new clothes for all. The important item that we children looked forward to was firecrackers, coloured firelighters, and coloured sparkers.In addition, there was another kind of cracker like a shirt button, which cracks when hit with a hammer. All these things were novelty for me as I had been seeing it for the first time.On thirteenth night head of family arranges images of lord Krishna and all fresh fruits and vegetables be arranged beautifully in front of the deity. There will gold and coins in a plate. A mirror is kept reflecting all these things on it. A brass oil lamp will be lit on the next day morning. The idea for this arrangement is to view all the things in the mirror
So that the whole year will be happy and prosperous. Next day at dawn head of family will rise from the bed, view arranged auspicious things through the mirror, and he will call one by one according to seniority and age. They will not see any thing before they see these arrangements through mirror. After everyone finishes viewing of the divine Offerings, the head of family calls everyone and hands over a silver coin as a gift.Similarly, each elder ones in the family would give a coin to members of family Usually nobody spends this money as it is given as a lucky present. It will be kept in the purse for good luck.

There is a philosophical side for viewing arrangements. This whole world is like a reflection on mirror and all the things we possess and see out side are just perishable One must be discriminate while using the possessions we have.

We children all join at the front yard to crack the crackers in view of the celebrations. Every one joins in enjoying fire works. After the bath and Wearing new clothes women will be busy preparing break fast and feast for the after noon. I think I conclude my blog here leaving a big part for the next installment.
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MY SPORIES CONTINUE--- MY MALAYASIAN COUSINS
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There is a famous Novelist and short story writer in Malayalam language, (my mother tongue) His name is Sri.M.T.Vasudevan Nair. There are many feathers attached to his cap As a Novelist, short story writer, journalist, editor, columnist, screen play writer Film director, His profile is so big that at this juncture it is not possible to devote much words on him as I would be deviating form the subject He is a versatile personality now in his 70’s living as a social elite in Kerala. He had written a Novel called “NAALUKETTU’’It is a story about a community In Kerala called Nairs.Who was mostly landowners at that time and the society was based in a joint family system. Nairs used to be warriors on service of Kings and rulers of ancient kerala. In appreciation of the service done they used to get favors from the rulers by tax-free land transferred in their name by the kings. In later years, they became property owners and had given the lands for tenancy, and crops sharing. Luxury and easy way of life turned them lazy, and tenants took their lands, pushing them into poverty.

“ Nlukettu” is a style of house construction that prevailed before Britishers colonized in India. This unique architectural style was popular in Kerala.it has an intermixture of Science, social, cultural and spiritual background. As stated before in my previous blog The house has four wings facing north, south, east and west. There will be two entrances one at the front with a roofed gate and a back gate. All the four roofs of the house will join in a central courtyard, which will be open at the top, so that sun and moon lit, stars, air and rainfall do not escape touching the courtyard of the house. The entire nature peeps into your home gracing the texture of living. On the front portion on the right side, there will be a raised platform. Edges of the floor are laden with polished wooden planks, where guests can sit. I do not want to go into details of the architectural styles as I am afraid that story of my story shall be stale. So let me return to my vacation.

After the breakfast we all children when out to play. The sun was dripping fire, as it was April. I met all of my cousins and became friends. There are some more cousins to come on vacation; they are coming from Malaysia, sisters of Maniyettan. .they all will arrive before April 14, as it is a New Year day for some people in Kerala. I looked forward to the prospects of celebrating” Vishu” New year day along with my grandma and cousins. My Malaysian cousins and their parents are on their way sailing in a ship.During that time long haul, flights were rare and people could not afford the cost. Therefore, passenger ships transported people across world. My grandma was very thrilled when she got the telegram about their arrival plans. There were only five days left for their arrival. So she became very busy in arranging the house for her rich son-in-law and daughter. She made special cleaning and white washed whole house. The beds and pillows were Stacked and cleaned by putting it under sun light. Cots got a fresh coat of varnish.Making everything in order she relaxed and waited for their arrival.

Second day of my reaching there at Elappulli, my village, I made it a point to see and Observe all the places I could. Therefore, I made friendship with our servant boy and he took me to all places that he went on errands. That evening we went for shopping vegetables. There was a Friday market in the village selling vegetable and other homemade items. farmers and traders from nearby villages assembled at a particular place in the local governing body ground called “Panchaayath” there was permanent sheds constructed for touring village market. By evening five o, clock our servant boy ‘Chami’ Wore his best half trousers and cotton shirt carrying a big bamboo basket ready for vegetable shopping duty. He approached Grandma for money and instructions for
purchase. She had already prepared a list of items required for that weeks cooking. With permission from grandma, I went along with him. Our house was located on a hilltop surrounded by slops of rock formation. Therefore, chami took my hands while walking, so that I will not fall by slipping on water logged moss formations. We reached the market by a fifteen minutes walk. Oh! It was like a huge carnival place hawkers and merchants shouting at the top of their voices announcing prices of each item loudly. Chami roamed all around the market and asked prices items, but did not buy any. Later I learned from that it was a check on prices, so that the regular trader from whom he buys regularly would not cheat him. I liked the place, as it was a whole lot to offer for my vision. Fresh vegetable are stocked in a certain order. People come to buy several items like Cucumber, ladies finger, Brinjal, pulses, green chilly, radish, beetroot, cabbage, ground nuts, yam, beans, ripe tomatoes, potatoes everyitng was neatly stacked. On other side
Cooking utensils pottery small house hold items like broom, sweep, mirrors etc.The entire village was assembled there. Irrespective of class creed or status. on one side, meat and chicken were on sale. Dried fish was another item that everybody buys. There are some special varieties available including shark, sardine, etc were dried and sold there. I was not interested in fish. I am a vegetarian. My grandma likes to eat fish and chiken.dried fish was bought for her.

Last item of purchase was a stick candy for me. It was like a pink and white stick. It tasted good and sweet. Another item Chami offered to buy for me was cotton candy, which I did not like. Another item interested me, was jaggery made out of
Palm tree sap (Palmyra tree). It tasted very good. I enjoyed it very much. After shopping when we reached home, it was late evening. There were many people returning and coming to the market crossing our front gate. Market will continue up to 9 pm. There was another interesting side of the market, which we did not visit, is a cattle market, where cows and bulls were on sale. I was wondering what was happening there, as there was an occasional whiplash in the air, which produces a big sound. Chami was not in a mood to take me there as we were late, and promised to take me there another day.

When we returned my grandma was at the gate talking to a couple of her acquaintances who chanced to pass through our gate .As we reached, she asked me how the market was and enquired what did I buy. I showed Jaggery called Chakkara, then the stick candy etc.
She was happy to advise me to share it with others and left with chami. After some time I heard her asking prices for each items we had bought and quality of it. She calculated the total price and compared the cash. And balance. After arranging everything in order, I found her tipping some money to chami.

Next day the house was in full swing before I got up. My Malaysian cousins, aunty and uncle are coming the day home. There were big arrangements going on. Readying breakfast, cooking meat and fish. At about 9 am an old Morris Minor stopped In front of our house. Family was getting active. All of us ran to the gate including all sisters and grandma and her sons-in-law. Shortly after a big stout man with a full suit Got out of the car, he was dark in coulour and had a big stomach. He had a peculiar moustache, which I found very funny as it was looking like a beetle sitting on his
Upper jaw just below the nose. They call it a Hitler moustache. It was fashionable at that time. He was wearing a gold rimmed spectacle, followed by him was my aunty; she was spectacular in white skin colour very rosy and beautiful like my grandma. She was wearing an expensive Saree (A six feet long cloth that Indian women wear everyday)Her cheeks were pink and very attractive. Followed her were her three children, my cousins, two girls and a boy all of the were wearing fanciful dresses which I never had seen and my best dress was far coarse than the one they were wearing. Girls were looking cute and similar to dolls that I had seen in pictures. They were talking in a language that I never had heard. It was Malay language. They entered home with an air of superiority
Moreover, was looking at us in a sort of wonder. I was not wearing my shirt and one of my trouser slings had fallen down. I think there two horna peeping down my nose because of climatic change.

My grandma and others were busy entertaining new comers. After bath they all assembled in the guest room, when they came out fresh sprinkling smell of Yardley talcum power and Perfumed soap .At that time I had no idea about Yardley and perfumes. I found them smelling good and wearing soft clothes. Children were taken especially for breakfast and, were served with best of food and boiled eggs and fine things. I found Grandma was paying more attention to my Malaysian cousins. Let me call them as Suni, Saru, and Babu. Boy looked younger than me and was wearing a shoe and fine clothes with pictures of animals on his shirt. Soon I realized I was out of place as we tiny creatures were ignored among them. I was sad that my grandma also did not talk to me often as before. Her attention was fully directed towards her newly arrived grandson and grand daughters. After breakfast, my aunty opened big trunk boxes they brought and was distributing presents. My mother got a saree and father was given a pen every one got a present. I got a pair of used shirts and trousers of Babu.I was a quiet observient to surroundings and to my limitations. This helped me a lot in my life. I never demanded any thing from any body even from my father. So to say, I never was interested in all the so-called good things that other children craved to cherish. I never touch anything, which is not mine or I do not have a right to touch it. My other cousins were busy asking many things from my aunty like old pair of shoes and dresses and slippers, somehow I did not liked the idea so I moved around freely in a manner that others did not approve. However, my aunty and grandma were very appreciative and they often took me as an example of my nature. While writing this After long years of my life, I still can be proud to say I do not owe anything to anybody except God. Certain things that I may write later in my future BLOGS could be about my indebtedness to certain persons, that I remember even now.

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MY STORIES—CONTINUE- HOUSEHOLD ACTIVITIES
By SATHEESAN RANGORATH
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Amidst symphony of birds singing, I opened my eyes slowly. Every body was fast asleep It was too early in the morning to get up for a boy like me. I think every body was fast asleep except grandma. Therefore, I decided to go to her. She was happy to find me so early and asked me to sit near, she was reading from the epic called Ramayana. It is a book in verses contain several stanza’s of beautiful verses, about a reincarnated Hindu god, who came to annihilate evil and establish peace, tranquility and righteousness in the world. Like Homer’s epic Odyssey and Melton’s Paradise lost, it is considered one of the greatest poetic works of India. When her children grew up she decided to study scriptures of Hindu religion MAHABAHRATHA’ BHAGAVATHA’ as a spiritual practice. My grandma gets up early in the morning at about four O clocks. Morning hours from three thirty to six o clock in the morning is called “BRAHMA MUHOORTHAM”. During these hours, it is considered very ideal and auspicious time for doing one’s spiritual practices. Ancient sages and masters of India used to do meditation and prayers during the early morning hours. It is a recommended time by Hindu scriptures as well. My grandma kept this practice for practical purposes, as she had to milk her cows. So even after she was well off she kept to her schedule of getting up early and do her daily chorus of milking cows for the family and lighting the firewood oven for the days cooking. Milking of cow requires some special skill; my granny does it well from her years of experience. Before milking done, she cleans the cow shed and cleans the cow dung. Then, calf is taken to her mother, while she feeds her calf; grandma nicely takes over the udder by softening it with a little butter on her fingers. After squeezing milk, she leaves a portion for the calf to be fed again.

The milk is measured and a portion is kept away as she sells it to her neighbors. The rest is for the family, which she boils as a ritual. In every house, fire is lit in the oven by lighting camphor, and then milk is boiled. She makes her special tea by adding a lot of milk and specially blended tealeaves. She prefers tea made of tealeaves instead of tea dust. Whenever I am with her, I used to get her special tea. I still can feel its taste. After tea, she brushes her teeth with ground charcoal, pepper, and salt, .then she chews a bit of mango leave to clean her tongue. After taking bath, she lights an oil lamp with wick in it
in the prayer room. Smell of incense rise in the air welcoming a graceful morning. when I got up she had completed half of her morning chores as she was found reading from the scriptures. Now she is ready for an elaborate pleasure of her’s chewing betel leaves with Aricanut and lime. She also chews raw tobacco, in order to ward of her toothaches. I watched her so closely and could not take my eye off her with wonder. Giving a pat on my back, she left for kitchen to supervise her daughters preparing breakfast.

By six o, clock in the morning almost all the members of the family gets up. After brushing the teeth, tea is served. For children and women tea will be sweetened with jaggery (Raw sugar). For men tea is mixed with white regular sugar. There are certain privileged children in the family, they also will be given tea with sugar, because their parents are well off and they are considered creams of the family

After tea, small children will be playing or crying for nothing. Elder ones shall be mastering in the art of naughty actions or irritating other children. some of my cousins would regularly run to several mango trees in the compound to see some ripe mangoes are fallen Each mango tree has been code named with some sweet names according to tastes of mangoes. Some of my cousins are expert tree climbers; they climb up, to pluck some mangoes. Some one shall be visiting under the cashew nut trees from where they collect raw cashew nuts, which will used to play a game or used as cash in exchange for some other novelties like goose berry or match box stickers.

At 7 am. Ladies in the house get ready for their daily bath and laundry work. They join and collect all the cloths for washing. This will be done in the family pond, which is in the compound not far from the house. Like a ritual, each will be carrying a bundle of clothes they will be accompanied by female children of all ages, my cousin sisters. their hair will be sticky with coconut oil, which they apply regularly before bath. It is the secret of their long black hair. Women take this opportunity to have little conversations and some gossips which they very much love to discuss.

Male children usually follow the adults who will be Co-brothers and uncles. The elder children they run fast in order to capture strategic places in the pond, so that they can dive and swim freely. They do it daily, and would often invite some punishments from my grandma who watches them carefully so they that they would not spend more time in the water> if someone bends the rule she will be waiting at the gate with a cane, and sure to get one or two sweet candy with cane.

Next in the agenda is breakfast. Usually items for breakfast will consist of three items. One will be the regular “KANJI” rice cooked in water like porridge, served with chilly tamarind and salt paste called “Chammandhi” or Rice Cakes served with ground green chilly and coconut kernel mixed with salt. Previous days balance of cooked rice put in water and eaten with curd and chilly or pickles also serves as breakfast item. Although, all these are available for breakfast, no choice is provided in availing the items as it is also classified according to financial status of the children. It may sound a bit strange but it had to be done, as not every one in the family can be provided with fine food as members are in large numbers, so this classification is done to please the parents of the children who provide financially for the family.

Around 8.30 children will have their breakfast. by this time, adult members of the family will be ready for breakfast, who will have rice cake and tea. Then women eat. My grandma will be last person to have breakfast in the family. It is also a practice of hers to give a piece of rice cake to all her grandchildren who are nearby, we children will make sure that we are near her at the time of her breakfast.She would end up with eating nothing except her Horllicks.

My first day at home was wonderful. I met about 12 of my cousins there. some of them were very young some were elder to me some were very senior to me. One of my elder cousin sisters made me feel comfortable with her. Although, she was much older to my age, we established a good rapport; she was studying in eight Th standard and second sister of Maniyeattan, who was with us In Mananthawady. Her name Suneeta, who took me to various places in the household. My grandma’s house was a very big house. That type of construction is known as “NAALUKETTU’’ . It has a peculiar architectural style known and famous in Kerala. The clay tile roofed house has four wings and a roofed gate. Roofed gate also is particular style in Kerala. Four winged house has two entrances one at the front and other at the back. On the entrance on the right hand, side there is a raised platform type sit-out. Here it is used for entertaining guests and serves as a podium for performing offerings and dances, especially performed in Kerala. There are many type of dances performed here Most famous one is known as KATHAKALI. (An ancient dance form performed as Dance Drama usually performed by men) then there is another form called MOHINIYATTAM (performed mainly by women and girls) there is another form of dance called THIRUVAATHIRA KALI (Performed by women of all ages) I shall go in detail s in the coming Blogs.

Suneetha chechi (Chechi is word used to show respect to elder sisters) was beautiful and with white complexion and long hair and wide eyes made more beautiful by applying, a homemade eye makeup made out of carbon by burning cotton wick dipped in gin jelly oil
Then smoke is collected in a clean clay pot. The same is mixed in refined caster oil. It is made regularly by women in Kerala for their eye makeup.

More stories follow in the next Blog. I have note completed my notes about NAALUKETTU AND DANCES.,I SHALL WRITE ABOUT IT IN NEXT BLOGS.
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MY STORIES—CONTINUE- My grandma
BY SATHEESAN RANGORATH

After a long bus and train journey, we were tired and were not in a mood to enjoy the shower of love from my grandma and my aunties. I have six aunties and three uncles from my mother’s side all the aunties were married and having several children.At that time, I was having about twenty-five cousins. Now the number is increased to hundreds their children and grand children are in the family. If we all join that will be enough crowds for a marriage or celebration. My grandma was a brave woman. Grandpa was a good farmer and was looking after the farming of the joint family. At that time, he was running a good business too. Unfortunately, I have not seen my grandpa as he had died at a young age due to small pox. After his death, the control of farming was taken over by next heir to the joint family. It is often a miserable story for the wife and children of the deceased, as they will not be treated well due to greed and selfishness of the successor. If the new head of family were kind enough then widow and children would be looked after respectfully well otherwise, their life will be pathetic. Children will be ill-treated and forced to work hard with out proper education. Fortunately, my grandpa had constructed a house of his own for grandma that saved her from depending on the joint family for all her needs
Soon after grandpa’s death family started using her in place of maidservant, which she did not like and decided to move away to the small house that my grandpa had built for her. With her seven teenage daughters and three boys who were studying in their lower classes. Eldest two daughters were studying in seventh and eight classes. During that time, it is a rarity among girls to study more. Most of them stop their education in the fifth standards. Fortunately, before dying my grandpa had arranged marriage for two of his eldest daughters, one of the fiancées were working in Air Force and the second fiancé was employed in Federation of Malaysian states (FMS). My grandma took initiative and married her daughters as arranged by borrowing money from her husband’s friends. She also bought two buffalos. By milking the buffalos, she made enough income for the family’s day today needs. Her eldest son took the milk to near by houses before leaving
for school.. by the time her eldest son graduated from the school she had had married her six daughters to various working men, most of them were teachers one was a stenographer in a foreign shipping company and another farmer and a third one an estate manager in Malaysia. Her son’s in-Laws were very considerate and helped the family in its bad times. It was during the 1940 s. second world war had broken out. Its impact was severe in the family as the scarcity was ruling the world all over. Those Who were agriculturists, had at least enough food for them to feed their children. In Grandmother’s case, it was a very pitiable time, as she had to look after a big family.With six girls. She often used to narrate stories of her time relating to her miseries.
Family had food only one time that too boiled rice with a lot of water in it (We call it in local language “KANJI” Boiled Moringa leaves with salt and green chilies was another luxury during that time... Every thing was distributed through rationing. Money was in short supply and purchasing power was poor. Some how my grandma managed the affairs of the family. My mother used to tell a story of her marriage during this time.She never had a second change of cloth or under garment during her marriage. She had to borrow her sister’s dress for her marriage as wedding finery. There was no jewellery for her to wear.

My grandma was a beautiful woman; a five feet six stout, even during her sixties, she was looking very cute Wheat complexioned with smooth skin. She had long dark hair, which she used to tie In a particular fashion that fall down to her, back. She had wide eyes and s beautiful eyebrows. While laughing her dimples opened prominent. She used to wear a golden beaded Chain, which her son bought for her when he got his first salary. She used to wear a five studded nose ring and her ear lobes were bigger, falling down to her neck on both sides.During those times, respectable women used to grow their ear lobe holes bigger so that they can put a golden stud fit in nicely. That was the fashion during that time. On her fore head, she used to apply vermillion dot after her paryers. by chewing betle leaves with aricanut and line her lips turned red having peculiar shade.She was so majestic that I used to watch her with love and affection. She was a great lady. I had a special place in her mind which I may discuss later.

After reaching home my mother completely disappeared in to the crowd of her sisters.She was busy talking and chatting with her sisters. My self and sister were lonely at that moment of time as we both were seeing many children as our cousins. Many of then had their supper and was retiring to their bed. We were a bit shy too in being mingled with them. Strangely, my sister stayed with me completely as she had no alternative. My father was also busy chatting with his co-brothers. One thing I under stood it is going to be a memorable vacation as I have a lot of prospect to explore and exploit form the Surrounding of my village. I already started to like all my cousins. I was also not in a mood to be introduced to them right away, as I was dead tired.

After supper, we went to bed in a room, which had a wooden sealing. The cot had decorative art work on head rest and legs are carved in beautiful designs> I never Been on cot and cotton filled bed before as we used to sleep on the floor in Mananthawady. Therefore, that itself was a wonder for me.That night I slept well dreaming about the valley and waterfalls of Western Ghats that
We had travel all the day through. I imagined about the monkeys that I had seen,On the way. Was wondering what they might be doing. I thought about the beautiful night sky and mist of mananthwadi. Forest and plantations drenched in moonlit in addition, fireflies fly allover wildly. Then I head the howling of wolfs and foxes that I used to listen during night when I was in bed. I remember how I clutched on to my pillow when I heard peculiar sound of owl’s cry. Al though I missed those things but prospects of a new day pushed me into deep sleep.
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