New Year Wishes

Pic by Jeevan

புத்தம் புது வாசமாய் 
பூக்கட்டும் ஓர் பொன்னான வருடம் ...

The fresh fragrance
fascinate everywhere
flourish a golden year .

அனைவருக்கும் என் இனிய புத்தாண்டு வாழ்த்துகள் 

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year – 2013: Best wishes for a brilliant future J

கடல் - கவிதை விமர்சனம் / Poetic review

மீண்டும் மீண்டும் மூழ்க தூண்டும்  'கடல்' 

'நெஞ்சிக்குள்ள'  என்னமோ வசியம்  செஞ்ஜோ
'மூங்கில் தோட்டம், மூலிகை வாசம்'
மனம்மெல்லாம் வீசும்
'இதுபோதும் எனக்கு இதுபோதுமே'  

கரைதட்டிய  கப்பல், ஈர்பது போலே
இந்த 'கடல்' விரித்த வலையில்
விழுந்த 'என்ன, எங்கே கூட்டி போற'
'அடியே... அடியே…’
'என்ன எங்கே நீ கூட்டி போற'.

இந்த கடல் அரிப்பு, இதமா
புல் மிது  பணிந்த பனி போல்
பரவசமா, 'சித்திரை நிலா' நிழல்
கடலில் வந்து விழுந்தாடும்
விதம், அழகுக்கு ஓர் இலக்கணம்.

இதுபோதும் எனக்கு இதுபோதுமே
வேறென்ன வேணும் 'கடல்' போதுமே 

Inductive to sink recurrently into ‘sea’
playing something philter ‘into heart’;
‘bamboo garden, herbal fragrance’
winds allover the heart
‘it’s enough for me, and it is enough.’

Like the ship tapped aground, attracts
on the expanded sea web
trapped me, ‘where are u taking along?’
‘Hey… Sea…’
‘Where are you taking me?’

The itching of the ‘sea’ warms
or of the dew on the grasses
rapture, the ‘May moon’ shadow
fall and dance into the ocean
was, literary beautiful.

This is enough for me, and it is enough.’
What else I need more, than the ‘sea’?

Footnote:

The poem was inspired by the 'Kadal' songs: Kadal (Sea) is a Tamil film directed by ace director Mani Rathnam and music by the Oscar winner AR.Rahman.  The words I brought into the quotation marks are derived from the song lyrics, almost the first line. The songs of Kadal drive me quite merrily under pleasure and I’m listening to it every day and before heading to bed, it causes some comfort and peace to heart. 

சூரியன் / Sun

Pic by Jeevan

மலை முகடுகளில்

மெல்ல விழித்த சூரியன்
இதமாய் மிதமாய்
இதயம் வருடியது. 

நிழலுக்கு ஒளியாய்
மத்திய வேலையில்
விண்ணை தொட்ட உற்சாகத்தில்
சுட்டெரித்த  சூரியன். 

மாலை வந்ததும்
களைத்த கனிவுடன்
கனிந்த பழமாய்
மெல்ல விழுந்தது மண்ணில்.

On the mountain ridges
sun wakes up slowly
pleasantly and temperately
scanned the heart.

Like a light for the shadow
on mid-day hours
in high spirit of touching the sky
the sun burnt.

Back in evening
in fatigue gentleness
like a ripe fruit
slowly fall to the ground.

கடல் அம்மா / Marine Mom

Pic by Jeevan (cick to enlarge)

ஏ கடல் அம்மா

உன்  சிறுபிள்ளை  நங்கள்
மடியில் தவழும் பிள்ளைக்கு
நீ  கள்ளிப்பால்  ஊட்டலாமா?    

தாலாட்டு பாடிய அலைகள்
ஓசையின்றி  ஒப்பாரிவைகலாமா?
கதைகள் கற்பிக்காத பிம்பம்
கண்ணிமைக்குள் மூழ்கியதே 

தான் விரித்த வலைக்கு
தானே இரையான கோரம் 

வாழ்வளிக்கும்  வள்ளல் நீயே 

உயிர்  பசி ஏனோ?

சுனாமி என்னும் அரக்கனை அனுப்பி
வதம் செய்வதேனோ ?
கண்ணீர் சிந்த யாருமின்றி 

கொன்றுகுவித்து விட்டானே .

A marine mom
we are your child,
how could u feed venom
to a kid crawling on the lap?

The lullaby sung waves
how become quiet threnody?
The stories untaught simulacrum
submerged into the eyelids.

To the expanded web
to become a victim of horror
being a brought up philanthropist
why hunger for life?

Sent a monster tsunami
why you slew?
To no one to shed tears
he killed everyone to hump.

P.S. A tribute to tsunami victims, wrote from a fishermen’s perspective. 

My Christmas tree

I and my mom setup this tree today, decorating with bells, balls, starts and tying ribbon and serial led bulbs. If there’s something that fascinates me always about the Xmas was the Christmas tree and sharing of gifts. Beyond belief and religion, Christmas is a cheerful festival of perhaps celebrated by kid to oldie, cherishing the warmth of togetherness, against the cold hug of winter. I always wish to be a part of this celebration which illuminates the spirit of entire sphere. 

I’m tying stars for nearly a decade now and the Xmas tree was brought only last year, after put a great plea at parents. Anyhow, wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Into the wild - Mudumalai

About 10 in morning we were waiting at the Ooty Collectorate, on the recommendation of one of dad’s friend to get official permission to enter the Avalanche forest to led up to Upper Bavani backwaters and dam. But our bad chance the DFO had been on off-duty that day and being promised by the officers to get permission for next day, we decided to check the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary which is about 60km from Ooty, which we have planned for other day.

I have passed Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve couple of times over visiting Mysore and one of it at night; but this was on a bright summer day last year and it was such hot as soon we climbed down the hills from the very pleasant weather at Ooty. The cold breeze was brushing us against seeking some warmth while waiting for the response at collector office, which has some tall pine trees adding some more chillness.

We had some wonderful sightseeing driving down the winding road, stopping here and there for some shots and the above photo was on a small lake-come-check dam we passed and being summer, there isn't much water in any lakes or dams around the Nilgiri. While the condition on hills where like that, the plains doesn't need explain. But it was incredible hot even at Gudalur above 1000m MSL and we spent some time there getting our lunch packs and moved into the wildlife sanctuary, welcomed by an arch.

A part of our drive into the sanctuary was under scorching sun and we couldn't find an animal until reaching the Theppakadu – the head of the sanctuary, where the tourist activities hold around. Since it was summer and prevailing to drought, the sanctuary was closed for visitors taking safari and staying at their forest guest houses. We decided to drive on the National Highways that cut across this National Park, until the Tamil Nadu State boarder and while driving back to Theppakadu we found an adult bison (Indian Gaur) climbing down a mound, apart grazing.

The bison moved like a boulder, imposing to muscular body. It was the only so wild animal we found other than spotted deer and Gray Langurs. We also come across a Kumki (tamed elephant), carrying some green bushes in-between the tusk and trunk, drive by a mahout sitting on its top. During the month of Nov-Dec, the state government conducts refreshing camp in Mudumalai, which brings many temple elephants from across state to the permanent elephant camp in Theppakadu. But only this year the camp was shifted to the bank of Bavani River near Mettupalaiyam, to avoid giving trouble to elephants drive through Ghat Roads.

Even the wildlife sanctuary’s safaris are closed for visitors; there are number of private jeeps available to take us around the park, by certain routes allotted for them. But avoiding them, we head to Masinagudi. My bro had been there for two times and befriend with a jeep driver, so we called him to stay up there who was on a safari and before he arrives we had our lunch on the outskirts of Masinagudi and also drive up to Singara, looking for animals on either sides of the road.  Singara is where the Pykara Hydroelectric Power Plant is located, which brings water through pipes from GlenMorgan Lake at a height of about 1000 meters.

I know it wasn't easy for me to board a jeep, but wished to see what type of jeep it was and convenient by chance. Regrettably the jeep doesn't show any kind towards me carrying on, unlike the jeep guide who comes forward to take us via roadways in our SUV. The wear out tires refused to give me even that chance because it may take us through rough terrain.

For the back drive we took the road from Masanakudi to Ooty, which is an endanger route to drive past sharp hairpin bends and road climbing steep. Initially we took this route way back in 1997 to reach Mysore, unaware it’s endanger then we never took it later and only this time that too for climbing up and not down. The friend who drove the car was an experienced one and has been taken this route early once, decided to make a very careful drive and safe passage. We stopped at the Kalhatty fall and checked the view point, which shows nothing but a tract of wet rock.

Gray Langur

Before heading to Kotagiri, we made a visit to my friend’s house at Ooty and he being busy with his house under whitewash, we couldn't spend much time and also needed to check with officers at Collectorate about our next day visit to Avalanchi. Gladly we got the permission from the DFO, who was back at office in the evening, it was very exciting how the day gonna break tomorrow leading us to road less travel – which is another venture, for another day to share with you all.

Thank you J

Kumki – Jumbo ride

Expectation is something we can’t avoid, however; even we get frustration sometime going overly anticipating. So was a film was wonderful, the anticipation happens robotically towards the filmmaker’s next venture and there’re only few in the film division whose makeup lives up to the feeling and enhance and embrace close to the heart.

From the time the movie was entitled, the anticipation began; since the movie is based on things I’m passionate about – nature and wild, how can a tamed elephant story become exception? Kumki is a Tamil name for the captive, trained Indian elephants that are used mostly for taming and training of newly captured wild elephants and also to lead away wild elephants that stray into human settlements.

Prabu Solomon, the director of the late fascinating film Mynaa has come up conjoining nature and music side by side, comprising romance and thriller leading the movie to emotional core. Set in a tribal village, which faces the stroke of wild elephant and lose of lives hires a trained elephant to tackle the tusker that threatening their lives and livelihoods; the mahout who falls in love with their tribal girl decided to stay there with his show elephant, which doesn't trained to combat a wild elephant. But how come he manages all in spite of love and venture on tusker; embark on an adventures ride.

The grandson of Sivaji, Vikram Prabu doesn’t let down the pride of greatest actors of all time, portrait as mahout perfectly, conveyed almost inherent of the character that distinctly noticed. Being a debut actor, his unfamiliar face is plus and Lakshmi Menon strikes through her cute expressions even expose to tremble, beholds a perspective native tribe women. The film was throughout fascinating and Thambi Ramaiah does a mainstream humor and character vise manipulate. The head of the tribe village is also a notable character.

There’s a lot to experience in the film which visually treat and sound track creates a vibrant and alive moments esp. the Jog falls sequence was stunning and an ever seen scene shot on the screen. Terrific! I really need to mention about Music, which is the heart beat of the feature film and songs are quite intimate with the scenes and no where it feels off track or disjoined. The scenes related to elephant destruction and battle are created through graphics; but the way u look into the screen will animate and the real elephant Manikam was truly admirable and being the largest land animal, its behaviors are very childish and creates a sympathy over its disposition.

I need to say the Kumki (movie) was completely blissful and worth watching! Get ready for a lovely experience :)

Death

Image courtesy: google

Death is unpredicted 

unlike birth 
which brings hope; 
light at the end of uterus.

Death separates us 
from beloved 
the relationship within body; 
the motion of the immune.

Death is infinite 
and every species dies 
departs from the masses; 
a process that remains mystery.

Death isn't end 
but a lifeless progress 
that ashes remains at soil; 
forever based as sediment.

Death is better 
than sustain injuries 
the mind thoughts oftentimes; 
than living among the relentless.

Chothavilai Beach - isolated

Destination based travel is not my intention but many a time our travel happens around a point of destination, perhaps it’s the way the world chose to lead so and for me, a long distance travel couldn't be solely intended. During my year old visit to Kanyakumari, the southern tip on Indian peninsula, I explored a place isolated from rest of the world view or only few more experienced; a pristine beach with foot imprints clearly visible across the wet and dry sand shore.

Passing the Manakudy – a fishing hamlet on the west coast of Kanyakumari, a narrow road leads alongside the sea and elevated from sea level, the roar of waves were clearly resonate and sounds terrific each time it raise and fall. I hear from a passerby, that waves in Kanyakumari are usually rage and after tsunami its tendency has been disposition. Even the usual sight has been terrific; I couldn't image a giant wave like tsunami cut through the hamlet, with array of houses facing the sea and I also wonder what a life it could be to wake up and sleep expose to stunning sea. That sometime sing lullaby and identically cause shivering while sang through murderous rage – Kolaveri.

The Chothavilai Beach is about 12km from the sacred town – Kanyakumari, and it connects only through an iron bridge near the mouth of river Pazhayar, across Manakudy. The road after the hamlet takes us to the early stage of ECR (east coast road) near Chennai, passing the casuarinas and green palm trees; the beach resembles one of the private beaches off ECR. The beach seem to taken into promotion in latter years and there were few shelters and concrete umbrellas beautifying the beach front and esp. the Japanese style of roofs shelters were impressive. But lack of maintenance left few of the statues to damage.

There were only half a dozen people left ashore including a couple and their kid, the sea looked quiet vast except solo waves crush the shore every few seasons. The beach holds a pretty arch, carved with number of sea species and shells, and a watch tower to check sunrise and set. Since evening, we had a glimpse of sunset and first time on the Arabian side, the sight of sunset on sea was fantastic. Even after sunset, there was much light across the sky and as we move toward the town, the sky showcases different kinds of hues and shades, fascinated while it changes its scene from one another.

Pretty roof shelters across the beach

Expressions

The other day my nephew (Barath) came home and I had a wonderful evening along with him, admiring his little attitudes and gestures and he had grown well now being an eight month old to turn and take quick crawl to grasp anything. I first and last saw him as a four-year-old and he still hold the charm but more delightful, the kid’s each move behold my attention and he’s very clever at expressing his cute expressions and emotion.

I have no words to explain, how I am treated by his visit and watching his activities and mischief and I’m sure he will become a romantic guy in future! Lol  

Here I share another set of photos I captured during, falling in love with his enormous joy and he’s someone unlike any other child and being the youngest generation of ours, eliminates anyone cherished so far. I see a special spark in his blissful eyes that feels like no one ever behold, and his wide and watchful eyes were one such remarkable.

He’s my favorite cousin’s son of childhood and being with her were the days the most wanted and delighted. But things were different now and everyone exists into our own sphere, but the past could never resemble again.  The priorities might change but I believe the attitudes remain.

Ready for a soft punch

An expression of mischief 

Laughing Buddha

Peace

Smart look

Morning hours

Image courtesy: tumblr

Time to wake up; 

the rooster cries early morning
sun-rays rise up
before awake from deep slumber.

Array of rays
illuminates half of the sphere
down from the earth
sun sparkle like a diamond.

Each season instinct
delay in time or prior sunrise
the laziness remains
identical throughout the year.

Sweating or shivering
dismiss anything try to arouse;
sticking to the bed
dreaming ideally under the sun.

Like a dewdrop
life remains stunning under sun;
a lovely dream
passes through a silent ringtone.

Depression to depart

Man, men/women really needs some rest or rear seat ride sometime in progress of life, however serious we take our journey without some break life becomes tiresome and thinking overload sent to mental tragedy or disorder. This is not something new I am says, but the problem related to it shows many graphical sign boards these days and each hour becoming rush hours, there’s no time or least for relief and relaxation and whatever the occupation might be – IT, industrial or farmer, long working hours or days produces abundant stress.

Why I think about this because, one such prolongs hard work and mentally stress sent one of my mother’s aunt to oblivion and become so insane, which had led her to death yesterday. She is one of a kind hearted whose stretch is immeasurably in exposing love and affection towards others and a great hard worker and since being a farmer women, she always work into the fields and drive the cattle to graze every day. Not more than age of 60, she lost her consciousness almost lately exiting from the symptoms of childish and forgetfulness in recent past or less than 4 years – when I last saw her, they said that it’s all because of her contract brain, perhaps due to prolong working under the sunshine and greatly depressed.

I always love visiting her home in village near Thiruporur and you don’t need a reason because, village means a lot to me and I believe they are the unlimited source of living and there isn't a place like village, beautiful as well touch with lives. We occasionally visit their village during summer and mattu Pongal, in the company of my cousins; we enjoy spending the day partially at their fields, near the lake and pump-set – one of the fascinating things of village and fun indeed. I haven’t taken bath in their pump-set, but that used to be nostalgic observing things happening around and recollecting memories of childhood where I used to be active on the front.

What really bothers me was that we only visited her on a previous Sunday and this Sunday she’s no more. See how life become too shot and she wasn't physically ill to die, but lose her track to slip into a pond near her home at the early hours of morning when no one was wake up to see. I heard they searched for her everywhere and only by evening they found her lifeless body floating on the pond, it was really a tragedy and when we visited her on Sunday, she couldn't identify anybody and kept coming around their home. Mom was very glad that she could visit her before she expire, even she feel sorrow for her early death.  Mom used to be her favorite child to visit her often during childhood which she always cherishes, telling to me.

She survived by two daughters and sons, and both her daughters were married at age above 30 when she was nearly losing her conscious, and it seems that the main cause for her depression was postponing  of her elder girl’s marriage – who being a dark skin holder, many refused to marry her. But I should appreciate her courage, even though many eliminate her she stayed strong and their family was very supportive and there was a togetherness between the siblings which seldom seen anywhere. I hope her early departure is also good, so that she doesn't need to face discriminate and reckless treatment imposed by society and circumstance. Hope her past seize their dear ones memory forever.

Open Range

Open Range is one of the finest western films I watched yesterday, filled with fascinating sights and sounds; and the beauty of the western landscape was captured brilliantly thought the stunning cinematography. Ever so simplest story and screenplay, each characters proposes decently either and unlike any other cowboy films I watched, nothing were well-built like this and limited to significant action and gunfight.

Boss and Charley are the two main characters of the movie, taking avenge for killing their co-cattlemen and badly injured another; arrive at the nearby town waiting for the right moment to capture the marshal to put into the jailhouse and encounter his gunmen’s. There’s a mild and matured romance between the Charley and Sue – the sister of a doctor, who took care of the wounded cattlemen.

In the absence of special effects and graphics, the film engrosses and enhance through the raw and simple emotions; and the setting of the town is at base, but the conflict between the gunmen and town people were unlike bewildered. Glad the movie came up with 5.1 channels, emphasis the dynamic effects of theater and recreates a feel of live esp. the sound of battle, rain and thunder rocks! The film released in 2003 is based on the novel ‘The Open Range Men’ by Lauran Paine and was filmed around Alberta, Canada. 

The film was produced, directed and lead by Kevin Costern.

கட்டம் போட்ட சட்ட / Grid Shirt

image courtesy: Google

கட்டம் போட்ட  நிழல் சட்ட 

கடவை வழியே 

சூரியன் தீட்டிய பிம்பம்.

Grid shadow shirt,
through the gate
shaded sun image.

Kukkal – Lake and Village

It’s always exciting exploring a place, where the road less traveled and not many foots imprint the soil and cameras stole the scenery; an environment rich in flora and fauna as well pleasure where not many virtual developments take place. Remote from the tourist sight and protected by nature, Kukkal is not so far from the crowded Kodaikanal, the hill station that losing its spirit and pristine beauty unprotected from becoming a quite concrete jungle.

During my vacation at Kodaikanal, last summer, I explored this little paradise called Kukkal or Kookal on the Western Ghats Mountain range of Palani and about 32km from Kodaikanal; the place is so blissful with tranquilly lake and sleepy village atmosphere, comprising shoals and grasslands adjoining the terrace farming. Nestled near the northern ridge of Palani Hills, Kukkal is notable for the high biodiversity of the area and fascinated by frequent mist and rainfall, which account for large variations over short distance.  

Riding on the Poombarai road after certain distance, the mist began to block our way, delighted as well become obstacle going through its dense and even I have travelled on this road once, I’m only familiar with its route map in Google. :D We were traveling on two cars and since I only know where to turn, my uncle left our car to first go – even he was to Kodaikanal many a times, never know this place until I located.

The road to Kukkal is a narrow one, turning on the second left from the road to Poombarai village; the tar road seems relayed by rusted leaves and tall trees standing besides as festoon and green pastures enticing the sightseeing. The road winding down near the Kukkal Lake was very beautiful; alongside the view of the mist floating over the lake was awesome… The lake is the main stream source of the cultivation, even though it doesn’t look clean, but with overall sight of mist and mountains background it was astonishing!  Well I don’t need to say much of the lake, since my photo captured it all to you viewer’s amusement.

There was a Little Grebe swam across the lake leisurely, creating mild ripples tracks which I thought first to be caused by some insects, but only later zoom in on I realize it was a small water bird ‘Dabchick’. I spent only a brief moment on the power wheels (chair) moving on the Lake Bank or road, the mist turned abundantly gray began to rain nonstop leaving only few minutes gap before we leave the place. My cousins, who tented on the green patches opposite to lake, couldn’t withstand the density of rain and leakage in the pretty blue tent forced them to take their seats inside the car, whom enjoying the pitter patter of rain and warmth inside the tent.

Knowing there won’t be anything available to have for lunch, since it’s a remote village and except Kodaikanal there isn’t a decent eat out or affordability around the hills,  so we took ‘cooked rice and sambar’ in hand from our home stay and planned to buy chicken and make fry on spot visited. Though we enjoyed the hot spicy chicken pieces, the rain restricted us from experiencing a quite zeal and destroyed my plan of exploring the beauties around the place on my own wheels power and giving pose in front of those unlike my cousins! Lol

The lake located in a valley, has cultivation lands from its lowest to higher elevation; and except the monsoon, the terrace farming happens with the catchments of shoals around the lake, which is also a basin for Kudiraiyar River that flows through Kukkal. We rode few meters on road above the lake to check the Kukkal village; even while it was raining we tried to get a glimpse of the village that taking a nap under the mist blanket. Since being an afternoon, there was no one around to receive us but the stair cultivation and its texture were amazing, and I feel glad seeing them very close unlike the distance views of Poombarai and Mannavanur.

There’s a lot to share about this place and plenty of beautiful pictures hold to cherish this charming and fascinating location, filled with picturesque scenes; I don’t want to mess up this post writing them all in a single attempt and crowded with pictures. I captured few photos at 16.9 ratios, to get wide views on slopes and mountains and I recommend this place only for those seeks tranquilly and unwilling to spoil the pristine beauty in name of tourist. (My blog header is also belongs to Kukkal)

Thank you J

Observation

Light enters through a hollow
shadow ballet to motion of leaves;
observation might hold trouble
following the fall of sunlight.

A solo rays enters the room
illuminates hidden particles to aglow;
a radar might lose signal
tracing the light swallowed by shadow.

The winter sun brings home beam
however brighter it glows or glides;
the indirect ray radiates warmth
reflected through a mirror of Wagon R. 

December – The fascinating month

The December derives many a things to cherish; esp. the December cold is the favorable time of the year, where the Chennai infamous for its hot weather experience a sensation of cold, the dew dawn is remarkable throughout this month and beyond. During this time, the mind craves to wake up early to experience the free of cost air condition from the worldwide winter season and to be in Chennai or any other place this month cheers the warmth inside blanket, where we never want to get out of it ;)

I wish to travel a lot during this month and the dew dawn is never refreshing like anything esp. for me and if there’s a choice I will choose this month to explore places on surface and even breathing the tremble cold of hill stations. There are few travels I took during this month are most fascinating in my rides and my first time to Valparai in Dec 2008, near Kovai or Coimbatore is rejuvenating even thinking now and almost riding around the pristine mountains and stunning country sides of Pollachi and Erode is evergreen.

One pleasant evening of December, near Kanyakumari 

Last year on the same month, I was around the southern tip of India –Kanyakumari, enjoying the simple stay and travel among the wind energies and roaring rock waves with settings of sun and nip in the air were appreciably. On our way back, climbing the Sirumalai (Small Hill – which isn’t very small like the name refers) on the Natham-Dindigul main road is fascinated by its quite tranquility and rich in small banana plantation, the cold wind will enforce you to hold embrace even there was bright flash of sunlight and the couple of villages or colonies as they mention there inhabited to horseback packed products grows around the hills.

The December has something distinct feature as fragrance, stretching both the wings of hot and cold and the real odor of it could be experienced only in villages, while they produce smokes in evening to warmth as well driving away the mosquitoes that breed mostly in this month or season, after rain. The cow dung smell was something enrich during this time, where most of the houses are swish swashed to cow dung sprayed on the courtyard before drawing a beautiful Rangoli or Kolam (a design created by using flour) to flourish their homes, which is a tradition followed esp. during the Tamil month of Margazhi – which begins at the middle of December.

The music and dance has been great conjoin to December, where many a concerts and dance festivals hold everywhere across Chennai, I have no idea about the vibes it creates, but hope it has something wonderful, only those passionate about could express right. Overall, the December has an enchanting climate unlike any other month or season; I too believe each season/month has its own essence to cherish; the December has a distinct sky with glorious setting of sun, which I well observed during my Kanyakumari visit.

Firework display during Deepavali

Palm Tree Effect

From young to old everyone enjoys fireworks that blast into the sky; create an artificial florescent and colorful Rangoli in the present of dark nights and Deepavali is an occasion in India where fireworks displace enormous charming across the nation and adding more glorious to earth among the twinkling stars of universe. This Diwali I got a great opportunity capturing the vibrant firecrackers that fascinated the sights across the sky; and I spent more than an hour shooting the colorful comets at the neighborhood of Chennai – Neelankarai, at my grandmother’s sister house.

The pictures weren’t so spectacular and perfect at blossom, but I tried my best sitting on the power wheel chair with no preconscious from which side the florescent firework hold its display, clicked random from whichever direction it comes and by observing its blowup volume. It was enchanting and enthralling completely and I got to see variety of colors and designs beholding the sight and the sound cheering the festival spirit and celebration.

Following are few photos I captured from deepavali. Hope u like it!

Fireworks collage

Jellyfish 

Green Comets

Red Comets

Online frustration

Sometime speaking truth turn against us, and I had been through such moment lately and really lost being touch with someone with their decision to block, who maybe could have become an associate in future if continued to share. I don’t feel for the one’s mischance, because maybe there could be another one will fill that gap of mine or hers and for that matter that does not mean I’m going to stop speaking from heart and express the reality, but there are so many to understand and respect the feeling.

There could be some fake profile, maybe created for fun sake or purpose of sharing, concealing their identity but the matter of concern endure me to uphold the secret where I know the person personally. It feels hard to digest the matter if they are possible impossible and when time to meet each other, it feels so guilty to act like nothing and again sign in on the voucher to wither recurrent without discussing the matter.

Many a time I feel narrative but nothing comes to mind when thinking about uncertain situations around me, wherever we go the mind impound to a circumstance where deceitfulness deserves and fake notes get fascinated. I’m not suppose to complaint here, but I share a part of frustration that keep on discouraging me for a while and many a attempts become nothing in their emerging process diverting the main course and intention of others. 

A little romance

She comes in handy

when I yearn for an embrace
bind like a wind
blowing away the gap between.

The moisture air
become warm in our breath
her whisper voice
says the love to me, silently.

The gazing eyes
behold her mysterious world
trying hard to discover
a lonely planet on iris universe.

She smiles so sweet
holding mischievous at corner
trying to seduce me
against my enormous desire.

It feels so soothing
when she brushes the hair
the stimulated nerves
entice me to dream wild.

Very close to her lips
inspire me to kiss
trying hard to not imprint
but impossible after getting tempt.

Ecdysis – Snake shed scale

Every year during the rainy season, we find snakes in the open ground adjacent to our apartment and the only thing preserve either of us was the compound wall; but this time one of a snakes entered our parking lot and slithering here and there before thrown other side of the compound wall by our watchman. This was the first I saw a snake come across the compound wall, whereas I have heard my neighbors making noise about snake couple of times early, and I believe it could have come through the open gate at the entrance since there’s less chance for them climbing the plain vertical wall.

From the time we shifted to apartment in 2005, the open ground has been left unchanged with growth of wild vegetation and survival of few trees; and except threaten of snakes, it has the advantage of many esp. deriving different species of birds and insects and giving a pleasant stay environment of calm and less pollution. A year back to back too, we sighted a rat snake staying sometime along the other side of our compound wall and among the debris making its bedroom by wrapping an old bed left by someone (check the photos here).

(click pictures for enlarge to view the snake scale near)

Two days later to Deepavli, my mom found a shed snake skin or scale on the open ground along with the neighbors, and few meters from our house the snake had molted its entire scale stretching few meters in length. Some said it’s a cobra scale and it must shed during the new moon occasion but being uncertain, I compared the photos which mom captured for me, with Google images, to ensure the species.

I also learn that the process of shedding scale in snakes, which according to scientific term, known as Ecdysis (strip off in Ancient Greek), or molting or sloughing in normal usage is shedding of the complete outer layer of the skin in one layer, which is a repeated process periodically throughout a snake’s life. A snake is suppose to shed its skin once or twice a year, whereas the younger once which still growing shed up to four times a year and many a time the skin peels backward over the body from head to tail, in one piece like an old sock.

It’s said that the snake stops eating and often hides or moves to a safe place before shedding the skin; the snake wriggles out aided by rubbing against rough surfaces is demonstrated through my above pictures. The discarded skin gives a perfect imprint of the scale pattern and it is possible to identify the snake as this discard is reasonably complete and intact. 

Thuppakki – Only for firing

The hang of Kasab (the lone survived gunman of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack) and the month of November go hand-in-hand with the release of Thuppakki (Gun) is a coincident, because the movie also deals on terrorist bombing in Mumbai. The movie is a wonderful action thriller, driving Vijay on a serious platform and it would have been much better if it was drove through this genre track without derail through songs and insensitive love scenes.

The film’s highlight was the action sequences and Santhosh Sivan’s stunning cinematography, and cleverly moved scenario by A.R. Murugadoss – the director of the movie, is flashed. I feel few scenes and songs are forced inside the story to satisfy the fans of actor Vijay (I’m sure they won’t like it too) and I wonder when he will realize or lose zeal this custom of giving unchanged unflavored unwanted scenes to watch.

Nothing interesting in the movie like the action, the fight scenes are not recommended for light hearted and the exciting part was shooting a dozen sleeper cells at a moment in various places across Mumbai. The climax is a total mess up upon the anticipated and the director seems had no choice than giving up to frustration to end the movie, by escaping though a speed boat!

The songs weren’t so fair but couple of them was stylish in Madhan karky and Pa.Vijays lyrics and Vennilave is calm and beautiful song acclaim to voice of Hariharan and Bombay Jayashri and shot at Swizz. Villain Vidyut Jamwal well suits the roll of a terrorist head and being a martial artist, he deserves the combat at the climax and unlike Mattrraan, Kajal Aggarwal doesn’t hold importance in the film than adding some spicy to gun roll.

Thuppakki – Blast more than shooting.

Sunday Santhai

During my recent travel to Thiruvannamai attending my father’s friend daughter marriage, I come across a Sunday Santhai (market), where livestock’s and agriculture products are brought to sale by farmers from the surrounding villages at a public place. The Sunday Santhai is very famous among rural villages and it is the only place for local farmers to buy and sell their produce and the Santhai is also gathered on Wednesdays.

A scene near the market where an old man diving the goats to market. 

There are many Santhais in Tamil Nadu renowned for specific products and the Manaparai Mattu Santhai between Tiruchi-Dindigul highway is popular for bulls and Pollachi host the second largest market in the country doing business at coconuts and cash crops at intense. The Tamil Nadu government has also developed ‘Uzhavar Santhai’ (farmers market) in each district and little towns for the benefit of farmers to sell their products directly to consumers than middleman who exploit both as well.

We passed the market while driving towards Thiruvannamal after attending the marriage and the market was at its peak business and the place was crowded to unable to stop and take photos, so we shot few of them from moving car. Both sides of the road were parked by bikes and bicycles and we witness number of cattle brought to sell and being Sunday there are many meat and fish stalls installed allover… and there’s one of a dried fish stall above.

Big Fish

Watched the 2003 American fantasy drama, Big Fish, based on a storytelling series by a father to his son despite his distrust on his stories, he continues telling stories from the deathbed on his eventful life across young age and what interesting was the characters in the stories are extraordinary. The film’s major plot was reconciling between a father and son and the son’s attempts on mending their relationship were all dramatic and heartwarming at climax… when he reveals that whatever his father said is true and only he had exaggerated them.

The stories at flashback is radiant and have characters that are fairy tale sort and the places are all prototype and classic at viewing; and the fall of the father (played by Ewan McGregot) in love at young age with Alison Lohman is very cute and adorable. The hidden town of Spectre is fascinating with all friendly people; the circus is somehow hilarious and the show of conjoined sisters is an excellent image on graphics and the giant man (Matthew McGrory) is a show stealer.

Albert Finney’s approach on his character is award winning and his expressions through storytelling is alive and elegant; and Marion Cotillard is bewitching and her attitude and compassion towards her father-in-law is beautiful. The movie deals with the motion pictures are quite wonderful and alongside the simple screenplay were obvious reading through senses and after all, the profound between the father and son is inspiring.

The film adapted from the novel titled the same, was directed by one of a notable director Tim Burton and the film was highlighted through number of nominations award. Since I leaned this film deals with father son relationship, I want to watch it sometime and having been cherishing a strong bond with my father, I couldn’t stop giving way to the perspective by watching the movie two nights before. 

Deepavali 2012

Deepavali, the festival of lights switched off lately was enchanting like each year with dose of firecrackers, sweet, snacks and sharing... even I felt little lonely this time, the memories caught up with fire of previous years of delight, cherished. The day began for me as usual except the constant roar of bombs which kick started the explosion earlier than the allotted period (between 6am-10pm) to blast firecrackers; it’s impossible to imagine a Deepavali without noise of cracker... but maybe one day mind set to appreciate the silence on Diwali.

The day was spent partially in front of the television watching those advertisements and special programs that flashed in-between, but the interesting part was the ‘Pattimandram’ (poet’s discussion) on who helps a lot – younger ones or elder ones, in general and the speakers were all well brought up the points at discussion with a lot of sensible humor. It’s good to see many younger ones joining the discussion latterly and they all draw a greater attention and develop an interest towards their attitude on Tamil and discussion.

Like every year, the neighbors shared the happiness by distributing sweets and snacks, prepared by them or bought from the shop; I enjoyed tasting them all at great zeal and we also shared the traditional sweet and snacks – Athirasam and Murukku – made by mom, to cheers the festival spirit. I sent few SMS to friends as wishes and called out one of my best friend from Tirunelveli and it is something we usually do during either of our festivals and it was wonderful talking to him as well his mom who is so beloved and heart full of blessings for others.

It was a day I haven’t touched the laptop and switched off the television sometime after the noon and in the company of boom, mind took backspace for a moment triggering the roll cap memories and time spent together with kith and kin. In the evening we left to our grandma’s sister house for lighting some firecrackers and they live in Neelankarai – the down south of Chennai, and they hold much space for leaving fireworks and the area itself beholds a lot of firework display during Deepavali give me some wonderful opportunity to capture the colorful sky.

We spent more than an hour watching the various Arial outs bursting into the sky and illuminating the moonless night into many twinkling lights and radiant colors, which was a remarkable sight ones in a year. I well know its disadvantages and noise and environment pollution but I couldn’t stop myself enjoying the display of fireworks and this time I got a wonderful camera to shoot much pretty photos.

Will post more on the firework display later...