Deepavali 2017 (remarks)

Deepavali passed off pretty well last week and I had wonderful time celebrating and going out watch the dazzling fireworks displays from the neighbourhood. I wasn’t doing much anything these days but too lazy or not interested to post or write something while I was in festival mood and relaxed being. Though the day wasn’t great or differs from a regular Sunday, that begin with watching television and having curry kulambu for breakfast, the evening turned wonderful with lighting fireworks and going to beach to watch the aerial fireworks light up from the neighbourhood. I took many photos/videos on the fireworks display either at ground or sky; it was fun shooting from three different cameras – iPhonse SE, Canon powershot and Gopro hero 5. More photos to come soon and do check the video at end of the post.

Multi color fountain

Unlike earlier people don’t look or feel festival and even greeting each other has come down, but I shouldn’t wonder really about it as confronting smile had dropped from day-to-day life. But I was more cheerful cherishing my old memories and I couldn’t prevent happiness popping up and the sound of crackers makes feel festive. Compare to previous years, bursting of fireworks are less this year but there was high smoke on Deepavali evening/night. The high humidity in air and along with mild fog the firework smoke sustained into the ambience without gaps to escape. But it turned normal next day.

Red and Green fountains aka flower pots

I really amazed at the level of noise reduced this year and the interest on firework drop. The people say price raise, GST and demonetisation, but this isn’t matter really and from my observation, the firework price was bit less comparing last year. Moreover the sudden environmentalists has created a irk feeling and people doesn’t want to be pointed out guilty or whatever they say, its better leave alone those unwanted to burst. I’m sure in future bursting fireworks will be reduced and children who aren’t interested in firework shouldn’t be forced and it will help in transformation. The environmentalists should continue to voice against pollution instead popping head on Diwali alone. Fireworks do not rule us all the days and it highlights what really hides within and unlike crackers it destroys quiet.

More  to come soon.

Festival of Lights and Fireworks

Deepavali, aka Diwali is just two days away (Oct 18) and it feels exciting. Deepavali (Festival of Lights) always been my favourite festival and I always look forward for this day, and fireworks is the main reason for me to feel alike. I have grown up bursting fireworks and I really enjoy watching the dazzling light and colours coming out of the fireworks and the sounds that create a joy mood. I wasn’t a fan of loud crackers and I have stopped buying those (burst in the ground) long back, but still the sounds come from the neighbourhood during Diwali resonates joy. Glad I had a wonderful childhood and memories of Deepavali, a time where I felt cheerful and continue to be so with memories to cherish.

Though the only firework I could lit being sparkles, I used to buy certain fireworks to (let someone) light up to enjoy the glowing spectacle. While residing in apartment (from 2006-2013) the celebration touched beyond fireworks, where we shared the festival spirit with neighbours who share sweets and snacks (of different kinds) with each other. Dressed in new attires, it’s wonderful to watch and receive greeting from friendly residents.  And in evening/night the kids gather in front of the apartment and make a dazzling show of fireworks, and I would be out watching their activities before going to my great aunt’s house in the suburb to light our fireworks and watch others aerial outs. I really miss all the things now, but still the festival light continues to glow and engross.

I could understand the opposition rising against bursting firework and the Supreme Court has banned selling fireworks at some places including the nation capital Delhi, where it created huge air pollution during last Diwali. Though it wasn’t the only reason for a city that tops the chart in pollution normally, fireworks added light to the glowing issue. Whatever they say, it’s not easy to erase the thought of Deepavali without fireworks, though we have no trace from when fireworks included in celebration, for kids growing up bursting fireworks is least possible to give up. I don’t think those stopped busting fireworks (or ever done with it) are conscious about nature and environment.  Its sheer delight of gadgets, internet and television that keeps away people from fireworks, though it may sound good, but when it applies to all festivals and events doesn’t sound same.   Diwali is a day in a year unlike these that continue to occupy us in good as well opposite ways.

There are scientific reasons that have been boon and bane supporting those who approve, as well oppose to fireworks. I’m not saying bursting firework is good or it should be completely ban. Firework industry in Tamil Nadu is a huge one and it has been a livelihood for more than 0.8 million people, but it isn’t that we all should buy firework and support their lives. Alternate jobs will sure to be better than making fireworks, which threat lives directly and it would take long time and for that huge change to happen but instead of banning reducing its usage would be better option.  Could we stop the New Year celebrations that open with grand fireworks across the globe or any sports events that loud cry with dazzling fireworks. I think regulating things and rule stronger guidelines will sure control the level of pollution in many ways.

As for now let stop here and celebrate Deepavali and what we need to add is more light and sweetness to the festival that illuminate the country and whoever practice the lighting festival. Pls share anything that adds sweetness with your near and dear ones, and fireworks wasn’t the only thing about Deepavali (or any other festival) that I believe is based on get-together and sharing happiness and bond between family and friends.  Cheers! 

My Late Ayudha Pujai Celebrations

Ayudha Pujai is a south Indian festival, means worship of instruments, and is celebrated by all working people towards their occupation of tools. Ayudha Pujai had once been my favourite festival next to Deepavali and Pongal, and I always looked forward for this day (until my maternal uncle was alive) since our house was attached to my uncle’s Maruti (car) workshop. My parent’s was an inter family marriage and my dad married his sister’s daughter, so our relationship with my uncle doesn’t need an explanation and we are close enough to celebrate it as a family festival, calling close relatives, along with his co-workers the festival will go off enthusiastically.

Actually it was the night before the festival day we (me and bro) enjoy lot. Throughout the night the employs will involve in activities of cleaning the workshop, whitewashing the walls and repainting the tools and machineries. The employs were like brothers and uncles to us and a step outside the home will land into the workshop which means we often end up playing with the employees and have fun during their free times. And when a night and day is left to spend with them, how could we miss the fun in helping them and decorating the workshop to look colourful for the festival. Even our parents put us in bed forcefully, we couldn’t sleep really and mind kept thinking about going out and joining the workers but we make certain being outside till midnight or uncle warns to go to sleep.

Photos from the archives of 2007 celebration

On Ayudha Pujai, the day begin with a fresh feel looking at the workshop, free from all the greasiness and floors washed off and walls painted neatly in white with colour papers and festoons adorning  the workshop. We play songs in tape recorder to keep up the celebration mood and two big banana trees will be tied on the entrance of the workshop and all our vehicles will line up in front of the garage with flowers and sandal sprinkled on them after the water wash. The items for worship like aval pori, fruits, sweets and snacks will be bought in bundles and after puja (or worship) the items will be distributed in carry bags to workers, customers, drivers whoever attend the festival and also to nearby shops and friendly neighbours. Pori (puffed rice) is the main part of the festival, so mostly it would be a big sack to go into many carry bags and I also like watching how it take place along with fruits and snacks. Added to this a set of cloth (to be stitched as shirts and pants) was given to each employ apart a month salary as bonus.

I don’t think anyone would have given such benefits to their employs like how my uncle did.   He always cared and been generous with his co-workers, friends (whom were standing beside him when he opened the workshop) and anyone comes in need of things. I would say he has been a philanthropist throughout his growth and until he was alive; and our comfort level has risen almost because of him and the love and affect he kept on us. For anyone their father used to be their hero but I would consider him. During the festival our close relatives (whom were cousins overall) is invited and all our aunts were honour by saris and sometime we all have dinners together. As kids joining with cousins doesn’t need to say anything and its joyous occasion overall. Today we quite miss the fun and celebrations; since my uncle passed away (in 12/2001) things turned different and faced an end. 

Kodi

There are many films with political scenario, but I think for the first time a movie portrayed a woman politician was Kodi, though Dhanush led the movie and plays the title role. Kodi comes out as a mass political entertainer and to keep things interesting, Dhanush led a double role as elder and younger brother and Trisha as his opposite, as well as opponent, made certain its sound victory.

Growing up with equal status in politics, Rudhra and Kodi make their political carrier with their parties being opposite to each other, they hold affaire secretly away from the politics. Though both being passionate in their political carrier, Rudhra is bit further in upgrading her status and ready to go any extreme to fulfil her dreams whereas Kodi seeks straight forward and true to his love. How this differentiation mingles makes the movie.

Movies with equal importance to opposite gender aren’t frequent, and Kodi generated the theme well using the strong characterization of Rudhra (Trisha) and this could be a milestone role for Trisha who had done number of films. For the smart looking actress, the negative shade is quite new and for most of scenes she appears in her natural tone.  Dhanush, as usual becomes the show stealer and this time in two characters shown the variation well and worked simply.

With two back to back hits (Ethir Neechal and Kakki Sattai), director R.S. Durai Senthilkumar has sustain his success with Kodi, having  a fast paced screenplay boredom has kept away. Though we sense dullness in picturization, perhaps due to the condition of weather or mistake in display at the drive-in theatre, and the story being not unpredictable there are some twist to keep it interesting.

Kodi also highlights the issue of toxic mercury waste (that threatens the pristine of Kodaikanal) but it was just a matter of fact and doesn’t take serious foot. Santhosh Narayanan’s composition has supported the movie at its best and I liked the songs that make nice listening and intertwine the subject.   Anupama Parameswaran makes a cute presence as second heroine and S.A. Chandrasekhar’s role as Thalaivar (leader) done with honor.

Overall, Kodi well flew among the Deepavali release and could be watch with family

Sunday Photos: Deepavali Snacks, Murukku

Murukku is a traditional south Indian food/snack and it can either brought from the store or homemade using rice flour, fried gram and butter as main ingredient. Alike every year, this year too we made Murukku (along with Adhirasam – a traditional sweet) at home during the Deepavali, where one evening mom and aunt sat on the floor for preparing the same and I used the opportunity to take some photos on the process.  Making sweets and snacks is a custom for us or we practice during Deepavali and distributing it to our relatives, friends and neighbors as a sign of sharing our festival spirit.  

The flour is filled on the Murukku maker – a vessel, where flour being pressed (using a handle on top) to get strings of dough through small holes at the bottom. Just like in the photo below.

A circular layer of Murukku (after swirling strings of dough) on the ladle before drop into the hot oil boils in the pan, to get a view as below.

The Murukku get fried after two or three twist and turns in the hot oil in the pan, and once turned deep yellow or orange is lifted using a stainless steel stick like the process below.

 

Two to three Murukku can be fried at a time and is left on the paper for some time to let it absorb the excess oil. And then stored in enclosed box and distribute later  

Deepavali 2016 – Up and Downcast

This year’s Deepavali wasn’t bad but I was disappointed in many ways. First thing was I was unable to get out of the house, taking a glance at the neighbourhood’s Deepavali celebration, because of the preventive action (for rainwater) taking place at the premises that blocked the gateway for my wheelchair to pass on. Only 2013 Deepavali went off quite inside the house due to my fracture in leg and now I was fine but the situation turned against me to ban me coming out of the house. I ordered some fireworks at online and had fun watching them lighting up in the evening with the help of one of my uncle who had come home and I took his company and thus it kept away my lonesome celebration.  Though I didn’t expect my cousins to greet me on the occasion or share the moment (I believe expectation is the main reason for disappointment, but that’s not mean not at all to expect), there’s something make me frustrated about their lack of present or interest showing up during the festival of lights.

I know attitudes/priorities change as people grow and expose to various things, but I strongly believe that festivals and special occasions are created for people to come together and experience the happiness by sharing. I believe sharing is the concept behind everything and meaning of life is truly depended on something sharing. Though there are lonesome occasions to enjoy our solitude and to do things that quite independent, there’s always someone to support each other and look forward to lead happy relationship. We had brought nothing to take away, but I know, to live we need to hold on and relationship is one strong hold that keep us supporting wherever we go. The relationship I mean here is beyond family relation and I have come to see life beyond a circle where connectivity and sharing happening between people who doesn’t need to be our relatives or friends.  

The passed 2016 Deepavali left a notion in me to find things and happiness using my self-intention and interest with people available, either they hold a similar perception or not. Though this is not the first time I come to a conclusion alike and I’m one easily melt away however strong iceberg I am. Lol. There are certain things we could sacrifice or adjust to lead a relationship but not with one      who couldn’t consider or remind about a relationship exists. We haven’t come into this world without anyone’s support and there had been people at our various stages of life, we perhaps forget some or some missed away from sight or contact, but there should be someone dear or closely connected with whom sharing becomes imperative. Though we can’t force anybody to sustain in relationship, but missing someone during special occasion hurts and it really needn’t to be exposed because it hurts more when they refused directly.

I know I began somewhere and end here. Anyway I had a wonderful Deepavali and the happiness   sharing sweets with few neighbors, and lighting fireworks and the company of my uncle and spending time on television makes feel good. This year the noise of crackers has been less, thanks to the awareness of people, but still our neighborhood burst heavy and made more smokes to prevent us coming out of home. I hold interest more on fireworks that turn sky with magnificent light and colors. Below is few shots just  took for fun using firework sparkles.

Fireworks i purchased online

Preventive Action

The rains are on the way to Chennai with monsoon supposed to pick up in few days; the work on prevention of rainwater to flood has been going on for last two days at our house. Glad the owners of our row houses decided, at last, to take preventing measures to keep away the rainwater entering the houses has made us all breathe easy and also drops our  plan of shifting house. We have informed our landlord that we’re shifting house this month end and were also almost confirmed a house in the same street, but for some unknown reason  they denied renting their home and we were looking some other ones. At the same time the tenant of the other house in the row urged their house owner (who connected with other two) to make certain the rainwater doesn’t flood the homes and work started within a week of discussion made hold our plan.

People know that last year’s monsoon turned out to be a disaster and we were not ready to take risk by believing it won’t rain that much… although it isn’t certain of any kind, precaution has been the only way. We were disappointed with the landlord of ours when they haven’t take a step in preventing the food even after the torrential rains stopped and moreover haven’t take a look into the home to examine the damages. So we had no hope on them making arrangement for preventing water, but thanks to our next-door tenant and because of his pressure they come together for a solution. And as an initial step they are building a ramp in front of the house to block road water entering the premises and reconstructed a wall that was damaged. The drainage system is also supposed to rise and talk with corporation people has been put forward. 

It seems like I could not come out of the house for next few days until the work completes. Just a  day left for Deepavali, the festival of lights, it looks like the celebration is restrain within our premises and I think I’m going to miss going out in nights during the Diwali to watch fireworks ignited in the neighborhood. Though it gives me slight disappointment, I understand the importance of the preventive action which is indeed significant than any other. I really couldn’t believe things happening on our favor, because the landlord side wasn’t bit hopeful towards us to continue our stay at this house that’s comfort at many ways. The flood water (during rainy season) has been the only trouble for us at this house, and if it was solved there isn’t a problem to sustain though there are some which is adjustable. 

My festival greetings to all those celebrate Deepavali. 

Jallikattu, should be banned? I don’t think so…

Though Deepavali is my favourite festival, and I simply loved it for fireworks and sharing of sweets and snacks, Pongal is an occasion I quite admire for its significant phase on life. Pongal is a grand festival in Tamil Nadu that celebrates the thanksgiving of nature and harvesting season. On this time, farmers set to harvest their fully grown crops and make Pongal (a dish made by boiling of rice) out of it and dedicate it to the sun, which is the source of energy for all.  Pongal, which celebrated for four days (Jan 14-17), also worships the cattle – which supports human in cultivation for great productivity – and celebration of bulls, for their endurance and mighty on tillage. Though tractors and harvesting machines have replaced the man and animals lately, the small scale farmers are still depend on cattle and I could see bulls ploughing lands, even today at the outskirts of Chennai. This is the time people has to understand, however mechanism has developed to help humans and throw out cattle’s from field, they (bulls) still need to be involved in farming and cows for milking to sustain them from decline.

Pic courtesy: wiki

Just like bulls used for ploughing and bullock carts, Jallikattu is a traditional sports (conducted during the festival of Pongal) where bulls are let loose into an open space (one by one) and man has to control the bull or grasp it for some time. The sports has been banned by the Supreme Court for last couple of years, following the complaint filed by animal welfare activists that bulls are ill-treated during the training and the event. Even though few days back, the central government gave a green signal to conduct the sports played according to the regulations the Supreme Court has formed in its former reports. The Apex Court has once again ruled out the decision of the central govt. to conduct the event and the people who have been in great delight (followed by the union govt. consent) had been disappointed now. I know everyone has an opinion on the sports and reason to support and oppose and for me this is not just a sports, but a way to keep alive the bulls and sustain their relationship. Because I believe, only until the sport is here, the bulls (that are specifically breed for the event) will continue to exist.

The time I appreciate the animal welfare activists, for bringing out the cruelty behind this sport and ill-treats while taming the bulls, upon which the Supreme Court brought some restrictions in conduction the game in 2007 and until 2014 the event has went formal, taking a dramatic change in the pattern of its conduct. The event has been captured in videography thoroughly – to keep certain the rules are followed and bulls aren’t harmed, and the players, who are subjected to catch the bulls, have given uniform and are forced to take physical test before entering the ground. Unlike earlier, where the players and audience are blend with crowed and many who aren’t fit enough are injured through the cause, and  to prevent this the players and onlookers are separated by a strong fence now, and the age is also restricted to be between 20 and 40 for those who like to play. The game’s rules have also been simplified from being insane, where too many hold on a bull and pulling its tail… the players are allowed to grasp only the bulls hump and holding there for 30 seconds or run 30 feet from the entrance (called Vadi Vasal) where the bulls are let loosed.

When things being right and conductors and players are conscious about the rules, what makes the animal activists asking for a ban? I am not supporting animals being harmed in anyways, but I strongly believe without hard work and struggles nothing survives.  Bulls are hardworking animals and if we haven’t let them play and treated in right manner it will becomes weak. Experts believe that a bull with full vigour breeds strong bovines, and for that these animals has to be active and endure.  And only till their need is there, the people will keep support the bulls and for those bovines were the livelihoods keeping them alive and healthy is much needed. Beside these what bothers me more was the survival of bulls! A question rises in me, what is the state of bulls if the Jallikattu is prevented? Or any kinds of activity that involve bulls are restrained? Just being conscious that no animals (the domesticated) are harmed is enough to preserve them? The noted cattle species Kangeyam, an indigenous breed of India, is on the verge of life along with many other species. It’s easy for us to support animal’s welfare and look after our job, which does not involve cattle and it won’t going to bother us further. But for farmers, the animal’s welfare as well the survival of bulls is very important on the race.

The tradition and culture can be transformed according the comfort of life, unless it has nothing meaningful. I don’t see Jallikattu as just the traditional courageous sports, but ways to keep sustain the bulls and active their breed. According to Kala Karthi, Jallikatu is created not for the sports, but for training the users in controlling their bovines. Though I am not sure about the tradition behind it, the Jallikattu is perhaps created to showcase manpower and used as a platform to marry the virgin by taming the bull that reared by her family. Today it is played (maybe) to sustain the practice/tradition and existence of bulls! 

Torrential rain and effect of volunteers

As you all know the torrential rain that stroke Chennai, last week, has washed off the city leaving very little places apart. December 1 recorded the highest rainfall in Chennai breaking down a 100 years history. Though we are affected in the usual way of rainwater flooding our home, this time it was threefold in height of coverage and electric was unplugged for more than 3 day and no mobile signal for 48 hours. The northeast monsoon was at peak for last one month and from the time of Deepavali there were more than couple of constant downpours making Chennai float in water and Dec 1 seems to be the climax. Glad the upper portion of this house was unoccupied from the first flooding time on Nov 15 and we used the upstairs as a temporary shelter to keep ourselves from calamity. Though it struck us in different ways this time with no power, and signal lose of mobiles and the scarcity of milk and can waters make brief trouble but what we have gone though was nothing when it comes to the worst hit areas like the southwest suburbs and places around the banks of river Coovum and Adyar.

Even though it was a great disaster Chennai faced ever or post tsunami, the volunteer’s involvement in rescue and relief operation was heart-warming than the painful disaster itself. Except the time of absence of mobile signal, I was keep checking Facebook (as it was the only source of information for me since there was no electricity at home to watch news/Wi-Fi for internet) for the update on rain and relay on things happening around and related to flood relief. I was quite amaze at the selfless act of youngsters, even before the local body and army arrive, the young people leap to rescue without waiting for anybody make feel the humanity doesn’t’ fail anywhere. SMSs, messages, calls were flying wherever possible on things on available and needed and people kept sharing messages on relief and rescue and teams up to promote the activities around. Beyond the manual helps, fishermen’s in boats were the first to land on water and gave wonderful aid to people to come out of their flooded homes and provided relief to those denied to exit.

It’s been 10 days the disaster stroke us and the surroundings continue to stay wet as it rained mild to heaver throughout last week and due to waterlogged the courtyard remains sludge and need to be washed away. Climbed down to home today, the entire day was spent on setting things around and this time we decided to stay above for some time, since the weather continued to be unstable with heavy spills now and then we doesn’t want to experience trouble again.  Glad the rain decided to stop and the sun was showing up nicely today, sending down hope rays that rain don’t come again and would be lighter even if it showers. Last 10 days was spent without watching television and no update on blog, but I continued to Facebook using the mobile network and later on Wi-Fi. Most of the time was spent on browsing newspapers which carries reports on torrential rain and floods in detail. The relief and rescue effects took by volunteers and uniformed personnel’s was the most impressive things about this time and without them it’s impossible for Chennaities to wake up from the disaster. Hats off all... because of you all we are safe here (though we aren’t affected the most, in some ways I believe their attitude make things possible) and wish you all the very best for the operation on relief and rescue. Let’s continue to stand for each other. 

My Deepavali Celebration and Rain

This year’s Deepavali was somehow fun despite the northeast monsoon rain rocked the Chennai, as well the entire state. I think the rain is very important, which let us survive throughout the year rather the one day celebration Deepavali! Fireworks can be ignited on any other day or skip to Karthigai Deepam, if rain permits, but when drought stroke the heart of the state – Chennai – the real celebration was receiving rain. Though everyone was happy about the rainfall, thanks to deep depression in Bay of Bengal, the storm that landfall near Cuddalore suffered a lot on the day ahead to Deepavali and still fighting to come out of the flooded water. The Chennai experience showering throughout the day, though not heaver, the festival of light was burnt and bound little for the day.

Sparkling Ground Chakra on wet floor

I bought some fireworks for Deepavali through online shopping. Glad the leading firework manufactures open there own site for purchasing, with a demonstration video on each firework on how it displays. I was certain not to get any crackers that make noise, as I myself could not withstand the loudness these days; I went for the fancy fireworks that make colorful the night sky (though it make noise up into the sky, the effect perhaps is less and unavoidable) aside sparkles, ground chakra and flower pots. Every year I used to go out into the neighborhood (on the day and ahead to Deepavali) to catch up the festival mood and looking out into the sky for fireworks displayed by the area people, but  this time I couldn’t make up such moves, as rain continue to shower uncertainly when will it stop and begin. I stayed indoors all the day and to and fro to Deepavali, watching the pretty bore programs on TV and looking at the rain whether it stop for an hour to light fireworks.  

By afternoon the rain decides to hold sometime, and thus I went to my uncle’s house in the adjacent street and had some fun joining/watching my cousin and his friends playing with crackers. Though I hated the noise come from the crackers, I enjoyed the moment being there and it remind me the days I celebrated Deepavali with those crackers (Lakshmi, Sparrow, Red bijli cracker...) and daring to hold it in hand and throw away once ignite. I managed to stay there sometime and chatting with them but the time came in droplets of rain rushed me to home before it started to pour. In the evening my cousin and his friend come to home to help me leaving the aerial fireworks and I really enjoyed our own display of fireworks. As I was feeling uneasy that evening, I couldn’t capture photos on the display of fireworks, so got couple of photos on ground chakra that we let last night. 

A festival that enthuse me

While nearing Deepavali (Nov 10), the enthusiasm about the Festival of Lights ignites inside. When it comes to Deepavali, the thing that comes to mind first was fireworks.  Though fireworks aren’t the only thing or matter of celebration, apart sharing sweets and snacks and greeting each other for the well being and lighting lamps to drive away the darkness that not only surrounds the environment but also the wicked mentality. Fireworks has been the main intention and attraction for me from the childhood and I couldn’t image a Deepavali without fireworks and the noise of crackers, and I think there will be a feel of something missed if there isn’t crackling sound of crackers and colourful display of fireworks at night.

I sense the eagerness of celebrating the festival of light (also the other kind of festivals) has been coming down by each passing year and the gadgets keeps people away from any part of activities.  Whether I ignite crackers are not, going through the festive feel is something I cherish within myself, as I could not force anybody to share my season’s joy, I try to enhance the festival mood in whatever possible way I could and going out in the evening of and a day early to Deepavali is a part of my celebration to get a glance on things happening around my neighbourhood related to the festival. The only Deepavali I couldn’t take part in firework, though I could not ignite anything other than sparkles, it was the year 2013 and because of my fracture I couldn’t even come out of home.

When we were residing in the apartment, we had wonderful opportunity to share the festival feel with our neighbours by exchanging sweets and snacks and it was good to see kids come together to fire fireworks in colourful attires.  Being shifted to couple of houses in last two year, we miss the sharing opportunity and before we become familiar with neighbours the time to move out comes earlier. Though we moved back to our native area now, the feeling wasn’t quite familiar and strangers to many, this if first Deepavali we suppose to celebrate here after 10 years. Among the festivals, I find Deepavali as more social and apart various belief and faith people celebrate it with great happiness and when lighting crackers over life somehow gleam colorful.

P.S. For those who don’t know about Deepavali, also called as Diwali, is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated every year and it is one of the largest and brightest festivals in India that signifies the victory of good over evil. 

My celebrations and memories of Bhogi!

Among the festivals we celebrate, Bhogi has been my favourite one once, next to Deepavali/Diwali. A day ahead to Pongal – the harvesting festival of Tamils – Bhogi (Jan 14)  is celebrated according to an old phrase in Tamil: “Pazayana Kazithalum Puthiyana Puguthalum” which means discarding the oldest and let in newest, in all possible ways. Though the way of celebrating Bhogi has changed latterly from the real cause, which is relevant to cleaning up and replacing old seed grains in the storehouse with newly harvested. The generation of ours and the previous ones celebrate it simply by lighting a bonfire, at the dawn, with the old and useless woods and materials related to same.

Pic shot back in 2007 (my last witness to bhogi)

My Bhogi celebrations with bonfire have ended even before the beginning of 21st century or age less than 15-16. It was a time I wasn't conscious about much anything, including the pollution of environment and endanger of fire, and liked burning things without an idea. Though we haven’t burnt tyres or plastic things, or to say literally, my mom never let us uses tyres despite having many in my uncle’s workshop. We usually put card-boards and old cartons into fire, along with household items like worn out grass mats, broomsticks and winnowing baskets. In our street we are the only to make bonfires – as most residents are faith in different and modest – but compared to our neighbors in backyard, who set huge blazes and light tyres, we put less flame.

I think it is the passion for Bhogi influenced me to always wish for bonfire whenever I visit a hill station or mountain landscape with chillness. Bhogi, being the last day of the Tamil month Margazhi, which is a midwinter time here, the bonfires produce enough warm to bask during the cold winter dawn. Personally I used to look forward to this day, as previous celebrations haunt me while festival nears and more than burning things, gathering along with friends make it keen. What is there a festival without some sound? And having a bonfire in front of us how can we miss a beat? Of course, beating the skin drum is a part of the Bhogi which is impossible to forget.

One doesn't need to be skillful of these drums, which is made of bovine skin covering a terracotta ring, but whoever takes the small skin drum is a composer on their own gesture of hands. Waking up early in the morning we keep beating the drum, heating it often by showing on the bonfire flame so that the skin become tight and make loud noise. And we don’t stop there, but go further around the area beating the drums with friends until it quite dawn. For some time or until the Pongal holidays end, we take the drum and beat whenever it feels and sometime heat the drum on the gas stove. Few times I have saved the drum to beat next year by hiding it somewhere, if unbroken, because  parents don’t allow to have skin products at home.

My brother mostly get two drum each year, as he will broke it very soon it was bought, we sometime fight for the one, if drums anymore available. Because the accessible to these drum are limited for a day or two with Bhogi and we used to get it from the pot-pan makers in our area.  Usually we use to beat the drum with a stick removed from the coconut broom, but many used to stick tar to the tip of theirs. Seeing those I too wished having a similar one but except couple of occasions (to my memory) I couldn't make it out. One of my memorable trails with Bhogi was carried out to the streets. During an occasion we (friends) took a cycle tyre from a bonfire in the neighborhood and carried out along our way to show heat to the drums.

I have seen some people used to boil water with the last bit of fire on the bonfire to take hot shower on the cold winter morning. On this day households carry out cleaning process and some whitewash their house with fresh coat of paint. I spent the Bhogi only once at my grandfather/mother place and being a congested/crowded residential area, the festival is light up heavily and waking the street in barefoot means dyeing in black. Many residents there burn mostly tyres and at the entrance of each by-lane a pile of ashes would wait to spread all over the tar road. These years I almost forget there was a day like this! But memories...  

Sweets and snacks

Like I said in my previous post, Deepavali is not only about firecrackers sweets and snacks are part and special ingredient of the festival of lights. Every year we prepare sweets and snacks at home and distribute it to relatives and friends as a source of sharing our festival zest. Usually the sweet and snack we prepare at home was the traditional items of "Athirasam and Murukku", though both are made of rice flour Athirasam has melted Jaggery and patted rondure. I think people who follow certain customs as Nombu are bound to prepare Athirasam and Murukku but there isn't a restriction to go beyond making varied sweets and snacks.

Below is a collage of our preparation at home:

I feel regret now why we shifted our house from the apartment, as I think how wonderful it has been then sharing the festival sweets and snacks with flat neighbours likewise they do.  Though we share with a neighbour here, I feel something missing on the festival front and it wwasn'tlively it used to be with kids running around and shouting happy Deepavali in energetic yet sweet voice. It was another wonderful scene to see kids all gather at the entrance of the apartment and enjoy bursting and sharing the firecrackers. Most of the time it’s only the kids bring the Deepavali snacks and greet us in their glorious colourful attires. 

Deepavali, Celebrations and Sharing

(No more greetings pls! Diwali is over two days ago)

Deepavali! Spelling the word itself causes some magic and brings enthusiasm. While nearing the festival of lights comes an unexplainable joy and mind began to thinks how to celebrate it efficiently and make memorable. From the childhood days Deepavali has been my favourite festival or I can say season, as we pick up firecrackers less than a month ahead to the festival loosely from the local retail shops.  The best Deepavali celebration ever in my life was spent with my late uncle in 1998 and it was a period we were reconstructing our house and temporarily shifted to my grandmother’s place. The celebration was wholesome as we gathered as more than two families, everything was double! My uncle wasn’t an enthusiast of firecrackers, but understanding that we are he bought us enough and also joining in the fun warfare.

a firework display

My father used to bring crackers list from his office when he was in service, where they used to collect fund and make some present for Deepavali and also arrange for firecrackers according to the list we marked on. Unlike my late uncle, the young one was just like us and a decade elder than me has been a prior to us on buying and bursting crackers. He used to buy 10-20,000 walas and make electric throughout the street, however it cause an impression and impact about us it’s definitely a regardless  act to make nuisance by creating loud noises. Though things have changed quite later but the first and most fascinating thing that comes to mind (still) about Deepavali is firecrackers. Apart sweet and snacks, new dresses and special program on television, our main intention has been   bursting firecrackers.  I see the interesting of bursting firecrackers has come down and even I see changes within myself and I have almost lost interest on loud crackers, but the enthusiasm for firework remain. I keep looking out at sky for firework display from the day ahead and followed by Deepavalai, I make venture into the neighbourhood looking for Aerial Outs. 

Firecrackers aren’t part of our life and we aren't going to burst every day, and it’s indeed against nature and environment but I think they cause festival mood. It’s hard to image a Deepavali without noise though I stopped liking the loud crackers and even the firecracker I used to burst was only crackles or sparkles. This year the noise has come down so much in neighbourhood (for good) and I also began to hate loud crackers as it makes deafening, I haven’t been liked for noise even when I was able to fire crackers. During Deepavali season one could see me then with ears surrounded by black marks (gun powder) as I used to close my ears after igniting firecrackers to ignore sound, so was my favourite one always been the Red Bijli which make less noise among the firecrackers. Only last year I couldn’t celebrate Deepavali not only from firecracker and I also couldn’t go out looking for firework as I was put on cast for femur fracture. I know Deepavali is not only about firecrackers, but we have grown celebrating that way and coming out quite will take some time. As an initial step we can deny quite all noise creating crackers and look for light and colors... according to the meaning of festival of lights, let’s add only colors.

I think celebrating a festival couldn’t be anything if we aren’t able to share with others. I see no difference in people from their daily activity to festival day; they just want to be left alone whether watching television or staring Smartphone or computers. People lost interest not only celebrating festivals, but also from variously activities where there energy used to be high and emotionally supportive. I wonder where we are heading without facing each other and sharing the moment, I think even sitting quiet beside will do magic and make sense of sharing. I think the festivals and certain events are made for memorable to think back and cherish about the days being together and had fun. I know priorities change from time to time and it also depend on our need and desire but no where it said that past has to be forgotten or ignored because we have better things to practice. Workaholic and different lifestyle take people far way but things aren’t same in this advanced communication system, but the matter is we don’t have a mind or put thought to share. 

Happy Deepavali: Ground Chakkaras

Ground Chakkaras are traditional firecrackers, along with flower pots and sparkles bring smiles.  

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

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... 

Joint pain and Joint family

This week I received a supplement on orthopedics along with ‘the week’ magazine and it reveals many a causes and treatment for joint pains and knee replacement and one of the reason that doctor’s point out make me feel hit the nail on the head. Apart the active lifestyle and life expectancy, fall of joint family has been noticed by the doctors for the increase of joint pain, where one remain to take care of things independently.

I wonder how true the joints has been an important part in our lives to make a move and it should remain forever in motion with emotional cord chained within near and dear ones in family. I truly acknowledge the doctor’s perspective on joint family and I have a reason too to come to an agreement and the supplement came on time in my hand when I could feel the pain (not at the knee) of disjoint at heart.

I have experience on living as a joint family during my childhood and those days were never been same again and we were accompanying my uncle’s family (family of dad’s bro) and grandmother then. In the 1bhk house of own, we divided the huge kitchen with a barrier to make it as a bedroom for my uncle family and the arrival of aunt was very helpful at mom in sharing the household chores and taking care of us as kids.

Later my cousin born, we are forced to shift to ground floor of the house to give more space for them and even then we were like live together at through and practice and no event were celebrated at parted. There were some renovation and rebuilding take place at house in later days and we still continued to support each other at despite desperate and share common festivals and celebration and even after we shifted the location for my comfort my mind kept joint with them.

First time I feel the pain more in lately when they decided to go on individual basis on taking the custom related to Deepavali and for me the matter is not the custom or ritual related, which I don’t have faith but sharing the festival spirit and happiness. I believe the festivals are created for get together people and sharing the moment of happiness and love, but their decision to disjoint at traditional level makes me feel despair and anguish.

The sharing means not only about happiness or celebration but also involves helping each other when it comes to work or preparation of stuffs; and in a joint family there’s much chance for such tendency and if one wasn’t well the other take care to give rest for another to quick recovery. This is the natural state of a joint family and during this festival season we really miss the helping hands from our aunt, and mom solely had to prepare the Deepavali ‘sweet and snacks’ to share with relatives and neighbors.

I always wish for a joint family and it has a lot of positive aspects on life and the main reason was sharing and it may sound selfish if I say that a person with disability or old age, the joint family becomes a great backbone for their survey in case our parents or the children of old age find stubborn or struck with other chores. The joint family is one of a dream that often haunt me into the thoughts and I know it is impossible perhaps there is only way of disjoining families these day, I hope the best gift that life gives for us is the joint family – where there’s lack or less joint pains.

Festival of lights – fires

Pic by Jeevan (Ground Chakara)

Once in a year Deepavali 

the joyous festival time of ever
an experience of shower in fire
reverberate to thunderbolt Arial outs.

Many a myth beholds as essence
but the real spirit for us, is
to light up a rocket
and cheer while it blast into sky.

Clay lamps light the occasion
everyone holding sparkle at smile
and amuse toward the flowerpots
emitting colorful flames and florescent.

Called festival of lights
for us its forever fireworks –crackers
beginning a month early to festival
the spirit seemed unending.

Night full of daydreams
how to create a blast tomorrow
and wishing to wake up early
to join the friendly neighborhood warfare.

The tradition has a lot
engaging and embracing the spirit
relish on sweet, snacks and new attire
but nothing fascinates me like firecrackers.

Karthigai Deepam

Lighting up the earthen lamps
illuminates the houses
enhanced to rust and red in color

Along the windowsills and balconies
the lamps lit on Karthigai Deepam
host a grand reception to bewitch

The brass lamps hold to the halls
embraces any festivals of sort
as auspicious to enhance and behold

Footnote:

The photo was taken last year by me on the occasion of Karthigai Deepam, which is a festival celebrated in the month of November-December on the full moon and alike Deepavali, Karthigai Deepam is also called as Festival of Lights.