Rain Picked Up

It was raining from last evening in Chennai and the city was almost cool down, and looks alike everything goes favourable for the northeast monsoon to pick up tomorrow. At our previous house rain was the real threat for us, and it was almost a force forced us to move out and it was there while everyone enjoys showering our thoughts were that rain shouldn’t last longer. Now, looking out the balcony I feel how pleasant was the rain, though it isn’t a new feeling, it sense something missed out longer. The array of rain drops looks impressive, studded along the steel rails of balcony contrast to rich green backdrop with trees and palms of neighbours.

As you all know the reason why we shifted house (threaten to flood entering home in monsoon as it was positioned down) and get back to our own house, we never need to face it again but still a heavy rain could be a problem to anyone and other. The weather condition was really helpful and brings hope of rain, what Chennai-ties and others need, but with the most celebrated festival (Deepavali or Diwali) on Nov 6, the rain could be a challenge for people out at purchase and those looking forward to celebrate festival. Rain is enjoyable, and with an open sky out here along with pretty flourished trees it brings a sense of atmosphere where it is a pleasure to watch rain from a safe range.

Linking this post for  Good Fences by Gosia 

Restriction and Reality on Fireworks

For Indians, the first thing that comes to mind when spelling on Deepavali or Diwali is fireworks. So was the festival caught fire with us and although we call it as festival of lights, only fireworks ignite the light and it has been a part of the festival historically. People may hold different belief regarding to the festival using fireworks, but generally people enjoy lighting fireworks and as it burst with different colors and golden hues brings lot of cheer.  As a 90s kid, fireworks has been my favourite  (and continue to be so)  and I believe it was for anyone grown that time, and now with lack of interest many would dropped firing  but the memories could not light off. The firework industry in Tamil Nadu is big enough to support the entire country and foreign export, and just for the one day celebration of Diwali the almost firework industry works throughout the year.

Now coming to the post, the Supreme Court of India has come up with restrictions to use fireworks – what is busting crackers for just 2 hours on Diwali – sounds funny! It’s quite impractical judgement by the Supreme Court (in response to a petition seeking ban on fireworks) and I really wonder what kind of analysis the judges did on the festival and its fever of bursting crackers. How could they think people would stop or bring down to the ground, a practice followed for many years, all of sudden? I don’t connect it with belief or religion, because Diwali is celebrated beyond anything by the people of India and gripping them tightly will end with disappointment and lose hope on democracy. I know this rule will be broke down for sure, and yes, bursting crackers are harm to environment but there should be some procedure to bring down the practice and making of firecrackers step by step rather pushing down to ground.

I just wondering like every other do, on how the Supreme Court is going to tackle the countless, certainly breaking down the time limitation. Already there’s a time limitation set out by the Supreme Court to light fireworks between 6am to 10pm at night on Diwali, but people begin bursting even earlier to late night will certainly ignore this rule, which is against democracy and people unfavourable. No doubt, the fireworks will lose ground in future but a slow landing is better for everyone and that’s what everyone needs to work out. Happy Diwali

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! 

Christmas décor 2021

Last year covid has spoiled the mood of celebrating or decorating for Christmas. Though this year also the situation isn't far different. The practicalities of the mask and the vaccine have allayed concern. But still, we aren't coming out of protective wear as Omicron is speeding up in the country. I have done a simple tree decoration and put some serial lights over the balcony and indoors - the LED light from Deepavali retains the living room.

As usual, mom decorated the Christmas tree on my behalf, or to say, she did everything, on my instructions. To add fun, I bought a set of Santa caps, specs, and a band for my nephew Jeswanth to dress like a Santa. He already has a red dress to match the accessories, but he is interested in playing with those rather than wearing them for the poses.  

A candid of dad and mom with the little one

I share some photos of the decor and Santa Jeswanth here. And I wish you all Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Let the new year brings hope and ways quittance of the Covid. Stay safe and celebrate safely. 

You can see the gingerbread house and birth of christ I made with popsicle sticks in 2018.

Tree in the living room, before it put on balcony.

October for Me

 

October, often reminds me of Mahatma Gandhi’s specs perhaps because the O – the first letter of the month October – resembles the shape of Gandhi’s specs and moreover October 2nd is Gandhi’s birthday and it could be the reason to connect O with his specs. Gandhi’s birthday is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanthi and we’re proud to say he’s the father of our nation!  

October Sky is one of my favourite movies and the teens experiment with rockets in the movie reminds me of the childhood days as kids when we explode firecrackers and the Indian festival of light, aka Diwali or Deepavali also often fall on the month of October is appropriate to connect. Diwali is a festival that we could not be far from fireworks or firecrackers and it is fun to play with those and watch rockets boom the sky with light and colours stroke a chord of sight.

Ayutha Poojai is another childhood delight that falls in the month of October this year. The festival celebrates weapons or tools, is conducted to maintain and cleans the machineries that helps in production and day-to-day activities will pull-off for a day or two to give rest to them and worship for the wellness of machineries and business. I grew up watching my uncle’s garage as our home was adjoined then and putting a step outside the home is left into the garage. So I don't need to say how well I put on delight during the Ayudha poojai festival which is celebrated as a family festival that please me when I join the employees  in decorating and cleaning the workshop. The festival was so delightful until my uncle was alive (he passed away in Dec 2001) and later they celebrated the festival but the spirit went missing. You can check the link here to read how delightful the festival was then.

October is the starting season of Northeast monsoon which bestows with rain across south east India and dipping of temperature makes favourable weather for traveling. Except for the areas along the Western Ghats, the Tamil Nadu experiences hot weather across the plains and it is from Oct to Feb the weather turns cooler. And it was the time I love to travel as it is a pleasure to do the same with windows rolled down rather using AC – only for highways cruising and dusty roads – the weather out here is inviting for a ride but I do remember the pandemic isn’t over.  I wish at the same time the monsoon flourishes this year at least to say 2020 wasn’t drought!

Hope all is well at your side and great month ahead.

Let spark with smile and happiness

The festival of lights is here
to illuminate the darkness
belief of good over evil
and to add more starts at night

The sparkles lit with lamps
brighter the smiles swam in
diminish the illusions with fire
and cheerful lights at higher

The rockets left the earth
blast into the sky as sparkles
wider the eyes look in awe
is a second’s colorful spring

As delicious among festivals
sweet and snacks leads the role
as roll capes troop emerge
with toy pistols imagining as cop

In modern era of media dominant
the celebration are celebrity chat
and fancy firecrackers at night
delight the eyesight’s seeing light.

Deepavali or Diwali, the most popularly celebrated festival across India is uneasy to miss, since it throws lot of happiness and enchanting and fun and blast among families, friends and neighbors. Lighting lamps on the occasion is a grandest display of pleasure taken into home and skies with firecrackers… it spreads lot of cheers and colors to delight. I wish everyone have their part of exuberant while celebrating the festival of lights.

Happy Deepavai

About 7.O’Clock

One of an expected movie Peranmai is to release for this deepavali and I’m so much looking forward to watch this movie and before that the songs of the film has already impressed me. One of my favourite song from the movie is Earathaza Eazhumani… (About 7.O’Clock) and it was singed by the sweetest singer Sadhana Sargam and its so melody with beautiful lyrics to stole anyone. Here I go with the beautiful verses from the song and I hope u like it too... there is an English translation at below.

ஏறத்தாழ ஏழு மணி என் இமயை பறித்து சென்றாய்
இமயை திருப்பி கேட்டேன்
இமயை திருப்பி கொடுத்து என் கண்கள் பறித்து சென்றாய்
கண்கள் திருப்பி கேட்டேன்
கண்கள் திருப்பி கொடுத்து என் இதயம் பறித்து சென்றாய்
ஏதோ ஒன்று பறிக்காமல் இருக்கமுடியாதோ உன்னால்
ஏதோ ஒன்றை இழக்காமல் இருக்கமுடியாதோ என்னால்
ஏறத்தாழ ஏழு மணி என் இமயை பறித்து சென்றாய்

காதல் வந்ததும் பறந்து பார்த்தேன்
வானம் ஒரு துளி மிஞ்சவில்லை....
வாக்கியம் எல்லாம் கூடி களைது
வார்தை ஏதும் மிஞ்சவில்லை....
அழகே உன்னை நெருங்கும்பொது
ஆசை ஏதும் மிஞ்சவில்லை...
அன்பே உன்னை நினைத்துபடுத்தால்
ஆடை ஏதும் மிஞ்சவில்லை...

மிஞ்சியதெல்லாம்.... கௌ்வி ஒன்றுதான்.
காதல் செய்தேன் செத்துப்போவதா
செத்துக்கொண்டே காதல் செய்வதா

ஆணுக்குள்ளே இத்தனை உலகம்
உன்னை கண்டதும் விடையறிந்தேன்...
பெண்ணுக்குள்ளே எத்தனை பூக்கள்
என்னை தொட்டதும் விடையறிந்தேன்...

துடிக்கும் வின்மின்கள் எத்தனையோ
தூங்கா இரவில் விடையறிந்தேன்
கொட்டும் மழைதுளி எத்தனையோ
கொட்ட விழித்து விடையறிந்தேன்

விடையும் தெரியா.... கௌ்வி ஒன்றுதான்.

Translation in English

About 7.O’Clock you snatched my eyelids and left
I asked to return my eyelids
you returned my eyelids and snatched my eyes
I asked to return my eyes
you returned my eyes and snatched my heart
why can’t you be without snatching something
and why can’t I be without losing something

When love came, I tried to fly
thus a piece of sky doesn’t remain…
All sentences gather and scatter
thus no word remains…
Beauty when I get closer you
no desire remains…
Dear when I lay down in your thoughts
no dress remains…

whatever remains… is only the question.
I do love to die or die while doing love.

How many worlds inside men
is the answer I get after seeing you…
How many flowers inside women
is the answer I get when I was touched…

How many the throbbing stars
is the answer I get through waked nights
How many the droplets in rain
is the answer I get through deep awake

Unknowing answer… is only the question.

Weapons festival at uncle's workshop

We had a good celebration at my uncle’s workshop yesterday due to ayudha puja, I get to meet some of the old employs with whom once I was very familiar and had brotherhood relationship and get together at other hand with family was nice except kid annoyance. I liked watching the preparation of the festival towards the worshiping and distribution of puffed rice bags to works, customers and neighbours along with sweets and fruits.

Ayudha puja is a day dedicated to worshiping or taking care of weapons, tools and anything on motion which help us in making life easy and comfort. Like how livestock for farmers, its weapons, tools and machines for labours and employs and civilians who involve in hard work and without these utensils it’s very hard to work with bare hands.

I am attending the ayudha puja celebration at uncle’s workshop after three years now, which was once my favourite festival time spent along with workers and having fun by watching or at least involving in cleaning, painting and decorations. It was something more than a decade old memories I couldn’t avoid this moment and sat to wheels while watching things happening around and the latter joys were missing a lot quite this time. Since lost my great uncle a decade ago, who begin this workshop and illuminated our lives equal to great sunlight, we lose the complete charm of the festival celebrated at everyone’s great amusement. He never denied offering to anyone in need and on the occasion of Ayudha puja the workshop will be crowded with well-knows and even strangers come and collect puffed rice bags and employs will get their one month salary as bonus along with a set of new dresses. I don’t know even we celebrated Pongan or Deepavali this way in grand and happy mood, but Ayudha puja is very special to us to look after then and growing up adjacent to car workshop we always stay in workshop playing with uncles and annas (brothers) who work there. When I think back now, I feel glad to be at least I enjoyed my childhood with good hearted people who were very helpful in my life and I am always be thankful to those guys who I really wish to meet and let know what they are doing. I convey my great wishes and regards to them always at heart. Following last 3 years after great grandmother’s death, the Ayudha puja comes down to simple celebration and this year the decorations of colour papers and festoons are missing. Aunt prepared sundal, vada and along with sweets and puffed rice the festival illuminates to camphor fire toward worshiping and break down of pumpkin and coconut and lemons under car wheels. Ps. this time I couldn’t take any photos, so sharing pics from the last time I attend the festival.

Palavakkam Beach and Skywatch!

It had been a long time since I visited Palavakkam Beach in ECR, which I frequented once. When we were staying in our apartment flat in Thiruvanmiyur, I visited Palavakkam Beach and spent a lot of time lost in thought; whenever I felt like visiting the beach, I would go there, and it was the quietest beach with fewer people at the time.

Although Thiruvanmiyur Beach, also known as Thiruvalluvar Nagar Beach, was close to us then, I preferred Palavakkam Beach for its quiet, private atmosphere. When we shifted to Kottivakkam, we got very close to the beach, but I didn't go as often as I would like when we stayed in Thiruvanmiyur, and subsequent house moves increased the distance. 

Palavakkam Beach, now the fourth most significant beach in Chennai after Marina, Elliots, and Thiruvanmiyur has recently gained popularity. I had only gone to Palavakkam Beach a couple of times in the previous five years, and it wasn't the same with merchants, and the crowds had increased. 

I spent much time alone when my father left me in the car to go for a walk on the beach, and I was inspired to write poems and study things happening around me. I enjoyed the Palavakkam beach for two reasons: the stunning sunset and the moon rising over the sea, casting a silvery shadow. I went to the beach on three consecutive full moon evenings with moonrise, and the couples sitting on the sand occasionally slipped under its shadow, which I photographed a few times. 

I went to Palavakkam Beach the day before Deepavali (anticipated seeing some fireworks - but only deception remains), which greeted me with nostalgic memories of moments spent there and with loved ones; the heart longs for those times, which appear like a distant shore in the sea that is unreachable. The sky, and beach photos, you see here were shot on the same day. 

Linking this post with Skywatch Friday

Season of rain and fire

The nature has takeover the firecrackers
in its presence of thunder and flash
instead of fire, raindrops widespread
everywhere creating a pool of water

The northeast monsoon is here
with hours to go for festival of lights
it began to mess up everywhere
even before firecrackers –
and festival purchases end to spoil the environ

Many in worry, how to celebrate the festival
miss the joy of showering, of seasonal rain
as firecrackers can burn anytime
rain is sufficient to hold throughout the year

I wonder at times whether or weather?
It’s the blast of cracker bomb or thunder flash
bursting the sky with weapons unseen
to only the light and sound emphasis.

Wish u all again a Very Happy Deepavali.

Sunday Photos: Sparkle Fun

During Deepavali I took some fun shots, where I asked my dad to move burning sparkle fireworks in random directions to get these shapes. Every year I used to take some snaps using the firework mode on camera, lighting the sparkles to move in different directors to catch some interesting fire traces. This year it was performed on our balcony, so the moves were restricted to get some simple yet interesting ones.

This give me a perspective of first Tamil letter அ (A)

And this looks as Tamil letter ஒ (O)

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.

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

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. 

Happy Deepavali 2020

 Hope you guys have a Great Festival of Lights and Cheerful Weekend ☺

Fire Fountain

Hope you dears had a colorful deepavali, as well I visible multiple displays at nights and lit fireworks with cousin in our granny’s home in suburb Neelankarai. The crackle made it enough sounds around seems gone empty right now. Still in mood of festival, and feeling uninterested in writing or reading, so leaving this and later more. Have you all peace and happiness :)

My most favorite songs of 2007

Last year I was in great pleasure of listing too much good Tamil songs and I would like to share it with you all. I list down some songs I loved in some way it was tuned, singed, the lyrics that put me in sense and happiness… it was not an order of which one is good to the decrease of less good, but comes as it is from my thoughts. The film names were at each end of the song experience in bracket and u can check the song clicking mouse at the link in blue.

Meendum Palliku Pogalaam... (Again go to the school…)I feel it’s a best song that bring backs the memories and desires in our deep heart. The words are strong when comes from music director Bharadhwaj’s voice and it was tuned in clearly one could listen what was singed. One line that goes like “educated all forget there schools and lose in the mechanical life and those uneducated look at there school in craved to distress. I feel a pain in this line and it was like pinching me. The video of this song was so realistic showing the emotions on peoples face about there school times, living in varies places. (film Pallikodam)

Katrin Mozhiye... the song starts like asking which is the language of air, flower, sea and love. Poet Vairamuthu gives two choosing answers for air its sound or music, for flowers its color or fragrance, for sea its waves or bubbles, for love its eyes or lips. The music director Vidhyasagar penned the song in one could enjoy the beautiful lives, its languages and the nature’s creativity in this song. It was tuned in melodies with male and female singing separately where female singer Sujatha’s version was impressive. (Mozhi)

Kaadhal Konjam... its drizzling in a word! The times I was in worries I wanted this song at my side to bind, that how I adore and in love with this song. Do check the English translation of this song here I wrote some times back. Composed and singed by Harish Jayaraj and singer naresh Iyer in Tamarai’s lyrics gives an fantastic mood to forget all any other just listening times. (Pachai Kili Muthuchram)

Akkam Pakkam... after a long time I was to listen from an owner of sweet voice Sadhana Sargam in this song. Its romantic lines could melt the heart; the most adoring is cute looking trisha and her expression to wording. One could enjoy in this boat house and artificial island center of Backwater Lake in tuning to G.V.Prakash’s music. (Kireedam)

Unnarugil Varugayil... it may released in late of 2007, but it releases from my player for maximum times in recent days. Very hard to think what makes me pleasing on this song, it rarely comes that likely listening to best of moments coming closer. The action less eyes and on the smiles along with rocks of familiar places in the song are spirit watching. The young composer Joshua Sridhar who exists for only couple of films in Tamil and this is one sure to take places in the memories. (Kallori)

Unakkaga thaanea... actually what dragged me is the starting of some sweet wordings like whoever tells anything dear, I will come with you … ones u smile it’s my meaning to live, another smile it finishes my curse of lifetime…. The mild folk track behind the voice gives a style and the video feels to emollient in childish. (Katrathu Tamil)

Asaipatta ellathaium... its best are the lines of praising mother. A meaningful song about mother, tells her affection and touches could not be valued to anything that we buy. The beats are the energies of this song and one thing that stop the pull also. (Viyaabari)

Saroja Samman Nikola... first I avoided it feeling over noise, but all days listening on television and radios I found interests on its very peppy music. It’s a party song, the cricket friends of Chennai 28 plays dance with colorful glam girls. Yuvan’s music stops at some place, but it start with force repeatedly till it ends actually. (Chennai 600 028)

June Pona... The late year starts with this favorite keyboard tune of peaba peppa peaba… from the time I listen there was some imaginations how this song would be in visible. It holds some magic from the voice of Krish and Harish’s music that develops a mood of passion. I wonder that my dears have comes close towards my taste; they enjoy the song more than me. Ever time they show different thoughts in listening, but this song they shares. (Unnale Unnale)

Radha Kaadhal Varatha... I think it was a remake of an old-song where in a style of modern devotional. I love the beginning much, singer sounds sweeter the line radha kaathal varatha… beautiful composed, but I was disturbed by the English rap in-between. The musician always add the rap when it comes to remake songs, I disappoint with this idea. (Naan Avan Illai)

Yen Chellaperu Apple... what a hot and sweet like my favorite taste of lays. All credit goes to Mirchi Suchi (sema hot’u machi) and her voice that rocks. Musician manisharma has tried to give something new, but it feels like listening to Hindi’s Doom here. (Pokkiri)


Style Style... I get very little opportunity to watch this song fully clearly. An example of grand shaker and stylish Rahman’s combination in a variety place and tunes in western style. One basket sunlight, one basket moonlight, everything joins his white… the magic behind this white skin really wonders. The fast lines flows in energy and Tanvi sounds humming in cool manner, I would tell she is the spice space of this style. (Sivaji)

Pogathe... a very soft melody. Yuvan has singed this song is unbelievable, excellently done to soothing for which we were singing like in our imagination and instrument are the attractive thing, it’s the vinnai or anything I think it was a rare feel I got. (Deepavali)

Mudhal Mazhai... the first rain would give more enjoyable in the season. It was the first rain in Hariharan’s lovely voice and the poetic lyrics of Na.Muthukumar is a gentle breeze for lonely moments. Some expectation on this song, what different the director make it outstand from many rain songs in past. It starts with an unaware words as usual style of Harish Jayaraj and did a wonderful tuning the music. (Bheemaa)

Thanks for listining my favorite songs.

Sunday Photos: Fun with sparkler

Sparkler is a popular firework and even those don’t burst crackers would like to hold sparkler which is less dangerous and harm to environment. From kids to old sparklers bring smile and merry during the occasion of Deepavali, and it’s the only firework that I could light. Every year I like creating some images using the firework mode in the camera by letting someone move the burning sparkler in random, as well certain directions to get interesting designs. Usually my father used to help me on the fun task by making different moves on holding the sparkler to let me capture the images. Following are few designs we created together, though he isn’t much interested in what I shoot he was cheerful to execute these for me to exhibit. It gave me different perspectives and I have note it down beneath each image. 

Lighting Diya or traditional clay/oil lamp that lit during diwali

Signature in sparkler 

Tennis Ball

Mersal (மெர்சல்) a Tamil film title

Smiley emotion 

Finally its me hehe

Life these days

I had a very bad throat these days which reflects in splitting blood put me in scare again. Though it continues for few days, I was so much worried and feared about my stage, but it was my family and doctor who gave me courage and comfort to be. Since everyone says it’s because of heat and throat infection, I was thinking beyond and wanted to test something related to splitting blood, so went ahead of complete blood and urine test, which comes out in normal, but found cholesterol little more than normal in blood.

Doctor says nothing to worry about it and little restriction on certain things could put in control. It was really a hard time for me to think something out of my health condition; a lot of things have changed in my life these days and all my interest were stopped sometime. It’s more than a week I spent time on online and blogging, I was occupied by television and doing nothing than simply sitting and splitting; and in evening sitting outside and breathing little fresh air.

The climate is so badly changed and I think it could be one of the causes that affect my throat and I was advice to drink lot of water, but still the heat is unbearable. The nights are badly affected and I go through much trouble these days to sleep, but I think these could pass easily as I feel like returning to normal. The breathing exercise helps me a lot in reducing cough and pressure of splitting, and I well realized the importance of breathing exercise more than before now. But still the trouble stays with my throat while reading, talking or even being simple.

I was in state of feeling alone these days, and I really wish to be with people a lot and I realize it now, how importance and comfort it was being with people esp. our loved ones. This mood comes often when we’re sick and it brings a great distress to mind and for this I spend sometime outside home looking at people and movements around the apartment complex and the evenings are much better than days as we get some cool breeze after sunset.

I wish to get well quite soon before my favorite festival deepavali and I like a lot this festival that falls on 17th oct. Watching and leaving fireworks on this days could never hide from me inside and even it does little injure to environment I couldn’t resist fireworks and I enjoy a lot watching it.

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...