Chinese fishing net

CHINESE FISHING NETS (CHEENA VALA).

In Cochin there are fixed land installations of an unusual form of fishing; these are the Chinese fishing nets.Chinese fishing nets locally known as Cheenavala is operated by a team of up to six fisher men. It is beautiful sight to see the fishing nets on the backdrop of setting sun. Their size, their elegant construction and the slow rhythm of their operation is quite hypnotic. It is said that these nets were introduced by the Chinese and hence the name.

                                           Chines fishing net-My water colour painting on paper
                                               Website  http://www.sheelapadmanabhan.com/

             

Holy Ramayana month

Ramayana Masam in Kerala is observed in the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam (July – August).  In this month, the Epic Ramayana is read in traditional Hindu houses and in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The Karkidakam month is the last month in the Malayalam calendar and is referred as ‘panja masam’ or the month of scarcity. The monsoon is at its peak in this month; and during olden days majority of the people who depended on agriculture will be confined at home due to heavy rain.

To ward off nature’s fury people used to read the Ramayana Throughout this month

After lighting the evening lamp, people sit before nilavilakku (traditional Kerala lamp) and recite the malayalam version of  Ramayan, Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu written by Thunchath Ezhuthachan. Reciting begins on the first day of the month and read in such a way that the story  is completed by last day of the month ..In 2013, the Ramayana Masam begins on July 17 and ends on August 16.

 

The story of Lord Rama is both a spellbinding adventure and a work of profound philosophy. It is a beautiful and uplifting tale of romance and high adventure, Depicting  the saga of Rama, a great king of ancient India. Rama, the prince of Ayodhya and his beautiful wife Sita was send in exile as a result of his step-mother, Dasharatha’s second wife, Kaikeyi's evil plot, so that her own son Bharata, to become king.

Rama, along with, Sita, and faithful brother Lakshmana, is exiled to the forest for fourteen years, where Sita is kidnapped by the powerful demon Ravana, the ten-headed ruler of Lanka. Along with his brother Lakshmana and a fantastic army of Super natural monkeys Rama set out to find his beloved Sita. They attack Ravana’s army, and after a fierce battle, succeed in killing the demon king and freeing Sita, reuniting her with Rama.

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Theyyam-theatrical arts of Kerala.

 My native place Kannur(Kerala,India) is a seat of north malabar's ancient folk art The Theyyam.This folk art is a mixture of dance, music, mime as well as hero worship.

When the rainy season is over, the Kavu (Temple) and ancestral homes with its adjoining fields will be welcoming the Theyyam Season. The festival begins on the 10th day of the Malayalam month 'Thulaam' and concludes by mid of 'Edavam' (June first week) though there are more than 400 theyyam, the most prominent Theyyams are those of Raktha Chamundi, Kari Chamundi, Muchilottu Bhagavathi, Wayanadu Kulavan, Gulikan and Pottan.

Theyyam is the dramatic presentation of the sagas of heroes of yesteryear s. The stage-practices of Theyyam and its ritualistic observations make it one of the most fascinating theatrical arts of Kerala. The dancer along with the drummers recites the particular ritual song, which describes the myths and legends, of the deity of the shrine or the folk deity to be propitiated. This is accompanied by the playing of folk musical instruments such as Chenda, Veekuchenda, Elathalam and Kuzhal . Props such as swords, shields, bows, arrows and other weapons are also used. Lighted torches are held during the nightly performance to highlight the dramatic effect and to maintain a fiery ambiance.

The head gear is decorated with cloth, flowers and palm leaves. In some Theyyams very long Head gears (50-60 feet) are also used. A bold colored base is painted on the face and intricate designs made on it. The different styles of these designs depend on the Theyyam being performed. The skirts are made of bamboo splices and coconut sheaths painted red and black or from red cloth tied around bamboo sticks.

                                                    Muchilottu Bhagavathi,

                                                       My acrylic painting 
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                                            Theyyam Performance at Ancestral  home

Mohiniyattam- Indian classical Dance

DANCER:            Mohiniyattam is a traditional dance form of Kerala.

                                                       Acrylic painting on canvas
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This is a solo, semi classical form of dance involving delicate footsteps and subtle expressions. The word Mohini means a maiden who steals heart of the onlooker. The dance form depicts love and devotion to god, especially Lord Krishna. The costumes are sober yet attractive which includes white cotton sari with blouse and heavily pleated waist cloth all bordered with exquisite kasavu.The tresses are made in the traditional style made in to a bun in the left side, bedecked with jasmine flowers. In this picture, the dancer is performing Mohiniattam in the dance floor of a temple. She is wearing traditional ornaments like kasumala (kasu – gold coin) an ilakkathali ( choker with scores of small lockets that vibrates on the smallest movement )and Necklace, and   thick golden waistband.