Trivandrum aka Thiruvananthapuram

Sasthamangalam Junction

2011-03-19T13:57:00.000+05:30

The beautiful Sastamangalam Junction now !

Onam festivities and Uppalam Vs Pookkalam

2010-08-21T10:04:00.000+05:30

Trivandrum is in the grip of ONAM fever. The City is really vibrant in preparing for the ONAM and the celebrations following (Tourism Week).
Onappookkalam (Flower arrangements) is a common sight even at road side. But... a thing to note is that these Onappookalams are not really pookkalam. They are "Uppalam". Yeah... the decorations are with common salt , and not flowers ! Flowers are very very costly. Salt is the cheapest among all materials. Buy some salt, add some synthetic color powders, and do the floral arrangement. That makes it UPPALAM... and not POOKKALAM !

Look here ...

An "UPPALAM" in front of a shop in the city.

Smoking traffic

2010-05-10T11:22:00.000+05:30

Traffic is smoky ! Traffic lights too ?
At Edapazhanji junction, the traffic lights get smoke from the roadside teashop.

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Joyful and Joyless Summer vacation

2010-05-10T11:17:00.000+05:30

How joyful is "Joy Ful" ? Joyful for the businessmen, and joyless for the parents !

Tender cocunts. Price is not really tender.

2010-05-10T11:13:00.000+05:30

Tender Coconuts

Tender cocunuts are scarce, though not rare, in this City.
It's Rs.15/- a piece ! whether small or big. You can't ask them any questions. "Buy only if you are interested .... else... go away !" that's what the dealer guys (everyone of them) says. I hope I told you that this City is paradise for the sellers (and certainly not for the buyers).

You could spot the tender coconut vendor in some of the corners. Being summer, the demand is too high. And so, the vendor sells of his stock in minutes !
Here is a scene from the City.

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Panchpaandavar

2010-03-25T11:21:00.000+05:30

As usual, it's the turn of "Panchapaandavar". They are linedup in front of Padmanabhaswamy temple. It's the Festival time (Aaraattu).

You may wonder what the third snap (just above) is about ?
On the eastern side of Padmatheertham, there's a stone carved elephant ( like Nandi). A street vendor takes company of this elephant, to sell his spices stock.

City scenes

2010-03-18T15:06:00.000+05:30

Parking ? Do it anywhere as you like !

Waste ? Throw your waste cars at the street corner !

Cricket ? Anywhere you can play ! Any corner is a cricket ground ! Particularly in the vacation time !

Karaalkada, Kaithamukku

2010-03-01T10:48:00.000+05:30

Karaalkada

Karaalkada is a textile shop ! A shop where you get traditional Kerala garments. Settumundu, Neryathu, Onnaramundu, and of all that kind.
Ofcourse, it is appreaciabvle that the Karaalkada still remains as Karaalkada ! without ignoring the traditional. Ofcourse, they have a modern shop just adjoining.

The snaps below shows the front side of Karaalkada, and the view of the street. At this corner, you can see the Passport Office too.

Aattukaal Pongaala scenes

2010-03-01T10:33:00.004+05:30

Aattukaal Pongaala

They "day before Pongala" scenes !

On Saturday, the whole City was on a shopping spree... for Pongaala festival. Every corner of the city was busy with street vendors. Items of all sorts for Pongaala.

The above scenes are from Karaalkada junction, East Fort, and Statue. The first snap shows a scene from Secretariat front. Women have reserved their Pongaala place even before 5 PM. Infact, the museum and Zoo campuses were full with 'reservations" for Pongaala.

http://www.attukal.org/

Aattukaal Ponkaala - World Record

2010-02-24T09:51:00.001+05:30

സര്‍വമംഗള മംഗല്യേ ശിവേ സര്‍വാത സാധികെ
ശരന്യേ ശിവേ ദേവി ഗൌരി നാരായണീ നമോസ്തുതേ
ഓം .... ആറ്റുകാല്‍ ദേവി എല്ലാവര്ക്കും നന്‍മ നല്‍കട്ടെ.
There is no Thiruvananthapuram without Aattukaal Devi temple. This temple is very unique, and is now world famous.
The Ponkaala festival (due on this 28th February Sunday) is the largest union of women in the world. Guiness Book of World Records have accredited this unique fact.
This year, over 25 lakh women are expected to offer the Ponkaala nivedhyam (Ponkaala offering).
The crowd in the City is already on. Devotees are flocking to the temple everyday, right from morning. The peak will be on 28th, when the Ponkaala will be offered. The whole City, including the suburbs, will transform into an "yaagasaala". It's grand ! One must see this !
I have here just a few snaps from the temple premises (taken on this monday evening).

The Temple authorities and the Local administration are doing a fantastic job. The Police is extremely great... they are there everywhere... assisting the devotees for darshan... and whatnot ! I have no words to record my appreciation on them. May Devi bless them all !

The open ground (maidaan) where cultural programmes go on ... night and day .. continuous

A closeup view of the main dais (for cultural programmes )

Festivals ... Exhibitions... So shops a galore ... From bajji to toys .. to novelties ...

Huge ... large ... Parking ground... But no parking on Pongaala day !

Book fair, Thiruvananthapuram

2009-12-24T10:00:00.000+05:30

This city is a land of celebrations. Exhibitions and fairs are a part of such celebrations.
Now, this city is busy with "Flower show". But more importantly, a "Book fair" is running. I have here, a few scenes from the book fair. Quite interesting.

And.. how cool it is to read ... lying on a tree top !

Rohini Theatre, Vattiyoorkavu

2009-12-24T09:39:00.000+05:30

Remember, the great landmark "Rohini Theatre" at Vattiyoorkavu ? (if not, please see my earlier posts on this ).
See below, what's growing up at the location. A huge multi-storied residential (commercial !) complex !

Make it cool !

2009-12-24T09:34:00.000+05:30

It's quite hot here, these days. That's why "cool bars" are thriving. See here a couple running a "mobile cool bar" right in front of Tagore theatre, Vazhuthacaud.
They sell "sarbath"... a mix of fruits (4 or 5 types) with a bit of sugar. But it's very nice... and tasty.... Certainly refreshing and cooling ! A glass (200 ml) of this sarbath is priced at Rs. 12.

Green City

2009-11-07T15:15:00.000+05:30

Our city is certainly Green. Inspite of all kind of environmental destructions, my city just manages not to lose its Green cover. But what to do, there's a concentrated effort to go Red. But all are not intentional. It so happens.
An example is felling of coconut trees. Most of the houses, even those in the heart of the city, has atleast a couple of coconut trees. But, the house owners are compelled to cut them off. The major reasons for this is the non-availability of labour (for climbing the tree and plucking the coconuts). This results in coconuts getting dried up and fall off by itself. That's a risk. It falls on to the neighbor's plot and over their building.
I am aware that this issue has caught fire in many cases, ultimately the coconut trees are forced to be cut off.

See the snaps here... My neighbor is cutting off all his coconut trees. It's quite sad.

May be the last picture is a scene of things to come. Are we losing our greenery... Are we getting dried up ?

Exhibitions and Sales

2009-11-07T14:56:00.001+05:30

Atleast one exhibition would be running in the city. One of the main exhibition venues is the VJT Hall. Now, an exhibition of arts and crafts is running. As usual, it's a north-Indian sales gang.
But there's a crowd all through the day. And they have a variety of stuff interested to the common mam, particularly the ladies.
I have here, a few snaps from the venue. See... they have a lot of stuff... furniture, beautiful cane furniture, carved idols, FengSui items, jewellery, and a host of other 'chota mota' items.

Another grand exhibition of BOOKs also is in prohress at Chandrasekharan nair Stadium.

Luck .. and its ways

2009-11-03T14:24:00.001+05:30

Luck ! Which way does it come ? Through my grinder Or a lottery ticket ?

Marriage - Photographer menace

2009-11-03T14:21:00.000+05:30

A scene from a marriage venue. The guests seated in the hall/auditorium could see nothing of the marriage ceremony. Only photographers' butts !

Who grabs ?

2009-11-03T10:18:00.032+05:30

Land grab ... a very popular term in Trivandrum (and in whole of India). Reports say that even a High Court Judge has grabbed 600 acres , somewhere in TamilNadu.

I am not justifying his illegal action. But that grab affects only a few in that village.

But see below. A group of street vendors, selling fish and fruits, grabbing the main road. Almost half the road is their property now. Poor citizens ! This is at Vazhuthacaud.

And now, more pictures from Althara (Vellayambalam). It's not just grab. It's how they dare to misuse the common facilities.
Half the road is taken by a taxi stand and parked ones, leaving a narrow stretch for others to drive by.

Street Singers , and Blind

2009-10-08T10:22:00.002+05:30

Street singers are not common in our City. They are seen rarely. But recently, a team of Blind (a man and a girl) was seen singing at many corners of the city. Here I have a video, they performing in front of the Connemara Market, Palayam.

Encroachment and Pedestrians

2009-09-30T09:14:00.003+05:30

Our city is over-politicized. Political parties are the front runners in encroaching public places. Here you see the busy Vazhuthacaud junction and the encroachment (for some function !) . This kind of agressions make lot of inconvienience to the general public.

But I have another point too here.
The road is marked with "excellent Zebra crossing". But who cares ? Most of the pedestrians find their own way within the heavy traffic as they wish ! Zebra crossings are not their concern. Look.. how the lady walks through the road !

Soorya Festival 111

2009-09-30T09:10:00.003+05:30

Our City now is busy with SOORYA FESTIVAL. This festival runs for 111 days !
Here is a view of the entrance to the main venue (tagore Theatre) at Vazhuthacaud.

Methan mani ("Methan Clock")

2009-09-22T10:36:00.001+05:30

I have here snaps of the "Methan Mani", and a view from the temple entry of the road to EastFort.

Navaraathri celebrations

2009-09-22T10:25:00.004+05:30

Padmanabhaswamy Temple, in the evening.

Main entrance to Padmanabhaswamy temple.

Entrance to Navarathri mandapam. Views of people having darshan from outside the closed grilled door.

'Sangeethaaraadhana' (worship with music) is very auspicious during Navarathri days. The Navaraathri mandapam, a venue for music concerts, attached to the Padmanabhaswamy temple is quite famous. This year too, the mandapam and temple is in full swing.
Here above, I have a few snaps for you.

Navaraathri celebrations - Kolu

2009-09-22T10:20:00.003+05:30

"Kolu is an important affair in the 'Brahmin houses' of Trivandrm. This is a cultural inheritance from Tamil. During Navaraathri, we could see "Kolu" ( idols of Gods, in plenty arranged in the Pooja room/place) in almost all Brahmin houses. So, there's much demand for the Kolu idols.
See above, a scene from East Fort (in front of Padmanabhaswamy temple).

"Methan Mani " (മേത്തന്‍ മണി )

2009-09-22T10:09:00.003+05:30

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is certainly the focal point of Trivandrum.
An interesting thing here is the "Methan Mani", in front of the Temple.
The mani (Clock) is working now, but not quite healthy.
See the short video here, where you see the clock striking once .

City scenes

2009-09-18T15:59:00.002+05:30

Hai all,
Here a a few City scenes.
Let me start with the 'POLICE'. Most of us and our media are probably critical of the lapses from Police. But we all fail to see the goodness of our Police. Today, I happened to be in front of a school (a Girl's Secondary School) in the morning.
Two Police men are in the road in front of the School. Not only they control the traffic, they were taking special care of the school children. And ofcourse, the other pedestrians too. I am so impressed by these duty bound Policemen !

This is in front of the Connemara Market, Palayam. A troup of 'Blind" conducting a 'Ganamela'. I am sure all our people are not blind. Atleast some of them were putting some money into their 'money basket'.

Another scene right in front of 'Connemara Market'. The local DYFI unit has put up a display ... you know who is shown there ? None other than 'Che Guvera' ! { Did I spell that right ? Sorry if I did not ).

Saphalyam Shopping Complex at Palayam ... the beehive of the youth !
A scene inside the complex on a holiday . All the bees must be sleeping !

No festivals at the 'Festivals Office'

2009-09-08T10:13:00.003+05:30

Office of the "Onam Fest", at Kanakakunnu Palace. Uncelebrating the Celebrations !
But... they did a good job, for sure !

Onam ...just over ... leaving good memories...

2009-09-08T09:54:00.002+05:30

Onam is just over. With the Onam 'feast' over a week in our city, it was really grand !
The conclusion was with a procession yesterday evening, from Kavadiar Jn to East Fort.

Over the last one week, all evenings were really colorful with illuminated spots.
I've here, a few snaps from the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds.

Onam scenes - continued

2009-09-03T13:55:00.003+05:30

The streets and parks are illuminated. That attracts the crowd in the evening Here are a few snaps from Kanakakkunnu Palce grouds.

POLICE , the most vigilant people in the fair. Ther's an eye on everything. That's why there seems to be no problem at all . It's quite safe to be in the crowd.
Good job, Kerala Police !

Onam scenes continued ..

2009-09-03T13:45:00.003+05:30

Not everything is glossy at Putharikandom. You can see the civil works in progress , but didrupting the Onam fair.

Onam market - scenes

2009-09-03T13:31:00.004+05:30

Here are a few scenes from 'Putharikandam Maidaan', where Govt sponsored shops are open. But there are other interesting items too.

See below "Malabar Avil Milk". I've shown you this last year too.

At the main entrance, a man sells "Onamundu .. Manjamundu.."

Scene from inside the pavilion.

And the bazaar is incomplete with toys, and of that sort.

The main entrance.

Ganeshotsavam

2009-09-03T13:24:00.003+05:30

It was 'Ganeshotsavam' lastday. Trivandrum celebrated the festival. The main programme was the Ganeshayaathra from Eastfort to Shanghumukhom beach. I have here, a few scenes from East fort, just before the procession.

Onam ... It's Atham today

2009-08-23T11:15:00.003+05:30

ONAM is here. It's Atham today.
"Onappookkalam" ! ? Though not rare, it's not in the front yards of our homes (as it used to be earlier). One may see a pookkalam in the footpath (not in crowded areas) at a few locations.

But the fact remains that the nature is showering the goodness of flowers. Even in this city, but whereever there is a garden. See... I have, in my front yard, some of the usual ones.

Chethi, Mandaaram, Thulasi, Pichakam,... yes Thank God !

Though not Pookkalams, let us all have some "Poovukal".

Vinaayaka chathurthi : Mahaa Ganapathy

2009-08-23T10:54:00.003+05:30

It's a very auspicious day ... Today is Vinayaka Chathurthy.
I too had a look at some City points how people celebrate this day.
Here are a few snaps.
View of "Mahaa Ganapathy Temple, Pazhavangaadi'.

This is a view of the "East Fort'. You can see "Sree Padmanabha swamy Temple" in the backdrop.

The 'Ganesha vigraham' adorns the East Fort. This is right in front of the East Fort.

View from the "Ganapathy Temple, Vazhuthacaud".

And another view of "Mahaa ganapthy Temple, Pazhavangaady".

Beautiful Roads

2009-08-21T13:55:00.006+05:30

Some of roads are being beautified with the foot-paths paved with 'interlocking tiles'. It looks great !
This scene of work-in-progress is from Vellayambalam-LMS road

Kudumba Sree

2009-08-21T13:49:00.003+05:30

A common scene in the City .

Who cleans our City ? Undoubtedly, 'Kudumba Sree'. We, the residents of this City, are thankful to the 'KudumbaSree' project. The people are on their toes, constantly, on cleaning the city. They clear off all the garbage collected from the residential areas, and from roads and markets.

Here you see a team doing the 'dirty' job of cleaning the city.

Changing faces of Trivandrum

2009-08-08T14:56:00.004+05:30

Trivandrum is changing it's face very rapid. The streets are changing too. For example, the 'Main Road'. Now, it's not what it has been just about two years ago.
Today, I feel sorry that I've not acted smart, in recording the Main Road as to how it looked like.
Last day, while in front of the Secretariat, I realised that the face of this area too would change soon. So, I just took a video of the spot with my phone. Please watch ! ( and please bear with me for the poor quality !).

Raamaayanam

2009-08-08T14:49:00.004+05:30

This is Raamaayana month. Most of the temples have a discourse (recital) of Raamaayana.
Here is a snap from the OTC Hanuman Temple at Palayam, Trivandrum.

And please see a video of the event :

The Twittering Minister

2009-06-30T11:37:00.003+05:30

Thiruvananthapuram must be very happy and proud now. We have an MP, "the twittering MP' !
That's not anything funny. I am proud that Dr. Shashi Tharror represents Trivandrum in the Parliament. Not only there, He represents Trivandrum globally. Not only in this real world, but also in the virtual world.
Today's main news on YahooIndia is on Twittering Sashi Tharoor.

Please read more on :

http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20090629/812/tnl-shashi-tharoor-twitter-account-cross_1.html

Footpaths

2009-06-29T11:32:00.003+05:30

Footpaths, no doubt, are extremely important. It's for the pedestrians' safety and convienience.
But in Trivandrum, footpaths are not given any importance at all. There are either no footpaths, or are occupied by motorists. They totally unsafe too.
Look below. The footpath is fully blocked by a car. And behind it are a few two wheelers too.
Added to this, the stay wires for Electric power posts make walking miserable for the poor pedestrians.
That's not all . The slabs are broken and if you are bit careless, you will fall into 7 foot deep drain channels.

And now, it's not about the footpaths. It's about the TODDY SHOPS. See how huge sign boards they adorn.

City scenes - 5 June 2009

2009-06-05T11:12:00.002+05:30

Rest.

Aani Muscreen Square. The board says so... but ?

Water logging at Vellayambalam too. Right at the bus stop.

And more City scenes

2009-05-16T10:54:00.002+05:30

Builtin dangers are a common thing in this City. Not having a proper road divider is the problem, in this scene, at Vellayambalam.

Felling of road side trees ! Part of development. But ...?

Some good samaritan Policeman was kind enough to put a few reg pegs as a road-divider. Thank him.

And the trees missing. A new bus bay built two years ago. Now, the trees are cut . May be in the next two years, this bus bay may be operational. Thanks to our Great Corporation and Road authorities.

Really Grand. The (now) beautiful spot. Ponnara Sreedhar Park, in front of the Central railway Station. Thanks to Trivandrum Corporation.

More City scenes

2009-05-16T10:42:00.002+05:30

Parking at the right place ! From a not so crowded road.

Under the hot sun... yet so cool. A scene from Railway Station.

Kerala Water Authority. KWA's watch dog !

A verrrrrrry tallllll man ! going to Secretariat.

The taaalllll man crossing the road !

City Scenes

2009-05-16T10:27:00.002+05:30

Scenes in front of a 'Counting Centre'. Today morning, before 8 AM.
Awaiting 'counting Votes'.

Flying bike ? No, a scene from a 'bike show room'.

Pancha Paandavar

2009-04-01T09:21:00.003+05:30

Pancha Paandavar . They are all here now, as part of the Painkuni Aaraatu Ultsavam.

Vishu ... its here

2009-04-01T09:06:00.004+05:30

It's all festival time in Thiruvananthapuram. Painkuni ultsavam is now in progress. And many of the Devi temples are celebrating 'Ultsavam'. And it's almost vacation time too. Exams are just over. But the city is very very hot ... ! Not the summer heat .. It's the Election heat ... ! I am not going to tell you about all that today.

I just had been to Padmanabhaswamy temple premises yesterday. I've a few snaps. Let me share them with you. But before all that, let me tell you, Thiruvananthapuram is aready "Vishumayam". It's all that golden yellow ... the 'Konna pookkal'... See.. how beautiful they are ... !

And now the 'Padmanabha Swamy temple and Padmatheertham'. And guarded by the "Pancha paandavar" ! You'll get a glimpse of the "Methan mani ".

City Scenes

2009-03-06T13:56:00.002+05:30

Here are a few City Scenes.

Furniture ( popularly called here as "Midnight furniture") on foot path at East Fort .

Quite a few hundred millions have flown under this bridge. waste water channel, right in front of Ganapathy temple, EastFort. It's blocked with palstics ! and ther's no flow.

Not quite new Advertising media ! But very powerful. Posters on a tree - foot path - at Palayam.

Pulimood aka GPO junction

2009-02-04T15:20:00.004+05:30

The historical land mark in the City - Pulimood - is now very different.
Pulimood is where the GPO stands tall. But, now it is going to be a "Plammood" ... a jack tree is growing up ! But to be very frank, a "Puli" - a tamarind tree - also grows adjacent to the Jack tree.

I wonder, after a few years, whether the junction will still be 'Pulimood' or "Plammood" ! This depends on which tree becomes bigger (prominent). Or, will the junction become a "Puliplammod" ?

See above, the co-existance of the Plavu and Puli (right).

And a view of the "Pen" shaped Kesari memorial Journalists Building at GPO junction.

City scenes

2009-01-02T10:21:00.003+05:30

After a few weeks' gap, I am here again to tell you something about my beloved city.
As I told you earlier, this city is the best in the world ! It's the capital of God's own Country !!

But there are certain things here which are not good. Just because of the slackness of the governing bodies. I have two small examples.

VJT Hall is a prestigious one. Royal, aristocratic, and historical monument. Government spends a lot on maintaining it. But the people who are to maintain that is not smart enough. To show you an example, see the flood light lamps. They are not maintained well. Its dying down !

Putharikandom maidanam ( പുത്തരികണ്ടം ) is very famous for its public utility. Large meetings take place here. Infact, its the largest open space in the City. Right now, a 'Youth festival' is going on her.
But what I want to show is the Fountain (was very beautiful !) in the maidaanam. Its now ignored and is dying down. The maintenane agency should immediately act to restore it and bring back its glory. Please make it operational.

City of variety

2008-11-18T09:13:00.004+05:30

Trivandrum is a city of "variety". It's not only that the population is cosmopolitan, evry other thing here is 'different'. That why I prefer to call this beautiful place - "land of variety".
Here are a few random scenes, from the city.

There's a small strip of land left out (at Vazhuthacaud, in front of the Office of the Forest Department buildings) amidst the new concrete complexes coming up. Yeah... this slot also is about to be sealed. A new multistoried commercial complex is coming up here. The work, by a local real estate comapny , is just on.
In another two or three years, this road will be packed with concrete blocks !

Trivandrum is well known for its cleanliness. The slogan "Green city, Clean city" (I understand the Corporation authoritis are no more promoting this !? ), however, is not active now.
But, it's a fact that Trivandrum is very clean - maintained very clean- compared to many other places. Corporation takes so much of efforts and resources to keep our prestige.
The 'Kudumbasree' scheme works well. They are the agency to clean the city, and they have an excellant system of clearing the garbage from homes and other establishments.
You can see, in this snap, garbage collection from a city hotel. The garbage vehicle is parked in front of the Hotel.
But ther's a need for improvement in the system.

Availability of magazines and news papers is poor in the city. { Are you shocked to hear this comment ? Then it's true, for whatever reasons it is ! }.
They are available at Statue, East fort, Palayam, and Thampanoor, all the time through out the day. But, that's not the case with other places in the city. In case you plan to buy a newspaper or magazine, it's most likely that you will have to travel down to one of these places.

May be that people are used to subscribing all that they need !
However, foot-path vendors are seen at some of the other locations. The snap shows one such foot-path vendor, at Vazhuthacaud.
{ Vazhuthacaud is an important centre in this city. There's only one shop ( a pan/cigarette shop) selling newspapers. Another footpath vendor operates early in the morning, and upto around 8 AM.}

Chalai market is the main "bazaar' in Trivandrum. And so, there you'll find street vendors of all sorts. Here is a man {no doubt, a north Indain } selling 'drums'. Pricing ? He looks at you, and tells you a price ! It's upto you to bargain... if at all you want to ...

Road divider without sense

2008-11-11T10:08:00.004+05:30

Traffic management is certainly a great task. It's a science, an art, and so is a great technology. Design and layout of roads is a major part of it. The foundation of all technologies is common sense. Any technology, without common sense, is "non-sense".

I think this is true with the case I am showing you here.
The photos show a road divider . This is at Vellayambalam. The road from Maanaveeyam junction to Vellayambalam junction. This is a 4 lane road, with an imaginery road divider. But there are a few street lights placed as the divider. A speeding vehicle towards Vellayambalam is almost sure to miss this thin divider.
Look at the photos. You'll find it hard to see the road divider... just because there's nothing like that, but for the street light poles.

A Bus-Stop for none

2008-11-11T10:00:00.003+05:30

A bus stop for none. This Bus-stop, with a parking bay, is at Vellayambalam (towards Paalayam/EastFort), near Keltron.
No bus stops here and No man waits here. Then how come it's a Bus-stop ? But the sign board says so !

Herd effect - a scene from Vazhuthacaud

2008-11-11T09:33:00.005+05:30

Herd effect ! May be you know what I mean. Look at the group of girls (from some other place, visiting Trivandrum) at Vazhuthacaud. This is on last Sunday morning.
Picture 1 shows the girls coming out of a Hotel (after breakfast) and starts crossing the road. They don't bother for the traffic at all (may not be evident from the picture, but it was so !).
Picture 2 shows the herd crossing the road, and moving to the other half of the road (traffic almost blocked).
Picture 3 shows the herd running close to their buses parked opposite the Hotel.
The last picture is certainly about the 'slow goers' ( or are they "ottayaanmaar" ? ). The sleepy ones, who are not in the herd, moves very slow. The herd has to wait for these slowers !

Newspaper man guards the way to the hell.

2008-11-11T09:26:00.004+05:30

News paper boys are usually not any news. But what I show you is a Newspaper man ! Ofcourse, there's no special news about this man. However, this man sells news papers and magazines at Vazhuthacaud junction. He spreads his wares on the verandah of a shop (not on the foot path) , early morning, and operates until 8.30 AM.
But I have another point for you to see. Look at the footpath ... and the slabs. Thank God, no one did sink in that big holes down into the hell ! May be , because this Newspaper man guards the passage to the hell !!

Maanaveeyam Junction

2008-11-11T09:19:00.002+05:30

Maanaveeyam veedhi is the most beautiful road in Trivandrum. Have you seen that ? If not, I'll show you. But not now !
For the moment, see the Maanaveeyam junction ! This too is so beautiful a spot is . See the bust of our beloved poet 'Vayalaar Rama Varma', the SBT ATM (in the Water works compound) , and the road sign showing "Maanaveeyam veedhi".
If you are intersted, I'll show you all round thias junction and the Maanaveeyam veedhi, the most beautiful street in Trivandrum !
Bye ..

International Book Exhibition : Palayam views

2008-11-05T14:49:00.003+05:30

An International Book Exhibition is now being run at Palayam. It's at Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium. The view around the stadium, from the stadium, is very interesting. I've here two snaps showing the Palayam Church and Mosque.

Navaraathri at Trivandrum

2008-10-07T14:25:00.004+05:30

Navaraathri festival is being celebrated here. As the cutom, its all centred around Padmanabha swamy temple.
Aaryasaala and Chenthitta temples are two other locations of importance, connected with this festival. Its customary that one has to visit all these three temples, for worshipping Goddess Saraswathy, during the Navaraathri.
I had posted a few snaps of the Aaryasaala and Chenthitta temples earlier. Now that I just had a separate visit to PadmanabhaSwamy temple, i've a few snaps for you to see.

Padmanabha Swamy temple, in the dusk.

Navarathri mandapam is a roya (palatial0 hall in front of the temple. Here, music concerts keep going through out, during these nine days of Navaraathri. On the left side of this photo, you can see the illuminated entrance to the mandapam.

It's crowded these days at the temple.

"Bomma kolu" or "Kolu" is a part of the Pooja activities at all "Brahmin" homes in Trivandrum (as in Tamil Nadu ). Vendors in the street sell 'Bomma' - idols- made of clay / plaster of paris, and painted. You can see two snaps showing a street vendor's offer for sale.

The illuminated entrance to the 'navaraathri mandapam".

Tamil's strength and 'ISRO' watch

2008-10-03T16:15:00.006+05:30

This City is the "gulf" for workers from TamilNadu. You would find many persons doing their small jobs in every corner of the City. Laundry and Ironing, Fruits and vegetable vendors, and so on... and even grinding knives !
Below, you see a smart young person working as a 'Grinder'. He is located in front of the 'Fish market' at Pangode. Doing brisk business, he charges Rs. 10/- for every knife he grinds and sharpens ! He has a foot-pedelled (foot-powered !) grinder (single wheel) for his business.

This gentleman wears an "ISRO" watch !!

{ "ISRO" watch : All ISRO employees were gifted a watch , with an ASLV graphic on the dial ( by their Department, in comomoration of the launch success).
This 'Grinder' from Tamilnadu said he got the watch from a scrap vendor at Chalai. }

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Aaryasaala Temple : Navaraathri

2008-10-03T16:02:00.002+05:30

Now, it's Navaraathri festival. I've a few snaps from one of the prime temples celebrating Navaraathri - Aaryasaala Devi Temple.

Outside view (temple is not seen in full)

The Silver horse and the chariot .. from Kumaarakovil, Tamil Naadu.

In the corner of the temple campus, lies a 'Saraswathy' idol - damaged and unattended. This shouldn't have happened.

The temple pond.

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Indian Cofee House at Shanghumukhom

2008-09-30T10:26:00.003+05:30

The only Restaurant close to the beach , at Shanghumukhom, is the Indian Coffee House.
It's operating in the former Palace. See the snaps. The rear side has a 'Roller Skating" ring. Children practice here ( I understand it is school for this sport ).

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The sacred pond at Shanghumukhom

2008-09-30T10:15:00.003+05:30

About Shanghumukhom.. again !
Yeah... today let me show you how a 'Holy pond' looks like now.
There's a beautiful circular pond, behind the palace (where Indian Coffee House is running now ) . This is an auspicious one, as the maharaja takes a dip here, before the 'Aaraattu' to PadmanabhaSwaamy temple. But unfortunately, the condition of this pond is very bad now. Please see the snaps. My camera doesn't have a volfactory sensor. Else, it would have told you more ... . Second one shows the entrance passage (steps) to the pond.
Let's hope, authorities will take steps to clean and beautify this beautiful and sacred pond.

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Pirates on the aggressive !

2008-09-29T11:29:00.002+05:30

As in any other City, Trivandrum is very active in the evenings. Foot-path vendors are doing brisk business during these evening hours. Footpaths, parks, beaches, ... all the places where people stroll ... You get varied and interesting items there. Pirated CDs (audio and video) are such a hot selling item in this city. The scenes below are from the park near the beach. 'Law enforcers' are sleeping, it seems.

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Temples, on road side

2008-09-29T11:20:00.004+05:30

This city, Trivandrum, has many "Tamil" characteristics. It's bacause of the closeness to Tamilnadu, and having a large Tamil population. One such characteristic is the presence of small temples, on the foot path !
Earlier, there was such a foot-path temple , at Pettah junction (opposite the Theatre). Over the years, inevitable changes did happen. The roads got widened, and many of such temples were vanished or shifted to convienient locations. But , the foot-path temple at Pettah, did get a more honorable place. I happened to see this last day, after a gap of about three years.
The temple is on the road side, just the foot path. It's grown well with a sign board and illuminated. It's a small room, the priest can just sit near the deity.
It's an "Amman Kovil". The name is interesting.. "Kaniyaatti Amman Kovil" ( കണിയാട്ടി അമ്മന്‍ കോവില്‍ ) .
I've here two snaps, for you to see.

Gooseberry pickles at Shanghumukhom

2008-09-29T10:43:00.004+05:30

Shanghumukhom is a very interesting place. Near the beach, beside the roads, there are many 'thattukadas'. They are mostly on the cycle -wheeled trollies, with a PVC sheet roofing. many of them are managed by women.
They sell a vareity of items, starting from snacks, tea, coffee, other branded soft drinks and water, and so on... ciagrettes... pan... and items that would normally in demand for the beach evening crowds.
They make, on the spot, vada, bajji, onion vada, and the like... served fresh and hot !
More importantly, thera are few shops selling 'kappa' (tapioca or cassaava) and fish curry/ fish fry. There's much demand for this item.

I have here a few snaps of such a 'thattukada', run by a local lady. She too has the general items of interest, as I said earlier. But this lady sells a very unique item too. Goose berry pickles ! Not really pickles, but it is 'pickled gooseberry'. Gooseberry is put in brine, with chillies, and aged for a few days. Wow... it's so tasty.. and a bit hot too.. !

Want to try the pickled gooseberry ? Please come down to Shanghumukhom beach ... any day.. evening.. ! Welcome !!
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Shanghumukhom temple

2008-09-29T10:23:00.003+05:30

Shanghumukhom is not just a beach or tourist spot in Trivandrum. It's very important place of worship too.
Shanghumukhom has a 'Devi temple'. It has a historical importance in Travancore, and is a part of the traditional festivities. The famous "Aaraattu" in the Padmanabha swamy temple starts from this temple. The route of the Aaraattu procession is through the Airport; The Airport is closed during those hours. The only Airport, probably in this world which gets closed twice annually for a religious function, is Trivandrum. That's very unique .
I have two pictures here; one showing the temple, and the other shows the temple pond. As you may see the pond is not well taken care. That requires more attention.

I have another snap below, which shows the booth selling items of temple offerings - like flowers, garlands, oil, camphor, and the like. Next to the booth, you can see a girl sitting with a small table. She operates the temple fire works ! "Kathina", a very loud firework (done with high explosive materials) is being made and fired by this girl. various grades of kathina are there, for Rs. 5, 10, and 20. She holds the 'kathina kutti" in her hands and fires it. The thunder is shocking to us.. but it's child's play for her. She is only a child (may be she's just 14 years !).

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Shanghumukhom scenes

2008-09-29T10:18:00.003+05:30

Look, someone's lying there ! Yeah.. but the lawn over-grows on him ! However, its a pleasure to see this creation.

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Shanghumugham Mermaid

2008-09-28T17:36:00.005+05:30

One of the most attractive elements at Shanghumughom is the "Mermaid". A beautiful sculptor ! I have a few shots of the Mermaid, for your pleasure.

Shanghumughom beach and Palace

2008-09-28T17:22:00.003+05:30

Shanghumughom beach is much more than just a beach. It has many places, buildings, and artifacts of interest to all. The tourists and the locals alike do enjoy these worthy to see elements. I have here two snaps of the Shanghumughom Palace. This is on the northern side of the open beach. See the second picture... on the gate, you can see the emblem of the 'Travancore Rajyam'.

There are two 'kalmandapam's. Built with granite, these are very interesting.. beautiful and scenic. Not only to see but also to feel ! It's quite cool under the granite roof. Thank God, these are retained even now... for the next generation to see and feel. Many movies have been shot (specially LOVE scenes !) in these kalmandapams.

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Army Mela - 2008

2008-09-28T17:07:00.004+05:30

"Army Mela-2008". It's a grand show here. It's on now. Shanghumukhom beach is a venue, in addition to the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium. I have here, a few snaps from Shanghumughom, exclusively for YOU !

Army has a few Guns, Tanks, and other vehicles on display. They have a lot more in the specially made pavilions. The army men here are very courteous, they explain very well to the inquisitive visitors. Excellent work by our proud ARMY men. It's serious work for them, but a festival for the visitors.

Theerthapaada mandapam

2008-09-26T12:33:00.004+05:30

"Theertha paada Mandapam" (തീര്ഥ പാദ മണ്ഡപം ) is in front of the Padmanaabha Swaamy temple. See the snap. It's a shed-like hall, where mostly bhajans, prayers, and religious discourses are conducted.
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Jaadugaar ...... Magic show

2008-09-26T12:24:00.003+05:30

"Jaadugar Anand" is in the City, with his magic shows. There's wide publicity for the shows.
Today, I've been going near the "Kaarthika Thirunaal Theatre" at EastFort, and saw an interesting scene. An elephant on a truck !
I've a few snaps for you. This elephant is a part of the Magic show (That means, the elephant shown on the stage, by the Magician, is not an illusion ! )

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Curios

2008-09-26T12:20:00.004+05:30

There are many curio shops in front of Padmanabha swamy temple. They have a variety of hand-crafted articles, made of wood (rose wood, teak, and sandal wood) , metal, and other local materials. Each one of them is an art by itself ! Price ? It's up to you to bargain !

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PadmanabhaSwamy Temple

2008-09-26T12:02:00.005+05:30

The focal point of Trivandrum City is "PadmanaabhaSwaamy Temple" (പദ്മനാഭ സ്വാമി ക്ഷേത്രം ). The history of Trivandrum is the history of Padmanabha Swamy temple. The City was developed and grew around this temple. I have a few snaps of the temple. Please have a look.

The Temple, view from East Fort.

The steps to and the main entrance to the temple.

The main entrance. The sign board (Cloak room) covers the main vilakku in the front.)

The holy pond in the front of the temple, "Padmatheertham" ( പദ്മതീര്‍ത്ഥം)

And the famous "Methan mani" ( മേത്തന്‍ മണി ).

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Hanumaan temple, Pangode

2008-09-25T11:05:00.003+05:30

The second place of worship, I have today for you, is the Hanumaan temple, Pangode.
Please see the big Hanumaan idol in front of the temple.

ഓം ശ്രീ ഹനുമതയേ നമ :

Aattukaal Temple

2008-09-25T10:52:00.002+05:30

Let me present you today, two places of worship in Trivandrum.
Aattukaal Temple needs no introduction. "Guiness Book of World Records" have recorded this temple as the largest meeting of women devotees (during the Aattukal Pongaala function).
I have here just three pictures showing the temple, and also the "Vidhyadhiraaja Temple" in this complex.
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അമ്മേ നാരായണ,
ദേവി നാരായണ,
ലക്ഷ്മി നാരായണ,
ഭദ്രേ നാരായണ.
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Roads in Trivandrum

2008-09-23T15:36:00.004+05:30

"Green City Clean City" is the slogan ! No doubt Trivandrum is a Green City. But as afar as Clean City, yes certainly this City is cleaner than any other in Kerala or elsewhere. But, may be some of the locations in the City needs better attention. Kudumbasree ladies are doing a great job.

Tourist attractions

2008-09-23T15:32:00.004+05:30

Trivandrum is a place of tourist attraction.
Kovalam, Neyyaar dam, Kochuveli, Shanghumugham, Thenmala, Ponmudi, Kanakakkunnu palace, Sree Padmanabha swamy temple, Palayam, Beemapaally, Chalai market, Aakkulam, .... the list is long. Secretariat, University, Water works, Kawadiar square,... and many more.

If you are interested for more info, please post your requirement. I shall try to put more on them.

Temples and Clubs at Trivandrum

2008-09-22T15:24:00.003+05:30

Trivandrum is a cool city. It has many places of worship.. for Hindus, Christians, Muslims, and Sikhs. I shall, in the coming posts, attempt to show you some of them.
Today, I am introducing one such temple "Rema Devi Temple" at Vazhuthacaud. This is a land-mark in this area of the City. Please see the front view of this "RemaDevi Temple".

Another interesting aspect of our City is that it houses quite a number of Clubs. I am talking about private clubs. Some of them are : Trivandrum Club, SreeMoolam Club, Tennis Club, Golf Club, National Club, .....
Below, you see the main entrance of SreeMoolam Club (SMC) at Vazhuthacaud. ( I wonder why the Club themselves call it "Sri Mulam Club" ( ശ്രീ മുലം ക്ലബ്ബ് ! ) )

SMC junction, and main entrance to the SMC.

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Soorya Festival

2008-09-22T12:29:00.006+05:30

I told you ... Celebrations just never end in this Capital of God's own country !

After Onam, it's the turn of "Soorya" now ! Soorya Festival ! Celebrations for 101 days, starting from 21 September Sunday (ie. yesterday) !!

Soorya has been doing the festival, a cultural extravaganza, for the last 30 years. This is the 31st edition of Soorya Festival. More than 1000 artistes will be participating this year. There's another speciality this year - the festival is not only at Trivandrum, but at five other places too, outside Kerala. At Chennai, Bombay, Bangalore, NewDelhi and Dombivli.

Here is Tagore Theatre, Vazhuthacaud, the venue of Soorya Festival. (Can't see the theatre ? Yeah.. it's really a thick beautiful forest like environment. However, please see the main entrance from the main road).

The festival has good publicity .. Please see one of the large hoardings proclaiming the festival, at SMC junction, Vazhuthacaud.

'GoodKnight' is the major sponsor to the festival. They have an interesting display at the middile of the road, in front of the Tagore Theatre. Please see the road divider with a lengthy array of Soorya/GoodKnight boards.

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Celebrations

2008-09-22T12:15:00.004+05:30

Celebrations never end in this Heaven.

It was Onam all these last two weeks ! Now... Onam is not yet over, at least for some people. A 'residential association' found it's Onam slot just last day (like many of them).
Yesterday, they celebrated Onam .. with fanfare .. With 'athappookkalam' competition, children's sports and arts competitions .. and so on. Many of the residents participated in these competitions and shows. Here are a few snaps from a home, who did their 'Athappookkalam'.

Judges assessing the 'Pookkalam'.

The final 'Pookkalam'.

While the 'Pookkalam' was being created !!

Onasadya ? Yeah... it's on the way. This Res Asso has planned for 'Onasadya' on 2 October(Thursday). May be... Onam celebtrations of the year will end with this 'sadya' !

Vibrant Trivandrum

2008-09-19T09:39:00.005+05:30

Thiruvananthapuram was sleepy for a couple of days. Now that everything has come back to normal (after the Onam celebrations), TVM is vibrant again. Weather is excellant... bright and sunny... but it's quite warm !
I'll be back with more news and scenes. However, look at how 'Saaphalyam Complex' is , on last Saturday ( day after Thiruvonam, a holiday). This is an unusual scene. Ther's hardly anyone .. in this crowded shopping complex !

And see how Paalayam church stands tall. View from Saaphalyam complex.

Onam cebrations : Grand finale

2008-09-16T13:43:00.007+05:30

Onam is just about to be over ! Our city is celebrating Onam, and I could show you a few scenes earlier. But, today is very important.
Today, is the Grand Finale of the official Onam celebrations in the City (State). The main attraction of the finale is the procession, that's about to commence at 5 pm.

I just had a round trip in the city.. just to have a look at what's going on . I couldn't see much fanfare. Not much of activities or crowd. The traffic is as usual. But some preparations are going on at the 11 th hour of this celebration, at some corners. As you may see... from the snaps I have for you here now.. that the procession (with many floats/displays), would be very interesting and 'beautiful'. All offices and educational institutions will close in another 5 minutes (ie at 2 pm ). And the procession will start at Vellayambalam junction at 5 pm. The procession would take about 4 hours to cross a point. I am sure, this will certainly be a fantastic feast !

Look.. floats/displays are getting ready... work in full swing ...

These floats are attractive pieces of display, and conveys certain meaning. I've here just three specimen only.

For these two above, having a nap on the footpath, Onam is just one among many. Today, after the processions, the'll go to the next festival/celebration venue. They know where it is. Anyhow, today they start their business at 4 or 5 pm. OK.. till that time.. let's have a nap !

This is Paalayam junction. You can see the "Martyrs' column" and the Chandrasekharan Nair stadium at the back drop. A pandal is made adjacent to the column... must be for VVIPs ...

Paalayam mosque .... and ....

... and ... Palayam Church.. silent spectators to this celebration. Afterall, they must have seen hundreds of such festivals in our City !

OK..hurry up ... we should get positioned for the procession. All the crowds will now get aligned to the Vellayambalam-EastFort stretch of Main Road.
I'll be back with more scenes for you tomorrow !

Onam celebrations : more scenes

2008-09-16T10:23:00.004+05:30

Here are a few more snaps from the Onam celebrations.

Illuminated roads .. at Vellayambalam.

Light plays shadow !

And now, ...

Ladies fancy items ... plenty.

Fountain - illuminated- in front of KWA headquarters (Jalabhavan).

Nishagandhi open-air theatre.

Oonjaal....

Folk dance ...

Onam celebrations

2008-09-15T10:35:00.004+05:30

Onam is being celebrated in Kerala. Trivandrum celebrates the festival with more focus on tourism. A lot of efforts (and money) have gone into the arrangements.
I had been to the Kanakakunnu palace grounds (focal point of all celebrations !) yesterday evening. Here are a few snaps.

Kerala Police is doing a wonderful job. Every nook and corner of the festival spots are under their scanner. See here, a very vigilant Police lady.

Anf ofcourse the Technologhy assists them in watching the corners too. See here, a Police surviellance camera, right at the entry to Kanakakunnu.

Festival are not festvals without foot-path vendors. Vendors of all sorts.. selling peanuts to toys to show artefacts to softdrinks to 'oonjals' to Balloons ... They are spread all over the footpath and in the Palace grounds.

At the "Nishagandhi" auditorium, is the real festival. Festival of dance and music. Yesterday, there was a dance programme. See the open air theatre and the dais.

Show pieces and artefacts are plenty ! and I think they are cheap too ! Mostly from the North.

Balloon... favourite of children are plenty .. colourful ones of different shapes..

And here is an unusual scene. The chendamelam (not panchavaadyam) at the entrance to the Palace grounds is by girls !

Look at that.. the girl with the drum ! so big, she can't really carry that !

And without 'kadala .. masala kadala.." , what festival !!

Onam day

2008-09-13T10:25:00.004+05:30

Yesterday was 'Thiruvonam'. I could not see much of 'Onam' festivity anywhere. But certain spots were quite busy. The first picture shows the crowd in front of a 'Beverages Corporation' outlet, in the morning hours yesterday.
The state of our State is that 'Onam' is synonymous to liquor. It seems to me that it's not 'Keralam' but 'Madyalam'.
The second snap shows its effect. A person, drunk, sleeps on the bench, in the railway Station.
And in the afternoon too, ther was no much traffic around. Rly Stations were deserted (This is a scene from Changanacherry. Situation was same allover Kerala).

Onam - Pookkalam

2008-09-13T10:20:00.003+05:30

Bus stop (marked above) is place where buses don't stop. That's true with Vellayambalam.

This year, not many "pookkalam"s . A road side scene (rare sight !).

But, many Offices / Organisations celebrate Onam in a grand way. See , the pookkalam in from of the HDFC office at Vazhuthacaud.

Festive mood

2008-09-10T11:51:00.003+05:30

The Palm Tree in front of the VJT hall too is ready for Onam. See how 'plentiful' is the tree ! Looks grand and beautiful !

Onam scenes - Oddman in

2008-09-10T11:46:00.005+05:30

Some more scenes from East Fort.

"Onakkodi".. that yellow coloured mundu.. for children

The 'SugarCane juice' fellow preparing the sugar canes.

Want to print on your dress. lady with art work for textile printing..

And now, 'Malabar Aval Milk".
Quite interesting things.. That's Onam. And what's Onam without a Queue in front of the 'Civil Supplies' shop ?

Onam scenes continued

2008-09-10T11:42:00.002+05:30

VJT hall (Paalayam) is a centre of attraction. Many intersting articles are available... Curios.. Flowers.. and Ravi Varma Paintings even !

Onam scenes

2008-09-10T11:39:00.002+05:30

Onam rush .. foot path vendors... Onam's coming ! Scenes from East Fort.

Chips are must for Onam.. So, let's buy chips !

Onam scenes

2008-09-10T10:45:00.004+05:30

Vellayambalam Junction getting ready for Onam.

A pavilion being made at Keltron campus, close to Vellayambalam bus stop. Look.. there's a busstop board.... but no bus stops here !

These two scenes are from VJT Hall.. Variety of items are being sold. See curios and toys...

Onam greetings

2008-09-08T16:59:00.001+05:30

Rain plays spoilsport

2008-09-07T11:26:00.007+05:30

It's Onam. May be, we've to remind ourselves quite often.. that it's Onam. Otherwise, I don't see much action here. Rains are playing spoilsport. It rains heavily in the mornings and evenings, for the last few days. What more is required to dampen the Onam spirits ! We all hope, and pray for a brighter (without rains) week ahead. We all should celebrate Onam.. It's a unique occasion to celebrate.

Earlier, there used to be many floral arrangements ("pookkalam') around. But this time ... ! I thought it's quite improper to show you some copied pookkalams. So, I'll show you just two items now. That's "mukkootti poovu" and "thumba poovu".

Here is Mukkootti !

And here is Thumba poovu.

Onam... still not ...

2008-09-06T09:23:00.003+05:30

Officially, Onam celebrations start on 10th Sept. That's for the Goverment sponsored Onam. But for the middle class of Trivandrum, it's today ! For them Onam starts today !
Most of the Schools are closed, people have got their salaries (and bonus ?) , and are now free for shopping. Shopping is ofcourse the main part of Onam.
However, our roads are yet to get ready for Onam. Some of them are wakingup.. but the intermittent rains spoil all the show (and work).
See .. one of the Vellayambalam roads getting tarred. Scenes from the Janakeeyam veedhi, yesterday. The middle one is about the 'sweeping' in progress .

RAM and RAT

2008-09-05T12:07:00.000+05:30

Dear all,
May I request ALL to visit my blog : http:\\ramandrat.blogspot.com
I am presenting my random thoughts about many things in life. The focus is quite on random topics. You'll see many things over there.. including topics that are relevant to my home city 'Trivandrum'. I assure you, you'll not be disappointed. You'll enjoy visiting my blog :

http:\\ramandrat.blogspot.com

Rohini Theatre - a LandMark

2008-09-05T11:42:00.001+05:30

Speaking of Trivandrum, what are the major land marks here. No doubt..... Secretariat, Padmanabhaswamy temple, Martyr's column Palayam, Kanakakkunnu palace, Shanghumukham beach, and so on. But coming to the outskirts of Trivandrum, like the small town "Vattiyoorkavu", we have landmarks there too.
Rohini theatre is a major landmark at this place. Even the Google Earth marks this spot so. But I am sorry, I am not in a position to show you this "Rohini Theatre". Just because, it's not there now !
Rohini theatre is now in all our memories only. It has been demolished recently, and a new residential complex is being built there. The picture shows the location of this memorial ! See the gate and the coconut tree (in the front lawn of the theatre), and the hoarding which proclaims the arrival of the multistoreyed complex.
Certainly, Trivandrum is growing. I have just decided to show you how this complex grows. I shall keep you informed about the growth, with monthly (fortnightly ?) snaps of the location. Please come back to watch this growing.
Bye, See you ..

Encroachments

2008-09-05T11:35:00.001+05:30

We have been listening to the media regarding massive encroachments, and the Government's efforts to clear them off. At Munnar, Kovalam, and so many locations in our State.
But I am surprised at this kind of encroachments, as shown below. The fish vendors occupy almost one third of a very busy road. This is right at Vazhuthacaud, near Cotton Hill school (along the road to Pangode). How powerful are they !

Both the snaps are from the same spot.

Ganeshotsavam

2008-09-05T11:27:00.000+05:30

Vinayaka chathurthi and Ganeshotsavam. It was a grand celebration, atleast in some centres of the City. See the morning crowd at "MahaGanapathy temple" at Pazhavangady, EastFort.

Ganeshotsavam was really grand. See the snaps from EastFort, where huge Ganesha idols were placed (and still thre).

In search of Onam

2008-09-05T11:16:00.000+05:30

Onam is a festival of 'plenty' . I've been roaming around in the city to find Onam. But , I couldn't find Onam atall. Yeah.. some of the shops are crowded, than the usual. Textile shops in particular are a bit more crowded.. and a few foot paths are crowded with vendors.
What I saw is all readying for Onam.. everyone seems to get ready for Onam.. so they are , may be, planning for it.
I've a few scenes here, from EastFort.

Costlier the better ?

2008-09-05T10:03:00.000+05:30

Plantains (including banans) are so costly in Trivandrum. Onam season has pushed up the prices by over 60%. The price of "Rasakadali' is Rs.32/- per Kg ! That's the case with all varieties of fruits. But, ....Papaya - one of the most nutritous and tasty fruits - is plenty in Trivandrum, but are not available in the market. No takers ! the shop keepers say .. because it's cheap !. Why are the people going for the costlier ones ? when better things are available cheap ? Oh.. that's Trivandrum.