Anupama - Strings of Heritage

Bombehabba at Sankalpa

by Anupama | Oct 7, 2017 | Festivals & Celebrations

“Amma, who is that giant?”, “Krishna is trying to steal benne!”,“Such cute chairs!” There is no end to the questions and exclamations. Curiosity and enthusiasm are the secrets to a life filled with wonder. The bombehabba brings this wonder not just to the children but all those involved and lucky to come across it. Though we don’t have the custom of displaying dolls during navratri, my child is lucky to be a part of the beautiful Bombehabba at Sankalpa.

The Policeman at the forefront of all the celebrations

A view of the display

A snapshot of the Dolls Display

Bombehabba is celebrated as part of the Navratri festival in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Known by different names such as golu, kolu, bommala koluvu, bommai kolu and gombehabba, the spirit of the festival is the same…unmatched enthusiasm for the dolls. The meanings for the different names are ‘Divine presence’, ‘Court of dolls’ and the ‘Dolls Festival’. The children love this festival and it brings out the child in the adults. It is believed that when the Devi took on the demon Mahishasura, all the gods gave their powers to the Devi. This rendered them to a doll like state. The Bombehabba at Sankalpa and everywhere else is an ode to their sacrifice. An offering is made to the dolls on display and distributed as prasadam. Festivals in India are occasions for celebration and socializing. The Bombehabba is more so because of the unique arrangement in each household depending on the different themes. The “ooohs” and “aahhss” are countless. Usually arranged in steps, some opt for odd number of steps and some houses are totally ruled by the dolls, ranging from one to several rooms.

The New Town featuring malls, apartments and cafes

This navratri was all about Mangalore Dasara for me and I had decided to write about Bombehabba only next year…but when I saw the beautiful Bombehabba at Sankalpa, I HAD to write about it…let me show you all that I saw.

The Pattda gombe – Also called Pattath Bommaikal or Marapacchi bommai, they are the main dolls, depicting the husband and the wife. Given to the bride by her parents, they are the first of her collection of dolls to be displayed at Dasara. Made of teakwood, rosewood or sandalwood, they are dressed and decorated in silk and accessories. Alongside the Pattada gombe, a wedding ceremony is also featured here.

The Pattada Gombe

The Pattada Gombe decked up in jewellery and silks

Goddess Saraswathi – She is the inspiration, the centre and being of Vidya or learning. Children are seen at her feet, bowing to her in humility and prayer.

Ma Durga – Riding the tiger, she is the epitome of courage, bravery and will.

Gowri and Goddess Lakshmi look resplendent and complete the Devi in all her forms. The Goddess is the epitome of compassion, learning, courage, goodwill and wealth. The Navanayikas, the Ashtalakshmi are all symbolic of her benevolence.

The Navanayikas

Saraswathi Puja is an important aspect of the display

Krishna – many of Lord Krishna’s Bala Leelas are depicted at the Bombehabba at Sankalpa. The Benne Krishna, trying to steal butter, the scene of the Govardhan mountain being lifted by Krishna with just his little finger, Krishna eating butter are some of the depictions that are very popular with the kids. Instead of us telling them about it, they will be the ones to educate us on these pranks. Krishna’s marriage to Rukmini and Rukmini Shringar are not to be missed. I especially loved the maid holding the mirror…Shrinivas Kalyana is also depicted with all the Gods and Godesses in attendance.

Krishna and Balram stealing butter

Krishna Rukmini wedding ceremony

The couple selling provisions – I loved the small vessels around them with the chillies, spices, grains and grams. The vessels in sandstone, brass and copper are truly appealing.

Vessels in different materials

Prahlad Pattabhisheka – Prahlad, the king who brought back happiness to his kingdom, who replaced the evil with the good and who set a new benchmark for devotion.

Kumbhakarna and Bakasura – with all the tasty snacks before them captured the attention of the kids and then it was all about them and their stories.

Kumbhakarna being woken up

Prahlad Pattabhisheka attended by the Gods and Goddesses

Ram and Hanuman – Hanuman bringing the sanjeevni and the monkeys building the Rama Setuve needed some elaboration. Miss A has a question…”If I write Shree Ram on a rock, will it float? Then we could also go to Srilanka! What fun!” Well….I wish.

Village life – The scenes from a village are beautifully translated in this Bombehabba at Sankalpa. The grinding stone immediately transported me back to my childhood home. When I used it for the first time, what pride I felt! The first masala ground by me maybe when I was 10 or so..
Not because I had to do it, but because I wanted to!

The Harvesting season and Pongal– I loved the simple yet effective way of bringing the reason and the celebration together. The many stages of growing our food are all seen here.

The Grinding stone

Stories I say – Stories are an all time favourite with kids and everyone else as well. The lion and the mouse, the thirsty crow, the cunning fox, the crocodile and the monkey are all there waiting for you at the gombehabba at Sankalpa.

The star of the show- is definitely the Mysore palace and the Dasara Procession. Including the ambaari, the cultural extravaganza and the band leading the way, it’s amazing. The view from the archway is awesome, right up to the palace. Flanked by the zoo on one side and a park on the other, it gives us a glimpse of the festivities around Dasara. The lions, Ms. Jyothi Chetan tells me, are inherited by her and are more than a hundred years old!

The beautiful display of dolls during the Dasara Festival.

The Dasara proccession

The Kondapalli toys were looking majestic and I have decided the minute I go off my ‘no shopping phase’ Iam going to buy some for myself…ok not some but at least a pair!

The School – complete with the building (a DIY made of chart paper), the teacher, students with benches and desks, a blackboard and a fan! Most apt when the Bombehabba is at Sankalpa Montessori School.

The Town – The cityscape is depicted with high rise buildings, quaint houses ( a DIY of paper cups), channapatna toys, vehicles, roads with humps and bumps( the speed breakers), the streetlights and vehicles. The cute chairs and tables in plastic, the malai kulfi seller, the play area for kids are all super cute.

The school with the teacher and students

Kondapalli toys

When I visited, I couldn’t resist asking the visitors about their favourite doll in the display…Check out the video on that.

All in all, a wonderful team effort to showcase the gombehabba at Sankalpa in its full glory. Kudos to Ms. Jyothi Chethan and her wonderful team.

The team at Sankalpa headed by Ms. Jyothi Chetan

Lots of Twinkles to all of you.

May the festivities continue to bring light and goodwill in our lives.

Anupama.

PS- If you miss it this year, no worries. You can always take this as an inspiration and have one of your own next year. Don’t forget to send me pictures though.

Swarna Jewellers – The Goddess Beckons

by Anupama | Oct 1, 2017 | Tours & Experiences

This season is all about the Goddess and her different forms. And I am all inspired by the Devi. Celebrating all that is feminine, I wanted to do a blog post on jewellery featuring the Goddess. As I was thinking of approaching a jewellery house, I could only think of Swarna Jewellers. Reasons were many. It is not just the BIS mark which is the hallmark of good quality but more importantly, it is a matter of trust and the bonds formed. Swarna Jewellers have always believed in forging bonds with their customers, with excellent service and customized designs.

Swarna Jewellers- Beautiful combination of pearls, pink stones and Lakshmi

Swarna Jewellers have their own team of expert craftsmen who bring these designs to their customers, working on them at their production unit ‘Swarnodyama’. Swarna Jewellers was established in 1964 by the Late Gujjadi Narasimha Nayak and the legacy has been passed on to the family. All their branches are managed by the family, which gives it the distinctive touch of a family owned business with traditional values and modern outlook. Having traditional and contemporary designs, I was spoilt for choice. I decided to go with the theme of Devi and love it that I got the opportunity to present my readers with the different designs featuring the Goddess and all that is divine.

Swarna Jewellers- Devi

Just as the Lotus rises above the murky water with its pristine beauty intact and unblemished, the Goddess calls to us to rise above our ego and reach the divine state of self realization. It is the Lotus, which is divine that inspires divinity. The Goddess Mahalakshmi sits in a pink lotus in full bloom and also has it in her right hand. She is the Goddess of good fortune and wealth. Ma Durga, the Goddess of power is adorned with a garland of lotus. Goddess Saraswathi is worshipped for wisdom and her divine seat is the white lotus. Lotus has a divine significance not just in Hinduisim but also in Buddhism. The Lotus is purity, spiritual awakening and rising in divinity. Swarna Jewellers have many beautiful pieces with the Lotus as inspiration.

Swarna Jewellers- Inspired by the Lotus

Swarna Jewellers- The Lotus and Lakshmi

Saraswathi is the one who leads to the essence of self knowledge…She is the Goddess of knowledge, music, wisdom and learning. Raja Ravi Verma’s painting comes to mind, whenever we think of Goddess Saraswathi. The Veena is her musical instrument and she is the muse of the artist. Swarna Jewellers have translated this Goddess of wisdom to Gold with designs inspired by traditional features.

Swarna Jewellers- Saraswathi with the Veena

Swarna Jewellers – Intricate designs with the peacock

The Ashtalakshmi are the eight forms of Mahalakshmi symbolizing the eight forms of wealth. Wealth is not just money or riches, but also good health, progeny, abundance, knowledge, strength and power. Ashtalakshmi is popularly depicted on Kalashas (the urn used to water the holy basil and in Puja) in silver which is an integral part of any household. At Swarna Jewellers, the Ashtalakshmi is seen on this waistband in solid gold.

Swarna Jewellers – Ashtalakshmi

Swarna Jewellers- Jhumkas in antique finish

Using antique dyes, there were many pieces in antique to tempt me. I especially loved the beautiful Jhumkas with Lakshmi, the parrots and the peacocks which have a special significance in our Vedas.

Swarna Jewellers- Parrots and pearls

Swarna Jewellers- A small budget but a class apart.

Swarna Jewellers- Jhumkas in antique finish

The handmade Nakasu work with Siva’s family being lifted by Ravana was one piece I couldn’t resist in this post. The beauty and intricacy of the work is mind blowing. Gold as such needs no introduction, but this piece is truly marvelous.

Swarna Jewellers- Ravana in the service of Eeshwar’s family

Swarna Jewellers- Intricate Nakasu work

Swarna Jewellers have their branches in Mangaluru, Udupi, Hubballi, Sirsi, Dharwad and Bengaluru (Click here for the address). Swarnodyama, the production centre provides a platform to the creativity of their designers and craftsmen. In fact, they also promoted and helped Manipal institute create a Jewellery Design and management course. Motivated by excellence and traditional values, they have also crafted jewellery for the GSB Seva Mandal Ganapathi with no profit margin. When I spoke to Ajay Gujjadi at their Mangaluru branch, he said that it was an act of service and not business. They also specialize in temple art and jewellery.

Swarna Jewellers -The traditional Mishri in a contemporary design. With a screw it can also be used as a waistband for kids

Though I am in a ‘no shopping’ phase, a girl can always dream and plan. So this festive season I have earmarked the designs I loved and have made plans to make these my very own. The ‘Swarna Sanchaya’ scheme is just the thing for me. I get to fix the amount for a monthly investment for ten months and have to buy the jewellery by the twelveth month. The best part is that I can pay the monthly amount on any day of the month and the gold rate of that particular day is considered for the purchase. So it works quite like an SIP and the prize is my favourite piece of jew ellery. Yippee!!

This festive season if jewellery shopping is on your agenda, do check out their designs.

Lots of Twinkles to all of you.

Happy Festival!

Anupama

PS- This is a sponsored post but the opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.

Onamotsav Day2 at the ECA

by Anupama | Sep 22, 2017 | Festivals & Celebrations

Day 2 of the Onamotsav was bright and beautiful. After the wonderful function of Day 1, Day2 began with the Pookkalam competitions, the sadhya and the Onaraagangal with the members participating with lots of enthusiasm, showcasing their musical talent.

Traditional dress of Kerala- the Kasavu

The sadhya is an elaborate meal prepared especially for Onam with nearly 32 items. The fried snacks include the salted banana chips which was something we always asked our colleague to get from Kerala. Served on plantain leaf, I was totally spoilt for choice with the number of pickles before me. I especially loved the Puli inghi (which is made using ginger and tamarind) and the naaranga achar (made of wild lime). After this the side dishes, rice, rasam and sambhar followed. I believe there is a certain order in serving these items. The best part was that every now and then, someone or the other would come along and ask us if we wanted a second helping of any item. I totally enjoyed the hospitality and loved the meal. Even the payasams were more than one! When I asked some members on their favourite part of Onamotsav, it was the sadhya and the cultural programmes organised by ECA. The kids off course loved the sadhya!

Sadhya the traditional meal of Onam

After the sadhya, it was the melodious Onaraagangal and then the Double Thayambaka by Cheruthazham Chandran, Chirakkal Nidheesh and Team. This was one energetic performance of over more than an hour! Mainly a templeart, it is also performed outside during festivals and any important milestones or functions. The main chenda performer improvises rhythmically on his team’s beats. In this case there were two main chenda artists, which is called the double thayambaka. It began with a slow pace, picked up the pace and ended with energetic frenzy. In fact the audience was so thrilled and immersed in the performance, I could feel the place pulsating with tremendous positive energy. Towards the end, one of the audiences was virtually playing the beats with the artists and their involvement was definitely a show in itself! After felicitating the artists, it was time for some selfies with them. Onamotsav was definitely an unexpected treat for me to see such talented artists come together for the show.

Double Thayambaka by Cheruthazham Chandran, Chirakkal Nidheesh and Team

The deep tone of the Mizhavu by a promising artist from Kerala (with just the palm and fingers) stayed with me for a long time even after Onamotsav. Though traditionally always played as an accompaniment to Koothu or Koodiyattam, it is now also being performed solo. It is a big copper vessel covered at the mouth and placed on wooden platform specially made for it. Earlier clay pots were being used but were later replaced by copper. When I was reading more about this, I found it fascinating that it is regarded as Brahminic, and all the rituals followed for a Brahmin are followed for the Mizhavu, like the Upanayanam. When it can longer be used, it is cremated with ceremony!

Mizhavu artist using the copper pot with his hands to create music

Mizhavu and Chakyarkoothu – Performance at onamotsav

The Mizhavu was the accompaniment to the Chakyarkoothu by Kalamandalam Ramith Ramesh. The Chakyarkoothu is a form of monologue and a blend of humour, mime and satire. With sandalwood paste on his body with red dots and an unusual head gear, he resembled a jester. Usually based on epics and Puranas, he dons several roles and also gives commentary on the socio-political scene. It begins with an invocation, some dance movements and facial expressions, accompanied by the deep tone of the Mizhavu. The performance at ECA was based on a scene in Ramayana, involving Rama and Sugriva. He also used this opportunity to ridicule many in the audience. Where it is his job, everyone took it sportively, turning around to see who the butt of his joke was. Though I did not understand him completely, I think he even made fun of me as I was only looking through my camera! It was a very spontaneous performance along the lines of the stand-up comedy common today. Towards the end, he humbly apologized for having pulled everyone’s leg. It was an enjoyable evening but I couldn’t stay until the end.

Onaraagangal by members

After this I stayed for a few more minutes to see the introduction of the D4 Dance winner team of Ramzan Mohammed. Too bad I couldn’t stay for the whole programme. All the same, Iam happy I could be part of this beautiful celebration, even if it was for a short while.

I loved it ECA!

Lots of Twinkles to All of you.

Happy Navratri.

Anupama.

Pookkalam

by Anupama | Sep 18, 2017 | Festivals & Celebrations

Pookkalam the flower carpet.

Pookkalam is what I like best,

The colours of mother earth and nature

The greens, reds, oranges and yellows

All so fresh and clear

I take my time and linger

In the garden and the yard

It is that time of the year

That is so dear…

Pookkalam designs at onamotsav ECA Bangalore

Pookkalam at onamotsav ECA Bangalore

According to the Malayalam calendar, Chingam is the month of Onam. The time of rains, harvest, boat race, fresh flowers, great food and the return of the great king Mahabali. And to welcome the dear king, the subjects decorate the front yards of their homes with the Pookkalam (also called Atthapookkalam), which is the flower carpet. Onam begins with the Hasta Nakshatra (star) and the last day is Thiruonam, which is the tenth day. When one of my friends posted pictures of Pookkalam with a base of mud, I was surprised. This was the first time that I had seen such an arrangement. I was under the impression that what we see in the cities with just the flower petals and leaves was how the pookkalam was done. This got me to check with friends from Kerala and find out the Pookkalam as in the yester years and also rural Kerala. And this was what I found out.

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In the earlier days, cow dung would be applied to the front yard to keep it clean and dust free (this was before the tiles). Its anti bacterial properties also acted as a dis-infectant. During Onam, before decorating the front yard, it would first be cleansed with cow dung. After identifying the place for the Pookkalam, which was usually near the sacred Tulsi, one layer of cow dung would be used as a base. After the base was prepared, cow dung was placed in a cylindrical form. Traditionally, the flowers and leaves to be used for decoration are also laid down according to the day. On the first day, tulsi and tumba flowers are placed in the centre. On the second day, which is the Chitra nakshatra, the flowers from the earlier day are replaced with tulsi, tumba and mukkuthi. Tulsi is not only a sacred plant, but its leaves have a sweet aroma. Only from the third day onwards, which is the Swathi nakshatra, red flower petals are used to decorate the arrangement in circles. With each day, the circles of flowers extend. Ixora (chethi), Shankhapushpa, marigold, globe amaranth (Vada Malli), crape jasmine, hibiscus, red pagoda flowers, mandaram are some of the flowers used in the decoration.

Pookkalam with traditionally used flowers. Pic Credit- Ms. Rema Kumar

Pookkalam with a base in mud. Pic Credit- Ms. Rema Kumar

On the fifth day, after removing the old flowers, the base is made with mud and water. The centre is elevated and this base is called ‘Pooppada’. After reinforcing it, cow dung is spread and a strong twig of the kavungu(arecanut) tree is used as a support for the plantain stem. This is used from the fifth day onwards. ‘Kuda’ is prepared using ‘eerkil’ which is nothing but a fresh stick from the coconut leaf. Red and yellow flowers are stringed onto this and the number of such arrangements increases every day. The flowers would be at their maximum on Uttaradam, the ninth day.

Pookkalam for Onamotsav at ECA

Pookkalam at ECA

On the tenth day, the thiruonam, the arrangement is decorated with tumba leaves and paste of rice flour. Flowers are not used. Instead of flowers at the centre, Vishnu and Mahabali are represented in shapes made out of mud (clay idols) decorated with flowers on top. So this is how it is supposed to be done. But in this fast paced life, it becomes difficult to celebrate a festival in its original form. We adapt, realign and create new expressions for the old forms. With this we have the Pookkalam in its current avatar (I saw many Pookkalams at ECA Bangalore for the Onamotsav), which is just as dear to us as the old one. For it is made with just as much love and patience, as the old one. So let us celebrate the new and remember the old. To Pookkalam and all the joy it brings us.

Pookkalam – Onam at ECA Bangalore

Lots of Twinkles to you.

Anupama.

Onamotsav

by Anupama | Sep 17, 2017 | Festivals & Celebrations

We love to form bonds, especially when there’s someone from our own community, speaking our language, sharing our culture and memories, the bonds become stronger. I witnessed one such beautiful community program at Onamotsav, which is a celebration of a shared culture, of Kerala and Onam. Onam is a celebration of life, nature, the harvest season and the arrival of Mahabali the great ruler who ruled not only Kerala but the hearts of Keralites. Onamotsav a celebration at ECA Bangalore was all this and more. Though this was a ‘members-only’ program, I happily wangled an invitation as this was my golden opportunity to witness this beautiful culture, right here in Bangalore. And I couldn’t wait to share this evening with all my readers. But off course, the major portion was in Malayalam and I couldn’t understand a word. Though art is beyond language, there were some practical considerations and I hijacked my friend’s Saturday afternoon to understand the finer details, so I could share it all without any major goof-ups (“Thanks a lot Kavitha…I am eternally grateful to you”).

Dussansana Vadham- Onam celebrations, heralding.

Though the earlier day Indiranagar was practically washed off in the rains, the day of the Onamotsav celebration was bright and beautiful. I was welcomed with the majestic sounds of the Chendamelam. From the ancient times, Chenda melam has been traditionally used in Kerala for all the functions and festivities. The chenda which is the main instrument is accompanied by ilathalam and kombu. I was quite rooted to the entrance for the whole show and decided to move on only when the programs were about to begin. The guests were all resplendent in silks, kasavus, and children all excited. I off course made a beeline for the green room, as I didn’t want to bypass this opportunity to see the Kathakali artists getting ready for the show. They had already finished their face painting and for the first time I actually saw the experts helping the artists with their resplendent costumes. It is quite a laborious process and takes hours together to get ready. The makeup artists who had come from Kerala were very happy to find a ready helper in me (I was just helping them hold some stuff!!) I have always been fascinated with Kathakali (the artists recognised Yakshagana as a renowned art form when i showed them my blog) and I happily clicked away with lots of videos as well….and with just an hour for the function to begin, my camera battery gives up on me… Ughghgh!! After fixing this problem, I wanted to know when the Kathakali was scheduled. I find out that it is just a part of a full 35 minutes show which was the Heralding of Onam. And luckily for me, the person I ask is none other than the director and creator of the show, Dr. Devasia Kurian and no he is not a doctor but a technopreneur.

Chendamelam

Onam is celebrated with Pookkalam (the flower carpet or arrangement) welcoming the great king Mahabali ( a demon king and the grandson of Bhaktha Prahlada) who ruled Kerala, but was destroyed by Vishnu who came in the form of a young Brahmin boy (also a dwarf). This form of Vishnu was the Vaman avtaar and Trikkakara temple near Kochi plays an important role here. It is the only temple worshipping the Vaman avatar of Vishnu and in the heralding Dr. Kurian has recreated this famous temple. Before the temple doors open, the melodious notes of ‘Sopana sangeetham’ greet the audience. This is a beautiful blend of tribal, classical and folk and is sung by the steps (sopanam) of the sanctum sanctorium. It was so melodious, I was totally moved. I saw and experienced more of Kerala at Onamotsav than I would have seen in Kerala.

Bhima and Draupadi- from Dussasana Vadham Kathakali

This Onam, Lord Vishnu regrets that He had been unfair in destroying the great king Mahabali. Instead of following his mandate He had been influenced by the Gods and their insecurities. Lord Vishnu appears before the archak (the priest) and voices his regret and wants to meet Mahabali. The story of Mahabali is recounted, where a young Brahmin boy asks the king Mahabali for land measuring three footsteps for meditation. When Mahabali agrees, Vishnu takes his infinite form and covers the earth in one, the heavens in another and asks Mahabali about the third. Mahabali, never to go back on his promise, offers his head and thus meets his end. But as a last wish, he is permitted to come every year during Onam to visit his people and see to their welfare. Dr. Devasia Kurian takes the audience through Trikkakara temple, the Devloka with Lord Indra and Narada (Lord Indra’s abode), Mahabali’s court and Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu. In the present, Vishnu along with the priest goes to meet Mahabali who has come to visit his people in Kerala.

Bhima and Dussasana in combat on the 17th day of Kurukshetra war

And this is how I am also introduced to the rich art and culture of Kerala. Right from Panchavadyam, Kavadi and Mohiniyattam, Vishnu and me, enjoy a small scene of ‘Dussasana Vadham’ in Kathakali from the epic Mahabharatha. On the 17^th day of the Kurukshetra war, Bhima (one of the five Pandavas) is in combat with Dussasana (the bad guy) and defeats him. As promised to his wife Draupadi, he tears open Dussasana’s chest and drinks his blood. He brings some to her to bathe her hair in and finally tie her hair after the retribution for her insult, in the courts of Hastinapura. (As I had spent the larger part of the evening in the green room, I got speaking to the artists who performed Kathakali and learnt that they were all members and in fact the whole function on the 9^th was conceptualized, created and performed by members. Wow!) The resplendent Theyyam -a ritual folk temple art, The Komaram, Kalaripayattu (the martial art of Kerala), Vallam kali –the traditional boat race, the pulikali which is the tiger dance are all showcased as Mahabali meets Vishnu. When Vishnu acknowledges his regret for destroying Mahabali, the great king offers his understanding and tells Vishnu that he did only that which he was supposed to do. Together they enjoy the festivities and splendor of Kerala, with a family celebrating Onam along with all their friends and neighbours, where religion does not define or limit their joy. A wonderful performance by each and every artist, the whole show of Onamotsav was a stupendous success.

Onamotsav heralding at ECA Bangalore.

After the heralding, the festivities continued with bollywood dances, the Jimikki kammal, Thiruvathirakali (folk dance by the ladies around a lighted lamp) and many others, winding up only at 11 in the night. And with that, I have exceeded the number of words…so the festivities of the next day at Onamotsav will have to be continued in my next post.

Lots of Twinkles to all of you.

Love your day.

Anupama

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