Theyyam

I attended the Theyyam maholsavam festival this year at my home town ...Chandera Maniyat in Kasargod district organised by the Mundavallapil Tharavaad.

Theyyam is an ancient art of worshiping the gods in certain parts of Kerala, India. Very few families are continuing with this practice of worshiping the family deity.The art involves a few dedicated people dressing like a god / goddess and dancing. though i donot know about its history and details of the rituals, i appreciate the dedication of the performers as they follow strict rules and regulations.

Few pictures of the Festival for the benefit of viewers is as follows:

Happy Diwali 2014

Diwali this year was no different from the last year in matters of excitement and happiness.



I started celebration 2 days in advance of the main diwali day on Dhanteras day by having a til oil bath using natural scrub made of besan. The shampoo i used was a herbal powder i bought called
Meera.

My rangolis made over the few days i celebrated are as below:



The lights and oil diyas made my home so beautiful.



I have to mention that cleaning before diwali is an important ritual especially clearing clutter from our houses ..i couldn't believe i had accumulated so much...though tiring it was a very satisfying experience.

Diwali - the festival of lights

Traditions and rituals in my family is quite rare. We belong to the new generation family that doesnot follow any tradition blindly. Personally i love a few of them though :). having lived in the north of India for few years of my childhood i love the diwali celebrations at preparatory stage, especially the ritual bath andthe evening pooja.

Diwali reminds me of a kind of marriage preparation in the family and the excitement that is associated with it is extremely good for health. Each year brings a renewed, fresh new diwali adventure.

The diwali bath is a wonderful beauty regime. Getting up early morning to apply coconut oil and lemon juice all over the body and scalp. Then bathe half an hour later using gramflour and water paste [ no soap no shampoo allowed]. This year i added turmeric in my paste and a little castor oil on my scalp too.The aftereffect of this bath is smooth glowing skin and soft silky hair. I like to mix rosewater to fullers earth and leave a layer on my face and neck for 15mins before my bath.

The selection of a pretty salwar/saree is secondary to my shopping for glass bangles, jazzy earrings, designer bindis and payals which are worn only on festive occassions.I have to mention the henna designs that is applied on hands and feet.

After the bath is the turn to decorate the home with a lovely rangoli. I had already googled my designs for this year and practised it once. Hanging flower and mango leaf garland on top of the front door adorned with colourful rangoli and lit diyas is a sight worth to watch.One can literally see the gods entering the house.

Crackers are strictly prohibited - no noise and air pollution allowed , not to forget the respect towards all creatures [animals & humans ] who hide to avoid commotion. Evening walks turn into late evening walks to see houses lit with lamps on this dark new moon night.

Exchange of sweets and fruits with neighbours is a lovely gesture. With dreams in my eyes i look forward to this years lovely night.

Happy deepavali to all. May the lord light up all our lives and minds :)