Mazha Mazha Kuda Kuda

Mazha Mazha Kuda Kuda

        ‘Kuda’ is umbrella in Malayalam. We take this accessory a tad bit too seriously. To the extent that this small state of Kerala is home to one of the world’s largest manufacturers of umbrellas. Just before monsoon sets in, there are Ad campaigns on all major media channels in Kerala which will put any FMCG company to shame. You hear about them on TV, Newspaper, Radio and may be on internet too these days.The one that you see in the pic is known as 'Kalan Kuda'. The name is such due to the shape of the handle of the umbrella.

        We take our ‘Kuda’s seriously for a reason. Kerala is a state where it rains for about half of the year. And it is not that it drizzles, it pours to the extent that most Kerala rains are mini cloud bursts. So in other parts of the country, if you see someone with an umbrella claiming position of prominence in their home, more often than not, he/she will be a mallu.

        The influence of umbrellas is so much that in festivals; umbrellas have a pride place atop the elephants. There used to be a time when the Malayalam film heroines will have two accessories with them without fail – a handbag and an umbrella! 

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

Queen Mary/Mary thampuratty

Queen Mary

You might think people of Kerala are admirers of British monarchy. This post is not debating that possibility at all. In Malayalam, the title of blog would roughly translate to ‘Mary thampuratty’ J.

Mary thampuratty is more than what meets the eye. It implies a Christian lady who has become a Hindu queen. This is used in context where a person has a name with his/her first name and last name represent two different religious affiliations. Another example would be Anthony Nair!

Having said this, Kerala is one place where we all (people who follow different religious beliefs) live together much in love and peace. We celebrate Eid, Christmas and Onam with equal fervor.

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

10 Months of Pregnancy

10 Months of Pregnancy

Yes, you read it right, 10 months! All malayalee mothers are doting ammas and take very good care of their children like all other mothers in the rest of the world. But the mallu mothers take a tad bit extra credit for it J.

Although pregnancy is 9 months long, mallu moms claim to have carried their children for 1 extra month – for 10 months. So in situations that demand emotional black mailing, they take out this dialogue: “10 masam chummanna ennodu nee ingane paranjille!” which means how could you say this to me who carried you in my womb for 10 months?

Either the mallu doctors have brainwashed the mallu moms and tricked them in to believing it is 10 months or they are taking extra credit ;). I think it is time someone investigated this.

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

Sulaimani

Sulaimani

 A steaming glass (not cup) of black tea with a dash of lime added to it. The rest of the world calls it black tea and we Keralites call it ‘Sulaimani’. Why is it called so? It’s in the history and on google. Let’s not fret about it.

This beverage owes a bit of its popularity to the veteran comedian of Malayalam cinema, Mr. Mamukkoya. In many a films, he has mentioned or offered this beverage with much love. Much recently, ‘Sulaimani’ made a comeback with a bang through the much loved film, ‘Ustad hotel’ too.

It is usually had as refreshment at any time of the day. We also have it after a heavy meal like a full on Malabari chicken biriyani. Quite often, people add a dash of lime also to it.

When you visit Kerala, make it a point to have a pint of sulaimani. Do not have it in those fancy mugs. You must have it in small glasses as one in the pic and have it by holding the rim of the glass allowing the steaming vapor to refresh you.

Kerala monsoon, a glass of ‘sulaimani’ and a group of friends to chat with. Believe you me, it is as close to heaven one can get!

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

Varatte?

Varatte?

Of the many quirks of mallus, one is the way we bid good byes. There are various ways of bidding adieu. One such is by saying ‘varatte’. This word actually means ‘Shall I come?’. Imagine a person sitting in your home for about an hour and just about when he/she decides to leave and you show them to the door. Then this person says ‘Shall I come’? What can be more odd than that? But such are we malayalees J.

There are other ways also of saying good bye. One is to say ‘appo shari’. This would roughly translate to ‘okey then’. About the various usages of that, we will see in another blog J. Another way is to say ‘Kaanam’ . This means ‘We will see’ literally and which actually means ‘We will meet again’.

There are also a group of mallus who say it in English. But they say "Good bye" in a way which is made popular by the man in the picture. He is Mr.Sreekantan Nair, an extremely talented and popular talk show host who has his unique way of saying "Good Baaayyyy!!" :).

The best one which I have come across is when one says “Poyittu varam” which means I will come back again.

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

The ‘fa’ factor

The ‘Fa’ factor

        There is a group of people in Kerala who pronounces ‘Bha’ in  quite a different way J. For instance, ‘Bharatham’ will be Faratham for them! Shashi ettan’s studio ‘Bharani’ will be Farani!

        I really don’tknow how the primary level school teachers achieve this feat. Imagine teaching the kids the Malayalam akshara mala and telling them there are two ‘fa’s which are written in two different ways!

        My friend from Kottayam says it is only with Malayalam words that the do this cruelty ;). For example, if there is a board with ‘Bharat Petroleum’ written on it, they will read it the way the other human beings do. But if they see a board with ‘Bharathapuzha’ written in Malayalam, then they will read it as farathapuzha!

        The funniest part is when people from this part of the state think that ‘fa’ is the right way of pronouncing and the rest of the world is wrong in pronouncing the letter as’Bha’ J.

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

Kollalo Videon

Kollalo Videon

        Now for you to understand the title of this blog, you should have grown up in Kerala in the early 1990s watching DD MalayalamJ. It was a time when Doordarshan was the only channel available and the number of brands from Kerala which used to advertise were really countable on your hands.

        ‘Kollalo videon’ was the catch line in an advertisement which featured Innocent, the comedian of Malayalam film industry.  He delivered it in his own humorous style. This has come to be used as a phrase now. It is used in situations when a person lists down the various uses of a particular product or a thing and  you want to approve of it, of course in a funny way J.

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

Soda Sarvath

Soda Sarvath

                   Yes, you read it right. It is Sarvath in mallu parlance and not Sharbath J. Shops selling this drink used to be a usual sighting on the Kerala roads although not much these days.

Much before the Pepsis and Coca Colas of the world came in, this was Kerala’s own aerated drink. A little bit of sweetness from the Sharbath and a lot of fizz given by the Soda.

          It is such a refreshing drink with no known ill effects. If the shopkeeper is generous enough, he will add a dash of lime to it which gives a whole new taste to the drink.

          These shops find their place mostly nearby schools. The clinking of the Sharbath bottles and the glasses with the sweet aroma of the Sharbath is sure to stir a small whirlpool of nostalgia in every malayalee’s mind.

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

Rajuvum radhayum

Rajuvum radhayum

        For all those who are born in the 1980s, these two names are synonymous with childhood. They are the characters of a hugely popular comic called ‘Mayavi’ in a children’s magazine, Balarama.

    In those days when Doordarshan was the only form of entertainment for children, those children’s magazines were a huge respite. Now of course, kids these days watch Raju & Radha in motion though DVDs and discs.

        There were times when a whole generation used to wait in sweet anticipation for these books. The kind of stories that used to feature were endearingly creative yet with subtle messages.

        But what is of interest is the fact that as was mentioned by T.G.Ravi in a movie, their relationship status was never defined. No one knows as to whether they were friends, lovers or siblings J.

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

E for Elephant

E for Elephant

          A crowded city bustling with traffic and people; there are supermarkets, apartment complexes, schools and all that you can find in a city. In the middle of all this, an Elephant walks through along with a man with a thin slender stick in his hand. If you find this to be usual and common place, you are a Keralite J. Believe me, for people from other part of the world, this will be as horrifying as seeing a Tiger or Lion on the road.

      We love our elephants. A festival cannot be complete without elephants. In spite of them going mad once too often and wreaking havoc, we still insist on this giant presence as part of our celebrations.

          It is a sight to behold the black beauty in all its caparisoned beauty. But we should also make sure knowingly or unknowingly, we do not cause discomfort for those poor big(not lil) things.

          People who are not from Kerala might be shocked to know that there are fan clubs for elephants across our state. Even more amusing will be the fact that we can tell one elephant from the other looking at its features J.

          Right from childhood, we are told to run out of home and watch whenever we hear the clinking of an Elephant’s chain and that curiosity remains with a mallu till last breath J.

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

Newspaper & Mallu Fathers

Newspaper & Mallu Fathers

Newspapers and Mallu fathers are an inseparable pair.  When a child leaves for school, the father will be sitting with the paper. Same is the case when the child returns from school.

When his in-laws come visiting, the mallu man of the house will be even more stuck to his News paper.

When the child grows up and his/her friends comes visiting, there goes the father seeking solace in the News paper. This is especially true when the friends are of opposite genders.

This is so much a part of our culture that there is at least one frame in a Malayalam film where the father is reading a newspaper.

AS much is the interest in the happenings in the society, expressing displeasure is also achieved by a typical mallu head of the house by reading (or pretending to) the Newspaper J.

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

Indian Coffee House

Indian Coffee House

        Many of us have fond memories of these restaurants. The low cost yet clean eateries J. There might be ICHs outside of Kerala as well. But its origin is from Kerala.

        I still remember how fascinated I used to be seeing the ornate head gear (thalappavu) that the waiters wore in the restaurants those days. It looked like they have gone on a horse and got the food for us ;) like in the Maharaja days.

        The cutlets in ICH have mostly beetroot in them and nothing else. But they serve it with a knife and a fork and with Onion garnishing J.

        They serve Meetha paan also at the Cashier’s table. Unlike other states, Meetha paan is not a common thing here.

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

Banana Leaf

Banana Leaf

        On special occasions, we don’t use plates to have food. We stick to banana leaves. It is eco-friendly, non polluting and green in every sense of the word J.

        One might think the various curries are randomly put on the banana leaf. That is not the case. Each curry has its position. The idea is that starters, pickles – in general, those dishes which are to be consumed in lesser quantities will be placed in the beginning of the leaf. The larger dishes pan out on the latter side. Rice occupies the center stage.

        There are two broad types of banana leaves – One which has a light green shade and the other, a dark green. The light green which is a new leaf demands a premium. At times, to parcel food, this leaf is heated slightly so that it doesn't tear. Also the food remains fresh.

        There are ways in which you use the leaf too. One should always keep the beginning (narrow end) of the leaf towards one’s left side while having food. Also, once done with a sumptuous lunch, the leaf needs to be folded away from you and not towards you.

       Managing the Sambar and other free flowing curries on a banana leaf requires as much skill as maneuvering a Chinese chopstick.

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

Aana Vandi

Aana Vandi

        That is how the State Government buses are known as in God’s own country. The all too familiar red and yellow painted buses and some of them are green depending on the speed limits they follow and the duration they take to cover a distance.

        I think the term ‘Aana vandi’ comes from the logo that goes on the buses which is the Logo of the Government. The logo has elephants in it. It might be a term used in a degrading manner as well.

        I must say the Government buses are pretty well maintained given the pot hole filled roads they are made to run through. The drivers do deserve a salute from all of us for taking us through the tough terrains that is the state road!

        There are two interesting aspects about these buses which one notices only if one goes out of state. One is the fact that we call them ‘Transport buses’ .I am pretty sure no other people in any part of the world do. It is like calling a Toyota car as ‘Automobile Corolla’!.

       The other interesting aspect is that our transport buses and even private buses use shutters and Tarpaulins as window shields. Step out of Kerala and you will find only glasses in their place. J

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

6 Days a Week

6 Days a Week

          For the rest of the country and even the world at large, a week is 7 days long. In Kerala, it is only 6 days long. The reason – ‘Harthal’! One never knows who declares a harthal and for what!

   It appeals to different people in different ways. The student community love it. They get a welcome day off. People who don’t like to work also like it for the same reason. Business men hate it for they lose a day’s profit. Politicians love it or hate it depending on whether it is their party which is sponsoring the harthal or not.

      There came a time when TV channels started scheduling primetime programs on harthal days. We the people also lapped it up with elaborate lunch and get together at our homes. It became as frequent as Wednesdays in a week. It is then that better sense prevailed and harthals became monitored.

    Other than Bengal, I don’t think there is any other state in India who takes Harthals as seriously as we do. 

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

Half a minute weddings

Half a minute weddings

        I think we malayalees have the shortest weddings. Once a friend of mine from the northern part of India came for a relative’s wedding. When the music of the muhurtham started, I told him marriage is about to happen and he started adjusting his camera. By the time he was ready to click away, the wedding was over J.

        All the weddings happen in a rush. As soon as the exchange of garlands happen, the people split in two directions. One, towards the sumptuous lunch (sadya) and the other, towards the stage to wish the newly wed. We do both in a rush. If you take more time to wish the couple, the photographers will shoo you away and if you take too much time to have the lunch, people standing behind your seats will ensure you finish your payasam fast J.

        Having said all this, our fast forward weddings are much better than the 2-3 days ordeal the other state couples are made to go through!

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

9 yards of Chauvinism

          9 yards of Chauvinism

        This is one attire the men of other places envy the quintessential Kerala male for – the Mundu. The most liberating piece of clothing, in the true sense of the word ;)

        It is not the piece of clothing which makes it interesting. Neither is the way it is worn which intrigues people. But the second fold that happens is what people from outside of the state finds puzzling. It is like those Scottish kilts. One understands the fashion reasoning of it only if one belongs to that place.  

        There are even various styles of how people manoeuvre this delicate piece of clothing. Some hold the tip of it while walking. Some others double fold it. There are people who tuck an end in between their ribs and biceps too.

        There is this interesting aspect of showing respect too using the mundu. In the presence of an elder person, the younger one never double folds his mundu. If it is double folded, it is either un done or atleast an effort is displayed to undo it.

There is an age when a guy starts wearing a mundu, mostly by high school and it is then that he comes of age. Till date, wearing a mundu remains the most understated display of chauvinism in God’s own country.

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees

Namaskaram

Namaskaram

          For the uninitiated, for those who are not from the God’s own country, the title of the blog is how we essentially wish each other. I would rather say that is how we are supposed to wish each other. But we never do!

        The protocol says we fold our hands in reverence and keep it close to our chest just like people do in any other state. But in Kerala these days, nobody does it. At the max, one might keep the right hand closer to chest and say a timid incomprehensible “Namaskaram undu” of course at the risk of being counted as a 90’s being.

        Blame it on the excess of education; the youngsters very rarely use this form of salutation. Worse, it is said in a way which is more a taunt than a way of wishing someone.

      There are many such trivial yet interesting aspects that concerns a malayali. More such facets in the later blogs :)

Keywords : Malayali blog, Malayalee blog, Kerala blog, Mallu blog, Kerala, Malayalee, Namaskaram, Malayalam, Onam, God's own country, Back waters, Coconut, Coconut oil, Coconut trees