Kerala: God's Own Country
View allAll Photos Tagged malayali
Pittas are a family, Pittidae, of passerine birds found in Asia, Australasia and Africa. There are thought to be 40 to 42 species of pittas, all similar in general appearance and habits. The pittas are Old World suboscines, and their closest relatives among other birds are in the genera Smithornis and Calyptomena.
Today we (Malayali's - meaning people native to the southern state of Kerala in India) celebrated Vishu!
Vishu is the astronomical new year in Kerala.
For more details on Vishu please check en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishu
I enjoyed lighting sparklers and had a lot of fun with my sister and her friend, so a special thanks to them for a sparkling celebration and for these shots !!!
Here's wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous year! May your days be bright and nights sparkly !!
Punnathurkotta, Guruvayoor.
Probably, this is time to tell little more about the photo. This was the first time we went out together, this was the day I met my life partner. Oh yea - its good to be fascinated about ones better half :o)
DSC_3905_1
A foreigner marveling at tiny garments with a Malayali touch that adorn the shops in front of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
This photo was shot on my way to Pondicherry. The huts, the trees and the river behind was quiet attractive.
The scene gave me a good oppurtunity to play with white balance after reading the article in malayali kootam.
Thanks to Challiyan for starting the thread and Shahin and all others who posted the tips in the thread. Really Appreciate it Guys.
This snap is dedicated specially to the people above and to all MalayaliKoottam Members.
An Indian girl looks out of a kindergarden window.
@Seremban, Malaysia.
p/s:
Malaysians of Indian descent comprise about 8% of the population. About 90% of the Indian community is Tamil but various other groups are also present, including Malayalis, Punjabis and Gujaratis.
Garcinia cambogia, known also as gambooge, Brindal Berry, gummi-gutta, Malabar Tamarind or Kudam Puli, is a favorite ingredient in every Malayali's fish curry. It is the fruit of a moderate-sized, evergreen tree native to South India and Southeast Asia. This is regularly used in Indian medicine. It is now considered as herbal appetite suppressant and weight-loss supplement.
1st June 2008, 10:47 | Shot for the Malayali Kootam project; "A day in the world Through the Lens". Found this baba sitting infront ofa temple talking to some people. Contrasting bright colors he wore made me click instantly without a second thought.
1st June 2008, 19:54 | Shot for the Malayali Kootam project; "A day in the world Through the Lens". Last shot to finish off an eventful day. It was one of the superb days I had as a photographer
Kalaripayattu is an Indian martial art. One of the oldest fighting systems in existence, it is now practiced in Kerala, in contiguous parts of Tamil Nadu and among the Malayali community of Malaysia. It was originally practiced in northern and central parts of Kerala and the Tulunadu region of Karnataka.
Kalaripayattu includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry and healing methods. Regional variants are classified according to geographical position in Kerala; these are the Northern style from Malabar region in north Kerala, the Central style from inner Kerala and the southern style from Travancore region of south Kerala.
Due combattenti di kalaripayattu. Punarjani Traditional Village, Munnar, Kerala. India. Foto pubblicata sul National geographic magazine Italia di luglio. www.nationalgeographic.it/wallpaper/2012/06/19/foto/la_mi...
1st June 2008, Shot for the Malayali Kootam project; "A day in the world Through the Lens".
06:24 AM : It was very cloudly morning and Mr.Sun came out of clouds only at around 6.20 AM.
1st June 2008,A Malayali Kootam project titled "A day in the world Through the Lens".
1st June 2008,A Malayali Kootam project titled "A day in the world Through the Lens".
Varkala, Kerala state, India. A festival at the temple. One of the performers.
Revisiting some of the photographs taken in South India in 2005.
www.facebook.com/MaciejDakowiczPhotography - my facebook with some exciting news
Kalaripayattu is an Indian martial art. One of the oldest fighting systems in existence, it is now practiced in Kerala, in contiguous parts of Tamil Nadu and among the Malayali community of Malaysia. It was originally practiced in northern and central parts of Kerala and the Tulunadu region of Karnataka.
Kalaripayattu includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry and healing methods. Regional variants are classified according to geographical position in Kerala; these are the Northern style from Malabar region in north Kerala, the Central style from inner Kerala and the southern style from Travancore region of south Kerala.
Due combattenti di kalaripayattu. Punarjani Traditional Village, Munnar, Kerala. India. Foto pubblicata sul National geographic magazine Italia di luglio.
www.nationalgeographic.it/wallpaper/2012/06/19/foto/la_mi...
B&W version of an old photo: www.flickr.com/photos/mauandsa/6949289803/
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission. © all rights reserved.
Cassia fistula, known as the golden rain tree, canafistula and by other names, is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. The species is native to the Indian subcontinent and adjacent regions of Southeast Asia. It ranges from southern Pakistan eastward throughout India to Myanmar and Thailand and south to Sri Lanka. It is the state flower of Kerala in India and of immense importance amongst the Malayali population. It is a popular ornamental plant and... (Source: Wikipedia)
Onam is an annual Hindu festival with origins in the state of Kerala in India. It falls in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam, which in Gregorian calendar overlaps with August–September. The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu, the subsequent homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali and mythologies of Hinduism related to Kashyapa and Parashurama. Onam is a major annual event for Malayali people in and outside Kerala.
Portrait inspired by Raja Ravi Varma's paintings. Varma, of the Royal Family of Kilimanoor, Kerala is considered among the best painters India has produced. His fusion of European and Indian techniques produced pleasantly lifelike images, especially of pretty Women.
Cassia fistula, known as the golden rain tree, canafistula and by other names, is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. The species is native to the Indian subcontinent and adjacent regions of Southeast Asia. It ranges from southern Pakistan eastward throughout India to Myanmar and Thailand and south to Sri Lanka. In ancient Tamil literature, it is called கொன்றை (kondrai) and is closely associated with the Mullai (forest) region of Sangam landscape. It is the national tree of Thailand, and its flower is Thailand's national flower. It is also the state flower of Kerala in India and of immense importance amongst the Malayali population. It is a popular ornamental plant and is also used in herbal medicine.
Malayalam: kanikkonna (or kani konna കണിക്കൊന്ന), Vishu konna (വിഷുക്കൊന്ന) also Ophirpponnu (ഓഫീർപ്പൊന്ന്) or Karnikaram (കർണ്ണികാരം) and Konnappoo (കൊന്നപ്പൂ).
"Malayalis around the world celebrate the 10-day harvest festival of Kerala and the return of the legendary King Mahabali, by organising a grand feast, also known as Onam Sadhya."
A Malayali woman in Kottayampovil talks to her God. Seeking something.
How many times do you ever get face to face with your own living breathing God? ( Infact, a Goddess here.With environment friendly half moon coconut shells for boobs and all paint work of organic origin ). Dressed in the fiery "red" finery, that is now what Theyyam has come to depict.
In North Kerala, in places like Kottayampovil, Calicut, Kannur, Kasargod you can talk to your living God. It is in winter months that this ancient dance form is performed. It brings Gods to your very own courtyards. So what about you ?
Dates
Taken on January 26, 2008 at 12.02pm IST (edit)
Posted to Flickr May 9, 2012 at 1.01PM IST (edit)
Exif data
Camera Nikon D70
Exposure 0.003 sec (1/350)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 185 mm
ISO Speed 640
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash No Flash
DSC_0039 nef cu le tfm sl histruct bnw 10 pc eyes cor teeth corr
I am in the midst of migrating some data from one external hard drive to another.
I would have ideally posted another photograph from Ladakh but then this image, shot way back in Kerala, popped up. I am seeing these images after many years and I thought it would be alright to showcase the drum beaters who beat a vigorous rhythm in Kerala on most occasions and no function is ever complete without them holding centre stage.
So here is to them, in their sashaying blue cloth sashes and their white mundus.
Cheers!
DSC_0781 jpeg via ACR
Starring : Jyothika, Surya
Adutha kaalathengum kakkaye kaanatha Non reliable malayali kalkku dedicated :)
World Water Day was a initiative of 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. World Water Day in 2005 resulted in the UN International Decade for Action on water. 2011 world water day special theme: Urban water management./water for cities responding to challenges. For example statistics shows 1 out-of 4 city residents live with out a toilet. Earth-day is a day dedicated to create awareness and appreciation for earths natural resources.
Please visit my water drop set
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License: Attribution-ShareAlike Creative Commons
Spending a day away from the "madding crowd", our daily chores and onshore busy life, floating in the solitude of cool breeze-laden and vast back-waters of Kerala is truly a relaxing experience.
These House- Boats are fuly furnished one/two bed room houses with attached baths and kitchen. The crew includes one cook too to prepare and serve you local specialities.. Karimeen ( a local fresh water fish)and Konchu(lobster) are well-known sea food varieties.
Such a houseboat is about 60 to 70 feet (18 to 21 m) long and about 15 feet (4.6 m) wide at the middle. The hull is made of wooden planks that are held together by ropes of coconut fiber; the usual wood is 'Anjili'. The roof is made of bamboo poles and palm leaves. The exterior of the boat is painted with protective coats of cashew nut oil
Kerala, the southern-most state of India is nicknamed 'Gods own Country' for its picturesque natural beauty,rich flora and fauna.
With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience. And what's more, each of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other - a singular advantage no other destination offers.
Kerala, India's most advanced society: With hundred percent literacy. World-class health care systems. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is India's cleanest state.
For administrative purposes, the state of Kerala is divided into fourteen districts. Most of these districts offer all the tourism products typical of the State.
More on Kerala :
Please Click Here & View Large On Black
Kerala Style Fish Curry & Rice, Kerala is one of the southern states of India. This shot is a combination of my wife Susan's culinary skills and my experiments with light
All images displayed in this are protected under the International Copyright act and are not to be downloaded, reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated or used for any purposes without written permission and consent.
More images from Sindur Khela. The festival has passed off in time last week. It is a part of the most important celebration time for the Bengalis. There is a palpable buzz in the air when it is Dasshera and Durga Puja time. Benglais all over are nattily dressed and there is happiness and devotion in the air. It is much like what Onam is for the Malayalis in Kerala. A time for the Bengalis to let their urge to splurge a big go ahead.
Feasts are aplenty. Music rends the air. Prayers mumble and jumble in vocal unison and chaotic harmony to lend a pious noise level all through. Artisans build elaborate clay idols of Durga vanquishing the evil Mahisasur. These are housed in temporary display sheds called "pandals". Of late these have become mammoth exercises in creative splendor with each pandal putting up creative themes to their Durgas. It is like a competition of sorts.On the last day of Durga Puja, married women offer vermillion to the Goddess and thereafter smear each other with the red powder that in India denotes the status of marriage and hence of bearing children.
I am uploading a few snippets of the custom, dresses and the emotions that run through this quaint festival celebrated by the married women of Bengal.
Any takers on the correct ethnicity of the lady in the image. She does not appear to be from Bengal. Most married Bengali women are prosperous and plump and that is the image that is portrayed and accepted. I may be wrong there. :)
Dates
Taken on October 14, 2013 at 11.26AM IST (edit)
Posted to Flickr October 21, 2013 at 1.39PM IST (edit)
Exif data
Camera Nikon D800
Exposure 0.001 sec (1/800)
Aperture f/9.0
Focal Length 32 mm
ISO Speed 640
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire
_DSC3706 nef 2exp
Vishnu, adorned in resplendent gold and yellow with a blue skin is another god of the Hindu pantheon and along with Brahma and Shiva form the nodal complex of the whole religion and philosophy of Hinduism
The concept of God in Hindu philosophy comprises of three entities.BRAHMA, the Creator, VISHNU, the Preserver and SHIVA, the Destroyer. Together, they form the holy godhead of the religion.
VISHNU is said to preserve the universe and all its entities including human beings and other forms of life on earth. He takes as many as 10 avatars ( Rama, Krishna, Parshurama, Vamana, Narasimhan, Buddha, Kalki etc etc ) basically to save the world from annihilation. These avatars are worshipped separately.
This was shot during the Onam celebrations in Kerala at one of the most famous culture parades at Thrippunithura, which is about 10 kms away from Cochin.
Happy Belated Onam all ye Malayali people of this world.
DSC_0859 thru ACR sel Cu eye + sat sh Nik
There are many kinds of theyyam ceremony. Puliyoor Kali Theyyam is related to Shaivism and worship of animals.
Cassia fistula, known as the golden shower tree and by other names, is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. The species is native to the Indian subcontinent and adjacent regions of Southeast Asia. It ranges from southern Pakistan eastward throughout India to Myanmar and Thailand and south to Sri Lanka. In ancient Tamil literature, it is called கொன்றை (kondrai) and is closely associated with the Mullai (forest) region of Sangam landscape. It is the national tree of Thailand, and its flower is Thailand's national flower. It is also the state flower of Kerala in India and of immense importance amongst the Malayali population. It is a popular ornamental plant and is also used in herbal medicine.The golden shower tree is a medium-sized tree, growing to 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall with fast growth. The leaves are deciduous, 15–60 cm (5.9–23.6 in) long, and pinnate with three to eight pairs of leaflets, each leaflet 7–21 cm (2.8–8.3 in) long and 4–9 cm (1.6–3.5 in) broad. The flowers are produced in pendulous racemes 20–40 cm (7.9–15.7 in) long, each flower 4–7 cm (1.6–2.8 in) diameter with five yellow petals of equal size and shape. The fruit is a legume, 30–60 cm (12–24 in) long and 1.5–2.5 centimetres (0.59–0.98 in) broad, with a pungent odor and containing several seeds. The tree has strong and very durable wood, and has been used to construct "Ahala Kanuwa", a place at Adams Peak, Sri Lanka, which is made of Cassia fistula (ahala, ehela, or aehaela, ඇහැල in Sinhala [2]) heartwood.
Thanks to those who view, comment or save my photo. It will be highly appreciated. No multi invites please. I will not comment or save a photo made by a cell phone, Ipads, or similar devices.
Is the hallmark of creativity, tilted frames and horizons.?
Have you been to a nouveau Photography school lately ;-? Specially the Orkut and Facebook and Twitter advertised variety and the ones sprouting of late in all big towns and cities( of India with names like Sherry and some unitelligent syllables) where pseudo style takes precedence over content, That I thought was the death of art.
This is no halloween prow or for that matter the prow of the Titanic where a Celine Dion number ought to play with moronic sanctimony. This is the prow of the famous houseboat of Kerala backwaters, from where the earlier shot of the racing boat was shot. You can check the tag on the photograph.
View large size on Black for the details
Camera: Nikon D70
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/27.0
Focal Length: 48 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash
DSC_2998 from jpeg via ACR 250 PXL SH
Bull Racing is an extreme sport and it is a rare and unique event that happens only in Kerala.
There are races in wet mud in the rice fields of Indonesia and in Karnataka in India but these are with merely a jockey riding a sleigh. You have bull races in Pakistan and Punjab in India which are again with a jockey riding behind the racing bulls.
The great difference lies in that in Kerala, two men race with the bulls and they do a fine job of it splashing and keeping pace with the tonne or more of bovine cargo and hopefully keeping them going in the right direction.
On most occasions, I espied that the bulls would take off and with the slightest variation in the stepping of the bulls, the direction would go haywire. So most races were to be seen with the bull racers trying to take control of the fiercely running pair and often times with only one of the racers trying while the other one by some bovine design would be totally left behind.
This is a sequence of a few shots where there is only one bull racer in the picture. No idea what happened to the 2nd Bull Racer. I guess he was not even ready when the bulls took the matter in their hands err their hooves and started running.
Here there is a broader view of the drama with other bull pairs standing behind plus the onlookers. The exact patch where the bulls are running has lesser water compared to the rest of the runway.
DSC_0009 jpeg via ACR