Malabar saga 10
Malabar saga 10 Ammu’s memories of Kuttichira were filled with Crossandra infundibuliformis flowers. Ammu remembers how Ramani’s competant hands mastered over the firecrackers and Jasmine flowers . White Jasmines were tied together with the apricot orange flowers. They looked pretty . White and Orange. They were the two dominant colours in Ammu’s life. Ammu never…
Malabar saga 9
Malabar saga 9 ‘Valsan studio’ was the only studio in Kuttichira. Valsan was an armchair critic.With a birds -eye view he has seen and documented lives of Kuttichira people.He took Ramani’s wedding photograph. A month later she came with her husband Damosaran to take their honeymoon photo. when Ammu was born three of them came…
Malabar Saga 8
Malabar saga 8 By twilight the windows of Plathottathil tharavad are closed to deny entry to the Yakshis roaming around.Yakshis are celestial enchantress from the outside world with a vengeful spirit. Achamma Kuttimalu says Yakshis have jet black long hair, wears anklets and emerges out from the ‘sarpakavu ‘ pond after a long bath and…
Malabar saga 7
Malabar saga 7 One is reminded of death when Indira visits the households of Kuttichira with a million dollar smile. Indira was considered a saviour by many in Kuttichira .She was an LIC agent. .She safeguards ‘ life after death ‘ of scores of people in Kuttichira.Indira often appears draped in a white saree, the…
Malabar saga :6
Malabar saga 6 Chirutha was the Harijan servant at Plathottathil. She did all the ‘purampanni’ since her entry was restricted inside the house.After all they are staunch communist . Chirutha’s daughter Nalini was getting married. It was not a grand wedding.Ammu went with Ramani. The smell of ‘sadya’ was confined to the four walls of…
Malabar saga :chapter 5
Malabar saga 5 Valia chachan and Che Guevara stands together on the wall. Framed and nailed.They haven’t met each other in their lifetime, but they were fortunate enough to share the wall. Ammu had serious apprehensions whether it was really Che Guevara or Jesus Christ in his college days. We are staunch communist reminds the…
Malabar saga: Chapter 4
The smell of beef biriyani crossed the borders of Kuttichira.Ayesha Fathima Muhammad was getting married to ‘ gulf’ Muneer. Mappila weddings are a grand affair in Malabar. Ammu went with her mother Ramani for the wedding. Beef Biriyani with dates pickle, ‘Kada’ fry,’ Kozhi nirachath’, ‘Kava’ tea, jaggery, banana were kept ready on the table….
Anu Areekkal Books, food & Travel 