Photos of traditional Konkani ceremony and feast

Recently, we had been to Kerala for a family function - Brahmopadesam / Upanayanam of one of our nephews.

This function was conducted in the traditional way of Kochi GSB’s starting with “Naandi poojan” 10 days before the function.

The occasion was well attended with 800 guests. It started with the “Ududa muhurthu” which is basically start of the event invoking blessings from “Shri Mahaganapathy”. This was followed by traditional breakfast with Idly, Sambar, Chutney, Mixture, Rava Kesari or Sheera, complimented with tea/coffee.

Since the gathering was relatively large, the food was prepared in the kitchen attached to the venue, hiring professional cooks. Professional Konkani cooks available in Kerala for this purpose, who specializes in preparing traditional cuisine suited for marriages and other family occasions. Huge vessels are also available on rent in every nook and corner in Kerala for this purpose.

The preparations for lunch started by the previous nightfall itself. All the vegetables and grains were cleaned, cut / sliced, and the cooking was timed such a way that everything was ready to be served for lunch.

Traditional dishes served were dhewe orva seethe (rice), thoye (dal), gassi, dhewe humman, kelya ambaet, methiye sukke, ambya edgai, miriya appolu and dhewe appolu, alle, kelya sassam, pulliserry, rasam (saru). Sweet dish was dudda paysu ( pal payasam).

Enjoy some photos which I snapped for you.





Brahmopadesam





Idli mould


Idli


Idli, Sambar, Coconut chutney, Mixture, Rawa kesari


Rawa Kesari











Kelya Sassme, Alle, Methiye Sukke, Mango Pickle, Gassi & Banana Chips


Dhewe Humman


Pulisseri


Rasam


Pappadam ( Appolu )


Mirya Appolu





Kelya sassam and Alle





Rice ( Seeth )





Dudda Paysu ( Pal payasam )

Delicious Fish Curry Meals at Sagara Restaurant, Thiruvananthapuram

Enjoy these fish curry meals ...

Rice, Kappa vevichathu, Pappadam, Pachadi,Cabbage Thoran, Vegetable curry & Pickle

Spicy Fish Curry


Pulisseri & Rice


Side Dish - Prawns Fry


Kerala Beef Fry

Sagara Restaurant
Vazhuthakkad
Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala

Landmark - Near Kala Bhavan, Sindoor Bakeria & BP Petrol Station

Grihapravesham & Upanayanam

After the exciting Malaysian Holidays, hardly had I settled down in Chennai, we had to repack our bags in less than a weeks time. This time to God’s Own Country Kerala.

It was for the fulfillment of a long cherished dream ( in fact twin dreams) of our – to perform the Grihapravesham of our holiday home apartment in Trivandrum ( Nikunjam Fortune , Jawahar Nagar, Kawdiar ) and the 2nd one being our only Son’s Upanayanam.

Even though we were planning for these events for weeks and months, there was only a little time left for the final preparation. We had to invite all the relatives, personally supervise the finishing touches at the apartment and also make all the arrangements for these functions. The days were hectic with me, husband and kid running around to make the things perfect.

The Grihapravesham was on Sat, the 6th of June and Upanayanam was on 7th. Since all our relatives were scattered all over Kerala, we arranged for their travel , stay in Trivandrum and also arranged all the catering for the entire day(s).

On the first day 75 odd people attended the function which was at our apartment. The upanayanam was performed on a specially erected – decorated podium in the car parking bay. Since the apartment complex is yet to be fully occupied, there was ample space for the function and the feast was arranged at the decks of the swimming pool. More than 160 people attended the function and blessed us.

We were very glad that both these function went extremely well and we were able to take good care of the guests. Apart from the customary feast, we also gave sweet hampers to all the guests.

We installed all the required fittings and equipment at our apartment, and it was looking extremely nice. It was with a heavy heart that we locked our apartment promising to comeback at the earliest. Had it not for our darling son’s school ( which he missed for a week due to this function) , we would have stayed there for a few more days and enjoyed the comforts it offered.
We reached Chennai yesterday and my son commenced the next academic year. Me back in my routine.

From now onwards, I shall be updating the blog on a daily basis. Thanks for the patience of all my viewers and mail subscribers.

Nelliampathy - A hill station in Palakkad , Kerala

Welcome to Nelliampathi Village

Nelliampathi is a popular hill station 60 km away from Palakkad in Kerala a small state in south India. It is famous for its tea and coffee plantations and the excellent weather condition. The journey to Nelliampathi itself is an experience. The road is very narrow and requires a skilled driver behind the wheels. On the way, one can see wild animals like monkey, deer and porcupine. The view of the Pothundy dam from the height is a breathtaking sight. There will be many waterfalls by the roadside during the rainy season.

A couple of days back my brother went with his family and they enjoyed well. My nephew mailed these photos....

Visit here for home stay and more details

Konna poovu / Kanikkonna for Vishu

One noticeable feature was the blooming of “Kanikkonna” ( Botanical name : Cassia Fistula) like a golden shower. It's a wonderful site from our balcony and kitchen- the Kanikkonna in full bloom next street.

The cascading golden yellow bunch of flowers is a symbol of prosperity for the people of Kerala and is usually associated with “Vishu” a harvest festival which is also celebrated in other parts of India ( eg- Bihu in Ahom- Assam).

Konna Poovu ( Poovu - poo – meaning flower) is an indispensable component of Vishukkani – the auspicious Ist sight ( the first thing to see ) on the new year’s day break ( Other components being gold, fresh vegetables, rice, and what ever you consider precious and essential). Luckily I got a few snaps. Vishu normally falls on 14th of April which normally coincides with this annual flower bloom. Enjoy these wonderful photos !!!

Sweets & Snacks of Kerala

Mixture


Pappadavada


Wheat halwa



Ari ( rice ) halwa / Karutha halwa

Chakka varatti


Avalosunda

Chakka varuthathu ( jackfruit chips )

Tapioca chips ( kappa varuthathu )