palm – MyRefractions

Reaching for the skies

… but will they ever?

Sacrifice or ‘bali’ on Karkidaka vavu is believed to appease spirits of the ancestors and bring good fortunes and prosperity. The rites are performed according to the Hindu custom and usually, in a Theertha ghat or bathing place. The ritual usually begin at 5 a.m. and extended up to 12 noon in almost all the major ghats. The bathing ghats wear a deserted look after the ritual with the lingering memories between the known past, ambiguous present and the yet-to-come good fortunes and prosperity. One such location in Kollam, India is seen here, when the sun hesitantly agreed to shine between incessant rains.

Coconut Flowers

Nature

A closer view of the top… semi-opened flowers are used for decorative purposes together with unhusked rice (paddy grains) on a brass vessel (paRa) during auspicious occasions as harbingers of prosperity.

Water Lily

Nature

The coconut palm leaves reflects in the clear waters of Vembanadu Lake, Cochin where deep pink and white water lilies are found in abundance… Hundreds of acres of paddy fields are also found nearby. In fact, Kuttanadu is known as the “Rice bowl of Kerala”.

Painting in Green

Nature

Palm Leaf

Nature

spread

Cruise

Nature

Rice Boats, which were in service during early years when water transport was prevalent in the state, were hit hard with the development of surface transport. Lorries began to assume the many roles of Rice Boats. Many of them were later converted into House Boats which became popular with tourists and locals alike. Kuttanadu is one of the many places blessed with the beauty of the backwaters, paddy fields and many canals connecting palces within the Alapuzha region. A leisurely cruise along the coconut-palm lined canals and backwaters and into the Vembanadu Lake from noon till morning the next day with food cooked on-board and air-conditioned bedrooms is one of the must-see sights according to National Geographic “50 destinations of a lifetime”.