The Facebook Phase!!!

Just the other day I caught myself red handed .... thinking in terms of facebook status messages!

Although it was funny at start, later I was wondering what's wrong with me. Am I obsessed with the social networking funda ...or is it just a minor symptom to ring the bell and stop me from getting there.?!

Whatever it is, I'm sure that lately my fb addiction has increased a tiny winy bit....and now i recognize ...its changing the way i think !!!

So what's it that has made face book so famous and what's that one string its originators struck right in the entire human population's minds.

** This social sharing concept has affected us so much these days that the first thought on every photo we click, is whether it'll look good on  face book and how many of our social circles would like/comment on it. Every dress, styles, jobs, and even the Person is evaluated based on the number of likes\comments we receive for it!

** The don't tell mama trick no longer works...cos most probably, even before you reach home from the so called study tour,  your mom would have noticed her kid tagged in one of the cool party pics, by one of the buddies!

So that's how our life has become.. an open book. As long as you don't indulge too much in the privacy settings of your account, you and your life is accessible to anyone anywhere anytime!!!

** On one hand this may prove good, the feeling that anything and everything we do is gonna be out there for everyone to see, makes us more cautious and responsible about ourselves!

** Often there are problems we are involved in, for which we struggle to find solutions! Sometimes we turn the world upside down in search of a solution when it would be actually hiding behind our door!!!

Its a very common scenario and it happens mostly because we are in too much of a hurry or anxiety to stop and think about the actual issue. Calming down and thinking about the problem would give us a better perspective and new ways of solving ti effectively.....Summarizing the moment in few words, could actually be a help in this regard! :)

so there does seem to be an upside to face booking too rite? .... but then there is a downside too .....

** It's true that  "sharing it with someone makes the moment all the more special". But then there is a bold dark line between the shareable and unshareable things of life too! Remember ... no matter what happens with your life, whether good or ugly...  there are always people out there who could make a joke out of it... may not always prove to be a good picture for you and your folks!..so beware and think before you post!

Take care..... 

- Chalked by Megha Kuruvilla

Theyyam - A remarkable sacred art form of God’s own Country

Though I had read and seen it all in the media, it was my first face-to-face introduction with one of the most vibrant ritualistic dance found in North Kerala. Pottan Theyyam… I watched the entire five hour performance with awe.



Preparations for the Theyyam



The ceremony began late evening with what is called “Thottam Pattu” which was story recital on origin of Pottam Theyyam. The story goes like this. When Sree Sankaracharya was going to ascend Sarwanjha Peedam, Lord Siva decided to test his knowledge and appeared before him disguised as a Dalit. Siva approached as 'Pulapottan', along with 'Pulachamundi'(Goddess Parvathy ) and, 'Pulamaruthan' (his minister Nadikesan). Sankaracharya requested them to move away from his path as he did not want to be contaminated by coming near to the lower caste. 'Pottan' debated with Sankaracharya saying that “it is same blood that flows through our veins” and “we reap the rice and that is served as food for you”. Thus revealing the emptiness of caste system which splits the humanity into foolish fragments and enlightening Sankaracharya.

Thottam Pattu is followed by the arrival of the Theyyam  as "Pulamaruthan", " Pulapottan" and "Pulachamundi" robed in ribbons of coconut leaves and different masks of deities. You could hear the anklets as Theyyam moves around interacting with people and giving the blessings. In between, the performer moves round and round and the “tantris” suddenly clash the burning logs sending out sparks on the Theyyam giving a fierce atmosphere.

Though the Pulapottan was comical and fun, making sarcastic comments on the elders of the ancestral house asking if they were serving the gods well, I was dumbstruck during the performance of lying over the red-hot embers. That was an extreme display beyond human ability. It was mid-summer and we couldn’t stand next to the heap of burning charcoal due to the heat. And here, Theyyam was refusing to get up from the scorching ashes till the spectators constantly requested and accepted his terms.

After this scary portion, it was time for Theyyam to have one on one session (literally) with each of the devotee asking their issues and concerns and consoling them with his blessings and advices. And then the performance ends with a sacrifice and a promise that his presence will be there always.

Pottan Theyyam is certainly a breath-taking watch giving you mixed emotions with the whole ambience of fire and sparks, sounds of anklets ,spells and colorful masks and funny remarks from Theyyam himself.

-Chalked by Rashmi

Caramel Custard Pudding

Ingredients:

0.5 ltrs milk

4 eggs

1 tin condensed milk

Vanilla essence – 1 tsp

Method:

* In a vessel (preferable aluminium) put enough sugar to cover the bottom surface and heat on stove.

When golden brown remove from fire and keep aside to cool . The bottom surface should be fully covered by tht layer… be careful not to overdo melting, cos if burnt off it will taste bitter.

* In another vessel  beat 4 eggs , mix the milk and condensed milk.

* Mix well and add vanilla essence as required for taste.

* Once the caramelized vessel is set, pour the above mixture on top of it.

* Double boil, or put in a steamer to cook.

* Can be considered done once the surface has thickened.

* Remove and allow to cool. Keep in fridge after that.

* Serving: topple the vessel contents onto a plate… so that caramelized side is on top. Cut as required and serve with the caramel liquid.

- Chalked by Megha Kuruvilla

To upcycle used glass bottles

• Clean the glass bottle well to remove grease and dirt.
• Use Fevicryl ceramic colours to apply color. Dabbing with a piece of sponge will add a special effect.
• Apply two coats of the same.
• We can use two colours together to enhance the effect.
• Allow to dry for about 2 hours.
• Use fevicryl 3D outliners to draw motifs.
• Stick kundan stones or sequences on the bottle.
• Use the same coloured thread for wrapping the bottle neck.
• Finally give two coats of clear varnish to give shining effect and to protect form dust.

-Chalked by Jothi Vinod

Matheran – Where Roads are for Pedestrians and Horses…

Matheran, a Hill Station in Raigad district, Maharashtra is also an eco-sensitive zone. Matheran which means "forest on the head" (of the mountain) is situated on the Western Ghats at a height of around 2,625 feet above sea level. Its vicinity to the Metros i.e. Mumbai and Pune at an approximate radius of 100-110 kms makes it a popular weekend getaway.

It is one of the few places in the world where automobiles of any means are not permitted, which brands this place as an epitome of peace. This hill station gives you a feel of living in the yesteryears. The roads are not metaled and are made of red laterite earth. You can ride a horse, sit in a man pulled rickshaw or tread along with your soul.

Considering Matheran as the smallest hill station in India, almost all tourist sites and attractions are found a stone’s throw away from each other. You can stroll in and around the town without much exertion. There are lots of viewpoints (around 38 to be specific) that offer spectacular sights of the surrounding hills and valleys. From these points, the view of sunset and sunrise is awesome.

Comfortable accommodations are available at reasonable prices. Do step into the lively and buzzing bazaars in Matheran. The place is safe all throughout the day and night. Here man and nature lives at peace.

Reaching there

Matheran is connected to the town of Neral which lies at the base of the hills. A tar road connects Neral to Dasturi Naka which is 9 km (5.6 mi) from Matheran. In order to maintain Matheran's uniqueness, no vehicles are allowed beyond this point. The other mode of transport is a 2 ft  (610 mm) railway line, which links the town to Neral. So you can take a 2 hr ride in the mini train to reach Matheran. Neral also has a broad gauge station which is on the busy Mumbai-Pune route. Neral is well connected by railway line with Karjat being the nearest Junction. 

-Chalked by Rashmi