A paradise on earth

Came over from Chennai to Kerala on the 5^th to attend a series of weddings. This is one of the traditional three seasons for marriages. One is in Chingam (August-September), the first month of the Malayalam calendar. The second month Kanni and the last month Karkidakam are taboo for weddings.

Usually functions are avoided during the two monsoon seasons because of the inconvenience caused by the rains. Christians normally do not hold festivities during Advent and Lent.

Participating in marriage parties is interesting. Really speaking the first one or two. You meet old friends and relatives; make new acquaintances and so on. Then it becomes repetitive and tiresome. But social obligations have to be fulfilled. So one goes on.

Luckily I am based at Thekkanattu Parayil, our ancestral home in Olavipe. And that is great. Many of the old tenants and employees are still there. Chatting with them and updating the local news is nice.

The weather is beautiful. The latest issue of the Lonely Planet, while including our house in the Editor’s Choice says that the only thing new in the building is the fan. Really speaking, in this season fans are not required. In the olden days we used to have pankahs for summer. I plan to write about them shortly.

One wakes up in the mist-shrouded morning. The scenery is ethereal. The veil vanishes slowly and the scenery emerges – coconut and areca palms, mango and jack fruit and other trees, plants and flowers of the garden, birds.

Go on a bicycle ride along the village paths. Or walk to the Olavipe Lake. Lean on a coconut palm and watch the gentle waves. Or take a spin on country canoe. Or stretch out on a hammock with a book. That is one time I don’t like anybody to disturb me.

Lazy afternoons. Sunset over the lake is usually colorful. Evenings can extend as long as you want. Then retire. Lie quietly listening to the silence. It is occasionally punctured by the call of a nigh bird. Slowly, sleep overtakes.

Come morning and the cycle starts again. One wishes that it would go on interminably. Forget the weddings and the parties.

I love Olavipe.

Ends.

Also see:

Kerala Photos: Sun shines on Olavipe

OLAVIPE: Heritage Home of Thekkanattu Parayil Tharakans.