Let it Go!

In May 1498, Vasco de Gama, a Portuguese explorer, landed in Kozhikode, which led to a series of expeditions and trade deals. This resulted in the assimilation of Portuguese culture in Kerala. The remnants of the occupation are still found in Fort Kochi. The steaming process in cooking of Kerala cuisine comes from Portuguese.

The Dutch Bolgatty Palace and its corridoor.

Another tradition introduced by the Portuguese is the burning of Pappanji on New Year’s Eve in Fort Kochi. The place will be choc-a-block with traffic which sees a massive turnout. This fascinating spectacle is now adopted by many other localities.

Pappanji in Kottayam

Pappanji means ‘grandfather’ or ‘old man’ in Portuguese. The effigy is lit fire symbolising the end of t1 In May 1498, Vasco de Gama, a Portuguese explorer, landed in Kozhikode, which led to a series of expeditions and trade deals. This resulted in the assimilation of Portuguese culture in Kerala. The remnants of the occupation are still found in Fort Kochi. The steaming process in cooking of Kerala cuisine comes from Portuguese. 2 3 4

5 The Dutch Bolgatty Palace and its corridoor. 6

7 8 9 10 Another tradition introduced by the Portuguese is the burning of Pappanji on New Year’s Eve in Fort Kochi. The place will be choc-a-block with traffic which sees a massive turnout. This fascinating spectacle is now adopted by many other localities. 11 12 13

14 15 Pappanji in Kottayam 16 17

18 19 20 21 Pappanji means ‘grandfather’ or ‘old man’ in Portuguese. The effigy is lit fire symbolising the end of tyear. Some mistake Pappanji for Santa Claus, but historians and locals refute this. 77 15 78 79 Pappanji in Kottayam 80 81 16 82 83 84 85 17 86 87

88 89 18 90 91 92 93 19 94 95 96 97 20 98 99 100 101 21 102 103 Pappanji means ‘grandfather’ or ‘old man’ in Portuguese. The effigy is lit fire symbolising the end of the year. Some mistake Pappanji for Santa Claus, but historians and locals refute this. 104 105 22 106 107 Another theory behind the myth of Pappanji is that, it originated from the Jewish culture as Fort Kochi still has remains of Jewish settlers. Moreover, the burning ceremony is on the eighth day after Christmas Eve, akin to the festival of Enoch. 108 109 23 110 111 112 113 24 114 115

116 117 25 118 119 120 year. Some mistake Pappanji for Santa Claus, but historians and locals refute this. 22 Another theory behind the myth of Pappanji is that, it originated from the Jewish culture as Fort Kochi still has remains of Jewish settlers. Moreover, the burning ceremony is on the eighth day after Christmas Eve, akin to the festival of Enoch. 23 24

25 26 The Jew Street in Kochi year. Some mistake Pappanji for Santa Claus, but historians and locals refute this. Another theory behind the myth of Pappanji is that, it originated from the Jewish culture as Fort Kochi still has remains of Jewish settlers. Moreover, the burning ceremony is on the eighth day after Christmas Eve, akin to the festival of Enoch.

The Jew Street in Kochi

Nature, the Architect

“All nature seems to bespeak the works of God” We often wonder about the formation of the universe. Small wonders still seem to be happening with nature carrying on with amazing creations. I have come across two serene and scenic locations in my home town fashioned by the silt or alluvial soil ensuing floods in Kerala’s Kottayam district. These alluring flood plains are a major attraction among the locals and less known to tourists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kavalipuzha Beach-- It is not a beach as the name suggests, but a perfect place for recreation as it is less crowded and tranquil. There are facilities for boating and fishing. A shack provides simple snacks and drinks. Location: Kidangoor, Kottayam, Kerala.

Thanaloram The word means ‘a place of shade’. True to the name, the vast place is shaded by huge bamboo trees that form a canopy that shields visitors from heat and drizzle. There is a shed where snacks and drinks are available. Location: Poovathumoodu, Kottayam, Kerala. On New Year’s eve the place is lit up and Papanji is burnt down. (Details about Papanji in the next post.)

The Hail Storm

Querencia

Had a busy day? Your home is there to relax. Feeling hurt and humiliated? Your home is there to heal. A place where your loved ones are waiting for you to see your smile. A place which is eagerly waiting for your arrival to spend the holidays. The joy that is on their faces when they see you is priceless. In your querencia, you don’t feel the pain when your finger is seared or cut while cooking because it is relished and cherished. In your querencia you let go your stress because there is nothing to fret about. In your querencia, you are you because you don’t have to please. In your querencia you find peace.

Christmas Cheer at Nasr Boys School

This was my post during Christmas last year regarding the Christmas tree of Nasr Boys School. This year we could get it got covered in Deccan Chronicle thanks to Mr. Sanjay Samuel Paul of DC and Philip Joshua, a friend of us. . . https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/nasr-school-puts-up-50-foot-tall-christmas-tree-1924550

The covering of it in a travel website added to the charm of the celebration. . https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/nasr-schools-grand-50-foot-christmas-tree-in-hyderabad-becomes-a-new-landmark-attraction-for-tourists-and-visitors-across-india/