What a sad demise to the
popular RSS feed. This is in continuation of the demise of several other products/platforms like Knol,
Picnik, Adsense for feeds etc.. Few more other services are on the way to taste
the death very shortly.Though this was not amainstream products of Google, a good number of
people were using it regularly and is no doubt a great lose to many such users.
Here is a cartoon published by the largest circulated daily in the world, "The Times of India" in its latest Sunday Edition
Onam,
the harvest festival of Kerala is the season of water festivals at
south Kerala's back waters. The Vallamkali (boat race), held mainly in
some places in the erstwhile Travancore state. A Brief summary of this
aquatic spectacle.
A Screen Shot from the page. Click on the Picture to see the original page
A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS ONAM GREETINGS TO ALL.
ONAM AND WATER FESTIVALS IN KERALA
A Boat Race in Progress. pic. credit. Google images
Associated
with Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala is the season of water
festivals at south Kerala's back waters, in kuttanad. The Vallamkali
(boat race), held mainly in some places in the erstwhile Travancore
state (Southern part of Kerala), from July to September, are spectacular
pageants. These carnivals are unique and are deep rooted in the
region's history and culture. Vallamkali is best seen at Alappuzha
Nehrue Trophy Boat Race, Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple Boat Race,
Neerettupuram Boat Race, Thiruvalla Pamba River Boat Race, Champakulam
Boat Race, Karuvatta Boat Race, Mannar Boat Race, Payippadu and Kottayam
Boat Races.
About
a hundred oarsmen row huge and graceful Odee (boats), Oars dip and
flash to the rhythm of drums and cymbals in each boat. The songs are
typical in character and concern people in Malabar.
Over
each boat gleam scarlet silk umbrellas: their number denotes the
affluence of the family owning the boat. Gold coins and tassels hang
from these umbrellas.
The
low-lying Kuttanad, also known as the rice bowl of Kerala, where the
carnivals are held annually, was once contemporaneously under three
local chieftains, whose naval fleets used to be their only means of
communication and defense. Display of fleets, consisting of different
types of boats noted for their enthusiasm and maneuverability was a
historical necessity in the days of yore. This display took place in
connection with temple festivals.
Another view of Boat Race pic. credit. Wikiepedia
Boats
(Vallam) were the only means of travel for people living in hundreds of
islets in Kuttanad and, it is but natural that their grandest
celebration is one involving boats. The boats no longer play the role of
fighters; they now display their tremendous for load and speed. Once
they were designed to travel fast and carry soldiers. The largest of
such boats is the 'snake boats or "Chundan Vallom". It was designed, for
the first time, in the 16th century for the king of Chempakasseri to
fight the neighboring Kayamkulam King. Narayanan Achari of Koduppunna
had designed these boats. The enemy king, who suffered at the hands of
Chempakasseri, later found that the snake boats helped his opponents. He
promptly got a similar one designed by some master builder. The
difference in his boats was that every time a soldier fired from them,
they moved backward. Such was the craftsmanship of the makers of the
boat. In ancient form the snake boat is similar to the Norwegian boats
designed in the ninth century.
Kerala Backwaters Boat Races, Few YouTube Videos...
Since
the naval fleets were relegated to history, villages in Kuttanad took
pride in organizing festivals and competitions of snake boats. In 1952,
when the Prime Minister, late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited Kerala, he
traveled from Allepey to Kottayam by boat. A race was arranged in the
backwaters-of Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha for him. Nehru got so
excited while witnessing the event; he jumped into a boat to join the
rowers. When he reached Delhi he presented a trophy, modeled as a snake
boat (Chundan Vallam), to the winner of the competition. Thereafter it
is known as "Nehru Trophy Boat Race" and it became more popular Vallam
Kali in these seasons.
1. Nehru Trophy Boat Race- A YouTube Video - Part - I
These
boat races have won international acclaim and recognition within the
country too. Men from all religion and sects participate in these races.
Each boat, nearly 30 meters long, is occupied by100 people. The Nehru
Trophy race attracts people from all over the world. The largest numbers
of entries are for snake boat races which, with their beak-like bows,
high flared sterns, glided conical lip and high (4 mtr) tails,
accommodate four who steer.
Only
big businesspeople can own a snake boat, which, 16 yrs back, costed
around Rs. One Lac. It takes at least six months for a master builder to
construct the boat. The entire process with an Anjili tree for the
keel, and hard cast iron rivets for holding the hull, is done on eye
estimate and the technique is handed down from one generation to another
by word of mouth. The sides of the boat are smeared with sardine oil;
the first launching is done ceremoniously. All the men of the community
push the boat into water. The paddlers move quickly into position and
then set the speed of the boat, keeping perfect time. The steerers are
spaced evenly along the centre of the boat. They paddled to the
accompaniment of whistles, drums and other sounds. There are a large
number of songs in Malayalam, language and the steerers often row in
time to these. That branch of Malayalam literature is called
"Vanchipaatt" or Boat Song.
2. Nehru Trophy Boat Race- A YouTube Video - Part - II
Snake
boats are the main attraction of the races at Alleppey but there are a
variety of other boats, all of which attain considerable speed "Churulan
Vallam" (spiraled boats) are household boats named after the soirals
carved on their bows and sterns; "Parunthuvallans" are eagle-tailed, "
Veppu Vallam" are vessels used in the armadas of kings. The other
variety is called 'Kochu Vallam' means small boats, which can only
accommodate one or two persons.
Among
the races connected with temples, the earliest one is at Champakulam.
It is believed to have begun during the 7th century. The procession of
boats starts from the Christina family of Mappillasseri kadavu at
Champakulam a few kilometers away from Alleppey. The legend revolves
round the robbery of a Krishna idol, which was to be installed at the
Ambalapuzha temple. It is said that, in the early morning, the idol
stolen from Karikkulam temple in Chempakasseri kingdom, reached
Champakulam, from where it was joyously carried to Ammbalapuzha for
consecration at the scheduled time. It is to commemorate this event that
the Champakulam races are held annually in July.
3. Nehru Trophy Boat Race- A YouTube Video - Part - III
The
Parthasarathy temple at Aranmula is ancient and noted for its murals
and architecture. The temple is believed to be one among the five Shri
Krishna temples built by the Pandavas. At Aranmula there was a custom of
carrying articles from the neighboring Namboothiri household for the
Onam feast to be held at the temple. The special boat called
"Thiruvonathoni" (the holy Onam boat) used to be accompanied by a large
number of boats belonging to the Parthasarathy temple. This race was
later held on the birthday of the Arnamula deity on the next day of the
Onam festival. It is also the last race to be held during the season.
Colorful umbrellas are an added attraction of the pageantry here.
"Kuttanaadan Punchayile Kochupenne kuyilaali"
A Traditional Boat Race Song Sung by the Rowers
Kuttanadan Punchayile .... A YouTube Video
Kuttanaadan Punchayile…This traditional boat song.
Barring
the Nehru trophy race at Alleppy other races which are still more
colorful and traditional are little known to the outside world. They are
'Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali' at Aranmula in Pathanamthitta
District, Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, in Alleppuzha District,
Payippadu Jalotsavam-one of the oldest boat races in Allappuzha,
Kumarakam Boat Race near Kottayam, and Indira Gandhi Boat Race at
Ernakulam District.
There
are a large number of songs in Malayalam, language and the steersmen
often row in time to these. That branch of Malayalam literature is
called "Vanchipaatt" or Boat Song. Among them the above given video song
is the most famous one. Watch the video and enjoy the song. A
transliterated portion of the song is given below:
Kuttanaadan Punjayile.. Transliterate version of the song
Kuttanadan Punjayile
Thai Thai Thaka Thai Thai Thom
Kochu Penne Kuyilale
Thithatha Thithai Thai
Kottu Venam Kuzhal Venam
Kurava Venam
O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai
Varavelkanaalu Venam
Kodi Thoranangal Venam
Vijayashreelaalitharai
Varunnu Njangal
O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai
Karutha Chiraku Vachu
Thai Thai Thaka Thai Thai Thom
Arayanna Kili Pole
Thithatha Thithai Thai
Kuthichu Kuthichu Paayum
Kuthira Pole
O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai
Tholviyenthennariyaatha
Thala Thazhthanariyaatha
Kaavalam Chundanitha
Jayichu Vannoo
O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai
Kuttanadan Punjayile
Kochu Penne Kuyilale
Kottu Venam Kuzhal Venam
Kurava Venam
O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai
Pambayile Ponnolangal
Thai Thai Thaka Thai Thai Thom
Odi Vannu Punarunnu
Thithatha Thithai Thai
Thanka Veyil Nettiyinmel
Pottu Kuthunnoo
O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai
Thengolakal Ponnolakal
Madi Madi Vilikkunnu
Thennal Vannu Venchamaram
Veeshitharaunnoo
O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai
Kuttanadan Punjayile
Kochu Penne Kuyilale
Kottu Venam Kuzhal Venam
Kurava Venam
O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai
Chambakkulam Pallikkoru
Thai Thai Thaka Thai Thai Thom
Vallam Kali Perunnaalu
Thithatha Thithai Thai
Ambalappuzhayiloru
Kuthu Vilakku
O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai
Karumadikkuttaninnu
Panineer Kavadiyattam
Kavilammakkinnu Rathri
Garudan Thookkam
O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai
Kuttanadan Punjayile
Kochu Penne Kuyilale
Kottu Venam Kuzhal Venam
Kurava Venam
O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai
Varavelkanalu Venam
Kodi Thoranangal Venam
Vijayashree Laalitharai
Varunnu Njangal
O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai
Thithithara Thithithai
The
tourist potential of these boat races is yet to be exploited. Tourism
departments is taking much effort to promote this it in international
level. More are more tourists are attracted towards Kerala in these
months of July to September.
There
is no doubt that these boat races are unique in the world. It is high
time that plans are drafted to exploit the tourist potential inherent in
their cultural practices.
PV.
Yet another wonderful or exciting happening on earth you brought here
for your readers. Thanks for sharing this exciting sports event.
This
write-up took be back to my childhood days I spent at Kumara area with
my grand parents. You left many things untouched; hope another write up
can touch many other subjects you left out. All the best my dear
writer. Ben
A knol Author from Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. A follower of Jesus Christ. A freelance writer/poet And an Editor of a bi-monthly magazine. Born and brought in Kerala, A southern state in India. Now based at Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, yet another southern state in India.
My work has appeared in newspapers, weeklies, magazines and on the web, mainly on Christian religion and the Bible. I was a reporter and contributor for Malayalam weeklies and magazine mostly of Christian publications. I am a regular contributor to the web since 2007, and now regularly contribute to the Google's Knol pages.
Education and Childhood Memories:
pv-2000
My Basic education was in Malayalam, a popular regional language in Kerala, one of India's southern states. I have completed my Pre -University education in English from St. Aloysius College, Edathua, Kerala, and finished higher studies from Osmania University Hyderabad and Ranchi university). I have secured my Postgraduate diploma in Journalism from The Rajendra Prasad Institute of Mass Communication (Bhavan’s College) in Hyderabad.
I was an avid reader in my early days, and many of my Knols capture the memories of this time.
My Mother
As an example, you can read A Brief Memoir of My Mother. Saramma Verghese. She was my source of inspiration in my writings, especially on my spiritual writings she had a great influence.
A knol on How I got my pen name "Ariel" and my encounter with a famous Malayalalam Poet and writer are some of my early experiences in my writing life. Read more here
Translations:
I have translated some of the books and articles of prominent authors in the English language into the Malayalam language. Few of them are given below:
Dr. Woodrow Kroll: (President, Back to the Bible, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA), A popular speaker at such conference as 'The Cove", Bibletown and Word of Life'. Author of numerous magazine articles and books including '7 Secrets to Spiritual Success, 'Empowered to Prayer' "Giants of the Old Testament" etc). Read More Here.
John MacArthur: A well known author and preacher, President of "Grace to You" Ministries, and Masters College and Seminary, Sun Valley, CA). He has authored more than 30 books, including fifteen volumes of the 'MacArthur New Testament Commentary', Charismatic Chaos, Signs and Wonders Speaking and scores of articles and study guides.
Web and other Blog Writings:
I also write and blog at different sites on present political situation and on Christian spiritual articles:
I also contribute to several secular news weeklies and newspapers like, The Week, The Sunday Indian, Outlook, India Today etc.
I authored many Christian Spiritual articles especially in the Malayalam language; and also composed about 60 Christian spiritual songs and poems. Few selected ones can read here at my knol Malayalam Directory. I am also the recipient of many literary prizes.
My Malayalam Writings and Malayalam Knol Directory:
I have created a new Malayalam Directory of my knols: Here you can read few of my Malayalam writings, and also some of the translations of prominent knol authors like Peter Baskerville, Shastri JC Philip, Gust MEES and others.
Few of them you can read here. Peter Baskerville’s coffee Knol into the Malayalam language. Read More Here:
Though I have joined knol on September 23rd 2008 I was inactive for quite sometime and recently I started contributing again and it’s really interesting and encouraging to interact with people here, though I had some unpleasant experiences with few, but that was a blessing in disguise and it helped me to go further with more vigor and enthusiasm. And within a short span I could make it to the ‘Top Viewed Author Award’ list and could make comments and reviews to the other authors at knol. I now introduce and encourage my friends and other contacts to join this community called KNOL Though knol is still in its infancy thousands of contributors are already joined and it is a fast growing website to acquire genuine and trustworthy information about anything in this universe. There is a good response to my call and few are already here with their knols on my invitation and doing a tremendous job here.
I take this opportunity to invite my other friends and readers to actively involve here at knol as well as to tell about this to their friends and relatives. Knol is a wonderful place to air your knowledge, views on any subject.
The role of the Hindu newspaper describes some new experiences I had after leaving my native place. As I have mentioned in one of these Knols, I slowly shifted my writing from Malayalam to English. A good number of my works were published in the print media, and have procured many literary prizes for my writings. My work has appeared in newspapers, weeklies, magazines and on the web, mainly on the Christian religion and the subjects related to the Bible. I have also concentrated on subjects like current affairs, social problems and politics with many of my political articles appearing in different print media. Some of them can be read at this link here at knol. Some of my Write-ups (Published and unpublished) - Part I
Before joining Knol I was an active member and source/content producer for the site called Associatedcontent.com (AC). I really enjoyed being with people there and had good rapport with many co-writers there. From AC, I secured a good number of contacts in the writing field and I still maintains those relationships. Two of the AC authors interviewed me. My first interview was with Mr. Donald Pennington of USA. Donald is an active member and source/content producer/contributor at AC, and a top 1000 and Hot 500 badge holder. Read more @ this link about that interview. Ladies and gentlemen P.V.Ariel
Another interview was published at AC by another Associated content writer Sheryl Young. She is a well known Jewish author and freelance writer and a three time Amy Foundation “Roaring Lambs” Writing Award Winner. She is also a Concerned Women for America 2002 Special Projects Award recipient. Sheryl is the Author of the book “What Every Christian Should Know About The Jewish People” Read more @ this link. Sheryl Young
This knol too procured the "Top Pick Knol Award" recently and this knol's page views increased tremendously. Please do have a look at it and post your comments ratings, suggestions etc at its comment column. Here is the link: Tree knol
One of my joint venture too procured this badge:
Indian Knol Authors and Visitors Bulletin Board This knol is a Discussion Board for Knols on India and Knols in Indian Languages. Here the Indian readers and authors can air their views, comments and suggestions about knols on India and knols in Indian languages.
I recenly Jointly co-authored few knols on KNOL:
Trending Knols This knol identifies the knols having high Page Views on a Day/week. It makes easy for the readers to check the popular new knols.
This Knol identifies knol authors with potential to reach 100,000 page views in the next month and present them to knol author community. It encourage the potential authors to put some extra effort to reach the target.
Knol Author NewsThis knol highlights and discuss the major news events happening daily in the web world, especially the new developments and achievements taking place at knol platform.
In this knol you can read about the latest news and other developments happening around the world. Any one can contribute to this knol. This is under the Moderate Collaboration mode. Your are invited to contribute to it. Have A Happy News Reading here.
I am presently working on the translation of Dr. Woodrow Kroll's book "I Want To Go To Heaven When I Die" -- one of the most popular books in English. He is now translating the same into the Malayalam language. The same can read at this link:
This book is translated into different Indian and foreign languages and is a widely circulated book on Gospel Message.
I Joined Knol Author Discussion Group @ Linkedin. Serious and heated debates/discussions are going on about the Knol Future, Plagiarism and many other issues related to Google's knol.com..
Future Plans:
I am planning to continue to translate some more useful and top ranked author's Knols into the Malayalam language for the growing Malayalam speaking community at Knol.
A Word of Thanks:
pv - 2010
Let me takes this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to the Knol team members, my co-authors, readers, commentators, reviewers and all other supporters and well wishers.
Posts
Narayana Rao
Added in the collection - Festivals
http://knol.google.c
Regards
Best regards,
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Narayana Rao
Included the knol in Interesting knols subdirectory on India
I missed this comment, sorry for the delay in replying, Thanks for the mention
Best
Philip
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Benjamin R
Wha!!
This write-up took be back to my childhood days I spent at Kumara area with my grand parents. You left many things untouched; hope another write up can touch many other subjects you left out. All the best my dear writer. Ben
I missed your comment,
Happy to note that you liked it,
Yes, sure this knol needs some revision,
Thanks for the suggestion too
Best
Philip
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