South was simply superb. Josh had reached God’s own country-Kerala. The profusely viridiscent landscapes glided past in slow motion as he ferried the lakes. There was the immensely variegated boat race festival known as Onam. Long boats were oared by brown, sinewy men-each one vying to win the race. The women dressed in white and gold slowly swayed carrying small mud lamps around colorful patterns drawn on the ground with powders in every imaginable color called Kolams (rangolis in the north).
Huge elephants were indispensable during Onam. The pachyderms were scrubbed by the proud, smiling Mahouts in lakes and then adorned with red and gold brocade and paraded with howdahs (saddles).This was the
complex, holy and radiant dance)-danced by an all male cast. They sat for hours together and painted their faces predominantly with greens, reds, black and yellow and emoted subtly yet articulately displaying a plethora of histrionics-pomp, pain, piety and purity…
Not to be outdone was the Mohiniattam -a dance form that was followed by the womenfolk. (Lit. meaning-alluring dance)
Kerala was the only matriarchal society in
It was the birthplace of the eminent, Indian classical singer-Jesudas. There was the Guruvayoor temple and there were the beaches…
Important cities were
Food was a luscious fare. Coconuts were used in profusion. There was the avial (mixed vegetables and coconut stew) served with appams (pancakes).Rice with Fish curry was common. Banana chips originated here. Tourists seldom left
practised .It was the ultimate resort for the foreigners seeking rest, relaxation, recuperation…
Josh watched as the luxuriant, emerald paddy fields melted into the distance. Excitement mounted as Josh neared-Karnataka…
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