Interesting Pictures..on the road - Ooty - Kochi

Photo Credits: Jaimon & Resmi Jaimon; Shot between Mettupalayam (Tamil Nadu) and Palakkad (Kerala); during our return trip from Ooty to Kochi in July 2008.

Onam 2009

Today, Keralites or Malayalees across the world celebrate Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala. Though modernity has touched Onam, it is celebrated with vigor for four to ten days.

Cultural programmes are a part of Onam and you can find them across Kerala as well as in other cities across India and other countries where Malayalees live. Several years ago, probably Pookalam (florarl carpet) used to adorn every home but now only a handful sticks on this tradition. Onasadhya is a main attraction – however, unlike the olden days, many prefer to give “order” of onasadhya ‘parcel’ to a catering team! Reasons vary - rising prices, the difficulty in preparing over a dozen items for two or three members, keeping up with the times and one’s status symbol (with “I don’t know to cook traditional dishes!”) and more. Children are excited because of their “10 days” break from school during this season and they get new clothes.

Joint families, almost and fast on the decline, witnesses gets together of family members during Onam. Spending the entire ten days together is a distant dream for most people; but many gather at their family house at least on the day of Thiruvonam.

Malayalam television channels make use of this opportunity to compete with each other and come out with the “for the first time in a channel” films. This year, Asianet outdo other channels with eleven new (ie., not shown earlier in small screen) films.

Notable and unfortunate trend is the rise in alcohol takers during Onam season. Alcohol sales in Kerala on August 31st touched a whooping record of sales - Rs.34.13 crore, in a single day. According to media reports, this is 49 percent more than what was sold on the first day of Onam festival in 2008. Whatever happens, it seems people find it hard to live without alcohol!

And forget traveling to the city, especially if you live in Kochi – the streets are full and last day, a television channel reported over 5000 additional cars tried to make its way to Kochi for shopping. The result – road blocks and most had to return home, in the neighboring districts without shopping. It seems they had to wait for hours to move less than a kilometer! Strange – but that’s Kochi and I dread moving to the city. However, yesterday was more peaceful and less-crowded, as my husband covered 18 kilometers, to reach the city in less than 40 minutes! Fearing the last day’s experience, people had probably preferred to shop elsewhere to drop their shopping plans.

Reminiscing Onam

I had as a child heard about the Onam celebrations between 1930’s and 1970’s from my maternal grandmother and my mother. They used to pick flowers from around their house and engage in pookalam (making flower carpet), every day for ten days. Swings were a part of Onam, so was dance like Thiruvathirakalli. As a child, when we traveled between Thiruvananthapuram (where I lived for 23 years) and Ernakulam (my hometown) during Onam, I used to excitedly look for the pookalams in front of each house. With each year, the number of pookalams decreased in number. During our travel, we also used to come across Pullikali.

Onam was one of the four-five “Sadhya” (feast) we had every year. We never believed in buying new clothes, just because it’s Onam or any other festive occasion. During my teen years, my family and I used to travel to places like Munnar, Kodaikanal, Ooty, Bangalore and Mysore for 4-7 days holiday. These were the only days when we all could spare time. In late 1990’s, we realized we aren’t alone and several other families prefer to ‘holiday’ during Onam. Since last few years, Onam means watching new movies in the television!

Let’s wait and watch how Onam is going to evolve in the coming years.

BPCL-Kochi Refinery's Mega Reactor

The mega reactor weighing 725 MT; 40 M length; 5.3 M diameter and 18 cm shell thickness, imported from China for BPCL-Kochi Refinery's Vaccum Gas Oil Hydro Desulphurisation unit reached BPCL-Kochi Refinery on August 18, 2009. The reactor was built by China Forging Heavy Industries, Dalain under the technical supervision of M/s China Petroleum Technical Development Corporations. Made of alloy stell, the reactor costs Rs.80 crores.

This was the first time Cochin Port Trust was handling such a mega consignment, said to be the biggest single piece of heavy machinery imported to India. From the vessel, the reactor was moved to a special barge, which then passed through inland waterways to reach Irumpanam. From Irumpanam, the reactor was transported to BPCL-Kochi Road in a low bed type trailer with 40 axles and 320 tyres!

Photo Credits: Resmi Jaimon
Photo Credits: Resmi Jaimon

Photo Credits: Resmi Jaimon

(If interested to use text / photographs in your blog/website; contact me at indian.memoirs@gmail.com as well as give correct credits - ie text & photographs : Resmi Jaimon; along with links to this page.)

Swine Flue (H1N1) - Useful Links

H1N1 death in India touched 14 this morning. Reports state, without medical help it is difficult to identify the difference between the seasonal flu and H1N1.

Proper guidelines can lessen the havoc and educate the public on the basics, the do's and don’ts to maintain hygiene and prevention.

Find links to useful reports / articles / guidelines related to H1N1 - i.e.; symptoms to watch out; do's and don't of prevention from catching Influenza A (H1N1); the risk group and more.

1. http://www.hinduonnet.com/2009/08/11/stories/whoh1n1.pdf - WHO guidelines for prevention and care of A (H1N1), published in The Hindu dated August 11, 2009
2. http://pediatrics.about.com/od/swineflu/a/409_symptoms.htm - Swine flue basics and symptoms
3. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,537301,00.html?test=latestnews?test=latestnews - H1N1: Separating Myth From Fact
4. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/mumbai/H1N1-Facts-On-The-Flu/articleshow/4883411.cms - H1N1: Facts On The Flu

Cybercrime and Cyberbullying - Online NGO for your assistance

The word "cybercrime" sends shivers for many of us. It's one of the major issues for those who use Internet. You often hear about the various cybercrimes hit you. It could be through social networking sites, matrimonial portals, email accounts, hacking banking accounts and so on.

One among the latest cybercrime is the attack on websites including google, facebook and twitter, aimed at one individual. Even then, twitter faded away from the scene for two hours. Facebook said it was ""degraded." These kind of attacks are cause for concern as most of us are members of multiple social networking sites. The cybercrimes, the children undergoes are referred by the name “Cyberbullying.” Cybercrimes could injure a person mentally and emotionally. The victims of severe cases, in some cases, even take their own life.

Dr.K.Jaishankar, criminologist and editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Cyber Criminology, and his wife Debarati Halder, an advocate specializing in cyber law launched http://www.cybervictims.edu.tf in July 2009 to help adult cyber crime victims (both men and women) – e.g.: cyber harassment, cyber hate speech and cyber stalking. They will guide you on how to deal with such situation and the legal action you can take. The service comes to you free of cost! So, if you are a cyber victim, you can check out this Indian-based team.

Let us hope more people come forward in giving support to the cyber victims.

I have an article published on "Cyberbullying," in a technology magazine, August 2009 issue. This article talks about the cyber attack on children. If you would like to read the story, contact me via my email at resmi (dot) writer (at) gmail (dot) com, for details.

Tips for Road Travel

All set for a road trip? I have taken several of them since I was six or seven years old. These road journeys were family holiday tours within South India. The longest among my road trips were the three times I took the road journey from Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) to Mumbai (Maharashtra) and vice versa. It is over 12 years since I took such very long road trips – yet I cherish my memories of traveling through different States, terrains and different cultures. I still travel by road – but often restricted to within Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Here are a few pointers to consider for road travel:

Before you begin your road journey:

• Buy a road map and will work as your good companion during your drive.
• Plan your route.
• Identify points where you may want to take a break or stay at a hotel, if the journey is long.
• Talk to your friends and colleagues, who know the route. They may be able to guide you better – in terms of condition of the road etc.
• Ensure your car is in good condition. Servicing your car, before your journey.
• Take along your driving license and documents of your car including insurance.
• Fill your fuel tank, a day before your start your journey.

On Road

• Take break every two or three hours or whenever you feel tired or drowsy. If there are multiple people in the car, who drives, let them take over (if you are not comfortable driving long hours). Better avoid night travel during long journeys.
• If you are taking breaks ie; if you take your break at the end of your first day travel, on your way to your final destination; if time permits, you can visit the nearby park or go shopping at night.
• Try to get a good sleep at night to continue your next day’s long journey.
• Keep a book / notepad. If you aren’t driving alone, and if you have company, you can ask him/her to jot the places, distances, major spots and funny incidents.

12 Tips : Safe Travelling for Women in India

Understanding and following the unwritten laws of code and conduct of the country you are visiting, makes your travel experience a memorable one. Here are a few pointers, for you to take note of when you decide to travel to India.

1. Dress Codes: Following a country's dress code isn’t always easy. Think of your safety – and it will help you decide, it is better stick on to the dress code. When in India, avoid tight dresses (tops & bottoms) and sleeveless tops. Wear half sleeved churidars, preferably cottons, to avoid the sweat. If you are uncomfortable with this arrangement, wear a loose top with not-too tight jeans or a long skirt with top.
2. Try 'group' travel: Instead of being a solo traveler, why not have a friend accompany you? Let “Travel safe,” be your motto!
3. Learn to bargain: Local shops meant for tourists do not follow a fixed price for the items on sale. They decide the amount, depending on if the customer is from the local region, other part of the country or a foreigner. They mostly charge the twice or thrice the amount from foreign tourists. Bargain with them; tell them you know they are charging too much and start walking back. They will come after you, lessening their price. You can also tell them you will buy the item say, handicraft only if they give you for a particular amount. Alternatively, you can also have a local person with you who know the tricks of the traders, provided he is not in favor of the shopkeepers and help you out.
4. Choosing mode of travel: For short trips, bus is the cheapest and safe transport mode except when you are traveling with luggage. For long distance, if you have enough time, travel by train, you will enjoy seeing the hidden beauty of India. Train services, however, are not available to all parts of India, like most hill stations. Under such circumstances, choose bus service.
5. Finding toilets: Public and paid toilet facilities are not so common. Almost every restaurant and some tourist spots have toilets attached to it. Have a cup of tea at a hotel and take this opportunity to use the toilet facility available there. Alternatively, if you are traveling by car and stop for a petrol fill, use the toilet facilities available at most petrol pumps.
6. Refrain from lonely places: Avoid traveling to lonely places alone and spending time in tourist locales after the sunsets. Even if you are a group of women travelers, avoid lonely places.
7. Move away from beggars: Never give money to beggars. You will find plenty of them on the streets, bus stands and railways stations. Turn your head and try to look at the opposite side or walk-on, if you are already on the move. Be extra careful, if you have a purse or luggage with you.
8. The necessary accessories: Carry a torch, a candle and a matchstick. Power variations and stranded without power are common, especially in smaller cities or towns. Also, carry mosquito repellents. You will need them as mosquitoes are in plenty in many cities in India.
9. Beware of strikes: “Strikes” (locally known as ‘hartals’ or ‘bandh’) are common in all parts of India. Do not travel on such days, even if it means postponing or rescheduling your travel for a day or two. The duration of strikes varies from 12-24 hours. Shops and restaurants do not open on such days. Transportation is often nil. Avoid traveling on the day of strikes.
10. Hiring Services: You will find pre-paid taxi services at most airports and railway stations. Use this facility. Otherwise, you are sure to end up creating a big hole in your pocket. Under other unavoidable circumstances, hire taxi's only with meter readings and before hiring, make sure they charge you only as per the meter reading. Same rule applies for Autorickshaws (three-wheeler).
11. Entry to Worship premises: Remove your footwear when visiting a place of worship. Churidars are also not allowed in many temples. You will need to wear a dhoti on top of it or wear a sari, if you know to wear one.
12. Greet the Indian way: Instead of shaking hands, greet people with “Namaste”, by folding your hands with palms touching each other. And smile generously. People will be friendlier with you, if you follow these two simple unwritten rules.

Jaggery processing unit, in Marayoor (Idukki district), Kerala

News from the Web : Parnasala, coming up at Santhigiri Ashram, Thiruvananthapuram

Read the news "Parnasala, coming up at Santhigiri Ashram (Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram)" published in The New Indian Express.

For Malayalam version and also to view the picture of Parnasala, check out the story published in Malayala Manorama.

For further reading, log on to http://www.santhigiriashram.org and http://www.santhigiri.com.

More Tips for Monsoon Travel

Let us look at where to head this monsoon? Find your choice!

• If you like cascading waterfalls, rivers, lakes and streams flowing lively, visit such destinations.
• Looking for lush green and waterfalls? Like mists, which block your way but gives that tender touch and makes you shiver? Try holidaying in hills.
• If you are heading to the hills, check the routes where landslides or similar natural disaster generally occur. If there is an alternative route to the destination, opt for it.
• Take care while selecting cities, which has poor infrastructure like poor drainage system.
  It’s better to skip heavily flooded locales. Also, this goes true for rivers, which start, from mountains.
• Avoid beaches and seas during monsoon.
• If you are heading towards a trekking region, have a stick along with you. Check your path with the stick before you put your feet there.
• Check if your hotel has hot-water running and heaters or keep you warm before you accommodate yourself there.

Checklist for Monsoon Travel

Checklist for monsoon travel:

• Clothes which keep you warm including sweaters and shawl, depending on the place’s climate. Winter dress is a must if you are traveling to a destination where both winter and rain coincides!
• An extra pair of dress as you has to forget washing and drying in a short time gap during the rains.
• Camera and films to shoot pictures of the best of the monsoon season.
• Iron box
• An extra pair of sandals or shoes. Avoid ordinary shoes and sandals. Try to go for a boot shoe. Use a rubber boot especially if you are going for trekking.
• Medicines to combat common illness like vomiting, fever, cold, throat pain, headache and First-aid kit.
• Torch
• Carry candle and matchstick since the chance of power disruption exists.
• Check the condition of tyre, brakes, radiator etc.
• Give your car for service before leaving for a journey.
• Do not depend on landline tele services during monsoon. Tele-communication facilities are at the poor end most of the time when there is heavy down pour.
• Be aware of the nearest hospital, health centers, police station, fire station etc in case of any emergency.
• Do not put your hands close to the firewood or heater when the temperatures are below (-) degree Celsius.
• If both snow and rain occurs together, every evening remove socks, clean legs.
• Always keep a watch on travel time. For instance, if you are considering a forest area, travel during morning. By noon, the wind tends to move higher. Trees are likely to fall down, block the roads, disrupt electricity and vehicles too are likely to be less in number by evening.

Monsoon Travel – Pros & Cons

Heavy down pour of water, floods, landslides, traffic jams, delays in reaching the destination, poor visibility. Sounds adventurous? Inspite of its odds, we all wait for the arrival of monsoon after brawling with heat for several months. During summer, we escape to the hills or beach. And in monsoon curl up in your bed? There is rise in people who love to travel during monsoon.

Here are a few pointers for monsoon travelers:

Monsoon, a good time for travel

• Discounts everywhere! – Monsoon is the best time to grab discount travel offers. Whether you are looking for air travel or a good deal for staying in hotels, here is good news. You can get all of these when it starts raining. And packages too. Contact your travel agent and get hold of the best offer.
• Thin tourist crowds – Many of us often shy away from traveling during the heavy down pour. This means, for those who love to chill out in the rain, expect less crowds and enjoy to the fullest.
• Pleasant weather – Forget blazing sun and sweating. Traveling is bliss when it rains as it is chilly. The surroundings will look greener.

Low-Down

Along with its benefits, come the shortcomings of travel during monsoon which could go to the extent of messing up your holiday plans!

• Expect delays: Delays are a part of monsoon. For instance, due to poor visibility you may not be able to drive at a speed as planned or as you do during sunny days. There may be delays or cancellations – of flights and trains. Be prepared for all these unexpected delays when you get ready for monsoon holiday!
• Traps, when it rains: Getting trapped due to traffic jams, floods, landslides etc are part of the heavy rains.
• Booking tickets & rooms: Due to the possible unexpected delays, it is better to avoid book connecting flights or rails. As with hotels, you can book over phone or email. If for any reason, you aren’t able to make it to the hotel on the said day, give them a call and book for another date.