Poisonous Beauty

"Sarpa sundari' - "A Poisonous Beauty" backdrop for a pongala pot.

Our hero

A poster of a film overlook the water supply for the Pongala women

Burning Trash

Indiscriminate burning trash on the roads and house compunds is a common sight in Trivandrum today. The common man is not aware of the smoke pollution that he is causing. Burning of plastics also release carcinogens into the atmosphere.
Above is a scene from a bylane off Kochar road, jagathy.

Attukal Pongala 2012

The Attukal Pongala which entered the Guinness Book of Records with 27 lakh women devotees is set to break the records this year with 35 lakh participants expected. This is evident from the early morning crowd today captured in these images. The lines have extended to Bakery Junction and interior of Thycaud - a good 5-6 kilometers from the Attukal temple. There are also many clusters near other temples in extended areas. I am also impressed by the discipline and cleanliness of the devotees, compared to pilgrims elsewhere in India. 
More pictures at: http://bit.ly/xhX4E7

The perennial 'kani konna'

Ths 'kani konna' tree (Indian Laburnum - Golden showers- Cassia fistula) near Hindi Prachar Sabha in Vazhuthacaud is in bloom for almost six months in a year. The ones I have seen in Madras are in bloom only for about 15 days in April - that too after 'Vishu' !