On the Spot Painting

An On-the-Spot painting event was orgnised on Manaveeyam Veedhi, a busy road in Trivandrum.Severla artists particiapated. It was inaugurated by Mr MA Baby, Minister for Education and Culture, Kerala. Here you can see the minister interacting with the artists and admiring some of the works, incuding a caricature of him. The minister had his right arem in plaster.

Gospel Meet

A neglected ground in Jagathy Junction was spruced up to conduct a Gospel meet for three days in December. There was good turnout and the decibel levels were very high. The residents of the locality were very relieved when the show ended on Sunday. Hallelujah!

Film Festival

There is a feast for the film buffs in Trivandrum. In additional to the several film clubs, the Government sposored Film Festival held every December is also very popular. The films are screend in several venues. One can register as a delegate on-line and also reserve seats for particular shows. The above image greets visitors to the 14th International Film Festival of Kerala, in front of the Kanakakunnu Palace, one of the venues in 2009.

Karthigai Deepam

Karthigai Deepam. Trivandrum celebrates many festivals. Karthigai Deepam is celebrated by Hindus during the month of November - December. Usually, the women light the oil lamps in front of their houses and pray for the well-being of their brothers and other family members. The image above is from a cosmopolitan apartment complex.

Saura paintings from Koraput, Odissa

Today, my quest for cultural knowledge led me to the Orissa Crafts fair at the iconic VJT Hall, Palayam. The above picture is of a 'Saura' Tribal painting from Koraput District, Odissa. I learn that the Suaras are one of the oldest tribes in the sub-continent. They have been mentioned even in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Their paintings invariably have some religious significance. The above painting is on tussore silk and was being offered for Rs 7000.

Most artisans or traders who come to sell such handicraft items are not good salesmen. If they can give the background, history, ethnicity, intricacy, exclusivity and significance of these works, I am sure there will be more takers. It can also give the buyer a 'story' to share with her friends and create word-of-mouth publicity. If the artisans themselves are not good communicators, they can be aided by brief leaflets or presentations. Small versions of these can also be inserted into the packaging for the buyer to take home. A certificate of authenticity by any credible (sounding) body can also enhance the value.

Applique works from Puri Dt.

Organic Bazaar

'Thanal', (തണല്‍) an NGO working the environment space,  promotes organic farming

Parassala Ponnamma

Parassala Ponnamma   sings as part of the Sadhana programme at the Music College. The octogenarian, sitting in a chair effortlessly performed.I was however, informed that her voice was no longer what it used to be.
She was accompanied by Dr. Moorthy, HOD of the Department of Violin and prof. Balasubramoniam HOD of the Dept. of Mridangam, Sri Swati Thirunal College of Music.

From Blogger Pictures

From Blogger Pictures