Is BJP a force in Kerala?

I was under the impression that BJP is a non-entity in Kerala which was always ruled by Communists and Communalists. I was surprised by the close fight put up by the BJP candidate O.Rajagopal, who was finally pipped at the post by Shashi Tharoor. However, there was celebrations on the streets when the national picture emerged. 

On 26th May when Modi took oath as PM there was celebration all round with rallies, fire crackers, large screen live telecast of the ceremony, sweets distribution etc. My nephew who visited Technopark on that day, said that techies were also celebrating by passing sweets around. 

So high are the expectations from Modi that he has to perform a miracle to live up to them.

Here is a scene outside my apartment. BJP workers are cooking payasam (kheer) for distribution during the oath-taking ceremony.

Pollution in Trivandrum

Trivandrum still has not found a solution for disposal of its garbage. Citizens are expected and encouraged to burn the garbage. Here, a pristine and green area of the city is being polluted by indiscriminate burning of garbage. 

A pristine and green area of the city is being polluted by indiscriminate burning of garbage. 

Protection from piles, politicians and preachers

In Kerala where politics and organized religion are closely intertwined, I saw this amusing sight of a poster announcing natural cure for Piles and Fissures among those of politicians and evangelists. 

Cure for politicians and evangelists, naturally!

Vishu moon

Happy Vishu to all. Woke up early for Vishu Kani. The full moon viewed from my balcony was a treat to watch. Could'nt resist the temptation to capture it on camera. Not technically perfect but a good reminder.

1/100, f/5.6, 200 mm ISO 800 

Let the world go by: We will be like that only

A typical scene in Kerala. 

Let the world go by: We will be like that only

Kolkkali

Kolkkali

'Kolkkali' by Vaghbhadananda Vanitha Kolkali Sangam at Vylopilli Samskriti bhavan

The folk art of Kolkkali is of recent origin, believed to be only about 200 years old. I have heard about Muslim men Kolkkali - made popular by the various school arts festivals. Last Saturday,  I happened to see a Kolkkali performance by a group of Hindu women at the Vylopilli Samskriti bhavan. 9 women and one man performed the dance. I do not know if the man was  a 'fill-in' for an absentee. Though he appeared to be a senior performer, the lone male in a group of women looked odd. The lead singer,of course was a male who stood in the centre. This was similar to the 'kolaattam' popular among the young women of Tamil Nadu.  I was glad that the Bhavan was encouraging such art forms. It was pity that there were only a handful of people in the audience. 

The man who funds the Kerala government

Meet Vinod, the man who is extending credit to the Kerala Government . Vinod is a  humble fruit and juice vendor having a wayside stand in front of my housing complex at Jagathy. A couple of months ago, he won a State govt lottery  of Rs 50 lacs. However, he has not been able to collect it so far, probably due to the financial crunch the state is facing. The situation is so acute that the state government is not able to pay the salaries of the state employees. So much so, the Govt is planning to borrow money from the Devasom Board (a Govt appointed board which manages the Hindu temples). A classic example of the much touted Kerala Model. 

Vinod, with his Valiamma

Vinod has also pledged nearly RS 2 lacs to 3 temple in the neighborhood. probably that money may also come back to the state government through the Devasom Boards!  This humble vendor is not aware that he is funding the State Government indirectly.