Sphoorthi Theatre

I participated in a National Seminar Organised by P.S Telugu University, Hyderabad on “Indian Literature and Dalit Culture” on October 29-31, 2012. One session dealt with the Mayalaya Dalits condition and subjudication to various kinds of atrocities especially women. Can one imagine such things being imposed in a country like India which stands for rich culture, tradition, and heritage? More so with Kerala state-God’s own Land. We today oppose to various fashion shows, Miss Universe, Miss World Contests, and undervalue if girls are dressed in jeans, or short skirts with spaghetti tops and so on. One paper by Ms. Maria Kutty Joseph moved me. It was like suddenly shocking jerks I received. I had read some aspects about Kerala Culture, dress, food, status of women and so on. I never imagined the torture on women especially lower caste women would be so horrible in the19th century or prior to it. No doubt, Brahmin women also underwent the same sorts of torture within four walls....

Kal means stone and Anai means bund-ancient dam built on Kaveri river. It is at Triruchirapally in Tamil Nadu state. It is at 24 KM from Tiruchirapally. My recent visit to Sri Rangam, I got an opportunity to visit the Kallanai . Kallanai was built to divert the water of Kaveri across the Kollidam the fertile delta region for irrigation. It was built by the around the 2nd Century AD. The dam constructed by Chola King Karikal Valaven is an excellent study model for modern engineers including Sir Arthur Cotton. This is considered one of the oldest water-diversion or water-regulator structures in the world, which is still in use. Rajendra Chola (1014-1044). He was victorious upto the banks of River Ganga. Gangaikonda Cholapuram is the name of the place, 61 kms. from Tiruchirapalli, where he built a temple for Brihadees’vara to commemorate his victories. Gangaikonda Cholapuram means, ‘the city of the Chola who took the Ganga’. After his victorious campaign, he did not ask for trib...

I await for Navaratri every year. I decide some new theme for Bommala Golu. This year me and my son decided the theme as "Sri Rangam" with cricket playground in the centre. One side I have arranged the Srirangam Kovil-temple, Ranganathar, Andal, Anjaneyar, Garudan, Devotees, small huts and houses. On the other side is wedding taking place.  I have also arranged the vegetable vendors, Fruit vendor, black smith, Umbrella repairer, mask maker, carpet weaver, cobbler and so on. My son Anirudh spread sand and arranged all the dolls. Its nice to assign some tasks to our children, involve them and also make them participate in the Navartri celebration. I have added new dolls -"Poi Kal Kudurai and Karangattam"-Folklore of Tamil Nadu This village set up is free from Pollution as no motor bikes, cars are available. My Professor presented me with Mand Hechchu clay toy- Telangana Folklore. I also welcome oth...

Mahalaya Paksha or the fortnight especially sacred for offering oblations to the departed ancestors. This period is known as the "Dark Fortnight " of Aswayuja month (September-October). The paksha month starts from Full moon day and extends up to the following new moon day. This New Moon Day is considered as the most important day in the year for performing obsequies and rites. This New Moon Day is also called "Sarva Pitru Amavasaya". Many Hindus choose this day to make offering called Tharpanam or Tarapan to the dead ancestors. Every month has one Amavasya- Each Amavasya is regarded as the important day to remember Ancestors. The Mahalaya Amavasya is regarded as most important day of all the Amavasya. If an individual fails to offer on all the Amavasya day is excusable but not on Mahalaya Amavasya day. The story behind this is taken from Mahabharata. The story why the Pitru Paksha is marked by daan and charity has its deep ingrained meaning in ...

“What if our languages are different, we all have the common Mahabharata. What unites us as Indians and makes us proud inheritors of a rich culture is Rama, the destructor of evil, who later came as Krishna, to protect Dharma,”--says the Pandavani Gayika. When performed before Smt Indira Gandhi then Prime Minister of India- who asked her " Tum Mahabharata Karathi Ho?" She replied spontaneously  " Nahi Madamji, Main to Mahabharath Sunathi hoon" National and International renowned Recipient of Padmashree, Padma Bhushan, Twice D.Litt (Next month 3rd D.Litt) Sangeet Natak Academy Award and employee of Bhilai Steel Plant. One who can recite the whole Mahabharata in the form of Pandavani Lok Gatha. Illiterate, Thumb impressor who has mastered writing her name with difficulty, loves to eat Paan (betal leaves)  and never gets exhorted of discussing folk art. Yes, or else she gets restless with normal conversation. She can hardly remember the names of the places an...

Renuka or Yellamma has secured special place as the Goddess (devi), in the Hinduism. Yellamma is a supporter goddess of rural folk of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Her devotees have revered her as the "Mother of the Universe" or Jagadamba. Yellamma is worshipped mostly in South India, in Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and also in Maharastra, where the deity is known by many names: Mahankali, Jogamma, Somalamma, Gundamma, Pochamma, Mysamma, Jagadambika, Holiyamma, Renukamata, Yellamma, Mariamma and Renuka Devi.       "Renu" means "Atom/Mother of Universe”.  Renu also means anthill. More popular in Indian States like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharshtra, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamilnadu History of the Deccan tells us that the ritual of temple women (or devadasis) was well established by the 10th century A.D. The Devadasis were invariably women, typically resided in the temples, and were educated as artists and courtesans. It is not clear ...