ALL ABOUT ONAM

• Onam is the national festival of Kerala. It is a harvest festival. It is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam.(August-September)

• Onam rituals start on the day of "Atham". On this day, kids gather flowers and jointly prepare floral carpets called 'Pookalam' in the centre of courtyards.This is repeated daily for 10 days until "Thiruvonam". Clay or wooden idols representing Thrikakara Appan(Lord Maha Vishnu) are also placed in these pookalams.Well lit nilavilaku and naivedyams are also offered to the Lord daily.

• Other activities during these days include onathallu;onapottan,onapattu;etc. Girls enjoy swinging in the courtyards.

• On the Thiruvonam day, celebrations gain festive mood. New dress (Onakkodi); feast at lunch time(Onasadhya) on plantain leaves add colour to the occasion.It is believed that Lord Mahabali visits his subjects on this day.

• Legend:  Long ago, Mahabali was an Asura(demon) king who ruled Kerala.He was kind, wise and generous. There was joy, justice and prosperity in the kingdom. It was considered golden era.Old folk song praises this as follows: Maveli Nadu Vaaneedum kaalam....given below in full.Gods grew jealous of the rule and Lord Indra was doubtful whether Mahabali would gain power to oust him from Heaven!  So they sought help from Lord Vishnu. The Lord disguised himself as a small Brahmin boy, named Vamana and visited Mahabali. Vamana requested Mahabali for 3 footsteps of land and assumin a simple desire, Mahabali granted permission to measure out this land from his kingdom. Suddenly, Vamana assumed huge proportions and measured Earth and heaven in 2 foots. Mahabali, to keep his word and dignity, also realising that the Lord had fooled him, bowed and submitted himself for foot 3...Mahabali inturn for his gesture received a blessing, a boon which permitted him to visit his subjects once every year. This day is celebrated as Thiruvonam.

•  Onam is the season of many cultural events, carnivals, exhibitions, melas and sports. Keralites all over the world celebrate this festival with gay.

• Snake boat races during Onam is a famous tourist attraction. Locally called Chundan vallams the event is held on Punnamada lake in Alappuzha district. Songs sung by oars men are called Vanchipattu. Nehru trophy boat race, Aranmula Uthratathi vallam kali, Jalotsavam, Kumarakom Boat race are other popular races during the season.

• Onam is a festival that is built into the social fabric of the state. So people try their best to keep up with the spirit of the festive season.കാണം വിറ്റും ഓണം ഉണ്ണണം Thus goes the old adage.

  Most popular traditional folk song associated with onam.

മാവേലി നാട് വാണീടും കാലം 

മാനുഷ്യരെല്ലാരും ഒന്നുപോലെ

കള്ളവുമില്ല ചതിയുമില്ല

എളോളം ഇല്ല പൊളിവചനം

 കള്ളപറയും ചെറുനാഴിയും

കള്ളത്തരങ്ങള്‍ മറ്റൊനുമില്ല

നാരിമാര്‍ ബാലന്മാര്‍ മട്ടുലോരും 

നീതിയോടെങ്ങും വസിക്കും കാലം...

A set of onam songs are available as audio and video CD's. Our choice from a former collection for this annual celebration is an album Chinganilavu. Details are as noted below.

Album title- chinganilavu

Music Director: L.Sasikant

Lyrics- Chowallur Krishnan kutty & Girish Puthencherry(late)

Playback Singers- Satheesh babu, Ashalatha.

Chorus - Ragadeepam student wing

To catch a pulse of Onam in and around Calicut city, please watch this slide show.

Happy Onam 2011

View more presentations from calicutnet

To watch Onapottan, the legend of North Malabar, watch this video.

HAPPY ONAM 2011 TO ALL READERS...

                                               

INDIA CELEBRATES HER 65TH INDEPENDANCE DAY - ON AUGUST 15, 2011

UNITY IN DIVERSITY is the theme selected by my kid for presentation at school as our nation celebrates the 65th year of Independance on 15th of August, 2011. The idea conceived and coordinated by her beloved teacher Miss Tanuja Karunakaran, took me back to my own school days where we were trained on different languages to sing as part of choir in memory of efforts by M.B.Sreenivasan(late) on national integration.

 

We present  here some songs that can be used as part of such an event.

The Kannada and Gujarati songs selected are presently not available online. However lyrics of the Kannada song is noted below. (courtesy: Shri.L.Sasikant, Kozhikode and Shri.Srikanth Kammath, Mangalore)

Bharat mathe yu nina saputraru

hechara gondu baruthy harrooo

trivarna ranjitha dwajava neerisatha

matheya jaya jaya ennruvaroooooo...

The skit that focus on multiple diversities of culture (costume from different states), languages (placards written in various languages), songs and dance forms of each state, the various religions all depict the unique harmony in diversity of our motherland superbly.

JAI HIND

MANNERS MAKE THE MAN, A GENTLE MAN ( AND OF COURSE WOMAN TOO)

GOOD MANNERS MEANS ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR.

"Manners are sensitive awareness of feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners..." said Emily Post.

"Consideration for others is the basic of  a good life., a good society " said Confucious.

"Manners must adorn knowledge and smooth its way through the world." said Lord Chesterfield.


"Good manners can replace morals. Its a lifetime asset." said P.J.O. Rourke.

EVERYBODY LOVES A WELL BEHAVED CHILD. ARE YOU ONE? CHECK OUT YOURSELF...

1. Greet your parents as you wake up and before you go to bed. 
2. Greet your friends when you meet them.
3. Wish your teachers everyday with a smile.
4. Take permission to go out of a class while in progress.
5. Invite your guests to sit down.
6. Listen attentively when someone is speaking to you.
7. Keep silence while reading in a library.
8. Speak softly in public places.
9. Don't make a noise, when someone is sleeping.
10. Always knock on the door before you enter a room.
11. Always ring the door bell before you enter someones house.
12. Cover your mouth when you blow your nose, sneeze or cough. Also say; "excuse me" or "sorry".
13. Don't interrupt conversations. If ever, say "excuse me".
14. Be gentle when you play. Dont fight with your playmates.
15. Always ask before borrowing somebody's belongings.
16. Give respect to elders.
17. Treat old people with care.
18. Be friendly with your neighbours.
19. Be kind to animals.
20. Share your things with friends and enjoy it.
21. Care the sick and aged.
22. Help the disabled and old.

MAGIC WAND

• Be polite
• be courteous
• be clean
• be faithful
• be dependable
• be cheerful
• be patient
• obey rules
• do your duties
  

MAGIC WORDS FOR KIDS

1. Say "hello" when you meet someone.
2. Say "please" if you want something or need help.
3. Say "Thank you" when someone helps you or gives you a present or does you a favour or appreciates you.
4. When someone thanks you say, "welcome".
5. Say "sorry" when you are wrong or have hurt someone.
6. Say "good bye" when you take leave of someone.

Learn good manners.

Follow systematic and routine life.

Acquire them as a child.

Work hard to sustain them.

Become a person of good character.

Then success in life shall definitely be yours.

 Did you check out so far? Where do you stand?


DON'TS FOR A GOOD CHILD...

• Don't talk to strangers.
• Don't play with sharp objects.
• Don't watch TV for a long time and from a close distance.
• Don't pluck flowers from a garden.
• Don't misbehave with elders or young ones.
• Don't pollute mother nature.
• Don't litter your surroundings.
• D on't pester parents to buy you things amidst shopping.
• Donot shout.
• Donot steal.
• Donot scream.
• Donot use abusive language.
• Donot eat too many snacks or junkies.
• Donot skip meals.

What are your t rue scores?

Are you a good girl/boy?

Are you a good student?

If yes, then cheers to you....Keep it up...

KERALA - GOD'S OWN COUNTRY

The preparatory material for Orchard India Scholarship Examination, 2010 carried a question :"Why is Kerala called God's Own Country?" for primary students. Our exploration got us the following responses.Which answer fetch you the score? Rather how would your kid/ward respond to this query? Conclude yourself !

In Hindu Mythology, Kerala was created by Lord Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. So, land of Kerala from Gokarnam to kanyakumari was created from sea by the axe thrown by the Lord. This was gifted to his devotees to lead a peaceful life. 

Another myth is that under the guidance of Lord Parasurama, Guru and Vayu decided to install the holy idol of Lord Vishnu in Rudrathirtha(Boolokha Vaikunda),the present GURUVAYUR. Being God's abode,this land is considered pure and divine too.Hence the name gained more acceptance.

In every nook and corner of Kerala, there are Hindu temples, Christian churches or Muslim mosques. The location Palayam in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram is an apt site for this religious diversity at hands reach. Even with so many places of worship, most adjacent to each other, there is great religious tolerance and communal harmony. Hence the adage is valid.

Kerala has developed from a "lunatic asylum" status during the period of Swami Vivekananda.There has been socio economic and cultural reformations in all sectors like education, health, sanitation, child care, literacy etc. Kerala has now evolved as a "model"of development in many aspects. Hence aptly phrased as above.

Kerala is a paradise for tourists. Its biodiversity from Arabian sea to Western Ghats, rivers, lakes, backwaters - a network of water bodies clubbed with forests, wildlife all make Kerala God's own country- being blessed with natures' wealth. 

The slogan "God's own country" was first used by Dr.Vipin Gopal, when he  created the webpage on Kerala in 1993. Later KTDC adopted this to promote tourism campaigns.Adage was popularised by Dr.Babu Paul, during his tenure as Director.Now the slogan holds global super brand status.

Literally the word Kerala means land of coconuts. Ayurveda is a popular traditional medicine that has its roots in this small state. 

LETS LEARN ABOUT MANGO

Mangoes are the national fruit of India, Pakistan and Philippines. This is the national tree of Bangladesh.

Mango is also the king of fruits. This is because of its taste, colour and beauty.

Vedas praise mango as a heavenly fruit.It represents the joy of life.
Mango leaves are hung on doorways. It is believed to ward off evil. It is a symbol of harmony.
Mango leaves are also arranged in brass pots with coconut as a symbol of prosperity.
Thus mango fruits and leaves are part of many religious ceremonies.It represents potential perfection in Hindu Philosophy.

Mango is also called as a super fruit. Mangoes are rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and pigments. Unique Phytochemicals in mango are Mangiferin, lupeol, euxanthin etc. Mango peel contains Urushiol, a chemical that causes skin allergy in susceptible people.It contains fibre that helps in weight reduction. Its also contains substances that improves our heart and brain.

A MANGO A DAY GIVES US A FAIR COMPLEXION AND MAKES OUR SKIN SOFT AND SHINING...

The word Mango comes from a Malayalam word MANGA.It is a fleshy stone fruit. Its scientific name is Mangifera indica. It belongs to family Anacardiaceae.


India, our country is a leading nation both in cultivation and production of mangoes. About 1/3rd of world's mangoes are grown in India. Our production is 13.6million tonnes a year.As per statistics,we export 40000 tonnes to more than 80 countries for  a total revenue of 85 million dollars.

Mango is cultivated in most frost free tropical countries and warm sub tropics too.In orchards, multiple cultivars are often grown together to improve cross pollination. These are mostly propagated by grafting.

There are hundreds of mango cultivars. The popular varieties of South India are Alphonso, Banganapalli and Kesar. Dussheri and Langra are popular ones in North India. The current world market is dominated by the cultivar Tommy Atkins. The premium variety of Australian mango is R2E2. Popular mango variety of Pakistan is Chaunsa. There are many dwarf varieties of mango that grows to 2.5m height. These are called Condo mangoes.



Mango trees have a long life. They live for more than 300 years.Tree grows to a height of 40m and has a canopy of 10m radius. It provides enough shade for an outdoor class in a gurukula !

Leaves are simple evergreen. Kids pluck these leaves in play class and use for hand free drawing. These leaves are initially orange to pink in colour and rapidly change to glossy red and when mature to dark green. Of course the senile leaves are yellow and as it dries turns brown ! Do observe flushes and tender leaves when you are under a mango tree...

Flowers are small, white and has a sweet smell. Fruits ripen in 3 to 6 months.

Annual International mango festival is conducted at New Delhi, where more than 500 types are featured on a single platform for 2 days.(http://www.hellotravel.com/events/delhi-international-mango-festival)

In Calicut also annual exhibitions are conducted by Agri- Horti Society, at Gandhi Park. (See a report on last mango mela at : http://calicutnet.com/news/news-reports/rajesh-2011/tradition_farming.htm)

Mangoes are part of traditional cuisine and agro-processing initiatives.

• sweets, candies.
• smoothies like lassies and milk shakes.
• jam, jelly, burfi.
• raw mangoes in pickles, brine, chutney and curry.
• non aerated mango drinks - frooti(Parle Agro); jumpin (Godrej); Maaza (Coco Cola); Slice (Pepsi) etc.

MARRS SPELL BEE- AN AID TO IMPROVE ENGLISH VOCABULARY

MARRS, is organising a series of tests for pre school, elementary and higher level students on English. Classes 1 to 12 are split into a total of six different categories.At the elementary or primary level, the test has few rounds.

FIRST ROUND AT SCHOOL

The first round is conducted during June to December at the respective schools. All interested students can register by paying a fee of Rs.150.00. This covers expense for study materials also. The test has two parts - a written round that is basically dictation, followed by identification of the correct spelling and word from a set of jumbled words. All those who score the cut off mark can then attend an oral test on the spelling of some other words. Those who qualify are selected from the school. The topper is naturally the winner. But additional qualifiers are also selected to attend the next level.

SECOND ROUND- INTER-SCHOOL AT DISTRICT LEVEL

The inter-school competition is the second level for the test. The registration fees is Rs.400.00 per student. Study materials are the same as in earlier round. Here the kids take up similar dictation and jumbled words for written round and spell out orally for the oral round. Here also winners and qualifiers from each district are selected to participate in the next level.

THIRD ROUND - STATE ROUND

The third level is a state level test. In this case the registration fees is Rs.600.00 per student. for participation. Here the oral round has thrust on pronunciation of the word to be spelled out.Written round has dictation, usage of words, jumbled words and so on. from this round students have to start learning phonemics, ie the script of the language. An additional book on pronunciation would be provided to help kids learn this.

The District level orals and State written are conducted together.( 3rd round)

The State orals and National written are conducted together.(4th round)

National orals and International written are conducted together.(5th round)

International Orals is the last and final round of the programme. 

For 2010-11, the last lap goes on January6th and 7th,2012 at Al Nahda Girls School, Abudhabi.

A 10 hour coaching on pronunciation is arranged for those who wish to enroll at a fee of Rs.1500.00per student between each of these rounds.Altogether 4 or 5 such sessions (each at Rs 1500 ) or a repetition of the same when available at extra fees equip kids on phonetics to a great extent. Participants are free to attend the test without this orientation also.

MARRS has also introduced a regular coaching programme at Kochi on all Sundays from 10am to 12 noon for a span of 6 months and the fees is Rs 1200 per month.

NATIONAL ROUND

Here, in the written test, children have to additionally focus on grammar and usage of the language;idioms, phrasal verbs etc. In the oral round students have spell it, phonetics and synonyms and antonyms.
The registration fees for the round is Rs 1000 per student.

INTERNATIONAL PRELIMINARY ROUND

This written round encompasses all aspects from round 1,dictation, jumbled words, usage, synonyms and antonyms, idioms, phrasal verbs. Registration is Rs 2000 per student.

INTERNATIONAL FINALS- ORALS ONLY

This is the last round and is a meeting point for all spell bees, both winners and qualifiers for the last round. Registration fees is Rs 5000 per student. This year the venue is at Abu dhabi and warrants meeting formalities for international travel. Students being minors have to invariably be accompanied by their parents.

While the in between rounds involve lot of domestic travel, the final round necessitates an international trip. For all rounds of the competition and the orientation programme, travel, food and accommodaton are extra and has to be borne by the participants themselves...

The study materials provided by MaRRS at different stages are only a preliminary guide and not the content for the competition. The grade of participants is available online for the National Oral Round only. This in fact helps decide participation in the final round. However, if such results are readily updated after every round, it would help parents and teachers to guide students to tide over their lacuna and thus equip their kids in a better way from an earlier period itself.

Our kids have come up to the last round and from my personal experience, the test is a good chance to improve their vocabulary. Participation spirit is enhanced and sustained by the child friendly approach adopted by MaRRS.However most activities are an addition to their routine school affairs and extra curricular activities, if any.This makes the spell bees truly busy bees...

The rates noted are as per last year's programme and may get revised.
To sum up, a participant who reaches the last round needs Rs 9150 as registration fees alone.
Orientation would need another 9000 INR.(1500 * 4 + 3000)
All other expenses vary - food, transport, accommodation, etc - depending on location and extent of travel required to attend each level of the competition.



 Please visit the website for more details and clarifications.
http://www.marrsspellingbee.com/index.php

FILM SONG COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS AND VETERANS AT CALICUT

A film song competition covering any song from Malayalam, Hindi or Tamil movies is being organised for students of UP, High School and +2 levels on 15th May 2011 at Town Hall, Calicut.

A competition for film songs to which Salil Chaudhury has directed music is also organised for veterans on the same day., afternoon for singers above 45 years of age.

This is arranged as part of eighth anniversary celebrations of Ragadeepam, a children's musical club at Kozhikode. 

For details read a copy of their programme notice below( to be added soon)

For a translated English version, please visit the following link:http://calicutnet.com/news/news-reports/rajesh-2011/saleel_choudary.htm

For more details, dial the convener on 0091-9387480029

PROGRAMME INVITATION

 BLOOMING BUDS OF RAGADEEPAM

This is an excellent mix of kids from various prestigious schools in and around Calicut city. Drawn from varying age groups, with multiple talents, they are groomed by Shri.L.Sasikant for a healthy non-competitive performance on stage that helps them break their ice and gain confidence as they evolve...