Petals!

Do you love reading poetry? Or maybe it was an activity during your early school days or something? For me, poetry was my life, the very crux of my existence. But that changed with my life's journey. I have stopped reading poetry. Meanwhile, a Malayali friend on WhatsApp sent me her poem and I told her why I loved reading it. She was so surprised that she said that she was very apprehensive to send it to me in the first place as most people don't like poetry. I can understand her concern. A majority of people laugh at poets more than poetry. There is neither any sensitivity nor any sensibility when we put ourselves on a pedestal and believe that everyone else is inferior to us and what they do is of no consequence. I messaged her back that I used to write poems and used to love reading poems. But I stopped writing poems when I came to Delhi.  Immediately she asked, "Why did you stop writing? Continue." It struck me that no one in my life has said something so profound...

 Summer seems to be scorching the month of September from the word 'Go'.                                         {Image: https://petalsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/} I usually enjoy summers.  Not this time.  Too hot, too humid and it's beginning to choke me. Tempted by this delicious chocolate shake?  Get it at The Haven International Coffee House, Noida. Simply out of this world!

Onam 2020: Have you ever looked back at the happiest ever Onam in your life? An Onam that brings a huge smile to your face? Well, I had mine this year!  Yes, Onam 2020 has been the happiest Thiruvonam of my life. Here's a heartwarming photo of my mother and my son we clicked on Thiruonam. After many years, I enjoyed a complete feast at home with my loved ones. With hectic schedules year after year, I have mostly missed celebrating Thiruonam in the traditional Malayali way. Besides, there's no fun eating a sadya in a rush! This year's Thiruonam, however, turned out to  be a blessing. My son wore a traditional mundu (OMG, I cannot even believe this!) and I was an ecstatic Malayali mom! I too dressed up in a traditional Kerala kasavu saree with an innovative design from a brand called Ethnic Tarinika (@ethnictarinika on Instragram). Here's their unique Kerala kasavu saree design with ajrakh on it!                     [Im...

Chinthavishtayaya Seetha poem:  Mahakavi Kumaranasan began writing 'Chinthavishtayaya Seetha' in August 1914 and it was published in 1919. One of Malayalam literature's true gems, this great poet did not have an easy life , found himself subjected to considerable travails one after the other, particularly in the field of literary greats. [Read: Dark Night of Soul]                              [Source: Pixabay] The tragedy of Mahakavi Kumaranasan life is also that he was not given the due recognition that a person of his literary brilliance truly deserved.  Among his finest works, 'Chinthavishtayaya Seetha' takes the spotlight always. Rather than portraying Sita Devi solely from the perspective of being the wife of Lord Ram, the poet views her as emerging from her Goddess-like stature to experience the travails of womanhood and motherhood as she inhabits earth as a divine being in sync with Mother Nature...

Ramantey Edeathottam review: Director Ranjit Shankar has treaded on the 'sensitive ground' of marriage and opened up a Rumi-like approach to dealing with marital issues.   Kunchacko Boban, in this unusual Rumi-like role, is fascinating but the real star is Anu Sithara. Her every expression is a dream to watch!                                       [Source: npthewriter.com] Ramantey Edanthottam: Memorable performances While it is a pleasure to watch Anu Sithara, whose expressions are a dream to watch throughout the film,  Joju George portrays a remarkable 'dark' side of a man, who treats all women including his wife as an object of enjoyment. [Gautamantey Radham: This Neeraj Madhavan starrer is a heartwarming family entertainer] Ramantey Edanthottam: Storyline Trapped in a lifeless marriage spanning over a decade, the melancholy portrayal of Elvis (starring Joju George) and Malini (An...

When contemplating on Adi Shankaracharya, words fail to capture the 32 year old scholar-turned-spiritual master's timeless wisdom, knowledge and greatness. Not only did he win every debate with religious scholars far older and learned than he had been, the factual precision of every argument he put forth remains undisputed.                                                                                 Image source: Shreemaa.org Today's generation is familiar with trolls and loud, one-sided debates. In contemplating on Adi Shankaracharya, they will understand and appreciate the greatness of every open debate where he easily won every argument and still remained the epitome of humility. [READ: Wisest Lesson in 2019] Adi Shankaracharya's teaching: Who is a real conqueror in this world? Adi ...

"A car is not just a car, it is like bringing home a new family member," Gautaman's wise grandmother tells an 18 year old grandson with a naughty sparkle in her eyes. In another moving scene, Gautaman talks about how the car is the only place where family members sit in the closest proximity to one another while traveling their everyday moments, a safe haven that is second only to home. These fleeting glimpses are one of the many heartwarming moments from this quaint family entertainer that revolves around a coming-of-age phase for a young boy.  Starring Neeraj Madhav, Valsala Menon, Renji Panicker, Devi Ajith, this family entertainer packs in precious moments in a middle class family. Adding to the old-fashioned charm of this clean family film, this grandmother-grandson bonding is a joy to watch.  From buying one's first car to dealing with other people's judgment of it,  'Gautamantey Radham' shows the reality of how a highly brand-conscious Malayali ide...