An Evening of Kalaripayattu in Munnar

 

On a cool evening in Chithirapuram, nestled in the misty hills of Munnar, we witnessed something extraordinary, a live performance of Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s ancient martial art, at the Raga Performing Theatre.

Kalaripayattu, often described as one of the oldest fighting systems in existence, is deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural heritage. More than just combat, it is a holistic discipline that combines strikes, kicks, grappling, weaponry, healing practices, and the mastery of pressure points. Its movements are elegant yet powerful, marked by fluid evasions, soaring jumps, and precise weapon training.

For one hour, the stage became a battlefield of grace and strength. Every sequence displayed astonishing agility and combat artistry. The program began with solemn prayers, as performers invoked blessings for safety and success, a ritual that underscored the spiritual devotion woven into this martial tradition.

I captured the essence of this unforgettable evening in the video below, highlighting its most riveting moments, from breathtaking airborne duels to perfectly synchronized staff combat. It stands as a tribute to the warriors, the tradition, and the timeless spirit of Kalaripayattu.

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But Kalaripayattu is more than a martial art. It is a living tradition that blends discipline with devotion, combat with healing. Each movement echoed the rhythm of Kerala’s heritage, reminding us that this practice is not just performance, it is philosophy in motion.

If you ever find yourself in Munnar, don’t miss this experience. The Raga Performing Theatre offers more than entertainment; it offers a glimpse into the very soul of Kerala.

When Explosions Mean Work… and When They Mean War

 

Years ago, I had the opportunity to witness and film blasting operations at an open-cast coal mine. It was an experience that left a deep impression on me.

The moment the explosives were triggered, a thunderous roar filled the air. The ground trembled beneath my feet, and massive rocks shot outward in every direction as dust and smoke rose into the sky. It was powerful, dramatic, and unforgettable.

Yet strangely, it was also thrilling.

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The reason was simple. These were controlled blasts, carried out with careful planning and strict safety precautions. Every step was designed to ensure that the explosions served a purpose, to extract coal from deep within the earth, fuelling industries and livelihoods. What appeared chaotic was actually the result of precise engineering and disciplined execution.

Today, when I watch the news and see images from ongoing wars around the world, the sound and sight of explosions bring back those memories, but with a very different feeling.

Missiles, drones, torpedoes, and bombs are launched around the clock, striking cities and strategic locations. Buildings collapse, smoke rises into the sky, and rubble spreads across once-lively neighbourhoods. Unlike the controlled blasts at the coal mine, these explosions bring fear, loss, sorrow, and unimaginable destruction.

What once felt thrilling in a safe and purposeful environment now feels deeply unsettling when seen in the context of war.

The rising smoke, shattered structures, and displaced lives remind us of the high cost of conflict. Every explosion in war carries with it the pain of lives lost and communities disrupted.

Watching these scenes, one can only hope that such conflicts come to an end soon.

May the thunder of weapons fall silent, and may peace prevail, so that people everywhere can live their lives in safety, dignity, and happiness.

In God’s Own Country, a meal is never just a meal!

 

Relishing a banana leaf filled with colourful Sadhya, along with the aroma of freshly cooked fish, becomes a celebration of Kerala’s timeless culinary tradition.

In Kerala, everything is a celebration, not just the food, but also its rich traditions and the breathtaking beauty of the land: the misty hills, lush greenery, tranquil backwaters, and the vast sea.

Wisdom under three minutes!

 

Wisdom under three minutes! A Video:

(Short Motivational Speeches on Time, Personal Growth, and Kindness)