Monsoon in Kerala – a nostalgia..

Every year we vacation in Kerala around this time. To enjoy the summers here we stayed back this year so now missing the monsoon in Kerala. Those who know me well would be surprised to read this because they are aware of my revulsion to rainy season. That’s because it pours here to perpetuity and creates a gloomy environment. Too much of anything is not good, not even rain.

Kerala monsoon arrives with great clamor. As a child, while vacationing in Kerala, I was petrified of lightening and thunder. Sky looked as if it gulped a thick black smoke. I am still not fine with the lightening and thunder part but okay with monsoon. Just having hot tea, some snacks and chatting with everyone….aaah! missing that.

There are two monsoon seasons in Kerala. The one I am talking about is Southwestern monsoon. Rains start at Edavam month (mid May – mid June- 1o th month) of Malayalam calendar. It is called Edavapathy. Monsoon is the ideal time for rejuvenation therapy. Many follow a special diet and go for ayurvedic massages and treatments around this time. I don’t follow any diet because I go on vacations to stuff myself but I do go for ayurvedic massages. It cleanses the skin and alleviates body ache.

Karkiddakam month (mid July- mid Aug- 12 th month) is when the rain is at its boisterous worst. Those who plan a trip to Kerala for any ayurvedic treatment should choose this time. Rain hinders long travel plans and ayurvedic therapy requires ample rest time. This is not the time for fun trip. Many people have a special diet called Karkidaka kanji in the morning during the entire month of Karkadakam. It is a gruel prepared out of nine pulses, fenugreek, Cow’s milk. These days you get to buy packets in the stores so people just buy that and add it to the hot milk. No one follows this diet in our immediate family but I have seen my distant relatives esp. older people enjoying this as breakfast.

This month is also known as Ramayana maasam ( month of Ramayan) in Kerala. During the entire month, the epic Ramayan is read in most temples and households. It is said that since this month was gloomy for everyone esp. the agriculturists because of the heavy rains, time was spent reading Ramayan and in spiritual healing. The reading of the Ramayan begins on the first day of the month and is completed by last day of the month. Ramayan is divided in various kandam (chapters) so the paarayanam (reading) is in the chronological order or one can choose just one chapter and read it the entire month.

Last year when I was in Kerala I wanted to start reading Ramayan too. We have never done it in our home. I have been to temples during the time and listened to the reading but never at home. So I got Adhyatma Ramayanam for myself. Since I am not fluent in the language, my Dad showed me a page and translated it for me to read it every day. I read that the whole month last year and plan to do the same this year too. This year Ramayana maasam begins on July 17 and ends on August 16.

I never knew I would miss Kerala monsoon so much and write about it. Nostalgia makes people do crazy stuff . Listen to this music titled Varshaa : Rain melodies.

Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain.