Nana kizhange / Cheru kizhange

Nana kizhange (നന കിഴങ്ങ് / cheru kizhangu / ചെറു കിഴങ്ങ് / lesser yam / Dioscorea esculenta) is a type of sweet yam or potato which has been cultivated in Kerala for centuries. Their rhizomes are planted before the beginning of the rainy season. The plant is a thorny vine which is supported on 6-feet high stakes. It grows well with application of a little organic manure or on just a bit of mulching. The vine dries out in December, leaving thick, juicy yams underneath. These are washed, boiled with a bit of salt, or baked. They are delicious! Though we lost most of our plants in the persistent torrential rains last year, two or three survived to provide some rhizomes to plant this year. Nature always finds a way to survive!

Shadows in Eternity!

In the gathering dusk,
In the solitude of silence,
In the bliss of peace,
Shadows in eternity!

For Thee!

With the sweetest of fragrance, I wait,
For a warm kiss of thy love,
For thee, evermore, I bloom,
My dearly beloved, my Sun!

Pray See!

Twigs and trash,
To ye, we may be,
Natheless, ere turning to ash,
Warmth and light,
We doth give unto ye!

Is One Many, Or The Many, Just One?

Living in the mountains of the Western Ghats which abound in thick, evergreen forests, often brings one face to face with a treasure trove of fascinating flora and fauna that are more or less alien to the ken of less fortunate city dwellers. I found this singular and riveting sight in our cowshed a few days ago. From afar, it seemed like a giant slug, perhaps 7 or 8 inches long, crawling along the concrete floor. However, it seemed to undulate and pause ever so often, while its head tended to branch into two at times, only to return quickly to its former shape. Curious, I drew near for a better look. Guess my surprise, when I feasted my eyes on hundreds of small worms – caterpillars, perhaps, moving in unison. Pointedly, purposefully, and untiringly, they travelled in close formation for over an hour, crossing the hard cement floor, they disappeared into a blanket of dry leaves behind the shed. Luckily for them, the countless feathered friends who frequent our garden were busy elsewhere at that time. I was able to shoot a few videos of this rare event, and am only too happy to share some clips with you. Just watch the scenes passing by, or if you like, do ponder and share your views. Enjoy!

Video editing by my dear son, Achintya Giridhar Kini.
Music – Alien Invasion by Rafael Krux. 

Happy 2018!

My dear friends, my very own, I wish you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Let’s dive in joy,
And swim in peace!

Let’s overflow with love,
And sing in silence!

Let’s dance in bliss
And find fulfillment in contentment!

Throughout this year,
May blessings rain infinite love!