A river comes alive

NEELIMA KIRAN

Bharathapuzha - translucent and profound, is a mesmerising sight to behold. Also called ‘Nila nadi’ it’s a slice of Kerala’s pride and identity.

So, is there a more fulfilling feast for an art aficionado than an entire photo exhibition capturing the expressions of River Nila? At the Alliance Francaise, The Blue Yonder presented along with a photo exhibit, a folk programme from the banks of the river.

In the sense, the Nila has inspired and brightened Kerala’s mindscape, nurturing its culture, science and ethos. Malayalam language itself was born on its banks. But today, the river appears to be choked by the needs and greed of modern civilisation and is reduced to a mere seep.

‘Near the river’ is an effort to direct the spot light onto a unique river valley civilisation. The photographs on display, apart from being a trajectory to the life on the banks of Nila, are also a raw and fascinating sketch on the local, ritualistic performing art forms. So there are the Pulluvars and their ingenious forms of folk art. These holistic healers visit village houses on the banks of the river, singing praises of serpent gods.

Equally captivating are their pulluvakkudams (akin to violin it is made of an earthen pot and calfskin and played by striking its stretched strings) and Pulluva-veenas (made out of thick bamboo, coconut shells and wild creepers). There is an informative series on Poothan and Thira, which are ritualistic performances popular during temple festivals on the banks of the Nila. Thira paints its face with a paste made out of rice powder and turmeric. Poothan is known to wear silk and does not use any facial make-up. These rhythmic dancers are known for their acrobatic performances.

An old man holding an intricate bamboo umbrella, rich green paddy fields, a mundu-clad youth trying his hand at pottery, images that have an obdurate rural feel, expertly transporting you to rustic Kerala.

Each frame captures life in all its sensitivity and simplicity. In fact you will have no difficulty in relating to the image of an old man devouring puttu and pazham in a tea stall or in the silhouette of a boy capturing fish from the pond. Kids decked in hats made out of dry leaves make for a fascinating photo shoot. Bharathapuzha is twice captured in all its serenity.

All quintessential Kerala, beautifully portraying a life far removed from the trappings of urban age. Yet they co-exist grandly with Nature and mysticism.