Losing the chastity of Veeranpuzha

Some days back when I paid a normal visit to the banks of Veeranpuzha, I saw that men are working with the walkway. There were the contracting supervisors also stood there. I asked the details and they said that the local government is planning to exploit the possibilities of Veeranpuzha for promoting tourism. The neighboring people also found very happy. For  they know not the dangers and the hidden agenda behind the the word "development". I felt so sad.

Moonlight party at Veeranpuzha

Yesterday, with some of my media friends, I visited Veeranpuzha once again. We reached there by 7.20 evening. Unlike our previous visits, we chose a different location which was a private property. It was a moonlit night. The waxing moon was shining in the clear sky. There were no electric lights anywhere. Only moonlight. Milky moonlight. Everybody enjoyed the natural ambiance. Two of us were new to Veeranpuzha. While returning to home they promised to visit once again with pop up tents and other things to spend one night in the banks of Veeranpuzha :-)

Veeranpuzha losses its banks

In 2008 March 10, my first daughter was born. She was named Maria. To celebrate the joyous occasion, many of my friends compelled me to give them a party. Finally, when the busy days passed, I decided to party. Spend a nice evening with them in a place where they all wanted to be. We gathered in the banks of Veeranpuzha again. It was in just the Sunday to Easter. Last week of March.

Veeranpuzha river-side party. Simple and sweet

The river remained as same as it was. But the banks were telling a different story. Some changes somewhere. Some culverts were ruined or terminated. We could not reach in our favorite part of Veeranpuzha due to the culvert was spoiled. Later somebody told us that some big business magnets in the city have bought some land including that spot - our spot. We realized that, we are losing the river. We may lose it forever... The river and her banks may lose its virginity.

We celebrated that day anyway. And we returned from there as if it were a farewell party in School or College. May be we would not be able to come back in full freedom as a native.

Veeranpuzha - 2006 June

ഒളിച്ചിരിക്കാന്‍ വള്ളിക്കുടിലൊന്നൊരുക്കി വച്ചില്ലെ?

It was a sunny afternoon in June 2006. One of my close friends - Suman Babu - came to my home with his newly bought digital camera. It was a Sony Cybershot R1 series cam. he wanted to shoot some beautiful landscapes with that. We decided to go Veeranpuzha. (Where else..?) Not only to have some test shots, but also to hear the lullabies of wind and waves of our favorite river... and to finish a bottle of Swedish Vodka (I forgot its name)... That was a wonderful day. Nice climate. Beautiful sky. This shot I took on that day with his R1 cam. The house-like structure is an inspection hut for fish (prawns) pond (we call it chemmeen kettu). More images here.

A nostalgic image of Veeranpuzha

The sketch of Veeranpuzha done by Bijin Das

I was sitting on the banks of Veeranpuzha. With my colleagues at IDENTITI. It was on Friday the 13th of April, 2007. There were three or four bottles of wine and some snacks. There were songs in our heart... It was a Late Easter party.
Suddenly, without any evident signs, rain unleashed the hell. Heavy wind. Lightening. Thunderstorm. It was Friday the 13th. All of us forgot everything. We all were intoxicated and dancing in the rain. I and two other friends just started wandering in the banks of the backwaters... We were totally unaware of the danger... But nothing happened... Even now I remember that times with fear... But sure it was a thrilling experience. This image is created by Bijin Das who were with me that time...

Veeranpuzha - a window opened toward happiness

It’s a window opened toward happiness. That’s why I always wanted to share my lovely moments here.
When you inspired to dance with the lullabies of paddy fields, you start to realize the truth. Truly you want to share your joy to toast a ‘cheers’ with you. Slowly, very slowly, you fall in love with the nature. With the fresh air, the wind, the water, the greenish paddy fields, the waves, the sand… your body and soul merge in advaitha state. You feel that the distinction with your body and soul disappears… A real Nirvana.
Its Veeranpuzha. The nostalgic place located in my greenest softest part of my heart. So close to my soul, so close to my evergreen dreams.

Veeranpuzha of ultimate happiness

THE GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF VEERANPUZHA
It is the northern extension of Vembanad Lake. From Kochi Azhi to Munambam Azhi, the serene backwaters popularly known in this name – Veeranpuzha. In early 80’s there were regular ferry services from Munambam to Ernakulam. Though it stretches from Ernakulam to Munambam, Veeranpuzha’s Nayarmbalam sector is the most scintillating landscape. You can never forget the sight in your lifetime. The most attracting factor is that it is almost isolated and possibly you can see very few people here. So your privacy is guaranteed. It’s because, this area is covered with paddy fields. Nearest human habitats are a little far away. The reason is, the water you will get from here is salty, hardly drinkable.

Vembanad Lake

(Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Koil) is the largest lake in Kerala, India.

It covers an area of 200 km², and bordered by Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts. The lake lies at sea level, and is separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow barrier island. Canals link the lake to coastal lakes to the north and south. Several rivers flow into the lake, including the Achenkovil, Manimala, Meenachil, Muvattupuzha, Pamba and Periyar. The lake surrounds the islands of Pathiramanal, Perumbalam and Pallippuram.

The port of Kochi (Cochin) is located at the lake's outlet to the Arabian Sea. The town of Alapuzha (also known as Allepey), is sometimes called the "Venice of the East" for its large network of canals that meander through the town. The Vallam Kali (the Snake Boat Race) held every year in August is a major attraction.

Vembanad Lake is designated a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.