A pot of Purple Orchids

“Nobody’s people” caught in the “buffer zone”

Today is the 5th anniversary of a tsunami that devastated our country. Five years on, but how many of us still care for the people who suffered? [See & read more]

Harvest for the Kandalama farmer from greening tourism

Avoiding waste is the path to profit for the hotel according to Ranjith Kumarasinghe. “We want to make the waste zero, or if there is any waste-we make it as a resource to a different person or to our own organization.” [See & Read more]

Paasikuda: Heavenly beach of the 'Green algae' bay

Paasikuda is situated in Batticaloa district between Kalkuda and the sea. [click to see & read more]

Learning on the lofty littoral of Beruwala

Sea looks like a spread of Blue carpet early in the morning, and the same sea looks like a spread of Grey carpet in the evening. [click to read more]

People’s poet Bharathiyar’s 127th birth anniversary

I captured a drawing by a child who wants to be Bharathiyar.The particular drawing is hanging high in an office in the East. [Click to hear, read & see more]

“Numbed”, Exhibition on sculpture by Bandu Manamperi

“Numbed” –Exhibition on sculpture by Bandu Manamperi’s exhibition of sculptures is currently being held at the Theertha Red Dot Gallery in Pitakotte. [see and read comments]

Fresh water prawn hatchery in Vattavan

The road from Udappu town to Vattavan is bumpy and dusty, and nestled through Coconut, Palmyrah trees and neatly woven palm fence allies. [See and read more]

“Changing minds”, 25th Anniversary of Women and Media Collective

[See and Read more]

Nandita Das on politics of identity

“It’s a wonderful feeling to expand beyond your national boundary and it’s easier to find solutions when we come together,” Nandita Das says. Having faith in one’s own conviction is what is needed to overcome challenges she adds. [See, hear and read more]

Being escorted in a convoy of women journalists in Lahore

“This is my life. It is my one time to be me. I want to experience every good thing” ~ Maya Angelou- Poet, dancer,film producer, television producer, playwright, author and actress. (b: 1928-)
“City of Lahore is currently on alert. You are our honourable guests. We have to protect the foreigners, especially women” said one of the Elite Punjab Police Officers, while giving escort to the convoy of visiting South Asian women journalists. [See and read more]

Battle of Lord Murugan and Soorapathman

“Kantha Shasti” is observed in the Tamil month of “Aippasi”, which falls either in October or November on the new moon. Hindus all around the world fast for six days for Lord Murugan. “Kantha Shasti Kavasam” a special hymn is sung at houses and temples during this period. [See and Read more]

Deepavali: “The awareness of the inner light”

[See, hear and read more]

Music for heart and soul in dew filled Lahore night

“Music is expression of harmony in sound;
Love is the expression of harmony in life”-Stephen

Sain Zahoor Ahmad is a leading Sufi singer in Pakistan. He performed at Peeru’s Café in Lahore on October 10th 2009 in front of the 200 visiting female journalist delegates (South Asian Women in Media) from eight South Asian countries- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. [See, hear and read more]

Why I like m & ms

[See more]

A tradition kept alive by transient fishermen of Udappu in Nilaveli

I looked up from clicking the images of sunrise recently at the Nilaveli shore in Trincomalee district hearing, “You were in Udappu recently, right?”

It was Nallamuththu Thayananthan from Udappu. I was surprised to see him on the Eastern littoral! He then explained why he is in Nilaveli; and introduced his friends from Udappu who were with him as well to me. [See & read more]

Celestial Fervour: “Not forgetting the suffering of the other”

Celestial Fervour Art of Jagath Weerasighe is currently being held at the Theertha Red Dot Gallery in Pitakotte. The exhibition began on September 8th 2009, and will end on October 5th 2009. Red Dot Gallery is contemporary-artist- run gallery, and first of its kind in Sri Lanka. [See & read more]

Pledge to herald work of Sri Lanka women media professionals reiterated

“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” ~ Maya Angelou (b: 1928-) American poet, memoirist, actress and an important figure in the American Civil Rights Movement.

A meeting of SAWM (South Asian Women in Media) Sri Lanka Chapter was held at Hotel Renuka on September 29th 2009. [click to see & read more]

Navarathri finale marked with gaiety and fervour at New Kathiresan Temple, Bambalapitty

At the end of Navarathri festival, Maanam Poo or Vazhai Vettu (destruction of Aanavam and killing of the Mahisasuran) is celebrated today-September 28th 2009. [Read and see more]

Vazhai Vettu: Marking the end of Navarathri Festival

Navarathri festival ended with Maanam Poo or Vazhai Vettu (destruction of Aanavam and killing of the Mahisasuran) at the Hindu temples on September 28th 2009.[Click here to see and read more]

Tots initiating to the world of learning: “Vithyaarambam”

“Vijayathasami” is celebrated today-September 28th 2009, the last day of Navarathri or nine nights. The Navarathri festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswathy. [See & Read more]

Saraswathy pooja: Celebrating the Goddess of wisdom

Saraswathy Pooja was celebrated on September 27th 2009. Saraswathy is the Goddess of wisdom. Today is the ninth night of Navarathri festival. [See & read more]

“Sani Peyarchchi”, transit of saturn to virgo

The Saturn (Saneeswaran) moves his house every thirty months. He moved from Simma Rasi (Leo) to Kanni Rasi (Virgo) on September 26th 2009 at 12.03 AM according to Vaakkiya Panchaangam (Almanac). Transition of Saturn took place on September 9th 2009 according to Thirukanitha Panchchaangam (Almanac)[See & Read more]

Recapturing the Fort

"Theth Arasan Koottai Pidiththal"- recapturing the Fort.

Performers began their journey from Sri Veerapththirakaali Amman temple. Newly made two wooden horses and four men (Two Kings and two Horsemen) were dressed up, and started to entertain the devotees at dusk. [See & Read more]

Singing fishermen of Kaluwankerny, Batticaloa

Fisher folk of Kaluwankerny, in Batticaloa district sing a fisherman’s song, while pulling the fishing net from the sea to the shore at mid day.They keep pulling the fishing net until the end of it reaches the shore with the fish caught. [click here to see and read more]

Batti @ dusk: When I saw you……

Indigo splattered evening sky in Batticaloa. The lighthouse was refurbished recently with USAID assistance. [See and Read more]

Sounds of Udappu festival

Hear the enchanting toll of the bell, vedic chants, drums, thavil, the wind and fire pit at Udappu ~ Aug 4-5, 2009:[Click for more] Drums Aug 4 ~ [Click for more]

Gala of the Udappu guarding deities

"Whatever I am offered in devotion with a pure heart-a leaf, a flower, fruit or water- I accept with joy" ~Bhagavath Gita

As the Sun began to spread its rays towards Udappu, people of this small hamlet began to bustle, devotees thronged the temple. The roosters were still crowing while mild breeze blows, trees dance for the mild breeze. It was 4th of August 2009-Tuesday, a day before the fire walking. Certain rituals take place on this day. [See & Read more]

Perusing peacebuilding: From conflict to recovery

“When you wish someone joy, you wish them peace, love, prosperity, happiness…..all the good things” ~Maya Angelou-Poet, dancer, film producer, television producer, playwright, film director, author, actress and autobiographer. (b: April 4th 1928-)

Peacebuilding and Development Institute in Sri Lanka (PDISL) successfully conducted its second year training session on Integrating Conflict, Gender and Development and another parallel course Frameworks and Skills in Peace building. The core courses were held at Blue Oceanic Hotel in Negombo from 24th of August 2009- 28th of August 2009. Both courses comprised participants from Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Nepal and United States of America. [Click here to read & see more]

Training in ethics for working journalists

As per Joseph Joubert-French Moralist and Essayist’s quote “To teach is to learn twice”, it was another new and energising experience for me to train [click to Read in full]

Tradition bound Udappu, the charm of a Tamil village

“Udappu” is situated between the Dutch Canal in the East, Indian Ocean in the West, Poonaipitty village in the North and Pinkatti village in the South. According to some reports, that there was a flood in this area earlier, and it was called “Udaippu” afterwards. Another report says that people were looking for pure water and sea side, while searching for such place they found “Udaippankarai”. Later, the name derived from “Udaippu” to “Udaippankarai” to “Udappu”, which is currently being called. [Click to See and read more]

Behind the scene: Getting ready for the colourful Udappu parade

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ~ Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)Spanish Painter, Draughtsman and Sculptor

It was a Sunny Sunday, August 2nd 2009, in Udappu.

As time ticked on turning into a scroching hot day, performers and the make-up artists began to make their way to Sri Veerapaththirakaali Amman temple, situated right near the ocean.

Eleven Performing artists and four make-up artists gathered under one roof, to get ready for the elegant parade. [See & read more]

Scene of five Paandava Princes and their common wife Thiraupathai going into exile...

The scene of five Paandava Princes and their common wife Thiraupathai were going into exile with Vyasa Munivar and an Anuman was depicted in drama form by the people of Udappu on 2nd of August 2009, the 15th day of the “Aadi Vizha Mahotsavam” of Rukmani Sathyapama Sametha Sri Paarthasaarathy Thiraupathathevi Devasthanam. [See & read more]

Annual fire walking of Rukmani Sathyapama Sametha Sri Paarthasaarathy Thiraupathathevi Devasthanam, Udappu

“Neither fire nor wind, birth nor death can erase our good deeds” ~Buddha Quotes (Hindu Prince Gauthama Siddhartha, The Founder of Buddhism, 563-483B.C)

Much awaited annual fire walking of Rukmani Sathyapama Sametha Sri Paarthasaarathy Thiraupathathevi Devasthanam’s was held on 5th of August 2009 at night. It was a windy day in Udappu throughout the day.

“Goddess Thiraupathai Amman is here to bless us” said some villagers referring to the unusual wind. The fire walking fell on a full moon day, which is a rare occasion according to the villagers of Udappu. [click here to read & see more]

Kannagipura/ Kannagipuram Radio Drama inaugural

Kannagipura/ Kannagipuram Radio Drama was launched on July 28th 2009 at Young Asia Television. The drama is produced by Young Asia Television. It is the first time such a drama series are produced in both languages- Sinhala and Tamil. Eight script writers were chosen from Akkaraipattu, Akurassa, Batticaloa, Galle, Kandy and Kurunegala.[See & Read more]

Annual chariot festival of the Sri Mayurapathy Paththirakaali temple

The “Aadi Poora Mahotsavam” of the Sri Mayurapathy Paththirakaali temple is currently being held for the 22nd time. The annual chariot festival of the Sri Mayurapathy Paththirakaali temple was held on July 26th 2009.

The streets of Bambalapitty and Wellwatte looked colourful and cheerful today, as the five chariots moved slowly on a cloudy and humid day. Thousands of devotees dressed elegantly and thronged the Sri Mayurapathy Paththirakaali Amma temple at dawn. [See and Read More]

Jul 25: Aadi Poora Mahotsavam

Aadi Pooram” is a special day which is dedicated to the Goddess. It is also known as “Aadi Poora Mahotsavam”. Hindus in Sri Lanka celebrated the day in the morning of July 25th 2009.

The female devotees carried a pot of pure milk on their heads from one temple to another temple on a cloudy day. Then the Goddess idol in the temple is showered with pure milk by the priest. [Click here to See & Read more]

“Post- Barrelism: Erasing Camouflage”

“Post- Barrelism: Erasing Camouflage”, An Exhibition of Paintings and Installations by Chandraguptha Thenuwarawas inaugurated on July 23rd 2009 at Lionel Wendt Gallery.

The exhibition will remain open from July 24th 2009 to July 28th 2009 from 10am to 7pm.

Parallel exhibition- A retrospective of Chandraguptha Thenuwara’s “Barrelism” is being held at Saskia Fernando Gallery from July 23rd 2009 to August 6th 2009.

Gallery Hours: Monday to Friday from 10am to 7pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. [Read & see more]

Aadi Amavasai at Maamaangam, Batticaloa

Maamaanga Pillaiyar temple is situated in a calm and shady place in Amirthkazhi, in the eastern town of Batticaloa. The annual chariot festival of Sri Maamanga Pillaiyar temple was held on July 20th 2009,while the water cutting ceremony took place on July 21st 2009. [Read and See more]

Making traditional sweet to welcome “Aadi”

Today is Aadi Pirappu. Kozhukkattai- Traditional sweet is made to welcome the month of Aadi (Tamil Month of July according to Tamil Almanac. [Read and see more]


http://share.ovi.com/album/HumanityAshore.AadiPirappu

SAFMA

South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) -Sri Lanka Chapter held a three day training session on "Professional Challenges for Journalists and Media Industry & Social Role of Media" for journalists. The training session was held at Chaaya Village Hotel in Habarana from July 4th 2009 to July 6th 2009

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day-"Chess"-Father's Day special cup cake from Fab Pastry Shop in Colombo

Unfurling @ Wagha border

Unfurling @ Wagha border [More pictures]

sams 6

Strawberry Seller, in Lahore, Pakistan

Journalists from Pakistan (Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta and North Frontier Province), India,Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka gathered in Lahore for six weeks to participate in "Gender & Media" training course. [See more]

Video: Sams 6 Live

Displaced Afghans in Khan Colony, Lahore

"Displaced societies are of value. Their issues are our issues." - Cynthia Basinet - (b. 1971-)- American Singer, Social Change Activist (1,000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize-2005)[Read and see more]

Remembering Lahoris' tribute to the fallen on March 3, 2009 and apologies to Sri Lankans

The attack on Sri Lanka cricket team 3 months ago in Lahore, Pakistan was a terrible shock to everyone. Lahoris pulled together, paid tribute to the fallen and were apologetic that the Sri Lankan team was attacked on their soil. [See and Read more]

Roadside Hopper Makers

While being in Batticaloa, we do not fail to catch the images of women making hoppers on the roadside at dusk..[Read and See more]

“I am blessed to be a deminer”

“I have experienced the war. I have witnessed people’s suffering. As a result of this, I have decided to become a deminer to serve the people” - [Read and See more]

In Tamil ~ நிலக்கண்ணி அகற்றும் பணியாளருடன் ஓர் சந்திப்பு

South Asian Women in Media - Sri Lanka Chapter

The SAWM (South Asian Women in Media) Sri Lanka Chapter was inaugurated on 19th May 2009 at Hotel Renuka, in Colombo. [Read and see More]

Thai Pongal 2009

Thai Pongal is celebrated on January 14th 2009 by the Tamils all over the world. It’s a festival of thanks giving. It is also known as harvest festival. The month of Thai is considered auspicious by the Tamils, which will last from January 14th 2009 to February 15th 2009. Weddings take place during the month of Thai. [Read More]