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It’s funny how small things can make your day, bring that smile forth many a time 
An envelope enclosing a copy of my Colgate Palmolive appointment order and a sweet letter from grandparents bore a Rs 20 stamp that brought forth fond memories … it depicted the golden-yellow blossoms of the Kani Konna poovu…
Amaltaas in Hindi/Urdu language
The sight of Konna (Cassia fistula/ The Golden Shower Tree) poovu (flower) in late March-April heralds Vishu, the Malayalam new year, which typically falls on 13th/14th April. The flowers are an integral part of the Vishu Kani – the first sight (Kani) a Malayali sees on the New Year Day.
Vishu Kani
As with everything Indian, we have a sweet tale associated with why the Konna poovu is bestowed the honor and not just any other flower in the tiny-winy spring season:
Long-ago-but-not-so-very-long-ago, in the holy temple town of Guruvayoor,lived Manjula a 5 year old girl. Hailing from the Varisiara community, her mother used to string flower garlands for the deity. In that tender age, Manjula developed a strong attachment to Guruvayoorapan (Lord Krishna)- it is said that she was one of the few devotees who could actually behold the Lord.
So one day, little Manjula desired the yellow raiment worn by the Lord, which He gladly presented to her. But the envious temple-priests proclaimed that she’d stolen it and created a huge ruckus. Disgusted that her simple wish had caused such a commotion, she decided to returned the gift. The Lord refused to accept the same ; it was tantamount to insulting His beloved Manjula. As a testimony of her devotion, He flung the garment outside, which on touching the ground, blossomed into the Konna tree.
Splendid isn’t it ? As said earlier, can’t help but
Nothing much this year. Reminiscences from last years.
The day was 29th March 2k7.Tripped onto a local train from Mulund to Thane. Met friend at station. Had superb mixed fruit juice opposite this tuition centre building (was it Mahesh Tutorials??). Walked down to Talopaali lake chatting all the while. Wanted to go boating, but was refused. Next time, he said.
Observed that the tongas had metamorphosed to chariots – literally, with the ill-fed, bony ponies now replaced by milky white horses with feathers on head and all – was all of 4 years old- remember holding onto dear life onto the steel bar in the tilted, tiny carriage of the Thane tonga
Walked down Panch Pakhaadi, Teen Petrol Bunk; chatter-banter-chatter – he met his teacher a Tam Bram lady – how one can make them out 
. To Ghantali temple then. The temple front portion had been eaten up by the widened road. The old bungalow in front had been pulled down, given way to to spanking new flats. The temple was still the same The Pandava-Kaurava-temple flowering tree was still there – remember Mum regaling us with tales of her childhood out there – the flower with its 5 petals (the Pandavas), the many pollened stamens (Kauravas) the singular pistil with the stigma at the middle (the Temple) – sweet tale that one Powerful place that Ghantali – granted what I asked for that day, with a vengeance
Stepped into Naturals – delicious coconut ice cream- takes the shine away from that Baskin Robbins, he said pointing diagonally opposite the road. Walk, walk walk to his place. Please don’t mind the the place is quite small, he said. Have been to smaller places, said I as we vaulted up the steps. Had a cracking time talking to aunty;rocking on their cane swing and being fed puri bhaji and kheer; went through old albums, nudged and poked at them all. Let’s drop you back to station, he said. Ended up dropping me all the way back home.
Nice day, that
