Life is a fantastic story

Mohiniattam: "dance of the enchantress"

2011-02-14T12:09:00.008+01:00

Left image: Goddess Mohini enchanting the demons and distributing the amrita to the devdas.

Wednesday last week I had my first Mohiniattam class. This dance style from Kerala is one of the eight Indian classical dance forms. Formed by two words - mohini which means 'enchantress' and attam meaning 'dance'.

Inspired by the ancient legend of samundra manthan (churning of the Milky Ocean) - it is said that the devdas (demigods) and the danavs (demons) put aside their enmity and decided to churn the Milky Ocean to obtain amrita, the elixir of immortality. Gods and demigods started this joint-venture by planting the high mountain Mandara as the churning rod and twining the sinuous serpent Vasuki around it. This process caused the mountain to rotate and made it possible to churn the ocean. Unfortunately the waters turned dark blue and black and poisonous fumes engulfed the cosmic breath. Demigods and demons started to scream for help because halahala (poison) started to emerge. As they realized the dangerous situation they started praying and Lord Shiva appeared to rescue them. Shiva drank up all the poison - because of this legend Shiva got the title of Neelakanth since his throat turned blue. Once this calamity was over demigods and demons did not give up this project and worked with more zeal. As we all know hard work pays off - their reward was a pot containing amrita that pop up from the ocean. The pot was unfortunately snatched away by a demon - this wasn't a good surprise for the demigods. Once a demon were to drink amrita - it would become immortal. Demigods were afraid that everything would be destroyed and demons would take power and total control - they immediately - prayed to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu is known for amending situations created by Brahma or Shiva. Vishnu took form of Mohini (Mohini is the only female avatar of god Vishnu). Mohini - a beautiful enchantress - took over the pot of amrita by distracting the demons with her graceful dance of enchantment. She then gave it back to the demigods helping them to retain their immortality. Once the demigods had swallowed amrita they fought off the demons.

Mohiniattam inspired by this legend contains soft and bewitching movements. The waist is the central point on which the upper and lower body turns in gentle curving figures of eight or U-shape. The footwork is soft and delicate and I have to confess it is very hard to remain soft and in a steady position. I really enjoyed my first class and really hope to have soon more.

Here a wonderful two videos (one and two) relating the legend of samundra manthan (churning of the Milky Ocean).

(Disclaimer: Please note that I have written this story as how I understood it from different texts and sources. All content provided on this blog are for informational purposes only. I will make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site).

Photo source: google images

My hate towards - a common cold -

2010-09-08T01:20:00.003+02:00

I sometimes wonder why we get sick in the wrong moment? I am experiencing a stupid cold since last two weeks - I am just hoping to be better by tomorrow.

GO stupid cold just leave me in peace... I hate you already!!!!!!

A long break

2010-09-08T01:10:00.003+02:00

I can't believe that I am posting something after such a long break. I will be having once again a rendez-vous with Mumbai... There are so many things I would like to post now but I don't really know where to start... or to end. And as I wrote today in a message: 'No one runs ever behind schedule for anything'... so tomorrow is a good day to start!!! My promise...Good night!

My rendez-vous with Mumbai...

2009-08-09T00:37:00.013+02:00

Yes, I am having a rendez-vous with Mumbai... If you are interested in following me during my stay in 'Incredible India'... you can do it from here and here. Ok... Now I go to sleep is already 12:30 am... and have to get up early to catch my flight.

Am I ready for Mumbai? Yes Sir!

As you can see on the left-hand side pic... I have all what is required for my stay in Mumbai.

What funny accessories am I wearing?

1-Cowboy (ahem ahem Cowgirl) Hat: This hat is from Honduras... What for? It will prevent my hairs of getting weat... It's Monsoon time in Mumbai...

2-My favourite Burberry Muffler... in case of cold weather

3-My Guatemalan-coloured cotton bag... it's a ladies bag... please dont ask what for...

4-A Punjaban Indian Dress (Balle-Balle)

5-Bharathanatyam Ghunghroo... signifies the passion I have for Bharathanatyam...

6- The necklace Jai sent to me (see previous post)...

7-German flag on my head... Oh I will miss my family and friends so much!

und der Rest ist Käse!

What a surprise!!!

2009-08-09T00:03:00.010+02:00

I know it has been a long time since I did post something over here. I just wanted to thank through this post: Jai Khalsa for the lovely packet she sent to me... In a previous post I talked about her. I got completely thrilled when I receive such a wonderful surprise. Here some pics...

While opening the package....

...I found a message...

...and many surprises...

...like two sarees...

... and two blouses...

...and a beautiful Bharathanatyam jewellery set...

Thank you Jai!!!

Wonder of Nature or Pure Coincidence?

2009-07-16T14:04:00.009+02:00

Around three weeks back I remembered that while cooking I had a small accident. By misfortune I let one package of TRS Brown Mustard seeds fell right into the floor. Half got wasted leaving behind mustard seeds all over the kitchen. I rushed to clean the floor with a broom and a dustpan. I was feeling really sad about the wastage and was not capable to throw the seeds right into the garbage. Since my childhood I have been thought that food should never be thrown given that food should be considered as sacred. I asked to my self and now where do I throw it?

Mom has always been keen of planting some flowers once the spring and summer starts to arrive. So I saw a pot with very beautiful red flowers. I didn’t give any thought and threw the mustard seeds and all possible dust that I collected from the kitchen floor into the flower pot… (I know it sounds weird but I did so). On Monday this week, my mother called my attention asking where does that strange couch grass is coming from. I then recalled that I had thrown some seeds into the pot.

How wonderful is our mother nature I thought while seeing the little baby plants coming out of the earth. I have been observing their growth in the last couple of days and I have also taken some photos that I would love to share.

Brown Mustard – Plant Information

-Latin name: Brassica nigra

-Category: Dicot

-General Type: Forb/herb

-Growth Duration: Annual

-Plant Nativity: it is believed to be native to the southern Mediterranean region of Europe.

Why do I use black mustard seeds as a spice?

The brown mustard seeds are used in Indian cuisine to get the 'masaledar' taste. (Please note that the word masaledar is a combination of the word ‘masala’ coming from Hindi & Urdu meaning a varying blend of spices).

How to use brown mustard seeds to give dishes a distinguishing taste and flavour?

Just throw the seeds into hot oil and let them pop.

Disadvantages on mustard seeds?

The seeds have a significant amount of fatty oil plus the oil you use making it a Calorie Bomb.

Flavour like of mustard seeds?

I tried eating them without roasting them in oil. The taste is a bit nutty flavour and like the normal mustard or honey mustard used for hotdogs, etc.

One last thing, about the common mustard you find in any shop and you use for your hotdogs and sausages. Whenever you feel you have fever you can apply two spoons of it on the backside of both of your knees. Proceed with tidying it with some piece of cloth and stay with it for half an hour. It will really help…

Now I go back to a pile of books I have to read (not really feeling very enthusiastic about that, but…) I leave you with a quote of Frank Lloyd Wright:

“Study nature, love nature, and stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”

The 'culprit' package

Brown Mustard Seeds

The weird 'Couch Grass'

Simply 'nature'

You don't miss something until it's gone...

2009-07-08T21:08:00.019+02:00

This is exactly what is currently happening with the King of Pop: Michael Jackson.

When he was alive there was so much controversy surrounding his life. Starting with his unhappy childhood followed up with his skin disorder (vitiligo: the skin turns white due to the loss of pigmentation) and his eccentric life style. He had a very damaged public image and was accused of child molestation; although the last was not proven due to lack of evidence. Now that he is gone we all are making a big deal out of it. We believe almost anything and everything what media serves us on a golden plate. But one thing I know, Michael Jackson was and still is very popular around the world. He is being missed and that shows the fact that you don't miss something until it's gone...

He will always be in my heart and the heart of many others!... Through this post I would like to pay a tribute to the King of Pop. Michael Jackson you were a great musician, an amazing dancer... (Love your moon walk)... and above all the most caring, determined and warm-hearted person to exist. RIP Michael Jackson!!

P.S. If you wanna make the WORLD a better PLACE, take a look at YOURSELF, and then make a CHANGE.

"torno subito"...

2009-07-04T17:44:00.007+02:00

Dear Blog-Readers:

In the past days I haven't been able to keep my blog up-to-date. Have so much to write about and my time is so limited. Currently, I am preparing for some exams and working on a Business Plan. Would love to share more about my ongoing projects. I hope I'll be getting some time to share more crocheting, mudras, tags, etc. with all of you.

Thank you so much for visiting my Blog!!!!

Cheers,

Lyddie

(Photo courtesy of)

Caught by the 30 Tag

2009-06-25T09:48:00.008+02:00

Today I checked Tara’s Blog and I found this thought-provoking ’30 Questions Tag’. I just couldn’t contain myself and decided to also go through it. I hope you have so much fun while reading it as I had while making it. Cheers!

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?

“OH my God… Call the hair police”

2. How much cash do you have in your wallet right now?

“Around 17€ and some cents…”

3. What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR?

“More”

4. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?

"A fellow student who wanted to inform me that we should meet in the library"

5. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone?

"HaHaHa, the feel good song from my nokia"

6. What are you wearing right now?

"T-shirt and sleep shorts”… I suppose to be studying…. ;-)

7. Do you label yourself?

"I don’t know!"

8. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently own?

"Owe many… but the most recently bought ones are Geox"

9. Bright or Dark Room?

"For studying and reading I need a bright room… for sleeping a dark one!"

10. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you?

"She was my first follower…and I like her blog!”

11. What does your watch look like?

“It’s pretty old… Silver color with Crystals”

See pic…

12. What were you doing at midnight last night?

"Was struggling with my MacBook and an external HD… hahahahaha"

13. What did your last text message you received on your cell say?

“Got it from a nice friend, she was thanking me for the birthday present I gave to her”

14. What’s a word that you say a lot?

"I am a language freak; I keep on saying whatever it comes to my mind."

15. Who told you he/she loved you last?(please exclude spouse , family, children)

"I can’t remember so far…"

16. Last furry thing you touched?

"My rain coat"

17. Favorite age you have been so far?

"When I was 15"

18. What was the last thing you said to someone?

“Talk to you later."

19.The last song you listened to?

"Solo con te by Eros Ramazzotti."

20. Where did you live in 1987?

"Guatemala City, Guatemala."

21. Are you jealous of anyone?

"Yes, of Barbie Dolls…They look ravishing all the time!!! Hehehe… "

22. Is anyone jealous of you?

"Nope…"

23. Name three things that you have on you at all times?

"First thing my mind doesn’t stop thinking… so I would say my thoughts… second thing my eyeglasses (I am kinda blind), and my teddy bear necklace ;-)"

24. What’s your favourite town/city?

"Have been to so many beautiful towns, cities, countries, Islands… Hmmm… Worth to mention: Barcelona, Spain and Mackinac Island, USA."

25. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it?

"Last time I wrote something on paper and mailed it was a postcard… but can’t remember the exact date…"

26. Can you change the oil on a car?

"Yes, I can. I just go to a Car Maintenance Station and get it done!!! ;-)"

27. Your first love/big crush: what is the last thing you heard about him/her?

"Don't remember"

28. Does anything hurt on your body right now?

"Thanks God.. There’s nothing that is hurting!!"

29.What is your current desktop picture?

"A beagle doggie…Crazy about them…"

30. Have you been burnt by love?

"Burnt to ashes…”

Basic Bharatanatyam Hand Gestures - Part II

2009-06-11T20:56:00.051+02:00

This post is the continuation of my previous post concerning the 28 single hand gestures that make up the vocabulary for the dance form of Bharatanatyam. This hand gestures are manly used in the story telling part belonging to the Natyasastra science (science of stage) and serve as ornaments to the rhythmic steps during a Bharatanatyam performance. This hand gestures are single since they can be used on one hand independently from the other. Let’s explore more about hand gestures and give me the opportunity to introduce you to the following ones.

Arala (meaning "Bent")

Index finger and thumb make a circle. The rest of the fingers are held straight.

Shukatunda (meaning "Parrot's beak")

Index finger and thumb make a circle (like in Arala). Ring finger is bent to the front. Middle finger and little finger are held straight.

Mushti (meaning "fist")

All fingers are clenched in the palm.

Shikhara (meaning "spire")

Thumb is pointing up and the rest of the figners are clenched in the palm.

Kaphita (meaning "elephant apple")

Little finger and ring finger are clenched in the palm. Middle finger and ring finger are pressed by thumb finger.

Kathamukaha (meaning "opening in a link")

Thumb, index finger and middle finger they all touch each other. Ring finger and little finger are pointing up.

Suchi (meaning "needle")

Index finger is simply pointing and the rest of the fingers are clenched in the palm.

Chandrakala (meaning "digit of the moon")

Index finger is pointing to the side, thumb finger is pointing up and the rest of the fingers are clenched in the palm.

I have prepared a video which contains the 'mudra shloka' (a shloka is a sanskrit word which denotes a metered and often rhymed poetic verse and/or phrase) for this eight hand gestures. This shloka also contains six other hand gestures which I introduce in a previous post.

Name of the hand gestures contained in this video: Pataka, Tripataka, Ardhapataka, Kartaramukha, Mayura, Ardhachandra, Arala, Shukatunda, Mushti, Shikara, Kaphita, Kathamukaha, Suchi, Chandrakala.

The Linux Mascot in Crochet - A Dedication

2009-06-10T21:18:00.040+02:00

I must confess that lately I am getting a bit too crochet-a-holic. But, before you guys start marking me with such a ‘label’ I would like to dedicate this post to a very special person. So, dear special person, if you ever get to read this post let me tell you that you are a great human being and you occupy a very important role in my life. Thanks for always supporting my craziness.

Now let’s get back to work! I have crocheted this cute penguin. I am pretty sure that many of you must be familiar with him. His name is Tux and he is the official mascot of the Linux kernel. This little creature was sort of a challenge for me. Not only because of the little time I have left for crochet but also because I wanted to surprise someone with it. And like this passage suggests: Do not wait; the time will never be "just right'. Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along (by Napoleon Hill).

Hence, let’s get started!

Get a crochet hook and knitting yarn. For the penguin you need 3 colors: black, white and yellow.

Head/Body

I would suggest you start by making the penguin’s head and body. Please bear in mind that the head and body are a single piece of crochet. Choose the black color and make 3 chains and join them into a ring. For the first round fill the ring with single crochet (the number of how many single crochet you have to do depends on the thickness of the yarn). Continue increasing the number of single crochet on each round. Once you have achieved the desired size of the head you start by decreasing the number of single crochet in each round. (This is the same basic idea I followed while doing the doll’s head - see previous post). Once you were able to get a sort of ball shape for the head. You start on doing the body. For this you start by increasing the number of single crochet in each round. When you have achieved the desired sized of the penguin (in this case would be the belly button) you decrease the number of crochet. Keep in mind it always follows the same basic idea over and over… Isn’t it boring??? Joke!

Feet

The feet are crocheted in rows. For the 1^strow make five chains and five single crochet stitches. For the 2^nd and 3^rd row you make seven stitches. For the 4^th and 5^th row you make nine stitches. Keep on increasing the number always by adding two single crochet stitches. Till you reach fifteen stitches. Once you have fifteen stitches in the next row you only crochet five stitches, on top of those five stitches of single crochet you do four, further on top of those four stitches you crochet three more and at last you crochet one stitch on top of the three more… This is for making the webbed feet shape… the same process will follow with the ten other left stitches. I know it sound complicated (and I might not have been so capable of explaining it) but have a look at the picture to get a better understanding of the same.

Bill

The penguin bill is also crochet with rows. You started with three chains and increase it by two stitches each time (and making two rows of it). It follows exactly the same process as with the feet.

Flipper-shaped Wings

Do four chains and stitch rows with half-double crochet. Continue on stitching always for rows till the desired size of the wing is achieved. Have a look to the picture for checking out the pattern. Remark: this is the only part of the body done with half-double crochet stitch.

Belly/Eyes

For the belly you need a piece of white cloth. You cut the oval shape out of that white piece and stitch it to the belly; you perform the same process for the eyes.

Proceed by filling the penguin body, stitch wings, bill, eyes and feet together. I really hope I could give you some insights on how to do the Linux mascot. If you have any query please do not hesitate to leave a comment. Happy crocheting!

Lupita the Crochet Doll

2009-06-08T10:40:00.027+02:00

“A girl is Innocence playing in the mud, Beauty standing on its head, and Motherhood dragging a doll by the foot.” (Allan Beck).

A lazy Sunday afternoon, with a rainy weather outside and a long forgone week filled with projects. So why not crocheting a bit and why not involving mom? That’s what I thought yesterday afternoon. Some days back I saw some crocheted dolls posted in another’s blog which did inspire me to make my own one.

In this post, I would like to give you some short advices on how to create your own doll. It takes around 3 hours (it all depends how fast you are at crocheting) and you will have a bunch of fun while making it.

Last but not least: Thanks Mom for your patience and for sharing your knowledge with me.

So let’s get started….

Get a crochet hook and knitting yarn. Choose a main color for the doll’s skin and hair. Contrasting colors are preferred for the dress and accessories.

Head

Start by making the doll’s head. Make 4 chains and join them into a ring. For the first round fill the ring with single crochet (the number of how many single crochet you have to do depends on the thickness of the yarn). Continue increasing the number of single crochet on each round. Once you have achieved the desired size of the head you work one round without increasing the number of single crochet. Further, start by decreasing the number of single crochet. Keep in mind that you have to be able to get a ball shape.

Dress/body

Start at the waist of the doll. Make chains into a ring. (Hint: The ring size should be as big as the middle of the head). (For crocheting the skirt of the dress follow the pattern shown in the picture). Follow the aforementioned pattern and do three rounds. Go back to the waist of the dress (where you started from) and start crocheting rounds (they should look like rows). For the sleeves and neck you follow the same pattern you used for the skirt. Remark: the dress is done with half-double crochet stitch.

Crochet Pattern for the Skirt of the Doll. (half-double crochet stitch)

Legs

You have to begin at the foot. Make four chains into a ring. For the first round fill the ring with single crochet (remember that the number of how many single crochet you have to do depends on the thickness of the yarn). Continue by increasing the number of single crochet till the third round. Work as many rounds as you think necessary in order to have a proper leg’s length. You have to repeat the same steps for doing the second leg.

Arms

Make four chains into a ring. For the first round fill the ring with single crochet. Increase the number of single crochet in the second and third round. Work on more rounds (starting from the fourth round) without increasing. Again work as many rounds as you think necessary for the desired arm’s length. Repeat the same steps for doing the second arm.

Once you have finished off all parts (i.e. arms, legs, head, and dress/body). Stitch hair, eyes and mouth to the head and then proceed with the filling either foam or cotton. Do the same for legs, arms, and dress/body. Stitch all top openings together.

You can also decorate the doll with shoes, flowers, or some hair accessories. I leave it up to your imagination.

Basic Bharatanatyam Hand Gestures

2009-05-28T13:17:00.041+02:00

The Hastabhinaya (gestures of the Hand), belongs to the Natyasastra science. The Natyasastra science deals with the rules involving theatrical performances. This science is being regarded as the science of stage.

In this post, I would like to talk about 6 of the 28 single hand gestures that make up the vocabulary for the dance form of Bharatanatyam. These hand gestures are used in the story telling part in which they interpret the poet text with the story that is been told. They are also been used as ornaments to the rhythmic steps.

I have decided to start with learning only 6 hand gestures on a weekly basis so that I can have a more deep and comprehensive understanding on each of them. The following hand gestures are single because they can be used on one hand independently from the other. They can also be combined with the same gesture on the same hand, or two different gestures on each hand, depending on the situation.

	Pataka (meaning "Flag") Pakata looks like the Stop sign. It is done with all finger held straight. Remember there shouldnt be any gap in between of the fingers.
	Tripataka (meaning "three parts of Flag") Tripakata looks like pataka except for the small difference that the ring finger is bent to the front.
	Ardhapataka (meaning "half-Flag") Ardhapakata looks like pataka except for the small difference that the ring finger and little finger are both bent to the front. The rest of the fingers are held straight.
	Kartaramukha (meaning "arrow shaft face") In this one index finger and middle finger are straight rest of the fingers are closed in the palm.
	Mayura (meaning "peacock") In this one index ring finger and thumb touch each other; the rest of the fingers remain straight.
	Ardhachandra (meaning "half-moon") In this one all fingers remain straight together and the thumb is pointing up.

I have also recorded a video. I know it sounds very 'funny'. Please don't laugh that much after hearing it (because I couldn't control myself after hearing it). I hope you enjoyed!

Mr and Mrs Turtle Crochet

2009-05-27T13:19:00.046+02:00

After having such a long day of exams and assignments I decided to do some crochet. I learnt first crocheting when I was 6 years old. I was taught by my mother. My mother, who has been passionate about crochet, knitting, etc., gave me the idea to crochet Mr. and Mrs. Turtle. I want to thank her for her time and dedication and more over for explaining me at such late hours in the night (I got the mood of doing something creative at around 11 pm)... So this is one of the reasons I want to share my knowledge with you.

In this blog I will try to give you some instructions on how to do a turtle.

The first thing you will need to is to get a crochet hook and some yarn. Get preferably lots of different colors of yarn. Please take note that it is important to choose the right size hook and thickness of yarn. (If your hook is too small and the yarn is too thick; your work will be stiff and tight - and vice versa).

Second you have to do eight circles in crochet. Basically, for the body of the turtle bigger rounds than the rest of the turtle's body. The whole turtle is made with single crochet.

Here you can see all parts of the turtle including: head, body, and legs.

You have to stitch all the rounds together. Remember to fill them with some foam or cotton.

You can make some extra accessories for the turtle like hat, eyes, nose, etc…

Et voilà!!!!................

Bharatanatyam performed on the roadside…

2009-05-26T16:52:00.021+02:00

Following up with my quest for Bharatanatyam I’ve been reading all possible online material and watching tons of videos. And that’s how I came across with a video which caught my attention, not only because of the wonderful dancer performing Bharatanatyam items but also because of the unusual stage in which she was performing. Please watch Alarippu performed by Jai Khalsa among other videos.

In my earlier post I introduced some facts about Bharatanatyam; I would like to recall some basics about this ‘devotional temple dance’. Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest forms of Indian classical dance and exists since over 2000 years. This art was nurtured by wonderful women called Devadasis, they offered their music and dance as a form of worship to God.

Coming back to the topic of this post, I got pretty much inspired when I saw ‘Jai Khalsa’ doing a live performance on the roadside. I applaud her expressions and agility as a dancer and moreover I applaud her for having carried out a spiritual form of dance in such I would say ‘materialistic space’.

‘Jai Khalsa’ dances with a high degree of devotion, she masters movement and expressions quite good and I definitely like the way she presents herself to the public. @ Jai: Keep up that confidence!

After having watched all her posted videos, I contacted Jai and bombarded her with a bulk of questions. She was very kind in sending me some songs allowing me to start practicing. However, I must confess that I am still working on how to walk with Ghunghroo **smiles**.

During some email exchange I asked Jai whether I could write about her in one of my posts and she agreed. If you are interested in knowing more about her you can go here.

My quest for Bharatanatyam

2009-05-10T18:14:00.048+02:00

Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form which originated in Tamil Nadu (South India) and it is also the National Dance of India.

Let me introduce you to some facts about Bharatanatyam:

This dance was performed by Devadasis, the Temple Dancers.
Only girls born in the caste, 'Temple Dancer Devadasis' where allowed learning and performing this sacred dance.
Devadasis lived and died within the walls of the temple. Devadasis were wedded to God in a real sense.
Bharatanatyam is usually accompanied by Karnatac or Carnatic music. (I have written already some posts about this type of music, if you are interested you can have a look...).
A Bharatanatyam dancer tries to manifest the celebration of the eternal universe through the celebration of the beauty of the material body.
During Medieval times Bharatnatyam dance declined. Devadasis were seen as servants and prostitutes.
E. Krishna Iyer was a Lawyer in Madras and a dancer. He devoted his life to this classical dance and raised the social status of Bharatnatyam and also popularized it.
Another contributor to the popularization of Bharatanatyam was Rukmini Devi Arundale. This young lady, born into a rich Brahmin family, was passionate about dancing. She started learning 'Ballet' under the great Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. Pavlova influenced Rukmini and turned her attention to Bharatanatyam by asking 'why she was studying a foreign form of dance instead of learning the traditions of her own country'. This was a turning point in Rukmini's interest to discover the ancient Devadasi dancing art. Rukmini Devi Arundale devoted her life to the study of the Devadasi art. She founded Kalakshetra in 1936 an Academy dedicated to the preservation of South Indian Arts.

What does the name Bharatanatyam has in it?

Bharatanatyam is composed fom the following words:

Bha from Sanskrit Bhava which means emotions.

Ra from Sanskrit Raga which means melody.

Ta from Sanskrit Tala which means rhythm.

Natyam from Sanskrit Natyam which means theatrical presentation.

In short 'Theatrical presentation which involves emotions, melody and rhythm'...

In order to enhance this post, I tried to hand-made the clothes and jewellery which a Bharatanatyam dancer wears in real for a Barbie. I had a lot of fun and it was a nice challenge.

A Bharatanatyam dancer wears a traditional bridal costume and a unique set of jewellery known as "Temple Jewellery". Dancers also wear Ghungroos (metallic bells strung together) which serve to accentuate the rhythmic aspects of the dance.

Bollywood song with a Carnatic Touch

2009-05-03T19:15:00.039+02:00

Some days backs I was surfing on youtube, and I found a very wonderful bollywood song from the Movie Bhool Bhulaiyaa (in English: The Maze). The name of the song is 'Mere Dholna Sun'.

You can find song and lyrics here.

What I liked the most from this song is that it took me back to the basics I learnt during my first Karnatak lesson, namely to remember the 'Swaras' (the musical sound of a single note) and the 'Raaga' (the mode). I must confess I wasnt able to decipher which type of Talam (rythmic cyles) was used for this song. And I couldnt also find it... any suggestion?

Carnatic music is practised in Maya Malava Gowla Raga and Chatusra Jaathi Triputa Tala (or the well-known Adi Talam= composed of 8 aksharas and/or one unit of talam). Many different combinations of swaras are practiced in a minimun of three different speeds (tempus) and at the same time the speed of the Talam is kept constant.

-The first speed: one swara at the time, eg.:

Talam: Adi Talam - 8 aksharas/or unit of talam

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

sa ri ga ma pa dha ni sa

sa ni da pa ma ga ri sa

-The second speed: two swaras are sung for one unit of talam

Talam: Adi Talam - 8 aksharas/or unit of talam

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

sari gama padha nisa sani dapa maga risa

-The third speed: four swaras are sung for one unit of talam

Talam: Adi Talam - 8 aksharas/or unit of talam

1 sarigama

2 padhanisa

3 sanidapa

4 magarisa

5 sarigama

6 padhanisa

7 sanidapa

8 magarisa

1 sarigama

2 padhanisa

3 sanidapa

4 magarisa

5 sarigama

6 padhanisa

7 sanidapa

8 magarisa

By increasing the speed it is meant to double the swaras from the previous speed.

-The fourth speed: eight swaras sung for one unit of talam (please note that you can only master this speed once you mastered the first 3 speeds...)

Talam: Adi Talam - 8 aksharas/or unit of talam

1 sarigamapadhanisa

2 sanidapamagarisa

3 sarigamapadhanisa

4 sanidapamagarisa

5 sarigamapadhanisa

6 sanidapamagarisa

7 sarigamapadhanisa

8 sanidapamagarisa

Now I want to come back to the song 'Mere Dholna sung'. I have extracted some combinations of swaras from the lyrics (minute 2:53) and would like to analyze the speed that is been sang and the varisaigal.

Swaravali Varisaigal= one swara

Sa Ni Dha = first tempo

Ni Dha Ma = first tempo

Ma Ga Sa Ni Dha Ni Sa Ga Ma = first tempo

Ma Ga Sa Ni Dha Ni Sa Ga = third tempo

Ma Ga Ma Ga = first tempo

Sa Ni Dha Ga Pa Dha Ni = third tempo

Sa Ni Dha Ga Pa Dha Ni

Sa Ni Dha Ni

Dha ni Sa = first tempo

Dha ni Sa

Ma Dha Ni = first tempo

Ma Dha Ni

Dha ni Sa = first tempo

Dha ni Sa

Ma Dha Ni = first tempo

Ma Dha Ni

Ma Dha Ni Sa = thrid tempo

Ma Dha Ni Sa

Sa Ni Dha Ma = thrid tempo

Sa Ni Dha Ma

Swavarali Varisaigal = 2 times same swara

Ma Ma ga ga Sa Sa Ni Ni = thrid tempo

Sa Sa Ni Ni Dha Dha Ni Ni

Sa Sa Ni Ni Dha Dha Ma Ma

Sa Sa Ni Ni Dha Dha Ga Ga Re Re sa sa

Ni Ni Sa sa Sa

Ni Dha Sa sa sa

Ma Ga Sa sa sa

(tempo=speed)

I hope that my guessing was right. In case you might find some mistake, please write a comment, I would be more than glad to know. "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new"....

Making Barbie a Desi-Ladki

2009-04-30T23:51:00.028+02:00

Let me introduce you to Kumari Radha!

I must confess that the title of this post sounds a bit weird... or maybe too weird... Today I made my first attempt in making Barbie a Saree (a dress worn primarily by Hindu women; consisting of several yards of light material that is draped around the body).

I hope you enjoy watching the photos. And if you need some advice on how to make one; feel free to let me know.

Meaning of name Radha: 'Success'

Short Briefing on EU Law - Introductory Part

2009-04-29T08:50:00.027+02:00

Before delving into the world of 'Law' or for being more specific European Law (short: EU Law) I would like to introduce you to the term European Union. The EU is an economic and political union of 27 'Member States' (in short MS). These MS are primarily located in Europe or at all outside Europe. The EU was established by the Treaty of Maastricht on 1 November 1993 upon the foundation of the pre-existing European Economic Community.

Here a short overview of how Europe Integrated into a Single Community (European Integration):

1952 (Paris): ECSC= European Coal and Steel Community. Member States that integrated this Community were France, Italy, Germany, Benelux. This Community lived a time period from 1952 till 2002 (approximately 50 years).

1958 (Rome): EAEC; EEC - European Coal and Steel Community

1965: Merger Treaty (Council, Commission) composed by: 3 MS, 1 Commission, 1 Council, and 1 high Authority.

1966: Luxembourg Compromise (1st Crisis of the EU: France disputes with the other Member States)

1973: So called Europe of 9 - UK, Ireland and Denmark froms part of the Community

1981: Greece is integrated into the Community

1986: Spain and Portugal - Europe of 12

1987: SEA = Single European Act

Introduction of an Internal Market Aim (border crossing character - can be regarded as Imports/Exports, exchange of services and workers among Europe of 12 without barriers hindering trade)
"EU" aim

1993: TEU = The Maastricht Treaty (The current European Union is founded upon this existing Treaty)

- Introduction of an Economic and Monetary Union (EMU): Single currency "the €uro"

- Three-pillar-structure of the EU:

P1: ECSC; EAEC; E(E)C - Accronyms of the different types of the existing Communities
P2: CFSP= Common Foreign and Security Policy
P3: JHA= Justice and Home Affairs

- Introduction of the term: Citizenship of the Union

- EP: Co-decision procedure (done by the Council and the Parliament)

- The former EECT (Treaty) changed to ECT - European Community Treaty; commonly spoken as EC Treaty.

1995: Sweden, Finland and Austria join the EU - now Europe of 15

1999: ToA = Treaty of Amsterdam (this is a review on the former Treaty of Maastricht of 1993) focusing more or less in:

Parts of Pillar 3 - Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) were integrated into the EC Treaty (EC Treaty)
Flexible Integration
Extension of co-decision procedure
The ECT = European Community Treaty is often refered as EC...

2000: EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: created during the 1960's integrated and created by the Court of Justice in 2000. These Fundamental Rights are not found in the present EC Treaty, but would become bidning its in entire so if the Lisbon Treaty comes into force.

2003: Treaty of Nice (TN) in force: Institutional reform!

2004: Accesion of 10 other MS: Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovenia, The slovak Republic, the Czech Republic

2007: Accession of Bulgaria and Romania

2009: Treaty of Lisbon?

My first 'Karnatac' Lesson

2009-04-27T20:27:00.024+02:00

Have you ever wonder how many things one can learn while seconds, minutes, days, months... years, etc., keep on passing? One can never learn enough! That's what I believe. According to a Buddhist Proverb: When the student is ready, the master appears... and so was I for my first Karnatac Music Lesson (also called Carnatic music).

For some of you who are not aware of the term Carnatic Music and/or Karnatac Music is the classical music of South India. In India you can find two types of music: the classical Carnatic music and the Hindustani music which was developed in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent.

Carnatic music is exclusively devotional due to the fact that most of the songs are addressed to the Hindu Deitis. Performing a dance with Karnatic music - in other words performing a bharatnatyam piece of dance its offered as a religious service.

The basics of Karnatac music:

One of the two main components is 'raaga'. A 'raaga' is essentially the 'music' (a raaga can be defined as patterns basically used in the Indian classical music). The second main component is the Talam which is more or less a rythmic cycle. Carnatic music also makes use of a Sruti which is a sort of background music from which the note from all other different tones are derived. The solfege in Carnatic music is "sa-ri-ga-ma-pa-da-ni" and each member of the solfege is called 'swara'.

A particular characteristic in Carnatic music is the Talam which the singers keep on performing by beating with their hand their lap. Those beats are the rythmic cycles formed with three basic movements: lowering the palm of the nad into the thigh, lowering a specified number of fingers in a sequence starting from the little finger, and turning the hand over. This basic hand and finger movements are group into three units:

-The laghu where the palm is lowered and then the fingers.

-The dhrtam where the palm is lowered in first place and then turned over.

-The anudhrtam where only the palm is lowered.

These three units are being used while performing the Talam - rythmic cycle. Seven types of can be found:

-Dhruva talam (formed of laghu,dhrtam, laghu and laghu)

-Matya talam (formed of laghu, dhrtam and laghu)

-Rupaka talam (formed of dhrtam and laghu)

-Jhampa talam (formed of laghu, anudhrtam and dhrtam)

-Triputa talam (formed of laghu, dhrtam and dhrtam)

-Ata Talam (formed of laghu, laghu, dhrtam dhrtam)

-Eka talam (only formed of a laghu)

Once I was aware of the basics and components of Karnatac music, I proceed by reading the swaras. I read each swara around 10 times to get familiar to the way how it is pronunce and chant. From first glance I thought it would be easy, it started become more and more difficult once I was asked to chant them... and yeah! I needed to chant them exactly the way the 'lecturer' was doing. The first times we chant them on a slow tempo... with the time the tempo started increasing... there were times I was left out of breathe...

But, the fun wasnt yet started, it only started namely when I was asked to perform the Talam (this was the Adi-Talam: one of the most common Talams used in Karnatac music) while chanting. Wow! that was really complicated. I got either lost in the chanting or in the beating... Finally, I manage to sort of chant and beat at the same time... (what a though job I would say... and mostly when I felt all the time out of breathe ... ;-))

We proceed by chanting new excercises and examples.... the difficult arose even more when the exercise of Jaintai Varisaigal came into picture. This exercise consisted of repeating each 'swara' two times; eg.:

sasa-riri-gaga-mama-papa-dada-nini... Personally I found this exercise a bunch of fun... while practicing I ended up forming words like pipi, baba, mami, nani, nina, etc... ;-) try it out :-)

So that's it for now... I will have to keep on practicing... and yeah I will have to practice the chanting... for how long???? Who knows... We'll see!

-----------------------------

This is an example of a Sruti (this was the one we used for practicing):

The Talam (rythmic cycle-most commonly used: Adi-Talam-composed of 8 beats):

On my way to discover Bharatnatyam

2009-04-24T18:52:00.011+02:00

In the past days I have been reading and researching on Bharatnatyam. I will be writing more about my findings in next couple of days. Just wanted to share with all readers the 'blessings' I have seeked from 'Nataraja' the greatest Cosmic Dancer, my Guru.

Life is a fantastic story

2009-04-19T11:08:00.008+02:00

After such a long time I had the chance to open a blog for posting some of my deepest thoughts and daily life experiences. I always wanted to start with, and I was really encouraged by my friend Tara. I used to come with the excuse: I'll do it tomorrow, I'll have time tomorrow. This tomorrow never came... now after so many 'tomorrows' I finally did it and I am happy and glad about it.

About the title of my blog: Life is a fantastic story!...

I can say it really is... because it's never the same for each of us, it doesnt happen in a routine and of course it has its ups and downs... So I can say loudly: Life is a fantastic story... You have the opportunity to choose whether to live it to your fullest, be risk friendly, risk averse, or only ignore to live...

I end up this first post with a quote from Ben Stein:

"The first step to get the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want"

About the first photo on my blog:

This is Ganesha, a Hindu God (also known as Ganapati). Ganesha is revered as the Remover of Obstacles, the Lord of Beginnings, the patron of all arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. The photo I have uploaded in this post was taken from the small Hindu-Home-Temple I had while staying in the US.

Why did I choose Ganesha? Well, I think he is the Lord of all Beginnings and might he bring blessings to all readers of my Blog.