Maveli Dreams

Little yellow circular pleasures – kaya chips they say in Kerala..

They froth and swim in a dreamy pool of coconut oil..

A bit crispy, a bit damp, a bit of mother’s touch..

They pop into ecstasy and announce the arrival of Onam.

 

Plucking flowers and shredding leaves

Flitting butterflies bursting into colours

A tradition of ‘pookkalam’ erupts every morning

Beautifying the courtyard of every Malayalee

 

Banana leaves swaying and waiting

The coconut flakes melting into curries

The rich ‘ada’ dissolving into milky oceans of payasam

Grand Onam feast is ready – colours and calories aplenty

 

The cottony white mundu caressing the resplendent gold ‘kasavu’

Ebony oily tresses cascading down the damsel ‘mangas’ of Kerala

Traditional weaves and handloom warps brimming with pride

Beauty, couture and culture draping the Onam ready Malayalees

 

Eyes brim with Maveli dreams of prosperity

Minds afloat with hopes of Maveli times of future

Masked – yet the smiles trickle out

Sanitized- yet the hands reach out to help another

 

The Malayalee awaits…Maveli days of cheer