The Flickr Mallu Image Generatr

A model waits patiently in ethnic finery at the Tijara bastion/ fort on a shoot for Amazon. The floral and birds motif is quite a popular one in the East of India where kantha is an embroidery art form quite akin to quilting with bright colors. Kalamkari in Punjab area is also quite akin in terms of the color palette.

This has been shot on one of the early Pixel 3 phones of Google and does not have tack sharp rendition but suffice it is for a 2018 smart phone. The latest avatars are highly advanced in comparison.

The Kantha art form in India is a stunning testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship. Originating from the rural regions of West Bengal, this traditional embroidery technique utilizes old sarees and shawls, transforming them into exquisite pieces of art. Each stitch tells a story, often reflecting the daily lives and experiences of the women who create them.

Kantha is not just an art form; it embodies sustainability by repurposing fabric that might otherwise go to waste. The intricate patterns and designs are often complemented by Kalamkari, another traditional Indian art that involves hand-painting or block-printing on fabric. This harmonious blend of Kantha and Kalamkari showcases the vibrant colors and motifs that are synonymous with Indian textiles.

For those looking to explore or support this beautiful craft, numerous resources are available online and in local markets. From workshops to artisan fairs, engaging with Kantha not only helps preserve this age-old tradition but also celebrates the creativity and resilience of its artisans. Embracing Kantha is truly embracing a piece of India's soul.


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The Chinese fishing nets of Cochin and its surrounding areas are a remarkable testament to the rich maritime heritage of Kerala. These iconic structures, known locally as "Cheena Vala," are not only a unique method of fishing but also a fascinating blend of history and culture. Believed to have been introduced by Chinese traders during the time of Sinbad the Sailor, these nets reflect an intriguing chapter in the story of global trade and cultural exchange.

On any given day, as you stroll along the shores of Fort Kochi, it's hard not to admire the artistry involved in operating these colossal contraptions. The sheer ingenuity behind their design is awe-inspiring; each net is balanced with weights that allow fishermen to lower and raise them with grace, capturing fish in a way that feels almost choreographed. This ancient technique has stood the test of time, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of local fishermen who still rely on it today.

The charm of Chinese fishing nets extends beyond their functionality; they serve as a symbol of Kerala's diverse influences and its vibrant history. Visitors often find themselves captivated by their beauty at sunset when they cast long shadows over tranquil waters—a perfect moment for reflection on how traditions like these continue to thrive amidst modernity.

Here it is not a solitary net in operation but a huddle of them with a profusion of colors. Not the most aesthetic sight but then you rarely see such colorful nets and in such abundance.

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Kavady is a term used in Sanskrit for a harness on ones shoulder used for balancing a load. In its modern day usage it is more a religious assignment of balancing ones life or commitment to the principles of goodness.

You may have heard of Thai Poosam which has enough visual mind space on exotic and arcane rites of the Hindus as believers. Most of it now a days originates from Malaysia and South Africa where there are significant numbers of Tamil Hindu populations who settled down there centuries ago.


I witnessed one deep religious and serious Kaavady ceremony in Trivandrum in Kerala in March 2008. I drove down from Cochin early in the morning for the shoot.

We have a seasoned and middle aged Penitent here who may have perhaps gone through piercing many a times before. Here he carries a metal frame adorned with spears and he sports a few on his face and body. It is perhaps the back which is full of metal hooks piercing the skin.

Doctor Robin and I were there to shoot and it was solemn and a serious affair and the belief unbelievable. For the first time in my life I saw no smiling faces of piety. The faces were all half in trance and wore expressions of solemn seriousness that was unnerving at most times. The reason for that was evident in a rather short while.


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At the Bull Races in Kerala, ever so often, the bulls would do their own thing. The jockeys and the bull racers with their leashes and their sticks would be quite unable to control their racing bulls.

Here another pair of bulls has just taken off from the starting line

The excitement or the agonised expectation and apprehension is writ large on the faces of the runners and jockeys naked from the waist up is there to see

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One of the performers getting ready for his tryst with Godly destiny.

Inspite of it being January, it was dark and hot and sweaty in Kannur in the arena where Theyyam was going to be performed.

Yellow turmeric powder is visible much in the frame.

Most dancers are in a state of trance as they become God for the duration of the performance.


Theyyam is a dance form from Northern Kerala and it is a precursor to the more well known Kathakali that is well known to the world.

In 2007, about 9 years ago, the world at large had not heard or seen photos of Theyyam performances and the feats of the Men who are Gods for just a day. Courtsey a textile magnate from Kannur and a Malayalee flickr contact, I managed to shoot the dance form on two separate days.

The experience was wonderful and the photograph(s) were very well accepted internationally and published and circulated widely. The photographic community woke up to this wonderful photo opportunity and today every photographer who claims to be a photographer must have Theyyam photos or else he has not really made the cut. Much like the Ladakh scenario in India.

Another Theyyam photo made it to hoardings and displays in Central and South America as banner for a Discovery TV serial called Auto De Fe and more interest was ignited.
Photo tours started coming and I was approached on numerous occasions to lead such groups but by then I had left Kerala.


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One of the performers getting ready for his tryst with Godly destiny.

Inspite of it being January, it was dark and hot and sweaty in Kannur in the arena where Theyyam was going to be performed.

Yellow turmeric powder based dabs on the chest, an orange patinaof herbal concoctions for the face and the headgeat of red, white and black made emphatic presence even as the perforner already in a state of semi trance sat patiently.

Theyyam time is for superlative tales of bravery, ancient treacheries and ordeals that the Theyyam performer must g through to earn a miserly living while playing God for the upper caste society of North Kerala.

It is a unique tradition and a ritual where the theyyam performer is God himself for the duration of the enactment. Tranced out in devotion superlative feats can be performed

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In the south of India and in countries like Malyasia and Singapore where large populations of Tamil Indians reside you see it celebrated with great show and is also known as "Thai Poosam"

Thai being a month of January/Febrauary in the local calendar and poosam referring to the star at its zenith. The mythology for the festival is complex and if you are interested For more on Thai Poosam and Kaavady

Roads in India are a microcosm of culture and life.Here we have 4 penitents hanging on hooks that are pierced in their bodies. It is show boating and a declaration of faith and penitence to show the victory of Lord Murugan.
It is a dangerous business for sure with traffic flowing on the road and life going on as usual.


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