Most of us have some
prized possessions or precious keep sakes, they may not be expensive in cost
but their presence gives us comfort vibes. Some possessions are brought, some
gifted and some come as heirlooms. Those that come as heirlooms represent our family
history and are loaded with family memories. Every time you run your fingers
over them or see them it could give you tingles and that “feel good” factor.
I have inherited many such
heirlooms some of which are my precious keepsakes. Each treasure comes with a
special story that makes me feel blessed to be a part of this lovely family.
Among the many I have, my most treasured heirloom is the Pallankuzhi. It is a native game of India
which was more popular much before the satellite era. It comes with a foldable
panel and has two sides. Each side has 7 cavities into which coins are dropped.
Coins are in the form of tamarind seeds/ cowries. In days of yore, this game aided people in counting and also every time you
drop the coin or swipe the cavity, the nerve ending on your fingertips gets
activated which developed not just motor skills but also sensory skills
like visual skills and hand/eye co-ordination. But, more than all this, was a
fun game for me whenever I visited my Grandparents place. We cousins would play
against each other/ with our aunts, uncles & grand mom. The game suitable
for all ages was not complicated and helped young ones bond with the elders.
Of all the cousins,
it was I who was fond of this game and so paati many years later gave it to me and ever
since then this pallankuzhi which stores some of my childhood family
moments is with me.
I did not want to take
away the antiquity of the brown teak wood piece and so added an antique finish
polish which still retains its history. My most cherished heirloom occupies a
place of pride in my home.
This post is my
entry for the ‘My Most Memorable Memento’ contest conducted by My Yatra Diary travel blog and Indian Coupons."
Excellent post Hope you win. I remember Pallankuzhi. I also remember the aadu-puli aattam (15 goats vs 3 tigers). Nobody can beat our grand mother who was 80 years old.
ReplyDeleteNever played aadu puli aatam, though i have heard about it. so, you too played with your grandmom. thank you SG.
DeleteDo you still remember how to play pallankuzhi ?? In my younger days it was considered a "feminine" game as opposed to running around the playfield !! So never learnt it :(
ReplyDeletePreserve it carefully, for its one of those things that is dying out and such heirlooms are wonderful to keep.
Oh, was it a "feminine game"? Did'nt know this. I have taught this to my children and till a couple of summers back, my children and their friends would play this game in summer breaks especially noons. Thank you, Ramesh. yes sure, will preserve.
DeleteWow! I learn yet something new on your blog! Was not aware of this game Pallankuzhi and that heirloom looks absolutely amazing! Thanks for tagging me and wishing you the very best for the contest, Asha :)
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a game of south india, shilpa. Though it is popular in south africa too under a different name. This game has now gone online. Thank you, shilpa.
DeleteIt was mandatory to have this game in every family in those days.
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky you got to keep it. Now we hardly get to see these games.
They are still available Rama. There are many foundations now to revive the native games like "Kreeda" and "Marabu". 10 years back they were available in upmarket stores like lifestyle, odyssey, crossword under the brand name "Kreeda". Not sure now, though. Thank you, Rama:)
DeleteLoved reading this post! Yes, this used to be a part of the family while I was growing up. But it seems like I missed the fun because I was always into books than games. The way you described it, I felt as if I should go back in time to those long summer vacations when cousins would excitedly play this game and with the elders watching on.
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed that you have it with you. These are the little treasures in our journey of life that mark us out as distinct, beautiful souls. Loved this post so much, keep writing and inspiring.
Oh! how I wish we could time travel. Even i want to go back in time and experience all these, Swapna. Thank you Swapna for such a lovely comment.
DeleteRenu has left a new comment on your post "My most memorable memento - Pallankuzhi":
ReplyDeleteI nevr knew about this game..Thank you Asha for this info ! and all the best for contest!!!
Sorry Renu, your comment got deleted while publishing from my mobile. Will take care next time and thank you for the comment.
DeleteGreat post.
ReplyDeleteParticipate in iCynosure's International Blogoversary Giveaway and win cool hampers - http://www.icynosure.in/2014/03/intl-blogoversary-giveaway.html
Thank you, Heena:)
DeleteGood to have something old from the family. They did right by giving it to you as they know you will take care of it (going by your interest in the game)
ReplyDeleteyeah feels nice to have some old forgotten things. Thank you haddock for the visit and comment:)
DeleteYour article is very helpful thank you very much for sharing .
ReplyDeleteThat was something new for me too... Looked beautiful ... very vintage... :)
ReplyDelete