Shining in Glory!
Published January 4, 2010 | Kochiites witnessed a spectacular star put up for display with a grand curtain raiser and inaugural function on 17th December. But little would a common man have thought that this star from their own city would make it to the Guinness World records. One look at it and anyone would agree that it is huge, awesome and only one of its kind. But to make it to the record book – not many things and people from Kerala have been fortunate enough for that.
However, the world real estate major Apple who deserve the credit for this Mas star did have this hope in mind when they set out to construct this Ornamental star out of 1400 kg of steel. It was the hard work of 40 talented and accomplished workers who toiled by it for 6 days and nights, that made this 103.8 tall and 72 feet wide star a reality.
Designed by Mr. Zubin Manjummal and Mr Anil Ayroor, the star made Apple A day Properties, a Kerala-basedreal estate firm proud by making it the first construction company in India to enter the Guinness Book of records. The Editor in Chief (Guinness Book of World Records), Craig Glenday presented the recognition certificate to Rajeev Kumar Cheruvara, Director and Saju Kadavilan, Managing Director, Apple A Day properties on December 31st.
This largest X’Mas ornament star of the world has been erected and put up for public display near the South Over Bridge in Cochin and if you have not had a glance of the star yet, it is indeed worth the drive and the appalling traffic block near the bridge.
An extended weekend holiday for Malayalees
Published December 30, 2009 | 
An extended weekend holiday- The fun loving Malayalees could not have asked for more on the New Year eve as their gift! Most of them are on a hangover of an extended Christmas holiday. This year as the Christmas happened to be on a Friday, many organizations declared a holiday on Saturday, to complete the weekend fun. It was then a nondescript regional political party came up with a hartal call in Kerala on Tuesday, which extended the holiday by a couple of days more.
Many families made the most of this unexpected holiday bonanaza by making trips to near by tourist spots and hill stations while others were getting ready for their maiden cruise experience now that Cochin is home to a cruise operator with handy cruise options on offer including Cochin- Colombo and Cochin- Maldives sector. The prices are attractive and for many it was a dream come true opportunity that they do not want to miss out at any cost. As the New Year celebrations and excitement is already in the air, you cannot expect full attendance in Government offices till next week and as usual the lay man is left high and dry!
Festive 'spirits' in Kerala
Published December 29, 2009 | 
Christmas and New Year celebrations are about traditions, fun and merriment. But in the ‘God’s own country’ of Kerala, New Year is more about a heady dose of liquor than anything else. Celebration or mourning Malayaless have endorsed liquor as their best companion. It is paradoxical to note that Kerala, which takes credit for being the most literate State in India also tops the list of the highest per capita liquor consumption in the country. The state-owned Kerala State Beverages Corporation Ltd, the sole distributor of IMFL ( Indian Made Foreign Liquor) records an all time high in its sales during Onam, Christmas and New Year.
This year for Christmas, Chalakudi, a nondescript town in Trichur District had the dubious distinction of having the highest per capita liquor consumption in the country when its locals blew up a staggering 18.70 lakhs on this dark intoxicating liquid while the total sales during Christmas recorded an all time high of 55.08 Crores! Every season the IMFL sales are breaking their own record and that too during one of the worst economical recessions that is currently on! With New year only a few hours away, the coffers of the Beverages Corporation is expected to see yet another surge this weekend!
The sale of foreign liquor in Kerala is channelled through 300 beverages outlets and around 500 bars. The actual sale of foreign liquor could be much higher than the available figures as the spirits gulped down in bars do not figure in this account. It is interesting to note that Malayaless have a penchant for Rum, which accounts for more than 60 percent of the total sale. Brandy and beer come in the next two slots. Whisky does not feature in the favorite list of beverages of Malayalees unlike in the other parts of the world, where it is one of the most popular spirits. So , Kerala is all set to be in high ‘spirits’ literally this festive season. Who cares whether Alcohol consumption is injurious to health or not as long as it brings a few smiles to the user and a few quick bucks to the Government coffers!
So many Santas; what's the deal?
Published December 23, 2009 | 
Go to any lane or bye-lane in Kochi, or for that matter any city or town in Kerala at Christmas time and you will find one or sometimes many Santas roaming about. Of course this does add to the festive mood. But if you observe a bit too carefully, you’d see in the eyes of Santa a very strange kind of gleam. No, don’t be mistaken; for it has got nothing to do with the spirit of Christmas. The gleam that you see is akin to the gleam that’s apparent in the eyes of a shopkeeper eager to get his customers.
Yes, Santa is hot business in Kerala. Get a red-robe (hey, I happened to see a Santa wearing a nightie and a plastic mask), a good Santa mask and a couple of kids to accompany you and just scout the shops and homes near you and earn some quick bucks. The business requires no credentials or prior reputation. Lots of new entrants every season for the Santa business.
Of course I am no cynic. I do agree that the ‘Santa business’ is worth encouraging. While it solves the unemployment problem at least momentarily, it does add to the festive mood to. Hail Santa! Hail Christmas!
The Christmas and New Year celebrations in Karmakerala
Published December 19, 2009 | 
It was a dream come true for all of us. The 4th anniversary celebrations of Karmakerala coupled with the Christmas and New year festivities were celebrated on the 18th of December with much fun and fanfare. The office was decked up with decorations, balloons and festoons and the day started with a funny award distribution ceremony where awards like ‘loud speaker award’ ‘baby award’ and ‘Gandhiji’ award were distributed in recognition to some of the staff members for their personal attributes.
There were skits, carols and musical programmes to add variety. The party mood was very much in the air as music and dance lend an air of celebration to the milieu. The brief round up of the performance of HMGT in the year 2009 and the proposed plan of action for the year 2010 presented by our boss Mr. Tejal Vasudevan, was the most important item in the day’s itinerary.
The refreshments and a sumptuous luncheon ensured a welcome break in between the cultural activities and high decibel activities around. Everyone exchanged gifts with their respective Christmas friends and as every gift wrap was opened there were loud applause and cheer. Some of the other events included musical chair and funny competitions like drawing the moustache and putting the ‘bindi’ for girls and boys respectively.
It turned out to be an ideal bet to chuck out the work pressures and to keep the team in good spirit. As they say all good things must come to an end; and so did this well planned day. But at the end of the day, it turned out to be an enjoyable day and a perfect icebreaker that made us feel really special for being part of the enterprising HMGT family.
Indulge in the festive spirit
Published December 23, 2008 | Come December and the Christmas celebration will be very much in the air in Kerala ; shimmering lights bathing the streets, Christmas trees decorated with colorful add-ons and twinkling Xmas stars, the aroma of freshly baked ginger cakes and cookies wafting through the innumerable chimneys and a deluge of friends and relatives who make a goodwill visit to their brethren- everything speaks for Christmas. Markets hum with avid Xmas shoppers who shop till they drop rummaging through the countless stores that offer the latest clothes, tree decorations, cakes, wine and fire crackers,
The season’s spirit reaches its crescendo as the D day draws in, when the streets will be crowded with people on their way to attend the midnight mass or to hobnob at the various shopping malls to get a feel of the pulse of the festivities. The best part of Christmas is that it falls in the winter season when the nature is at its best to notch up the partying mood to feverish pitch.
The mere mention of Christmas is enough to summon the image of the famous icon of Santa Claus in snow white beard and red attire, Christmas carols and creamy rich cakes! Wayside shopping malls will be graced by life size Santa while the boisterous kids make a few fast bucks by going from door to door , singing carols and beating drums with the Santa in bright red attire stealing the show. Nonetheless in the break neck speed of today’s high technology world, Christmas traditions are gradually being lost. But don’t you think that the traditional Christmas with all the merriment and grandeur of the old days was the perfect time to slow things down and to plunge into the party mood? It’s a time for a family get together or a well deserved vacation for many.
People usher in the Christmas spirit by decorating the Christmas tree. The traditional crib of the Jesus with the wax or glass models of the three kings and the other characters forming an inevitable part of the decorations. Not forgetting the Christmas music and lip smacking eggnog that would ensure everyone the right spirit. No Christmas is complete without a grand feast. Turkeys, a variety of meat preparations, soups, cookies, pies, and hot cider are all staples for a heady Christmas celebration.
Then there is always the Santa Claus to hand over the Xmas presents for everyone in the family. The Christmas evening offers the best possible options; you can either choose a quiet evening in the company of your dear and near ones or set out on a holiday to some holiday spot. Remember, the bottom line of all festivities is to ensure fun, frolic and merriment.
Christmas- the festival of hope
Published December 19, 2008 | Kerala is decking up to celebrate yet another Christmas and New year with gaiety and religious fervour. Though the global meltdown has played spoil sport, the overall milieu is upbeat and festive. People are picking up Christmas trees , lights, stars and other paraphernalia from road side vendors and Chinese shops to save that extra penny.
The absence of discount offers in electronics and garment sectors has dampened the shopping frenzy of Keralites, who shop big during the festival season to make good use of the discount offers and freebies on offer. Most of the shop keepers are playing their cards safely without going overboard with eye popping offers and frills unlike in the past.
Ready to eat Christmas feasts and parties are likely to be the order of the day with caterers luring the potential customers and housewives by catchy slogans and advertisements, which entice them to keep off from the kitchen heat on this D- day. Take home parcels are huge hits as these relieve the ladies of the house from the dreary and elaborate cooking sessions.
Kids are always kids, global recession or not! Parents will have a tough time convincing them to shop light this festive season. Crackers, cakes and cookies top the shopping list of kids and these too fall in the high price bracket. However, the customary travel plans and holiday ideas that go hand in hand with festival season remain unchanged as fuel prices have plummeted. Families are making elaborate travel plans to celebrate Christmas and to usher in the New Year this vacation; though a few might choose to spend their time visiting their friends and brethren and spend a tranquil yet happy weekend this year.
Pre-Christmas party celebrated with fervour
Published December 19, 2007 | 
Cochin, December 19
Christmas celebration seems to have gripped the heavenly state with decoration and preparation to embrace the festivity knocking at the door. But it seems celebration has started, this time it was Pre-Christmas bash of Karma Kerala. The young team of Karma Kerala who usually stays busy designing memorable holidays for people was seen in the thick of action. Along with Karma Kerala team, the team of the Globe Health Tours were also there to grace the occasion. Well all men donned a new look with their traditional attire mundu as the dress code. Meanwhile girls were sparkling with their colourful costumes and big smiles on their faces making the evening more pleasant.
The party was organised in a lavish venue on the eleventh floor of the apartment with an aerial view over the city. The party was not less than any rocking Christmas bash with gifts, drinks, cakes, camera flashes, lot of things going on around. Everyone was enjoying the party in their own way, getting out of their working routine and adding a new colour to their lives.