Oldest Thengapattanam news from other site -BTMJ,Hindu
A place to unwind
| Thengapattanam: Go there if you can find it, says SOMA BASU |
The Kerala border is still a distance away but if God had his own country, then this must be it. Forty-five kilometres before Thiruvananthapuram, on the road from Nagercoil, I discover this secluded place after poring over maps for hidden or lesser-known destinations that might hold out exotic appeal. The chances are you haven’t heard of Thengapattanam, but believe you me it scores a perfect 10.
The unruly Arabian sea lashes against rocks in this coastal village which, as its name suggests, is replete with coconut trees and which is located on the fringe of an estuary formed by the Valiyar, a tributary of the Tamiraparani. Oddly enough, what is absent is almost as striking as what is present. The vast emptiness of the beach, the striking lack of milling crowds and picknicking tourists. The only thing in between the crashing sea and the crystal clear backwaters are fishing huts.
Thengapattanam is all about geography, but it has a history too. Born some 2,000 years ago, it was an important town during the days of Chera Nadu, when trade relations existed with the Middle East and the Arab world. Until 1956, it was part of the Travancore State. According to local legend, about 1200 years ago, a contemporary and disciple of the Holy Prophet came to Thengapattanam and built a Juma Masjid called Valiya Palli. Along with this ancient mosque, four small and newer mosques were added in time, which together lend a certain religious antiquity to the place. Today, this quaint little village is home to 800 families. Almost invariably, each family has one or more male members working in the Gulf. Every house has a view, being laid out in such a manner that it opens out on the beach. A network of waterways, the calm of the backwaters, the carpet of paddy fields, the mountainous backdrop and the ubiquitous coconut groves together lend this place its special charm. The star attractions, however, are the sight of tall waves ceaselessly crashing against the rocks and the Pozhi, the merging of the river with the sea. The estuary is one of five on the East Coast. Boat rides are about the only organised activity in this place, but if you are the kind of person who likes to spend hours idling away on the beach, then Thengapattanam could be the place for you. Not much to do in these parts, except Unwind.
Getting there can be tricky. Reaching Thengapattanam from Nagercoil and then heading out to the beach involves traversing through a number of narrow lanes and by-lanes of this sleepy village. Ask for directions whenever you can find someone to do so; otherwise you might get lost. Thengapattanam does attract the occasional visitor, but it is still largely undiscovered. Its residents say they would love to welcome tourists, but the place is not on the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department’s map. Not yet anyway. The State Government plans to set up a fish-landing facility, which angers locals, who would prefer their area to be developed as a tourist destination. So much so, a group of youth has developed a website which specifically disseminates information about this lost paradise. My advice: go there before it is reclaimed.
via: http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/06/26/stories/2004062600450100.htm
Young UK singer plans a comeback
|
BRITISH singer Victor Michael is returning to Bahrain to perform at the British Club’s Variety Autumn Ball later this month. He performed to a sell-out audience at the club in February and is billed as one of the most exciting young, multi-talented performers to emerge onto the current scene. His musical repertoire includes songs from stage performances and shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love and other modern favourites. Also back by popular demand will be comedian Andy Leach. Having performed in more than 25 different countries around the world, including Bosnia, the Falkland Islands, China and Africa to name a few, Andy has proved that he is capable of making people laugh the world over. The event will also feature a performance by newcomer to Bahrain, singer LeeAnn James. Compere and DJ Ian Lee will complete the line-up at the event, which takes place on October 25. Tickets, on sale now at the club reception, are priced at BD18 for members and BD20 for guests, inclusive of a buffet dinner. For more information, contact the club reception on 17728245. 25 years of charity Bahrain Thengapattanam Muslim Jama’ath will celebrate its silver jubilee on Sunday at the Anarath Hall, Hoora, at 6pm. Indian Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty will be the chief guest and Tamil Social and Cultural Association founder and Asian Traders of Pearl and Gold Jewellery Committee member Mohammed Hussain Malim will be the guest of honour. The society comprises more than 250 non-resident Indians hailing from Thengapattanam, a village in Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, India. Since its inception in 1982, the Jama’ath has been actively engaged in philanthropic, charitable activities towards helping the poor and ailing people, say organisers. An official souvenir and website for the Jama’ath will be launched at the event. For more information, call 39726257, 39244347, 39446930 or visit www.thengapattanam.com |
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=196326
A place to unwind Thengapattanam: Go there if you can find it, says SOMA BASU The Kerala border is still a distance away but if God had his own country, then this must be it. Forty-five kilometres before Thiruvananthapuram, on the road from Nagercoil, I discover this secluded place after poring over…