Aanapandhal

If you’ve ever attended or seen on TV a temple festival in Kerala, you might have noticed a tall and beautifully decorated structure where the elephants stand in all their glory. This is called an Aanapandhal.

An Aanapandhal is usually built using betel nut palm trees and bamboo. It serves as the stage or resting area for decorated elephants during temple festivals, especially during the grand celebrations known as Vela or Pooram.

What makes these structures special is their design. Many Aanapandhals are created as replicas of famous temples, palaces, or traditional buildings, complete with intricate decorations and lights. When illuminated at night, they become a breathtaking sight and a highlight of the festival.

Here are some pictures of illuminated Aanapandhals from past Nemmara Velas, showcasing the creativity, devotion, and craftsmanship that go into building them every year.

Blood moon of September 2025

Sharing a few shots from my attempt to capture this year’s blood moon. It was happening right outside my window, and I just couldn’t resist pointing my camera at it. The photos may not be perfect, but the experience was too captivating not to share!

Kambalathara

My visit to hometown is not complete without a day out with my close buddies. They always find some hidden gems where we can spend a day or two, unwind, and relive our college memories.

One such trip was to a scenic spot called Kambalathara, a catchment area of a dam in Palakkad. The view was calm and refreshing, with old palm trees partly submerged in water and coconut farms stretching along the waterline.

As we walked around, we noticed a lady passing by with her herd of goats. It’s not a common sight these days, and it added a rustic charm to the moment.

We reached the place by mid-day, carrying snacks and stories, and settled down by the water. The hours passed quickly, filled with laughter and quiet breaks in between. Before we knew it, the sun was setting. We couldn’t leave without capturing a few golden hour snaps to freeze the beauty of the evening.

Temple Visits in Palakkad

During my holidays over the past couple of years, I visited several temples in Palakkad. Many of them are quite old and have a lot of history behind them.

What I liked most was seeing the traditional Kerala-style architecture – sloping roofs, wooden carvings, and spacious courtyards. Some temples were small and quiet, while others were larger and busier, especially during festival times.

Each visit was a nice break in the day. The peaceful surroundings, temple ponds, river flowing by and shaded walkways made the experience very calming. 

We stopped for tea outside one of the temples. It was a small shop, simple but welcoming. As we sat there, we noticed a bird sitting right next to the shop owner. He smiled and told us that this bird comes every day for its morning snack.

Back to the Little Things: A Fresh Set of Macro Flower Photos

It’s been a while since I shared any macro shots, especially of flowers—something I’ve always loved capturing. While I’ve still been posting photos here and there, getting back into macro feels a bit like catching up with an old friend.

There’s something truly captivating about focusing on the small details—the textures of a petal, the way light hits tiny stamens, or the colors hidden in the heart of a bloom. Taking these photos reminded me why I started macro photography in the first place. 

I'm excited to finally share a new set of macro flower images here.