Whispers of Alappuzha: Life, Craft, and the Timeless Flow of the Backwaters
In the heart of Alappuzha backwaters, where life flows with the gentle rhythm of the lagoons, dawn breaks quietly as the mist shrouds the landscape. Meanwhile, the still waters lie beneath a white blanket, seamlessly blurring the boundary between earth and sky. Additionally, birds call softly from unseen places, their melodies floating in the crisp morning air like nature’s song.
Silent Journey A village man rows through the misty waters, calm and serene.
Quiet Depths The backwaters lie still, hidden beneath a veil of mist.
A lone villager paddles through the mist, his boat making a silent path on the glassy surface. With every stroke of the paddle, my mind feels as if he is indeed in touch with the still waters. The timeless Kerala backwater villages, holding their mysteries deep within.
Silent Glide Two potters in a boat, moving through the mist.
Clay Laden Boat with fresh clay.
Here, amidst the mist and silence, life breathes slowly, and time stretches endlessly – I begin my story from this snow-capped moment, telling the story of the people of Alappuzha’s pottery tradition and its timeless beauty.
Creating Tradition A face that recalls the earth’s past.
Awakening Dawn Dawn breaks over Alappuzha, revealing a peaceful landscape of mist, fields, and calm waters.
Before the first light of dawn. I watched as two potters, their faces etched with years of hard work, gracefully glide silently through the calm waters in a small boat. Its low, wooden-framed boat was filled with Alappuzha river clay, freshly collected from the riverbanks. With trained hands, they guided the boat toward the village. Consequently, I marveled at how each mound of clay would soon become useful objects. The boat rocked gently, mirroring their quiet rhythm—deeply connected to the land and water. At that moment, I thought of handmade pots, their shapes echoing the ripples on the water, reflecting the peace of dawn.
Sunlit Skies Sunlight gently kisses the calm waters, casting a warm glow across the peaceful surface.
At sunrise, a golden glow gradually transforms the snow-covered fields into a shimmering canvas. Meanwhile, mist lifts from the backwaters, revealing sparkling waters beneath the warm rays. Likewise, coconut trees stand tall, their shadows stretching long. Furthermore, the calm water ripples only with the wind or a fish’s splash. Overall, it’s a breathtaking moment, with nature awakening in perfect harmony.
Copyrights: All the photos and text in this post are the copyright of Silambarasan Devendiran and Creative Hut Institute of Photography and film. Their reproduction, full or part, is forbidden without the explicit approval of the rightful owners.
