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.
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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.
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."