Monday, December 3, 2012

Monday, November 5, 2012

Comments from a visitor


Reproduced below is a mail from a Visitor.   My comments and additions are put at the end of his notes.



"
Kerala Dress — OTTA MUNDU is lower part of the outer garment . It is simply called as Mundu • ONNARA MUNDU is the traditional loincloth of women. Traditional loincloth of men is Konakam • RETTA MUNDU  is upper part of the outer garment. It is also known as Mel mundu or Settu mundu. Thattam is the headscarf of Muslim women • THORTHU MUNDU is the upper garment in medieval times. Later it is worn over blouse. This is the bathing wrap • THAR MUNDU is outer garment for martial art practices and also used as dancewear by women • KUPPAYAM is a shirt like blouse used by Christian and Muslim women. It is well known as Chatta • NJORI MUNDU Christian women wear mundu with pleats at the backside. This style is known as Njori mundu • MISCELLANEOUS In earlier times Mulakkacha is used as bodice and outer garment by the elites. Then Rowca replaced the Mulakkacha. It has no hooks but only tied by a knot in front side. Then the Blouse and Saree came in Industrialization era of 1970’s • KASAVU Zari woven border in Saree and Mundu • KALLI is the printed cotton sarong. DIMENSIONS — Onnara and Thaar are same in dimension. But Thar has the border (Kara) • Onnara and Thar (270cm L X 60cm B).


 
• NERIYATHU is the shawl for Christian women and Hindu men. Then Hindu women also adopted it as Mel mundu. Muslim men wear it as Rumal .

Highlight these points:
• Onnara acts as a body shaper.
• Onnara acts as the chastity belt that is beauty with safety.
• Onnara can be secured with safety knots at corners.
• Onnara absorbs the sweat in groin area.
• During mensuration extra padding cloth can be inserted.

Make paragraphs about the following headings.
Advantages: Onnara — Traditional • Hygienic • Eco-friendly
Multiple usage: Onnara — Undergarment • Shape wear • Chastity belt
Various situations: Onnara — Mensuration • Office • Travel

- Do some fieldwork (with the help of females)
• Ask elderly people for practical guidelines.
• Take genuine photos of Onnara with their permission.
• Upload it to the Wikipedia site.
Candid photos are not clear.
• Ask Hantex and other stores for availability.
• And you may yourself start online sale.

- Do some paperwork
• Draw line drawings by a proper artist (How to drawings)
• Scan magazines ads for clarity.
Do not upload ads by photos. It gets glare and dark.

 "

My comments/ additions :



Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Onnara keeps you in shape


In-shape claims to do wonders in reducing your tummies. May be true.
But, do you know that the practice of wearing ONNARA (done properly) can reduce your tummy ?
Wear an Onnara, properly tied and tight, which will dramatically show you results in a few days !  Continue the practice. Adopt the same as a standard inner garment.
No back pain or spinal problems. Guaranteed.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Inventing Koupeenam (Konakam) ?


Look at the following report. And try the links too.


City student reinvents basic Indian male garment

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Retro is in. ‘Koupeenam,’ the desi loin cloth is cocking a snook at the multi-billion dollar undergarment industry, courtesy an applied arts student in the city.


Akhil Raj K V, a final-year student at the College of Fine Arts, has ‘reinvented’ the simple Indian undergarment for the 21st century male as part of his college project. ‘Koupeen’ - Akhil has tweaked the name a bit for panache - made from 'pure cotton' comes in a chic sachet he himself has designed.

Predictably, the youngster from Kannur is ecstatic about ‘Koupeen’, though he has no immediate plans to market it. "The Koupeenam clearly has an edge over the briefs that are so popular today. And it goes back a long way. Even the ‘Kamasutra’ and old Ayurvedic texts mention it,’’ says Akhil.

If that doesn’t get the macho males queuing up, this should. "The USP of the ‘Koupeenam’ is that it’s healthy. It’s simple to wear, allows air flow unlike briefs and has no elastic. Elastic hurts the skin. Koupeenam doesn’t cause rashes,’’ he says. Best of all, it fits to size, unlike factory-produced modern undergarments which come in general sizes. And it has the added charm of being ethnic wear.

This most rudimentary of male underwear is simply a strip of cloth with strings at the ends. Come to think of it, the Koupeenam must be one of the oldest Indian inventions, though less-talked-about. 

"Westerners discontinued using the tight briefs by the 1970s, boxer shorts are more popular there now. Why? They clearly understood the health implications. But we still stick to them,’’ says Akhil, who did some research into the ‘underworld’ as part of the project.

Old wine in new bottle, surely, but Akhil has made some alterations to suit the needs of the ever-on-the-move modern male. 

"One reason why the Koupeenam gave way to the briefs was that it proved 

to be a nuisance if you had to take a piss. So I’ve given it a vent, so you don’t have to untie the whole garment.’’
‘Koupeen’ comes only in two colours; white and grey. "Coloured underwear can prove harmful, since the skin there is very sensitive. Light colours also prevent people from wearing undergarments for two or three days at a stretch,’’ he adds with a chuckle.

http://expressbuzz.com/cities/thiruv...nt/280966.html


This blog also may tell you something !

Monday, April 2, 2012

Onnaramundu by courier

Many are still confused with the type and size of Onnaramundu. Availabilty of the onnaramundu is another issue detering the young from trying and using this lingerie.
Infact, the best variety is the  6feet by 3feet size handloom neryathu.  This type of neryathu, with a thin 'kara' is very popular (for use as 'neryathu' ) in south Travancore  too. 'Onnaramundu' , by that name, is not available in this part of the State. And that's why, the best alternative is suggested here.
In central and north Travancore, onnaramundu, (by that name itself) is available with most of the handloom textile shops. And certainly there's no problem at all in Malabar region.
Those of you desirous of graduating to onnara, may buy this neryathu from handloom textile shops ( and some of the big shops as well !).  The size is 6'x3', ideal for wearing with mundu, saree, or churidar. It fits well and does not protrude down the knee level. The length is sufficient for lean and medium built body sized persons.  For bulky sized, and large belly, this may not be sufficient. Alternate source may be required for this.

I find some of the readers are confused ( made to confuse by some others) as to whether they can use 'eerezha thorthu' (used for bathing) or 'chuttithorthu'. The experience tells us that these are not the  right thing. Moreover, the size of these 'thorths' won't suit well to drape as onnara (thaar).

For people having no access to a handloom shop, or those who are reluctant (or shy) to ask for the 'neriyathu', there's another source who will supply you the stuff by courier. The item (a pair minimum) will reach you anywhere in the world, at very reasonable charges. 





Thursday, March 22, 2012

The Knoty problem

Again, it's about the "knot". The "safety knot" !
Many , it looks, is still not clear (aware) on how to prevent the thaar from untieing while moving around. That is, how to retain its tightness all along you wear it.  That's to make you confident with the thaar, at home,  office, or outside.
A couple of posts in this blog has earlier described how to use the "KNOT" technique.  But some has again pointed out the fact that the knot has its protrusion (bulge) seen outside. That's partially true. However, a rightly put knot can save you from the fear of a bulge at your rear. Be careful about the knot.
While putting the knot, be judicious to make the knot sufficiently big (so that the knot locks the thaar) and do not make it too small (when it may come off easily).  The knot should be a flattened oval, and not as a roundish ball. Look at the pictures below.

The corner of the onnara(thaar)mundu. This corner, with its end tied as a knot goes round under to your rear.

This is a simple knot. The knot size should be enough to tuck in.  Just enough, but it's going to be very difficult to open the knot before you wash after use. The knot would be too tight/rigid once you wear it for sometime.



A better knot, in the shape of  "alpha" would make a slightly bigger knot, but could be flattened. Moreover, it has a tip which could be pulled out to open the knot (easy to open the knot for washing the thaarmundu). 
This knot when tucked in at your rear, be flattened, so that the bulge is controlled. 


Onnara users may try this and make yourself confident.  And, post your comments as well !


Monday, March 12, 2012

10 tips for healthy breasts


10 tips for healthy breasts

Eat your way to good health

Multiple research studies have shown that eating certain foods can help to minimize your risk of developing breast cancer. Some foods to add into your diet include yellow/orange fruits and vegetables such as butternut squash as they are packed with antioxidant beta-carotene which has been linked to lowered risk of breast cancer. Flax seeds, walnuts, cranberries and omega-3 fatty acids (found in oily fish, avocados and eggs) have also been linked to reduced risk of breast cancer, while eating foods high in magnesium can help prevent breast swelling and tenderness.

Check your bra size

It is thought that more than 70 per cent of women regularly wear the wrong bra size, yet this can not only lead to significant health problems including poor posture, skin irritation and breathing difficulties, but it can irreversibly damage breast ligaments, leading to breast pain and sagging. Breast size can change frequently over your lifetime due to weight changes, pregnancy or menopause so, rather than guessing your size, make sure you get measured regularly to ensure you are getting the support you need.

Get into the exercise habit

Research has shown that exercising four or more hours a week can lower estrogen levels and reduce risk of breast cancer, while separate studies have suggested that weekly workouts can increase survival in those with the illness. However, exercise is not only good for your health; it can also help to prevent sagging and improve the look of your boobs. While you may think that chest exercises are just for men, working out the pectoral muscles through exercises such as push-ups and bench presses is great for improving the firmness, lift and shape of your breasts.

Get a natural lift

If you long for perkier, uplifted boobs, using a firming cream on your breasts and décolletage can help you to achieve this look. While applying a cream is unlikely to make any significant changes to the overall size or shape of your breasts, by massaging a firming cream regularly into your skin you can help to improve skin elasticity and tone up the area, helping to prevent wrinkles and sagging and improve the overall appearance of your boobs.

Fake a perfect cleavage

If you’re planning to wear a plunging neckline and want to make the most of your cleavage, it is possible to create the appearance of bigger breasts with a little bit of makeup. To cheat your way to a better cleavage, don your favourite bra then lightly dust some matte bronzer between your breasts, blending up and out to create the illusion of shadow. Finish with a lighter, shimmery powder across the top of your boobs and collarbones.

Check your breasts

According to a survey by Breakthrough Breast Cancer, only 35% of women regularly check their breasts for signs of cancer. However, breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women and early diagnosis can rapidly increase chances of survival. Women are advised to get to know their boobs by checking them each month and looking out for changes in size, shape and skin texture, as well as checking for discharge, rashes or lumps. If you are not sure how to go about checking your breasts, visit a reputable website or ask your doctor for tips on performing these necessary checks.

Quit smoking

Smoking has repeatedly been established as a leading cause of many serious illnesses, and breast cancer is no different. A study by researchers at the California Department of Health Services found that the rate of breast cancer amongst women who smoked was around 30% higher than for those who had never smoked. Separate research also suggests that the effects of smoking are cumulative, with risk increasing according to years of cigarette smoking, so stopping smoking now could help cut your risk of developing the illness.

Apply sunscreen

Despite the warnings about skin cancer, many of us are still not applying sunscreen on a regular basis. However, failing to apply sun lotion not only puts the delicate chest area at risk of sunburn and skin cancer, but it can also lead to premature ageing of the skin. To prevent a wrinkly cleavage and help keep your décolletage smooth and taut, make sure to apply a minimum of SPF 15 sunscreen whenever your skin is exposed to the sun.

Wear a sports bra

When we work out, our breasts tend to move about with the movements of our body. Exercising without adequate support (particularly for those with larger breasts) can therefore lead to discomfort and pain, as well as damage to ligaments which can cause breasts to sag. To make sure your boobs are protected from the effects of exercise, make sure you purchase a well-fitting exercise bra which is sturdier than your everyday bra and can help minimize breast movement.

Improve your posture

If you want to give yourself an instant breast lift, the best thing you can do is improve your posture. The chest muscles can lose flexibility when your shoulders are hunched, causing sagging over time. Furthermore, walking with a straighter back will make you boobs look instantly bigger and more pert. Try to pay attention to how you stand and sit throughout the day and consider taking up an exercise that will improve your posture such as yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi.
{ Courtesy : Yahoo.com }


Thursday, March 8, 2012

Which underwear should I wear today ?

This is a usual confusion. Almost everyday ! 
Which underwear should I wear today ? 
And you certainly take a dicision. Must be this way. Look at the method you do !





Courtesy of Yahoo !!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Onnara Cenemas and Folk song on Onnara

Let me quote two comments posted by readers in the Forumjar.  It's quite interesting.
The first is a list of Malayalam cenemas, where you can watch onnara in practice.
Here is the list :

onnara cinemakal     { listed by Mr.Mukundan Pillai )

sharadha               -ghandarvakshetram
sharadha               - theerthayathra
prayaanam           - Lakshmi
jayabhararhi         - guruvayur keshavan
unknown actress - mazhakkaru
sreedevi               - thulavarsham
unknown actress -swapnam
ilakkangal             - unknown actress
unknown actress - postmane kanmanilla
kaviyur ponnama                - theerthayathra
kaviyur ponnama                -prayanam
kaviyur ponnama                - theerthayathra
kaviyur ponnama                -nirmalyam
unknown actress -nirmalyam
sukumari               -collector malathi
vilasini                   -kutyedathi
jayabharathi         - kuttyedathi
unknown actress -adimakal
prameela              - sreekrishna parunrhu
bindu panikkar     - parinayam
sithara                    - padippura
thodupuzha vasanthi          - padippura
sujatha                   - brasht
lakshmi                  - prayanam
unknown actress -padippura
meena                   - chattakkari
vidhu bala             -thomasleeha
kanaka durga       - mazhakkaru
unknown actress - veenapoov
sukumari               - ashtabhandam
kanaka durga       - thomasleeha


The second is a folk song on Onnara ( quoted by Smt. Sarasamma) 

Valichukuthedi saradamme ninte
thudaykku cheledi komalangee,
thudiyidaykkithu nallathadee pinne
thadukkum kaamamee thattuduppu,
adikkudakkedee kochupenne,
adakkam venam vayassareechaal,
murukkam venam araykku pinne,
nadaykku nere uduthuponam.......



വലിച്ചുകുത്തെടി  സര്രദാമ്മേ   നിന്റെ 
തുടയ്ക്കു  ചേലെടി  കൊമാലാങ്ങീ ,
തുടിയിടയ്ക്കിത്  നല്ലതാടീ  പിന്നെ 
തടുക്കും  കാമമീ  തട്ടുടുപ്പ് ,
അടിക്കുടക്കെടീ  കൊച്ചുപെണ്ണേ,
അടക്കം  വേണം  വയസ്സരീച്ചാല്‍ ,
മുറുക്കം  വേണം  അരയ്ക്കു  പിന്നെ ,
നടയ്ക്കു  നേരെ  ഉടുതുപോണം.......

{അക്ഷര തെറ്റുകള്‍ ക്ഷമിക്കുക)