I always feel enchanted, whenever I travel to Jaffna by bullock cart, bicycle, car, foot, helicopter, jeep, motorbike, plane, ship, train or even through Kilali lagoon during difficult times. Journey to Jaffna ~ may it be before the war, during the war or after the war, I always cherish the memories of Jaffna which is closer to my heart.
Jaffna which is beautifully called “Yaazhpaanam” in Tamil. It is famous for its unique architecture, tradition, cuisine, rituals and festivals. According to 2007 statistics, Jaffna district’s population was 650,720 (1,85,405 families). Jaffna district is geographically divided into Valikaamam, Vadamaraatchchi, Thenmaraatchchi and Jaffna Islands. It has an area of 1,025 square kilometres (approximately 395.8 square miles).
Jaffna as it today begins to bustle with visitors and new businesses. Beautifully woven Palmyrah products in bulk cross the Pannai Lagoon, and decorate the stalls. Old statues still stand in line as landmarks are cleaned and painted and polished. Travellers from the rest of the country storm the stalls to buy authentic Jaffna products
Bicycles ~ the common mode of transport for women, children and children in Jaffna take the lead as usual on highways, streets and alleys. Sometimes, the whole family travels on a bicycle which can be often witnessed in the Peninsula. Men and boys whistle and ride, if their bicycles do not have bells. Women, of course, ride carefully with full gear! “Wow! Women in Jaffna are so brave and manoeuver through vehicles without getting hit” mentioned by my fellow foreign journalist while visiting Jaffna in 2000.
“The heart that truly loves, never forgets people and place!"
Saravanamuththu Kanagaraj sells newspaper in the morning in Jaffna
5 Comments
Thank you Dushyanthi for another wonderful presentation. Kadakams and the Thosai advert the best.
Osmania College - nostalgia:
where I used to get pinches of chemicals for Science practicals at a school where I taught in Jaffna town.
Mmmhhh...
Jaffna is not yet in the 21st century??
Excellent photographs.I like to bring to your kind attention of a Charity by the name of GODS OWN CHILDREN FOUNDATION who have brought in 200 children of different age without any discrimnation on religion.This is is in PULOLY Pt.Pedro.
We have registered in Toronto Canada as a non profitable organisation and sponsering 80 children.We will be thankful if you could visit this location and interviews some of the kids and take some photographs.The service you are providing is excellent and I have the fullest confidence that you will give some publicity for this worthy cause.
The chaiperson is DR.B.Anandkumar and is contact number 0773627055.
I remember with cetain nostalgia my first visit to Jaffna in 1975 and I have good memories with our Northern relatives.
At first, alighting the train, we spoke in English with people on the road to know how to go to Jaffna Naga Vihara. Everyone on the road stopped and came to help us! It was a so hospitable atmosphere!(Shami enna, Api yan)Everywhere we went, they came to help us! I hope this innocent hearts are again opening and blossoming!I knew that under snow of winter, the spring was dreaming to come out when the Sun shines!
I can still recollect my hard working, smiling (sometimes with a little shyness)weather-beaten, blood relations in the North!
I salute their courage and audacity!