A house on the river … Summer in Mankotta is the season for the fecund earth to yield a bountiful crop, for the trees to bear heavy jackfruit, for branches to bend gracefully with the weight of succulent mangoes. Mankotta speaks of a lady with an indomitable will, who, accompanied by her son Cyriac built the island with sinew, sweat and a tenacious will. There are many aspects of life here that have endured the passage of time – bathing in the river, eating fresh fish caught from its waters, paddling ducks and riverine otters. In season children scour the trees for raw mangoes and tamarind.

“…Doesn’t matter if you’re near or far
The house is right beneath the southern star
Listen to your heart and you will find
A cherished treasure that you left behind
Generations have come and gone
But you will never ever be alone
Because this house is still a home.”