Sithara Krishnakumar’s ‘Kidavu Menja’ from album Thara questions domestic identity through kitchen metaphors. Lyricist Krishnakumar and composer Vishnu Divakaran frame routine labor with gentle musical restraint.
Released: January 10, 2022
Kidavu Menja
Sithara Krishnakumar • From “Thara”
Kidavu Menja Lyrics Translation (from “Thara”)
Krishnakumar notes ‘this kitchen remains the same’ for women and trans individuals facing societal limits. Her phrase ‘a thousand sweats stirred by hands’ visualizes relentless physical effort without resolution.
Kidavu Menja PulpparappilLike a calf grazing in a grassy field,
Vidatheyengu Ninna Polelike standing somewhere without ever leaving.
Kedatheyaru ThetidunnnuWho’s searching without letting the flame die out?
Thodathee Vechcha NeramakeAll that time kept without being touched.
Kinavukanda KichannilIn this kitchen I’ve seen in my dreams,
Nilavezheenja Poleit’s as if the moonlight has spilled inside.
KedavelichamakumeeThis light that’ll never go out,
Yaduppinenthu Chanthamlook how beautiful this stove is.
Ullupolli Ninna KalamWhen my heart felt scorched and burned,
Iniyumillenna Poleit’s as if those times are finally gone.
Pakamayathinte Gandhamuyarnnu KettuI sensed the aroma of cooking rising,
Kukkarinte Koovalfollowed by the whistle of the pressure cooker.
Aayirampenninum ThirunangaykkumFor a thousand women and trans-women ‘thirunangai’,
Rithumathikkum Avamathikkumfor those who’ve come of age and those who’ve been shamed,
Onnuthanneyee Adukkalathis kitchen remains exactly the same.
Onnuthanneyee Adukkalathis kitchen remains exactly the same.
Athennu SadhyamakumennWhen will that finally be possible?
Chodyamay NilppooIt stands as a lingering question.
Aayiram ViyarpputalA thousand moments of sweat and toil,
Aayiram Viyarpputala thousand moments of sweat and toil,
Thaviyilakki Kaikalaalstirred by hands holding a ladle.
Uppu Nokki NavinalTasting for salt with the tongue.
AaviparumaravangalaalAmidst the rising steam and soft sounds,
Nee Vangivaykkayayyou’re setting the pot down.
Nokkinokki NilkkuvanTo stand there and just watch,
Enthu Sundaramit’s so beautiful.
Nokkinokki NilkkuvanTo stand there and just watch,
Enthu Sundaramit’s so beautiful.
Kidavu Menja Music Video
Domestic space analysis defines the Kidavu Menja lyrics translation. English versions show how shared labor becomes both equalizer and constraint in Thara’s narrative.