Faith, Tradition and Religion - what works for you?

This friday was an indian festival celebrating Goddess Lakshmi. This particular festival ”Varalakshmi Vratam” is celebrated mostly in south India.

I don’t remember celebrating this while growing up so it was interesting to be invited first time years ago. I went happily everywhere as I got the chance to wear a saree and eat Sundal ( a south Indian dish made with chickpeas )

A neighborhood, close to my home, has many south Indian households celebrating this festival. I was invited for many years and slowly it started to fade away. I don’t practice religion and was there to respect friendship more than the festival or the goddess associated with it. I think people figured out that I wasn’t one of those who would participate whole heartedly and I do see their point : )

A dear friend was talking to me and mentioned that she will have just a couple of people due to Covid. I jumped at the idea so I could see her daughters. For me it was another chance to have her coffee.

When I reached there I met her two other friend. The social distancing has made it hard. The conversation was about the importance of these festivals for Indian women to support their social life. Exactly the life we are living now. Imagine beautifully dressed women in Saree and jewellery, with a mask on.

I got a text from one of my non Indian friends from the same neighborhood, asking if there was any Indian festival as she observed all her neighbors dressed up and then I realized I had lost the privilege of being invited to religious activities.

I made sure to tell the friend I was visiting not to ever forget me for her puja/ prayers and celebrations every year, just for a chance to wear a saree and enjoy her sundal and coffee.

A beautiful uppada cotton to celebrate friendship, daughters, coffee and conversation and yes some prayers and rituals.

 A dear friend gave away first lot of jasmine flower to me so i can enjoy. I love the jasmine flower.

India 2019-2020 Day -2 what Family is for me and you?

Sisters are the blessing in various forms ( dated Dec 22nd) 

Yesterday was another testimony of how lucky I am. The morning started with amazing breakfast. The things I enjoy most about India. I get to eat wonderful food without doing anything. 

The shopping, the trip to tailor and a visit to spa and then an evening outing. All in one day it’s only possible if you sisters are on top of your every need and wishes.

they manage to run their house, take care of kids and at the same time be your amazing sisters. I am sure they need another vacation to recover from my vacation.

but its not only them, their spouses and kids are in this together too. the meal times are my favorite part of the day. All of us sitting together. somehow fitting around that one table all of us in unison, sharing stories, jokes. the kids playing , running around, arguing with their moms, negotiating for more play time. I was there and some time my mind would think of our childhood. Not too many luxury but the happiness and laugh sounded just the same.

I cannot wait to have my other sister and her husband and my men. The house will be busier and crazier but I think thats what my mom needs right now. The noise of her grandkids fighting, arguing, shouting with their moms so she can revisit her time with us. She needs to see that  with my dad she has raised awesome daughters and her grandkids will turn out OK just like her daughters did. she is not very strong yet she would like to sit and listen to our conversation late in the night. she pushes her body to the extent she can, just to be around us.

My dads usual busy with his way of taking care. The fruits we love are on the kitchen counter in abundance,  the flower strands are fresh and fragrant. I am sure the flower  seller next to temple know by now that his oldest daughter is in town and these are for her to put on her hair. Amazing how he remembers tiny details and without words he makes me feel how fortunate I am to be his daughter. How he listens to my stories and nods and wraps his arm around me when I need it. his laughs and smiles make me feel how proud of he is of his daughters.  I am amazed how easily he agrees to his daughters plans and follows the instructions and agrees to our wishes. 

I sat with them going over the travel plan for Surat. I did go through the packing list, instructed and suggested. Now I wonder about the transition. Not too long ago my mom would pack our clothes and get us ready for travel. I feel happy and sad at the same time. Seeing two very strong people who taught me so many things about life are so fragile. every year I feel they grew older more than a year of their age. seeing my mom struggle to even walk is hard. She is woman who took care of non stop guests at home, worked full time and raised 4 daughters, managed to read and do things for so many people around. Cannot wait to spend my days with her.

Sisters in Mysore Saree Udyog Commercial Street , Varsha was missing. 

Living room was everything that day from bedroom, to play room to chat room

the luxury in India - dad knows what you really want. 

 things going on at home, negotiation going on for sleep time

                                                  rocking commercial street