I landed in Dubai, unaware of the turmoil on the ground in Chennai that Srikanth, my husband, was going through. He had texted a poignant 4 words “Amma just passed away”. Words that felt so heavy. I called immediately. It was true, and we tried consoling each other as best as we could over the impersonal cell phone. I keep a Google Sheet of the Moolangudi family names, relationships, little notes that help me keep track of a sprawling, beloved clan. Lately, I’ve found myself shading more and more names in gray, marking those who’ve left this earth for their next heavenly journey. Each one stings. But this last one… my mother-in-law… this one was tough in a way I wasn’t prepared for. My aunt used to tell me that my in-laws treated me like a princess. She would know she was my mother-in-law’s best friend, confidante, and partner-in-crime for decades. When I first met my mother-in-law, she seemed so quiet, almost shy. Very unassuming. I thought she was simply gentle. Little did I kno...
We tried an Iphone Anthakshari which didn't quite work. I'm sure my genius nephew will come up with an Ap if I ask. In the meantime, here's an alternative. Here is an anthakshari - I've started. You contribute in the comments. I have turned off moderation - so your comments should now appear within a few seconds. Rules: Whoever wants can join. Whoever gives the song states the syllable to start the next song. You cannot repeat a song. Language: Hindi Scount's honor - don't cheat. We won't know you cheated but you will, and it won't be fun. Lets see how long we can play! Thank you for playing.
I have been told several times by people visiting from India that we, in the USA, celebrate Navaratri (the Indian Festival celebrated right at the onset of Fall) in a much bigger fashion than folks in India. The festival is celebrated in different ways (and for different reasons) in many parts of India. All have an underlying theme of victory of good over evil or victory over our senses. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, the celebration includes a Garba (a wonderful, fast paced, and sinuous dance) which is the celebration of 9 forms of shakti (Goddess Durga ) . For Punjabis, Ashtami (the 8th day) is celebrated by giving food and gifts to 9 Kanyas (young girls) in a ceremony called KanchKe . The Bengalis conduct a huge Durga puja with a procession of the Devi - an amalgamation of the 9 forms of shakti also known as Durga . People from other North Indian states celebrate Dussehra during this time to celebrate Lord Rama's fight (9 days) and final victor...
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