[This post is written by Tharini of Winkie's Way.]
I don't have very many recollections of traditions that we had in our home as I grew. There were some little little things of course, but nothing, that stands out in my mind in the regularity of tradition. I guess perhaps, that I why, I chose this theme for DMC's October. I was curious how you would all react to this theme and what you would have to share by way of it. And it has been just wonderful. Reading each of the lively accounts, rich in warm memories, and love. Of togetherness and happiness. It was really nice. And it made me a little bit more resolved to start something of my own with the small family unit that I have here under my care. So, thank you all for bringing about this little change in me through your recollections and stories. Thanks for taking the time to think, and look back, and write it all down and share it here. And for making this theme work.
I guess this officially closes DMC's October discussion. And I am sooo... looking forward to what's in store for us in this confusingly warm and getting chillier November!
Showing posts with label Theme for October. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Theme for October. Show all posts
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Navrathri - my tradition
This post is by Kodi's Mom of Kodimeow Kronicles
Navrathri - always reminds me of....not the silk clad maamis, not vetthalai paaku, not sundal, not little girls parading the streets, not carnatic music...
....but my grandfather. Yes, Navrathri reminds me of my grandfather...my mother's father..my Aaja.
All the more this year, for we celebrated with only his memory, his spirit.
In what I consider the golden days of my childhood, when Aaja was a retired, "active adult", I would be quite amused to see how he always took Navrathri very seriously. It didn't bother him much that this was socially labeled as a 'ladies festival'. For him it was a way to showcase his energy, passion, creativity.
Left to my grandma, she might have kept a quick 3 padi kolu (a kolu with 3 steps), made a sundal, and focussed on the puja, the invites and invitees.
Left to my aunt, the daughter in law of the house, she might have done an even simplified version of the above, for that's all she had time for, with twin boys, a full time job and a long commute.
But with my grandfather, Kolu took a different glow in our house.
A week before navrathri started, he would start the prepartions. Preparations meant walking down to the garden (they lived on the top floor of a two storey), digging up soil, walking back up with that load, cleaning that area along the back wall of the hall to make room for a 9 padi kolu and a miniature park, spreading the soil in the far corner, sprinkling it with water, making even rows with the eraser end of a pencil, lining it with mustard seeds in a perfect row, then watering that spot and...waiting. You see, he was trying to create a lawn effect. A pulveLi.
Amidst the lush green would be a snapshot of some busy Chennai junction - Parry's Corner or GN Chetty Road were his favorites. There would be a fountain in the middle. Perfectly straight two lane roads, marked by white chalk or rangoli powder. Billboards along the corner. Large matchboxes painted as Kumaran Stores and Nalli. Plenty of cars.
I don't recall ever seeing the an idyllic green or the luxury of a fountain in parched, hot-beyond-words Madras of those days - but it was all there in the kolu in Aaja's house. A futuristic Chennai...with more cars than two wheelers.
Once the basic elements of the park was in place, he'd proceed to set up the nine steps for the kolu, drape with a dhoti, dust the dolls, set them up in perfect order, giving due importance to the Gods and Goddesses. A whole afternoon's work would be reflected in the kaLai of the kolu. (the look of grace, elegance)
The kolu would look its best on day 3 or 4. When the mustard seeds would have sprouted and grown evenly to a 1-2 inch height. When all the dolls had been adjusted twice or thrice for the right effect. That's when the Maamis would start to arrive and ooh and aah at the whole spectacle. My grandfather would receede to the background only to show his face to family friends, and would graciously refuse any compliments that were directed his way. Oh, I didn't do much, it was all her (he'd point to me, while all I might have done was bring him the chalk). But there was a twinkle in his eyes those times, a suppressed smile, it was happiness like that of a child...happiness that his effort had brought joy to the beholder, that the details he put in were noticed and appreciated.
This tradition repeated itself not just a stray year or two, but every single year till he could no longer keep up with the physical demands. One of the last few years, the local newspaper gave his kolu a prize for the best in town.
I have missed my grandfather all year. I think of him often, but I missed him most during Navrathri.
Because of the foundation he laid, to me, Navrathri is not just another festival, not just another one of those gazillion traditions every desi family has. The tradition that he passed down to me, consciously or unconsciously, was the enthusiasm and spirit. How you take something from your parent's generation, add your own flavor to it and carry it forward, while keeping the intent of the tradition intact.
The intent of this one is to welcome the Goddesses of wealth, education, courage to your home. To socialize with friends and family. To give. How you implemented it was upto you.
This was our implementation this year...
No Dasavatharm set, or Ashtalakshmis, no wedding setup, - but a Japanese doll, a Thai tea set, a Parisian Notre Dame, a Floridan Mickey Mouse, a Santa Claus - these are the flavors we added to it.
One of the challenges while setting this up was - my very naughty 2 year old's presence! We kept him away from it only during setup and dismantling...the rest of the time, we tried to include him in the festivities. For him, that meant playing with the dolls. So he was told that he could take off only one thing at a time but he had to be very careful. He listened some of the time, but overall, the 9 days passed without serious mishaps.
Next year, we intend to dedicate a spot that will be solely his - where he can set up a zoo or farm or whatever he wants.
Last Navrathri, Aaja saw pictures of our modest kolu and was pleased to see America-vil kolu (a kolu in America). What amused him more was that there were maamis here too who came for vethalai paakku. I wish he could have seen this year's too. And all the ones that the future holds for us.
Maybe he will.
Navrathri - always reminds me of....not the silk clad maamis, not vetthalai paaku, not sundal, not little girls parading the streets, not carnatic music...
....but my grandfather. Yes, Navrathri reminds me of my grandfather...my mother's father..my Aaja.
All the more this year, for we celebrated with only his memory, his spirit.
In what I consider the golden days of my childhood, when Aaja was a retired, "active adult", I would be quite amused to see how he always took Navrathri very seriously. It didn't bother him much that this was socially labeled as a 'ladies festival'. For him it was a way to showcase his energy, passion, creativity.
Left to my grandma, she might have kept a quick 3 padi kolu (a kolu with 3 steps), made a sundal, and focussed on the puja, the invites and invitees.
Left to my aunt, the daughter in law of the house, she might have done an even simplified version of the above, for that's all she had time for, with twin boys, a full time job and a long commute.
But with my grandfather, Kolu took a different glow in our house.
A week before navrathri started, he would start the prepartions. Preparations meant walking down to the garden (they lived on the top floor of a two storey), digging up soil, walking back up with that load, cleaning that area along the back wall of the hall to make room for a 9 padi kolu and a miniature park, spreading the soil in the far corner, sprinkling it with water, making even rows with the eraser end of a pencil, lining it with mustard seeds in a perfect row, then watering that spot and...waiting. You see, he was trying to create a lawn effect. A pulveLi.
Amidst the lush green would be a snapshot of some busy Chennai junction - Parry's Corner or GN Chetty Road were his favorites. There would be a fountain in the middle. Perfectly straight two lane roads, marked by white chalk or rangoli powder. Billboards along the corner. Large matchboxes painted as Kumaran Stores and Nalli. Plenty of cars.
I don't recall ever seeing the an idyllic green or the luxury of a fountain in parched, hot-beyond-words Madras of those days - but it was all there in the kolu in Aaja's house. A futuristic Chennai...with more cars than two wheelers.
Once the basic elements of the park was in place, he'd proceed to set up the nine steps for the kolu, drape with a dhoti, dust the dolls, set them up in perfect order, giving due importance to the Gods and Goddesses. A whole afternoon's work would be reflected in the kaLai of the kolu. (the look of grace, elegance)
The kolu would look its best on day 3 or 4. When the mustard seeds would have sprouted and grown evenly to a 1-2 inch height. When all the dolls had been adjusted twice or thrice for the right effect. That's when the Maamis would start to arrive and ooh and aah at the whole spectacle. My grandfather would receede to the background only to show his face to family friends, and would graciously refuse any compliments that were directed his way. Oh, I didn't do much, it was all her (he'd point to me, while all I might have done was bring him the chalk). But there was a twinkle in his eyes those times, a suppressed smile, it was happiness like that of a child...happiness that his effort had brought joy to the beholder, that the details he put in were noticed and appreciated.
This tradition repeated itself not just a stray year or two, but every single year till he could no longer keep up with the physical demands. One of the last few years, the local newspaper gave his kolu a prize for the best in town.
I have missed my grandfather all year. I think of him often, but I missed him most during Navrathri.
Because of the foundation he laid, to me, Navrathri is not just another festival, not just another one of those gazillion traditions every desi family has. The tradition that he passed down to me, consciously or unconsciously, was the enthusiasm and spirit. How you take something from your parent's generation, add your own flavor to it and carry it forward, while keeping the intent of the tradition intact.
The intent of this one is to welcome the Goddesses of wealth, education, courage to your home. To socialize with friends and family. To give. How you implemented it was upto you.
This was our implementation this year...
No Dasavatharm set, or Ashtalakshmis, no wedding setup, - but a Japanese doll, a Thai tea set, a Parisian Notre Dame, a Floridan Mickey Mouse, a Santa Claus - these are the flavors we added to it.
One of the challenges while setting this up was - my very naughty 2 year old's presence! We kept him away from it only during setup and dismantling...the rest of the time, we tried to include him in the festivities. For him, that meant playing with the dolls. So he was told that he could take off only one thing at a time but he had to be very careful. He listened some of the time, but overall, the 9 days passed without serious mishaps.
Next year, we intend to dedicate a spot that will be solely his - where he can set up a zoo or farm or whatever he wants.
Last Navrathri, Aaja saw pictures of our modest kolu and was pleased to see America-vil kolu (a kolu in America). What amused him more was that there were maamis here too who came for vethalai paakku. I wish he could have seen this year's too. And all the ones that the future holds for us.
Maybe he will.
On Traditions by IBH
(This is a guest post by IBH for Traditions– the theme for October)
I come from a family that is abounded with traditions and more traditions. With the festive season on, I would like to contribute my first ever post for DMC or for any group blogs.
*Every navaratri our Golu bommai display has had varied themes. Dad’s hobby of collecting bommais in his every business trips helped us in great deal with different themes. I should say, Appa takes keen interest in our golu arrangements.Appa comes up with the theme for that year and then start collecting the bommais accordingly. In the previous night of the day of arranging bommais, appa and amma takes out the bommai and start arranging according to the theme of the year. Of course, our usual bommais that are meant to be kept with the kalasam (pot with coconut) are arranged meticulously. The fun part though is the arranging of parks, waterfalls, groves (mango, coconut oh what not!) and such.Appa will make sure that it looks so real that our golu used to be the star attraction in our street.
* Tradition of not bursting crackers has been our tradition for so long that we have actually forgotten when we last burst crackers’, the reason being child labor and such .(I know there is always two types of argument to it but we stand by our tradition and its reasons)
*The tradition of wishing each other at 12 AM sharp for all functions, festivals, birthdays, anniversiaries and every occasion that calls for wishing each other. It continues till date and we have been wishing each other even when we live in different time zones and different spheres of earth.
*We always make maa-kolam for every function held at our place. My mom rocks at it and she creates the best maa-kolam ever.
*The best thing from my childhood that am missing right now is ‘Nila choru’ wherein all we cousins used to meet up at our grand father’s agraharam house and enjoy moonlit night dinner on the terrace. Our cook, Venkubhai paati used to make this scrumptious dinner of simple, vatha kuzhambu, rasam and ‘more’ sadam and feed us by making this big ‘urundai’ (ball of food) and go in rounds to put those urundais in our hands. The best part is the last bit of ‘aanai katti’ sadam that all we cousins used to fight for.Not sure if Kaju will get to enjoy the last tradition listed but I am making sure that she is going to continue the other traditions ( trivial but yet powerful in our family) and pass it on to her family.
I come from a family that is abounded with traditions and more traditions. With the festive season on, I would like to contribute my first ever post for DMC or for any group blogs.
*Every navaratri our Golu bommai display has had varied themes. Dad’s hobby of collecting bommais in his every business trips helped us in great deal with different themes. I should say, Appa takes keen interest in our golu arrangements.Appa comes up with the theme for that year and then start collecting the bommais accordingly. In the previous night of the day of arranging bommais, appa and amma takes out the bommai and start arranging according to the theme of the year. Of course, our usual bommais that are meant to be kept with the kalasam (pot with coconut) are arranged meticulously. The fun part though is the arranging of parks, waterfalls, groves (mango, coconut oh what not!) and such.Appa will make sure that it looks so real that our golu used to be the star attraction in our street.
* Tradition of not bursting crackers has been our tradition for so long that we have actually forgotten when we last burst crackers’, the reason being child labor and such .(I know there is always two types of argument to it but we stand by our tradition and its reasons)
*The tradition of wishing each other at 12 AM sharp for all functions, festivals, birthdays, anniversiaries and every occasion that calls for wishing each other. It continues till date and we have been wishing each other even when we live in different time zones and different spheres of earth.
*We always make maa-kolam for every function held at our place. My mom rocks at it and she creates the best maa-kolam ever.
*The best thing from my childhood that am missing right now is ‘Nila choru’ wherein all we cousins used to meet up at our grand father’s agraharam house and enjoy moonlit night dinner on the terrace. Our cook, Venkubhai paati used to make this scrumptious dinner of simple, vatha kuzhambu, rasam and ‘more’ sadam and feed us by making this big ‘urundai’ (ball of food) and go in rounds to put those urundais in our hands. The best part is the last bit of ‘aanai katti’ sadam that all we cousins used to fight for.Not sure if Kaju will get to enjoy the last tradition listed but I am making sure that she is going to continue the other traditions ( trivial but yet powerful in our family) and pass it on to her family.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Durga Pujo and the Annual Pujo Numbers
(This post is by Sandeepa and is shared in parts with Bong Mom's Cookbook)
While discussing Durga Pujo, memories, food etc at my other blog, I forgot to tell you the most important thing, the one thing I liked most about Durga Pujo since I was a little girl of six. It was a tradition if you let me use the term, every year since I was six.
Anandamela and AnandaBazaar Patrika this year
It is the Pujo Shankhya or the Annual Puja Numbers. Now Bengal being the literary state that it is, it has a very rich history of art & literature. So during Durga Pujo, the publishing houses like Ananada Publishers, Deb Sahitya Kutir etc. bring out special editions of the monthly magazines published by them.
These special editions are thick volumes with literary gems from all renowned Bengali authors. Packed with writings by the best authors, these Puja Numbers are something I and every Bengali child in their right mind would look forward to.
When I was a kid, my Ma in her effort to teach me Bangla would get me monthly subscriptions of the very popular Bengali children’s magazine Anandamela. During Durga Pujo this AnandaMela would come out in its special edition with colorful, glossy jacket and stories & articles in different flavors from all famous, almost famous, trying to get famous authors. It was the biggest treat a child could ever have.
Those days these were published and available in the market around Mahalaya and in our small town we would book our copy with the local paper wallah days in advance, in fact right after summer. So while Mahalaya meant getting up at 4 AM to listen to Birendra Krishna Bhadra, it also meant pestering the Paper wallah every day to see if the coveted book had arrived. I cannot quiet explain the excitement, the waiting, the longing for the book to arrive. Days were spent thinking what “Gogol”* might do and where “Santu”** might land up with “kakababu”**. The book would finally arrive along with My Ma’s copy of Desh or Anandabazaar patrika and many blissful hours would be spent in its magical pages.
Even now Durga Pujo for me is incomplete without Pujo Shankhya and I either buy them here or get my Ma to send them. With the Sharadiya being published way in advance these days, my ma easily finds someone to send me the copies and their arrival heralds the onset of Durga Pujo.
Along with shiuli and kashful, the Sharadiya Pujo Shankhya means Durga Pujo to me.
I do not think I will get around teaching my daughter to read Bengali or maybe I would, but if I didn't, I know she will miss out on the wait for these special editions which with their glossy jackets and mesmerizing tales carried the fragrance of Durga Pujo.
*Gogol -- fictional character by Samaresh Babu, another legendary author
** Santu & kakababu -- fictional characters by Sunil Gangopadhyay, a very famous Bengali author
While discussing Durga Pujo, memories, food etc at my other blog, I forgot to tell you the most important thing, the one thing I liked most about Durga Pujo since I was a little girl of six. It was a tradition if you let me use the term, every year since I was six.
Anandamela and AnandaBazaar Patrika this year
It is the Pujo Shankhya or the Annual Puja Numbers. Now Bengal being the literary state that it is, it has a very rich history of art & literature. So during Durga Pujo, the publishing houses like Ananada Publishers, Deb Sahitya Kutir etc. bring out special editions of the monthly magazines published by them.
These special editions are thick volumes with literary gems from all renowned Bengali authors. Packed with writings by the best authors, these Puja Numbers are something I and every Bengali child in their right mind would look forward to.
When I was a kid, my Ma in her effort to teach me Bangla would get me monthly subscriptions of the very popular Bengali children’s magazine Anandamela. During Durga Pujo this AnandaMela would come out in its special edition with colorful, glossy jacket and stories & articles in different flavors from all famous, almost famous, trying to get famous authors. It was the biggest treat a child could ever have.
Those days these were published and available in the market around Mahalaya and in our small town we would book our copy with the local paper wallah days in advance, in fact right after summer. So while Mahalaya meant getting up at 4 AM to listen to Birendra Krishna Bhadra, it also meant pestering the Paper wallah every day to see if the coveted book had arrived. I cannot quiet explain the excitement, the waiting, the longing for the book to arrive. Days were spent thinking what “Gogol”* might do and where “Santu”** might land up with “kakababu”**. The book would finally arrive along with My Ma’s copy of Desh or Anandabazaar patrika and many blissful hours would be spent in its magical pages.
Even now Durga Pujo for me is incomplete without Pujo Shankhya and I either buy them here or get my Ma to send them. With the Sharadiya being published way in advance these days, my ma easily finds someone to send me the copies and their arrival heralds the onset of Durga Pujo.
Along with shiuli and kashful, the Sharadiya Pujo Shankhya means Durga Pujo to me.
I do not think I will get around teaching my daughter to read Bengali or maybe I would, but if I didn't, I know she will miss out on the wait for these special editions which with their glossy jackets and mesmerizing tales carried the fragrance of Durga Pujo.
*Gogol -- fictional character by Samaresh Babu, another legendary author
** Santu & kakababu -- fictional characters by Sunil Gangopadhyay, a very famous Bengali author
Friday, October 26, 2007
Traditions -- by Shobhana
(This is a guest post by Shobana for Traditions– the theme of October, chosen by Tharini at DMC.)
I was thinking about traditions – the kind that we may have followed in my family. One thing was that we didn’t have any particular traditions due to some reasons that I am not sure about. While still pondering about it, the idea clicked…this being the festival season starting with the poojas, diwali, Christmas, Ramzan, new year and the additional thanksgiving for people living outside of India and the SUN TV’s and such cranking up on the advertisements for clothes and jewels, making one ever so home sick, why not write about the clothes, especially the sarees, the silk ones in particular. Hah…nice one eh?
Anyways what really inspired me are the ads for the pattu sarees….so many new models and colors and designs. It is either RmKV, Kumaran, Pothy’s or Chennai silks or the crop of stores that seems to sprout up during the festival season and maintain a very low key after that, until the next season. With the ever increasing occassions for buying clothes such as Akshaya thrithi in addition to diwali, pongal and so many more the need to come up varying designs become a necessity. When talking to my sis in India who mentioned that they were all going to Chennai from Salem to buy clothes, it made me realize that the buying power of people has also gone up and that they are willing to travel far and near to buy something unique for this festival season.
The sarees that I remember seeing in my mom’s closet was the simple chiffon ones and some of the silk sarees that she had. These had simple flowers, lines, dots and such patterns on them…be it the chiffons or the silks. And the color choices were simple too….reds with blue borders, light blue with dark blue borders, yellow with marroon or green borders and so on…just the basic colors. But now….there is a different color for each woman on the face of this earth….for example the 50,000 color pattu by RmKV last year. WOW!!! Are there even so many colors?I kind of know only a few…am I missing something or have been color illiterate? I have made a mental note to check it out in person the next time when I am in India to improve my GK on colors.
And then there are the other choices…Jodi paatu (matching colored saree and shirt for the color twin couple), color changing saree (it presumably changes color when one steps out…what??), Durbar Krishna saree (with the pic of Lord Krishna on the pallu and decked with Swarovski crystals…supposed to bring luck to one who wears it), zip-n-wear sarees (you can buy one saree with 4 different pallus, just choose the one that you want for that day and zip it up), pocket saree, landscape saree, denim saree and the latest addition being the embossed silk saree. Aishwarya pookal, Hamsa damayanth, Imayam, 108 karnas…guessing what those are….these are more varieties of silk sarees. These trends are all aimed for the young adult in the late teens and early 20’s, though anyone else who wants to buy those are not stopped.
I was thinking about traditions – the kind that we may have followed in my family. One thing was that we didn’t have any particular traditions due to some reasons that I am not sure about. While still pondering about it, the idea clicked…this being the festival season starting with the poojas, diwali, Christmas, Ramzan, new year and the additional thanksgiving for people living outside of India and the SUN TV’s and such cranking up on the advertisements for clothes and jewels, making one ever so home sick, why not write about the clothes, especially the sarees, the silk ones in particular. Hah…nice one eh?
Anyways what really inspired me are the ads for the pattu sarees….so many new models and colors and designs. It is either RmKV, Kumaran, Pothy’s or Chennai silks or the crop of stores that seems to sprout up during the festival season and maintain a very low key after that, until the next season. With the ever increasing occassions for buying clothes such as Akshaya thrithi in addition to diwali, pongal and so many more the need to come up varying designs become a necessity. When talking to my sis in India who mentioned that they were all going to Chennai from Salem to buy clothes, it made me realize that the buying power of people has also gone up and that they are willing to travel far and near to buy something unique for this festival season.
The sarees that I remember seeing in my mom’s closet was the simple chiffon ones and some of the silk sarees that she had. These had simple flowers, lines, dots and such patterns on them…be it the chiffons or the silks. And the color choices were simple too….reds with blue borders, light blue with dark blue borders, yellow with marroon or green borders and so on…just the basic colors. But now….there is a different color for each woman on the face of this earth….for example the 50,000 color pattu by RmKV last year. WOW!!! Are there even so many colors?I kind of know only a few…am I missing something or have been color illiterate? I have made a mental note to check it out in person the next time when I am in India to improve my GK on colors.
And then there are the other choices…Jodi paatu (matching colored saree and shirt for the color twin couple), color changing saree (it presumably changes color when one steps out…what??), Durbar Krishna saree (with the pic of Lord Krishna on the pallu and decked with Swarovski crystals…supposed to bring luck to one who wears it), zip-n-wear sarees (you can buy one saree with 4 different pallus, just choose the one that you want for that day and zip it up), pocket saree, landscape saree, denim saree and the latest addition being the embossed silk saree. Aishwarya pookal, Hamsa damayanth, Imayam, 108 karnas…guessing what those are….these are more varieties of silk sarees. These trends are all aimed for the young adult in the late teens and early 20’s, though anyone else who wants to buy those are not stopped.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Navarathri Bommai Golu
[post written by Sheela]
Garuda Sevai.
Arasamaram Pillayar.
Pancha Bootham.
Aaru Padai Veedu.
Saptha Rishi.
Ashta Lakshmi.
Dasavatharam.
These enchanting terms describing the sets of clay dolls my mom collected evoke a strong nostalgia...
Every time I sat down to write this post, I visualized a naive little girl through the gossamer veil of memory, wistfully donning the antique white pattu pavadai with royal purple zari border and a matching puff-sleeved blouse,
...hair braided and accentuated with a kunjalam at the end,
...with adukku malli flowers coiling all around it,
...bangles jingling when carefully forming the Bharathanatyam mudras with small hands while reciting 'pathaka tripathaka ardhapathaka, kartharimukaha', and 'aangikam, bhuvanam, yashya vaachikam'
...frozen at the end of the single-digit age where I can remain a child forever.
Family Traditions brings a lot of images as every festival was a reason to establish a tradition at home. And my mom was good at establishing traditions.
The one that particularly stands out in my mind is the Navarathri Bommai Golu.
A couple of weeks before the start of Navarathri, my mom goes to the wholesale stores across town to get little mirrors, combs, kumkuma chimizhs (tiny little containers for holding the crimson powder kumkumam/sindhoor), little baskets to hold the thambulam... I tag along if I am up for it. It is a tedious multi bus hop across town in the hot sun... but, highly rewarding.
And then, about a week before the start of the Navarathri, Appa brings down the bommai pottigal, yes, plural, as my mom had quite the collection - about four large wooden boxes which held the carefully padded, wrapped, packed dolls of various shapes and sizes and make. And, every year, at least a couple of new dolls are added to the collection.
Then, he sets up the 7-step golu padi: a Godrej steel gray set of shelves and adjustable stands which spends most of the year sleeping in the attic, unassembled, yet magically fulfills its destiny by hosting the gorgeous display of dolls for couple of weeks a year.
Ever since I could follow instructions, it was my duty to broom and mop the area where the golu will be displayed. Once my mom knows it is clean, she draws an elaborate maa kolam - traditional design on the floor made with diluted rice paste.
Then Appa assembles the golu padi. At which point, depending on who is at hand and up for it, we cover the steps with either simple white veshti, or Amma's old sarees, pinning up as needed to make sure the cloth drapes the steps elegantly.
If that wasn't fun enough, now is when the real festivities start: arranging the dolls and, possibly setting up more scenes on the floor around the bommai padi.
Amma is particular about the order. The tallest and biggest clay dolls go on the topmost step. Gods and goddess dolls at the top, and mythological symbols and other generic ones (like a pair of swans, elephants and such) at the bottom. If something isn't aesthetically appealing, she rearranges till things seem in harmony again.
Once that is done, more fun starts: mixing sand with color powder, we design a city on the floor all around the golu padi. A little school here, an arasamaram pillayar koil (temple) there. A little circus tent with animals here. A bus depot there. A railway station here. A playground there. Rickshaws and bicycles abound our streets. Little plastic and clay children and adults of all sizes and shapes populate our town.
Finally, I get to do a rangoli design on the floor with my cousins, in the available space, without limiting the motion in the area. And nobody better turn on the fan!
But then, the actual Navarathri has not even started yet!
On the first day of Navarathri, Amma establishes the Kalasam (a bronze/silver pot with water or rice, decorated with mango leaves that are held in place by a whole coconut), and pronounces the golu officially open. And she sets off with a kumkuma chimizh full of crimson kumkumam to invite the neighbors and friends.
Every day of the 10-day, 9-nights festival, people exchange visits, spread goodwill and cheer, sing traditional songs, share chundal and other prasadam...
On the 8th night Amma always sets up the books and instruments for the Saraswathi Pooja: my school textbooks, my favorite books, notebooks, pens and pencils, and, of course, my chalangai and veenai.
These are not to be touched or disturbed all of 9th day (and night) observed as Saraswathi Pooja.
However, on the 10th and last day of navarathri, Vijaya Dasami, we get to sit by the arrangement and write, read, play the veena or dance a little, anything at all that we want to excel in, we practice on Vijaya Dasami...
Of course, that was then.
For the last 15 years, I have not participated in Navarathri celebrations here in the U.S. Over the years, if my mom's visit coincides around the Navarathri time, she sets up a simple 3-step arrangement with whatever curios and pictures she gave me of the traditional mythological beings.
However, along the lines of Navarathri, since Ana was born, we have been celebrating Christmas with a tree decked to the gills, ornaments galore, and adding a new ornament each year (discounting the many that break each year thanks to the kitties living with us)...
But, this year, Navarathri just got over, and since my parents were not visiting us, I decided to establish a simple tradition of my own. No elaborate bommai golu, but, just a 2-step arrangement of dolls I have. Plus, a chundal or payasam of some kind every evening.
I was never the fancy dresser since my teens. But, I made an effort to cleanse myself and drape a silk saree each evening after coming home from work, which in turn inspired my 2-year Ana old to ask to be dressed up as well... then, made some chundal or payasam and offered the nivedhyam...
Somehow, it is not the same without friends and neighbors stopping by, and unless it is a weekend, I am strapped for energy and time to celebrate the way I'd like...No matter.
I am not sure I am up for the 7-step bommai golu anymore... but, if Ana is up for it as she grows up, I hope I have the strength to pass on this beautiful Navarathri Bommai Golu tradition my mom has set up for our family...
Garuda Sevai.
Arasamaram Pillayar.
Pancha Bootham.
Aaru Padai Veedu.
Saptha Rishi.
Ashta Lakshmi.
Dasavatharam.
These enchanting terms describing the sets of clay dolls my mom collected evoke a strong nostalgia...
Every time I sat down to write this post, I visualized a naive little girl through the gossamer veil of memory, wistfully donning the antique white pattu pavadai with royal purple zari border and a matching puff-sleeved blouse,
...hair braided and accentuated with a kunjalam at the end,
...with adukku malli flowers coiling all around it,
...bangles jingling when carefully forming the Bharathanatyam mudras with small hands while reciting 'pathaka tripathaka ardhapathaka, kartharimukaha', and 'aangikam, bhuvanam, yashya vaachikam'
...frozen at the end of the single-digit age where I can remain a child forever.
Family Traditions brings a lot of images as every festival was a reason to establish a tradition at home. And my mom was good at establishing traditions.
The one that particularly stands out in my mind is the Navarathri Bommai Golu.
A couple of weeks before the start of Navarathri, my mom goes to the wholesale stores across town to get little mirrors, combs, kumkuma chimizhs (tiny little containers for holding the crimson powder kumkumam/sindhoor), little baskets to hold the thambulam... I tag along if I am up for it. It is a tedious multi bus hop across town in the hot sun... but, highly rewarding.
And then, about a week before the start of the Navarathri, Appa brings down the bommai pottigal, yes, plural, as my mom had quite the collection - about four large wooden boxes which held the carefully padded, wrapped, packed dolls of various shapes and sizes and make. And, every year, at least a couple of new dolls are added to the collection.
Then, he sets up the 7-step golu padi: a Godrej steel gray set of shelves and adjustable stands which spends most of the year sleeping in the attic, unassembled, yet magically fulfills its destiny by hosting the gorgeous display of dolls for couple of weeks a year.
Ever since I could follow instructions, it was my duty to broom and mop the area where the golu will be displayed. Once my mom knows it is clean, she draws an elaborate maa kolam - traditional design on the floor made with diluted rice paste.
Then Appa assembles the golu padi. At which point, depending on who is at hand and up for it, we cover the steps with either simple white veshti, or Amma's old sarees, pinning up as needed to make sure the cloth drapes the steps elegantly.
If that wasn't fun enough, now is when the real festivities start: arranging the dolls and, possibly setting up more scenes on the floor around the bommai padi.
Amma is particular about the order. The tallest and biggest clay dolls go on the topmost step. Gods and goddess dolls at the top, and mythological symbols and other generic ones (like a pair of swans, elephants and such) at the bottom. If something isn't aesthetically appealing, she rearranges till things seem in harmony again.
Once that is done, more fun starts: mixing sand with color powder, we design a city on the floor all around the golu padi. A little school here, an arasamaram pillayar koil (temple) there. A little circus tent with animals here. A bus depot there. A railway station here. A playground there. Rickshaws and bicycles abound our streets. Little plastic and clay children and adults of all sizes and shapes populate our town.
Finally, I get to do a rangoli design on the floor with my cousins, in the available space, without limiting the motion in the area. And nobody better turn on the fan!
But then, the actual Navarathri has not even started yet!
On the first day of Navarathri, Amma establishes the Kalasam (a bronze/silver pot with water or rice, decorated with mango leaves that are held in place by a whole coconut), and pronounces the golu officially open. And she sets off with a kumkuma chimizh full of crimson kumkumam to invite the neighbors and friends.
Every day of the 10-day, 9-nights festival, people exchange visits, spread goodwill and cheer, sing traditional songs, share chundal and other prasadam...
On the 8th night Amma always sets up the books and instruments for the Saraswathi Pooja: my school textbooks, my favorite books, notebooks, pens and pencils, and, of course, my chalangai and veenai.
These are not to be touched or disturbed all of 9th day (and night) observed as Saraswathi Pooja.
However, on the 10th and last day of navarathri, Vijaya Dasami, we get to sit by the arrangement and write, read, play the veena or dance a little, anything at all that we want to excel in, we practice on Vijaya Dasami...
Of course, that was then.
For the last 15 years, I have not participated in Navarathri celebrations here in the U.S. Over the years, if my mom's visit coincides around the Navarathri time, she sets up a simple 3-step arrangement with whatever curios and pictures she gave me of the traditional mythological beings.
However, along the lines of Navarathri, since Ana was born, we have been celebrating Christmas with a tree decked to the gills, ornaments galore, and adding a new ornament each year (discounting the many that break each year thanks to the kitties living with us)...
But, this year, Navarathri just got over, and since my parents were not visiting us, I decided to establish a simple tradition of my own. No elaborate bommai golu, but, just a 2-step arrangement of dolls I have. Plus, a chundal or payasam of some kind every evening.
I was never the fancy dresser since my teens. But, I made an effort to cleanse myself and drape a silk saree each evening after coming home from work, which in turn inspired my 2-year Ana old to ask to be dressed up as well... then, made some chundal or payasam and offered the nivedhyam...
Somehow, it is not the same without friends and neighbors stopping by, and unless it is a weekend, I am strapped for energy and time to celebrate the way I'd like...No matter.
I am not sure I am up for the 7-step bommai golu anymore... but, if Ana is up for it as she grows up, I hope I have the strength to pass on this beautiful Navarathri Bommai Golu tradition my mom has set up for our family...
The Sheer Khurma Competition
[ This post is written by mummyjaan ]
When Tharini put up October's great theme, I was reminded of countless family traditions which I saw while growing up. Being Ramadhan last month, I recalled many traditions associated with Ramadhan and Eid - I remembered my first fast, the first fast away from home, first Ramadhan with hubby, then with the children.
I also recounted several Eids spent in India and elsewhere in my nomadic life; I believe I have celebrated Eid in at least 10 different cities in the world. One of those Eids was spent in my in-laws' house, the year that I got married.
It was there that I came across the fun 'family tradition' I want to share with you - my father-in-law's "Sheer Khurma Competition", as I will call it.
Sheer khurma is a traditional sweet made in many households on Eid ul Fitr ("Ramzan Eid"). It's also called 'Seviyan'. Sheer is Persian for 'milk' and khurma means 'dates', again in Persian. (The word is distinct from 'korma' which is a kind of spiced curry, although we have often ended up pronouncing the two the same). I do not know how or where the sweet originated, or when the vermicelli became an important ingredient, but dates and milk must certainly have been the primary ingredients.
There are as many variations of it as cooks. From the vermicelli you use, the combination of dry fruits you put in, the amount of ghee you use (minimal or generous - I use sunflower oil!), to the kind of milk you use, whether you add cream, whether it's dripping with sugar or just has a hint of sweet in it, etc. Everyone seems to come up with a slightly different flavour. And of course, people can get as individual as they like with decorations.
This dessert - the sheer khurma - is traditionally the first thing eaten on Eid mornings. Symbolically, you 'break' the month-long fast on Eid day with milk and dates. Sheer khurma is prepared early, before the family goes out for the Eid prayer (usually just after sunrise - but varies a lot in Hyderabad in different venues). Once you get back - very hungry - from the Eid ki namaz, it's time for hearty biryani in some households (my in-laws), or the lighter chicken vermicelli ('murgh sevi') in others (my mum's house).
I won't dwell on the Eid celebrations, the decorations, the finery, the mehendi ,the "Eidis" (gifts) which all children look forward to excitedly. Or the Eid prayer, which is the heart of Eid. All of those are integral parts of the day, of course.
Once everyone is back home and has had breakfast, a steady stream of visitors descends onto my in-laws' house. Being the oldest in a large clan, my MIL's house is always a centre of activity. I call it the "Family headquarters".
My sasurji, after meeting the first few visitors, sets out to individually visit every one of his children's homes. All 8 homes of his daughters and daughters-in-law. The point of the visit is of course, to visit his children on the festival. But the fun part is when he samples each and every one's cooking and at the end of the day, declares one winner - the maker of the best sheer khurma. (He just 'samples' the food - being very careful about his diet and health).
This 'competition' has become something to look forward to.....
All my 'jethani's (husband's brothers' wives) and 'nands' vie to produce the best dessert. I spent one Eid with them in India, before moving to Ireland. As I was the bride and the youngest DIL, I wasn't expected to cook (did you hear that, girls??? I didn't cook in my in-laws' house for a year, and when I go back on vacation, I'm the 'guest' so I still don't). Anyway, I had the occasion to sample all their cooking (hubby and I went with him), and at the end of the day, the 'winner' was my 2nd eldest 'jethaniji', a superb cook. (Winner 3 years running).
I joked that my FIL had acted impartially - having picked a bahu over his 6 betis. I was new in the house and naive. As time passed, I came to know that in this family, at least, there isn't much difference between the bahus and the betis. Which is something truly wonderful. As far as he is concerned, they're all his betis.
The "competition" is an excuse. The actual Eid tradition that Abba is carrying on is visiting the daughters' homes and making them feel special. It does make everyone feel special when "Nana-hazrat" (or "Dada") shows up at the door. The children excitedly look forward to Nana's Eidis. We cherish the time when he puts his affectionate, benevolent hand on our heads and gives us his dua's (prayers).
My first and only Eid in my sasural was a memorable one. I look forward to the day when I will relocate to India again - I don't know when that will be, but I hope 'Abba' is healthy enough to visit my home, when I present him with my cooking. I know I would have a slim chance of winning, but more than that, I look forward to his tender hand on my head, blessing me, my husband and my children, praying for our health and long life, our success and happiness, in this world and the next. Inshallah.
When Tharini put up October's great theme, I was reminded of countless family traditions which I saw while growing up. Being Ramadhan last month, I recalled many traditions associated with Ramadhan and Eid - I remembered my first fast, the first fast away from home, first Ramadhan with hubby, then with the children.
I also recounted several Eids spent in India and elsewhere in my nomadic life; I believe I have celebrated Eid in at least 10 different cities in the world. One of those Eids was spent in my in-laws' house, the year that I got married.
It was there that I came across the fun 'family tradition' I want to share with you - my father-in-law's "Sheer Khurma Competition", as I will call it.
Sheer khurma is a traditional sweet made in many households on Eid ul Fitr ("Ramzan Eid"). It's also called 'Seviyan'. Sheer is Persian for 'milk' and khurma means 'dates', again in Persian. (The word is distinct from 'korma' which is a kind of spiced curry, although we have often ended up pronouncing the two the same). I do not know how or where the sweet originated, or when the vermicelli became an important ingredient, but dates and milk must certainly have been the primary ingredients.
There are as many variations of it as cooks. From the vermicelli you use, the combination of dry fruits you put in, the amount of ghee you use (minimal or generous - I use sunflower oil!), to the kind of milk you use, whether you add cream, whether it's dripping with sugar or just has a hint of sweet in it, etc. Everyone seems to come up with a slightly different flavour. And of course, people can get as individual as they like with decorations.
This dessert - the sheer khurma - is traditionally the first thing eaten on Eid mornings. Symbolically, you 'break' the month-long fast on Eid day with milk and dates. Sheer khurma is prepared early, before the family goes out for the Eid prayer (usually just after sunrise - but varies a lot in Hyderabad in different venues). Once you get back - very hungry - from the Eid ki namaz, it's time for hearty biryani in some households (my in-laws), or the lighter chicken vermicelli ('murgh sevi') in others (my mum's house).
I won't dwell on the Eid celebrations, the decorations, the finery, the mehendi ,the "Eidis" (gifts) which all children look forward to excitedly. Or the Eid prayer, which is the heart of Eid. All of those are integral parts of the day, of course.
Once everyone is back home and has had breakfast, a steady stream of visitors descends onto my in-laws' house. Being the oldest in a large clan, my MIL's house is always a centre of activity. I call it the "Family headquarters".
My sasurji, after meeting the first few visitors, sets out to individually visit every one of his children's homes. All 8 homes of his daughters and daughters-in-law. The point of the visit is of course, to visit his children on the festival. But the fun part is when he samples each and every one's cooking and at the end of the day, declares one winner - the maker of the best sheer khurma. (He just 'samples' the food - being very careful about his diet and health).
This 'competition' has become something to look forward to.....
All my 'jethani's (husband's brothers' wives) and 'nands' vie to produce the best dessert. I spent one Eid with them in India, before moving to Ireland. As I was the bride and the youngest DIL, I wasn't expected to cook (did you hear that, girls??? I didn't cook in my in-laws' house for a year, and when I go back on vacation, I'm the 'guest' so I still don't). Anyway, I had the occasion to sample all their cooking (hubby and I went with him), and at the end of the day, the 'winner' was my 2nd eldest 'jethaniji', a superb cook. (Winner 3 years running).
I joked that my FIL had acted impartially - having picked a bahu over his 6 betis. I was new in the house and naive. As time passed, I came to know that in this family, at least, there isn't much difference between the bahus and the betis. Which is something truly wonderful. As far as he is concerned, they're all his betis.
The "competition" is an excuse. The actual Eid tradition that Abba is carrying on is visiting the daughters' homes and making them feel special. It does make everyone feel special when "Nana-hazrat" (or "Dada") shows up at the door. The children excitedly look forward to Nana's Eidis. We cherish the time when he puts his affectionate, benevolent hand on our heads and gives us his dua's (prayers).
My first and only Eid in my sasural was a memorable one. I look forward to the day when I will relocate to India again - I don't know when that will be, but I hope 'Abba' is healthy enough to visit my home, when I present him with my cooking. I know I would have a slim chance of winning, but more than that, I look forward to his tender hand on my head, blessing me, my husband and my children, praying for our health and long life, our success and happiness, in this world and the next. Inshallah.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
The vadaam tradition
This write-up is for Tharini's theme on traditions this month at DMC. With the festival season in swing now with navarathri under way, I first wanted to do a post on Navarathri and Deepavali, but I changed my mind and I am going to do this post on a slightly different topic – the ‘vadakam/vathal’ (rice crispies) preparing tradition. I don’t know if this officially qualifies as a tradition but this has been something in which everyone in our family were involved in and we enjoyed every bit of it. For people who are not aware of vadakams (vadaams as I call it) – they are deep fried crispies made out of rice flour or sago and have a gorgeous, melt-in-your-mouth taste and they are excellent side dishes with traditional South Indian rice items like lemon rice or puliyodharai. It is also an excellent snack, not very healthy though ;) and it comes second only to pakoda to be enjoyed on a rainy day with a cup of tea. Usually the vadaam season starts in late April or early May before Agni Nakshatram (the time when temperatures peak during the summer). My Paati (Paternal Grand Mom) initiates the preparations and all the ingredients needed like Javvarisi (sago/sabudhana), green chillies, lemon would be purchased and ticked off the list. The veshti (dhoti) on which the vadaams are laid on, are washed thoroughly and dried. My Grand mom used to prepare several different kinds of vadakam – thenkuzhal vadakam, javvarisi vadakam, koozh vadakam are the usual stuff. Sometimes the more exotic varieties like vengaya vadaam (onion vadaam)also feature on the menu.
Before the day vadaams are prepared, Paati instructs me to go to the milling machine near our house and grind the soaked and dried up rice according to the vadaam requirement. She would find a teeny weeny piece of paper, she didn’t like wastage :) and write down in tiny hand writing the exact way in which the flour should be ground. The lady at the mill was very respectful and affectionate towards Paati and she would follow Paati’s instructions very religiously and grind the rice flour exactly like Paati wants. On that day, everyone is usually awake at the crack of dawn and she prepares the dough for the vadaams. Each vadaam requires a different proportion of ingredients and cooking time. I find the vadaam dough absolutely delicious (even better than the vadaam itself) and would eat some when Paati or Amma are not looking :) Paaati prepares all the dough patiently and everyone is ready to go to the terrace at our home by 5 ‘o’ clock in the morning. There the dhotis are laid down and stones are placed in the corners to prevent it from flying. Then the prepared dough is put into thenkuzhal achu (mould) and would be pressed onto the dhoti in neat rows. If it is koozh vadaam then we would just take it in a ladle and pour it in a oval shape on the dhoti. I, my sister and my Mom would press the vadaam onto the dhoti while Paati would supervise. We would place a black umbrella nearby to scare away the crows that come to eat the vadaam. It would take a good two hours before all the dough is finished and laid out in neat rows on the dhoti and the sun would have risen by then. There the vadaams would lie, on our terrace drying up in the sun all day. In the evening we would bring it back and then dry the vadaams a few more times until it is nice and crisp. Of course the best part is eating puliyodharai with the deep fried newly prepared vadaams. Every year we used to look forward to this vadaam tradition though I haven’t done it here in Portland. So vadaam is kind of a rare commodity here and I always ask my Mom or In laws to pack some vadaams when they visit here. Not too bad if I indulge once in a while isn't it?
And here is a picture of the yummy vadaams! The last few pieces left in my stock actually.
Before the day vadaams are prepared, Paati instructs me to go to the milling machine near our house and grind the soaked and dried up rice according to the vadaam requirement. She would find a teeny weeny piece of paper, she didn’t like wastage :) and write down in tiny hand writing the exact way in which the flour should be ground. The lady at the mill was very respectful and affectionate towards Paati and she would follow Paati’s instructions very religiously and grind the rice flour exactly like Paati wants. On that day, everyone is usually awake at the crack of dawn and she prepares the dough for the vadaams. Each vadaam requires a different proportion of ingredients and cooking time. I find the vadaam dough absolutely delicious (even better than the vadaam itself) and would eat some when Paati or Amma are not looking :) Paaati prepares all the dough patiently and everyone is ready to go to the terrace at our home by 5 ‘o’ clock in the morning. There the dhotis are laid down and stones are placed in the corners to prevent it from flying. Then the prepared dough is put into thenkuzhal achu (mould) and would be pressed onto the dhoti in neat rows. If it is koozh vadaam then we would just take it in a ladle and pour it in a oval shape on the dhoti. I, my sister and my Mom would press the vadaam onto the dhoti while Paati would supervise. We would place a black umbrella nearby to scare away the crows that come to eat the vadaam. It would take a good two hours before all the dough is finished and laid out in neat rows on the dhoti and the sun would have risen by then. There the vadaams would lie, on our terrace drying up in the sun all day. In the evening we would bring it back and then dry the vadaams a few more times until it is nice and crisp. Of course the best part is eating puliyodharai with the deep fried newly prepared vadaams. Every year we used to look forward to this vadaam tradition though I haven’t done it here in Portland. So vadaam is kind of a rare commodity here and I always ask my Mom or In laws to pack some vadaams when they visit here. Not too bad if I indulge once in a while isn't it?
And here is a picture of the yummy vadaams! The last few pieces left in my stock actually.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Traditions
What a lovely theme as we begin the festive season. It's interesting that each and every family has its own traditions and rituals, quite apart from social traditions, that we adopt, and over time these play such an important role in knitting the familt unit together. Some of the traditions are so strange, at times, that only the family will ever understand the in-joke!
We're not a very traditional family ( tradition in the social/ religious sense) - by family I mean me, my husband and our two kids - because my husband and I are from opposite corners of India - I'm South Indian, he's from the North, I'm Hindu, he is Muslim. My parents are extremely traditional, and you will hear the lovely strains of Sanskrit shlokas being chanted every morning as each of them does their puje, and the food is by and large typically traditional Kannadiga/ Mysore food too. Each festival has some set things in the puje, and on the menu. For Gowri Habba, we used to make little Gowri figurines out of turmeric, and always buy a Goowri and Ganesha idol made of clay from Bangalore. My mother decorates the Gowri idol beautifully and till date has kept up the tradition of calling friends and neighbours over for Arshna-Kumkuma ( haldi-kumkum) in the evening on those two days. Guests are always served Shundal in little leaf-cups. My father, if he happens to travel South before the festival, always gets beautiful flower strings - Mallige, sampige, kanakaambra - which are also given away to the guests. Ganesha Chathurthi always meant Karjikaayi and Diwali usually means Holige of some kind. On birthdays, my mom always made a festive meal, complete with the birthday person's favourite kheer.
One of the traditions my parents started was that of Christmas. We always used to have a christmas tree at home, sometimes even one just made out of paper and pasted onto a wall. My folks would play Jim Reeves' carols all day. On Christmas eve, dad would sneak a present under our pillows. That's a tradition we continue in our home too. I decorate a Norfolk Pine tree, which has nice weight-bearing branches, with lovely Kashmiri papier mache decorations and we play carols at home. I try and bake cookies, or at least bring home a fruit cake. We usually have a festive Christmas meal, which is as continental as I can make it, with Red pepper soup, Potatoes Dauphinoise, a quiche or vegetable pie, salad and the cake, of course. And presents - but of course!
Another tradition my parents started when we lived in Bangalore was that of Beladingalu Oota - Dinner by moonlight. On full moon nights, my mother would set our food out on the floor of the enormous balcony of our house in Bangalore. We would eat only by the light of the moon, enjoying the strange, pale light and the unusual flavour it added to the food. That's something I plan to start as soon as my daughter turns three.
One of the most beautiful rituals we have is that a baby's first outing, apart from doctor's visits, has to be to a place of worship. Of course with our mixed up household, we went the whole hog. First we took our kids to the Baha'i Temple, as being a neutral place, then a mosque, a gurdwara and then a temple!
We have started a tradition of having an open house party midway between Id and Diwali. We call all our friends and colleagues - with the caveat that the colleagues have to be friends, not just co-workers - and we have a menu which is kind of set by now. We cater in the Biryani and kebabs from one particular place called Matka Pir in Delhi. I usually make a spiced rice dish for the vegetarians. And one dish that all our guests remember year upon year and pre-request just in case I had plans of turning lazy that year is Badaam Halwa. it's quite a painstaking dish to make, and last year, since I was back at work full time with a 4 month old baby in tow, it took me a full week to make it. All our friends look forward to this party, since it is one place they know they'll meet everybody, and our guest list keeps growing. Last year we counted 94 people before we gave up! We love hosting this year after year, even though we're dog tired by the end of it, because with today's crazy schedules, that's the only time we can count on seeing all our friends.
We're not a very traditional family ( tradition in the social/ religious sense) - by family I mean me, my husband and our two kids - because my husband and I are from opposite corners of India - I'm South Indian, he's from the North, I'm Hindu, he is Muslim. My parents are extremely traditional, and you will hear the lovely strains of Sanskrit shlokas being chanted every morning as each of them does their puje, and the food is by and large typically traditional Kannadiga/ Mysore food too. Each festival has some set things in the puje, and on the menu. For Gowri Habba, we used to make little Gowri figurines out of turmeric, and always buy a Goowri and Ganesha idol made of clay from Bangalore. My mother decorates the Gowri idol beautifully and till date has kept up the tradition of calling friends and neighbours over for Arshna-Kumkuma ( haldi-kumkum) in the evening on those two days. Guests are always served Shundal in little leaf-cups. My father, if he happens to travel South before the festival, always gets beautiful flower strings - Mallige, sampige, kanakaambra - which are also given away to the guests. Ganesha Chathurthi always meant Karjikaayi and Diwali usually means Holige of some kind. On birthdays, my mom always made a festive meal, complete with the birthday person's favourite kheer.
One of the traditions my parents started was that of Christmas. We always used to have a christmas tree at home, sometimes even one just made out of paper and pasted onto a wall. My folks would play Jim Reeves' carols all day. On Christmas eve, dad would sneak a present under our pillows. That's a tradition we continue in our home too. I decorate a Norfolk Pine tree, which has nice weight-bearing branches, with lovely Kashmiri papier mache decorations and we play carols at home. I try and bake cookies, or at least bring home a fruit cake. We usually have a festive Christmas meal, which is as continental as I can make it, with Red pepper soup, Potatoes Dauphinoise, a quiche or vegetable pie, salad and the cake, of course. And presents - but of course!
Another tradition my parents started when we lived in Bangalore was that of Beladingalu Oota - Dinner by moonlight. On full moon nights, my mother would set our food out on the floor of the enormous balcony of our house in Bangalore. We would eat only by the light of the moon, enjoying the strange, pale light and the unusual flavour it added to the food. That's something I plan to start as soon as my daughter turns three.
One of the most beautiful rituals we have is that a baby's first outing, apart from doctor's visits, has to be to a place of worship. Of course with our mixed up household, we went the whole hog. First we took our kids to the Baha'i Temple, as being a neutral place, then a mosque, a gurdwara and then a temple!
We have started a tradition of having an open house party midway between Id and Diwali. We call all our friends and colleagues - with the caveat that the colleagues have to be friends, not just co-workers - and we have a menu which is kind of set by now. We cater in the Biryani and kebabs from one particular place called Matka Pir in Delhi. I usually make a spiced rice dish for the vegetarians. And one dish that all our guests remember year upon year and pre-request just in case I had plans of turning lazy that year is Badaam Halwa. it's quite a painstaking dish to make, and last year, since I was back at work full time with a 4 month old baby in tow, it took me a full week to make it. All our friends look forward to this party, since it is one place they know they'll meet everybody, and our guest list keeps growing. Last year we counted 94 people before we gave up! We love hosting this year after year, even though we're dog tired by the end of it, because with today's crazy schedules, that's the only time we can count on seeing all our friends.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Theme for October
[This post is written by Tharini of Winkie's Way.]
Hi Girls...
Please excuse me for the delay in introducing the theme for October. I meant to do it on Friday, but Sathya went into a viral, and we had guests over the weekend. So this got skipped.
I have always wondered about family traditions. The kind that is created within each family, and unique to them. The kind that brings every member together in a close knit circle, and deepens the existing bonds. Something, that gets cloaked in years of memories, to be retrieved by the trigger of something innocuous...and you find yourself dusting the layers off of them and feeling warm and cosy inside. These are the traditions I wonder about, and I know there will be many.
And this, will be the theme for this festive month on DMC. What are the family traditions that you recollect from your own childhoods and growing years? Is it something that you still continue with your own family even now? Or is there something in special that you would like to adopt and hold on to? It could be anything (no rigid criteria here).....family prayers times, a special game, a special kind of meal, traditions around festivals, travel traditions, a special book....anything...anything at all. Anything that brings you all together in it.
I hope we can look forward to a lot of responses and a lot of sharing of stories. Happy October DMC'ites! :D
Hi Girls...
Please excuse me for the delay in introducing the theme for October. I meant to do it on Friday, but Sathya went into a viral, and we had guests over the weekend. So this got skipped.
I have always wondered about family traditions. The kind that is created within each family, and unique to them. The kind that brings every member together in a close knit circle, and deepens the existing bonds. Something, that gets cloaked in years of memories, to be retrieved by the trigger of something innocuous...and you find yourself dusting the layers off of them and feeling warm and cosy inside. These are the traditions I wonder about, and I know there will be many.
And this, will be the theme for this festive month on DMC. What are the family traditions that you recollect from your own childhoods and growing years? Is it something that you still continue with your own family even now? Or is there something in special that you would like to adopt and hold on to? It could be anything (no rigid criteria here).....family prayers times, a special game, a special kind of meal, traditions around festivals, travel traditions, a special book....anything...anything at all. Anything that brings you all together in it.
I hope we can look forward to a lot of responses and a lot of sharing of stories. Happy October DMC'ites! :D
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