Holi – Indian Festival of Colour

The festival of Holi falls in the month of Phalgun or Fagun. Phalgun arrives as the curtain raiser of the upcoming Spring that brings in warm days and new life. Spring is the season of rejuvenation and rebirth. The earth discards its winter gloom and begins to blossom again. To mark this change, Holi flings colour into the Indian landscape and invites the celebration of life. Spirits run high as the preparations for the festivities begin, as households prepare sweets and colourful powder is bought, long syringes called 'pichkaris' are made ready with coloured water, water balloons are filled to colour family and friends with as many colours as possible.
Children, friends and neighbours gather on the streets and a riot of colour takes over. Coloured Justify Fullpowders known as 'abeer' or 'gulal' are thrown into the air and smeared on faces and bodies. 'Pichkaris' filled with coloured water are sprinkled onto people. Water balloons are thrown at friends and neighbours in the spirit of fun. Sometimes, mud baths are prepared and people are 'dunked' into it amidst much laughter and teasing. The young visitors carry 'abeer' or 'gulal' to pay their respects to elders by sprinkling some on their feet. The younger crowd is drenched with buckets of coloured water and pummelled with water balloons. Indian drums are played and the songs of Holi are sung by the merry-makers.
There is no religious 'puja' or worship associated with this festival of colours as such. However, some 'gulal' or 'abeer' is smeared on the faces of statues of Lord Krishna and Radha, at the commencement of the festivities.
There are some quaint customs attached to this festival as well. Holi is celebrated in the country with great zest and verve. It is a time to remember the brightness and splendour of life, a time to spread happiness, colour and love into the lives of others. Holi is, therefore, aptly called the festival of colour. Its spirit is uniquely Indian, colourful, exotic and full of life.

I am a big big girl too...

Love this song. Watch:

Mile` Sur Mera Tumhara (Old)

This is one song that makes me emotionally overwhelmed every time I listen to or watch it. So many memories of my childhood become fresh like it was yesterday! The big Television set in the living room, running from my study table to watch this song where I got to see so many celebrities in one single video, the variety of sur and the people of different states of India....this song is like a complete experience and a complete picture. I know for a fact that no "Phir Mile Mera Sur" or remake of “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” can be as melodious as this one. This is a classic example of unity in diversity that signifies India. I love this song. India is truly incredible!

Incredible India

A baul singer of West Bengal

I was on my way to Shanti Niketan, in the Inter-City Express to Bolpur. One saffron gown clad man entered the chair car compartment. The thought – “here comes another magician, who would annoy every passenger by asking for money after he is done with his tricks” - came to my mind. But I was so wrong! Instead, this soft spoken man sang some soulful and melodious baul song. Keeping rhythm with his ghungroo on one of his ankles, he was creating effortless music with the dotara he had on his hands. Once he was done with his first number, the passengers requested for more. He obliged with a smile. I couldn’t resist the moment. I knew, I cannot get a better picture that says, “Incredible India" - literally!

You may like to know about:
Shanti Niketan
Baul Songs
Ghungroo
Dotara

Farewell 2009

One more year is over. I am wiser by 365 days more. The year 2009 has been the worst ever in my life, though I would love to say that it had its own silver lining in more than one ways.

On the last day of the year, I am recalling all the good and bad that had happened in the last year. My mother’s sickness (August) was one of the lowest points of the year 09. Then I broke my toe (September) and lost my one and only aunty (Meera Mahi). Apart from that the year had seen me getting fevers/flue/infections time and again. Oh what a relief it’s over now.

On a positive note, I have grown wiser, understood the importance of family and realized where to put my foot down and say NO and actually mean it. In the departing year I have also understood who my real friends are and who are not. I will treasure the former all my life.

Someone has rightfully said that we do need the bad things in life too to understand the value of the good ones. Time heals everything. Remembering the quote an uncle had on his visiting card, “Arey mann shant rah, ye bhi guzar jayega”. Yes it did. I thank God for everything.

Aren't we glad to have each other GIRLS!

When I was a little girl,
I used to believe in the concept of one best friend.
Then I started to become a woman,
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
God would show you the best in many friends.


One friend is needed when you're going through things with your spouse…..
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom and dad...
Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities. Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.
One friend will say, 'Let's have a meal together,
'Another , 'Let's party together,'..
Another , 'Let's walk away together.'


One friend will meet your spiritual need,
Another your shoe fetish,..
Another your love for clothes,
Another will be with you in your season of confusion,..
Another will be your clarifier,
Another the wind beneath your wings…


But whatever their assignment in your life,
On whatever the occasion,
On whatever the day,
Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back,
Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself .
Those are your best friends.


It may all be wrapped up in one woman, But for many, it's wrapped up in several...
One from 7th grade,
One from high school,
Several from the college years,
A couple from old jobs,
On some days your mother,
On some days your neighbor,
On others, your sisters,
And on some days, your daughters.

Happy to have all my gal pals. Love you all.