We are on our trip to Kerala, and one word sums up our trip so far... AWESOME!!! So far we have spent 2 nights in Munnar, 1 night in Thekkady, and right now we are in Kumarakum. The trip is progressively getting better and better. Tomorrow, we will spend our last night on a houseboat.
I will do a post with all the details once we get back home (Saturday evening).
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
HAPPY DIWALI!
For those of you that do not know what Diwali is, look at the previous post from Vim. I think that he had a little help from wiki!!
Diwali is to Hindus like Christmas is to Christians, it is one of the largest festivals/celebrations of the year!
We are sending warm Diwali Wishes all the way from Bangalore!!
May you enjoy the Diwali festivities with your family and friends!
Wishing you all the best for the new year!!
Vim, Dev, Mira and Milan
Diwali Festivities
Here is a post from Vim on Diwali which is coming up on Tuesday!!
Not long now……. Diwali is just round the corner. The last few years we have had fun celebrating Diwali, USA style. It involved poojas, visits to temple, and most importantly - family gatherings!!!
To join in the holiday festivities, we would host a Diwali dinner at our house. It had its own twist with kids telling Diwali stories, and playing games... the important thing.... we were together with family and we had a great time!! When we come back home, we will look forward to the family celebrations, until then, we will enjoy what India has to offer.
But for those of you who are not familiar with the concept of Diwali here is a small explanation……..
Diwali is the most well-known of all Indian festivals. It is a five day celebration which occurs on the fifteenth day of the Hindu month of ‘Kartika’. The word Diwali means "row of lighted lamps" and the celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights because of the common practice of lighting small oil lamps called ‘diyas’ and placing them around the home, in courtyards and in gardens, as well as on roof-tops and outer walls.
During this time, homes are thoroughly cleaned, windows are opened and diyas are lit as a greeting to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth. In urban areas candles or electric lights are often substituted for diyas. During Diwali, gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared. The celebration means as much to Hindus as Christmas does to Christians.
The festival of Diwali is often celebrated with huge firework displays and the exchange of sweets. As with other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people across the country.
In northern India and elsewhere, Diwali celebrates Rama's return after fourteen years of exile in the forest, the King of Ayodhya, Rama, and his brother, Lakshman, returned to their hometown having fought a fierce battle with the demon king of Ceylon, Ravana, who had captured Rama's consort, Sita. Aided by an army of monkeys as well as some bears, Rama and Lakshman defeated Ravana and rescued Sita.
Upon Rama's return to Ayodhya the people of the town lit lamps to light the darkness, to welcome the King back and to celebrate the brothers' victory over Ravana. Overjoyed at Queen Sita's rescue and the safe return of King Rama, the people danced and celebrated and lit fireworks to show how happy they were. These festivities continue every year at Diwali and are still celebrated today.
In Gujarat, the festival honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; in Nepal Diwali commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakaasura; and in Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali. In Punjab it celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Hargobind, in 1619. Sikhs had celebrated Diwali for many years before that and the foundation stone of the Golden Temple at Amritsar, the holiest place in the Sikh world, was laid on Diwali in 1577. For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of Moksha (Nirvana, or eternal bliss) by the founder of Jainism, Lord Mahavira.
Everywhere that it is celebrated, Diwali signifies the renewal of life, and accordingly it is common to wear new clothes on the day of the festival. It also heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season.
Our experience of Diwali this years will take us on a family vacation to ‘Kerela’ South West India………………………..
Not long now……. Diwali is just round the corner. The last few years we have had fun celebrating Diwali, USA style. It involved poojas, visits to temple, and most importantly - family gatherings!!!
To join in the holiday festivities, we would host a Diwali dinner at our house. It had its own twist with kids telling Diwali stories, and playing games... the important thing.... we were together with family and we had a great time!! When we come back home, we will look forward to the family celebrations, until then, we will enjoy what India has to offer.
But for those of you who are not familiar with the concept of Diwali here is a small explanation……..
Diwali is the most well-known of all Indian festivals. It is a five day celebration which occurs on the fifteenth day of the Hindu month of ‘Kartika’. The word Diwali means "row of lighted lamps" and the celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights because of the common practice of lighting small oil lamps called ‘diyas’ and placing them around the home, in courtyards and in gardens, as well as on roof-tops and outer walls.
During this time, homes are thoroughly cleaned, windows are opened and diyas are lit as a greeting to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth. In urban areas candles or electric lights are often substituted for diyas. During Diwali, gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared. The celebration means as much to Hindus as Christmas does to Christians.
The festival of Diwali is often celebrated with huge firework displays and the exchange of sweets. As with other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people across the country.
In northern India and elsewhere, Diwali celebrates Rama's return after fourteen years of exile in the forest, the King of Ayodhya, Rama, and his brother, Lakshman, returned to their hometown having fought a fierce battle with the demon king of Ceylon, Ravana, who had captured Rama's consort, Sita. Aided by an army of monkeys as well as some bears, Rama and Lakshman defeated Ravana and rescued Sita.
Upon Rama's return to Ayodhya the people of the town lit lamps to light the darkness, to welcome the King back and to celebrate the brothers' victory over Ravana. Overjoyed at Queen Sita's rescue and the safe return of King Rama, the people danced and celebrated and lit fireworks to show how happy they were. These festivities continue every year at Diwali and are still celebrated today.
In Gujarat, the festival honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; in Nepal Diwali commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakaasura; and in Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali. In Punjab it celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Hargobind, in 1619. Sikhs had celebrated Diwali for many years before that and the foundation stone of the Golden Temple at Amritsar, the holiest place in the Sikh world, was laid on Diwali in 1577. For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of Moksha (Nirvana, or eternal bliss) by the founder of Jainism, Lord Mahavira.
Everywhere that it is celebrated, Diwali signifies the renewal of life, and accordingly it is common to wear new clothes on the day of the festival. It also heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season.
Our experience of Diwali this years will take us on a family vacation to ‘Kerela’ South West India………………………..
Friday, October 24, 2008
Milan the Firefighter
Milan was very interested in Firefighters... I think that the fascination started at school when they had a visit from the Fire Dept. I really am not sure... Or maybe it was when he watched the firefighters deal with the house fire in our 'old' neighborhood (it feels a little wierd saying that).
Anyways, last Christmas Milan asked for fireman-gear. Vik mama was the one that bought it for him... ever since he got it, he has been always interested in it. He will randomly put on all the gear and walk thru the house to 'put out the fire'. It is really cute to see. Well, this 'gear' has also come in handy here... a few times!!
He was able to use it as a halloween costume yesterday, and he was also able to dazzle his classmates with it.
Milan had a school assignment where he had to make a presentation on a book that he had read. The presentation had to include visuals. Initially when the assignment came, I was at a loss trying to figure how he was going to pull it off. Well, we then remembered that he had the Fred the Firefighter book and the 'gear'. Those two paired perfectly together and he rehearsed his presenation, and dazzled his class!!
Did Vik Mama know that his Christmas present was going to be so useful?
Anyways, last Christmas Milan asked for fireman-gear. Vik mama was the one that bought it for him... ever since he got it, he has been always interested in it. He will randomly put on all the gear and walk thru the house to 'put out the fire'. It is really cute to see. Well, this 'gear' has also come in handy here... a few times!!
He was able to use it as a halloween costume yesterday, and he was also able to dazzle his classmates with it.
Milan had a school assignment where he had to make a presentation on a book that he had read. The presentation had to include visuals. Initially when the assignment came, I was at a loss trying to figure how he was going to pull it off. Well, we then remembered that he had the Fred the Firefighter book and the 'gear'. Those two paired perfectly together and he rehearsed his presenation, and dazzled his class!!
Did Vik Mama know that his Christmas present was going to be so useful?
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Influences
Mira and Milan have been fortunate to have had the influence of many family members back at home. Most of the influences have been good...a few not so good! : ) Just kidding!
Anyways, being so far away, it is funny to see these influences surface in interesting ways...
Mira has always been interested in Dentistry. I think that this may have occurred with a little brain-washing by her uncle (Umang kaka) when she was very young.. : ) She would often say that she wanted to be a Dentist when she grows up. Well that interest in Dentistry is still running strong.... Mira recently had to do a project for school on a topic of her choice... she did it on Oral Hygiene! She got rave reviews from her teacher on her presentation!! Thank you Umang Kaka!!
With all of you so far away... you will have to come up with creative ways to continue the influence across the many miles....
Anyways, being so far away, it is funny to see these influences surface in interesting ways...
Mira has always been interested in Dentistry. I think that this may have occurred with a little brain-washing by her uncle (Umang kaka) when she was very young.. : ) She would often say that she wanted to be a Dentist when she grows up. Well that interest in Dentistry is still running strong.... Mira recently had to do a project for school on a topic of her choice... she did it on Oral Hygiene! She got rave reviews from her teacher on her presentation!! Thank you Umang Kaka!!
With all of you so far away... you will have to come up with creative ways to continue the influence across the many miles....
Halloween in Bangalore!
Yes, there is such a thing.... OK, maybe not amongst the locals, but in Ozone which has high influence from the western countries, there is a Halloween celebration. And since the locals don't know a thing about it, the Ozone-ians (I thought that sounded better that Ozone-ites) can call the shots.
So, since next week is Diwali and the kids have off... and 80% of the Ozone-ians will be off travelling, they decided to celebrate it today!!!
Lucky for me I grabbed a container of a few Halloween decorations, and in there there were a few trick-or-treat bags and other goodies. I must have had a hunch about the Ozone-ian ways when I was packing... or maybe it was just luck. In any case, we got it covered!!
Mira decided to dress up as a witch with her friend Aleykia. I think they are supposed to be the 'Twitches'. I must be slipping into the 'un-cool mom' category now because between you and me, I don't know who the 'twitches' are!! Milan decided to be something a little more mainstream, he is a firefighter. Thanks to Vik-Mama for the firefighter get-up as a Christmas present last year! It has come in handy twice here in Bangalore. I will write about the other time later.
Just in case anyone was curious, Milan was trick or treating with Shruti.... Yep...
So one big difference about the Halloween here... the loot is not as good. Milan just brought his home... no snickers, no mounds, no almond joy, no take-five.... most of it is hard candy.... no chocolate!! Oh well!
I will post pictures of the Halloween festivities later!
Tomorrow is my last day of work, and then a week off!! Yippieee!!
So, since next week is Diwali and the kids have off... and 80% of the Ozone-ians will be off travelling, they decided to celebrate it today!!!
Lucky for me I grabbed a container of a few Halloween decorations, and in there there were a few trick-or-treat bags and other goodies. I must have had a hunch about the Ozone-ian ways when I was packing... or maybe it was just luck. In any case, we got it covered!!
Mira decided to dress up as a witch with her friend Aleykia. I think they are supposed to be the 'Twitches'. I must be slipping into the 'un-cool mom' category now because between you and me, I don't know who the 'twitches' are!! Milan decided to be something a little more mainstream, he is a firefighter. Thanks to Vik-Mama for the firefighter get-up as a Christmas present last year! It has come in handy twice here in Bangalore. I will write about the other time later.
Just in case anyone was curious, Milan was trick or treating with Shruti.... Yep...
So one big difference about the Halloween here... the loot is not as good. Milan just brought his home... no snickers, no mounds, no almond joy, no take-five.... most of it is hard candy.... no chocolate!! Oh well!
I will post pictures of the Halloween festivities later!
Tomorrow is my last day of work, and then a week off!! Yippieee!!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Food....
I don't think that I have recently commented on the food here in Bangalore.
It is GREAT!! Everywhere that we have been out to eat, the food has been excellent! And, it has been really affordable. When we go out to eat, the food is generally around $5-6 for an entree. The portions are perfect....
The struggle is that our list of restaurants that we want to try keeps growing.... so many places and not enough time!! Our mission is to hit many of the places before our visitors come!!
Oh... the other thing to add about food.
So yesterday, I sent the driver on a trip to the grocery store after he dropped me off at work. We are trying to give the driver and maid little errands to do so that it takes the burden off us.... So, anyways, I sent him for yogurt (2 containers), bananas, cucumbers and potatoes. I have him the equivalent of $5 and I was not sure if that would be enough. He delivered the groceries, and had only spent the equivalent of $2.50!! Wow.... back at home I would have spent $10 on all of that, especially if I bought the things at Ninos!!
It is GREAT!! Everywhere that we have been out to eat, the food has been excellent! And, it has been really affordable. When we go out to eat, the food is generally around $5-6 for an entree. The portions are perfect....
The struggle is that our list of restaurants that we want to try keeps growing.... so many places and not enough time!! Our mission is to hit many of the places before our visitors come!!
Oh... the other thing to add about food.
So yesterday, I sent the driver on a trip to the grocery store after he dropped me off at work. We are trying to give the driver and maid little errands to do so that it takes the burden off us.... So, anyways, I sent him for yogurt (2 containers), bananas, cucumbers and potatoes. I have him the equivalent of $5 and I was not sure if that would be enough. He delivered the groceries, and had only spent the equivalent of $2.50!! Wow.... back at home I would have spent $10 on all of that, especially if I bought the things at Ninos!!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Weekend Re-cap
Another weekend flew by! Honestly... they are just whizzing by!!
Friday was dinner for Vim's B-day.
Saturday we had Parent meetings at the school with their teachers. They were supposed to be conferences, but they were not necessarily structured like the ones back at home... Oh well, we have to go with the flow. Manjula came over to watch the kids while Vim and I went to the school. Before we left, I took advantage of the overlap time with Manjula to do some 'cooking-training'. Now that we have an oven, I taught her how to make Handvo (it is a spicy lentil cake)! It was yummy.
After the school, I had made plans with Jignasha to go to the spa. It turned out to me an all day/evening thing. We got to the place at 3:30, and did not leave until almost 8pm!! I got a pedicure, facial, and hair cut all for $30! That is a fraction of what I would pay for all of that back at home!
Vim was home with Milan and Jignasha's boys, while Mira had a sleep-over at her friends house. All and all a good day.
Sunday we had lunch at Jignasha's house, and then spent the rest of the afternoon/evening just chillin out. The kids were exhausted from the lack-of-sleep during the sleep over so they were both in bed by 7pm!
OH, the other good thing that happened over the weekend, we got a new internet service provider! They showed up on Sunday evening so we are back in business! Vonage is working, internet is working! I don't want to get too excited.... this is India after all, and things could change at any moment!
We recently came to the realization that there are a lot of places that we want to see on this side of world, so we better get cracking....
We leave for our next trip on Sunday. We are going to do the Kerala trip. We have 6 nights planned and we are seeing 4 cities/areas. We are going to the tea plantataions up in the 'hills' in a town called Munnar. We hear it is supposed to be beautiful. Then we go to Thekkady where there is a wild-life park, then off to Kumarkum where will take a houseboat tour.
We are also booking a beach vacation to the Maldives. This is a popular destination for foreigners, it is supposed to be amazing! We will stay 3 nights there.
Friday was dinner for Vim's B-day.
Saturday we had Parent meetings at the school with their teachers. They were supposed to be conferences, but they were not necessarily structured like the ones back at home... Oh well, we have to go with the flow. Manjula came over to watch the kids while Vim and I went to the school. Before we left, I took advantage of the overlap time with Manjula to do some 'cooking-training'. Now that we have an oven, I taught her how to make Handvo (it is a spicy lentil cake)! It was yummy.
After the school, I had made plans with Jignasha to go to the spa. It turned out to me an all day/evening thing. We got to the place at 3:30, and did not leave until almost 8pm!! I got a pedicure, facial, and hair cut all for $30! That is a fraction of what I would pay for all of that back at home!
Vim was home with Milan and Jignasha's boys, while Mira had a sleep-over at her friends house. All and all a good day.
Sunday we had lunch at Jignasha's house, and then spent the rest of the afternoon/evening just chillin out. The kids were exhausted from the lack-of-sleep during the sleep over so they were both in bed by 7pm!
OH, the other good thing that happened over the weekend, we got a new internet service provider! They showed up on Sunday evening so we are back in business! Vonage is working, internet is working! I don't want to get too excited.... this is India after all, and things could change at any moment!
We recently came to the realization that there are a lot of places that we want to see on this side of world, so we better get cracking....
We leave for our next trip on Sunday. We are going to do the Kerala trip. We have 6 nights planned and we are seeing 4 cities/areas. We are going to the tea plantataions up in the 'hills' in a town called Munnar. We hear it is supposed to be beautiful. Then we go to Thekkady where there is a wild-life park, then off to Kumarkum where will take a houseboat tour.
We are also booking a beach vacation to the Maldives. This is a popular destination for foreigners, it is supposed to be amazing! We will stay 3 nights there.
Birthday Celebrations....
Vim's Birthday celebration was very nice.
It all began on Thursday night when Mira and I baked a cake and some cupcakes. The bonus.... we were able to bake them in OUR NEW OVEN!!! YEAHH!!
On Friday, we did not tell Vim what was planned for the celebration. I wanted to keep it a surprise.
We had dinner plans with one of our friends - Susanna and Robert. Susanna suggested a restaurant that we had not tried yet, so we were up for the adventure.
The restaurant was called 'Jalsa'. It was north Indian food, and had a great atmosphere. Very kid friendly and the food (and drinks) were great!!
After dinner, they came back to our place for cake. It was nice, the only thing.... the 2 youngest kids out of the bunch ran out of steam and did not stay awake for the cake... that was Eva and Milan!! But don't worry, Milan woke up Saturday morning with a realization that he missed out on the cake, and lucky for him we saved him some cupcakes which is what he had for breakfast!!
Below are some pictures from the dinner!!
It all began on Thursday night when Mira and I baked a cake and some cupcakes. The bonus.... we were able to bake them in OUR NEW OVEN!!! YEAHH!!
On Friday, we did not tell Vim what was planned for the celebration. I wanted to keep it a surprise.
We had dinner plans with one of our friends - Susanna and Robert. Susanna suggested a restaurant that we had not tried yet, so we were up for the adventure.
The restaurant was called 'Jalsa'. It was north Indian food, and had a great atmosphere. Very kid friendly and the food (and drinks) were great!!
After dinner, they came back to our place for cake. It was nice, the only thing.... the 2 youngest kids out of the bunch ran out of steam and did not stay awake for the cake... that was Eva and Milan!! But don't worry, Milan woke up Saturday morning with a realization that he missed out on the cake, and lucky for him we saved him some cupcakes which is what he had for breakfast!!
Below are some pictures from the dinner!!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Birthday Celebrations!
Today is the second Birthday Celebration for us here!
Today is Vim's birthday!!
We have a lot of fun and exciting things planned!!
I will post all about tomorrow.... that is if the Internet is running! It has been down for the last few days... along with Vonage.... UGGH!
Today is Vim's birthday!!
We have a lot of fun and exciting things planned!!
I will post all about tomorrow.... that is if the Internet is running! It has been down for the last few days... along with Vonage.... UGGH!
Faith
People here in India, and more so in the south are very religous. I noticed that early in to our move here. There are temples everywhere.... some are big and elaborate, others are very small and sometimes on the corner of a busy intersection. No matter where they are, they are frequented... often! At work I will see many people with the 'kukum' on their forehead (usually done as part of prayer).
The other thing... when I have paid the driver, maid, massage lady, service people, etc... you will see them take the money and put it in their hands in payer position, and bring it to their chest and head. They will whispers a few words of gratitude for the reciept of the money.
It is really impressive to see people so dedicated to their faith. I really believe that it gives them the peace and comfort to go about their day. People are pretty level headed and even tempered here.
I think that there is a lot to be learned about the approach to religion here in the India!!
My dear friend George Micheal summed it up really well - 'you gotta have faith'!
The other thing... when I have paid the driver, maid, massage lady, service people, etc... you will see them take the money and put it in their hands in payer position, and bring it to their chest and head. They will whispers a few words of gratitude for the reciept of the money.
It is really impressive to see people so dedicated to their faith. I really believe that it gives them the peace and comfort to go about their day. People are pretty level headed and even tempered here.
I think that there is a lot to be learned about the approach to religion here in the India!!
My dear friend George Micheal summed it up really well - 'you gotta have faith'!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
A Day in the Life of Vim
I think that it is only fitting that we try to capture what Vim does all day. This has been a question from several people.
I will attempt to capture from my perspective and then maybe Vim will follow with 'the true story'!
The day begins at 6am, when Vim wakes up and gets the kids showered. By 7:30 the kids are on the way to the bus stop. And by 8am, I am off to work and Vim is free to enjoy his day! It starts with a trip to the gym (one of the perks of our housing community - it is walking distance). A few days a week, he has badminton games scheduled. He usually plays with a few of the ladies in the neighborhood. Occaissionally he will go to Palm Meadows and play with a group over thier. Badminton is a big sport here in India.
Then he showers and is ready to spend some time on the internet. This plan is usually de-railed at least a few times a week due to internet-connectivity issues. I have noticed a direct correlation between Vim's crankieness in the evening and the internet being down!
On most weeks there is usually an errand or two that needs to be done. Sometimes that involves a trip into town that could take up to 3 hours. Or sometimes it involves waiting at home for the 'service'. Again, there is a crankiness-correlation here as well. It is related to the amount of time that he has to wait in traffic or the amount of time he is waiting at home for the 'service tech' who is always on Indian Standard time.
Occasionally on the errand-runs, he will make a secret stop to his favorite ice cream shop (Corner House).
When there are no errands planned... he is left to enjoy the day. This usually involves catching up with the neighbors. He has a few core friends that he keeps up with.... Tonnie, Kirstina, Susanna, Swati, Charu..... I really don't know who they all are....
Occaissionally he offers to hang out with Charu's kids, Rohin and Veda. They remind us a lot of Mira and Milan when they were younger!
In between (if the internet is running) he will work to go on U-Tube to show Manjula (our maid) how to make certain Gujarati food. Yes, they have a U-Tube video on how to make Dhokra in case any one is interested.
Secretly, I think that he will watch a Hindi movie in the afternoon. He has not admitted it, but I think he does....
In addition, I think that the afternoon involves a cat-nap. This is my guess as well...
The peace and quiet comes to a halt at 4:45 when the kids come home. Then he works to get their homework done before dinner.
He is longing to get a job b/c he is getting bored at home. And I would love to trade places with him - even if it was for just a week! I guess it goes to show... the grass is always greener on the other side! : )
I will attempt to capture from my perspective and then maybe Vim will follow with 'the true story'!
The day begins at 6am, when Vim wakes up and gets the kids showered. By 7:30 the kids are on the way to the bus stop. And by 8am, I am off to work and Vim is free to enjoy his day! It starts with a trip to the gym (one of the perks of our housing community - it is walking distance). A few days a week, he has badminton games scheduled. He usually plays with a few of the ladies in the neighborhood. Occaissionally he will go to Palm Meadows and play with a group over thier. Badminton is a big sport here in India.
Then he showers and is ready to spend some time on the internet. This plan is usually de-railed at least a few times a week due to internet-connectivity issues. I have noticed a direct correlation between Vim's crankieness in the evening and the internet being down!
On most weeks there is usually an errand or two that needs to be done. Sometimes that involves a trip into town that could take up to 3 hours. Or sometimes it involves waiting at home for the 'service'. Again, there is a crankiness-correlation here as well. It is related to the amount of time that he has to wait in traffic or the amount of time he is waiting at home for the 'service tech' who is always on Indian Standard time.
Occasionally on the errand-runs, he will make a secret stop to his favorite ice cream shop (Corner House).
When there are no errands planned... he is left to enjoy the day. This usually involves catching up with the neighbors. He has a few core friends that he keeps up with.... Tonnie, Kirstina, Susanna, Swati, Charu..... I really don't know who they all are....
Occaissionally he offers to hang out with Charu's kids, Rohin and Veda. They remind us a lot of Mira and Milan when they were younger!
In between (if the internet is running) he will work to go on U-Tube to show Manjula (our maid) how to make certain Gujarati food. Yes, they have a U-Tube video on how to make Dhokra in case any one is interested.
Secretly, I think that he will watch a Hindi movie in the afternoon. He has not admitted it, but I think he does....
In addition, I think that the afternoon involves a cat-nap. This is my guess as well...
The peace and quiet comes to a halt at 4:45 when the kids come home. Then he works to get their homework done before dinner.
He is longing to get a job b/c he is getting bored at home. And I would love to trade places with him - even if it was for just a week! I guess it goes to show... the grass is always greener on the other side! : )
Monday, October 13, 2008
Weekend Socializing
The kids and I had a holiday last Thursday for Dusshera. So, that started our weekend of socializing. The four of us talked about what we should do on the day off. After a long debate of all the options, we concluded that we just wanted to stay put at home.
It was a nice day and we just enjoyed vegging out. In the evening we invited Shruti's family (Milan's 'friend') over for dinner. This was a nice evening of just socializing. And for the record... I did cook!!
On Friday it was back to work and school. For dinner on Friday we went to our favorite restaurant - Little Italy. We went with another family that we met here in Bangalore. This place has become our Friday place to go... back home Olive Garden used to be our Friday night place to go! Personally, Little Italy is far better than Olive Garden.
On Saturday... it was a day of vegging out at home, and then a dinner party a neighbors. It was fun, but the family that was hosting is on the Indian Standard Time for Dinner - it was 9:00pm when they served dinner!!! I still can't get used to eating so late at night!
On Sunday... we continued our socializing and had some friends over for dinner. There were 2 GM families that were from Michigan. We had actually met up with them before we moved out here. One family is from Troy and the other from Rochester Hills. The kids had a blast! Just in case you were curious.... I cooked.. AGAIN!! Believe it or not, I actually miss cooking so I really enjoyed have people for dinner and cooking the food myself. Don't get me wrong.... I enjoy Manjula cooking for us, but every so often it is nice to prepare your own meals! : )
All in all a good weekend filled with good company.
In addition to all that... we got confirmation from several people of their plans to visit us during Christmas!! We are looking forward to all of the visitors!!!
It was a nice day and we just enjoyed vegging out. In the evening we invited Shruti's family (Milan's 'friend') over for dinner. This was a nice evening of just socializing. And for the record... I did cook!!
On Friday it was back to work and school. For dinner on Friday we went to our favorite restaurant - Little Italy. We went with another family that we met here in Bangalore. This place has become our Friday place to go... back home Olive Garden used to be our Friday night place to go! Personally, Little Italy is far better than Olive Garden.
On Saturday... it was a day of vegging out at home, and then a dinner party a neighbors. It was fun, but the family that was hosting is on the Indian Standard Time for Dinner - it was 9:00pm when they served dinner!!! I still can't get used to eating so late at night!
On Sunday... we continued our socializing and had some friends over for dinner. There were 2 GM families that were from Michigan. We had actually met up with them before we moved out here. One family is from Troy and the other from Rochester Hills. The kids had a blast! Just in case you were curious.... I cooked.. AGAIN!! Believe it or not, I actually miss cooking so I really enjoyed have people for dinner and cooking the food myself. Don't get me wrong.... I enjoy Manjula cooking for us, but every so often it is nice to prepare your own meals! : )
All in all a good weekend filled with good company.
In addition to all that... we got confirmation from several people of their plans to visit us during Christmas!! We are looking forward to all of the visitors!!!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Diwali!!
All I want for Diwali is my two front teeth, my two front teeth!!
Diwali is like the Indian Chirstmas!
It was 2 years ago at Christmas that Mira was missing her two front teeth and singing the same tune!!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Festivals and Pujas
Here is an update from Vim:
The week has ended with many events occurring.
Navratri ended on October-8th-2008 it culminates in Mahanavmi, after nine days of dance, Puja, music, masti enjoyment and worship of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. The kids experienced two things today. On this day,‘Kanya Puja’ is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. Their feet are washed as a mark of respect for the Goddess and then they are offered new clothes as gifts by the worshiper. This ritual is performed in most parts of the country. Mira, Milan and Mr. Mom, we extended guests at our neighbors’ house (Gaurav and Ritu) to bear witness to this Puja and accept the offering or ‘Prasad’ food which is cooked, blessed and eaten after the Puja. Ritu had to improvise as nine girls were not around and she made do with two girls and the rest of them boys.
That very same evening, Devraj our driver performed another Puja. This Puja was something I have never witnessed but it is performed every year on the last day of Navratri and on the day of Dussehra only in South India. It is called ‘Auyuda Poja’. Basically, everyone one blesses the Vehicle, Instruments, machinery they own or work with, to ensure that things work safely, and one is safe whilst using them. It’s a strange one, not sure what else to state but the pictures speak loader than words. It was a special time for Devraj our driver who collated all the items and performed this Puja, cleaned the whole garage, his motor bike, our bicycles and the car.
October 9th-08 marked the festive event of Dussehra. The festival of Dussehra is an important celebration in many parts of the country. It is celebrated with great fanfare. Dussehra is a very popular Hindu festival, which marks the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. Dussehra also symbolizes the triumph of warrior Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. There were many events held throughout Bangalore. We were guest at a house were a Puja had been performed and it was wonderful to see the staircase of Hindu god’s idols, and character figures on display.
We now focus on the main upcoming event Diwali and also our next family vacation. Location is still TBD… so many places to see on this side of the world!!
Devraj cleaning the car getting it ready for the puja!
Puja at Ritu's House!
Milan blessing his bike!
Devraj blessing the car!
Pictures of the car all dressed up!!!
The week has ended with many events occurring.
Navratri ended on October-8th-2008 it culminates in Mahanavmi, after nine days of dance, Puja, music, masti enjoyment and worship of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. The kids experienced two things today. On this day,‘Kanya Puja’ is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. Their feet are washed as a mark of respect for the Goddess and then they are offered new clothes as gifts by the worshiper. This ritual is performed in most parts of the country. Mira, Milan and Mr. Mom, we extended guests at our neighbors’ house (Gaurav and Ritu) to bear witness to this Puja and accept the offering or ‘Prasad’ food which is cooked, blessed and eaten after the Puja. Ritu had to improvise as nine girls were not around and she made do with two girls and the rest of them boys.
That very same evening, Devraj our driver performed another Puja. This Puja was something I have never witnessed but it is performed every year on the last day of Navratri and on the day of Dussehra only in South India. It is called ‘Auyuda Poja’. Basically, everyone one blesses the Vehicle, Instruments, machinery they own or work with, to ensure that things work safely, and one is safe whilst using them. It’s a strange one, not sure what else to state but the pictures speak loader than words. It was a special time for Devraj our driver who collated all the items and performed this Puja, cleaned the whole garage, his motor bike, our bicycles and the car.
October 9th-08 marked the festive event of Dussehra. The festival of Dussehra is an important celebration in many parts of the country. It is celebrated with great fanfare. Dussehra is a very popular Hindu festival, which marks the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. Dussehra also symbolizes the triumph of warrior Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. There were many events held throughout Bangalore. We were guest at a house were a Puja had been performed and it was wonderful to see the staircase of Hindu god’s idols, and character figures on display.
We now focus on the main upcoming event Diwali and also our next family vacation. Location is still TBD… so many places to see on this side of the world!!
Devraj cleaning the car getting it ready for the puja!
Puja at Ritu's House!
Milan blessing his bike!
Devraj blessing the car!
Pictures of the car all dressed up!!!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
3 Months...
In case anyone is counting.... we are 3 months into our adventure!
We love it and it feels like home!!
Yes there are issues, and differences but truly the pluses outweigh the minuses!!
One of the big minuses is being so far away from our friends and family. We have made some really great friends here, it is nice but it does NOT take the place of the dear ones back at home!!
We are looking forward to December.... when we will have visits from many friends and family!!
We love it and it feels like home!!
Yes there are issues, and differences but truly the pluses outweigh the minuses!!
One of the big minuses is being so far away from our friends and family. We have made some really great friends here, it is nice but it does NOT take the place of the dear ones back at home!!
We are looking forward to December.... when we will have visits from many friends and family!!
It's a Small World....
Being half-way across the world, you would not expect to find many connections to people you know back home..... right? WRONG!!!
So moving to Bangalore, we had known a few people before we got here. There was my sister-in-law's cousin and her family that moved here from Texas - Gurpreet. Then there was Rao and Sudha Aunty from the temple back home that were friends with my parents. We knew of these connections before we even moved here. It was comforting for us and my parents....
Then we moved here.... it turns out there is another GM family that knows my parents - Swati and Rohit..... OK, I can chalk it up as coincidence being from GM and that they used to live in Rochester Hills.
Now here is where things start to get really weird.....
I have posted about Aditi and Pranav from Houston. Now on the surface you would think.... no connection to us... Here is how it unfolds... Aditi's dad (Raghu) did his undergrad in New Orleans and ironically his roommate was my cousin Manisha's Husband. It gets more interesting.... Manisha and Arvind live in Kenya!! The Michigan-Houston-Kenya connection made in Banglore!!
Another one.... Shruti's family is from California. Shruti's mom (Sapna) grew up in Edmonton, Canada. One day my mom was talking to Sapna, it turns out their really close family friend from Edmonton is also family friends with my mom. Actually this family had visited us in Rochester Hills - I have vague memories. The California-Edmonton-Michigan connection made in Bangalore!!!
Last one (for now anyways....).... At the garba night we met a family that moved from Austin, Texas. This family had just arrived the week prior. The wife's name, Jignasa, a lawyer, grew up in Atlanta. This sounds a lot like my friend of the same name... she too is a lawyer and she grew up in Atlanta. They actually look alike too!! Now this was weird... As we were talking we discovered the 2 Jignasa's actually know each other from undergrad!! Is that a little weird, or what?? The Austin-Atlanta-Michigan connection made in Bangalore!!!
The point being.... it is a small world, and we are all connected!! So next time you meet someone - even if it is half-way across the world.... don't hesitate to ask the question 'do you know....?'. You may surprised at what you may find out!!
So moving to Bangalore, we had known a few people before we got here. There was my sister-in-law's cousin and her family that moved here from Texas - Gurpreet. Then there was Rao and Sudha Aunty from the temple back home that were friends with my parents. We knew of these connections before we even moved here. It was comforting for us and my parents....
Then we moved here.... it turns out there is another GM family that knows my parents - Swati and Rohit..... OK, I can chalk it up as coincidence being from GM and that they used to live in Rochester Hills.
Now here is where things start to get really weird.....
I have posted about Aditi and Pranav from Houston. Now on the surface you would think.... no connection to us... Here is how it unfolds... Aditi's dad (Raghu) did his undergrad in New Orleans and ironically his roommate was my cousin Manisha's Husband. It gets more interesting.... Manisha and Arvind live in Kenya!! The Michigan-Houston-Kenya connection made in Banglore!!
Another one.... Shruti's family is from California. Shruti's mom (Sapna) grew up in Edmonton, Canada. One day my mom was talking to Sapna, it turns out their really close family friend from Edmonton is also family friends with my mom. Actually this family had visited us in Rochester Hills - I have vague memories. The California-Edmonton-Michigan connection made in Bangalore!!!
Last one (for now anyways....).... At the garba night we met a family that moved from Austin, Texas. This family had just arrived the week prior. The wife's name, Jignasa, a lawyer, grew up in Atlanta. This sounds a lot like my friend of the same name... she too is a lawyer and she grew up in Atlanta. They actually look alike too!! Now this was weird... As we were talking we discovered the 2 Jignasa's actually know each other from undergrad!! Is that a little weird, or what?? The Austin-Atlanta-Michigan connection made in Bangalore!!!
The point being.... it is a small world, and we are all connected!! So next time you meet someone - even if it is half-way across the world.... don't hesitate to ask the question 'do you know....?'. You may surprised at what you may find out!!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Mira's Post
This is Mira's Post about her visit to the home for the disabled - called Navechetan.
I was excited to go on a vacation with mom, dad, nana and the little big guy. It going to be fun... this is were my mom & Sanjay mama always visit in India. The town is called Madhapur. Mom told me that her parents come there and that I have lots of cousins. She told me that there was an earthquacke in 2001 which destroyed this town. I was not sure if people still had houses or not and mom told me to see for myself what the town is like.
When we got there is was Hot, Hot, Hot. Dad was sweating a lot. The airport was very small, and there were lots of soldiers. Dad told me that the soldiers are there to protect India from Pakistan, as Madhupur is a bordering town close to Pakistan, like Detroit and Windsor. Mom also showed right by the airport there was a big fort that divides Packistan from India. It is a hill with a great big wall and look towers that has been there for many, many years. In the old days if people climbed the hill they would get killed with cannons.
I enjoyed meeting Jadu-baba and Kasturba. Jadu-Baba is my Jerry-baba's brother. They look like twins and both are funny. Jerry-baba has bigger eye glasses than Jahdu-baba. Milan had lots of fun with Jadu-baba, they we best buddies. We were taken everywhere by Jadu-baba, on his scooty (motorbike). Milan stood on the front of the scootie and I sat on the back. He took us to see the old people he visits daily, that was not so much fun. He also took us to the park, and around the town. Next day he took us to the boy hostel at the home for the disabled children. We saw lots of boys who were diabled at this boarding school. We played with some of them, watched them study in class and also watched the adults cook there lunch. All the boys at the school that saw Jadu-baba greeted him. Also that very same day we went to the girls boarding school, were the girls are also disabled. I met a girl named Ramila. She could speak only Gujarati, which I could understand and speak back to her only a little bit, mixed with English. Ramila was nice girl. She had 4 fingers missing on one hand. I also met other girls there too. Jadu-baba was also popular at the girls boarding school. For the rest of the time in Mahdupur, Jahdu-baba would take Milan and me to the school just for a quick visit. Milan also enjoyed it. The last friday, mom/dad came with us to the boys and girls hostel. They saw how excited the boys and girls were when Jadu-baba came in to visit them. So were the older people helping at the school. Dad took lots of pictures, as the girls were very excited to have a picture taken. When we went with mom/dad, Milan and I gave out colouring books - this was dads idea. I picked Ramila and Premila at the girls hostel. At the boys school Jadu-baba found two boys for Milan to give the books to. Jadu-baba and our family here are very popular at the school and in the village. They give a lot of help, get donations to keep the school running. It was nice to see the kids smile and be happy when we gave them the coloring books and pencils. It was very good to be very kind. Jadu-baba is great.
I was excited to go on a vacation with mom, dad, nana and the little big guy. It going to be fun... this is were my mom & Sanjay mama always visit in India. The town is called Madhapur. Mom told me that her parents come there and that I have lots of cousins. She told me that there was an earthquacke in 2001 which destroyed this town. I was not sure if people still had houses or not and mom told me to see for myself what the town is like.
When we got there is was Hot, Hot, Hot. Dad was sweating a lot. The airport was very small, and there were lots of soldiers. Dad told me that the soldiers are there to protect India from Pakistan, as Madhupur is a bordering town close to Pakistan, like Detroit and Windsor. Mom also showed right by the airport there was a big fort that divides Packistan from India. It is a hill with a great big wall and look towers that has been there for many, many years. In the old days if people climbed the hill they would get killed with cannons.
I enjoyed meeting Jadu-baba and Kasturba. Jadu-Baba is my Jerry-baba's brother. They look like twins and both are funny. Jerry-baba has bigger eye glasses than Jahdu-baba. Milan had lots of fun with Jadu-baba, they we best buddies. We were taken everywhere by Jadu-baba, on his scooty (motorbike). Milan stood on the front of the scootie and I sat on the back. He took us to see the old people he visits daily, that was not so much fun. He also took us to the park, and around the town. Next day he took us to the boy hostel at the home for the disabled children. We saw lots of boys who were diabled at this boarding school. We played with some of them, watched them study in class and also watched the adults cook there lunch. All the boys at the school that saw Jadu-baba greeted him. Also that very same day we went to the girls boarding school, were the girls are also disabled. I met a girl named Ramila. She could speak only Gujarati, which I could understand and speak back to her only a little bit, mixed with English. Ramila was nice girl. She had 4 fingers missing on one hand. I also met other girls there too. Jadu-baba was also popular at the girls boarding school. For the rest of the time in Mahdupur, Jahdu-baba would take Milan and me to the school just for a quick visit. Milan also enjoyed it. The last friday, mom/dad came with us to the boys and girls hostel. They saw how excited the boys and girls were when Jadu-baba came in to visit them. So were the older people helping at the school. Dad took lots of pictures, as the girls were very excited to have a picture taken. When we went with mom/dad, Milan and I gave out colouring books - this was dads idea. I picked Ramila and Premila at the girls hostel. At the boys school Jadu-baba found two boys for Milan to give the books to. Jadu-baba and our family here are very popular at the school and in the village. They give a lot of help, get donations to keep the school running. It was nice to see the kids smile and be happy when we gave them the coloring books and pencils. It was very good to be very kind. Jadu-baba is great.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Re-Cap From the Trip Back Home
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| Family!! |
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| Mira and Heenal |
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| With Jadu Bapa at Apnaghar |
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| Mira with a friend that she made |
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| Milan with a friend |
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| Temple in Bhuj |
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| Temple in Bhuj |
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| Mira and Milan with their Great Grandfather - Priceless |
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| Temple in Kera |
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| Temple in Kera |
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| Old Temple in Kera |
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| With Bapa |
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| Mira with her friends |
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| Family |
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| Streets of Madhapur |
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| Streets of Madhapur |
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| Streets of Madhapur |
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| Hanging with Jadu Bapa |
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| Off on a scooter ride |
Madhapur is in the area of Kutch. It is a semi-dessert area, very dry and very HOT! We arrived on Tuesday afternoon at the peak of the heat. There were some of that were more tolerant of the heat than others.... can you guess who was melting in the heat???
We arrived at my Uncle's house (my dad's younger brother). He has built a house in the same exact spot where my Grandfathers house was (tore it down and re-built). It was wierd because as I walked in, I remembered when I was at the house when it was my Grandfathers house. The streets of Madhapur were bare at 2 in the afternoon, not a sole to be found, and all the shops had their metal-roll-up doors closed. Yes, in the middle of the afternoon... why, you may ask? It is nap time!! The town comes to a stand still between the hours of 1 and 4pm! Literally everyone goes home for lunch and catches a nap..... ohhhh yeahhhhh, nap time!! And there is no guilt associated with it... it is actually strongly encouraged! Bring it on!!
Madhapur is small Indian village - very sterotypical. The majority of the population is old retirees that go back to their roots when they retire. It is actually very interesting to see the older generation really enjoy what living in Madhapur has to offer. The small streets with old ladies sitting on the outside bench/porch watching the people go by and catching up on the daily gossip. The crowds heading to the temple during the prayer times. The rush to the market to get the freshly picked produce. The evening crowd gathering at the 'grounds' for an evening walk. There is a routine pattern that people settle into that I think is very comforting and therapeutic. Even the very elderly are happy and content with their life. Most are able to care for themselves even in their old age. I was really amazed with that. Maybe it is because of the small community feel and people connection that they get? Maybe it is hot arid heat? Maybe it is the daily naps? Whatever it is, the older generation seem to thrive there. So, that begged the question.... as Vim and I were walking the streets of town with my aunt, I asked..... do you think you could ever live here? He paused.... and said 'yeah'. The bigger question is do I think that I could live there.....????
No trip to Madhapur is complete without a trip to Bhuj. This is the larger adjacent town. Now, the last time that I was there (13 years ago), there was nothing in between Bhuj and Madapur. It was clear where one town ended and the other began becasue there was nothing in between. That has now changed. In the 10 KM distance, between the 2, it is all filled in. Shopping was great..... 5 saris, 8-10 suits, and 8-10 kurtis.....I was in heaven!! Who needs Ann Taylor... I got my shopping fix with Indian clothes..... It was great!! I could have kept going but my Mom cut me off!!
My dad's brother is a trustee at an home for disabled children. Mira and Milan went with him to see the place. They were so moved by all the kids that were there. They all had some disability and living at this home because their parents could not take care of them. It was really nice to see all of the kids face light up when they saw my uncle. You could immediately see in their eyes the joy when they saw him.
While Mira was there she made a friend, her name is Ramila. She will write a post about her.
My dad's younger sister also lives in Madhapur. It was nice to see them as well. And one of the days that we were there, we went to my Mom's home town, Kera. It is about 25 KMS away. My mom's dad lives there. Again, like Madhapur, it has the quaint small town feel. My grandfather is really happy there. He is close to 80 and his health is great.... there is something to be said for that 'village living' lifestyle.
At the end of the trip I was ready to come home.... and the funny thing.... I was picturing our home in Bangalore. That really hit the point that Bangalore now feels like home!!
I have posted some of the pictures from the trip. There is still more to post about... but it will wait for another day...
Time to Celebrate... Indian Festival Season
This time of year in India is like the time between Thanksgiving and Chirstmas.... Festivites galore.... Vim has pulled together a post for all of you detailing some of the meaning around the festivities....
Its Time to Celebrate…………………………..
It will be a wonderful time this year in India…memorable. Devyani, M&M and I will be able to experience and participate many events, but it will our first to be part of the line of events not so deeply followed anywhere else but here in India.
The months of September and October are very auspicious months in the Hindu calendar. As mentioned in an earlier ‘blog’ we have already participated in the Ganesh Puja. According to Hindu mythological scriptures Lord Ganesha was formed by Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. It is said that one day Parvati formed a sculpture from the sandalwood paste that she used on her body before taking a bath. She infused life in that figure and ordered him to guard the entrance of her bathroom. God Shiva returned and stopped at the entrance of his house by that boy. In extreme rage Shiva struck off the boy’s head. This incident filled Parvati in utter grief and requested Shiva to return her son. Then Shiva fixed the head of an elephant and restored life onto the body of that boy. Lord Shiva named this boy as ‘Ganpati’ Gan means (hosts) & Pati means (Chief) and blessed that Ganpati would be worshipped before every new venture.
The end of the Ganesh Puja marks the start of the events that lead up to the Hindu Christmas – DIWALI.
Currently Hindus all around the world are celebrating; Navratri. Nava meaning Nine and Ratri meaning nights. The 9 nights festival of Navratri begins on the first day of Ashwina of the bright fortnight. Seeds are sown, sprouting is watched, the planets are consecrated, and on the 8th and 9th days, Goddess Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati are worshipped. Basically texts invoking the Goddess who vanquished demons are cited.
The day after Navratri i.e. the 10th day after Ashwina, is Dussera which celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Navaratri is celebrated in different ways throughout India. In North India by fasting on all nine days, South and East India idols of Goddess Durja are worshipped and then immersed in the river. But… the most common and fun way to celebrate Navtratri is as they do in Western India – Gujarat and all over the world were ever Hindu’s reside is to dance!...... Just to jog the memory of our many of our non Hindu friends in and around Michigan this is the enjoyable, vibrant, colorful energetic dance, dancing in a cirlcle called ‘Garba’ or ‘The Stick Dance’ called ‘Dandiya’ Rather than go into too much detail more details can be read/searched on at: www. wikipedia.org
Once Navartri ends the preparations will start for Diwali………..
Its Time to Celebrate…………………………..
It will be a wonderful time this year in India…memorable. Devyani, M&M and I will be able to experience and participate many events, but it will our first to be part of the line of events not so deeply followed anywhere else but here in India.
The months of September and October are very auspicious months in the Hindu calendar. As mentioned in an earlier ‘blog’ we have already participated in the Ganesh Puja. According to Hindu mythological scriptures Lord Ganesha was formed by Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. It is said that one day Parvati formed a sculpture from the sandalwood paste that she used on her body before taking a bath. She infused life in that figure and ordered him to guard the entrance of her bathroom. God Shiva returned and stopped at the entrance of his house by that boy. In extreme rage Shiva struck off the boy’s head. This incident filled Parvati in utter grief and requested Shiva to return her son. Then Shiva fixed the head of an elephant and restored life onto the body of that boy. Lord Shiva named this boy as ‘Ganpati’ Gan means (hosts) & Pati means (Chief) and blessed that Ganpati would be worshipped before every new venture.
The end of the Ganesh Puja marks the start of the events that lead up to the Hindu Christmas – DIWALI.
Currently Hindus all around the world are celebrating; Navratri. Nava meaning Nine and Ratri meaning nights. The 9 nights festival of Navratri begins on the first day of Ashwina of the bright fortnight. Seeds are sown, sprouting is watched, the planets are consecrated, and on the 8th and 9th days, Goddess Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati are worshipped. Basically texts invoking the Goddess who vanquished demons are cited.
The day after Navratri i.e. the 10th day after Ashwina, is Dussera which celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Navaratri is celebrated in different ways throughout India. In North India by fasting on all nine days, South and East India idols of Goddess Durja are worshipped and then immersed in the river. But… the most common and fun way to celebrate Navtratri is as they do in Western India – Gujarat and all over the world were ever Hindu’s reside is to dance!...... Just to jog the memory of our many of our non Hindu friends in and around Michigan this is the enjoyable, vibrant, colorful energetic dance, dancing in a cirlcle called ‘Garba’ or ‘The Stick Dance’ called ‘Dandiya’ Rather than go into too much detail more details can be read/searched on at: www. wikipedia.org
Once Navartri ends the preparations will start for Diwali………..
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