Navarthri 2010

"Sivanukku Oru raathiri, Ambaalukku Onbadhu raathiri' is a general saying (For Lord Shiva you celebrate Maha Sivarathri, for Goddess we celebrate 9 nights - 3 days each for Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi who depict Strength, Prosperity, Knowledge/Wisdom respectively). Every year celebrating this 9 day festival is something special and people across all ages eagerly look forward to this.

I have heard that the arrangement of dolls and clay figurines in 3,5,7,9 steps is said to symbolize the evolution of life from being gods to humans.

Generally the order with which they arrange the dolls would be that the creators are arranged in the top steps / tiers followed by Rishis, Saadhus and the last step(s) would typically consist depicting the social life behavior ( Chettiyaars, Army man, Wedding, cricket etc). While there are many reasons stated for the significance of golu, I have a feeling it is also a thank-giving way for the potterers.

Generally visitors come to every house in the evenings and adore the arrangements, discuss many things. It is also a way to mingle with other members in the host family. Spicy lentils is offered as prasadam and distributed to the visitors.
When I say mingling with members - a most wanted thing in the apartment these days as we do not know who is our neighbor. This gives a way to shed differences and socialize well.

Many festivals have taken a convenience. Some celebrate it for 9 days while some keep for 3 days. It is also considered to be good if you give vethelai paakku ( betel leaves nuts) to people who visit home... A reminiscenting memory when I used to be child and sing songs to get sundal(only if you sing, you get mind you). I vividly remember all my inviting occasions where I went to houses and invited them.

The next day / within 2 days based on convenience, everyone visited our house to see the dolls and sang songs. Only of late, the reciprocation of visiting homes (also heard the same from another friend) has come down as priorities differ for individuals. During one of my visits to houses, I heard from an elder person that during this time, it is supposed to be punniyam / sacred when you GIVE vethalai paakku and RECEIVE vethalai paakku...

I had a great time this year. I personally visited many houses and invited people and they came to our house. We truly enjoyed their visits. Hoping it continues the next year. Adding star to this was the Discount purchase of dolls where we got it almost for half a price(May not be the best deal.. Who cares.. As long as you bargain, you always win right!!!).

Signing off
Hema

HOPE has Answers!

Having shared my views about Navarathri, this year it was very special to me. The reason being a thought that came true. I was wanting to buy Trinity and keep it in the golu. When I did initial shopping, I spotted it in a shop but somehow could not buy. But the thought was lingering in my mind and I was sharing it with amma. At the same time, I had a hope and told that the trinity will come home in some form or the other. During 5th or 6th day, I visited the same shop to check out if it is available. Should I say bad time? - The shop where I spotted it was not there. The shop was temporarily evacuated. It was a big big disappointment for me but the hope kept answering me 'Don't worry, you will get it".

On a Vijayadasami day, apparently my star birthday too as always, my sister, amma and I went to do discount sale shopping for next year for my sister. As we were buying for my sister, my amma spotted the trinity and took money from me and bought it. All I did was checking the piece. It was a big surprise!!. My HOPE came true. It did come a little late but exactly the way I wanted it to be!!

That was a big moment for me. For a minute, I turned in to a 3 year old child fantasied by the toy and rejoiced with the possession.

I now hope they shower their blessings on me also in Classical Music. I am a beginner in music with very little or no prior knowledge (should I say .00000000000000000000000000000000000000000001 percent).

Signing off

Hema

Azhwars - an Intro's intro

Sometime back during a casual conversation that came up on 12 Azhwars, my friend raised several questions viz - 1. the roots of Azhwars 2. what they tried to communicate 3. Why are we following traditions et al. Those questions may sound hard to even digest but that gave me a thought of just trying to understand what the science is all about!
Thus began my search. Though I have not gathered much inputs on understanding the topic, I would also request readers to stop by and contribute to knowing Azhwars as to understanding what they intended to communicate!

This should not definitely raise theist / atheist thoughts but just a mere understanding to praise them better and understand the language and know Divya Prabandhams in a proper way. I shall start it soon!..Contributions most welcome...

(Hope no one should brand me fanatic :-) )

Growing Plants at home

We talk about Vegetarianism, deforestation, going green etc... Unfortunately, not all people living in Apartments have the luxury and space to grow plants. One such unlucky lot is my apartment. We have very limited space (balcony) that has about 30 - 40 sft.

My father is a blessed person on this earth must say. Whatever plant seeds he sows, they grow and yield at least one flower / vegetable before they die. This is mainly because lack of proper sunlight and constrained creeper.

I must say one incident that happened recently..There was a plant growing in a pot. We tried our guesses on what it could be but in vain! The reason being the creeper kind of varieties like White Pumpkin, Water melon, Musk melon etc belong to the same family and you can not identify them separately by looking at their leaves. Hoping that we could see a glimpse of the flower (thinking we could identify!. What a botanical mind!!). One fine evening, we were amazed to see four flowers (in different size). But by then the leaves started to decay...So, they were falling down and it was having its own natural end... since it grows on a pot and there is no space for the roots to penetrate in the soil to grow. It is still a surprise as we do not know what plant it is!. Whatever my father sows, they grow at least to one extent and yield their maximum. IN OTHER WORDS, THEY DO THEIR DUTY TO THE FULLEST.

He has transfered the interest in to all of us I must say. If not for the space limitation, we would have had all (possible) plants grown at home.

I strongly believe every parent must teach their kids on the importance of growing plants at home. From our house Gen 3 is ready for the same. Hope it is with every person's house who reads this blog...

Some more - my family had the blessing to taste Vendaya Keerai at home and hopefully to have some lab lab (Avaraikkai).

The best plant that can grow easily with proper compost such as vermi compost, and such ones. Hoping and keeping fingers crossed for Bitter Gourd and Avaraikkai to grow more !!! :-)

Will share some photos soon...

Some special words in Iyengarism

Few days back, when I happened to talk to one of my friend's mother (very orthodox), she was talking to me with some new words which I never heard of. I was for a minute amazed and surprised if words like that exist. (I am not even able to recall..). I checked with my mother and came to know that they talk in olden days ( a special chapa - muthirai of an Iyengar). Sometimes, if I listen to the paribashais, I laugh but at the same time respect the language 100 percent.

Just to ensure I dont forget them, I am writing some words that I know in this blog post. People who read this may be aware of many many more words.. Contributions welcome... :-)

Saadhikkaradhu - to serve in food - parimaarardhu
Saathamudhu - Rasam - Saatrin amudhu (amudhu - juice)
Thaligai - Cooking - Samayal
Thirukkanamudhu - Payasam
Akkaravadisal - Sakkarai Pongal
Karamudhu - Vegetable - Curry
Thaligai amsichacha - offering food to god
Dadhyodannam - Curd rice - thayir sadham
Sevithal - Prostrate ( Falling on one's feet) - Namaskaram
Thirumanjanam - Abhishekam
Thiruthuzhai - Tulasi
puzhakkadai - backyard - kollaipuram

ksheeraannam - Kalkandu paayasam

Apart from these, there might have been words but I have not heard that much.. Even I guess if these words are used in daily usage!

(May be in my next post, I shall post some more)
Hema

Thanks from the heart

Today is August 01st. People all over the world celebrate today for 2 reasons - One being a Sunday and the second one being the world celebrating FRIENDSHIP DAY..

Personally, I dont really believe in all these "Days"- Sister day, Father's day, Mother's day et al. But from another stand point, I see this as a very big marketing opportunities for bigs such as Archies, Hallmark etc. Because presence of a friend is for life and you dont need to thank them on one single day...

I understand from some sites that this concept began in the US in 1935. Nevertheless, it has been commercialized so well that the bigs have made whole lot of money. When I say I dont buy in to this concept, I do not mean that I dont have friends.

I have whole loads of friends right from my friends in KG to 12th, to MBA, to work spot, violin etc. Many are friends for life.

Taking this as the right occasion, I wish to thank each and everyone who have made a big impact in my life by your acquaintance turning out to be friendship.

Like there is a saying "The smallest moments shared with friends bring us the brightest joys".

I wish each and everyone a very happy friendship day!!!!
Special thanks (12th friends) to

GS - mom of 2, an amazing singer with her mellifluous voice and a great friend,

VSB - a mom of 2 and an inspiration for me for her balancing household chores and office and making delicious recipes,

PS - soft spoken, caring.
Rad, Shree - you mean a whole lot for me... You know and in addition - (we wish each other during Sep end when our birthdays fall)
My friends in MBA - LV, SP, RR aka WD, SM - you guys have made me feel very very young at heart.
My violin friends - RS, BS, DS, AS,RVR - You have created a perfect symphony ;-) to our friendship.
All my other friends, I thank you all for being there in my life

Football fever that lasted for about 30 days

South Africa, a nation known for many good things just added one more to its cap by successfully hosting this year's world cup. A game that glued millions to their seat and stay awake to watch their favorite players. The game started with 32 teams on June 11th and ended with 2 teams on July 11th with SPAIN clinching the title.

I was thinking how I got attracted to this game. The answer came to me as 'my parents'. Thanks to my parents particularly my father (who has been a footballer himself & played in College matches in 50s). He keeps telling the fellow viewers watching TV on the fouls/ missed chances/ corners that a Forward/Defense/Midfielder does. Wait.. Did I tell all the positions? yes. Taking words from him and getting inspired I started following this sport. I stop by here (on me watching) just by making a comment - Every parent should motivate their ward (boy or girl) to get associated with some sports other than cricket. Say Basket ball or Football or Tennis. India can produce lots of Jordans, Villas and Nadels.

I still wonder why due attention and motivation is not given to this wonderful game. Today if at all, football is known in India, its primarily due to the playing states - Kerala, WB and Goa out of 27 states in India. Thats about 10 percent. All the other states love and watch football. Thanks to Mohun Began and East Bengal teams and Santosh trophy - still football is alive. It is a known fact that the past history of Indian football was not all that gloomy and bright. There are lots of FB associations in India with the same (torch) bearers in the post doing nothing.

Adding to it, is the dirty politics that exists in every sports. The government can step in to promote this game by providing extrinsic motivation, proper infrastructure, have excellent coaches like Dunga? Whynot? When cricket can have a foreign player as their manager, why not Football? Afterall, its money and passion. The quality of the game should come a long way.

Professionally managed associations (no Government interference) to oversee the selection of players, giving them intense training etc. The task is challenging by a doable one. We can definitely make the 2 time Asia cup winner to play in WC.

Government, are you listening? All it takes is to allocate 10 percent of the money you spend towards promoting CRICKET to FOOTBALL. India will SHINE!