Hola...
It's Friday again and its drizzling here. The temperatures have dipped a bit and we all are looking for some comfort food. Be it a bowl of hot soups, or some nice warm dinner this weekend is going to be spent at home and lots of food.
Today is the day of Vijaya Dashami when goodness triumphed over evil and Goddess Durga returned to her abode. People with tears bid a farewell to her and wait for return for the following year. Bengali women on this day go near the Durga idols offer her vermillion and sweets and seek her blessings. Following that all women exchange sweets, dance and those sweet moments become memories till the Goddess visits again.
Bengali homes on this day cook special meal even though food is an integral part of her homecoming. Most households make puffed 'luchis' and spicy chicken or mutton curry for dinner. Tonight even though i do not have any such plan but definitely have plans for 'luchi' though. There is a subtle difference between 'luchi' and 'puri'. I am still wondering what should be the accompaniment. I do not have any chicken in my freezer so will mostly make some cauliflower curry.
When i woke up this morning, the first thought that came to my mind is that Maa Durga is on her way to her home. Even though a part of me became sad yet the faith that she is omnipresent somehow consoles us.
The past week all my posts have been on the Goddess. In the midst of everything we include her, in our thoughts, in our dreams and of course in our craziness.
My S wanted 'aloo paratha' today for lunch. Even though making them early morning is tedious yet i happily adhere to his request. Less on spicy with some additional butter i packed him 'aloo parathas'. The snack box was a bit different with some pears, fruit bar and a cheese stick.
Enjoy your weekend and take rest. Your body needs nourishment so does your soul.
Friday, October 19, 2018
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Tiffin Tales 34
Hola..
Today is 'Maha Navami' and the final day of Navratri. Today is the last day of Durga Puja and tomorrow the Goddess leaves for her home agin with her four children. It's a mix of happiness and sadness for children as the Goddess leaves. Her homecoming for the year comes to an end and after three euphoric days of fun festivity people will get back to their usual lives once again.
People like us who live quite far away, even the sound of 'dhak' sets our adrenaline rushing. Dura Puja is incomplete with the sound of 'dhak' and this sound is somehow synonymous with Durga Puja. This year at our local celebration my S got a small chance what he calls 'drums' to play. He was so excited and thats when i tried explaining him this sound is an integral and inseparable part of Pujo. I do not knowhow far he got it but the fat he got a chance to use those sticks and hit it aimlessly was enough to bring him smiles.
Today morning woke up thinking thats it's the last day of the Goddess's sojourn for this year. After completing my morning chores took a shower and offered my prayers sitting in my small prayer room. I will miss you and will patiently wait for another calendar year for you to come. Till then take care of all your children. The world is in utter chaos and helplessness is reigning supreme. Love is fading and negativity is proving victorious. Let there may be more compassion, love and acceptance in this world.
With these thoughts in my mind i prepared a simple lunch for my S this morning. Last night he insisted on having noddles but i made it clear that with the ongoing Pujo i will make a simple vegetarian noodles devoid of any onion and garlic. He complied though. With truckload of vegetables the noddles were somewhat buried but make sure it tastes good. I had to pack that in a thermos so that by his lunch time he gets some nice warm plate of noddles. The snack box was usual with fruits and yoghurt.
Take care and enjoy the season...
Today is 'Maha Navami' and the final day of Navratri. Today is the last day of Durga Puja and tomorrow the Goddess leaves for her home agin with her four children. It's a mix of happiness and sadness for children as the Goddess leaves. Her homecoming for the year comes to an end and after three euphoric days of fun festivity people will get back to their usual lives once again.
People like us who live quite far away, even the sound of 'dhak' sets our adrenaline rushing. Dura Puja is incomplete with the sound of 'dhak' and this sound is somehow synonymous with Durga Puja. This year at our local celebration my S got a small chance what he calls 'drums' to play. He was so excited and thats when i tried explaining him this sound is an integral and inseparable part of Pujo. I do not knowhow far he got it but the fat he got a chance to use those sticks and hit it aimlessly was enough to bring him smiles.
Today morning woke up thinking thats it's the last day of the Goddess's sojourn for this year. After completing my morning chores took a shower and offered my prayers sitting in my small prayer room. I will miss you and will patiently wait for another calendar year for you to come. Till then take care of all your children. The world is in utter chaos and helplessness is reigning supreme. Love is fading and negativity is proving victorious. Let there may be more compassion, love and acceptance in this world.
With these thoughts in my mind i prepared a simple lunch for my S this morning. Last night he insisted on having noddles but i made it clear that with the ongoing Pujo i will make a simple vegetarian noodles devoid of any onion and garlic. He complied though. With truckload of vegetables the noddles were somewhat buried but make sure it tastes good. I had to pack that in a thermos so that by his lunch time he gets some nice warm plate of noddles. The snack box was usual with fruits and yoghurt.
Take care and enjoy the season...
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Tiffin Tales 33
Hola...
It's a bright sunny day and my heart cannot contain my excitement. Even after years i still feel like the small girl in frock waiting for Maa Durga. Yes, it's 'Maha Ashtami' today and we went to visit Maa.
She is on a sojourn and for Bengali's her sojourn is a grand affair. I am a bit drained after all the excitement and travel but the moment we see her idol some magic takes over and all negativity melts away. That's her power or motherly love.
I woke up supremely enthusiastic about going to the temple. Having taking care of all the materialistic needs we packed our spiritual minds and hearts. My daughter had to go to different to accept the 'Kanjak Puja' or in Bengali popularly known as 'Kumari Pujo'. In northern part of India, on the eighth day of Navratri, people worship little girls who are apparently considered the form of Goddess. The younger the better. They clean their feet, wipe them, touch their little feet and offer something as a gift. They also offer them 'Puri, Kala chana and semolina halwa'. This is very special and the offertory is so yummy. In Bengali community little girls are worshipped at the temples.
Draped in a crisp 'tussar silk' i took extra caution so that i do not flip off. Wearing a saree comes naturally to a Bengali girl and no excuse comes to rescue. Together as a family we went to visit Maa, offer her obeisance (anjali), pray and have the amazing 'bhog er khichuri' (offertory). Words fail to explain the sense of euphoria it makes me feel. With a satisfied heart and a nourished soul and tons of love from Maa we came back home hoping to meet her soon.
As you can guess today S didn't go to school hence no lunch box. Tomorrow it will be the same day. My mind is already getting abrasive with scratching thoughts but let's see what Maa has in store fro us.
It's a bright sunny day and my heart cannot contain my excitement. Even after years i still feel like the small girl in frock waiting for Maa Durga. Yes, it's 'Maha Ashtami' today and we went to visit Maa.
She is on a sojourn and for Bengali's her sojourn is a grand affair. I am a bit drained after all the excitement and travel but the moment we see her idol some magic takes over and all negativity melts away. That's her power or motherly love.
I woke up supremely enthusiastic about going to the temple. Having taking care of all the materialistic needs we packed our spiritual minds and hearts. My daughter had to go to different to accept the 'Kanjak Puja' or in Bengali popularly known as 'Kumari Pujo'. In northern part of India, on the eighth day of Navratri, people worship little girls who are apparently considered the form of Goddess. The younger the better. They clean their feet, wipe them, touch their little feet and offer something as a gift. They also offer them 'Puri, Kala chana and semolina halwa'. This is very special and the offertory is so yummy. In Bengali community little girls are worshipped at the temples.
Draped in a crisp 'tussar silk' i took extra caution so that i do not flip off. Wearing a saree comes naturally to a Bengali girl and no excuse comes to rescue. Together as a family we went to visit Maa, offer her obeisance (anjali), pray and have the amazing 'bhog er khichuri' (offertory). Words fail to explain the sense of euphoria it makes me feel. With a satisfied heart and a nourished soul and tons of love from Maa we came back home hoping to meet her soon.
As you can guess today S didn't go to school hence no lunch box. Tomorrow it will be the same day. My mind is already getting abrasive with scratching thoughts but let's see what Maa has in store fro us.
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Tiffin Tales 32
Hola...
Subho Saptami to everyone, even if you have no clue what i am saying. It's the seventh day of Navratri celebrations and first day of Bengali Durga Puja. Goddess Durga does not specifically bless just one community so my small little prayer to her is that she bless us all. That's the reason why we fondly call her Maa (Mother).
Growing up every year before the Pujo we remember our father used to get this magazine (not typically though) called 'anandomela'. This magazine used to be subscribed by most households. It's a bengali magazine mostly for children published fortnightly. During Pujo there used to be 'Puja Barshiki' or 'Durga Puja Special' which was much awaited thing for avid readers. Over the years its popularity has multiplied but now with all those ebooks and kindle versions i wonder how passionately people still wait for the Pujo editions.
Living outside my place i have very limited access to this magazine but i sincerely request if the publication house can come up with e version of this magazine i can revisit my childhood a bit. I still do look forward to read those short stories and get transformed into a different world and who knows in that process my children can get a sneak peak how their parents grew up. My wishful thinking of the day.
Yesterday i had soaked and boiled some kidney/rajma beans. This morning i used some of those boiled beans to make some rice for my S's lunch box. He likes beans and i added some salad to the rice. His snack box was fruits and yoghurt and as a part of the on going festivities this Mom sneaked a small cookie in his lunch box. My small way of bringing smile at his face amidst the festivities.
Until tomorrow enjoy your day and life....
Subho Saptami to everyone, even if you have no clue what i am saying. It's the seventh day of Navratri celebrations and first day of Bengali Durga Puja. Goddess Durga does not specifically bless just one community so my small little prayer to her is that she bless us all. That's the reason why we fondly call her Maa (Mother).
Growing up every year before the Pujo we remember our father used to get this magazine (not typically though) called 'anandomela'. This magazine used to be subscribed by most households. It's a bengali magazine mostly for children published fortnightly. During Pujo there used to be 'Puja Barshiki' or 'Durga Puja Special' which was much awaited thing for avid readers. Over the years its popularity has multiplied but now with all those ebooks and kindle versions i wonder how passionately people still wait for the Pujo editions.
Living outside my place i have very limited access to this magazine but i sincerely request if the publication house can come up with e version of this magazine i can revisit my childhood a bit. I still do look forward to read those short stories and get transformed into a different world and who knows in that process my children can get a sneak peak how their parents grew up. My wishful thinking of the day.
Yesterday i had soaked and boiled some kidney/rajma beans. This morning i used some of those boiled beans to make some rice for my S's lunch box. He likes beans and i added some salad to the rice. His snack box was fruits and yoghurt and as a part of the on going festivities this Mom sneaked a small cookie in his lunch box. My small way of bringing smile at his face amidst the festivities.
Until tomorrow enjoy your day and life....
Monday, October 15, 2018
Tiffin Tales 31
Hola...
So, the much awaited week starts today. It's 'Shosthi' and Maa is at her father's home. This morning i woke up to a wonderful feeling that She is home, somewhere so near, so close all around. Her aroma is everywhere and her presence is so strong that everything else seems blurry.
The weather looks good outside. It's windy but the sun is shining and the leaves are hastily disappearing. Sitting near the window i am wondering how the world looks so different from a child's eye. There are so many things, perhaps quite some are minuscule that do not escape a child's eye. They have some exclusive way to decipher things which is so pure and pristine.
Over the weekend we had lot of discussions and in one of those discussions my S asked why can't everyone be happy? Why do people get sad? What is sadness? Even though i tried in my lucid way to explain him sadness where we get upset when our expectations aren't met properly, to which he said , if we cannot get a certain thing why not concentrate on something else. While it was difficult for me to explain him that there are diverse ways to look and solve a problem he wasn't convinced. Everything looked simple to him and complexity of any problem didn't seem to make any sense to him. For any problem he always has a solution which at times makes us burst into laughters but we never forget to encourage him.
This afternoon as i sit near the window and trying to find ways to solve a few daily life problem i am thinking about my S. Had he been around he would have come up with quirkiest of solutions and solve all of them in a jiffy.
As of now, i am leaving all my problem at Maa Durga's feet and asking her to take care of them. For today's lunch box i packed vegetable rice with some raisins and dried cranberries. I hope he likes the sweet and a pinch of sour taste of the rice. The snack box had peach and cheese a small pack of yoghurt.
Take care and enjoy your day.
So, the much awaited week starts today. It's 'Shosthi' and Maa is at her father's home. This morning i woke up to a wonderful feeling that She is home, somewhere so near, so close all around. Her aroma is everywhere and her presence is so strong that everything else seems blurry.
The weather looks good outside. It's windy but the sun is shining and the leaves are hastily disappearing. Sitting near the window i am wondering how the world looks so different from a child's eye. There are so many things, perhaps quite some are minuscule that do not escape a child's eye. They have some exclusive way to decipher things which is so pure and pristine.
Over the weekend we had lot of discussions and in one of those discussions my S asked why can't everyone be happy? Why do people get sad? What is sadness? Even though i tried in my lucid way to explain him sadness where we get upset when our expectations aren't met properly, to which he said , if we cannot get a certain thing why not concentrate on something else. While it was difficult for me to explain him that there are diverse ways to look and solve a problem he wasn't convinced. Everything looked simple to him and complexity of any problem didn't seem to make any sense to him. For any problem he always has a solution which at times makes us burst into laughters but we never forget to encourage him.
This afternoon as i sit near the window and trying to find ways to solve a few daily life problem i am thinking about my S. Had he been around he would have come up with quirkiest of solutions and solve all of them in a jiffy.
As of now, i am leaving all my problem at Maa Durga's feet and asking her to take care of them. For today's lunch box i packed vegetable rice with some raisins and dried cranberries. I hope he likes the sweet and a pinch of sour taste of the rice. The snack box had peach and cheese a small pack of yoghurt.
Take care and enjoy your day.
Friday, October 12, 2018
Tiffin Tales 30
Hola...
Yay, its Friday and yes it's for real today unlike yesterday (if read my last post, you know what i mean). Today we woke up to some freezing numbers and stayed the entire day. Cold winds with low temperatures and it was a lethal combination.
While i am regulating my room calefaction, my cousins are almost set for Pujo and these days, they are busy doing some dress rehearsals before the Goddess arrives. Durga Puja is a big festival and owing to enormousness and complexity of rituals it is not possible to do without priest. The preparatory measures are many, that the reason only a handful of qualified priest can perform this Pujo. It almost takes half of a village (if i am not wrong) to organize and maintain the celebrations seamlessly.
An average Bengali looks forward to Pujo for multiple reasons. More than being religious its another way to welcome their daughter Durga at her father's place. Bengali's wait for an entire calendar year to meet their daughter and immerse in celebration. Apart from waiting for their daughter and preparing hundreds of delicacies it's another way to bypass the regular lifestyle and do regular jobs differently. People fly from different parts of the world just to gather with family, friends and even neighbors. For Bengali's its the bonhomie that supreme's everything.
I will share a different post on Pujo special food that are available during this time. As i am sitting cosily and enjoying the pictures that my cousins are sharing, my S is curious to know more and more about the festival. I feel happy and sad at the same time, because i believe somewhere my words fall short to explain the magnanimity of this festival and this is where experience matters, which i am unable to give him. Someday... Till then i will hold on to my faith and wait for some magic to happen soon.
Coming back to reality and grinds of life, i went outside to get some groceries. Braving the wind i conquered but lost a pair of my cute gloves. Now i have to do some treasure hunting to find another pair to beat this weekend's wind. Today my S took 'paratha's'for lunch with some sautéed vegetables. His snack box had pears and a fruit bar.
Have a wonderful weekend friends. Whether you are preparing for Pujo or you are enjoying through the pictures, enjoy till it lasts for they become memories very soon. Take care!
Yay, its Friday and yes it's for real today unlike yesterday (if read my last post, you know what i mean). Today we woke up to some freezing numbers and stayed the entire day. Cold winds with low temperatures and it was a lethal combination.
While i am regulating my room calefaction, my cousins are almost set for Pujo and these days, they are busy doing some dress rehearsals before the Goddess arrives. Durga Puja is a big festival and owing to enormousness and complexity of rituals it is not possible to do without priest. The preparatory measures are many, that the reason only a handful of qualified priest can perform this Pujo. It almost takes half of a village (if i am not wrong) to organize and maintain the celebrations seamlessly.
An average Bengali looks forward to Pujo for multiple reasons. More than being religious its another way to welcome their daughter Durga at her father's place. Bengali's wait for an entire calendar year to meet their daughter and immerse in celebration. Apart from waiting for their daughter and preparing hundreds of delicacies it's another way to bypass the regular lifestyle and do regular jobs differently. People fly from different parts of the world just to gather with family, friends and even neighbors. For Bengali's its the bonhomie that supreme's everything.
I will share a different post on Pujo special food that are available during this time. As i am sitting cosily and enjoying the pictures that my cousins are sharing, my S is curious to know more and more about the festival. I feel happy and sad at the same time, because i believe somewhere my words fall short to explain the magnanimity of this festival and this is where experience matters, which i am unable to give him. Someday... Till then i will hold on to my faith and wait for some magic to happen soon.
Coming back to reality and grinds of life, i went outside to get some groceries. Braving the wind i conquered but lost a pair of my cute gloves. Now i have to do some treasure hunting to find another pair to beat this weekend's wind. Today my S took 'paratha's'for lunch with some sautéed vegetables. His snack box had pears and a fruit bar.
Have a wonderful weekend friends. Whether you are preparing for Pujo or you are enjoying through the pictures, enjoy till it lasts for they become memories very soon. Take care!
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Tiffin Tales 29
Hola..
I woke up thinking today is Friday...lol...I looked into my phone only to realize my feelings were very momentary. As i dragged myself out of bed, all of a sudden i started to skid and almost skated in bed of lego pieces and found myself rolling in the floor. It was indeed a very good morning and to shake myself up. Ouch!
As i discussed yesterday the importance of talking in native language, yes, i blasted in my language this morning. Starting from the weather to the clock, to the toys and finally at the dishwasher which i had forgot to turn it on. My misery knew no bounds when important pieces of the kitchen were in the washer and turning in cycles, i was struggling a bit with sleepy eyes to put everything together. Sensing a trouble brewing, the other members kept a safe distance from me this morning. Oh yes, i was murmuring in my language.
As the day settled down, and sense dawned upon me i realized that for most of the things i was to be chided. Had i slept with the alarms on, i wouldn't have been late. Had i paid a bit more attention and turned on the dishwasher, the morning would have been different. Had i shown some extra patience and helped my child in cleaning up his toys perhaps i would not have tipped off. Extra of everything would have made it but i guess i was too tired. We all like anything 'extra'. From extra cheese on pizza to extra minutes of sleep, to an extra day off we all look forward to our extra moments. From extra morning snuggles with my children, to requesting the clock to provide extra minutes, we all look forward to these additional. This morning i couldn't say anything to my husband, he came pretty late and was almost drained out to have that 'extra' patience to help in cleaning or other jobs.
Whenever i visit my parents i always secretly wish for some miraculous extra days. Miracles do happen but never for mere mortals like me. For my S extra is extra cheese, extra piece of his cherished cake, extra playtime, extra screen time. While he doesn't like any extra food except his favorite one's but secretly wishes for extra holidays though.
As of today i will stick only to the positive side of extra. Not all extras are enjoyable. In my next post i will discuss a few anecdotes of what undesirable extra did to my family (humorous though). Today my S carried 'upma' as i had shortage of utensils and cooking equipments and this dish seemed like a quick fix. Snack box was regular with fruits and cheese though.
Have a great Thursday folks...
I woke up thinking today is Friday...lol...I looked into my phone only to realize my feelings were very momentary. As i dragged myself out of bed, all of a sudden i started to skid and almost skated in bed of lego pieces and found myself rolling in the floor. It was indeed a very good morning and to shake myself up. Ouch!
As i discussed yesterday the importance of talking in native language, yes, i blasted in my language this morning. Starting from the weather to the clock, to the toys and finally at the dishwasher which i had forgot to turn it on. My misery knew no bounds when important pieces of the kitchen were in the washer and turning in cycles, i was struggling a bit with sleepy eyes to put everything together. Sensing a trouble brewing, the other members kept a safe distance from me this morning. Oh yes, i was murmuring in my language.
As the day settled down, and sense dawned upon me i realized that for most of the things i was to be chided. Had i slept with the alarms on, i wouldn't have been late. Had i paid a bit more attention and turned on the dishwasher, the morning would have been different. Had i shown some extra patience and helped my child in cleaning up his toys perhaps i would not have tipped off. Extra of everything would have made it but i guess i was too tired. We all like anything 'extra'. From extra cheese on pizza to extra minutes of sleep, to an extra day off we all look forward to our extra moments. From extra morning snuggles with my children, to requesting the clock to provide extra minutes, we all look forward to these additional. This morning i couldn't say anything to my husband, he came pretty late and was almost drained out to have that 'extra' patience to help in cleaning or other jobs.
Whenever i visit my parents i always secretly wish for some miraculous extra days. Miracles do happen but never for mere mortals like me. For my S extra is extra cheese, extra piece of his cherished cake, extra playtime, extra screen time. While he doesn't like any extra food except his favorite one's but secretly wishes for extra holidays though.
As of today i will stick only to the positive side of extra. Not all extras are enjoyable. In my next post i will discuss a few anecdotes of what undesirable extra did to my family (humorous though). Today my S carried 'upma' as i had shortage of utensils and cooking equipments and this dish seemed like a quick fix. Snack box was regular with fruits and cheese though.
Have a great Thursday folks...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)