Hola...
The festive season is kinda over but hey, Diwali is still there...We Bengali's are still holding on to the last biggest festival of the year. Perhaps after thats it's back to everywhere or wherever want to go. Lakshmi Pujo is always fun but the arrangements take up almost the entire day. Earlier women of the house used to divide the workload and the entire day of fasting or even some extended hours never mattered. From doing the arrangements of 'bhog' to making 'alpona/rangoli' everything used to be somewhat streamlined. With time in most households its one woman army army or if fortunate enough would be two people to share the load and worship the Goddess.
It's all about time and timings. When we are late time rushes, and we are slow time almost stops. Happy times makes the clock run while hard times pauses it i feel. When my S was a baby i wondered when would be grow out of diapers and now with each birthday i want him slow down. Human psychology i guess!
This morning i saw my S staring through the window. He sat for quite a few minutes and seemed lost. A few minutes later i tried to probe. He was somewhat deeply thinking why does weather change, why not everything can remain same. I explained to him that if things remain same it would be boring. He somewhat agreed to an extent but he didn't like. He doesn't want the trees to shed their leaves, relatives visiting going back, his favorite shows going off air. He loves people around, laughs and endless conversations. To him life should be exciting. He is too naive to understand the intricacies of life. Children have completely different mindset. I wish we never lose our innocence even when we grow up. The element of innocence should should somehow never leave us.
After that discussion he asked egg fried rice for lunch to which i added vegetables and eggs of course. His snack box had pineapples and a sweet today and yogurt.
Enjoy your day and watch your surroundings, everything keeps changing everyday. Cherish them....
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Tiffin Tales 37
Hola...
It's another celebration day for Bengali's. People in other parts of my country worship Goddess Lakshmi on the day of Diwali but for Bengali's its celebrated on the seventh day after Durga Puja. This day is also known as 'Kojagori Lakshmi Pujo'. On a full moon night or 'purnima' the Goddess of wealth and prosperity is worshipped by the women folk.
On the day women fast the entire day. During the day, women do all the arrangements of the pujo. Various sweets dishes are prepared on this day. Another integral part of this festival is 'rangoli' or 'alpona'. There are lot of women who expertise in drawing this on the floor of their houses. Usually women use flour or rice paste diluted with water. There is a reason behind that. Earlier people never had access to fancy colors, they used these and the floors used to look bright. Moreover it is still super easy to clean. These days markets are flooded with colors and designs but still there are thousands of women who use this home made paste.
Flash forward, i am still fasting, yes i am. But the house has to keep moving if not running. I am unable to run today but yes making sure everyone's needs are fulfilled. I have lots of preparations to complete now. The morning started a few minutes late today and since then i am moving too. Sensing it's a different day today my S insisted on repeating his lunch idea from yesterday. He liked his soya bean rice yesterday and was quite generous with his compliments too. I happily obliged as i was looking for some options too. The snack box was usual with fruits and cheese.
I rushed to the market to get fruits and necessities for the Pujo and now will start with the preparations. I sincerely pray that the Goddess will visit this part of the earth and my home and bless us. Fasting is always optional and i have been doing that for years but every tear it seems to be a new challenge especially with the kids. Let's see how the Goddess streamlines the day. Happy Lakshmi Pujo to everyone celebrating.
It's another celebration day for Bengali's. People in other parts of my country worship Goddess Lakshmi on the day of Diwali but for Bengali's its celebrated on the seventh day after Durga Puja. This day is also known as 'Kojagori Lakshmi Pujo'. On a full moon night or 'purnima' the Goddess of wealth and prosperity is worshipped by the women folk.
On the day women fast the entire day. During the day, women do all the arrangements of the pujo. Various sweets dishes are prepared on this day. Another integral part of this festival is 'rangoli' or 'alpona'. There are lot of women who expertise in drawing this on the floor of their houses. Usually women use flour or rice paste diluted with water. There is a reason behind that. Earlier people never had access to fancy colors, they used these and the floors used to look bright. Moreover it is still super easy to clean. These days markets are flooded with colors and designs but still there are thousands of women who use this home made paste.
Flash forward, i am still fasting, yes i am. But the house has to keep moving if not running. I am unable to run today but yes making sure everyone's needs are fulfilled. I have lots of preparations to complete now. The morning started a few minutes late today and since then i am moving too. Sensing it's a different day today my S insisted on repeating his lunch idea from yesterday. He liked his soya bean rice yesterday and was quite generous with his compliments too. I happily obliged as i was looking for some options too. The snack box was usual with fruits and cheese.
I rushed to the market to get fruits and necessities for the Pujo and now will start with the preparations. I sincerely pray that the Goddess will visit this part of the earth and my home and bless us. Fasting is always optional and i have been doing that for years but every tear it seems to be a new challenge especially with the kids. Let's see how the Goddess streamlines the day. Happy Lakshmi Pujo to everyone celebrating.
Monday, October 22, 2018
Tiffin Tales 36
Hola...
Welcome to a new Monday. New day, new promises, new challenges and of course a new you. No matter we might feel nothing around has changed yet, a new day brings with itself everything new.
This week is looks pretty hectic to me. Lots of things need to be taken care of and oh yes, it's my S's birthday next week and i have tons to things to assemble. This excited mom has made some simple yet special plans to make that day a bit memorable.
Life rushes when we are busy running to make something memorable. It's those moments that go down the way to make the journey historic. We often think we are celebrating our child's birthday or of our kids but the way they look at things are completely different from how we perceive. With every birthday they are more developed than the last year, with upgraded thoughts and ideas and of course with umpteen number of questions. In my case the way of celebration is also opinionated. Children these days have their favorite cartoon characters and some of them want their party supplies to be based on those characters. Well, i have long back offered my apologies saying that i cannot run or walk that extra mile to get that exact character swirls or balloons or that Birthday badge. It will always be a nice small celebration which may not be grand but it will be sweet.
This year too i am not planning anything huge but our all time emphasis on the taste of the cake. Even though a Bengali, i feel my sweet tooth is somewhere hidden and occasionally pays a visit. So i will try to explore my neighborhood to find a nice, not overtly sweet cake. Yes, i can get his favorite character on the cake top too unless its an animal. When he was around three he insisted on Daniel the Tiger's face on the cake and i almost went berserk looking for a good baker who could bake such. I thing i took the vow shortly after that.
Well, let's see how things spice up this year. For today's lunch it was his all time Soya bean rice with some carrots. I at times try to replicate those soya nuggets with baby potatoes or minced meat balls, but as i said with every birthday wisdom and intelligence is quickly triumphing over mommy's trick. This mommy surely needs to buckle up. His snack is almost static with fruits and yoghurt.
More talk tomorrow. Take care and take rest....
Welcome to a new Monday. New day, new promises, new challenges and of course a new you. No matter we might feel nothing around has changed yet, a new day brings with itself everything new.
This week is looks pretty hectic to me. Lots of things need to be taken care of and oh yes, it's my S's birthday next week and i have tons to things to assemble. This excited mom has made some simple yet special plans to make that day a bit memorable.
Life rushes when we are busy running to make something memorable. It's those moments that go down the way to make the journey historic. We often think we are celebrating our child's birthday or of our kids but the way they look at things are completely different from how we perceive. With every birthday they are more developed than the last year, with upgraded thoughts and ideas and of course with umpteen number of questions. In my case the way of celebration is also opinionated. Children these days have their favorite cartoon characters and some of them want their party supplies to be based on those characters. Well, i have long back offered my apologies saying that i cannot run or walk that extra mile to get that exact character swirls or balloons or that Birthday badge. It will always be a nice small celebration which may not be grand but it will be sweet.
This year too i am not planning anything huge but our all time emphasis on the taste of the cake. Even though a Bengali, i feel my sweet tooth is somewhere hidden and occasionally pays a visit. So i will try to explore my neighborhood to find a nice, not overtly sweet cake. Yes, i can get his favorite character on the cake top too unless its an animal. When he was around three he insisted on Daniel the Tiger's face on the cake and i almost went berserk looking for a good baker who could bake such. I thing i took the vow shortly after that.
Well, let's see how things spice up this year. For today's lunch it was his all time Soya bean rice with some carrots. I at times try to replicate those soya nuggets with baby potatoes or minced meat balls, but as i said with every birthday wisdom and intelligence is quickly triumphing over mommy's trick. This mommy surely needs to buckle up. His snack is almost static with fruits and yoghurt.
More talk tomorrow. Take care and take rest....
Friday, October 19, 2018
Tiffin Tales 35
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.
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.
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....
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