29 January 2012

A Regret

Whoever said regrets were bad? At times, they give you a sense of direction & help you realize what you missed. I always thought I had no regrets in life. But I do! Lately, I’ve begun to feel a vacuum in my heart for not being the traditional Indian woman, who knows all the festivals like the back of her hand & who actively initiates it in her home. Connie celebrated the Chinese New Year & my neighbors stayed up late to do an elaborate rangoli on Sankranthi. And here I’m who can’t even make a star!
Traditionally, festivals served as important markers of the passage of time. They were centered on farming & harvesting rituals - a time for celebrating the present & hoping for a better future. Nature was revered because rural livelihood was dependent on its whims & fancies. As we moved away from farming towards other, more modern ways of living, for sustenance, the reverence gradually took a beating & gave way to cynicism & questioning. The likes of me who moved away from the villages failed to understand & appreciate their significance in our cultural & social ethos. For instance, as I started earning in the city, buying clothes no longer meant waiting. Why wait for Diwali, Ugadi, Sankranthi for new clothes? I could now buy it every week & for no reason at all than that I wanted to & had the money for it. None of my clothes have a story. My mother’s saris did. Nothing beats the joy that comes from waiting for an occasion & shopping as a family.


Growing up, I didn’t take an interest in rituals. I loved the festivals, sure, but remained only an eager & enthusiastic observer. Though I enjoyed watching the proceedings, the hustle & bustle, the guests, the decorations, the new clothes, the sweets, I never joined my mother in carrying out the activities. Everyone seemed to scheme to make you do ‘weird’ things. I wish they had explained why I was supposed to do it. Even if they hadn’t, I now feel, I could’ve taken the trouble to find out. But I didn’t. As a teen, being forced to do things put me off them completely. The rebellion was misdirected. What would I have lost in following the customs? People like me spell doom & the end of all these lovely practices. The next generation would only read about them in books.


It’s gratifying that these beautiful traditions, by which we are known to the world, are still alive & vibrant in rural India & nicer still, to see that at least some in the cities are continuing them. Malleshwaram 8th cross comes alive during festivals - the excitement on people’s faces, young & old, while they festival shop, the energy in the air, the goodwill, the streets lined with the colorful wares - is to be seen.

I know not, if Indian culture is ‘the best’ but I do know that we are beautifully different. The reverence has gone, should the enthusiasm go too? Let me make a conscious effort to learn & celebrate them. Come Ugadi this April, I’ll do all the poojas, make the sweets, fill my home with the fragrance of incense & do all the other things too – myself. I’ll wear a sari, jasmine flowers in my hair, & 1/2 a dozen bangles on both hands! Sathya had given up hope of ever seeing his wife say or do these things & I know he’ll do anything for one glimpse of seeing me so. If he ever reads this post, he is going to be one hell of a happy but shocked man. Hope it is not too late to start something I never did before. The little joys of a simple life!

177 comments:

  1. What an amazing post- it is never too late! I loved your words

    "None of my clothes have a story. My mother’s saris did."

    Oh my goodness....save those two lines for the novel you write!!!

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    1. look at the effect your post (the Chinese New Year) had on me! i am a convert now :))

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  2. Watching my mom change our home into this surreal place where everyone wears new clothes,looks their best,eats the best and has family and friends around has been one of the best memories of my lives.The woman was just great.I havent been able to compete with her yet,but hopefully will do it.You should,Tanvi will never forget the day.

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    1. Luckily for me Sathya is quite the traditional type & we do celebrate all the festivals at home
      but yeah i know - Tanvi would love it if i was the 'active' one :)
      she is in for a big surprise this Ugadi :D

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  3. Great. Its never too late to start something new.
    " I’ll wear a sari, jasmine flowers in my hair, & 1/2 a dozen bangles on both hands!" - Sounds lovely Ma'm. All the best. :))

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    1. yes Akshay i am all charged up!
      but first for the 'research' bit behind the what, why & how of Ugadi :)

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  4. Jasmine flowers!! Wow!! True, since even I got married this year, I want to be more traditional, and celebrate the festivals just like my mom does! and yes wear more of saris, and less of capris ;-) The husband would like that.. Please do share the photos of ugadi and not on fb please :-))

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    1. hahhaha you mean a post on Ugadi with the snaps especially for you?!

      yup, you are "nava vadhu" you better start aping your mom in this regard :)

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    2. Post on Ugadi: That would be lovely Sujatha :-D

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    3. sure will do that! aap bolen aur hum na karen? :)

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  5. Nice one....Waiting for Ugadi.....for sweets......:-)

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    1. oh god! obbattu right? one of the most difficult ones to make!!

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  6. Festivals and related celebrations have sociological relevance. They bind the families and friends together. There is no meaning in applying rationality in the observance of such unique traditions and customs in everyday life. Good article Sujatha!

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    1. that is true Sibichen...its a binder. creates some beautiful memories for the families to cherish & relive

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  7. I am also someone who doesn't at all believe in rituals..all the best for Ugadi :)

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  8. Better late than never...waiting to see ur Ugadi post :)

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  9. it can be difficult all of a sudden to actively take part in the celebrations with utmost sincerity but once we get the feel of it, we enjoy every bit of it and we realize that these festivals rock.

    and before i forget again. its a beautifully written post. as a writer, u rock as well :D

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    1. i was not sure at all whether this piece 'flowed' well so yea thanks for saying that :)

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  10. the one basic reason i like all this traditional thing and festivals is that even in this busy life it gives some reason to the families and dear ones to come together and spend few moments of happiness with them.....

    nice post Sujatha...:)

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    1. yes true Irfanji- when everyone comes together & the home fills up again with family, it's a very nice feeling

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  11. Anything that we do without our interest it won't taste well(i feel so),,
    Regrets, there are only 2 kinds people based on regrets, one who expresses it and another one is who hides it !

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    1. correct Deepak - earlier when they used to tell me to do, i didn't want to. But nowadays i feel to do it out of my own interest
      thanks for your nice comment :)

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  12. Dear ma'am no need to feel regret , jab jaago tabhi savera, you should be happy that no one forced you learn all those thing n today if you want to learn something.that is purely your decision which you should proud n give a best shot to surprise Sathya sir who can not believe in his dream that Sujatha can surprise me like this ...so go ahead n give shock to him so he can cherish this surprise throughout his life.
    All the best for Ugadi!
    Nice n lovely post...wish I could write like you...

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    1. thank you so much Mithlash. Bilkul sahi kaha aapne - it is purely my decision & khushi khushi se liya! Even Sathya never forced me all these years.He just waited patiently :)

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  13. Its great that you want to celebrate, that's the most important thing. As long as it makes sense to you and you have a reason to celebrate, it is never too late to start something.

    Cheers :)

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    1. yeah. it has begun making sense to me now & i am looking forward to the joy it will bring into my life :)

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  14. I do not see a regret here.I see that some one has identified a want and has an urge to learn. Which is good.
    Not all regrets are good Sujatha. Some actions come with an expiry date. What if a killer has a regret? He cannot bring the life back.
    Such regrets are cute and colorful. If you want, you can involve Tanvi also.

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    1. omg! i never thought on those angles at all ...the killer & all !

      ayyo Tanvi is the "active" participant & assistant to her father is the official pujari in our house :D

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  15. Very sweet post Sujatha! I still love to celebrate the festivals in the traditional way with same zeal as I did many years back! It is such fun that can only be felt in heart:)

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    1. yes Sir it is really nice to know that you still celebrate in the same way :)

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  16. I agree regret is essential. It sure does gives a wake up call.

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    1. after so many years, this has been my wake-up call & a good one i must say :)

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  17. nice post....it set me thinking...like u i too dont much relish rituals & all the nitty- gritties connected with celebrations....but yes we-such folks- do miss the enthusiasm & bonding which does serve to break the monotony & preserve family ties.perhaps u have converted me too.

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    1. awww! this is one lovely conversion then :)
      chalo is baar hum dono khoob manayenge tyohaar :)

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  18. I would disagree with the title of the post: It's not regret, It's awareness or experience. The meaning of festivals change over time of a person: when I was small Diwali meant burning crackers,eating sweets, when I was in college it meant holidays, now when I have children it means teaching them the value of festivals and through cleaning of the house(which I hated when I was growing up and my mother forced us to help out).
    Festivals are great as they break the monotony of daily grind. They made me realize to enjoy the present and be thankful to the Almighty that I can celebrate it with my family and hoping that my children get the same pleasure.

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    1. wow you said it all & so nicely too. that is how i am feeling nowadays

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  19. Replies
    1. thank you :)
      i can't read Tamil& i have no idea what your name is :((

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  20. Lill joys of a simple life indeed...sweets, colors and a chance to sit at home and chill :)))

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    1. yeah but this time,for the first time,i wont be just chilling. i would actually be the one doing things :)

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  21. SAME PINCH :( for not celebrating part,

    BUT still thinking to start or not to start ;)

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    1. i felt to start because i feel it in my heart. no pressure from anyone. not even Sathya

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  22. u got me thinking... for now I'm an eager & enthusiastic observer like u used to be.. after reading it..a lil change in my perspective.

    thoughtful post.
    I'd love see the snaps n anecdotes of ugadi festival

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    1. it has taken me almost 35 years to actually want to do it, so the "thinking" on your part is quite jaayaz :)

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  23. That is an amazing post.. I just loved the depth of this post.. To be honest dis post has even inspired me to make an effort to follow all the customs during festival.. Thanks for such a lovely post:)

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    1. thank YOU for your sweet response. have a great time this year celebrating :)

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  24. This post came at a time when I had decided exactly same things. Like ya said, off late i have been toooo lazzzyy to do anything for festivals. I just happily watch neighbors celebrate and wait for them to give me sweets....
    After Pongal, I had the same regret creeping in my mind. So decided to celebrate Vishu- kerala counterpart of Ugadi with complete fervor. This is our first Vishu after wedding. So am planning to make a vishu kani, payasam and a small sadya. :)

    Cheers partner.. lets rock the festivals :))))

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    1. really? nice coincidence then. yes cheers partner - we Shall rock :))

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  25. Traditions,rituals however unreal or weird they may appear gives us a feeling of being connected with our roots..Never too late..Iam sure this will make you real happy.Some pleasant surprises stored in near future for Sathya :-)

    Sweet post just like sweets of Ugadi.If iam not wrong,Pachadi is prepared on this day

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    1. pachadi - is that telugu word?

      that's true - the feeling of being connected to something bigger than us :)

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    2. Ugadi pachadi, prepared on Ugadi day in Andhra Pradesh, is a concoction of fresh neem blossoms, jaggery, salt, tamarind juice, red chilli powder and raw green mango pieces

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    3. oh ok
      here obbattu is famous - a sweet

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  26. I rarely follow rituals too :D And, I feel a bit weird about it, but I think am not cut out for it and have accepted it.

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    1. :) yeah i understand.

      btw, this is a niice DP u have there

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  27. I dont know Sujatha,

    I still am not somehow in the festive mode. I had also blogged last year about how I am a perfect festival downer. I still think I would love to do all the making/baking/ shopping for personal ocassions. Birthdays, anniversaries and such. I think as a family grows, there are quite a few such ocassions too, and I would love to remember a dress as my 26th birthday dress rather than 2007 diwali shopping.

    Just my point of view.

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    1. yeah of course. i get that Aathira. for over 3 decades that's how even i thought too.
      only now i am feeling these new feelings to actually want to do it

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  28. True. As children we take festivals for granted. It is only when we start our own lives as wives and mothers, do they take on greater significance. I too love to make most of the festivities as it adds color to your normal life. Nice post :)

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    1. haan Aabha, shayad having little kids of our own makes a difference. my daughter toh loves all this and does any help we ask her for

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  29. Replies
    1. he and reading?? naah...he never reads - anything....at all...!!!!!!!!

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  30. so i guess a surprise awaits Him then .. good goood .. I hope you take some pictures then and show us tooo ..
    All the best...
    Bikram's

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    1. arey aap toh abhi se tayyar baite hain!! :))
      sure will do so :D

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  31. Sujatha, I second your thoughts. Where are those joys of waiting for the new dress? Where are those bright festivals ? Very nicely written as usual. And make sure Sathya reads this before hand:)

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    1. isn't it? that excitement is disappearing slowly and it's kind of sad. and i am one of those responsible for it :(
      but i have woken up now :)

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  32. Most of the readers would relate to your post.We cling to just form and the content is missing.Some have lost their relevance too.
    Nice to know Ugadhi is promising to be a happy festival with surprise for Sathya and with contentment for you.

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    1. yes Sir surely contentment for me because finally i am feeling it on my own that i should do these little things that add meaning & color to our lives

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  33. you bet, I Am in to jump on into the bandwagon of those in the regrets. Traditions are long forgotten:-)

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    1. sad na? some of the traditions are beautiful & i all along was shunning them!
      good i have finally woken up :)

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  34. I am sure that you are going to celebrate it in a great way .Happy Ugadhi to you and looking forward to your post on it.

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    1. thank you Kavita. i will try and post on it. your posts on the customs & traditions of Assam are an inspiration :)

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  35. Beautiful words and well worded. I loved your Love to HAte post too and many many more.

    your newest follower and a regular visitor from now on. you can find me at http://purplechronicle.blogspot.com/

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  36. Just as you mentioned, I rarely follow rituals once away from home.
    Go ahead. Give them the shock even before he reads this. They'll love to see the change.
    Happy Ugadhi to you and family.

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    1. thank you Leo.yeah m sure they would like it very much :)

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  37. Beautifully Written Sujatha, completely co relate with it. With easy life, we no longer tend to identify with the content of the festivals but surely go way out to put up a show of pomp.

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    1. yeah that's right Krupaa

      hope my little gesture can make a small difference :)

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  38. Such a sweet post. Most of my mom's clothes have a beautiful story associated with them. Mine rarely do. Written beautifully. Brought back so many memories. I love reading the legacy and heritage behind different festivals. So would love to read and hear about your Ugadi celebration and Satya's surprise! :)

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    1. thank you Raj. yes the heritage stories are endearing & now doing my bit to keep them alive :)

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  39. 'We are beautifully different!' Very nice and convincing point.

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  40. "beautifully different" rightly said.. and yes never too late :D :D

    did i tell you...i looovveed this pic of yours :)

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  41. Festivals are fun Sujatha..have fun in your traditional finery.you will look beautiful:)

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  42. its still not late, call up your mother/-in-law and ask her to stay for a full year and you ll know everything there is to know about every festival. or ask around in your appt/locality. see i made it so easy :D my mom knows every damn festival too :)

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    1. poore ek saal ka course ? bapre!! itna hai kya seekhne ko!

      waise, my mother's no more & ain't talking to MIL. toh resource person ko appt ya google mein hi search karna padega

      but yes aapne bahut aasaan kar diya :DD

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  43. This is conversion in reverse -- from modernity to tradition. Loved the sentiments brought our so beautifully here.

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  44. lovely thought process...and I see this trend more now..and i am happy to see it..

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    1. thank you Renu :)
      yeah guess more & more people are feeling a void

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  45. all this leads to self-discovery, and to make others happy is certainly a way of evolving !
    nice post !

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    1. hmmmm yes i think so!

      thanks for your comment & welcome to "Conversations" :)

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  46. The depth and breadth of this discussion here is probably an indicator of how strongly this topic resonates with all of us, Sujatha. I have this same problem of not subscribing to tradition, yet feeling that I am not doing what is required to provide the future generation with a sense of rootedness. I also believe that our kids are smart enough to figure out how we truly feel about traditions.

    What is perhaps necessary is to rediscover value and meaning in our traditions for ourselves first. It is not so easy. Nostalgia and memories are not good enough motivation, what they bring is still a superficial adoption of tradition. We need to discover the universal principles that guide our traditions, e.g., bowing, doing namaskara or touching the feet of elders, or making rangoli, or putting certain flowers in the hair, and then be convinced ourselves of the value and not do it for the sake of "preserving tradition." This will also let us filter out a lot of stuff that is no longer relevant or practice-able in this day and age and be able to explain our behavior to the kids of tomorrow based on reason, and not servitude to the past.

    Wish you a wonderful February.

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    1. Forgot to add this, got lost in my memories of Bangalore from nearly 15 years back. You are on my list of recipients of the Versatile Blogger Award. You know better than me how this works. So enjoy... http://subhorup.blogspot.com/2012/01/versatile-blogger-award-2012.html

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    2. very true Subho you've said it well.

      It's taken me so long! All these years someone or the other used to 'ask' me to do things. But today, just 2 weeks away from turning 35, i feel to do it myself. No one is there asking me to do anything, the desire is totally mine & hence, sincere and well-intended

      thanks a lot for your comment

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  47. You are all set for a big change in your life. Traditional values do matter a lot in our lives & it feels great to see an urbanite doing all the talking about her longing for traditions and customs. Hope, you catch up with the traditions in ur way and never regret for your late change for every change is a change, no matter how big or small.......ALL THE BEST!!!!

    From: www.sriramnivas.com.

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    1. yes Sriram, change whether big or small doesn't matter,the intent behind it does. thank you for your lovely response.

      by the way, i am still waiting to hear from you about the next chapter of your novel / new blog posts :)

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  48. Hi, nice blog & good post. You have beautifully maintained it, you must try this Indian Travel Agency website which really helps to increase your traffic. hope u have a wonderful day & awaiting for more new post. Keep Blogging!


    Flexi said...
    Travel Agency in India

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    1. Hello Flexi, thank you, m glad you liked the blog & this post.
      hope to see u here more often :)

      Delete
  49. The reason of this detachment from the rituals among us (the present generation, me included) which I can think of is..we look for reason for doing things many times. In the age of science and technology, we look for logic and reason for doing things and it is tough to just accept blindly the traditions which are old and which does not appeal to us on some level. For me, its the time spent with the loved ones on these occasions, which is worth it. But, then time spent with your loved ones at any time is beautiful.

    I wish you all the best and surprise your husband! :P

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    1. and i somehow feel many (if not all) of the traditions do have a reason or logic quotient attached to it. the fact that I don't know about it doesn't make it any less important or irrelevant. this time around it is going to be my journey to learn about them, know them & understand them before i dismiss them completely

      thank you Kunal - you worded the reason for the detachment i felt all these years very well

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  50. 100th comment -
    Simply mesmerising... loved it from start to end :)

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    1. yes - 100th :))

      thank you for your lovely comment

      welcome here

      Delete
  51. this will be 99th comment on your post sujatha :-)

    hey i believe its ok if you do not believe in rituals and stuff...you don't have to force yourself for something you really do not consider important .. but that's again a personal thought ..

    if i was in your place i will never regret for not following the rituals piously...

    all the best for Ugadi!!!

    regards
    rahul

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    1. no no...no force no pressure Rahul. for the first time in my life i am doing it voluntarily & from my heart :) & that's what is making me happy

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  52. thank you Unknown (?) Rajasthan Holiday Tours (!!)

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  53. Whatever you do, if you do wholeheartedly, the happiness is felt more, Sujatha. Even our generation celebrate all the festival promptly, some without knowing why we are celebrating each and every ritual connected with it! But we follow. I think it brings some discipline in us. Otherwise, we will get up in the morning, go to office, come back and eat the same things each and every day. In our festival, we prepare different dishes and it brings a change in our routine.

    Anyway, all the best to you and Sathya and happy Ugadi!

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    1. that is very true Sandhya one should do wholeheartedly.

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  54. Yeah do that and post the picture. No one from our generation celebrate festivals that meticulously.

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    1. I too think that our generation is far away from following all those rituals and festivals... I thought many of them were silly and waste of time/resources and I still think so! The point is, if we get something during festival time (alone), it will definitely be fun. But when the exclusivity is gone, the fun is gone too.

      Destination Infinity

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    2. i didn't ever either. but iss baar kuch karne ko man kar raha hai. yeah sure will post the pics

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    3. i thought so too. but let me see if i can change my own thinking for myself first this time around :)

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    4. You know I do it but I feel sad as it's only me and Alok who will witness it. I observe fast on Friday and I don't have anyone whom I can offer the prasad...But, you do it...Tan will enjoy it...

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    5. i felt sad to read that line 'dont have anyone to offer prasad'
      koi gal nai ji...humein yaad kar lo & hamari taraf se khud kha jao :)

      but ya i understand that the joy is in sharing the festivities with near & dear ones

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  55. And do it. That will be a great surprise for your hubby. I love dressing up in a sari with all the bangles etc. only for festivals like diwali, karwa chauth. I make rangoli too after diligently seeing a design from the net. The point is do all the things that your heart enjoys then there is fun in rituals. Don't do them if you feel sick of them :).

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    1. yeah all these years i never did anything because i just didn't see the point!

      oh good idea - rangoli design from the net - thanks :DD

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  56. Your writing is so vivid that I have already started feeling the fragrance of sweets. A post as wonderful as the festivals themselves.

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    1. thanks Neeraj

      ab sweets ka toh utna pata nai... dekhte hain! will try my best! Agar April mein Bangalore aana hua, toh hamare ghar zaroor aana :)

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  57. Beautiful post, yet again! But, Sujatha, you can still do all that you couldn't and have no regrets at all..
    It's never too late! :)
    Hope Sathya is happily shocked with all the things you wish to do! :)

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    1. yes Mi i can still do that and this time i really want to do -for my own sakes, happily too :)

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  58. ...Reflections...reflections...I'm mirrored in wondering ' The reverence has gone, should the enthusiasm go too?' Liked it!!
    amitaag.blogspot.com

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    1. thank you so much Amit :) welcome to "Conversations'

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  59. Hi Sujatha,

    Everything you have said in your article is very true about our generation. We just take all our rich indian traditions and cultures very easy and go on live a lifestyle which has a temporary amusement in it. You are absolutely true that we must try and respect our rituals and colorful traditions which we follow during our festivals. The excitement we find in buying things occasionally when required is indeed something very different than the kind of excitment we find in doing the same shopping often in our life. Wearing a beautiful saree and adorning oneself with all the precious gold and jewellry gives us a stunning look which lacks in other dressing style. I must say you have penned all your emotions very beatifully and also awakened us on this matter so that we dont regret on the same later. Thank You.

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    1. Welcome here Elvirah :) and thank you so much for your comment. True, i now understand what you've said in your response & feel it too in my heart without any pressure from anyone. Maybe late but i have woken up :)
      thanks again for coming over. appreciate it esp the time & effort you took to write such a detailed reply

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  60. Ms.Sujatha
    Do you know why the festivals are being celebrated so elaborately and with your near and dear ones? It creates an atmosphere of Love and affection, sense of sharing, provides opportunity for your artistic flair to improvise on colourful decorations and last but not least to develop the much needed sense of fellowship among the relatives as well as neighbors. It is never too late for starting anything Good. Nice Post.

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    1. Dear Saras, when i read the words "Ms. Sujatha, do you know why..." i thought you are going to scold me!!!!

      i agree with you - it does create a lovely atmosphere & goodwill if done in the right spirit in which it was intended

      thank you so much for coming over to my blog,reading AND commenting :)

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  61. So, you were the hunter now becoming the hunted :)

    We do have a lot of festivals and traditions and I am very much apprise your saying that " I wish they had explained why I was supposed to do it. Even if they hadn’t, I now feel, I could’ve taken the trouble to find out. But I didn’t. As a teen, being forced to do things put me off them completely. The rebellion was misdirected. What would I have lost in following the customs? "

    Every other day, we have a ritual or a festival and each one is different, the only thing is we don't take the trouble of finding out why and what are they for.

    and if you need any help for any of the festivities, I may be able to gather some info for you (I'm not well knowledge d about that, but my family is) :)

    And it's never late to start anything - In this manner at least the future generation carries over something if not everything right!

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    1. welcome here Santosh :) thanks a lot for your comment. appreciate it

      and any help you can extend - most welcome :) nangantu sadhyakke yenoo gottilla :D

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  62. what pics? those 2 images are from google!! what is so nice about them? did u read the post or not???

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  63. Good to see you so eagerly waiting for the Ugadi ... I'm sure he would be happy to see you celebrating the festival in the most traditional way. Beautiful post and yes, we do forget to celebrate our festivals in a traditional way cuz of the hectic life we are living .. Thanks for reminding me :-)

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    1. that is true - life is too hectic. hope the coming festivities add some zing into it for all of us :)

      thanks for your comment

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  64. "None of my clothes have a story. My mother’s saris did." - wow, sounds to familiar and so true. And this one sentence just said the whole thing!

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    1. thank you Dhakkanz :) m glad you liked the post. welcome to 'Conversations' :)

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  65. Very true..
    actually when we are growing up, we are too caught up in trying to be cool and having fun to pay attention to the various traditions and celebrations at home...

    Only when we reach hostels or start setting up a home of our own does this realization strike...

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    1. right. that's what has happened with me.
      thanks for coming again Dwiti :)

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  66. Indian culture is beautiful. If we are interest to learn something, it is never late :) I'm myself not a traditional person, but I love looking at rangolis and the festival decorations :)

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    1. yaaa...some women are so talented with the rangoli making & stuff,really beautiful to see

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  67. Wow.Such an eye opener! Such an amazing post! I think you are doing excellent work,spreading word about forging our tryst with traditions building it even stronger.

    I loved these lines. They're so meaningful and powerful!!

    " Why wait for Diwali, Ugadi, Sankranthi for new clothes? I could now buy it every week & for no reason at all than that I wanted to & had the money for it. None of my clothes have a story. My mother’s saris did. Nothing beats the joy that comes from waiting for an occasion & shopping as a family."

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    1. thank you so much Jen. that was a lovely comment. thanks & of course welcome to my space :)

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  68. Sujatha,

    I feel finally it all boils down to "memories". The most vibrant memories of my childhood are these traditional festivals and celebrating them with immediate family (parents and siblings). Now we are trying to pass on the same to our children. Hopefully they will remember it the same way

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    1. Vish, yes. I guess that was one of the things at the back of my mind ..the passing on bit. Hope Tanvi has a childhood as much filled with these memories as I did

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    2. Banti, if your comment was in ref to my post - thank you

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  69. yeah that is THE highlight for sure and you, i know, have truckloads of them :)

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  70. Festivals brings joy and happiness...
    It gives time that can be spent with loved ones...
    We can treat our taste buds as well!!
    Your blog took back to my childhood days, when I used to go to Malleswaram 8th cross, holding my mother's hands tightly.
    And... Hoping to read your post post-Ugadi!!

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    1. oh u familiar with 8th cross? great.at least one reader out here knows about it :))

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  71. Ya change is necessary.. will check out your Ugadi pickle photos in April :)

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    1. pickle? oh no! not pickle! i don't know to make pickles :D

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  72. Boss.. Ugadi without pickle is not Ugadi.. Making of Ugadi pickle is 'beautifully different'..

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  73. Your comments are overflowing lady :P

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  74. I think it's nice to keep the traditions of your country alive. The world is a beautiful place cause there are many different traditions, rituals...it's so interesting to know them all !

    You're invited to enter my Valentine's giveaway to win 120 $ gift certificate and tights on Romwe.com !
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    1. thanks Vale for stopping by my blog. Yeah it sure is nice to keep certain beautiful traditions alive. thanks for reading the post & commenting. as for your giveaway, thanks but i ain't interested :)

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  75. We Indians love festivals Sujatha!! Some like it for traditions, some for holidays, some for rest and some to meet relatives and socializing!! You are right.. I think even I need to be a part of the festivals.. and not just enjoy the holiday :D

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  76. Sujatha, damn jealous of your comments sequence ;( reveal me the secret!
    check out my latest , waiting for your bouquets and brickbats and also the snaps of you in tradional attire as you celebrate Ugadi- lovely post! http ://specs-buffy.blogspot.com

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  77. :) will surely check your new post & as for the comments thing, well i read many many blogs & a few do read mine too :)

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  78. very well written sujatha and i could really relate to it..it was like reading abt myself..but i guess u r right its never too late:)

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    1. so few more of us are going through this kinda feelings then :)nice to know that

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  79. this post is full of nostalgia..I remembered my childhood days of getting new clothes on diwali,playing blissfully in colors in holi,those independent day kite-flying and republic day telecasts on DD1...traditions are cherished memories and I agree the next generation might see them only in books..republic days and all are celebrated only in social n/w sites now!A status message,few likes or comments and thats it!perhaps it's too much of the metro daze that putting us away from our traditions!!

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    1. republic day only on social n/w sites - yeah true, isn't it! sad!

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  80. How come you aren't posting anything?? :)

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  81. hey thanks a lot Alka.
    btw, give me your email id na. pls

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  82. Times change and with them, the customs. The only New Year at which the entire nation goes bananas is the one that conforms to the Gregorian Calendar, surely a sign of change in times. Yet, at times, the age-old festivals bring wafts of nostalgia with them.

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    1. how nicely you have said it :)
      yeah we are pretty obsessed with the Gregorian calendar NY :))

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  83. lovely post! totally enjoyed reading it!

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