Ganu, my 7 year old grand nephew ran in the State Finals for
200 meters dash and was placed 5th. He is at least one year younger
than the competing boys. We are all very proud of him.
Today was the last day of Shardh. This is an Hindu festival
lasting 14 days. It seems like all religions have something similar. We had a
very learned ( College educated in Sanskrit) Pundit ( priest) come over to
perform the pooja. He has been my brother’s family priest of last 35 years ( he
used to come with his father, who had PhD in Sanskrit and Indian Mythology).
There are many rituals, legends and religious superstitions ( to benefit the
Brahmin and intellectual class of old society) but the basic concept is brilliant
( I think). These 14 days are set aside to remember the deceased ancestors and
to give them the respect, love and attention by talking about them, eating the
food they liked and doing the things that were favorite to them. What better
way to pass down the family history and culture( including food) in the days
before writing was a common household skill?
Even in these modern days, I am ashamed to say that my brother and I
remember only our parents and grandparents, their names, what they did but do
not know our grandparents well enough to say what they liked to eat. My sister
in law made the breakfast that our parents liked the most, we set aside the
first portion for the birds ( you can give it to animals, birds or Pundits) and
then enjoyed eating it while talking about our parents in front of my nephew/
in law and grand niece. This is a loving way to pass down family stories
without making it preachy. I sat by the window to watch the crows eat it. ( one
religious way to say it is to say that your ancestors came as birds to eat the
offerings). The crows were smart enough to check out the offering from a
distant branch before they took the risk to come over to eat :)
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| Grandparent's food |
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| Pandit |
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| Spirits Eating Food |
After the heavy breakfast, we took little siestas and went
out with no specific agenda. I did some shopping and then we decided to check
out Indian Macdonald and Starbucks. Both have booming business and i am
impressed by their business strategy. Big M had burgers catered to Indian
needs: their vegetarian, Paneer and other spicy burgers are quite tasty.
Starbucks was full of yuppies, mostly college students wearing jeans and tops.
Again, in the menu were spicy and tasty Indian style sandwiches. My sister in
law and I were the only old people there :)
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| Fish and Stork and Cat |
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| Old Woman |
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| Other India |
After more rest and hanging out, we went out for a homemade Italian ( Indian style) dinner at my
nephew’s home. In addition to the perfect dinner, they had managed to buy Hagen
Das ice cream for me. ( I am sure they paid a premium for it) and to their
disappointment ( paranoid me) I did not eat it :( ..I am not sure one can import ice
cream…..Once again a perfect , loving and educational day in India. Enjoy the
pictures of the “day in the life of Mumbai”….Namaste
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| Begging in Style |
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| Big M |
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| Big M |
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| Food Delivery |
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| Vendor |
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| Scared Cow |
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| Starbucks |
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