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Monday 4 November 2013

Musings

Every family has some  features which are  unique, pertaining to them only.  Such features make  a family different from others. Our family also has its separate identity very much  different  from  a common family. We speak four languages in our house. We prepare fusion food, a mix of  South Indian and Punjabi. Whereas we make Idli, Dosais, Sambhar Avial etc,  we also make  Paranthas stuffed with potato, cauliflower,and radish. We relish Sarson ka saag and makkai ki roti  as also murrukus and banana chips.
        My son's marriage was held  like a Malayali wedding and my daughter's marriage was like any Punjabi  marriage. We celebrate Diwali, Holi,   with the same fervour as Onam, and Vishu. My grand sons have Malayali  nick names, Unni and Appan and grand daughters  are nicknamed Gudiya and Rom. Both grand sons have two surnames ie. 'Menon,Suri' and grand daughters are known by  single 'Menon''
         We pray to Guruvayoor Appan and Ayyappa  with the same devotion as Ram, Krishna and Hanuman. My grand  daughter was born on Ganesha Chaturthi and grand son was born on Janamashtami. We are  deeply religious.
 Today is Diwali. My son was born on Diwali night. I was taken to the hospital when the festivities were in full swing.Young, old and very old were  bursting crackers merrily. Bombs and rockets were  making deafening sounds. Ladies  were making preparations for the Puja. In the midst of all this commotion, I raised an alarm. The baby, growing within me felt restless, perhaps excited to see what was happening in the world outside, struggled to  witness and  experience  the festive activities.We reached the hospital without any delay. The nurse, who took me in the wheelchair, said,"Beti Diwali ki raat aayi ho,bache ka naam Deepak rakhna.(you have come on Diwali night,name the baby Deepak). So the naming ceremony  was performed.
                                                 According to  date of birth, it was my birthday also. Every one wished me 'happy  birthday', with a comment that I had got a beautiful  birthday.gift. I was elated.  It is interesting that after that day, I always had a company for cutting a cake. On our 'common' birthday  we two, mother and son cut a cake jointly, and on my wedding anniversary with my hubby. I enjoy this  special attraction. Similarly  Deepak too  cuts a cake jointly with me and his better half.
  My  grand daughters speak immaculate  Malayalam with their Nani and with equal ease in Hindi and English with others.
I just jotted  down all this in a reflective mood.
                       












30 comments:

  1. Kollam :) Nalla post :) santhoshamayi :) really loved the picture of harmony !!

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    1. Valare nanni,Sreeja. Loved your sweet and cute comments.

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  2. Loved your random thoughts Usha Ma'am. :-) I'm also lucky to be sharing my date of birth with my Mom. :-)

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    1. Thank you Rekha.I welcome your nice comments. It is a very wonderful feeling to share your birthday with your loved one.

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  3. that's amazing! every festival is made special this way! truly a symbol of national integrity!

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    1. Thank you Titli for your excellent comments.

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  4. Such a heartwarming post :)

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    1. Thank you Shail.Your comments are special for me.

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  5. Very true Ushaji, every family has its unique traits and stories, yours however has all the more interesting indian flavor :)

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    1. Thank you Reshma. Your words are inspiring and keep me going.

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  6. You have been tagged and awarded. :)

    http://jyothisdayout.wordpress.com/2013/11/05/the-liebster-award/

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    1. Thank you Jyothi from the core of my heart. I feel obliged to be nominated by you for the prestigious award.

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  7. Remembered the old Tamil film,"Bharathavilasam"

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    1. Thank you Anil. I have not seen the movie.I propose to see the movie on You Tube.

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  8. You are an Indian :)

    I maybe a little conservative, but I may prefer following one type of custom/religious practice/language. It might make things simpler and avoid confusions. But maybe I am wrong - I don't know!

    Destination Infinity

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    1. Rajesh ,it all depends on the circumstances. If the situation at home is like ours, then this sort of arrangement/adjustment has to be made otherwise there is bound to be misunderstanding/ chaos.( husband and daughter in law are from Kerala and my self from Punjab). ab samajh gaye?

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  9. Such a joy to celebrate birthdays together with your loved one, surely extra special! It is always fun and nice to adapt to various cultures and enjoy the best from everything , this is one happy family, God bless !

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    1. Thank you Padmaja We have all adjusted according to the situation very well, so we all enjoy.

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  10. I know your family is really interesting and different. You must be feeling so proud that you all have integrated everything in such a harmonious way.
    Belated Happy Birthday to You!

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    1. Yes Rama, Our family is very well knit and loving. Thanks for your wishes.

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  11. that's a perfect marriage of north and south:). Lovely union of cultures. My sister's naming ceremony was on Diwali and she was named Deepika.

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    1. Thank you Asha for the sweet comments. Deepika on Diwali day day is very auspicious.

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  12. Wow!! Fusion of different cultures and traditions! That's so cool and wonderful. Enjoyes reading your musings! :)

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    1. Thank you Shilpa. We have a wonderful time on festivals.

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  13. All of us have certain unique glee, here and there a shade of gloom is fount though. I love to read such things,madam.

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    1. Thank you Sarala. There are ups and downs in every family. In spite of adversities if we live a life of contentment, we will be truly happy.

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  14. Seriously wonder how you worked it out. :) Always interesting to read your personal posts. And a belated birthday, Usha ji. To you and your son. Hope your husband is feeling better.

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    1. Thank you Latha . In a family like ours co operation and adjustment is very essential. If once it is there, the battle is more than half won. Thanks for the wishes.

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  15. Lovely family with mixed culture and traditions. Nice write up too !

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  16. Family ho to aisi ;) I felt like that when I finished reading this Usha ji !!
    Hugs

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