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Showing posts from June, 2009

Sasthi-Abda-Poorthi

Y'day "Ammumma" (Grand mom) called up to remind me that my uncle is completing 60 years of his presence on this earth today. "Sasthi-Abda-Poorthi", She said. I knew the meaning, but not its significance. So I searched for some info, and Look what I found.. Turning sixty is a social-religious event in India especially in south. Shashtiabdapoorthi is a family event, when a 're-marriage 'of the couple, is performed .This unusual custom marked by rituals, reverberating with the 'mantras ' is spiritually and mentally rejuvenating for a couple who are 'graduageing'. Witnessed by the next generaton,it is a social event that reflects continuity. When a person reaches 60, he is in the year of the same name as in which he was born and hence the successful completion of one cycle. So, we give thanks for this longivity and pray for a trouble-free old age. The social, religious and spiritual connotations of this function When a man turns

Bioscope - A Flash back - 19th March 2007

A news about an up coming wedding came in today. My memories went back to 19th March 2007. The day that my wedding got finalised. Just as in a typical Indian scenario, the match making was "arranged" by parents. My father was clueless about who RJ (my Father in Law) was. All he knew was, the would-be groom's family were pious, simple, smiling and very down-to-earth people. He was satisfied that the groom to be was professionally qualified like his daughter and seemed courteous (& shy) by nature. No questions asked, the decision was taken. I was the one having a sudden bombardment of a thousand questions in my heart. It was really overwhelming. "Me?" "Getting married?" "Sharing space?" "Adjusting?" "Accommodating?" ...on those lines... Another set of questions like "What am I taking up?" "Am I prepared enough to accept the transition from Miss to Mrs.?" "What about the roles I've got to play