Bollywood Dreams
Last night I went to our school's 'South Asian Night'. I had gone the year before and loved it...there had been presentations, dances by pros and dances by the kids. The food was wonderful and it was a whirl of colour.
This year was not as well planned, though there were some very cool things on offer.
Again, the food was great. Smells of curry and spice wafted through the halls even into the upper levels of the school. It drew down students and faculty who hadn't even thought about coming. There were warm breads, vegetarian samosas and lamb biryani as well as a number of other eye watering treats.
It was lovely to see the swirls of design in the parents salwar kameez and the demo of how to wear a sari. Decorations of red, gold and green were in abundance, as was the sound of Hindi and Urdu.
A woman sat the entire 2 hours, painting the hands of adults and kids with flowers and vines. The henna and glitter added to the funky cultural feel of the evening.
This year we were able to see some Bollywood dancers who came from a local troup. The thumping of the bass, twirling arms adorned with red ribbon, projections of India and Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the background. It was almost overwhelming for the senses.
And I was welcomed to this. By parents and students. And as R said, welcome to the family - you are now one of us. Not really...but I can claim a bit of the tradition.
27 April 2007
23 April 2007
A feast
It was cool outside but very comfortable. I wore linen trousers, a camisole and a floaty gauze top that my mother-in-law gave me (and it gets a ton of compliments). There were birds in the background that were louder than the traffic noise. The smell of cut grass and the beginnings of flowering trees. Insects skirted around the air, buzzing away, but not yet bothering us. And the smoke of the tandoor wafted past us...
Yes, it was the first use of the tandoor of the season. What is a tandoor? Well...here's the wiki definition:
A tandoor is a cylindrical clay oven used in Punjab region, northern India and Pakistan in which food is cooked over a hot charcoal fire. Temperatures in a tandoor can approach 480°C (900°F). It is common for tandoor ovens to remain lit for long periods of time to maintain the high cooking temperature. It is used for cooking certain types of Indian and Pakistani food, such as tandoori chicken and bread varieties like tandoori roti and naan. (The word tandoori is the adjective form.) The tandoor is currently a very important fixture in many Indian restaurants around the world. Food cooked in a tandoor retains all the juices and taste inside and hence is considered very healthy[citation needed]. Many people have installed a tandoor in their homes for making bread and kababs. Some modern day tandoors use electricity or gas instead of charcoal.
The tandoor that my in-laws have is both self-made and purchased. They went to Southall and bought the cylinder clay part that would be the basis of the tandoor. They then took a metal garbage pail and used clay at the bottom as a base. In went the clay cylinder. They then surrounded it with a variety of materials that hardened. And there you have it.
Last night they didn't have any coals, so we used wood to build the flame and ash. It got amazingly hot. We cook some kebabs of chicken and onion. The chicken had been marinated in a spicy masala. YUM! We also had a few lamb things, the name which escapes me - but the mixture of chopped lamb, chilis and spice were wrapped around a metal pole and placed within the tandoor until cooked. And then finally, we had roti. So good! The meal just went on and on...and it was so healthy and lovely. I can't wait to have more!
It made for a wonderful & lazy Sunday afternoon.
It was cool outside but very comfortable. I wore linen trousers, a camisole and a floaty gauze top that my mother-in-law gave me (and it gets a ton of compliments). There were birds in the background that were louder than the traffic noise. The smell of cut grass and the beginnings of flowering trees. Insects skirted around the air, buzzing away, but not yet bothering us. And the smoke of the tandoor wafted past us...
Yes, it was the first use of the tandoor of the season. What is a tandoor? Well...here's the wiki definition:
A tandoor is a cylindrical clay oven used in Punjab region, northern India and Pakistan in which food is cooked over a hot charcoal fire. Temperatures in a tandoor can approach 480°C (900°F). It is common for tandoor ovens to remain lit for long periods of time to maintain the high cooking temperature. It is used for cooking certain types of Indian and Pakistani food, such as tandoori chicken and bread varieties like tandoori roti and naan. (The word tandoori is the adjective form.) The tandoor is currently a very important fixture in many Indian restaurants around the world. Food cooked in a tandoor retains all the juices and taste inside and hence is considered very healthy[citation needed]. Many people have installed a tandoor in their homes for making bread and kababs. Some modern day tandoors use electricity or gas instead of charcoal.
The tandoor that my in-laws have is both self-made and purchased. They went to Southall and bought the cylinder clay part that would be the basis of the tandoor. They then took a metal garbage pail and used clay at the bottom as a base. In went the clay cylinder. They then surrounded it with a variety of materials that hardened. And there you have it.
Last night they didn't have any coals, so we used wood to build the flame and ash. It got amazingly hot. We cook some kebabs of chicken and onion. The chicken had been marinated in a spicy masala. YUM! We also had a few lamb things, the name which escapes me - but the mixture of chopped lamb, chilis and spice were wrapped around a metal pole and placed within the tandoor until cooked. And then finally, we had roti. So good! The meal just went on and on...and it was so healthy and lovely. I can't wait to have more!
It made for a wonderful & lazy Sunday afternoon.
21 April 2007
A wedding explanation
Hindu weddings are supposed to take place outside, on the earth, under a canopy known as a mandap. If that's not possible, you can build a mandap inside and pretend you're outdoors. Seating under the mandap can be on the ground (carpets or mats would be a good idea) or on chairs. We went with indoors as it was about 30F outside. And we sat on chairs so we could see everyone and everyone could see us. Our mandap was a metal gazebo onto which we placed 4 red and gold saris. We put a multi-coloured rug on the ground and used a small bbque for our sacred fire.
Traditionally, the bride wears a red or red and white sari. The sari should be draped modestly over her hair. I went with a lengha choli and a scarf for over my head. The groom wears a kafni (long shirt extending to the knees) with pijamo (leggings) or dhoti (sort of an overgrown loincloth). Roy went with a tux but wore a traditional turban and scarf.
One feature of the bride's wardrobe which has become popular abroad is the use of henna or mehndi to decorate her hands and feet. It's said that you can tell how well a new bride is being treated by her in-laws from how long it takes for the mehndi to wear off.
Barat - traditionally the groom is part of a procession. He may ride on a horse or an elephant. He is accompanied by his party of family and friends. Naturally, we didn't have a horse or elephant. But we did have Coles, and he led the procession with the beating of his drum. My mom did the traditional thing and greeted the groom.
The bride and groom have parts of their costume tied to the other and then they garland each other.
The marriage fire, representing the divine witness as well as sanctifying the ceremony, is lit and you perform the Offering of the Parched Grain (Laya Homa), a sacrifice of food for the sake of prosperity. Your brother, or another male relative, pours the grain into your hand signifying his continuing support of you.
During the Mangalpheras, the couple circles the holy fire four times, not seven times as is customary in many other parts of India. The four circles symbolize the four basic human goals of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. We also did the seven steps, which were our seven vows to each other.
Once the wedding rituals have been completed, the couple touch the feet of their parents and the priest, asking for their Aashirwaad, or blessings.
Hindu weddings are supposed to take place outside, on the earth, under a canopy known as a mandap. If that's not possible, you can build a mandap inside and pretend you're outdoors. Seating under the mandap can be on the ground (carpets or mats would be a good idea) or on chairs. We went with indoors as it was about 30F outside. And we sat on chairs so we could see everyone and everyone could see us. Our mandap was a metal gazebo onto which we placed 4 red and gold saris. We put a multi-coloured rug on the ground and used a small bbque for our sacred fire.
Traditionally, the bride wears a red or red and white sari. The sari should be draped modestly over her hair. I went with a lengha choli and a scarf for over my head. The groom wears a kafni (long shirt extending to the knees) with pijamo (leggings) or dhoti (sort of an overgrown loincloth). Roy went with a tux but wore a traditional turban and scarf.
One feature of the bride's wardrobe which has become popular abroad is the use of henna or mehndi to decorate her hands and feet. It's said that you can tell how well a new bride is being treated by her in-laws from how long it takes for the mehndi to wear off.
Barat - traditionally the groom is part of a procession. He may ride on a horse or an elephant. He is accompanied by his party of family and friends. Naturally, we didn't have a horse or elephant. But we did have Coles, and he led the procession with the beating of his drum. My mom did the traditional thing and greeted the groom.
The bride and groom have parts of their costume tied to the other and then they garland each other.
The marriage fire, representing the divine witness as well as sanctifying the ceremony, is lit and you perform the Offering of the Parched Grain (Laya Homa), a sacrifice of food for the sake of prosperity. Your brother, or another male relative, pours the grain into your hand signifying his continuing support of you.
During the Mangalpheras, the couple circles the holy fire four times, not seven times as is customary in many other parts of India. The four circles symbolize the four basic human goals of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. We also did the seven steps, which were our seven vows to each other.
Once the wedding rituals have been completed, the couple touch the feet of their parents and the priest, asking for their Aashirwaad, or blessings.
20 April 2007
Vignette
I'm on the 460 bus going past B & Q (a home improvement store). There is a grassy section that is typically filled with birds. I look over at the area, cause we're sitting in traffic. A man is there. He is sitting cross legged. Has on black shorts, a black shirt and sunglasses on. It's not sunny. He has a wine bottle, red, in his hands. As I continue to watch, he tips it back and chugs down the contents. This is not 'fine wine' drinking. He brings the bottle back to his knees which slowly shake up and down as if he's trying to move the alcohol down his throat. And then it's time for another glug. We drive away.
I'm on the 460 bus going past B & Q (a home improvement store). There is a grassy section that is typically filled with birds. I look over at the area, cause we're sitting in traffic. A man is there. He is sitting cross legged. Has on black shorts, a black shirt and sunglasses on. It's not sunny. He has a wine bottle, red, in his hands. As I continue to watch, he tips it back and chugs down the contents. This is not 'fine wine' drinking. He brings the bottle back to his knees which slowly shake up and down as if he's trying to move the alcohol down his throat. And then it's time for another glug. We drive away.
19 April 2007
18 April 2007
Ssshhhh!
Today is the 'Day of Silence'. The Day of Silence is an annual event held to bring attention to anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and discrimination in schools. Students and teachers nationwide will observe the day in silence to echo the silence that LGBT and ally students face everyday. In it's 11th year, the Day of Silence is one of the largest student-led actions in the country. (taken from the website)
I am choosing to be as silent as I can (if I need to talk to a child in crisis then I will, of course). I am lucky. I can be fully who I am and shout it out to the world without fear. But many cannot. If they happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered, then life can be a very tough thing. So many GLBT kids have depression or anger issues due to their having to hide their sexuality. Some even feel that they have to commit suicide as they don't see how things could ever get better.
For most of us, we don't have to really think or justify our sexuality. Can you imagine if you were the one silenced?
Today is the 'Day of Silence'. The Day of Silence is an annual event held to bring attention to anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and discrimination in schools. Students and teachers nationwide will observe the day in silence to echo the silence that LGBT and ally students face everyday. In it's 11th year, the Day of Silence is one of the largest student-led actions in the country. (taken from the website)
I am choosing to be as silent as I can (if I need to talk to a child in crisis then I will, of course). I am lucky. I can be fully who I am and shout it out to the world without fear. But many cannot. If they happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered, then life can be a very tough thing. So many GLBT kids have depression or anger issues due to their having to hide their sexuality. Some even feel that they have to commit suicide as they don't see how things could ever get better.
For most of us, we don't have to really think or justify our sexuality. Can you imagine if you were the one silenced?
17 April 2007
The Rehearsal
We started the rehearsal at 4pm on Friday. The room was quite chilly, and so we wore our jackets. We tried to get the site ready before the rehearsal, but it wasn't to be (which is why the mandap looks so sad while we're rehearsing). We then finished getting the site ready and off to dinner. We had a fun casual evening of chicken wings, pizza and speeches. I think we all had a good time that night!
This is us rehearsing...and the mandap after it was all done and decorated. So pretty!
We started the rehearsal at 4pm on Friday. The room was quite chilly, and so we wore our jackets. We tried to get the site ready before the rehearsal, but it wasn't to be (which is why the mandap looks so sad while we're rehearsing). We then finished getting the site ready and off to dinner. We had a fun casual evening of chicken wings, pizza and speeches. I think we all had a good time that night!
This is us rehearsing...and the mandap after it was all done and decorated. So pretty!
11 April 2007
More henna
The outside of my right hand. I love the flower pattern that goes up to my finger tips.
This is the inside of my left hand...you can see that it's quite faded compared to the outside. The right hand is even more faded.
My left and right arms...they are not as dark as my hands, but close.
My right hand. You can see that it has a different pattern from my left hand. Like my left hand, the pattern hasn't faded too much except near my finger tips.
You can see that the artist worked in R's initials onto one of my arms...he had to find it after the wedding.
The outside of my right hand. I love the flower pattern that goes up to my finger tips. 
This is the inside of my left hand...you can see that it's quite faded compared to the outside. The right hand is even more faded.
My left and right arms...they are not as dark as my hands, but close.
My right hand. You can see that it has a different pattern from my left hand. Like my left hand, the pattern hasn't faded too much except near my finger tips.
You can see that the artist worked in R's initials onto one of my arms...he had to find it after the wedding.
My foot pattern (same on both sides) and a detail of the flowers...gorgeous!
And the pictures begin!
Pictures will keep being posted as I get them. I thought I'd start with a few from the first 'celebration' on Thursday...the mendhi gathering. We got wonderful henna done and had fun and laughter. It was followed by a bachelorette party - a food and wine pairing party.
Here I am with my mom and mother-in-law as I'm getting my feet henna'd. How cool are my hands?!
Here are all the women with their henna'd hands...the woman, Jumana, did an amazing job! 
Post-henna, and shedding little dark nobs of it all over, we went out for my PA bachelorette party. My best-friend, J, who is pictured in the front on the right, was the party planner. She did a wonderful job - great food, great wine pairing and a wonderful venue with a great group of girls. It was a blast!
Pictures will keep being posted as I get them. I thought I'd start with a few from the first 'celebration' on Thursday...the mendhi gathering. We got wonderful henna done and had fun and laughter. It was followed by a bachelorette party - a food and wine pairing party.
Here I am with my mom and mother-in-law as I'm getting my feet henna'd. How cool are my hands?!
Here are all the women with their henna'd hands...the woman, Jumana, did an amazing job!
Post-henna, and shedding little dark nobs of it all over, we went out for my PA bachelorette party. My best-friend, J, who is pictured in the front on the right, was the party planner. She did a wonderful job - great food, great wine pairing and a wonderful venue with a great group of girls. It was a blast!
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