Ringing in 2022. Happy new year and some weird traditions.

 New Year's Day may start the second the clock strikes midnight on January 1 in most countries, but the celebrations undertaken to usher in the new year at different corners of the globe couldn't be more unique. Take Ecuador, for instance: There, citizens parade around the city with scarecrows built to look like popular politicians and cultural icons—and at the stroke of midnight, said scarecrows are burnt to a crisp to cleanse the new year of everything evil. And in Brazil, it's customary to light candles and throw white flowers into the water as an offering for Yemoja, the Queen of the Ocean. Herein, we've traveled the world—virtually, at least—to round up some of the most creative and culturally unique New Year's Eve traditions from around the world.

In Spain, local people will eat precisely 12 grapes at the stroke of 12 PM to respect a custom that began in the late nineteenth century. Harking back to the 1800s, plant cultivators in the Alicante region concocted this practice for selling more grapes around the year's end, however the sweet festival immediately got on. Today, Spaniards appreciate eating one grape for every one of the first 12 chime strikes later 12 PM in quite a while that this will achieve an extended period of favorable luck and thriving.

Assuming you end up being in Brazil for New Year's Eve, expect to observe the seas covered with white blossoms and candles. In the South American country, it is typical for residents to take to the shores on New Year's Eve to make contributions to Yemoja, a significant water divinity who is said to control the oceans, to evoke her gifts for the year to come.

The Greeks accept that onions are an image of resurrection, thus they hang the sharp odour vegetable on their entryways to advance development all through the new year. Greek culture has since a long time ago connected this food with the possibility of advancement, considering all the rotten onion at any point apparently needs is to establish its underlying foundations and continue to develop. Weird traditions continue everywhere as we are ready to welcome the year 2022.  Hope is all we have with the new year's new beginnings..

Wishing you all a wonderful and safe new year.

How to welcome 2022?? Need some ideas?

Would you be able to accept that 2021 is practically finished? We're a couple of days from the New Year (2022) and individuals are as of now lounging in the merry Christmas season. Despite the fact that limitations are back on because of the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, home festivals are dependably an incredible choice to celebrate the New Year.

So, as you start preparing for the New Year with a list of resolutions, goals and plans, don't forget to celebrate the past year that has gone by. Here are 5 doable, fun ideas for a low-key, home New Years celebration.

1. Have a karaoke night: Get out the mics and sing your heart out to your main tunes! Indeed, ring up a couple of companions and host a crushing karaoke party at your home. There are many karaoke chime in recordings promptly accessible on YouTube which you can utilize. Plug them into your speakers and hotshot your great singing abilities. You could even two part harmony with your companions to old melodies and revive valuable recollections.

2. Dance party: Invite over companions or even family and challenge them to a pleasant dance-off in your lounge room. Impact the music and siphon up the means to perky tunes. It's an incredible method for relinquishing all the pressure you've been conveying consistently and enter the New Year with enthusiasm and satisfaction.

3. A photograph session to recall: Grab your craziest garments and extras and spruce up at home for a vital photoshoot with your loved ones. You can beautify your home with vivid lights for a party feel, light up the rooms with candles and afterward present for pictures. Remember to share them on Instagram!

4. Game evening: Bring the house down for certain run of the mill games like monopoly, charades and cards. Either on the web or face to face, assemble your mates for a momentous night loaded up with games and heaps of babble.

5. Cook a great feast: Want a calm New Year's Eve? Prepare your cherished dishes on the last day of the year. You can begin with canapés, fundamental course, beverages and treats. Spoil yourself in the most stupendous manner of all time.

Hope you have the best of time.

Merry Christmas 2021

 Happy holidays! That season is here once more. The celebration of tones, lights and joy have cleared their path for the year 2021 and we can't try to avoid panicking – particularly after last-year's Christmas festivities which was spent in confinement, in alarm of the pandemic and in vulnerability. The aggravation of having passed up seeing our precious ones for the Christmas season have caused us to expect the current year's festivals significantly more.

Notwithstanding, the pandemic isn't finished at this point. Truth be told, it is a long way from being finished. With the new Omicron variant advancing in a few nations, the limitations are again set up and the alarm has returned. As the feeling of dread toward getting the new variant again hooks the world, it has faint the lights of the Christmas festivities, once more. In any case, we can in any case praise the celebration – at home, with the family and by having a quiet and calm day with our friends and family.

Keep safe! Merry Christmas ☃️🎄.

Why people shop online?

Online shopping in the recent times has become the most sought mode of buying things. A lot of things like books, electronics, grocery and clothes are all bought online with a help of few clicks. But why are people shifting to online buying than in store purchasing. Is it because of COVID-19 only ?? I don't think so. There are a number of reasons why people tend to online buy stuff they want, basically for the convenience it offers. Let's iterate all the reasons for the shift in buying strategy :

1. The variety and range of the products is really huge no matter what item is in consideration.

2. You need not travel to the store, which in most cases a tiresome job to get done, especially in the urban area.

3. Better pricing with coupons and discounts offered by various website stores.

4. Easy and quick turnover times for product replacement and refunds.

5. No sales pressure from the shopkeeper.

6. Quality and discreet shipping service offered.

7. Easy checkout process, no need to wait in the queue for payments.

8. Clear product description provided, also vendor details are transparent making it a secured transaction.

So generally with all the pros discussed I guess in the years to come online shopping is going to stay. 

I however personally feel in store purchase gives me more pleasure as I can verify the product completely before buying it. What's your say? Do write your thoughts.

What if Earth spins in the reverse direction?

Have you ever wondered which way the Earth rotates and what would happen if it spins the other way round? 

Oh okay what does that mean to me. Now the Sun rises in the east and sets in the west however if the Earth start spinning other way then it would mean that the sun rises in the west and set in the east. It sounds weird. Alright!

From the time we've known the poor little Earth has been revolving around its axis from West to East. But if one fine day it decides to spin in the opposite direction then Earth would not be the way we see it today.

A sudden change in direction of spin will cause destructive winds and massive waves. The oceanic currents change which would typically wipe out everything on the ground. These bring out a dramatic change in the climatic conditions across all the continents. In short Earth would become more greener. 

Currently, oceans control the climate globally by distributing the heat from the Sun all over the Earth. The moisture is carried from the driest parts of the Earth to the bring rainfall to thorny jungles.

But due to the reverse spinning the currents change and in turn the thick forests will turn into barren lands and the deserts today would be more green. In general there would be much more vegetation throughout the Earth. It results in more oxygen. 

Western Europe will get more cold splashes while Russia on the other hand will become warmer. Well too much of oxygen may make it difficult for human existence. So better let the world spin the way it does now and think about making the shift. :)

 

Christmas hand made gift ideas

Everyone would agree: The best Christmas gifts come straight from the heart.It may be easy to find personalized presents from major online retailers like Amazon and Etsy, nothing tops sticking a DIY Christmas gift under the tree.I will share a few of homemade gift ideas to gift you're loved ones — winter candles, gift baskets, salt dough ornaments, and so on. These will definitely interest everyone on your holiday shopping list: parents, coworkers, friends, kids, grandparents, significant others, best friends, and anyone else who has a place in your heart.

1. Candles : Cut out some winter scenic view on a white paper and place it inside a candle holder. It'll be classy gift for one who loves cosy evenings with lighted candles.

2. Bath Tea: Make your own bath soak with layers of Epsom salt, flowers and essential oils.

3: Coffee mug mixers: These are basically spoonful of chocolate with a hint of flavors added like peppermint, cinnamon, candy cane etc. 

4: Tea towels : make designs on tea towel using cookie cutter or any other designing tool if you have. 

5: Decorating glass ornaments : You can fill ornaments with fun stuff or paint them with the Christmas colors.

6: Body scrub: Woohoo best one for those who love some aroma and relaxing therapy 

7: Christmas tea bag/Chocolate tree: make a tree using tea bags for a tea lover, use chocolates for a chocolate freak 

8: Painting canvases: Show some creative skills and pop some colors into the space of your loved one.

9: Recipe jar: Place all ingredients in a mason jar and also keep the directions to bake. 

10: Picture frame: You can make a calendar using the favorite pictures your loved one and you wanna remember through the years. 

11: Salted caramel candy: These are incredibly simple and definitely cheers up those sweet tooth.

12: Handmade soap: Throw in some aroma using essential oils into your soap for the season.

13: Pillow/Cushion covers : Either decorate them with pompoms or other essentials or simply using paint make Christmassy designs.

14: Jewelry case/Box: You can convert the basic dollar gift boxes by decorating them using craft supplies or painting them with acrylic or chalk paint.

15: Homemade jams/sauces: If you are good at making jams, nothing like a home made jam using fresh seasonal fruits.

Hope these ideas keep you going and helps you make the perfect choice of gift for your near ones.

Merry Christmas and happy celebrations.

Movie review: The Christmas Chronicles

Today me and my little one wanted to watch a Christmassy movie and I stumbled upon this movie called The Christmas Chronicles. I'm so pleased to be saying this. This has to be easily the best heartfelt Christmas flick, I've seen in many years. It's simply brilliant. We've seen many interpretations of Santa Claus on the big screen, but hardly any with the soul, emotion and believability that Kurt Russell conveys.

What I love about the film is the themes that are being dealt with. Learning to love your siblings. Turning a situation from bad to good. Coping with the loss of a parent/husband. Saving Christmas for the world. I was so emotional throughout watching, and it was a real tear-jerker in parts. Big shout-out to the brilliant young actors Judah Lewis & Darby Camp. I hope and look forward to seeing more from them both, as they have pack loads of potential in life. 

One of my favourite parts of the film is when Santa is in jail and jams with the inmates who happen to be good musicians.

The movie is just what I needed to see, as I've felt un-festive these past few years. Here is a great Christmassy film for all ages. 

It is so much more different than other boring Christmas movies! This one really has different, feelings emotions and stories and that's the great thing about it! 

I have to recommend this for families and people of all ages. Well done to the cast, the production team.

Why do children write letter to Santa?

 With Christmas around the corner children around the world are now writing a letter to Santa. The tradition of writing a letter to Santa has been in practice for generations around the globe. Every year children all over the globe write letters to Santa. Some leave the letters in the shoes and some put it in the stockings above the fireplace and others send written letters addressed to Santa's workshop from the North Pole or even throw the letter into the fireplace so that it will float up the chimney and fly to the North Pole. According to the stories about him Santa lives in the North Pole with his wife Mrs. Claus. Throughout the years Santa and his elves makes toys for Christmas. Elves are small magical creatures that helps Santa, also known as Santa's helpers. Some take care of Santa's reindeer , otters make cookies and some make candies. Santa has a total of 9 reindeer - Dasher, Dancer, Prancer,Vixen, Comet,Cupid,Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph. One of the main jobs of the elves are to read all the mails written by children to Santa and make sure each one of them is read by Santa. On Christmas Eve Santa travels all around the world on a sleigh pulled by reindeer and delivers a toy to every kid's house. Children usually leave milk and cookies for him near the Christmas tree.

In a tradition that has been for decades, millions of children write letters to Santa to tell him how they have been good all year and what they would like to get as a present from father Christmas. So be good, help your father, mother, brothers or sisters, your friends or your neighbors. The more good you do the happier Christmas you will have. Christmas is the best time of the year so let us all enjoy it. 

Have you written your letter to Santa??

Some surfaces you should not clean with baking soda

 Yes baking soda is an excellent cleaning agent however there are certain surfaces that you should not be cleaning with it. Baking soda can remove rigid household dirt and grind from almost everything like fabrics to bathrooms yet this versatile cleaning agent does more harm than good on some surfaces.

This cleaning agent when mixed with vinegar had excellent stain removing capabilities and works well on stubborn marks too.

You should not be using baking soda to clean these surfaces: 

• Glass
• Ceramics
• Marble
• Wood
• Silver

Cleaning glass with this popular household item may seem like a good idea, but using baking soda is more likely to scratch the surface rather than actually clean it.

The abrasive consistency of this raising agent will certainly scrub away dirt and stains, but not without leaving some long-lasting damage.

So ensure you keep baking soda away from these surfaces while you are on a cleaning spree.

Miss Universe 2021 : Harnaaz Sandhu from India

After about 2 decades Indian beauty wins the Miss Universe title once again. Harnaaz Sandhu of India was crowned Miss Universe 2021 on Sunday, marking the end of a controversial pageant hosted this year in southern Israel.

I am not one who is much obsessed in these beauty pageants, however when the laurels hit the home country it's a matter of pride. Isn't it?

And I really loved the way she spoke confidently during the question answer round. southern Israel.

In a speech on stage during the pageant, Sandhu urged young people to "know that you are unique and that's what makes you beautiful, stop comparing yourself to others.

"I believed in myself, and that's why I'm standing here today," she added, to loud applause from the audience.

It's a powerful message to everyone in these uncertain times. Never lose hope and always remember you can achieve only if you determine to and believe in yourself. 

Congratulations once again to this beautiful lady. May you dream high and achieve your dreams.

Flavour Dream - fiction. (Don't curb dreams of younger ones. Allow them to go reach them)

Hari was all set to start afresh on his new venture. Having a normal childhood with not much exposure to various cuisines he was hooked to the staples at his home - rice and sambar, idlis and dosas.

Ranganna, Mallika and Hari were a happy family of three. Ranganna worked in a private company as a clerk. Mallika adorned the typical homemaker title. Both of them worked hard to make ends meet. A luxurious lunch in a restaurant was far from reality. One sunny afternoon as Mallika was watching a regular regional soap on television, Hari who was then around ten made a sharbat for his mom. It was not only a surprise in terms of his love towards his mom but she was totally in awe with the drink. It was extra ordinary. Hari had it in him. He had knowledge of flavor, he knew how to present his work beautifully. She praised Hari and started using his help in the kitchen when he showed interest. He learnt all of the delicacies his mom cooked at home, but it was all limited to one geographical area. Hari wanted to explore the world and the cuisines from each part. He expressed his interest to his parents who thought Hari taking cooking as a profession was not going to fetch him fortune. They also presented their logical views to him. But Hari was determined. He bargained a year from his dad to try his luck in the cooking industry and if nothing seemed to work out he'd return to his graduation studies. Mallika and Ranganna finally agreed to Hari's request and let him apply for the upcoming country's best cookery show. 

On the day of selections Hari prepared his all time favorite payasam(Kheer) with extra pinch of saffron. Loaded it with the roasted nuts for the extra crunch. Also to serve with it he made simple Malai khulfi . He served them on a silver plate and garnished them beautifully with red rose petals. Judges who tasted his dish instantly fell in love with his raw cooking abilities and wanted to give him a fare chance in the competition.

Hari's happiness knew no bounds. He was thrilled and excited about the upcoming cooking sessions he will have to go through, also he was anxious of all the learnings he would be able to get through this special journey.

Hari prepared for his beautiful trip to the capital city where the next twelve weeks he will have to be spending. Ranganna and Mallika were equally delighted on this first step towards Hari's success. They wished him luck. 

Each week Hari cooked awesome recipes, thanks to all the information his mother had imparted to him. He knew his flavors really well. The judges were impressed and Hari was one among the top 5 candidates. He excelled in savory and desserts. His recipe of tadka panneer got a spot in the menu of a reputed hotel chain. One of his sweet recipe was published in a famous chefs cookbook.

Eventually it was a battle between two contestants in the grand finale where Hari was to cook against the master of baking, Chetan. Chetan had also struggled his way up. His knowledge in baking was extraordinary and so was aptly called the master of baking.

Ranganna and Mallika for the first time travelled all the way to the capital city to witness his son take part in the final round of the competition. Hari had already won their hearts reaching this far in the competition. He had made them proud. It was an intense final cook. Hari made an elaborate Thali that ended with a masala buttermilk. Judges were in awe by the looks of the dish let alone the taste. It was a pleasure to have such an enthusiastic and artistic chef, they pronounced after the tasting. Hari undoubtedly win the title sand was given a chance to work on the most prestigious restaurant in the world. He was living his dreams. In a span of 3 years he earned fame through his culinary expertise. Today he was ready to establish himself as an entrepreneur by starting his own restaurant - Flavour Dream.

Thoughts - Rainy day.

 It was constant pitter pattering outside with thick rain drops hitting the glass pane at the brim of my balcony. While I lay on the bed lazily reading my book all I could hear in the last half hour amidst the monotonous rainfall was a couple of honking at the nearby junction where cars sped by indicating their movements. A faint cry of a bird that lived in a nest on the backyard tree was heard too. Yes, the distant dog barked profusely, I presume it to be due to the sight of kids walking in full rain gear and boots. My focus shifted back to the story in the book.I frantically started reading the next few pages that had me gripped. When the story ended I closed the book and still engrossed in those characters and their doings I failed to realize that the musical rainfall had waded off and the silence was replaced by noisy traffic, people talking, loud music from the neighbors house, the florist who comes on his cycle selling flowers shouting the names of the seasonal blooms as he pedalled.

Perfect rainy evening(cent story) - Fiction

The dark clouds in the sky moved towards me. There was a burst of water beads with tinkling sound as they fell on the leaves of the mango tree in the frontyard. People moved under roof, trees for cover. Umbrellas opened up. There were tiny puddles everywhere. Children  jumped in joy. The mopeds halted making way to the big cars spraying water. I was watching the rain from my window sipping a hot cup of chai. Thoughts scrolled by. Eventually the music of raindrops dripping down the leaves slowly faded. Sun came out bringing the much needed shine and warmth.

A pleasant walk and sighting flowers

It was a pleasant walk in the neighborhood and to our surprise we spotted many flowers popped up everywhere. Flashy colored ones and the sober ones too. I've tried to capture as many I could. Here's a peek into our sightings.

Shout out to #Wordless Wednesday 

Pandemic and kids learning from home.

It was a normal day of business where I was done with all my morning chores. The breakfast was done. Prep for the lunch completed. Husband had sweat his ass off as usual with his workouts and was heading to his virtual meetings and my mini munchkin was busy gearing up for his online schooling. This pandemic has taught us many many things and yes there are new routines set up all together. I log into the school portal, have everything set up for his days work. He is distracted with all other stuff up there and not in a mood to start his daily activity that has been there screaming at him " here I am, click on me for more details. Circle me out, what do you think of this topic. What is the sum of , difference of, fraction of... " . Oh no these poor little brains have to soak in so much of information . I pity the way education is taking a toll on the beautiful minds of the future. However I don't create a fuss about him not being able to complete any of his activities, but I do try to keep him active through the day. I enjoy and learn with him, I try being there for him as a friend, a well wisher, a teacher and all the roles he is missing at the moment. We laugh at silly jokes, we make crappy crafts and name them hi fi scientific names, he loves and enjoys it to bits.

There are hurdles each day, we try to overcome it in all possible ways. When the saturation level hits we call it a day. It was one such moment when the threads had been pulled way too much and then he wittingly asked me " Hey mom , why are these keys on the keyboard not in order, it gets difficult searching for them". Well I knew the answer as to why the keys are placed in the QWERTY format but how do I make a little one who has been just taught to learn the alphabets in the order ABCDEF to type on the QWERTY keyboard. Its ridiculously painful for that little brain to hold in so much. I had to tie along and yap at those who created this keyboard saying they had forgotten and placed these alphabets in a hapazard order. In order to keep his curiosity and momentum going, I said lets play a game and each time we dont find a letter to type lets write that letter down on a sheet of paper. Lets play this for a week and see if we are able to get the same alphabets everyday or will we get better, and we did get better. By the end of two weeks he was able to key in all the alphabets sooner than before with minimal errors.

Festivals, not just a celebration but an entire emotion

 The door closed and there was a board put up on the counter " Opens at 5:30 for next Darshanam" . The Priest was organizing his prayer books and putting holy clothes into his cloth bag that he religiously carried with him all these years of his service in the Vinayaka temple. He was making his way out through the main gate when the security guard told him " Sir the festival season is round the corner, we need to get done with the preparations." Ramaiah smiled and replied " Everything will be taken care of Soorappa. Go have your lunch.I will discuss about it in the evening".

That evening Ramaiah performed his regular Pooja rituals and since it was a Wednesday - mid of the week, visitors count was scanty. It was the right time to start charting out the activities for the following week. He called the  adyaksha (Chair person) Bheema Rao and discussed the requirements and funding. Plan was set, committee got it's detailed activity list that set them off immediately on it. 

There was emotion attached to every thing being done, each and everyone had the belief in Him - the Lord Ganesha, who is the remover of obstacles. Everyone look forward to him for his strength, stamina, endurance and longevity. 

The day of Vinayaka Chaturthi was celebrated religiously with vedic hymns chanted and all rituals performed with a bit of cultural touch added every night for ten days until Vignaharta was immersed in water for his homeward journey in Mount Kailash to the abode of his parents - Shiva and Parvati.

Ramaiah walked into the temple gates the next morning to perform his duties as usual. 

Days go by, years pass by, these festivals and the emotions they carry with them continues for the generations to come...

Forget and forgive! (Fiction)

 There she sat sipping her second cup of chai but Anouk was not in sight. The clouds were getting thicker raising the chances of a heavy downpour. The breeze pushed her curls from side to side, the danglings she wore made the clinking sounds. Prajakta looked gorgeous in the rich fuchsia drape of silk. Anouk had booked the table for 5pm but it was quarter past 6 with no signs of him. Just then her mobile beeped and the message read "Give me five min. I'll be there honey. " Prajakta was excited but anxious, she knew it was the day she'd been waiting for since long but wasn't sure how to react. As Anouk walked by,  her heart raced faster than ever, he was elegantly dressed and his radiant smile blew her off. Comforting himself on the chair, Anouk excused for being late. Prajakta nodded and smiled cunningly. Anouk without wasting time, put his hand into his pocket and removed the sapphire studded ring , he went on his knee and said "My beautiful wife, I'd want to spend the life with you, I've realized my mistakes and I know life is hard but with you in it I can still sail along. If you think I stand another chance, please accept this". Tears rolled down his eyes. Prajakta loved him to bits and was ready to take the roller coaster ride with him all her life. She hugged him and held him tight. Anouk kissed her forehead and put the ring on her hand. 

Hard Reality.

There are many here missing yearly trips to exotic places or missing going home to meet loved ones or missing travel for business but here I am missing the simple travel in the local buses, missing going to the grocery and picking up fresh vegetables looking at each pile. 

Today's world : A day we had never imagined, an era that is running with faces covered under masks, little ones not experiencing the social life. Heart aches seeing the plight of the world. 

First day of school.

 First day of school is a roller coaster of mixed emotions. Some kids and parents are really excited and some are extremely nervous. The separation anxiety hits and there are moms who's hearts silently wail as they let go their baby to be growing into an independent kiddo.

Its a new chapter of the little one's life filled with wonderful opportunities ahead. Each day as I drop off my kid to school I look at those emotion filled eyes surrounding the main gate at school saying byes and kissing them , mentions of 'have a great day", 'have a good day', enjoy your day'.. the little ones responding back " 'Bye mom, love you', ' Have a great day dad'.. Its a special moment every parent cherishes.

Most mums and dads experience a complex mix of emotions when it comes to sending their baby to school on the first day. However the 5 year olds are now eager learners who are excited about everything in the world around them. They know how to handle a longer conversation about anything and are ready to jump into this learning system. 

Many can relate to these few lines about how it goes on the first day at school. 

Note: This is a pre-pandemic first day of school experience I'm ranting about. With the schooling mostly turned into online activity right now across the globe I guess many of these emotions are kind of held back and social-emotional quotient of kids are now fixed with a limited set of people. I really am not sure of the consequences of this in the long run.

Let me close this post on a positive hope of seeing physical learning in schools as soon as possible.

ಹೀಗೊಂದು ಭಾನುವಾರ!

ಅಂದು ಭಾನುವಾರ,  ಮ‌0ಡ್ಯ‌ದ‌ಲ್ಲೊ0ದು  ಮದುವೆ ಸಂಭ್ರಮವಿತ್ತು. ಅದರಲ್ಲಿ ಪಾಲ್ಗೊಳ್ಳಲು ಹೊರಟ ನಾವು ತಲುಪಿದ್ದು ಮೇಲುಕೋಟೆ.

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಮೈಸೂರು ಹೆದ್ದಾರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಇರೋ ಎಲ್ಲ ಕಲ್ಯಾಣ ಮಂಟಪದಲ್ಲೂ ಒಂದಲ್ಲ ಒಂದು ಮದುವೆ ಅಥವಾ ಮುಂಜಿ ಕಾರ್ಯ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಿತ್ತು. ಎಲ್ಲೆಡೆ ಸಡಗರ ತುಂಬಿತ್ತು. ರೋಡಿನುದ್ದಕ್ಕೂ ವಾಹನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಳಿತ ರಮಣಿಯರು ಮೈತುಂಬ ಒಡವೆ , ಜರತಾರಿ ಸೀರೆ ಧರಿಸಿದ್ದರು. ಆ ಹನ್ನೊಂದು ಘಂಟೆಯ ಉರಿಬಿಸಿಲನ್ನೂ ಕಡೆಗಣಿಸಿ ಇಂತಹ ಭಾರಿ ಸೀರೆಗಳನ್ನ ಉಟ್ಟಿದ್ದಾದರು ಹೇಗೆ ಎಂಬ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ ನನ್ನ ಮನದಲ್ಲಿ. ಇನ್ನು ಅವರ ಸಾರಥಿಗಳೋ (ಅಂದ್ರೆ ಅವರ ಗಂಡಂದಿರು) ಯಾವ ಎಂ. ಪಿ , ಎಂ ಎಲ್ ಎ ಗೇನು ಕಡಿಮೆ ಇರ್ಲಿಲ್ಲ . ಏನು ಇಲ್ಲ ಅ೦ದ್ರೂನು ಕೈನಲ್ಲಿ ೬ -೭ ಗಟ್ಟಿ ಚಿನ್ನದ ಉಂಗುರ, ೧-೨  ಸವರನಿನ ಬ್ರೇಸ್ಲೇಟ್ , ದಪ್ಪದಾದ ಕತ್ತಿನ ಚಿನ್ನದ ಚೈನ್ ಪಳ ಪಳ ಅಂತ ಹೊಳೆಯುತ್ತ ಇದ್ದವು. ಹಾಗು ಹೀಗೂ ಮಂಡ್ಯ ತಲುಪೋ ಹೊತ್ತಿಗೆ 12:00 ಘಂಟೆ ದಾಟಿತ್ತು. ಇನ್ನೂ ಮಂಟಪಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗಿ ವಧು ವರರಿಗೆ ಹರಸಿ ನಂತರಾ ಪಂಕ್ತಿ ಊಟಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾದು ... ಅಯ್ಯೋ ಅಷ್ಟೋಂಡು ತಾಳ್ಮೆ ನಮಗಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಅದು ಆ ಉರಿಬಿಸಿಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ. ಸರಿ, ಎಲ್ಲಾ  ಪಯಣಿಗರ ಒಮ್ಮತ ಪಡೆದು ಬಂಡಿ ಬಲಕ್ಕೆ ತಿರುಗಿಸಿಯೇಬಿಟ್ಟರು  ನಮ್ಮ ಸಾರಥಿ ಭಾವಮೈದ.

ಸುಮಾರು ೪೦ ಕಿ. ಮೀ  ದೂರದಿಲ್ಲಿತ್ತು ಯೋಗನರಸಿಂಹನ ಗುಡಿ - ಅದು ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಮೇಲೆ, ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಕೆಳಗೆ ಚೆಲುವನಾರಾಯಣ ಸ್ವಾಮಿಯ ಸನ್ನಿಧಿ. ತಡವಾಗಿ ಬಂದಿದ್ದರಿಂದ ಮೊದಲಿಗೆ ಬೆಟ್ಟ ಹತ್ತಿ ನರಸಿಂಹ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಕೃಪೆಗೆ ಈಡಾದೆವು ..ಸಮಯ ೨  ಮೀರಿತ್ತು, ಹೊಟ್ಟೆ ತಾಳ ಹಾಕ್ತಿತ್ತು. ಸುಬ್ಬಣ್ಣ ಮೆಸ್ಸ್ ಗೆ ದಾರಿ ಅಂತ ಒಂದು ಫಲಕ ಕಣ್ಣಿಗೆ ಬಿತ್ತು. ಯಾರೋ ತಿಳಿಸಿದ್ರು ಈ  ಮೆಸ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಸಾದ ತುಂಬಾ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿರುತ್ತೆ ಅಂತ. ಸರಿ ಅಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಹೊರಟೆವು. ಇವತ್ತಿಗೂ ಸುಬ್ಬಣ್ಣ ಮೆಸ್ಸ್ ನೆನೆದು ಒಮ್ಮೆ  ಕೈ ಮೂಗಿಗೆ ಇಟ್ರೆ ತುಪ್ಪದ ಪರಿಮಳ ಬರತ್ತೆ ಅಷ್ಟು ರುಚಿಯಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಇಂದಿಗೂ ಮರೆಯಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ ಅಂತಹ ರುಚಿ. ಮನತೃಪ್ತಿಯಾಯಿತು. ಮುಂದೆ ಚೆಲುವನಾರಾಯಣ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಗುಡಿಗೂ ಭೇಟಿ ಆಯಿತು.ದರ್ಶನ ಭಾಗ್ಯ ಆಗಿ ಬಂಡಿ ಏರಿ ಮನೆಯತ್ತ ಹೊರಟಾಗ ನಮ್ಮ ಹಾದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾವಲು ಕಂಡಿತು , ಒಂದು  - ಮಂಡ್ಯ ಮೇಲಾಗಿ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು, ಮತ್ತೊಂದು - ೨೦ ಕಿ.ಮೀ.  ಶ್ರವಣಬೆಳಗೊಳ .. ಜೈ ಬಾಹುಬಲಿ ಎಂದು ಮುಂದಿನ ಪಯಣ ಸಾಗಿತು ಕಲ್ಲಿನ ಬೃಹತ್ ಗೊಮ್ಮಟನ ಊರಿಗೆ. 

ಇಡೀ ಜಗತ್ತಿನಲ್ಲೇ ಅತಿ ಎತ್ತರದ ಏಕಶಿಲೆಯ ಪ್ರತಿಮೆ ಎಂದೇ ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧಿ ಪಡೆದಿರುವ ಹಾಸನ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಈ ಗೋಮಟೇಶ್ವರನ ಸನ್ನಿದಿಗೆ ಇದೇ ಮೊದಲ ಬಾರಿಗೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಹಾಜರಿ. ೫೮ ಅಡಿ ಎತ್ತರದ ಈ ಬೃಹತ್ ಬಾಹುಬಲಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅದೇನೋ ಸೆಳೆತ, ಆಕರ್ಷಣೆ. ವಿಂಧ್ಯಗಿರಿ ಕಲ್ಲಿನ ಗುಡ್ಡದ ಮೇಲೆ ನಿಂತಿರುವ ಈ ಬಾಹುಬಲಿಗೆ ೧೨ ವರ್ಷಕೊಮ್ಮೆ ಮಹಾಮಸ್ತಾಭಿಷೇಕ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತದೆ. ಭಕ್ತಾದಿಗಳು ನೀರಿನಿಂದ ಅಭೋಷೇಕ ಮಾಡಿದ ನಂತರ ಹಾಲು, ಕಬ್ಬಿನ ಹಾಲು ,ಕೇಸರಿಯಿಂದ ಅಭಿಷೇಕ ಮಾಡಲಾಗುವುದು.  ಸುಮಾರು ೭೫೦ ಕ್ಕೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಕಲ್ಲಿನ ಮೆಟ್ಟಿಲುಗಳು ಹತ್ತಿ ಈ ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಮೇಲೆ ತಲುಪಿದೆವು. ಕೆಳಗಿನ ಊರು ನೋಡಲು ತುಂಬಾ ಸೊಗಸಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಇತಿಹಾಸದ ಪುಸ್ತಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಿದಂತಹ ವಿಷಯಗಳನ್ನ ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಒಬ್ಬರು ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶಿ ಬಂದ ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರಿಗೆ ತಿಳಿಸುತ್ತಾ ಇದ್ದರು. ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಹಾಗೆ ಸುತ್ತಾಡಿದ ನಂತರ ನಾವುಗಳು ನಮ್ಮ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಹೊರಟೆವು. ಮಧ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಪಿ ಚಹಾ ಕುಡಿಯೋದಕ್ಕೆ ಒಂದು ಬ್ರೇಕ್  ಅಷ್ಟೇ. ಸೀದಾ ಮನೆ ಬಂದು ತಲುಪಿದೆವು. 

Education - A dream for many girls {back in those days} [Simple story]

The sun had kissed the mountains, birds were making their way back to their nest, the sky was painted red. It was a cold breezy evening. Sharada and Padmaja were not done playing their hopscotch. Sharada's grandmother Girijamma was sitting on an easy chair and reciting soundarya lahari as her daughter in law Mangala swept the front yard. Soon night pitched in and there came the call for the girls to get back home. Ranganna, Girijamma's son was a clerk at the local bank. He'd returned after an exhausting day at work. Mangala laid out food and water for the family. It was her tradition to feed all of them before she could eat her supper.

Having finished her duties Mangala crept into her room where exhausted Ranganna was already asleep. Mangala was a bright student in her young school days. During those times where girls were not encouraged to study more than matriculation(current days' 10th grade), Mangala's dad who was a teacher by profession had gone all odds to make his daughter a graduate in English Literature. However, she was married off soon after and her dreams of getting a job and becoming financially independent had been shattered. Girijamma had a vision of her ideal daughter in law. I'd find the one for my son who'd look after  not only his desires but also his ancestral home and hold its principles high, who would always be positive and maintain the family's name and fame - quoted Girijamma often to her relatives. Mangala sacrificed her ambitions and was disturbed initially in her new abode. Slowly she got into the routine and always kept herself acquainted with the current affairs. Ranganna and Mangala had welcomed Sharada 11 years ago and it was time she fulfilled all her daughters dreams and ambitions. Sharada inherited affection towards books at a very young age and craved for knowledge just like her mother. Ranganna had a different attitude with respect to education than his mother Girijamma. Ranganna supported his wife in every aspect but could not go against his mother's old schooled principles. 

Days passed, turned into months, years and almost in a blink of an eye Sharada had cleared her matriculation exams in flying colors. She secured a rank in her state and was felicitated by the government for her achievement. Ranganna and Mangala were elated at this news. Mangala made Sharada's favorite sweet - Besan laddu loaded with ghee. The house was filled with the sweet aroma and there was happiness in every corner. Girijamma had breathed her last a couple years ago and the wall behind the armchair where she usually sat, now adorned her photo.

Mangala had started working as an assistant librarian in the city library recently. She had once asked her bed ridden mother in law if she could take up a job if she was having time after finishing her duties in the household to which Girijamma had nodded a faint yes. Mangala was a happy soul who cherished every moment of her life. Sharada followed her footsteps. She got an admission in the most prestigious college and her honor subjects were Physics and Mathematics. 

Ranganna's family was an example for many out there who followed suit and let their daughters gain knowledge, and let their wives work if they liked it.

Cent Story 5: - Pure Love

It was pure love. She couldn't resist being away for so long. The daily visits had turned into a friendship that created a feeling of wanting more. She was lured and her fantasy grew far beyond. It was a cold night. Christmas wasn't far , roads were covered in snow, twinkling lights on the trees shining all night, the path cleared by the mover. She could see you standing tall and inviting. Being stuck at home, she was waiting to run into you - of course you MC Donalds double cheese burger that she'd been craving for the whole of last week. 

ಅರಳಿದ ಹೂ

 ಅಂಗಳದಿ ಅರಳಿದ ಹೂ ಚಂದ

ಗುಯಿಗುಟ್ಟುತ್ತಾ 

ಅತ್ತಣಿಂದ ಇತ್ತ ಹಾರುತ್ತ 

ದುಂಬಿಯು ಬಂದಿದೆ ಅದರತ್ತ 

ಅಂಗಳದಿ ಅರಳಿದ ಹೂ ಚಂದ 

ಅಂದವ ಸವಿಯುತ್ತಾ 

ಬಿಂಕದಿಂದ ಬಂದಿಹಳು ಹಾಡುತ 

ಹೂವಾಡಗಿತ್ತಿ ಅದರತ್ತ

ಅಂಗಳದಿ ಅರಳಿದ ಹೂ ಚಂದ

ಸುವಾಸನೆ ಬೀರುತ 

ಗಾಳಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಲಿಯುತ 

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