In Hindustani (Hindi-Urdu) we have a word, “Walla”, which usually serves as a suffix to define a person’s ownership of something, his/her standing in society, profession or even as a label to mark their generic identity. For instance, the seller of “chai” (tea) at a stall is known as a “chai walla”; the dispenser of …
Diwali celebrations
Diwali or, more appropriately, Deepawali (from Sanskrit, literally meaning a row of lighted “diyas” – clay lamps) is also popularly referred to as the “Festival of Lights”. It is an important and popular Hindu festival and, thanks to the ever-increasing Indian diaspora, is now celebrated internationally with a lot of pomp and show (and noise, …
Khizāñ – the autumn years
Autumn is my favorite time of the year. I like the Fall for several reasons. The weather starts to take on a crisp, fresh feel. Nature bursts forth in all its glory and it is a treat to be outdoors, whether driving through the countryside or hiking with friends and family to “watch the Fall …
Sleep is the best meditation
A friend recently wrote a lovely blog on Sleep. It brilliantly highlighted how parents - who have to contend with looking after kids, managing their jobs and juggling the many other balls up in the air at any given time - long for a few precious moments of uninterrupted sleep! Raising our kids in India …
