Reflections Of A Desi Mom

Diwali festival is almost over. I say almost because I can still see my social media feed full of Diwali DIY and Decor pix. The lights in our balcony or the neighboring buildings still shine bright and cute in the dark November sky. I am still reluctant to swab away the Rangoli that I spent cpl of hours breaking my back for with my girl clan! But all good things come to an end. As they have to make way for new ones.. tomorrow and after that. But it seems empty to not share this year's Diwali experience.  Diwali View from my Balcony Last couple of years, the efforts to have a very festive festival has paid off every year. I realized celebrating festivals as a nuclear family [after having a child(ren)] has its pros n cons. We get to form our own sweet customs and rituals..  And the best part has been the choice and freedom of making your own happy traditions combining your legacies.. At the same time we miss the affection of grandparents and extended family on special days....

Kem Cho? Kevi gayi chokrao ni rajao??  Didn't understand? Its simple Gujarati. If you cannot read Gujarati ..sorry you cannot read further.  Puzzled?  Don't be! It's coming from the bitterness that I experienced this week.  I took almost a month long sabbatical from blogging, I had thought when I write after school re-opens it will be fresh and  energetic just like I was feeling.  But this experience not only hurt me as a Mother but also a resident of this prestigious society I am living in.  Since the time we came and lived here in Pune, I experienced caste discrimination.. Yes in a metro city like Pune!!! After  living abroad, you tend to get into the habit of greeting people in public places, even if you don't know them. I used to  unknowingly do the same. But I was often answered by stern glances and worse tilted necks. Slowly I gave up. Gradually  I understood, it was not me. It was my NON-Mahara...