Suvir

Preparation of a Diwali confection, a reminder and affirmation of mom's peerlessly tireless brilliance

The earliest memories I have of Diwali are of my grandma sitting on a chair and instructing Panditji and mom in the art of making Gujias. I never understood how someone who didn’t themselves cook, be the person giving instructions. How naive I was at that young age of 4 or 5 years.

Happy Spring, Happy New Year, Happy Holi!!!

Holi is celebrated by the Hindus of the Indian subcontinent. Though it seems like most religions of the region have adopted it in some form or another. It is a day to reflect upon past errors and to reflect upon ways of ridding oneself of them. Time to resolve conflicts,  and mending broken relationships by meeting those we are strained with. A time to forget old grudges, forgive others, and to go from angst to enlightenment.

Holi marks the start of spring. For many the start of the new year. For all, it is time to mark the changing seasons and giving life a new lease and fresh start. 

For me there is celebration and renewal in the air, when I see mom and Panditji together in the kitchen. The browning of milk solids, and the smell that permeates the home, is my sign - of assured sweetness and time to think of renewal, of hope on the horizon, of repairing those relations that have somehow gotten fractured, of change coming that shall better life and bring it closer to what does work, of seasons changing, of new opportunities, of harvest, of feeling joy and pride. And of course, of deliciousness at the table.