Indian Wedding
Bengali Wedding Rituals: GAYE HOLUD
Turmeric paste is known to improve appearance and Bengalees have a ritual named “gaye holud” showcasing the relationship between the bride and her glowy look!
Indian Wedding
Bengali Wedding Rituals: JOLBHORA/ JOL SOWA/ GANGA NIMONTRON
Jolbhora consists of two words – jol means water and bhora means to fill up. Hence the ritual literally means filling up of jars/pitchers (usually Kolosh or brass jar/pitcher) for pre-wedding bath after “Gaye Holud”. The day before wedding is usually fixed for jolbhora ritual. On this day mothers of Read more…
Random Thoughts
Someday! Hopefully!
Confessions of a dreaming soul I don’t know from where to start. My mind is not quiet today…it’s shouting. So many things going on. I am quiet but not my mind….Reminding me of that quote…the one I had followed till I had completed quarter century – “Do what you want Read more…
Indian Wedding
Bengali Wedding Rituals: AIBURO BHAT
Bengali wedding is vibrant and inbuilt fun throughout the ceremony makes it unique. Rice is the staple food of eastern part of India. It has special importance in wedding rituals. Both husked rice and rice in food form are special in Bengali Hindu wedding. There are two rituals involving cooked Read more…
Indian Wedding
Bengali Wedding Rituals: VRIDDHI
Vriddhi or sometimes called “aibodhi” is a ritual to remember bride and groom’s ancestors. The priest or “purohit” finds an auspicious day before wedding day and let the family members know the requirements of this ritual. Bride and groom’s father/paternal guardian arranges accordingly. On the pre-decided day special puja or Read more…
India
Haridwar & Rishikesh: Spiritual Journey in the Himalayas
“It was late noon. As the aeroplane was nearing Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun I could see Himalayan trees on the mountains…the airport is small but beautiful surrounded by lush vegetations. My mother and I came out of the airport building. I saw some foreigners going to prepaid taxi counter and Read more…
Food
Semi-Ripe Mango Chutney Recipe
Semi ripe mangoes are perfect for chutney preparation. This delicious recipe contains many beneficial spices which improves body’s immune system. Mango Chutney is one of my favorite mango delicacies. In this recipe I have not made paste of any spice, used only whole or cut form which produced a different Read more…
Indian Wedding
Bengali Wedding Rituals: PANOKHILI
Betel leaf or “paan” plays an important role in Bengali wedding. In each and every Bengali wedding ritual betel leaf is a must. But there is one specific ritual only related to betel leaf and that is “Panokhili” which literally means “binding the betel leaf” Purohit or the priest Read more…