Hello there,
I write this from my father or mother’s house in Pune. We’re right here to rejoice Diwali and attend my cousin’s marriage ceremony.
There is no such thing as a higher place to be for Diwali and I’m so glad that my youngsters will expertise the competition at house in Pune.
We’ll do a small Diwali ‘pooja’ (prayer) this night, adopted by dinner with the household. The subsequent few days can be with cousins and prolonged household, after which a much bigger household reunion on the marriage ceremony.
I typically fear that rising up in a hybrid family (my husband is Scottish), and never dwelling in India or in Scotland, our children received’t expertise both of the cultures correctly. So, each my husband and I make honest effort to immerse them in our respective cultures once we can, particularly once we are in our house international locations.
We’re fortunate that dwelling in Dubai, all festivals are celebrated in order that they get a really feel of cultures past their very own. Nonetheless, I really feel they should know extra notably about their very own cultures.
I’m making an attempt my greatest to talk in Hindi to them (it’s arduous and I’ll confess I must 100x my efforts); I encourage them to put on Indian garments throughout festivals and weddings, and when in India, they must eat Indian meals made at house.
This additionally forces me to spend a while higher understanding my very own tradition and why festivals are celebrated. I’m positive if not right this moment, as soon as my youngsters are a bit older, they are going to ask me.
(Facet notice: I just lately interviewed Reena from Hindi by Reena (coming quickly in my Working Mum Knowledge sequence). In case you are like me, wanting to show your youngsters Hindi, she has some unbelievable sources that can assist you educate your youngsters, you’ll be able to test them out here.)
There are numerous legends about why Diwali is well known. The one I grew up with was is from the Ramayana, a story from Indian mythology.
Based on this story, Diwali is the celebration of Lord Ram’s return to the town of Ayodhya from 14 years of exile after defeating the demon ruler ‘Ravan’ of ‘Lanka’. When Lord Ram was to return, the villagers lit oil lamps on the streets at night time to represent the victory of excellent over evil, and welcome him again. The phrase Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit phrase ‘dipavali’, which implies “row of lights”.
I ought to in all probability try studying the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, two of India’s greatest epics which have influenced the Hindu mind-set and perception system. The 2 tales are believed to be partially primarily based on historic occasions and are thought-about to be “itihasa” in Sanskrit, which implies historic texts. The third is the Bhagwat Gita.
Maybe I can rediscover them with my youngsters by studying youngsters’s variations. 🙂
Aside from Diwali, household time and my work, I hope to get a while to reset my power.
I really feel that the final 3 months have been a whirlwind as I began by personal journey.
Between freelancing and dealing alone initiatives while having the ability to be there extra for my youngsters, is a brand new dynamic that I’m nonetheless engaged on optimising. Though I’m very content material, I do typically really feel like I’m spending lots of time throwing spaghetti on the wall to see what sticks.
I’m studying about ‘pathway pondering’ and setting unattainable objectives. Apparently it’s simpler to 10x your development than it’s to 2x it. Extra on that later.
I can’t imagine we’re on the finish of 2023; I do know it’s going to fly by.
I’m not prepared but for 2024 however I do know I must map it out. I feel I must do some large image pondering.
For now, wishing all of you an exquisite festive season. I hope within the chaos of all of it, you handle to get a while in your self.
Love and peace,
Abha x
