Dussehra ..... Reliving its glory

Having spent my growing up years in this quiet pensioners paradise – Mysooru as its originally called or the more modern name Mysore, this city has evolved leaps and bounds, but yet has managed to retain its old world charm. Mysore, a city with a rather sleepy & lethargic feel comes alive, brimming with vibrancy and flocked by culture-vultures from all over the world – come Dussehra. The spotlight shifts to the city’s most treasured edifice – ‘The Mysore Palace’, illuminated with over 100,000 bulbs this majestic palace is lit every evening through the celebrations.

The tradition of Dasara(also spelt as Dussehra)– is celebrated with great pomp and show since the time of the Maharajas. Dussehra literally translating to "Dush-hara" - destroyer of the bad, a festival celebrating the win of good over evil is the most revered festival in this region.The grandeur of the sacred Dussehra is also evident in the homes of all Mysoreans. Starting on day one "Bombe Habba" (Doll festival) is celebrated in every household, and it is even more special in homes with little children. This brings out the age old collection of dolls depicting stories surrounding the festivities and of the epic Mahabharata and several newer additions too. The center of all the dolls called "Raja and Rani" is adorned with jewels and rich drapes, it is called "Pattada Bombe". This display of colorful dolls is on throughout the festivities. Catch a glimpse of Mysore's most famous home known as "Bombe Mane"

This is one time of the year when everyone in the family get together in festive spirits. After I moved to Bangalore a good 11 years ago, I have always made sure I was there for the 10-day long Dussehra puja that is celebrated in all its traditional flavors at my grandfather’s place. Born in a city that is known for its rich cultural heritage and strong family ties, with this write-up I dig deeper into its much celebrated glory and my memories of it over the years.

Day ten when the puja draws to a close is when everyone in the family sits down after a scrumptious breakfast, and one such time about 2 years ago is when I got talking to Grandpa - one of our many cultural and philosophical talks I have had with him over the years.This time, our conversation was centered around the history behind the grandeur and visual treat this city has given India and the world year after year. Taking me into a time capsule, to the era of the Maharajas, Grandpa told me about the days preceding the celebrations in the city.

The preparations of the festivities began with the intense training sessions between man and his majestic beast – the elephant. Every day the elephants walked from the palace to Bannimantapa, carrying weights of 750 kilos on its back. This majestic animal handles all the weight (literally and otherwise!!) of the procession with ease, striding along with its graceful walk.

The festival dawns in the ‘Ashweja Masa’of the Hindu calendar. On the first day, known as Padya, Mysore households and the inhabitants of the palace begin festivities by invoking goddess Chamundeshwari and asking for her blessings for yet another year of wealth and prosperity to the city and its people. Special offerings are made to the goddess through all the ten days of festivities. The Maharaja performs puja as a mark of respect to the ancestral throne made in pure gold and adorned with jewels, every evening before he takes his seat.

A Durbar is held even today, with the erstwhile Maharaja’s son Krishnaraja Wodeyar leading the proceedings. I had the sheer honor of being witness to this royal tradition a few years ago. Once the puja is done, the king steps down from the thrown and his wife performs the traditional ‘Muttina Aarti’ – performed using a round platter studded with royal pearls. This ritual takes place everyday starting from Padya, the first day of the festival till Ekadashi, the tenth day.

As engrossed as we were, I remember my sister joining in with some piping hot Mysore filter coffee for us. Sipping on coffee we learn about the eighth day (or Ashtami as it is called) of the celebrations, which marks the Saraswati puja, a day where the goddess of knowledge is honored. This is the day we most enjoyed as kids, since we would be asked for few books to keep in front of the goddess & we would give away the most important ones generously (our escape route)!

The ninth day is when the focus now shifts to the palace where all the training given to the regal elephants comes into play. This was the day, when the king and his son ascend on the 750-kilo Ambari (a mini thrown), with all their kingly attire of added kilos of jewelry and would go on a procession, striding along the vibrant streets, towards the Bannimantapa (In recent times however, it is only Goddess Chamundeshwari who ascends on this thrown, this is after the Government took over the responsibilities of the celebrations). Offerings are made at the mantapa and the leaf of the Banni tree is taken and distributed amongst relatives and friends.

The ninth day also marks the celebration of “Ayudh Puja”. “Ayudh” primarily refers to weapons, according to the epic Mahabharata – Arjun was believed to have found his divine weapon on this day & hence it is believed to be auspicious to begin or revamp/reinvent your learning on this day. People buy new machinery, automobiles and much more that they believe will bring prosperity and good luck to their business.History apart, this day brings back fond memories of celebrating with family. At home, we begin our day by making a paste of “kumkum”/Vermillion and apply a little of this paste to all the appliances used at home as well as our car. Dad always loved doing this ritual and went big on the “red tika”, followed by a flower. We also decorated our car with bright flowers, rolled the wheels over a lemon and did a little “Arti” too. Then dad would be off to office to attend the puja there and being in the manufacturing industry it was always a big day for them. At home I would wait for his arrival as he would bring loads of sweet and savory snacks to munch on. Mom would make “Usli”/Sundal (stir friend sprouted lentils in coconut) in the evening.

Reminiscing about the celebrations and so engrossed we had almost forgotten that it was time to catch the live telecast of the procession on TV. Having seen the procession up close several times, now that most of us have moved out of Mysore, it has become more of a family reunion sort of thing, so we enjoy watching it together at home.

The highlight being of course the elegantly decked up elephants, along side elaborate tableau's making their way through the packed city streets, with enthusiasts peaking from roof tops, tree tops and tall buildings, it is a sight no one wants to miss. The most entertaining of the tableau's for me have always been the traditional folk dances from different parts of the state like the Dolu Kunitha (Dolu: a drum) & Kamsale dance. The vigor and vitality of the city’s celebrations attracts people from across the globe, who plan their holidays around this time.
The last day of the celebrations has many cultural shows across various venues of the city, such as dramatics depicting stories relating to the festivities, Bharatnatyam performances and musical concerts.

Speaking of Bharatnatyam, it takes me back to my years in Mysore where I learnt this traditional dance form from my guru Dr.Tulasi Ramachandran who runs a dance school called Nrityalaya, and has made many contributions to the field of classical dance and Kannada literature and was even awarded the “Kannada Rajyotsava Award” for her achievements. Memories of Vijayadashami, is a day when we thank our teachers and gurus. At our dance school the atmosphere would be of giggles and chatter of kids of all age groups, and we would give platters of fruits and flowers to our teacher, ‘Amma’ as she is fondly called by her students and receive her abundant blessings. She would show us her love by having these lovely gifts laid out, which she would divide into categories for different age groups and let us pick what we wanted! This day also marks the torch light parade held at the university open theater which is attended by several heads of state along with the hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts.

Well, this was my rendezvous with my dearest Grandpa - running through all aspects of this cultural extravaganza (hugs to Grandpa). I’m left nostalgic, I miss home, I miss family, longing to see them and hug them and tell them how much they mean to me. Its festivities in India that bring families closer, undo any negative emotions and instill in us a feeling of togetherness. I’m proud to be from a country so immensely blessed with culture and of course to belong to a city that is the very definition of Dusshera to me :)

PS: I kept the festival alive here in New York in our little home with some tasty food, prayers, offerings and blessings. Hope everyone had a great festival! Sharing a little glimpse with all :)

Trendy Transitions!

Here I am back again,after yet another long break. Let's just say I was busy enjoying the summer! Talking of summer, isn't it pure joy dressing up during this wonderful time of the year, where the sun is your best friend(well on most days!)? Slip on a pair of shorts, slip into one of those breezy maxi's or well just hit the beach in your bikini - its easy breezy simple!

All good things come to an end and so does summer sadly! Like here in NY and many parts of the world, other than for some lucky folks like across the coast in Australia - its time to pack on the layers! To many of you living abroad and in the northern regions of India - where there are distinct seasons and with that the wardrobe changes, its the time of the year, where you say "astalavista" to the spirited summer that went by, and that was precisely the task we (my hubby & I) had on our hands last evening.

Getting out those bulky jackets, sweaters, scarfs and gloves. Our closet was soon filled in the shades of grey,warm oranges, black & emerald green; to gear up for shorter days, crisp fall air and warm tones of yellow,brown, orange & burgundy coating the leaves.

So, that brings me to this feeling I've been having since may be a week into the season-change. I do not know if any of you have felt the same, as for me it is my first transitional season - from summer to winter that is. You wonder how, well I belong to southern India, where for the most part people wear the same type of clothes all through the year and may be just throw in a sweater or a raincoat at the most!

So, the chilly winds,gloomy days are here.I slip into my boots, my feet feel restricted and confined. I put on my jacket, the one I really love, my shoulder feels the weight. My cozy cashmere & warm woolens have my skin break into a rash! All this had me thinking that not only was I in my mind resisting, it was my body too! But well, its embracing change that makes life exciting, so here I worked up some simple pieces which all of us have in our wardrobe and how we can use them as "transitional pieces" into the colder part of the year!

My top 10 trends:

1.

Let me begin with that cute summery dress I picked out and did not want to put away for next year - Well, add a pair of tights or knee high socks teamed with Boots and yeah i'm totally working it!

2.Summer was about colored jeans, so I find a Burgundy pair in my closet! And voila - burgundy just happens to be a popular trend this fall-winter season! So, team it up with a warm black turtle neck, some chunky accessories or a printed scarf and you are all set to hit the town!

3. While the weather is still kind enough to show off those summer sleek legs, pair a winter sweater with a summer romper/shorts and you are all set!

4. Well, winter to me is all about layering. So, its time to use those summer tanks and pair them under a plaid shirt, a cashmere cardigan, or even a summer dress to keep you warm and trendy!

5. Windy days calls for pulling out those scarfs from the corners of my closet where I see them piled up. I wear them in different textures from woolen to cotton(on the more forgiving weather days) & since its still the beginning of fall - all you Indian girls who have those gorgeous drapes of "dupatta's"(stole), this is the perfect time to use them to brighten up your look!

6. When the cold blow of wind angrily gushes by me, my fingers they go really really cold and that leaves me not feeling good.

So, yeah I'm sure just like me you miss those mani-pedi's to show off those prim-proper Nails with summer hues & jewel tones but you can still add that splash of color with (?) - Gloves of course! Happy shades of yellow & red or richer tones of emerald green & chocolate brown sure add to the autumn cheer.

7. Fall-winter is also the best time, whether you are having a bad-hair day or just want to stay away from a brain-freeze, hats/caps are you best friends. And this season I see some very cool ones in stores.

The most trendy one was what I would like to call the turban-inspired woolen cap. I picked it in a burgundy shade, pair that with dark lips and it lifts from blah to bold in seconds!

8. Speaking of trends would be incomplete if I do not mention - accessories. My favorite for this season and something that has been a big hit in the past is shades of gold and copper.

Incorporate these in simple zipper detailing on your jacket, that rocker-chic bag, those studded boots or chunky bracelets and earrings. And what better, gold/copper enhances that gorgeous glow you are showing off after that sun-tan this summer!

9. This one is specially dedicated to a good friend, who has been on a frenzy looking for that perfect winter boots - to go with her formal office look as well as flaunting it on a weekend out in town! Ankle boots are your best bet that fit both purposes. Color wise black or brown are ideal. But don't get boggled down by the thought of your Plain-Jane boots.

If you are the one to wear those slightly flared formal trousers to work then you can up your style by going for ankle studded boots - these are well hidden behind those trousers and can jump right out for that urban-chic look on the weekends! You can also wear more fitted trousers with the slightly higher plain boots for the workday and team the same with an embellished top for a night out- and it would still give your look a lift. The other popular trend this season is the mid-high heel tie-up boots.

10. Well, I have saved the best one for last!! This is a trend I am yet to experiment myself, but totally digging it! As you know, other than the accessories that warm you up during winter, there isn't much you can show off in terms of jewelry. So, why not add that va-va-voom to those black & bulky winter jackets with some funky buttons!!

From vintage themes to faces and creatures - let your imagination run wild this winter & you'll see you can still have a lot of fun while the sun is on the run!! (haha... that rhymes too)

I hope you all enjoyed this post as much as I did writing it. Feel free to add on to this list of trends!!

Till then stay stylish!!

"Tai-Tai-Tai" To "1-2-3" - My Dance Journey

After a short hiatus between travelling to India & setting up a new apartment, sharing my thoughts about something that has always been close to my heart has been long overdue. So its going to be a long one, brace yourselves!!



To begin with I need to travel back-in-time to the day my mother introduced me to a world where music to the ears reached my feet, quicker than I had imagined. My first & only formal Bharatha Natyam training under my Guru(teacher) - Dr.Tulasi Ramachandra, began at the tender age of 7, when my mother realized that music made me move! At the time being away in boarding school did not allow me much time to go for classes regularly, but my beloved Guru took classes for me on a daily basis when I was home for holidays. Hence, my holidays were always something I looked forward to (of course for reasons other than dance too!), as the first thing I did when I got back home was take out my dance book & start practicing.

Back then we lived on the first floor & I can tell you our owners downstairs were not happy listening to the constant "Tai Tai Tai"! But nothing quiet deterred me, as I continued learning, I began enjoying it much more. A lot of childhood snaps, mom would ask me to smile for the camera, I would give her one of newest dance "Mudra's" (hand gestures) that I'd learnt lately. This interest grew into becoming an integral part of all dance programs in every school annual day.

As I grew up, attending dance class became a more rounded experience. Our Guru not only taught us to move to the sound of different beats, but also how to walk-the-walk in life too. Be it knowledge about our Indian culture & traditions or the importance of education; she was always our guiding light. I always noticed how if any student had issues learning a step or is doing it wrong repeatedly, she would so gently ask "If you do not understand, tell me, I'll teach you again". Her gentle & soft tone & reassuring smile always cheered you up, how ever low you felt. Several mothers bringing their daughters to class, would bring complaints to our Guru, as they knew we would always listen to her words. We students too would many a times share our highs & lows with her & she was always there to listen.



I still remember the time after I moved back to Mysore, whenever I went to class on weekdays straight from school; I would wait for mom to come to class so that I can grab a snack before the class begins. On several occasions Tulasi Miss would give me fruits to eat & make sure I'm OK. All these little experiences began to make us feel a part of her family. As buds bloomed to flowers, "Nrityala" (my dance school) became a world where I made new friends, had the most loving & caring mother (My Guru) & learnt an art form through which I forgot everything else around me.

I would like to share some of the most fun times I've had along the way. The festival of colors - Holi, was such fun. Our Guru with all of us little girls played with full vigor & excitement, her child like playfulness & free-spirited nature would be at its best. One of the most exciting celebrations we had was the "Mehendi Party", where we all got together & one of our seniors "Rekha Akka" applied beautiful designs on our hands & then we were served yummy food! And the most grand of events used to be the annual "Vijaydashami" celebrations during the auspicious 9 days of Dussera. We girls would decorate the whole place & there would be little gifts for everyone who came. It was on several occasions like these that imbibed in us our strong cultural ties.



Life moved on & as we little girls grew into young teenagers, I had to move to B'lore with my family. I remember how hard i cried as I did not want to leave Nrityalaya & my friends behind. It was by then that our batch had started preparing for our Junior board exams. with the immense support of my mother, I used to practice during the week & travel on weekends to Mysore to train under my Guru & with her blessings did well in my exams too. With that came an abrupt end to my Bharath Natyam - between college, tuition & then Engineering, I could not continue my training. But the lessons I learnt, the training that was imparted has stayed with me till date.

I later got back to dancing folk & Bollywood in Engineering, where we girls formed a group called "The Banjarans". My active participation continued through solo & group dances. After another break for a year or so, I started branching out into other forms of dance.

Salsa it was - hence for the next 2 years i transformed from "Tai Tai Tai" to "1-2-3", but found myself under several occasions catching up quicker, which made me realize it was my classical roots that has paved way to better understanding other dance forms. During the course of these two years, I also experienced the absolute joy of meeting my then dance partner turned friend, turned boyfriend & now my dearest hubby Arun Devotta.



After all these years of my association with dance in its many forms, on my last visit to my hometown - Mysore, I met my Guru after several years. She sadly could not make it to the wedding, but this conversation I had with her totally breathed new meaning to my new life ahead. We spoke about how its perfectly alright to blend in with today's so called "modern outlook, modern thinking" & still be routed to your culture & take it with you everywhere you go. Her smile, her warm hug & blessings shall always remain with me, until the next time we meet. Love you Miss for everything you are & in all the ways you have influenced my life in becoming a better human being.

I hope this post has done justice to my learning & passion for dance. As for my dance journey, I shall keep it going in every way, be it practicing at home or social dancing with hubby!