Yesterday was Teej - our first Teej.
It is a fast kept by the wife for the long life of her husband. The wife dresses up like a bride during the evening puja and reads the Haritalika Teej katha; a reminder of the hard penance Parvatiji undertook to attain Shivji, who she had already married in her heart.
Festivals are marked with good food and while the day is spent fasting, the promise of yummy prasad - gujiya and thekua - can keep you going throughout the difficult night!
.JPG "Gujiya and thekua")
This was the first time I tried my hand at either mithai and was a bundle of nerves. But a Post-It recipe jotted down while on FaceTime with the sister-in-law took care of the methodology and words of wisdom and encouragement from the mother took care of the nerves! (Thank God for Apple and for calling cards!)
Gujiyas for me, are associated with Diwali and the image of mummy in the kitchen. Felt so grown-up and responsible while making them. Missed my mummy a lot too!
Festivals are special. They are special because they remind you that you are an instrumental part of the human puzzle. They are a sign that some things will never change through the rolling of the ages. They tell you that you need to carry the legacy, take care of it and then hand it to the next generation. Festivals place you bang in the middle of evolution.
Festivals also help you celebrate and connect with a country thousands of kilometres away because India is in the heart.
P.S. - I thank the Almighty for my husband every day. Thanked him more yesterday - he made the vrat do-able by keeping it with me!
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