My Reminiscence

In the United States of America, it is common to visit famous educational institutions. Such a visit is equally important and prestigious, to both, the visitor and this country. US parents generally take their high school going children on these visits carefully choosing universities depending on their child's talents and academic interests.  In the olden days, the Indians called educational institutions as "Saraswathi kshethra" which means the holy abode of Goddess Saraswathy, the deity who blesses and flourishes us with knowledge. I remember celebrating "Navarathri pooja" in school every year, where the students brought their school textbooks, notebooks, pens or pencils, instrument boxes etc.  and placed them in front of the deity and worshipped after lighting a holy lamp. This was not compulsory, but students were willingly doing this irrespective of their religious beliefs or thinking or social standing. People who are eager to earn more knowledge should hav...

Though last Sunday was cloudy, it did not affect us or lessen our joy of a holiday. At around 4.40 PM in the evening, we started to the nearby temple in Bridgewater and reached there by 5.05 PM.  The temple is known as "Sri Venkateswara temple of Bridgewater". The main deity is Lord Thirupathi Venkatachalapathy. But as in other temples in the US, under one roof there were many other shrines for other deities too. Sri Durgadevi is one amongst them. Being Navrathri festival season we were aware of the special pooja for Durgadevi, chanting of Devi maahathmyam and cultural performances that were being conducted during these nine days. Although we started late, we reached the temple cultural centre hall before the dancers finished their Dandiya dance.  Dandiya and Garba are two popular dance forms of Gujarat in India. While Garba may have more of a devotional appeal, Dandiya may be more vibrant and is centered around two deities, Goddess Durga and Lord Krishna. The dan...

Today is a rainy day with the sun hiding behind the rain clouds for most of the day. A day of full moon and solar eclipse.  Yesterday was a bright day. We drove to the Watchung park a bit early than usual. The park had a big lake in the centre surrounded by walkways. The lake also had a small dam with a few fountains. Sree and Preetha had their regular evening walk while I enjoyed the warmth of sun sitting on a bench and enjoying the surroundings. It was amusing to see the symbols of Halloween that were exhibited in the park.  Jack-O'-lantern, bats, witches, spiders, ghosts, skulls, skeletons, black cats and full moon are the symbols of Halloween festival. All kinds of spooky decorations are placed in front of the houses during this festive season. Halloween falls on the 31st of October every year. People are in a festive mood from the beginning of this month itself. One can see real/artificial big pumpkins (carved and uncarved) on the side of thresholds leading to...