simple recipe - Khichidi

It’s fascinating to try new dishes that consists fusion of tastes. But when it comes to comfort-cooking, standard recipes and traditional dishes are some of the best choices to make.

India consists of vast variety of cuisines. Different states of India have different cuisines. There are some dishes which often we find in common recipes with few different ingredients. We call them with different names but the basic recipes are same.

It’s interesting to see the similarities between the varieties of cuisines of different places. 

I get amazed every time when I find same strange similarities between the cuisines of two corners of the world, the East and the West.

Last time, comparing in my previous post the very traditional Theplas of Gujarat with the Tortillas, the explorations did not ended there. Here, for you a very strange similarity between the dish of the India and Europe.

We call it with many names like khichde / khicheeri / khichuri (Bengal,Assam) / Vaghareli Khichdi (Gujarat) / Pongal (South India) / Huggi (Karnataka) / khichra (Pakistan) and you call it Porridge or Kedgeree.

Here, is a very strange similarity in the ingredients and the process of making between the Khichidi of India and Porridge, Kedgeree of West of the world.

• Porridge
  

“Porridge as the traditional breakfast of Scotland it is made with salt. Porridge was a traditional food in much of Northern Europe back to antiquity. Barley was a common grain used, though other grains and yellow peas could be used, depending on local conditions. Porridge was primarily a savory dish, with a variety of meats, root crops, vegetables, and herbs added for flavor.

Porridge could be cooked in a large metal kettle over hot coals, or heated in a cheaper earthenware container by adding hot stones until boiling-hot. Porridge is one of the easiest ways to digest grains or legumes. It is also commonly eaten by athletes training for their events, and it is done that way in road running. It is traditionally in many cultures eaten as a food to nurse the sick back to health.” Ref. Wikipedia

• Kedgeree:

" Kedgeree (or occasionally kitcherie, kitchari or kitchiri) is a dish consisting of flaked fish (usually smoked haddock), boiled rice, eggs and butter. According to some sources, the dish originated from Scotland and was taken to India by Scottish troops during the British Raj, where it was adapted and adopted as part of Indian cuisine." Ref. Wikidedia

• Khichidi:

Khichdi is just rice cooked with some spices and optional vegetables. It is very simple to make and can be cooked without much effort. Khichidi made with moong dal is believed to get easily to digest. Khichri itself can be served as a meal which really doesn't need any side dish.

It is also to be believed that Khichri have a very long history, way back to the 15th century to have come and stustained from the Mughals in India. “Khichdi was very popular with the Mughals, especially Jahangir. Ain-i-Akbari, a 16th century document, written by Mughal Emperor, Akbar’s vizier, Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak, mentions the recipe for Khichri, which gives seven variations.” Ref. Wikipedia

Hence, Khichri loaded with enormous history lead me to my simple, effortless, light and nutritious dish, cooked in little oil. It also reminds me the days in Guwahati(Assam), where I enjoyed eating khichiri at Saraswati Puja ceremony.

My variant of khichri recipe is without vegetables but full of protein in the form of lentils. Take any lentils to add, Khichidi is indeed a great combination of carbohydrates and protein.Next time when you are in the hurry, try making this nutritious and less spices dish. I have fixed this recipe in my menu, at least ones a week. Hope you enjoy making it.

INGREDIENTS:

• Green whole moong dal - ½ cup
• Urad Dal - ¼ cup
• Yellow(Ahar dal) lentils – ¼ cup
• Basmati rice – ¾ cup
• Jeera Rice- ¼ cup
• Green Chilli- 1 Nos.
• Garlic Flakes – 5-6 Nos.
• Salt - 1 teaspoon (according to taste)
• Turmeric - 1/4 teaspoon
• Red chilli Powder- ½ teaspoon
• Coriander Power- ½ teaspoon
• Oil-1 tablespoon
• Ghee (clarified butter)- 2teaspoons
• Water- to pressure cook

PREPARATION:

• Wash the rice and lentils in water for a couple of times. Than soak them in water for 10-15 minutes. And keep aside rinsing it.
• Then fine chop the green chili and crush roughly the garlic.
• Now add oil in the pressure-cooker and heat it.
• Add the garlic in the hot oil and sauté till golden brown.
• Than add the rinsed rice and lentils in the cooker and sauté for a minute.
• Now add the chopped green chili and other powdered spices, including the salt. Mix it well.
• Now add the sufficient water into the pressure cooker and cover with the lid. Cook it for 2-3 whistles.
• After whistles done from the pressure cooker, remove it from the heat and let it rest for couple of minutes.
• Serve hot. Add ghee over it and enjoy with pickle, or curd, or papad or any sauté vegetables.

NOTE:

• Instead of oil, ghee can also be used.
• I enjoy eating the yellow lentils so, I have added. Yellow lentils is optional.
• Urad dal gives smoothness to the khichidi.
• Where as many or as less lentils or vegetables you add shall only make it much delicious and nutritious. It’s all about enhancing your taste-buds and adds the ingredients accordingly.
• Green chili is optional. But definitely in this particular recipe of khichidi, Garlic is compulsory.
• If you don’t have a pressure cooker, then a small vessel can be used to cook.
•  I prefer to add 2 cups of water to one cup of rice. So in this particular recipe, I have added 4 cups of water.
• I enjoy adding different types of rice to match up to my choice favors. So, I suggest you too to play with the ingredients to create variations in aroma and flavor.

Read More »

Thepla or Tortilla - you decide

Recently, I was reading an article on Tortillas and I found, there is so much of similarity between the Tortillas and Indian flat bread. Well, Tortillas are a staple food in Mexico and Central America and have a very long traditional history.

“Tortillas are round, thin, flat bread of Mexico made from unleavened cornmeal or, less commonly, wheat flour. The grains were ground on a stone saddle quern. Small pieces of dough were patted by hand into thin disks. The tortilla was then baked on a, a griddle of earthenware or iron. Tortillas stale quickly and are usually bought fresh daily or even for each meal.” Ref. Encyclopedia Britannica.

Somehow, all this reminded me of Thepla. Indeed, Thepla or any Indian Bread is similar to a flour Tortilla in appearance. Thepla are round, thin, flat bread of Gujarat made commonly with wheat flour like tortillas of Mexico.

I have always loved the bitter taste of (Methi) the fenugreek leaves. And when it comes to Thepla , Methi- Thepla is my favorite. It is rich nutrition and flavor. I can eat it in breakfast or in lunch or even in evening with tea. Actually, anytime for Thepla! The best thing about Thepla is that one can enjoy eating it either warm or cold. Thepla is always a delight making and eating it.

I am sure you will also enjoy making and relishing it. Thepla is one of the easiest dish’s to prepare with all the ingredients easily available at home. So enjoy.

CLICK picture to Enlarge:

  

Methi Thepla / Indian Flat Bread / Indian Fenugreek Tortillas Recipe.  

INGREDIENTS:

• Fenugreek (Methi) leaves : about half a bundle or 2 handfuls.
• Whole wheat flour : 1½ cup (Shall make 6-8 thepla)
• Chickpea flour (besan) : ½ cup
• Curd/yogurt : 2 tablespoon
• Green chillies : 2-4 (According to Taste)
• Garlic Pod : 6-7
• Turmeric powder : ¼ teaspoon
• Red chilly powder : ¼ teaspoon
• Coriander (dhania) powder : ¼ teaspoon
• Sugar : ¼ teaspoon(optional)
• Salt to taste Oil for making thepla
• Carom seeds (Ajwain) : ½ teaspoon
• Ginger : 1 cm piece (fine chopped)
• Fennel seeds (Saunf) : ½ teaspoon
• Cumin (jeera) : ¼ teaspoon  

PREPARATION:  

1. Clean the fenugreek leaves (methi). Wash them thoroughly in water.
2. Finely chop the fenugreek leaves (methi), green chillies and garlic pods.
3. Heat a little pan, add fennel seeds, cumin seeds and carom seeds. Roast till they start crackling. Remove from the heat and roughly crush the seeds.
4. Take a bowl and mix the wheat flour, chickpeas flour (besan).
5. Now add the spices powders, salt, roughly-chrushed seeds and the fine chopped fenugreek leaves (methi), green chillies. Mix it well.
6. Also add a table spoon of oil and two big spoon of curd.
7. Than add water slowly to knead to make a nice smooth dough. You may use around ½ cup of water. The dough shall be smooth and soft.
8. Cover and leave the dough with a cloth and set aside for about 10-15 minutes (for better results 20-30 minutes) .
9. To make Theplas/ flatbread, divide the dough into equal large lemon size balls.
10. Take a dough ball, dust with flour and roll out to a flat thin disc. Heat a tava/pan (griddle).
11. When well heated, place a thepla on the tava. Roast on medium flame both sides using the oil just like tortillas/ or any othe Indian Bread. Please refer to the link (Paratha-Indian Bread), to see the roasting steps.
12. Serve hot. Enjoy with pickle, chundo or curd. 

NOTE : 

• Chundo or Chunda is a sweet and spicy pickle made from shredded raw mangoes.
• One of the major difference between the methi thepla and methi paratha, is that Methi Thepla is much thinner than paratha. But definitely its your choice how you wanna to have, thin or thick, you will enjoy it.
• Ginger, carom seeds, fennel seeds, cumin seeds enhances the taste, however take them as optional.
• I like the flavor of garlic, so I add it. You might leave it.
• Theplas can be stored in the airtight container for at least 2-3 days.
• Dry fenugreek leaves can also be used, but fresh gives richer flavor.
• Active your senses and add the ingredients according to your flavor and avaibility. 

 Make sure you try your hand in making this today!

Read More »

me and my Hubby - Opposites Attract

...Opposites
attract because
they are not really
opposites
but Complementary..

Big thoughts struck me when I brush my teeth in the morning. And today one more thought struck me —I’m completely clueless with the toothpaste froth in my mouth – my Hubby and Me – are somehow total opposite.

And then a few more thoughtful lightening in mind and my past experiences provided some perfect examples to prove :

• By Nature

I am a dreamer and a better word to use shall be a Planner by nature. I like to plan my day, each and every activity and try to execute the plan in the best practical way. For example: If, I am going to the market, I shall make sure to make a proper list of all the things to buy and also to manage to do the things that lies in between the way.

This habit of mine helps me to manage the activities in the most effective and efficient way. Hence, above all it helps me to avoid any sort of major crises.

But the drawback of being a hardcore planner is that, the decisions to make get a bit delayed. I tend to go into micro details, doing things step by step and achieving targets.

However, my Hubby likes to be Spontaneous. The good thing about being Spontaneous is that He takes the decisions quickly. It’s indeed a good thing that despite beings spontaneous he takes quick and right decisions.

Having said all that, I being a minute to minute planner and He being a Spontaneous choose the best possible way to tackle/manage the issues.

• Food Habits

He loves to eat food in “Thali” style. Thali means there is a huge dish in which the main course with many accompaniments is served. So one gets a chance to enjoy tasting many and different flavors in food.

But when it comes to me, I prefer eating one main course with the bread. The accompaniment with the main course does not tempt me. So in a way I am very specific about what I am eating.

Again, despite having different choices in food, we enjoy eating. Trying different cuisines and above all cooking for each other different dishes. Yes! You read right, He cooks for me, infact he is definitely a better cook than me.

• Life-Style

I follow perfection. I keep my things, clothes etc in a very synchronize way.

But My hubby is a bit untidy. He keeps things wherever he gets space. Well then I know that almost all guys/bachelors have a natural-born tendency to be a bit untidy, hence I do sometimes ignore his habit. But then it doesn't mean his habit doesn't bug me and I'm sure I bug him well with my perfection too.

Happy Marriage is the Practical adjustments creating a healthy equilibrium between two people thought.

One has to understand that in today’s era a guy and the girl will have to help each other to carry the works efficiently. Gone are the days when the differentiation between the responsibilities of the man and woman were made.

I have never understood the concept of compromise. I have felt this strongly that Compromise means doing the thing with no personal interest and because one has left no choices. So, I find “to compromise” a very negative act to do. Therefore, I shall personally never follow or suggest anybody to Compromise in life, Marriage or any relationship. I believe in “Accepting willingly” rather than to compromise. One must respect and willingly accept the choices their soul mate makes. Taking decisions or Accepting the one, the decisions must make a person Happy and Satisfied.

 

The couple has to know the fact that marriage shall bring many changes to their simple living. They have to find a balance of their roles and responsibilities between economical, social and personal perspective.

For a girl, changes like moving to a new place, shall add new family members and new relatives are some of the prime changes to accept willingly. She will have to soon after the marriage, learn new steps and ways to carry on the things. So, here “Adapting” is the main key to all the puzzles. Adapting to new environment and people must be their priority after marriage.

They will have to catch the rhythm, follow each beat and match steps with each other and the family.

And when one shouts, other has to be silent and let the negative energy diffuses. Silence probably at that point means being Strong enough to handle the situation.

Relationship enriches when there is a time to Interact, “Listen” and Learn each other.

Indeed, some of the Greatest philosophies can be learnt but only if married. It is a through learning process. You learn from each other’s strengths. And hide the weakness of each other with your complementary strengths.

Just keep your honesty intact and you will find happiness. A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' come together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.

So the question arise again, Do opposites really attract? Well, I believed so. But at the end of the post I realized we are not as opposite as I thought we were. It’s interesting to explore that we having not much in common, found some common way to perform the best in us.

In science the Law of attraction works on the basis of Opposites Attracts.

Like a great Chinese symbol Yin-Yang. Like Yin-Yang, we have opposing qualities in phenomena. We transform each other. Also, like Yin Yang we create balance, a dynamic equilibrium. So until both energies do not vibrate in harmony with the other they will not be attracted to each other.

Indeed, the attraction lies in the opposing forces which are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, giving rise to each other in turn.

 “

Now, I have started trusting in being a bit spontaneous. .I don’t need a plan-sheet to have fun. Amazingly,my hubby have also understood, in leading a good life with a good life-style, so he takes care not to keep wet towel on bed. These are simple things, sometimes might sound silly or serious. It’s absolutely your choice how you wanna handle the big and little things in Life. Be open to your thoughts. Accept the ideas provided by your partner and find the mutual best steps to be taken.

Never forget to add a little humor, humanity and hope to your humming thoughts. Being opposite is fine because you fill up the each other’s blanks. As long as you can respect and pay interests to each other’s differences, it is a beautiful thing.

I’m glad that, I and my hubby are opposite and very much complementary to each other. We have more options and choices to make out of the issue. And hence well goes the saying that “When a wife has a good husband it is easily seen in her face”.

Read More »

Ragging - myths that menace

Ragging is morally wrong. No ifs and No buts.

It is just wrong. Ragging is dirty and disgusting.

I was young, enthusiastic and innocent just a school passed out girl. Going to the college was very much new and exciting to me. Literary, I had no knowledge of what does “Seniors” mean. I thought, I was the new aspiring student of college. But the moment I entered the Institute, I realized, I was a "junior"/fresher before being the student of the Institute.

Fortunately, being a Girl and a day-scholar by chance paid me off well. I was not harassed/ ragged like my other batch boys. I was only asked to give introduction. Like what my name was, which place I belonged, from which school I studied…But the amazing question did sometime come across me was “what was my favorite color?” I stretched up my right eyebrow, and thought, how does that matter to them. For me even this was ridiculous and irritating. I would have loved to tell everybody, my own classmates and my respected seniors about me. But giving introduction almost 10 times a day made me feel hard.

Indeed, “Interaction”, yes that is the key word used to justify the humiliation of a human by a fellow human.

Luckily, none of the senior girls were cruel. But I do remember, that there were few who used to bring messages from the seniors boys to us. This was again the fact I dint like at all. God knows why my seniors were so egar to know about us…the Juniors. They could have planned a particular day to take intro of all students together, as they planned for fresher's party. But no! They are seniors afterall.

My new friends, my classmate were always there to support me and help me just if I felt alone with my seniors during intro-round. They were there to tell me what was right and what was wrong in the seniors/juniors dictionary, which was very much new to me.

That was a time I realised, true peers were so important.

Click to Enlarge:

Worst part was I could never remember the names for my seniors. Anyway how did that matter, when we had to address them with “Sir and Maams” titles. Now this was again the funniest part calling them Sir/Maam. Although I dint felt bad about it, as at least then I could ignore the fact that I cannot remember their names.

The moment, I reached the cafeteria; I was under the keen observation of the seniors and all the eyes followed me, until I was left eating nothing. Fortunately I was not among my other batchmates who washed the dishes of our seniors after lunch. Now, how humiliating was this.They sometimes made us do silly things which gave them immense pleasure.

When my juniors came, I made sure no harmless-fun shall be entertained atleast by me. Luckily, I became the member of the Anti-Ragging committee. But the culture cultivated by my seniors left their long roots. We were also known as Sir and Maams. But we definitely did not force any of our juniors to address so. I remember to have a great rapport with my junior girls, who came from far distance. I personally went to them and met them and made sure they were comfortable. But in this process, I made sure that the mistake my Seniors made, wont be repeated by me. I did not act either smart or over-friendly with my junior, to make them feel good. This act created the history that we still share a great bond together.

I definitely today feel that I learnt a lot during my graduation. I tried and understood the real bond to be shared with the juniors. What I above mentioned I not at all mean that, all my seniors were cunning.

There were some seniors, who least bothered the ragging terns their classmates followed, are today still my very dear friends.

I completed by Graduation and came to a new Institute to do my higher-studies. I was in the perception that having gone through the phase of so called ragging in my graduation; hopefully I will not have to go through again. Also I believed that this being a post-graduation/MBA Institute, a professional levels shall be maintain. Unfortunately, I was wrong.

To be really honest, I found surprisingly some of my seniors acting immature. May be it was an excitement to see juniors. This time I was staying first time far from my parents, in the hostel. There was 24/7 interaction with the seniors. Many of the seniors had not arrived back to Institute after undergone their Summer Training. Everyday, one senior would hop into the institute, and then at night call us in the room for the Intro-Round. This phase continued till all our seniors one by one arrived. Honestly giving intro is not tiring, but saying the same thing everyday, one to one is quite an irritating task.

Many of my friends used to feel sleepy, some felt tired and some felt irritated, but our seniors would not allow us let go off. I remember well, when we actually objected to any of our seniors act, they would all together rhyme a statement that “Till now, we have asked you to do nothing, OUR seniors were very cruel and asked for infinite things, but WE never questioned them back and so how dare YOU do object..” Now tell me, isn’t it immature to hear this.

One day our seniors asked us the girls to wear the Mix n Match dress for consecutive three days. When my roommates including me decided not to act foolish, we were indirectly forced by our own classmates to follow the instruction of seniors as they dint wanted to suffer because of us. That was one of the first major mistake we made by being emotional for the people who would never understand our emotions.

Certainly, WE should have been a little bolder and learn to say straight “ No”, to certain things.

Wearing mix-n-match is a simple concept, and there is nothing to feel shy about it but I wonder, how does it help us in our studies or our daily life..? The oily hair, pigtails accompanying the mix-n-match dress was the symbols of ragging.
Just in case if one does not have that dress-code,
...then Buy, Borrow or Steal! Why should there be dress codes?
Why should a fresher bow to seniors?
Is this how our culture teaches us to interact?

Some of the seniors created a post-induction sessions for us. Those were interesting to do, despite of the busy schedule. Definitely, I feel to thank seniors for all those activities arranged.

Many a times, I was asked by my classmates to follow our seniors as they will help us in our studies and placement. So agree with them at any cost. Well I thought it was the senior’s prime duty to do so if they really could, isn’t it? So why ask for favor. Such were some of the seniors who emotionally blackmailed us, if we did not listen them, they would not help us in any case.

I believe any interaction which is aggressive and assymetric (not on equal footing) is ragging. There were always a few cases where we the fresher were having some interaction with the seniors which was intolerable and hence we often suffered loss of self esteem. I remember very well, one of senior ones was asking our hobbies, to this one of our batchmate boy, replied that he liked gardening. To this our senior laughed and made fun of him and his choice of hobby. So now you understand their philosophy, Seniors are always Right.

I wonder why seniors have this perception that over night, they will change our point of view or attitude. Especially, when we are already adults and have our own strong opinions. After all what is wrong in having a way of thought as they also posses some!

As I always had difficulty in remembering the names, I ones asked one of my senior, their name and to no surprise the reply came back “Pata karo (Find Out by Yourself)”. Even the mightiest celebrities are so much down to earth and are so humble. But I forgot that the Seniors, are the big personified people, who are no less than any celebrity, hence orders us to find out. And just in case if you are not able to do, they might end up punishing you to write there name thousand times to remember.

Again there is a myth that seniors have, that is they think they are supreme and posses some ultimate magic powers to mould the juniors/fresher for the difficult world ahead. I remember, whenever we denied following something that seniors asked to, they would instantly say, “In Industry, one has to do many things despite of the disagreement, so listen to us and get used to it.”

For them ragging was the effort to make us bold and indirectly taught us the `reality' of the harsh life ahead. Certainly, a person just one year senior to me can reform my life in a positive way through such acts!

I wonder, why our parents never tell us or teach us to do certain thing in a certain way. They never ask us to learn in advance how to act or behave in the harsh world ahead. Instead, they tell us what is right and what is wrong, now you decide what is good for you.

Our parents want us to start from scratch so that we develop our own ideas and creativity. They act like this, despite of their long experiences and knowledge.

On the contrarily, our seniors act smart, and too intelligent to handle. They believe that ragging shall increase our smartness or makes a fresher bold. But in the reality ground the world is so different. The fresher goes through a loss of individuality, suppresses talent and reduces self-worth. Who will make them understand that the life has its own ways of letting us know that we need to get stronger and smarter?

It does not take any senior to hurt my pride, my self-respect for me to understand that simple philosophy of life. Infact, such attempt of the seniors to break the self esteem of a newcomer and revel in their shame and fear engenders feelings of bitterness and revengefulness, which is often taken out on juniors next year. I think this is what; My seniors must have gone through.

One of my friend ones told me one day that “Every person have a counselor in him/her.” Right! Like if one fresher have a problem and somehow asks his seniors for the advice, the senior starts rambling everything from the beginning. What are his thoughts, experiences, ideas and different ways to tackle the situation and so on? Until this, everything is good. But the worst comes lately when, not only he gives the advice but also makes sure that one tackles the situation only by his way told. Just doing the otherwise round might make him feel disrespected.

I am sure just incase if my seniors read this post of mine, would not appreciate my free minded thoughts. Well, then I have got used to this behavior just as they have got to mine.

Now, having passed through many stages in life, I have never found any use for the education my seniors tried to gave me.

But, of course, they had no inkling of the real world themselves. Humiliating and harassing somebody to boost up the confidence are the false keys some seniors believe in. And again it strikes hard, what use was their education if they have no values in life?

Perhaps some people/my classmate/friends might argue, saying that ragging helped them to open up or to become extrovert. Then, I guess you are lucky to have changed your attitude over night. Sometimes, miracles do happen. Ironically, after all these shock-effects from seniors, our batch came close and much caring.

Some might even end up saying; I did not go much through the worst part of ragging and despite that I’m writing so much negative. Then, I would like to kindly question them, “Why should have I or anybody would have to go through all that nonsense?”

But we could not find out any solution to the heritage, the legacy which carried behind many rotten-old thoughts and acts. The ‘tradition’ continues unabated. ‘Tradition' over a time have been used to defend the actions. But shouldn't traditions be changed and modified depending on the needs of the people? Should Sati still continue? Shouldn't Dowry be abolished? Then why get rigid to Ragging terms?

..humilation
is not required
to
break
the ice..

Humiliation is not the requirement for breaking the ice.
No one knows how one crosses the line and their limits.
Each person has their own aura of dignity. For one person it might look like a simple thing but on the other hand some might feel very much hurt. Hence, everyone have their own bar of handling and limiting the suffering experience.

It is difficult and painful phase through the juniors go. I believe, that is the high time when a helping hand of the seniors must come to juniors to overcome all the fear and anxiety and help them to navigate the turbulent time of staying far away from home to hostel. Just to show their super intelligent brains and fulfill the hungry appetite of ego, the fresher/juniors must not be used as gunny-pigs to test and experiment on. Let ragging leave happy memories as indeed it is a social function but not to be used to bully someone’s feelings.

The best of friendships are cultivated through self-respect and mutual respect, sustained through love and care. One cannot get respect on demand rather; one has to earn it. To get respect one has to be helpful and humble.

Interaction with juniors at an equal level in the right manner and within limits of decency is today’s call. So join hands to abolish Ragging.

NOTE:

• This post is purely on the personal thoughts of expressions.
• This blog is not to offend any particular of my senior/person.

• I have been lucky to have also come across to some of the best people as seniors and I salute them for believing in me, enhancing and appreciating my skills.

• Just in any way, if being a senior I have hurt the feeling of my juniors, I would heartily like to apologize for it.

Kindly go through this post too...for this post 'Blissful
blunder - Juniors and Seniors Bond' completes the above
post!

Read More »

Bit of Beauty – Butterfly Story

“ Beautiful and graceful, varied and enchanting, small but approachable, butterflies lead you to the sunny side of life. And everyone deserves a little sunshine.” ~Jeffrey Glassberg

We have little bits of nature scattered around, the shells, pebbles, flowers, butterflies. Every time I see awe-inspiring butterfly I can't help but think of the incredible change it has undergone, and that just a few short weeks earlier it was an unattractive little caterpillar. Here is a short story, I read long back which today urge me to share, about this tiny creations of God, which spread only joy and happiness.

• Click picture to enlarge:

“ She waited to see

She waits to sing

She is waiting,

Like a swirling sea.

Here comes a butterfly

Flying in the wind

Fluffy like a cotton seed

All beautiful and special.

She runs to catch

It flies higher and higher

Along came endless ocean

She sees the beauty of sunset.

Like a flash in the night

She knew that butterfly

Will comeback to her arms

With a touch of love.

Its her butterfly, ever since she met

Where she can talk, laugh

And feel the warmth

Who brought colors back to her life.”

poem by:  Priya

One day the Creator was watching some children playing in the garden. The laughter of the children echoed in the air.

Everything seemed fine, yet the Creator’s heart was sad. He was upset thinking that one day these children shall grow old. Their skin shall become wrinkled. Their hair will turn gray. These wonderful shaded yellow, blue, red and purple flowers shall fade. The leaves from the trees dry up and fall. Already they were turning yellow.

This thought worried the Creator and He grew sadder. It was in the fall, and with each falling leaf from the trees got closure to the winter. Lack of green leaves and light mist all around, made His heart heavy.

Yet, the sun was shining bright and warmed the skins. The Creator watched the play of sunlight and shadow on the ground. Crisp yellow leaves flying here and there by the breeze. He saw the bright blue color of the sky and down the ground lime green grass.

Suddenly he smiled.. to all those colors, He created. He thought these colors ought to be preserved...

He, no sooner decided to create something that gladdens his heart, something for these children to look at to get inspired and enjoy its coloration and majestic appearance.

Something, that would touch the heart string instantly and stays as an eternal bliss.

The Creator took out his bag and started gathering things from the nature. A spot of sunbeams, a handful of blue from the sky, brown from the woods around, the delicacy from the morning dew, the shadow of playing children, the blackness of a beautiful girls hair, the yellow of the falling leaves, the green of the grass, the red, purple, and orange of the flowers around him.

All these he put into his bag. He gave a thought if He forgot something; then He decided to add some songs of the birds too.

He shook, His bag, and made sure that everything mingled. Each and every color blended well.

...butterfly is like Love,it goes where it pleases and it pleases where it goes..

HE then went up to the kids, smiled and whispered into their ears, ‘this is for you a gift from God.’ He gave them the bag and asked them to open it. The kids got excited. In curiosity, the children opened the bag quickly and at once hundreds and hundreds of colored butterflies flew out. The butterflies stared dancing around the children's heads, fluttering up here and there. Some butterflies started settling on their hands.

'The children eye glittered with each look of the butterfly.' They told God, that they had never seen anything so beautiful.

Soon, the butterflies began to sing. This made moment got much brighter.

There was a splash of happiness everywhere the butterfly went.

But then a hearing the songs sung by the butterflies, some birds flew and gathered there. One bird sat on the Creators shoulder and said that it was not fair to give their songs to those new-bits of beauty.

The birds reminded God, that when He had created the birds, He told them that he has given each one bird its unique song. But now He has passed them all around. Wasn't that enough that He gave those new tiny beauties the colors of the rainbow! The Creator realized and said that definitely the birds owe the songs.

Finally the Creator took the songs away from the butterflies, and that's the reason why they are silent. Butterflies are beautiful even so!

But these silent divine beauties butterfly brightens the day of people, and brings out songs from their hearts.

Hence there is a old saying :-

“ If anyone desires a wish to come true they must first capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it. Since a butterfly can make no sound, the butterfly can not reveal the wish to anyone but the Great Spirit who hears and sees all. In gratitude for giving the beautiful butterfly its freedom, the Great Spirit always grants the wish. So, according to legend, by making a wish and giving the butterfly its freedom, the wish will be taken to the heavens and be granted.”

So next time when you see a butterfly, make a wish, it might just rather come true..

NOTE:- 

• painting above is created by Me, (c)rachi creations..
• poem attached is the lovely Creation and (c) of  Priya, who mailed this morning and soon I updated this blog :)

Read More »

the most beautiful bride - MY friend

“You have a heart,
like a crystal moon sparkling all white and pure
with tender words and softspoken
which carries away a woman afterall.”…ref: Pria’s Poem

"I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, Even over the longest distance. "

Going through the marriage invitation card of Nikita, I realized that I was slipping my fingers into the innocence lane of early school days. Those days were full of activities and nuisance. Our friendship story is quite filmy. It’s a friendship which came intact after covering many years in between and with all the technological differences. And I wish today to share our bond-story with my readers.

Those were the days when we studied in the same class and school GREMS, Baroda; Gujarat. Every evening after reaching home from school, I used to rush to her home, to play. We rashly cycled together, n had lots of fun. She also had a younger sister “Choti”, and we pampered her a lot. Sometimes she used to hang up my home on Sundays. We made sure that we had blast playing with dolls and making homes under table.

I still remember, she was one of the cutest kid in our class. "She owed blond hair, with blue eyes and white skin." I always admired her beauty but she never threw any tantrums, which I appreciated the most about her. Also I believe that Nikita’s this nature characteristic credit goes to her mother, who was genuinely warm and so much dedicated to the motherhood, paying interest to each and every detail of her activities of school.

Click to enlarge:

It was after class 5, her family shifted to a different location in the same city and hence she also went to a different school. We lost in touch. In early 90’s there was no good facilities of telephone. And infact we were so young that we hardly had any sense of exchanging the contact address. It’s a very hurting experience to get separate from your very nice friend. I missed her so much but dint had any idea how to contact her.

Soon after two years, my father also got transferred to Guwahati, Assam. I got into a new school. In the beginning it was quite difficult to adjust. And during such hard times I used to sometimes recall the best days of my childhood spent with Nikita.

Slowly I made new friends but forgetting the old was not in my nature. I wasn’t in touch with her but she was there back in my thought when I celebrated or when I was in grief.

In this very young age I did then realize that in life it’s sometimes hard to move on leaving dear people behind but somehow one has to without any choice.

Long after three more years, I was in class 10 . Engrossed in studies and was very well used to that place n friends. One day after school when reached home, it was a normal and a daily routine day until Paa gave me a big envelop saying that it is addressed to me but was at my paa’s office address.

I could not believe that; envelop for me……Who could send it..?

I had no and not even any rough idea.

I opened it with care, and to my surprise it was a greeting card. Strange but it’s not my birthday or not even close to it, so why this greeting card and from whom….?

It stated, Dear Rachana, followed by a sweet friendship quotation and ……..from Nikita Bakshi….!!

I could not believe that..it was my very dear childhood friend Nikita. My mom asked me, and I replied it’s ‘Niki’, mom! Who ‘Niki’? My mom again questioned back….and I started describing all her prompt physical features, like her golden hair, blue eyes…and so on. Yes! Mummy could remember her and even she got amazed.

I indeed appreciated her act that after 4 years, she managed to search my new address and sent me such a beautiful greeting card. Without her this effort, we would have not ever renewed our friendship. I acknowledged her back soon by sending a long had written letter. Sending letters by Post have been the best option. So till my last school days, we kept intouch, and sharing our worlds with letters.

Also this incidence made me believe very strongly that peole whom we love the most are always conneted with our destiny and hence we do manage to meet them anyhow.

After School we enrolled into our respective colleges. And again due to the studies pressure, we were not much frequent in writing letter. But by then, emails and chatting had taken over to support our friendship.

It was the second year of College, when My family decided to go Boroda at some of my relative’s home to spend the vacation. I was super excited as I would have chance to meet Nikita , who lived in the same town. I did not inform her, and thought to surprise her by reaching suddenly.

By then apparently I was supposed to meet her after almost 9 years. But surely the "Time or distance cannot touch the friendship of the heart."

I reached her home and rang the door-bell. To my good luck, it was Nikita, who opened the door. Of coarse I could recognize her for her bright eyes. For a moment I thought she would recognize me but this dint happen. She thought I was some sales-person and soon she replied, “We don’t need anything”. Quickly, I decided to keep my identity and play a bit with her. I replied “I’m not the sales-person; let me come inside the home.” Before she could reply anything again, I literary pushed her a bit, entered the house and took my place on the couch.

She was completely dumb-founded for the moment. Her mom came and started wondering who was I..? Suddenly I found Nikita’s sister coming from the stairs. I chuckled saying “Choti, how are your studies?”

There was a huge confusion. But again to my surprise, Nikita’s mom, somehow recognize me and she stated “It’s Rachana”. Nikita interrupted her mom saying, ahh! You don’t know anything…and when she looked at me again, I was smiling. She stared at me keenly and may be then she felt her mom was somewhere right.

I confirmed, yes it was me her childhood friend….and soon after realizing the fact she jumped at my couch and hugged me.

We instantly became the chatter-box. Because almost a decade was passed, we had so much to share and talk. We were no more kids; we had grown up as young girls. The strange part was that, in our conversation the 9years gap din't not bothered us. We were very comfortable with each other. That was one of our last time we met.

Ever since than again today at least 5 years have passed, but the memories are still so fresh and our friendship is still intact.

This year, on the eve of Valentine’s Day, she got married. Though I could not make it up to my best friend’s wedding, my best wishes are always with her. I recently saw her marriage ceremony photos and found that she is indeed the most beautiful bride and groom of the world. Do click HERE and check to view short-video  her marriage ceremony.

I was happy to see the transformation from a young school girl to much younger and beautiful intelligent girl stepping slowly into the womanhood.

This blog has been dedicated to our bond.

Read More »

Blushing Beginning - with colours

“ Life is like a rainbow. You need both the sun and the rain to make its Colors appear.”

Few days back, my friend, Amit Semwal shared few pictures, among them this beautiful collage "Colors" simply captured my heart. The pictures are taken at different parts of India. He has captured the core of Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Ladhak, and Ahemdabad to aspire the hues in happiness.This surely identifies with the Image of Incredible India.

This picture with the vibrant colors instantly kick up my mood and my blushing beginning for bloging started. Colours make me feel happy the same way reading your comments in the blog. Click the picture to view the larger image.

Today after a long break from blogging, the first thing that came into my mind that I wanted to share with all my readers is the poem below. Cheers to Priya the poet and the person who have from time to time allowed me to use her poems in my blog. No words can convey how wonderful I feel after I read her inspiring written poems.

A Woman
Created by: Priya

" She no more fears
and cries for the love/ friendship
which was fierceful
as she is a strong woman.

She laughs to forget
and remain soft and powerful
to fight the unknown demons
as she is a grown woman.

She is herself, filling her world
in deep thoughts, only to wonder
how lucky to be born a woman.

Being a woman,is a gift
which fulfills the essence of strongness. "

"Let's salute the womanhood and make the best of it besides being the best creations of God."

It is such an inspiring poem that has always made me think deep. I feel blessed that in any case I’m not tangled by any social prejudices, restrictions or hypocrisy. I’m what I want to. I’ do what I believe in. Let’s celebrate woman’s day not just the month March but everyday. Let us all thank our strong loving mom for everything she has done and is doing.

Yeah! It's a rare blessing..

"Marriage brings range of emotions and changes in the women's life".  I received a mail, and to my surprise it was an invitation card for my childhood friend marriage ceremony. My happiness multiplied to see that it is Nikita Bakshi who tied her knot on the Valentine’s Day that is 14th Feb,2009.

 I could not attend the ceremony but I can definitely make out that it must have been the most memorable day of her life. Indeed it became a happy moment of my life when I saw the couple's pictures in the mail. Friends bound to feel happy to see our friend's happiness.

We also have a great filmy story of friendship with all the twists and turns, which I shall share with you friends in my next blog. Where as we have not met each other from past 5years but our friendship is still intact and we never forget to share Our happiness..!. I wish her a great companionship. It’s a true cheer in me to see her happy, for celebrating her the 2nd inning in life, the Marriage.

I know its stupid! yet something seems so perfect...

There are many effects, after and before marriage. But in the life of a girl, the effect of being a Shopoholic remains firm. I have loved shopping always. We girls go running to different shops, bargaining things like hell and then use our brains in that particular moment with the highest speed, calculating all the pros and con and other multi issues related to the product in just a micro-second. Indeed we girls have a very sharp mind. Don't know you people actually got the ablove long line correct! Still shopping is a very stress relieving activity for me and I enjoy it the most. And I’m sure all women would agree to it.

Some spontaneity and some strength...

"Sometimes we need to stop analyzing the past, stop planning the future, stop trying to figure out precisely how we feel, stop deciding with our mind what we what our heart to feel , sometimes we just have to go with whatever happens- happens."
My thoughts have been very spontaneous by this time and I did like to believe that it’s a good new blushing beginning. Ah! I’m not on the 9 cloud but on the rainbow sliding with the colors of my life splattered all around.

People say P.S. stands for Post Script, but I like to note the same as “Please See”. Yes this is important friends.!

P.S. I did also like to believe that from now onwards some new friendships may born and some bonds might just get stronger.

Cheers!
Celebrate friendship..

"I write the blog

not because

I need to but because

I want to."

..Blog Author

Hope you liked our article. Don't forget to share your view or link to us. Thanks!

Read More »

Table of Contents - at your humble service

© rachi creations..


Dear Readers,

It’s been full of the cheerful moments and a significant milestone to have shared a bond of affection between you and me through my blog Humming Today. I really appreciate you visiting the page and also taking time to give feedback.

I certainly appreciate all of the new and returning readers. I’m happier and grateful for reading the posts and also caring it. Keep subscribing and sending posts to friends. And also keep sending me your stories and photos to get listed in the Contribution-List.

Click recent post links that interest you, the archives and the labels (any will do to start) to see a month's topics at a glance. For your convenience, I’ve created the Table of Contents of the Posts in the blog.

On this page you can see the whole list of posts published. To show the full table of contents, please click on the link below...

This page contains our table of contents, showing post permalinks, the date and labels (category names.) There is a short preview of each post when you hover the cursor over the title. Titles are in alphabetical order, but you can click on the date column header to sort in ascending or descending order. Click on a specific label (not the column header) to display only the posts tagged with that label. To go back to the full list, just click Post Title. When this post migrates off the home page visitors can use the menu or sidebar link to see the contents.

************

Hide Table Of Content

************

..............Show all post »»

Read More »