Enthralling Trails

“At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. Mother Teresa   It was almost afternoon, my eyes searched for her since the morning I reached Tiruvalla. There she stood clad in a traditional mundu and a blouse with a piece of cloth called vaishti on her shoulder. She still looked the same, a few wrinkles crisscrossed her beautiful face. She stood near the washing stone, her gentle smile and her raised eyebrows were sure signs to enquire about our wellbeing .  On moving closer I saw her lost weight, and sunken eyes that spoke volumes. Her stomach moved in and out as fast as the puffing engine, her nostrils flared to swallow the air in and throw it out at an alarming rate.  Kalyani has been working for more than thirty years for my in laws as a maid, but is specialised in washing clothes. I met her for the first time after my marriage when she was young, fair and very beautif

“He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.”   ―   Shannon L. Alder The festival season begins in Ind ia with Ganeshchaturti. The festive environment during Ganeshchaturti brings positive vibes in the surroundings. Lord Ga nesha is a favourite among his devotees owing to his loving spirit. The first gath ering was begun by Lokmanya Balgaghadhar Tilak in a bid to begin community service in India . The festival boasts a frenzied dance, and the boisterous crowd took me back to my childhood. The first Ganapati Idol was placed in the colony playground that encompassed our housing colony when I was around twelve years old. I would loiter out in the playground and  be on the roads when the festival neared. I would be an enthusiastic part of the festivities till the day the Lord’s idol was carried away for an immersion. During those days only the men were allowed to go for the immersion. I hated the thought that I could not accompany the idol. Ea