Last few days of the year...

* Stars descend on earth
* A sense of calm envelopes me.
* Many tasks accomplished.
* House becomes home.
* Biting into the moist plum cake from 'All Saints' Bakery.
* Decorating the mini christmas tree.
* Having chai in my new balcony and watching the bright winter sun warm the city.
* Eyeing those lovely unread books piling up on the windowsill.

Hope all of you are enjoying these last days of the year in your own sweet ways....

Wishing everyone peace and happiness this Christmas and New Year!

Ganesh Chathurti celebrations at home...

Ganesha Chathurti has to be one of my favourite festivals.

* A festival where the whole family comes together to celebrate 'Ganesha' -the elephant god, the remover of

obstacles.
* The day when my husband gets fresh clay and let's his creativity flow to create a beautiful idol of Ganesha.
* Mallika's grandparents come down to be part of the festivity and give their blessings.
* Morning begins with the vedic chantings.
* Auspicious-ness is in the air.
* Everyone works with festive enthusiasm.
* Mango leaves are strung at the entrance of the house.
* Colours from various flowers fill up the home.
* The aroma of saffron & cardamon permeates from the kitchen.
* Ganeshas from my collection come out to be part of the get-together.
* The colour & fragrance of sandalwood paste & kumkum has not left my fingers.
* All the family members contribute towards the preparation of the menu.
* Modaks, Ganesha's favourite is prepared by the skilled hands of my mother.
* Mallika's creativity overflows in the form of a mouse idol. ( the vehicle of ganesha)
* Family prays to Lord Ganesha to remove all the obstacles and ensure happiness & peace in life.
* Satisfying of the senses with the colours of the flowers, the melodious voice of Shubha Mudgal singing Mangalswara, the aroma of melting jaggery & eating the sumptuous lunch consisting of 8 to 10 different dishes...

Now you know why this festival is so special:-)

Happy Ganesh Chathurti to all of you and hope the Lord removes all your obstacles and fills your life with happiness!

Ganesha idol on a bed of beetle leaves ready for the pooja.Fruits & flowers for the Lord

My husband's eco-friendly handmade Ganesha
My Ganesha collectionCoconut and jaggery stuffing for the modaks

Happy Happy...

Simple things in life...

* The fresh faces of the chrysanthemum make my heart glow.
* A bright sunny day with clear skies, dotted with fluffy clouds.
* Chirping of the little birds on the trees.
* Squirrels running up and down the coconut trees.
* Aroma of freshly brewed coffee from my neighbours house.
* Squeals of laughter of children playing far away.
* Roar of the traffic at a distance with an occasional loud horn of the autorickshaw.
* A jasmine bud blossoming into a fragrant flower.
* The smell of dry eucalyptus leaves being burnt at the street corner.
* Fuzon singing my favourite raaga 'Khamaj'
* Seasonal fruit 'Sitaphal' ( Custard Apple) bursting with sweetness to be devoured.
* Mallika's 'Happy' on the slate makes me very happy.

Hope happiness fills your lives too.
Happy Weekend Everyone:-)