Delightful Wedding

I participated in the wedding of my nephew today.

I have missed many a wedding in the past many years, because I have been away from the country or from the city where most of the action happens – that would be Chennai, or the South Indian city more famously known as Madras in the past.

The best part of Indian weddings is the renewal of the old contacts from relatives and acquaintances, who you have forgotten or who have moved on elsewhere, or who have become top bureaucrats, or officials of public sector companies, or who have started companies of their own, et al. It is wonderful to get to know these folks, who also sometimes happen to remember you, hopefully with pleasant memories, and then start chatting.

The second best part of Indian weddings is the spirit of camaraderie between the family members of the bridegroom and the bride, which is often witnessed only during the wedding, sometimes ostentatiously to ensure a smooth execution of the wedding itself. Nevertheless, it is an important display of possible teamwork between two largely unknown groups of people, who come together on the occasion of the wedding (usually only a few key people from both sides meet prior to the wedding, unless there was a big betrothal event well before the wedding). I like that spirit, and watch for the execution of the same over the couple of days that the teams are interacting with each other.

The third best part of Indian weddings is the competitive “games” that are played between the bride and the bridegroom as part of the wedding process. For example, the bride has to sing a song and the bridegroom has to reciprocate. These games are held amongst a closed group of relatives from both sides, usually in the afternoon of the wedding day. There are many such games and it would be very interesting how the relationship dynamics moves between both sides and how the bride and the bridegroom interact in a social setting and try to loosen up.

Nowadays, the length of Indian weddings (except for the very rich ones) is dropping to barely a day. During my time, it started on the first day afternoon, went into the main wedding day, and then on to the third day when the departure takes place after breakfast. Those old-fashioned weddings do happen these days, but they are becoming rare, with cost and time pressures having a big impact on the wedding execution and budgets.

The one thing I forgot to mention is that the “dress sense” of most attendees is on good display – one would see that even the usually most shabbily dressed guy turns up in a jacket or in a nice shirt because he is going to be on the video and going to be photographed, and he wants to make a good impression on others. The other thing is that parents of offsprings who are reaching marriageable age look out for suitable matches in gatherings of Indian weddings, which is a good place to start with.

Overall, it is always beneficial to attend a relative’s wedding from the perspective of renewal of contacts and to rejuvenate old relationships. As one gets older, these things become all the more important. The older people in the families also love the fact that all their family members come together for such an occasion.

I decided I would try most sincerely to attend most weddings of close family members from now on. Hopefully I should be able to do that.

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
4th February 2012
Mumbai

Festivals galore

Today is a public holiday in Mumbai.

We are currently in a week when we have two major festivals getting celebrated all over India. One is the Eid and the other is the Ganesh (Elephant God). So, most of Mumbai is wearing a festive look.

Muslims celebrate the breaking of their fast and one can see them all dressed up well and moving around for shopping and family get-togethers. The festival was celebrated on Monday and Tuesday in Singapore but in India it was celebrated yesterday.

The Ganesh Festival started off last night and it would go on for the next 11 days. Ganesh is a key God in the Hindu Pantheon, and is revered for his problem-solving focus – everyone worships him with a prayer to make their current venture successful. Huge statues of Ganesh are built out and taken in a procession around various parts of the city. Eventually the Ganesh statues are sunk in the sea. That has been the tradition, especially in Mumbai.

I saw many processions of Ganesh statues yesterday when I had been to the airport side of the city. Big crowds gather, one can see women and children congregating and moving behind the statue, and colourful lights all over the place. Ganesh worship is a very important aspect of life in Mumbai amongst the Hindus.

Festivals such as these bring together the communities and reduce friction between communities. The fact that both Muslims and Hindus were celebrating important festivals almost on the same day is attestation to the strength of India’s communal harmony. And, you can imagine the huge numbers of people involved all over the country, in a nation of over 1.2B people.

Indians like to celebrate in colourful fashion, with lots of sound and colour. These festivals are no exception. The city is surely relishing these couple of days, and I am sure the following week will witness more action involving Ganesh processions all over the city of Mumbai. Of course traffic will be affected somewhat, but there is nothing much of Mumbai traffic that can worsen further !

So, life goes on. People enjoy these festivals and let them give the space on the roads.

Enjoy the colour, sound, sweets and savouries !

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
1st Sept 2011
Mumbai

Diwali – Fire and Sound, Sweets and Worship

Yesterday was the occasion of Diwali festival in India and elsewhere.

The firecrackers started on Thursday evening and are still continuing as of today (Saturday evening now). There is no real limitation for bursting of firecrackers in India, though the Supreme Court has mandated acceptable decibel levels after 11 PM or so. But, life goes on. There is no possibility of strict enforcement given the length and breadth of the country. Even in a metro like Mumbai, the noise continues through the night.

But then, we fall asleep, don’t we ?

Since complaints are of no use, we do the next best thing – just doze off !

As I write this blog post, I can hear the continuous sound of firecrackers, and the occasional flashes of light across the sky caused by the rockets launched in celebration. My son and I launched probably close to 20 rockets in succession during the time allocated in our building complex for bursting crackers.

It is OK to do that, but not so in South Mumbai or near the airport, as President Obama and his entourage are in town today (and tomorrow). Curbs have been imposed and enforced strictly for a foreign head of state, while we cannot enforce the rules for our own benefit !

Well that is India, and the Diwali fervour continues in the suburbs non-stop. Less of sweet consumption this time – I did not see much action on that front. May be educated people are becoming more sensitized on the impact of diabetes, the largest disease afflicting millions of Indians today. Of course, people do buy sweets for distribution to their friends and relatives, household help and drivers, security guards, et al. But not so much for in-house consumption any more, I guess. That’s a good development.

Another important aspect of Diwali is the temple visit and worship. Normally this happens on the morning of Diwali Day. My wife and I visited the temple in the evening, and there was hardly any crowd. I was a bit surprised, thought that the crowd which missed the morning worship would make it in the evening. But looks like everyone made it in the morning ! Very surprising !!

Well, that is Diwali, the most auspicious festival day in the Hindu mythology, when good overcomes evil, light throws darkness out.

Wishing you all a Happy Diwali, and Hoping that the visit of President Obama will bring forth a strong positive relationship between the world’s largest democracy and the richest one.

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
6th Nov 2010
Mumbai

Proselytization by Intrusion

Intrusions into our privacy have been a way of life in India. There are countless number of attacks in a single day on our much-treasured privacy, unlike in a much-developed country where one is left alone.

But that is OK, given that in India we do depend on various intermediaries for various kinds of work.

However, what about public exhortations from religious entities ? And, various political parties ?

Though the Courts of Law have prohibited public disturbances via loudspeakers, et al, in real practice the law is more broken than followed. And, what about the public disturbance caused to a “sleeping” public at 5 AM early in the morning, using powerful loudspeakers from religious institutions ? In what manner, are they exempt from the law ? Is religion above law ?

The other day, I got up at 3:30 AM to get ready for a 6 AM flight, and I heard this exhortation from one such place not far from where I live. This is absolutely ridiculous. While there is no murmur of protest, that does not mean that everyone is happy about such noisy intrusions into one’s privacy.

Singapore avoided such problems early on, by providing FM radio frequencies to religious entities, who can use the same for inviting their respective followers to pray. That was an absolutely innovative way to get the followers to do what the religion prescribes them to do. There is no harm or disturbance to anyone else. Is this not the way to go ? Especially, in an already noisy place like India.

I am just now hearing heavy noise of crackers for another religious festival, which continues from yesterday. Apart from the noise pollution, we also have air pollution leading to various lung diseases for citizens.

We do not think. And, we support symbols more than the real religion. And, more money is wasted on such efforts rather than on feeding the poor. Are we going to change ? Not for the foreseeable future. Religions dominate our lives in India, and these will continue to do so.

Enjoy the noise, what else can you do ?

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
12th Sep 2010
Mumbai

Faulting PDA on Valentine’s

You might think of “PDA” as a “personal digital assistant”.

But it appears that now PDA is twisted as “public display of affection”. Wow !

With Valentine’s Day today, there has been extensive coverage in several newspapers about what to do and accomplish – advice for both men and women. Very interesting to read, but totally meaningless as there is very little in a relationship if it has to be celebrated on a public day when all couples and partners are destined to celebrate in a particular manner. The only way a relationship is going to be stronger by the day, is if there is constant nurturing and investment in the relationship by both parties. Symbolic celebrations are no good when more than 30% of all relationships end in failures in today’s fast-paced world which rarely permits serious involvement.

So, it was humourous to read newspaper coverage of “love flashback”, “true love”, “classic love”, “10 best gifts for your valentine”, et al and advertisements related to Valentine’s Day. Further, I noticed that PDA rules the roost – it is no longer hidden, it is very much out in the open, and nobody seems to care that much any more. Moral Police was absent ! The only issue is that they do cause serious distraction in the middle of a mall or while shopping in a departmental store, but that can be forgiven, I guess. Sure, there are many other places for PDA to be executed, but the choice seems to be the most crowded malls !

There is surely a disconnect between PDA happenings and the middle-aged folks who do not hold as much as each other’s hands ! They look down with a disdain, and shield their kids away !!

Well, world is moving on, and we cannot police such things as long as traffic is not affected. Such stuff is common sight in Singapore and Hong Kong, and nothing special. The best way is to ignore both PDA and the attack of the Valentine’s Day. It should be every day rather.

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
14th Feb 2010
Mumbai

Art Attack – by Times of India – Kala Ghoda, South Mumbai

A great art festival kicked off during this weekend @ Kala Ghoda in South Mumbai.

I walked through the art exhibition today (Sunday 7th Feb). It was absolutely great and I really enjoyed it. I felt like walking thro’ an European city such as Vienna. Great stuff. Worth a visit. May be a couple of visits. Next weekend I am planning to go again, on the closing day (14th Feb). Why don’t some of you folks join in ?

Some pics below – not really outstanding, I will take my better camera next time !

_Media Card_BlackBerry_pictures_IMG00037-20100207-1737, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

Kala Ghoda Art Exhibition Entrance

_Media Card_BlackBerry_pictures_IMG00036-20100207-1736, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

Colourful Masks !

_Media Card_BlackBerry_pictures_IMG00034-20100207-1734, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

Wiry Objects d’ Art

_Media Card_BlackBerry_pictures_IMG00032-20100207-1732, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

The crowd – see the hanging bell

_Media Card_BlackBerry_pictures_IMG00031-20100207-1730, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

Amazing Viewers enjoying an artistic performance by school kids

_Media Card_BlackBerry_pictures_IMG00038-20100207-1738, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

Beautiful objects inducing one to take a close look !

_Media Card_BlackBerry_pictures_IMG00029-20100207-1727, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

Intense crowds

_Media Card_BlackBerry_pictures_IMG00028-20100207-1726, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

Shopping !

CIMG7726, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

Art aficianados and Shoppers galore

_Media Card_BlackBerry_pictures_IMG00026-20100207-1723, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

Close up view of the bell

Great, isn’t it ? See you there next weekend (next to Jehangir Art Gallery),

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
7th Feb 2010
Mumbai

Shoppers are Back in Mumbai Malls

Some pics from a famous mall in Mumbai on Christmas Day -

CIMG7720, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

ESCALATORS ON FULL LOAD !

CIMG7710, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

BEAUTIFUL LIGHTING !

CIMG7719, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

JAMMING ONTHE ESCALATOR !

CIMG7724, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

SHOPPING AROUND – CROWDS ALL OVER

CIMG7705, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

GUESS WHICH MALL IS THIS ?

CIMG7704, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

XMAS DECORATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS !

CIMG7703, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

XMAS HOUSE !

CIMG7700, originally uploaded by vjsri99.

STILL GUESSING ?

Great pics, aren’t these ? People on the move all the time, shopping and celebrating.

Cheers

Vijay Srinivasan
26th December 2009
Mumbai

KFC on XMas Day !

Merry Christmas to all of you who happened to drop by !

Today being XMas, my kids wanted me to take them to some special dinner combined with some amusement. We collectively thought hard and fast, but could not come to some agreement which would have met both objectives today.

So, we first decided to select the amusement type – we selected “Funtime” in a nearby mall. OK that done, we left at close to 6 PM in our car. Even though the mall is less than 5 minutes drive, it took a while to get past the thick traffic and get into the car park after all the security checks. A simple auto ride would have been better, faster, and less tense than a car ride, which also costs more to park than the return fare on auto rickshaw !

Well, we managed to park and got into the mall. It was so overcrowded that a security person was posted at the beginning and end of each escalator, to ensure that there is no mass overloading ! Amazing, this should be happening only in India. There were probably 3,000 people in that mall, all escalators were in full swing with probably more than the rated load, there was no shop without shoppers, and the food court was crammed. This has nothing much to do with the economic recovery as such. People are just bored staying at homes and watching TV, I guess. Everyone and his/her mother wanted to get out and get some fresh air, and also do some shopping, and more than anything else, avoid cooking at home !

We straight went to the food court, hoping it would not be that crowded. But, alas, it was super crowded. My kids had pre-decided on KFC, of all types of food. I just can’t stand KFC or McDonalds’. It took nearly 20 minutes of waiting before we could grab a table, and then the kids ordered their preferred KFC stuff. I sat thinking for a while, but had to make some quick decision, otherwise I would miss my dinner. I looked around at the crowd all over thronging not just the fast food outlets, but also the traditional food shops. I decided to do the unthinkable at last.

KFC !

Yes, after a very long time, probably 6 years or so, I decided to eat what I can from what I consider a junk food outlet. I studied the menu carefully and selected the “Toasted Twister”, which apparently looked somewhat healthy. With that, I joined my kids who were enjoying the famous Dr KFC chicken. The Toasted Twister was not bad – no one can blame a KFC or a McDonalds’ for lack of taste optimised for Indian tongues – but I know basically the whole thing is bad, what with its sodium content, lack of veggies, deep fried chicken types which is basically very unhealthy, etc., I could not believe I was eating this stuff, but I had no choice on that crowded evening.

(I came home and had lots of fruits to compensate !).

Then we went into Funtime and had a gala time – there too, it was overcrowded, to be expected I guess. I was amazed at the number of folks waiting in queue to charge their cards at the Funtime counters. No dearth of childish business and brands in India today.

And, there ended our XMas evening. KFC on a XMas Day ! Unbelievable !!
The main reason of course is that we did not want to go afar, and get locked up in traffic jams.

Cheers, and a Merry XMas evening to all of you readers !

Vijay Srinivasan
25th December 2009
Mumbai

Happy Diwali

Diwali Festival and Festivities have gone international.

President Barack Obama celebrated Diwali at the White House.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown celebrated Diwali at 10, Downing Street. “This is a great day for Downing Street, a great day for us and a great day for Britain to celebrate Diwali for the first time in Downing Street. This is a historic event,” a beaming Brown told a packed gathering in the Pillared Room of his official residence last evening after formally lighting the lamp – quoted from the Times of India 17 October news coverage of the event.

So, for the first time, world powers are recognizing the most important festival of India. This is a recognition of the rising importance of India in the world stage, as we move from a developing nation to a developed nation status and take the high table in global affairs management.

Not surprising though. This ought to have happened quite some time ago. India’s governmental response mechanism to global events has improved considerably over the past decade or so, and surely after 2002. Things moved rapidly once President George W Bush and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice determined that India is the new emerging power in the world economy, and needs to be brought (or pushed into, rather) into the centre stage. The result was a growing strength in the bilateral relations between the U.S. and India from 2005 onwards. I think this was for the good of both nations, both being big democracies with a shared vision of the future.

I can hear the bursting of crackers from yesterday afternoon onwards, and today (the day of the Diwali) the cracker sounds started from 6 AM ! But one can’t complain, it is really a celebration of the success of “good” over “evil”.

Have a wonderful Diwali, and wishing all readers a great season of festivities,

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
17th October 2009
Mumbai

Year of the Ox – Gong Xi Fa Chai !

Today is the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

To my friends and ex-colleagues in South East Asia and China/Hong Kong/Taiwan, I would like to wish a year of prosperity, good health and success in this year. It has been quite a tough year which ended recently, and all hopes are high in the Year of the Ox for a return back to the good times.

The attributes of the Ox are roughly equivalent to those of the Capricorn. And, I am a Capricornian ! So, I thought I will pay special attention to the Year of the Ox !!

According to Wikipedia, “The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. This powerful sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm, and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint.

Ox people need peace and quiet to work through their ideas, and when they have set their mind on something it is hard for them to be convinced otherwise. An Ox person has a very logical mind and is extremely systematic in whatever they do, though they have a tremendous imagination and an unparalleled appreciation for beauty. These people speak little but are extremely intelligent. When necessary, they are articulate and eloquent.

People born under the influence of the Ox are kind, caring souls, logical, positive, filled with common sense and with their feet firmly planted on the ground. Security is their main preoccupation in life, and they are prepared to toil long and hard in order to provide a warm, comfortable and stable nest for themselves and their families. Strong-minded, stubborn, individualistic, the majority are highly intelligent individuals who don’t take kindly to being told what to do.

The Ox works hard, patiently, and methodically, with original intelligence and reflective thought. These people enjoy helping others. Behind this tenacious, laboring, and self-sacrificing exterior lies an active mind.

The Ox is not extravagant, and the thought of living off credit cards or being in debt makes them nervous. The possibility of taking a serious risk could cause the Ox sleepless nights.

Ox people are truthful and sincere, and the idea of wheeling and dealing in a competitive world is distasteful to them. They are rarely driven by the prospect of financial gain. These people are always welcome because of their coolness and awesomeness. They are reputed to be the most beautiful of face in the zodiac. They have many friends, who appreciate the fact that the Ox people are wary of new trends, although every now and then they can be encouraged to try something new. People born in the year of the Ox make wonderful parents and teachers of children.

It is important to remember that the Ox people are sociable and relaxed when they feel secure, but occasionally a dark cloud looms over such people and they engage all the trials of the whole world and seek solutions for them.”.

I really liked this writeup from Wikipedia, which is available at “Wikipedia – Ox (Zodiac)” .

So, let us celebrate the Year of the Ox (along with the Republic Day of India, which also falls on the 26th January !). The coming year is going to be far better than 2008. Let us hope so and work hard to make 2009 a great year.

Cheers

Vijay Srinivasan
26th Jan 2009
Mumbai