This week started with Bijoy Mamu and Mai arriving with Sangram Mamu (left, in white shirt) on Tuesday. They were supposed to come on Monday but had to postpone their visit due to flooding on the way. The weather sure is showing its fury this year. We took it easy for two days, eating and catching up with a lot of news about each other's families. Bijoy Mamu shared a lot of childhood memories including what he remembered about Baba & Bou's wedding (Sachi's parents). Mamu is trying to put together Bhuyan family tree and collected a lot of information from Sangram Mamu who seemed to know every one and everything about the family. Sangram Mamu told us about a lot of his father's adventures as forest ranger. It is always so interesting to hear family stories.
On Wednesday we went to see Sachi's Heart Hospital in the evening. The building immediately behind us in the picture is the main inpatient center. The building to the left is for outpatients. In front of us (not seen in the picture) is a beautiful lake. All around the building is clean, green space.
Sachi took us all to the important parts of the hospital. Here he is showing us a movie of an angiography (catheterization).
Thursday evening we went to see Lincoln's pride, 'The Sunken Gardens'. The space there was decked out in such an abundance of bright and colourful flowers that it was hard to decide where to look. A lot of local weddings take place in this setting when the weather is good. We saw many couples taking pictures. Some of them with professional photographers.
We had our camera with us too which we put to good use. Mamu Mai looked very nice posing in front of these flowers.
Sachi made Sangram Mamu pose in front of this aquatic display to capture his special portrait. Mamu is very interested in gardening and took keen interest in the flowers.
While the men chatted about whatever men discuss when they huddle together, away from the women, Mai and I explored the gardens some more and specially admired the Impatiens. We wondered what variety they were; our Impatiens at home never grow this vigorously. Some of the flower beds had gaping holes with torn plants in the middle. We found out that a family of deer had got in one night and enjoyed the soft flowers as bed.
The sun went down too quickly and we took a few final pictures. This place that reminded Sangram Mamu of Pinjore Gardens near Chandigarh was hard to leave. From there we went to the 'Oven' for dinner.
Next day Jyoti came over and it was time to get ready for the celebration - Jyoti's Godh Bharai ceremony. I finalised cooking of a few dishes, got the house cleaned up and decorated. Jeff came over in the evening for dinner.
Mai and Sangram Mamu collected the marigolds from outside. I made them into garlands to put on Baba (Sachi's father) and Babaji (my grandfather)'s paintings. Jyoti tied bracelets with pink ribbons to give as gifts to friends and family. Late night Sachi and I went to the airport and picked up Gurjeet, my cousin's wife, who came for Jyoti's ceremony all the way from New Jersey.
Next day Sergei and Anna came early to help out with the preparation. They are two of the nicest people to have when there is lots to do.
Of course nothing matches dear friends who have become close family over the years. Many of them got together and cooked and arranged activities for the celebration. They came early and took over my kitchen. We have stood by each other in times of need and seen the kids grow from infants to adults. Our investment in the relationships makes us feel we have joint ownership over each other. Celebration of Jyoti's 'Godh Bharai ceremony' would not be complete without all these friends who have been very much like mothers to her.
While friends got things ready for the ceremony we took the time to pose for pictures. Gurjeet and I have such close and pleasant bond, I am glad she was able to come. In our busy lives we do not meet as often as we would like to.
Jyoti looked very pretty in her 'rani colored' new sari. Gurjeet helped her get ready and tie the sari. Jyoti handled wearing the sari like a pro.
Here she is with pretty Kelly, Jeff's brother Brad's wife and Norma, Jyoti's sasu ji. Jeff's family made our gathering complete.
Mai posing with Kelly and Norma in the living room. Some of these pictures were taken by Bijoy Mamu and others by Sachi.
This obviously was taken by Sachi. Bijoy Mamu checked out the whole house to see what changes we had made after the fire. He liked most of the changes. Both of the Mamus spent a lot of time enjoying the outside.
Jyoti is very popular with the boys. I can see how much more they will spoil baby Jyoti.
We started the ceremony with Sarbani's mother doing the Aarti and applying tikka on Jeff and Jyoti.
Then Laksmi Chivukula took over the thali and did the aarti to represent the community. The Chivukulas have been in Lincoln longer than most of us and it was wonderful to have her represent all our close friends.
Norma did the aarti with a smile on her face. She is such a good sport and enthusiastically joins in all the functions.
Janet Mai did the aarti to represent Sachi's side of the family. About this time we remembered (prompted by Sarbani's mom) to put the coconut in Jyoti's lap.
Gurjeet did the aarti to represent my side of the family. Just when we thought we are done, the men got in the act.
Sachi did the aarti and also fed kheer to Jyoti and Jeff. Bijoy and Sangram Mamu followed him. Then Alekh Dash, pujari and close friend, blessed the would-be-parents.
Well almost all of us. Some of us were more interested than others.
Norma brought a beautiful, soft shawl to put on Jyoti and Jeff's shoulders with the promise of the whole Burlington family's support.
Mai draped them with the beautiful chunni Bablee, my sister, shipped from Delhi to represent support of Jyoti's maayka.
Sachi and I presented this pink pearl necklace to celebrate the good luck of being blessed with a chance to be grandparents. Our friends and family gave them gift certificates to help pamper them before the baby arrives.
Smita Dash, pujari's wife and dear friend, did the honor of ritually placing the baby in Jyoti's lap. Noelle, Jeff's brother Jim's wife, had come over with her three months old baby Finley, three & half yrs old Isabel and her mother who is visiting from Chicago. Baby Finley was baptised that evening and we are very glad the family took the time to come over. Finley was cute and contented. We could not have found a better baby.
Jyoti relegated the coconut to Jeff's lap and enjoyed Finley.
Jeff looked so lonely that Ravi ran up and brought Jyoti's old Cabbage Patch doll to give to him. Jeff went along with the joke
The boys went outside and broke the coconut. Anna cleaned and peeled it to offer to all present.
Inside we all posed in groups with Jyoti and Jeff.
The boys perked up once there was something for them to do.
Jyoti got tired of the swing and got up to socialise with every one. Jeff was reluctant to give up the throne.
Jyoti handed the baby to Jeff to let him practise some more. Ravi joined Jeff with a practice baby of his own. We had great time watching the young generation repeat old customs with a twist of their own. After the ceremony we all went in and had lunch. Our friends had put together a veritable feast for us. Thank you all very much.
Sachi was able to handle the hectic chaos of this celebration very well. After a hiatus of stagnant improvement he suddenly found himself getting hungry and hankering for some old favorites. The eating is still in very small amounts but the change is welcome. His energy level is quite a bit improved and fast approaching normal. Some times we forget that he is still recovering.
Both the Mamus, Mai and Gurjeet are back with their families. Jyoti and Jeff have gone back to their home. Ravi is in the dorm and Suraj is attending last day of this semester's classes. Sachi is listening to CNN and I am ofcourse with you all. Our world after listing a bit seems on solid ground again.
Write back with news about you and your family.
Yours at peace.........Ambi
5 comments:
Dear Didi,
We have really enjoyed going through the details of God-Bharai ceremony and all the beautiful pictures. Jyoti is really glowing along with Jeff! It is wonderful to see Jijaji looking quite his 'old' self.
I can imagine you now recouping from your hectic preparation schedule. Well, you have to soon get ready for the big Nov. event.
With all the best wishes for the happier times ahead and lots of love to you all - especially to Suraj and Ravi,
Bablee
THE FLOWERING OF GENERATIONS.......
From Bijoy Mamu, Janet Mai & Sangram Mamu, to Sanabhai, Nuabou and all of us, to Jyoti, Jeff and their siblings, to the harbinger of the next generation growing within the safe walls of her mother's womb......the parade of generations continues. From the innocence of childhood.... to the growing pains of adolescence.... to the matured conduct of adulthood.... to the wisdom of old age.... and again back to the innocence of a second childhood......the cycle of growth continues to rotate around the dictates of a Higher Order....without break or pause, with ceaseless regularity and unhindered flow....
The purity of flowers decorating the pictures, the colorful splash of festivities surrounding this beautiful ceremony welcoming the upcoming arrival of the little Princess, combined with Nuabou's enviable power of expression have created an impact on emotions that defies definition and goes beyond the written word....
November not only happens to be a great month to be born in, as it boasts the birthdays of many great personalities (!!), this year it shall also witness the staging of two momentous events: Millions shall welcome the coronation of the new King of America – The President, and while the nation celebrates the birth of a new Era, the Global members and relatives of the Burlington and Mahapatra families shall witness the little Queen of Hearts arrive on this Planet and exercise her claim to their spoiling attention and pampering love!
Cheers!
Babi
PS. It was wonderful hearing your voice today, Sanabhai. The strength and confidence that came across served as a long awaited balm on our restless worries. With folded hands we prostrate at His Divine feet in heartfelt gratitude for having blessed us with relief and you with recovery.
Dearest Sanabhai & Nuabou,
Pranam..It was a pleasure going through your well written blog describing every event so beautifully accompanied by very nice photographs of our loved ones.It was like a journey starting with the Heart Institute, going through worth seeing places of Lincoln, the beautiful gardens and finally reaching your well decorated house which was giving a very festive and happy look on that day.We are happy that we could witness Jyoti's Godh Bharai function so vividly.Everything looks so nice.Jyoti is looking very pretty in her gorgeous Rani colour Banarasi saree..that colour really suits her.Jyoti and Jeff look so happy together really enjoying their big day.
Nuabou you look very pretty in your magenta colour suit.I think you are going to be the most glamourous grandma of Lincoln..Sanabhai looks healthy, strong and very happy.Hai Grandpa! Congratulations and God bless you all.Jyoti's Maayeka Dupatta is fabulous, so is Norma's soft pink shawl.The traditional aarti, breaking of coconut, everything went on well, it seems in real Mahapatra style (in Babi's language-Rajput style)
It is so nice to see you all happy and enjoying..Nuabou remember those difficult days when we were all craving and praying for little moments of happiness..Now God has heard our prayers and returned what he took away temporarily.We are praying to God for your continued happiness, well being and good health.Special best wishes & blessings to Jeff, Jyoti and their little daughter(inside womb) and love to all.
Bye for now,
Nandini & Swarup.
PS-Bijoy Mamu, Janet Main and Sangram Mamu all look very healthy and nice in the pictures..Bou will be very happy to see these pictures.These days she always remembers her brothers and prays for them.
that was a great post! almost felt like i was there for most of the celebrations... altho if i was i don't think the boys would b sitting off to the side looking bored - somehow we'd have involved them in the festivities ;)
missing you all lots!
love and pranams,
vivek
p.s. yoooo! :D
RETURN OF THE PRODIGY..........
It was one of the most dazzling displays of humility witnessed in recent history in the eccentric world of performing arts...The use of words may seem paradoxical, but the impact of the act went far beyond delineation.....
As one of the several impressive array of artists offered a glimpse into his mastery over the Sarangi, the Magician slowly walked from the dim background of partial darkness and occupied his seat at center stage folding his hands in pranam to the audience. There was not a single ray of light focusing on him..... not a single drumbeat announcing his arrival.....not a single voice thundering his entry....not a single crack of applause welcoming him.....
He entered in silence, bowed in reverence and awaited his turn in patience. A mark of true greatness.....
He wore a simple white indian attire but was studded all over with an armor of humility that was invisible but invincible.....soft but supreme......unassuming but undisputed. People who were seeing him for the first time did not know who it was that so silently came and sat next to the performing artist, but to my eyes which had followed his growth from a child prodigy to a world renowned phenomenon for the last three decades, it was a familiar feast of ensuing ecstasy.....It was only the backdrop that gave away his name: “Zakir Hussain presents The Masters of Percussion”. The unmatched, unparalleled, incomparable wizard of Tabla, Zakir Hussain was making his second appearance in Bangkok in the last 15 years, and I had neither missed the first one nor the countless others in India, and every time it was an euphoric flight to transcendental bliss....
On this occasion he brought together some of the most remarkable upcoming young stalwarts of Indian Classical music, to combine, converge and co-ordinate their exclusive expertise to produce a performance that would linger in the corridors of memory long after the show was over......
The recital started without much ado, following a short but powerful introduction by the Indian Ambassador.... What unfolded thereafter was not for pen to write nor paper to record.... A dream world of artistic excellence enveloped the enthralled audience, transporting them into a distant land of indescribable elation....spirits soared to heights beyond the heavens....Souls stirred awake after years of slumber....
Whether it was the lilting tunes of the Sarangi, or the intricate beats of the Khanjira, or the devotional vibrations of the Dholak, or the hypnotic spell of the Sitar, or the juggling mastery of the Uzbek drums, or the exuberant acrobatics of the Manipuri dancing drummers.......the multicolored expositions of all these exquisite instruments under the dexterous fingers of their Masters were combined by the wizardry of Zakir Hussain's Tabla recital, which sometimes matches the speed of light in a blur of defined movement of palms and fingers, resulting in a fusion of music that mingled to move... and merged to mesmerize.......When sound meets rhythm, and compositions are decorated by the priceless wealth of Indian Classical Ragas, the resultant offspring is pure music that transcends......vibrations that elevate......divinity that pervades.....and purity that permeates.....
When the recital culminated in a collective crescendo of music from multiple instruments, the audience went into a frenzy of rapturous applause that reverberated through the huge hall like an earthquake of blissful abandon....
One hundred and twenty mesmerizing minutes of mind blowing magic....
Babi
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