A cup of Assam Tea

       New England has been wonderful these days, weather-wise. I love how the sultry summer beautifully transitions into fall, with its vibrant leaves, rich flavors, cozy boots, and layers. Lots on my mind, as India celebrates a glorious festive season thousands of miles away, and I feel the festive vibes here.  Buying balloons with my  Dad , the jingling of colorful bangles in the stores, and how our small town decked up are now distant memories.   Celebrating festivities in India has its own charm, whether it's the food, the hustle and bustle, or the natural transitions. Nevertheless, I love to dress up for Indian festivities. As you may know, I have a fondness for old and classic pieces. There is so much potential to dress them up in many ways, and it never fades with time. I am always attracted to pieces that have a vintage appeal. I love this old pair of back Mekhela chadar . Even though black is usually not considered a quintessential festive co...

Two years had passed by, and normal seemed like a distant dream. However, after two years, things slowly but surely began to return to normal. We are ready to welcome Spring festivals with all their glory as spring approaches. If you read my blog, you know that April marks the beginning of a new year in my birth state, Assam. We, the Assamese community in different states in the USA, celebrate the Assamese New Year and Bohag Bihu. This time, we visited Boston, where a vast Assamese community celebrated Bihu with great enthusiasm, featuring numerous cultural programs and a variety of delicious food. Visiting the Bihu festival in Boston after a two-year absence was an absolute joy. Meeting friends old and new was a fresh breath of air in our mundane Monton life.  Here comes the best part,  the outfit... I wore a  Muga   Mekhela Chadar  with lotus motifs in orange and maroon colors, and my hair with some weaves, teamed up with Assamese traditional jewelry and a Sab...

In my current homeland, here in New England, summer is almost over. However, in my other homeland, India, this is the hallmark of the festive season. The festive season unfolds with good food and chances of dressing up. However, COVID-19 has changed everything, including the way we celebrate festivities. The other day, one of my friends invited us to an Indian festival. I decided to step out of the mundane and dress in something special. Then this pair of green mekhela chadar came to my mind. A quintessential and classic for any Indian wardrobe. Even though this mekhela chadar is traditional, the thick border gives it a very contemporary look. It has a gold peacock motif design. I decided to pair it with a set of muted, statement gold earrings and a large, statement bangle, along with a gold watch. I did a hair bun and wrapped my hair with flowers. For makeup, my lips are in a bold red color, and my eyes are filled with dark kohl.  How do you like this look? Do let me know. Have a...

You know my love affair with mekhela chadar is never-ending. As I grow older, I find it even more comfortable to wear. Last weekend, the Greater Boston Assamese community celebrated Bihu  with prompt and enthusiasm. Like  last year,  we attended again this year, and I had another opportunity to wear my mekhela chadar.          I got this mekhela chadar at  the Assam Convention,  where one of the designers, Jahnavi Swargiyari, showcased her designs.  A simple yet elegant mulberry silk mekhela chadar in bright yellow color, just great to celebrate Bihu and Spring. The mekhela chadar features both silver and gold designs. The bright yellow reminded me of Assam, especially the dotted mustard fields of Majuli  and dreamy daffodils in New England. I chose muted antique finish gold jewelry for earrings and a stack of bangles, and added a few turquoise enamel bangles with it, a turquoise bindi, and a turquoise potli bag for a spl...