A cup of Assam Tea

It has been more than two months since I haven't dressed up. I can't believe it, because I always love to dress up and go out. Just today we completed 18 years of married life. 18 years is a long time, yes our togetherness in adulthood. Never had an anniversary like this where you can't go out because of safety in the times of COVID-19 .  We prepared a special meal followed by a homemade cake. Now coming to the dressing part, a simple sea-green chanderi saree which always reminds me of serenity and tranquility. The feather-like feel and texture of this Saree can be an ideal pick for sultry says of summer (Similar Look) . I picked up a darker color blouse to make the look more interesting, as the rest of the look is understated. Usually an accessories person like me, but here I avoid all accessories except for a bangle. My make up is minimal and neutral, but I did effort on my hairdo and made it wavy or light curls. A very basic look but love the idea of dressing up...

About after two months of losing the dearest person of my life, Deuta(Dad), I try to stand up on my feet again, collecting bits and pieces, resuming life back to normalcy, at the same time the reality hit hard, not just for me but for the entire world by the pandemic called COVI19. In front of my eyes, the world has changed, what we never imagined in our wildest dream and what the generations had never seen happening, what was normal a few days back, became extinct from our lives. For our health's safety, we quarantined ourselves in our homes, kids' schools closed, online classes started, malls, cinema halls everything got closed. The bustling places turn into barren, and the places entitled by humans got emptied and became the new normal of our lives. The new normal brought uncertainty and tension in every nook and corner. Health hygiene became people's foremost priority rather than luxury travel or any other thing in life. My life or days on my toes slowed down. Lif...

                                        Komal Saul prior to soaking. Komal Saul takes me to my grandparents' home, where I recall the early childhood days when we stayed in a different city and visited my grandparents' ancestral home. My grandmother often delights in preparing a morning breakfast in a jiffy. The breakfast is called Komal saul or soft rice. A luscious, slightly golden color and light glossy textured rice, no need for the cooking process, unlike other regular rice. In Assamese, 'Komal' means soft, and that softness does not require cooking. Soak it in hot water for a few minutes, and it's ready to eat.          My home state, Assam, produces a variety of rice, and it's no wonder we have all kinds of cereals, snacks, and main courses made from rice. Any other type of rice is considered the main course, whereas Komal Saul is considered a light...

                                                    (1) January 4th started as a lovely and joyful morning. I began my day with enthusiasm, chatting with my parents as usual. However, a few hours later, we received a call informing us that Deuta had passed away. Overwhelmed with grief and disbelief, I felt frozen in that moment. Before I knew it, I was on a flight back to my home state. Part of me feels like it has remained frozen ever since.                                                                                            (2) I don't remember the exact age, but since I can recall, I've always seen my father's inseparable...

 Visiting NYC  during the holiday season has an experience of its own. The city clad in holiday Avtar and probably you can see the bustling city insanity. Visiting the city year after year, I still get psyched up to visit during the holidays. The lavish window displays of 5th avenue, whimsical lights, arrey of flavorsome food, giant Christmas decor in radio city, huge skating arena to grand central what not to love about NYC's holiday. At 0 degrees, you feel cozy because this is the best time of the year. Shop and eat at the Bryant Park Holiday Market Overlooking the skyscrapers, this outdoor market is for you, with a whole European-inspired feel and festive spirit.  One of a kind jewelry, cool and quirky  Christmas tree ornaments, alluring art, more than 100  NYC  Artisans' pop-up stalls, you will end up amused in this best holiday market in  NYC .  Give your hunger pangs a kick with the city's favorite flavors, such as hot choc...

Looking back at the beautiful bygone years, I transport myself to my Aita's (Grandmom) antique chest, where a neatly folded crisp and slightly golden-hued Muga silk chadar lies. I remember Aita telling me she weaved that chadar. Long back, Assamese women weaved their own clothes, especially mekhela chadars. Weaving muga silk is highly esteemed in assamese culture in the yesteryears.  In the Assamese language, Muga defines the golden hue. Exquisite and exclusive muga epitomizes opulent Assamese weaving culture. Muga is elusive and expensive, whereas Eri Silk is an everyday affair. Muga is reserved for special occasions. In Assamese culture, muga is widely used by Bihu dancers and is a must-buy for the bridal trousseau. With the changing times and rising prices, Muga is not a regular buy for an average person.   Muga is especially found in the form of mekhela chadar traditionally. Muga saree is commonly available in the market too. Indigenous Muga silk is pr...

      Sometimes what you can't even imagine in your wildest dream for your homeland, for your people, can happen. The last few days have been tensed and unimaginable for my homeland Assam and the Assamese people. People are in relentless processions, curfews, roads are closed, at least 6 people are killed in the last 7 days and reports of people getting hurt. Little children to senior citizens, commoners to celebrities have taken to the streets to protest against CAA. CAA or Citizenship Amendment Act is a huge let down for the Assamese people and is a horrific sense of betrayal. The implementation of CAA opens path to millions of refugees from Bangladesh the right to citizenship. It violates the Assam Accord, signed in 1985 which was attained after 6 long years of a bitter battle with the center from 1979 to 1985 with hundreds (800 plus) of Assamese people becoming a martyr to the cause. According to the Assam Accord, all refugees who came before 1971 will be accepted...