Life in The Family International

The most amazing thing about India…is that you can never generalize. Amazingly there is very peaceful coexistence and understanding amidst unbelievable diversity.

It was neighbour’s sixtieth Birthday party, a very new experience for me. This party wasn’t designed to be fun (although I thought it was quite fun!) The purpose is to invoke the blessings of God. Inviting godly people increases the flow of God’s blessings. And so amongst the other 50 people invited, she wanted all of us to come (I mean everyone in our home, 24 ppl). Her house isn’t that big so my mom wisely brought the number down to around 13 (still a crowd).

Since they live just down the road, I got dressed in a Salwar Kameez (one of the many ethnic costumes) and went to her house. Before I even reach the door I hear rhythmic music greeting me, the house was packed full already I doubt it could fit barely one more person. Her husband motioned me to one last free space on the floor. I sat down unceremoniously, and
realized I was sitting directly in front of a very loud speaker (the kind u plug into the wall..J). I enjoy most music here in India, but this was ‘live’ which made it special.

The Band was a group of 16 ppl. All sitting very close to each other on the floor, with various instruments, and microphones scattered between them. The percussion is my favourite, and it is not as easy to play as it looks, for example when playing the ‘tabla’ they hit a specific note with each beat. The beat ranges from slow and mild to a wild frenzy that make you want to get up and dance (I restrained myself)! They were singing bajaans (songs of praise to Gods).

After about an hour of this devotional music, the priest did a short Pooja, after which the crowd headed out to the garden for a traditional south Indian dinner cooked by Brahmin’s. (Brahmin’s are the highest caste, and some staunch Brahmins will only eat if another Brahmin cooks the food). Ate way to much Idly,(fermented steamed rice, that might not sound
good but it is!!!) sambar (lentils) Uttapam (Onion dosa), chutney, and of course it wouldn’t be complete without the Ghee sweets (there were plenty). On my way out, I got a gift wrapped coconut J along with all the other guests. I love India!

Deepa is a member of The Family International and is a missionary, tutors a group of 4 teens, does social and humanitarian projects, markets educational products, sells Activated magazine subscriptions, does Christian counseling, sing for a band, part time secretarial work, and other things too because my life is full of surprises. More about Deepa

This entry was posted on Sunday, September 11th, 2005 at 7:59 am and is filed under Me. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.