wedding

The big highlight of this trip for me so far has been my cousin's wedding. We made it here in time to partake in every single ceremony and all the festivities. I can't remember the last time I had this much fun, laughed or danced this much in a span of less than a week. I met family members whom I hadn't seen for decades. Since I moved to the US right after High School, I hardly ever see family outside of my immediate relations, even when I visit. It's so amazing to meet everyone, laugh all the time and dance like there's no worry in the world. I realized that all my family is comprised of so many independent, accomplished individuals yet very close knit with so much love.

I have also been spending time at home with my parents and brother. My dad's knowledge of Indian and World History is very extensive and I love listening to him. I found a very interesting link in our lineage and our facial features dating back many many centuries to when Alexander came to India. Though every trip home is full of gratitude, longing and love for me, this one feels more so than ever. I am always amazed at the closeness that prevails despite our physical distances and gaps in communication. Our worlds are so far apart in everything yet something keeps us so together.

(photos: I got my mehendi done and also carried the ghari gharoli which is the beautifully decorated matki)

dilli haat

This was one of the (possibly several) trips to dilli haat that I always make when visiting home. I also stock up on juttis and this is one of the two pairs I bought this time. Seeing the talent and skills of the local artisans is a little bittersweet. I doubt they ever make enough to provide for their livelihood though I suppose they're probably better off having a space at dilli haat due to all the well-deserved tourist traffic it gets. Dilli Haat is a great sampling of all the great imagination, craftsmanship and diversity that is inherent in India's arts and crafts across all regions. There is plenty of representation abroad for some of the crafts and I always hope the compensation is at least somewhat fair in comparison to the amount of profits some secondary sellers make off of these goods.

All the support for handmade products and the popularity of etsy often gives me hope for crafts. But, all such ideas fail a little bit when I come here. The economic disparity makes me restless and confused. With respect to crafts, I just feel sad that unlike US and some other countries, there will never be enough support to help enough artisans and craftsmen. There is also that uncomfortable little thought about so much skill being exploited for possibly huge profit margins. I try to be easygoing when I flip through Indian Elle and Vogue with clothes and their exhorbitant price tags but it's never not irksome.

LAX-LON-DEL

The terrain from so high above is endlessly fascinating. I think we flew over Iran, Afghanistan and that first photo is near London.

favorite things

I am updating my tumblr now to keep track of all those things I am loving.