Finally, the movie is ready. A little late for a spring premiere—but these things always take longer than expected to bring together.

There are actually several half-finished films waiting patiently for their turn. Still, I felt especially motivated to complete this one first, mainly because of the two girls featured in it. I had promised them their movie would be ready to watch and share with their friends, and I really wanted to keep that promise.

Princess Zoe and Saga were an absolute joy to interview. They were eager, enthusiastic, and completely at ease in front of the camera—their excitement was truly contagious. On top of that, their eloquence was genuinely impressive.

Here’s the trailer. The full movie runs about 28 minutes and is largely music-driven. Just to mention, this isn’t a monetized project—not only because the channel is still small, but also because the music is copyrighted. I’m incredibly grateful that the choirs allow their music to be used on YouTube. In many ways, the music is one of the main characters—perhaps the most important one. All the songs are drawn from various Santa Lucia concerts across Sweden.

Mark your calendars, and feel free to share it with friends. Just one small request—if you enjoy it, please like the video and consider subscribing.

Telling audio-visual stories is my first love, even if it’s far more time-consuming than it seems. I hope you enjoy the film and experience how Sweden transforms each season into something magical through songs and performances. When it’s cold and dark, people wait for Lucia. When the light returns, there are bonfires, or dancing around a maypole. What remains constant through it all is music.

Sweden continues to amaze me with its rich collection of songs tied to every celebration. In some ways, it reminds me of Fiji, where no gathering felt complete without music. And of course, India—where, despite the influence of film industries, every festival still carries its own musical traditions.

Wedding songs in India, especially, are among the most vivid and joyful I’ve ever experienced. In urban India, film music now often fills the space where voices once did, yet there was something beautifully alive in those gatherings when relatives sang together—a sense of shared participation I’ve come to appreciate again in Sweden – something I felt so strongly in Fiji.

Music, seasons, and celebrations—they’re all intertwined.

Listen to the concert and imagine how these songs bring warmth and smiles during some of the darkest weeks of the year.

Here’s the link. It will become active at the scheduled time. It would be wonderful to watch it together, but if you can’t join live, the movie will be available on YouTube immediately afterward. You can enjoy it on your computer, mobile phone, tablet, or TV—whatever’s most convenient for you.

Hope to see you there.

One of the first sunsets I saw in Fiji, less than five minutes walk away from the temporary housing.

Here comes the mother of all posts—one that could keep you watching short films about spring festivals for days on end. It’s spring, after all, and it should always be celebrated with color and music.

Celebrating Seasons with Songs

‘What a time to be here,’ said Trina, ‘It’s Fara time.’

Petrina, whose father was in Fiji’s cabinet, was a student in the very first class I taught in Fiji. Her family, who are Rotumans but have long lived in Fiji, took me under their wing and taught me about Rotuman and Fijian traditions. Rotuma is a small island about 500 km north of Fiji and is officially a dependency and not a protectorate. Ceded to Britain in 1881, it is now fully part of Fiji but has local autonomy. Rotumans are Polynesian, with their own distinct culture and language, which makes Rotuma culturally unique.

‘Fara is how Rotumans celebrate Christmas,’ people often say but it is a misinterpretation.

A traditional singing festival, Fara meaning ‘to ask,’ is scheduled during the lowest work season in the island country, which happens to coincide with Christmas and New Year.

How is Fara Celebrated

Originally rooted in the rhythms of land, sea, and community life, fara was observed during the yearly lull in work which was otherwise physically strenuous. Rotumans, like all community-oriented people, used this time for activities that make life beautiful—meeting people, enjoying music, and recognizing connections, both human-to-human and human-to-nature were central to nature-loving systems. During the summertime (December through January) Rotumans held a month-long social festival “Av’ Manea” (Party Time). Groups of people went house to house with musical instruments in their hands-namely guitar and ukulele- songs on their lips and love in their hearts.

Fara had a new host every day, and the singers who entertained got what they ‘asked for’ at every house - food and warmth. Welcoming fara singers included sprinkling flowers and perfume (talcum powder in modern day) and offering tropical fruits ,melons, pineapple and green coconut are still commonly offered. Songs celebrated nature, community, love and usually included some flirtatious songs and jokes. Imagine a month of musical evenings filled with laughter that created memories for generations to come.

That it falls in December, and is now considered as a Christian holiday, should not obscure that fara was a celebration rooted in Rotuman life. Labeling it a Christian festival diminishes the depth of Rotuman wisdom that emerged from an identity that was deeply intertwined with environment and seasonal cycles. The island people understood work life balance long before anyone in the modern world even thought about it.

After the introduction of Christianity both the time and spirit of celebration altered to align with the church-sanctioned festivity. The flirtatious, satirical, playful, and nature honoring part was softened to fit Christian-approved references. But as you can see in the video, the sensuality of the dances still come through in their movements.

Faag and Fiji

Years in Fiji taught me about India just as much as Fiji. Having grown up in the capital I was unaware of many Hindu festivals, especially those that belonged to states I had no family in. The first year in Fiji, I was invited to a chautaal function.

One of the first and most popular video on my channel about Chautall and the songs called Faag (also spelled phaag, based on the month of Phalgun (February-march). The video has some descriptions of the songs, but the most noticeable thing in the video is the infectious energy of the young. Imagine soaking in this for 40 straight days before arriving where you can ‘legally’ throw color water on your friends and relatives? ‘Bura na maano holi hai’—don’t mind its holi, the festival of color.

Tunde was our neighbor in Fiji. As a hungarian, this was her first holi and she enjoyed it thoroughly.

Please join us.’ a colleague invited me, “We are hosting one at our house this evening,’

I had never even heard of the term. When I arrived at my colleague’s house, she explained that chautaal (meaning four-beats), is musical form sung during spring, which begins on Vasant Panchami and continues for 40 days, celebrated as Holi, the festival of color.

Can you guess how is it celebrated?

Yes, a group of singers, usually young men, take their drums and cymbals house to house, and get food and warm hospitality in return for their singing skills. Since the festival falls during the month of Phagun, the songs sung during chautaal are called Phaag or Faag. The songs usually use stories of the Hindu gods, and nature’s beauty.

The last song of each of the forty days is filled with jokes, usually teasing young children or making fun of friends. Each evening ends with laughter and hugs.

Friends enjoying Holi

Although I was somewhat familiar with the kind of music I heard that evening, I had associated it with rural and rustic traditions. The folk music –Faag—comes from the north of India but was carried by the Indian diaspora to countries as far as Fiji, Surinam, Guyana, South Africa and Mauritius. Fiji taught me so much about Indian culture, and for that I am forever grateful. The following year I attended a chautaal organized by the students at the university. I later made a short video about it, one of the most watched on my channel.

A daughter splashes her father with colored water on Holi

A little girl poses for me, as her family plays the drum while singing Faag. Suva Fiji.

Made this video on my visit to Delhi. Temples bring theater and dance groups, specially dedicated to temple visits, who dress up as Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha. People join in the dancing as if the Gods have descended to be among them. All the selfies aside notice the joy in middle aged women who have taken a break from house work and/or a job’s hectic demands and brought a little spring in their step, as if bitten by the spring bug.

Two cultures, two histories — and yet the same instinct when the season turns-- to walk toward one another with song. In the next post, we will follow that rhythm across other lands, where the changing seasons are still answered in music, song, and community (or once were).

NOTE: One of the (many) reasons I haven’t written in a while is that I wanted to rework my last post on Time and New Year Celebration. It felt disjointed and needed more information, including better transitions between paragraphs.

That post was written in haste—partly because there is just so much to say. A few of my friends have asked me about the New Year:

“But on January 1, doesn’t the Earth complete one orbit around the Sun? That’s why it’s the New Year, right?”

It’s true that the Earth is always moving, but there’s an important distinction. The Earth rotates on its axis every day, which gives us day and night. Its orbit around the Sun, however, takes one full year—about 365 days and 6 hours. That extra fraction of a day is why we add a leap day every four years.

So while January 1 marks the start of the calendar year, the Earth doesn’t do anything “special” on that exact day—it’s just that by this date, it has completed one full orbit since the same date last year. Every day involves a tiny bit of orbital motion, and by the same date next year—say, January 2, 2026—it will have completed another full orbit, with roughly 365 rotations along the way.

The previous article will be worked in time and reposted, with some extra information.

For now, something I notice and often think about.

Here is a picture of a vegetarian restaurant. Notice how beautifully plants have been incorporated without taking space or interfering with the seating arrangement, in this small restaurant. Creates a unique design. Even though the restaurant is really small, this special attention to aesthetics of a place, makes it inviting for the customers.

Swedish Design

One of the first things you notice about Sweden is its cleanliness, and organization, which is very evident in its design of public spaces.

The “secret” of Swedish design lies in restraint guided by ‘Swedish values’ rather than trends. It prioritizes function, clarity, and quiet beauty, with an understanding that the country experiences long winters with extended periods of limited daylight. A Swedish emphasis on equality and straightforwardness finds its way into design and manifests as practicality.Objects are meant to be lived with, not simply admired.

This is why Swedish design often feels calm and timeless. There is a combination of neutral palettes with a splash of bright colors, natural materials with artificial light, clean lines, and an absence of unnecessary ornament. Plants both real and artificial are found in abundance at public places, to the extent, it seems like mini forests have been created in corners. But nothing is meant to dominate a space. Everything is meant to belong.

Believe it or not this is a small section of a ‘kitchen’ to be used by students at a university. Notice the microwaves and a classic yet unique seating style.

This is another kitchen. Depending on the size, there can be several kitchens and seating areas on one floor in a public building.

There is a clear underlying understanding that these places are also meeting places for colleagues and can support staff bonding. So each area is well lit, with large windows and comfortably pleasant seating area.

Origin of Design Philosophy?

There are many Swedish concepts that can be described here, but one that is usually pointed to - is the Swedish idea of lagom—roughly translated as “just the right amount.” In Lagom: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life (Niki Brantmark), this mindset is described as a guiding principle not just for lifestyle, but for design itself enough light, enough space, enough comfort—never excess.

House of the famous Swedish Nobel Laureate (1909) Author, Selma Lagerlöf. Comfort, design, color and light have always been a part of Swedish design.

In Scandinavian Design, Charlotte and Peter Fiell show that Swedish design did not emerge from a desire to impress, but from a commitment to serve. Design was seen as a democratic tool—good objects should be available to everyone, not just the wealthy. This belief pushed designers to value craftsmanship that could be reproduced at scale, marrying quality with affordability. Modernism, with its clean lines and rejection of excess, wasn’t adopted as a style choice so much as a moral one. It was a moral responsibility to create spaces where people feel welcome.

Remove what isn’t necessary. Keep what is purposeful. Clean, organize and humanize.

This is why Swedish design rarely demands attention. It doesn’t rely on spectacle or bold gestures to prove its worth. Instead, it earns trust over time—through comfort, durability, and how naturally it fits into daily life. The chair feels right, the lamp gives the right light, the room breathes. Swedish design doesn’t shout because it doesn’t need to. Its confidence lies in how quietly and consistently it works.

Another seating area in a University. You fill find students resting, doing their school work, having lunch during school days. Unlike the US where I saw people purchased lunch everyday, in Sweden it is common for people to bring their own lunch.

I have worked at, studied at and given lectures at several universities, in several countries. Sweden stands out as the best in design, comfort and elegance! Go IKEA!

Public toilet (latrine. style) on a road meant for bikers. Below is the picture from inside. It is large enough to bring the bike inside.

Extra supplies are always available. not just because the state takes care but also because Swedes have an excellent civic sense.

There is a chain on the side for older people, or those with possible knee problems.

A hook for hanging your bag so you do not have to put it on the ground. Remember this is just a toilet in the woods.

Seating area for staff and students. However, this is right outside the teacher offices and is next to the staff kitchen.

Notice, both design and color combination.

The picture below shows the kitchen that is to the side of this sitting area.

This is another image from different angle of the same kitchen shown above. Depending on the size, there are can several kitchens and seating areas on public buildings. I took this picture to focus on the fresh fruits.

That is also part of Swedish culture. Most grocery stores keep free apples and bananas for children in a separate basket, with a label ‘take one, Kids’’. Most public offices order fresh fruits as snacks for the staff. Each kitchen usually has a fancy coffee machine with at least ten options, which is free for the staff.

Honoring the Artists

In Sweden, art is treated as a public good rather than a luxury.

Another Swedish wisdom—all public buildings have a small budget dedicated to purchasing art from local artists. So, you will find sculptures, paintings and abstract art all over public places. Some of these artefacts show up only during summer in public parks and by roadsides.

These policies serve two purposes. First, this is a practical way to sustain local artists and integrate art into shared environments where people from all backgrounds gather. One need not travel to see art. Beauty is not separate from daily life. Art is not confined to museums.

Art becomes part of daily routines, shaping how spaces feel and how people relate to them. Over time, this normalizes creativity as something accessible, communal, and valued—quietly reinforcing culture, identity, and equality.

Following is a short video I made years ago on Helsinki airport. In all Scandinavian airports and sometimes train stations, you will find ‘play spaces’, that often provide respite to travel weary parents as children are enamored by the bright colors and often start playing with other children.

Another thoughtful aspect, in many toilets you will find places with two toilets designed for different ages, in the same stall, to help parents of young children.

Mind and Spaces

Calm, open, and thoughtfully designed spaces do more than please the eye—they shape the mind. When light is generous, clutter is absent, and materials feel warm and human, the mind slows down and begins to think more clearly. Such environments invite conversation, reflection, and a sense of ease, making people more open to one another. In workplaces and universities, these spaces quietly encourage collegiality, learning, and staff bonding—not through forced interaction, but by creating conditions where people simply want to stay, sit, talk, and belong.

In the US, staff rooms were much smaller, or non-existent in some smaller universities. The kitchen, if available, had barely one or two microwave ovens and could accommodate only three or four people. Fiji was a different story. In Fiji, open spaces are abundant, and the climate is warm. I saw only three staff rooms in India. One as a student teacher, one as a school teacher and one in my undergraduate college. They varied in size but there was no particular attention given to the aesthetics. The one in Botswana was fairly large with big windows with well painted frames, but I do not remember work space, or extra comfortable seating. It was surely neat and clean, and functional. In the UK, people were talking about ‘real estate’ prices being too high to maintain staff rooms.

Life goes on as normal without complaints. People are used to it.

However, when I moved away from Sweden for a short stint, the one thing I kept talking about was ‘design’ and ‘aesthetics’.

The first semester in Sweden I heard a professor complain as soon as he sat down in a chair, “Who designed this?” I had never heard anyone question design of a public place, ever. No one ever expected comfort in public places.

Then you come to Sweden. You quickly realize why Swedish design doesn’t shout for attention—it quietly earns it.

Swedes have simply come to expect comfort and beauty in places where people from all classes mingle.

Another example of how Sweden strives for equality, without compromising beauty.

Yes, you see both the rising moon and the setting sun above the shimmering water.

-Zadar, Croatia

Photo by Charu Uppal

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This blog began on a long evening during COVID. At the time, I was writing another blog ‘quite often’.

For the next two and a half years this blog lay dormant with only six posts.

In early 2023, it got a new life. The first few posts were mere republishing of some old work. Slowly, it gained momentum. The subscriber number is still modest, but each reader is cherished.

Zadar, Old Town (Notice the Roman Infuences?) Photo by Tomi Blasic on Unsplash

This post comes to thank you, dear readers, for choosing to spend your time with my work in a world overflowing with information, endless scrolls, and far too many tabs open on all our browsers. Your presence, attention, and encouragement mean more to me than I can express, and I am deeply grateful for each one of you.

Just a reminder from the last post, that as a small gesture of thanks this Thanksgiving and holiday season, there’s 20% discount on subscription to CAY for all of next year, both for monthly and yearly subscriptions, valid through December 31, 2025.

Thankyou for reading!

In addition, the only short story I have self-published on amazon is available for 0.99 USD until December 31, 2025. I was not allowed to reduce the price any further, for the printed version.

Link to Amazon

Thank you for reading, for supporting, and for walking this journey with me.

Just one request if you like a post, please ‘heart it’ or share.

It helps others find the blog.

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Let me share a few sweet stories, of many thousands ,I have gathered in my travels. Each time I am reminded of how beautiful this world is and how good her people.

We tend to forget it, in the rigmarole of this world.

I had to be in Croatia in June of 2025 for a class: Digital Humanities. The University in Sweden had links to a University in Zadar. The three-week course included a week of classes in Croatia. One week online classes, one week classes in Croatia and one week for the assignments. It was very intense.

A glass bowl from first century —-and we think we create beautiful things. Beautiful maybe, but durable? Photo by Charu Uppal

Often I’ve said I was never meant to be a traveller, yet life unfolded differently. As a child, I was fascinated by education systems across the world, constantly wondering what children my age were studying in places like Greece, Poland, Congo, Kenya, Canada, the United States, or Indonesia.

But when it came to travel, I wished only to stay in Delhi and explore every corner of India — a country so varied that it spans fifteen agro-climatic zones yes ‘15’--shaped by differences in rainfall, altitude, soil, and temperature-- each supporting its own crops, landscapes, and ways of living. This diversity is visible not only in the landscape, but also in what grows there: apples and saffron in the Himalayas, rice and sugarcane along the river plains, millet in the desert, tea in the northeast, coconuts and spices along the coasts. And with each shift in land and climate comes a shift in people — language, dress, and cuisine changing subtly yet unmistakably, sometimes in just a few dozen miles.

Photo By Charu Uppal

Photo By Charu Uppal

Yet once travel began, it simply continued, sometimes at a dizzying pace. I eventually accepted it without resistance: if travel is what life offers, travel is what I will take. And that attitude taught me that it was never only about movement. I felt a deep familiarity with every place I visited, as if I had known these lands before, especially in the moments I formed unexpected connections with people from vastly different backgrounds, no matter how fleetingly.

Surprise! Some Places Choose Us

Croatia, for instance, was never on my horizon. I wasn’t even sure I could pronounce its name or its capital correctly. But there it was — a required week abroad as part of a course in Digital Humanities. Our group was diverse. Both teachers and students came from countries as far as the United States, Iran and Greece, even if many of them were now living in Sweden and Croatia. One of our professors, who had spent considerable time in India and studied the Yoga Sūtras1, even spoke a few sentences in Hindi to me. Through the course I discovered how programming, coding, and data analysis can be powerfully creative tools. For someone rooted in the social sciences, it was astonishing to see how large language models (LLMs) could extract information, reveal patterns, and reshape the way we learn and communicate.

Travel can be hectic, especially when it is combined with work. It sounds exciting, but requires much prep and yet that perpetual fear never leaves you, ‘Am I forgetting something?’

A Kind Stranger at the Airport

Over the years, the list of things ‘I must carry’ has grown. Carrying computer, power packs, phone, camera, and sometimes some audio equipment along with a tripod, is common for me. Most, if not all, of this I carry in my hand luggage, just in case the checked luggage is delayed. Somewhere in my hand luggage are the other essentials, passport, pen, a notebook and a wallet.

At the airport in Germany, after ordering a sandwich, I was searching through my overstuffed hand luggage for my wallet, when I gestured the person after me to go ahead.

It took me a few minutes before I was ready to pay, but the lady at the counter just would not take my money, pointed at a crowd behind me and loosely waved her hand. Then someone said in English, ‘She’s saying the man over there already paid for your sandwich.’

Confused I looked around. After a few minutes of search, I found the person. After thanking him profusely I tried to pay him, ‘Or I can buy you something.’ But he refused and gently walked away.

Stressed as I was, I had to stop and just be grateful. It’s just a sandwich. But the fact is neither did I know the person, nor will I ever meet him again. We did not even exchange names. With my fancy luggage at an airport, I certainly did not come across as a poor person.

Wonder why he did that?

It reminded me of a story my father once told me from Reader’s Digest. An African man ran into a house on fire and saved every member of the family. He did not live in the neighborhood; he was just a passerby. When people asked him why he did it, he said,

“Years ago, my house was on fire. I do not remember how many people came to help me—before, during, and after. Most of them I did not know and never got to thank. Since then, I think every time I am able to help someone, I am thanking all those who once stepped up for me.”

So it goes in the world, and it reminds me of my favorite saying from Indo-Persian wisdom:

“Saari Duniya Umeed par kayam hai”
“The whole world spins on the axle of hope.”

Or, for a Hollywood reference: in A Streetcar Named Desire, Blanche DuBois (played by Vivien Leigh in the film) famously says,

“I have always relied on the kindness of strangers.”

Her words strike a chord every time, in more ways than one.

A stranger silently paid for my sandwich. Wonder why?

This Thanksgiving, I want to share a few stories from my trip to Croatia that made me smile and bow in gratitude more than once—a reminder that we are always surrounded by goodness.

Walking Through Zadar

From the moment I landed, several people made sure our stay was smooth and enjoyable.

We were connected to several locals to arrange our accommodations. About five women attending the course were staying at the St Mary’s guesthouse, run by nuns. The person I interacted with most frequently was Martina, who worked at the gift shop next to the Cathedral. If I am correct, she may have also assisted the nuns in some capacity.

A hill-top Cafe. Photo by Charu Uppal

We were supposed to take the bus from the airport, but the timings were unclear, and cell phone connection was extremely weak. I was concerned about how I was going to find the guesthouse. I am especially bad at directions, although strangers have always guided me in the right direction.

To my surprise a tall, pretty blonde was standing with her bike and immediately rushed over, asking,

“Charu?”

Martina made sure she was waiting for me at the bus stop when I got off.

‘I wanted to make sure that you got to the guesthouse without any trouble.’

It was not Martina’s responsibility, nor was she hired by the university to help us beyond booking us a room.

“Thank you” I was in awe of my host and the city that was stunning from step one.

After much deliberation, Martina, finally sent me a pic. Except it’s taken in winter! I had not been able to take a picture of her, so I requested her to send me one!

It was a sunny evening, and we were staying in the old part of town. Like most European cities old parts are the ones with immense history and character. Our slow walk from station to the hostel took about fifteen minutes during which I got an unofficial tour of the city, along with its history.

History is not my strong suit, and I know only snippets about places and countries. But to learn, in one evening, that Zadar had been part of the Byzantine Empire, the Venetian Republic, the Austro‑Hungarian Empire, Italy, and finally Croatia — all in a 15‑minute unplanned walk — was mind‑opening, to say the least.

Zadar, Croatia, Photo by Charu Uppal

A few days later, during our official tour of the city, our extremely knowledgeable guide shared even more insights in an informal yet deeply educational way. The young woman was hired by the city of Zadar to write promotional content for tourist pamphlets, and was planning on writing a book about Zadar.

‘Great way to put my art and history degree to work.’ she said with a smile.’

A charming little balcony. Summer in Zadar, Croatia. Photo by Charu Uppal

While I absorbed countless fascinating facts, what stayed with me clearly was this: Dalmatia is a historical and geographical region along the Adriatic coast of Croatia, and Zadar is the main city of Northern Dalmatia.

Did you know that?

Travel is something else — a classroom without walls or borders.

Our lovely tour guide shows bags designed by her friend and mother to show the real ‘spots! Photo By Charu Uppal

Most of my time was spent during the course with a woman from Bosnia, a professor of Library Science. She was friendly, kind, and kept telling me I was the first person she had ever met from India.

Even though I have lived outside India far longer than I lived there, I always introduce myself as, “I grew up in India,” sometimes adding that I have lived in several places since.

A little Alley restaurant that looked like dream world! Photo by Charu Uppal

Here’s a story about two beautiful women who sold corn by the waterfront.

Sunsets & Corn

Soaking sun every day by walking along the water was my evening activity for all the six days I was in Croatia. Often I stopped to chat with the women who sold roasted and boiled corn — a snack you can also find on the streets of Delhi. They were lovely, and we talked about Zadar, about its famous sunsets (Hitchcock is said to have declared Zadar’s sunset the most beautiful he had ever seen). One of the women even kept an Instagram account where she posts a Zadar sunset every day (@azemina76).

Roasted corn, just as you can find on the streets of Delhi, except with more cumin, chillies and lemon! Photo by Charu Uppal.

I wanted to honor our conversation by giving them some business. But living in Sweden, we are not used to carrying cash. Everything is electronic. The first, ‘nearly paperless’ society. While I had taken Euros with me, I tried paying for almost everything with a credit card — and the small evening snack stalls did not accept them.

I had a large bill they couldn’t change, and my credit card didn’t work. So as I was about to walk away after thanking them, they insisted I not leave until they fed me their famous corn.

“I can’t accept it. I must pay.”

Azemina said proudly, “But I am the chef — the boss — and I say you mustn’t pay.” She straightened her back, pushed her chest out and thumped it gently.

People who run little street stalls often have big hearts.

Her warmth added a touch of stardust to a sunny evening in Zadar. I promised myself I would write to her to thank her — and I will, hopefully before the year ends.

Azemina and her friend! They sell the corn with a sprinkling of warm smiles. Photo by Charu Uppal.

Travel — The Great Heart Expander

Just a reminder that one of the good things about technology is that we can reach out, connect, and meet others — even briefly — the way we do while traveling, and feel what it means to be human.

For a person who cannot even stand the smell of alcohol, I sure like Tiramisu!

Photo by Charu Uppal

In all these encounters — from a stranger paying for my sandwich, to Martina waiting at the bus stop, to the corn vendors insisting I try their famous corn, without worrying about having to pay— are reminders that the world is full of small, unexpected acts of kindness. These moments connect us, bridge distances, and show us the goodness in people.

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Found these folk singers, who normally sing for tourists, chilling in the evening—singing for each other. The singing was soulful and interspersed with their laughter. There is much difference when we perform for an audience as opposed to entertain our friends. This needs to be normalized. People should sing for themselves and for community. The young girl in blue was media savvy and tried to translate this song about love via google.

As I continue sharing my thoughts on Chitta aur Yantra, I feel immense gratitude for both the world around me and the readers who take the time to engage with my work. Travel, technology, and warm human gestures tell us that even brief encounters can leave a lasting imprint.

Thank you for being part of that journey with me.

Thank you, for giving your time to read this blog.

Your trust to allow CAY: Chitta Aur Yantra in your inbox, is a gift I never take for granted.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankyou All!! A Photo NOT by Charu Uppal

Unscripted Scenes from a Season in Bloom

The picture picture was taken by an artist friend, Ann Lundquivst

Hello Everyone

I've put together a short, impromptu video called Profusion Prone, capturing the feel of mid to late summer here in Sweden. It’s not my most polished work—just a handful of random shots with some extempore commentary—but it offers a window into the lush, even though fleeting beauty of this season.

Altered the picture to look make the contrast strong

Sweden in summer bursts into a kind of quiet profusion, as if nature is making up for lost time after winter, and I simply couldn’t resist sharing a glimpse of it with you.

Hope you enjoy it. Click here to watch the video.

We get about two hours of twilight between 1-3 am.

And those from Umea, the real north of sweden, say, ‘Its too dark down south.’

Although I smile, I know what they mean, because when I go to the real south of Sweden, which is next to Denmark, I can feel it. the darkness emerges earlier, winters are shorter, and days are not as bright in summer as they are in our town.

Regardless, this time in Sweden is magical. The light is brighter than you ever see. Even by early august that brightness has died down, even though the we still have 16 hr days.

At the peak of Midsummer, we have 22 hr long days. Twenty-two hours of daylight. Feels like a dream!

For this post, I am sharing links of all the midsummer related posts. Visit them when time allows and experience the magic of summer.

MidSummer Magic: Has links to 3 trailers and one 24 minute midsummer movie

Midsummer Songs and Sights, a Photo essay

Here is the link to the 15 minute movie titled Midsummer songs and sights.

What’s your smultronstalle? A memoir, about my grandfather but inspired by Swedish mid-summer

One of the first short film, on Mid-summer. Created on handheld cannon. This was my first real mid-summer.

If you are in northern hemisphere then this time is special. Even if you do not get 20 plus hours of day light, there is a lightness and sweetness to this time.

Create memories that you would love to relive.

Fall in love, for the first time or again, forgive if you can, and vow to renew yourself.

May your mid-summer be fragrant.

Here, listen to my favorite mid-summer song….and you will feel it in your heart…

Ute I Var—Out there where blueberries grow, come meet me there, meet me where roses, Lillies and sweet mint grow…..come with a glad heart……

Glad Midsummer!

The last post was a heavy one. Even though I have a few posts ready in the Media Series, and Media Narrative Series, the next few posts will (on purpose) focus on the beauty of the world.

The clouds of the recent events (relating to the last post) have not parted.

This is not a distraction.

It is an acknowledgment of need for beauty and calm, especially in confusing times.

White Nights

During winter, moisture freezes in the air. It is not always as cold as it looks. But seeing through the frozen moisture makes everything seem 'softer’.

Lake as a Mirror

This is our town at the beginning of autumn. The lake is so calm that the trees fall in love with their own multi-color reflections!

Morning Assembly by the Pacific

When the Pacific is your backyard. Morning school assembly in Taveuni,#Fiji

We were on our way back after a research trip to Taveuni, a beautiful Fijian island. And when I spotted these school children getting ready for their morning assembly I could not help but ask the cab driver to stop so I could get a picture. Imagine going to school here?? And how ingenious to have blue be the school uniform!

That right there, behind the kids and their young school teacher dressed in sulu-chamba (sarong and blouse) is the great Pacific.

Dear Readers,

This post begins with thanking you for reading.

Several posts are ready to be shared. Some specially designed to thank you all, with art, and imagery and even a short upcoming movie.

But today, I want to do a bit heart-to-heart. Substack tells me that this blog is read in 18 countries, and 13 US states.

If you can, please read this till the end.

On this blog, I write both from academic and creative standpoint.

I have shared pictures, ideas, movies, poems, stories, memoir and some academically oriented posts, especially the series on Media and Its Ways.

There is some opinion too, but all of it is wrapped in context to ensure that the arguments are sound.

As grateful as I am that people read, sometimes, when I am notified of ‘unsubscription’, it stings.

People have the choice. So, it shouldn’t.

But when have people unsubscribed?

When I have written about Hinduism or talked about Media bias.

I only see the drop in numbers. But I know enough about correlation to notice when exactly does the drop happen.

This post itself might become a series. For now let me begin.

My hands are trembling as I write. My heart pounds. I am angry but the tears that I want to shed have dried.

I mourn the death of the lively, starry eyed person I was ---who was raised on Hinduism—‘Vasudev Kutumbhkam’—The world’s a family.

We learnt all religions were good, all people were good.

There was no original sin, and we were all born divine.

My travels taught me something entirely different.

Let me clarify, I have lived on a country in each continent. You name a country –quite likely I have met, known- have shared a meal with a person from that country. At least once. Mention any religion or race, I am close friends with them, even today.

When I say close friends, I mean visiting them, eating with them, celebrating with them and keeping in touch over the years, across the continents.

“We won’t kill you, go tell Modi” said the terrorists to the woman, after shooting her husband. April 22, 2025

Knowledge of the World

Most of the world has been converted into two Abrahamic faiths, both of which believe that their prophet is the last, and the only representative of God. And the kingdom of God will come when the entire planet has converted to their faith.

It was learning all that, that made me want to learn about Hinduism.

For we have no Sunday schools, no madarassa for religious teaching.

We Hindus were told to simply put our noses to the grind and study hard and take care of our families.

I arrived in the US towards the tail end of ‘dot-busters’. The dot-busters openly talked about killing people who wear Bindis—the dots….that Hindus wear. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dotbusters

But starry eyed that I was, I never thought much about it.

I attended catholic mass and Lutheran sermons. I just wanted to hear good words. I always bowed to any image of Jesus, as I would when I see Krishna or Rama.

Then I started my second degree at a very prestigious university in the US.

The mighty Penn State.

There I encountered ‘The Willard Preacher.’

A young man in his 30s, his ‘job’ was to stand outside the Willard Building and denigrate all ‘non-Christian’ faiths.

All the ‘—isms’ as he called them.

Willard is the busiest building on campus, so he gets maximum traffic.

For eight years, four as a student and four as an instructor, I heard him nearly everyday insult what my parents follow, what I believe in1.

What do I believe in?

That we are all divine. That Jesus is a son of God, not THE only son of God. That Allah is another name for Krishna and Rama.

But for being open, Hinduism was denigrated.

The question is, ‘Who was paying Willard Preacher’s salary?”

Why did no one stop him from speaking? How about all the academics, the open-minded people who write about ethics, and power of words?

The question remains, ‘Who and why was someone paying for this man’s salary?”

There is a whole another story of the International Hospitality Council, which offers cheap trips for foreign students. The primary aim of which is to introduce you to Christianity. Most trips happen on a weekend and often students are expected to attend Sunday service. In the pamphlets offered in their office, this is what they had to say about Hinduism, (paraphrased) “In talking to the Hindus it is important to keep superiority of Jesus. Hindus were colonized by the British and have a sense of inferiority.”

Still, I remained on friendly terms with the leader of the group. Both he and his wife were good people. And I could not believe that people can hold such negative thoughts about a nature loving faith like Hinduism.

One Diwali, our festival of lights, I woke up to hear a pastor on TV say, “Indians live in the dark, because they have not seen the light of Jesus.”

On Diwali 1999 (you can look it up) Pope John Paul II said in his visit to India “Hope Christianity takes root in India like it has in Latin America.”

Imagine, on the day that is equivalent of Christmas to the Hindus.

And imagine then hearing people say, ‘Christianity is the religion of love.” We are told repeatedly that our ancestors were stupid, heathen, infidels—and we are to believe that these faiths are of love and peace?

In 2008, when I was living in Fiji, I watched live on TV Hindus being massacred in one of the finest hotels in Mumbai. In fact, their targets were Hindus and Jews.

They killed based on religion. They were also wearing sacred threads on their wrist, so in case they died, their bodies scorched –in the cross-fire—and by any luck their wrist survived the attack, it would be labelled as a Hindu terrorist attack.

They were young Pakistani men, trained to kill both Hindus and Jews.

Check out November 26, 2008. It was for that reason I started the series on Media and its ways. We all know 9/11, how many know 26/11?

In the last several years, numerous Hindu girls have been found in body bags, cut into pieces by their Muslim boyfriends after they refused conversion.

Then slowly I started to learn about the massive conversion projects by countries such as the US, the UK, Germany, Australia and even Sweden. This blog should tell you about my love for Sweden. So, learning about Swedish Church being all over south of India feels like a sister betraying me.

A few months ago, on Substack I read a blogger’s tagline, “The future is Christian.”

What does that mean, I wondered. That no other thought will be allowed to exist?

How is that a definition of love? Or diversity? or peace?

A question:

For all that we have heard about Palestine in the last 1.5 years, how many of you have heard of other war between two Muslim countries? Check out what has been going on in Yemen for a while. But we never hear it.

That is the reason I do the series on media.

Media that shines the light on what it wishes and hides what it wants, including those who pay for these news stories to be shared.

How many of you know that as of now Hindus are being killed (genocide) in Bengal (as state within India, that has a large Muslim population), Bangladesh (for nearly a year now)? How much have you been forced to watch and hear about it, compared to how much you have heard about Palestine and Gaza?

The red bangles she is wearing are a sign of newly married woman. They are to be removed on the first anniversary of the wedding, after which she is supposed to have assimilated in the family. The couple married on April 16, 2025. The husband was shot dead by terrorists after they ensured he was a Hindu on April 22, 2025

Why Today?

(This will turn into a series.)

People are welcome to unsubscribe.

But I must share.

Today, On April 22, 2025—20 plus people have been killed in Kashmir.

The terrorists asked the men their name, which is indicative of their religion. Then asked them to drop their trousers to check their circumcision status and shot them.

Yes, ensured they were Hindus and shot them.

A movie titled the Kashmir Files was released about 3 years ago showing what happened in Kashmir. Some scholars called it ‘Propaganda film.’ It just so happens that one of my brothers-in-law grew up there and like others had to flee.

On January 19, 1990—that is right 1990---barely 3 decades ago Hindus woke up to slogans ‘Convert, leave or die.” By their Muslim co-habitants. The internet did not exist. And I had already been out of India for a while. Not that it mattered because even people living in India never heard about it.

A quiet genocide of a nature loving people. Because they believe that entire world is divine. Because they create beautiful images, because they paint and sing and dance.

Did you hear about it? For all the talk on what Gaza is going through, how much did you know about the exodus of Hindus from Kashmir? Or presently from Bangladesh and West Bengal (a state in India)?

Hence the series, Media and its Ways.

I need to stop. It’s been difficult to breathe. The silence of educated people—and even friends is hard.

Be nice for educated people with hearts to rise up and say, ‘no more conversions, pull all our churches back, not more ‘missions’, instead teach people that Allah and Krishna are the same, May there be a 100 more prophets –all spread, love and understanding and peace…..

Let good educated people acknowledge there are 100+ Christian nations, 50+ muslim nations. There are only 2 hindu majority nations. Only 2, and they are not allowed to live in peace.

Let good educated people from Abrahamic faiths acknowledge the forced conversions, and the fact that many languages, religions and cultures have been eliminated in promoting their understanding of the divine…

For future is not Christian or Muslim,

The future, is, should always be Human.

Sadly the only one saying Vasudev Kutumbhkam---(the world’s a family)—the only one saying you can believe what you will, one God can have many names and numerous forms, God does not punish you for choosing the way wish to worship— will be the silly, idealistic Hindu, even as he/she is being brutally killed.

To be continued….

When they tell you Sweden is cold, you can nod—but show them this picture and point at the smiling Sun….

When the sun shines on snow…it feels like nature laid a white bedsheet woven from tiny white beads —-on the ground.

Let your life lightly dance on the edges of time

like dew on the tip of a leaf." —-Tagore

Naming of Things

What I love about Sweden is her love of tradition. Her commitment to honor them. Even after years of living here, I keep finding something new about how they hold tradition. One very obvious way is to name things, in a very Swedish way. Naming things is a way of claiming them, defining them.

Sweden’s the only country where I have heard a word other than a stapler for a stapler.

A stapler in Swedish is called, häftapparat—

häft—staple

apprat—device

Stapling device = häftapparat

Sometimes the words sound exactly the same, but are spelled differently, for example,

Architect is written —Arkitekt.

And —that’s how everything becomes Swedish. Another example, and quite common when it comes to names—its Rikard, with a K sound not Richard with a Ch sound.

This year I learnt another word. Skyltsöndag, meaning Sign Sunday. I knew the event, but I did not know the Swedish name for it- Skyltsöndag

My friend Lena checking out hemgjord ost—homemade cheese.

Skyltsöndag- Sign Sunday

Also known as display sunday, Skyltsöndag is the first sunday after advent begins. and Christmas decorations are put up both in shops and homes.

All the signs of an approaching Christmas are made visible.

Therefore, Skyltsöndag falls on fourth Sunday before Christmas. Presently, Advent is observed as a time for Christmas preparation, and the arrival of Baby Jesus. Interestingly, this year Skyltsöndag fell on December 1st.

Most of the Christian celebrations were originally pagan.

Nowhere is it clearer than in Sweden. When there is such a contrast between the quantity and quality of light in the four seasons, it is natural to honor rhythms of mother earth. Pagans were either celebrating light or reflecting upon it or awaiting it.

The concept of light was transferred to the concept of baby Jesus, the symbol of light, love and hope.

Christmas makes sense in Sweden. I have spent a few years in the southern hemisphere and believe me, Christmas doesn't make sense with barbecues and beach parties. Inte mysigt—not cosy….

About 2 pm in the afternoon and it is already getting dark.

A very common sight—needs no explanation.

Red Swedish buildings stand out in winters. As does Santa.

Advent och Pyntar: Advent and Decorations

It was ingenious to replace all pre-christian holidays and celebration with references to Christianity. Over a period of time all festivals got disassociated from paganism.

However, Sweden is a nation open to dialogue and discussion. And Swedes recognize origins of all the traditions.

For me, there were two give aways.

One was the use of candles in Sweden —for most part of the year. Beginning in late October- early November candles become abdundantly visible everywehre in Sweden. In restaurants, homes, bus stations, shopping malls, and outside Swedish homes. Considering how dark Swedish winters are, candles or oil lamps must have been commonly used long before Christianity arrived. It is said that Sweden uses nearly 80,000 tonnes of candles every year.

And another was -words like Jul, and Tomte.

Jul (pronouned Yul), as our swedish teacher shared, is a pre-christian word used for Christmas today. Think Yule-Tide

Tomte, meaning gnome is the word used for Santa.

And the tradition of Christmas-Wreaths and Christmas-trees were also pre-christian. Pagans associated branches of the trees with abundance of spring and summer. So, it was common to celebrate winter solstice by bringing in trees and decorating them with goodies. Long before celebrating the birth of Christ, pagan communities, especially in the northern hemisphere, celebrated the Winter Solstice by auguring light. I found this on a blog about Santa Lucia1-a day dedicated to honoring the Saint of Light (click here to read the entire article.)

Lucia Day. The pagan Scandinavians believed that on the Winter Solstice (which they observed on December 13th), a witch or she-demon by the name of Lussi rode through the skies on a broom, accompanied by an entourage of trolls, elves, and ghosts.

However, there was a Saint Lucia, and the two concepts were merged post the advent of Christianity. click here to read the entire article.)

Early missionaries carried tales of Santa Lucia to Scandinavia, and as usual, converts merged the traditions of both their new and old cult figures. St. Lucia (whose name is based on Lux, the Latin word for “light”) seemed a tailor-made fit as the pagan Lussi’s stand-in.

Just a 30 second clip of winter market. Preparing a short to share with you all. Will announce it here when ready.

Culture and Media

Media— is a perfect conduit for culture. Of course, today we think of media as ‘electronic’ and ‘audio-visual’.

But here I mean, any form of communication.

Sweden is a story-loving nation. On my winter walks I always feel that gnomes, trolls and fairies would just jump out of the woods, any minute. Sweden’s magical seasonal change combined with a wild landscape makes it a perfect location for knitting ‘tales.’

Here you can read some Swedish Fairy Tales.

Though a developed nation with access to all kinds of media, Sweden does not have an over-productive media industry. Population wise its a small country and sustains itself well with limited productions. However, the country puts its public television to good use by creating media traditions.

My favorite is Swedish Public Television's special program around Christmas.

At the winter market, I entered this room that was lit in a very swedish manner —with gold lights and lit candles in the center.

My guess was right. Nothing was being sold here. Only stories shared It was a story telling session. the young woman is a professional storyteller. You can click here to check out her website and invite her for a session for a party.

Julkalender: Swedish Television's Christmas Calendar

Every year, beginning December 1st, SVT - Swedish Public Television airs a mini-series for children. Each episode is 12-20 minute long—and over 24 days it amounts to a full length feature film. The series coincides with Advent calendar and is an essential part of contemporary Christmas tradition in Sweden

Aired since 1960 the series is meant for family viewing during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Until 1970 it was called Adventskalendar. The final episode airs on Christmas eve, December 24th. When it started in 1960, the series began on Advent Sunday, so each year there could be different number of episodes. For example, in 1967 the series had only 22 episodes, since the Advent Sunday that year was on the 3rd of December.

However, now that it starts on the 1st of December we get 24 episodes every year.

SnowDreams: A screenshot of Julkalendern 2024, on Public television’s webpage.

Main characters are always children between 6-15 years of age. The story always includes both girls and boys. The themes often revolve around Christmas and incorporate Advent and Santa Lucia as a part of the story.

Earlier there used to be an audio version of story on television - for Swedish Public Radio.

However these days radio and TV have different stories for JulKalendern.

Entertainment-Education

Many times Julkalandern’s script uses old words that are no longer in use, or mentions contemporary concepts whose origins have been forgotten. Combining old, out-of-use words, is a wise way of keeping langauge alive.

For example, here are two things I learnt from watching the series.

Dräng: A farmhand. When people did not have their own farms, they worked a other people’s farm to support themselves.

and

Dopp i grytan: Literally meaning— bread dipped in a pot. It's a tradition to dip dried bread in a ham broth/soup. It is considered a side dish in Julbord—the Christmas spread. Since it is traditionally associated with Christmas time, —Christmas eve i.e. December 24 is sometimes called “dopparedagen” dipping day or dipper’s day.

An important fact: the bread dipped is often sourdough bread, since dopp i grytan is meant to be used with stale, often dry bread. It is wisdom to come up with novel ways to eat food that may not be as fresh, but is still good to eat.

Winter markets are perfect place for the creatives to sell their creations.

Culture and Consumption

Of course, smart Swedes have controlled marketing, just right to maintain culture, with minimal profit. So, a paper advent calendar, with a window to open each of 24 days, is sold at Swedish retail outlets, shops, supermarkets etc.

Everyday from December 1st to December 24th children can open a window in the calendar, which often contains information related to the plot of that day's Julkalendern.

Check out the unique hand-warmers. All handmade.

Winter markets are setup, creating reason and space to meet and mingle.

Foods and goodies needed for the season are sold.

Beeswax Candles

these hand-towels are made from recycled yarn.

Here are some pot-holders (grytlapper).

You can often find some unusual goods at the market.

Here is a wreath made with untreated wool.

And some useful items made with handmade felt

Tiny ceramic Elks

No market is complete without lipsmacking goodies.

Fudge From the left: Coffee and vanilla, Licorice (Swedes are crazy about it) Raspberry and Coconut.

This one is a fancy new-way of eating potatoes. New Fair-Food. A skewer is pushed through spirally-sliced potatoes. The entire thing is deep fried for a few seconds and sprinkled with spices. Voila, you have a filled and tasty snack!

PS: Fair-foods are never fair to the waist lines, but I think this is better than funnel cakes!!

The following two pics show how natural energy is used to provide warm spots. Huge cuts are made in a log, some kindling is put inside to get the fire started and let the provide heat in open areas.

No unnatural garbage is left behind. What belonged to nature returns to her in a few hours.

By the time you leave the market you are singing— Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

You get home and see every window is lit and every house looks like a castle.

It is truly beginning to look like Chrismas!

To thankyou all!

Thanksgiving is about gratitude.

Despite all the political stuff that get associated with thanksgiving, I still think this holiday is the best holiday in the US.

The day comes aptly at the beginning of winter, when we are bound to complain, wrinkle our noses and shake our heads at the dimming light and dropping temperatures.

But as the shadows lengthen, we go inward.

A reflection.

Much recognition of our interconnectedness. A gratitude emerges.

This post is to thank all of you, who allow this blog a space in your inbox.

All of you, who take out precious time to read it.

A Gift of Gratitude

To express my gratitude, I share the gift of a recipe.

A centuries old recipe.

That can be prepared in less than 15 minutes, with ingredients you probably have in your kitchen right now!

Its healthy, colorful and tasty!

In addition, this post will also share how Indian cuisine is medicinal by nature.

Equally important -- it will link the concept of guna and dosha discussed in the post titled--Mind. Mentality. Machines. (click to read the previous post).

Healthy Body = Healthy Mind = Healthy Body…

Ayurveda, the Indian medicine system, considers mind and body as intertwined with each other.

An unhealthy body will find it very difficult to have positive, uplifting thoughts. However, an unhealthy mind, no matter how healthy the body will eventually create sickness in body and difficulties in life.

Easier said than done.

But one fun way of bringing it all together is diet.

Ahaar-Diet

The word for diet in Sanskrit and consequently in many Indian languages is Ahaar. Except, ahaar is not restricted to food.

It relates to consumption via all our senses.

Therefore a focus on less screen time, discretion about what we read and consume, who we hang out with (for their language and way of thinking affects us), and a practice of meditation that allows us a respite from this busy world.

However, in this post we are speaking only of the tangible food that we take in via our mouth.

Some background

This recipe of a fermented drink1, is traditionally made from black carrots--usually called purple carrots in the west.

But relax, I will provide you with an alternative. So you can easily find all the ingredients in your kitchen.

While as recent as 2004, USDA (United States Department of Agricultur2e) tried to entice people into eating more carrots by promoting multi-colored ones, we in India grew up with black/purple, orangish-red^[3] and yellow carrots.

In fact we have centuries old recipes that require black/purple carrots.

Black/Purple Carrots

The internet will tell you that purple carrots originated in Afghanistan 5000 years ago. Except, 5000 years ago Afghanistan3 was a part of India.

So, this recipe is centuries old. Possibly older.

My mother gave the recipe to me. My mother got it from her mother. My grandmother was born and raised in what is now Pakistan, and she got it from her mother.

You get the idea. The name is Kaanji!

Pronounced exactly as it is  written, with a long a, and short i.

Sounds like Japanese script! It isn’t, but sounds exactly like that.

Kaanji.

A glimpse of autumn in Sweden

A Fermented Drink

Although wikipedia states that Kaanji is prepared for Holi, the spring festival of colors, we drank it through the winter and until early spring.

The preparation itself takes only 15 minutes.

What do you need? Carrots (Purple/black are better but you can use yellow and orange ones as well), beetroot, powdered mustard, salt, black pepper and water.

That’s it!

Fermented Foods & Health Benefits (gut health)

Usually, foods were fermented to increase their shelf life and enhance flavor. But now we know that fermented foods come with several health benefits.4

While in the modern world studying fermented foods is a recent phenomenon, due to interest in gut health, in India5, due to Ayurveda6 fermented foods and probiotics7 have been recommended as centuries and form an integral part of Indian cuisine.

For example, at Indian food dosa made of fermented rice and lassi, a yoghurt-based drink are a common offering. And no Indian meal is complete without pickles. Indians pickle everything from lemons, to mangoes, to green leaves to ginger and garlic.

Banyan Botanicals states:

In fact, India is the only country in Asia to explicitly recommend the consumption of fermented foods in their “Dietary Guide for Indians” for its benefits on digestibility and enhancing nutritional value8.

Kombucha that has only become famous in the west, only in the 21^st century, is an old recipe from China.  

Think sauerkraut and pickles. Even though fermented for increasing flavor, must have continued to be consumed due to health benefits.

Balancing Doshas with Kaanji

Remember the brief explanation of doshas-- meaning imbalance or fault? (CLICK HERE TO READ THE PREVIOUS POST EXPLAINING DOSHAS)

The two doshas that get aggravated during winter are: Vata and Kapha

Vata is dry and airy. It contributes to dry skin and aching joints.

Kapha is heavy and sluggish. It adds to the lethargy that we all experience in winter.

Pitta is at its lowest in winter, resulting in reduction in body heat and low digestive fire.

A Cool Drink to Warm you in Winters.

Kaanji, increases Pitta and balances Vata. Being Vitamin C rich, kaanji is said to stimulate white blood cells and therefore enhances immunity, i.e. protects us from colds and flus.

The two primary tastes of Kaanji are salty and sour. Both help in balancing Vatta. The pungent taste enhanced due to fermentation balances Kapha.

Tastes in Kaanji

Sour (Amla): Earth & Fire: Balances Vatta

Salty (Lavana): Water & Fire: Balances Vatta

Pungent (Katu): Fire & Air: Balances Kapha

Kaanji is best had chilled, but its impact on the body is to increase our digestive fire, aiding in digestion.

Kaanji is the best probiotic9 you need to keep you healthy through winters.

Other benefits

Kaanji controls blood sugar levels, so highly recommended for diabetic patients. It is also said to lower cholesterol. Since it is rich in the miracle vitamin C it is also linked to prevent the signs of aging, by keeping the skin hydrated through the winter.

Since the rich vitamin content of this purplish drink also enhances collagen production consuming kaanji helps in maintaining suppleness of skin.

According to Ayurveda, fermented foods should be avoided during summers10.

Ah, tell that to the beer lovers!!!!

Just chilling the beer does not make it a cooling food11. Fermented foods consumed in summers can mess with digestion process. And because beer is a diuretic it is also dehydrates the body.

Drinking it in autumn, an entirely different thing.

Hence the famous Oktoberfest in Germany!

Kaanji over Supplements

Better than taking supplements. It is advised to drink kaanji it has zero side effects.

In addition, if you can find them12, know that purple carrots contain all the nutrients of orange carrots, but with extra benefits of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects.

Finally The Recipe

Ingredients

Carrots (purple/black are the best, but can be replaced easily with orange, yellow ones. A few pieces of beetroot are added to get the rich purple.: 50 g

Beetroot13: 20 g (beetroot is needed only if you cannot find black/purple carrots. It allows kaanji its purplish hue associated with kaanji make of purple carrots.

Black Salt (can easily be replaced with regular table salt): 1 teaspoon

Powdered Mustard: 15 g

(Best of coarsely ground. Therefore, it’s best when you take seeds and grind it yourself in a mortar and pestle)

Ground Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon

Chilli-powder – optional – half teaspoon

Water: 960 ml 15 g

1. Wash, scrape and cut the carrots and beetroot into 6 cm long, thin pieces. 

2. Add the carrots and other ingredients to water. Mix well.

3. Store in earthen-ware pots/glass jar. Put it in the Sun for 3 to 7 days (more if needed). 

4. Serve in a medium size glass of a crushed ice in a medium size, glass over crushed ice.

Serves 4.

Special instructions:

1.     Exposure to the Sun/natural light is crucial.

2.     Depending on the Sun, it can take 3-6 days for fermentation to complete.

3.     While it begins slow, once begun fermentation goes at a fast pace. Therefore, make sure by having a taste about 3-4 days after preparing.

Once ready, quickly refrigerate.

Go raid your kitchen pantry and refrigerators.

Thanks again for reading!

Happy Thanksgiving!

When Traffic Jam seems poetic! And the autumn skies…

As shared earlier, this is the peak festive season in India. Although they never stop, beginning August we have a celebration every two weeks. Each celebration is associated with different Gods/Goddesses and each God/Goddess has his/her own favorite foods. Add to that India’s knowledge of seasons, body and nutrition, you start seeing heavier foods being sold in the market. Consumption of eateries rich in sesame, jaggery and nuts becomes common in North India, where this seasonal change is more obvious.

Each state in India has its own tradition. Each community has its own rituals but some things are common to all.

One of them being lighting candles and small earthen lamps (diya) on the new moon night in the month of Kartik (between October and November), otherwise knowns as Deepawali1, a row of lights.

Hinduism in Fiji

To the Hindus, every day is unique2. But Diwali holds a special place. For both adults and children. The same magic as Xmas for Christians and ID for Muslims. Diwali celebrates the return of victorious Lord Rama to his kingdom in a flying Chariot/Palace3.

Since Deepawali falls on a new moon night, entire India ensures that all the paths are lit to guide Lord Rama back to his home town.

Other than India, there was only one country where I felt the true spirit of Deepawali.4

In Fiji. I wrote a detailed account in an article (click here).

Indo-Fijians, who were taken by the British to work on sugar plantations in Fiji have maintained centuries old rituals5. Fiji had invited the British to take over, in 1852. Britain declined because the offer included allowing one of the Fijian chiefs to retain his chiefly title. However, in 1874, a second offer with modifications was accepted by Britain.

Fiji remained a British colony for nearly a century —from 1874-1970.

In 1879, only five years after annexing the Fiji islands, Britain began to import Indian laborers who were well-versed in planting sugarcane, as indentured laborers. Indians brought both Hinduism and Islam to the island country. Many more Hindus (85%) than Muslims and other (15%).

Other than India, there was only one country where I felt the true spirit of Deepawali.

Indo-Fijians, the brave, the committed

However, Christianity had been introduced to Fiji about five decades prior to importing the timeless religion—Sanatan Dharm, AKA Hinduism. Hindus did not have much freedom to practice their religion since Christianity, did not approve of what it considered idol-worship. Indians, who loved their Gods, hid the idols and shrines in farms. In fact, some temples were found after Fiji gained independence, deep into the forest, decades after they were built.

Although the situation has improved, there has been a long history of conflict between Indo-Fijians, and Fijians, who are predominantly Christian Much of this was supported by the British (the famous divide and rule policy). There were concentrated efforts to convert the Indo-Fijians to Christianity.

Prof. Brij Lal has written extensively about Indo-Fijians conviction in holding their religion tight despite coercion by various forces, even oceans away from India.

Learning about such stories made me want to pay closer attention to Hinduism.

Often the following couplet by Iqbal is used to characterize Hinduism.

कुछ बात है कि हस्ती मिटती नहीं हमारी
सदियों रहा है दुश्मन दौर-ए-ज़माँ हमारा
-इकबाल

Kuch baat hai ki hasti mit-ti nahi hamari
sadiyon raha hai dushman daur-e-zamaN hamara
– Iqbal

There must have been something (sturdy/special) about us, that we are sill here, even though the whole world has been our enemy.

When I lived in Fiji, desecration of Hindu temples was a common news. Both 1987 and 2000 coups were characterized by riots between the two communities, which included looting and vandalizing of Hindu temples.

But the Indo-Fijians, those poor peasants who were duped into boarding the ship to Fiji, did not give up their Gods.

Indo-Fijians and Lord Rama

Indo-Fijians have a special place for Lord Rama, who was exiled6, in their hearts and lives. They think like their Lord, they were exiled too from motherland. Lord Rama remains the most popular God among the Indo-Fijians. In fact, the common greeting is simply chanting His name, Rama-Rama.

Most popular devotional songs are dedicated to Lord Rama. In this short video (Work in Progress), you can see how much Lord Rama means to Hindus in Fiji.

Fiji, the Little India

Fiji was rightly called Little India.

Indo-Fijians, who despite their desire to return to India were too poor to take the trip back, created a mini India. While Muslim & Christian Indo-Fijians could belong to the larger Islamic or Global Christian group, Hindu Indo-Fijians had only India as their connection. In exile from their motherland, the Hindus continued to honor their Gods and rituals, forged a new language, and incorporated the Pacific in their cuisine.

Every year on Diwali, I silently thank my stars for experiencing a few Diwalis in Fiji. Probably the only time I did not miss India.

Suva, Fiji

I can’t tell who is the customer and who is the saleswoman, can you? A week before its arrival everyone gets into the spirit of the bright festival. Regardless of the religion, everyone dresses in gold and brocade. Even to go grocery shopping. And the grocers and shop keepers themselves are dressed like a Bollywood star.

The necklace that the woman is wearing, called Mangal Sutra-meaning an auspicious string, is indicative of her marital status. Only married women wear this necklace made of gold and black-beads. Black-beads are supposed to protect her from any untoward vibes.

Sadly due to political and economic conditions the Hindus have been emigrating in large numbers. While in 1987 they formed 52%, today they form less than 25% of the country7. Sadly missionaries are relentless and conversions continue. In my travels through the country I found two reasons for conversion.

1. Temples were not easily accessible in remote islands, but missionaries were always near.

2. Conversion meant better benefits by the state. Missionaries were eager to offer jobs to new converts, especially in the Church.

Old tactics.

And yet, a great percentage of Indo-Fijians held on to the culture and faith of their ancestors. I am in awe of steadfastness of the Hindu Indo-Fijians who have managed to transmit their religion to their children, despite all odds and oppositions.

I dedicate this post to Hindu Indo-Fijians who have never stopped loving their Gods. It is because of Fiji-Indians’ commitment to their culture that I could experience India again, even when I felt rootless.8

I wish you all the readers the same conviction and love of whatever you believe in.

And the strength to follow through.

And may light shine in your life.

Getty Images

The following videos will delight you. The first one plays a very popular prayer dedicated to the Goddess. The second plays a popular Indian song titled ‘Breathless’.

Pay attention to the young woman’s expressions and feel the pure unadulterated joy on her face. Her joyful expressions are the reason I suggest you watch her rather than listen to this.

The instrument is called Veena.

This year Diwali Falls on October 31st.

Happy Diwali, y’all

For this week, since it is the festive season, once again let me share another article on a very prominent festival observed by married women.

Ah, the controversy around it and the battle cry against patriarchy!

“But why must women fast for men?” Yadi, yadi, yada…

Such questions overlook the festivities that come along with this half-day fast.

Here, read more how fasting is wrapped in festivities, and how it connects families, and neighborhoods.

Our mothers observed the fast and we indulged in feasting.

We need festivals that collectively celebrate marriage. Such festivals bring back the focus on sacredness of relationship between a man and a woman.

Without these festivals we will be all too susceptible to the market and hallmark festivals like, ‘secretaries day’, ‘bosses day’ etc.

Click here to read the article on Karwa Chauth, the fourth day after the first full moon in the beginning of winter season (which was on the 16th of October. Karwa Chauth falls on October 20th, in 2024.

https://shaktitva.org/blog/festivals/karva-chauth-a-celebration-of-family-and-community

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karva_Chauth

An Old Article

Since Ramleela will be staged for the next ten days (October 3- October I2), allow me direct you to an old article, which happens to be a favorite of mine.

The article shares memories from childhood--wrapped in culture, art, and music. Enactment of old stories and legends is a way a civilization keeps its values alive. But unlike the formal re-enactment days whether supported by the state or a group of people, enactment of the Ramayana, one of the two Indian epics, is intertwined with sacredness. And an invisible, unacknowledged part of it is its ability to maintain long-standing intergenerational community.2

The title says, “In this world full of Ravana (an arrogant demon) have the courage to be a Jatayu (a demigod who comes in the form of a vulture, that gave its life to protect the unprotected). Among other things we are reminded that forms can be misleading, it is the values such as courage and caring, that make a positive difference.

Published five years ago the article is a reminisce of our fun-filled childhood, where dharma/religion turned into pure art. Not just a piece of art to look at but living art, that was performed, sung and passed down the generations. We were the actors and the audience, a small piece in its creation and also the final product. Please click here to read the article titled ‘Ramleela the builder and sustainer of our community.”

We became those seeds, that re-created the experience year after year, leaving behind a trail of amorphous instructions on community maintenance via memories, jokes and laughter.

The article shares a few anecdotes from the yearly enactment of the story of Lord Rama, which has been written in as many as 300 forms3, turned into one day enactments, to movies and musicals.

The Ramleela, the play of Lord Rama4 is staged for ten days. More prevalent in North of India for various historical, cultural reasons, the story is familiar to all Indians, and was televised for the first time as a two-year long series in the late 1980s.  Since then, it has been televised several more times, in newer forms, with better visual effects. Some would say that parts of it have been distorted to incorporate modern ways of thinking of about the Gods.

The Purpose of Art

The purpose of art is to transform both the audience and the artist.

Yes, the artist too.

For she has to embody what the character feels, he has to become the marble to chisel it, and she has to feel the color that she paints.

In Hinduism the primary purpose of art is to connect –to bridge the gap between

the daily behavior of us human beings with the divine purpose for us human beings.

Vyavhara to parmarthika.

Immanent to transcendent.

From experiencing the daily to the divine.

A scene from the Ramayana

Vyavhara

Vyavhara, a colloquial word, is used to imply conduct/behavior, in everyday transactions. In academic terms it can be considered ‘empirical experience’.

For example, ‘His/her vyavhara was appropriate’. Appropriateness is relative.

But to have considered it “appropriate” is a reflection of someone having observed it.

Empirical evidence. Still anecdotal. But this is how evidence is gathered.

The very first step is ‘observation.’

Paramarthika

Paramarthika - परमार्थ is the ultimate, the highest truth or spiritual knowledge/experience.

Please notice that knowledge and experience in this case is used as a synonym.

For the audience and the artist, there is no difference, between knowledge and experience.  

We should feel uplifted after a viewing/reading experience. Even when It does not have a happy ending. Through various means, any artistic expression should elevate us. It should connect us to the idea of beauty, good vs. bad, right vs. wrong, and most importantly to the subjectivity of it all.

Despite that subjectivity, we should be made wiser about what is the correct way to think that makes for a wiser way of understanding the world.

Many actors truly carry the lineage by playing the same role their fathers played in the previous enactments.

Though the epic has a hundred stories intertwined with each other, there are a few lessons that can be understood in the context of Indic thought.

The value of a promise, the role of a king, the role of a son, keeping your word, significance of humility over arrogance—even in spirituality, and brotherly love—are just some of the characteristics highlighted in the story.

The Ramayana may be the only story in the world where two brothers willingly want to disown their inheritance/kingdom, and offer it to the other.

I will leave you to analyze for yourself to categorize the prime media content today. How much of it uplifts us and how often are we shown connections between actions and their consequences.

Good art should impact our vyavhara, our behavior/conduct which ideally should be informed by parmarthika,the ultimate reality (a complex concept).

The Life of a Text

In the classic text Philip Lutgengorf (p. 250)5 highlights four aspects in which a Hindu approaches the divine (this must find equivalent in other religions in somewhat-similar forms):

Naam: Chanting the Name of the divine

Roop: By viewing the various forms of the Gods.

Leela:  Watching the acts of Gods, which in this case can only be recreated through drama.   By watching

Dham: Meaning abode---is accomplished by a pilgrimage, a visit to the location with which the deity is associated.  

Naam: Chanting the Name of the divine, which in Hinduism are limitless. Listening to his name, through music, through story others chanting the different names of the divine.

Roop: By viewing the various forms of the Gods. If you have paid attention, various forms of Hindu gods then you can see the abundance they are surrounded with. Often dressed in silk, real gold, silver and precious stones. The main point is to be delighted when our eyes fall on the Gods6. By experiencing the brightness, we get a glimpse of divine’s effulgence.

Leela:  Literally meaning acts or play are the ways in which Hindus the stories of their Gods –weaving into music, dance and drama.  The most common leela’s are depictions of two Avatars, incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Rama and Krishna.  By watching

Dham/abode: Each of Hindu Gods is associated with a specific location. Therefore pilgrimage and visits7 to specific temples have myriads of reasons behind.

The Ramleela

The Leela of Lord Ram connects those millions who have little time to read the epic, for meditation, singing His/Her praises---to a live presentation.

It transports the viewers to another place, another time.

In many ways, the Ramleela combines all four forms. Naam, Jaap, Lila and Dham. Chanting, listening, watching and visiting- for the Gods embodied by people who have lived the life of penance for months8, walk amongst us.

Hundreds of temporary stages called Pandala are set up. Millions of people come to watch. The show runs late night, allowing those working during the day to attend if they so wish. And many educational institutions give a week-long break to the students and teachers.

It's been four centuries, and yet this show, run mostly on community contributions and goodwill of the viewers, draws crowds in droves.

As I mentioned in Om Ganesh Namah, Hinduism and India’s culture are inseparable. Mainly because Hinduism understood that all people do not have the same abilities and resources (education, time, money, intelligence)—therefore it created multiple ways in which us ordinary folks could experience the divinity. Songs, rituals, books—reading and listening, drama, dance, festivals etc. Therefore we have hundreds of celebrations every year to connect with the divine and his consort—nature.

It is very common for parents to dress their children as Prabhu Ram, both as a King and a renunciate when he was in exile.

Enjoy the article, as it gives a detailed account of how felt about this yearly enactment.9

I will end this, with an anecdote I heard –about a young Muslim man who was playing a significant role in the Ramleela during Ramazan, the holy month in Islam. However, when during the play he needed to break his fast at sundown, sometimes the act was stopped or delayed, so that he could finish with his rituals. The audience waited patiently, until he returned to immerse himself in the divine play.

Perfect example of harmony and truly understanding divinity10

Prabhu Rama on Burj Khalifa at the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Jan 2024.

Leela and the Mind

And so does the enactment of the divine life inform the vyavhaar (behavior/conduct) with the parmarth (ultimate reality/spirituality)

The Ramleela has been staged for centuries not only in India but other countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia and Thailand, where the Kings were always given the title of Rama. It has also been staged regularly wherever the Indian diaspora landed, especially Fiji, Guyana and Trinidad.

I will leave it for you to decipher what this yearly enactment does to the economy, and minds and hearts of all those involved.

Jai Shri Rama, Glory to Lord Rama

Here is a one-minute trailer of a movie that I have not been able to finish --not yet— But hopefully soon.

If you wish, you can view enactment of one song (the most viewed video on the channel)—where a grief stricken younger brother looks for this brother, as he asks the rivers, the skies and the trees for the whereabouts of his brother who has been exiled for fourteen years without his knowledge. The song is sung by Mr. Satish Wadhwa, who played the role of Lord Rama for many years on this stage.

_______

Although I live in one of the sunniest cities in Sweden, there are many months before the Golden Orb decides to stay longer than an hour in the sky.

As the little hillocks of snow turned ice by the roadsides and passage ways, that the snow trucks accumulated over the winter begin to recede in the rising temperature (no more than 5 degrees centigrade), something else begins to make appearance and stay longer on the streets.

People.

Instead of rushing to get where they must be, they linger longer to talk to friends. A major characteristic of early spring.

Sun’s warmth is a few degrees higher than a few months ago.

The skies also are now bluer and brighter. In th…

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Semla: Singular

Semlor: Plural

Cycles and Turns

Nature’s Rhythm.

It goes in a cycle.

Turn, Turn, Turn.

So, the time has arrived for special traditions and treats that mark the sun’s movements, pay homage to defrosting of the lakes, smile at the new saplings, and listen to the breaking of the ice, that covered much of the ground for the last several months.

Come spring, the air starts to bite a little less.

Snow and Ice that covered the ground starts to thaw and part. It shows on the surface, but you feel it when under your feet, as you can sense the hard and heartless ground under the ice has started to breathe. It is gaining life and becoming warm enough to nurture life, once again.

Turn, turn, turn.

Rta, the Natural Order

Rta1, is the Sanskrit word for principle of natural cycle/order. Rta is what regulates the workings of this universe everything in it.

…

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Living on the East Coast of the US and now Scandinavia I have learnt that not all precipitation is the same. There’s wet snow, and dry snow, fluffy one and sometimes it just falls as crystals. Then of course, there is rain and hail.

I had heard of ice-break in a TV show. Yes, my favourite, Northern Exposure. After months of being stuck solid, when ice finally begins to melt, it creates a roaring sound, like the roar of a tiger. I heard it first in Pennsylvania, when I lived on the top floor. If you do not live close to a lake or in live in a tall apartment building you may not hear it.

But if you live in a house where ice has stayed on the roof for sometime, even though it is dangerous, you may hear the roar when it starts to break into pieces, as it melts.

The first time I heard it, it sounded like a snow truck removing snow, but slightly muffled, yet deeper. …

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Today, February 14, 2024, according to Panchang is Vasant Panchami. The festival falls on different days every year. But this year it coincides with Valentine’s Day.

The day is considered so auspicious that all projects including weddings are recommended on this day. Usually all big projects for Hindus require a Muhurat, a specially ordained time to conduct the activities, especially a wedding. But Vasant Panchami is a guilt free day. No Muhurat needed!!

Vasant —meaning Spring

Panchami- meaning the fifth date of the month. In this case, according to the the Hindu calendar, it is the Month Magha.

On this day we honor Ma Saraswati. Mother, Goddess Saraswati.

Her name is telling. Saras is the Hindi/Sanskrit word for Swan. Ma Saraswati’s vahan/vehicle, is the Swan.

Swans have the ability to differentiate between milk and water.

1 Mother is usually dressed in white or pas…

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The play of light makes it seem all dreamy. At the right time in the day, it seems that both sky and ground are reflecting each other. And the lights and candles smile at both as if saying, ‘You made our work easier. Now let there be light!’

Dear Readers,

This is about the upcoming short film. I found a glitch which needs to be fixed. In addition, I thought I would like to add some more clips to it. Therefore, please remove the 8 minute film from your watch time (I am just assuming that all of you had that penciled in…, he, he).

I will return with a confirmed time. It will possibly be sometime next weekend.

Apologies for the inconvenience and thanks for understanding.

Sincerely,

Charu

Here something that may bring a smile, or at least I hope so…

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PS: I have posted an update on the film. Its been delayed until next weekend. Will return with the new time.

Thanks for understanding,

___________

As we move into longer days in the northern hemisphere, here is a collection of images with a short commentary and music.

The 7.5 minute movie premieres on January 6th, 1 pm Stockholm time. You can watch it live with me, or at your convenience (the link will become active soon as the movie is over, so you can watch it anytime).

Some of the images will be familiar, but you can enjoy them as stringed garland perfumed with some bubbly music.

If you enjoy it, do consider subscribing to the channel.

Here’s the Link! Hope to see you there…

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