Yashoda Bhavan is a landmark building on Gariahat junction.In the early seventys,Kannamani and Krishnamurthy migrated to Chennai.While the younger siblings Chandru and Lucky moved to Delhi and B'uru respectively,Subbu stayed on.The Hum Dho Hamarey Dho family moved from the dilapidated building near Triangular park to a plush third floor apartment in Yashoda Bhavan.
Nayaki was a spritely little teenager then,and Ambi was her shadow.The building housed around 50 families mostly Marwaris and the icing on the cake was the presence of kids nearly our age ,in most of the families. Infact as I grew up,in the midst of family and friends,somewhere down the line,unawares,each one of us mingled beautifully,a strange bond that helped not only to foster relationships, but also aided in imbibing the strengths from the respective cultures.
In this post of mine,I wish to bring out the influence of Marwari culture in my life....an influence that I feel has also been a factor for bringing out the best in me.I am indebted to my mother for instilling good values and I also owe some of my qualities to another strong lady.
Simple housekeeping tricks can keep you happy and stress free said Chandra the strict Marwari mom.I was amazed .It was a holiday and it was the routine practice to get up,follow a not so strict morn regimen and rush to have fun with the Khaitan siblings.The three Marwari kids and the two Iyer kids went on to earn the dubious distinction of being THE FAMOUS FIVE.They did not mind though.It was great fun to be together,laugh hysterically,discuss the craziest possible things on earth and playfully execute some of them, right under the noses of the parents.So ! while the Iyer kids feasted daily at a Marwari home and in the process learnt to make yummy Marwari dishes,the Marwari kids ,especially the older girl was always to be found inside the Iyer's kitchen......probing various Iyer Recipes.
Chandra was an immaculate lady and Viji had a penchant for cleanliness.The combo that boasted of mutual qualities of perfection and orderliness were a silent influence on all the kids.....and it is here that I would like to stress upon the importance of good housekeeping to unwind and relax..Chandra would oftenly say " Beta Kaam karo....apna kaam aur doosron ka kaam bhi karna seekho.Chotey chotey kaamon mein khushiyan milthi hai.Chowka saaf suthra rakho.Roz Bisthar aur thakiyon ka chhadar badla karo,kapda dung sey sametna seekho......aisa lagey kee isthiri kiya hua ho......aur apney Ghar sey ithna prem karo ,kee jub bhi kissee bhi kamrey kee tharaf dekho tho mun khil uthey. "
Chandra aunty was right.Her prescription is a boon for me today.I have now reached the stage where I now tell my girls.....take a break,lend a hand in the kitchen and experiment,throw a few colourful cushions around,change the curtains,bolster up a rainy day with fresh potted indoor plants,add the odd antique knick knacks in some corner,keep an aquarium if you can.........and watch the results....Its amazing...I have tried it successfully.You can too........
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