Indian Tea Houses

Chai or Tea (commonly made with black tea, milk and spices), is a part of Indian culture, Bengali culture rather,  and diet, as much as rice is. Along with chai or chaa as Bengali's call it, we  have to have some snacks- whether it is chaat, singhara (commonly known as samosa), sweets (rasgola), marie biscuits or and biscuits (known as cookies in America). The biscuit might be a british thing, to dunk it in the tea and eat... mmm.

The Italians have their biscottis (delicious) with coffee, the French have their cafe au lait, the people in Westeros (fictional place in A Song of Ice and Fire) have their meads, ales, and Dornish wines...and the Brits and Indians have biscuits. Well maybe the Brits have tea and crumpets (hehehe!). We all have our drink and a side snack to comfort us at the end of the day. I love the tea and biscuits. I love dipping my biscuit in my tea! Personally I do not like it when the biscuit gets so soggy and breaks off and descend to the bottom of the cup, but some people like it. I do however enjoy the soggy biscuit with the subtle flavor of the tea. The chaa can be black, with or without sugar, with or without milk. It's up to you. If you're drinking it black, you can add some lemon... One thing you must have with tea is "Adda" in bengali that means "chat" or "gossip". Just a light, non-serious form of conversation.

In the west we do a type of "adda" over beer, or drinks. However in India or Bengal, chaa serves as the drink of choice for "adda". Its a social bonding experience, usually done at dusk, in the garden, some cozy spot, or the side of the road by the chaa-waalla (tea trader), or the maidan (field for sports). Did we get this culture from the Brits? or is it Bengali?

The point of the matter is, chaa is a ritual in Kolkata. after lunch, in the evenings before breakfast... In a way India has it's own tea-rituals. India has it's own Tea houses, although not as fancy as the Japanese Tea Houses. India's tea houses are rustic, and can be found in the cart on the road-side. It's truly an experience, and if not experienced an entertaining, and awesome sight to see.

India has been getting the reputation more and more of being the worst country or most dangerous country for women, it always has been. Recently more women are speaking up, and more people are standing up for women. So we are hearing more and more of the horrors. It's not recent, however it seems the violence against women is being aggravated further as more people stand up FOR women. There is many an argument against women and not to mention the sexually repressed nature of the culture, and conservative-ness, and what ever else. I recently came across this article on why and how a woman should travel India. Which is so well written. One line in particular struck me "One reason: No country will fascinate and frustrate you more." It's the small things, and not just in India, but every country. So look for the little tea stalls, and enjoy some chaa and biscuit. Forget starbucks, forget chai tea lattes and have the real thing... I sure miss it!

A chaa stand

The neighborhood chaa waala

There also maybe a chaa lady - Pic by Chirasree Charaborty

the chaa tastes best out of little earthen cups!

Will the Real Guru Ji Please Stand Up

"What's the best kind of Yoga to learn?"
"Which Yoga studio/ashram/guru/type of yoga is the best?"
"Do you have to be a Hindu to do Yoga?"
"I am not flexible, how can I do yoga?"
"What is real yoga?"

These are questions people ask me a lot as an Indian and as a Yogi. Often times I am not equipped to answer them.

I just watched Kumare, and I totally felt Vikram Gandhi's strife - growing up in the USA, with Indian values. Wanting to break free from these ancient seemingly nonsensical stuff yet people of this western world- America- are moving towards it. The absurdity! So seriously I was enthralled by Buffy, Friends, and X-Files. I really wanted to be an FBI agent. And here there are people dreaming of becoming a Yogi, of enlightenment, happiness, peace and calmness.

As an Indian I was taught to value education, education, achievement, career, achievement, normalcy, and success. What does that mean? Well it means - get super educated, get a career that you can make the big bucks from, settle down, make a family, and then live in the luxury that pre-independence Indians could not dream of. This didn't make sense to me, because I wanted more than just that flow. I like a different sun salutation everyday. Why should I do the same one, when my body tells me to stretch this way! I became a rebel, death metal, the goth culture, etc. so alluring, especially cause it freaked "normal" people out. I matured and looked deeper, and like Vikram I studied religion, as well as psychology, cultural geography etc.

I began listening to the guru inside me, because I never could connect with an external guru, I did have people I connected with, empathized with, and listened to their advice or their words of wisdom. Worship never sat well with me. I think of all things I believe in the Universe, nature, and the powerful energy that runs through us all the most. Call it God? Ok! I don't have a name for it, and it has no rules for me, except I must be a good person, cause hurting others just don't feel good.

Yoga has always been a part of my life, cause 1- I'm Indian, and my mom's grandad taught her, and its a cultural thing for most of us. 2- My mom was really into it all her life 3- My mom made my sis and I go to the Sivananda Yoga Ashram in Chennai back when we were itty bitty, against our will may I add... we had no idea what this "Yoga" was going to be. We liked it. We liked yoga cause we could become animals and hop around - a crow, a dog, a cat, a cow, a lion, a tree, a upside down person, a peacock... and then we made up our own animals.

Fast forward 23 years, I am finally working on my Yoga teacher certification, which I should have gotten years ago from the center, but as mentioned before, I wanted to be Buffy and not Yogi! I get to USA and everyone is Yogi, and I am Buffy! Ha! My journey through life, its pains, joys, taught me much, and the time was ready for this deeper learning of Yoga. It was still the ability to turn into other animals, however NOW it was something much deeper.

Through this learning of Yoga, I connect better with people, better myself and skills (slowly but surely, such a tough process and I often stumble), and understand the world, universe and life with a clarity previously unfound. Then again my boyfriend Ryan, is a Kumare, traveling his on path. It's amazing how people understand the same deep truth which is right in front of us through different journeys. Some of us need a mirror, some of search in other cultures, religions, practices, traveling, and others just see it as it is.

It's not about education, accomplishment or achievement... it's about putting all that aside and seeing the truth. It's harder to do than it seems to be. Something so simple yet so difficult for so many to achieve? It' kind of like Einstein's works, it makes so much sense, and so simple yet he put it all together.
Definitely watch Kumare if you haven't. It's on Netflix. Stop searching externally, and seek within... (he's not saying worship yourself and inflate your ego). Yoga helps introspect, as well as so many other benefits. Find your own path, read, definitely study the old Hindu scriptures, there is much wisdom and truth there.

Guru's are great for being guided, growing and taught, which not able to understand a process. Gurus are not made through certifications, PhDs etc. although some people think they are...  but anyway are / should be spiritual friends who help you wake up. We must share our paths to grow. I am so lucky to have an amazing set of gurujis!

I'm not great guru... I'm just me, Pree. I might not be right but these are things which I have learned and know. So here are my answers to the questions asked

What Yoga school is good/ real/ correct? It depends on what you are looking for! Google is a great tool to research yoga. However in the end Yoga is Yoga is Yoga. Just like which Christianity is the right/true/real Christianity?  Baptists? Protestants? Catholics? Lutherans? It just depends on if you want an asana focused practice, chanting focused practice, or service focused practice. Within the Asana focused practice there is so many different types of practice concerning asana... etc.


There are many awesome Yoga studios in Ohio! Go to different classes at different places and find out which yoga class suits you! I like slow restorative yoga to a good vinyasa flow.

One does not need to be flexible to do yoga. Everyone can do yoga. Only lazy people can not do yoga. You also don't have to be Hindu to do yoga. Also being Hindu doesn't mean worshiping multiple Gods... those who think so are dhakkans. Read!

What is yoga... real yoga? Well you have to learn to find out!




Breathe


and

Live.

An article about chanting in sanskrit

Ohio to Delhi and Madras Coffee to Mocha Latte

Recently my father traveled all over (again) for work, luckily I was left out of the hectic schedule. Delhi, Chennai, Calcutta, Thailand, Malaysia, Thailand, China (and various cities within china), back to Thailand... eventually India. I had to be here at the mothership and send shipments out to reach to those destinations which coincided with their trip for various trials. I digress, but the minute he lands, he finds the lounge for frequent travelers, finds his tea, and starts working. Yeah that's his life. HE sends the entire family this email- My grandad (whom he calls Baba- father), my mom, my uncle Danny, my sister, and who knows who else!

This is his little story... its an ungodly hour at Delhi international airport, he is waiting for his connecting flight to Chennai, and ofcourse it's morning here in USA.

Baba: I just called you, but NO ANSWER !! That means you are in Sangeeta’s home or ghure berachhen ! Roddure soreer kharap hobe.  (Means you are in Sangeeta's house or out wandering somewhere! You will get ill wandering around in the hot sun.)

I am in Delhi airport,

         First had a cup of coffee ! There are 4 coffee shops, but none had MADRAS COFFEE. I asked they said even though they are using coffee beans from Madras, but they must use “Foren names” like Latte, capachino and charge high for attracting clients !
       So, I said “Desi khotom, and Foren ka jamana” –  no place for Gandhiji ! (which means the Indian stuff is over/ended/gone, now it's time for foreign culture/"things" to invade and make money.)

This next part is other stories he has to tell about from the flight...

Some stories from the United flight –

     Good news: flight landed at 8 pm. I was out after customs clearance by 8-20 PM. That is 20 minutes from the Flight to out side after Immigration and customs. That is an “WOW” achievement of efficiency, my walking as well as the airport authorities.

      My row companion, kept his Bag under the center seat (that was empty), did not even make attempt to put above in the storage area. Then I saw he has only one arm !! I said “Sorry” to him for not knowing it before. As it was right arm that is lost, and he was sitting to my right.

I learned – he is “IT specialist for auditing Financial irregularities”. An intelligent young man from Simla, but works from Delhi for a large US based IT company with 300 global offices.

     In front  Row, I had 3 elderly ladies – all wheel chaired. One lady had her Row-companion – a High school grad US girl student, quite tall. Going to Mussourie for college study. Getting very popular amongst US people. This girl impressed every one from start. She was (so naturally & spontaneously) helping two elderly ladies seating in her row, even though these ladies had other Indian people seating in same row. The air-hostess called her the “Angel”.

     There was an old Sardarji couple just behind me – Before departure I spoke to Indira and Pillu in Bangla. Suddenly, this sardarji started talking to me in Bangla. He stayed in Kolkata for 30 years. Now he has green card, and stays with his son in Kansas city for about 5 months in a year.

    Now, I finished my second coffee cup along with two Samosa ( elephant size). This is also Madras Beans but with a “Foren” name.

So there is room for you to start “Swadeshi of gandhiji” movement or you can continue easily with your “Bilati culture”.

I will take morning flight to Chennai, then I come to Kolkata in the evening of 26^th.

Pronam to you and ma

Ashish

(note: I did a lot of work, and now trying to kill my time).

Another email regarding the coffee shop:

Babi,

I am still at Delhi airport. It is 1-40 am, I am having fun in killing my time with you in a productive way.

Now, you know – I can do things for you from any where  and at any time !!! Example,  in India from a coffee shop, around at mid night !! Correct ?

It is full of life here , with fresh dosa, rice, chart, Tea, coffee being made and served …

Body is getting tired, as sitting since yesterday.

Well used to it.

Love.. Babi

My sister replies:

Aha! I bet that's the same coffee shop Chris and I ate at in New Delhi when we first arrived!! 



His next email after multiple replies from Danny, my sis and I:

Now comes the foren English I learned in America, my new Home, and I am an Amrican citizen !!

Ø  I see nothin !
Ø  I don’t see “nothin”
Ø  I cannot do “Nothin’!”
Ø  Are you doin somethin ?

The class is closed now for the day. You will learn more from me as we do more classes.

Love  to you all.

India Celebrates 67 yrs of Independence... What about the women?

What does this day, 15th of August mean to you?
What does it mean to you as a woman?
What does in mean to you today in 2013 as an Indian woman, living in India or traveling there? Celebrating this day there?
What are we celebrating India? Our greatness? Our Freedom?

I remember when we celebrated 50 years of Indian Independence in 1997 on August 15th. It was such a milestone for Indians and India. I was rather young, we had the day off. I was in India at the time, and I felt the patriotic spirit beating through me. I always feel it, the Indian-ness, despite many an ex-Indian- Boyfriends' mother telling me I was not Indian enough. The sense of belonging, the Bengali-ness, my Madrasi side, the call from the Bharat Mata flowing through my blood... I'm as Indian as Indian can be. Just because I don't live there permanently don't mean I'm not Indian, just like just because I'm brown don't mean I'm not American. Anyway as I learnt from Patanjali's great scriptures, as well as other Hindu or Indian texts, all this sense of belonging and patriotism is for naught. We are all one, and this life is merely passing. Remember Karma, live this life well, and in the next life we will be fare better.

It occurred to me although its 14th August here, it is the eve of 15th August there. Oh the life of a multicultural person... we always remember all the time zones, and have to wish our friends early or late! So I thought I must put something patriotic up as my cover photo. Which led me think I'd want to put up something depicting Indian women and the Indian flag, because as much as I love India, the flag, the deeper spiritual culture etc. I remembered the atrocities carried out and constantly threatening women - abuse, rape, and the total lack of respect in the heavily misogynistic country!

My google searches gave very few results... reminding me that Ukrainian women were disrespected in India. A young girl was recently raped in a train bathroom; she was but 8! The gang rape of a college student in Delhi last year. The anger towards Indian women in positions of power. The anger towards Indian women who unknowingly appear to disrespect India - Sania Mirza her feet near Indian flag, or was it just the angle of the photo? She must be shunned! Then A random girl who photobombs the Indian Olympic team. Great disrespect. Some actress who wore a tie skirt, of the Indian flag. She must be beaten and stoned. A bunch of foerign women protesting that they were not prostitutes, because white skinend women were being attacked and raped, on the account that they were prosititutes...and then I read this account. Do Indian men really know no boundaries? Well I guess it's ok since the British raped us a century ago. NO! it's not ok!
Come on people! Wake up!
All the good pictures were of men holding the tri-color... oh brother! Gimme a break! Makes me feel like traveling home and doing a photoshoot of women with the tri-color. God bless India.

I'm as proud to be an American as I am to be an Indian at this point. We have brilliant people like Palin, Perry, etc. who are so knowledgeable about stuff, and then on the other hand India... oh India. India has improved a lot, developed, mimicked the west so well. While doing so they have forgotten their amazing strong culture, and spirituality. Instead picking up on the silly things of the culture - just ritualistic religious practice... which is so baseless if you don't study the deeper stuff. How many Indians really do yoga? At this point I think more Americans do yoga... despite Bikram going all "hands on" with his sutdents (if you get my meaning), another misogynistic example. Oh humanity redeem yourself! I'm not gonna say women are treated any better in the US... but as a part of development one would HOPE that a country's standards for how they treat women would improve.

So what shall we celebrate this Independence day India? Freedom from the British? Puhlease... We had a great leader, who some despise, lead us to freedom. Yeah he played the "Game of Thrones" (metaphorically speaking ie. politics), with the Brits, but he did know of the Yogic Sutras, and followed them to extremes. He knew what Brahmacharya means. How many men today can take up true celibacy? Yeah... thought so. We learn nothing from the good men, instead choose to always focus on their flaws.

Culture-vulture, religion-zealigion, progress-digress, we need to figure out ways to break the chain... the chain of violence against women. And let's start with you India, cause I just saw a map, or maps which said that India is the WORST place to be born in the entire world. I felt so let down. In fact, other maps depicted (based on research), that India is a country with the least tolerance to homosexuals, foreigners, and women! *sigh* Progress, independence... to what glory? Oh for the men, right... that's all that matter.

Women of India what are you celebrating today!?


Wake up!


Breathe!


Exhale and let go!

</rant>

PS: wouldn't be surprised if there's a lot of negative backlash to this blog cause ... oh pride! ego! That is strong there... very strong. Sorry Patanjali for letting you down, but obviously the "educated" haven't learned.
Vande Mataram India, Vande Mataram!

Also in the movie Chennai Express they said it was 66th year of independence, yet others claim it is the 67th. Which is it? So we count 1947 or not?



Ending it with -

"India has never had a real sense of nationalism. Even though from childhood I had been taught that idolatry of the Nation is almost better than reverence for God and humanity, I believe I have outgrown that teaching, and it is my conviction that my countrymen will truly gain their India by fighting against the education which teaches them that a country is greater than the ideals of humanity." --Tagore (From Rabindranath Tagore's Lectures on Nationalism, 1917

and

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
― Mahatma Gandhi