Our First Advent: A Simple Path to a More Meaningful Christmas

Brass crucifix illuminated by the warm glow of a candle

My alarm goes off at 5:00 AM, then 5:30, 5:40, and one last time at 5:45 AM. Then, I tell myself, "it is now or never, so just get the hell up and do what you have to, even when it feels like you can't." 

In the living room, I am greeted by strong, cold winds and whispers seeping in through the darkness. Winter is here, the days are shorter, the nights are long. The dark nights do not let the days out very early, suffocating them for as long as they can. I tighten my woollen shrug and drown my palms in its pockets. I close a window or two and hear the cries of community dogs, cold and hungry in the night, with nobody to call their own. Outside, on the dimly lit, misty street, I see milkmen on bicycles and milk vans lining up to do their daily duties - delivering the daily bread, milk, and other life essentials for sustenance for the old, for the young. 

The tea is brewing on the stove in my dimly lit kitchen. I pick up my mobile phone and play the chants of Lord Ganesh - my favourite God, who brings back so many childhood memories of times spent in his worship when he used to visit my maternal grandparents' house. My grandparents are no longer with us, but their legacy endures. Now, those moments play in my mind. With age, I find them becoming blurry, and I worry that one day, they might be erased from my mind completely. I dread that. We all need that one escape from reality. Imagine life without it. What is life, then? Survival mode. 

Having said that, we are always taught to look on the brighter side of things; to take things in our stride, make compromises and adjust, because there are so many people in circumstances worse than our own; we must think about them and draw our courage to go on in life, no matter how impossible it seems. And, therefore, we ought to be happy. 

That is the dark and gloomy stuff. Let us change our mood a little bit.

Alas! Winter is here, and so is the time for the season to be jolly. Soon, I will curl up on the couch with my daughter and watch our favourite Christmas movies together. We will decorate our real Christmas tree with fairy lights, angels, stars, and other glossy knick-knacks. 

This year, I have pledged to make this Christmas count. Being a non-Christian, but a believer in all faiths, I find that Christmas celebrations are cliched - the Christmas tree, the decorations, the lights, the sweets, the ubiquitous 'funfair' in residential societies, mega sales, grand Christmas tree installations in malls, a Santa Claus in playschools, that render this deep and profound occasion as a hyper-commercialised commodity. But what is the true meaning and spirit of Christmas? 

Monochrome image of a crucifix highlighted by gentle contrasts of light and shadow.

It lies in the tolling of the Church bells, in the families and community that pray, sing carols, and laugh together. It lies in the joy of giving and sharing, not just feasting on mulled wine and divine cake.

So, that is Christmas for you. However, I always wondered when exactly we begin preparing for Christmas. Is it 5 days before the birth of the baby Jesus? 10 days? 15 days? I really didn't know. And this surprised me, for Christmas is one of my favourite festivals after Ganpati.

Google, my old friend, says that Christmas preparations start on the first day of Advent, which begins 25 days before Christmas Day. And thus began my journey of exploring Advent, its significance, and what it symbolises. When I discovered more, I regretted not having known about it earlier. Advent is the start of the preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. It includes a simple yet wholesome ritual of lighting a candle each Sunday until Christmas Day in the centre of a wreath with holly leaves; one can add other decorations too, as there are no limitations - belief is what counts the most. 

The first two candles are a deep, rich purple, signifying Hope and Faith. The third and fourth candles are pink and purple (again), representing Joy and Peace. The final candle is the white Christ Candle, which is to be lit on his day of birth.

Lit purple Advent candle glowing softly against a wreath decorated with fairy lights.

I began my observance of Advent today, sharing some glimpses of the setup - nothing too jazzy, loud, or fancy, just sincere. An artificial wreath and green fairy lights, in a blessed home filled with contentment and happiness. A home where children's laughter echoes, where the aroma of Sunday's cooking made with love and patience drifts through. A home that rests when tired, nourishes and nurtures, and keeps us safe. 

Sundays are perfect to keep my daughter busy and screen-free. She bribed her closest friends with cake to help her decorate the Christmas tree and make Santa Claus from sugar fondant, thanks to her grandmother, a celebrated baker and food creator! Board games and mischief followed, and goodbyes concluded the day. It was indeed a wonderful First Sunday of Advent. So much better than taking the children to a mall, where they become mere consumers. They learned so much right here in the heart of home, and so did I. 

Happy Advent! Until I write again.

Warmly lit corner of a living room decorated for the Advent season.

      

A busy dining table with fondant-making tools, food colours, etc.

                

Handmade fondant Santa Claus decorations displayed on a plate, created by children

A Slice Of Calm - Project Otenga, Ahmedabad

Project Otenga Cafe

On the journey towards becoming my best friend, spending time alone has become a necessary ritual and my favourite pastime. It is therapeutic, cleansing my mind and allowing me to reset and rejuvenate. I ensure this ritual is practised in spaces that bring me peace, calm, and quiet, spaces with a minimalist aesthetic to suit lone wolves and writers like myself. 

Fortunately, in the bustling and fast-developing city of Ahmedabad, like every other major Indian city, there is a burgeoning ecosystem of experiential spaces serving local fare, and who remain committed to create and sustain authentic spaces for people to meet and indulge in all things slow. 

It was refreshing to come across a niche space like Project Otenga. I would be doing great injustice by calling it a restaurant or a cafe when it is truly a haven for quiet time, self-reflection, intellectual and sensorial stimulation - a rare find.

Project Otenga is a student-open-and- run cafe within the premises of the prestigious and avant-garde Ahmedabad University. Amusingly, it serves up traditional Assamese food! What are the odds of finding Assamese food in the heart of Gujarat, right? But we Amdavadis are lucky. Of late, there has been an influx of interesting concepts, ideas, and people - we are seeing a boom in experiential spaces such as Project Otenga, exhibition spaces, art galleries, meeting spaces for conversation starters, and more. This continuously transforming and evolving landscape of Ahmedabad suits me just fine.

As I entered Project Otenga, it almost felt like stepping into a Zen space. The interior and ambience were nothing close to a commercial cafe. It was too quiet as if maintaining silence was a rule! It boasts of whitewashed walls, wooden furniture, no loud colours, and a tree going through the roof, a bookshelf with a brilliant selection of fiction and non-fiction, all blended to create a calming and wholesome experience for the senses. 

I believe places like these have a purpose and it is far from making a quick buck from fast food. I think it is more about building and sustaining relationships with customers and between customers, creating memories, and giving the creative community a wonderful opportunity to be inspired, get its creative juices flowing, encourage conversations for ideas, and collaborations, create art, and literature, contribute to the fine arts, conceive startups, and more.

After making myself comfortable, I glanced at the menu which looked promising with its long list of Assamese fare and a couple of Manipuri dishes. Although every dish looked promising, the thought of a steaming hot Assamese fish curry tantalised me. I would prefer a good old rustic fish curry any day.  Thanks to my Marathi genes I have a curry and rice bias even after living in Gujarat for over a decade where the 'rotla' dominates kitchens.

It was a long wait but I know it would be worth it. After all, good things take time! Also, I appreciate it when food takes long to prepare. It means that it has been prepared and served with care and love. After a quick apology, my most awaited dish (my stomach was rumbling by now) was placed before me. 

At first sight, it did not resemble the Indian coastal fish curries. It did, however, resemble a homestyle meat curry. Unlike our Konkan/Goan curries, this fare was watery yet tasteful. The fish was bony but had its unique flavour. The preparation seemed simple, unlike my favourite homestyle Goan seafood curry full of different ingredients - grated coconut, garlic, tamarind, coriander seeds, etc.

I must say I missed them but the thrill of trying something new sent my adrenaline pumping. Being a foodie and a blogger means I must be open to new experiences no matter how skeptical I may be at times!

The meal ended with an interesting black rice pudding - a traditional dessert I absolutely loved. It cooled my tastebuds and provided just the right amount of understated sweetness that was much needed after that hot and spicy meal. My essential cappuccino finished this unique and first-time meal for me.

After browsing some good books and admiring the wonderful garden within which Otenga is nestled, I bid adieu to this tranquil space and vowed to come back although it is at quite a distance (older Ahmedabad) from my suburban home. However, such experiences make it all worthwhile. Recently, a little chat with the owners revealed that Project Otenga is moving to a new place and will reopen soon! How nice yet so tragic! I cannot wait to visit.

I really hope you enjoyed reading this blog, or maybe not. In any case, please leave a comment below!

Until I write again :) 

A source of Artspiration - The Art Book Center, Ahmedabad

We blame our big cities for being too fast, crowded, polluted and dirty. We curse the 'fast life' for making everything so hectic, robbing us off our time and peace of mind. But, if we pause and take a closer look, it is these very cities that hold rare and hidden gems that, fortunately, not many people know or care about. That gives explorers like myself the rare opportunity to visit them and immerse my senses into their spaces. 

These days, my weekend plans rarely include a trip to the mall or going for a movie. Instead, my heart is set on exploring history, culture, people, food - all important facets of the human story, our story. 

The Art Book Center was a pleasant surprise that welcomed me on an ordinary day. All thanks to my husband who convinced me despite all my doubting of his decision. On the side of a busy lane in the erstwhile hamlet of Madalpur, Ellisbridge, stands a two-story heritage structure beaming with bright colours of vivid red, turmeric yellow, and deep blue, adorned with decorations, handloom tapestries, trinkets, and all kinds of strange objects. 

A board identified it as, 'Art Book Center'. In the verandah sat a stern-looking, silver-haired man, glaring at me made me anxious. After a few fleeting eye contacts, I proceeded to the narrow lane looking for an entrance into the century-old building. Similar houses dotted the lane on both sides giving me a taste of Ahmedabad's days of old. The people seemed welcoming, friendly, helpful. One of them was kind enough to guide me in the right direction. 

The neighbourhood of Madalpur

The first floor of the Art Book Center

As I opened the beige-coloured narrow door, I reached a small landing, the wall had a decorative cloth framed on it. On the right was a steep wooden staircase - the whole scene created a bit of drama. It was quiet as I walked up the stairs that led me to a little yellow and red-painted gate. I opened it and went inside glancing at the little mirrors, hangings, and other playful objects that came alive giving the crammed space a timeless, artsy and bohemian aura. 

The chirpy coloured gate at the shop’s entrance

To the left, I was surprised to see the stern-looking and phlegmatic man now smiling and welcoming me to his haven of books. I entered a small room which was actually a house; it had another room in it both stacked with books of various sizes, vivd textures and colours. It seemed as if the room had no walls, just books piles to support the structure. 

Vintage and antique objects - A collector's paradise

The man proudly introduced himself as the owner of the 'Art Book Center' and started telling me the story of how it all began. While the man rattled on about his past, I glanced around the small square of a room. I was amazed at the expanse and depth that the rich collection of books lent it. It didn't matter that it was a small and humble space - the history, art, heritage, stories enriched it; the crystals, evil eye amulets, and other mysterious vintage items, that overwhelmed the shelves, gave it an unparalleled aura of mystery combined with curiosity and wonder. Even the most fancy and grand edifice would dull in its comparison. 

Manhar Bhai admires his collection

Manhar Bhai proudly told me about his deep love and passion for Indian textiles, handlooms, art and architecture; it was evident from his voracious collection which he boasted had been lauded by several celebrities and foreign visitors. The more we conversed, the more he got comfortable. He was featured on several media platforms, yet he maintained his humility. His son has joined the book selling business, he shares.

After many conversations and explorations, I picked up a book on the elements of Indian art; I ensured I picked something that was light on the pocket. The Art Book Center's collection isn't exactly cheap. Some collectors' books and other items run into the thousands, thanks to their rareness and the willingness of collectors to part with large sums of money to possess them. 

Just before I took his leave, Manhar Bhai said something to me. He said, "I can tell you are a good person by looking at your toes." I thanked him for his kind words, but was'nt surprised by the illogical statement; how can someone's toes be the judge of a person's character one may wonder. However, such statements are common. In the days of old, many an elder would judge one's character by the shape of their nose, the outline of one's face, etc. The logic? Nobody knows. 

For interesting conversations and to immerse into a magical world, visit Art Book Center at: https://www.artbookcenter.net/ .

Documenting The Street: A Personal Photography Project

After spending 10 beautiful years in Ahmedabad, finally, I feel that the city has accepted me and vice versa. The city of Ahmedabad amazes me. On one hand, it is growing and urbanising at breakneck speed. On the other, it preserves its centuries-old culture, traditions, and heritage so wonderfully. It is no surprise that is is named as a World Heritage City by the UNESCO and India's first heritage city! Proud moment for us 'Amdavadis'.

Being a working mother, getting time solely for yourself is something of a rarity. This may sound like an exaggeration, but my fellow mothers know what I'm talking about. This makes all the more harder for a solo trip enthusiast like myself! However, determination and a strong will can move mountains.

One fine day, I found myself walking through the narrow lanes of old Ahmedabad, asking directions, to strangers standing besides cracked walls and houses dating back many decades, to get to French Haveli - a recently restored 150-year-old heritage home.

          

French Haveli is situated in one of the ‘pols’ - gated communities existing since medieval times. These pols consist of residential structures three storeys-tall, with intricate carvings superimposed on their splendid exteriors, their architecture is intelligent and thoughtful. The central courtyard allows plenty of sunlight to enter the home yet keeps the rooms and corners cool under the blazing Gujarat sun. Heritage houses in the pols have entrances that open to a beautiful courtyard looking up at the sky.

On Saturday morning, I took the Heritage Walk tour through the Old City visiting temples, mosques, Jain derasars, tombs of kings and queens, a secret passageway, a dead poet’s home, multicoloured bird feeders, charming old homes, a famous alley lined up with bookshops, tea stalls, lemonade carts, and other captivating sights and sounds. The next day was spent mingling in the vibrant ‘Ravivari Bazaar’ (Sunday Bazaar) also known as ‘Gujri Bazaar’ (gujri meaning used or second hand).

The Ravivari Bazaar can easily be described as a chaotic mosaic of people, objects and experiences, that enrapture the viewer. Both sides of the winding street that stretch to the banks of the river Sabarmati walk us through a multicoloured tapestry richly woven with sights, sounds, smells, people and objects.

A kaleidoscope of colours tantalizes the senses by means of odd wares ranging from screwdrivers and tacks to antiques such as dialup telephones in red and black, glistening golden gramophones, abandoned typewriters, silver kettles, radios and polaroid cameras. As I walk on, I pass by vibrant displays of dry fruits, sherbet (lemonade), ice lollies, candy floss, sweetmeats, pickled tamarind, pan (betel leaf) and much more that add to this colour burst.

But the hallmark of this cultural sojourn were the the people whose warmth and authenticity struck a chord with my heart. I had the privilege to sit down with them, request them to pose for me and chat them up, and they happily obliged.

On display were scenes that tantalise the senses as they experience the wholesome, rugged, earthy, raw, authentic, dark, sweaty, real beauty of the one big human family. In the midst of all this chaos emerged unexpected warmth, curiosity, human emotions, connections and bonds. A sense of community, close-knit, committed to making the Gujri Market happen and continuing it decade after decade.

I captured these images with one objective in mind:

The street offers a myriad of elements that are important to document and make visible. They deserve to be valued for the incredible vibrancy and colour they contribute to the cultural landscape and social fabric. The aesthetic of the regular and the ordinary people on the street is natural, effortless and thus, fascinating. The people and their environment, the street, are unique, earthy and authentic. I scooted through the length and breadth of the 'Raviwari Market' or Sunday bazaar - a chaotic mosaic of people, scents, objects, community and drama. The market is a decades-old tradition that remains alive, thriving and constantly evolving - a very ecosystem in itself.

Relying on Home Cooks: A trend that is here to stay!

Photo by Stefan Vladimirov on Unsplash

In the past few years, my food aesthetic and sensibilities have swayed towards the soulful and authentic. A lavish 5-star buffet is of no interest to me anymore. It is too much work - getting dressed in high heels, for instance, to blend in with the ambience surrounded by people I have never seen and will never see after we pay the bill loaded with taxes for the costly meal.

Photo by Alice Kotlyarenko on Unsplash

Now, I relish tying my hair up in a messy bun, wearing my oversized pullover, putting on some lipstick and sipping wine, chatting away with my mum while my Dad quietly watches television, and our dogs and cat cuddle up close to us, creating the perfect atmosphere, one filled with warmth, joy and family time- the very essence of life! Pure bliss!

This year, I battled the cold, work, school and other excuses to celebrate the New Year with my parents who live in an art deco-style building in the busy lanes of South Bombay (yes, it will always be ‘Bombay’ for me). So, as soon as I realised that my daughter’s me and my 6-year-old daughter, who is more like a best friend and adventure partner to me, had been generous enough to grant their students a long weekend, I hurriedly booked my tickets on my favourite non-stop train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai (yes, it’s Mumbai now).

Scented candles named after colonial ports and exotic destinations, burn their flames dispersing their wondrous fragrance, bright lanterns sway in the breeze, our garden is dotted with hibiscus flowers in peach, red and white among other wildflowers, lichens and mosses are teeming with tiny snails.

I wanted to make New Year’s Eve as close as possible to a Christmas feast spread. So, what do you do when you are craving a wholesome New Year’s feast but don’t want to do the cooking? The answer is ‘home cooks”. Thanks to the power of Whatsapp and Social Media and delivery startups such as Swiggy and Zomato, home cooks have access to the market demand for home cooked food that is easy on the pocket and does not compromise on quality and quantity.

Aiya Patrao! is a home-cooked food venture started by a Malyali-Goan husband-wife duo in the warmth of their kitchen. After going through their Instagram profile loaded with sumptuous delights, I knew my work just got easier. I contacted Ms Marian, the Goan half of the duo, and she was most generous and patient in curating the festive menu. Simultaneously, I convinced my mother and father to experience the vibrancy of the Malabar coast and appreciate our country’s diverse heritage.

 

Photo by khloe arledge on Unsplash

Photo by allan ronson on Unsplash

I was excited to order the prawn balchao, an authentic Portuguese dish that has made a special place for itself in Goan cuisine. "We use Goa jaggery to give it a dull sweetness", Marian assured me when I let her know my concerns about overly sweet prawn recheado. Her other recommendations were the Goan kingfish curry and the chicken ishtu and appam to represent her Malyali husband's heritage. The combination sounded eclectic and she was confident we would love it."Learning about food is a lifelong process", she quipped.

Before we knew it, the blazing Bombay sun had subsided giving way to a pleasant afternoon breeze much like the extinguishing embers after a bright fire. The doorbell rang and a deivery executive from 'Porter' - a private delivery service home cooks swear by - was at the door.

As we unpacked the food containers and laid them out on our dining table, it came to life with a burst of colours and aromas - fresh seafood, the sweet spiciness of the calamari nestled in the Goan recheado sauce, subdued by the delicate balance of the fish caldeen curry. The chicken stew ‘ishtu’ and fluffy appams weren’t far behind. Only, the view of the foamy and playful sea seemed to be missing.

Photo by Prince Abid on Unsplash

Freshly baked plum cake with just the right dash of rum from the local bakery unearthed some delicious childhood memories. The sweet port wine concluded the most beautiful New Year’s Eve. In the past few years, people's food aesthetic and sensibilities have swayed towards the soulful and authentic. A lavish 5-star buffet is of little interest to those who want to explore the authentic flavours and make it about the experience rather than the place or the menu.

Aiyo Patrao delivers throughout South Mumbai and western suburbs. Give them a shoutout at @aiyo.patrao on Instagram and for some 'real' food!