Memorable Reunion!

 Happy New Year! I hope you all had time to relax, recharge, and reset.

My end-of-year break was remarkable. We celebrated my husband's 60th birthday in India with our close family. In our culture, the 60th birthday is akin to a mini-wedding, complete with a re-tie-the-knot ceremony, symbolizing the strengthening of our bond with the support and love of our dear ones.

Before heading to India, we enjoyed a three-day sightseeing trip in Dubai. Our itinerary included a nighttime cruise at the Marina, a city sightseeing adventure, and a thrilling Desert Safari. During the safari, my son, Hari, skillfully drove our Jeep across the red sand dunes. The children delighted in camel rides, interactions with falcons, and sandboarding.

Our visit to Burj Khalifa allowed us to experience stunning 360-degree views from the 125th floor. Another highlight was Global Village, a unique blend of carnival and international expo featuring street food worldwide. We were fortunate to attend, as this event only occurs in winter.

We enjoyed various memorable dishes, including Tandoor Matka Chai, warm roasted chestnuts, octopus momos, fresh baklavas, and Luqaimats. One effective way to cover top spots in a city is by booking a one-day bus tour, which we highly recommend. The Palm Jumeirah amazed us with its palm-shaped island stretching into the Arabian Gulf. Additionally, visiting the Souks was a wonderful shopping experience for spices and gold.

The highlight of our trip was a hot air balloon ride. Since childhood, I have dreamed of this experience. Despite an early 4:30 am start, witnessing the sunrise over the desert was magical.

After waking up at 3:30 am in Dubai on Sunday for the hot air balloon ride, we finally went to bed in Chennai around the same time on Monday. We had just four days to organize this mini-wedding celebration, which spanned two days—Friday evening and Saturday morning.

All the dresses for my daughter and me needed to be custom-made, while the men wore ready-to-wear outfits. Fortunately, we completed most of the shopping on Monday. I had already decided on colors and designs, making the process smooth for me. The tailor collected the materials and promised delivery by Thursday evening. However, my daughter wanted to explore more options, necessitating additional shopping on Wednesday. By then, I was extremely tired, and my legs were swollen.

Every night, my brother-in-law would provide first aid, ask about our symptoms, and give us medications to prepare for the next day's activities. We made another trip to T-Nagar for my daughter, where a showroom recommended an in-house tailor who could deliver the stitched clothes to our home. We also needed an auspicious 'Thalli' for Guna to re-tie, and I required new toe rings, purchasing two different sizes due to my swollen legs. Luckily, they were silver, not gold.

We stayed in Kolathur, on the outskirts, but the event took place in Anna Nagar, the city's heart. Therefore, we booked an Airbnb for Friday night. It had six bedrooms and a great ambiance, having been used for filming TV shows.

On Thursday, we performed a small ritual, praying to Lord Ganesha and our family deity. That evening, we had mehndi applied. The talented artist stayed until 2 am, completing mehndi for more than seven ladies, and her husband picked her up for safety.

On Friday, we packed for the two-day stay and moved to the Airbnb. After a late lunch, the makeover artist arrived and enhanced our appearance. We then proceeded to the event venue, arriving just in time.

My brother and his wife arrived when we needed them, initiating the ritual by invoking various deities. Slowly, other relatives joined, and the day's rituals were conducted with reverence and joy. The atmosphere was lively, filled with conversations and laughter from cousins and children. We concluded the day with a delightful dinner, reminiscing about old times and creating new memories.

Saturday began with everyone waking early, and the makeup artist returned to assist us. As it took longer for my daughter, the bride and groom hurried to the event location, where more guests had gathered. A delicious breakfast was served, though we were momentarily forgotten amidst the ongoing rituals.

A Yagna (holy fire ceremony) was performed with the chanting of mantras, and 16 copper pots filled with water and medicinal herbs were used. These pots represent 16 blessings essential for a happy life, making the morning both spiritually and culturally enriching.

1)Good and Proper Education	2) Long life
3)Good Friends	4)Inexhaustible Prosperity
5)Youthfulness	6) Disease-free (healthy) body
7)Calm mind (tranquility)	8)Affectionate Spouse
9)Children with good character	10)Name and Fame
11)Truthfulness	12)Philanthropy
13)Theft free Wealth	14)Good government
15) Worry-free life	16) Association with your great devotees

We were provided with public showers using water from 16 pots. All attendees, regardless of age, considered it an honor to participate in this ritual known as Mangla Snanam. Following this, we were expected to dry ourselves and wear bridal attire for the wedding ceremony.

Although I missed my mother, I had invited her sister to attend. Despite concerns about my 86-year-old uncle's health and their uncertain attendance, I was pleasantly surprised when my aunt arrived with her husband and two daughters-in-law to offer their blessings. On stage, holding my aunt's hand, I was deeply moved as she reassured me with words reminiscent of my mother's: “Suja, do not cry; I am here at the right moment.” She held my Thali while Guna tied the knot, witnessed by our nieces, sister-in-law, and co-sister with great enthusiasm. My father and mother-in-law were also present to bless us. Notably, my mother-in-law attended all eight of her children's 60th birthdays, with my husband being her youngest. Additionally, my best friend from college attended with her family. Although one of my brothers could not attend due to family matters, I felt his presence in spirit.

That evening, a period of relaxation was much needed as the following four days promised to be hectic before our departure to Newark. On Sunday, we visited our family deity's temple. Monday and Tuesday were dedicated to a brief trip to Shridhi to fulfill a long-standing wish, proving the adage that the universe conspires to help those who earnestly seek something.

Upon returning to Chennai, we celebrated my husband's birthday with a cake. By Wednesday, my son and husband had packed everything, leaving me to gather essentials. I cherished the flight back with my daughter, who cared for me tenderly, ensuring no strain on my legs due to heavy luggage.

We returned just in time for my daughter's school, as she is in 11th grade and cannot afford to miss classes. While it was enjoyable to spend time with family and friends, parental responsibilities took precedence. My husband and son remained in India a bit longer to continue enjoying themselves.

Anu akka's hospitality was exceptional—she tirelessly attended to our family's needs from morning to night, preparing fish dishes that my children still praise. Additionally, Vithuma proved indispensable, always prepared to assist with anything we required. Her prompt responsiveness was greatly appreciated.

Having Periamma attend the event was a cherished dream come true. Our reunion brought immense joy, and I observed the same pride in her eyes that my mother would have had.

My brother’s incognito presence was a mystery. I don’t know if he felt the missing the event, but when my other brother poured the holy water on us, the chandhan and kumkum on the pot fell on my hand. I just held it and thought of him and his family. Yes, blood is thicker than water!

Big shout to everyone who jumped in and made this milestone totally awesome and unforgettable! You all rock!

Now, I'm already looking forward to our next trip to India!