Golden Jubilee Anniversary

After all the discussions as to how Parents wedding anniversary should be celebrated, it was decided that it would be a family affair. Our family now consists of 15, and we felt that this is a big number and we need not invite any other relatives or friends. There was a late addition to this list as Bhanu annayya's family were in Hyderabad and we invited them over.
Anna spoke to Jayarama Sharma(JS), our family purohit, as to how we can plan this day. A note should be added about Bindu's suggestions on what we could do on Parents' Anniversary. We were in a limbo and we badly needed someone to take lead on this and Bindu aptly filled this position. She was the one who came up with the idea of Homam and Veda Pathanamu at home and a possible get-together in the evening. The evening due was cancelled as it was generally agreed that Amma and Nanna will be tired after the day-long ordeal.
After talking to JS, the plan was finalised. Abhishekamu, Satyanarayana Vrathamu and Veda Pathanamu were scheduled for the day. JS also gave a list of items needed. Anna and I finished most of the stuff the prior day, expect for Cow Milk and Arati aakulu, which anna bought on the day.
On the day, everyone was up early and finished their morning ablutions in time for the pooja. Anna and I performed Abhishekamu, while nanna and amma performed Satyanarayana Vrathamu. At 11 AM, Veda Panditulu showed up and it was pleasing to hear them recite Veda mantraalu. Nanna was very pleased with the Veda Pathanamu and he had me copy the entire Veda Pathanam session on to his laptop. I did notice that he keeps playing it every now and then.
It was an eventful day, and I shall upload few pics on it shortly.

More on India Trip

We always knew that two weeks would be short and it indeed was. This is my first Indian Summer in 8 years and the first day proved a bit difficult. Two of the rooms were fitted with A/C, but I opted out of it as I didn't want to expose myself to extreme changes in temperatures. I took refuge in the air-cooler and that sufficed.
It's been a while since I went to a vegetable market and moreover I didn't want Anna to spend his Monday shopping for vegetables and groceries. I thought I'll provide him with some rest and I think was partially successful in it. I had the chance of shopping for vegetables in L.B.Nagar market and Kothapet Rythu Bazar, apart from the Reliance Fresh and More outlets.
I was baffled at the vegetable prices. Neredu Pallu cost Rs.100/kg and I remember days when I plucked and ate them without spending a paisa and paying Rs.100/- did come as a shock. I agree that standard of living has gone up, but can everyone afford such high prices. Agreed that rice is available for Rs.2/kg, but it would prove meaningless if government doesn't provide vegetables and pulses at an affordable price to the poor.
I should have written this in my "Passionate about India" blog, but I can't help it. So, back to our India trip in my next blog.

My First One

It's a Saturday and we just went through our usual Saturday chores. And I tend to forget that Bindu is pregnant and test her patience by spending extra time choosing our groceries etc. It did go a little over-board today and she ended up showing her frustration. I should not repeat this mistake again. Well, I better plan and complete all the works with minimal delay, rather no delay.