what do I really believe in?

Yesterday was Dussehra- a Hindu festival celebrating the victory of good over evil. It marks to end of Navratri- a festival dedicated to worshipping Durga- goddess of strength. It is also the beginning of autumn and considered an important time for climatic and solar junctions.

But for me it's a festival where I can't drink alcohol or eat meat for nine days. I never understood why, but made assumptions that it's a way to 'purify' the body and mind.

I've already seen a difference in my face where all the icky-ness that was in my body is now showing on my skin. I am pimple-fied. (Basically, my skin is breaking out). But that's the least of my worries.

What I do enjoy about this festival is the last day Dussehra. Not because I can continue enjoying my vino but rather that act of removing all evil around me.

The morning of, you write your name in Hindi on a new book (new beginnings), and take a leaf, put it behind your ear, go outside and  throw it on the outside ground.

The significance of the leaf and throwing it downwards on the ground signifies the killing of  Raaven "Satan,demon, evil".

I felt a sense of relief at that moment. It has to do with all the negativity that's been around me for some reason this past month. It seemed as if everything was spiralling downwards. However, having killed evil yesterday morning my mind seems more clear.

Now this could be because I'm allowing myself to clear my mind and body or maybe there is someone above me assisting me to think more positively and to remove all evil. (Self-reflection for a moment)

What are your thoughts on removing evil, is it all within and/or someone above helping to remove it?

burning of the Raaven - Demon (happens every year on Dussehra)

 

the world before her.

This past weekend I was supposed to watch a documentary called "The World Before Her" by Nisha Pahuja. I was actually supposed to watch it with my ma, but because it was screened on a Sunday; the same day my ma chooses to cook food, clean and etc...we couldn't go.

I can tell she regrets it.

Anyways, it's a story of two very different worlds. One world is women fighting for beauty, glamour, fame and freedom from patriachal views.  The other world is young girls and women fighting for their country.

Once I watch it I will let you know what I think and if any of you have already seen it, please let me know what you think.

Loving the comments.

for all the girls.

Today is officially the "International Day of the Girl". What is that you may ask? The day that will promote girls’ human rights, highlight gender inequalities that remain between girls and boys and address the various forms of discrimination and abuse suffered by girls around the globe. (UNGEI)

It's a great feeling to be alive for such a day. I feel it really has to do with the event I am putting on in January. It is for an organization called One! International and they teach literacy to children in the slums of Mumbai. This organization is really helping girls and boys live a life where they can succeed more than they ever dreamed of.

It is an organization that encourages girls and boys to focus solely on education. For girls the problems begin when they are sent off to be married at such a young age. It is said  worldwide, "two-thirds of the 130 million chidlren who are not in school are girls; more than 25,000 girls under the age of 18 are married everyday, and in the devloping world, one-third of girls are married before they turn 18"

My mother always says that education is a way for girls and women to escape a life they should not have to lead. My post is dedicated to a specific girl named Malala Yousafzai. Yousafzai was born in 1998 and wrote to BBC speaking about her life northwest of Pakistan and the many struggles she faced because of the Tailban. She is known to be an activist for young girls.

She was shot in the head and neck when returning home from school on October 9, 2012.

I dedicate this post to her for being such a strong girl and fighting for her beliefs and rights when no one else could.

Being raised in Canada, I cannot even come close to understanding how this even happens. If an incident like this would happen in my country, many groups and people would fight for this precious little girl to one day get justice.

It's so unfortuante. I think it's time we educate the older generation along with the young. Hopefully one day we can rid some of the stubborn, inhumane mentalities out there and make them realize how much harm they are causing.

Our prayers are with you right now as you struggle for your life.

Photograph: The Huffington Post

 

bua.

I remember walking off the plane, filled with red cloth chairs and stewards that kept giving my sister and I candy. I remember my ma gathering all of our stuff as we were too small to help her out. My next memory is a garage door opening with a smiling face of a small little woman waiting for us patiently, smiling.

That woman is my bua (aunt), Anita Seth.

She's my first memory when I first entered Canada. It's strange how all of my younger memories are of India. It was a pivotal period in my life that I will share in another post. This post is focusing on what led me to speak about my bua.

The annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure walk was this past weekend- Sunday September 30th. I remember being so happy last year because I was walking for a personal cause, my bua - who was in remission at the time!

Right after the walk, I immediately called her and started tearing. It was a moment that I won't forget. Not because she fought cancer but because it was my bua. The person who yells at me when I do something wrong, laughs at all my jokes and is a pure child at heart.

This year was a bit different- or rather alot different. This year I am not in the same position as I was. Bua's cancer has come back. We found out this past summer. I do not often show to others how much it has affected me,  but each and every day my heart aches. Aches for her to get better.

The day we all found out that it had come back, our entire family (consisting of my sister, ma, papa, both cousins, sister-in-law and uncle...and of course bua) spent the weekend with her. I could not sleep for weeks. It definitely has to do with the fact that I cannot imagine my life without her and never want to.

She is so dear to me.

I always think to myself how much I complain over the smallest things. I know it is human nature to do so- to feel that your life issues are far more important than anything else. But when you look at the 'big picture' its really not so bad.

I guess this post is to portray in words how proud I am of her. The reason being is how strong she really is. People often say, "that person is so strong" I never REALLY understood what that meant until now. She never complains and acts as if nothing happened to her. Though I know, well our while family knows that the fear of death is with her, but being around others is what keeps her smiling and encourages her to continue to be strong and fight her body off of this disease.

She will be a miracle. I know she will.... After all, she is my bua.

Left: Neera Bhabi (Sister-in-law),Pupaji (uncle), Bua, Rishi Bhaiya (cousin), Hershu Bhaiya (cousin)

Patrick(childhood friend)  and I at the walk.

the beautiful people supporting.