FESTIVITY

~ spicedmullings

SEP2

*Friday Fictioneers is a talented group of enthusiasts penning down a story, a poem, a prose, etc., expressing their heart about a photo prompt, every week. Thanks for this week’s beautiful photo prompt -© Vijaya Sundaram

Jaya, finished the murukkus?

Yes, Amma. Athirasam and laddus too by 11.30 pm last night.

Idly, chutney, vadai, kesari, coffee must be ready by 5.30 am.

I started cooking at 3.30 am, so I will be done by then.

Marumagalae, hope you had your bath before starting. Maapillai is very particular.

I did at 3 am, Amma.

Viji, what are you still doing in the kitchen? It’s prayer time!

I am coming, Amma.

Marumagalae, come quickly. The whole family must be there for the first pattasu!

On the way, Amma.

Enough watching the mathappu. Run and serve the breakfast now. 
Remember lunch must be ready by 11.30 am.

 

* The scene described is normal during a festival in India.

In India, gender disparity and discrimination still exist, especially in rural and northern areas. Nowhere is this more evident than during a festival.

The daughter-in-law (marumagal) is expected to work hard, while the son-in-law (maapillai) of the family is treated like a king.

Amma – mother, pattasu – fireworks, mathappu – sparklers (fireworks).

Murukku, Athirasam, Laddu – sweetmeats usually made at home during festivals.

Iddly – rice cake, vadai – fried lentil dough circles, chutney – accompaniment for the rice cake, kesari – sweet pudding, all breakfast items.

28 thoughts on “FESTIVITY”

  3. Good story, and I was glad for the information, too. The daughter-in-law/son/mother dynamics is familiar from the past in the farming communities my family comes from, but maybe not so extreme.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Pretty nice exposé here, Vijaya. Very informative as well. I like the way you put in the language terms, too. Which language is it, Hindi or Punjabi? We have a significant Indian population here in the Kansas City area and (like you) they are great people to know!

    Five out of five … mulling spices! 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Interesting, Gabriele. My mom’s family are farmers and they came from Germany (around the Rhein) to America around the time of the revolutionary war. And, yes, the ladies are always in the kitchen for family reunion. Great food, though, and always appreciated.

    Liked by 2 people

  8. Maybe what chills me most that it’s not the mother, but the daughter in law… making her more property than wife, otherwise I think I recognize some of it in the old traditions especially our Christmas table (which is borrowed to English in the word smorgasbord) …. What i remember though it was the wife’s responsibility to prepare… but then it was eaten for several days.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Nicely done! You got an entire relationship down in about a hundred words, and all within the context of Diwali! Very vivid portrayal. That poor d-i-law!

    (I’m happy to say it’s not so dire these days, and least not in the families I know.

    And I was spared all of it, because I upped and married a “foreigner!”)

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Thanks for reading and commenting. Sorry for the delay in acknowledging. I was sick and still recovering.
    Yes it is much better now but is still prevalent in our villages and even in cities. Old habits die hard!

    Like

  15. Responsibility is one thing but expectation is another. Also it wouldn’t hurt to help with load. Shared burden becomes lighter.
    Thanks for getting the essence of my writing. Sorry for the delay, been sick and so the late reply!

    Like

  16. Sure. I guess ladies do like to do it. The only thing is that if all pitch in, it becomes a fun activity that can bond rather than enslave!
    Thanks for the comment. Sorry for the delay in replying, been sick!

    Like

  19. Its Tamil. I hail from the southern state of Tamil Nadu and this is a typical South Indian scenario!
    Thanks for reading and commenting. Sorry for late reply. Been laid up with sickness

    Like

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