My Big Day

My Big Day.

While growing up

I never knew what birth day celebration was.

We Manipuri Meiteis of India, only had

A customary religious ceremony known as “Laiming Lauba”

During  puberty or older,

 sanctifying the young ones(like baptism). Thereafter

A string of beads known as Urik had to be worn

Around one’s neck for good. Then,

Eating eggs banned permanently,

Only  fish being allowed we became fish vegetarians.

When I turned 19,  I had become a part of Delhi life

And birthday wishes came by surprise from friends

But never from my Manipuri family;

Soon marrying an outsider brought more life style changes.

When I was soon to turn 80 my daughter

Shobha confirmed I had no objections to revealing

My age, so she planned a celebration. The day before,

I was in my room watching TV shows,

When two figures barged into the room.

Was it real or just imaginary? My oldest

 Daughter Lata and my son Jibesh had flown

From Toronto for my Big Day, Saturday

March 21, 2015 at Clay Oven.  I cherish every moment of it.

The Chicken tandoori and fish curry, mixed vegetables,

Raita (yogurt with thinly sliced tomato, green chilli, salt), Paneer curry,

Kheer/rice pudding, accompanied by basmati rice, Nan/roti

Wine and beer in abundance along with fruit juices

In cans and bottles for all the guests,

My Indian and American friends along

With my loving family members. I love them all

And I love fish preparations in any form

And chicken dishes, too. I cannot ask for more.

Written by Jamuna Advani 10/15/15