Of baby showers, of debut performances..

#sareespeak #womenofsareespeak

#SS 12/202 #82

#cotton #cottonsilk

#themeofthemonth

#february

Draped this simple orange tiny checked light cotton silk saree with green and gold borders and pallu. Posting 2 identical photos, one lighter than the other, to showcase the saree. Utterly mismatched with a pink flower, green leaf embroidered black cotton blouse. Thrown in an old photo for good measure. For my class a few days ago. Asked D2 to take a candid shot while I was in the midst of class, which she didn’t, so got this random click done, after threatening to not make her favourite dessert.
Unsure of exact Saree type, but when I was presented this Saree in December 1993, I was told this is a “special saree, a Pune saree”.
Gifted to me by a friend’s mother on the occasion of my
Seemantham/Valaikappu/Baby Shower
And
Arangetram.
I had been planning to do a postgraduate degree soon after marriage. Then found out I was expecting D1. Had always wanted to do my Veena Arangetram, so decided to work on that. Discussed with husband and Guru. Used to rise at 4am, fight back the nausea, sip on lime juice, practise in the early hours, go to work, go for class, and practise, listen to music, music, music, and practise.
On completion of my 7th month, 20th December 1993, I had my Seemantham/Valaikappu/Baby Shower in the morning,
And
The Arangetram in the evening.
My husband accompanied me on the Mridhangam, my Guru’s sister on the Ghatam, and a famed artiste on the Morsingh.
That was Kindergarten.
So much more to learn.
As D1 grew, I too have learnt, have grown so much since then.
Incidentally, spoke to my Guru today (Devastating news about a dear musician/friend who passed on yesterday due to Covid).
My Guru introduced me to her Guru, who is now my Guru.
Once a Guru, always a Guru.
No such thing as ex-Guru, current Guru, old Guru, new Guru.
No.
All are Gurus I am immensely grateful and indebted to, for having taken me as their own, and for selflessly passing on this divine artform.
After the call, reminisced about my first veena class as a child, then subsequent classes when my Guru became my back house neighbour.
I have been blessed to have been able to just walk into her house anytime for a class. More of that story, for another time.
Will try and look for my valaikappu, arangetram pics and share them soon.
Blessed day, Blessed month everyone, #loveisintheair, Sing, Dance, Paint, Write, Cook, Shop,
Do whatever makes you love or feel loved,
Do whatever makes you feel alive..