October 13th, 2007

My first garba in 2 years.

Last night I went to garba with my med school friends. Its a nine day dance festival celebrating Goddess Durga. It was my first garba in two years. Last time I went was in 2005 with my mom in Augusta. Garba was always a very special time for my family as I ran around the house getting ready and making my mom dress me up in the traditional way. I was fiddle around and she would yell at me to stand still and let her finish the job of fixing my dress properly. Mom wouldnt dance as she would get dizzy but she loved to watch; so she would sit in the bleachers with all the older aunties and watch. The minute I stepped out from the dancing circles she would look at me and mouth and motion for me to go back in and continue dancing. She would push me and my friends to get back in the circle and dance to our hearts content. Last night, I danced to my hearts content with my friends. At the end of the night, all drenched in sweat, I closed my eyes and felt content. I have been looking forward to garba all year and had an itch to dance and pray the way I used to with my mom. As I sang the arti with my friends, I closed my eyes and was transposed to a scene where my mother stood beside me singing all the words to the arti, head bowed down, praying to Amba ma for strength and courage. I miss her physical presence all the time, particularly when I am at the temple or any religious event. She instilled those values in me and I hope to carry them on. I have realized all it takes is for me to close my eyes and I feel her sitting/standing right next to me.

just wanted to write a little blurb, now must study for I am a second year medical student now! :o)