Mr.P's Challenge 11

127. Describe a daily routine or tradition of yours that may seem ordinary to others but holds special meaning for you. Why is this practice significant to you? (Barnard)

My childhood was so much fun because my cousins and I grew up in the same city. We spent so much time together as children. In the weekends we used to go to each others’ houses for lunch and sleepovers. We used to play endless games, hide & seek being our favorite. Every year my grandparents, from my dad’s side, called us to their house for khichdi. This is an Indian dish, which is basically mushy rice with Indian spices. Although it is a very simple dish in India, it is my favorite dish. I eat it a lot when I am sick. I remember when I went through surgery to remove my tonsils, Khichdi was the only thing I ate for three days. This gathering at my grandparents’ house was a tradition in my family. It gave us children yet another excuse to meet and play random games. During the delicious meal, according to tradition women and children sat down on the floor to eat, while the men sat at the table. All the children and men eat first. The children all eat out of one big plate. After the children and men have eaten the women sit down and eat out of a big plate, just like the children.

This gathering every year is so significant to me because I get to meet my cousins who I hardly see otherwise. My cousins are all caught up with studies along with my sisters and me. My cousins and have became a little distant due to this, but we still see each other very often. It is not like we are meeting after several years or anything, therefore I don’t think that this gathering has special meaning to the others. Even though we eat simple food, I always liked that day. My entire family is together on this day, and the feeling of being with all of them is so good. I always look forward to this gathering, and I hope that this tradition continues.