By admin on Friday, February 05, 2010

Thank you this month to Clark, Culture Transition Coaching, Expatriate and Cross-Cultural Success (Global Coach Center), Hindu Blog, India Abroad, Naomi, neoindian.org, Remarkablogger Business Blog Coaching & Consulting, Sharell, Shyama, and Srivalli Jetti of Cooking 4 all Seasons for inspiring the wonderful collection of information I am sharing this month. 

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By Jayanthi on Thursday, February 04, 2010

Junk and spam mail is not only an e-phenomenon! It is also a physical phenomenon! It invades our mailboxes, in our homes daily in America!

In this five-minute audio tip, I share a few tips on 'junk postal mail'- what can be useful, and what to avoid.

 
Photo, right by Oran Viriyincy, used under creative commons.

 

By Jayanthi on Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Krishna has been working on uploading select, inspiring images from our travels together in the past few years across America and to India. Click into see some of the awesome and inspirational images.

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By Jayanthi on Monday, February 01, 2010

Is there something that you would like others to know about your culture? Is there something that is little-known, or maybe it's a myth or stereotype? Have you experienced different cultures and want to share your experiences?

I have compiled a comprehensive list of questions that you can choose from to get your memories refreshed! I hope to learn about you and your culture to share with the world here on Alaivani- to increase understanding and break down barriers of misundertanding among us! Thank you for your consideration and participation!

 

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By Jayanthi on Friday, January 29, 2010

Have you lived in a different city or country than where you were born and raised for a few months, a few years, a few decades? Do you know anyone else who has... and still feels homesick? I share some thoughts on why I think this occurs. I am happy to hear your thoughts, experiences and feedback!

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By Jayanthi on Thursday, January 28, 2010

People in tropical or arid and sweltering hot climates may desire to experience and even live in climates where snow falls. Sometimes what we dream snow is, is not what we think it is!

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By admin on Wednesday, January 27, 2010

All spiritual faiths highlighted in my calendar celebrate a holy-day this month! Click in to see more!

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By Jayanthi on Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Moving across the country or around the globe for work opportunities, educational enrichment or family commitments is common-place now-a-days. We not only encounter lifestyle and cultural transitions by moving- we can encounter them in our own homes through changing jobs, changing family relationships, retirement, marriage, divorce and many other types of transitions. Here, I recap in a slide show video three techniques you can use on-your-own to create success and ease in lifestyle changes.

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By admin on Monday, January 25, 2010

When transitioning to a new lifestyle, be it in your own country, your own town, or around the world, new habits may be required to feel successful and comfortable. Refer to the three tier technique as narrated through my culture adjustment in India to help make habits unconscious to increase success and ease.

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By Jayanthi on Saturday, January 23, 2010

Your culture is mesmerising. What do you find most interesting about your culture? Is there something you would like the world to know about your culture that is misunderstood?

I am starting a series of interviews to help encourage cross-cultural sharing and understanding! I hope you would like to participate! Tune in for more info....

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By admin on Friday, January 22, 2010

By taking inventory of your strengths and challenges we can help you be successful in all areas of your life while facing transitions in life.

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By Jayanthi on Thursday, January 21, 2010

There are many resources to learn and understand why people do and behave how they do- the best sourse is the insider source! Find a mentor of someone in the group you want to relate to! If not, then bounce ideas off a mentor, life coach like me! Slideshow video inside.

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Moving to a different city or country? Wondering how you will adjust to a new lifestyle and culture? Do you enjoy learning and integrating new ways of expressing life? I have created a five part video training series that explores tips and techniques you can use today to help with culture shock, lifestyle adjustment and fitting in as a newcomer!

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By Jayanthi on Thursday, January 14, 2010

Sankranti is a holiday celebrated in many parts of India under different names with variations on ritual, reason and revelry. Click in to experience this festival as celebrated by some in Karnataka, a central south Indian state.

Submitted by an anonymous Kannidiga friend. Thank you.

 

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By Jayanthi on Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Thanksgiving harvest is a mid January tradition in Tamil Nadu, South India. Wonder what are the special traits of this holiday, how it is observed and what to do if you're invited to one's home for this auspicious occasion? Click in to read more.

Photo right: Woman making kolam, design on ground with rice flour, in Tamil village for Pongal 2000.

 

By Jayanthi on Sunday, January 10, 2010

Many people come to America from Japan every year- and know how to speak English quite well. But, many Japanese may loose confidence in their English skills because Americans may not understand their Japanese-English accents. I have found a series of videos that are helpful in adjusting one's accent and rhythm to American English speakers.

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By Jayanthi on Saturday, January 09, 2010

Are you an Indian (desi) planning to come study in America for your graduate studies? Are you more enthusiastic to join your program if your advisor is desi? Consider the advantages and disadvantages of this choice as expressed by Brijesh in this article. Do share your insight, thoughts, and experiences here or on Brijesh's site.

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By admin on Friday, January 08, 2010

 

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By Jayanthi on Thursday, January 07, 2010

Can Indians and Americans be attracted to each other for life-long friendships or serious maritial relationships? What do we have in common? Where do we differ that may prevent attraction, relatability or understanding? I explore some of my thoughts on this topic in a video blog.

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By admin on Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Moving around the world or across the country can offer opportunities of self-growth and self-exploration. Some moves require us to adapt to totally new surroundings- behaviorally, mentally, and emotionally. Sometimes when we are adapting to a new area, having a mentor help us through the changes can be encouraging. Click in to hear a special message from me!

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By admin on Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Face-to-face, I share with you through a video thoughts and directions for 2010 and Alaivani.com.

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By admin on Monday, January 04, 2010

Vaikunta Perumal temple leaves images of wonder in our minds and hearts- and is part of Outdoor Magazine's photo contest. Click in to read more!

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By admin on Friday, January 01, 2010

Expats in India, cross-cultural self-development, exploration of misconceptions and stereotypes, and much more in this month's blog articles review!

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By admin on Thursday, December 31, 2009

This year, we have seen and experienced many things in America and India! Click inside to see some photos and videos of our travels.

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By admin on Wednesday, December 30, 2009

This year with a growing  list of 40 creative contributors; sharing their world and experience through words and photography, this post is dedicated to you! I appreciate the time and interest in my website- contributors and readers alike!

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By admin on Monday, December 28, 2009

Welcome 2010! See which holidays and holy-days are celebrated in January 2010! Click inside for the interfaith and multifaith calendar.

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By admin on Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Straddling two cultures can be difficult, especially when raising children abroad or being a member of a cross-cultural and interfaith marriage. For those looking for a way to inspire cross-cultural sharing, I have created a unique India-America Cross-Cultural Interfaith and Secular Calendar. Click in to see more!

MORE THAN 100 HOLY-DAYS and HOLIDAYS FEATURED!!
DOWNLOAD NOW ONLY $5.00< Read More »

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Jen's Blog India- America Interfaith and Secular Calendar

By Jayanthi on Monday, December 21, 2009

English skills help when coming to America, but knowing the cultural contexts of the language helps a newcomer relate to the 'locals' better.

In this series of posts, I hope to share with you some written and audio/visual tips and lessons on American Language, Culture and Etiquette that can help you prepare for your transition to the American social fabric.

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By admin on Friday, December 11, 2009

In the spirit of the season, plenty of gifts of thanks for my friends and family included in this month's Alaivani newsletter!

I appreciate you spending time on my website.

 

Photo right: Krishna Kumar (Toronto, Cavalcade of Lights)

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Today I am continuing a tribute to George Thaliath from friends. Ashish, a contributor to George's weekly Monday Mail e-newsletter shares his memories and thoughts of George.

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By Jayanthi on Monday, December 07, 2009

A tribute to a life well lived of a family friend, George Thaliath of Kochi is highlighted this week on Alaivani.

We all send healing thoughts and well-wishes to his family and all friends and well-wishers at this time.

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By admin on Friday, December 04, 2009

New online friends, Westerners married to South Asians living exciting lives in India and Pakistan highlight this month's interesting blog posts shared with Alaivani community.

The overriding theme this month is intercultural sharing and cultural adjustment concerns. Click in to read more!!

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Indian and Hindu social and spiritual guides such as the Thirukkural, Manusmriti, Mahabharata as well as respected spiritual leaders such as Swami Dayananda Saraswathi (Arsha Vidya Gurukulam), are quoted in this article that explores the spiritual side of vegetarianism.

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By Jayanthi on Monday, November 30, 2009

Tomorrow, December 1, 2009 is Karthigai Deepam, 'the festival of lights'. These lights, one can say, are burning as thousands of 'birthday candles' to celebrate the birthday of Lord Murugan, the brother of Lord Ganesh.

Guest blogger, Abhilash has graciously donated this article from his blog to be shared among readers here at Alaivani. Learn about a few reasons, legends, stories and myths of Karthigai Deepam. Fascinating stuff! Thanks, Abhilash.

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, November 25, 2009

After living in India for two years as a typical graduate student at Madras Christian College, some of my close friends and family wanted to know what I learned about India. They had a lot of questions, some were good questions based on studying and knowning other Indian friends, but others were based on myths. This list of myths was created in 2001 from statements and questions people asked me when I returned to USA from India.

 

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By Jayanthi on Monday, November 23, 2009

Myths, misconceptions and misinformation about others often leads to misunderstandings and complications in relationships. Stereotypes and myths help us to make sense out of things we can not comprehend, things that are bigger than us. However, stereotypes and myths often lead to building of walls and ignorance of who the other person really is. I want to educate others about the myths, stereotypes and erronous beliefs people have about American culture and Indian culture. If you have any thoughts on these topics, please click in and fill in the form with your thoughts. It is confidential.

However, if you feel more comfortable to e-mail me, please do - jenkumar@gmail.com.

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By Jayanthi on Friday, November 20, 2009

This week I sorted through over 400 posts on Alaivani to purge and rearrange them into appropriate categories, topics and subjects. Browse the topic list within for any articles of your interest!

Thank you for spending your time on Alaivani.com!

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By admin on Wednesday, November 18, 2009

December is a time of celebrations for many. Of course Christmas is one of the most celebrated festivals in the world.

However, did you know that in December, Hindus in Tamil Nadu celebrate Karthikai Deepam (a festival of lights), Jews celebrate Hannakah, Muslims celebrate Al Hijra and African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa? Everyone has something to celebrate in December!

Right: Christmas rangoli I made of homemade cookies, Diwali Diyas and inspiration.

Happy Holidays!

By admin on Monday, November 16, 2009

Want to follow me in different social networks from Facebook to Yahoo?

I updated my social networks list today. Check it out!  Thanks.

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By admin on Friday, November 13, 2009

Learning about cultural integration from different perspectives on my site and through intriguing discussions on Facebook have characterized the last one month. 

Click in to see what else was in store the last one month!

Thank you!

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Tulasi is a holy plant in many parts of India. In this annual ritual, the Tulasi plant is worshipped for the goddess among the many communities in India, including the Kannadigas - or those who lives in Karnataka state- in South Central India.

One of my 'Facebook Friends' has donated this article and few photos, and remains to wish anonymous. Thank you to my Facebook friend, you have really taught me something in a thorough way!

Tulasi plant photo, right submitted by Anonymous Facebook friend. Read More »

By Jayanthi on Monday, November 09, 2009

Are you a Malayalee parent raising your child abroad? Finding it hard to encourage your child to learn Malayalam? Are you loosing touch with your mother tongue?

Are you a non-Malayalee or non-Indian married to a Malayalee and want to learn Malayalam for communicating with your spouse and in-laws?

I am making an attempt to collect some resources you can tap into to maintain a link with your native culture and language or to inspire you to learn about new cultures and languages.

Photo right: by acdme@ flickr used under creative commons. Click on the photo to see the entire photo- it's quite interesting!

Enjoy!!

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By admin on Friday, November 06, 2009

Sometimes we are inspired most when we are away from our 'comfort zone' and in places we find exotically beautiful.

Expressing oneself through introspection in nature, cultural celebrations and everyday life events in another country, or in learning to slow yourself down and appreciate a simpler life are all topics discussed in this month's blog posts that have inspired me. Click in to read expressions of Indian culture in America, American lifestyle adjustments in Italy, Introspection in the exotic beauty of Utah, and other amazing insights that inspire and motivate!

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By Jayanthi on Monday, November 02, 2009

My husband has been engulfed in work for more than 12 hours somedays. Despite this, he has managed to post over 100 shots to his flickr account this past month: Utah Road Trip (still more to come...), India trip 2009 (still more to come), Syracuse Nationals Car Show 2009, Navarathri Golu 2009 and shots of my own handmade soaps among other amazing shots.

Image, right: entry to Ekambareswara temple, Kanchipuram. Read more about Ekambareswara here.

Click in to see intriguing and impressive images.

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By Jayanthi on Friday, October 23, 2009

Trying myself to recreate the culture I experienced in Tamil Nadu, India that holds a soft spot in my heart, I continue to look for Tamil bloggers based in America for inspiration on creating the mood, spirit and physical-look of India and Hindu culture here in America. In that search, I have found and been overwhelmingly influenced by NRI Maami.

With her permission, I have created a wonderful photo story of her expressions of Indian and Tamil culture here in America- including celebrations of Navarathri (including tutorial on how to create golu steps), Diwali, Avan Avittam, Ganesh Chathurthi, Krishna Jayanthi and others. Thank you for sharing your experiences with the world, NRI Maami.

We have a lot to learn about creating and recreating a life of passion and interest from you!

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By admin on Wednesday, October 21, 2009

November, unlike October, is a little less chaotic for many of us when it comes to secular and spiritual holidays.

Indians and Americans look forward to celebrating or observing Kerala Day, Daylight savings time, Guru Nanak's birthday, Veteran's Day, Children's Day, Thanksgiving, and Eid-Al-Adha.

Click in to see the calendar details.

Download a FREE PDF in Lulu.

 

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By Jayanthi on Saturday, October 17, 2009

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By Jayanthi on Friday, October 16, 2009

Diwali is a holiday celebrated by one and all in and throughout India. However, it is not so grand, and even absent in some places in the southwestern state of Kerala.

Joby George, of Ente Keralam, shares his thoughts on Diwali in Kerala- Diwali as a Harvest Festival.

Thank you for sharing, Joby.

 

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By Jayanthi on Thursday, October 15, 2009

This is a new dawn of cross cultural and interfaith understanding! What a wonderful message!

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Today I introduce you to Baree from Mauritius. This is a much belated introduction to a browser to my site for the past five plus years who has contributed a few articles and many photos on Hindu festivals in Mauritius.

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By admin on Friday, October 09, 2009

Want to experience some of the sights and sounds of our 5,300 mile cross country road trip? Links to the videos and the video playlist is embedded with in!

Of course, as usual, links to the previous months Alaivani posts are also detailed within. Enjoy!

 

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated festivals and holidays in India spanning in some places up to five days. Though Diwali has many connections to Hinduism, Diwali is a secular holiday. People of all faiths and backgrounds can celebrate Diwali- as it is the 'festival of lights' celebrating good overcoming evil; a universal theme. Diwali is also one of the most widely known Indian holidays outside India. In this post, you can browse some links on Diwali on my website, including 'The Story of Diwali,' how to celebrate Diwali like a local (Tamilian) and an interesting connection between Diwali and Onam, another South Indian secular holiday.

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By Jayanthi on Monday, October 05, 2009

Often God only knows (GOK) what will happen: when, where and how. The beauty of life is in the journey, destinations sometimes are determined only by the journey alone. This is indeed the case with this year's Ganesh Chathurthi Celebrations.

Click in to view videos and photos of our celebrations that took us three-quarters across the continental US to relieve Ganesh of his earthly visit with us this year.

 

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By Jayanthi on Friday, October 02, 2009

Lord Ganesh inspires the creative artist within us during Ganesh Chathurthi. This year, I wanted to make a different kind of handmade murthi (idol) and while doing some internet research, found a wonderful collection of handmade Ganeshas on a blog authored by Roopashri. With her and her friend's permission, this post of inspirational handmade Ganesh murthis is possible.

Thank you. Hope all browsers enjoy and are equally inspired!

 

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By admin on Friday, October 02, 2009

Cultures of Kenya, India, and self-development inspired me to click in and experience more from Africa Expat's Wives Club, Jonathan Morrow, Pavithra, Kamala and Maami.

Though quantity of posts to share has decreased, the quality has increased!! Thank you for sharing, bloggers!

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Travelling through 11 American states was a highlight of our family photo album in the last month. Peek inside to see a portion of the photos of this trip along with other adventures from our summer escapades to these 11 states and a few others on the other side of the earth, in India!

Thank you!

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By Jayanthi on Monday, September 28, 2009

Padmini shares sweet memories of her navarathri and kolu celebrations over the years. She has summed up nicely all parts of the celebration from brining out hidden treasures from the attic, how the kolu padi (steps for dolls) was created and the festivities.

Thank you for sharing, Padmini.

 

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By Jayanthi on Monday, September 28, 2009

After a day of resting eduational and utility items, Vidyarmbam initiates these items back into proper use. The ritual of Ezhuthiniruthu on this day intiates the youngest into the world of letters, reading, and studies.

 

Submitted by guest blogger Saju at traveltokerala.blogspot.com.

Photo by acdme @flickr.

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, September 23, 2009

View the social and spiritual calendars for India and America for October 2009. Holidays to look forward to include Gandhi Jayanthi, Sukkot, Maharishi Valmiki's birthday, Columbus Day, Diwali, Skanda Shashti and Halloween.

Happy Holidays!

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Golu is one of my favorite Tamil Navarathri traditions that I have been doing in my home since 2002. Something fascinates me about Golu and compells me to do it every year.

I like to see images of others golus to get inspiration and ideas. In this post, I will share a few YouTube videos of others Golu displays that have left an impression on me.

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By admin on Tuesday, September 15, 2009

 

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Because Onam happened last week, I am combining the photo displays of Krishna and I into this one post!

Click in to see photos and videos of our escapades to Pennsylvania (Stargazing, Lyman Run State Park, Grand Canyon Park, Tioga Central Railroad, Wellsboro), celebrations of Ganesh Chathurthi at home, UK Car day in Rochester, NY and more!! Enjoy!!

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By admin on Friday, September 04, 2009

This month, I have enjoyed reading culturally and spiritually inspiring posts by Aarathi, Mariellen @ Breathe Dream Go, Sharon Wilson @ Coaching from Spirit Challenge, DragonArtz, Jana @ Hijab Style, Abhilash @ Hindu Blog, Hindu Education Plus, Akshay @ I'd Rather Burn Out than Fade Away, Maddy, Cath @ Mine Your Resources, Pareltank, Brijesh @ Scaling New Heights, Leo @ Zen Habits.

Thank you for sharing your creativity with the world!

 

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, September 02, 2009

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Click in to see photo slide show of Onam celebrations over the past three years in Rochester, NY, at our home and among our friends in our local Malayalee association- where we enjoyed a public sadhya (meal) and cultural programs (film song dances, singing, thiruvathira folk dancing, skits, and more)!

 

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By Jayanthi on Friday, August 28, 2009

These series of videos, from YouTube are entertaining, engaging and give an overview to international students on the topics of culture shock, cultural adjustment, socializing and adjusitng to college life in America.

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By Jayanthi on Monday, August 24, 2009

Over the years, images have really added value and given a visual representation of cultural expressions on Alaivani. Many photos you see are not taken by me, but by an ever growing list of contributors to my site. Currently, there are about 20 contributors to this blog!

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By Jayanthi on Friday, August 21, 2009

Moving to and living in India, defining my life till today.

Replicating India in America.... an exciting journey everyday!

Click in to learn a little more about my journey to you here on Alaivani!

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, August 19, 2009

There are a multitude of folk dances in India. In Kerala, one such folk dance generally perfomed in by women is Thiruvathira. I like to call this dance a 'South Indian Square Dance.'

In this post, I share a few YouTube videos of dances I like, and links to videos of the dance as performed by our local Malayalee association (of which I also was part of).

Thank you, and enjoy!

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, August 19, 2009

September 2009 is overflowing with celebrations in America and India in various tradtions: Hindu (Onam, Navarathri), Muslim (Eid), and Jewish (Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah).

 

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By admin on Monday, August 17, 2009

I have noticed a number of people coming to my site looking for Hindu Holiday dates in 2010. Here are a list of select Hindu holidays in 2010.

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By admin on Friday, August 14, 2009

India, China, America- cross cultural lifestyles and cultural celebrations across the seas- a theme heard loud and clear in the last month on Alaivani from over 10 contributors!

I really appreciate each and every person who supports this blog! Thank you!

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Creative lifestyles in China, India, and America are highlighted through a wide range of photo submissions this month.

*An Indian living in China
* Indian in America and in India celebrating the Goddess
* An American living her dreams in Nepal

Enjoy!!

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By admin on Friday, August 07, 2009

This month bloggers have helped me explore a full range of emotion! Caroline, pictured, right bought me to tears of joy, through her dreams realized (photograph used with permission, do not reprint), while Brijesh, Mohan, Kochuthresiamma, Jonathan and Leo have inspired nostalgia in me.

Read these and thoughts of Cath Duncan (who incidentally shared some breathtaking Utah photos on Facebook), Diana Long, Pradeep Nair, Abhilash, Abhi, Mohan and international journalists who have inspired me to share their nuggets of wisdom with you this month!

Thank you to all writers in the blogosphere for sharing your wisdom.&l Read More »

By Jayanthi on Thursday, August 06, 2009

I am offering this special post as an introduction to the fine art of Indian cookery. Each month on my recipe blog, I will feature a listing of recipes I have favorited on cookery blogs that I follow. I will attempt to also provide introductions to these recipes to Americans, like myself and newbies to Indain cooking as tutorials of sorts. Thank you food bloggers for sharing your creativity and epicurian tastes with us!

Photo right "Pittu Swan" by Nithya at 4th Sense Samayal. Do not reprint this photo, reprinted with permission.& Read More »

By Jayanthi on Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Enjoying the scenery of home and upstate New York's summer spendlor is the theme of these batch of photo, highlighting various towns and  settings as seen through the lens of my husband, Krishna! Enjoy.

Images copyrighted, do not reuse.

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By admin on Monday, August 03, 2009

To Sneha, her life is quite normal. But, to me, looking in and seeing an Indian studying in China, it’s new to me! Though it’s not new for Indians to study in China, it’s a new piece of information for me. Today, I share an exciting interview with Sneha, a Keralite living in China.

 

Photo Courtesy Jessie Lein. / CC BY-NC 2.0

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By Jayanthi on Friday, July 31, 2009

Are you invited for the first time to attend a Hindu puja at someone's home or temple? This post attempts to share some tips you can follow to help you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings, among new friends and in the community.

Would like to know what you think. Please share your thoughts and experiences after reading!

Please accept Raji's thamboolam (favors) for attending the Varalakshmi puja.

Thank you!

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Attending celebrations is exciting. But what if it's a new festival for you and you have never attended Varalakshmi Vratham at someone's home or a temple?

In this series of two posts, I attempt to introduce you to this festival from a practical perspective so a newbie can  have some idea what to expect of the flow of celebration, what to wear, bring and and how to interact with the others in attendance.

 

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By Jayanthi on Monday, July 27, 2009

Guest Post By Brijesh Nair.

Are you an readying to come to study in America this year? This post by Brijesh, an Indian International student in America, is a quick A to Z tutorial on adjusting to life in America as a college student!

Do go through Brijesh's thoughts and share your ideas and thoughts on his blog.

Thank you!

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By admin on Monday, July 27, 2009

Want practical advice for adjusting to life in America? This is it!

This book is intended for international students, but I think parts of it can be helpful for all categories of college students and immigrants to America. This book shares tips on how to adjust to everyday life in America: how to get a car, how to do daily tasks, how to interact with people, how to navigate cultural and social situations.

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By admin on Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Wondering when certian secular and spiritual holidays of Indians, Americans, Hindus, Buddhist, Jews, Christians, Muslims are in August 2009?

Holidays in August 2009 include: Avani Avittam (changing of sacred thread), Rakhi, Krishna Jayanthi, India's Independance Day, Parsi New Year, Ramadan, Onam and Ganesh Chathurthi.

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By Jayanthi on Monday, July 20, 2009

Students from all corners of the globe are readying to arrive in America for the start of their academic and professional careers. Many bring with them material possessions to ease the transition. I help you by sharing with you ideas on how to better adjust to life here in America. Ideas are weightless, so you don't need to worry about your luggage overages or leaving them behind!

In this post, I introduce you to my series of videos on my YouTube channel on orientation to life on American college campuses. Feel free to leave your thoughts behind so I can improve the information I can provide to you!!!

I hope this will be useful to you! Thank you for spending time on my website.

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By Jayanthi on Friday, July 17, 2009

A busy month for many women in south India, the fourth month of the Tamil Calendar, known as Adi is jam-packed of auspicious prayer activites to the Goddess. It is also during Adi Masam that the yearly Varalakshmi Puja happens.

This post details the spiritual calendar for the month of Aadi in 2009, plus some related cultural facts.

Photo, left. "Lakshmi by Dad", Maitri Erwin.

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Visit Rochester and experience a little of it's history and cultural diversity without moving from your seat! In this post, I will share a few creative travelogues and skits from YouTube made about Rochester, NY.

Enjoy!

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By admin on Friday, July 10, 2009

Reflecting on everyday aspects of life in India and America to help ease transitions between life in America and India has been on my mind in the last one month.

Challenging your own life's borders by living away from 'home', creating a new home, and flawlessly moving between cultures, cities, countries and 'homes' intrigues me. This topic has inspired me to write on topics of cross-cultural significance: homesickness, childraising and independance, gift giving, socializing, kitchen etiquette, and related topics.

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Asians and Indians are only a few of the cultures and ethnicities that live in Rochester, New York.  I am collecting photos together from flickr into different groups to highlight the amazing diversity had in the city so we can learn from each other both our unique qualities and our common interests. Click into the post for more groupings and to add your own photos! Thank you!

Click inside to see the slideshows and participate in this exciting project!

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By Jayanthi on Monday, July 06, 2009

Many Malayalee families continue to consult the family priest or astrologer to calculate special days. Many holy-days are now transcribed into a Western calendar format for easier reference, though these dates change yearly in the Western calendar. Many who want to follow the Malayalee calendar more closely for the appearance of certian stars (nakshatras) would be curious on the basics on how to read a Kerala calendar.

Others may be intrigued to follow the Malayalam calender to celebrate not one, but two birthdays a year! Click inside to find out more!

 

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By admin on Friday, July 03, 2009

Click inside to peruse and participate in some of the interesting thoughts of Africa Expat Wives Club (A UK family settled in Kenya), Shaiju Joseph, Binny VA, Flower Girl, Aarathi, Meeru, Green Family, and others! What a great diversity of points of view!

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By Jayanthi on Friday, June 26, 2009

Entering the kitchen to help a hostess was not part of my social ettiquette. Entering another's kitchen without being asked and doing 'work' would be intruding on her independance and ability to accomplish the task at hand. That is why I did not enter the kitchen in India, when I lived there, and even why it's taken me time to adjust into the Indian community lifestyle here and enter other's kitchens not only to talk, but to help!

How have I evolved this habit? What has encouraged me to question my culture and update it to something different? How has that enriched my life and helped me integrate with the Indian community? Read inside....

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By admin on Wednesday, June 24, 2009

 

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By admin on Friday, June 19, 2009

What does homesickness mean to you?

In your culture and in your upbringing, what did it mean to you and others to be homesick? What were circumstances that created homesickness in you?

As you have gotten older has the idea of homesickness or the feelings of homesickness changed?

In this post, I share some cultural insights on homesickness, spending time away from home at different times in my life, and how my life experiences after having lived in India has changed my views on homesickness and notions of childhood independance.

 

By admin on Wednesday, June 17, 2009

For them, possibly an average day. For me, the culmination of aspirations, dreams and fantasies, in other words, an experience of pure joy!

Watching these small children connect with their cultural heritage was an experience of overwhelming joy for me. It was more than watching the dance that stirred emotion in me, but the dance was the catalyst. Are you curious why? Read more, and watch the video of the cute kids performing the dance that inspired me to write this post...

Photo, right, one of the girls peeking through the curtian ready to perfom. Taken by Krishna Kumar.

 

By Jayanthi on Monday, June 15, 2009

Binu shares his thoughts and experiences about Palm Sunday, the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a goat, heralded in by the local villagers with the fanning of palm leaves, days before Easter.

The interview also provides links to games, crafts and songs for children, videos about Palm Sunday and links to bible scriptures that can be read on this holy day.

 

Photo: Fred Dawson at Flickr (used under creative commons& Read More »

By admin on Friday, June 12, 2009

Globetrotting to India and across New York in present time and in sweet memories is the theme of this month's newsletter.

This month, we visited unique and beautiful places in New York (Highland Park, Lilac Festival), Lockport Caves, Olcott Beach on Lake Ontario, Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua and have come half way round the globe to be with family and friends in Kochi, Trivandrum, Chennai and Kanchipuram (South India). These stories, still and moving images span the last three years. Enjoy!

 

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Waking to Suprabatham in the distance awakens you to the fact, yes, you are in India! Even more so in South India! Here, we experienced the wonder of international television entertainment, a trip to a cliff side resort beach, traversing on film star's teritory in the film park, shopping for saris (while enjoying filter coffee and vadas....), and a heart pumping session of driving in India!

How in the world did we fit rest and relaxation into the principals residential resort into all this??

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By admin on Friday, June 05, 2009

Inspiration is everywhere, it's outside and within you! That would have to be the overarching theme of the posts from this month!

Click into read some of the interesting thoughts of Jonathan Mead, BV Raman, Kaushik Chakraborty, Grace Kerina, Nitya Shanti, Danielle LaPorte, Cherian Mathew, Joann, Shaiju Joseph, Mani Karthik, Jana, Amit Agarwal, and Sharon Wilson. What a great diversity of points of view!

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By Jayanthi on Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Stepping foot into India as a married woman with my husband, staying with his family for a few weeks was an exciting and memorable trip. In this two part travel diary, I share a few days excerpt of my experiences of travelling to and enjoying the new sights and sounds of Kerala, India.

In part one, I share our transit experience. What is it like to experience an Indian airport? What is it like to be greeted by the Indian climate, culture and people? I share a few thoughts from my experience.

Photo slideshow at end of post.

Thank you for reading.

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By Jayanthi on Monday, June 01, 2009

Short introduction to the holy Puranas. The Puranas (of ancient times) are narratives of the history of the Universe. They are perhaps the most important or commonly used scriptural texts of the Hindus and are even today used as guide books for the whole of life and society.

Padmini shares answers to frequently asked questions about the Puranas, short summaries of a the Puranas in this post. Enjoy!

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By Jayanthi on Friday, May 29, 2009

The Sun Temple is an archetectural marvel in the eastern coastal state of Orissa, in India. Ajoy, a contributing author to Alaivani visited this holy and historical site last year. He has sent the photos comprising this photo diary.

Thank you for your continued support and submissions to enrich the quality of Alaivani, Ajoy.

 

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By admin on Wednesday, May 27, 2009

 

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By Jayanthi on Monday, May 25, 2009

Elephants of all Ages in Kerala India

comments welcome

These series of videos of baby elephants and adult elephants showcasing their talents for humans were taken on our trip to Kerala, India in 2008. Enjoy!

Photo, right: I am standing with a cute baby elephant at Kodanad, Kerala.

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By Jayanthi on Friday, May 22, 2009

Looking for an economical vacation, usually a place that can be covered in one day (a daycation) and may even be a local retreat (staycation) for some. Some of these rendezvous may also be classified as ‘freecations’ because depending on where you live maybe no fees are required to attend at all!

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By admin on Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Our dream vacation awaits in Kenya and Tanzania. We wait to experience wildlife and safari in the country that still seems so exotic. In 2007, I came across the following videos by Daniel Sumarto I want to share with you today. These are three of his six videos.

These videos are inspiring. The photography is si