By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, March 12, 2010

This past month saw a blizzard both literally and figuratively in relation to weather and ideas! Check out what's been going on in Alaivani in the past month!

Thank you for spending time on Alaivani.com.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Helping prospective students and parents thinking or preparing for a move abroad to America for studies is daunting for any family. This handbook covers college admissions and college life in America comprehensively. This handbook doubles as not only an 'admissions manual' but a coaching tool to help students and parents uncover the many hidden talents and interests of their children that can be nurtured in the multidisciplinary environment of many American college campuses!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, March 05, 2010

Wonderful insights by Africa Expats Wives Club, Ayurvedic Home Remiedies, Cassie Strom, Clark, Copyblogger, Delhi Bound, Great Expectations, Hindu Blog, India: My Final Obsession, Riyaz, Brijesh, Expat's Woman Guide to Living in Thailand, The Hindu, and Tickled by Life! Thanks, all, for your inspiration!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Not left out, we in Rochester, New York also had our own share of snow. Maybe not as much as places like Washington D.C. and others, but enough for us this year, thank you very much.

The photos taken by Krishna taken the last month showcase some of this frozen, white splendor- that now make me long so much for the warmer days hopefully soon on the horizon.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, February 26, 2010

 

In the midst of winter, and today being a snow 'storm' in my town, many think of the warmer days. Today I am thinking of our wonderful tirps to Pennsylvania: riding bikes on Pine Creek, stargazing with our friends, camping by the rambling brooks, riding on amazing, restored trains, exploring 'rim rocks' and dams surrounded by wonderful, mysterious and magical hills. All such activities done in the summer. Amazing that in summer, not many dream of winter-ludes, huh?

Let's dream of a few summer-ludes and enjoy some videos and snaps from warmer days to come again.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Holi, Ugadi, St. Patrick's Day, Ramanavami, Passover and more are celebrated this month. Click in to see more!

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By Jayanthi on Monday, February 22, 2010

Waching Kerala news on Kairali TV in America a few years ago during Holi season, I saw a news piece that attracted my attention. The celebrations looked kind of like a Holi celebration, but it couldn't be as Holi is not really famously celebrated in South India, in Kerala. After some research and translations of the Malayalam newscast, I formed some opinions of my own on the connection between this mysterious regional Kerala holiday, Porramkuli, and North Indian Holi.

Intersted to know your thoughts or experiences regarding these festivals.

Thank you for spending your time on my blog!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, February 19, 2010

So many of us become 'foreigners' or 'expats', 'international students' or 'global citizens'. Most of us, regardless of country of origin know someone who has lived in or is living in 'a foreign country'. There is obvious life changes that one experiences while moving abroad or even to another city- but don't we experience life transitions and even, culture shock, through role transitions as we journey through our everyday life- even if we never move?

I share some of my thoughts on this in a 4 minute podcast slideshow.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, February 17, 2010

"Being Indian" means different things to different people- while there are, of course, certain criteria that many Indians may agree upon that identify one as being from India, being Indian or 'desi.'

Though I am not 'desi' by birth, I lived in Chennai for two years some years ago, with the intent that I would integrate what I could of the culture into my life even after returning to US. In this post, I share two audio diaries on cross-cultural integration and some feedback I have received from others.

I am eager to hear your cross cultural experiences!

By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, February 15, 2010

Are you new to navigating American cultural etiquette? Are you facing culture shock moving to the US, or moving back to the US? Maybe you just started a job and wanted to know how to respond when your coworkers ask you to lunch. Rather than sit in your cube and wonder what to do, and eat alone, join in next time with these helpful tips! (audio and video presentation inside)

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, February 12, 2010

Thank you to Srivalli, My Facebook Friends, Indians Abroad, and Indian Student Association (OASIS) at Rochester Institute of Technology for the inspiration on some of the posts this month!

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Have you received an invitation to a party given by your American friends but aren't sure if you can make it? Wondering how to handle the invitation?

Listen to a few tips on managing invitation from your American friends to build trusting friendships with your cross-cultural friends.

Photo left: Sarah Parrott @flickr (creative commons)

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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.

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Friday, January 08, 2010

 

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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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Alaivani and Aunthentic Journeys - Relating to People from Diverse Backgrounds India- America Interfaith and Secular Calendar

By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Saturday, October 17, 2009

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Tuesday, September 15, 2009

 

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Wednesday, September 02, 2009

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By Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor 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 Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Cultural Adjustment Coach/Mentor on Monday, August 03, 2009