NaNoWriMo in November has been quite an exhausting journey. This month, I have barely managed to write just two posts until now. However, I must admit that I have consciously started practicing the concept of a mindful break for a quarter now. So, I decided to let go of my guilt for not writing enough and instead cater to the need of my mind and soul.
Yesterday, I had been running through the pictures gallery on my laptop thinking of utilizing them to make another personalized item. I have a huge fetish for anything personalized – be it a notebook, a calendar, a mug or picture frame. It was during this process of reliving memories that I decided to do a series capturing the most special moments of this year every month. This has been a quite significant year both personally and professionally. So in the next series of posts, I would be sharing twelve different pictures from each month of this year featuring my most precious memories.
JANUARY 2018
January is when we celebrated the festival of Saraswati Puja. While the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom has always been worshipped at my premarital home, this year we held a grand puja at my marital home. After the puja, my toddler was introduced to the world of learning through a ritual called hathe-khori in Bengali. As a witness to his new journey, my emotions swayed between being a proud and an emotional mother. Though I can’t wait for him to explore the new beginning now, at times I also wish that he didn’t have to grow up so fast.
Linking up with Wordless Wednesday created by Esha and Natasha.
Stay tuned to know what gets featured from my treasure of memories from February and March in the next post on 14th Dec.
soniasmusings 
We have a similar ritual called Aksharabhyasam in Andhra, where in the family elders will hold the hands of the toddler, who has crossed his 3rd birth day, and make him write in Rice mixed with turmeric.
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That’s interesting to know. I had no idea that the same ritual is practiced in other states as well. Thank you for reading.
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It is such a good idea to revisit the photo memories from the year and blog about them. I can very well understand the exhaustion of mind with writing regularly without a break. You have had an exceptional 2018 and I am sure you are proud of yourself. I will say take December as a breather. Take thorough care of your mind and soul. Let nostalgia play its part 🙂 Children grow so fast. One moment we are holding their hand to help them begin their journey, writing and otherwise, and another moment they leave the nest and go away, what will remain somewhere in between will be such photo memories.
I love reading personal posts, more than fiction on the blogs, hence I will be around waiting for your subsequent posts 🙂
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Your comment brought a huge smile on my lips. I have been really struggling to get back to the groove. It was difficult to write on anything other than things that really make me happy. Through my posts, I’m almost reliving the months gone by. Thanks for reading and sharing such a heartfelt message.
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I have never heard of this ritual – Hathe Khori. I’m aware of the importance of Saraswati Puja but this word is new for me. I’m glad I read it here, Sonia.
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Thank you for reading Arv. It’s been a while that I have actually started writing consistently.
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Never too late to start, Sonia. We all have a life! 🙂
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Very true and I have realized that when I took a break for Durga Puja
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🙂
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Great idea to post a picture for each month. Looking forward to the next post.
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So good to read your comment. The next one will go live on 14th Dec.
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“Not to grow up fast?” Wow, I think this is dreams of every other parents:)
Down south we have saraswathi pooja in September. Interesting to know its in Jan there!
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Oh is it? Here’s it’s generally in Jan-Feb based on Basant Panchami dates. But yes, I do agree that all parents have the same thoughts when they see kids grow up so fast. Thanks for reading.
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Such a good idea to recap the year in pics!
Liked reading about the puja and the rituals. Looking forward to the rest in the series.
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Thank you so much Sona. Been a while that I have blogged regularly.
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Same here, Sonia. I have neglected my blog so much recently.
It’s time for me to make a new year resolution to blog consistently.
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This is such a novel concept. Love the idea. I’m going to go through my gallery too!
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Thank you Suchita. I am still too tired to start writing on topics that require research or deep thoughts. But this is really fun and gives me a way to relive those moments. Thank you for reading.
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It’s so precious to see children growing up. You wish you could halt time so they don’t grow, and feeling proud of their achievements too. Such a precious memory, this.
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Thank you for reading. I know it is such a dilemma as you switch between being a proud mom to a hyper emotional one.
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the first time the child speaks a proper word, the first time when your baby makes a sentence, the first time your kid learns to write… all these are precious memories. I can completely understand your emotions in that particular moment.
As a parent there is sense of happiness as we see our child crossing these milestones but at the same time our hearts long for the time passed and we realise that they are growing up slowly and steadily.
Loved this concept and waiting to read more about your memories.
#readbypreetispanorama
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Thank you for the kind words. You have beautifully expressed the dilemma of a parent as they see their child grow up and achieve milestones
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It’s a brilliant idea to refresh memories with old pictures and immortalise them through blog post:)
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Thank you so much. I am glad that you are liking the series
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Oh never knew it’s done in january too, thanks for the share. Lovely memories, look forward to all.
We have saraswati puja to worship deity of vidya, learning and knowledge on dussera. Books and tools and are arranged in the puja room i.e in front of the idol of Goddess Saraswati. Graphical representation is made to seek blessings.
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Oh wow that’s new to me. Thank you for reading and sharing
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We have something similar culture. They hold the hand and make them write letters on rice kept in a plate. Liked your thought about glancing old pictures and writing about them. Will be waiting for more.
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Oh wow, that’s so good to know. Thanks for reading.
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That’s nice photo for your memory book. I like the idea of you sharing photos from the year for the rest of this month
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Thank you for reading
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Thank you so much. I’m glad that you are liking it
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Oh wow, that’s new to me. Thanks for reading and sharing.
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Hey Sonia, Terrific to see you back on #WordlessWednesday. Sorry for the tardy comment, I was away traveling.
Hathey Khori is so precious. And thank you for letting us into this little snippet of your and your toddler’s life. Happy tidings always.
Love and Joy this festive season.
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Thank you Natasha for reading. So glad to be back in the space I call my own. Will link up tomo again.
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usefull post …….
indblogger.com
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The recap series reminded me of tech blogging days. I used to publish a monthly roundup at the end of every month and 1 yearly roundup. Looking forward to reading the upcoming posts.
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