#pooja invitation

[stealingpotatoes]

And I'll Go With You

Summary: After finding out about their long lost family, the Naberries invite Luke & Leia to the family home for a traditional Naboo dinner. Leia’s feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all.

(sequel to my pooja meets the twins comic that got too long (nearly 3k) and turned into a fic instead of a 2nd comic!!) -- [also on ao3!]

--

It wasn’t like Luke had been eating badly these past few months. Ever since the Rebellion had become the New Republic, rations had been swapped out for consistent, mostly-hearty meals. There were still battlefields and shoddy basecamps, of course, where the food primarily consisted of ration packs and whatever the base cooks could make with what they’d managed to get through battle lines. Yet those were slowly becoming the exception and not the rule, especially as Luke fell further into the ancient role of Jedi diplomat, helping Leia convince systems to join the New Republic. Battles in politics tended to mean fancy meals with too many people and food Luke couldn’t even begin to understand. Even moreso for him than most; politicians and the like were more than happy to offer their finest meals to the Jedi master who’d blown up the Death Star and supposedly defeated the Emperor. 

But none of that fine cheffery compared to the simple stomach-filling warmth of a home-cooked meal -- especially not a home-cooked meal prepared by his grandmother (he had one of those now!) for him, his sister, and their entire family. 

Luke looked around the Naberrie dining room, joy bubbling in his chest and stomach at the warmly-lit sight. Empty dishes and plates stretched across the long table, that had earlier been filled with all kinds of Naboo dishes Luke had never seen or tried before. At either head of the table, his grandparents sat laughing at something Ryoo, sitting by their grandmother, had just said. At Luke’s side, Leia was enraptured in a quiet conversation with their cousin and her old colleague, Pooja, that Luke imagined he wouldn’t understand even if he was listening. His aunt and uncle, Sola and Darred, were the only ones not seated, circling around the table and dilligently clearing up the wreckage of the family meal.

“Are you sure you don't want some help with that?” Luke asked Sola as she piled up another plate opposite him.  

“Really Luke, it’s alright,” she replied with a kind smile.

Luke half expected an assertion that he was their guest to follow, but none came. The blank space left a sunny feeling in his chest; he wasn’t a guest here, he was family. Completely and utterly welcome, as if he’d been a part of that family his whole life, and not as of a few days ago. 

He was so wrapped up in the small joy that he almost didn’t notice Leia’s quiet excuse me, before she gently placed her napkin down on the table and gracefully got up to leave the dining room. 

Luke doubted the Naberries thought anything of it -- Leia’s years of politics made her far too good at hiding her emotions to let them do otherwise. She was so good that even the strongest of force users might not have been able to sense it through her mental and expressive shields. But Luke was not any old strong force user; he was Leia's twin, and so her secret turmoil blared in his head like a whirring attack alarm. 

He cleared his throat and excused himself too, not sticking around to field anyone’s quick questions (though knowing he should’ve). He wound through the love-filled house, following his senses and memory of the tour they’d been given earlier to reach the starlike presence of his sister. He passed through only two short hallways, both’s walls were filled to the brim with memories he’d never known. Holos of his young cousins, of Sola and Darred on their wedding, and of a brown-haired woman Luke wished he’d known as mom. He’d learn every story behind each of the pictures and keepsakes, some day. 

He reached the back garden door -- a light, wooden thing, as ornately simple as the rest of the house -- and stepped into the early night. 

The garden was hardly cold, but the sudden coolness compared to the hearth-warmth of the house bit at Luke. He stared up for a moment. Three moons hung white in the sky, painting the white house walls and the green of the garden in blueish moonlight. It was strange how it reminded him of home and yet was so different. Tatooine too had three moons, though all it did was turn golden sand a deep, colourless blue or silver. Never the friendly blue of Naboo’s.

Shaking himself from the thought, he easily spotted his sister standing cross-armed in front of a neat, flowery maybe-vegetable patch. Her white, Naboo-style dress with puffy sleeves and a many-layered skirt stood out against the dark of the moonlit garden as if it were a small, fourth moon itself. 

Leia had bought the dress shortly before their diplomatic trip to Naboo for any formal dinners they would be invited to as a part of their Republic negotiations with the Naboo. It was, apparently, very strategically important to acknowledge the culture of those you wished to diplomatise with -- even if Luke and his poor galactic fashion knowledge thought the dress looked no different from any of her Alderaanian dresses. He supposed it was lucky he got to wear his Jedi robes everywhere. 

“Hey,” Luke started, stepping up beside her, careful not to get his boots too close to the pristine flowers. 

Leia smiled up at him, almost hiding her sorrowful expression. “Hi.” 

She glanced back at the windows of the house, where warm, orange light diffused out across the neatly cut lawn, not quite reaching their night-blue patch of the garden. “You didn’t need to come out here for me,” she half-apologised. “It’s cold, you should get back to dinner.” 

“I wanted to make sure you were okay.” 

Leia opened her mouth, but quickly closed it, as if realising I’m fine was a useless excuse to your brother who could sense your emotions. “You didn’t have to do that.” 

“You’re my sister, yes, I do,” Luke smiled with a slight shake of his head. After a breath, e leaned down slightly, trying to better enter Leia’s pointed-down sightline. “Hey, if you want to leave, I’m sure we can come up with some urgent New Republic excuse.” 

Leia was the far better liar, but Luke had the added advantage of being one of the only Jedi in the galaxy. If Leia didn’t come up with some political excuse, Luke could always make something up about the force that nobody could refute. 

Luke shrugged. “We’ve been here half the day, anyway, I’m sure they won’t take it personally if we miss one last course. There’ll be other--” 

“No, no, I want to stay,” Leia shook her head with a sure furrow of her brow. “Really, I just needed some air. I don’t-- I can’t leave this.” 

Luke nodded, hoping she didn’t notice how thankful he was that he didn’t have to go. 

“It’s a nice night to be out.”

“Mm. Naboo’s temperature is quite agreeable,” Leia said, her voice growing politically hollow. 

What were they doing, talking about the weather like they were at some stunted party? Luke wanted to say Leia, we both know I’m bad at this not-talking-about-feelings thing, please just tell me what’s on your mind, but he knew his sister well enough to know a brute-force question like that wouldn’t get much out of her. He needed to wait and let her talk on her own terms. So Luke left a gentle space in the air between them, one that Leia could fill when she was ready. Only quiet night birds and the faint rustle of garden trees were so brave as to interrupt it. 

“Maybe I came out here for more than air…” Leia mumbled, predictably rewarding the silence after some long moments. “It's only that they’re so… I don’t know how to say this.” 

“It’s okay, you can say whatever it is,” he managed through the slight panic entering his mind. Did Leia not like their new family? But they were so nice! They were perfect! 

Clearly noticing the worry knotted in his brow, Leia held her hands up. “No, no, it’s nothing against them. It’s barely even about them as people, it’s just…” 

Luke only watched for her continuation, aware all he could do was try to project his own comfort through the force.

Leia forced a deep breath in and out, clenching her eyes shut for a short moment. “When I lost Alderaan, I lost everyone. I lost my father, my mother-- anyone I’d so much as briefly considered family. I had nobody to call my own. Nobody. And I thought that was going to be it, forever. I thought that I would never have any family ever again.” 

“But then,” a smile crept onto Leia’s lips as she gave Luke a short glance, “you came blasting into my life and you told me about everything, and suddenly I had family-- I had a brother!”

“Blasting is a bit of a strong word…”

Leia levelled him a raised eyebrow. “Is there a weaker word you think fits better, then?”

Luke huffed out a chuckle, remembering how quickly their first meeting had devolved into a blaster fight and a narrow escape of death. “I guess blasting works.”

Leia let out a quiet sigh, her presence brightening. “And suddenly it’s not just you, it’s our grandparents, our aunt, our uncle, our cousins, and it’s all…” Leia trailed off. 

Luke nodded slowly. 

Finding the Naberries had been very different for the two of them, but only now did he appreciate the true difference in what their new family meant for them both. 

He’d had little cause to think of what new family meant to the two of them before, given how easily she accepted Luke as her brother, and how resolutely she refused to accept Vader as her father. Luke had thought it was so simple; that it was just Luke was good in her eyes, Vader was not. He saw now that it ran deeper than just Vader’s evil. 

Luke loved his aunt and uncle, but they’d never claimed to be his parents. They had always left room for Luke to long for a mother and father, to dream of the people they never spoke about. He had despised the reality of his father at first, but come to accept that while Vader was not the father he dreamed of, he was Luke’s father nonetheless. However awkwardly he had filled that lifelong gap.

To Leia, Vader was not only a villain, but an invasive species. A predator, encroaching on the still-sore memory of Bail and Breha Organa. He could not be her father; that position belonged solely and permanently to Bail and nobody else. Vader would only ever be relegated to a ‘birth father’ -- and that was only on days that Leia felt particularly merciful. 

The Naberries, on the other hand, didn’t stand to replace anyone. Padmé Amidala, their mother (force, that was weird to think), may have stood too close to Breha’s position -- but Luke suppose finding out your birth mother was your childhood hero and a founder of the rebellion was very different to finding out your parent was the Emperor’s genocidal attack dog. And even then, she was gone now. She could play little part other than a puzzle piece and a forgotten memory; she did not threaten to take a dead parent's place like the living Vader had once done. 

The rest of the Naberries were purely happy additions to their family. There was no limit to how many aunts and uncles and cousins you would have, and neither twin had ever had grandparents before. Their family had become so full and so big with only a chance meeting of Leia’s old Senate colleague Pooja (and some intervention from an unsettling resourceful woman named Sabé). It had all happened so fast, and it was so wonderful… and so easily overwhelming. 

Even Luke struggled to get his mind over all the sudden expansions to his once-thought-gone family, and his grief over two family members and strange hermit mentor was hardly comparable Leia’s planet-sized grief. He knew it wasn’t, because he had felt the difference for himself, every time she saw a certain plant or a heard a certain phrase. Such little things would bombard their force-bond with the soul-crushing grief that had hit Leia out of seeming nowhere. 

Luke stretched the force out to Leia now, focusing on her shields as uninvasively as he could. Her heavy mantle of grief lay near-dormant, at least, but it was still present in the back of her mind. 

Leia glanced up at him from the flowers, perhaps sensing his search despite her lack of training. If she did, she made no comment. 

Luke put his flesh hand on her shoulder. 

Leia delicately rested her own hand on it, bringing her eyes to firmly meet his. “I am okay. It’s just… it’s…” Leia -- the princess whose educated words never faltered, the general who could muster the greatest of speeches out of thin air -- stuttered.

“It’s a lot to deal with,” Luke offered. 

Leia gave him a nod. 

“But you're not dealing with it alone,” he said, turning around to face Leia in full. After a moment of quiet staring up, she turned to face him too. “I know this isn't all quite the same for me. I know it’s… a different kind of difficult. Still, I’m here. I’m always here for you. And I’m sure all of them are too,” Luke said with a nod back to the house. 

Leia hummed in agreement-acknowledgement.

“I don't think they're expecting you -- expecting either of us -- to be completely and suddenly okay with this. I’m sure it’s almost as much for them as it is for us. But they're our family. We may not know each other very well yet, but they already love us so much.”

Luke knew it so certainly; he could sense all the Naberries’ love for the twins, as strong as the heat of the suns on a Tatooine noon. Mottled by cloudy grief in places, but always oh-so present. It radiated off each of them in waves whenever Luke and Leia were around. 

“I think I’m just trying to say it’s okay,” Luke concluded, losing steam in his speech. “However you’re feeling now, it’s gonna be okay.” 

Silence drifted between them, entirely comfortable and nothing like the eager, questioning one Luke had left earlier.

“Thank you,” Leia smiled finally.

Luke shook his head. “It’s nothing.” 

“No, really, thank you. I don’t think I say it enough, but I love you Luke. I’m-- thank you. For being my brother.” 

Before Luke could even think of replying, Leia crashed into him, wrapping her arms around his robes and shoving her face into his shoulder. Luke caved into the hug, pulling his arms tight around his sister in return. 

“I love you too,” he replied softly. 

They stayed like that for a good few moments, fused together like twin stars, basking in each other’s presence as if they truly were so. The galaxy seemed so utterly at peace in the garden around their tight-armed cradling, like it had never faced a single war or fight, like Luke and Leia had always been one and never been ripped apart by the tragedy of circumstance. 

Luke sensed Pooja’s presence -- joyous, if a little timid -- before he heard her treading over the grass towards him and his twin. The two of them pulled apart to face Pooja at the same time, arms still half-pressed together. 

Pooja came to a slow stop as they did, standing still in the bright square of warm window-light. It painted the the cream of her dress a loving orange and made her half-up curls near-glow with its source behind her. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt…” she started serenely, half-smiling at her cousins standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the blue near-dark. 

Leia shook her head, moving towards Pooja. “We were just about to come back in anyway.” 

Pooja brightened, bringing her hands to an almost-clap. “Perfect timing! I came to tell you Grandma’s about to serve up dessert. It’s cake, her speciality.” 

“Sounds wonderful,” Luke’s mouth watered at the thought of more of Jobal Naberrie’s cooking, despite the protests from his already-full stomach. 

“Not as wonderful as it tastes. Now come on!” Pooja over-gestured. “If we don't hurry, Ryoo will have eaten all of it before we get there!”

Leia laughed with all the gentle warmth of the Naboo sun. “We’re coming Pooja, don't worry!”

They followed their hurried cousin back to the nearby door, forming a line as they reached the portico of the entrance.

“I'm so happy we found you both,” Pooja admitted quietly as she held the door open for her cousins. The two of them stepped back into gentle embrace of the family home, something sweet hanging in the warm air. 

Leia gave Luke a quick glance before she turned to Pooja; “I’m happy we found you too.”

[srbachchan]

DAY 5748

Jalsa, Mumbai Nov 12/13, 2023 Sun/Mon 2:00 AM

Govardhan Pooja Monday, 13 November

last night Blog was a random state of the mind and body, with some of the most extended queries that had meaning and none at all ..

but we have the benefit of some of the dearest assets in our Ef brigade that possess the acumen of the highest iq's ..

may I present to all one such reaction to the somewhat thesis dissertation of coffee shot infested brain - mine !!

Good morning…

I'll respond in an order… 'cause the reverse might sound random…

Wise quiet of silence

Perhaps this is why sàdìsts prefer the company of spartans… so that they can get away with barbarous fun…

You see, spartans are accustomed to unfair insults… They do not react…

But, come once in a new moon, they do… and when they do, they demolish the facade with simple words and gestures…

In other words,

The quiet of the silence is indeed wise… but everything has a point of ignition… and when the wise are on fire, those rotten germs infecting humanity are scorched to ashes…

From eternity to eternity

अजो नित्यः शाश्वतोऽयं। - गीता

Unborn, forever, and imperishable…

Which is the only reasonable definition of being… one that subsumes continuity…

There's nothing in any measure of a being on a timeline… the suffix 'ing' does not permit that…

Seclusion, and replication elsewhere

The desolate is usually in the queue of extinction… its days are numbered… soon to be obsolete…

In stark contrast, replication is that link of a chain which assures continuum…

I'll give a true example,

There is a shikara and houseboat attendant at Dal… His name is Shafique…

(Don't worry… there are thousands of Shafiques there… I'm not revealing a unique identity…)

Shafique's father died when Shafique was about 12 years old… they were living far away, on the right bank of Jhelum, in a small and little known village…

The father had created a farm of about 5 acres which he was tilling till his death…

Upon the father's death, his mother had invited his uncle to help with the farming… lest the land goes waste…

The uncle had three sons… all were elder to Shafique… They would beat and harass him on the farm…

His uncle came to the house one day, and said to the mother, "I cannot control my kids… I'm afraid they might kill your son some day… I suggest you leave the village and go to Srinagar… I have a friend there who will find a living for you…"

Today, Shafique is around 40… married with teenage kids… And, he is determined to get back the farm, which his father had carved out of nothing…

In short,

Continuity may seem like āmour in the beginning… but it can have savage consequences…

Desolation and extinction follow…

Venus

All true, dear Sir…

However, do you know that Venus has a retrograde spin?

Which means, it rotates in the opposite direction… While Earth rotates anti-clockwise when viewed from the North Pole, Venus rotates clockwise…

Haha… kind of a magnetic couple, eh?

Crucible foetus

I sincerely hope it's not an unwanted child… that seems to be happening quite often these days…

If it survives the incubator, it dies every day of its life… The facade doesn't work…

OH NO YOU DIDN'T

Hehe… but I did… in my own way… is that prohibited?

REALLY… YOU SHALL NEVER KNOW

I care to know just enough to sing your song wherever I go… I hum your tune, I recite your words… I live your moments…

For that, I shall always kneel before God, and thank Him and thank you… 🙂

and the collision of the wishers with that Sunday fervour ..

Loved and cared for .. in its immense value ..🚩

Amitabh Bachchan

[hum-suffer]

We'll say hello again (Nevermind the chasm between us) 17

Gauri has read about moments like these. She's written about moments like these. But it's the first time that she feels it.

Rage coursing in her veins to make her burn, fury freezing her at place and heart and throat suddenly burning under a weight she cannot see. Helplessness bursts through her spine and she wants to collapse but she stands still. The thali in her hand digs into her palms and Gauri desperately wants to ground herself back to reality but she cannot speak.

Maa steps forward. She locks eyes with Gauri and something passes between them.

Do not do this. I am your daughter. Help me. Reject him. Let me speak. Do not. Do not. Please. Please. Guide me to a better place. Protect me. Help me. Protect me. Protect me. Protect me. I am your daughter.

"The royal throne acknowledges and accepts your proposal, Mahoday Vijay. We shall discuss the courting process in detail tomorrow, after Pooja."

I will not help you. Help yourself. I cannot protect you. No one can protect anyone. You are a daughter. This is your fate. This is your fate. This was my fate. This was your mother's fate. You are cursed with the fate of a daughter. You are not my daughter. I only have sons.

The edges of the thali dig into her palms further and Gauri feels the slight hissing burn of skin breaking. Gauri opens her mouth and Maa glares at her. Maa turns her eyes away.

"Maa."

Gauri cannot defy the Queen Mother in front of the civil population. It's not her sanskar, not her training, not her morals and not something that is acceptable. But she needs to speak. She needs to say no.

Maa gives her a side eyed look and shakes her head minutely.

Gauri looks at Amar. Her half, her heart, her twin. He looks back at her, surprise, anger and something else dances under his eyes. He takes a step towards her, eyes determined and on her. Uncle extends a hand. Amar doesn't stop, throwing their uncle a look that would have been a foretelling of someone's death, had they not had the royal blood Amar and uncle share. Uncle clears his throat and signs towards Maa.

Maa tilts her head sharply and—

Amar freezes.

He looks at Maa in shock and opens his mouth but no words come out. He looks at Gauri, now a pitying and more annoyed look in his eyes. He looks back at Maa. And for a moment Gauri wants to laugh at his audacity. He feels betrayed by Maa, because Maa isn't letting him side with Gauri.

What about me. What about me. You betrayed me too. My brother, my soul, my heart, my twin. Betrayed me.

He will always choose Maa before her, Gauri remembers thinking, at the age of thirteen. She was right.

Despite the warm burn in her palms and the sudden pricking in her eyes, Gauri feels the fingertips of her hands going cold. Her fingers tighten further on the thali and she feels the metal digging into her raw flesh until she feels a drop of blood slither down her alta painted right palm.

Gauri looks at Bhalla, who appears equally shocked. He makes eye contact with her. Looks away. Gulps. And sighs, fortifying his mind again, before he looks at her and points towards Vijay with a sharp nudge of his head. Her brother. Her cousin. Bhalla, who used to twirl her around in air and promise her that he'll marry her to someone brave and courageous.

Gauri looks at Vijay, who smiles winningly at her. His smile feels like something tangible on her. There's a gentle curve in his smile and his shoulders are relaxed, eyes open in invitation. Gauri keeps her eyes glued on his cheek, refusing to look into his eyes and give him the pleasure of seeing her being betrayed. She lets her eyes turn unfocused and the sight of him goes blurry, even for a second, a Gauri feels a moment of safety for it.

She looks at the Shivling in the temple. I asked for nothing but love. The ache in her chest intensifies and out of all, she feels the most betrayed by her friend, by Mahadev. He is supposed to know her. Help her.

Blood crawls down both of her palms and before it can stain the temple floor, Gauri ducks her head, silently asking for leave and turns. She plasters a smile on her face as the people start to talk again, continuing to distribute Prasad to the rare remaining people around her.

"My princess." A whisper in her ear brings her out of her trance with a breath. She blinks and turns her head to Bhairav, who has his hands out and head bowed. "May I receive some Prasad too?"

Gauri's smile shrinks until it's a real one. A tired, but real smile. She gives the last piece in the plate to him, keeping sure that her blood hasn't stained any of the Prasad. Bhairav takes the prasad but instead of eating it, presses it into her hand. Gauri looks at him, alarmed, but holds the prasad with her fingertips to not stain it with her blood. He gently pries away the thali from her hand and holds it from the exact places where her blood is now a dried smear.

He removes a cloth from his waistband and offers it to her. "Eat the prasad, my princess," he says, almost inaudible,"you have yet to have it."

In the commotion around them, Gauri breaks the prasad in half and presses the bigger part into his calloused hands as she takes the cloth. With a tipping of her chin, she orders him to eat his part of the Prasad and eats her part, using his scarf to wipe the blood on her palms.

"Just one word, my princess," he whispers as he takes the cloth back from her hands. "The next one to bleed will be him. Give me an order. Say yes."

Inexplicably, Gauri wants to embrace him for the simple kindness of friendship he shows her. The fact that he is ready to kill someone, a noble at that, for her, is baffling and empowering. The fact that he cares for her above even the simple etiquette of the temple to not talk about murder in front of God, the fact that he simply cares. It makes her want to drop to her knees in relief. Bhairav cares. Bhairav cares. Bhairav cares.

Bhairav cares.

Gauri shakes her head. "Thank you, Bhairav. But for now, we wait." She doesn't look anywhere but in Bhairav's eyes as she speaks. "We need the accounts of the situation. I spilt my blood today. Yours will not be spilt over a pig."

Gauri knows the doubts he must have. But he never questions her. He nods. "I trust you, my princess."

The gajra in her hair wraps her in the smell of jasmines again and Gauri finds herself smiling. "And I, you."

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

Surprisingly, it's Maa who approaches her. Almost at midnight, when Gauri is walking towards her chambers with Bhairav in tow, Maa approaches her. With a flick of her hand, her guards stay behind as she walks towards Gauri.

Gauri sees Maa's eyes dart sharply towards Bhairav but Bhairav doesn't hesitate in following Gauri's footsteps until she turns towards him and nods, leaving him a few meters behind her so she and Maa can have the privacy that Maa must be needing.

"Shall we enter your room, daughter?"

Gauri doesn't say anything, opens the doors to her chambers and lets Maa go in first, out of courtesy, and follows. As soon as the door is shut, Gauri quietly says,"Niece." Maa looks at her questioningly. "Would you do to your daughter what you're doing to me?"

Maa's eyes narrow. "Do not accuse me of bias, Gauri. You know better than that." (Does she? Does she, really?)

Gauri clenches her jaw. "Let me accuse you of something more feasible, then. You're using me as bait."

Maa purses her lips and moves to sit at the settee near the window, the one which shows the moon every night. Gauri knows the answer to her non-question then. She narrows her eyes as she speaks, "You have something to prove. You need a favour. You need his help and the only way he can be won over is marriage with me because he already has plenty of wealth and you cannot bribe him with money, so you bribe him with a woman. And not any woman. The princess of Mahishmati. Or is that just an empty title?"

"Enough of your impertinence, Gauri!" Maa says, a frown on her face,"I understand that you are upset and that is why I am letting you speak so, but do remember that I am your elder and your mother."

Gauri looks down. The feeling of helplessness comes back over. (I only have sons). "And what shall I do? I shall write over my life to a man already widowed and a dozen years older than me? What for? At least do me the courtesy of telling me why am I being sold!"

"Stop speaking as if I am selling you!" Maa says, the hurt sparkling in her big eyes. Gauri knows she feels pressured too but at this moment, she cannot find it in herself to care. She needs to be selfish. This situation of being selfish has arisen due to Maa's affirmation. Gauri will not be sold to the highest bidder like cattle. If she has to hurt others for it, so be it.

Gauri can see tears welling up in Maa's eyes as she speaks,"I do not enjoy the prospect of snatching away your right to choose your husband. What we feel on matters like these seldom ever matters. We are women. We must think of the future before we think of ourselves."

Gauri sneered at her,"Ah, yes. The future where I marry a man well into his mid life and then birth him children and die while birthing his fifth child! The future where I am nothing but a trophy, a status, a broodmare! And when I die, he will find another wife to breed."

It's not as if she's a child and unaware of the way the world works. The only reason men want young wives is their ability to birth more children with relatively less hassle.

"Watch what you are speaking and who you are speaking to, Gauraangi!" Maa roars, louder than Gauri has ever heard her speak. Eyes red and the muscles in her neck taut with tension.

"And remember who you are talking to, Maa!" Gauri snaps right back, voice turning into a growl with her fury. "I am not a victim and I am not a child. I want the truth. Not this gender biased nonsensical philosophy."

Maa sneers at her. "And who are you if not a child? What do you think the world is? It is not ideal, it is not moral and it is certainly not perfect! Other people have worse lives and they don't throw tantrums!" Before Gauri can retort to that, Maa continues,"I have tried my best to give you all the life children should have. I have looked after Mahishmati like I have looked after you three. And I know I raised you to put Mahishmati above everything, even yourself!"

Gauri resisted the urge to shout and snarl like an animal. "Then talk to me!" She pleaded, instead. "Tell me what's going on. Tell me why this is suddenly happening. Why does Mahishmati suddenly need the favour of a governor?"

Suddenly, the fight seemed to leave Maa. She almost slumped against the wall at her back and closed her eyes for a long moment. Just as Gauri was getting uncomfortable in the silence, Maa spoke. "Vijay is a cunning man. He knows that the West province brings in a lot of export and thus wealth to the state. I have heard reports of him frequently meeting some officials from the Swarnimpur. If he becomes a snitch, Mahishmati could see an economic disaster."

"And he would gain money. We could come out of this hypothetical disaster but it would be a wreck, especially in the trader class," Gauri speaks, going in a trance as she gets the conclusions of the possibility. "Vijay would earn a lot of money. But he already has plenty of wealth, perhaps owing to some sort of forgery or fraud. He already has materialistic means but he doesn't have a family. He returns to a mansion, but it is full of servants who are paid to care for him. He needs a wife who would care for him and children who would take his name. He does not crave for family. He craves for successors. And he would never father an illegitimate child or even adopt a child. That is why you bribe him with me."

Maa looks pained but nods nonetheless. "I do not want to throw something like this on you, Gauri. You deserve the freedom to choose a husband. But we need to look out for our citizens first."

Gauri walks towards Maa with heavy footsteps, eyes unseeing again. The weight of an economic collapse is not unserious and Gauri knows the sheer consequences it could breed. Mahishmati is prosperous and the royal treasury would try to control it, but if the exports that should be Mahishmati's went to Swarnimpur, the loss of a source of income would hit the majority of the citizens. From the labourers, the merchants, the hand crafters, the sellers, to even the buyers. It would be hell to contain.

The fire needed to be put out while it was still in the embers.

And Gauri is the only way to stop it, it seems.

Her eyes ache and burn and Gauri wants someone to embrace her and kiss her forehead and tell her that it will be fine and she doesn't need to sell her life to a man for the sake of her Kingdom. The Kingdom, which never loved her as much as it loved her brothers, the Kingdom which will never be hers.

Yet.

Yet.

Gauri can't let the people suffer. She can't. Something crumbles in her and her shoulders slump, a physical indication of how she feels. Like a marionette, she walks towards her bed and sits down, feeling the room closing in on herself.

Gauri thinks of the days she has spent romanticizing the life she wished for herself, one day. A loving husband, who would support her rise to the ministry. A couple of children, who would call her maa and she would be there for them, unlike how her mother wasn't. Sneaking out to the markets with Bahu and Bhalla's respective wives. Lifting her nieces or nephews in her arms and spinning them around like Bhalla used to do with her. Amar teaching sword fighting to their respective children.

She had simple goals: to love and be loved, to stay with the people she loves.

And yet, to protect the land she loves, Gauri will have to leave the province altogether. Or, at least, make everyone think that she would be leaving.

Gauri would sooner kill Vijay than become a pawn in this game of chess.

She dares lift her eyes and gaze at Maa, who looks at her with sympathy and thankfulness, clearly thinking Gauri has accepted her "fate" to marry Vijay. She looks away again within a moment, to make Maa believe how upset she is.

Gauri will rewrite her fate. In blood, when need comes.

____________________________________________________

Tagging: @alhad-maharani @nerdreader @vijayasena @allizzprobablynotwell @voidsteffy @yehsahihai

[desisutra]

👑 Divine Desires Unleashed - Royal Rendezvous with Trophy Sluts! 🔥

In the sacred realms of tradition, two captivating goddesses emerge, merging the sanctity of heritage with the unbridled desires of the soul.

Saundarya Sutra: Disha, The Unleashed Goddess Disha, the bewitching Saundarya Sutra, embodies ethereal grace with a wild undercurrent of untamed passion. Born into the sanctified corridors of tradition, she conceals her rebellious desires beneath the façade of a sensuous peach saree, a mere whisper of modesty. The intricate bra-like blouse, adorned with ancient motifs, serves as an elaborate tapestry concealing the wild yearning simmering beneath her poised exterior. Raised amidst rituals, she's mastered the art of craving forbidden pleasures, savoring every stolen moment of secret exploration. Disha, an unleashed goddess, invites you to revel in her divine curves, every glance an invitation to worship her ethereal form. As your goddess, she awaits your royal adoration, a vision of perfection dedicated to your pleasure.

Sobhagini Sundari: Pooja, The Scarlet Temptress Pooja, the clandestine Sobhagini Sundari, thrives amidst societal expectations, a scarlet temptress navigating the tightrope between sacred and sinful. Her journey unfolds within the vibrant tapestry of a red saree, a hue mirroring the passion coursing through her veins. The sleeveless blouse, an audacious choice, lays bare the tantalizing allure of her bare shoulders, each movement a calculated seduction. Pooja, the embodiment of beauty and lust, revels in the equilibrium between the sacred and the sinful, her desires hidden beneath layers of traditional allure. As a scarlet temptress, she becomes your coveted trophy slut, inviting you to indulge in the intoxicating blend of her beauty and sensuality. Your royal trophy awaits, an embodiment of desire ready to fulfill your every fantasy.

The Royal Showdown - Saree Seduction of Trophy Sluts

As the royal showdown unfurls, Disha's ethereal charm entwines with Pooja's sizzling secrets in a symphony of desire and decadence. Witness their real-time saga where every movement narrates a tale of seduction, a dance of trophy sluts vying for your royal adoration.

Royal Arena of Temptation Disha's graceful sway unveils the sacred awakening hidden within the folds of her peach saree, the fabric caressing her curves like an offering to your royal desires. The ornate bra-like blouse, an heirloom of desires passed down through generations, teases at the boundaries of sanctity. Her eyes, ablaze with unrestrained passions, invite the royal viewer to partake in the divine dance of pleasure, where she transforms into an unleashed goddess, tempting and insatiable. Your royal goddess awaits your worship, a vision of perfection beckoning for your pleasure.

Scarlet Seduction Unleashed Pooja retaliates with a scarlet revelation, the red saree enveloping her like a cloak of unabashed desire. The sleeveless blouse, an ode to rebellion, lays bare the allure of her bare shoulders, an open invitation to explore the forbidden. With each deliberate movement, she casts a spell, beckoning the royal viewer into the secret garden where forbidden pleasures bloom. Pooja transforms into a scarlet temptress, a royal trophy slut whose every move embodies the essence of sensuality and lust. Your royal trophy awaits, an embodiment of desire ready to fulfill your every fantasy.

Experience the Royal Rendezvous with the Sanskari Seductresses in their real-time divine showdown, where elegance and eroticism collide in a tantalizing duel of desire, with every sway and gesture an invitation to indulge in the decadent pleasures they offer. Worship, revel, and savor the essence of trophy sluts in all their untamed glory. 💖👑🔥

[allari-ammayi]

Butta Bomma

A. Bahubali x Reader x B. Deva

#6

The Snarky Prince

Synopsis: An esteemed and grand Pooja is held in Mahismati which only the highest and greatest of the kingdom can attend. Y/n is invited to this grand event, and being oblivious to the mannerisms and traditions, struggles to navigate through the Pooja's rituals, earning her endless teasing and snarky remarks from the elder prince, much to her displeasure. Following the Pooja, Y/n reencounters a face from her time, a separate mystery of a Prince's soft spot opens up and some bad news is broken to Y/n.

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Magically materialising infront of the elder prince of Mahismathi, suffering through a harsh interogationg and getting on the queen’s good side sure had it’s perks when Y/n was being made to attend a private Pooja held by the royal family, attended only by very high-ranking individuals and royal council members. 

As Y/n entered the grand chamber where the Pooja was taking place, led by servants, she was immediately struck by its opulence and the air of reverence that surrounded the ceremony. 

The room was adorned with intricate decorations, and the fragrance of incense filled the air. She took a moment to observe the guests, many of whom were adorned in richly embroidered attire.

The Pooja began, and Y/n found herself seated in close proximity to the princes. As she was led to her designated spot, she momentarily hesitated, not quite sure whether to sit on the floor or in one of the grand chairs alongside Bhallaladeva and Bahubali. 

Her uncertainty did not go unnoticed by the palace attendees, who exchanged knowing glances.

Bhallaladeva, ever the observer, couldn't resist seizing the opportunity for a snarky comment. With a smirk, he leaned towards Y/n and whispered, 

"You know, in Mahishmati, we usually sit on chairs like civilized people, not on the floor like monkeys." His playful nickname for her, 'monkey,' which had been coined during her fruit-gathering escapade, got on Y/n’s nerves.

Y/n, refusing to let Bhalla's teasing go unanswered, sent him a sidelong glance and retorted just as quietly, 

"Well, Your Highness, it's not every day I get to feel like a monkey in a palace. But I suppose I can give the chair a try." With that, she smoothly settled into the grand chair, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes.

"Ah, I see you're willing to adapt, even if it means leaving behind your primitive ways." Y/n couldn't resist a grimace.

"Well, I'm nothing if not adaptable, Your Highness. I've even learned to tolerate the company of royal brats." Bhallaladeva rolled his eyes at her response. 

“Watch your tongue, Monkey.” He warned, but Y/n took no word.

"Well, I must admit, the palace furniture does tend to be more comfortable than tree branches.” Y/n leaned back in the chair, smirking. "You should try it sometime, Your Highness. It's good for building character." 

It took Bhallaladeva a few seconds of thought about Y/n’s words before he gasped, his eyes wide as he gaped at her smirking face.

“Monkey.” He bitterly said, rolling his eyes.

The Pooja continued, and as the rituals unfolded, Bhallaladeva couldn't resist another opportunity. 

"You know, Monkey, you might learn a thing or two about our customs if you paid more attention and less attention to me." Y/n glared at him and his audacity. 

"Oh, I've been paying attention, Your Royal Snarkiness. Besides, at least I’m not the one picking a fight every time I see you. Anyway, I've learned that you enjoy making snide remarks almost as much as I do." Bhallaladeva raised an eyebrow. 

"Is that so? Perhaps we have more in common than I thought."

“Maybe that, but not holding such grand ceremonies, we don’t.” Y/n motioned around the large event with her eyes.

“You don’t hold grand Poojas where you come from?” Bhallaladeva poked at Y/n with his suggestive words.

"You know, back in my kingdom, we didn't have grand ceremonies to worship deities- well, sometimes, but not as often as Mahismati. We just used… erm… smartphones… and emojis." Bhallaladeva raised an eyebrow, clearly perplexed. 

"Smart... what?" Y/n leaned closer, her tone conspiratorial. 

"Oh, it's a magical device that lets you talk to people across the world without leaving your throne. You'd probably love it, except there's no room for grand chairs on Twitter. You’d fit right in." 

Y/n was internally cackling at herself for her superior humour but grimaced at how Bhallaladeva wouldn’t understand her joke. But oh well, she enjoyed it enough for the both of them.

The prince let out a low, amused chuckle. 

"I doubt I'd find such a 'device' of any use, but it seems to have made you quite the expert in... what did you call it? Emojis?"

Y/n grinned mischievously. 

"Yes, indeed. I can say more with a single emoji than you can with a royal decree." Bhallaladeva's lips twitched with amusement. 

"Is that so? Well then, show me." With a sly wink, Y/n mimicked an exaggerated emoji face, complete with wide eyes and a cheeky grin. 

"There you go, Your Highness. That's the 'I'm thoroughly entertained by your snark' emoji. In a sarcastic way, of course."

Bhallaladeva couldn't help but laugh outright, earning a few disapproving glances from the other attendees. 

As the Pooja continued, their banter intensified, each comment designed to one-up the other's wit.

Bhallaladeva, with a smirk, leaned in and whispered, 

"You know, you're quite audacious for an outsider and a Monkey, sitting in my presence." Y/n shot back with a sly grin, 

"Audacious? Well, you should be flattered, Your Highness. Not everyone gets to enjoy the company of someone as charmingly audacious as me." Bhallaladeva raised an eyebrow. 

"Charming, you say? I thought I was dealing with a wild monkey." Y/n laughed hollowly. 

"Wild monkeys can be charming too, especially when they outsmart the royals."

Their whispered exchange didn't go unnoticed by some of the other attendees, who were trying their best to stifle their laughter. 

The Pooja continued, and so did their banter, growing more spirited, each comment a subtle challenge to the other's wit. 

During the Pooja, Y/n couldn't help but notice that the priest conducting the ceremony had an unusually high-pitched voice that, on that particular day, seemed almost comically exaggerated. It was as if his voice belonged in a cartoon rather than a royal ceremony.

As the priest continued with his high-pitched chants, a sudden bout of laughter threatened to escape Y/n. She struggled to stifle it, biting her lip to hold back the mirth that bubbled within her. But her valiant efforts were in vain, and a snort of suppressed laughter emerged, much to her chagrin.

Bhallaladeva, ever the vigilant observer, caught wind of her snort, as did the others gathered for the Pooja. A knowing smile tugged at the corner of his lips, though he kept his amusement well hidden, choosing instead to glance away with a subtle shake of his head.

As Y/n was summoned by the priest to approach the sacred fire pit for a ritual, the atmosphere grew tense with anticipation. Her steps, however, were far from the graceful, deliberate movements expected in such a solemn ceremony. 

Instead, she sauntered casually, her sari's end swaying as she strolled, completely unaware of the formality required.

“Hey, how’s it going?” Y/n asked, taking a seat next to the fire.

Seated by the sacred fire pit, Y/n greeted the royal priest in an unintentionally informal manner, failing to use the specific, customary formal greeting meant for such occasions. Her actions prompted a variety of reactions from the onlookers.

Amarendra Bahubali, who had observed Y/n's unconventional behaviour throughout the ceremony, couldn't help but stifle a silent chuckle, his eyes twinkling with amusement. In contrast, Bhallaladeva's hand met his face with an audible face-palm, a gesture of exasperation and disbelief.

Y/n, sensing the weight of the room's expectations and her own blunder, glanced awkwardly at the royal brothers. She summoned a hesitant and awkward smile and shrugged, her uncertainty palpable. 

“Oh, I mean... um, Priest-sir... or Your greatness?” Y/n stammered, growing increasingly flustered. Bhallaladeva couldn't resist a snarky remark, leaning closer to Y/n and whispering, 

“Oh, it's just the guardian of the eternal flame and the messenger of the gods, no need to be formal.” Y/n shot back with a sarcastic smile, 

“Right, just a guardian of the eternal flame and the messenger of the gods. No biggie, Your Highness.” 

Bahubali, who had been watching the exchange with a mixture of amusement and protectiveness, chimed in, 

“Y/n, it's 'Your Holiness.' And don't worry, you'll get the hang of it.” Y/n sighed in relief at Bahubali's reassuring words, grateful for his kindness amid the awkward situation. But she couldn't resist one more dig at Bhallaladeva, who was clearly growing more annoyed.

“See, Your Snarkiness, even the guardian of the eternal flame and the messenger of the gods is forgiving. Maybe you should take a lesson or two from him.”

Bhallaladeva huffed in response, clearly not amused. “I have no desire to become a guardian or messenger of anything, let alone flames.”

The priest, though taken aback by Y/n's informality, decided to play along, finding Y/n’s presence refreashing. He chuckled softly and replied, 

"Ah, it seems we have a free spirit among us today." Bhallaladeva couldn't contain his frustration any longer and muttered under his breath, 

"Free spirit? More like a loose cannon." Y/n overheard him and couldn't let it slide.

"Well, Your Snarkiness, a loose cannon can make things interesting, can't it?"

Bhallaladeva shot her a withering look. "Interesting is an understatement."

Bahubali, ever the peacemaker, tried to intervene with a smile. "Let's not dwell on formalities for now. Y/n is still learning our ways, and we should be patient."

Y/n turned to Bahubali with a grateful expression. "Thank you, Your Highness. Your brother here isn't making it any easier for me."

Bhallaladeva scoffed. "I'm not here to make things easy for you, Monkey."

Y/n sighed, rolling her eyes again. "Your Snarkiness, you're starting to sound like a broken record. Cut me some slack, will you?"

Bahubali chuckled and placed a reassuring hand on Y/n's shoulder. "Y/n, these customs may seem daunting, but I promise you'll get the hang of them with time."

Y/n turned to Bahubali with a grateful smile, her eyes reflecting her appreciation for his understanding. "Thank you, Your Highness. At least someone here is on my side."

Bhallaladeva couldn't resist a snarky comment. "Yes, it seems our noble prince is quite smitten with our guest from the land of ‘Mexico’."

Bahubali blushed slightly. "It's not about that, Bhalla. It's about showing kindness and patience to our guests."

Y/n chuckled sarcastically. "Why, Your Snarkiness, are you jealous that you're not the centre of attention for once?"

Bhallaladeva's retort was swift. "Hardly, Monkey. I have more important matters to attend to than vying for attention."

“You certainly have a way of keeping things interesting, don't you?” Whispered Bahubali to Y/n. 

“I'm trying my best here, but these formalities are like a maze,” Y/n complained with a roll of her eyes. She turned to the priest and gave a bright smile. “Now, your holiness, d’you have me sitting here for any reason?” 

Bhalla let out a deep sigh, face-palmed and shook her head slightly, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

“She's going to give me more grey hair than I can handle.” He muttered to himself.

Y/n, overhearing his comment, felt a spark of annoyance and turned her gaze squarely on the prince. “Oh, Your Snarkiness, are you worried about your looks? I wouldn't want to be responsible for that.”

Bhallaladeva shot her a withering look. “It's not about my looks. It's about upholding the dignity of this ceremony.”

"But grey hair? Really, Your Highness? I didn't realize my presence was that taxing on your youthful appearance."

Bhallaladeva met her gaze with an arched eyebrow. "Your presence is taxing in more ways than one, I assure you, Monkey."

Y/n grimaced, "Ah, Your Snarkiness, always the charmer. How do you manage to be so endearing?"

Bahubali, who had been observing the exchange with a protective glint in his eye, couldn't resist intervening. "Enough, you two. This is an important ceremony, and we should show respect to one another."

Y/n turned to Bahubali with a warm smile. "You're right, Your Highness. I apologize if I've caused any disruptions." Bahubali smiled back, just as warmly.

Bhallaladeva, ever the instigator, chimed in. "Apologies won't change the fact that you've disrupted the entire ceremony, Monkey." Y/n narrowed her eyes at Bhallaladeva.

"Don’t say that, Bhalla. We know she didn’t mean to do this, and we don’t blame you, Y/n, or at least I don’t. I know it can be overwhelming, but we'll help you navigate. Besides, it isn’t a big issue." Bahubali, with a kind and protective tone, addressed Y/n, “I don’t know why Bhalla making such a big deal of it,” He added, with a whisper.

Bhallaladeva, noticing Bahubali's protectiveness, couldn't help but roll his eyes slightly. "Always the gallant protector, aren't you, Bahubali?"

"Well, Your Snarkiness, it's nice to have someone who appreciates my company," Y/n said. Bhallaladeva couldn't help but respond with a touch of annoyance, his voice tinged with subtle jealousy. He muttered, 

"Appreciates your company a bit too much, if you ask me."

“Let's not argue during the Pooja, shall we? We're here to celebrate and seek blessings, not engage in squabbles.”

Y/n nodded in agreement, but couldn't help but sneak an annoyed glance at Bhallaladeva, adding, “Yes, Your Royal Snarkiness, save your lectures for later. We'll have plenty of time for those.”

Bhallaladeva scoffed and turned his attention back to the ceremony, while Bahubali shot Y/n a warm and reassuring smile.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

As Y/n stood before the mirror, carefully brushing her hair in the quiet of her room, the rhythmic strokes of the brush being the only sound, she was momentarily lost in her own thoughts. 

The private Pooja had been an eye-opener for her. She didn’t realise till now just how different how her world and Bahubali’s worlds were.

A sudden knock at the door broke her reverie, and she called for the visitor to enter. When the door swung open, revealing the servant who stood before her, Y/n was stunned, nearly choking on her own surprise.

Hazel locks that were put into a bun and grey familiar eyes caught Y/n’s attention.

"G-Gowri?" Y/n exclaimed, her voice a mix of joy and disbelief.

The woman, who was an unbelievable doppleganger of Gowri, however, introduced herself formally to Y/n, her tone and demeanour lacking the warmth of their previous friendship. 

Gowri bowed to Y/n, as a servant would to a master.

“Yes, my name is Gowri, my lady.”

“Gowri…” Y/n breathed out, her eyebrows scrunching in confusion and the tiniest tears welling in her eyes from the joy.

“Yes.” Gowri remained formal, finally standing straight but keeping her head bowed, “I have been sent by the prince to serve you as your new personal servant.” Y/n arched a brow, several things not mixing well in her head.

Why was Gowri acting so weird, which of the princes sent her, did she know about the whole red amulet thing, and why was she being so formal?

“What- Gowri, what’re you saying?” Y/n formed a cracked and confused smile.

“Oh, I have been sent by His Royal Highness to serve as My Lady’s personal maid-servant for the rest of My Lady’s stay at Mahismati.”

“No- That’s not what I meant.” Y/n gulped and stepped towards Gowri, her nose starting to sting with the creeping realisation of something Y/n didn’t want to believe. But Y/n clung to the one bit of hope and put her hands on Gowri’s shoulders. “Do you not remember me, Gowri?” 

Y/n stared into Gowri’s eyes, her pooled tears evident and her voice broken.

“No, My lady. I’m afraid we haven’t met before.” Gowri answered, after a second of thought.

This wasn't the same Gowri she had known and cherished.

Y/n, her eyes tinged with disappointment, sighed and said, 

"What’ve they done to you..?” Y/n then said something to Gowri that nearly made her lose her composure. “Treat me like a friend, please, not like a master. Which means calling me my name and treating me like an equal." Y/n said as she strolled back to her dressed table.

“What, no I possibly cannot, my Lady. That would mean I’d be showing such disrespect to you, I cannot-” Y/n looked at the stressed Gowri with wide, sad, and teary eyes. Gowri gulped at the look on Y/n face that shattered her heart into several pieces. 

“Please…” Y/n begged.

Gowri hesitated for a moment, then her lips curved into a faint smile as she replied, "Of course, Y/n."

Gradually, the formality began to melt away, and their bond started to rekindle. Y/n appreciated the effort Gowri was making to adapt to her wishes.

“Oh, by the way, Gowri,” Y/n asked the two chatted away in front of a plate of cut fruits, “which of the princes sent you to me?” Gowri’s eyes went wide and she realised her blunder.

“Oh- That was a mistake of mine lady, the prince wished to remain anonymous, and yet I accidentally revealed his ranking.” 

“Anonymous?” Y/n ached a brow.

“Yes. The prince requested that a high maid-servant be sent to My Lady to serve her as a personal maid-servant.” Y/n gasped and jumped slightly.

"Oh, Gowri, please tell me!" Y/n pleaded, desperation seeping into her voice. She clasped her hands togetherl. "Please! I promise I won't tell them you told me!"

Gowri, on the other hand, appeared distressed by the predicament she found herself in. Her nervousness was palpable, and she nibbled on her nails in a futile attempt to calm her frayed nerves.

"I really mustn't- He'd- He'd- Oh, My Lady-” Gowri's voice quivered with uncertainty as she implored Y/n not to push further.

But Y/n was not one to give up easily, especially when faced with such a mystery.

"Come on, just a tiny hint, pretty please? You know how much I love a good mystery." She leaned in closer to Gowri, her eyes sparkling with playful anticipation.

Gowri squirmed in her seat, clearly torn between her loyalty to her lady and the weight of her secret.

“Well, I suppose I could say that... one of them seems to have a particular soft spot for your fiery spirit."

Y/n's interest was piqued, and she couldn't help but smile at the vague hint.

“A soft spot, you say? Now, that's a clue worth pondering over, isn't it?"

Gowri nodded timidly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and anxiety.

"But My Lady, please, you mustn't tell anyone I said anything."

"Cross my heart, Gowri, not a word to anyone." Y/n made a solemn promise, sealing their secret with a conspiratorial wink. "Now, let's get back to this delicious fruit."

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Amidst their conversation, Gowri conveyed a message from Prince Bhallaladeva, which caught Y/n off guard. Bhallaladeva had arranged for her to have etiquette lessons. Annoyance flickered in Y/n's eyes at the thought of Bhalla's involvement, but she reluctantly agreed, realizing that it was necessary for her to navigate the complexities of her new life in Mahishmati.

"Etiquette lessons, Gowri? Are you serious?" Y/n groaned, rolling her eyes. "What did I do to deserve this?"

Gowri chuckled softly, saying, "It seems the prince believes it's important for you to fit in here. Besides, it might not be as bad as you think."

Y/n sighed in resignation. "Well, let's hope they don't turn me into a completely different person. Imagine how it would be if they sucked the life out of me and turned me into a ‘His Royal Snarkiness’ clone.” Gowri stifled a chuckle.

“You know, I think the prince had pure intentions. He saw how you struggled during the pooja, and despite how much you two bicker, he seems to genuinely want to help.”

“Don’t be silly, Gowri,” Y/n said, with a roll of her eyes.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

The day following the Pooja, Y/n began her etiquette lessons. The instructor chosen by the palace, or rather the nosy prince was a woman of unyielding traditionalism. With an air of stern authority, she left no room for error and demanded nothing short of perfection.

Y/n listened attentively, eager to absorb the knowledge that would help her navigate the intricacies of her new life.

However, her first lesson ended on a rather tragic note. As Y/n attempted to replicate the graceful gestures and postures the instructor demonstrated, her movements were far from flawless. 

The instructor's severe gaze never wavered, and soon enough, she couldn't contain her displeasure any longer.

With a sharp tone, the instructor scolded Y/n, making her aware of every misstep and misinterpretation of courtly conduct. 

But Y/n knew one thing for sure: The next she would see Bhallaladeva, she would surely need to hold herself back from pouncing on him, pulling his hair and hacking the man into several pieces from the rage and frustration.

♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡

Taglist: @vellipo-mellaga, @bitchy-bi-trash, @vijayasena, @sakhiiii, @celestesinsight (If you would like to join the taglist, please let me know in the replies!)

[sacrificialcrisis]

yessss ... tell me abt ur alderaanian diaspora headcanons. personally it bothers me so deeply that most humans in the gffa speak the same language it doesnt make sense . also i have a headcanon that they have a syncretic religion with an indigenous mother goddess and the force as a dualistic set of gods of sorts and a relationship comparable to shinto and buddhism in japan

yessss okay so like the way language works in sw is obviously for the benefit of the viewer in a doylist sense but the idea that the galactic lingua franca has replaced the native language for human worlds but not (most) alien worlds?? bananas. (also having SO many worlds that are all or majority human?? likewise bananas). the implications like so much of star wars is an imperial fantasy that i feel like this barely bears elaboration but it fascinates me. i don't have a language system headcanon for alderaani because im more focused on the cultural imperialism thing. but old high alderaani could be based on medieval spanish? aesthetically?

i'm also fascinated by the way the films present the force as SIMULTANEOUSLY a) a religious concept and b) part of observable, quantifiable reality (laying aside ot vs pt distinctions -- i consider them both equal parts of lucas' vision [even though i seriously doubt the pt was in the original vision]). like?? religion means something different in this context. and since the force is an observable phenomenon and sensitivity to it seems reasonably evenly distributed, i imagine that many indigenous religious traditions would account for the force -- and that cultures that don't have a religious explanation for the force would consider it a law of physics, something like gravity -- i don't think that a religious accounting of the force is very likely to originate extrinsically? but it's a big galaxy

i read a fic years and years ago where leia has a set of what are clearly meant to be noh masks and i thought that was great. i mostly use iberian, byzantine, slavic, and art noveau references for alderaan personally so i imagine alderaani religion as more christian personally, but your vision is v cool :)

SO MY HEADCANONS:

i love the graveyard of alderaan idea from the young jedi knights ya novels -- the idea that the asteroid field where the planet used to be becomes a site of pilgrimage for alderaani, and that a lot of alderaani want to be laid to rest there

combining this with the corellian-in-exile culture on coruscant that i think comes from the x-wing books? wherein corellians who cant return because of their opposition to the empire have their ashes compressed into diamonds then set into the shapes of corellian constellations? i imagine han and leia agreeing to have their ashes compressed into diamonds but then shot into the graveyard when they die

the graveyard is also a stop on jacen's sojourn as i reimagine almost the whole thing lol

there are eventually two main settlements, the first on yavin 4 and the second on naboo. in the jedi academy trilogy the new republic just...gives luke a planet (moon)? sure that makes sense. i see the nr giving it to the alderaanian remnant, unaware of the sith/massassai history, and then the jedi order setting up there on the alderaani's invitation, which is lucky because of the whole sith possession thing (i don't hate all of jat). the organa-solos move to yavin 4 when jacen and jaina attend the academy, and winter eventually becomes a political leader in this community

the second settlement on naboo happens after the academic commission to restore the naboo archives after imperial censorship discovers enough about the circumstances about padme's death to reach out to luke and leia. leia realizes that her former senate colleague pooja is actually her cousin, and since she's at the time still the councilor-in-chief of the new republic, she pushes to use naboo's reconstruction as a model for the rest of the galaxy. after leia steps down, she's invited to lead the alderaanian remnant, which is still politically centralized. through this, she and pooja re-establish the close diplomatic relationship between alderaan and naboo, and naboo offers to expand its already-existing refugee resettlement programs in partnership with the alderaanian remnant

eventually the political goals of the yavin 4 and naboo communities become too disparate, and the alderaanian remnant decides to become a more symbolic organization, which makes leia decide to take a break from politics and do more humanitarian work within the alderaanian community, first on yavin 4. however, as the alderaani community on naboo grows, they become a true political faction, and naboo decides to make them semi-autonomous, and ask leia to be the alderaani's representative in the naboo government

[thesaffronmuse]

Bommala Koluvu for Navaratri

Navaratri (Nava = nine, ratri = night), followed by Dussehra, is one of my favorite festivals of the year. I have many memories associated with it. Since my early teenage years, my mother and I would arrange a ‘Bommala Koluvu’ (Bommalu = dolls/idols, koluvu = arrangement) at home. Although it took almost a whole day to set up the steps and the idols/dolls, it was worth it. We would perform Pooja and other rituals in front of the Koluvu for all 10 days.

Note: Usually, in the culture that I come from, ‘Bommala Koluvu’ is observed during the festival of Sankranti but it can be observed during Navaratri and Deepavali, as well. My mother did this for both Sankranti and Navaratri.

Normally, people have the steps pre-built so that they don’t have to be arranged each for each festival it is used for. However, in our home, the steps were arranged differently. My mother did want to be restricted by the uniform size of the steps, which she would be if she had them built. She, instead, kept a few of our old furniture, like center tables, side tables and some cardboard boxes and used them specifically for the Bommala Koluvu. My mother and I would then cover the steps with a white or off-white cloth so the dolls would show up. We had almost 5 or 6 large moving boxes full of the dolls we would use to arrange on the steps. The set up of the steps and the white cloth would take most of our time. Arranging the dolls was the easy part.

What is the meaning behind this tradition?

The significance behind this tradition is that it pays homage to Goddess Mahishasura Mardhini (an avatar of Goddess Durga) who fought an epic battle against the demon, Mahishasura. It is Her victory that is celebrated during Navaratri. Another meaning behind the Bommala Koluvu is to tell multiple stories from South Indian mythology. It can range from scenes from Ramayan, Mahabharat, Srimad Bhagavatam and Krishna Leela. Some modern arrangements have specific themes like Sri Krishna Leela which focuses on stories ranging from Krishna’s birth to his marriages.

One of our family friends once did a Lord Ganesha themed Bommala Koluvu. In our home, we arrange a Vrindaavan on one side which shows all of Lord Krishna’s childhood. On the other side, we would arrange Kailasam (Lord Shiva’s abode) and in the middle we would arrange seven steps where each step would be dedicated to a Hindu God. For example, the first step would be for Goddess Durga and her avatars., the second step for Ashta Lakshmi (Ashta = 8), the third step for Lord Vishnu, and etc.

The best part of this tradition is that you can be as creative as you like. There are no rules on how the dolls should be arranged. And there are no restrictions as to what kind of idols and dolls you want to put in your Bommala Koluvu. You can even include some of your show pieces to make it look even more pretty!

Cultural Aspect

Bommala Koluvu is a great way to teach young children about our ancient culture, traditions, customs, mythology and the Puranas. It is also a creative of storytelling with live visuals. When dolls/idols are arranged this way, kids will be curious to learn more about each character and scenario being depicted. Plus, it also gives kids a chance to participate in the worship of Goddess Durga.

Social Significance

In the past, Hindu families were very orthodox which meant that women were did have the time to step out and catch up with friends. Moreover, some women were not permitted to leave the house as well.

The best part about Bommala Koluvu is that whoever is hosting invites friends, relatives, neighbors and so on. This is my favorite part because it meant that all our friends and relatives from all over California used to come over to our home and spend the whole night catching up with each other. This tradition ensures that friendships become stronger and helps women maintain their friendships since they can get caught up in their personal lives.

Economic Significance

India is an agricultural country where traditions like Bommala Koluvu and agriculture are related. Back in the day, the idols, dolls, and other items featured in a Bommala Koluvu were made with clay, wood, wax, glass, stone, etc. and were painted with natural paints. India is also home to many traditional handicrafts such as terracotta, Kondapalli, cloth dolls and more.

By purchasing these handcrafted items for Bommala Koluvu, the artists are encouraged to make more of them each season. All of the idols we have a home are made of clay, glass, and wood. We also have Kondapalli Bommalu (dolls) that have been passed down from my great grandmother. Another perk to purchasing these handcrafted, natural items is that they are eco-friendly!

Although arranging the dolls was tiring, catching up with friends, relatives and neighbors was made all the hard work worth it. Plus, there would a lot of leftover good food which we would eat for the next couple of days.

I hope you all enjoyed getting to more about this fun little tradition! Comment down below about a tradition you follow at your home for Navaratri!

~ The Saffron Muse

[qubeinteriors]

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[siriusblack-the-third]

oooh is it Holi tomorrow? :DD can you give us some ideas or headcanons about James celebrating Holi with his parents/Sirius/Harry? <33

Honestly, depending on a few factors, everyone celebrates Holi on a different day (the traditions for Holi are different depending on the sect of Hinduism and region of celebration as well). Also, North Indian होली and Maharashtrian होळी (search up the differences in pronunciation, it's a bit hard to describe) are two completely different religious holidays. The Hindi होली (ho-lee) is equivalent to the Marathi "ranga panchami" (ranga- colour, panchami- fifth day of a lunar cycle). As far as I know, the Marathi होळी doesn't have an equivalent.

The traditions I'm going by are my family traditions— the Marathi traditions of my region— so i hope you enjoy. Let's goooo!

Oh yeah, this is before Harry turns eleven and goes to Hogwarts.

The day of होळी signifies the first day of spring in Maharashtra. Every year, the members of the Black-Potter family start the day by watching the sunrise together with cups of spicy chaha (marathi for chai).

The day is pretty much the usual, except for food. James cooks up a storm in the kitchen, making all the pancha pakwaan (pancha- five, pakwaan- dishes) with puran poli (a sweet flatbread), three different vegetables, rice, amti (somewhat like daal, either drunk from the bowl or poured over rice), and a traditional dessert. They invite the Weasleys, the Marauders and the Longbottoms over, and have a veritable feast for lunch and dinner. A very chaotic affair, but the Black-Potters love it.

All three of them absolutely adore panchamrut (pancha- five, amrut- nectar of the Gods. It's made of five ingredients- milk, ghee, sugar, curd, honey). Once James is done with his pooja and the naividya (the first morsel/sip of any food/drink is always offered to the Gods), the three of them pounce on the drink with all the vigour of someone who hasn't had anything to eat for days.

As the evening draws closer, Harry, the Weasley kids, Neville, and Lily and Remus out to the woods that surround the house and collect dried wood for. Meanwhile, James, Sirius and Peter gather the panchamrut and a bite each of the pancha pakwaan, and ready the porch for lighting a safe fire with the help of the Molly, Arthur, Augusta, Alice and Frank.

Just as the sun sets, the bonfire is lit, and the blaze reaches high into the sky within minutes, helped along by magic. Everyone sits around it in a circle, closing their eyes and praying— the fire signifies the destruction of the bad energy of the previous year and the purification of the soul for a better new year. Holi is the first day of spring, a mark of new beginnings, a symbol of clean slates and fresh starts. The Holi fire is where you throw all your baggage of the last year so it burns till it is gone, to prepare yourself for the upcoming year.

The pancha pakwaan and panchamrut are poured into the fire to loud cheers from the children, and then the real festivities begin. Everyone walks around the fire in a circle, howling at the top of their lungs. The sounds are slightly terrifying, especially when the darkness really sets in and the only light is the massive bonfire, but Harry loves the ferality of the entire thing. It's primal, the way the war cries rise up with the fire, echoing throughout the massive grounds of Potter Manor like the echoes of screaming ghosts.

Sometimes, Harry, Ginny and the Weasley twins start war dances instead of the howling. Those times, Bill and Charlie eagerly join in along with James, Lily and Alice, and the hard and fast thumping of their feet on the packed mud porch makes it seem like an earthquake is cracking the ground open.

Other times, they write their mistakes, insecurities, bad thoughts and regrets of the past year onto slips of paper and throw them into the fire, to signify the new start. Last year does not matter anymore; it is done and you cannot change it. You can have a new beginning, though, and Harry vows every year that he will be a better person.

James loves these times, where everyone he cares about is close to him and glowing with happiness. Holi is his favourite festival, because it is the day he and Sirius kissed for the first time. It is the day he remembers with fondness— childhood years spent with his parents and grandparents and cousins in a crowded wada (kind of like a palace but the size varies from anywhere between four bedrooms to like 70), sneaking panchamrut from under his mother's nose, dancing Garba around the fire with his Gujju friends in India, the day the Potter family first moved to Britain right before his 11th birthday. People expect his favourite festival to be Diwali or Ganpati Chaturthi because they are loud and huge and phenomenal celebrations, but his favourite is this— all his favourite people in the same place with the same happy smile and the same traditions that he loved when he had blood family.

Holi is a festival for families and loved ones, and the Black-Potters have a lot of love to go around. Family isn't defined by blood, after all.

[ubsvillasblog]

Exciting New Beginnings: UBS Villas Launches New Project in Thrissur!

At UBS Villas, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our newest project, UBS HIGHLIGHT in Varakkara, Thrissur. Tomorrow, on 27th September 2024 at 9 AM, we will begin this exciting journey with the Bhoomi Pooja ceremony, marking the spiritual and physical commencement of a project that promises to redefine luxury living in Thrissur.

Thrissur: The Heartbeat of Kerala’s Culture

Thrissur, known as the cultural hub of Kerala, is a city that resonates with tradition, celebration, and spirituality. From the grandeur of Thrissur Pooram — Kerala’s most famous festival — to its rich history and vibrant artistic community, Thrissur is a city that celebrates life like no other. It’s a place where modernity meets heritage, and the people of Thrissur take pride in their deep-rooted traditions while embracing growth and change.

At UBS Villas, we recognize and respect the uniqueness of Thrissur. By bringing our latest villa project UBS Highlight to Varakkara, we are committed to adding to the fabric of this city by offering luxurious homes that reflect the spirit of Thrissur.

UBS Villas: Building Legacies with Passion and Quality

Our journey at UBS Villas has always been driven by a passion for excellence. We are more than just builders — we are dream makers, crafting homes that stand the test of time and elevate lifestyles. Every home we construct is built on the foundation of quality, precision, and a deep understanding of our customers’ needs.

In Thrissur, we aim to bring the same unwavering commitment to building a gated community of villas that reflect the beauty, elegance, and warmth of the city itself. Each villa will be thoughtfully designed, incorporating modern amenities, green spaces, and innovative architecture while maintaining the traditional charm that Thrissur is known for.

How UBS Villas Will Transform Your Life

Imagine living in a home where every detail is crafted for your comfort. A place where your family can grow, thrive, and create memories that will last for generations. That’s the UBS Villas promise. Our villas in Varakkara, Thrissur, will not only offer luxurious living but also give you access to a community-focused lifestyle.

From state-of-the-art security systems to spacious living areas, we are creating homes that are as safe as they are comfortable. Located in a serene environment, our villas provide a peaceful retreat from the busyness of everyday life, all while being just a stone’s throw away from the vibrant heart of Thrissur city.

Why Thrissur is the Perfect Place for Your Dream Home

Thrissur is not just a city; it’s a way of life. Known for its thriving cultural scene, sacred temples, and majestic Pooram festivals, Thrissur is a place where tradition and progress go hand in hand. It’s a city that values community, where neighbors become friends and everyone celebrates together.

With our new villa project in Varakkara, we aim to capture the essence of Thrissur’s close-knit community spirit while offering the luxury and modern conveniences that UBS Villas is known for. Our villas will not only be homes — they will be sanctuaries where families can celebrate their traditions, their successes, and their future.

Join Us for the Bhoomi Pooja

We invite the people of Thrissur to join us for the Bhoomi Pooja of our new project tomorrow at 9 AM in Varakkara. It’s the start of something incredible, and we’re excited to share this journey with you. This event signifies the spiritual beginning of our project, and we hope to imbue every home with the blessings of the land and the community.

Conclusion

Thrissur is a city of vibrancy, culture, and joy, and we are honored to begin this new chapter here. With UBS Villas, we promise to deliver not just homes, but a lifestyle that celebrates Thrissur’s rich heritage while offering the luxury and comfort you deserve.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Thrissur or someone looking to settle in this remarkable city, we invite you to discover how UBS Villas can transform your life with our newest project. Join us tomorrow as we embark on this exciting new journey together!

For more information, feel free to contact us at info@ubsvillas.com or visit our office at UBS Tower, Vadakkencherry, Palakkad. Stay tuned for more updates!

[sanjana-2005]

Yoga: Your Motivation to get up during sunrise

Did you set new goals or resolutions for 2024, or are you starting the new year with a big project in mind?  Does it seem daunting or overwhelming? Are you letting fear keep you from even starting? The struggle to keep those resolutions is real, and I have to admit that some of my dream projects this year are so big and daunting that I’m struggling to take the first step.

In a recent yoga class while teaching a challenging asana I cued the students to connect to their breath and let go of any struggle. I reminded them that life is not supposed to be a struggle, that we wake up each day and can decide to struggle or live in peace. The message that day resonated not only with the students but for me.

Oh, how I can cling so desperately to the attachment of struggle. Particularly, this summer when I let the weight of some large projects I am working on become a struggle, rather than a joy. I want the work to come to completion and I’m pushing so hard to get there and beating myself up for not being farther along. I struggle with not having enough time, and then I realized I wasn’t having fun. What! My work is supposed to be joy-filled, and all the struggle and stress was sucking all the FUN right out.

Funny thing is that in each situation I have a choice to either struggle or find peace and enjoy the ride. So why am I wasting so much of my precious energy in struggle mode?

Then it came to my mind I can find a way out by doing Meditation & Yoga then it suddenly it hit me that's all I was looking for Yoga is more than just a physical exercise - it's a way of life. Originating in ancient India, yoga seeks to calm and discipline the mind, promoting a sense of inner peace and harmony. In today's fast-paced world, it's more important than ever to prioritize our well-being, and yoga is the perfect way to do just that.

Take the First Step towards a Healthier You!

If you're new to yoga or looking to take your practice to the next level, we invite you to visit us at Yog Mahima Wellness in Kamothe, Navi Mumbai. Our state-of-the-art studio offers a serene and peaceful environment, perfect for learning and growing. Plus, our expert instructors offer Meditation Counselling services to help you overcome any challenges you may be facing.

Find Us

Ready to experience the best of yoga in Navi Mumbai? Find us at shop no. 2, Sai Pooja chs, plot no. 36, opposite Shree Swami Samarth Mandir, Sector 34, Kamothe, Panvel, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410209 , and get in touch with us at

9769140135

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Don't wait any longer to unlock the power of yoga. Visit us today and discover a healthier, happier you!

 

[spell-cleaver]

The Protégé Chapter 12: Everyone Falls

The drama of the day spills over into the night. While Luke sneaks out and learns more about his past, the Millaflowers make their move, and everyone makes their statements.

Pooja glared at him—whether it was because of the slight, or she was still angry about his speech earlier, he couldn't tell. "Speaking of Her Majesty," she said, "she would like to talk to you! Especially after your lovely introduction earlier today."

She was definitely still angry about the speech. "We'd be honoured," Luke said, looking between Leia and Pooja. Leia nodded. Pooja looked like she wanted to scowl, but she couldn't diplomatically say that Leia wasn't invited, so she put up with her trailing them. She just grabbed Luke's up and half-escorted, half-dragged him back across the ballroom.

Luke regretted leaving the balcony behind—Pooja hadn't even let him pick up his drink. Leia smirked and picked it up for him and paused to watch him retreat into the crowd.

He glanced over his shoulder at her when he realised she wasn't coming and halted. Pooja cursed, but Luke didn't care. Leia glowed against the backdrop of Naboo, the golden glasses of wine in her hands, her white dress stark against the soft colours that limned the streets below. The lightshow going on below faded through a handful of colours and as it inched through pink, to magenta, to red, Luke blinked.

For a split second, as the dark red light splashed Leia's white dress and tickled the round pearls in her hair, she looked like someone else.

Read the rest on AO3 or on FFN!

[chadthundercockblog]

Pooja: 27, Paralegal

Used tinder whenever she’s lonely. She exclusively swipes right on White Guys. They usually don’t take her out for dates, rather opting to invite her over directly. This is typical behavior for foreigners, as they know they can get away with low investment. Indian Women are anyway more interested in their BWCs.

[hissterical-nyaan]

This is a combination of 2 questions, di!

What's a memory that you associate with any desi festival that has shaped you to be who you are today or one you simply can never forget? (It can either be a positive or a negative one)

Oh I have so many answers for that and in true bisexual fashion, I can never decide on one so I'll overshare as usual lol

Not sure if you've ever heard of it but there is a festival (barely a festival, but it is for me) called Ahoi Ashtami which basically comes 4 days (if I remember correctly) after Karva Chauth! It's basically a vrat moms do for their kids' well being and happiness and it's been my favourite festival since childhood. Sometimes I used to do an informal vrat with my mom to reciprocate but it was always such a....good unexplainable feeling? She used to make this dessert which I can't for the life of me type in English but to this day I die to eat it. We used to do Pooja together and I was given the "responsibility" to look out for the rising stars (since that's how you break the vrat). It just made me feel very loved and made me appreciate my mom so so much. Idk how exactly it shaped me but it did make me a lot closer to my mom

Another festival is a Jain festival called Rot Teej! Even though I'm not Jain myself, most of my childhood friends were Jain and so I used to get invited to their festivals a lot. This one time my friend's mom gave me and my friend rot (basically a kind of thick roti, made with other stuff tho) and bura in one plate and it's just such an integral memory. Sharing the same plate was a peak of friendship at that time. It was probably my happiest time with this friend and since we are no longer friends, this is one memory left of him which I cherish. I make sure to share my stuff as much as I can with my friends now

Another is bhai dooj cause I love love love my brothers so much. But it's special cause there is this pooja where we make a swastik for each brother and I've started making one for my online friend (who's in my Top 3 brothers) and it always leaves me smiling when I do that! One person living so far away has so much impact on you <3

The sad one is Diwali tho. Although past 1-2yrs have been good since I've distanced myself from my family on that day and focus on my rangolis but diwali has always been very sad for me. So when my new house was being built my parents left me home alone to spend the night at the new house because it was auspicious or whatever and that sucked honestly. Diwali is one of those festivals that is very hyped for me but always turns out to be lonely. But I've learned to find my own joy in it now <3

[suchananewsblog]

Bhumika Chawla reveals she felt bad for not being invited to The Kapil Sharma Show: I had no idea when it was shot - Times of India

Just a couple of days prior to the discharge of Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, Salman Khan together with Shehnaaz Gill, Pooja Hegde, Palak Tiwari, Raghav Juyal, Siddharth Nigam, Jassie Gill and Vinali Bhatnagar had gone to The Kapil Sharma Show to promote their movie. But Bhumika Chawla not too long ago stated that she had no idea when the episode was shot. In a chat present, Bhumika performed one of…

[thesaffronmuse]

The Month of Shravan and its Significance

Today is Shravana Krishna Ashtami, the eleventh day of Shravana masam (month). The month of Shravan is the fourth month in the Hindu calendar and falls in the western months of August and September. This month has a lot of spiritual significance and is considered auspicious for Hindus for many reasons.

Samudra Manthan

According to the Puranas (holy texts), it was during this month that the Devathas (Gods) and Asuras (demons) churned the ocean in search of amrit (nectar). Although the churning of the ocean gave them the amrit, it also gave them poison. Because the Devathas did not know what to do with the poison, they went to Lord Shiva for help. Lor Shiva swallowed the poison and stored it in his throat which for which he got the name, Neelkant (blue throat). This is why Shravana masam is important for the devotees of Lord Shiva.

Sola Somvaar Vrat

The Sola Somvaar Vrat is another reason why Shravana masam is important for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Those who want to do the Sola Somvaar Vrat (16 Mondays) usually start on the first Monday of Shravana masam and complete it on the last Monday Karthika masam. This vrat is mostly observed by unmarried women who want to be married to the man of their dreams. But married women can observe this vrat, too, for better health or fulfilment of their wishes. For this vrat, women fast all morning and afternoon and break it in the evening after doing pooja for Lord Shiva.

Mangala Gauri

The Mangala Gauri Vratham (pooja) is performed by married women for health, prosperity, and the long life of their husband. It is also performed for a happy married life. This vratham is only performed in Shravana masam on Tuesdays. After the pooja, a minimum of 5 married women are invited home for Haldi and Kumkum. The traditions for this pooja vary based on each family.

Varalakshmi Vratham

In South India, Varalakshmi Vratham (pooja) is performed by married women on the Friday before Poornima (full moon). Vara Maha Lakshmi or Varalakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Women perform this pooja every year for the blessings of the Goddess on them, their husband, and children.

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is day that is celebrated all across India to honor the pure bond between brother and sister. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, the sister ties a rakhi on her brother’s wrist, the brother presents her with a gift, and they both promise to protect each other no matter what the circumstances.

Krishna Janmashtami

Shravana Krishna Ashtami, according to the Puranas, is the day Lord Krishna was born. Other names for this day are Krishnashtami, Krishna Janmashtami, or Janmashtami. On this day, Hindu families decorate their home with rangoli and make food the Lord Krishna likes.