arvind’s posthaven

My mom sent me this video. Yup, my mother is a social media influencer. Love that!

Well, most any Indian American in the US has been to an Indian Wedding. Almost always in New Jersey (sarcasm, but just barely). White friends of mine are always commenting on how fun Indian weddings are, etc. I love this concept of cultural spelunking. The video does a witty job admitting to it.

Check out this amazing dhol player jamming to Rihanna. Perfect.

a cool new clothing company out of Brooklyn named Chor Bazaar (translation: thieves' market) with India-inspired t-shirts like this one. This car means India to me. Iconic.

I was raised by a Hindu mother and a Sikh father who both sort of practiced both faiths. In my experience religion in India can be both fluid and rigid, all at once. I've never been to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, but would love to visit. While an atheist, I find great comfort, joy, love, and warmth in Sikh temples (known as Gurdwaras) with the rituals, the amazing music, and the langar - the communal meal which all share equally. I have fond memories of helping prepare, serve, and clean up these meals - the act of service is known as 'seva' and is a core value of Sikhism. Not to mention how fantastic the food usually is; always simple, always good.

While I don't necessarily identify as a Sikh, much of my identity was formed around Sikhism's principles of equality and justice. I also wear a steel bracelet known as a 'kara' which symbolizes strength and integrity, and is supposed to be a visual reminder to do the right thing with your hands.

I thought the photos and story were quite good, but I wanted many more.

via @brainpicker