Mango Madness

Summer means one thing in India…well really two things.  One, it is hot, the kind of hot that makes you sweat the instant you step outside.  Secondly, summer means MANGOES.  Indians are CRAZY for mangoes, and now I too understand the obsession with these colorful, sweet fruits.  It starts in March, the speculation…when will the season begin?  Which neighborhood will receive the first mangoes of the summer?  Which type of mango (yes there are many) will yield the sweetest results this year?  These initial discussions are followed by rumors of mango sightings in various neighborhoods around the city.  These elusive fruits are rumored to be the juiciest and tastiest ever grown in India.  Mouths water, tongues wag and everyone, everywhere anxiously awaits the Mango harvest.  Then it happens!  Mangoes are on every corner, in every shape, size, and ranging from syrupy sweet to tart to bitter.   Suddenly every neighborhood vegetable stand is bursting with huge, ripe, yellow MANGOES! Having never tasted a mango and being a person mildly obsessed with all things epicurious, I was obviously quite excited for the season to begin.  I badgered my vegetable man for weeks, “WHEN will the mangoes be coming?”  Then it happened…my first Mango.  If you have never had one go to the store NOW (they should be available at most fancy fruit markets, and even less fancy ones) and buy one.  Don’t chop it up obsessively or put it in a smoothie.  Eat it like an Indian.  Get messy and eat it skin and all, just like the kids in front of my building, most of whom are perpetually sticky these days.   Just watch out for the pit!

Holi Cow

Last weekend we were fortunate enough to celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi.  This festival celebrates the coming of spring as well as the triumph of Lord Vishnu over the evil demon Hiranyakashipu.  Today the festival is celebrated throughout India as revelers smear colors all over friends and family alike.  Not even the neighborhood dogs and cats were safe from the onslaught and even the odd cow was seen with pink smeared forehead :-)  We had a wonderful time celebrating with our friends and even have the pictures to prove it!  Happy Holi everyone!

Indian Wedding

Last Saturday we were invited to our first Indian wedding!  I was able to wear one of my favorite pieces of clothing...the Sari!  I think a Sari is probably the most beautiful piece of clothing in the world, but, they are QUITE difficult to tie / wear if you are not used to it.  I had my neighbor help me tie mine after quite a few unsuccessful tries at home!  There are some things a youtube tutorial just can't fully explain :-)  The wedding reception itself was quite interesting.  The bride and groom sit on stage (see below) while friends and relatives parade onstage and offer the lovely couple envelopes of cash.  The bride and groom also take pictures with every attendee (ala High School Prom).  Then everybody eats...ALOT.  Check out the pics below...

Rava Idli

This is a commercial for ready made Idli mix.  Idli are delicious little rice flour pancakes that are a popular breakfast food in the south of India.  I have my colleague to thank for this little gem...a must watch :-)

Kala Ghoda Festival

Saturday we decided to head down to the famous Kala Ghoda art festival.  This three week festival includes visual art, crafts, and street performances.  The name Kala Ghoda means black horse, a reference to the black stone statue of King Edward VII that once dominated the central square of the neighborhood.  After Indian independence the statue was relocated to a nearby zoo but the neighborhood still retains the name Kala Ghoda.  The festival was more than a little crowded but we still managed to have a good time :-) See pics below.

B.E.S.T Day Ever

Recently we also took a trip downtown using the Mumbai B.E.S.T. buses!  Another beautiful example of Mumbai's amazingly efficient suburban transit system.  The red double decker buses are always absolutely packed with people hanging out of windows and doors.  We managed to catch a bus that was not too crowded though some of us didn't manage to get seats! :-) Check out some pics below.

Bhaji Street

When we were out and about Saturday we passed through a local market called, surprisingly enough, Vegetable Street :-) Old ladies selling every manner of fruit and veg eyed us warily while animated bhajiwallas shouted to us as we made our way down this amazing little street. Got some great pics!