Rasgoolla lost to Bengal

In Odia and Bengali there is a term called ALUDOSH which can be roughly transliterated as "The Potato Syndrome". Pronounced in different accent they have the same connotation in both languages. Overall it denotes idiosyncrasies or unusually irritatingly lascivious or lecherous behavior. 

Something close to it happened between the two neighboring states, as the politics of Rasgulla brought a kind of ALUDOSH from both sides to open.  It's sour grapes for Odias as Misti (Sweet) Rasgoolla (Cheese Balls dipped in sugary syrup) goes to Bengal as for years both the states claimed credit to the popular sweet. We couldn't take the battle beyond social media and lost it Bengal. Many Odias are sulking over their defeat, Bengalis rejoicing over their victory.

There is an age old saying in Africa "When two elephants make love or war it is the grass which suffers". It's invariably the hapless commoners who bear the brunt. This brewing fight between these neighboring states can be stopped by making them agree to a,sweetened deal -put Rasgoolla into each other's mouth to sooth their nerves.

Both states not only share a common border but similarities in language, food, culture and traditions. One solution to this can be their Chief Ministers, Pappu and Didi the most eligible bachelors from the states to tie the knot. 

In the era of RAJA (kings) and MAHARAJAs (emperors) marital alliances between heads of states often solved age old rivalries. Odias can demand tons of delicious Rasgoolla from across the border as KANYAA BHARA (gifts from bride's side) which the BARAJATRIs or BARAATIs (the groom's friends and relatives who often inebriated accompany the former in the marriage procession) can cherish. That will be a real sweet deal.

Obama campaigns in Virginia - 2017 Gubernatorial election

The state of Virginia goes to poll tomorrow to elect its Governor. Unlike most states, Virginia limits its Governor to only one term. That means once in 4 years, the incumbent Governor has to leave tge office and fresh elections will decide the new Governor.

Per the latest opinion poll the race is neck to neck. What makes this one off election unique - is its timing (exactl a  year after the last Presidential election will it will reflect Trump's popularly) and proximity to the power corriders of Washington DC.

Virginia used to be solidly Republican which has turned Blue of late. Democrats have left no stone unturned by pulling Obama campaign in the state. The ex-President is still charismatic and has a good support base of the highly populated Washington DC Suburbs of Northern Virginia.

As far as Hillary goes, who exactly a year ago was a step away from the top post in the world, has become a liability to the party. I have not heard her campaigning in Virginia, nor the Democratic candidate is inclined to invite a stale face lacking charisma. What a difference an year can make - turning one from an asset to a liability.

Golden days of Woolen

My son recently needed some woolen yarn for his school project. Not many stores carry them, so finally managed to locate those in Wal Mart. it left me wondering who ever uses them to knit sweaters in an age when mass  machine produced woollen garments rule the roost.

End of the month of KARTIKA (lunar month back home in India) is the harbinger of the short, cold season in Odisha. And it is the Fall (Autumn) time during my Childhood days, when women were seen knitting sweaters using a pair of sticks in an artistic way to weave magic out of bundles of wool. Mid afternoon, they would assemble in groups as gossips sweet and sour rule the air, often over hot PAKODAs (fritters) and Teas prepared by the host.

As they say in Odia, NANA BAHAGHARA RU NANI BAHAGHARA PATYANTA - everything happening under the Sun from father's marriage to sister's marriage was discussed with intermittent twitting sound of the knitting needles. ( Twitting should not be consfused with twitting as it was an era when internet and social media was strictly fantasy). If the topic is as hot as the UPURI (extra income through means of corruption) or a local affair between so and so 's son and daughter, the knitting stops temporarily as the ears of the ladies get elongated like an antenna to pick on the rumor mill. Instant verdict is delivered without the accused even having a chance to defend themselves.

Now a days made in China and Bangladesh garments flood the market, making knitting redundant, unless someone has taken it up as a hobby or a past time. The last hand knitted woolen garment I wore was gifted to me by my Mausi (aunt), until I turned I outgrew it. It was well made enough to withstand sands of time over  half a decade.

But as far as gossips go - nothing has changed. Only the platform has. Gossips gone high tech. Whats App and smart phones have made the iGossips and eGossips viral. Charles' law from High school Chemistry says:  the temperature of gas is directly proportional to the volume, the pressure remaining constant. Similarly, the knitting is replaced by weekend potluck parties, with gossips remaining constant. Extinct are those woolen days, a la the Woolly Mammoths of the pre-history.