Dot is Hot

I overheard the following conversation at an upmarket coffee shop last evening, among a group of youngsters:
"What's hot this season yaar?"
"Silly, didn't you know, it's the Dot?"

It took me a minute to register that the Dot being referred to is the election ink mark, and the conversation was referring to the Radio Mirchi campaign of "Dot hai to Hot hai".

It is great to see young college going citizens of our country being so excited about elections. It has become a matter of pride for them. And believe they do not want to see an octogenarian as our Prime Minister. I know I am treading the often discussed topic of why politicians do not have a retirement age, but then for the youth of this country, it is an important question.

Anyways, 7th May is approaching. Its the date for elections in Delhi. And then we will see a new fashion accessory- the hot Dot.

Tryst with Phulkari

My tryst with Phulkari began years back when as a young girl I accompanied my mother to the market while she was scouting for a Phulkari dupatta for her bottle green suit. And years later when I was looking for a dupatta to complement my suit of similar shade, I could settle for no less. Somewhere in the back of mind, that outing had stuck and I somehow convinced Ma to give me her dupatta. I eventually wore the same dupatta for my wedding celebrations, during the ceremony. mehndiPhulkari is considered to be auspicious and forms an essential part of wedding celebrations in Punjab, a must for any Punjabi girl’s trousseau.

A reference to Phulkari in literature comes from Guru Nanak Devji who wrote: "Kadd kasidha paihren choli, tan tu jane nari" (only when you can embroider your own choli, will you be accepted as a woman)