Hymn

Very recently, I was asked what I would pick as my best accomplishment so far. In the (almost) two decades that I've been alive, I have been lucky to have a bucket load of memories and experiences to have been able to find a quick answer to that question. But I found myself reaching for a decision instead. One I've made quite recently, and one that's changed a lot for me. My perspective, my aspirations and my reasons.

The Bhagavad Gita.  

The Gita is indifferent to religions, mode of belief and whether or not you believe in a God. It simply guides you through the battle that rages inside of us, everyday. The battle between Good and Evil. Our Yin and Yang. Our ethics, beliefs and morals, and the temptation to go against that. To eat that plump red apple, so to say. Each of us struggle with this, and the question - what is my purpose? Gita gave me clarity. I no longer fumble with answers.Its very hard to explain it. Its like when I put on my glasses every morning. The world seems clearer, I am content and at ease. I can now figure out how to rise above this matrix and begin my soul's true journey. The Gita only makes me prouder of my heritage. The key is to not get caught up in the story. What matters is you understand the whole point - The Internal Battle.

I am not perfect, but then again, we can only strive to be good. And what else is God, if not pure good? The learning I acquired from this guide to life is something I'll keep deriving from all my life. Its a rule book I'm going to have at my side. And I really, truly and deeply believe it has the answers to what is the path to Him. That energy we are made of. The energy that is everywhere, nowhere and within the tangible and intangible.

|| OOTP ||

Leather pants - Forever 21
Slit maxi top designed by me
Bajubaand (Armlet) - Thrifted

The Bushirt

I've always laughed at the silliness of this word. Bushirt. In Hindi, it refers to a man's shirt. Specifically a man's. So what did I do? I took that shirt and wound my outfit around it. The print and fabric is gorgeous enough so why not add an androgynous feel to this whole fiasco. Oh and for added benefit, I flipped through my newest Vogue issue, and yes. According to a poll they conducted, women are, on an average, unsure of the whole non-fitting way of dressing. Being one for flaunting curves, I have my boxy moments.

And this OOTD has a very special moment linked with it. On this day, we had the Tool Tech Expo at BIEC. Yes,a day filled with industry level machines who's names where beyond comprehension but functions were easy enough to discuss and prices unfathomable. Although the machines aren't what made the moment, they are well worth mention. The moment was at twilight. The perfect balance of light and darkness. Now, buses in India have places to sit on top.  A kind of platform with low railings. Its a long done custom of every Indian, to sit on top of a bus with buddies and gaze at the seemingly never ending horizon of their youth. Well, we did something like that. And I have to tell you, the wind to sun ratio was perfect, the company even better, and the music we played ( It was chaiyya chaiyya from Dil Se.. I know. I cried too.)

For all those who've watched Inside Out - I created a core memory you guys.

Buchart - Fab India
Pants - WestSide
Thrifted footwear from the highly acclaimed streets of Mumbai
Rhinestone earrings - Charming Charlie
Rings - Collected over years

Fly my Caterpillar.

That day. The one every student fears and is excited by at the same time. It can become what you let it, that day. You can either hear nuclear bombs explode in the distance, or hear Chain smokers new track Roses ( as I did ). This day, will pass like every other one. The same number of hours. The same house you return to. And the days after that will pass in the same way too. But what makes this day so two faced?

The day results come out. You either look at those numbers or letters with a determination and hope to do even better next time, or you look at them down a proud high nose, making them seem smaller than they are. They are numbers. Just as we don't define ourselves by the numbers we see on the scale, we shouldn't measure our worth by these numbers. Look at them instead as a challenge. A healthy one. One to make life more of a ride than it is. To add a few extra twists and turns in it. One that you can enjoy because you know - no wait - you BELIEVE that you can do it. That's what propels you forward, to take that extra class on Sunday morning. To do those extra laps in the pool even though your muscles are quite literally tearing up and you feel like you cant breath. My friends, live life like you don't care about the results. Live it quite simply to enjoy it for the beauty it has, because it has been made for us to learn from. And what beauty is it, if it doesn't dare? Challenge yourself because what is life if not for the perils and strain after which it blooms and flowers? Remember that caterpillar that made its little home? It went through the hardest phase, only to come out stronger. Then it tries further, and flies. But no one really looks at its life after that. It dodges spider webs, human cars and frogs. It never sits back on that branch it left behind it. it isn't defined by how long it was in that pupa. Its defined by how beautifully it flies, how it makes its surroundings brighter just by doing its thing, by living, without so much as worrying about what will come out of its each beat of its wings.

I got my semester results tonight. And you know what? I cant wait for the next semester, because I now know where I can challenge myself further. We usually toast to success and an easy life. I want to toast this night to a life full of falls and no expectations. And you know why?

Its only when you fall, that you can jump higher than ever, especially if you've left all that expectation behind. Jump my loves, jump like the sky is the ground you must touch. Jump, without worrying about where you'll end up. Swing like that's all you have to do in this moment. 

The Bindi

That red dot. The one on her forehead. Yes, that one. Is she hurt? Is that supposed to be there? Why does she wear that? Is it a religious thing? 

Being an Indian living in a foreign country, these questions were asked, wondered and whispered. And we'd always explain it best we could. However, its baffling how many of us red dot wearers do not really know why we don this adornment. What it symbolizes and how many years of history and philosophy it imbibes. Of course, as the decades have advanced, the practical  use of this has changed. Its been stylized, rendered and accessorized. I will not talk about whether I think this is right or wrong, but I will show you how I personally style this iconic Indian.. well, icon. But first, a brief glimpse into its meaning. 

To understand the Bindi, you need to know about the six chakras in our body. Each signifies a function and seeks to achieve something. Our sixth and primary chakra - The Ajna chakra - is located in the center of our head, or the pineal gland and symbolically where our third eye resides. Its the final stage of self realization, of losing the sense of individuality and seeing the universe as one. Wearing this Bindu on our forehead reminds us of this ulterior motive to life. To achieve this enlightenment. Of course,the modern use of this has extended to various colors and shapes and sizes. But ultimately, Hindu or not Hindu, if you apply this dot to the are between your eyebrows, you are marking your highest chakra and acknowledging the presence of a higher meaning to existence.  

I like styling my Bindis, either with other meaningful symbols, or with decorative enhancers. Maybe a few smaller black dots, or a line thrown in here and there. Pairing it with serendipitous outfits helps make its spiritual meaning more prominent. For me at least.

This androgynous Bindi is full of spirituality, history and culture. My only request is this. Treat it well.  

Green kurta - Aakriti
Linen pants - Westside
Patterned chappal - Thrifted
Bag - Max

Necklace - Handmade
Jhumke (Earrings) - Jaipur 

Denim on Denim.

The ever classic trend of wearing denim on denim has prevailed over the years. It was all the rage in the 90s and made a surprising comeback. With Justin Timberlake and GiGi Hadid taking this trend by storm, it was hard for me to resist giving my own personal spin to this. It was also during this time that I was interning with Koovs as their Style Ambassador. So I think the vibes from working with a fashion company were getting to me. Being on fleek with trends and whats the what was essential for the tasks we had to do. Although I'm not the kind of fashion enthusiast who religiously follows trends and makes sure her wardrobe in full with the said trendy clothes, it doesn't hurt to be in touch with whats moving on runways. After all, being dismissive has never worked out well for anyone.

Moving on to my outfit, I added a bit of indie vibes to this outfit with my accessories because by now I'm sure you all have figured that its my thing to indo western-ize everything. Traditional jaipuri earrings that were inspired by the Ramleela movie and lip colors that were reminiscent of the colors used in almost every Sanjay Leela Bansali directed film ever. An open denim long coat over a black tank and boyfriend jeans were comfortable and versatile with weather. I couldn't believe my blue tinged luck when I found these blue pumps, and I remember thinking to myself - if I'm going blue, lets go all the way. And all the way I went.

Earrings - Thrifted
Denim jacket - Australian Thrift
Tank top - Forever 21
Boyfriend Jeans - Benetton
Blue Pumps - Metro

This trend is so adaptable. I'm sure every one of us has a few denim pieces hanging around, waiting to be shown the light. It really just requires you to experiment and have fun with it. It really isn't something you should be afraid of messing up either. You never know. You may unknowingly start a new trend yourself!