Last Friday was a religious festival—one that women in Southern India celebrate in honor of Goddess Laxmi.
I don’t remember this festival from my childhood, but since moving to Franklin, my neighborhood women have started inviting me to join. There are a couple of houses where I am always welcome.
Today, I was invited by two mothers from the Desi Moms Network. They live about 20 minutes from my home, and one of them hosted the celebration on a larger scale.
All these years, I had only seen women coming together for this pooja—going door-to-door in my neighborhood.. But this time, I was invited to a home the host was a mom from my Desi Moms group, and seeing all these women gathered together, chanting prayers, and sharing food reminded me just how important a “village” is for everyone.
The older generation always had these religious festivals and gatherings—these celebrations were their support system. While the host prepared for the pooja, the men were in the kitchen. The women helped each other put flowers in their hair, fixed each other’s sarees, and offered compliments, taking pictures. It was a warm, joyful scene.
Neighbors checked in on one another, chatted about life, and exchanged updates. While it was mostly women, the host also invited family friends, so there were a few kids running around. Her 10-year-old daughter was taken care of with kindness and care from everyone.
The best part was seeing the host’s smile. She had been up until 3 a.m. decorating and preparing, slept only a few hours, and then woke up to cook and preparation for pooja. She must have been exhausted, but her happiness and the support around her made it invisible.
That night, I saw a new meaning to “village.” Sometimes, the village gives you the energy and strength to carry on.
I think that night goddess Lakshmi was celebrated not just with devotion but with connection.
An Uppada silk for the celebration—light, breezy, and handwoven from the very state these households call home.
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