Getting 're-assimilated' and how!

Imphal, you amaze me.

You’re where modern and traditional blend smoothly, where bandhs and protests occur on one hand and festivals, music concerts, beauty pageants occur on the other. You’re where elopement is still an acceptable tradition, while the younger generation is moving leaps and bounds in terms of their career and ambitions. Where cycle rickshaws still thrive alongside, Audis and Mercedes. Where the young have beautifully embraced the traditional and yet are the fashion icons for the country. Where people are getting richer and more educated yet, poking our nose in others business is still a favorite pastime! You continue to amaze me every day.

In the beginning. I felt like a person who had lost her way like the place is a little familiar yet I take time to find where I am. Being from a mixed cultural family ( my father is Meitei and my mother is Maharashtrian) didn’t help.  I admit, I had the best of both cultures growing up but I am confused as a grown up. Having studied and worked outside till 2 years back did not help matters.

But, here I am, as Manipuri as I can be and a little more!

I started off the process of re-integration into this society through making a few friends here and exploring the many happening restaurants here ( they were an escape whenever, I felt overwhelmed by the various ‘chatnabis’ ( customs) which I felt limiting). This will be the first theme I will be covering in my blog, reviews of the restaurants, the must try items on their menu ( yes Im going to sacrifice my weight watch for a bit to get you that!)

Following this I went for a few drives to scenic places in Imphal (for starters), just to get to know my city. I might add in a place or two and Instagrammable spots around there for your convenience ;)

I cooked. Yes! I am learning to prepare the traditional dishes starting from the simplest i.e Chamthong, to elisa, eromba and the likes (More on these terms later). I am still learning and would love to take you on my cooking journey if you’re interested.

I started buying the traditional clothes (I never owned any before this), The Phaneks, Phi, learning about the different types there are in each category. Getting to know their varyig prices etc. I may still be a learner, but I’ll share whatever I know, hoping that ill learn a few things from you too!

And best for last, I’m getting married! Now you see, I’m pretty serious about getting assimilated into my native city!! More on my journey of preparing for this huge..and I mean it..HUGE responsibility coming my way!

That’s some home coming I’d say.

So here’s the thing, I have set myself a challenge to keep this blog running, 2-3 posts a month atleast for starters , in any of the above mentioned areas of my life. Internet or ban on internet, bandh or no bandh, I will post here every day! Stay tuned folks!

PS: Do bear with me, it will take a short while before I get accustomed to this platform once again. But I'm going to try, and will this to happen, because this is a new journey I am on !