This is the social network of the Indian family. It is ruthless, loving, and judgmental all at once. Meanwhile, the afternoon aarti (prayer) happens. The incense stick— Chandan (sandalwood) or Rose —is lit. The flickering diya (lamp) in front of Lakshmi’s idol transforms the living room into a temple. For ten minutes, the chaos stops. The only sound is the brass bell. The word Samsara translates to the cycle of life. In an Indian home, Samsara happens between 5 and 7 PM.
"Did you see the Aggarwals’ new car? Loan pe li hai, I guarantee it." "Rekha’s daughter ran away to Bombay for a job? Arre , what is the world coming to?" This is the social network of the Indian family
Tomorrow, the pressure cooker will whistle again. The chai will be made again. The fights over the remote control for the TV (Sony SAB vs. News18) will rage again. The West often looks at the Indian family lifestyle and sees "chaos" or "lack of boundaries." They see adult children living with parents and call it "failure to launch." They see arranged marriage scripts and call it "backward." The incense stick— Chandan (sandalwood) or Rose —is lit