What is nostalgia? Or what do we mean when we say “that smell made me nostalgic or that sound created a nostalgia”? It does not just smell or sound but also what we touch, what we see, or what we taste that can make us nostalgic. Why? Because nostalgia does not relate to a specific memory, but rather an emotional state. When a particular incident or memory comes back to us, our brain starts to recollect many things related to that. Like the image in this post. Mogra reminds me of my mom. She loves Gajra and makes one for herself every day during summer. “purani jeans aur guitar” song might remind us of our college farewell party. Or the smell of frying reminds us of the canteen where we must have enjoyed gossips and light chit chats with your friends over yummy samosas and pakodas. Songs like “Mile Sur era Tumhara or Desh Raga” or, for that matter, the title song of “Surabhi” brings us back our childhood memories when these songs used to be our routine entertainment. Thats Nostalgia.

 

Living miles away from my country, I have experienced this feeling on many occasions. When we go temple, the fragrance of agarbatti reminds me of India. When we go to any Indian restaurant, the background music that is played there gives us a feel of India. When we prepare Diwali sweets at home, the smell of chiwda or roasted besan reminds us of our mom’s kitchen, where she used to make besan ladoos for us.

 

In the last few days, we have been introduced to many things. Our kids got to watch the TV shows that we grew up watching. Ramayan, Mahabharat, Amar Chitrakatha, and Fauji are streaming these days. I would say that’s the silver line of COVID19. Tell me, what were your thoughts when you heard about these shows? Were you happy? What were the first words that you said? Did it make you excited? Well, I said, wow!! I was more excited than my kids.

 

I may not understood the importance of these small things if I was living in India as they become an integral part of our lives. I might have taken them for granted, but today when I don’t see or experience them, then I am understanding its value. Earlier, the sabjiwala saying “sabji le lo….” Or songs on Jai ambe during Navaratri felt a disturbance. Or Postman coming at our doorstep saying “chithhi…..”, or neighbor aunty knocking at our door and asking from outside with loud voice “koi hai ghar mein” used to feel annoying. But now I miss all that. Neither, there is sabjiwala or postman uncle nor any aunty.

So, as long as you can enjoy these small joys, enjoy them.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z. My theme is “Dollar Nation-Are you ready to experience the west through my eyes?”

We are half way through the challenge. Here is the recap of all my previous posts. Click on the respective Alphabet to read the entire post

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