A weekend well spent

Delhi was bustling with activity this weekend - but that is a wrong statement to make actually.


Delhi is always bustling with activity. But this weekend, I am happy to report, that I was part of the activity in my NCR.


The Saturday started off with a trip to the International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan. We arrived early - around 11, grabbed our tickets (barely took more than 5 mins) and entered the grounds. Good thing too - because that place was going to get even more packed!! I read an article on the Times of India website that said that "the rush on Saturday was unprecedented"!


Maximum rush was at the International stalls - where me and my Mom had also gone. We picked up quite a bit at the Pakistani, Turkey, Vietnam and Thailand stalls. The nazar bandis at the Turkey stall were very very popular.

My Mom calls them Nazar bandis - they're actually called the Nazar Boncuk Charm (or evil eye bead) - which is actually supposed to be an "eye". It is a small bead - usually of blue colour, in which is embedded a little eye looking circle. It is supposed to keep you safe and ward off evil intentions and spirits. I read that they're always put on little babies to protect them from evil.

Why blue though? Why not yellow or red or pink?

Well, actually if you think about it, Turkey is located in a part of the world where there isn't much water. So blue being the colour of water signifies something that is valuable. Plus water is essential for all life.

What astounded me was finding out that they evil eye beads predate the dawn of the Christian era. References have apparently been found on Sumerian clay tablets. In Madhubani art as well, there is a depiction of a one-eyed lady that will protect the home from the evil eye. I myself have drawn such an image.

After that, my husband and I saw a movie, while eating a whole lot of popcorn. The next day was also busy, as I had a lunch date with old friends followed by a nice refreshing walk in the picturesque Lodhi Gardens of Delhi. Very very awesome weekend overall!!