It’s Tamil new year today. Being Saturday, half day today at the office. Came back early and had yummy payasam, bisi bele bhaat and mango pachadi. Interesting story behind the pachadi. The pachadi has mangoes in it for sour taste, fresh neem flowers for a bitter taste and jaggery for a sweet taste. It is said that life is a combination of everything – sweet moments and sad moments. That is, the good, the not so good and the bad. We should learn to savour the joyful times and maintain our composure during sorrowful periods. This pachadi is prepared on New Year’s Day to remind us of this fact. My grandma keeps telling me this every New Year’s Day. Somehow, I like the concept.
Received calls and messages from friends and from relatives in Chennai. Felt good talking to everyone after a long time. In the evening, went to the nearby temple with Amma. Fed some grass to the cows there. Then went to a beautiful art gallery and a park. Had dinner outside. Was overall a nice, satisfying and soothing experience. A change from the daily hectic routine.
Wish all days could be as beautiful and enjoyable as today. 
Wishing all the Tamilians a very happy and prosperous new year.
