When the Lotus Blooms
Page 39
She placed the red rose gingerly in his hands and then turned, swiftly making her way back towards the mountain, her dainty anklets jingling as she carefully stepped in between bunches of Brahmakamalams.
“A red rose. Will you have a red rose with you?” He yelled out, needing to know but she was out of earshot, so with determination he ran after her. She stopped and turned around smiling at him, her eyes dancing and sparkling with mischief. He ran as fast as his short legs would carry him, but he tripped on a fallen vine and fell heavily to the ground before he could reach her.
Sheepishly Kandu picked himself off the floor, rubbing his sore behind. He must have fallen from his bed. Climbing back onto the bed, he wondered why he had such a strange dream. He sank back onto his pillow when he realized that he had been clutching something tightly in his fist. He opened his fist and looked at what lay in the palm of his hand.
A red rose.
The End
When the Lotus Blooms
Glossary of Indian words
Aarathi: A Sanskrit word for a ritual to prevent bad omens and ward off evil.
Abhishekham: A Sanskrit word meaning a sacred shower to a Hindu deity using water, milk, honey, etc.
Achkans: An Urdu word for the long, formal upper garment used by men from north India.
Adais: A south Indian crepe made out of soaked and ground lentils.
Agrahaaram: A Tamil word to denote a village square lined with houses - traditionally occupied by upper class Brahmins.
Almirah: A Hindi word for closet.
Alur Dom: A spicy potato curry; a delicacy from Bengal.
Amma: A Tamil word for mother.
Ammi Kallu: A Tamil word referring to a granite stone to grind chutney.
Angavastram: A Sanskrit word to denote a top cloth draped around the shoulders for men
Angrez: A Hindi word meaning foreigner
Anju Kaal Pinnal: A Tamil phrase for a braid made with five separate strands
Anthim Samskara: A Sanskrit phrase for the last rites performed by the eldest
son of the deceased.
Appa: A Tamil word for father.
Appalaam: A South Indian delicacy, a thin and crispy deep fried snack.
Apsara: A Sanskrit word meaning a nymph in the celestial court of Indra.
Aruvaal: A Tamil word for a sickle.
Aruvaamanai: A Tamil word for a kitchen instrument used to cut vegetables.
Avamaanam: A Tamil word for shame.
Ayah: A Hindi word for nurse/babysitter.
Ayurveda: A Sanskrit word for a branch of Indian herbal medicine.
Baba: A Hindi suffix with several meanings: Father (Bengali) or an endearing reference to a young boy.
Bandobast: A Hindi word meaning arrangements for a function.
Bangla: A Hindi word for main house, corruption of the word bungalow.
Banobibi: The local female deity in the jungles of the Sunderbans.
Banyan: A Hindi word for undershirt.
Bearer: A word from colonial India for a valet.
Beeda: A Tamil word for areca nuts wrapped in betel leaves. (Paan in Hindi)
Besari: A Tamil word to denote an ornament worn on the nose.
Bhakti: A Sanskrit word for devotion.
Bhetki: A river fish common in Bengal.
Bhiksha: A Sanskrit word meaning alms.
Bidi: A Hindi word for a rolled tobacco leaf.
Bindi: A Hindi word for a small dot worn as a forehead, decoration to ward off evil and to protect the pineal gland
Biryani: A Hindi word for a spicy, rice preparation.
Brahmacharya: A Sanskrit word meaning bachelorhood.
Brahmin: A Sanskrit word denoting the priestly, learned caste.
Chaiwallahs: A Hindi word for tea vendors.
Chamakam: A Sanskrit chant in praise of Lord Shiva.
Chandala: People belonging to a caste that work in cremation grounds.
Chandanam: A Tamil word for sandalwood.
Chandhai: A Tamil word for a village fair.
Charpoy: A Hindi word for a bed with jute fibers woven on a wooden frame.
Chattai: A Tamil word for shirt/blouse.
Chella Kutti: A Tamil phrase meaning “favorite child.”
Chinna Veedu: A Tamil phrase to denote the home of a mistress—literal meaning “small house.”
Chithi: A Tamil word for Aunt—Mother’s younger sister.
Choppus: A Tamil word meaning toy pots and pans.
Chowkidars: A Hindi word for guards.
Chowky: A Hindi word for police station.
Coolie: A Hindi word for men who carry luggage in train stations.
Dak: A Bengali word for mail.
Dak Bungalow: Rest house for Government travelers.
Dakshina: A Sanskrit word meaning fees given to a Brahmin for performing some ceremony.
Darshanam: A Sanskrit word meaning sacred viewing.
Davara: A Tamil word to denote a cup like utensil to hold a tumbler with hot coffee/tea.
Dayakattam: A board game–precursor to chess.
Deekshathars: A class of priests.
Deepavali: A Tamil word to denote the Festival of Lights. (Diwali)
Devadasi: A caste where the women are temple dancers or courtesans.
Devas: A Sanskrit word for Gods.
Devi: A Sanskrit word meaning female goddess.
Devistotra: A Sanskrit chant in praise of Devi, the female goddess.
Dhuno: A Bengali word for incense.
Dhotis: A Hindi word for the traditional lower garment for men.
Dosai: A pancake made with ground rice and lentils; a South Indian delicacy.
Divan: A Hindi word of Turkish origin for a sofa.
Durbar: A Hindi word for a royal court.
Ganesh: Hindu elephant-headed God who is the son of Shiva and Parvathi.
Ganga Snaanam: A Tamil word to denote a bath in the holy river Ganga.
Gayatri japam: A sacred religious Hindu chant, considered to be the holiest verse of the Vedas.
Ghat: A Hindi word for steps and platform on the banks of a river.
Ghee: A Hindi word for clarified butter.
Gilli Danda: A game played by children using two sticks.
Gondogol: A Bengali word for trouble or getting into mischief.
Gopuram: A Tamil word to denote a monumental tower at the entrance of a temple in south India.
Grahastha: A Sanskrit word to denote the second stage in a man’s life, that of a householder.
Gyanamudra: A Sanskrit word for a ritual hand position for meditation where the index and pointer touch while the other fingers are stretched out.
Idli: A Tamil word to denote a soft steamed rice and lentil cake.
Idli paanai: A Tamil word for a pot for steaming idlis.
Jaggery: Unrefined sugar.
Jameen: Plantation.
Jameendar: Plantation owner.
Japamala: A rosary for chanting often made using beads from the Rudraksha tree.
Jarigai: A Tamil word for gold embroidery.
Jarigai Oosi: Thin lines of gold weave.
Jhal Muri: A Bengali delicacy/fast food made with puffed rice and sold by street vendors.
Jimikis: A Tamil word to denote hanging earrings.
Jugalbandi: A Hindi word to denote a combined performance by two soloists on equal footing.
Kakakuli: A Tamil word to denote a quick bath like a crow; in and out of water.
Kalchatti: A Tamil word to denote a metal pot used in south Indian cooking.
Kali: Hindu Goddess to whom blood sacrifices are sometimes offered.
Kallipaal: A Tamil word for poison from a cactus which is combined with milk—used for female infanticide.
Kamakshiamman: Goddess Kamakshi - Consort of Lord Shiva.
Kanakambaram: Crossandra- a plant with orange flowers.
Kanya: A Sanskrit word meaning virgin child.
Karma: A Sanskrit word meaning Fate.
Kar
thikeya: Hindu God; son of Shiva and Parvathi; Commander-in-chief of the Gods.
Kashaayam: A Tamil word to denote a medicinal concoction of herbs.
Khansaama: A male cook from the northeast of India.
Kolam: A Tamil word for a geometric design drawn using rice flour, as decoration in front of the house.
Krishnapaksha: The fortnight denoting the waning phase of the moon used interchangeably to denote moonless nights.
Kriya: A Sanskrit word meaning an action, deed or rite.
Kudhir: A Tamil word meaning a rice granary.
Kudumi: A Tamil word to denote hair worn in a top knot.
Kurta: A Hindi word for the male top garment.
Kumkumam: A Sanskrit word for vermillion powder.
Kutralam Falls: A place in South India with many water falls; a well-known tourist attraction.
Lathi: A Hindi word referring to a baton used by policemen.
Lathi charge: Dispersing a mob using batons.
Leela: The Lord’s celestial game.
Lingam: A Phallic symbol representing Shiva the Destroyer.
Loochi: A Bengali delicacy; fried bread made out of flour.
Maamsam: A Tamil word for meat.
Maaplai: A Tamil word meaning son-in-law.
Machaan: A Hindi word referring to a platform built on a tree for tiger hunters.
Madisar: The traditional nine yard sari worn by Brahmin women.
Mai: A Tamil word for eye liner.
Maidanam: A Tamil word meaning an open field. (maidan)
Maali: A Hindi word for gardener.
Mama: A Tamil word meaning maternal uncle
Mandi: A Hindi word for market.
Manthravadhi: A Tamil word meaning magician.
Maargazhi: A Tamil word for the lunar month usually from December 15th to January 15th.
Marwari Seth: A Hindi word referring to a business man from the state of Rajasthan.
Masiyal: A Tamil word for a puree of any vegetable.
Mazhalai: A Tamil word for baby talk.
Memsahib: A colonial word referring to the lady of the house
Mirazdar: A rich land owner.
Mishti Doi: A Bengali delicacy; yoghurt sweetened with molasses.
Mitthai Pink: A very bright, hot pink.
Moksha: A Sanskrit word for salvation.
Molahapodi: Brahmin common usage for Milagaipodi—chilly powder.
Mookuthi: A Tamil word for nose ring.
Moothram: A Tamil word for urine.
Morai: A Tamil word referring to a palm utensil for husking rice or wheat.
Morcha: A Hindi word meaning a demonstration.
Mozham: A Tamil word referring to a measure used by flower-vendors. (from elbow to tips of fingers)
Muhurtham: A Tamil word noting the auspicious time according to Indian astrology.
Mundu: A white lower garment used by natives of Kerala.
Muri: A Bengali word for puffed rice.
Muriwallah: A vendor who sells jhal muri, a delicacy from Calcutta.
Mutram: A Tamil word referring to a courtyard inside the house—generally open to the sky.
Nagara: A bejeweled hair ornament shaped like a snake.
Nalangu: A Tamil ritual on auspicious occasions, where designs are made on hands and feet using fresh turmeric.
Namaskaram: A Tamil word referring to bending down and performing an obeisance, seeking the blessings of God or elders.
Nandi: The Bull; the vehicle of Shiva.
Nehru topi: A Hindi word referring to a flat white cap popularized by Jawaharlal Nehru, who went on to become the first Prime Minister of Independent India.
Nila Shaapaadu: A Tamil word referring to dinner eaten under the moon.
Odiyaanam: A Tamil word referring to a gold belt worn by women.
Oru kai: A Tamil phrase literally meaning “one hand.”
Oonjal: A Tamil word for swing.
Otha Brahmana: A Tamil phrase meaning the lone Brahmin. — considered a bad omen when venturing out
Paan: A Hindi word for betel leaf.
Paanwallah: A Hindi word for a betel leaf vendor.
Paati: A Tamil word meaning grandmother.
Palaangozhi: A game similar to Mancala using shells and a wooden board.
Palaharam: A light evening meal.
Pallu: A Hindi word for the flowing free end of a sari. (Thalapu in Tamil)
Panchamrutham: A Sanskrit word referring to a sweet mixture of fruits with honey.
Panchayat: A committee of five well respected village elders, chosen to settle local disputes.
Pandhal: A decorative tent used to cover the area for social gatherings.
Pandi: A Tamil word referring to a game like hop-scotch.
Pani: A Tamil word meaning early morning dew.
Panjakacham: A Tamil word referring to a unique style of wearing the veshti or lower garment by men.
Parayan: A Tamil word referring to the lower caste untouchable.
Parvathi: Consort of Lord Siva.
Pavadai: A Tamil word referring to a long skirt or petticoat worn by girls.
Payasam: A Tamil word meaning rice pudding.
Pazhayadu: A Tamil word referring to left over rice soaked overnight in water.
Podalangai: A Tamil word for the vegetable snake gourd.
Pongal: A Tamil Harvest Festival celebrated on January 14th.
Pongal Panai: A Tamil phrase referring to the pot in which the rice preparation Pongal is cooked.
Ponpaakal: A Tamil colloquial word referring to the official viewing of the girl for marriage.
Pooja: Prayers offered as per traditional injunctions often in a pooja room.
Poriyal: A Tamil word for vegetable stir-fry.
Potlam: A Tamil word referring to a folded packet.
Pottu: A Tamil word referring to the vermillion dot in the center of the forehead.
Pradakshanam: Circumbulation of the sanctum sanctorum in a temple.
Prana: A Sanskrit word referring to life force which sustains the body.
Prasaadham: Sacred food first offered to God; then distributed to devotees after prayers.
Ramayana: A famous Indian epic about King Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu.
Punkha: A Hindi word for fan.
Punkhawallah: The person who pulls on ropes to make the fan work.
Rasam: A tangy, spicy liquid dish—traditionally served with rice in south Indian cuisine.
Rexine: Faux leather popular in Brahmin homes where leather couches are not permitted.
Rudraksha: Prayer beads or rosary of Hindus - generally threaded into a garland of 108 beads.
Rudram: A Sanskrit chant in praise of Lord Shiva.
Saamiyaar: A Tamil word for mendicant.
Sambar: A spicy lentil-based dish served with rice in South Indian cuisine.
Sammandhi: A Tamil word referring to the in-laws.
Sankara Madham: A center for Vedic learning established by Sankaracharya.
Sanyasi: Final stage in the Hindu social cycle where men renounce worldly life.
Sari: Traditional Indian garment for women using six yards of cloth.
Seemandham: A ceremony performed by the boy’s parents for the daughter-in-law’s safe childbirth.
Shaivaite: A sect that believes in Shiva as its main preceptor.
Shakti: Female divine force also seen as the consort of Shiva.
Shakkarai Pongal: A sweet rice preparation made during the festival of Pongal.
Shanthi Kalyanam: A ceremony of nuptials in South Indian weddings.
Shastra: A Sanskrit word for laws in religious scriptures.
Shikakai: A Sanskrit word for soap nut used to wash hair.
Shikar: A Hindi word for hunt
Shiva: One of the Hindu trinity—The God of Destruction, the other two being Brahma & Vishnu.
Shloka: A Sanskrit chant.
Sindoor: The red vermillion which married women of Bengal wear at the parting of their hair.
Sojji-Bajji: Traditional snacks consisting of vegetable fritters and a sweet dish served on special occasions.
Sumangali: A married woman.
Terylene: A polyester material.
Thandava: Cosmic dance of Shiva.
Thalapu: The flowing end of the sari.
Thaali: A gold chain and pendant given to a girl at the time of her marriage.
Thatha: A Tamil word for grandfather.
Thavil: A barrel shaped drum.
Thayir shaadham: A must in south Indian meals; rice with yoghurt.
Theetu: A Tamil word referring to the first three days of a woman’s period considered unclean.
Thinnai: A Tamil word referring to a raised platform, bordering the front of the house.
Thogayal: A colloquial Tamil word for chutney.
Tiffin: A light afternoon meal.
Tulasi madham: A platform built for the sacred basil plant.
Tumbler: A metal utensil to drink water/coffee.
Upma: A dish from South Indian cuisine made from semolina.
Vadaam: A Tamil word referring to a crispy deep-fried snack in south Indian cuisine.
Vadai: A Tamil word referring to fritters made out of ground lentils.
Vadama Iyer: A superior sub-sect of Iyer Brahmins.
Vaidhyar: A Tamil word for doctor.
Valaikaapu: A bangle ceremony performed in the seventh month of pregnancy.
Vande Mataram: A rousing slogan/song during the Indian freedom movement meaning “Bow to Thee - O’ Mother.”
Varan: A Tamil word meaning a matrimonial match.
Vathakozhambu: A well-known south Indian, spicy, tamarind dish.
Vedas: Four ancient Indian Sanskrit texts: Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharvana.
Veda Pathashala: A school where the Vedas are taught.
Venn Pongal: A savory rice preparation made on the occasion of Pongal.
Vepalai: Leaves of the evergreen Neem tree with medicinal qualities.
Veshti: A Tamil word referring to the thin cotton lower garment for men.
Vibuthi: A Tamil word referring to sacred ash; typically worn on the forehead.
Vidudhalai: A Tamil word for freedom.
Vilva Tree: A tree whose leaves are offered to Shiva during worship.
Vilvandi: A Tamil word meaning covered bullock cart.
Vishnu: The Preserver in the Hindu trinity.
Yagna: A Sanskrit word to denote fire sacrifice dedicated to some deity.
Yecchal: A Tamil word for saliva.
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