This picture was clicked during last July In Mangalore. You can see the green mossy wall behind us, result of monsoon!

My mom-in-law and I are ready to attend a Konkani wedding. My saree and jewellery are borrowed ones

Besides traditional sarees, traditional ornaments are very important part of the Konkani weddings, even now. The neck-piece I am wearing is called “Pavana Malle” (coin necklace) in Konkani. Obviously in olden days, the number of gold coins in a necklace, was a sign of richness. The coins usually have symbols of Goddess Lakshmi or kings or queens on them.

The one that my gorgeous mom-in law is wearing is called “Gajbaj Soru”, named after a Konkani vegetarian dish called “Gajbaj”. It is a special yummy dish (one of my favs) made of pumpkin, mango, raw cashew, chilies – cooked during a particular month. Ancestors must have taken a fancy for this dish. Earlier, the multiple pendant shapes of various vegetables and fruits were carved on gold by hand. Now they are mostly machine cut.

This blouse is one thing that I carry while visiting India to be ready to wear a borrowed saree for attending any unplanned occasion. Had snatched this blouse off from a dear school friend’s wardrobe