Jaipur Lit Fest - An Introduction

As a child, I loved being surrounded by books. Unlike kids my age then, reading  was a passion with me, that was genetically transferred from my grandfather to my dad and then me. To be a part of this elite fest is a dream and I hope it comes true.

The Jaipur Literature Festival is one of the most prominent festivals of India, ever since its inception in January 2006. This coveted Lit Fest is held every year in the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. The stately premises of Diggi Palace are opened for this multi dimensional event annually. It is a 5 day event, where literary giants from all over the world come together under a single roof. The very essence of this event is to embrace freedom of expression and a difference in viewpoint.  It is a melting pot of varied thoughts and ideas.

Apart from eminent authors and writers, an array of musicians, journalists, players and film personalities could be spotted doing "Chai pe Charcha". How would it be, to meet your icon and have a tete-a-tete. There are a series of events like book reading, debates, discussions and recitals. This esteemed festival also gives a prominent platform to young promising writers to showcase their work.  It is a treat for lovers of art and culture to soak into and partake this Magical influx of ideas. This free for all festival has played host to eminent personalities in the past and continues to do so.

The list of speakers this year is a long and has heavy weights like Amish Trivedi, Anuja Chauan, Margret Atwood, Ruskin Bond, Stephan Fry, Javed Akhtar to name a few. As I was going through the list of speakers, my jaw literally fell on floor, in awe. A typical fan girl moment for me .....awwww.

This biggest Literature Fest in the world, is actually a celebration of art and culture, of hope and inspiration.  In today's times, when there are arguments on "intolerance", the free and liberating atmosphere will surely be like a breath of fresh air.

The last years edition had a footfall of over 2 lakh literature enthusiasts, creating a record of sorts. Apart from the discussions, book launches and musical recitals, this Fest also boasts of a culinary and heritage expeditions. Stalls of varied cuisine are laid for the food lovers. A small trip to Amer Fort or Hawa Mahal could be carried out to focus on heritage and culture.

I wish to be a part of this great art and literature extravangza and enjoy a few moments of knowledge, enrichment and serenity.

Traditional Indian Ceremonies For Mom And Baby

India is a land of traditions and customs, culture and values, and we have a celebration for every occasion. Pregnancy and child birth are considered as sacred occasions. There are numerous celebrations across the country pertaining to the birth of the child.  A few of them are :

   

Godh Bharai of Aishwarya  Rai

Godh Bharai - This is a traditional ceremony of north India, which is celebrated in the 7th month of pregnancy. The mom-to-be is showered with love, blessings and lots of gifts. Likewise, we have Valakaapu (Tamil Hindus) and Seemandham (south Indian hindus). Bengal, Maharashtra and Gujrat also have their versions of Godh Bharai.

Chhathi - This ceremony is performed when the baby is six days old. This ceremony is for women of the house and takes place in the night. The elders remain awake throughout the night and sing songs seeking blessing for the newborn.

Naamkaran - Also called the naming ceremony. According to Hindu mythology, the naamkaran for the newborn takes place on the twelfth day of the birth of the child. On this day, relative and friends arrive to take part in this ceremony. The child is placed in a cradle, decked with flowers. The women gather around this jhoola and sing traditional songs.

Mundan - Mundan is a Hindu ritual of tonsuring of the baby's head. Generally, this ritual of doing away with the baby's birth hair is done after the completion of first year. This ceremony usually takes place in odd year and odd month.

Vaccinations

Vaccination is the administration of antigenic material to stimulate an individual immune system to develop adaptive immunity to a pathogen.

Though, it's difficult to see your little bundle of joy get pricked, vaccinations are vital to a child's health. Due to these vaccines, your child's less likely to get infected by dreaded diseases like  whooping cough, meningitis, measles, mumps, polio, hepatitis or pneumococcal diseases.
Vaccines are made of the weaker versions of the bacteria or virus of that particular disease. When these altered viruses/ bacteria are injected, the immune system stimulates the body to produce antibodies.

The basic list of immunization which every child must get is below :

Immunization chart

There could be some common side effects of a vaccine -

- pain, swelling or redness on the injection site
- mild fever
- fatigue
- muscle pain

It is mandatory to get our child vaccinated. Check with your pediatrician and schedule it accordingly.

Teething

Teething is a process by which an infant's first teeth ( usually in pairs) appear through the gums. Teething may start as early as six months or as late as ten months. Generally, the first ten teeth appear between six to nine months.

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The first teeth tend to appear in pairs. The general pattern is as follows :
Lower central incisors (2) at approx. 6 months
Upper central incisors (2) at approx.  8 months
Upper lateral incisors  (2) at approx.  10 months
Lower lateral incisors  (2) at approx.  10 months
First molars                  (4) at approx.  14 months
Canines                         (4) at approx.  18 months
Second molars.              (4) at approx.  2-3 years

Some common symptoms during teething are drooling, irritability, swollen gums and mild fever. The symptoms appear a few days before the eruption of a tooth and disappear soon after. Before treating a baby for teething, it is always advisable to know the cause of discomfort. Rubbing a finger along the gum ridges, is one way to be sure. If unsure, it is advisable to see a pediatrician.

Teether or teething toys could be given to the infant to ease discomfort and facilitate teething. Teethers are designed with textures that aid in breaking up of gum tissue, resulting in eruption of the tooth.

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Also, cold foods and drink provides relief so serve chilled yogurt and blended fruit. In case chewing, sucking chilled food and rubbing doesn't help, see your doctor.

This is a challenging time for your baby, try comforting him with some more love, hugs and kisses. 

Weaning - When And How

Weaning is the process of introducing an infant to food and withdrawing the supply of mother's milk. How and when to wean an infant is often a matter of debate. Most Medical Institutions and authorities recommend exclusive breast feeding a baby for the first six months of its life.

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However in today's time and age, when most women are working breast feeding is a challenge. A baby is considered to be weaned, when he stops nursing and gets all his nutrition from sources other than breasts.

Generally, weaning is a long process and you are the best judge to decide when you want to wean your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breast feeds for at least a year and even encourages to breastfeed longer if you want to.

 In my case, I breastfeeded both my kids till they were 2.5 years of age. When I tell this, most mothers look in amusement and their mother-in-laws in admiration. Has this ever happened to you?

Well, start slowly regardless of your child's age as abruptly withholding could be traumatic for your baby and you too causing infection or fever. Try simple methods -

- Skip a feed : As the baby starts taking solids, reduce feeding over a period of time. This will give your child time to adjust. Your milk supply also diminishes gradually, without leaving your breast vulnerable to infections.

- Distract : Try postponing feeding to a couple of times in a day. This method works well with older kids as you can assure him/ her. Also distract the baby with different activities.

- Spend time with your baby : Weaning or trying to wean doesn't mean, you have to end the intimate bond created between you and your child during nursing. Try story telling or playing with him.

At times, the child may feel uncomfortable, find other ways to make him feel better.

Despite what relatives and friends say, you are the best judge to decide when it's time to wean.

Breast feeding

Breast  milk provides the ideal nutrition for babies. It has a perfect mix of protein, fat and vitamin and is a complete food in itself. Medical authorities strongly recommend exclusive breast feeding for first six months for a baby.

Breast feeding has immense benefits for the baby and the mother. It contains antibodies that help develop immunity and fights various bacteria and viruses. Breast feeding lowers your babies risk of having allergies, respiratory diseases, asthma and diarrhea.

        Breast feeding has also been linked to higher IQ at later age, though it may or may not be true. But, breast feeding helps in forming a bond between the mother and the baby. It helps your baby feel secure and  works as touch therapy. Breast feeding also reduces 'Sudden infant death syndrome' and also lowers risks of fatal diseases like cancer as well.

Breast feeding has numerous positives for the mother as well. It releases the hormone Oxytocin, which helps your uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy state. It also reduces uterine bleeding after birth. A women who breast feeds has less chances of having Breast and Ovarian cancer, compared to the women who chooses otherwise. It is always advisable to breast feed for a short time than no time at all.

A baby may feed upto 12- 15 times a day, that is every two to three hours. Watch signs of hunger and feed the baby "on demand". Generally, infants nurse around 12- 15 minutes each time.

There are certain conditions which forbids breast feeding the baby, incase you are HIV positive or having TB as the infection could be passed to the baby via breast milk.Consult your doctor if you have any such conditions.

Making a decision to breast feed is a matter of personal choice. WHO strongly recommends breast feeding. Make this time a 'special' you and your baby and form a strong bond of love.

Food And Nutrition - We Are What We Eat

Food and nutrition go hand in hand. Simply defined, food is anything we eat and drink, which provides energy and help our body grow.

Nutrition is the process in which you consume food, digest and absorb them for growth and health.
Most food contain a mix of nutrient types and a healthy diet should include these.

 There are seven major types of nutrients :

 1. Carbohydrates - our main sources of energy, like Whole grains, fruits, honey.

 2.  Fats - our source of energy as well as important in relation to fat soluble vitamins. Some example  of healthy fats are avocados, olives, nuts, seeds, monosaturated oils like olive oil and canola oil.
  
 3.  Proteins - essential for growth and repair, like eggs, fish, meat.

 4. Minerals - necessary for normal functions, though required in traces, for example potassium,       sodium, iodine etc. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources.

 5. Vitamins - play an important role in the chemical processes in the body. Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins.

 6.  Fiber - helps in digestion. Fiber is found in abundance in whole grains, veggies and fruits.

7.  Water - essential for normal body function as 70% of body is water.

Those who follow a healthy diet reduces their risk of diseases like diabetes and cancer. A poor diet may have adverse effect on your health, causing diseases like anaemia, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis.

 Aim to consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. Drink atleast 10-12 glasses of water.