Hello, I am a desi woman (read Dilliwali) with all my heart and soul. I love to eat, drink and wear desi…pure, authentic desi.

I love to gorge on mithais, cakes, chocolates, ice creams and cold coffee with a dash of cinnamon! I hate sugar-free one’s..what’s the point of having a sweet if it’s not sweet. No cheeni kum for me.

I have a big appetite for reading fiction, preferably Hindi and women-centric (yes, I love to read chick lits).

I have a particular weakness for hand-woven Indian silks, Tusaars and Cotton such as Kosa, Chanderi, Moirang Phee, Kota Doria, Maheshwari, Sambalpuri (and many others) because of their complex design influenced by our rich culture and heritage, and vibrant colors inspired by nature. I think one can never go wrong with tribal silver or traditional temple style gold jewelry, big sized tote bag, kohlapuri chappal, glass bangles, and kajal. Did I tell you that I am obsessed with the gorgeous Vidya Balan? No wonder Nalli, State emporiums, stores run by weaver co-operatives and Fab India are my favorite hangout places in Delhi and elsewhere.

Oceans and sky, flowers and birds, buds and leaves, clouds and rain, dewdrops and butterflies, stars and snowflakes make my heart melt. I often find my priceless contemplative moments on long walks away from the city lights.

I am a Ph.D. dropout and have (almost) three Masters degrees. My life has been a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs, and I am at a stage where I am seeking the path, which is true to myself.

I don’t know where life is going to take me from I am. Will I wander in the thick forests and caves of the mighty Himalayas or on the ghats of Banaras, open a quirky Cafe or a colorful Indian handloom store, I don’t know. But I know for sure that I have a lot of stories to tell.

This blog is a small part of my journey where I try to seek and celebrate the feminine in all its forms, colors and glory. Call her a Goddess, a witch or an ordinary woman.

Please feel free to look around and comment or write to me at thecitybanjaran@gmail.com