Auntie Leena, the hubs' paternal auntie who is actually a year younger than him, invited us over to her home yesterday evening for a yearly ritual. The family has the opportunity to observe a Nepali ritual, Bhai Puja, thanks to her. Although the men do not take it seriously, they laugh and crack jokes while Auntie Leena is going through the ritual, it is still a novelty of sorts to watch.

The purpose for this observance is actually where "sisters put tika on the foreheads of brothers, to ensure long life, and thank them for the protection they give.When the sisters give the tika, the brothers give gifts or money in return. A special garland is made for the brothers out of a flower, symbolizing the sister's prayer for her brother's long life. Brothers sit on a floor while sisters perform their puja." 

So every year, Auntie Leena will play the role of a sister for the FIL and the 3 boys while her daughter performs the ritual for the nephew in law, which will be taken over by baby K when she is older. Well, it's a fun thing for us, not something that we take very seriously because of religion. And the 3 brothers, none of whom retained the hindu faith, partake of this ritual in good sport, as a yearly 'festival'. 

This is very much the only Nepali influence left in the hubs immediate family, if not for his aunt. So whenever people asked me about the Nepali culture, I am shy to say anything as I only know momo, a traditional Nepali delicacy, which are actually steamed dumplings. 

Nepal has such a rich culture and it is a pity that the PILs and none of the sons make any effort to share it with the 3 DILs. I don't blame the sons really for they migrated here when they were so young. So really, children learn a lot from the parents. Unfortunately, as far as I am concerned, the beautiful culture and tradition is wasted on this family.