The Mama Drama Blog

Two Opposite Paths to the Divine With the currently trending Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, I decided to write this post about my spiritual take on the whole issue. Disclaimer: I am just putting forward my thoughts, and this is not intended to hurt anyone's beliefs. Hopefully after reading this we may be able to churn some reflections of our own. India’s spiritual traditions are as diverse as its people, offering many ways to seek and understand the divine. Among these, the Kumbh Mela and the Marathi song "Kuthe Shodhisi Rameshwar" stand out for me—not just for their profound messages but also for the contrasting philosophies they represent. On the one hand, the Kumbh Mela encourages a physical journey to sacred places, where external rituals bring spiritual connection. On the other, "Kuthe Shodhisi Rameshwar" by Sant Tukaram dismisses external searches altogether, urging us to look within. These two ideas—outward pilgrimage and inward realization—seem to c...

Working Parent's Journey in Go In the heart of laid-back Goa, where the sound of the ocean is your morning alarm and the rhythm of the waves lulls you into a state of tranquility, you might imagine that life moves a little slower. But even in this idyllic coastal paradise, the modern world has a way of pulling you into its fast pace. With an MNC job that demands your attention, two young kids to raise, and the never-ending stream of responsibilities that come with both, it can often feel like the balance between work, family, and self-care is just out of reach. It begs the question: How do you embrace slow living when life is moving so fast? Slow living is often idealized as a lifestyle of endless leisure, where time moves leisurely and obligations seem far away. But the truth is, slow living is not about escaping the busyness of life—it’s about finding a way to live more intentionally within it. It’s about shifting from the constant race to achieve and do, to simply being present,...

  Staying Organized with Two Kids Balancing work, kids, and household chores can feel overwhelming, but having a little help and a structured cleaning routine can make all the difference. As a working mom with two children, I’ve developed a realistic cleaning schedule segmented into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks to keep the house tidy without sacrificing quality time with my family. Needless to say I also hire help to do the dishes, mop/sweep the floors on a daily basis(so thankful!). Here’s how I manage my portion of the cleaning: Daily Cleaning Routine These tasks are quick and essential for maintaining a baseline of cleanliness: Morning: Make the beds. Start a load of laundry (if needed). Evening: Clear and wipe kitchen counters after dinner. Put toys and clutter back in their designated places (kids can help!). Tip: Encourage your kids to pitch in by assigning age-appropriate tasks, like putting their shoes away or wiping small surfaces. Weekly Cleanin...

  Flight and Road Trip Adventures Traveling with young children can be both an exciting adventure and a logistical challenge. When you have a 7-year-old and a 2-year-old in tow, careful planning and a bit of creativity are essential to ensure a smooth journey. In this blog post, we’ll explore tips and strategies for two distinct types of travel: flying and road-tripping. Journey 1: Taking to the Skies Flying with young children might seem daunting, but with preparation, it can be a manageable and even enjoyable experience. Here’s how we tackled a 3-hour flight with our kids: Before the Flight: Choose flight times wisely: We opted for a mid-morning flight to avoid early morning crankiness and nap disruptions for our 2-year-old. Pack strategically: Each child had their own small backpack. The 7-year-old’s pack included activity books, storybook and snacks. For the 2-year-old, we brought diapers, wipes, a favorite stuffed toy, and an assortment of small, quiet toys. Prepare ...

I never thought I’d find myself in this position as I usually pride myself as someone with self-discipline and will-power, but I admit I’m a recovering OTT addict. For those blissfully unaware, OTT stands for Over-The-Top platforms, like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. They’re the magical portals that bring us gripping dramas, heartwarming comedies, and endless reality TV. But for me, they became something else entirely—an escape, a crutch, and ultimately, a problem. Let me set the scene: I’m a mom of two energetic kids, a marketing manager by day, and a reluctant chef, chauffeur, and homework helper by night. My days are packed, my patience runs thin, and my energy… well, let’s just say coffee is my lifeline. Somewhere in this whirlwind of responsibilities, I found solace in binge-watching. It started innocently enough. A show here, a movie there. But soon, I was staying up late to watch “just one more episode” of the latest hit series. Sleep became an afterthought, replaced by c...

When you think of Goa, sun-kissed beaches, electrifying nightlife, and its Portuguese heritage might come to mind. However, there's another vibrant facet to Goa that often escapes the spotlight: its traditional " Zatra " celebrations. Rooted deeply in the state’s cultural and spiritual ethos, Zatra is more than just a religious Hindu festival; it’s a grand confluence of devotion, art, and community spirit. What is Zatra? Zatra  is a temple fair or pilgrimage festival that celebrates the local deity of a village or town. These festivals, which typically last for several days, are an integral part of Goa’s Hindu culture and heritage. They occur at different times of the year, often aligning with specific lunar phases or significant dates in the Hindu calendar. The Spiritual Core At the heart of every Zatra is the worship of the presiding deity of a temple. These deities are deeply revered as protectors and benefactors of their communities. During the Zatra , the idol ...