That means I will be allowed to use my mother’s many colours, which she puts on her lips, making them luscious, her eyelids and cheeks. The colourful bands and flowers she puts on her head. Like hers, my ears will be covered by golden earrings, my neck, with necklaces and beads, and my feet will be painted red with alaa. And the attire, yes the attire: the dark red sari along with ornaments and many things. I will look as beautiful as her, maybe more beautiful than other girls. “We missed playing with you,” says Kali as she enters my dark room where the sunlight can’t infiltrate. “See what we have brought. Stones—for our favourite game,” says Muiyaa, pouring a pouch of stones, creating my favourite sound. “Now, time for another ritual,” yells Ma, standing at the door. “Offer food to Barahkyaa before you eat.” From now onwards, you shouldn’t eat as you like. You will first offer food to the God, then others, and only then will your turn come... — swetabaniya.wordpress.com