What is Home?
I throw this question to you, dear readers. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Personally, I’ve changed residences so frequently that pinning down a precise definition of home becomes elusive.
Hailing from the quaint town of Haflong in Assam, my childhood was wrapped in a cozy atmosphere. People knew each other, shared evenings over tea, and engaged in fascinating conversations. Sundays were filled with dance and art classes, fostering a sense of community. However, life’s course led me to Guwahati, where I discovered the dynamic city life, relishing night classes without the fear of freezing winter nights.
Fast forward to my college days in Kolkata, where a timid small-town girl transformed into an independent young woman. Amidst these changes, the concept of celebrating birthdays also underwent a significant transformation.
Evolution of Birthday Celebrations
Initially, birthdays meant a home-cooked feast, surrounded by friends and relatives gifting oversized clothes with the promise of wearing them next year. Kolkata introduced me to midnight surprises, cake facials, and slightly embarrassing gifts – a deviation from the traditional celebrations.
This year, amidst the pandemic, I found myself back home after a decade. The birthday dynamics changed again. I cooked a hearty meal, served my loved ones, and received their affectionate blessings. Friends from afar showered me with love through thoughtful gifts and virtual wishes. It was a celebration filled with never-ending video calls.
Amid this heartwarming celebration, a thought on Instagram caught my attention:
What is home?
It dawned on me that home is not just a place; it’s about the people you are in the present moment. For me, it was friends as a family when I was away, and today, it’s both my parents and friends – a testament to the evolving nature of relationships.
Home isn’t confined to a specific location or tied to a person’s gender. It’s about the human experience, moving from place to place, meeting different people who serve as anchors, keys, or the calming presence in life’s storms. We navigate this journey with scratches and teary eyes, yet we smile like toddlers on an exciting ride.
What Makes it Special?
It’s the people and the place that we call home, where we fall in love with the bits and pieces that constitute our lives. Whether you’re miles away or surrounded by family, home is where your heart and mind reside. Cherish the moments and savour the details, for you never know when they might become distant memories once again.
Here’s to the ones forging homes in new places and to those nestled with family. Embrace the journey, enjoy the ride, and fall in love with the beautiful tapestry of your life. After all, home is where your heart finds its anchor.
Little Whispers of Chandrika 
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