Ramila Surti

Ramila Surti recalls her family and childhood, reasons for eventually moving to Milton Keynes and how she loves living there, especially the trees and greenery. She is a Hindu and her tradition is based on the beliefs and festivals of the Hindu faith. She describes these beliefs and the many festivals she celebrates based on an Indian calendar. She explains about wearing a sari, the significance of the colour red, fasting for certain festivals and the foods eaten and describes the different spices she uses in her cooking. She describes the Gods and Goddesses in her faith and what they stand for. She talks about the Caste system, henna or mehndi painting and the chain and red spot worn by married women only. Her special object is a traditional sari that she made and decorated herself when she was young and unmarried.