Smell of childhood

Some of my most favorite things are associated to smells. My mother has always mocked me of having a sharp olfactory sense and was a dog reincarnated as a human.

The smell of earth after the first rain. So warm, so invigorating, so full of hope.

The smell inside the temples. The divine aroma of freshly made sandalwood paste, ash (bhasmam) , kumkum, incense sticks, camphor, diyas burning with oil or ghee, flowers and the offering. These smells take me back to my grandparent’s house in Erode. If I close my eyes and concentrate, I can remember all these wonderful fragrances, which used to fill the home after the morning pooja session.

The mild fragrance from talcum powder and lavender soap, As child, smell of Sandalwood powder and Yardley’s lavender soap heralded my mom’s arrival. To me those were the secret of beauty.

The smell of vicco turmeric, boroline and ax oil has always made me use it more.

The smell of books. I love rustling through the pages of a new book and breathing deep.

Freshly grounded coffee, home made ghee made me hungry to the core.

Women’s perfume with undertones of flowers except jasmine.

The list goes endless 😊

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