The Mourning Castle

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Mourning Castle was a hub of learning for girls of all region, religion, culture, caste and class. Ladies from around the world came here to learn art, culture, music, instrument and other vocational courses. Even royalties from different nations graced this humble institution with their presence. Some learned the Japanese tea ceremony and calligraphy; some opted for Indian garba dance and leaf painting- patta chitra; and some others learned the various languages and dance forms from around the world. Every new art once discovered was immediately included in the institution’s agenda. Other than this it was a coveted place for its fun and frolic, secret beauty enhancing rituals and for the most beautiful lady hosts.

Mourning Castle got its name from the waterfall nearby, the Mourning Fall. After the demise of the good old king, the castle was converted to an institution. An invitation was sent to the world’s eligible ladies to learn and add to the knowledge of others. The day of joining, Ethnic Day was celebrated. Each of them was asked to carry their culture and what they stand for in their attire. One could see beautiful sarees, kimonos, Hanbok, western wears etc.

I have spent more than three years here, learning all that I could, all that was possible, until I became saturated. But I am not ready to leave, as of yet no one studying here has any regrets, no one has  any kind of dissatisfaction. We are seen as the elite of the education masters, we lead lives no less than princesses, people come from far off places to be hosted by us and to experience the talent and creatives that we have to offer. But I harbor one small unfulfilled wish in my heart, and perhaps a regret too.

It was summer, when one evening Lady Moraine called us girls to the hall and asked us to prepare a cultural dance for a special guests. We were baffled, we rarely performed dance and the guest had to be indeed special and influential that too to see us dance. Otherwise it was the usual visit to the art gallery, museum, tea ceremony and music show. Later we came to know that it was a British Lord and his accomplice who was coming to stay in the guest house for a week. And rumors said he was extremely godlike and handsome. We were curious. I was curious.

 Linking the post to #UBC , and #DailyChatter.



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Queeristan by Parmesh Sahani

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  Queeristan (Amazon Link) Thanks to Audible Free Trial I listened to this amazing non-fiction on LGBTQ inclusion in Indian workplaces. Author Parmesh Sahani identifies as gay Indian, working closely with Godrej higher management and employees for years to create an inclusive workplace, both legally and in spirit. This book is a result of those years of experience, research, collaboration with individuals from difference spectrum of the society and organizations who has successfully transitioned into a queer friendly one.   Indian history is inclusive. From the Khajuraho temple architectures, to Konark to the Rig Veda, there is existing proofs even 2000 years ago of Indian inclusiveness of queer. It’s the draconian British law that criminalised it, which was scraped in 2009, came into effect once again following a sad judgement in 2013 and eventually was scraped off for good in 2018. I am in awe of the lawyers who fought this legal battle- colleagues and partners – Arundhati Katju
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