Issue 40: everyday awe | by Mayur Chauhan + Winter Call for Submissions
My paternal grandmother, I called her Amma ji, had a tattoo on her right forearm, of her name, in Devanagari script: कौशल्या (Kaushalya.) I often joked with her that if she ever lost her memory...
everyday awe by Mayur Chauhan
“You cannot be where you want to be without being where you are.”
–Mayur ChauhanI love tattoos
My paternal grandmother, I called her Amma ji, had a tattoo on her right forearm, of her name, in Devanagari script: कौशल्या (Kaushalya.)
I often joked with her that if she ever lost her memory and they asked her name, she could point to the tattoo. I used to ask her questions about the tattoo. Did it hurt? Why did you get it? When did you get it? She said – she didn’t remember, it might have hurt, because others were getting it.
My maternal grandmother, I called her Naani, had an ॐ (OM) tattooed on the back of her palm.
Fashionable ladies on both side of my family, I thought.
For some reason, in the cities, when I grew up, tattoos were considered uncouth and feminine. If you have visible tattoos you lose chances of getting a corporate job, people told me. First they want you to be yourself but when you are yourself they’re like ‘oh no not like that.’ Corporate hypocrisy can fuck-off.
But good news, tattoos are back in fashion, the younger generation is all about tattoos. Even men in India flaunt their tattoos.
I know what you’re wondering and the answer is no. I don’t have any tattoos.
Why? Promise me you won’t tell anyone.
You promise, right? OK….
View more from everyday awe.
Mayur Chauhan is an L.A. based immigrant, writer, actor, and teacher of creativity. He writes stories in all forms and has published over 40 pieces in Khôra, McSweeney’s and elsewhere. A Bread Loaf, VONA and Key West Literary Seminar scholar, Mayur created and facilitates C.A.R.E. for Artists– an 8-week long online creativity, & accountability group for artists across disciplines. He wants you to know that you’re amazing. Mayur loves writing letters by hand, chai and you.
Issue 40 Highlights
Issue 40: Force of Nature by Michael Nagle | Artwork by Kirk Read
Issue 40: Our Lady of the Thaw by Marina Gross-Hoy
Issue 40: Yes, I talk shit. by nawa angel a.h.
Issue 40: sporadically present by Featured Artist S.J.
Issue 40: everyday awe by Mayur Chauhan
Issue 40: Momma's Love Itch by Featured Writer Elizabeth Woody
Artists and Writers
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