The Difference

A friend had invited me for Dinner... and the first question she asked me was what is a difference between and Iyer and an Iyengar. Then.. I just replied saying they have different religious practices what makes them a little different than the other. Actually I really dont know the difference too well?? And just left it there....and we had different conversations..

But occassionally I sit to wonder what promted her that question?? That was really weird and wonder what made her ask me this? Very often now and then this question comes to my mind now... and its been really long that i have been in touch with her and dont really feel like asking her why did she even ask me this....

I do know there is a little categorization over here in the USA about being a brahmin and a non (read it non vegeterian and other religious practices.... these are the only few difference I am aware of....) But what promted her to ask me this question.. now it kind of bothers me on and off!! wonder why??

I have never really gone that deep in to knowing different castes and sub castes as there are just too many to know of... and having come from a cosmopolitan city mumbai where you come accross people all around the country who speak different languages and have different practices we pay very less attention to the caste creed and religion factor..... Just basic differentiation that I am aware of would be the language, probably eating habits and religious practices. But when you come from the same state you would be able to distinguish between the minor differences within the state which is a lot difficult to distinguish as a country!!

Its too foolish.... but it does make me inquisite to go deep and find out more about my culture. Its not just about hinduism now but about being an Indian, Tamil , Brahmin, Pallakad.....Iyer brought up in Mumbai!!! :-) :-):-) It cant be more diverse than this!! :-) :-) some more that I know of would be sama veda, yajur veda, vaishnavites, shivaites, dravidians ......