This concept was unfamiliar to me for most of my life. 

In my younger days, get-togethers were rare, and even rarer was eating during those gatherings. The idea of asking guests to bring food along was practically unheard of. If anyone was invited to dine, simple homemade meals were prepared and enjoyed with cheerful conversation. We sat on the floor, ate with our hands, and ensured nothing went to waste. It was all about homemade food, happy hearts, and contented stomachs. 

We first encountered the concept of potlucks during our first trip to the U.S. When I heard the term "potluck," I initially thought it involved some kind of game, with a lucky winner receiving gifts. My imagination knows no bounds! 

Our introduction to potlucks happened at a meditation gathering. My elder son prepared some food at home and bought a few items from the store. I couldn’t understand—*Why should we take food when we’re the guests? * My unimaginative mind hadn’t grasped this new way of gathering yet. 

When we arrived, the host welcomed us warmly. The other guests came in small groups, each bringing something—soft drinks, snacks, or main dishes. Indian, Chinese, Thai, and other cuisines filled the table. After meditation and group prayers, everyone shared the “spoils.” With so many items—about 30 in total—it was hard to choose what to eat. Thankfully, everything was vegetarian, which was a great relief. 

There were also items prepared by the hosts. But with such a variety, I found myself wondering—*Should I drink apple juice or orange juice? Eat momos or those giant chip packets from Costco? Maybe cake? * My first instinct was to stick to the basics made by the hosts. 

As time passed, I grew comfortable with the potluck system. I learned how to balance my plate, knowing which foods were easier to digest. Birthdays, especially kids’ birthdays, became synonymous with pizza—the heavy, cheesy delight that can wreak havoc on older stomachs. But who can resist the toppings and the melted cheese? A little post-pizza suffering is a small price to pay. 

The concept of potlucks is, in fact, wonderful. It lightens the host’s burden by distributing the responsibility among all the participants—much like crowdfunding, but for food. My daughters-in-law excel at potlucks, always preparing more than required to ensure there’s plenty to go around. 

Over time, this system evolved beyond social events to include festive gatherings and even welcoming visiting elders from India. Now, menus are thoughtfully planned to avoid waste, with each family taking responsibility for a few dishes. 

And no potluck ends without distributing the leftovers—shared among families to enjoy the next day. These gatherings are no longer chaotic potpourris but well-orchestrated events, bringing people together to share not just food, but joy and community. 

Contd. 398. The Art of Appreciation