Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year

As I sit and write this column, my mind is full of nostalgia about the way we used to celebrate Christmas in India. India, as you know, is predominantly a Hindu country, yet the influence of Christians is quite visible. Many of the English medium schools, for example, are run by Catholic missions, and it is from them that we learned about the tradition of Christmas. India today has a sizeble Christian population, and we are proud of our Christmas tradition. Christmas is a public holiday for all, and all Indians join our Christian country men in celebrating the holiday with the same gusto with which Christians celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali.

But the way Christmas is celebrated in India is quite different - its more a religious celebration and a time for contemplation than a mad rush to the mall worrying about gift giving. Families go to Church to celebrate mass and then visit each others home to wish them a Merry Christmas. I have to say though, that now that I have a daughter of my own, I find a lot of joy shopping gifts for her and her little friends! Yes, Santa does visit this Hindu household!!

So today as I think about the old country, and old friends I left behind, I want to wish my American friends a very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year. May Santa bring you and your families lots of joy.

To leave a comment, Click Here

Thank You For An Exciting 2004!

In many ways, this was one of the best years ever for the Joshi family. We had several exciting things happen this year. For starters, Jaya Teas Company began its life this year, bringing to fruition a long held dream of doing something with tea, our family tradition. Jaya Teas started in May, and since then we have had a steady build up of support from the tea drinking community in United States. We participated in several wine festivals around New Jersey, and met so many people who appreciated our philosophy, encouraged us, and promised to support us in our endeavor. We were also lucky to be able to participate in the NY Fancy Food Show, where our packaging design and overall marketing concept was received with great interest.

We had our first store placement when Whole Earth Center in Princeton decided to carry our teas. Soon threafter we received further boost with Holsome Center of Princeton, and Village Traditions in Lawrenceville, NJ also deciding to carry our teas. Overall, we are thrilled to receive this kind of support from local stores, and hope to expand further in 2005.

We also started to support community activities with the support of Melissa Sturno's fund raising drive for Avon Breast Cancer Walk, and hope to do more with her in the coming year. Overall, 2004 shaped up to be an exciting year for us and and none of this would have been possible without your support. So, thank you, thank you, thank you!

To leave a comment, Click Here

New Summer Teas Are Here!

Many of you who have visited the website already know that the new summer teas are here. We have a large selection of summer teas, from some outstanding gardens such as Risheehat, Puttabong, Castleton, from the Darjeeling area. We have also received Boisahabi, an Assam Tea Garden, and Craigmore, a Nilgiri Hills Tea Garden (both of which should be on the website in next few days).

And due to popular demand from our customers, we have added a few samplers for people to buy, so that you can ask and taste the teas you want before deciding to buy a large quantity. If you want to taste any of these new teas, select the appropriate samplers, and tell us exactly which teas you would like included in them. These samplers are very modestly priced to help you taste the widest variety of teas. And remember, it doesn't matter how many samplers you order, shipping is a flat $3.85, and free for purchases over $50.00.

Previous Issues

Volume 1 | Volume 2 | Volume 3 | Volume 4

New Winter Catalog

Our new winter catalog is here, and if you haven't received your catalog in mail, please email us (Click here to send an email) with your mailing address, and we will get it to you promptly.

As a small business, we depend a lot on referrals from our customers. If you know a few friends who might benefit from receiving a catalog, we would be delighted to send a few extra copies for you to share. Just let us know how many you need in your email, and we will send them to you. Thank you for thinking of us.

Specials of The Month

Namring Upper, First Flush

NAMRING Tea Estate is located in the Teesta Valley of Darjeeling at an altitude of 1380 mts. One of Darjeeling's oldest estates Namring is also one of the largest in India covering a planted area of more than 475 hectares and employing over 2,000 people.

This first flush is one of the finest I have ever encountered, with a beautiful flowery aroma that reaches you as soon as you open the can. The tea produces a sweetish cup, mild but slightly astringent, with a distinct after taste. This tea, which normally sells for $12.95, is on sale for limited time only for $10.95. Click Here to order some today!

Makaibari Estate, Autumnal

Makaibari is known the world over as a premium Darjeeling gardens known for fetching some of the highest prices in the orthodox tea market. Makaibari is located near Kurseong (the land of orchids) subdivision about a couple hours south of Darjeeling, where the weather is perfect for tea growing...not too cold as in Darjeeling, nor too hot as in the plains.

This autumnal has a robust body and beautiful color. The aroma is typical of an autumnal with hint of orange in it. Perfect for a afternoon cup either by itself, or as a part of blend with an Assam, this autumnal star will not last very long in your cupboard! Regularly for $11.95, this month on special for $9.95. Click Here to order some now!

Comments, Questions?

We are very much interested in hearing from you. Tell us about the teas, comment on our newsletters, or just share a story with us. If you have a story to tell, and would like us to include it in our newsletter, write to customer service by simply clicking here.