In the Hindu epic Ramayana, the king of Lanka kidnaps Sita, wife of Prince Rama and daughter of the Earth. Hanuman, the monkey-God, travels to rescue Sita. Once Hanuman rescues her, Sita must prove her purity. Images of Hanuman typically depict him lifting mountains while on his travels. In Like a Chocolate Milkshake, Chandiramani represents Hanuman as the Coco Pops mascot. Hanuman holds a breast, which spurts milk, life-nourishment. Lotuses, symbol of purity, speckle the ocean above which Hanuman leaps. Here, Chandiramani critiques society for doubting female purity and censuring female sexuality.
Like a Chocolate Milkshake by Riya Chandiramani
