Outside the window it’s dark. Striped, solid and patterned pajama clad boys are gathered round a big open bible cradled in the hands of a grown up Snow White. Her message is clear, “YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN.” This is what bible study looks like at a pajama party.

Ye must also take note of the intoxicating color theory happening here in this party house. Clearly, whoever paired the brightest of bright yellows with stormy sea foam green is a creative design genius. Not to mention the curtains in that rare shade of chartreuse and that fancy coco colored cherry blossom wallpaper.

Bibles rarely show up in slides. Neither do pajamas. We all know where the holy bible came from but I didn’t know where pajamas came from so I Googled. Turns out India gave the world pajamas. And now that I think of it, it makes perfect sense. The spelling alone gives it away. The “P-A-J” in pajamas is like the “T-A-J” in Taj Mahal.

People love pajamas. We even have cutesy knick names for them like PJ’s and jammies. And some of us, when referring something really wonderful, say “Well, isn’t that the cat’s pajamas!” Pajamas even inspire parties. Everybody’s been to a pajama party. It’s an teenage Americana tradition of the highest order.

But If I were throwing a pajama party it would not have a religious theme. I have a better idea. Since pajamas are from India lets have an Indian themed slumber time shindig.

Transforming a home into an exotic Indian theme pajama party environment is easy. Crank up the Indian tunes, fire up the incense and light lots of candles. Display decorative items found at your local Indian market and hang sheets on the walls like drapes. Replace all the regular light bulbs in rooms where the party will take place with red bulbs to insure an exotic atmosphere.

Have your invited 8 to12 guests arrive at your place at 10pm in their pajamas with sleeping bags in hand. Greet them at he door by placing a bendi on their forehead. Serve madras, a festive light cocktail of vodka, cranberry and orange juice named for the colorful plaid fabric India is famous for. Have platters of Vegetable samosas and other delicious deep-fried Indian treats heaping on platters fresh from your local Indian take out. If you have time for a group craft project have everyone hot glue big fake plastic jewels on turbans that you got the day before at the beauty supply.

At 11 o’clock seat your guests on pillows around the coffee table and serve Chicken Tandori and Yellow Curry with all the trimmings family style. At midnight usher your turban wearing guests to the enclosed patio for a special surprise performance by a snake charmer. Back inside after the trilling show serve mango milk shakes, hot mango tea and Indian sweets. As everyone begins to settle in their sleeping bags show slides from your latest trip to the the Taj Majal. Then wow ‘em with your Sambo’s memorabilia collection. That will explain why, as guests wake up in the morning you are serving pancakes with “tiger butter” for breakfast.

Here’s to Pajamas, Indian themed pajama parties and YOU!