24th Aug 2014 – 30th Aug 2014 [Ganpati Bapa Mourya]

 

Tue: Lali & Myself left Wanwadi at 10.00 am. Object, Show plots to One Mr Chadha.

 Wanwadi – Dhapodi – Chakan – Rajguru Nagar – Mancha – Malshi Ghat – DHOLEKHAM. Xylo covered this 275 km route in 5 hours after 'Missal' lunch. Roads are excellent, but narrow at some points, vehicle can touch 120 km speed on these roads, but good sense prevailed and I kept the speed under 100. On this route, all vehicle drivers have total disregard for traffic law. On one way highway, you kept seeing a vehicle rushing in your direction from left / right side of the road from wrong direction!

‘Ghat’ section of 35 km was heaven. Twisting roads, slight drizzle all the way, heavy fog and cool climate. It was an enthralling experience. There was no heavy traffic on this section. Enterprising people have made sit-outs at scenic points, or near waterfalls, where young couples and families were enjoying picnic even on a working day! It was so tempting. Mr Chadha was late, so we had a tea at ‘DholeKhambh’ zero milestone, walked towards 'Kasara Ghats' road, like it was tourist spot, in short, we chilled out in green valley in ‘Halki Bonda Bari’. For return route we took, Murbad – Neral –Karjat – Khalapur – Expressway to Pune. Day trip was on zig-zag roads, swinging at 80 km, turning and twisting in most pleasant atmosphere. With Heavy Fog, droplets dashing on wind screen, smooth wind whistling and blowing through slightly open window, the trip turned out memorable. In return journey, we took Murbad – Karjat road. This distance of 44 km was mostly in pitch darkness. We hardly saw the glimmering distant light bulb challenging darkness. Few of the villages we crossed had black out, few shops glowing with back-up power. This section is very sparsely populated, but under the powerful headlamps of Xylo, we devoured distance at 80 km. Wow! Instinct driving had taken over. Like Mr Chadha told Lali, it seemed the twisting road was like never ending ‘Hanumans Pooch.’

Both of us had a very late night dinner at ‘Sadanandh’. Our host of night was Suresh who still has fond memories of Kashyap’s wedding held in his Hotel, he gave us treat of excellent dinner.  

Thu: We have developed this tradition in Pune. On Diwali and during Ganpati, we visit 'Peth' area to enjoy the festival arrival scenes, shopping is mere an excuse. The hectic activity on Laxmi road, buying spree at 'Mandai', heavy pedestrian rush, continuous honking of cars, search for parking space, colorful stalls make this unique experience. This year Bathija family also joined Muskan – Myself and Chinky. Till this year, mummy also used to come, but due to her knee trouble, this time she opted out. Our first stop is ‘Chitle Bandhu’.  It is really an achievement, the kind of patronage they have. For generations they have maintained quality and loyalty of old faithful. After tasting few varieties, we settled on Jumbo Pedas and Moong Ka Halwa. Chinky devoured ‘Dhoklas’ as she had skipped lunch in college.

Our main objective was to buy Ganpati’s Decoration items. What to buy? How to decorate? All these questions were not answered. So Intelligent Muskan suggested, why not make something out of natural product like Bamboo? What about Bamboo ‘Chatia’. Moni is being eco-supporter, strongly supported her. With these two going strongly, we hardly had any chance to suggest anything. So be it.

Construction process started after excellent dinner of Panner Palak. Except for Avi-Pinky [ill health] all got involved, including Bathija's. 

Fri:  “Alla Ree Alla, Ganpati Bapa Alla.” We have become pro in welcoming the GanRaj. After years of experience, finally we followed Muskans suggestion and made a decent and lovable shelter for God. But does he need one? This setup was built with very little debates and the completed in record time and appreciated. Our new neighbor also a sindhi family has also kept Ganpati, their two kids aged 8 - 10 have started coming to our home. After first Aarti we sat down and played ‘Stock Exchange.’ Thus the first day vanished in ‘Akha Chimb.’

Sat: Today is Kashyap birthday. He is 28 years and it is high time he should not treat himself as youngest and most pampered child. We need fresh kids in the family. Chinky has started going to College, so she is not a kid anymore. Rinky is from start only, was more mature, sensitive and grown up then Chinky, so there is vacancy in Kids department.

Cake was very much innovative, movie spool with chocolate chair of director. Now Kashyap will have to start thinking of directing a movie also. 

What is he thinking? Is it, from tomorrow, Dhwani will break her 'moun vrat', should I buy ear plugs?

Stock exchange game is getting very popular in family. We started game at 10.30 with idea that we will play for half hour, but it continued till 1.30! Even Shyam uncle and Moni enjoyed it.

Sun: Today, full family sat down for 'Satya Narayan' pooja, seriously. And all agreed with Sharat that among all kind of prasad, this podia's prasad is most awesome.  

 

by P G Dodeja