22nd Nov 2015 – 28th Nov 2015 [Cry of Kabir]

 

^{Mon: In last seven days, we have enjoyed three seasons in six days! Chilly winter – Warm Summer and Windy rains. This week started with cloudy day. It promised good rains. And ‘Indra Devta’ fulfilled his promise. It rained heavily, at 4.0 it was dark, windy and pouring and by 7.15 Wanwadi, MG road and many areas of Pune were blacked out. This black out lasted long enough to kill batteries of all cell phone. After candle light dinner and with no TV, we all sprawled out in living room. Dhwani had planned candle light dinner for Akshay – Muskan and I had planned photo session, but Akshay had other engagements, so plans were on hold/cancelled. Dhwani – Muskan – Chinky and #KabirDodeja snuggled on ‘Gadhela’, whereas others enjoyed lazy sofa lie down.  This rare TV free, electricity free time opened the flood gates of memory. I recalled the process of electricity use in our life.}

^{60’s, when I was just a growing kid, electricity was used mostly for lighting and fans. Our day will start at 6.15 and we will be sleeping by 9.30. So the dependency on electricity was negligible. And slowly, Radios, Record Players started consuming ‘bijlee’ and entertaining us. It was in 70’s that black and white TV came along, to occupy center place in our life. Luckily, we had very few programs to look forward to. Sunday evening were fixed for ‘Movie’, Thursday after dinner was ‘Chaya Geet’ time, Friday was depending upon start fixed for ‘Phool Khele hai Guldshan Gulshan’. I remember, Lali – Mohan and myself had fitted out dark room made for Photography, including absorto wall, dark interior, in gallery of Ghatkopar residence with electricity wires along with extensions, enlarger connection, heater connection. This was done just by understanding the basic principle, one wire [+] for power supply and other wire [-] for earthling. Mohan helped us in electricity department as Madon had joined Finolex and he considered himself an expert in electricity department. We would repair blown fuses in main meter room also, with his help. And 80’s made electricity necessity and for Mumbai people, it was always there just like air we breath. Thanks to TATA’s. Colour TV, Refrigerators, Air conditioners, Lights, Kitchen’s equipment and all prevailing Computers, needed power and it was there.}

Result of 2 hours downpour

^{This Monday was rare Monday in this sense. For power outage lasted 17 hours, a record of its kind in our life. This turned our mobiles dead, laptops redundant, other equipments just pieces of junk. This 9 degrees temperature jumps had its effect on health also.}

^{Avi and Pinky had rushed to Chennai. Pinky’s Mum, had developed few health problems and was in ICU. High diabetic issue, mild heart attack, some stroke effect had made her critical. Chennai was under siege of Indra Devta. Some areas were with power for two days, many roads were flooded. And in between, one more unpleasant news. Jyoti was in Mumbai, due to demise of Tulsidas Mama. She has to rush to Chennai, due to very dramatic and sudden death of Seth Balchand, her FIL! He was hale and hearty, watching TV and writing some notes. He asked his DIL some coffee. She made cup of coffee and when she offered him coffee made as per his choice, he was no more! Even his pencil which he was using, was also properly set in his hand, as if he wants to write few more notes. He just moved on, with no reaction, jerk, even a murmur! He had heart issue, but few years back, otherwise his health was perfect.}

^{Thankfully, Ratna Aunty has recovered well from her ordeal and Bathija family was take respite from last few months ordeal. Over the few dinners together, we [Mummy – Myself – Ratna aunty – Shyam uncle] entertained kids by telling 60’s, 70’s and 80’s stories. And this story telling sometimes reveals few past gems. It is kind of treasure to possess, one which you distribute and it grows!}

^{I have shifted finally to smart phone. Amar and Akshay kept pestering me and finally I replaced my three year old Samsung DUOS, with smart phone, Lenovo. I love its camera feature. But the most addictive feature is its games and Whatapp! I played Candy Crush and found that I was turning into games slave, I un-stalled it. It took me three un-stalls to overcome this addiction. Finally I am free. Whatapp is different story. It is total time pass. I am member of six groups. In one day, hundreds of messages are exchanged. When we added Dodeja’s from Hydrabad – Nashik – Canada – Nagpur – Mumbai to our family group which was restricted to #PuneDodeja’s, a record was created by posting of 550 messages! Currently this group is roaring with laughter and innovative ideas. We do know how to laugh at ourselves.}  

^{Sat: Finally, Kabir learned to cry like a baby, after 5 months and 20 days. This erratic weather, his teething has started, last month’s dehydration, few bites from mosquitoes took its tool. He kept every one awake for the night, crying non-stop, he had fever and was highly irritated. For the first time our home was completely filled with his cries. Everyone was on toes, including Rinky – Chinky. Akshay said, “This tiny boy ne Ghar ko hila rakha hai.”  He stayed bit calm in ‘Godi’ of family members, so each of us took turn in keeping him ‘shant’. And during this period, Muskan also caught the viral fever, which is going around. By Monday morning, however, with end of two days, out of three days mandatory fever days, things were manageable.}

^{Hence this addition of blog is late by 24 hours, first time in history of my blog life!!!!!!!!!!!!}

by P G Dodeja

15th Nov 2015 – 21th Nov 2015 [Tulsidas Mama]

 

Tuesday: It was action replay of 28^th Sept. Ashish [Chotu] called as I opened my lap top in office. The moment I saw his name flashing, I knew our Tulsidas Mama is no more. He was critical since 28^th. Old age, damaged liver, death of spouse and Bajaj tradition of leaving this world in pairs. I called mummy and tried to discourage her for visiting Mumbai. She is not keeping proper health. But she did not relent, and it was right thing to do, after all he was her closest brother. Letter I found out, it was not her health issue, but the knowledge that her brother is counting his last day was affecting her. 

We left Pune at 12 and reached Santacruze in time for last rites. It was kind of déjà-vu act. Maharaj, mourners, time of the day, even pyre pit were same. Soon fire consumed Mama's body, Maharaj did his routine of announcing choitha and we returned to Laxman Nivas, to take blessing from ladies of house.

Rajkumari aunty started this topic of age, by asking me, ‘How old are you?’ I honestly said, ‘60’. She was shocked and not ready to believe it. If I was woman, I would have being highly flattered. Ashu and Renu came to my rescue and told her their ages. When those figures were exchanged, everyone had only one statement to give, ‘How time flies….”. As we have to return to Pune, this topic was not elobrated more.

After saying bye, we drove back to Pune. Within 11 hours, we made return trip of Mumbai, had lunch and dinner on the way. All in comfort of AC SUV. Today, kids take this for granted and for people like us who had driven Fait for 12 hours for one side trip, in stifling heat and pollution, this is high level of luxury.

Tulsidas Mama.

 I have very fond memories of him. Earliest is when he started the routine of buying ‘Kulfi’ from that old guy, who used to sit opposite Ramji Ashar School. Chunni Uncle or Tulsi Mama would drop us at Ghatkopar routinely every week, till I started driving Mummy to Santacruze. Nani will pack tiffin which we will, including mama, would eat at our home in Ghatkopar with Dad, who would be there by the time we reached from Santacruze. And dinner will be topped up with Kulfi. Till date I love eating Kulfi and most of times I recall those days.

In 1966 we had gone on trip with Mamas to Nainital – Hardwar – Simla. Again, I remember one Kulfi incident of that trip.

We had reached Simla, and it was very cold. After settling in hotel, we all children and adults were strolling the market. It was evening and very cold. One kid saw 'Kulfiwala Thela' and said, let’s eat it. I said, ‘Not possible, it is so cold. No one will be allowed to eat.’ But Tulsi mama came and bought Kulfi for every kid. I was sidelined for raising objection of it being so cold etc. My leg was pulled by other adults. However I wanted to eat, badly. Other elders praised me to others kids, ‘See babloo, so sensible..’ etc. Now after all this I cannot turn back on my statement. Tulsi Mama understood this and as all others moved ahead, he held me back by shoulder as he paid for Kulfi and bought one for me also. Like for me Madhavdas Mama was Gori walla Mama, Tulsidas Mama was Kulfi Mama!

   

Then Mama had this big craving for ‘Bhel and Chats’ which Mummy and myself also have. Sometime back I and Renu saw Mama and Aunty eating Bhel and enjoying it. And Renu made nice comment, ‘So cute, I hope when we grow old and are in 70's, we can also enjoy something like this!’

Our interaction with Mama continued when I started driving car and there was no need to drop us at Ghatkopar. They stopped dropping Mummy at Ghatkopar, but then we started visiting Drive-In cinema at BKC. Many movies were just pretext for having dinner, chit chat and baby-picnic. Dad will occupy his folding chair, we would spread ‘Pharas’ and sit, have dinner, talk non sense and sometime watch movie played out on huge screen. We had fixed a slot at Drive-In with Chunni Uncle, Tulsi mama families. This last till drive was closed.

By nature this mama was very ‘Shant’, very brooding, thinking way ahead in future, worryings always, specially for future of his children. I had no idea why he would keep getting angry at Aunty. But at the same time I would notice he would protect her when others attacked her. Once I had asked him ‘Why he get’s angry at her?’ in reply he said, “Samjandi Nahe, Soche Samji kuj chaijee”. 

I think my question remained unanswered.

      

by P G Dodeja

8th Nov 2015 – 14th Nov 2015 [Diwali Week]

This Diwali, just came and went in blink of an eye. Now that I am sitting and writing about it, all I remember, packing my bag and saying, wow, Diwali holidays start. Time to chill out. And I woke at this place now, writing these words. I have named this Diwali as zip-zap Diwali.

This Diwali was usual routine with two new first time additions. One, Kabir and two [for me] WhatApp! Normally half day goes in exchanging greetings on phone, but whatApp has made this as five minute activity, which can be completed while sitting in loo ! An example of multi tasking.

So this after party hangover is choking words in my mouth, so lets take the shelter in pictures. And they say a picture is more than 1000 words. Here they are, 10 k words.

Some basic items are needed to lick start Diwali. Lights, Diyas, Lamps, Rangooli, Flowers, Crackers, and off course visit to Mandir.

With some labor and dedications your home shines along with the city. 

Here is Muskan adding tradtional touch by putting 'Ghee Ke Diya'

 

And here is something which can happen only in India. Yes, this is  Dr Poonam, who visits Bindiya for her Physiotherapy treatment. And she has this hobby of Putting Mehndi. And she is showing her talent. So by profession she is doctor and by hobby an artist.

And here is example of her talent on Dhwani's hand. Excellent job, next day Rinky also got her mendhi.

Muskan has made us Mandir Visiting family on Diwali. Earlier on-off we will visit Mandir, Lali & Manju would always visit this mandir during Diwali days, but Muskan made it kind of compulsory activity. Very first act of diwali is to buy a gift, [Saree] for Mahalaxmi Devi opposite Saras Baug. Post Diwali it is very heavily crowded, so this time we visited one day earlier. The decoration was going on and we had great relaxed time. One can see Rinky checking out the flaws.

On Puja day, every one gathers in office. This is central Hall of our office in present form, from where Samosa, wafer, Mithai, Soft drink etc was distributed.

Lucky Kabir in Lap of Good looking Dadi and with very good looking Dadi-Chachi. The Diwali brings that extra glow which makes it special!

Our Laxmi Pooja is conducted by Mummy under Ratna Anty's help. Earlier I used to sit and act like Maharaj, conduct pooja but i would end up making fun of it. Now, everyone wants to do proper, serious Pooja. Hence, I have to take back seat. We end with proper 'aarti' and 'palou' thanks to youtube.

And after dinner, the Teen Patti party is on. Shyam Uncle missed the glass of good whisky, along with Kashyap and Moni. But we stuck to our guns and did not allow the 'Peg' party. However, they were sporting enough and participated and enjoyed party without intoxication.
.

 
And then there was after many years our Skit Shooting day. This time our skit was, "Aaj Khane Mein Kya Hai?" This skit will be released with fun fare in near future, wait till then.

For last two years last activity of Diwali is having dinner party of all Pune Dodeja's. This being just few hours old, will be bisected in next week.

HAPPY NEW YEAR
  
by P G Dodeja

1st Nov 2015 – 7th Nov 2015 [Welcoming Diwali]

 

Last week we three Male Dodeja’s took active part in cooking. Kashyap made dinner, which was simple Biryani with Dahi. I made sweet dish of egg Pudding. Goggle, Rinky, Pinky and Pinky’s mother were in my advising committee. Akshay made something from ‘Malgapuram’ masala, which he had collected in Hyderabad. All three items were at the edge of failure, a disappointing act from our side.

Pre - Diwali week is upon us. Our living room at PP is white and just intense cleaning of two hours changed the room into pure white, bright and sparkling hall. All credit to Muskan and Sarika. 

The ususal routine of Diwali is on. Cleaning, getting lights ready, planning the 5 days holidays, birthday marathon plan [5 birthdays + Anniversary fall before 11 Nov], shopping in Peth area, arguing on 5 days menu, buying / not buying crackers, planning two puja’s.

We plan family activity for Diwali holidays, [skit shooting, playing cards, diya making competition etc] selecting options for entertainment [games, movies, photography, picnic], arranging extended family dinner, all this process is standard for Diwali, sometimes more enjoyable than actual event! The difference will be in execution and success of plans. This is what I call Diwali spirit. 

My intuition is telling me that from next year, our Diwali will be drastically different. Hope we will keep the Diwali spirit alive in changed scenario, the way enjoy it thoroughly. If all above mentioned activities will continue and some richness is added, it is ok, but no drastic changes. Change should be there not for sack of change, but betterment. If all those activities bring smile and joy to us, let’s continue with them.

How Diwali celebration process has changed.

Earliest I remember, was when our high point used to be going to Noble Paper Mart [from 60 to 90’s], taking part in Pooja, admiring Lal Baug Kandels and other areas lights while driving back home. Then we added Diwali night dinner at copper chimney, Worli. The dinner out started then, still continues, however nowadays, on Diwali night, we eat at home, but have one night dinner in some good restaurant.

Crackers were major part of Diwali from 70’s to early 90’s. I still remember, waking up early in morning due to heavy sound of crackers [Russi Bomb, Tharathari, Laxmi Bomb] in Ghatkopar and trying to measure silence between two blasts of crackers. I started the crackers bursting ritual at office in big way. Lalu will be given good amount to buy in bulk crackers from Mohamed Ali Road, and those will be burst by Mamtu – Maruti etc after the pooja, over the snack plate. Then under the influence of Pollution Controllers [like Moni – Chinky] somehow we started skipping firing ‘Dharu’ [as our mama’s would call it]. I think in last 10 years we must have skipped 6/7 times. Muskan remains the only child in family, who is very much interested in crackers, for her, Diwali without crackers is lame Diwali.

There was time when, neighbors / relatives would visit each other in best dress to wish happy new year, customers will just come to office for wishing happy Diwali only. All this changed as Life got busy, time for vacation got erased during the year. So taking advantage of extended holiday week of Diwali, we started our only vacation time at sterlin resort spots. Now Diwali has turned from Social event to personal chill-out event. It was time when you put your hair down and relaxed. For socialization, the world has moved ahead with Greeting Cards, Telephone, e-Mail, Cell Phone, and now whatapp.  Business which was pursued from one generation to other, had life of few years only. So the need to develop personal rapo is not there, today only thing which count’s is how good a deal you make.

 Dad used to send two different Diwali cards, one group was all his relatives, which will be inrange of 200/250 and his litterateur friends. He would specially make card for his Sindhi Writers friends in Sindhi. Few times he even made personalised cards also. He will painstakingly write address on each envelop in his clear handwriting. He would enjoy this process. If any address was not available, he would go to great extend to get it. The e-mail and mobile has killed the greeting cards charm. Now we hardly get two / three cards and yes, we do not send any.

Things which has remained constant all these?

It is cleaning of house, removing all accumulated rubbish. I do that with deleting my data files from Lap top and cell phone also! And this happens so naturally, that suddenly I realize, yes Diwali is arriving.

Other constant, in spite of advancement of diabetes etc, is good presence of ‘Mithai’.

And thankfully our ladies make this day special more so by wearing Sari!

Rangoli and flowers Decoration.

Lights and Kandeels.

And yes, good wish’s.      

HAPPY DIWALI TO ALL.

PS: Just in nick of time, before posting, I remember... 

I promise to remember wedding anniversary date...7th Nov

by P G Dodeja