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

Slumdog Holi

Holi of 2009 is 1st Holi of our bahu, Muskan. Naturally our main target was she only. But to our pleasant surprise, not only she enjoyed every bit of action but also fought back as fearless shikhni.

We started in a decent way, as all holis should be played. Colour, and more colour. The one more surprise was in form of Manju also participating! Normaly she puts tika and her holi is done. Today she was not screaming yuck as and when colour was sprayed on her.

After applying the routine colors, our movie crazy family decided to pay tribute to Slimdog Millionair, by playing holi with Muck - Mud - Mix. Lets start, Sharat and Akshay were already in process.

.

Muskan, who, naturally is very concerned about her skin and looks, was also the game. The opening was good and slowly all made a beeline and applied the mud-pack, with muskan being the most in demand victim.

Yucks!

In all this everyone smiled, but muskan smiled the most!

For More Photographs....
http://picasaweb.google.com/pgdodeja/Holi09
by P G Dodeja

Diwanapan - Craze about movies

It is not necessary for you to be tied up with Film world to be crazy about it. Take example of our family. Four Generations of Dodeja are movie crazy, for this I present following.

My grand father, used to watch at least 4-5 movies in a week. Not that he had plenty of free time. No sir. He used to handle Mumbai - Pune - Ahemdabad - Hydrabad offices, was very much into writing, travels and business. Where ever he was, he would watch 2 new Hindi releases, one of his old favorite and one English movie, minimum, in a week.

My father's routine consumption was one Hindi and one English movie a week. Plus he was very big fan of Film Festivals. Not only festivals but he would join film societies, and religiously see maximum shows possible. He will get into one genre, watch maximum movies and soon shift toother genre.

I have this odd fetish of not repeating the movie. As I was growing up, I would accompany grand father and father on there cinema hall visits. Thus I develop this habit of enjoying different kind movies. Then I am lucky enough to get exposure to all kind of movies, TV serials and what not. Grandfather would prefer action, suspense, whereas my father would like to see the drama based, story based movies. Then my children forced me and made me fan of cartoon, Jim Carey, Jackie Chan kind of movies.

Then my son has gone one step further. I have seen him, enjoying continuous run of 18 hours, movie marathon. He is so much addicted, that he must see a movie a day, atleast.

Can anyone guess a name two movies, which are favorite of all four generations, have repeat value even today?

(Clue: My grandfather died in 1988, so the movie belongs to the period before that.)

The movies are.

Black and White classic: Chalti Ka Naam Gadi. (Ashok Kumar - Kishore Kumar - Madhubala)

And the evergreen wounder, Sholay.

by P G Dodeja

Sinhgad 2009

Nandni & Kunal Nanda, our family's new member, Muskan Akshay Dodeja's brother and sister had come for overnight stay. 26th being republic day holiday, we decided to have early morning picnic at sinhgad fort. It being an before sunrise outing, many dropped. But Akshay - Muskan - Kashyap - Myself - Sharat - Nandani - Kunal and Ramu, all made up a good company.
Early morning drive was pleasant, fast and smooth. Van and Ramu's Karisma bike.


Reached before sunrise, and watched with awe, sun coming out gently from the womb of the earth, slowly, throwing its glow and warmth all around, bathing everything in its beauty. As it made its journey to heavens, birds welcomed it with its chatter, trees swayed, swished and we all marvelled at natures beauty.

Clicked plenty of photographs. Our new bahu gets very much excited in front of the camera. Also I had all other young good looking boys and girls ready to pose. So it was click time and fun time. After plenty of focusing and shooting, we took tea, had local food as lunch.

Normally it is very excellent, this time I found food, dull and not attractive. Why? No inkling. By 1.0 pm we were all tired. So trekked back to our vehicles. As we walked down, we acknowledged our wisdom of coming early. The parking lot, entrance, the whole place was crowded and jam packed! We thanked our stars and returned with pleasant memories.
by P G Dodeja

Marriage's are made in Heaven, We make it in Mahableshwar.

Wow! What a wedding. Sounds arrogant, but frankly I am overwhelmed and forced to say again, Wow! what a wedding.

To say that it was our hard work, attitude, dedication, planning etc was responsible for success of wedding, will be stretching it, but of course this played its part. For that our family deserves the applaud. The unity helped us a lot and every one contributed in big way. All deserve the award. For Vedhi Fotos Click here.

But briefly with what I will remember the wedding?

• The marathi words in our letter, "Akki Chi Jhali Nakki".
• "I thought you will not be able to better Avi's wedding, but you have done that. What next?" Jyoti Nichani
  
• "The smile pasted on face during welcome, stayed till the end." Deepika's comment.
• "In my life span of 75 years I have attained numerous weddings, this is the best wedding." Arjanlal Dodeja.
• "Fanta-boulus." [Whatever it means] Bhagwan Dodeja
  

• The welcome Part, (Moni-Deepi-Deepak-Deep-Dhawani-Lali-Kash-Mili-Myself) was roaring success. The guest were great and participated with gusto. This set the mood for the wedding in big way.

• The FUN Mood. It was the basic concept, have a Fun filled wedding, and believe me, it was all the way, Fun filled.
• 
  

• The almighty was biggest help by providing excellent climate. Cool enough to enjoy. Warm enough to stay out of Shawl's.
  

• Location, just mind blowing. Everyone was apprehensive, but when they reached destination, they were on cloud nine.

• Skit, I heard a guest saying, "Very sexy and decent. Wow, bollywood stuff." No better compliment can be given to Chawla girls - Kash - Meet - Deep and their friends.

• Chillam Chilly function was marred by drab section of Mimicry & Love Poem by Manish and Tina. However, Kash & Sharat saved the day by great performance. The awards recipients were surprises lot, wish we had given it more time.
  

• The Groom and Bride looked out of this world. Specially on engagement night. Class. Dress designer [Khushboo] must have received many many compliments. Well, being parent it will be biased opinion, so I will be posting few pics.
  

• Morning tea with all oldies smiling and enjoying get together was sight to behold. Mummy - Rajkumari -Moti - Madan - Pushpas - Sanjay - Lali - Bhagwan - Maya and many many more.
  

• Thappa food was greatest add on. The best food ever. Thanks to Thappa. Irony is that very few of the family members relished his food. Every one was busy taking care of guests, looking after them.
  

• The timing were perfect, with no lull in the ceremonies and function. The ride kept rolling for all 56 hours with bare minimum sleeping time of few hours. Dodeja attitude of sticking to fixed time frame was big help in success of the whole program, be it arrival, Engagement, Food on table, starting of Vedhi, Departure etc.
  

• And our thanks letter with Dodeja Doing DVD was cherry on the cake. Umesh Valecha specially send me thanks message!
  

All in all great stuff, the stuff which makes the all hardships faced to keep family together, worthwhile. Chawla - Bajaj - Dodeja - Kash Friends - Bathija, Thanks to all. Only missing thing to my mind was absence of youth from the Girl Side. They were, I feel over whelmed and awed by everything, so they kept to them self.

by P G Dodeja

Shadi Ke Shad Mane [Dodeja - Wedding]

Akshay & Nikita finally said yes to each other! Frankly, they had said 'YES' long long time back. But being in India, the family yes also counts. The family 'YES' took its own time and after years of wait the day came.
Just one day before 'Shradh' month's start, Roka (Formal 'YES') ceremony was performed. Very close family members, Dodeja's - Chawlas - Nandas were present. The full program was planned in Pune. However, due to our 'fun' attitude in all matters, at last minutes suggestion that lets do the Roka in Khandala (It being very cool and cloudy) was considered very seriously. Mummy was not happy, but accepted our suggestion. However, after confirming, the plan was dropped as, no Hotel was ready to provide food for 40 odd people at last minute.
Currently I am going through the happy phase of wedding. The planning. As travel part is always best in a trip, so is the planning part of wedding. Daily, Lali - Myself and Avi consult, discuss and work on small part of event. The every 2nd day, late night meeting and discussion and observations and plans are held either at KK or at Sacred Heart. All said and done, real fun time. The tensions, the problems and issues will come just 5 days before the event, till then, I am Loving it.
But then, every possibility is that tensions, the problems and issues may not surface at all! So, god bless.
To start with, wedding is planned in Mahableshwar, a hill station, 210 Km from Pune. So the planning part is very crucial and delicate. We have dispatched the invitation letter, 2 months in advance. The letter was received with many compliments. The passing comment by maharashtrian friend of Sharat, 'Akki chi Jhali Nakki' was gleefully pouched and used in letter. Every one liked it and this letter is being refered to as 'Nakki' letter!

by P G Dodeja

Jai Jhulelal

Jhulelal Mandir in Wanwadi, Pune

This mandir has taken a place of honour for the Sindhi's of Wanwadi, Pune. The grand temple has along with huge Jhulelal morti, has morti's of Radhe-Kishen, Shiv Parvati, Ram-Sita, Gautam Budh, Sai Baba and Ganpatiji. Also there is additional shiv lingam installed.
More then this, this mandir has become a social activity place also. Bahrana - Art of living discourses - Yoga classes - Cheti Chand Mela etc are also celebrated in big way. Not only old, but young genertion participates in all functions.
For this Sindhi's will always be greatful to Thakur Family of Bangkok. They shifted from Pune way back in 70's, but still are in touch and have created this place of worship for Pune.
by P G Dodeja

In recent times I think, this is the best photograph clicked by me. I would like to have your oppinion about this. And yes, what should be the caption for this one?

by P G Dodeja

Sinhgad in Monsoon

On 22nd June, the monsoon had send feelers that it is on its way. The sky was pregnant with heavy clouds, wind was sweeping and dancing around. With nature being so 'Meherban', few of us decided to skip cozy sleep in early Sunday morning and go for 'Sinhgadh' trek. Our first trek of this monsoon.
This place is for Punities a great de-stressing center. The 40 minitues drive and you are literally high in clouds. As you move from one corner to other, the gentle wind suddenly caresses your hair and brings a stupid smile on your face for no reason at all.
Luckily you have no choice of food. Eat 'Kanda Bhaji' and local dish of 'Bakri Roti', curd in mud-cup and Dal. No options, and believe me, it is worth five star hotel rates, but at Rs:5/- per roti, it is heavenly food and at super-heavenly rates.
Sprinkling of Rain - Kanda Baji - Bakri Roti - Zooming Fog - Gentle wind - screeching wind - Panormic views - cool cold.
Wow, what more can you ask?

And for more pictures click below...

http://photos.ibibo.com/photos/viewphotolistonepage/0aae7906e7b7913fe836618c168c230b42-v1/1

by P G Dodeja

Chillam Chilly Club

[Dodeja/Bathija Club]

3C's. Chillam Chilly Club. Well during one of our picnics we decided to form a club. And what a odd lot we are. Chinky being the youngest and myself being the oldest. Gap of more then 2 decades! Be it rainy day picnic, journey to Pune or hill stations like Mahableshwar or Yerkad or Matheran, attending the Engagements or Wedding, participating in the Marriage functions, or simply going for ice cream drive, if half of the members get together, it is gala time for all of us, without fail.
Why we gel very well? Why this group brings a smile for no reason or rhyme? What makes us click? Well for that I have no answer. This just happens. Yes, nowadays the gap between 'Fun Time' is growing. Earlier our 'fun time' averaged at least 20 times a year, now it has come down to 12 times or maybe less. For that main reason being our shifting to Pune.

by P G Dodeja

Dodeja Daughters!

[Dau's of - Lokram-Karamchand-Madhavdas-Chugumal-Baldev]

Wow! This is a very unique picture of all Dodeja Girls clicked by Dad on some wedding. These girls are all un married at that time, all are Dodeja's. During 1947-48 every Dodeja house was blessed with Daughter. In all there were 9 girls born in that period!!

by P G Dodeja

House Full

This is from the era when only entertainment was 'Movies'. No Multiplexes, no 200 channel TV's, No road shows, No IPL's, No one day matches. So, the idea of Sunday evening out was, One: Visit Juhu Beach and eat pani puri, Two: Visit some boring relative, Three: Go for Friday release. 9 out of 10 times we voted for this option.
Our Dad and Grand Father were also into movies in big way. Dad used to see at least 3 movies in a week. 2 Hindi & 1 Hollywood flick. But he had this very idealistic attitude for seeing movies. We will never buy a ticket in 'Black'.
Well, during those times, good movies were booked week in advance. On Monday, within 2 hours all tickets will be sold out. Black Marketeers will then sell few tickets in Black, during show time. 2 ka 4, means, you pay double rate for the ticket. Rs:20/- ticket will cost 40/- bucks! So this sign board of 'House Full' was the first sign which Lali & myself dreaded. As we will near cinema hall, our prayers will start, 'Please God, no House Full Board, please'. We knew the exact location of House Full board in every cinema hall which we frequented. And, believe me, sometimes, absence of this Board gave more joy then the movie itself!
Now once so happened, we very badly wanted to see the movie and there was no option but buy the ticket in Black. I purchased and told Dad, who was in Car waiting for me to return empty handed, 'We are in luck today, one guy had come to return those tickets, I got 5 for us!'
During the movie my soul kept cursing me, because this was first time I have played trick on my Dad and lied also. By the end of the Movie (Himalya Ki Goad Mein) I vowed never to buy ticket in Black, I have finished my stack of pocket money and not enjoyed movie even for one minute! Very bad deal.
This incident made me organized person. I learned to plan Movie week ends. The trouble of going and booking ticket one week in advance turned into enjoyable experience. The wait made the Movie more desirable and thrill of walking into Cinema Hall with 100 of disheartened movie goers envious look on you made all the trouble worth it.
Alas, today we do not get this opportunity.
by P G Dodeja

LOST

Lost in Serials
Kashyap was in London for 10 months and during those 10 months Akki & Myself did not get to see much on TV. Once he was back, (June 2007) we got hooked along with him on various American TV serials. I expected this bing to end in few months, but to my utter surprise, we are still going strong, watching at least 7-10 episodes in a week.
Till now we have watched all seasons of 24 - Dr House - Prison Break - Heros. Currently we are on LOST. It is drama - Thriller - Mystery - Adventure all combined together with great cast, with 15 - 20 characters very well itched. Also very pleasing is the natural beauty captured. This being shot in outdoors on beach and dense jungle of south pacific.

This serial is about the strangers, who have crash landed on mysterious island. The story moves along with past story of characters around whom current episode is being shown. A very creative mix, cunning play of words and scenes along with similar situations in past and present. The best part is that they expose the 5 points and create 10 more mysteries. Thus leaving behind the audience, want more of the LOST.

On deeper study, one may find many flaws, but then this is not classic work, but entertainment of high order, for that it passes the muster.

So till LOSt becomes last serial, enjoy.

by P G Dodeja

Solapur ke Sholay

Solapur is a sleepy, hot and lazy small town, in south Maharashtra, near Andhra Border. The turns and twist of life took me there for 3 marathon meetings.

I would get up at 4.30 – 5.0 am. , take bath, drink tea, make sandwich for journey. Reach Swar Gate and catch 8.00 Ghomoo bus for Solapur. It will reach there at around 3.0 O’clock, when city is hot and reeling under bright, hot sun trying to drink as much water from your body, as it can. Our meeting will start around 8.0 o’clock and most of times will end at late night dinner table in some obscure outlet. I will be dropped at station to catch return train Chenia-Mumbai touching Solapur at 3.20 a.m the first train of the day for Pune.

The outlook of the city effects the citizens. The Solapur is very small town, but the people themselves have much smaller outlook. Even those who travel a lot and see the world with many perspectives, develop this attitude. A Rs: 3000/- salary earning peon of Mumbai’s attitude towards money will be more open and broad then Rs: 30,000/- earning professional in Solapur. Why?

Maybe, it is city which gives opportunity, which transforms into broad, open and progressive attitude of its citizen.

The city looks like 50’s small lane city with no proper development, no freshness, no character. The new pockets coming up here and there, look as if they are sorry to be there amidst such ruins, spoiling charm of ruins. In 50’s atleast most of males adopted ‘Outshirt & Suthan’ as universal attire, as the dry heat made this a practical choice. This made the city had some character and its own identity. However, over the time, today you see mix of ‘T’ shirts, tattered cloths, Jeans and Pants josting along with out dated old attire.

In this city the number one businessman will be found in 100 square feet of crumbling shop in small by-lane, merely doing his business in most leisurely fashion. The air conditioners of all professionals act as display unit only, assuring every visitor that this office can afford one. No electricity so no use of A.c. The Vice-President will sit eating lunch along with his office peon entertaining his ‘Samdhi’ in same restaurant, as there is no other option for both of them. Socialism…? Late night dinner, forget it. And yes, 9.0 O’clock is starting point of late night!

The youngster as well as ladies stay glued to TV as there is no option of entertainment. What with no Multi-Plex, no corner Coffee shop, no Malls, no Cultural activities, no exbhition hall, what can one do, but watch idiot box? Is there any meetin place for romantic inclined citizen? garden, Zoo, Shopping Area, College Canteen? Sorry sir, not presently.

And still life goes on…

This city reminded me of Sholay’s Ramgad. Why? No clue. The Ramgad was more picturesque, neat, clean and interesting because of variety of people, far cry from Solapur. Still. Maybe it was heat. Which means hot ‘Sholay’.

I was expecting that the Rising India has reached there and I will be able to take pot shots. But believe me, I came without taking a single snap. This must be kind of God's joke with me, that I could not find anything interesting to shot in that city! Must be my no-foto day or something.

by P G Dodeja

Palakh Ke Pahle Jhalak

Palakh Umesh Valech, is 6th generation descendant of Diwan Pessumal!! We will be seeing much more of her, in future, but for now, I find it very amusing to see one Dodeja born in somewhere in 1850's and his 6th generation descendant born in 21st century, appearing on my blog. Wow!
Diwan Pessumals 2nd son Lokram, his 1st Son Girdharilal, his 2nd Son Haresh, his 1st daughter Neha and finally her daughter, Palakh. This is how this sixer was bowled.
by P G Dodeja

Diwan Pessumal & His Children

This I am sure is oldest photograph of Dodeja Family. The rough estimate says that this was taken in 1920's. In the center is Diwan Pessumal, my great grand father. He is surrounded by his 5 sons and on right side is his daughter. However, my GGF had five sons, who are 2 other boys? Oldest person in the family has no clue.

20 Months In Pune

This is the world of 20 - 20, so keeping this in mind here is my say on 20 months in Pune. A this is my first blog under The Week That was! Hope this will grow into full blooming flower.

On 10th of this month we completed 20 months stay in Pune. Wow!!!

Dad used to say, 'If you have donated diamonds in your previous birth, then only you get the chance to live in Pune.'  After many attempts in last 20 years, I finally gave up the thought of shifting to Pune, from Ghatkopar, Mumbai. Curing my last incarnation, not donating diamonds! But suddenly, without any indication the miracle happened. Akshay, managed somehow and convinced Bindiya for shifting. Imediatly we planned and executed shifting, just within 15 days flat !!!!
How this happened? It is still big mystery for me. But "Aam Khane se Matlab, Peadh Ginke kya Karna."

Outwardly, this shifting looks like a compromise, submission to situations, and this in itself is very accurate judgement, but this step in itself brought about the major positive shift in my mind and soul. Till now I was struggling to survive, now I knew that our struggling will continue, but we will enjoy every day of this struggle and be happy. This positive attitude is major benefit. And in endorsement of this I can claim that 20 months have being great.

Compare to Mumbai, Pune life is in many ways different. People carry impression that life in Pune is very laid-back. Things move at snails space, you get bored all the time, you have time but nothing to do etc...

Well, how wrong those opinions can be. Here, we can work and enjoy life at the same step. To keep yourself busy is not city centric, but person centric attribute. And to enjoy life, one should get opportunity to do so, not mere possibility is sufficient.

Yes, Mumbai makes every one 'appear' very much busy. All are rushing to catch a deadline. Be it, 9.23 local or 9.15 bus. That thrill of being in time is not there in Pune. Delay of 30 minutes is very normal and expected in all matter, be it appointment, be it start of function.