24th Nov 2013 to 30th Nov 2013. [Bada ka Badha Mazaa - Part II]

This week was a sad week for Shyamlal Bathija and family. Ratna lost her young brother Keshu [66 years] along with her Jijaji Arjandas Sukhija [90 years]. Avi-Pinky-Savi-Ravi went to Mumbai on choutha of Arjandas on 29^th. Mummy had also planned to go, but at last minutes she decided to skip this trip as she has to sit around 12 hours at one place, which due to her nerves problem was difficult. A very sensible decision, which I am sure Ratna will also appreciate. 

 Bada ka Badha Mazaa - Part II

 DAY ONE: I was planning after good night’s sleep, a small session of sleeping peacefully till we reach Bhuj. Kashyap woke up early to my surprise and told, change of plan. We need to get down at Gandhidham and not at Bhuj! From Gandhidham, all ‘baraties’ will take ‘Toofan’ for Jain Mandir and reach Bada vai road.

Morning was pleasant and expectations were high. All twelve ‘Toofans’ reached the Jain Mandir where breakfast was ready. It was as good as Lunch and time was perfect for me, 9.0 Clock. Some 'Baraties' did a full 'Vidhi Porak' pooja. First taking bath, putting jains speacial dhooti-bochan type dress.

 

On day two, I got up early, enjoyed the fresh air and went for walk, without making a cup of tea for myself. Thought I will check out a tappri. But the sleepy town was really sleeping. No one was around when Sun came out, bringing rosy shades along with bright light.
I enjoyed pollution free atmoshpehere like a silly person, thanking god for such clean air, fresh climate, noise free background sounds filled with various early birds catching worms.

As I walked further, I meet a old man! Wearing muffler, walking briskly, with long hardwood 'Dhanda' in one hand. He claimed to be 70, but I had to practically trot along to keep up with him. He was one of the rare local resident, who has a good business in Mumbai, now in his son's hand. He prefers Bada gaon and stays here from Diwali to March. He showed me his Cotton fields and explained all about local economy. Agriculture, Wind Farms, Vipasana Center and Funding from Mumbai! 


by P G Dodeja

18th November 2013 to 23th November 2013. [Bada Ke Badhe Mazee]

Sharat send a message: ‘Catch the Kutch like never before’. A apt message to all CIS members who were going on trip to Bada Gaon, Kutch for shoting of Vineet-Aayushi wedding.

Dhwani in early morning mood at Gandhidham, Day One

This was first major event for Kashyap, so I also joined him. I was to be CIS staff, plus a Tourist and plus a Barati. Ti-Mukhi! I enjoyed myself in all three Avtars. Hands down this was a unique experience, for all of the 450 Baratis in Bada Gaon and 15 professionals shooting the event.

 

Main Entry Point of Bada Gaon

Kachi Community has grown in big way. The result of this progress is that their Gaon’s are turning into dead places, what a paradox! They have become rich and shifted to Mumbai as permanent residance, however they are holding on to ancestral properties, taking good care of the same, but not using those places. Bada Gaon has more the 500 houses, but around 450 houses are closed. Most houses are well painted and maintained, but decorated with Godrej Locks. The oldies of some families come and stay for few months between Oct – Feb. In such place, this Vinit Gala boy had planned his wedding’s 3 days events. Wow! The village does not have any Kirana shop worth its name, only having a small tapir for ‘Pan’ and little snacks. No bread, No Milk, No Mithaiwala, No No No…. Everything has to be planned and arranged from ‘Mandvi’, two hour drive from Bada!

He had great support of his family and friends, so the event turned out better than expected. I can vouch for it, as I heard many positive comments from the returning 'Baratees' who were with us in return journey from Kutch to Bandra for more than 15 hours.

Lets talk about the Jain food.

 

Morning Breakfast without Kheplas!

Jains believe that after sunset food intake should be banned. So the ‘Mahajan Wadi’ where the caterer served us meals, served till 6.0 clock in evening. Food was according to me an excellent selection. We sindhi’s like to eat heavy food like panneers, pastas, Kotfas etc dipped in ghee with lot of spices. No such thing here, food was decent and filling, believe me I enjoyed it. Morning breakfast started at 7.0 clock. Usually it was filling and I treated it as my lunch. Breakfast consisted of one main item’s, along with different sweet every day plus dry snack and Tea or Coffee.

As a precaution, Dhwani has taken one big bag, filled with ‘Bakerwadi’, wafers, 'Chewadas', 'Biscuits' etc, but we never used one item from it! There was no need. Tummy was filed with tasty light and healthy food, atmosphere was pollution free [air as well as noise] and unique experience of attending wedding in gaon, where was time to feel hungry!

by P G Dodeja