1st Sept 2014 – 7th Sept 2014 [Ganpati Visarjan Week]

 

Drama on Sunday: We all had gala time on Sunday evening. We played current obsession, ‘Stock Exchange’ board game after Lunch and brief siesta, even Shyam Uncle enjoyed it. We all seven players got totally engrossed and for those four hours  we were big players of stockmarket, bigger then Harshad Mehta.

Tired and contended, early dinner was planned, so that we can start Monday on right note, a good sign of maturity and responsibility. By 8.30 dinner was done with, and before we start hitting the bed, suddenly our maid, ‘Namita’ collapsed. She clinched her fist, pressed her head very hard with both hands and kept arching backward. Dhwani held her, fearing she may hurt herself. Muskan was in panic and very much worried. Namita mother was called and all she said was do not panic, this will go, this is repeat of what had happed some time ago. When I saw her, I remembered Raji’s fit. Maybe it was fit. As it continued for 15 minutes, we decided to take her to Inamdhar Hospital. One injection, some rest and she returned home. This whole business lasted 45 minutes. Moni – Chinky played Dr House and meanwhile, Avi – Akshay – Sharat & Kashyap took care of hospitalization and her return. A mini crisis was handled well. Kashyap took upon himself the charge of getting this kid diagnosed properly. It turns out, she has multiple problems. Vision – Snake Fear - Age – Exhaustion.  

Shyam Uncle is 80 years young.  At this age also he is more energetic then us. On Saturday he played along with us till 1.30 am and he was back to attain ‘Aarti’ in morning. After Lunch, he went out to crome to buy new TV for his bedroom and after brief nap, was back again on floor, sitting with us, playing board game. His jovial, deep sense of humor is, thank god, still intact and keeps tingling and smiling us. An inspiration to handle life in gentle and peaceful way. And just to prove his energetic stamina, is this picture of him, blowing ‘Shankh’ to full glory.

This year Nanda’s, Narang’s & Shah’s had planned a Pune visit during Ganpati, and co- incidentally all three families have newly - wed couples. Nandani Nanda – Aditya, Kunal Narang – Aarti, Meet Shah - Aska. Our family has very good relationships with those families as well as with couples. Meet – Aska had just visited Pune, I was not expecting them.

Arnav with his Mother

One by one, visits got cancelled, except of Nandas. I wanted to ask Muskan, which is more exciting guest, ‘Nandani + Aditya’ or  ‘Arnav’. But I knew this question will put her in big ‘Dharam Sankat.’ So I spared her and am asking her via this Blog. [very naughty]

Arnav is a very cute rolly – polly kind of baby. ‘Gora Chitta’ and very ‘Shant.’  He was fully enjoying the attention we all gave him. Whosoever picked him, he would sit in her/his lap, happily. It was his eating time and sleeping time, still he did not cry. Very sweet child.  Hope his ‘Bou’s’ will not spoil him, specially younger one.

Ganpatiji with Arnav and his ' FAVORITE BOA?'

On 5^th day, we did ‘Visarjan’. This year, Ganpati Celebration was very enjoyable. Everything went smoothly and pleasantly. We had Pooja Seth and Bathijas with us to share this joy. It proves the saying, ‘KHUSHI BATNE SAE BADTI HAI’. One more reminder, telling you to live your life based on old traditional wisdom.

Ganpati darshan in Peth area is a must, if one wants to be ‘Puneri’. This year we visited on 5^th day. And everyone agreed that each year we will have dharshans on 5^th day only. 6^th day onward full Mumdai, Laxmi Road, Tulsi Baug etc is fully jam packed. But on 5^th we were fortunate to participate in ‘Dagadu Seth Ganpati’s’ arti also. One can walk comfortably, enjoy foolish acts, buy this and that and have road side snacks like Loni Dosa, ‘Royal Sandwich’, Kavre’s icecream and softee. Wow.

‘Ganpati Bapa Mourya, Pudhchaa Varshi Loukar Yaa’

 

by P G Dodeja

Mental Post : [Special Edition]

Mad Caper

Is madness growing in our family?

A worry some question. Last few days have forced me to think about the metal equilibrium of many members of the family. When ‘Chillam Chilly’ club members, specially Deepa was around, we will lose our balance and get involved in stupid acts. This effect, which I call ‘Lose of Balance’ will last few hours, normally. But this time around even in absence of Deepa, nuttiness lasted for days. This rabidness was even passed on to Puja [who had come from Amritsar in morning,] within hours of her arrival in our home. And to make my point, I present below few pictures. Only sober person was Akshay, who kept in check and did not allow us to cross line, and kept Yerwada Hospital at arms length.  

To start with, Shyam Uncle drew my attention to this sign. This is a Departmental Store near Dhagdo Seth Ganpati. But the few letters missing say a different story. 'H' is silent because the most sober person in our group was Haresh.

Dhwani's 'maun vrat'  starts this process of mental illness. Even though she is supposed to keep mum and meditate, for 10 days we also get carried away start communicate with each other in 'Dham Shraz Game' style. We have added sound effect of 'Hoo - Ha - Oh' and shake of heads.

During this Ganpati I kept saying no to sweets! Each and every one was shocked. Some even suggested that I need to get my head checked. Poor Dhwani, tried her best, but her sweet Bondi offer was rejected, which Rinky though was sure sign of mental deficiency on my part.

  

No after seeing this picture, do I need to say anythig? Rinky, captured the mood, the status of mental health perfectly in this picture. Thankfully, Avi did not attempt to fly, thinking himself being a bird.

 Shart is most sober, intelligent and grounded person in our family. The process of his brains getting damaged has started. For no rhyme and reason, Avi [which we understand] and Sharat kept saying Babaji Ka Thulu. Kapil Sharma must have not said so many times, which they did.

Our guest, Pooja got so carried away with our antics, that she said, we citizens of Amritsar are also capable of doing senseless activities. To prove this she played this huge drum, right in middle of the street,  next to Mandai. She was traffic stopper, no two views. A modern looking girl in jeans, playing a drum, which she is not able to carry also.

Suddenly Muskan gets possessed as we walk towards Manacha Ganpati Pandal. Dhwani tires to analysis her, but in the end gives up and accepts her defeat and keeps smiling

Finally, Akshay uses brute force and drags her out of danger zone. On close study you see the totally difference 'रूप  of Muskan. And finally, in the scary dark night, all are relieved when Muskan is her old self, specially Pooja.

by P G Dodeja

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

10rd Aug 2014 – 16nd Aug 2014 [CarNama – 6]

 

Outskirts of Pune in November.

Shining Like Dulhan

       

Xylo: SUV from Mahendra. With coming of this huge vehicle, we shifted from Maruti Brand to Mahendra after 25 years! We also started using diesel as fuel for first time. Frankly, I agreed for this vehicle because our Mumbai – Pune trips were getting more irregular as of time schedule. One day return has become a norm, even if we have to start late at night and reach Pune in early hours of morning.  I was bit reluctant to drive this car, but gradually I also love to drive it. Keeping family tradition alive, Akshay had already made long trip to Mahableshwar, Banglore,  Cheanai  and Goa . Kashyap has made trips to Dhapoli – Silvasa etc. I have stopped counting Mumbai – Pune trips as they can be now practically put into local trip category. So with arrival of this vehicle our family’s trading of road journey has opened up.

Good thing about this car is that full family can most comfortably travel in it, all together. We still have space left for few kids.

Mon:  Ample rains have made ‘Vayumundal’ very pleasant.  Sunshine visited our area after 10 days or so. But it kept playing hide and seeks. Just like Dhwani was playing. She had gone to Mumbai for ‘Rakhi’ directly from Goa, [After attending Kunal – Aarti Wedding]. Kashyap reached home on Sunday. Mummy told Dhwani will come on Sunday. I said, no on Monday as per my information. Then Kashyap said, maybe on Tuesday as per latest information. This process went on and continued for two days. Her mother had caught some fever and investigation was going on. Dhwani, after confirming the recovery of her mother’s health, left for Pune on Tuesday. These hide and seek finally ended on Tuesday night.

  

Tue: Earnestly, our Diwali season program planning is on. As it is, we Indians like to celebrate in big way.  Festival season starts with coming of good rains. They have come, bring happiness and joy. This year, Rinky is in forefront and aggressively campaigning for Mahableshwar. Whereas, rest of us are just warming up for Diwali plans. Let’s see how things turn up.

 गणपति बापा मौर्य

Relishing Sujata Mastani with daughters

Yes, the preparations have started earnestly. Muskan - Dhwani & myself went for booking मूर्ति. We selected 2 idols and decided to book in morning. Then we went for walk and ended up at 'Sujata Mastani' ice cream parlour. This is new 22nd outlet of Sujata in Pune, the first one is at Sadhashiv Peth, which we used to frequent in 70's. Prahlad Uncle had introduced us to Mango Mastani during one of our vacation visits. And after 44 years I am still remembering Uncle and enjoying 'Mastani', a combination of Milk + Ice cream + Real fruit. I introduced Muskan & Dhwani to old stories and also to Mastani.

Fri: Independence Day. Muskan left for Mumbai, to tie Rakhi. She was in Goa on Rakshabandan Day, so this delayed celebration. As Manju is in Singapore, Lali & Sharat eat lunch and dinner with us. So after lunch we all sat down and planned proper decoration theme and setting. However when we went to book idol, all the short listed were booked! So the process of hunting proper मूर्ति is on.     

Sat: Neha came down to Pune for weekend with Umesh and kids. As luck would have it, they have to drive for 7 hours to reach Pune, so the day one of holiday goes in the car only. And next day, i.e. Sat, they immediately have to rush back to Mumbai. Umesh's Chachi, who was not keeping well, expired! Such are the vagaries of fate.

Sun: For a change, Akshay - Kashyap - Dhwani left for Mumbai at 5 O'clock in morning. Akshay sounded very happy, two reasons, early morning drive and just few hours away from Muskan. Daddy must be pleased to see his grandson taking car journey early in morning.
Muskan was in Mumbai for Rakhi. Arnav, her आंख का apple, keeps all family members busy. Latest report from her says, he fell down from bed. His mother cried, seeing her cry, his father cried and finally his grandmother joined the group. And what was his aunty doing? Laughing away.... 

Well to end this series of Car nama, I present below the options for Future cars. Kids, which one do you like?

 This is ideal for Peth areas, And yes, Muskan will be able to buy Vegetables easily. No need to request 'Bhajiwalla' to kick her scooter.

 Kashy & Dhwani can use this vehicle for odd trips in Lavasa, Adventure Club, Hirve or where ever it pleases them.

 This is good for Lali and Myself. Maybe Manu can join us and we can go for long trip, this time in south direction.

  This is a Must. A full family Bus, ideal for every weekend, for Movies, Picnics, Short trips.

  Any other suggestions? We are not living in era when choice was between bullock cart, Fiat and Ambassador. We are spoilt with plenty. Keep dreaming. More the merrier.


by P G Dodeja