Hi,
Long time! You know how the Indian festivals are :).
Lots of hungaama and being busy in dressing up, eating up and adding kilos. Anyway, eating is part of festivity fun. few inches here and there do not matter. :P
The festivities started from Navratri days, Dushhera, Karwachauth and now Diwali.
Nine days of navratri were great with all late night dancing. It was fun to get dressed and see the beautiful , smiling action oriented people all around. Though the OH occupancy seemed to be approx 30 % of the total occupancy, the regulars dancing brigade kept the flame of festivity alive.
No, I was not a regular participant for all nine days. I detest regularity so need to take a break here and there. Then there were some freelancing ID project which were to be submitted in between and hence I participated in the fun and frolic from my balcony. I had a great view and felt like being there.
Last few days, a DJ was invited and it was more fun than our desi music vendor. I only hope, next year, OH will arrange for live music if there are people with a greater vision .
Last four days, some snacks were also served. They were just YUCK and not eatable at all. The first day idly and utppam were all kachcha. Accompaniments sambhar and chutney were horrible and not hygenically made as many people have heard having stomach upsets. Next day's snacks were ragda- patties which really gave a great "ragda" to my apetite and tastebuds.
The "horrible meter" to rate the food was rising towards the unhealthy and tasteless preparations. On 3rd day, we went late, around 10pm for snacks. Surprisingly, it was better than the first two days. "Pav Bhaji", an Indian curry (bhaji) with bun (Pav). Though, later on I came to know the Bhaji became tasty because of one resident's misadventure into the kitchen which resulted in adding tomatoes and other masalas worth Rs. 2800.00. With tomatoes around 40 - 50 rs, per kg, I do not know how much he has added and masalas. Clearly appears to be a case of overcharging. This caterer should be blacklisted as he was neither a good cook nor a good businessman.
Dushera was celebrated with gujarti flavours fafda - jalebi. The fare was okay this morning though arrangements were not so. Why the cooks were making the jalebis in sunlight? It was terrible hot day with bright sun. I did not like this.
Dushhera evening was made most beautiful by live singing programme organised by our OH
resident, Sh. Satbir Singh ji and his troupe and orchestra. He is a professional singer. It was a very kind gesture from him as he has not charged a single penny for himself and his singers. Only orchestra people were paid. Song selection was great. Songs of all moods and genre! Song with great lyrics. It was a wonderful evening that started from 9 pm and melted into next morning and time just flew away! I loved every moment of it. The artists were doctor, a physics lecturer and other professionals. A big thanks to the whole group.
Accounts statement this time was the most innovative part of the whole programme. For the first time ( I have attended 3 functions before this) a detailed statement of account is issued. A closer look clearly shows the need for better negotiations skills for food , lighting etc and controls in otherwise random expenses. Public money accountability is very important for people who enters into this domain. the societies / organisations where matured and committed people enters in this arena are definitely better managed.
Karwachauth was celebrated on 30th October. It is a festival of married women, who fasts for the long life and well being of their husbands. I do not celebrate Karwachauth as on my first karwachath, my husband has asked not to do this as he cant fast with me for my long life and he does not want to live longer without me. moreover, I also do not have any faith in such beliefs, so this karwachauth celebration was never part of my life. But I have no less respect for women who do it with wholehearted devotion.
I remember an old incident about Karwachauth. My son Vaibhav must be around 5 years old then, when we were living in IOC colony Noida. Ladies in full karwachauth dress code were doing katha and pooja in the society gardens. Vaibhav came running home and asked, mom there is something going on in the garden. why donot you join them? I told her aunties are fasting and celebrating a festival. Vaibhav was never a fond eater of any kind of meals, said " wah auntiyon ke to maze ho gaye, aaj khaana nahin khaana padega." Everyone has different perspective of being without food.
We will be celebrating Dipawali tomorrow. Thus all major festivals of this year have come to an end. Next festivity will be in December for Christmas.
OH is a vibrant community where resident do not leave any opportunity to discuss any issue and convert it into non issue or take up a non issue and convert it into issues. The Latest issue of discussion is the place where the firecrackers should be burnt? Inside or outside the society. With so many vehicles parked all around the residential complex, it is a wise decision to burn the crackers outside. It will be safer for children to be away from vehicles to avoid any mishapping. I wonder, if this issue needs any debate at all. finally a safe place has been assigned for fire crackers.
Wishing all a very happy and safe diwali! May the new year brings in more compassion, understanding and mental peace to OH residents.
