OH 10 Festival of Colours

The holi celebrations this year were started with "Holika Dehan" on 23rd March, 16. Holika Dahan is  the burning of Holika, the devil.

Dehan was outside society premises on an unused cross road. A wide platform of sand and soil was erected where the wooden logs were piled on the brick lining so that road is not spoilt.  It was well planned and people's participation made it vibrant and colourful. Women in colourful attires with pooja thalis brings festivity to its best.

Like many traditions in Hinduism, Holi celebrates the death of Holika in order to save Prahlad, and thus Holi gets its name. The story as a whole is testament to the power of devotion (bhakti) over the evil represented by King Hiranyakashyap, as Prahlad never lost his faith. 

On the eve of Holi, typically at or after sunset, the pyre is lit, signifying Holika Dahan. The ritual symbolises the victory of good over evil. People sing and dance around the fire. People also perform parikrama of fire.

On 24th March, young enthusiasts were down very early. All geared up with pitchkaris and colours. As the day gets warmer around 9.30am, people were streaming down to celebrate the festival of colours! 






Breakfast of vegetable bhajias and jalebis were laid down . It was fun! Little later, a lunch stall offering pao-bhaji, chole-bhature, vegetable pulao and samosas was set up. The food was good. Food and eatables served this year were an improvement over the last year's. I hope, we see further improvements next year too.

The wastage of water during the festivity when lakhs of people in the country are facing severe water shortage is criminal. I have seen some using the fire fighting hose and water was flowing just like that for more than ten minutes. Its okay, if one uses limited supply of water for fun , but it was sheer wastage and criminal.

Is it out of fashion to think about social accountability? 

Some people were seen throwing full plates of jalebis and bhajias  in the dustbin. The servings were free and self serving. Why should one throw food? With so many people dying of hunger in the world, it's sheer immoral to throw away eatables. 

The worst was the misuse of swimming pool. It's only in our society, where people have spoilt the swimming pool. None in the neighbouring society "Greenfield" and few other nearby societies in South Bopal have used their swimming pool for holi. 

Why in OH people have acted in this way? 
Is it because there were some suggestions issued by some residents of the society to save the infrastructure of common use? 
Is it because the residents do not feel the ownership? 
Is it because the residents are not proud of their premises? 

All of us must ponder over these.

We all need to think about it and find answers to improve the social behaviour and civic sense.

OH9 : CHRISTMAS, LOHRI AND HOLI !

Much water has flown under OH bridge in last few months.

Christmas was celebrated with much fervour and enthusiasm on 25th December 2015. A christmas carnival was organized with food stalls, game stalls and a small corner for product stalls to share the home business done by the residents of OH. It was very well organised. OH family participated in large numbers and enjoyed a lot. Though it ended with the intervention of  local police. The organizers were totally at fault to allow loud music after 10 PM. They should have shown some concern about the people who have to go to office early in the morning, senior citizens and students and all those people who have the right to a sound and peaceful sleep. I am really happy that some one has complained and the unwanted music stopped. My sincere thanks to that unknown samaritan, who saved my night's sleep and a bad day.

We went to visit the flower show on river front on 3rd January. As we were entering the society, there was a large crowd at the entry gate and a police van just behind us. There has been a very nasty episode which has happened in the society. Its beyond my comprehension, how can people show anger and muscle power to ruin young lives. I shudder to think about the kind of reactions cornered persons forced to do. Crime petrol , the TV programme is such an eye opener. It's my personal belief that one should not create hostile living conditions in and around living spaces.

February comes and brings in the final examination fever - boards, pre-boards, practicals, boards etc. Mothers are as tense as children. Its almost March end now. Most of the school exams are over. Some schools have declared the results too. The examination days were stressful for the mothers and children. Few enterprising mothers celebrated the occasion with a grand pot-luck lunch. It's heartening to see the happy faces. I personally feel very joyous when such happy memories are created. I love being surrounded by positive and happy people.

With holi festival, just after 3 days, some action is being seen in OH.
It has been long time when I am back to this blog.
The life has been very busy at the onset of the new year. I hope to write about OH more often as I want to record most of the moments .

OH8: Sunderkand Paath

On Saturday, 21 Nov,15 OH was inmersed in spititual flavours. A sunderkand paath was organised by few relligious minded people. After 2 hrs of musical recitation of Ramayan's Sunderkand followed by hanumaan chalisa was attended by around 100 people.
The paath was followed by prasaad of poori-sabzi-halwa.
May this religious ceremony brings prosperity,peace and happiness in the OH family!

Amen!

OH7: Festival Flavours in community living

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.

OH 6 : NAVRATRI CELEBRATIONS in OH

Navratri celebration  OH started with a bang with participation of sizable number of residents in pooja aarti of "MATAJI". The whole garden was well decorated and shining with lights. After the aarti and prasaad was done, it was time for garba. Enthusiasts had great time dancing to the folk songs' beats.  

Ab thoda sa gyan! 

Navratri, Navaratri or Navarathri (Sanskrit: नवरात्रम्; Marathi: नवरात्र; Gujarati: નવરાત્રી; Hindi: नवरात्रि)  is a Hindu festival of worship of Shakti and dance & festivities. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti or Devi are worshiped. The 10th day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami  or Dussehra.

Each day of the nine-day festival are dedicated to the worship of different forms of Goddess Durga, which unfolds the religious importance of the occasion. 

Navaratri is celebrated four times a year: 

1.Vasanta Navaratri, 

2. Ashadha Navaratri, 

3. Sharada Navaratri, 

4. Paush/Magha Navaratri. 

Of these, the Sharada Navaratri of the month of Puratashi (Sept - Oct) and the Vasanta Navaratri of the Vasanta kala  ( March - April) are very important.

This is the time for sharada navratri.  It is also called Maha Navratri (the Great Navratri) and is celebrated in the month of Ashvina. It is celebrated at the beginning of winter .

Navaratri this year starts from October 13 and ends on October 21 with Vijayadashami  on October 22. 

Navaratri is celebrated in different ways throughout India.

In North India, all  Navratris are celebrated with much fervour by fasting on all nine days and worshipping the Mother Goddess in her different forms. The Chaitra Navratri culminates in Ram Navami and the Sharad Navratri ends in Durga Puja and Dussehra. 

The Dussehra of Kulu in Himachal Pradesh is particularly famous in the North. 

Navratri festival  is one of the main festivals of Gujarat. Garba is done after the Durga Pooja with the groups and live orchestra or devotional songs. Since the past few years, the Government Of Gujarat has been organising the "Navratri Festival Celebrations" on a regular basis for the nine days of Navratri Festival in Gujarat. People from all over Gujarat and even abroad come to participate in the nine days celebrations. It is also popular throughout India and among Indian communities around the world including the UK and USA.

The last four days of Sharad Navratri take on a particularly dramatic form in the state of West Bengal in East India where it is celebrated as Durga Puja. This is the biggest festival of the year in this state. Exquisitely crafted and decorated life-size clay idols of the Goddess Durga depicting her slaying the demon Mahishasura are set up in temples and other places. These idols are then worshipped for five days and immersed in the river on the fifth day.

In Goa, zatra begins during Navratri, entire Antruz (Ponda) is highly ornated. The Saraswat Brahmin temples are beautifully decorated and the idols are taken out for worship. The idols are dressed and adorned with flowers, sandalwood paste, turmeric and kumkum.  The Dasha Maitrikas (the 10 sisters of Goa) of the Saraswat Brahmins are taken out to worship - namely, Shantadurga, Aryadurga, Mahalasa, Katyayani, Mahamaya, Kamakshi, Vijayadurga, Bhumika, Mahalakshmi and Navadurga.

In South India, people set up steps and place idols on them. This is known as golu.

In Kerala, three days: Ashtami, Navami, and Vijaya Dashami of Sharad Navaratri are celebrated as Sarasvati Puja in which books are worshipped.  On Vijaya Dashami day, the books are ceremoniously taken out for reading and writing after worshipping Sarasvati. Vijaya Dashami day is considered auspicious for initiating the children into writing and reading, which is called  Vidyarambham. Tens of thousands of children are initiated into the world of letters on this day in Kerala. 

First three days

The first three days of Navratri are devoted to the worship of the Goddess Durga. This is the period, when her energy and power are worshipped. Each day is dedicated to a different appearance of Durga.

First day: Kumari, which signifies the girl child. 

Second day: Goddess Parvati, who is the embodiment of a young woman.

Third Day:   Goddess Kali is worshipped, who represents the woman who has reached the stage of maturity. The destructive aspects of Goddess Durga symbolise the commitment to acquire triumph over all the evil tendencies.

OH 5: KITTY @ DIMPLE'S

Yesterday, the monthly get-together was at Dimple's place. We are a gang of 12 ladies who are members of this kitty party, which is the first kitty party of the OH. 

Sometimes, I wonder why these girlie get-together are called kitty parties? 

The word 'kitty' originally meant the pool of stakes to be played for in certain card games. In colloquial use, it also referred to any fund or savings for joint use like the chit fund. Later, the system of raising a common fund became very common among women of high societies. In this system, every month each member contributes some amount of money. Some games are played, some gossip and great food sums up the kitty party. It is a miniature form of the cooperative credit societies.

Our kitty party is a theme party, which is the host' prerogative. Dimple , the host of October kitty kept the NAVRATRI theme. The theme is most appropriate as it's almost navratri time and Dimple is the garba tutor of the society. Most of the members wore chaniya -choli ( lehenga - choli). I did not . :( 
Food was delicious gujju food minus the floating oil. A vegetable like baingan was made so delicious. 

Kitty party is generally looked down by the working and conservative ladies.  Kitty parties is not  about gossips or bitching. It's also not about whiling away time by stay at home women. It's about sharing one's interests and problems. It's about creating a support system in a new surroundings. It's about understanding human behaviour. It's about learning too. It's about communication.  It's basically an idea exchange platform. 

I have made some great friends for life in this OH kitty ! Thanks to all who are members of this group! 

OH4: ACTION FILLED WEEKEND in OH

Suddenly a movie invitation  and two movies were screened on Saturday, 10th Oct 15 in the cricket pitch area.

Bajrangi Bhaijaan for children had some kids having fun.

Jazbaa being a new film has some takers... afterall who will not mind saving time and money? Watching with free popcorns ( ghar se garam bana ke lao) and some free cold drink bottles add more punch and fun to movie watching .

 I was not part of this movie show in the grounds for two reasons. One, I want to watch it in the cinema hall. Second, I do not support piracy. A new movie Jazabaa can only be pirated version.

While taking a late night stroll, I heard the loud soundtrack from our neighbouring society, Orchid Greenfield. I guess, they are also having a film show.

Though such events are fun events for the residents who participate but they become pain in neck for the people who want to have peaceful evenings and night on weekends. Moreover, there are students who are preparing for exams, senior citizens who are disturbed with loud sound, creating noise pollutions. People should find out a way to accommodate concerns of other residents by keeping volume at a level which is fine for film lovers and peace lovers.

Sunday witnessed a healthy activity call for the health conscious people. The society gym instructor organised an intense exercise session in the open grounds for regular gym lovers. Some one is trying to create healthy living habits in the residents. Feels good.

A late night project submission kept me awake till 3 am, so could not be part of this initiative.

In these days of stressed living and working conditions, health is of utmost importance. One of the major reasons of relocating to OH is the in house gym and swimming pool. An out of the city location is pollution free. I guess, it may continue for a while.... may be around 4-5 years? I will not mind, if it stretches for few more years till the areas across S.P.Ring road are lined up with commercial and residential buildings.

The idea of fun changes with age,experiences, attitude and aptitude of the person towards life. My idea of fun is to have a good book to read. It may be a kindle addition or a paperback edition if at home. I plan my outings to revisit history or a location with umpteen natural beauty. Food has taken a back seat to motivate me to go out. I now love to go to places where I can  experience the challanges, efforts and  victories of common people.

Looking for development of better human relationships in Orchid Harmony!
AMEN!