Navratri Festivity

Yesterday’s announcement on the Lonavala picnic has yet to enthuse members. Many are not even aware of the trip scheduled for mid-month, pre-occupied as they are with celebrating Navratri – the annual festival of nine nights when blessings of the Mother Goddess (variously described as Ma Durga, Devi Mata, Jagadhatri, Ambe, etc.) are invoked with a ritualised reaffirmation of good prevailing over evil.
Today was Mahashtami, the eighth and most auspicious day of the festivities. Naturally everybody was keyed up on meeting in the course of the day outside the Garden – either at some dandiya venue or the neighboring Durga Puja pandal. A huge community feast is being organised at Garden No 2 in the afternoon, followed by a variety entertainment programme by local film and TV artistes in the evening.
In all this, Shekhawat has yet to impress upon members that seats for the Lonavala trip are limited and that they can be accommodated only on a first-come first-serve basis. Over the past 24 hours, he has received contributions from only a dozen-odd members and with barely a few days to go for confirmation of bookings, a major scramble for seats can be expected at the eleventh hour.
Meanwhile, here’s some news from Srichand Arora (right). He may not be part of the Navratri festivities here in Mumbai, but is surely living it up while vacationing at Singapore. He has made a trip to nearby Chiang Mai and sent us some wonderful pictures of Wat Prathat Doi Suthep – the famous ‘golden temple’ on a mountain, close to the winter palace of the Thai royal family. As Arora writes: “These photos were taken in Thailand's Buddha Temple which is fully gold-plated. To my surprise, our Ganapati-ji (above, left) also has a place in this temple.”
Look out for some more breathtaking photographs from Mr and Mrs Arora.
Renu Babani:
Yes, the festive season is with us and all are rather upbeat about it. I guess that is the reason everyone is in a good mood. Please, those interested to join us for the Lonavala trip, kindly pay soon. Do not unnecessarily cause any stress to Mr Shekhawat who is working hard to make it all worthwhile. He shouldn't be constantly reminding everyone to please bring the required amount so the bus can be booked.
Srichand Arora:
I am sure, by now our dear Harish must have recovered fully. God bless you all.