Maha Shivaratri 2014

Today was not just Shivaratri, but 'Maha Shivaratri' – the big day that celebrates the very big night when Lord Shiva got married to (and re-married) Goddess Parvati. Some say he was also born on this day. Others maintain that he performed the cosmic dance on this day while many would insist that he saved the world from Armageddon by consuming a deadly poison (held in his throat without choking) on this particular day.

Arora collects their identity proof

Since no one can get any wiser by dwelling into all this, we just clapped and cried ‘Bum Bum Bhole’ to mark the occasion. Many looked heavenwards (by force of habit) hoping to derive some divine enlightenment and were duly disappointed – but for Monthi Serrao. Without asking for it, she was blessed by a generous shower of crow shit, aimed strategically at her turquoise kurta!

Arun wishes Tara Chand Bon Voyage

Even Khatoon Baig rejoiced upon seeing her getting so “lucky” on Shivaratri day.
Monthi was not in the best of moods though. Srichand Arora tried to provide some diversion by asking her to furnish proof of her identity – along with other members of the Club’s managing committee like Razia Khan and Harbans Kaur. Apparently, the Registrar of Societies does not believe that these people actually exist in flesh and blood and has demanded documentary evidence that they live in proper homes before he registers our Club. Arora dutifully went about collecting and verifying the papers.
Another diversion was provided by Tara Chand Seth as he bid goodbye to us before leaving on his first vacation to Kuala Lumpur (and possibly Singapore) tomorrow. We wished him a happy and safe journey. Since his flight is scheduled for early afternoon, he is unlikely to turn up at the Garden tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile, news comes in of Shekhawat’s cataract operation last Monday being a success. He however, needs to visit the eye surgeon every morning for follow-up medication, which is why he is currently out of circulation. He has cancelled his trip to Rajasthan this week-end on doctor’s advice.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Om Namah Shivaya! May Lord Shiva shower blessings on all and give power and strength to everyone facing difficulties in their lives.
Harish Wadhwa:
Get well soon, Shekhawat-ji!