Makar Sankranti 2015

Sunita Jajodia celebrates with revdis

Like every year this day, the sun crossed over to the Zodiac constellation of Capricorn (or Makar in Sanskrit) in the morning. We could of course, see nothing of it because it was still dark in the Garden when we arrived. The sun was yet to rise. But being the ever trusting soul, Sunita Jajodia came prepared with revdis – the wonderful jaw-breaking sesame seed sweet traditionally distributed on Makar Sankranti.
The festival which marks the onset of spring (or winter solstice, if you please, as some Hindus believe) is also variously celebrated as Pongal, Uttarayan, Sankramana, Maghi and Bihu across the country. Essentially a harvest festival, it is dedicated to the Sun God and more significantly, the ‘holy phase of transition’ holds several cultural underpinnings, sadly lost to present-day urban dwellers.

Tara Chand Seth

We could only draw comfort from the hope that from now on, we would get to enjoy longer days and warmer nights.
Shekhawat however, drew comfort from the pious hope that Bijoy Gupta would keep his promise on the cheque of Rs100,000 (ref yesterday’s post) and even reminded him in as many words during the exercises. Gupta kept smiling mysteriously and at one point said he doubted whether Shekhawat was actually the Club chairman. “I got to know from some members that you were a naqli chairman,” he said.
Meanwhile, for all those who were missing Tara Chand Seth during the past few days, here’s some good news and bad. The bad news first: He was suffering from a severe hernia problem and the pain suddenly grew so unbearable that on the advice of his family doctor, he had to be hospitalized last Saturday. He was rushed to the Brahma Kumari Hospital (near Andheri West station) at night and operated upon on Monday morning. The good news is that all has gone off well and Tara Chand returned home yesterday evening. He is not in pain any more – except while sitting down or when he has to stand up for long. Let us hope and pray that he gets fully fit soon.
Kiran Prakash:
I wish and pray that Tara Chand-ji recovers fast and is back on his feet and in the Garden. He is an inspiration to all of us. I also wish a very happy Makar Sankranti to all. Thank you Sunita-ji for the delicious revdis. We began the day on a sweet note.
Lt Col Angad Singh (Retd):
Makar Sankrati is a day of celebration for all Indians, although it is named differently in different parts of the country. Thanks a lot, Mrs Sunita for the reoris. Those were liked by everyone.