Belated Bash

It was a belated celebration, typical of the person whose birthday it was. He was born more than a month back -- on September 15. And it was only today that he decided to tell the world that he too exists.

Banoo Apa greets with flower bouquet

Some members of black-and-white brigade

Were it not for the fear of being consigned to anonymity, chances were Bose Babu would never have celebrated his 59th birthday – not this year at least. And he would have remained a perennial 58 and even gone on to tell everyone that he was hatched, not born. So no birthday ever. Trouble is, this idea occurred 40 years too late -- as usual. However, in retrospect, it would appear that nothing was lost in being truthful and in fact, there was a lot gained this morning. Banoo Apa had already bought a bouquet of orchids and gladioli (so very thoughtful of her) and was waiting to thrust them into Bose Babu’s hands.

Distribution of snack boxes

Three short of a cricket team

Old friends Harish Wadhwa, Kiran Arora, Pushpa Gupta and others came out of hiding after ages. Kiran Prakash was all over the place, armed with a camera. (The photos you see in this post have almost entirely been clicked by him.) Little Akshat was also all over the place, but without a camera. And with Vyanjan snacks and cups of hot tea, the atmosphere could not have been more festive – just perfect for the ongoing Navratri festival. If there is a moral to the story, it is this: Never celebrate your birthday on date. Delay by a month or so… should you desire to be treated special, like a VIP. Many happy returns of the day, Belated Bose Babu!

Cross-section of guests

Festive atmosphere

Post script: A BIG thank you, KIRAN PRAKASH and GITA LATTE for these beautiful, memorable photographs.
Ajit Choudhary and family:
Happy Birthday, Bose Babu. You are so sweet, friendly, lovely and caring. May God shower you and your family with lots of happiness.
Kiran Prakash:
Happy (belated) Birthday, Bose Babu. Many happy returns of the day. The snacks box containing gulabjamun, dhokla, stuffed kachori and plain kachori was delicious and sumptuous enough for a heavy breakfast this morning. I wish you a very long, healthy and happy life. May we have the fortune of your association till we breathe our last. God bless you.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Happy (belated) Birthday, Bose Babu. I have searched for words to express my feelings towards you and how eternally grateful I am for your presence in our midst. Unfortunately, I do not possess the ability to fully express myself on the way you celebrated your birthday -- no fancy venue, no bouncy castle, but a simple and impressive party hosted by you. May your every day be filled with the warmth of sunshine, the happiness of smiles, sounds of laughter and the feelings of love and good cheer. God bless you and your family.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd) from Mohali:
It is quite imaginative of Bose Babu to celebrate his birthday eleven months in advance. Being an army man, I do not believe in late latiffa. We believe in 'advance', not 'late'! I wish him a very happy, healthy, peaceful and eventful year. May God bless him with good health so that he can be as lively as ever and keep everyone amused. Special thanks to Kiran Parkash-ji for such good photography.
Harish Wadhwa:
All these lovely messages speak aloud on how much everyone loves you, Bose Babu. You are not just our blog monster but also an inspiration to many. Thank you for the goodies too.