In High Spirits

Sporadic rainfall since yesterday has come as a huge dampener. The wet weather is however, not uncommon at this time of the year, especially on the eve of the Ganesh festival. It rained this morning also, resulting in skeletal attendance for the exercises today.
But then, Shekhawat was in high spirits. “They are preparing for the Jaipur trip (yesterday’s post),” he declared, referring to absentees like Yusuf Rassiwala, Zarina Khan and

Skeletal attendance for the exercises on a wet weekend

Nahid Khan who are otherwise quite regular for the exercises.
Shekhawat said that he has made inquiries with some transporters and in the next couple of days, should finalise the booking of a mini-bus for the trip – before he leaves for his village on September 3.
He was however, doubtful if everyone in the Club would be able to withstand the rigors of long-distance travel by bus, given the age and fitness level of some of our members. “But those who can make it are more than welcome,” he said.
Quite clearly Shekhawat is more excited than any of us about the trip. He informs that his village is not some remote, inaccessible settlement in the middle of nowhere but is like a mini-township that can be easily reached from the main road.
“On top of a hill is the temple of our village goddess (“mata ka mandir”) which overlooks a mela ground where the main Navratri and Dussehra celebrations are held,” he elaborated. “We have a big Ganesh temple also there… It will take you just 20 minutes to climb the steps and reach this point.”
What Shekhawat did not say was that he happens to be a major patron of the temple trust that organises the Dussehra festival every year.