Baisakhi’s Here

So is “Prakasho Babiani”, from Canada. Kishor and Renu Babani’s Latino-looking son arrived in Mumbai last night and in a determined bid to abuse his body out of its 22-hour jet lag, showed up at the Garden and even took part in the exercises. What’s more, he did the ‘donkey dance’ with Hari Singh Shekhawat (below left) and later, joined the Badmash Company for the tea session (lead pic).
Prakash has been an old friend of the Club and is as much adored by all as the rest of the Babanis. The only problem with this young man is that he is training to be a shrink in Ottawa (he should be in the movies), which gives many members a complex in his presence. They may not admit it but we all know that in six years, by the time he completes his internship, we would all be ripe and ready to land on his couch. Let us hope he does not decide to set up practice here in Mumbai. We are just fine the way we are and don't want to be 'cured' of our cranky madcap ways.
On a more serious note though, Prakash’s visit is well-timed with the Baisakhi celebrations today (and his mom’s birthday coming up next week). A major shindig is being raised at the Garden across the street this evening, replete with songs and dances and eats. While this is being hosted by the local Punjabi association, elsewhere in the city other communities are celebrating the New Year (by the Hindu calendar) in different ways – Poila Baisakh (Bengali), Rongali Bihu (Assamese), Vishu (Malayalee), Puthandu (Tamil), Vishuve Sankranti (Oriya)… Call it whatever you like, but here’s wishing that everybody has a ball for the next 12 months. (After that, don’t ask!)
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* "We know to get people to join us. And we have always proved it... Cheers!"
* "A little to the left, then to the right, a hop, skip and 1...2...3."