Tag: Around the city in a MH-12…

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Balaji Temple

The Balaji temple near Ketkavale village (turn left at Kapurhol when travelling from Pune on the Pune-Satara expressway) is a beautiful destination that one must visit- either as a standalone trip or whenever one is travelling on Pune-Satara NH 4… Built by the Venky’s group the temple is a striking shape amid farms and Venky’s factories. The best way to get there is in your own vehicle as I did not spot dedicated public transport. I did see some ST buses so that may be an option to reach the main gate.

One cannot miss the turning as there are several hoardings depicting the approaching turnoff the highway. There is plentiful vehicle parking space but is at some distance and the ground is in a bad state- one can almost hear the vehicle tyres crying out loud as one lurches over pointy stones and ditches… You may want to leave your foot wear in the car itself but know that one has to walk quite some distance till the covered temple area that is designated for the official entrance queue. There are titled pathways till this spot, but walking on them anytime after 10am can serve as hot tile therapy for city-bred pedicured feet! We have always gone at the crack of dawn so hot stones were not much of an issue. There is a stall where one can deposit footwear but you cannot avoid the ‘hot’ walk…

Cell phones and cameras are not allowed inside temple premises and can be deposited at the security station. If you can bear to be disconnected from the world, its better to leave them in your vehicle itself for some quality time with God and yourself…

Men and women stand in separate queues and bags are checked. The stairs at the temple’s threshold have jets of cool water that are a wonderful balm to your feet. There are small statues of different gods placed in alcoves at the entrance and around the temple walls. These are adorned in wonderful jewellery and zari bordered colourful silk vastra.

One gets a darshan of the standing Lord in full splendour right at the entrance but one has to follow the queue for a closer view. If the crowd is not excessive, the pujaris offer teertha and place the ‘crown’ on your head as a blessing. There is not much scope to spend a few minutes to admire the jewellery or even restate your requests at God’s doorstep so make sure to do that from afar.

The pradakshana involves walking around the temple courtyard (in a covered veranda) that has smaller idols of other Gods. At the end, devotees get a handful of rose petals and tulsi and the local version of the famous Tirupati Balaji laddo and another food item subject to the time of the day and availability. We have always received lovely warm curd rice as prasad that is a joy to eat sitting in the courtyard outside.

At certain times of the day, temple authorities offer coupons for food- mahaprasad for which one has to walk some more to another huge hall. At a recent visit, we were pleasantly surprised to be the couple honoured to eat the first meal with the day’s prasad, other devotees had to wait till we started eating. The simple meal of rice, sambhar, chutney and sheera plus laddoo and a fruit were the most satisfying meal in a long long time. To top it all, the staff made sure to ask us for a refill and even gave us something to carry the prasad back home…

Presently the temple is under extensive renovations hence the serene atmosphere is rudely disturbed by violent sounds of stone cutting, crane engines and the like. They drowned out the aarti or bhajans or stotra that were played on the public announcement system. The usually pervading smell of burning camphor is hence overtaken by many others that I could not identify and wished to… I guess this is just a matter of time and an unavoidable part of temple improvements.

The temple interiors’ were being painted – the ceiling of the veranda had different coloured regular stencil motifs. The columns and walls are getting a paint makeover as well. I was struck by the paintings on the ceiling of the main temple not as much for their artistry (that was excellent of course) but for the physical difficulties the painters must have had to paint them. Yet not one was distorted.

Here are a couple of photos of the prasad laddoos that are about the size of a red leather cricket ball.

Don’t drool, drive out to the temple this weekend! Its only about45 minutes drive from Pune.
Cheers!

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For Netizens in Pune

The city is reeling from a battering by sudden stormy rain just as we start preparations for Divali. ‘Buccha’ (Milingtonia hortensis) trees are suddenly devoid of their blossoms, the flowers being prematurely driven to the ground by strong winds and rain.
Evening or night rain seems to be an almost daily feature. If you are stuck at home, are not interested in television soaps then what better escape than the Internet?
Here are some interesting Pune based organisations whose services you can avail without stepping out of your front door.

Let me clarify at the outset that I do not have any financial interest in any of these.

  • Feeling hungry? Order meals from a restaurant of your choice for home delivery at Tasty Khana (http://tastykhana.in/). The site facilitates restaurant bookings, has hotel reviews to help your choice. Visit the FAQ page for all your queries. TK does not prepare the meals themselves but arranges to delivery food to your home.
  • Want to assemble a salad? Order it at Green Tokri (http://greentokri.com/Home/tabid/37/Default.aspx). Register for SMS alerts to order your selection of fresh and tasty herbs and lettuce to be delivered at your home.
  • Want to read but too lazy to go to a library? No problem? Join the library at Tender Leaves (http://tenderleaves.com/) and get books delivered at home.
  • For those reluctant to drive their own vehicle and cant find a rickshaw, contact Wings Radio Cab. (http://www.wingsradiocabs.com/). They offer cab hire service for house holds and individuals in addition to several other options- listing them is beyond the scope of this post. Do visit the above link for more details.

On a recent visit, I found that almost all establishments in London had a web presence, their websites featured their menu (along with prices), working hours, took bookings as well. While Pune has a long way to reach that stage, I guess our entrepreneurs are taking their initial steps. Its for us netizens to make best use of the e-space to enrich our real lives.

If you come across any other such useful sites, do share them for our readers.
Cheers!

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The talking newspaper ad…

We consumers are by now quite used to getting free samples of shampoos, tea, sugar-free sweeteners in the newspaper. Yet this morning’s edition took the cake…
I opened the paper and was caught unawares by a strange sound.
It was from a small square box that was stuck on the last page.
It was an ad for the new Volkswagen sedan- the Vento.

The black box continued to ‘talk’ till it was covered. I did not test its battery life as I had more important things to catch up with.

I am sure sales of the newspaper must have benefited in this campaign as well!! To top it all, the ad (hence the product) will remain in the spot light for some time to come- obviously continuing to advertise the product long after the newspapers are sold to the kabadiwala…
If it makes to a case study the ad will get immortalised!

Read about the ad in the ET here (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/advertising/Volkswagen-pushes-new-Vento-with-talking-print-advertisement/articleshow/6600104.cms)
You can also watch it on You Tube here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOw-SWlL2ZE)

Long live the consumer!
Archana

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Modak

Today is Ganesh Chaturthi. The day next few days Pune city will wear a totally festive look, when swine flu, corruption in the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth games, rising prices, low rain fall, all fade in the background.

A must-prepare dish for this festival is Modak– the favourite dish of Ganesh. For the non-Maharashtrian, Modak can be crudely compared to a momo with a sweet coconut stuffing. But that’s where the comparison ends [before I get lambasted for comparing this ‘sugran‘ (marathi word for masterchef) item to a momo…]

Only the best quality rice is used to prepare the flour for the covering. Of course its available ready made but a true sugran will make it herself. The coconut stuffing can be sweetened with jaggery or sugar. The creative part is in moulding the modak so its delicate pleats are visible even after steaming. Modak is best enjoyed with a generous helping of ‘toop‘ (ghee/clarified butter).

Catering to the need of innovation, sweet shops in Pune now offer kajoo modak (cashew), amba modak (mango), khava modak, chocolate modak (may be full chocolate or with a coconut centre) just to name a few. Chitale Bandhu is the shop for these but others offer these varieties as well.


Ganapati Bappa Moraya!

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Hurray for retail!

I had ditched the local bania and unreservedly surrendered to the glitzy new retail outlet near my home. The orderly display and music, apparently huge discounts were infinitely a better atmosphere to shop in than the crowded stuffy shop next door. I was an ‘exclusive’ member of as many of retail clubs as the city had to offer. This made me privy to sale previews, encashable points on future purchases etc. None of the old style stores held my attraction or loyalty any more.

As I wandered through the store on my last visit commenting on a lack of sufficient variety in breakfast cereals, I accidentally dislodged two bottles of rose syrup jutting out of the shelf. The sound of breaking glass was drowned by my pounding heartbeats! I watched in horror as the red syrupy amoeba spread fast on the pristine white floor glaring accusingly at me. Some of my fellow shoppers stared at me with pity and others with condescension. I wished a hole would open up in the ground and swallow me up!

The store staff came around to clean the mess as I jabbered incoherently about paying for the damages. Of course I had had my share of broken bottles, glasses and cups but these were in the safety of my kingdom, namely my home. This was an entirely different cup of tea! I mentally began counting notes in my purse and began to rework my shopping list for the day in order to cater for this unexpected ‘purchase’. The plastic route was unavailable since I was awaiting a renewal of my credit card.

The area having been cleaned up I hurried through the rest of my purchases and landed up at the billing counter ready to pay for my deeds! I explained my predicament to the salesperson and hoped the matter would end there. It was not to be. I saw the manager approaching with a determined look and I feared the worst. Again I slipped into explanations of the accidental breakage and my willingness to pay for the same. The manager had a tough time to get a word into our largely one-sided conversation. As I finally stopped for breath, he grabbed the chance to say his bit!
It took a minute for my splintered brain to grasp what he had said. Seeing me gulping like a fish he gently repeated there was no need to pay- they would account for the bottle as a damaged piece. As the bit of information sank in I was overcome with contrition. I had been careless and this seemed to be the perfect way of ensuring I did not perform an encore! But there was more to come. The manager was profusely apologetic for providing only eight varieties of breakfast cereals and promised me the full range in a couple of day’s time. You see he had overheard my earlier comments.
I came away from the store thoroughly bewildered. The manager’s one sentence had ensured a permanent loyal consumer at his store. I now walk around the store with my hands crossed behind my back or safely folded in front. I have no wish to test if the store’s policies are unchanged!
Some of the big outlets offer exchange programs for old clothes, newspapers or even crockery! I hear foreign retail giants too are entering our markets. I was encouraged by my NRI relatives comments that the stores compared favourably with the ones abroad.
If the retail format gives me a comfortable shopping experience, with discounts, home delivery, gifts etc, what more do I need? Retail zindabad!
Hurray!
Happy Shopping!
First published here on MSN Contribute.

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Domicile

Getting an admission into a professional course (after Class XII) or some post graduate courses in a Maharashtra state educational institution often calls for a domicile. While students do their bit by studying and parents by saving necessary funds over the years there are some more things that demand planning.

The most important is a domicile. Its important to first find out if the course you seek admission to needs one. Let me caution you that this is not just another certificate that can be ‘got’ after your results. A relative of ours said she actually ‘garlanded’ the certificate once they got it. This may seem like but is not an exaggeration. It takes time, plenty of patience and several documents to get this certificate.

It helps to get your certificate well in advance- anytime from August to December is good. This way you can avoid the admission rush in April/May/June .

In Pune, one has to visit the ‘Nagari Suvidha Kendra’ located at the ‘godowns’ next to Kamagar Putala, behind the Shivaji Nagar Court premises. The office timings (as of June 2010) are 10 to 5 and closed on second and fourth Saturday of every month. Most submissions are done only in the pre-lunch session.

Usually when we visit any government office the place is buzzing with ‘agents’ who are happy to do your job. However I was surprised to find this place totally ‘agent-free’. There are several notices (all in Marathi) that describe the process to get any of the several documents they issue.

The domicile form costs Rs 2. Its in Marathi and we were advised to complete the same in Marathi as well. Fill in all details however tedious they may sound. Depending on your fluency and Marathi literacy levels this process can become time consuming. Collect all documents as per the check list on the last page. This includes things like school leaving certificate, proof of residence in Pune for last ten years (electricity bills- one for each year)… Those children born in Maharashtra but not in the state for last ten years will need another affidavit (cost Rs 100 and to be made in this office itself) from the applicant’s father in the stated format about having been outside the state.

Collecting necessary certificates is the crux.

The next step is to prepare an affidavit. This HAS to be made in the above mentioned office itself and has to be in Marathi. (Cost Rs 20). The queue is long and in rush periods one can have to stand up to lunch time (1.30PM) or even return the next day…
Thereafter affix stamps on your form and this affidavit. These are available in the Court (a good 15 minute walk). If not one can buy them from a vendor outside the ‘Kendra’ but obviously at a premium.
The affidavit and form (with stamps affixed) must be ‘checked’ at another counter- obviously another long queue.
Once done, you can submit the form, documents and affidavit. The clerk again ‘checks’ everything and gives you a slip with the date on which you are can collect your domicile- usually after about five days. You will have to pay Rs 20 again.

There is more…

Certificate collection is between 3-5 PM at the above office on the specified date only. Reach early. The process is as follows. The officer calls out names (thankfully via a loudspeaker) and one has to wait for their turn and then rush forward to the window with all skills you have developed when claiming a prize for a round of ‘Tambola’ (also called Housie or Bingo).

If for some reason you ‘miss’ your turn then there is a second round when all remaining names are called out once again. If you are still absent then the forms and certificates are sent to the Collectors Office and you have to collect it from the Nagari Suvidha Kendra there.

If your form is rejected for some reason (many are) then you get a letter stating reasons. Resubmit with revised or necessary documents at the Collectors Office Kendra and collect it from this office.

This entire process without hiccups can take up to 10 days- more if you miss any thing.

Now you know why my relative felt like garlanding their domicile!!

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Football Fever (again)

Here we go again…
The Jabulani ball indeed has captured our imagination like no other…
In Zulu, Jabulani means ‘To Celebrate’- read this ET article that describes the Jabulani’s India connection (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6129229.cms)
Shakira’s Waka Waka is another World Cup product that will linger long after 10 July 2010 (day of the final)!

Shakira performed ‘This Time for Africa ‘ at the inauguration of World Cup 2010. The song is called “Tsamina” or “Zangaléwa” by a group called Golden Sounds of Cameroon. This link gives some information on the song’s background(http://hubpages.com/hub/world-cup-song-waka-waka).

From what I gather “Waka Waka” means ‘Do the job’.

The catchy number is infectious and won unlikely fans- women (baby boomers), children and those from a staunch Marathi upbringing as well. I’m sure it lends well to an energetic aerobics floor workout as well…
For those of you who are not Vodafone users (the service provider offers downloads of the number), Sony Music Entertainment has released a CD of World Cup songs called ‘Listen Up’.
Enjoy!

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The Necklace

Finally I got the Necklace!
There were quite a few anxious moments when I thought it was truly beyond my reach.
However having crossed the 20K barrier I decided to go ahead…

As you rightly guessed, this is not about glittering rocks to be worn around the neck. I refer to the Necklace- in Pune cyclists’ parlance this is the circular route around the famous Pune tekdis’. It is a continuous left hand turn (or right hand depending on which direction you start) from Law College Road- SB Road-University Circle-NCL Road- DRDO-Bavdhan-Chandani Chowk-Paud Road-SNDT-Law College Road. One has to go up two hillocks- the Symbiosis tekdi and then way up to Chandani Chowk.

Why necklace? Probably because of DRDO’s lovely Necklace garden that one crosses en route.

Despite severe daytime heat, the cool morning air was condusive to my first attempt. We set off at a steady pace competing with no one but ourselves. A short water break beyond the Necklace garden and I was set for the final assault. To my mind the ride up to Chandani Chowk would be the most difficult part. I was determined not to walk up and cycle all the way up. I conserved every bit of energy, checked that the cycle gears were in top shape and cycled up one pedal at a time. Steadily I made it to the top… totally out of breath but victorious. Yeah!!

I was told that the downhill ride from any slope is a ‘prize’ to relish, a soothing balm for burning muscles as the wind rips across your face cooling you off. I had experienced this feeling on other downhill rides in Pune and looked forward to this one as well.

Yet things were different. Drastically different.

Congratulating myself I started towards Paud Road but was hit by the scariest feelings in my limited cycling experience. The road inclines downwards about 45degrees and is packed with trucks peeling from the Bangalore bypass. I felt the kinetic energy build up as my bike gathered speed, careening madly downwards with me precariously holding on to the handles for dear life. I did the very thing I had resolved not to.
I managed to brake and got off.
I walked the cycle downhill.
🙁

I guess a roller coaster ride would have been more benign at least one does not have to deal with murderous vehicles or maintain balance or ensure one does not veer from the asphalt into the stony berm.
My ego could take this fall not my bones or teeth!I had no wish to check healing powers of my bones.

The rest of the ride passed uneventfully.

Having said this, the ride was wonderful, something any cyclist must attempt. (Do so in the mornings when weather is cool and roads relatively free of vehicles.)
Cycling is a wonderful way to really ‘see’ the city up close.
Try it.
Cheers!

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March on Tekdi


March was a month of hectic activity on our Tekdi. Instead of putting everything down in words, I have a few photos that will better convey developments on the Tekdi.

As the sleeping earth awoke (from whatever winter we have here) some trees burst into fluorescent shoots that always glittered as the caught the early morning sun. It was also time for others to shed whatever remaining green garb they wore as the reserve forest plantation took on a sad brown hue.

Man made or accidental fires raged in parts that often destroyed this dried up undergrowth and grass but often took along with it some healthy trees as well …

Some trees bloomed despite global warming or whatever is the latest ecological blip. Gliricidia (pink inflorescence- also called undir mari) spread their delicate fragrance. Yet another tree covered by delicate white blooms made a stark contrast to the brown landscape (I have yet to find out the name of this plant).
Like wise fruit of the Harandodi tree burst (see the first photo) spreading millions of seeds that created snowy cotton beds on the ground!

As the parched earth thirsted for water, morning walkers enthusiastically watered the trees using discarded plastic bottles. The forest department ensures (tries to) that cement water tanks specially built for this purpose are refilled regularly. To goad those who prefer to just walk past, many voluntary organisations and activists put up posters urging every one to do his/her bit. I have one photo of a sample poster but there are many more similar interesting ones put up on trees.

March on the Tekdi shows signs of hope.
People marching on the Tekdi all have a common aim- to stay fit and healthy and conserve this unique feature of our city.
Cheers!
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Katkon Trikon

In Marathi this means right angled triangle. Katkon Trikon (काटकोन त्रिकोण) is a two act Marathi play that deals with relationships in a urban joint family particularly the generation gap. The characters are tremendously realistic and one can easily relate to the developing story line. Dialogues draw from modern city life and succeed in keeping us entertained and touch the deepest chord simultaneously. Dr Vivek Bele has authored the play and also acts as ‘Rahul’ – son of Aaba (Dr Mohan Agashe in a superlative performance). He is torn between ‘Bhakti’ his wife and father as the story plays out minor sounding personality clashes that soon become a full fledged emotional war that ends up with Aaba falling off their fourth floor balcony.

Is this a suicide attempt or an attempted murder? Or is it a genuine accident?

Dr Agashe plays a double role as Bapat, the CID inspector who is investigating the case. He systematically investigates events that led up to the fall and in a humourous often acidic manner dissects their relationships with each other. Like Bhakti he does so using fundamental principles of geometry opening their eyes to the loneliness of a single ageing parent.

The play scores on its dialogues, acting, timing, theme. Majority of the audience for the show we attended were easily above 60. I do recommend it for baby boomers as well though they may not fully agree with the way the play ends.

The story does end up showing only one side of this sad state in our society. Seniors too have their share of ‘eccentric’ behaviour which jeopardises relationships. This could have been brought out somewhere- probably a good theme for another play.

This is the link to the Katkon Trikon blog has upcoming schedules for the play. Don’t miss this one.

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