Just Walking Around

Marathi Theater

An interesting and an inspiring aspect of Shivaji Park – Dadar area is its Marathi Theater and the support it draws even today from the Maharashtrian community. Even in  this day and age of larger than life movies with its glamorous portrayals of  romance or tragedy or heroism sprinkled with large scale special effects there are stories that need to experience in person on a much smaller scale on  a one to one direct dialog. That’s where the theater or Natak comes into picture. The stories happen live before our eyes played out by seasoned character actors who bring them alive with their powerful and mesmerizing  performance on stage. They don’t have the liberty of retakes and re-shoots that the so called start of the Cinema have. What happens on stage is all live and the reaction to a particular scene is instantaneous . The applause is all real . Some of the seasoned stage actors say they are intoxicated by these live reactions and that is what they yearn for.

The Shivaji Mandir and the auditorium at The Chabildas School have always been the epicenter of the Marathi Theater. Stalwarts like Dr.Sriram Lagu , Arvind Deshpande , Dr.Kashinath Ghanekar , Prabhakar Panshikar , Sulabha Deshpande , Bhakti Barve , Bharti Achrekar , Veena Gupte etc have performed at these venues and mesmerized the audiences with their performances.Plays written by well know playwrights like Acharya Atre ,Pu La Deshpande ,Jaywant Dalvi , Vijay Tendulkar

My first tryst with Marathi theater was when dad took us to Shivaji Mandir to watch Ramdas Padhye’s Puppet theater a musical , the name I can’t recollect but it was real fun. It had the famous Ardhawat Rao , who would go “ Doka Phirla doka phirla" and rotate his head every time he was under stress . It also had his chatterbox wife Aavadabai , the white fluffy talking bunny rabbit who later was used as brand ambassador of Lijjat Papad and Sasa detergent powder. A first of its kind concept in the 80’s. The play was a musical comedy with song dance and great one liners , figure this a parrot is perched on a swing inside a cage hung in Ramdas Padhye’s house , in the middle of the afternoon a Police officer walks in to meet Ramdas Padhdye , Ramdas asks him to be seated at the same time the parrot says “yaa basa Peru kha” ( Come have seat and have some Guava) , the Police officer is offended and say “He kay peru khaychi vel aahe” ( Is this the time to eat Peru)  , the Parrot quips “Mag yaa basa ani hafte kha” ( cove have seat and take a bribe).. The audience burst into laughter. It was a memorable experience. The dark surroundings when light were turned off, the stage curtain going up , the actors , actress and the lovable puppets coming on stage . The stage  designed as per the scene and the story .And the story itself coming alive on the stage right in front of your eyes, mesmerizing you all along.

Much later when I was a little older we had gone to the same theater “Shivaji Mandir” to watch 

“Moruchi Maushi”. The play was written by the famous Marathi playwright Acharya Atre ( Pralhad Keshav Atre) the master of sarcasm. The story  was  based on the English play Charley’s Aunt. The play was  a hilarious & laugh- a-riot comedy. It was best known for Vijay Chavan’s iconic role in this famous Marathi Stage drama where he regaled in the title role of Moru's Maushi (Aunt )

Set in the post-Independence era when different Sansthans (princely states) of India were being demolished, the play dealt with three college friends Moru (Prashant Damle), Bhaiyya (Pradeep Patwardhan) and Bandya (Vijay Chavan). In the story Moru and Bhaiyya were sharing a bungalow they had rented. Moru's aunt, the queen of Kanda Sansthan, was supposed to coming visiting. So Moru and Bhaiyya call their girlfriends from their neighborhood to give her company but at the last minute the aunt's visit is cancelled and Bandya, who is playing a female part for a theatre group is coaxed by his two friends to become Moru's Maushi. What followed was a fun-filled drama with Bhaiyya's uncle and the girls' uncle proposing to mavshi and the arrival of the real mavshi and her niece who happens to be Bandya's girlfriend.

The main attraction of the play was 'Tang ting tinga', a song from the play where Vijay Chavan was at his best - dancing, jumping, playing games in a sari. Watching him on stage , the audience would root for him and there was always a cheer for an encore “Once More ..Once More”

After all these years I can still vividly remember the funny scenes and the prolific song. And every time I do so , a huge smile crosses my lips .

The play ran for more than 1000 performances and one of the actors in this play Prashant Damle , later went on to become the next superstar of Marathi Theater. He has to his name 2 World records .One of his plays “Gela Madhav Kunikade” went on for more than 10,000 performances and ran to packed houses for over 15 years . The other record is stupendous , he played 3 different characters in 3 different plays and performed for 5 shows at 5 different locations in Mumbai in one day. An achievement no other actor would have come even close.

Marathi theater itself  is an altogether different experience for a person in the audience. It’s a live its happening , the story unfolds before your eyes right there on the stage. In midst of the darkness all the emotions flow by from laughter , to happiness , to anger , to sadness everything flood you and hits you straight in the heart. The great dialogues uttered by the artists on the stage inspire you and make you proud .

Going back home after the play you are in a state of mixed emotion , sad at the sad scenes ponder over serious scenes trying to understand the play wrights point of view and happy remembering the funny scenes…..

If you ask my opinion next time you decide to watch a inane movie at the neighborhood Multiplex , I would recommend go watch a comedy Marathi play instead . It would be the best deal , you won’t have to spend a bomb neither for the tickets nor for the combo snacks. Spend a much smaller amount at the theatre , enjoy the play amidst the famous Mumbaiya snack of bata wada and a hot cutting chai and come out refreshing and Happy Happy HAAAAAPPY….

Just Walking Around

Diwali@Ponda , Goa

This year we as a family decided to celebrate Diwali in Ponda a prominent city in North Goa well known for its temples, rich cultural heritage and industries large and small and the fastest growing town in Goa.This city has still preserved its small town attitude while keeping up with other prosperous towns like Madgaon , Vasco or the state capital of Panji.

The fact that we have a home their now and the kids having a sizable Diwali vacation helped us plan our visit well in advance. Also the constant praise of the uniqueness of Diwali celebrations in Goa by my brother-in-law Jagdish Katkar fortified our stand.

In Mumbai we usually start the celebrations on Narak Chaturdashi by getting up real early , taking that Abhyang Snan with oil and utane ,bursting few fire crackers and followed by the faral eating session .

But in Ponda the celebrations starts the night before Narak Chaturdashi with Narkasur Processions and Competitions.

There are many legends related to the festival of Diwali in India. However in Goa the Narkasur legend of Diwali is well known and is the reason for the Diwali celebrations. Diwali in Goa is marked by Narka chaturdashi, in which huge effigies of the demon Narkasur are built and then burnt.

According to the legend of Narkasur it is known that in the ancient times, the beautiful land of Goi or Gomantak was ruled by the demon king Narkasur. Narkasura had obtained a lot of powers which made him quite arrogant and he began to spread terror, cause destruction and torture people wherever he went. He also used to kidnap young beautiful girls and this caused great unhappiness among the people of the world.

The people of Goa thus prayed and the gods asked Lord Krishna for help. A great battle was fought between Narkasur and Lord Krishna in which Lord Krishna shot his famous Sudharshan Chakra, cut off the evil head of the Narkasur and slit his tongue. Thus the evil demon who ruled Goa met his end in the wee hours of the morning and Lord Krishna smeared demon's blood on his forehead as a symbol of victory.

To wash away the blood of Narkasur, Lord Krishna was bathed and massaged with scented oils and thus the custom of early morning bathing with oil is being carried out. Also the young girls held captive by Narkasur were released and they lit lamps in their houses to mark the end of darkness and the beginning of light in Goa. This is also a reminder that good can defeat evil.

In Goa the people make huge effigies which are filled with grass, waste paper and crackers. A lot of money is sometimes spent on making these effigies look menacing and animated so as to move his different body parts. Special effects are given by way bellowing smoke from Narkasur’s mouth .Fire throwers create more magical effect and all this procession is well supported by dhol and tasha bands. Narkasura competitions are held at prominent areas of the town and give away cash prizes for the best made one. The effigy of Narkasur is then taken in a procession and later burnt at dawn amidst a lot of firework display to begin the festival of Diwali.

We were fortunate enough to watch such a show at the Ponda Upper Bazar Chowk competition area. The procession began with a huge effigy of the Narkasur from Bandora –Mahalaxmi mandal. Their effigy was really menacing , with its huge figure , big head , moving arms and flicking blood soaked red tongue.The tempo pulling the carriage had Lord Krishna seated on a dummy Horse Rath. The procession was lead by their band and fire throwers mesmerizing the crowd. As they reached the end pint , the actor playing the part of Lord Krishna shot an arrow which was guided on wires and perfectly pierced Narkasur’s neck and his head was decapitated. Huge roar of applause went up from the crowd . This was followed by few more effigies from other neighboring areas . The crowds egging the processions , clapping and hooting and making big sounds. Last of the effigies went by at 1.30 am and the funny part was it was beheaded by an actor playing the part of Radha instead of Lord Krishna who was busy dancing in the procession.A big round of cheers went up as the demon king was beheaded by Radha. All these effigies were then taken around the small town of Ponda in mini trucks and tempos and burnt at their respective mandals at 4 am in the morning.

We went home sleepy eyed to catch up on a few winks before getting up on the 1^st day of Diwali.

The next day just after performing Laxmi Pujan at home, we decided to go to the Mahalaxmi Temple at Bandora.As part of the festivities the temple trust had organized Devi’s palkhi. A replica of the goddess Mahalaxmi bedecked with gold was installed in a palkhi or palanquin. The main priests and few of the devotees lifted the palanquin on their shoulders and took the goddess around the temple complex with 4 halts in 4 main directions. This round about was accompanied by chants of special aarti’s and blowing of the conch. The atmosphere was filled with a vibe which resonated across the temple complex and also in our hearts.

As we were on vacation it was decided we try out the local restaurant’s. We tried the Sea food specialist restaurant “Hotel Kinara” and were pleasantly surprised with the taste and variety of fish and chicken on the menu. Try their fish thali with Mackarel (Bangda) or Surmai fry , machhi kadi , sol kadi and rice with chappati’s which can be ordered extra. The other specialty is their mutton sukha or chicken sukha or the exotic fish like Mori or Tisrya (Shell fish) apart from the usual golden fry prawns or the Bombil (Bombay duck) and Mandeli (gold fish ) or Velya (anchovies) . One more trademark dish is the Chicken Dry Fry , which boneless chicken marinated in red chilly , haldi power and salt mix and deep fried with rava as binder.This crispy and yummy dish is a hit with the locals and demand is high.

Just below “Kinara” is the oldest and well know ice cream parlor “Kalpana Ice Cream” . No dinner / lunch can be complete without a visit to this small but interesting ice cream parlor. With options like natural ice creams – Sitaphal , Anjir , Mango , Strawberry ,Musk melon or try their Sundaes with 3 scoops of ice creams topped with cherry and jelly or special ice creams like Gad-Bad ice cream which is combination of strawberry , vanilla , chocolate ice cream , rose syrup / chocolate syrup and topped with jelly and dry fruits – black raisins , cashew nut , anjir , pista and badam. Savor  these lovely desserts and have the time of your life.

We returned home to Mumbai with loads of sweet memories of the time spent with family and dear ones. A really memorable Diwali @ Ponda , Goa…

Just Walking Around

Faral Kandeel and Crackers………..

It’s that time of the year when the festive spirit is at its peak . With the last known Indian festival “Diwali” in full swing, its like the saying going out with a BANG ,  literally when those crackers burst and the sky is filled with the best ever sound and light show on the Diwali night.

Much before the festival comes around , every household is abuzz with cleaning and generally make the home spic and span. It is said the Goddess Laxmi the goddess of wealth goes around from home to home and resides in the one which is sparkling clean. All the family members used to sweep ,scrub, polish the doors , windows , ceiling fans and every nook and corner of the homes. Additional work was carried out by the house maids under the watchful eye of the woman if the house. The cleaning used to go on for 2 weekends. I still remember as kids me and Milind used to help our Mom & Dad during these cleaning sessions. The old flat in which we used to live had a typical design, the Hall , Bedroom and Kitchen were in 1 row and interconnected with doors in between and 1 passage and a huge balcony running parallel to these 3 rooms. As a result the itself had around 10 doors which would need cleaning every year. The white oil painted doors would become dull with frequent handling and the dust . A big scrub to them during the yearly exercise would bring back the glow and the house would look sparkling. Now a days you have the facility of professional cleaners, those similar to the house keeping staff in offices. They can be hired for fees depending on the package you take standard cleaning, deep cleaning or express cleaning. These professional cleaners come with vacuum cleaners, wet mops, duster etc. and make the cleaning job look as easy as pie.

Another important house holdactivity which made Diwali truly enjoyable was the making of the “Faral” , you can call themsnacks or munchies which would be served just after the special bath on Narak Chaturdashi – he 1^st day of Diwali. This would also be exchanged with our neighbours and served as refreshments to the visiting guest. Lip smacking items like Chakli, Rawa Ladoo, Dry Karanji, Spicy Sev , Poha Chivda and Mom’s specialty Deep Fried Spicy Peanuts (these are still made in our home and gorged on well after Diwali is over. I personally love them…..)

Today due to lack of time due to our busy schedule most of the Faral is bought from well known shops in Dadar –Mahim belt which have become a brand on to themselves. If you are the diet / health conscious type or want to send these lovely munchies to your friends and family abroad, head to “Gobole’s”at Dadar at the corner of Ranade Road. Here you will get baked Shankarpali’s Chakli’s fried in less oil. Soys sticks instead of  the spicy sev if your pallet wants to taste something different. They also have the traditional Besan Ladoo and special one made from Sugar free for the diabetics.If it’s the traditional stuff you desire you can head to Aswad at Shivaji Park or Thakur’s or Ashok Masale’s at Mahim. Here you will get Bajani Chakli’s , crisp and spicy and loved by foodies like me who get tired of sweets and ladoos  during Diwali. Then the other specialty are unique items like Anarse (crispy sweet discs made from fermented batter), Chavde also known as Mande or Mandige is traditional Maharashtrian & Konkani specialty that is made from fried bread made of flour that is stuffed with delicious blend of grated and roasted coconut , cardamom powder sugar and sesame seeds. Then there are the sweet sugary Balushahi’s . They are similar to glazed doughnut in terms of ingredients, but differ in texture and taste. Another special sweet snack is the Chirote , prepared with plain flour , Chiroti is a fried flaky pastry with concentric circles of delicate layers that is either sprinkled with a generous amount of cardamom flavoured powdered sugar or dipped in cardamom flavoured powder sugar or dipped in cardamom flavoured sugar syrup..

All these available in neatly packed in 250gms or 500gms packets, ready to be picked & taken home, to be savored not just during Diwali but also as evening snack for next 15-20 days well after the festival ends. Eating these during tea time brings back sweet memories of the celebration just concluded.

Diwali shopping cannot be over unless you have bought those Fire crackers from Sivakasi, some that make noise and most those spread the light . Every kid and even the grown ups like to burn these crackers and have a gala time enjoying the beautiful shower of light coming out of the Anaar-Flower pot , a cone shaped fire cracker which throws off a huge glow of light from its belly. The other favorite’s are the Rocket and the 11-in-1’s which fly up in the sky and burst into hundred colours. Smaller kids are happy with lighting the Sparklers , regular electric or coloured ones. Or the zameen chakri , spinning at top speed on the ground and sprinkling the light all around and having a little masti.

But Diwali can not be said to be complete without the lighting decoration each home installs to make it a truly a festival of lights. The traditional paper lanterns or Kandeels sparkle and diminishes otherwise depressive and stressful lives in the maxim city of Mumbai. You can walk the Ranade Road in Dadar or the foot paths leading to Shivaji Park or if you are a true enthusiast head to the footpaths near Citylight area and rounding of towards Cadel Road. They will keep the paper lanterns , some plastic ones some Chinese shaped , some like footballs , some like hot air balloons, the Star types, cartoon character types for the kids. All glowing and dispensing their serene light on to the footpaths and the surrounding area.

Looking at these glowing Kandeels during the dark nights it feels as if the stars have descended on this Earth spread the glow and bring some Happiness and Joy in our lives.

Wishing all my readers a very Happy Diwali and prosperous New Year.

Have fun enjoy and don’t just indulge in taking selfies or mobile snaps but build memories of the small small incidents during Diwali in your hearts and minds to last you a life time.

Happy Reading….