EAST MEETS WEST

The wonder of WhatsApp! Though I missed the festive celebrations in Windmills this year, the  mood and enthusiasm conveyed itself across the miles. 

 

There is always a first time! This year there were several ‘firsts’. 

First amongst them was the joint celebration of Navratri and Durga Pujo.

 

That evening the rain Gods decided to shower their blessings on the event, though well received, it meant a quick change of venues from the Greens to the Club House. 

The well thought of decor portrayed a colourful blend of both festivals. The club was decorated with alpana and stunning frames of the nine avatars of Goddess Durga.

 

Then for the first time, the ladies did traditional dhunuchi naach. Dressed in typical Bengali lal paar red and white saris, with alta on their hands and feet, wearing conch shell & coral shakha pola bangles on their wrists they danced the well choreographed steps with  utmost grace. 

 

Another first was an introduction to Bengali cuisine …. puchkas, jhal muri, aam pora shorbat, aloo dum, kochuri, chholar dal, pulao and desserts of the well loved rossogolla, nolen Guerrero ice cream and sandesh ending with the famous Kolkata paan.

 

As luck would have it, the last minute change of venue turned out to be perfect for the garba dancers.  They danced with abandon in the shelter of the circular -1 level of the club house. 

 

The DJ that night started with a few typical Gujarati tunes and ended with popular Bollywood garba songs like Nagada Sang Dhol and Dholida. 

 

Yet another first … were awards given to the best dressed lady, gentlemen, senior citizen and family!

 

And NOT for the first time did Windmillers let inclement weather dampen their spirts. 

 

Another wonderful event to remember. 

 

Roma Singh