THE MUMBAI DARSHAN (2012)

THE MUMBAI DARSHAN (2012)

(29^th July to 2^nd Oct. 2012)

29^th july, 2012:

Finally after so much of apprehensions and arguments of pros and cons of shifting to Mumbai from family and friends, I arrived at Mumbai, along with my friend, Poonam. Looking down from the small window panes of the flight, we both wondered on seeing the huge city below full of greenery surrounded by the sea shore which was for the first time that we both were seeing sea for real, our eyes widening and smiling with a “WOW! “

After descending down and getting out of the plane we both showed our excitement by shouting and exclaiming,” I never thought that one day I’ll be in Mumbai.” Said I while Poonam nodded in agreement that she had not even imagined that she will ever visit this city which is very far from our region and moreover we’ve very little business to do with it except for a tour on holiday, that’s also we hardly plan given the long distance from our region.

 Then we hired a taxi and went to CTC, where 5 days training was to be held, having staying arrangement there. The taxi guy said that he wasn’t aware of the location, so went on enquiring to the people on the way,” Where is Barfiwala Marg.” Nobody gave a reply in negative, everybody guided our way, but still we were unable to reach our destination and just making round and round trip of the Campus. Later, when we reached, the taxi man charged us Rs. 100 extra, which at first we fought saying, “It wasn’t our fault. I f you drive a taxi, you should be aware of the routes.” His vague reply,” You should have the phone no. of the address you are going to. That’s the easiest way to get a correct direction.” We fought for some time, then I gave him Rs. 50, but he wasn’t satisfied. He wanted Rs. 100 only saying,” keep it with you.” Leaving him down, we went upstairs at the 2^nd floor to the office of CTC, where we were supposed to register ourselves. We just reached up with our bags that suddenly the Taxi man came running and said,” It’s not quite good. I wasted my time just rounding the road,” and blah blah blah. It was getting quite nasty, so I finally took Rs.100 note from my bag and handed it over to him. He took it without making any other gesture and ran down stairs. Soon, we were allotted a room, we two in same room. The room was quite good; twin bedded, neat and clean, well furnished with not even a speck of dust in it. We jumped and shouted in excitement. Then my phone rang. It was Palzor, my friend from kinnaur, who was already posted in Mumbai, a month back.

 “Welcome to Mumbai.” He said.

“It’s so big! Isn’t it? We are so excited!” I said. While he laughed and asked us to come to Gateway of India if we could. Since we were new and not aware of the routes, I said,” We will ask the office men downstairs and will come if it’s possible. But the office people said that it would take around one hour by train. We asked if we can hire a taxi, for which he laughed,” Then you’ll never reach there.” So, since we had no idea of the train routes and all, and moreover it was getting dark, so we dropped the idea and told Palzor that I’d see him some other day. J

30^th july:

It was already morning and we two were lazing around on the bed asking each other as who would first go and take bath. The door bell rang. It was Priyanka, who though arrived the previous day, but we couldn’t meet her as she had been out with some friends and came late. She was already ready and on seeing us gave a shocking gesture,” you guys are still in bed? Its 8:30, get ready soon, we will go for the breakfast together.”

I laughed and introduced Poonam to Priyanka, who were meeting for the first time, though they were friends on face book. Then she left for her room, and we two made it fast and got ready in no-time. On TV we played some music and danced for few minutes which became our chilling routine for next five days. At the lunch interval, we met Prateek too and made plans for the evening after the lecture was over.

“We will take the fast local.” Said Prateek after getting the tickets. I said,” Is there a slow too?”

“Yeah, the slow stops at every station, so it will take longer.” He answered.

Hell! What we see around!  Hoards of People; running, sweating, talking and shouting as if they have at their back a demon targeting them with a huge sharp pointed shining dagger and cutting everybody to pieces.

“God! This is something.” I said unbelievingly.

“This is your soon to be life now.” Poonam said

“Hmm, very soon you’ll be a Mumbaikar too.” Priyanka added. And we all laughed.

As planned after 45 minutes we reached Church gate, from where we hired a taxi and reached destination; Gateway of India. Getting out of the taxi, we just rushed towards the gateway of India in front of which the huge sea made us mesmerized. For Poonam and me it was our first interaction with sea, so anybody can guess how exalted we felt. 

On seeing the girlish happiness blended with chirpiness of Poonam and Priyanka and my childish hopping, the cool but a little manly serious, Prateek shouted,” Are you girls insane.”

We shouted back,” We don’t want to bury our emotions, let them flow.” We ran towards the sea and watched the sea waves touch the shore and return backwards fully satisfied of its touch with the walled boundary. Soon it started raining. People ran to find a shelter including Prateek, but we, the three birds stood there holding each other’s hands and jumping, singing and shouting in excitement. The first day of the Darshan was quite amazing. We felt like free birds, with our minds leaving everything behind. After fully drenched in rain, we hired a horse-chariot decorated fully with flowers, charging Rs 250 for a little distance of 10 mnts and went to Pizza by the bay, a famous restaurant along Marine drive for dinner. We had our favorite Italian cheese pasta, veg. pizza and some drinks and then spent some time at Marine Drive, the emotions and happiness being at the top of our heart. I really felt some connection with sea waves, which sprinkled some drops on my cheek making me giggle at my hearts core.

When we returned it was already 12 o’clock, but we were amazed to see that even at that moment people were there with same motion, and I had to make sure if it was really night or day. Finally we said,” Night life rocks here.” J

31^st july:

Along with the threesome and one of Poonam’s batchmate, jakhu, went to Colaba Market for some shopping and had dinner at another famous restaurant, named, Café Montegar. The café was a unique and  we enjoyed the surrounding, the wall paintings and the crowd. Then again after dinner, we went to Marine drive and spent some time there with the cool sea breeze. J

1^st August:

Juhu was the destination on that day. We stood on the road and waved at every taxi and auto to stop and asked to take us to juhu, but strange! none stopped. And we kept on walking along the road and stopping every empty Auto we could see, but again none stopped. We just wondered why it’s like this; whether it was some route problem or it was due to the short distance, but we got no answer. Then finally we decided to walk. It was a long but memorable walk to Juhu Chaupati. There also, on seeing the sea we jumped and danced, while Prateek laughed and clicked our pictures. We went to the shore and played with the sea water which though was full of garbage and dust in it, but nothing mattered to us as long as the waves played with our feet. Then after taking some rest on the sandy ground, I don’t know how the mischief occurred or whose brain child was that, we started throwing sand on each other, targeting and running after each other. Our whole body got sandy; from head to toe not to speak of the condition of our already damaged hairs. We had our dinner at one of the restaurant at the Chaupati itself and returned fully tired and satisfied for the day. J

2^nd August:

As the training was nearing its end, Poonam & Priyanka had to do some shopping, so, we four went to Hill road at Bandra. Had dinner at a good but not so famous restaurant. My first shopping in Mumbai was a green color bag; type of Jhola, which was stylish and spacious. ;-)

3^rd August:

The last day of training. Went to Infinity Mall at Andheri itself. Got tickets for a movie for next day. From there, Prateek and Priyanka left to visit some relatives, so, me and Poonam did the shopping and I had my second shopping article from the mall; a light blue cool look Capri. ;-)

4^th August:

It was the day to say goodbye to the three awesome companions, so felt a little low though I didn’t show.  But before that we had movie at Infinity Mall at Andheri. 

From the movie itself, Prateek and Priyanka left. Me and Poonam went back to CTC, got her luggage, said her bye and went ahead for my first train yatra all alone, to visit my friend Yojana at Colaba. While in the train, thoughts started coming,” Would I be able to adjust in here? Did I make a right choice? Did I come by myself or was I brought here? What would be reason of my arrival in Mumbai, which everybody is asking and the answer to which I didn’t’ know myself, and rather I ended up giving everybody a vague answer?

With these thoughts, I reached Church gate and hired a taxi to Yoju’s home. J

5^th August:

Along with Yoju, went to Linking road, a shopping area at Bandra at noon, and in the evening went to Marine drive and walked and sat along the queen’s necklace for hours. We shared a lot of things about each other and other things. She has been a great guide to me, and along with her parents gave me a good bunch of advices on do’s and don’t in Mumbai, esp. in Local train. I had a great weekend there. To be with our own people at a far distant place naturally gives a feeling worth sharing for. J

6^th August:

It was Monday, and I reported at HO, where I spent 2 days before being allotted final posting. At IT dept. Ruchi and Parul made great company, with whom I had lunch and all. J

8^th August:

New office- MRO-IV’s DO-130800, at New India centre, where I had been coming for lunch along with Ruchi & Parul on previous days. Just wondered, there was all male staff except for one lady and she too got her transfer letter, and very soon was to leave the office. So, I was the only female in the office that’s too among all Marathi’s. : P

9^th August:

It was Ruchi’s birthday on 8^th of August. As she had to go to CTC for some training, she couldn’t treat us on her birthday. So, she invited on 9^th to have an outing and dinner together. So, we were there, a bunch of opportunists; Lakshay, Manish, Abhishek, Parul including me were Ruchi’s guests for the day. First, we went to Marine Drive, my favorite place and spent some time there. Then we had dinner at a restaurant near churchgate. After dinner, we hired two taxis and went to Girgaon Chaupati, at Charni road, where we had famous Panjabi kulfi. It was amazing day for us and of course a special one for Ruchi for she dropped a thank you message once I reached home.

10^th August:

It was Friday and as planned in the evening after office, went to Palzor’s place at Khargar, at Navi Mumbai, situated at Harbor line. As it was my first along that line Palzor got early from office and caught me at CST station. I met his wife for the first time, and on seeing her and talking to her I could make the guess why a sane boy like Palzor will ever elope with a girl from different community without even informing his family and friends. She is the girl of everyman’s dream, and I felt happy for both of them. J

11^th August:

Early morning, received a sms from Ranju, asking for plans or come to her place. She is also one of my friends from Chandigarh, who shifted to Mumbai two years back after her marriage, and after playing the role of a housewife for sometime, is now working as a geologist in one of the company, named Fugro. So, at noon went to her place at Ghansoli, navi Mumbai, not far from Palzor’s place. We both were overjoyed to see each other. Our relation has been more of each other’s leg pullers, which we enjoyed a lot and still enjoy it.  In the evening, she took me to D-Mart Mall, at Vashi from where I did my third shopping i.e. a blanket for myself though choice was hers. Getting back to her home, I got introduced to her husband, who seemed to be a good, kind and serene guy, with a lot of devotion to his work, which Ranju complains sometimes for his inability to pay attention to her at times.J

12^th August:

At noon went to In orbit Mall, at Vashi with Ranju from where I had my fourth purchase, a pink suit for myself, though I hardly wear suits, but I felt for a change let me have one. Then from there I took train for Palzor’s place via Little wonder Mall, Khargar where they have been waiting for me. J

15^th August:

Independence Day holiday! Went to Inorbit Mall, Malad with Sweta and Lovely, my flat-mates, it being my first outing with them, and in the evening did groceries. J

18^th August:

It was Saturday. I felt like lazing around, but Ranju’s phone call made me get ready to go to her place. So, at noon I went to Ranju’s house. She and Jiju had already been to Office, so I watched television till she came back from office in the evening. J

19^th August:

After lot of persuasion, shirking his laziness, jiju, Ranju’s husband, took us to Mini sea Shore at Vashi, where we had a fun filled long walk with clicking photographs every now and then. Though it was a small shore, but the long stretch of the pavement covered from both sides with lush green trees and bushes, made it a perfect and nearest escape from the city-commotion. I had a great time there and so did the beautiful couple. God bless Jiju. J

"The beautiful couple; Ranju and jiju. <3 "

"Colorful Nawi. "

25^th August:

Went to pay obeisance to little Ganeh ji at Sidhivinayak temple, one of the most famous temple, situated at Dadar, along with Sweta. The peculiar way of making a wish by speaking it into one of the three mice’s ears just enthused me to the core and my heart tickled too.

26^th August:

The Sunday planning with Palzor, Dimpi and Rajesh to Elephanta Caves, which was about to be cancelled due to heavy rain, but had to be carried on because of my insistence, proved to be most refreshing and memorable. I never expected that I would get to see such an ancient piece of Buddha’s statue and others over here in Mumbai, which I had always thought too distant to follow Buddhism and preserve its ancient treasures. I really felt enlightened though it was a bit tiring after a long journey by sea and then uphill trek. We still managed to enjoy our bit. And oh yeah! It was my first journey by sea though it was a little ferry, but I really aspire to travel by a huge ship also. J

"the foursome"

2^nd sept.:

Sweta and I, as planned not to waste our Sunday, went to Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivalli where we admired the natural beauty of the park and had a tiger and lion safari ride. For the first time I saw a lion, a white tiger and a yellow tiger live. Then we went to Kanheri Caves, in the premises of the park itself at a distant for which we had to hire cab. After getting out of the Cab we had to walk upwards for a few meters to reach to the caves. Total 103 caves, I could easily associate myself to the caves and found emotionally and spiritually attracted to it when I saw that it was all about Buddhism. So many of Buddha’s statue, some big some small and the statues of fairies and disciples, dating back to 1^st b.c and the abundant no. of caves which would’ve been meditation centre of the learners were just a treat to my eyes. I couldn’t believe its authenticity, but yes it was real. It had been an ancient Buddhist learning and pilgrimage centre, sculpted by Buddhist Monks between Pradyut Sakhseria 9^th & 1^st century bce, chiseled out of basaltic rock out-cropping. I never thought that Buddhism, the religion I follow is so widely spread. Overall, I had the best day and the lush green scenery from above the caves added to my leisure. I was going up and up when at last Sweta stopped me and said,” It’s enough Nawang, we can’t go further for we might get late.” I asked her to click my last picture at the top, and then descended down to make our return journey. I was feeling so refreshed and so emotionally touched. A mind-blowing day I must say. J

15^th Sept:

I’ve heard a lot about Mahalaxmi temple, so this Saturday was reserved for it in advance. Sweta had already been there with her friends, so she became a guide with lot of tale to tell. Like sidhivinayak, photography wasn’t allowed here too. So, we just had the Darshan, said our prayers, and went backside at a floor level to see the sea shore which touched the temple premises from the back. And what I see,” an extremely beautiful view of the sea and the settling sun peeping through a thick specs of clouds making the sight worth a bless!” After seeking the Mata’s blessings and catching the beautiful sight in my eyes, we went to Marine drive, which by now has become my favorite and easily accessible place, and sat there for hours. J

22^nd Sept:

This was quite a different and exciting day. As the Ganesh Chaturthi festival of 11 days was going on during which people go to the well known shrine known as Lalbaug ka Raja, where the biggest idol of Lord Ganesh is put for 11 days from the Ganesh Chaturthi till the visarjan day i.e when the idol is immersed into the water. It is believed that whoever makes a wish here in front of this idol that gets fulfilled, so the name Nevacha Ganesh i.e the wish- fulfiller one. So this Saturday I went there along with Sweta and one of her friend, Anand. We set out from home at 8:15 am, and reached at Parel where the baug is situated at around 10:00 o’clock. What we saw there was just unbelievable,” devotees in lakhs or no counting, so over-crowded pushing one another in a long queue which rather seemed never-ending. We got out of the Cab and walked to find a place in the queue, but as the queue was not ending we kept on walking-running-walking-running for more than 20 minutes before we really could get a place to stand in the queue. Then we were in the queue of not finely defined line of 5 or 6. And to my utter amazement, here in Mumbai, even queue for a religious darshan doesn’t walk, but it also runs. So, we went running and pushing through the over-crowded queue sweating and stinking and making faces at each other. I’ve been using my time in making live commentary to some of my friends on Watsapp, but when they also said bye and enjoy, I ended up clicking the pictures of the crowd and roadside flower and prashad vendors. After almost 1:30 hours I could see the gate on either side of which there were the security personnel, checking on the belongings of the devotees. I felt relieved for reaching and entering the premises. But, it was not the end at all. There was more to go. The long-2 movement through zig-zag serpentile iron railings, first on the right which I thought was the end, was not the end; there was another same passage on the left. We were running like anything through these passages, still no vision of destination at all. This took another one hour, after which we came out in a long straight queue. We went walking and walking and walking. Then finally, at a distant after raising my feet a little I could have the first glimpse of a large ornamented and well made idol of Ganesh Ji. I took a long breathe, took my camera out of the bag, made some wishes for friends and family, and then started clicking his pictures from that distant, struggling through the crowd and the security persons literally pulling me away. It was altogether a very unique and out of the world experience. Then finally we came out of the meddling crowd, fully blessed and satisfied of the Darshan. J

"the wish-fulfiller"

It was 12:00 pm only and we could still roam around. Anand left for home for he felt dead tired. Then, taking our lunch at church gate station, we two set out for more exploration. From there we took the train for Charni Road and went to Taraporewala Aquarium, where we came across multiple of sea-creatures; varieties of fishes, sea-snakes, turtles, crabs, lobsters etc. They were eye-catchingly beautiful, but alas! Here too photography was not allowed. Then, after Taraporewala, though our destination next was Nehru planetarium, but given the short time, we decided to go instead to Hanging Garden, at Grant Road which was nearby. Hanging garden was all about greenery and beautiful flowers with well maintained benches and shades around for the people to sit. It reminded me of Chandigarh, the city of gardens, where there wouldn’t be any garden I’ve untouched. We walked through the pavement of the garden for a while, and then descended nearby at Kamala Nehru Park, where finally I saw the boot house, which I’ve seen earlier in many photographs of my relatives and friends who visited Mumbai. 

The lush green park I suppose woes tourists a lot, given its beauty inside and the location along the shore, Giregaon Chaupati touching it from below. From here we can have a complete and rather beautiful and soul-satisfying view of entire Necklace of the Queen, i.e. Marine Lines.

We returned home in the evening, though dead tired but fully satisfied and happy. J

2^nd October.

The moment I saw the picture of Bandra-Worli Sea link, I decided to go there. Though we planned it on the weekend, but it couldn’t materialize with the ongoing Ganesh visarjan on full swing. So, I celebrated Gandhi jayanti by having a quick drive to India’s first sea bridge along with Sweta and Lovely. After that as I had to leave home on 6^th, we went to hill road for some shopping.

This was the last outing of the Mumbai darshan session of that round, because I was going back home for two weeks, after two months to Chandigarh and after one year to Kinnaur. I was so excited. For the first time I’ve been away far from my family and friends, so the feeling was quite different. J

I hoped that I would explore the city with same zeal, but the things around me were not quite good. Moreover there had been some ups and downs in my own life, which kept me low for a while.

(But never mind, it’s part of life; for life just goes on and amidst of everything good or bad, we just have to keep smiling. JJJ)