When we heard that Dear Vivek is getting married in India in Feb 2004 and Dear Bhava will be celebrating his 80th in NJ in early March, we decided to take a four-week vacationfrom our work to be part of both wonderful events happening within four weeks of each other. This is where our story begins.

OUT BOUND JOURNEY.

Left Colorado Springs on 8 Feb reaching Newark same day. Vinay was at the airport to receive us, but we also rented a car as we were going to Maryland next day. After spending a lovely evening with the Ghante family, we took off for Maryland to sign papers for our new house at Annapolis (we will be moving there next march after we both retire). We left for India on 10th evening by British Airways to Bangalore via London/Chennai. The journey was very boring and very long!

BANGALORE

Those of you who have not been to Bangalore in last five years, the Bangalore you will see now is a highly sophisticated, very friendly, highly service oriented city. Everyone seems to be very happy, helpful. One thing that has gone from bad to worse is the traffic. We were always nervous when sitting in a cab or an Auto.

The day after we arrived, we participated in the 80th birthday celebrations of Bhagya’s uncle. (Chikkamma’s brother). Met many relatives and enjoyed the afternoon.

CULCUTTA

After spending few days in Bangalore we were off to Calcutta to take part in Vivek’s wedding. His wedding was short and sweet. (Literally, as Bengalis make at least five types of sweets with each meal). I could not eat too much as “some one” I know was keeping an eye on me!. More on the wedding can be read on “www.ghante.com” where Manju has posted a beautiful write-up. I learnt quite a bit about “Sari” shopping while in Calcutta. You see, the Ladies went for shopping for four hours to buy three saris after the keeper showed 150 saris to choose from. The Sari heap was like a small mountain , the sales person had to make little “tunnel” in the heap to talk to the ladies. I was a silent observer.

We had to go back in a taxi on the next day to “return” one Sari as the “color” was duplicated.
Saris were purchased for about Rs 30,000, and the taxi fare about Rs 2000.

Coming back from Calcutta was a story by itself as it was “Calcutta Bandh” day. Read www.ghante.com for details.

Oh,yes! I forgot to mention that we visited “Ramakrishna Ashram” and Poori Jagannath Temple” before attending Vivek’s wedding. Ramakrishna Ashram was a wonderful visit but “Poori Jagannath Temple” , ask me before you make the visit. I have lots of stories to tell. But not right now!! We also visited Sun Temple in Konark. You won’t believe the sculptures! More on this when we meet next time.

BACK IN BANGALORE

We were back in Bangalore safe and sound on 24th after a wonderful and exhaustive stay at Calcutta. I had a “high school” reunion with about 9-10 friends whom I had not seen in 50 years!!. They all came with their wives and we had a nice time with them also.

On February 29th, the Ghante’s arranged a colorful reception for all their relatives in Bangalore who could not make the Calcutta trip, about 300 of them. Narayan’s clan is huge and most of them came and blessed the newly married couple. Weather was nice and so was the food. Both Vivek and Debashree were looking gorgeous and happy.

We stayed partly with Dear Sudhakar, Jyothi and Jaya and partly with Padma and Chandru. Enjoyed their superb hospitality and had lots of fun time with them.

We left Bangalore on March 2nd and were in Newark, NJ on the 3rd.

BACK IN USA

Prasad received us at the airport and took us home. We also rented a car as we had to go to Maryland the next day. Prasad had been commuting between airport and his home for the past few days bringing people coming in for Bhava’s 80th and had been helping a lot in that preparation.

We finalized on our future house at Annapolis on the 4th and arrived at the “ashram” on 5th evening. Most of the relatives were there already and preparations were in full swing.

Dinner was very sumptuous and the rooms to stay were excellent. Weather had been very cooperative thus far. Bhava was looking very calm and Sushila as usual was a busy bee and was all over the place.

The Pooja for the “god” was at 5:45 AM next morning and lasted for about an hour. What a blissful hour was that. The chanting will lift you to a different level and the tranquility one experiences is indescribable.

After a tasty “Uppittu” and MTR-like Coffee, the actual celebrations (which we were all waiting for) started at 8:45 AM in a place, which was specially built to do such celebrations. A glass building about 30’ x 30’ with a high ceiling and a central “Homa” pit. People can either sit inside the hall or can observe from outside through the glass.

Both Sushila and Bhava were looking so bright, happy and young that no one could say that Bhava was 80 that day. Both sat through the entire process, which lasted for more than 2 hours. Bhava sat in “Padmasana Position” the whole time without backrest and had a peaceful smile all the time. You could see he was enjoying every minute of it. It was so beautiful when they exchanged garlands and Bhava tied “Mangala Sutra” around Sushila’s neck. Many were in happy tears . I know I was!. When Priest asked all of us to receive “Ashirvadam” from them as they have “ transformed” into “Narayana” and “Laxmi” at that moment, all of us lined up to get Bhava and Sushila’s blessing and it was a beautiful sight to see. Bhava & Sushila were looking so radiant, peaceful and smiling.

We all moved to the dining hall where Bhava cut his Birthday cake with every one singing “Happy Birth Day”. The Birthday feast was very elaborate with delectable preparations. Thus ended a very happy event, which, I am sure, all who attended will be remembering for a long long time. Those who could not make it did really miss a great event.

Most people left the ashram the same day but few of us stayed back and left the next day.

THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES!

HAPPY 80TH BHAVA!!

Looking back these four weeks, we feel very blessed and fortunate to start the trip with 80th birth day of Bhagya’s uncle, Mr. Kappannaswamy, later see unification of two young hearts, became teenage kids again at our high school reunion and end the trip with another 80th birthday celebration (of Dear Bhava).

In the midst of all the above, we were still able to make the most important decision of our life to find a sweet home for us to live ever after from spring 2005. We will be very close (driving distance) to all our east coast relatives and we are looking forward to our move.

AGAIN HAPPY BIRTH DAY BHAVA!! AND A VERY HAPPY 2004 TO ALL OF YOU!!