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Sankranti 2017

Winter has peaked in Ahmedabad. Temperature has gone considerably down and it is officially best time to eat and sleep. I don't think many of you would have slightest idea what it feels to wake up and brush at 4.30 am in this cold. It feels I am the only person awake at this hour, however, that's not true.

The moment I walk up to the main road, I can see people jogging or walking or going about their business. So, truth is while it is a big deal for me to get up this early; I am not the only one doing that. There are hundreds who do this out of habit or necessity or choice. I feel fortunate to have made this my goal, four days in and I am going strong. Project 21/7 is ON.

Today is Uttrayan, one of the most fun festivals in Gujarat. Actually the day is over and I am about to sleep to keep up with the wake up call. I am writing this late is because I was able to sneak in couple of hours of sleep during the day.

So, want to take this time to thank a few important aspects of my life on the eve of first festival of the year.

Tradition

Sankrant in Gujarat means time for kite flying and undhiyu - jalebi. We Gujarati's are laid back and it only during these two days that you will find us up and running before six in the morning. Speakers were blaring and kids were shouting by the time I came back from walk. Instantly you get put in the festival mood in such environment. During the walk, I saw numerous hawkers with fresh grass lining up to sell. It is another important tradition to feed the cow on this day. Not sure if this is Gujarat specific or not but I remember my granddad taking me to feed the cow on uttrayan day. So it may be a common aspect across our country.
Another tradition followed in my family is of Uttar Pradesh. See in UP, today is celebrated as Khichdi. Men and women have to touch and mix rice and "udad" immediately after bath. This goes in to the Khichdi.

P.S. Please google if you want to know meaning of Khichdi or udad.

You see, we get to enjoy the best of two great states. Isn't that awesome?

Well, another tradition which I am sure is borrowed from West is the tradition of making new year resolutions. I am trying it for the first time this year and loving every moment of it. Not every moment exactly, the workout part is pure agony. But, I won't be writing this if not part of my resolution. So, hurrah the traditions.

YouTube

What would melody lovers like myself would do if you were not there. Jagjit Singh has moved on to sing for gods and we are left with honeysinghs. Barring a few songs of Sonu Nigam and Arijit Singh, there is no melody left in hindi music. In such a time, YouTube has been our savior. Thanks to it we can listen to Abhas Joshi's tribute to legends and enjoy the forgotten art of singing.

P.S. I recommend "ajahun na aaye baalma". Must must must watch.

Smartphone

Yes, I am dependent on it. It's my alarm clock, my cd player and my blogger too. Thank you Mr Inventor, this wouldn't have been possible without you.

Finally let me end this day by thanking Mr Ruskin Bond. The Room on the roof was the book that inspired me to read more & more and eventually, try to write.

With this I bid you a goodbye and goodnight.

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