Festivities are in the air, with advent of various festivals. In NTPC all the festivals are celebrated however, Durga Puja is celebrated with much gusto - thanks to enthusiasm and initiative of the Bong Lok!
So again, like last year, Durga Puja festivities started in the township in and near "Anandam" (community hall). We went on Sunday, i.e. "Shashti" to have darshan of devi. Food stalls were also put up, which we attacked and had lip-smacking spring rolls and Pav Bhaji.
Bhandara - community lunch was also being organized, last year we could not attend as I used to go to office in Delhi. This year, Alok's senior asked him to come as a volunteer and Alok loved the work on Monday. Again on Monday, I had to go to Delhi office, so I could not see Bhandara.
Today, I had the opportunity to go to the Bhandara. Alok was again volunteering, and even though I wanted to do the same, no lady volunteers were there, so I settled on simply having the food. When I reached the place, I was amazed to see the long queues, I had never seen so many people together in the NTPC township. I was about to run away seeing the crowds. I bumped into Alok, and he asked me to stand in the ladies queue and have food. I did not like the idea, as I wanted to have lunch with him. But he insisted, so I stood in the line.
There were four items - pulao, daal, paneer matar and rice kheer. All were prepared beautifully and sumptuous quantities were served. Some quiz competition was going on, so I sat in the Pandal, watching the quiz competition and having my food. Alok is still serving food and would go directly to office from there.
Even though I like the idea about Alok volunteering, there is a nagging feeling of his time stolen from me. I mean if we had lunch together at home, we would have been together. Guess life is full of twists and turns, frills and thrills!
I am happy to have been at atleast one Bhandara and this one was organized extremely well and food was very good. Thank you NTPC, for one more experience.
