As the AQI levels rose to alarming levels, fears that our Diwali Mela would be banned rose in direct proportion. After multiple attempts at planning the event, finally, things went smoothly. Catering, tentage, lighting, coupon sales, stalls, music, programme, everything seemed to fall in place with comparative ease.
The Diwali Mela in the neighbouring Sectors had proved a damp squib, and my neighbour, Tina begged for some last-minute coupons for her friends and their kids. The numbers, swelled and swelled, from a modest 100 to 125 to 150… and still climbing. The repute of our Mela had spread quite a bit. There were multiple requests for “Entry only”; as it was “Hoi” and many were fasting. Requests had to be denied, as the numbers were just too many. But food for thought, (pun intended), next time. The menu had been planned without onion-garlic, anyway.
We had been able to get a wide plethora of stalls, from knick-knacks to full-on painting, from crockery/cutlery to bed linen, from game stalls to Tarot reading, from western outfits, bags and sundries to… you’d never guess… Vermicompost! I missed Sudha though, with her delightful collection of elegant clothing.
Everybody’s favourite stall, however, naturally enough; was the Free Ice Cream Stall, with idunno how many varieties. Thank you, Sachdevaji, for an irresistible way to our hearts!
One of the early guests was Shraddha Lokesh. She had stayed in the Sector for just a few days but entrenched herself in the hearts of those she met. Smiling, naïve, entirely unassuming and happy-go-lucky, she is a delightful contrast to the vicariously self-important Wives of Men Who Matter. M. Lokesh CEO of Noida himself was equally unassuming, when I met him at the Vara Laxmi Puja, at his residence, nonchalantly stripping off his socks and shoes, and helloing and hi’ing his guests. Formally welcomed by the First Lady of the Sector, Usha Bhatt, neither one nor the other baulked at shaking a leg to the tune of “Akhiyon se goli mare.”
The most delightful part of the Mela was the participation of the kids. The Rangoli & Diya competitions were quiet affairs, but the highlights of the evening were the Fashion Show and Talent Competition. The children kinda hijacked the evening with their Fashion Walk. How the judges managed to make any decision on the prizes, I have no clue. My favs were Arjun, in a dapper achkan with Aadhya in a black and silver backless (almost) gown. The heart stealer, of course, was tiny 1-year-old Aadvik in a bow tie suit, barely walking yet, but happy to strut his stuff. The self-ordained Show Stopper was IPS Bawa who, with a twirl of his stole and coy simper was the Grand Finale of the Show!
The Tambola hilariously conducted by Bawaji, proved lucky for me, as I tripled my investment. “You’ve, come a long way, Baby,” breathed Madhu and Sweety, as they scrupulously managed the Board. It seems just two years ago, when the only thing I knew about Tambola, was how to spell it!
Time Whizzed by and the yumshious dinner was laid out, generously organized and subsidized by Mr Rangwaala. Chole, shahi paneer gobhi, dum aalu, dal makhani and kachalu had us spoiled for choice. I for one had no space for the kulfi and moong dal halwa that followed. No onion garlic ever tasted better!
As the public slowly straggled off, we suddenly remembered our Gala Lucky Draw and dragged the Junta back to the Venue. The lucky winner of an expensive Sonata watch was a bemused Anita Bhalwar. A well-deserved win, given her unstinting support to the Sector. Even happier was the winner of a pair of Carrera shades. She, at least had full awareness of the value of her prize.
Let me end with a cheer for Piyush and Mishu Walia, who always assist generously, but, miss the actual event. Thank you for making it!
