Around Mumbai In 48 Hours : Part II

We knew this would be toughest day with little time to rest & too many places to visit.The morning brought little changes in our plan - breakfast at Andheri station instead of Cafe Coffee Day , as the shop never opens by 9 AM. After a quick 'idli & dosa' session - we were all set for the day.

At the ticket counter ,we were greeted by a long serpentine queue.But what surprised Eli even more - bypassing the queue my dexterity to get the tickets in next 2 minutes.I think thats the only advantage railway provides you - if you plan to travel by Ist class.Within an hour - we reached Churchgate.

Around Mumbai In 48 Hours : Part I

Pre deepawali weekend ,Eli had just arrived in Mumbai.His flight delayed more than 90 Minutes ,he missed my font size '200' placard..but Eli..cool,calm ,composed & was ready for his maiden 48 hours mumbai trip. Possible ? Yes. as I had already identified our route plan.

Wading through the traffic , we reached home from airport . A little 'coke' break & we were off for Andheri Red Box - prefect venue to gauge how much spice Eli could withstand?

Late night we left the place & headed toward home.Little chit chat & we retired for the day..as a much bigger day was ahead.

Durga Puja 2008 : Moha Soptomi Evening At Mahakali Caves

Wading through the nightmarish Andheri east traffic , I reached matoshree park or the Mahakali caves Sarbojonin Durgostav. Last year the place hosted enchanting 'Nachiketa' during Moha Soptomi night.

However this year it was much contemporary Kaya - the creator of Kolkata Knight Riders theme song. The band simply rocked the evening with 'Sadher lau banaiylo morey ..'



Kaya will be performing in Lokhandwala ,Kandivili & Hiranandani in next few days. If you have missed them here ,do check them out.

Durga Puja 2008 : Moha Soptomi At Shivaji Park

The organizers had just announced the final round of Moha Soptomi pushpanjai ,when I entered Shivaji Park puja. The puja at Shivaji Park boasts of the largest number of people attending its puja , which may be quiet true. Other than the traditional Durga Puja meal (Bhog) ,shops selling ethnic merchandise (including saree ,shantiniketan bags) remains an attraction for the devotees to visit Shivaji park.



Ok here again (like last year) the serpentine 'bhog' queue was annoyingly long. My inner heart (which is truly Indian) would never allow me to become a part of such queues.Hence me & my colleague Venkata headed towards one of the shop 'Namita Caterers' for some delicious Maacher Jhol & bhat (fish curry & rice). We were hungry & I must say it was a real long wait for 40 minutes before the meal was served. But do I look tired here ?


Naah ..50 Rs for Maacher Jhol ,Bhat & Dal was worth waiting !

Durga Puja 2008 : Moha Sosthi At Lokhandwala

Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Shaktirupena Samsthita
Namastasyei Namastasyei Namastasyei Namo Namaha

Maa Durga has arrived for the year 2008 on Maha Sasthi day today. According to Hindu mythology, the festivities and prayers begin with the symbolic arrival of the Goddess on earth on the sixth day of the first quarter of the moon and ends on Dashami or the tenth day.

For the 17th successful year upmarket Lokhandwala Durga pujo , convened by singer Abhijeet and his Bollywood colleagues , remains much talked about mostly due to star attractions . Amid the mild drizzle of sunday night Abhijeet could be seen taking a stock of the situation ensuring that everything is just perfect .


Killing the demon might have been little easier for the Goddess & her army. However this time with series of terrorist attacks preceding the festive time , the Goddess has much larger task in hand - uprooting terrorism from India . Thats exactly the theme at 'Hanglas' - an authentic bengali cuisine restaurant in Lokhandwala. That's little away from the Puja place , but I don't mind walking a bit for 'Hanglas Chicken Roll'.