Another Neighbourhood Party

   I am just back from a typical Indian party or say get-together. Why do I use ‘typical’ word? No that is not for showing other how poorly they held their celebration but just to show how desi we Indians are. We leave behind our chaap or nishaan where ever we go. I am sure that foreigners don’t enjoy so much in their get-together as we Indians do. These gatherings are ‘party’ for that person who invites everyone to include in their happiness but for others it is just another get-together. Aunties wearing sparkling saris and decorative (nakli) jewellery always manage to take some topic that can run for good two hours. God bless their mouth that never pain after so much of talking and laughing. Gents come in wearing the best shirt and pant available in their wardrobe or almira. They are either busy in staring other’s wife or busy in official talks. Oh there is third category in gents- The ones to keep it to themselves, they come, goes to main person to congratulate, eat food and head back to home. This reminds me of a funny line by Ashish Shakya in one of his hilarious stand ups- I am a north Indian and I am an asshole. Just for the records, I am a north Indian. Though we north Indians are not complete assholes but yes our meetings are loud and sometimes full nonsense.

   The habit of keeping our plate full of food (Today I saw some people keeping bowl of soup on their plate), laughing with an open mouth that is stuffed with food makes us stand out from the rest of crowd. I can write this with full courage because just some months back, I had gone to a reception party given by an old south Indian uncle aunty for their daughter and son-in-law. It was a sweet gesture when the old couple came to receive us and also see us off. 

Talking about the ambience of this celebration held in a five star lavish hotel, it was just a beautiful experience to enjoy your food and drinks (I mean strawberry milkshake and juice). Slow music that was played added a flavour to the overall atmosphere. Oh yes music! In north Indian parties also, music is played but nice jazz music gets replaced with Munni, halkat jawani, Sheila and latest laila!! While soft music adds flavour to atmosphere, this music that is played loud adds extra spice to food. But even loud speakers fail to keep some mouths shut. Even the waiters who were serving drinks and snacks in that hotel part looked happy. In these parties, the kind of I attended today, boys serving food were no way interested in their job. They were busy in their mobile or staring at young girls present in the party. Only God may know that how these young girls manage to wear high heels and handle plate at the same time. I think this is the only section that eats less food but I am sure that their parents compensate all. Back to lavish hotel party, for us (north Indians) it is a boring place but it looks good in general. People dressed in shining suits and polished shoes speaking in fluent English, holding a glass of whiskey or juice, sipping it in the most sophisticated way. It is a treat to watch them! They are in no worry that ‘khane khatam hogaya toh’.

Though I should also mention kids present at such gatherings but they are the most beautiful part of any celebration. Their stupid acts and eating pattern are really worth watching. So jao baccho tumhe maaf kiya!!

The reason for today’s celebration was the birth of first grand-child in the family. May God bless that little life. And the reason for writing this article is a burning stomach. 


PS- I have been told just this morning that there are three more parties in row before we had for our Andaman trip. So that means more articles!