So, Finally I’m back after a very interesting, exhaustive, and adventurous Yatra. I had never ever imagined that my maiden trip to my village would be such a cherish-worthy experience. Though I had already made my mind for blogging about my trip, I never knew I would be so more-than-glad to write about it. Meeting and interacting with our roots is such a pleasure!
The primary reason why I was in Bamnod (pronounced Balm-nod, Balm as in Zandu Balm) was to get my ears pierced. Not that there aren’t any jewellers in Indore, or that I’m becoming such a despo to get that 90-kg-metrosexual-dude look. Every male in our casht is supposed to get his ears pierced, otherwise he cannot marry any girl (nor any guy, obviously).
This ceremony is usually done at an age when guys are just too small to remember anything about it. But since we’re Sheher wale log, we dont usually find time to do such things until its just about marriage time.
The ceremony was conducted without much technical (and otherwise) flaws, and the piercing part was not that torturous. In fact, it didnt hurt at all. The only torture, if I may call it, was to bend five hundred odd times for getting the blessings of all the people. This is aptly considered half-a-marriage, with band-baaja and all in place, and our baraat roaming around aimlessly in the entire village. All this without a Bride is not justified, hai na?
The meal was a very simple village-food-type lunch which was inappropriately served at 9:30 am. Since it is Brinjal and Banana season, Vaangey chi Bhaaji was served with 10 inch diameter chapatis, and dal-bhaat. All this on Banana Leaves (Remember: Banana Season). The food was prepared for-the-villagers-by-the-villagers (sounds too similar to the Constitution of Indian Republic, or HBO Movies, aint it?), but damn tasty, and served suppa hawt.
Village Trivia 1 : The contributions must be made according to this formula
Contri = Rs {(10 * n) + 1} where n = 0,1,2,3 …
Village Trivia 2 : Keep your savings in the lockers. An educated villager once tried to keep the money in Bank, but the cashier gave the money to someone else in from of his very own eyes.
Village Trivia 3 : My great great Grandfather is worshiped in Bamnod.
Village Trivia 4 : Credit card is magical gizmo which hides your money in a black colored strip.
Village Trivia 5 : A SmartPhone (like N-3220) can also be used as a phone.
The return trip was more adventurous than anything before – even the ear piercing stuff. My scheduled plan was to return to Indore in a bus overnight and leave for Bhopal in the morning. But due to Holi and some RTO problem, no bus was plying on the Inter-state route – not even the (low on cost, maintainance and morale but high on service) red colored Maharashtra ST buses. So I had to go to Bhusawal junction in an unreserved coach in Navjeewan Express; wait on Bhusawal railway station for 6 unpleasant hours, and then board Lucknow Super Express for Bhopal directly. It feels rather good to explore your country by being among the common men, and not just enjoying the cozy sleeper coach of an air conditioned bus. But, of course, not always!
I stayed in Bhopal for two days (54 hours to be exact), the longest in the last one year. Most of the time went leisurely, but finally the work for which I went there was done. And also in bonus, i got two days with aai 
Volvo is very closed. very good and efficent no doubt, but very closed. I feel very uncomfortable without the natural air coming in from the window. So I returned to Indore in a cab. Risky, but enjoyable.
Back in Indore, I’m surrounded by a new controversy. Last time it was the moustache; this time, its the earrings 
La la la lala
P.S. Though the viewership of my blog is reducing exponentially, I got a appreciative mail from an old friend yesterday. Robin wrote, and I quote:
” More than fame and more than money
Is the comment kind and sunny ,
And the warm approval of a friend.
For it gives to life a savour ,
And it makes us stronger, braver ,
Yes, it gives us heart and courage to the end.
If he earns your praise, bestow it ;
If you like him , let him know it;
Let the words of true encouragement be said.
Do not wait till life is over
And he’s underneath the clover,
For he cannot read the tombstone
when he’s dead. ”
So True. Thank you!
