Mall-aa-mall

(worlds first and greatest idea from Kolhapur)

Satara pishvya aathara dukane (17 bags and 18 shops)…..

Remembered these lines shown in one local TV advertisement? That poor husband, carrying many bags and searching various shops to get the right stuff (groceries and household items). He is tired of visiting one shop to other. Alas! he finds the answer in the form of a Departmental store where he could get all those items under one roof. 

 No need to carry 17 B and going 18 S.

Great Ad. , Good punch line.

Anyways, that was the beginning of Mall culture which was in pipeline. It was some time in 1990s

People doubted whether such big shops will sustain. Why one will go to a Mall to buy groceries when they have their Vaani (shopkeeper) who used give Daha bar, pavsher items (125 gms, 250 gms.) and never minded giving credit?

Every Galli had its own kiranawala who was as good as our family member. So it was cool.

But things changed and Kolhapuri found convenience in Malls. Every one had their own reasons for visit. Goods were ample for those who wanted goods, Food in variety for food lovers. For those who have time, mall is time pass and for those who don’t, mall is time saver.  Nahitari mahadwar road var aata maja yet nahi mhanun mall madhye chakkar marane ha option bara watu lagalay.

So…. mall means something for all at one place. Great idea!

Then why was it not tried in Kolhapur earlier? Why were we too late??

If we are late then why do we say that “Jagaat Bhari Kolhapuri ?”

Kahi doke chalena mhanun Ambabaila Gelo. (We don’t say that we had been to temple. We say we went to ambabai)

And I got saksahatkar (enlightened).

While taking the holy round (pradakshina) around the temple I saw variety of God and Goddesses present and placed in the premises (square compound building around the main temple) everyone having their own sections having nameplates on the wall. Lord Shiva,  Shanidev, Hanumaan, Vishnu ….(originals) and u wont believe  but Saibaba, Swami Samarth (new avtars) were present. You just name and all are here. And they had their own priests. So if you want blessings of someone you will surely get Him or Her in this temple. And even if you have some different plan, ample scope is available.

Aare … hey tar tya Mall sarakhech aahe. Different brands in different sections.. something for all… Ooh God… (Ooh Goddess..)

It was 1500 years back the creator constructed the temple for Goddess but over the period some kolhapuris realized the need of bringing many deities together for the convenience of Bhaktas (devotees). And we have modified temple housing many under one roof.

No need to visit 17 temples… isn’t it great idea?

Can we say now  “Jaggat Bhari Kolhapuri?”

U tell....

Jalebi bai … Jalebi buy ………

 OK baby! its republic day

India marked its 63^rd Republic Day on Thursday, and it was on this day in 1950 that the world’s largest democracy adopted its Constitution and declared itself a Republic.

Its long way and many things have changed in India. We are progressing though the direction is still unclear.  One says that we will be super power. At the same time one say that corrupt are in power. (Then how can we be super power?) We praise our education system. But India ranked second last among the 73 countries that participated in International Student Assessment. (So instead of praise this raise doubts)

So its confusing…. just like those round round  jalebis ….. where  we can’t find the start or end…

Is it the reason why, we in Kolhapur celebrate our National days by eating Jalebis? Lot of Jalebis to mark lot of confusion…?????

Well, all who wants to know aasli Kolhapur should know that it’s our tradition to celebrate 26^th Jan. and 15^th Aug. by buying, eating and also distributing Jalebis. You

 will see hundreds of Roadside stalls preparing these syrupy sweet, right from the sun rise to sun set. Hot lovable aroma is coupled with DeshBhakti songs played on stereos. Unfortunately there few such numbers. So you will find same title being played on every Jalebi Joints which are pretty close to each other. This gives echo effect. (Surround sound for entire city. New concept. only in Kolhapur. Once again)

People stand patiently in queue to demonstrate their love towards this country. This is just one way of their expressions. Isn’t it sweet?

 In spite of all those hurdles of life in this country they live and sing…..

Buy Jalebi….. Jalebi baieee… Jalebi baieee…..