3rd April, 2016
This was an unusual gathering of about hundred staffs of the
place where I work in. Unusual in the sense, it was informal which is rare in
case of this institution. Informality is about being free, with discipline. This
aspect is marvelous in itself. So most of us decided to participate and it
turned out to be a worthy decision.
Although not common these days, the morning was lovely and sunny
when we set out. Squeezing ourselves in 4 buses, we headed towards Sukute,
Sindhupalchowk on 31st March at 8 am from Koteshwor. The first bus
consisting of catering crew and sportspersons had started early than the rest. The
lovely potato saplings over the fields could be seen from the window. The greenery
of the spring season took our breaths away. While reaching closer to the beach,
the magnificent view of the smooth green Koshi below the green hills from the
bus took us closer to the lap of nature. It took 2 and ½ hours to reach Bhotekoshi.
Those hours passed in a blink of an eye because of dancing fun inside the bus. The
bus only stopped twice for breaks and fresh air.
Once we reached, we could see that tents had been fastened and
the breakfast was being readied. All started
dancing, clicking photographs in and beside the river. After relishing our
sandwich, momo, achaar and tea, we were again back to the dance and clicks. Next
savory items were fried prawn and spicy peanuts. However, they could not stop
us long from going to the dancing floor again.
While most people were busy dancing, we could see the
catering crew making their best effort to satisfy us and the sports people were
arranging games. Some were helping them fix things. Some had begun playing
volleyball already. The drinks were served too and everyone enjoyed on their
own way.
Hitting the cans was one of the games where many tried to
hit the target but missed. Proud to say that a female energy won here. ‘Tug of War’
was the next one where most participated including me. The rope was tugged
thrice –male energy versus female energy. I pulled the rope with all energy I had
along with the group and fell down on the beach. The male energy won. I did not
give up and put all my effort once again. This time not only did I fall down,
but also ended up with a cut and a swollen elbow. Women power lost again. I could
not try then after due to pain. Obviously, the male energy proved victorious.
I grabbed a piece of water melon and quenched my thirst. Somebody
suggested putting some water on my bruise which I did by running to the river and
soaking my elbow in it. Not sure how it helped. I had some old dancing numbers
in my mobile which I could hear being played while returning back to the dance
floor. ‘Boom!…boom!…boom!…boom!…!!!!’ I joined the floor and moved on my own
way. Dancing and the fun moods of all were on the way to boom too. ‘Brazil!!!....’
was the next one.
The boss of the institution who had been quiet all these
hours was requested to dance too to which he agreed. We were too pleased and
glad that he did not deny. I was excited about this scenario and was dancing
till sweaty. (I would like to call it the peak of the day.) I needed some rest.
So left the floor and grabbed a chair.
After about a minute or two, all of a sudden, an unexpected
storm blew. The wind was so strong that the tent, chairs, polls and speaker had
fallen down. Beach sand hit us on our faces and we dropped down scared. It kept
going on for about 5 minutes. Not sure what to do, we just waited and tried to
sort out the damaged things. But to worsen the matter further, it began to rain
heavily. We had to be safe now. Some of us ran to the shelter of bus and some
to the tent still in place where food was being prepared. The rain lasted for
about 15 minutes.
On returning back to the beach, we could see things getting
back to normal and the dances had resumed. It must have been around 2 o’clock then.
It was time for the main course of the day. Relished the heavy lunch, not to
mention the juju dhau (special yogurt of Bhaktapur) which I grabbed extra. Clicking
again the final moments in the surroundings of Sukute beach, enjoying the
beauty of Bhotekoshi River and Sindhu district, we left the place at 4 pm.
Recollecting the event, the informal disciplined gathering
was an awesome experience. Having to deal with the emotional complications and having
to choose between them and the expressions through dance was another part,
which was quite challenging. However, the fun had been great. Once in 365 days!
Once in a lifetime!
