Sunday, April 3, 2016

ONCE IN 365 DAYS !!!!



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!

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