12 Days to Diwali
Last night, the full moon played a captivating game of hide-and-seek over the Abode of the Gods. As heavy, brooding clouds drifted across Mount Abu’s skyline, hope flickered in the hearts of the Abuites. We braced ourselves for a torrent, expecting the rain gods to shower us with blessings. But alas, they withheld their grace. Today, hope lingers in the air. The sky remains pregnant with possibility, and perhaps by nightfall, the heavens will open up and quench the land.
Meanwhile, Mount Abu’s roads are in absolute disarray. Meanwhile, the streets of Mount Abu resemble craters as contractors rush to lay fresh water and sewage lines, possibly influenced by the full moon. Each year, thousands of tourists flock to Abu for Diwali, and with hotel rooms already booked, this year promises to be no exception. However, if they drive on these mangled roads, they may wonder if they’ve landed on the moon instead of the picturesque hill station they imagined.
The contractors have taken on more work than they can handle this time. Getting the roads into any semblance of order before Diwali feels like a task that only a miracle could accomplish. So, dear tourists, if you brave the journey up the Hill, bear with us! Spare a thought for the locals, who are grappling with more than just broken roads. Poor sanitation, inconsistent garbage collection, and a neglected infrastructure have become part and parcel of life here. It’s the Indian way—‘live and let live,’ as they say. We’ve learned to adapt, surviving power cuts that last for hours and receiving water every second or third day. Life rolls on, regardless.
But despite it all, there’s an undeniable charm in the air. So, let’s gear up for the season and make the best of it, as we always have. To our esteemed guests who will soon ascend the Hill: “A Very Happy Diwali and a Stress-Free New Year!” Let’s celebrate, rain or shine—because in Abu, that’s how we do it.
HAPPY Diwali!
Ains
Full Moon cloaked with dark clouds |
Moon playing peek-a-boo |
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