12 Days to Diwali
Yesterday the full moon played peek-a-boo with the Abode of the Gods. Hope filled the hearts of the Abuites when Abu was visited by heavy black clouds that drifted silently over this paradise. I expected a heavy burst from the heavens, but the rain gods did not smile at us. Today there’s still hope, as it may once again build up by nightfall and give us a heavy downpour.
Mount Abu roads at this very moment are in a chaotic state, being dug up to put down fresh water and sewage lines. In some places, it is so bad that it reminds one of the craters on the moon, full moon effect, I presume. Should it rain in the next few days prior to Diwali, Abu would be in a real catastrophic state, like never in its known history. Every year thousands of tourists overrun Abu during the peak Diwali season, and this year it’s going to be no exception as all major hotel rooms are already booked. Tourists driving on these roads this season would feel like they have visited the moon and not the paradise they have visualized.
It looks like the contractors this year have bitten off more than they could chew, it would take a miracle on their part to get the road into any semblance before the oncoming Diwali season. Tourists bear with us imagine our plight, poor condition of roads and streets, inadequate sanitation and garbage collection, and poor upkeep of our current infrastructure. These problems can be attributed to our outlook on life here in India, live and let live, we will survive, haven’t we been doing this for aeons, living with power cuts for hours on end, water every second or third day, and so on and so forth.
I could ramble on and on, but what the heck let's gear up to have a ball this season like we have been having all along. I wish all our esteemed guests who make it up the Hill a “Very Happy Diwali and Stress-Free New Year”. HAPPY DIWALI.
Ains
Ains
Full Moon cloaked with dark clouds
Moon playing peek-a-boo
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