Happy Birthday Bal Gopal

Cute, aren't they? (Pic courtesy: HT)

Just yesterday I was discussing with my colleague how while I was on my way to work I saw these tiny tots dressed as Bal Gopal (complete with peacock feathered headgear and flute in hand) on their way to school, looking totally lost but oh-so-bite-ably adorable :) Then I was also boasting to her about how Janmashtami is celebrated like this and like that (I often take on the role of a knowledgeable local before the self confessed 'touristy' colleague since she's only moved to the city a few months ago). In my head I imagined those awesome aerial shots or pics of an entire human pyramid coming crashing down, taken by some very good photographers and published on the front page of newspapers without a doubt the next morning, and smiled.

This morning, a friend complained about all roads to his house being blocked by the Gopalkala groups. In turn, I sighed that in my area it barely felt as though it was a festive day. Another ex-colleague tweeted some sarcastic words abt being stuck in traffic before wishing everyone a Happy Janmashtami and I smiled, knowingly, but refused to stop romanticising.

Eventually I stepped out of home to head to work. There was no rickshaw in sight (Chhuti hai, itte asani se thodi hi milega rick) so I decided to walk towards the main road, earphones stuck in place, first song on the playlist blaring. Perhaps that's why I did not notice the rickshaw that came dangerously close, almost about to ram into me, as it's inhabitants hooted away to glory. One among the boys was practically swaying outside the rick, a cheap beer bottle in hand, making lewd gestures. In that one moment, all that built-up romanticism turned into disgust. But that rick fled, looking for other hapless victims, who might have dared to step out of home.

It's truly sad that our festivals have become an excuse for hooliganism and goondagardi. Sorry Bal Gopal, you might have respected the women in your life but those celebrating your birthday just can't. Pity.