Pune tithe kay unhe

Pune tithe kay unhe

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For those who didn’t get the adage, it means in the city of Pune, there can’t be any shortfall. And it’s ‘Pune’, not ‘Poona’ mind it! If you happen to mispronounce it, a proud Punekar will be prompt to correct you. Pune derives its name from ‘Punyanagari’- the confluence of two rivers (Mula and Mutha) is called ‘punya’.

From Puneri ‘pagdya’ to ‘patya’, this city has some incredible things to its credit. So why are Punekars the way they are? Let’s take a tour:

Belief and Lifestyle: A ‘Punekar’ is always right, thinks s/he knows everything, will always find sense in what s/he says, will not tolerate a word against the city and will brag about it whenever s/he finds an opportunity. It is not surprising when people say, you cannot win over a Punekar in an argument :D 
Another signature quality of Pune, which is fallacious, is shutting their businesses from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. (For the cherished afternoon nap!). It reminds me of a dialogue from the movie ‘Pune Mumbai Pune’, when the actress, while countering the hero’s statement- ‘Pune never shuts because of rains’, sarcastically says, ‘Pune shuts only due to lunch time!’. But I would slightly disagree here. With the city becoming a cosmopolitan IT hub, the custom no more stands true.

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Puneri patya: The arrogance is reflected here- Puneri patya. “Kindly be patient after ringing the bell; we have people in this house and not Spidermen!” Instead of ‘Do Not Spit’, the Punekar will go a little over board- “If you spit here, your patient will not be cured”, and “Only idiots to throw garbage here!”

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Wadas and forts: Pune is home to the mighty wadas and forts that speak of the legacy of the kings and Peshwas whose valour reverberates even today in powadas (ballads). Kumbhar wada, Vishrambaug wada, stand as epitomes of the city’s elite history. These dwellings built by the Marathas were palatial, adorned with stone carved pillars. They are evident of the thoughtful civilizations built in the 18^th century,  that facilitated administrative purposes. They also had some secret features which were only known to a few. Shaniwarwada (thanks to Bajirao Mastani regained significance) - was considered the prime location for the Peshwa rulers. Built by Bajirao Peshwa, it could accommodate about 1000 people. It had 5 gates- Dilli Darwaza, Mastani Darwaja (Mastani's Gate) Khidki Darwaja (Window Gate), Ganesh Darwaja (Ganesh Gate), (used by ladies at the fort to visit the nearby Kasba Ganpati temple) and Jambhul Darwaja or Narayan Darwaj.

Apart from sight-seeing, these places have a lot of interesting tales surrounding them.

Similarly the forts- Torna, Rajgad, Raigad and Sinhgad- the famous trekking spot for youngsters are the most sort-after getaways. Another reason why one must visit Sinhgad is for the famous pithla- bhakri (besan and jowar roti) offered there. The forts were built in such a way so as to prevent easy access to the enemies. Such was the precision and insight of our ancestors that they defy the high tech, modern construction techniques used today.

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Oxford of the East: Pune, rightly called the ‘Oxford of the East’ is home to premier institutes like Fergusson College, BMCC, College of Engineering, Pune (CoEP), Agriculture College, Film and Television Institute of India (FTII)and the mother of all, ‘Pune University’, which have produced gems in their respective faculty. The Deccan Society was founded by the stalwarts of the Indian freedom movement-Lokmanya Tilak, Gopal Agarkar, Vishnushastri Chiplunkar and Madhavrao Namjoshi. Apart from these, it also houses, The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER), The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) and National Defence Academy (NDA). There is no wonder that students from outskirts, other states and countries come here for education. 

The Art hub: Pune is known to be an abode of the art aficionados, rightly considered the cultural capital of Maharashtra. There is are active theatre groups instrumenting with experimental and commercial theatre. Most importantly, these are appreciated by an equally receptive audience. Balgandharva, Ganesh Kala Krida Manch and others are frequented by artists and art lovers. Another attraction are the college youth festivals- a platform to showcase talents and the Pune International Film Festival. Pune also has the patronage of hosting the Purushottam and Firodiya Karandak, the most coveted prizes for grooming artists. Same is the case with music which traces a luminous legacy. Savai Gandharva being one of the remarkable music festivals of the city.

Laxmi road: It’s the most buzzing and happening road of the city. Thus, making our way through this road is a tedious task. The road stands true to its name, probably one of the richest roads of the city, owing to the shopping arenas here. The gold and silver vendors are mounted at the ‘Sonya Maruti’ chowk. From Ashtekars to Gadgils, you will find people thronging the stores on all festive occasions seeking muhurta (an auspicious occasion) to buy jewelry.

Tulshi baug: When you come here, you don’t think online shopping has made any difference to this

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ever-flourishing market. Latest fashion accessories, clothes; you name it and you’ll find here. You are certainly spoilt for choice. It is crazily crowded, and you will seldom bump into a salesperson trying to sell you apparels at his shop. And the most important thing- ladies, you can try all your bargaining skills here!  

Amid this chaos, lies a lane in tulshi baug, quiet and serene for copper items. You’ll find the best antiques and handcrafted items here.

ABC: I am not mentioning the chronology. It’s the Alpa Balwant Chowk- a paradise for book lovers! All the students, from pre-primary to PHD, belonging to all faculties of the university- be it engineering, medical or law, come to shop for their books here. Wholesale markets with a 50% return policy offer everything in a platter!

Camp: Another place to hang out is Camp. Again it’s the shoppers’ favourite destination- be it cheap roadside shopping or brands, it meets the needs of all. The clover centre shopping arcade is all-in-one centre for shopping. Eateries like Pasteurs, Marzorin and Ram Krishna, to name a few in Camp have always been a Puneite’s favourites.

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Fashion statement: The Puneri pagdi is an ideal souvenir to carry for it is a trademark of its identity. The Puneri pagadi as we know came into use by Peshwas and later by freedom fighters, like Lokmanya Tilak and reformers Mahadev Ranade. It is considered as a symbol of honour and pride. Now it can be spotted during traditional days during college festivals.

The traditional Puneri pagadi and nauvari saree can never go out of fashion; in fact they reinstate the fashion statement. Nauvaree saree is a traditional attire of the Maharashtrian woman and made of a nine yard long cloth. Exactly nine yards! We wonder today how the ladies then managed it! But the complete look- with a nauvari saree, nath (nose ornament), hair bun with veni (hair accessory), green bangles, anklets complimented with a chandrakor bindi (that of a shape of crescent moon) makes it all worth! Nothing else can make up for this traditional look.

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Foodies’ heaven: Ah! Writing about this is challenging as I already have my mouth watering for I am talking about puran poli- wheat or maida roti made with a stuffing of jaggery and dal. A hot puran poli right out of the pan with ghee over it is a favourite (and weakness) of every Puneite and you cannot be any exception. This is savoured with ‘katachi amti’ (thin tangy tempered spicy dal). 

A simple food item in the staple diet is pithla bhakri. It has reached corners of the world finding place even in the kitchens of starred hotels as it is very healthy and tasty! For foodies, Pune has Chitale, Joshi Vadewale, Vaishali for South Indian dishes, Kalyan Bhel, Bedekar Misal, Kayani Bakery for shrews berry biscuits and the famous Budhani Wafers. So, if you happen to visit Pune, you should not miss on these lip-smacking cuisines or you simply haven’t experienced Pune ;P

Ganesh Utsav: One would say Ganesh Utsav is celebrated all over, but if you want to experience the authentic one, you must visit Pune, for it was here that Lokmanya Tilak elevated the festival to a social level. It is the most awaited festival and celebrated in pomp and grandeur. The atmosphere for these 10 days is palpable with chants of Ganesha echoing in the air, decorated pandals, aartis and relishing modaks (yumm!). These are the most happening days with special celebrations and events planned throughout.

The Manache Ganpati, from the time the social festival began, are Kasba Ganapati, Tambdi Jogeshwari, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaug Ganpati and Kesariwada Ganpati. Dagdusheth is another revered and most visited temple here.

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Dhol tasha- Undoubtedly the world’s best dhol tasha is found here. Even in the age of DJs and dolbys, the resonating dhol-tasha does not fade out. The city hosts numerous dhol tasha groups consisting volunteers from all walks of life, some only for girls. Participants can be as young as 8 years and as old as 45 or more. Their dress code is usually kurta pyjama and pheta (head gear). These groups start their practice months before the Ganesh festival. These pathaks play with such invigorating energy- an amalgam of strength and devotion that you are left awestruck, mesmerized! 

Pune is one of the few cities who has retained its culture and heritage, takes pride in it, while imbibing modernism and moving ahead with time. You can experience here, the quaint, peaceful surroundings and also dynamism. It is up to you to have your own rendevous with this 'punya nagari'. This is trying to give a glimpse of the city and its characteristics, which is quite vast and diverse to sum it all up. But I hope you now agree to ‘Pune tithe kay unhe!’.

Kal Aj aur Kal..

It was casual chatting- 'during our times...’, as the elderly always say. Mom and maasi reminiscing their childhood memories, and often comes an inherent spurt of laughter. This is so fascinating- some unbelievable and interesting facts that happened only then! Amid this discussion we too got a sneak peek of the yester-era. Some catchy snippets:

1. Buying chai patti daily: Unlike today's bulk buying, people then purchased goods according to daily requirement and not for monthly stock. The tea powder came in packets for charana, athana (I think these words will be out of dictionary very soon; or they already are? :O)

2. The serpentine ration queue: Buying of grains wasn't as easy as going to the grocery store downstairs or even simpler- opening your grocery app and placing the order. The ration market always had long queues to wait before you could get your quintal. The wheat, they say, wasn't as we see today, but red in colour and something like ‘Gahu (American) 1 Re kilo’ written on the price plate at the store.

Rice- which is a weakness to most wasn't a daily affair in most places in Maharashtra. It was a delicacy prepared only on festivals!

Green revolution was still underway and there wasn't surplus produce; but was organic!

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3. Exclusive foods: Dry fruits, almonds and jam and even apples were not common. A jam bottle (not readily available in markets then) was coveted and eaten with care so as not to finish early. Mangoes were a heaven's paradise (this hasn’t changed much) and they were careful not to leave any bit of the pulp from the peel. 

They fondly remembered their ‘first time encounters’ with these exclusives.

4. Making their own toys: Balls didn't come ready made. They were crafted with love and care, consolidating pieces of tyre rubber and scrap; grooming some artistic skills and craftsmanship you know! And losing this piece of toy was heartbreaking!

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5. Playing 'real': Play stations, mobile games or the latest fidget spinner- children were ‘happily’ oblivious of these. Children back then didn't depend on digital aids or technological gizmos for entertainment or engagement. They played games in the ‘real’ and not virtual world. It was as simple as stepping out of the house in the open playground and then there was lagori, gilli danda and marbles.

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6. Cycling: This was a luxury and often meant borrowing and sharing of bicycles among peers. It would have been a sight when girls tried their brother’s cycle (don't get the purpose of the rod) and managed to paddle with a tilt! 

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7. Playing in the mud: Parents today would get palpitations at this thought! Making forts in monsoon with one’s own architecture and moulding the clay with own hands would have been a delightful exercise; certainly more than bringing the ready-made ones on Diwali.

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8. Sharing: This was ‘practical’ and not merely mugging definitions from the moral values book; especially with each one having siblings. There was always everyone’s thought when the pie was divided! Using the clothes and textbooks of the elder brothers and sisters was an unsaid rule. The elder one was lucky here, while the youngest chap getting the (second hand raised to no. of elder sibling times) passed on material. :D

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9. Lifestyle and surroundings: There was no-motor obsession! With no mobile, people were ‘mobile’! They walked everywhere and anywhere, for miles, effortlessly. It didn’t require treadmills to complete our workout quota. Students walked to school and came back home for lunch. There was no television, screens to glare at. Thus, there was ample time, life was hassle free. The air was fresher. Pune was known as a ‘non-fan station’! So there were no ACs, no gyms and less medical stores!

10. Celebrations: It was an elaborate affair. Festivals were celebrated in real and not merely on WatsApp. But as a witty student once said, “All said and done, we cannot live without technology and no one would like to go back to the 1G era.”

11. The 31^st: The month-end time was the most dreadful for most households! That eagerly waiting on 31st of the month for dad to return home with salary was the most awaited occasion! Tensions did exist, not like the ones today, but more basic with what to cook food tomorrow? Will it suffice the family? When compared, I don’t know which are worse. (Thankfully, we live in better times.)

Those times we cannot believe, can only afford to imagine! They have been through it, yet they were happy and content and lived life to the fullest. They had some tough life lessons which made them face challenges head on, unlike today’s overtly pampered kids. Sanitised hands and low immunity!

They found happiness! Childhood was a memorable time for them. Some were good experiences, while ​some they never want again. But this is life- of bitter and sweet experiences. And who knows, we too would tell our younger ones, “During our times…”

It is to move on with lessons, thanking God for the good things and hoping for a bright future. It is to find happiness between Kal, aj aur kal!