March 07, 2008

Two gentlemen in conversation. One of them a Sikh cabby (S), and the other a passenger in the cab (P).

S: Sir ji, Shivratri nahin hai kal? (Sir, isn't it Shivratri tomorrow?)
P: Nahin, aj hi hai mera khayal. (No, I think it's today.)
S: Achha, kyunki kal kaafi sangat sadak te jaaoondi vekhi si main. (Ok, because I saw a procession in the streets yesterday).
P: Hmm...
S: Eh Shiv bhagwan ohi nahin see jo ke bhang bade chaa naal peende ne? (Isn't Lord Shiva the one who enjoys drinking bhang?)
P: Haan ji, ohi ne. (Yes, the same).
S: Achha, taan phir Shivratri nu bhang vee mildi honi hai. Mildi hai? (Ok, then bhang must be served on Shivratri, isn't it?)
P: Nahin ji, mere khyalon bhang taan nahi mildi. (I don't think so.)
S (disappointed): Kyun?! Jiven guru, ovein chela honda hai! Leh! Eh vi koi gal hoi! (Why?! Disciples are just like the guru. What is this?!)

I know translation ruins it all, and even reporting does. But if you're in Chandigarh, you can't miss such things.

2 comments:

Bhavya said...

Bhang is served on shivratri though, in some temples. Thandai is served in almost all shiv temples I know of.

Rishabh Gupta said...

You have to be a Chandigarhia to understand... the wonders created by the unlikely cultural interactions!