Saw the burning of Ravan this time after I don't know, how many years. I think that the last time I must have seen it was when we used to go to DCM Ramleela in Rohtak Road, 30-35 years ago. After that I had seen it in the TV. But to be there in the middle of the crowd, feeling the excitement and the anticipation, the first wave of heat as the effigy takes fire, the deafening noise of the fire-crackers... is some thing else. Mika was there with me and we cluctched each other's hands when the flames suddenly engulfed the effigy.
On the way back, near the temple trucks with the Ramleela actors was passing, with Ram and his sena on one truck and Ravan and his sena on the second truck. Even these kind of processions were such old memories and I felt thrilled in spite of myself.
The days are rushing past so quickly. Today I hope to go and see Anita. Rajouri Garden, where she lives seems so far away but I am hoping to travel by the Delhi Metro. Took the metro for going to Delhi university the other day. The train is exactly the same as they have in Rome - must be buying it from the same source!
