TAMING OF THE SHOE……………..
With due respect to the dear departed bard, this one has nothing to do with any classic work of literature.

Since New Year’s Eve is at the bend in the road, this winter tale is about how Surtis have prepared to party this year.

Now that we have qualified choreographers to turn our cream crowd into dancing kings and queens, it’s been a busy month of prancing preparations.

Lalas and lalarinas decided there would be no more free styling, hence; original Surti dance styles, like Salabatpura swing, Golwaad gyrations, and Parle Point’s pretence have been shown the backdoor.

Hip hop, Salsa and Waltz is what’s hot, in this chilly month.Whats more; we had some national level teachers to come show steps to the willing to spend brigade.

In Surat, most of the crowd that can afford expensive extravaganzas majorly consists of Richie rich aunties and uncles, so, lalarinas decided to tuck up their sarees and swoosh a bit. Unfortunately for them, their husbands are too ‘prim and propah’ to hang loose in public as a result of which all these ballroom dancing skills might never go public but just stay limited to the mirrors in front of which they have been sweated out.

Getting jiggy with it in Tapi town has never been so easy, along with tutors to show us groovy moves and the’ whats new on the block’ music mixes easily accessible, Surat now, also has unending options for trendy dresses, strappy stiletto’s and fashion accessories for dancers to don.

Nevertheless, for most Surti socialites, anything available locally is,’not good enough’ or ‘too tacky ‘for their taste.So, special trips to Mumbai, the Mecca of modern fashion have been made in preparation to greet the new year.

Along with clothes and footwear, haircuts too have been the reason for the crème ‘de la crème’ to take a ‘snip trip’ and look their best.I hear top in town hairstylists of Bollywood’s basti, are now so overwhelmed with enthusiastic Surti visitors, that they are proposing to set up hair cut workshops regularly in Diamond city to meet up the ‘dressed to demand’ hair stories. I personally think they should keep away, because once they become locally available, they will lose their ‘exclusive charm’ and esteemed clients too.

A word about the clothes here, never before have so many a kind, of well cut, short dresses been available in all colours under the sun. Small shops around the corners have geared up with Bangkok and Thailand apparels to please the lissome ladies, with bows and belts thrown in for good measure. Most dresses look more like gift paper wrapping, rather than clothing (methinks they are taking the concept of being ‘presentable ‘a tad too seriously).
Boys are sprucing up with glittery tee shirts and sleekly cut jackets as well as leather ones, men meanwhile are trying to fit into their rarely used, labeled formal attires, teaming them up with pointy toe shoes.

All in all, whether it’s Goa, Daman, Bombay or good old Tapi town, Surtis are set to usher in next new decade in high spirits, that they hold very dear. Here is wishing you all a very happy New Year.

Tapi town tattle-Pasti ki paathshala.

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS…………
In the birth month of the unconquered Holy son, the season of celebration is unending. Just as universal as Christmas, is its spirit of peace, love and family bonding time that is globally glorified.

A lot of traditions that are celebrated at this time of the year were actually adopted from different cultures in the ancient ages.

Like the lights on the Christmas tree are from the candles that were lit in the Norse tradition of lighting fire to help Woden and Thor battle the evil of winter.

The evergreen home décor stands for the early Celtic belief of plants that don’t lose their green colour could help wish away ill effects of the cold.

Exchanging presents comes from the Saturlanian practice. Even the colours of Christmas –Red and Green stand for Holly plants berries and leaves that the Romans used to hang around their homes to ward off evil eyes and witchcraft.

Christmas carols were sung with joy in wayside Inns and taverns in the light mood of enjoying music with lyrics that were not as serious as the Church hymns.

With most major roads in Surat dug up, Santa maybe in for a rough ride into Tapi town this year, but Surtis, who are basically a ‘khai pi ane jalsa’ [eat, drink and make merry] community are in a festive mood since December has commenced.

Beginning with the wedding frenzy for this calendar year, where glitzy glitterati were the theme. Lalas and lalarinas who themselves were dressed up enough to put Christmas trees to shame; with dazzling beads and baubles, foot stomped to popular wedding numbers like ‘yeh desh hai veer jawano ka’ [if you are wondering why a war song for a wedding, then you are probably not married yet.]

Tapi town retailers are in hope of things looking up in the New Year and have set up ‘Christmas special’ schemes on everything from soap to clothes to grains to toys.

Suburban senoritas are strapping on slinky halters and stilettos, as they take salsa lessons gearing up to swing in the New Year.

The ever hard working lalas too, are taking time out to party the nights and business blues away.

Surti Kid brigade has never had a busier hop scotching fortnight, with a host of X’mas parties to attend to, organized by tuition classes, friends and professionals.

Lest the true spirit of Christmas be lost in just the partying, here is a novel way to teach the children about it-
Organize a ‘bake it yourself’ party for the children and let them shape and decorate the X’mas cookies in the symbols that represent the festival:

Star-to fulfill promises, Santa-for generosity and happiness, Bells-for guidance to the ‘lost sheep’, Candy cane –that represents the Shepherd’s crook to show the way, Angels –Peace and goodwill, Wreaths- continuous love, Trees- everlasting hope.

Host a ‘Donate -a- toy’ day; at any of the various children’s institutions that we have or at a close by slum to bring a little’ joy to the world.’ Get kids to stuff stockings with gifts to give and play Santa Claus for a change because sharing and caring is what this festival is truly all about. A little happiness, is always welcome, the world around.

Tapi town tattle-SMC celebrates Thanksgiving.

ODE TO UNDHIYU.............. As winter spreads its blanket of chill across the western belt of our country, it brings with it different meaning to different cities.

Ahmedabad, 275 kms North of Surat is celebrating with cultural programmes in open air under starlit skies .Its people, are enriching themselves in the wealth of poetry, dance, drama and musical recitals.

Mumbai, 275 kms South of Surat is celebrating winter fashion in style, whilst by lanes within Bandra are warming up with pre Christmas marketing.

Surtis on the other hand, are celebrating winter with what they do the best-preparing Gujarati gourmet delights. Surtis are foodies and every season brings in with it a special menu for the trimester.
All roads leading in to Surat from Vapi onwards, see smoke billowing from roadside stalls .The farm labourers from the Tapi to Vapi belt prepare a little known dish called the ‘umbadiyu’ in winter. Even son of the soil Kailash Kher couldn’t resist it, on his recent visit to the town.

The umbadiyu is a darker, smoky cousin of undhiyu.Made with wild black papdi from village Bhata, along with yam, sweet potato, brinjal, it is marinated with ginger and chilli paste then baked in a clay pot which is sealed with aromatic leaves of Kaler and Camboi.
This pot is buried in a hole in the ground, covered with hay and cow dung cakes and burnt for about 40 minutes; a small portion of this delicacy is put in an earthen kullad at the mouth of the matka to check when it’s done. This sampler is fondly called a ‘daakan [witch]'Umbadiyu is served with green chutney and buttermilk.
The Parsis from Udavada add on eggs and pieces of chicken to the same and call it Adadiyu [not to be confused with ‘adadhiyu’ of Daman which would mean 375 mls of alcohol].
Special khadiya-mundi mutton is prepared in most Khatri homes their version of Undhiyu consists of ‘papdi ma mutton’. Sprigs of fresh garlic greens are chopped for' lasan nu kachu'; as an accompaniment.

But, over and above all these preparations, the meal that is considered as the ultimate meal in Surti communities is 'Malai, puri and undhiyu'.

Many homes in Surat traditionally invite family and friends in winter for the same; the preparation is often marinated overnight for all the flavours to sink in.
Here is a salute to the unbeatable, irresistible, exclusive Surti preparation that does not taste as good anywhere else, the world over
–Ode to Undhiyu –
'O sweet creatures of Katargaam's creeper vine. You, the green papdi, tender as one would ever find,
With fragrance that lingers on the fingers that string you,Surrounded in the richness of yam ,plantains ,potatoes,sakariyas,stuffed wild brinjals and what have you .
Enriched in flavour by sesame oil and green garlic, prepared on the sim, marinated in chilli ginger paste; with supple fenugreek dumplings that enhance your taste.
While asafetida and ajwain are tempered to tease, as taste buds tuck in desiccated coconut and corriander, thoughroughly pleased.The epitome of Tapti cooking, a gourmet's delight, an art to achieve, an exotic treat.
A taste impossible to beat..............here is to you,'O Surti Undhiyu!'

BAPU’S SURTI SON ………
A successful man is often said to be ‘as successful as his secretary’s efficiency is’. Going by the legend of Mahatma Gandhi, one can only but imagine what a vital role his chief secretary, Mahadev Desai played in his life.

Born in Surat’s Olpad area in a village called Saras, on January 1st, 1892, this son of a school teacher who stood first at Surat high school, went on to study at the Elphinstone College in Mumbai and later pursued an LLB course during which he also took up a part time job at The Oriental Translator’s office. His translation of John Morley’s ‘On Compromise’ into Gujarati won him the first prize for best translation by the Gujarat Forbes Society. Little did he know then, that he would one day, go on to translate Gandhiji's autobiography,

'The story of my experiments with the truth’which is considered one of the most spiritual reads of the 20th century, worldwide.

Mahadev Desai was amongst Bapu’s earliest follower along with Narhari Parikh. He joined the Ashram in 1917 and often walked up to twenty two miles in a single day to be in Bapu’s company. He could have become a great lawyer, journalist and littérateur but, he reduced himself to zero to serve Bapu.As Kishorelal Mashruwala described him ‘inspite of being a learned philosopher, poet, writer, singer, he would turn into a sweeper, cook, washerman, secretary, clerk, teacher, an ambassador who could accomplish delicate errands with skills, an arbitrator who would remove every misunderstanding his master had about you, a man of highest balance.

He always found the time to read, write and spin despite a never ending schedule. He vastly contributed articles to Navjivan, Young India, Harijan bandhu,Amrit Bazaar Patrika,The Independant,The Hindu.Translated works of Tagore and also Jawaharlal’s autobiography to Gujarati and many books, including ‘A righteous struggle-The story of Bardoli.’He created a sensation by bringing out a hand written cyclostyled newspaper after the British confiscated the printing press.

Called the bridge between man and Mahatma, it was Mahadev’s diary ‘Day to day with Gandhi’ that chronicled the most important years of the freedom struggle through which the world came to know Gandhi better and for the man he was.


Anthropologist Verrier Elwin, who wrote an essay on Mahadev called him Plato to Gandhi’s Socrates. ‘He was a home and foreign secretary combined who made all arrangements in the office, guest house and kitchen .He looked after many guests and must have saved 10 years of Gandhiji life by diverting him from unwanted visitors.Mahadev’s task was to make Gandhi real to millions. He made him, perhaps the best known man in the world, certainly the most loved, through his words describing the life of Mahatma.

Fondly called Hanuman to Gandhiji Ram, he died at a young age of 50 on 15th August 1942,of a heart attack at the Aga Khan palace. Breathing his last in Bapu’s lap, where they were imprisoned during the Quit India movement.

Narayan Desai his son, who wrote ‘The fire and the rosé ‘begins his book with this moving account of how Gandhi called out,’Mahadev Mahadev’even after he stopped breathing. Upon being asked later, Bapu said,’ "I felt that if Mahadev opened his eyes and looked at me, I would tell him to get up. He had never disobeyed me in his life. I was confident that had he heard those words, he would have defied even death and got up".

BATTLE OF THE BULGE……………..
Of all the winter routines that Surtis follow most whole heartedly, is their annual winter weight loss schedule.

Post ras, puri, and ghari, not to mention the ghooghra, cholafali of Diwali, the extra kilos need to go before the much awaited New Year’s Eve show.

Hence, come December and Tapi town is abuzz with how to battle the bulge. Everyone has a different approach and idea as to what is the quickest way to lose it.

Trends are a big thing in Tapi town; once someone looks about 200 grams thinner than they did, be rest assured conscious suburban Surtis are going to follow. Here’s how-

STATUTORY WARNING- Do not, under ANY circumstances, attempt ANY of these without consulting your doctor. The ideas expressed herewith are solely those of Surtis in general, bear no resemblance to ANY people you know and most importantly, this column is not responsible for any legal action against it.


FAT TO FIT IN 30 DAYS, VIA 7 WAYS.

Dance pe chance maar le-Turn into a hot stepper and join a dance class to dancercise away the extra pounds. Practice groovy moves, in comfy sports shoes. Try out all out Govinda, Mithunda steps as you check out your self in the mirror and get more ‘moti’vated to melt.
Race sason ki-No silly, its not another ma in law sitcom, it’s simply Surti walkers who are on the run now. The casual languorous evening walkers now have a spring in their steps as they make a run for it, in a bid to get a lower score on the weighing scale.
Gym Hymn-Sweat it out, actually, as someone rightfully put it’ horses sweat, men perspire and women glow’. Get instant lessons on how to build muscle mass and use body fat as energy, with personal fitness trainers [just like the stars].
Tum ‘puke’karlo-Ugly, this one. But, Surtis on the road to bulimia and anorexia are indulging in what goes in must come out, against nature’s way. If you see a friend with falling hair, dead skin and hollow eyes, help, pronto!
Lips locked-Calm down, there is no need to get excited thinking what you are thinking. The term simply means ‘no entry’ for food as, lips are firmly sealed post a meal of hot water, puffed rice and roasted khakhras.
Yoga power, go get it-Yoga instructors are busier than ever before to give huff and puff lessons. It is not as simple as it sounds; Surtis seek to perform Surya namaskars and Bhastrika at break neck speed to match Kareena’s moves.
Hide and seek-The short cut lovers are taking the easy way out. Hunting for loose clothing that will hide the fat and make silhouettes sleek.Desi designers are busy promoting and producing their new line for the same.


Many of the above ways will be meticulously followed with all might, until the month end. Then, it will be a new day and a new year while most will bid adieu to the sports gear.

Tapi town tattle-Kher, gaaney do.

KHER, GAANEY DO…………..
Destiny’s child and son of the soil, Kailash Kher was in Tapi town for the first time for a concert organized by the arts and cultural society –Oyster Club. In an exclusive interview with The Times of India, he shared his music, masti and magic with Ashlesha Khurana.

Q.Kailash, like the mountain that your name suggests your performances have been rock solid, do you think you have reached the peak?

A. When I began this journey, I never thought of having a target destination in mind.Today, because of my songs, filmy and non filmy, becoming hits one after the other, music lovers and fans have taken me to that level. I find it the same, only now my work is better known. I do not cherish a desire to touch any height; the peak is already there in the people’s verdict. If they respect your work, you are automatically elevated in their hearts.

Q.Like Amir Khusro’s poetry, do you feel your female oriented songs are bigger hit, like Saiyyaan, Teri Dewaani etc?

A.I would like to put it this way, like Amir Khusro, Kabir, and Raidas too
wrote in the same format even Bulle Shah who wrote,’Ishq wich jogan ho gayiaan, mein sada suhaagan ho gayiaan.’Kabir wrote, Ram mere pihu, mein toh Ram ki bahuriya.’this is entirely ‘nirguni brahm upasak’ format. Those who write this imagine their Guru in the male gender and their own soul as the female gender becomes the beloved in devotion. That is where the atma and parmatma connect and the emotion comes out so strongly and beautifully.

Q.When in love, Indians around the world sing Kailash Kher songs what does Kailash Kher sing?

A.I sometimes sings my songs, classical compositions like Pt.Kumar Gandharv, Pt.Jasraj, Pt.Bhimsen Joshi, I even hum bhajans sometimes because I write them in a way people will not call them bhajans, I put in some entirely different colourful aspect to it like I have just penned some lines for my forthcoming song,’Ek achambha gaaun, mann ke paath sunau, jab kabhi kabhi, mere babaji neharey aasmaan se.’ [when God looks down on me from the skies, I suddenly start singing.]I also love ghazals and quawallis and Lataji’s abhangs.Also, live folk songs of small towns and villages that are unconventional and natural.

Q.With such a hectic, on-stop, schedule, when do you get the time to practice?

A.I practice with my performances and recordings; I learn as I perform. Art and knowledge are the only things that grow as you learn. You can improve yourself with every performance, by learning more and more.

Q.When is your experience as a judge on reality shows?
A. The talent of the youth in the country is immense, they surprise me with their natural potential.But, when they have to sing on conditions and perform songs of other singers to be popular, the purity of their performance is lost with impurities.

Q.Whats that one song, which you would have loved to sing in your voice?


There are many songs, but I don’t think that ‘I can sing this better.’ Like once while we were recording for Swadesh, with A.R.Rahman, and some other singer was singing. I took interest in it and during retakes I participated excitedly and Rahman asked me would you like to sing this? I sang the song that later Rahman himself ended up singing for Swades, I listen to it whole heartedly and the song is,’Yeh jo des hai tera Swades hai tera.’

Q.How do you find the people of Gujarat as an audience?

A.Gujaratis all over the world are a musically inclined audience. They are highly religious and their cultural roots are very strong. They love ‘khana and gaana [laughs].They are also very hard working but know how to enjoy like a king.

Q.The youth loves your songs, what is your message to them?

A.The youth loves freedom and hates being dictated. My message to them is that the world of tomorrow is for you so, be aware of global warming and careful of not harming it by the wrong kind of industrialization.Keep your lives and nature as wonderful and pure as it is.