Today is Shashthi, the real action starts tomorrow. But I can’t wait and I round up my family to take a small chakkar of two of the pandals close to our house. The first one is modelled on Baha’i faith’s famous Lotus Temple at Delhi.

 

 The other Pandal is also grand, and is obviuosly modelled on a temple. It is intricately made from cane and bamboo.

 

Yesterday, while visiting my sister in another part of Jamshedpur, we were taken to two pandals which we were told were among the grandest in the city. One was modelled on a Khajuraho temple and the other was shaped like a gigantic boat. I have the pictures on my cellphone and once I figure out the blue-tooth business will upload them later. So, the tarpaulin and shamiana fixtures of yore have given way to architectural marvels.

However, the traditional Protima remains as grand as ever.

 

The ubiquitous toy-sellers are there aplenty, but I could not find the spring-monkey which I planned to buy for my sons and for a friend in Bangalore who wants it for his son who is now in 10th std! There have been many changes, like the masks which were earlier made of paper now come formed in a plastic sheet. I offered to buy some for my sons, they firmly declined my offer. Even my little nephew, seen in the picture below would not let me buy any of the toys on display.

But over-all a great festive air around the place!

The three main days start from tomorrow. There are many Protimas and pandals to be seen. And the spring-monkey to be located! 

 

And yes, I have to buy those bhog coupons at 7 in the morning tomorrow. The coupons may sell out, I am warned by the organizers, so I had better be early!