Hanuman Ramanand Society was founded in 1962 and has since been home to many middle class Maharashtrian families. Situated right next to the Western Express and at a stone's throw from Mumbai airport, the twin buildings have withstood incessant shudders from air-plane take-offs and landings. Being that close to the airport also resulted in the gachhis (terraces) not having railings, and hence beco
ming a source of daily adventure for the kids and nightmare for their parents. There are two 'gardens' circling each of the two buildings, now occupying a much lesser area than they used to, before renovation. There used to be a big playground in the back, which, as a kid, I was told was even bigger before and had vegetable farms on it! And between the sixty families residing here (as also those who used to reside here) lie countless memories:
haushi kalalakaars at varshikutsav,
gossiping at haldi-kunku,
satayanarayanachi pooja,
bhel at holi and getting drenched under the garden hose during dhulivandan,
diwaliche phatake ani pharaal,
kids shouting in the evening during a game of pakda pakdi, lapa-chupi, daba-aispaise,
converting the water tanks into a jungle-gym,
society meetings,
gathering on the 'katta' during loss of electricity
trying to remove water from electricity meters during rain floods..
the list is endless...
Here's celebrating fifty years of friendship, 'shejar' and sheer togetherness!
