"Laughter in the Sky: Ganesh Puja with Friends, Food, and Fun"
On the day of Ganesh Puja, we set off to visit Anshul and Priyal, who live on the 17th floor of a towering building, around 30 km from our home in Electronic City, Bangalore. My son Akash drove the car with Agnes, Pushpa and Agastya on the rear seat. As we journeyed along the smooth and scenic NICE Road via Mysore Road, the excitement built up like a crescendo in a well-orchestrated symphony. The trees along the way were draped in vibrant yellow leaves, as if nature itself had prepared for the festive season.
We reached their place, where the city of Bangalore stretched out below us from the balcony like a beautifully painted canvas. The buildings and streets seemed to shimmer in the late afternoon light, and from that height, the hustle and bustle of the city felt miles away. Standing there, soaking in the panorama, it felt as though we were on top of the world—both literally and figuratively.
We had come well-prepared with Bel patra, flowers, and prasad, ready to offer our prayers to Lord Ganesha. Ralph, another friend of my son, was already there, his ever-present grin lighting up the room. After a short but heartfelt prayer to Ganesh ji, we sat down to feast on delicious vegetarian Chinese food.
As the saying goes, "good company and good food are the foundation of happiness," and this day was a perfect testament to that. Ralph, never one to miss an opportunity for a good joke, kept the atmosphere lively with his quick wit. His jokes were the kind that had us laughing until our sides hurt—pure gold. We spent the afternoon catching up on life, exchanging stories, and letting the laughter flow freely, much like the endless cups of tea that accompanied our conversation.
Agastya, however, wasn’t quite in the festive spirit, as he was a bit under the weather. His little sniffles occasionally pulled our attention, but as ever, children bring a warmth and charm that no illness can dampen. While we tried to entertain him with toys and funny faces, it was clear he just needed some rest.
The hospitality of Priyal and Anshul was heartwarming. They made sure every detail was perfect, from the perfectly arranged flowers for the prayer to the beautifully served meal. Their home was as inviting as their company, and though we weren’t there for long, every moment was soaked in joy and good spirits.
As the evening shadows lengthened, it was time to make our way back. The journey home was quieter, with Agastya resting in the back seat and the golden hues of the setting sun lighting our path. We returned home with our hearts full, smiles still lingering on our faces, and memories of a day well spent.
It was truly a day where “laughter was the best medicine” and friendship the finest gift. In this whirlwind of life, moments like these—filled with love, laughter, and shared joy—are the ones that stay with us, long after the food is digested and the laughter has faded.
