Sunday, January 30, 2011

KADAMBOSI



FULLY DRAINED OUT - FINDING IT HARD TO CONCENTRATE AFTER A NIGHT LONG VIGIL FOR KADAMBOSI SHARAF.








CELEBRATION TIME - BENGALEES MAY BE LAGGARDS IN MANY NICHE AREAS BUT WHEN IT COMES TO NEW IDEAS - THE BONGS ARE FAR FAR AHEAD OF EVERYONE





NEW MARKET ON MONDAY NIGHT - THRONGS OF MUMINAAT BEHNO WERE SEEING SPLURGING AT THE MOST COVETED SHOPPING DESTINATION



FATHER AND SON BURSTING WITH JOY AFTER RECEIVING KADAMBOSI SHARAF



THE LONG AND PATIENT WAIT AT 3.30 am





A TAXI MATERIALIZES AT THE UNGODLY HOUR (1.30 AM) TO TAKE US FOR KADAMBOSI



Aqa Moula (TUS) kiyam shareef is our city. Every mumineen will now surely agree with me, that yes indeed in spite of some actual and largely wrong notional problems, ascribed on account of lack of facts - Kolkata is truly a CITY OF JOY.

The true radiance and joy from a devout mumin's perspective is as a result of true bliss and joy emanating from our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) Each day we the mumineen of Kolkata see him so happy, in good health and cheer. We fervently wish that he stays on and on amongst us in health and happiness.

After a relaxing stay at Ganga Kutir on the banks of river Hoogly, Aqa Moula (TUS) and his entourage took a cruise tour down the river. At the Shabab Tafrih programme, the members were overjoyed to have a very intimate conversations with Aqa Moula (TUS) and he was taken in miyana around the beautifully landscaped and peaceful environs of Vedic Village. The excitement and joy was writ large of the faces of Shabab members, as they narrated their experiences.

The Pictures taken by my nephew Bhai Shabbir Lokhandwala beautifully depict the excitement and manage to give the readers a clear idea of the memorable event. He has also written a very moving account, of his personal kadambosi experience, and I would love to share the same with my readers.


I sit contemplating the event of last Monday. What happened last Monday, still seems unreal. Something unusual. Something which doesn't happen often in any part of the world.

For on that day, forty five minutes after midnight, in the first hour of 24th January 2011, Monday, we were woken up by a relative's phone call. Up to 100 women had lined up outside the Burhani masjid, located in Topsia, Kolkata. On came the kurta, saya and topi and we got into two cabs, which very surprisingly were waiting outside the gate of our building. It was 1:30 am then. We reached the Masjid complex by 2:00 am and stood in a line outside till 3:15. Thereafter we were moved into a vacant basement of the masjid and were made to sit in orderly fashion till 6:45 am. In between, we caught a wink of sleep. At 6:45 we were made to sit in the same orderly fashion inside the main masjid. At 10:00 am Moula arrived. At 10:40 am I had kissed his feet and was being ushered out of the masjid. That is what happened on the 24th January 2011.

What makes people do this? Do people think why they are doing this? Why do they line up, some with little children in arms nine to twelve hours before they get a chance to kiss Moula's feet? What do they gain by kissing Moula's feet? Are those few seconds of getting very close to Moula really worth the trouble and lost sleep? Do they do it only because others are doing it? Why was I doing it? What had made me travel over 2000 km, over 24 hrs, leaving my work in the hope of taking a chance in a distant land of Aqa Moula's kadmabosi?

I will speak for myself here. Twenty two years earlier in 1988, I was ten months old. Complications at birth had caused me to spend much of my first days in this world in an incubator. Sickness wouldn't leave me and I was unable to digest milk. This caused prolonged weakness and illness. Instead of playing in my cot, nearly my first year was spent in clinics and with intravenous syringes in my little hands. Every time I was declared fit and sent home, a relapse would inevitably occur and my parents would be shuttling me back to the doctor. At that time, Moula visited Calcutta, as it was known then. My mom took me in her arms in a kadambosi bethak then. As she approached Moula, she choked, tears swelling her eyes, thrusting me before him and asked him feebly to save me, so that I could live a healthy life. The words as has been told to me were, “Moula aapne sopu chu, aap ehnu khayal rakhiye” (moula onto you I entrust this child, you take care of him). Moula then asked her to lay me by his feet and then he rubbed his foot over my little body. That night I did not puke out milk. From then, vital foods have never been administered intravenously.

It's 2011 now. I am 23 and able bodied. You may call this a miracle or an over dramatized story. Say what you may. The only reason why I sacrificed my sleep, stood in the line at god forsaken hours, slept in a dusty basement on dustier straw mats,made do without breakfast was because I realized that the happy state in which I was today, was because of those feet of Moula. I didn't ask him for wealth, for a better career, a better home or anything. I prostrated myself on the ground, prayed for his well being and said thank you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to kiss his very feet, which enabled me to walk on my feet today. Thank you for letting this take place in Kolkata, where the circle of my life began, Thank you for this being in his 100th year. Then I saw and kissed those feet.

And I only hope that he recognized me.


Sajda tujhe wajib hai, tu masjid e azam hai,

hajj hai teri pabosi, tu kaaba- e- alam hai

dum tera bharunga main, tausif karoonga main,

ae shah-e-zaman jab tak, ye dum mein, mera dum hain


SHABBIR MULLA MOHAMMEDIBHAI LOKHANDWALA - PUNE

Saturday, January 22, 2011

CULINARY TAFRIH

The tafadi and love for our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS)is so deeply ingrained in each of our hearts, and in this internet age, each day mumineen around the world, get to know all the news thru various dawoodi bohra portals who post akhbar photos and news.

Just a decade back, this was not possible. As Aqa Moula (TUS)is blessing our city, the City of Joy has become the 'apple of mumineen eyes' around the world. The news is traveling so fast now days. Just one example.

From my My nephew in Sunnyvale - California over skype chat I was informed, and his information was accurate as to what transpired at the time of card distribution for 'mehmano' yesterday.

MONDAY IS FOR OUR MEHMANO. It would be well if the Al Burhani masjid complex is kept out of bounds for Kolkata mumineen. Let it be their day tomorrow.

Mumineen must have seen the photos of the tafreeh programme at Ganga Kutir - Raichak. Many mumineen are coming down to Kolkata for Chelum vaaz. This is being Sunday, let me share with my readers, some of the culinary delights, and other interesting tit bits, that will help you to connect with The City of Joy, where currently our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) resides. The intention behind this post is to share with mumineen the best of Bengal.

Bengal is known for its sweet dishes, and most of you are familiar with mouth watering Rosogollas , melt in the mouth sondesh etc: As it is winter, one special winter delicacy is ' khejoor gur' date palm jaggery.

The taste is unique, and sondesh and other delicacies made out it are definitely worth enjoying.

The below link will help you prepare your own dishes after returning home, carrying with you good quantity of 'khejoor gur' also known as 'norel gur' The towns of Shantiniketan and Chandonagore are famous for this delicacy, and it is available in many city markets, specially Burrabazar, which is very near to our Bohra business district.

http://www.bongcookbook.com/2006/11/khejur-gur-er-paayesh.html

If mumineen visitors have a day to spare, the visit to Shantiniketan - 'abode of peace' home to Vishwa Bharati University founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1924 is worth a visit. The Nobel Laureate Prof: Amratya Sen also has a home. The train ride is comfortable and short, and the beauty of Bengal, the lush green fields, with running water bodies, known as 'pukur' are a balm to the eyes.








As the train reaches Burdwan, the famous Bauls of Bengal regale you with their haunting melodies. Their music is from the Heart.

Bauls croon from their hearts and pour out their feelings and emotions in their songs. But they never bother to write down their songs. Theirs is essentially an oral tradition, and it is said of Lalan Fakir (1774 -1890), the greatest of all Bauls, that he continued to compose and sing songs for decades without ever stopping to correct them or put them on paper. It was only after his death that people thought of collecting and compiling his rich repertoire.

Baul Themes
The theme that Bauls deal with in their lyrics is mostly philosophical in the form of allegories on the state of disconnect between the earthly soul and the spiritual world. Often they philosophize on love and the many-splendoured bonds of the heart, subtly revealing the mystery of life, the laws of nature, the decree of destiny and the ultimate union with the divine.

Here is a translation by Afzar Husain of one of the famous lyrics of Lalon Fakir. Lalon Fakir was born in an obscure Bengal village in 1774. He is regarded as one of greatest mystic singers the Indian subcontinent has produced.

A Strange Bird

Look, how a strange bird flits in and out of the cage!
O brother, I wish I could bind it with my mindís fetters.
Have you seen a house of eight rooms with nine doors
Closed and open, with windows in between, mirrored?
O mind, you are a bird encaged! And of green sticks
Is your cage made, but it will be broken one day.
Lalon says: Open the cage, look how the bird wings away!

How I wish and wish that during the Kiyaam sharif of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) the spirituality and the culinary delights find a niche in the upcoming events. The purpose of writing this post, will be realized if norel gur delicacies are set out for sada't kiram sahebs, and exponent of Baul music Purandas Baul or other exponents get a chance to perform at the grounds overlooking the haveli mubarak.

Monday, January 17, 2011

The lowly hand rickshaw finds a pride of place



The hand rickshaw has been an integral part of public transport in Kolkata - The City of Joy since late 19th Century. It finds a pride of place in the newly built Al - Masjid ul Burhani complex, lovingly decorated and lighted up and in front of Haveli Mubarak, so that Aqa Moula (TUS) when giving deedar mubarak can also see it.

It is most appropriate and symbolic, as the hand rickshaw was first introduced by Chinese traders, primarily to carry goods. The area famously known as CHINA TOWN where there were many tanneries, is in the vicinity of Topsia, where the new Maajid has been built.

With the passage of time, the British Rulers made the hand drawn rickshaws, as a means of cheap public transport, which was widely used particularly by ladies. My mother used to tell us, that they were treated regally by the rickshaw pullers, whenever, they ventured out. As they came out of the building, the rickshaw puller would stop everyone with a flourish of his hand,so that no gent crosses their path. Once they are comfortably seated, a pardah made of canvas, would be dropped, and with the brass bell tinkling merrily, they would be carried regally to their destination.

With the passage of time, however, many thought it is degrading, and inhuman. However, from the point of view of rickshaw pullers, who mostly hail from the neigh neighboring states of Bihar and Jharkand, it is their means of livelihood.

Prior to 1990, there were about 10,000 rickshaws providing livelihood to around 18,000 rickshaw pullers. In the year 1996 the State Government tried to lure the rickshaw pullers with the version of golden handshake, offering a princely Rs: 12,000/- for surrendering their rickshaw. surprise of surprise - not a single person accepted the amount - five times the cost of rickshaw.

'We work, we do not steal. This is no indignity to me. It is a decent way of earning a living' says Mohammad Israel, who has been pulling the rickshaw for past 40 years. Another hard working rickshaw puller feels contented that it has given him everything in life - a wife, two sons in his village.

As I was collecting the above facts, my mind wandered to the daily news reports of crores of financial scams perpetuated by our powerful politicians and bureaucrats. the lowly hand rickshaw - the symbol of hard and honest work is most deserving symbol of The City Of Joy, finding a pride of place just across the Haveli Mubarak.

I recall my self getting the sharaf of pulling Aqa Moula's rickshaw on several occasions, during his kayam shareef in the city. I hope some one does have those memorable pictures, if some one has it, I would be please, if the same is forwarded, so that I can post it on this blog.





During the recent years, the hand pulled rickshaws have dwindled in numbers, and only ply in the by lanes of the city. However, they prove indispensable, when during the rains, the streets get flooded, and cars, auto rickshaws and all other forms of modern transport, come to a halt. It is the lowly rickshaw that merrily trudges on, and their riders reach their destination, in style.

This tribute to the rickshaw and the hard working rickshaw pullers has been written by me during the kayam shareef of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) We mumineen of Kolkata fervently hope and pray that may our Moula (TUS) stay in our CITY OF JOY for a very long long time.

I had made a suggestion for a tram car ride, another one of its kind mode of transport, that is unique to our city. Given the time we now have, the water body facing the Haveli Mubarak can be dotted with artistic pandal structures, lighted up with the world renowned Chandernagore lighting, depicting our rich Fatemi Heritage.

Monday, January 10, 2011

THE LONG WAIT IS FINALLY OVER




THE LONG WAIT IS FINALLY OVER. AQA MOULA (TUS) WILL BLESS OUR CITY SOON.
AHLAN VASALAH MOULA ! AHLAN VASAHLA MOULA !

THE NEWLY BUILT MASJID IN ALL ITS RESPLENDENT GLORY HAS WAITED FOR JUST A YEAR
BUT WE THE MUMINEEN OF KOLKATA HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR 22 LONG YEARS. AS I JOYOUSLY CLICK THE PHOTOS, MEMORIES OF THE PAST TWO YEARS COME FLOODING BY. THE EXUBERANCE AT TIMES, THE SET BACKS AND CHALLENGES AT OTHER TIMES BUT WHAT HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY ETCHED IN MY MEMORY IS THE CONTRIBUTION AND ZEAL OF THE YOUNGSTERS RESULTING FROM THE LOVE AND AFFECTION OF AQA MOULA (TUS)

IN ALL HUMILITY I SALUTE ALL THOSE WHO HAVE MADE IT POSSIBLE.

FOR THE MUMINEEN OF THIS CITY - THE CITY OF JOY HAS BECOME THE CITY OF OUR AQA MOULA.HE IS SURELY BLESSING OUR CITY NOW. MAY HE STAY WITH TAMMAKUN AND IN GOOD HEALTH FOR A LONG LONG TIME.

MOULA ! MOULA ! IS WRIT LARGE IN ALL OUR ACTIONS AND OUR THOUGHTS. ONE HAS TO BE HERE DURING THIS FINAL DAYS BEFORE AQA MOULA ARRIVES TO GET A PERSPECTIVE OF THE MOOD AND FEELINGS OF THE KOLKATA MUMINEEN. I AM A WITNESS TO A GREAT TRANSFORMATION. THE PAST - THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE IS APTLY SUMMED UP IN THE ABOVE ABYA'T SHARIFA. WE WILL ALL BECOME SPIRITUALLY RADIANT FOR SURE.








AN EYE OPENER

Yesterday I was both surprised and shocked to meet a 39 year mumin bhai born and brought up in our city, who has not received the 'sharaf' of kadambosi. When I asked his that in 1988 Aqa Moula (TUS) had stayed in our city for a long time, and there were many 'kadambsoi' bethak, he said that he accompanied his father to Noor Manzil where the 'kadambosi bethak' was there, but on account of some misunderstanding his father had with the volunteers and the subsequent spat with them, both of them were ordered out - and thus a mumin till date has been deprived of this barakat.

I fervently hope and prayer that each Kolkata mumineen gets the 'sharaf' this time. 22 years is indeed a very long time. The onus is on the volunteers to see that each and every mumin of this city gets this 'sharaf' for which they are pining for so many years. The fortunate are receiving this 'sharaf' but what about those who are not that affluent, who are unable to travel.

Whenever, a true spiritual savant blesses a city or a place,there is a 'churning' in the society - many lives are changed for the better, others who have been too 'self centered' are 'churned out'

ALLAH IS WATCHING AND SO IS AQA MOULA (TUS) on all our actions, they know the secrets of our hearts.

If by wrongfully using my contacts I manage to get hold of many coveted volunteer cards from Air Port Duty, to Public Relation to, Massjid sitting arrangements etc: I am not out here to do khidmat for sure. I am more concerned of my 'ease' so that as and when I wish I can just walk in, I will not have to wait as others do for long hours, will have freedom of movement.

I hope each and every one of the Kolkata mumineen gets the sharaf of kadambosi, and this is the priority as rightly conveyed by Janab Amil Saheb in the various 'ohbat' meetings prior to the final preparation.