It is the day of Makar-Sankranti, the Kite festival. My first one in India!

I could hear the loud music already playing in the background, this was not normal, going up to the roof patio, saw our neighbour had assembled BIG speakers, normally used in big entertainment venues etc and had them on full volume playing the latest dhamaka music.

(some kites were up, lots of people on roof tops flying kites)

Kids were up soon after and we tried flying some kites from our patio, unfortunately the gods were not on our side today, there was absolutely no breeze!! The neighbours were also complaining that this was the first time we had zero breeze, getting kites up was proving near impossible.

Dad in the mean time had brought morning snacks of Khamni, Paturi and Jalebi – wow!

Next was a quick visit to Nita’s Aaji, took Neha, Pooja along. Was good meeting her. She is now more frail but still the same kind heart.

Post the afternoon siesta, we were to go to Chetan’s place (Guru Traders), every year, Dad and mum were going to his place on this day, they had a good place and kite flying apparently was lots of fun from their roof top.

Got to Chetan’s home, his parents, his sisters and their families were all there, was good to meet them all. Nice place they have. Up on the rooftop we went and got cracking trying to fly kites without any breeze!!

It was a fun afternoon, although we were not able to put kites up ourselves, Neha, Pooja and Nita were able to take hold of some kites that were already high up. As dusk approached, it was time to head back in doors to escape the swarm of mosquitos and enjoy some drinks!!

We took leave from them and then headed to the Dawat Indian restaurant. Along the way, called Dhansukh kaka to join us, who was staying at the Regency. All headed there for dinner. The place is very nicely decor’d, and food was amazing but a bit on the spicy side. The lollipop chicken was super, and so was all their other dishes. Personally I would rate this higher than Sheetal!

Finished off with Kulfi – it was a great night.

Tomorrow was a day trip to Surat, time to take Mum shopping!!