Dear Jen
Have I told you about my hometown? Have I told you about Nashik?
It’s a small non pretentious town that lies east and north of much bigger towns of Mumbai and Pune. Sure, it is making an attempt fit in with these sister cities but that has never been on its priority list.
Panchavati. The old town.
There is plenty of old in this town. Some of its history goes will back in to the mythological ages with some great Gods resting here during their exile. All around the town you will religious devotees seeking what I can only assume is contentment. However, I did not grow up amongst these old religious parts of this town. If you ever come with me, I promise we can go and see what the fuss is all about.
Nashik, A river runs by it.
Let me take you to my part of town. The temperature drops a notch as you approach home purely because of its proximity towards nature. This past trip home, I noticed the large influx of people in this part of town and was saddened by it. I suppose everything must change.
And thrashes by it…
Despite these new sets of people occupying Nashik, the general population, you will find is very helpful. And this is say when I compare it to “Stuck up Pune” or “Nonchalant Mumbai”. If you ever find yourself lost in this town then ask for the Godavari River and simply walk towards it. Some where along the length of that river, I will find you! Then together we would grab a spot and watch the strong Indian sun set in its meandering path.
Knowing you, all that walking would have made you hungry. What would you like sweetheart? Some delightful fish? A roadside snack? Indian food you will find aplenty but Nashik stands out in two cheap delicacies. One of them being round chick pea flour covered fried snack. The filling is spiced potatoes. Put this between two slices of bread and combine a nice bite with a spot of fried chillies. If it was morning, I would take you to a working man’s joint where we would eat Misal. I could explain what that really is but my words would be severely inadequate.
But I don’t love you based on what your palette can take. And if you wish to skip on the spices, then would you care for some wine instead? You and I would only need to drive a couple of miles before we get to one of Nashik’s many vineyards. Don’t expect European magic or California hype. Come and enjoy the crisp 60 degree air and sit with me on an ill balanced wooden bench. I will choose the wine and you chose the story. Of course, talking is entirely optional.
On a clearer day you can see the Western Ghats that stand by Nashik
Are you interested in visiting a temple with me? I assure you, this place is more about solace then it is about faith. And you will find that intriguing considering there is a mosque right next to it. But, I have always looked through all that. For a reason I am not sure of, this place has always let me be me (minus my shoes, of course)
Along side the temple, we would sit again by the riverside. While Hindus and Muslims continue praying, we would end finishing our discussion from the vineyard. And in that time, you will certainly notice how days are much longer here. There would be plenty of light for us to see each other in natural lighted dusk.
Eventually it would grow dark and we would get dinner. Sit then, next to me, as I drive out of town. Fear not, it would only be short drive until we leave behind the light pollution. I will pullover and show you stars. When have you last seen them?
From across the river. License plate reads MH 15
We will drive back whenever. This is my town. There simply are no rules. Tomorrow, I might just end up doing this all over again. There is no agenda. There is no train to catch and no rush hour to miss.
This is home and there simply no changing that.
Love
Dushyant
Dushyant
This is simply brilliant…
I dont know about Jen, but I am so tempted to have sucha day myself…You sure do love your town, just as it should be…
Absolutely charming..
Nashik..n ur writing too..:)
abe what do you mean by stuck up pune and nonchalant mumbai? It’s probably the reverse. And Nashik sounds pretty much like Pune to me, except for the wineries with all the wadapav and misal and nature and everything else.
Never been to Nashik .. but have heard a lot about it. And Gawker LOL on the differences .. Pune serves up a mean Misal too!
Wonder if you realized – age makes the rear seat section worn out and more slippery than ever before, while the disc brake stops as hard as ever. Wasted potential (for me, not you).
(If you dont see the point of this comment to your post, you get it!)
Upasna: Thank you. You are welcome to spend such a day with me as long as you find Me, Nashik and you together!
Vani: Thanks. Its little suprise you like the city too.
Gawker: Perhaps the climate of pune a few decades ago could be considered similiar to Nashik. But I assure you the air is completely devoid of the farse that sometimes hovers in Pune. Glad you stopped by.
Anya: Perhaps its time for a visit? As far as Misal in Pune is considered, it still remains an oxymoron for me!
Anon: The comment completely pointless. Unfortunately, I get it.
difficult propositions, ah, well, someday…
haha.. dabeli description unbeatable.
hope you are packing those in near Hallmark.
Nikhil: When was the last time you packed fried chillies in a dabeli?
That was the great wada pav at Circle Theatre…
remember telling you about my soiltary visit to oyur town, to see the kumbh mela. remember your shock too!
was going through some scribblings from that day trip- found something along the lines of ‘and nasik rates a 9 on 10 on the least-lecherous stares scale’…
should say something na, considering i was by myself…
Very well written. Enjoyed reading it. I like Nasik too, for reasons best not discussed here. heheh
So did Jen like your home-town? Did she like the temple? We would like to hear her side of the story too.
oh I guess I misunderstood the wada-pav description 😀
Just to be sure… did you mean palate or does Jen really carry a palette of watercolors with her?
Shreya: Yes. I suppose that is a good thing. Although which city ranks in Ten on Ten?
Ashlesha: Thanks! You must tell me your reasons.. as far as Jen goes, she hasnt replied as yet.
Nikhil: Touche! That was a mistake on my part.
Hey, I came here wandering from Someplace Else. And imagine my surprise when I read this post about Nashik!! well, I live in Nashik, and belong to Nashik!
I agree with "I suppose everything must change." our city is changing.. big time! I live on Gangapur road near the river; couple of years back we could see peacocks in the guava orchards across the river.. today, they are all replaced by construction..