Banganga

How to Party at Alibaug

Some shots of the beautiful weekend I spent with my friends in Alibaug.

or

A Guide to Having an Awesome Time in Alibaug.

Gather at the maidan opposite the Taj Hotel. Its one of the biggest landmark this side of town. You cannot get lost.
If at all, you can raise your hands and shout out your friends name. No one will stare at you.
They're probably doing the same.

Another landmark hard to miss is of course, the Gateway of India itself; "...erected to commemorate the landing on the Apollo Bunder of their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary when they visited India in 1911," The gateway was latterly the ceremonial entrance to India for Viceroys and the new Governors of Bombay. It served to allow entry and access to India. And in recent times, a passage to terrorists from a certain neighboring country.

What greets you is this pretty thing: a small shikara-shmancy bollywood-kashmir-ki-kali kinda boat that compels you to break into instant bouts of Shammi Kapoor neck clicks. But hold your high horses, because whats actually taking you to Alibaug is the boat next to it. See how they lure you into their trap! 

Take a dozen pictures on the way.

...of friends stuffing their fare.

Play with lights and shadows.

 

So you reach Alibaug in about an hour you start from Bombay coastline. These are water ferries, so when you reach the other side you're most likely to find a bunch of people waiting to be taken back to the mainland. People commute between Mumbai and Alibaug for jobs too.

Because you were too busy buying "supplies" for the night, you obviously missed the bus service provided by the ferry. So you hire the tuktuks standing there, and begin your journey towards the guesthouse you or your friend booked in advance. Now that's important. Its a small town so everything shuts down pretty early. So make sure you've booked a cottage well in advance. Its an awesome ride inland. Its pitch dark and the tuktuk headlights light up only to around three feet ahead. You're literally moving into the darkness. 

Whatever that guy's name is, save his number and keep it with you safe. Also known as the caretaker, he's going to take care of everything for you.

Venture out for a few clicks.

Take in the breathless calm of the sea with a friend.

On your way back to the port the next morning/afternoon, instead of walking all the way, you hitch a ride in one of such tempos that transport building materials to the bazaar. That's where you are going, to the bazaar.

Wave at your friends walking on the sides of  the road.Watch the more 'enthu' one running behind the tempo. 

Watch him make it. =]

Once at the bazaar, you have a plethora of dishes to choose from:

Go to the beach nearby. It has black silt-like sand. Take pictures for memories.

Take a dozen pictures while you wait for the ferry.

...and a few more.

Goodbye Alibaug.

As you leave Alibaug, seal gulls begin to trail your ferry.
Be prepared to be wowed the rest of the journey.

Witness this.

Befriend lead singers of rock bands on the boat ride back to the mainland.  

Shore

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Ek Madhav Baug: Play Reading

Ek Madhav Baug, written by late Chetan Datar, is one of the pioneering plays written on homosexuality. The poignant play tells the story of a 21-year-old boy coming to terms with his sexuality. It is seen from the point of view of the young man’s mother, who is reading his diary in which he speaks to her about his conflicts with his own sexuality, and the ultimate acceptance of being a normal person whose preferences may be different but not deviant.

The play has been much lauded for its searing intensity and heartfelt content.