Geometry Box

By the way -

As  school students we all encounter a  Geometry Box, a tin box containing Geometry instruments like a 15cm ruler, called ' futta' in colloquial language, a divider, a  pair of compasses called 'parkaar', a pair of set- square, a protractor called 'D', and an eraser . These instruments came handy in drawing angles in geometry and were indispensable. In our time Globe was the most popular brand of  geometry box which cost Rs.3/- . Periodically the box had to be replaced as through  constant use, the divider and the compasses got loose or the markings on the set square &  the 'D' got erased.
I remember getting a number of boxes, time to time.

• Years later , it was amusing to find the word mentioned when I was associated with a Revenue Officer during probation/ training. The Officer, a kind human being who hosted me for quite a number of days was said to be calling out the orderly asking for the ' Geometry Box' . It transpired that the Geometry Box was a quarter  of liquor  kept at some place known only to him and the orderly. During the days I spent with him , I found him an abstainer though he was given to drawing on a  hookah in leisure time .

MAKAR SAKRANTI

MAKAR SANKRANTI  during my growing years was an occasion and an event to remember. Irrespective of  how cold the weather was, it was a must to have a morning bath for all members of the family , the only exception being made for someone not feeling well , who was spared the torture. Small heaps of rice & maash, with one or two tiloy, and a coin, the whole thing called नशरावा- as many in number as the members of family were placed on a piece of paper and small Pooja was done. The heaps were bundled together and were given to the  Panda, who  happened  to come the same day or any day afterwards.
The joie de vivre was the Khichdi of rice mixed with m

aash, served with liberal helping of Ghee poured above. This was an auspicious occasion as the entire month of Maagh is considered holy and sacred. The occasion is also known as Khichadi ki Saaji or Saaja.
Khichadi is prepared and served even now, rice and maash are also given away  as in old times but one does miss the ambience that characterized the occasion.

SNOWFALL

ADVANTAGE STAYING AT  HOME DURING & AFTER SNOWFALL
Post retirement it is an advantage to be sitting at home during snowfall and not venturing out till roads are cleared of the snow. Mercifully  , as students also we had full two months of vacation in January and February. During service, no such advantage was there and had to brave it out to reach office and come back one piece. The less fortunate had a fall with resultant injuries.Sadly, only yesterday a young man lost life at Shimla in a car accident. Snowfall is necessary for ensuring ample water for Agriculture & fruit crops , but  comes with attendant miseries also. Cold conditions due to drop in temperature
become unbearable for the older people. Good as long as power supply is regular and uninterrupted. Fuel wood burning especially in urban settings is a thing of the past.
A caution to those who have to walk on snowy terrains- ए भाई ज़रा देख के चलो ......