Kombdi Bhuj and Kukshet, two names most Navi Mumbaikars may be unaware of. But the spirit of life resides in these tiny hamlets which essentially form the soul of this millennium city. Any city has a past. We may erect skyscrapers to create a future, but we cannot erase the past – the past which still carries the rich coastal heritage of Navi Mumbai.
Ganeshotsav is undoubtedly the best time of the year. Everyone likes to visit friends and well-wishers to take blessings of the lord. I got an unusual invitation of sorts to visit the homes of two of our office maids, both of whom are cousins. As the invite included darshan of the revered lord, I simply couldn’t decline it. But when I heard the addresses, I was shell shocked. Do these places even exist in Navi Mumbai? One of them was Kombdi Bhuja, a village near Reti Bunder, CBD Belapur & the other was Kukshet village, Nerul. I had made up my mind that as I had committed, I won’t change my decision. But sure enough, I would try and finish the Darshan in five minutes each.
My first stop was at Kombdi Bhuja, a lost village far away from the Uran Road. I was only given the name of the Head of the family and I was supposed to ask anyone in the village to bring me there. Gosh, it was true. I got excellent directions from all villagers that I asked, and here I was in this little house which housed one of the most attractive Ganapathy Bappa idol I have ever seen. The temple in which the idol was placed was an architectural genius. It was the result of the efforts of a single young fellow for seven continuous nights. The Lord had been offered all riches, and here I received a jolt, a reality check. The soul of goodness lied here. I was treated with a cup of hot tea and a sumptuous snack.
With an overwhelming sense of gratitude, I left Kombdi Bhuja and headed for Kukshet. Another rousing welcome, another heart-touching Ganapathy, another marvel décor of a temple. And here I saw one of the most loving brother sister duo. A five year toddler boy caressing and pampering his little angelic year old sister.
It had been a remarkable evening. Two Ganapathys that brought me so close to two such beautiful families. That taught me to respect the countryside of India even more and rightfully speaking it is the privileged blessings of these two Ganapathys and many more that reside in the hearts of these villagers that have made what Navi Mumbai is today!
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