Haldi Kumnku function for men

Haldi-kunku for men

CAMIL PARKHE
Monday, February 14, 2011 AT 05:59 PM (IST)
Tags: Camil Parkhe, Haldi-kunku ceremony, Women

http://www.sakaaltimes.com/SakaalTimesBeta/20110214/5213164191992375760.htm

The door bell awoke me from my deep siesta in the late afternoon on January 26, one of the rare holidays for journalists. The caller, a neighbour, had come to invite my wife and daughter for the haldi-kunku function that evening. The door bell had woken me up at the right moment as I detest long siestas on a holiday. The delivery of the invitation message immediately had the desired effects among womenfolk on various floors of the building. Hectic preparations began to get ready for the event, although the function was to be held in the same building.
Around 7 pm, my wife and daughter went for the haldi-kunku function. I too went downstairs, wondering what to do for the next half an hour, or more. In the parking lot, my neighbour, whose wife was hosting the haldi-kunku, was all set to leave for the badminton court. I turned my search to another neighbour so that we could gossip for a while. He too had left home after learning that his wife would be busy with the haldi-kunku programme.
Then it struck me: haldi-kunku was not the only occasion that enabled the womenfolk in the building and the colony to have a get-together. Holi is a festival to be enjoyed by all but over the past years, I have found, that it is only the children -- boys and girls -- who participate in the festival of colours. Women too enjoy for about half an hour the joy of splashing colours on each other in their building. However, for most men -- the office-goers and also those having a holiday on that day -- Holi festivities are a taboo. The same is the case with Garba dances in which only young boys and women of all ages are seen in large numbers.
The last get-together of our housing society, although attended by men and women in equal numbers, had soon turned into an affair dominated entirely by women who chatted excitedly and incessantly and laughed merrily while the men sat or stood around quietly, not knowing what was to be done. They fared miserably at the antakshari, singing and all other contests. I began to wonder why we men are becoming dull and duller.
That night, three of us neighbours returned to the building at the same time. While we were in the lift together, I asked them: “Shall we have a haldi-kunku function exclusively for men?” “Hey, we really need something like that,” was the instant response. Now we are planning one. Hopefully, men lose their stiff upper lip during that function.

Teresian Nivas Hostel for women

Home away from home
Camil Parkhe
Monday, December 21st, 2009 AT 8:12 PM
Tags: Women, http://www.sakaaltimes.com catholic
Young women residing in Teresian Nivas Hostel in Camp spend quality time with underprivileged children
A group of young women drawn from various parts of the country and belonging to varied faiths live together in a hostel to study and to establish themselves in life and leave the place in a couple of years to start their own independent life. This hostel, Teresian Nivas Hostel on the Sachapir Street in Camp has offered shelter and psychological support to hundreds of youngsters during the most crucial phase of their life.
Teresian Nivas Hostel is run by Teresian Association, an organisation of lay people committed to the twin causes of education and culture. The hostel is owned by Pune Catholic diocese headed by Pune Bishop Thomas Dabre.
The hostel is open to women belonging to the age-group of 18 to 30 years. The hostelites are either students or working women and they can stay at the hostel for a maximum of four years.
"The period of four years gives sufficient time to the young women to complete their basic studies, to find a job, alternate accommodation or even a life partner," says Maria Goretti Gonsalves, in-charge of this unique hostel.
Almost 50 per cent of the hostelites are Christians but that is only because the institute is run by a Christian organisation. "We do not admit women based on their religion. We only conduct their interview to know their character and their need to live in the hostel," says Gonsalves.
Women from north-eastern states, north India, south India and even rural parts of Maharashtra approach the hostel for admission.
The Teresian Association was founded by Fr Pedro Poveda, a diocesan priest, in Spain in 1911 with an aim to promote human advancement and transform social structures.
The Association's hostel, besides offering shelter, also helps the women to shape their personality and to equip themselves for the future.
The hostel life helps the young women understand each other's cultures, traditions and other religions, Gonsalves adds.
The Teresian Association organises various activities for the inmates on Sundays or during holidays, including visits to orphanages and slums.
"We also celebrate religious festivals like Diwali, Eid, Christmas and national festivals like Independence Day. Birthdays too are celebrated" says Gonsalves.