7G, Rainbow Colony,
M.G.Road, Dharavi,
Mumbai-17.
21st February 2014
Dear Henry,
I received your letter last week, but we were very busy with
Shivaji Jayanti celebrations, and so I could not reply immediately. Shivaji
Maharaj was a famous and popular king of India. Even today he is worshipped all
over the country. Hence his birthday (jayanti) is celebrated with great
enthusiasm. The square (chowk) in our town was turned into a fort that
resembled Shivaji Maharaj’s fort at Raigad. A life-size portrait of Shivaji
Maharaj on horseback was placed on one of the walls.
It was a day packed with varied programmes. Classical music
resounded all around the area. The Municipal Commissioner garlanded the
portrait of Shivaji Maharaj at 9 a.m. the entire town turned out during the day
to homage to this great king. There was a prayer ceremony (pooja) in the
afternoon in which many leading personalities of the town participated. This
was followed in the evening by songs and the narration of unforgettable
incidents in the life of Shivaji Maharaj (Shiva-kirtan). In many parts of the
town there were songs (powadas) sung in praise of this great son of India.
It was a day of rejoicing and celebration, one that this
town will always remember!
With warmest regards,
Yours truly,
XYZ
