Ex-Meconian's PICNIC at PAT'S COTTAGE at Sonarpur, on 3rd January 2016

On 3^rd.January, 2016 I found a foggy morning from the 4^th Floor balcony of our flat at Mecon Tower though with a mild assurance of forthcoming sunshine. I could not hope for good Picnic scheduled on the day. By God’s grace I was proved utterly wrong.

 Sharply at 7.45 AM a bright yellow School Bus showed and parked at the gate. Within minutes my intercom rang and I and my better half Jayasree hurriedly came down. She went inside the bus and I, along with some others, was waiting for the desired ones to assemble. Soon all gathered and the Bus started at 8.15 AM towards its destination.

Although a School Bus it was carrying passengers who are mostly Grand Parents of School going kids. The destination was Pat’s Cottage at Sonarpur where we, the Ex-Meconians and their families, would gather for the yearly Picnic. The Bus drove through Prince Anwar Shah Road Connector and took a turn towards south after reaching EM BY pass. On the way it stopped at Kalikapur, Satyajit Roy Film Institute gate and Patuli to pick up some more of us. Few more of the participants went using their own four wheelers. During the journey we were allowed to break our fast with an orange and a school cake.

The bus moved up to Kamalgaji crossing and turned left on Sonarpur Rajpur Road. It was quite congested till we crossed Sonarpur Railway station and the market area. 

King Fisher 

Subsequently, the road appeared narrower and deserted. The bus could not reach up to the picnic spot. We got down at Mission More as the name suggested. Here we took a right turn and walked straight on a narrow village street. Now we entered a hushed place far from the urban noise. On the left of the street ran a canal lined with numerous date trees and on the right a marshy pond where a kingfisher was waiting for its catch.  

Date Trees in Line

The Pat’s cottage is a small farm house, well arranged and adequately decorated. There was an open lawn lined with flower planted around  and colored umbrellas. There were two small tiled roofed round resting places also. One can reach a well decorated dining hall crossing a small and beautiful bridge built over a narrow water stream. There was a small kitchen garden there showing sprouts of cauliflowers.

Serious Conversation?

Meeting Old Friends 

On reaching the spot we were treated with Hate Garam Kachuris, Alu Koraishutir sabji and hot coffee. We assembled at the open lawn under mild sunshine and participated in games. There was a quiz with some 23 questions. Some of them were difficult too. But the participants won over the quiz master and answered them all. We enjoyed another game too. It was named Kicchu Karo.  Participants were given chits with number marked on them and called serially to either sing or recite or deliberate on anything they like. The participants once more surprised the organizers and performed so well that it became difficult to choose six best performers. The organizers then conducted a lottery to select the prize winners. During the game we were served veg. and non-veg . Pakoras and fuming tea.

Roof of the dining hall

Broken Fast and Happy

We broke for lunch at around 1.30 PM. We had Fine Rice, Muger Dal, Alu Bhaja, Gobi Curry, Jhal Parshe, Chicken Kasha, Chatni, Papad and sweet at the lunch. It was a Bara Khana undoubtedly.

Liesure

Garden View

Friend's Together

Standing Alone

Merry Gold displaying merrily

Unknown Flowering Tree

Garden View

After lunch we sat for two rounds of Housie. It had a wholehearted participation. As happens in this game, some came out with flying colors and others were compelled to hope for the next time.

Housie in full swing

We called it a day at 4.30 PM. The Sun was already leaning towards west. We reached Mecon Tower at around 6 PM.

The day ends

This year’s Picnic tuned out to be a memorable one. It was well participated. We liked the spot, loved meeting our fellow members and families, appreciated the food arrangements and  enjoyed the games.At the same time, I really feel sorry for our fellow members who could not make it  perhaps for reasons beyond them. We ask them not to loose heart. We all hope to meet them next time. 

I conclude by shouting Aschhe Bachhar Abar Habe.