Welcome 2025 - A view from Stockholm
We ushered into the New Year, 2025 today, 1st January - a cold day with mercury at -7 degree celsius with snow at Marsta, outskirts of Stockholm. The day started slowly and calmly, we got up late. We hosted the New Year Eve bash at home with Sonali (Avi’s sweetheart) and her family, our new relations in Stockholm. It was a wonderful evening.
Anju and Vaishali thoughtfully set the Menu of food supported by Naresh, Pallavi and Arvind to add the right Spirits, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. After a session of Welcome Drinks and Snacks, a stint of Song and Dance on the selected
popular numbers was conducted by Pallu and Avi followed by Game of Bingo, as it is said to drive away the bad spirits, was played. As the evening headed towards the D-line to usher into the New Year, 2025, we relished a tasty Indian meal. The clock struck 12, all of us felt happy and kissed and hugged to wish each other all the best in the days to come. I raised the toast to wish everyone Happy New Year with a poetic narration -
Na koī rañj kā lamha kisī ke paas aa.e
Khudā kare ki nayā saal sab ko raas aa.e
Fun and frolic-filled evening was really entertaining and enjoyable.
It was already snowing heavily. All were happy as this year, there was no snow in Stockholm on the Xmas. People generally like ‘White Xmas’ in Sweden. We moved out for the
finale to the celebrations - with a bottle of Old Monk Rum especially carried by Jimmy from Jalandhar for the occasion and Sparklers (Phool Jhadis) and Chinese Lanterns. Naresh arranged the Lanterns to take the blessings of our ancestors in the Heavens in terms of Chinese belief and thought. It is said that the lanterns are symbols of fortune and good luck.
Incidentally, 1st of January is the birthday of my wife, Vidya who left us about a year ago in December,2023. Obviously, her cherished memories became alive at the back of my mind. We
celebrated many New Year Eves in Stockholm together in the course of our diplomatic stay in Sweden and joining my family even after retirement.
Aaj ik aur baras biit gayā us ke baġhair
Jis ke hote hue hote the zamāne mere
