International Sumana Day
(Please note that International Sumana Day is a subsidiary of International Jubek Day, founded by Jubek Yongo-Bure to celebrate the absolute joy that is her existence. Before her, I was an empty being who didn’t believe in birthdays.)
This year marked the 27th annual International Sumana Day. It also fell on our first day out of isolation so we felt like caged birds set free. A few snapshots of one of the most magical days of the year.
Being woken up at midnight
My roommates/my favorite goons somehow procured a gluten-free, vegan cake for me (Janu said she called a bakery and told them that they had three hours to figure it out, make it, and deliver it) and I promise you I teared up. They also took the time to make me a huge card, with a drawing Papa Bear had made of me and notes from other close friends from the SBI YFI circle. (No photos of the card they gave me as it was too personal.)
Visiting the Neemach Mata temple
After a short sleep, we all woke up at around 5 AM to trek our way to the Neemach Mata temple, the patron Goddess of the royalty of Udaipur. We watched the sunrise from on top of the hill where the temple resides, paid our respects, and got some breakfast on our way home.
Poha
We had our first street food in Udaipur (the first Indian street food for me in over a year) at a cart on the way home.
Visiting the Monsoon Palace
After a quick nap and lunch at home, we made our way to the Monsoon Palace, which is yet on another hilltop. It was crowded with Gujarati tourists, who were on vacation for Deepavali holidays, so we spent most of our time outside. Having been cooped up inside for seven days, we were more than happy to sit outside, take lots of photos, and enjoy the views.
On the back of Sushi’s bike
Sheelu and I were bike buddies for the whole day. We played the entire album of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani twice as we ripped our way through Udaipur.
Tea and coffee at Jheel’s
After the Monsoon Palace, we made our way to Old City, the historical part of Udaipur, where we were able to catch the sunset. Per our NGO coordinator’s recommendation, we checked out Jheel’s rooftop cafe, where we had to constantly shout for our waiter’s attention. But THAT VIEW.
Dinner at Harigarh’s
After some quick refreshments at Jheel’s, we headed over to our dinner reservation at Restaurant Harigarh. This place was jaw-dropping, with seating right along the banks of Lake Pichola. We sat Rajasthani-style, on cushions with a low table, and ate our first sumptuous Rajasthani dinner. Eating, singing, and talking for hours and hours as Lake Pichola glittered with light.
We ended the night well past midnight, laughing, talking, and dancing at Harigarh and then back at our apartment. We were all silly with sleep-deprivation and giddiness at our upcoming adventure.
Ringing in my 27th with great friends, the gods, fantastic food, and so much laughter - here’s to an incredible year ahead.
