Republic Day Eve

I was invited by my friends to attend the republic day celebrations in their housing society. I thought I would carry my camera along as they had mentioned that it was going to be a variety entertainment programme, including walking the ramp.

For a change they had included participants from all age groups for walking the ramp.

The best part of the whole programme was that practically every member of the society (or at least one from each family) took part in the events. 

A sure shot way of pulling in the crowd, but then I suppose that is the best way to get the attention of the whole family. 

Even though it stretched for more than three hours, things were moving at a good pace with no time wasted.   

Children getting the final touch before the call for the next item. 

There was no let-up in the costumes and that made it all the more colourful.   

I liked the skit by these guys in the police uniform, some dancing very well and some not so well but everyone enjoyed the spirit of the performance.   

These girls were in perfect sync

And so was the lavani team (got to see a lavni after a long time) 

Some kids did not want to give up the seats close to the ramp even if it meant enduring the blast from the speakers. 

I remember the hola-hoop being a real craze during the sixties, and I too could hold on for about a minute, but then that was more than five decades ago. This girl did a good job with two hoops

After watching the whole programme, I think we can make things work if there is teamwork.

You can see them in action in the videos.  
 
I have just added glimpses of each item to keep the video short. If anyone wants the longer version just drop in a mail to joezach54@gmail.com 

(If watching on YouTube, do keep the setting on 720pHD for clarity)  

The Union Square

The union square is a nice place to sit back and relax. If you are lucky you can catch up with some art exhibition or maybe there will be a live show. We were lucky to witness both.

Originally this was a park surrounded by churches and houses. Now it is the commercial retail center of the city. It serves as a stage for gatherings of all types, including dance, art exhibitions, musical performances, theater and speech.

A good place for window shopping (as the prices in the area is bit high I must say)

The big building facing the square is the Macey’s where there is ample opportunity for shopping and eating. This building looks more appealing in the night with the lights on.

We had been to the Cheesecake factory at Macey's which was on the 8^th Floor (Terrace level) It gave a good view of the square.

There was this live music show in the evening. People waited while things were being set up for the event.

Some read books while others thought it was the right time for a quick snap shot.

Some people waited patiently (and their dogs were equally patient)

Some thought that this was the time to show off their attire. This young man with a fancy hat and coat had a matching parasol.

The professional photographers had enough time to assemble the right lens and be ready

For meditation, any place was a good place, while the blue flowers played the right music for the right mood

There was this lady who had a bunch of hula hoop. Looked like she was in charge of distributing the hoops.

 Hula Hoop was the craze in the early sixties. There were some records created, like Aaron Hibbs of Ohio managed hooping for 75 hours non stop in 2009.

Earlier the hoops were made of willow or rattan, but now it comes in plastic or HDP (high density polypropylene)

This small boy here in green was full of energy and did the hooping with ease.

Once the music started the mood changed

Some just tapped their feet to the music while others (young and old) took to the dance floor.

I noticed about six cameras like these, placed at different locations, capturing the event. Probably the combined result would be mixed to make a good video.

Well, I had only one camera and tried my best to capture the event from different angles. Those who like to watch live performances like these may find this video interesting. More emphasis was given to the drummer and his performance. It is a pleasure to watch some one play on an actual drum set, than on an electronic drum.

 The last shot in the video was taken from the Cheesecake factory at Macey’s.