The pleasant atmosphere has vanished and the hot Loo is blowing everywhere. Due to unexpected increase in temperature,few cases of heat hyperpyrexia are noted in Dombivli.

Generally in Dombivli, the summer season use to begin after GudiPadwa. But this year,the sudden risein temperature is noted after mid-February.

Not only Dombivli but also the surrounding towns – Thakurli, Kalyan, Shahad, Vithalwadi, Diva are facing the rise in temperature.

The February of 2012 is declared as the hottest February in last 50 years by Regional Meteorological Centre, Colaba.

Sweaters that I purchased in cold weather are of no use as the unwelcomed summer has arrived before schedule.

I believe that invariable weather of Dombivli is changing. Previously, Dombivli use to experience moderate climatic conditions. Dombivlikars did experience cooler climate in December 2011 and January 2012; and are now experiencing extreme hot climate that too before expected season change.

Is it the effect of Global Warming or is the change due to the extreme cutting of tree in Dombivli done for the residential complex construction?

I am no one to predict the future, but I truly believe that we all Dombivlikars should take this seriously and should take some of essential steps like tree plantations to stop this weather change.

Train jumping is an art that every dombivlikar knows from his mother’s womb. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a dombivlikar and thence I have to learn it gradually with time. Still I am learning it

 Here is my experience of the first day in local train—

I had to reach Bhandup before 10 AM where my training for Medical Representative was going to kick-off. I waked up at 7:00 AM sharp, carried out my daily cores, polished the shoes until they were shinny black, and ironed the clothes until the stiff line of press was visible on them.

There I was standing in front of mirror, with clean shave, trimmed moustache, perfectly combed hairs, and wearing perfect attire for my first day of my job. I had chosen the sky blue colour shirt and black trousers to wear only after an hour long discussion with my sister. Looking at myself I felt proud of the clothing style I have selected to wear, but felt something is missing and I suddenly remembered it was a tie. I turned the collar upwards and put the tie beneath it. Shifting the tie knot perfectly over the neck button, I saw my sister standing beside me. She wished me Best of Luck for my first day at office with a smile on her face.

So, I was ready for my first job assignment. Before leaving I touched my parents’ feet to get their blessings. My mother got an aarthi in her hand; she revolved it for 3 times around my face and put the tilak on my forehead. I felt like I was going on border for a war. My father told me to take right foot out of the house first, as it is considered auspicious for starting new career. I followed without any argument.

I waved the hands toward my mother and sister who were standing in the balcony. Rickshaw stand is 5 minutes from my house, so while walking I was thinking only one thing, “how would be my first day of office?” Rickshaw’s horn broke my dreaming process. I sat in rickshaw and reached the station within 10 minutes.

To reach Bhandup, getting ticket was my first priority and thence I stood in queue for it. The line was already out of ticket house on the road. I reached the ticked counter in 25 minutes. I told “Bandup Ticket”. A harsh voice came from other side of window “Single or Return?” I was unable to understand what was being questioned. A person standing next to me told “vapas aana hai na” I nodded my head in agreement. He then told “buy a return ticket?” A person sitting on next side of window heard our conversation and with a petty smile threw a Bhandup return ticket out of window. I gave him 16 rupees. As I left the queue, everyone in the queue was looking at me with a furious look as I am the one accused for a crime.

Finding the way out of the crowd and looking at the indicators that were flashing the timings of the trains. I stood still to get a good look at local train timings from indicators and got three to four pushes from back. I moved forward like a trolley. I again came back and had a good look on indicators, which showed 08: 36 ST F. Decision was made and I was going to catch this train as I had to reach office on time.

Going quickly through staircase I got down on the platform no. 5 of Dombivli station. The platform was enormously crowded and there was no space even for an ant to stand. I said “excuse me” and tried to move ahead of bunch of people standing near staircase. No one moved, they behaved as they didn’t hear me. I was unable to move, so stayed where I was.

The 8.36 fast train came and passed, I just kept watching as was unable to move ahead. The people jumped over the gates of train to get into compartment. I was awestruck by scene. The thought struck me like a hard stone that how am I going to make it?

As the train passed I was able to move to the ahead in the first row near the edge of platform. An indicator flashed the next train for ST i.e. 8:41 ST F.

Within 2 minutes entire platform was again crowded. I was clear in my mind that I have to catch this train. People at the edges were bending forward to look at the the train coming. I also bended a bit, but was feared by the thought that I could fall in front of train.

I saw the strange body language of people there. Everyone was getting their bags on the front side of their body, which were on their back. I heard the horn of the train. I saw the change in the expression of the person standing next to me as if he was getting ready for a race.

The train entered the platform with a speed and there was a strong push of people that I was experiencing from my back. The train compartments were passing from front of me. I was looking for some empty compartment where I could get in and saw one. I jumped hard with full of energy and landed into that compartment and felt relieved. What I saw inside was shocking, not a single man inside the compartment. Soon after me a core of women entered the compartment. It was then clear for me that I had jumped into a Ladies compartment.

I heard some women shouting and getting their hands in action. It was the time that I should react otherwise I would serve as a boxing bag for all these ladies. I saw the opening at another side of train. I thought it was a chance for escape for me. In a agile manner I ran and jumped out of the train’s other door.

I landed in between the two tracks, but heard some of the noises in background. I thought women from ladies compartment might be shouting at me. But, then I heard some strong voices “bhag bhag” I turned side and saw a train running towards me. My eyes weren’t able to believe what I was seeing. Was it my death? As train was only about 50 yards from me.

I don’t know what happened to me, but I ran with all my vigour. Kept one hand and a leg over a platform and I tried climbing on it. My eyes were fixed on train. My leg slipped from the edge of platform. Train was about 15 yards from. I knew that this is my last chance; otherwise it would be my last day.

I kept both my hands over the platform and lifted by entire lower part of the body up. Within a fraction of second I was above the platform, I was on my all four. Before the train could reach me I crawled quickly away from the edge of the platform. I felt down on my back and closed my eyes.

I slept or got unconscious, I really don’t know. I felt some hands near my nose and felt driblets of water on my face. My eyes weren’t opening, but I forced them to open and saw a face with red eyes staring at me. I got up and saw a crowd of people gathered around me.

It was a railway police guard who was sprinkling water on my face. As I got up, he asked whether I am okay. I told him that I am absolutely fine. Then he left and crowd of people got dispersed.

I was still in a shock and sat on a platform with no idea what to do? A lady in white dress offered me water. I drank it and felt better. My thought process began. I went walking toward the edge of platform and saw my bag broken down into pieces. But, the good thing was the file with my offer letter was still in good condition.

I stared at the file but was scared to get down on tracks and get it. I went back and looked here and there. I saw the railway police guard sitting next to the canteen. I went to him and asked to help me to get the file. He agreed and gave me the file by getting down on the tracks. I thanked him. He nodded his head with a smile and left. He just turned and told me “Good Jump”. You can get us one Olympic medal in long jump. I laughed. This eased my pressure and made me feel relax.

After all this adventure, whether go to office or not? I decided to go home. But, if I go home this way, I was sure my mother is not going to allow me to office today or not even tomorrow. I changed my thought and made a decision to go to office as it was my first day. Looked at my watch, it was full of dirt. So, cleaned it with handkerchief, it showed 9:20 AM.

An indicator at platform no. 3 displayed 9:30 ST S. I stood there for a minute and had a look over my clothes. The blue shirt had become brown, the tie knot is being shifted towards left shoulder, and pant was showing brown rounds over knees.

I decided to clean all this mess. With a handkerchief I first cleaned my shirt, got the tie out of collar and kept it in left pocket, and then cleaned the trousers thoroughly. I unbuttoned the first button of my shirt, which made me feel relieved. There was a water cooler on a platform. Went there and gulped few ounces of water. This rejuvenated the energy in me.

I made my way to the first row of commuters. As the train arrived I climbed quickly in a train, and this time into the right compartment. With some pushes I got into the inner area of compartment through the side way.

There was no seat, not even forth. I stood there calmly and closed my eyes. There was an announcement before every station in three languages and even the indicator was showing the name of next station.

I asked my fellow passenger that which side Bhandup station will come and then started moving ahead toward the gate. Finally, with some choking, suffocating and with enough squeezing (forced body massage) I reached Bhandup Station. I felt relieved. My shirt was again out of pants But, anyhow I was happy that I made it and I moved on with my first day of office.

At office, I learned many other things about train, one of which was that there are two types of train — fast train and slow train. The train I went into ladies compartment was fast train and I wouldn’t have been able to get down at Bhandup as fast trains don’t stop at Bhandup. Also, some of my new friends who were from Dombivli told me catch Dombivli train from Kopar station which would be easy for me. They also asked me to join them while coming to office.

Certainly, this was worst travelling day for me. But, now I am okay with travelling and daily travel through train that too with ease.

Few years back, saree was a daily wear. But, the dames of this generation have given it thumbs down as they find it difficult to handle on daily basis. Thence, nowadays very few women are seen in saree (bad luck of guys).

Saree has lost its battles to salwar kameez, jeans, gowns, and skirts. This loss has not done any harm to sari, rather it has given saree a status of festive wear. On special occasion, specifically traditional, sari is the preferred choice of Indian woman.

Get below the list of some best shops for saree in dombivli—
(not arranged in order of importance)

Rajgharana

Address:

Patil & Bhoir Apt., Near Municipal Corporation Office, Dombivali (E), Thane – 421201

Contact Details:

Phone:     0251-2431535
Mobile:    9820046257

Monica Silk and Handloom Saree

Address:

Didikar Building, Opp. System Engineering, Dombivali (E), Thane – 421201

Contact Details:

Phone:     0251-2860510
Mobile:    9869028511

Kaveri Sari Shop

Address:

Shop No. 5/6, Shubhangi Darshan, Manpada Road, Dombivli (e)

Contact Details:

Phone:    0251-2860496

Morvica Sari Shop

Address:

Patkar Building, Manpada Road, Near Railway Station, Dombivli (e)

Shree Swami Samarth Paithani Kendra

Address:

Shivam Complex, Bldg No. 4, ‘A’ Wing, Block No. 4, Rajaji Path, Lane 3, Ram Nagar, Dombivl (e)

Contact Details:

Phone:  0251-2435231

Meenaxi Saree

Address:

Shop No 1, Rajani Ganda Society, Kelkar Road, Nr Madhuban Talkies, Dombivli

Contact Details:

Mobile:  9820400517

Menaka Palace Saree Shop

Address:

Manpada Rd, Opp Shivmarket, Dombivli(e)

Contact Details:

Phone:  0251-2860396

Milan Sarees

Address: Phadke Road, Dombivli (East) 421201

Mantra Sari
Shrushti Sarees Shop

Note: It is my request to all Dombivlikars to use the bus service of KDMC as much as possible. This will help KDMC is earn the necessary revenue and improve the bus service further.

 Reference: http://www.kdmc.gov.in

I think this is the coolest of temperatures I am experiencing in city. As per the weather information websites, the temperature for dombivli is in range of 16 to 20 Degree Celsius at nights for the month of December 2011 and January 2012. This gives a clear indication that invariable weather of Dombivli is changing.

Fog was rarely seen in Dombivli, but it is now regularly seen in the morning from last few days. Specifically, the outskirts of Dombivli i.e. Kopar, Bhopar, and Deslepada are seen submerged in fog during dawn.

Fog at Kopar Station

Cooler climate have certainly freed dombivlikars from hot and humid weather. Cold breeze blows throughout the day and this has lead to independence from sweat which was always a part of dombivlikars’ life.

People are observed wearing mufflers, jackets, and sweaters which were seldomly observed in city. As per the local cloth shop owner, the sale of sweater is triggered in last 2 months and it is increased by 40% in comparison to last year.

In local train window seats are being left vacant by people to avoid the cold breeze otherwise if someone sits then windows are kept closed.

I hope this pleasant weather stays for few more months as I saw everyone is enjoying this gift of nature for Dombivli.

Ingredients for Tilgul Ladu

How to Make Tilgul Ladu?

1. Roast til (sesame seeds) over medium heat till they turn slight golden in colour
2. Then remove them and allow to get cool
3. Heat jaggery over medium heat in a clean heavy-bottomed, non-stick pan until it start liquefying
4. Add 2 tablespoon ghee into Jaggery
5. As this mixture starts bubbling up and changes to light red. Add sesame seeds into it.
6. Mix well
7. Allow the mixture to come to lukewarm temperature. Start making ladoos of it. Ladoos turn hard and crisp once cool

Tip: Rub some ghee to the palm of your hands while making ladoos as the mixture is sticky.

Tilgul is a ladu or ladoo made of til (dry seeds of sesame) and gud (jaggery). It is made by mixing the til and gud in 3:1 proportion and then moulding the mixture into balls. Click here to view detailed Recipe of Tilgul Ladoo

Also, the halwa is exchanged as Tilgul on Makar Sankranti. The Halwa consists of sugar granules coated in sugar syrup.

Tilgul Ghya God God Bola means “accept the sweets and speak sweet words.”

Offering sweet Tilgul indicates humans to forget all grievances, increase sweetness in your life and of others, and not to speak harsh words which will hurt anyone.

Places from where you can purchase Tilgul ladus in Dombivli are:

1. Kulkarni Brothers Sweet, Phadke Road, Dombivli East

2. Siddhivinayak Sweet, Phadke Road, Dombivli East

3. Ashok Sweets by Nakhe, Deendayal Road, Dombivli West

4. Anant Halwai, Everest Centre, Dombivli West

5. Laxmi Sweet, Char Rasta, Dombivli East

Another important dish prepared in Maharastrian homes during Makar Sankranti is Gulachi Poli. It is eaten along with the ghee or curd.

Gulachi Poli is prepared by mixing the til and gud in wheat flour, from which the dough is made. Mould the dough until it becomes pliable. The Gulachi Poli is made from this dough.

Places from where you can purchase Gulachi Poli in Dombivli are:

1. Rasoi Poli Bhaji Kendra, Char Rasta, Dombivli East

2. Kanitkar Poli Bhaji Kendra, Kelkar Road, Dombivli East

Dombivli, being a cultural city celebrates Makar Sankranti with full of energy.  You may see many people wearing new clothes and going to their friends and relatives houses to offer Tilgul.

 Note: In case, you have family members or elderly people traveling with you in morning time (7:00 AM to 11:00 AM), then I suggest you to take the train from Kopar Station. It is bit of reverse journey but it avoids the unnecessary problems and makes travelling comfortable. So, I have provided the train timings of kopar station for the dombivli train (i.e. before it arrives to Dombivli Station).

Dombivli to CST Local Train Timetable

Dombivli to CST Local Trains List

Dombivli to Dadar Local Train Timetable

Dombivli to Dadar Trains List

Dombivli to Kurla Local Train Timetable

Dombivli to Kurla Local Trains List

Updated: January 6, 2012

Ganapati Mandir (Temple) is a hindu temple devoted to lord Ganesha. It is located at Dombivli (east) in the heart of the city. Over the years, the Ganesh Mandir became renowned and its deity (Lord Ganesha) got named as “Gram Deivath” of dombivlikars (people living in dombivli).

Ganapati Mandir Dombivli

Ganesh Temple is one of the most revered places of worship in Dombivli city. Thousands of devotees every year visit the Ganesh Mandir and get the blessings from the lord. More than usual number of devotees visits mandir on Sankashti Chaturti, Tuesdays, and on weekends.

Devotees take the darshan of God and do circumambulation for 1, 3, 5, 11 or 21 times around the gabhara. Most devotees offer Lord Ganesha with red flower of hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), and/or durva (Cynodon dactylon) in 21 numbers as they are considered as favourite of Lord Ganesha.

It is believed by worshipers that Lord fulfils the wishes of the devotees who do the navas i.e. wish done by a devotee humbly and with complete commitment.

History of Temple

In British era, on 22^nd May 1924 inception of Ganesh mandir with a small statue of Lord Ganesha was done by the villagers of Dombivli town. It was in 1926-27, the first committee of members for Ganesh Mandir was formed. The Laws of Temple were written in 1936, and the temple was open to people from all sections of society from 1936.

Renovation of Temple

First renovation of temple happened in 1940. On 27^th October 1952 the Udak Shanti pooja of the newly build edifice was done. The temple building that we see today was built in 1979 during the second renovation.

Recently (2010-2011), Ganesh temple is renovated again. It includes the change in entrance of Temple which is now shifted in exact opposite side of Ganesha Idol. Also, a five storey building is built behind the temple where office and quarters are made available for mandir staff.

Mandir Architecture

Ganesh Temple structure is a big edifice, painted in red, and has a unique architectural pattern which has made it a well-known landmark in town. Specifically, the step-wise pattern for the roof above the gabbara is phenomenal and distinctive. Above this the kalash is placed.

Mandir consists of a small Gabhara (sanctum sanctorum) in which a Ganesh Statue is placed in devara (a small mandir with 4 pillars, covered with silver). In front of Gabhara is a large sabha mandap (hall), which provides devotees with enough place for worship.

The temples of other Lords are placed in eastern corner of mandir with a small gabhara dedicated for every lord, only the mandir of Lord Hanumana is placed in opposite direction of Lord Ganesha.

Deities in Temple

Ganesh Temple is a complete place of worship with main deity as Lord Ganesha. The statue has a trunk turned to right. Ganesh Murti (statue) has 4 hands, carrying a mala (garland of beads), a pair of parshu (axe), and a kamadalu, respectively. Ridhi and Sidhi (Two wives of Lord Ganesha) are placed on either sides of god.

The mouse is the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Ganesha. It is placed in front of Lord Ganesha in Sabha Mandap. Mouse is crafted in silver and is one feet tall. It is believed that if you tell your wish in ears of mouse it would be completed faster. So, many devotees are seen telling the wishes in mouse’s ears.

The deity is around 2 feet in height and is carved in white stone. The statue is placed above an asan (a flat structure about 1 feet high with filled base) made of stone.

Other deities are Lord Shankar, Vithal Rukhmai, Dattatreya, Krishna, Durga Mata, Ram, and Hanuman.

How to Reach Ganpati Mandir in Dombivli?

From Dombivli Station:

Walking:

A brisk walk for 10 minutes from Dombivli Railway station will make you reach Ganesh Mandir.

By Rickshaw:

It takes 5 minutes by rickshaw to reach temple. It charges you 15 rupees (approx).

From Dombivli ST Stand:

It takes 15 to 20 minutes by rickshaw to reach Ganesh Mandir. It charges you 25 to 30 rupees (approx).

From Thakurli Station:

Walking:

It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach temple

By Rickshaw

It takes 7 to 8 minutes by rickshaw to reach Ganesh Mandir. It charges you 15 rupees (approx).

Reference:

http://www.shreeganeshmandirsansthan.org

Acknowledgement:

 Thanks to —

• Mr. Harshit Samdhani and Mr. Manish Rane for helping me in wordpress installation
• Mr. Nirav Patel for purchase of domain name and webspace in short time