The story revolves around the Par River in Maharashtra, which flows from the Pailkhed region and merges into the Arabian Sea. The river, serene for most of the year, becomes tumultuous during the summer, especially when the monsoon arrives, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement among the youth. Set in July 1956, it highlights the traditions of girls performing a ritual known as Aluna Vrat, hoping for a good husband and a happy married life. During this time, the girls engage in their rituals joyfully, praying to Lord Shiva for blessings. As the monsoon season approaches, the river swells, prompting government precautions such as removing railings from bridges to prevent damage. The girls, undeterred by the rising water, decide to cross the bridge to worship at a local temple. The narrative captures the innocence and joy of the girls, adorned in traditional attire, as they make their way to the temple, singing and laughing along the way. However, the atmosphere turns tense when they encounter a bullock cart and an ST bus on the narrow bridge, causing panic among the girls due to the sudden chaos. Through this story, the author encapsulates themes of tradition, innocence, and the unpredictability of nature, as well as the challenges faced by the characters in their daily lives. The blend of cultural practices with the natural setting creates a vivid depiction of the time and place.

by Umakant in Gujarati Short Stories

Writen by Umakant

Category Short Stories