Hi everyone, well just before we start off things, I am Chetan, who is a newbie when it comes to writing. A Bangalorean, I have started my life here and have been living here. So, let’s get started. 2023, that year where everyone wanted peace in life with Corona having hit our lives, the lockdown and stuff. This year was a much more peaceful year. I still remember the very first day, where I was partying at my friend’s place. Around 3 o’clock we dozed off, but I was very soon awakened by the cold breeze.
I couldn’t sleep after that. When I woke up, there were a lot of thoughts running through my mind. Like what does this year have in store for me? In South India or maybe basically in India, we have the habit of going to the temple on New Year’s Day, seeking God’s blessings as we kick off the year. As usual, I started writing the New Year’s Resolutions (which I never got back to). The year started with lots of hopes; I wished that I would travel more, socialize more, develop new skills, etc.
January: The first month of the year, I made sure that some of my hobbies shouldn’t vanish. Because they say that even the greatest weapon, when not used over a period, will lose its originality. I mended my cooking skills & celebrated the first festival, Sankranti, well. Then I had my first trip within Karnataka.
February: Started with beautiful mornings on Sundays, café hopping, and trying good food. March was the month where I happened to travel to Fort Kochi with complete strangers. The most awaited thing on this trip was the Biennale, the Art Fest. I was also fortunate enough to see Kathakali & Kalaripayattu. Also, the Chinese fishing net was a first for me. Made some very good friends and a lot of memories, all thanks to our host.
March: This month was super proud as an Indian song and an Indian movie won an Oscar. I traveled, but this time it was a little challenging for me as I had to drive 700 km in a single day. It was Tiranga Darshana, which had to be completed in a day. Luckily, we were able to make it with ease. The travel started from Srirangapatna to Srirangam in Trichy (A divine tour). With wonderful art across all the temples, which included Chola Raj Temple and Tanjavur.
April: Started with team outings at my company in a resort where I had to host for the first time. It was a little challenging as it was my first time. Then this month also embarked on “Karaga,” the famous festival that happens at midnight within the city. It was just as grand as all the years, but the crowd was larger.
May: This month marked the marriage season as one of my besties got married. Also, it was this month that I did a lot of pub hopping. This month also marked the right to vote, where the state government got changed.
June: This month was a different experience because, for the first time, I went bird watching. I didn’t know there was such a thing happening. They educated us on the species of birds. Also, this month marked one more divine tour to Dharmastala.
July: This month reminds me of watching the epic movie Oppenheimer. It was also exciting as I happened to go to speed dating for the first time (though I couldn’t find anyone, I made a few friends and enjoyed it in such a way that everyone knew me).
August: Marks my favorite month for two reasons: since Ganesh Festival, my most favorite festival, fell in the same month, and second was my birth month. Also, it was a very proud moment for the whole nation to witness the launch of Chandrayaan 3 to the Moon.
September: Again, this month marked another close friend of mine marrying after a lot of struggles, but he found his soulmate. Also, this month I attended a lot of live band concerts and thoroughly enjoyed every bit. This month also marks India winning over 100 medals in the Asian Games.
October: This month marked the festival season and the most famous Dasara, but I watched it in my native place with a reduced ambiance compared to Mysore.
November: Had a mix of all—treks to mountains, live concerts, flea markets, and socializing events. Also celebrated Diwali with strangers, which was so good. Also, a heart-breaking thing was India losing to Australia in the World Cup final. Prior to that, India was doing exceptionally well, being undefeated until that point.
Rest of December: The last month of the year was spent reviewing my resolutions that were set. All excited about Christmas and the New Year. Well guys, that was my part of 2023, the year which had so many memories, emotions, pride, enjoyment, socialization, and improvements in new aspects and skills. Few things will be in the Book of Memories. Well, that’s it from my end until I get another chance. Signing off, Chetan.
