(Sixty) First Birthday

Last week it was my birthday; and I was with Sriram and Vandana in Hoboken.

Last year was my 60th, and Sriram had organised a memorable get-together in Madras, the highlight of which was the surprise visit of Sankar, Jaisri and Arundati

This year he and Vandana bought a cake, with a single candle, and with their friends Jayasri and Apsara watching, I was a one year old blowing out the candle.

One year old, truly, because according to the Thamizh calendar there are 60 years which complete a full cycle - perhaps that is why the 60th birthday is considered significant- shashtiabtha poorthy - completion of 60 years.
Each of the years has a name, and the 60 years are said to be the children of Narada. This year is called Sarvajithu.

In the picture: Vandana helps cut the cake