Antakshari.

Today, after ages, i played antakshari... It made me smile. I absolutely love playing it. Its one of those things about our language that i am extremely fond of. Its possible only with hindi songs and only in this language. For those who absolutely shun hindi filmy music (and i know quite a few!!) this is one thing they must surely miss.
Playing Antakshari is soooo much fun. No family get together is complete without that. Almost every sangeet in an Indian marriage has one. Its a game played across ages. Its so much fun when your grand parents participate too... and you can sing pyaar hua ikraar hua with them. Good songs are rendered eternal by this game. To come up with new songs is a little tough... but i am getting there.. like singing haule haule instead of hum dono do premi when there is a 'H' on me. Challenging the other team is also equally satisfying. Ending purposely the song on a difficult alphabet like 'Z'.
But the best part is saare besure bhi khul ke gaate hain!! That is what this unique game is. Its brings together everyone. No one shies away cuz everyone knows that this ain't an Indian Idol contest. Even the most reticent ones join in. There's the typical nok-jhok of songs. One of them is singing a particular song for someone special cuz it means much more than a song to them.. and doing this in full public view inclusive of family members!! Only antakshari provides such pleasure. its applicable for all happy ocassions. and age no bar. Totally desi and totally fun!!
Baithe baithe kya karein, karna hai kuch kaam, 
Shuru karein antakshari, leke prabhu ka naam...