The alarm did not need to ring. Anticipating Harry Potter was alarm enough — sufficient certainly to cause adequate anxiety, distress and sleeplessness — so as to not miss the magical hour of six.

As we scrambled across the Sector 17 Plaza — much to the delight of the pavement dwellers who thought undignified running is now the new health mantra of the day — nondescript cartons to throw the scent off were being piled roof-high into waiting cars. There was a calm belying the hype! Bookstore owners peacefully heaped in the cartons into the waiting vehicles and whooshed back to waiting queues and bedlam.

At six dot, the first copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows fell into the hands of Navdeep Bajaj, a class nine student, and Siddharth Kapoor, a class four student, both from St John’s in two separate bookstores in the city.

The moment had arrived. At this very instant, the world came together to celebrate the magic of Harry Potter as Potter buffs all over the world held out their hands for that first copy in a carefully coordinated and orchestrated movement.

The pride in both the boys was evident. For Navdeep the moment was “like judgement day” what with Harry’s fate now in lying waiting to be revealed.

The passion is understandable. This young boy booked his copy at Capital Book Depot in March. Today, he was allowed to break queue and come right in front to collect the first book.

As for Siddharth, there was pride. He had been standing in line from 5:10 am. The nine-year-old started reading Potter six months ago and completed the whole set in two!

However, not everyone wanted to first. Samdish was the seventh in line. “It is magically the most powerful number,” he explained. A fact that ‘numerology experts’ (read avid fans) have stated before; the seventh book, Harry’s seventh year at Hogwarts, nemesis Lord Voldemort’s seven-part soul and of course, the release in the seventh month of the year!

But, it is not just the youngsters who have their finger in the Potter pie. Sanawarian Guragam Singh (13) could not wait to get home to start the book, so he began to read it in the car. With him was his father, an avid Potter fan, looking over and accompanying them all was grandfather J.S. Sodhi, a retired chief engineer, who had ‘vital’ information to give: “I have just come back from America and there is pandemonium over Harry Potter there,” he added helpfully.

The enthusiasts spilled over. Ajit is a Potter enthusiast but his wife Kushdeep is a “typical muggle”, he smiles. They were in line to buy their copy for their daughters aged 20 and 17. Saanya Ojha (14) from Vivek High School could not sleep at night in sheer anticipation while Bhavan Vidyalaya students Surbhi Goyal and Apeksha Prakash decided to take no chances, coming in their school uniforms to pick the book up before dashing off.

Many may call it hype, but this passion is for real. Author J. K. Rowling has no intention of “doing a Star Wars” on Harry Potter. This means prequels and sequels are ruled out as of now. It is, therefore, the most sought-after finale in the history of publishing.

“There are books and then there is Harry Potter. This is pretty much it. Nothing is ever going to do this again,” says Hemali Sodhi, head, marketing and promotions, Penguin Group India, distributors for the series here. As for the hype, Pankaj P. Singh, chief executive, Browser Library and Bookstore, Sector 8, says, “The hype multiplies only if there is a hook and the book has readers captivated.”

While the series has done phenomenal business all over the world, selling 325 million copies in 64 languages, Harry Potter rules the book industry in India, too. Penguin had 98,000 orders for the fourth book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. For the next one, Order of the Phoenix the numbers jumped to 145,000. This escalated to 165,000 orders for Half Blood Prince and now Deathly Hallows is well into 240,000.

“In a sense, he is the new age Pied Piper,” says Vipon Kinger, owner of Asia Book House, Sector 17. The description seems apt. There is much empathy with Harry, akin to someone in the family going through trying times.

As this young boy-wizard turns 17 on July 31 and becomes an adult in the wizarding world, Rowling has succeeded in creating a role model that goes beyond just mere characterisation. In fact, in an interview in Edinburgh on July 16, 2005 she said, “I see Harry as someone who is struggling to do the right thing, who is not without faults, who acts impetuously as you would expect someone of his age to act, but who is ultimately a very loyal person and very courageous. So, in as much as he has qualities that I admire most I would say he is a good role model. That doesn’t mean that he is saintly, but then frankly, who is? But I think you do see enough of Harry’s inner life, the workings of his mind in the books to know that he is ultimately human, struggling to do the right thing, which I think is admirable.”

Rowling completed the book on January 11 while staying at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh even leaving a signed statement to mark the ‘event’ near the bust of Hermes, the Greek messenger of the gods and a patron of arts and expression. A near-mystical occurrence it would seem for Rowling is nothing less than a ‘divine’ envoy for her readers.

She has no future plans as of now. She believes she cannot write anything quite as popular as this again. “Lightning does not strike in the same place twice,” she said. “I just really want to fall in love with an idea again, and go with that.”

This, perhaps, is the essence of the book. Fall in love with it, savour it, laugh and cry with it for while you live once, the book will live on forever reaching out just as it did with you, making your feelings for Harry immortal along the way. gayatrir@tribunemail.com

While some of the titles bandied about as possibilities for the seventh book by Potter enthusiasts were as interesting as these: Harry Potter and the Graveyard of Memories and Harry Potter and the Pyramids of Furmat this particular title is definitely not a possible book 8.

Ron Charles, senior editor of The Washington Post’s book world section, wrote on July 15 of how on a dark night, somewhere in the middle of reading book four to his 10-year-old, the magic of reading Harry Potter wore off. The point he was trying to make is that reading is wearing off. He quotes experts, facts and figures coming to the conclusion that, “We’re experiencing the literary equivalent of a loss of biodiversity” while pointing to a deceleration in the number of young people reading fiction.

So, what is the Potter reading mania about? Charles has the answer. “Through a marvel of modern publishing, advertising and distribution, millions of people will receive or buy The Deathly Hallows on a single day. There is something thrilling about that sort of unity, except that it has nothing to do with the unique pleasure of reading a novel: that increasingly rare opportunity to step out of sync with the world, to experience something intimate and private...”

However, in India, this may not be strictly true?

While Jagdeep Kaur, chief operating officer, Browser Library and Bookstore, Sector 8, believes the hype can spoil the whole experience of reading making it a must-do, Rahul Jain (19), a student of commerce at SD College, says this is the first fiction book he has ever read and he is as eager for it as the other passionate fans around him. “Everyone finds something in the book. That is what makes it appealing to all ages,” he avers.

And, yes, Potter in India has brought young people back to books, parents insist, and their presence in the queues quantifies their belief. — G. R.

The funky look is here! Sequined tops with strings for tying across the shoulders and glittery tees with solid knots at the back! The chic bits-and-pieces are making a statement like never before in fashion malls and garment houses across the city. All ready to be picked up.

If you haven’t allowed these chunky apparels to leave you bedazzled in your city and are still gazing at the twinkling luminaries sashaying down the ramp in ordinary fashion shows held periodically, take a walk.

Or look at the pretty gal next door all decked up to zoom down to the road to higher education on her scooter. And, you will find her in out-of-this-world stuff that’s yet to be seen on Fashion TV!      

Right fellows! We are talking of halter-neck tops. Nay, not the ordinary ones, but with metallic front loops allowing neck-straps to pass through the rings! Also of long sleeveless shirts with buckle-less belts attached to one side of the dress. You can wrap it around your reed-thin waist.

Gals, it really does not matter whether your style is essentially flirty, feminine or unisex chic — from frills to thrills, there is something for everyone.

And just in case you are wondering why all the stress on the out-of-the-ordinary stuff, ask Shveta Shourie. The US-based fashion designer, in Chandigarh for the launch of her high-end Indo-Western collection, will tell you all about it. “Looking different and being funky is no more about supporting fashionable earrings, trendy trinkets, chunky chains, cool lockets and hip multi-purpose fingerings,” she says. “Everyone around you is wearing the stuff. For looking cool in the party crowd, you have got to wear things like halter-neck peasant top to look assertive, yet feminine”.

She adds, “ Essentially in vogue in funky-wear category is handkerchief halter neck, or spaghetti, top. Its helm-line is like a handkerchief and the top like a spaghetti or halter neck.

Gearing up in anticipation of the forecasted trend, that’s sending strong signals to the market, are fashion and lifestyle stores in the city. Visit export surplus garment houses like Just Casuals-9 and you’ll find apparels that redefine fashion.

In fact, you will find on the shelves gorgeous sequined, silky or curve-skimming numbers with that unique and distinct cut that distinguishes the designer from the lot and makes the apparel stand out. In it, you wouldn’t want the party of life to ever end. For, the simply adorable dresses run from high-voltage to elegantly delicate.

Ginni Chawla of Just Casuals says, “Now that the women are turning increasingly savvy about donning inimitable attires for that cut above the rest feeling, a wider range of smart and matchless pieces is being dedicated to them.”

Even the office-goers are now looking for chic funky tops, in addition to the regular line of teenagers. And they do not have to pay much for looking like a breezy babe flying high on the wings of fashion. The dresses are up for grabs for as less as Rs 180.

Now that you are ready to add some panache to your look, rush to the store, lest you find the stuff has been sold out. For, it’s fast moving. Come on gals, move. It’s time to shed those flabby feathers and fly just a little bit.

He may not lead her to the altar in Kayamath till the D-day, but the late night saga’s protagonist Neev aka Jay Bhanushali drove into the city late Friday night with Panchi Bora, prevalently branded as Praachi Shah.

Fresh, natural, green, toxic-free and nutritious. That’s organic food for you. Synthetic is out, organic is the buzzword today. And doing their bit for the organic movement is Roma Singh and her daughter Tripat Singh. Roma moved to the city five years back with a dream to put the city on the organic map. And, she chose simple recipes from her kitchen to set it rolling. On Saturday at Fabindia—9, she cooked up delicacies using organic ingredients. Organic food products were brought to the store almost a year and half back. You could grab from here an interesting variety of marmalades, jams, sauces, pulses, snacks et al.

After having spent close to thirty years in Assam, Roma’s love for all that is natural, goes back to the days she spent in the midst of nature and beauty. “There were no confectionary shops or bakeries to order the goodies in Assam, so it was essential to make everything on our own,” she recalls.

She demonstrated four simple dishes for the foodies — quiche, ginger cake, moong sprout salad and pasta. Made out of garlic chives white flour, the organic Italian seasoning added just the right taste to the baked delight. Next, on the menu was the cake baked out of wheat flour, ginger, honey and brown sugar. A combination of chilly garlic, vinegar, black pepper and olive oil was just right for wheat pasta. And, for the lazybones, she tossed up a simple sprout salad.

“Organic vegetables are smaller, but greener,” she tells. In fact quite interestingly she even tried her hand at growing organic vegetables at her vegetable garden at Assam. Today, she lends a helping hand to her husband who has an organic farm at Machiwara, 8 kms from Samrala. She signs off, “I would love to hold more food sessions. After all, what could be better than letting people feel the difference in the taste.” And, we agree. You can catch her on Sunday at 12 pm at Fabindia. purva@tribunemail.com

My father told me a lot of stories of growing up in East Bengal (now Bangladesh) and of summer afternoons, spent in collecting luscious summer mangoes and jamun from trees all around. Sometimes, they were chased by lathiwalas, sometimes by cobras, but children indomitably climbed the trees heavy with amrud or aam or threw stones at the jamun in order to make the most of summer adventures. I listened wistfully to the amazing stories from what seemed like a lost world to me— awash with fierce rivers, kalbaishakhi (Norwesters) and mangrove forests.

While growing up in Kolkata, I barely got to see trees laden with summer fruits. Our only mango tree was looted by street urchins even before the buds could turn into fruits. My mother got so tired of her ruined afternoon siesta by feuding gangs, that the tree met an untimely death. However, the sight of actual big green mangoes holding onto the low branches was a sight for me to behold when I arrived in Chandigarh. I exclaimed loudly, pointed out to my friends and family and stared in awe at this new reality.

Just when I was getting jaded about it— I saw a group of kids forming a small crowd at the empty lot, next to my house. On examination, I realised it was the big jamun tree that was the centre of attraction. Two boys had climbed the tree heavy with ripe jamun, and were shaking the branches. Jamuns were flying out like pellets and children standing underneath were darting around the bushes like excited rabbits. Soon, some adults also joined the group and pleaded with the tree-climbers to throw some their way. One watchman and a rickshawalla joined the ranks. However, the heavy shrubs in the land hampered everyone’s progress. Suddenly, the band of kids disappeared. I wondered what happened! They appeared after five minutes carrying a big white sheet and held it out under the tree in a firefighter style. The jamuns now dropped on the sheet dotting the white with intense purple. More kids joined in picking, their black heads banging against each other’s. Their squeals of delight and unfettered excitement filled the ground. The lonely tree on the enormous lot came to life.

I smiled and moved away from my window. I missed my father – for if he were with us – he would have highly approved of my living in a city like Chandigarh! Not all is lost when you live in the city beautiful!

You are down in the dumps and want to blow your blues away. You hitch a ride in a comic vehicle with wheels of fun called Partner and traverse an odyssey of frolic. So what if the story has been lifted from Will Smith-starrer Hitch? You can be imaginative even in imitation, feels director David Dhawan who carries out a casting coup of sorts and brings together Govinda and Salman Khan.

The combination is lethal. One is a ‘love guru’ while the other is a ‘love chela’. The ‘date doctor’, Prem (Salman Khan), who helps men woo the women of their dreams is helpless when it comes to the lady whose affections he is desperate to win. Naina (Lara Dutta) who is a journalist is not impressed by his tricks. In the meantime enters Bhaskar (Govinda) who is smitten by rich and gorgeous Priya (Katrina Kaif) and seeks the help of the ‘expert’ to find his love.

With David Dhawan presiding over the zany proceedings, the crazy caper leaps from one ‘misadventure’ to another with Govinda and Salman displaying a near-perfect comic timing. Govinda looks more like a sophisticated arhtia of a grain market than the financial adviser of a big company that he is shown to be. Nevertheless, his outrageous antics, especially in the climax scene when he seeks tips on honeymoon from Salman, evoke laughter. Salman impresses with his spontaneous comedy.

Katrina and Lara Dutta tower over their heroes. Only in height! Apart from appearing in dream sequences or running around the trees, they do nothing, which merits attention. Sajid-Wajid’s music is a big let down and the filmmaker could easily have managed without the pedestrian songs.

Showing at: Fun Republic, Piccadily

I am a 32-year-old software engineer, working in a multinational firm in Delhi. Initially, it was exciting and challenging but now the long working hours taking a toll on me. I do not seem to even like my job anymore. I love coming back to Chandigarh to relax and unwind but then one has to go back to the grind again. Can you suggest me some ways in which I can de-stress and find some peace and happiness.

Meeta Vashist
Chandigarh

I can comprehend what you are going through as big cities do have this effect on a lot of people. The attractive salaries in multinationals lure the youngster but then everything comes with a price. But then who said life was easy. You have to learnt how to deal with it. Make the most of what you have. First you change your perspective. Stop viewing this as a drudgery. Do a few mental exercises to beat the stress. Three days of yoga a week, a walk in the park and a short stint in guided meditation every 2-3 times a week should bring back the spark into your life. C’mon you have a good thing going. Just enjoy life.

I am 42-year-of age and have been working as a design assistant in London for many years. We have recently moved back to India as my husband has taken a new position in a new firm. Apart from the fact that we are trying to make adjustments with the new environment, I also feel the need to find a niche for myself. I have always worked and feel very lost now staying at home. Both my kids have now settled in their new schools and my husband stays out most of the time. Is there something I could do from my house that would give me satisfaction and also some money?

Charu Malhotra
Panchkula

You are lucky as you have a whole new world in front of you. Life is all about change. No situation is permanent and me must learnt to accept it. It is always very exciting to have a new challenge, a new role to play, it helps you bring out a new part or aspect of your personality and also it keeps life at a very exciting point. With your experience in the design world, you can always start your own design boutique or do freelance design consultation for designers or companies. Apart from that you can also start some teaching creative art courses from home or even conduct small courses or workshops in art and craft or creating fancy homeware. Use your imagination and indulge yourself fully. All the best to your new venture.

I am 24-year-old man and have been going steady with this girl since we were in school. We always thought we would get married. But now suddenly I seem to have a change of heart. I feel not so happy about my situation. All my other friends are having stag parties and enjoying, I feel stuck sometimes as I have to spend the evenings with my girlfriend and she does not like my friends either. I have finished my MBA and am working in a private firm. It is only my new set of friends who is unsettling me. Is it wise to re-think about my life?

Manoj Khurana
Chandigarh

Cheer up! Life is great. I think you have been really lucky to have shared a wonderful relationship with a girl at a tender age—growing up with a friend who understands you, shares experiences with you and loves you. What more can you ask for? So just count yourself lucky that you have had your fair share of it. If you have a good degree today and a steady job, then a lot of credit goes to your girlfriend for being with you and helping you remain focused. Of course you must not allow any relationship to stifle you. Every relationship is about freedom and growth. They only survive and thrive on it. So quit worrying about your friends not accepting you. Any and every situation can be fun. It depends on how you perceive it.

Taking several deep breaths between exercises give time for return of circulation. This greatly aids muscular relaxation and reduces chronic tension of the muscles.

— Dr Ravinder Chadha