Andamans-Lime Cave and my Marriage

In 1988, Baratang was never a tourist spot. No one knew, there is a Lime Cave and Parrot Islands.  Erruption of mud vulcano and Beach at Baludera made it important tourist spot in the recent past.  Last year when I went Baratang, I saw the craze of people for Lime Cave and Mud Vulcano.  In olden time, Baratang was most unwanted place to live at. When we go Baratang, we tell our children that my Barat had gone to a Forest Camp near the Lime Cave.  The name of the Camp was Middle Strait Forest Camp which was diagonally opposite to the present Middle Strait Jetty. My wife was then a Primary School Teacher in the Primary School at Middle Strait Forest Camp. My Step Father in Law, one Maternal Uncle and my own Uncle, who were employed in the Forest Department were also posted there. On 30th April 1988, after our marriage was blessed in the Church. we went with barat to that place. After we reached there in the evening, all baraties had a nice tribal dance.  My friends from Port Blair who had come to attend my marriage also participated in the dance and enjoyed it.  But the sad part of the ceremony was that due to some enmity, people of that camp delayed the programme of reception and dinner.  The baraties were too angry and refused to take their dinner.  It was difficult time for me to arrange for dinner for my friends.  I approached my Maternal Aunti who had some rice and dal and my friends had to satisfy with it. In the early morning, I along with my wife travelled on foot to my village. My friends still remember my Marriage. My wife says they use to visit  Lime Cave frequently. I feel little privileged that that place has become so important now.