tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593356674533673522024-03-08T17:10:09.921+05:30RamblingsIt is better to travel well than to arrive ( The Buddha)Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-60658710948524367742020-01-31T14:22:00.001+05:302020-04-13T13:05:14.629+05:30A whiff of China<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The <i>Makar Sankranti </i>fell on 15th January, the day from when days become longer at the end of the month of the winter solstice. There was a subtle warmth in the weather that I could sense as soon as I woke up that morning. Nature was once again on its way in the change of seasons, an inevitable cyclical progression. </div>
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<i>Last year, your blushing face,</i></div>
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<i>And the blushing faces </i></div>
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<i>Of the peach blossoms reflecting</i></div>
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<i>Yours. This door, this day</i></div>
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<i>- this year, where are you,</i></div>
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<i>You, in the peach blossoms?</i></div>
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<i>The peach blossoms still</i></div>
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<i>here, giggling</i></div>
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<i>At the spring breeze</i></div>
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<i><b>(Cui Hu, Tang Dynasty poet, quoted in " The death of a Red Heroine, by Qiu Xiaolong)</b> </i></div>
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In such changing times, one is perhaps entitled to indulge in a bit of nostalgia :)</div>
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You came,</div>
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like a sparkling dream</div>
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Memories,<br />
like shining drops of rain<br />
On blades of grass, remain <br />
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-73462070052424760792019-09-23T20:58:00.002+05:302019-10-02T01:22:03.581+05:30A day in Hissar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Long time no post, as you said. You are right, of course. So I went through the D drive and noticed a few pictures of Hissar, which I visited two years ago. I am sure you would love these pictures and the stories associated with some of them. </div>
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Hissar as you know, is a district town in the State of Haryana, known to be the home base of one of the steel barons who have a huge multinational enterprise going at present. Several, in fact. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Hissar from an observation tower</td></tr>
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Before visiting Hissar, we went to see the ancient ruins of a fort in Hansi. Known as the fort of Prithviraj Chauhan, one of the most romantic kings of medieval India. Blinded after the second battle of Tarain where he finally lost to the invading armies of Mohammad Ghori, legend has it that he sought out the invader and managed to shoot him dead, aiming only by his voice. Maybe therefore, almost all the statues of the redoubtable king, also known for his love affair with the princess Samyukta of Kanauj, have him astride his horse and aiming at the blue sky ..</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Prithviraj Chauhan, Hissar<br />
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Entry to Hansi fort is generally through the Barshi gate, right into the town. And the bustling market starts right after the entry to the fort, as you may have noticed elsewhere as well </div>
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It was a little distance, to the site of the ruins.<br />
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The fort is known to have been destroyed during the Mutiny of 1857. Only a few structures have been partially restored, most of it lying in mounds<br />
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A horde of bronze statues was found some time back in the Hansi fort and perhaps, other treasure also lie buried somewhere within. Because, this fort was also known as Asigarh, Asi meaning sword and garh meaning fort, and there used to be a sword manufacturing factory somewhere inside.<br />
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Next stop, the fort of Firoz Tughlak in Hissar, about 30 kms from Hansi. There was also a subterranean tunnel between these two forts, as people say. <br />
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The palace of the emperor also had a <i>tehkhana</i> within its premises, or an underground vault and an armoury.<br />
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Most of the passages appeared to have been sealed off, including those leading down. The complex also has a small mosque in front of which is a pillar which is actually the top portion of an original Asokan pillar from the 3rd century BC. Brought down by Firoz Tughlak.<br />
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But the interesting part is the Gujari Mahal, which was built by the emperor for his wife or mistress, which is presently just across the road. It is rumoured that there was a subterranean passage as well as a maze between the palace and the Gujari Mahal, which cannot be accessed now as the Gujari Mahal is all locked up. The local lore has it that a marriage procession entered the tunnel as a
shortcut and has been trying to find its way out ever since, horses and
all ..<br />
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It is said that the young prince Firoz met a local cowherd girl during his hunting expeditions. Dying of thirst, he was saved by the offer of milk by the girl. And then, Firoz started frequenting the <i>dera</i> of the gujars, where this girl lived with her family and before long, marriage was proposed and accepted but she reportedly refused to accompany the prince to Delhi.<br />
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Some say that the Gujari queen did visit Delhi, and that is why you find a maze in the <a href="https://manikchand-ramblings.blogspot.com/2016/05/feroz-shah-kotla.html">fort of Firoz</a> at Delhi also, where we have the cricket stadium now. The maze with the djinns!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Gujari Mahal. Notice the buttressed walls</td></tr>
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But there was another structure behind the fort complex which seemed equally interesting<br />
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At some risk to our selves, we climbed up what remained of some stairs to find a set of fine living quarters, with evidence of fireplaces, in built cupboards and wooden beams in the ceiling, so these were definitely done up by the Britishers. One could almost imagine the memsahibs airing themselves in the verandahs and little children chasing the squirrels and mynahs ...<br />
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However, the lower storey was built on arches, so the original structure must have been built at a much earlier date, another time <br />
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Some previous attempts at maintenance is evident but clearly such efforts have not been enough. If these buildings are restored, they would definitely complement the fort complex of Firoz Tughlak, showing off the contrasts from different periods in history. </div>
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-71764982144632578742019-01-26T22:12:00.002+05:302019-02-12T21:10:04.591+05:30McCluskiegunj in May <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have been meaning to tell you about McCluskiegunj, a small town about 40 kms from Ranchi. This small, hilly town has figured in several stories in the Bengali language and several writers maintained their retreats here. I did not know the story about the origin of the town however, which I found out only after going there. </div>
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It appears that a certain Anglo Indian gentleman, Ernest T McCluskie obtained lease of ten thousand acres from the local Raja of Ratu in the early thirties of the last century and invited fellow Anglo Indians to settle here. At that time, Anglo Indians, though somewhat looked down upon by the conservative Indian society being of mixed parentage, occupied most of the important positions in the Railways, mines, post offices etc and much after independence, India has also had an Air Force chief from the community. Anyway, the Colonisation Society of India founded by Mr McCluskie was not eminently successful and only about 200 families came in. Over the years, almost all of them drifted away for the town did not have any independent economy or industry. Only a handful have remained and the bungalows fell into disrepair. Some were bought by wealthy Indians and some were commandeered by the Maoist guerillas. It is only very recently that a few residential schools have come up and some of the bungalows have been put to use as hostels for the students. And yes, some of the same Maoist guerillas also have their children studying in these schools.<br />
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The road to McCluskiegunj was being repaired and it was quite an ordeal getting our car to navigate the broken road. Soon however, we were surrounded by forests and McCluskiegunj appeared suddenly, down a slope. We came down to the railway station and over cups of tea, came to know about the place. This is the fountain erected in memory of Mr McCluskie, lying forlorn in a corner<br />
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Sights of the bungalows, of which there are a lot of stories ...<br />
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The railway station and the church, which opens only on Sundays<br />
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A Swedish organisation keeps a big farm with various welfare activities but no one seemed around when we went there, except some local boys intent on bringing down unripe mangoes<br />
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More of the once splendid bungalows<br />
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Plenty of stories associated with each of these houses and we particularly loved this one -<br />
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This is one of the bungalows that have been converted into students' hostels<br />
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About the only decent hotel that we could find, run by an Anglo Indian family<br />
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After a simple Indian meal of rice, dal, vegetable curry and omelette, it was time to go back to Ranchi because of the bad roads but not before tarrying awhile on the banks of the local river Dugadugi which had almost dried up since it was the peak of summer<br />
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Mrs B and Miss B liked it here, sitting in the shade with legs dangling over the bank and chattering away happily<br />
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On the way back, we came upon a place where someone had thought of building a temple, a mosque, a church and a gurdwara side by side but only the temple and the mosque had been built<br />
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This is where the church is yet to come up, and as for the gurdwara, obviously the funds ran out<br />
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What a strange, unique place!</div>
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-7980066217169575862018-11-08T22:08:00.001+05:302018-11-10T21:27:06.001+05:30A visit to Parasnath<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Parasnath hill is the highest in the Parasnath range in Jharkhand and it is known for the Parasnath temple on top of it. Many of us would know that the hill is extremely sacred to the followers of Jainism, for as many as twenty of the twenty four Jain <i>Tirthankaras</i> are said to have attained liberation here, of whom Parasnath was the twenty third. The last of them, Vardhman Mahavir was a contemporary of the Buddha (5th century BC) and is generally known as the founder of Jainism. This will give you a general idea of the antiquity of the place. Fortunately, the Parasnath range and forest has to a large extent been protected so far. </div>
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Now that the office has decided to shift me to Delhi, I decided to visit the Parasnath hill and temple one day before starting to gag on the noxious Delhi air and I would have really missed it, as I found out. From afar, the sheer height of the Parasnath hill was quite intimidating (4484 feet) and I started to wonder as to how I could make it to the top and back, since I also had some official duties in the nearby town of Giridih. </div>
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Even from about 20 kms away, the temple at the top is distinctly visible. The road to Shikharji, or Sammed Shikhar, as the hill is known among the devout, starts from a fork in the road to Giridih and it is 14 kms of winding roads from here.</div>
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The road ends at Madhuvan, a village largely consisting of Jain monasteries, temples, guest houses and the like. As you can see, the trek to the top is 9.65 kms from here, of which the last 4 kms are nothing but stairs. It takes at least four hours for the able bodied to tackle the hill and the path is strewn with numerous temples and streams. Many are carried by <i>dolis, </i>a chair like contraption carried by four people, or mules. I simply did not have enough time, for it was almost 11 a.m, four hours from Ranchi.</div>
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Precisely at that moment, some of these youngsters on motorcycles rode up, offering to carry one to the top. Not quite the top of the hill, the last 500 metres had to be done on foot. After some haggling, I settled for Rs 500/- and mounted the pillion while the fellow in the chequed shirt started the bike.</div>
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Almost immediately, I had to hold my breath for the fellow vroomed straight up the ramp and the narrow, winding path meant for walking. Soon, however, he veered off to a dirt track which, I was told, is 16 kms and takes a different approach.</div>
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The dirt track had some precarious bends and turns and since the earth beneath the tyres was loose and strewn with pebbles, one could hardly enjoy the climb. As we started ascending, the temperature started to drop noticeably</div>
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Soon, we came to a small mountain stream. One could take the opportunity to wash hands and feet, as one should, for the place is considered holy to so many people</div>
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The view became spectacular from now on but the temple was still some way away. </div>
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Before long, my rider Hiralal dropped me to a place called Dak bungalow which has got an armed police camp and telecom tower. One has to walk up about 500 metres or so, arriving at a little cluster of fruit stalls and the stairway to the temple </div>
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Having finally come to the top of the hill around noon, decided to look around at the world below and the view was unreal, not to mention the shivering cold for those less accustomed to the mountain air </div>
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These are actually pictures with zoom and edited for clarity. To the naked eye, in the sudden chill, one truly felt rather unworldly, as if suspended between the earth and the heavens. 2600 years ago, it must have been an awesome place for the monks, immersed in their meditation</div>
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After one circumambulation, I entered the temple and found people chanting from booklets in front of them. The sanctum contained nothing but the footprints of the seer and one could offer a few sticks of incense and light a lamp </div>
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The first surprise was that I was allowed to take pictures. The second surprise was that there was an inner sanctum below, which enclosed the piece of rock where the seer is supposed to have sat and meditated. </div>
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Just stop to think for a moment. This place is no less holy than the Western Wall in Jerusalem or the contentious birthplace of Rama but there are no guns, no protection regime and no priestly class in evidence. </div>
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I could only tarry a moment, touch the piece of rock and offer silent prayers for peace. </div>
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-16889982780525632232018-08-03T21:20:00.002+05:302018-08-04T10:29:27.213+05:30The Perfect moment <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So many moments<br />
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in an ordinary time<br />
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And the perfect moment<br />
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Only with you<br />
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-80425688328992299402018-02-05T21:15:00.001+05:302018-02-06T12:38:14.352+05:30Handmade Tales<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It was my son who informed me of Naya village in the West Midnapore district of West Bengal, a village inhabited by traditional <i>chitrakars, </i>those who have adopted painting narrative scrolls as a way of living for many generations now. These narrative scrolls are called <i>pata chitras </i>and I remembered the Kalighat school of such paintings which used to flourish a hundred years ago or thereabouts in Calcutta. Essentially, folk art. So one fine morning we took the express train to Kharagpur junction and from there a suburban local to Balichak. Buses and trekkers were available to Naya and this is how we found the village - </div>
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As you can see, it appeared to be a painted village! We also learnt that the colours used in painting the narrative scrolls were all vegetable colours sourced locally from leaves, roots, flowers and fruits. </div>
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In the olden days, these people used to roam different places with these scrolls and when invited, exhibited these scrolls with accompanying songs. Kind of a primitive bioscope! Usually, these were about mythological figures and folklore. At some point of time, morality creeped in, with stories of waywardness and consequences, with accompanying panels. Reminds one of Dante's hell ...</div>
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The house of Shyamsundar Chitrakar and Rani, his wife came first. He was quite eager to show us his paintings as well as the source of his colours. He also explained that the artwork on T shirts and fabric is done by using synthetic acrylic colours but the colours on the scrolls, paper or fabric, were invariably vegetable colours. And I bought that picture of Ganesha, have had it framed and put up in my home </div>
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Here is Shyamsundar Chitrakar unrolling one narrative scroll and singing along - </div>
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Next door, Mousumi and her younger sister were busy painting umbrellas and dupattas (stoles & scarves) and I bought some knick knacks from them, a T shirt and some miniature pots. Painted pots<br />
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Many of these people have visited countries like Norway, Japan, the UK etc with their wares, supported by NGOs. Two of the artists in the village are National Award winners and we had the good fortune of meeting Anwar Chitrakar, one of them. His mother was very kind to show us some of his works which were truly awesome and I was told that his works are hanging in several museums abroad. But first, the seeds of the <i>latkan</i> tree, which gives a vibrant orange as you can see on my palms<br />
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Here is Anwar (rudely woken up from his siesta) and some of his paintings. If I had Rs 6000/- in my pocket, I would have definitely bought one of them and I will, one of these days ..<br />
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Anwar's elder brother showed us some entirely hand painted sarees, which must have taken a lot of time and patience! And we were grateful for the black tea with a pinch of lemon<br />
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Bahadur Chitrakar has converted his house into an exhibition. He was not at home, but his family members welcomed us to have a look see<br />
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I just had to get one of those aluminium kettles, painted with folk motifs, a cousin sister in mind. It appears the stream of visitors to this unique village is increasing, and the West Bengal State government has built a permanent museum in the village itself. Sadly however, the museum is almost always under lock and key.<br />
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The children of the village were very friendly and were extremely adept at striking a pose for the camera, as you can see!<br />
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I wish we had more of such villages, more of such people devoted to traditional crafts and conscious of the environment around us. Truly, the salt of the earth!</div>
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-47407076126304456262018-01-12T17:43:00.000+05:302018-01-13T19:53:44.157+05:30Migratory Gulls at Patratu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Patratu dam is again, at a distance of about 40 kms from Ranchi, just like the other places and waterfalls. Except that it is on a different road, the road to Ramgarh. The dam was built in the early sixties and the reservoir serves the Thermal Power Station as well as the cantonment at Ramgarh but that apart, it has also been attracting migratory birds.<br />
The road to Patratu goes over two sets of hills and looks like this </div>
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Rowing boats are available for hire with the boatman. They have formed a small cooperative which runs about 40 boats. Wearing life jackets is mandatory for the waters are more than 80 feet deep, as our boatman informed me. We saw groups of people feeding the migratory gulls with crunchy bites but that is definitely not the right thing to do and the administration should do more about it!</div>
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There were hundreds of these beautiful birds and I could not help wondering about the thousands of miles they must have crossed. The reservoir lake formed by the dam is also used for cultivation of fish and we noticed fish as well, with sudden plops on the placid surface.<br />
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Bandhan Mahto, our boatman. He lives nearby. It is only during the season, from October to March, that he makes a good living as he said, but with plans of a waterfront resort in the air, he was quite optimistic. And yes, all earnings were pooled together and shared together.<br />
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Saw an island in the far distance but did not go that far. Next time, surely and I wish you would come along too, to explore the island and find more species of these wonderful migratory birds!<br />
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-85575696496123528552017-11-23T22:49:00.000+05:302017-11-23T22:52:50.378+05:30Sita Falls and Jonha Falls, Ranchi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Along the Ranchi to Purulia Road for about 35 kms and then, a small road turns right, running through rural hamlets. The air is so clear and fresh and the winter sun feels great now that the north winds have started blowing in from the foothills of the Himalayas. After some time, there comes a fork in the road, announcing Sita Falls to the left for about 5 kms and Jonha to the right, 1 km. We take the road to Sita Falls, full of ups and downs and sharp, hairpin bends. The road is totally deserted. And then, down some very steep steps to Sita Falls </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sita Falls, Ranchi</td></tr>
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We could not tarry here because time was running out. Off to Jonha falls, which is on the Gunga nala where it meets the Rarhu river and then, flows on as Goutamdhara. It is so called since Goutam Buddha is said to have bathed here and done penances sitting in a little cave overlooking the confluence of the streams.<br />
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The Rarhu rivulet, seen while descending the stairs<br />
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The Gunga nala, just before the falls. The surroundings were so peaceful, with only the sound of rushing water and I wish you were here!</div>
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The Jonha Falls </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonha Falls, Ranchi<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The waters looked so cool, fresh and inviting! Ready for a dip?</span></div>
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And the Buddha cave, which has been buttressed by some cement work. A local inhabitant, selling cucumbers and soaked gram, served with rock salt and green chillies. </div>
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This little girl had sold whatever little she had but for some reason, she looked quite lost in herself<br />
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The Jonha falls have this strange effect on you, making you wistful for no particular reason. Turning back every now and then, looking down at the falling waters in an incredibly beautiful setting. </div>
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-40847131071015251602017-11-18T01:23:00.000+05:302017-11-18T01:29:51.514+05:30Musings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Far away tonight, but<br />
Let me not miss you<br />
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Let me be a stranger again<br />
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So that I may find you,<br />
Anew<br />
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In thunder, lightning<br />
And in blazing rain</div>
Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-29534219576405549872017-11-09T23:16:00.001+05:302017-11-09T23:16:55.607+05:30Brown Shrike in Ranchi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For a few days now, I been hearing a <i>screech screech </i>chirping from a little birdie in the trees. Yesterday suddenly, I could get a clear view and took some pictures. </div>
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From the shape of the beak, it looked like a shrike, but so little! And the bandit mask around the eyes is there as well, though a bit faded and the white brow above. So this is probably the brown shrike, and I noticed this bird for the first time! </div>
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-46853014453050843692017-09-21T21:41:00.000+05:302017-11-13T12:00:41.195+05:30Dasham Falls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Dasham Falls ( literally meaning sound of falling water) are exactly 43 kms from our place in Ranchi. Situated on the Kanchi river, it is a popular tourist destination during the winter months, when the water is very clear. During the rains, the water is a bit muddy and with the advent of winter, the water turns clearer. </div>
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The spray drenches you completely as you approach the falls. Water rises very quickly during the rains and the current is very strong, and several youngsters have been washed away in the past.<br />
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The surrounding land is claimed by the Mundari people, one of the original tribes of the Chhota Nagpur plateau. This stone tablet tells us of their claims and lawsuits filed. Maoist guerillas are also active in the region, although they do not bother tourists in general. I found some of these women selling forest mushrooms and bamboo shoots which sell for a lot more in Ranchi city. </div>
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In case you feel hungry, you can place an order for red hot chicken curry and rice which would be ready in about an hour. Free range chicken of course! </div>
Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-52887625614788292812017-07-31T00:04:00.000+05:302017-08-03T21:40:10.793+05:30Monsoon breaking <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The monsoon season is here and how! Incessant rains for five days in Ranchi and Bankura, leading to water-logging in the streets and the rivers in spate. Release of huge volumes of water from the dams of the DVC (Damodar Valley Corporation) which in turn, floods the town of Bankura. </div>
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We have all known the rains, the rhymes and the pitter patter and the magic of the bounty from the skies. Indians know the rains to be season of malhar. The raga <i>Miyan Ki Malhar</i> is known to be a creation of Tansen, a courtier and the foremost exponent of Indian classical music during the times of emperor Akbar in the 17th century. Legend has it that once the raga is sung correctly and fervently, the skies would darken and the clouds rumble, bringing down the heat after the hot and torrid summertime. The sudden rush of cool wind through the thick foliage of the <i>jamun</i> tree. Rains and the sound of distant thunder. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The rain</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">has stilled tonight</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But it was only yesterday</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">that the rain was pelting down</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In sheets, and an angry,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">howling wind</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fuming, raging</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rattling the window panes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Distraught, in despair</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tugging, tearing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">at heartstrings;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And now</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The wind has stilled</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and so has the rain</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Even though the sky</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">is lit up in a sullen glow</span></div>
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-26358351858805269382017-07-13T13:42:00.003+05:302017-07-30T23:12:37.096+05:30Nesting birds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's time to move once again, this time to eastern India. Couldn't help but notice the nesting birds in and around our place in Faridabad, quite like the time was to <a href="https://manikchand-ramblings.blogspot.in/2014/03/tumi-robey-nirobey-remain-you-will-in.html">move from Gurgaon.</a> </div>
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It was a certain heaviness in the otherwise sleek yellow footed green pigeon that caught my attention at first </div>
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Finally, I could locate its nest on the top branches of an oleander bush, well covered by the flowering creeper <i>Madhumalati. </i>Can you see the bird peeking out?</div>
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This was probably not a very good location, and I saw it after a few days inside the <i>deodar</i> tree. </div>
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Looked in retrospect, a little perturbed by the attention it was getting from me, now appearing to question my motives, now appearing to fluff up its chest in a show of valor </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow footed green pigeon, Faridabad</td></tr>
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Meanwhile, the <i>neem</i> tree (margosa) was in flower like never before, and the ground below was a carpet of white with fallen flowers </div>
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And so was the <i>krishnachura</i> tree or <i>gulmohar</i> </div>
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The deodar tree harbored another nest, that of the oriental white eye. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oriental white eye, Faridabad</td></tr>
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The woven nest was quite small, smaller than a teacup! </div>
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Left the bird to its own devices, for we must keep our distance from them during nesting activities.<br />
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And so, while these birds carry on with their nesting, it's time to move <i>my</i> nest once again.<br />
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In the mood for smooth jazz today, so here is Lily: Lily was here by Candy Dulfer and Dave Stewart<br />
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-91472662195314671452017-06-17T20:47:00.000+05:302017-06-17T20:47:14.068+05:30An hour at the Asola Bhatti Sanctuary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is the only sanctuary in the Delhi area as I learnt. Many times, while going to Delhi via Surajkund, I have noticed the signboard and I really regret not being able to visit earlier and at leisure. Chaps from the BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society) run the place, and its education officers accompany every group. On certain Sundays, visitors are allowed access to a lake deep inside the 21 sq km sanctuary, which sounded like a birding hotspot, apart from being the abode of wild jackals. And blackbuck, that exquisitely beautiful antelope of which so few remain in the wild<br />
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Since we were rather late, past 4 p.m, we were allowed access only to the butterfly garden and the beginnings of nature trails. Mr Ahmed accompanied us after our names were registered and the entry fees paid<br />
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Immediately thereafter, we spotted the pied crested cuckoo perched on a tree<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lAQwBBZ_zI/WUU4yv4Z9NI/AAAAAAAADnI/33u3D2PCr5kNMMgbYTXGPimsk4jaXXWqQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1600" height="492" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lAQwBBZ_zI/WUU4yv4Z9NI/AAAAAAAADnI/33u3D2PCr5kNMMgbYTXGPimsk4jaXXWqQCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN8823.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pied Crested Cuckoo, Asola Bhatti Sanctuary</td></tr>
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The bird appeared to lead us on into the sanctuary and allowed us to take a few pictures<br />
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Mr Ahmed pointed out the long tailed shrike to us. Among the shadows, it was difficult to get clear pictures<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long tailed Shrike, Asola Bhatti Sanctuary</td></tr>
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We were not allowed further ingress into the forest as it was already 5 p.m. Spotted a nilgai (blue bull) and huge peacocks from a distance and then suddenly, what appeared to be a piece of rock turned out to be an Indian Stone Curlew, quiet and still<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Stone Curlew, Asola Bhatti Sanctuary<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X9zUhxNi910/WUVB696i4NI/AAAAAAAADoI/zWFR26jP9dQEF_dyx0Q-sruzOBgmJn7IgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="1600" height="446" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X9zUhxNi910/WUVB696i4NI/AAAAAAAADoI/zWFR26jP9dQEF_dyx0Q-sruzOBgmJn7IgCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN8871.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Also saw the oriental white eye, the indian silverbill, the ashy prinia and the oriental magpie robin, common birds seen in the Delhi area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The magpie robin was perched strategically, singing its heart out </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In case you are interested, you are welcome to visit the website of the Conservation Education Centre of the Asola Bhatti Sanctuary <a href="http://www.cecdelhi.org/">here</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And here is a whiteboard displayed at the entrance to the CEC, announcing recent sightings. Interestingly, leopard pugmarks as well!</span></div>
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-12722376735917250262017-06-17T14:40:00.000+05:302017-06-17T14:40:18.268+05:30The Shikra at close quarters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have seen this bird many times, perched on the fencing of the small grove adjoining our house in Faridabad. And always it flew away as soon as it saw me looking at it. Its really quite small, hardly bigger than a pigeon and I am glad we could catch him recently </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Shikra, Faridabad</td></tr>
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Also known as the Indian sparrowhawk or little banded goshawk. Although widely distributed, such close sightings are rare and it must have been drawn by something in the surroundings </div>
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The female was also nearby, with yellow eyes in place of the ruby red of the male ...</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMTOO_0cFIs/WUTxeUVw9pI/AAAAAAAADmM/3bYY7jHFWcIgZDmFpdCt9tGh50ee79x6ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMTOO_0cFIs/WUTxeUVw9pI/AAAAAAAADmM/3bYY7jHFWcIgZDmFpdCt9tGh50ee79x6ACLcBGAs/s400/DSCN8920.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-69305317502342467872017-05-03T22:57:00.001+05:302017-05-03T22:57:22.709+05:30The Hauz Khas <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Hauz Khas was actually a tank built in the 13th century by the then reigning Sultan, with palace buildings on its banks. When I visited Hauz Khas more than 25 years back, the tank was almost dry and the ancient structures in ruins. Since then, there has been a frenzy of development in this area in tandem with the Archaeological Survey carrying out restoration work. One designer set up shop, followed by swanky eateries, more of the swish set followed and now the narrow lanes of the village (there are still some village areas within Delhi) are choc a block with boutiques, jewelry showrooms, handicraft outlets, cafes, pizzerias and bars ...</div>
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Absolutely a dream destination for fast food freaks (including me!)</div>
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Through the narrow bye lanes, we came upon the lakeside and the ancient palaces. Those guys behind the glass windows, enjoying their brew have a fantastic view!<br />
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Spotted the Spotbill family, cooling off, and a colony of swans in the island </div>
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Climbed those stairs and came up to the front side of the complex. And this is what the ASI tells you<br />
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We have completed one full circle, except for sampling the fare on offer at the exotic cafes and feeding the deer at the neighboring deer park. Wish you were there!</div>
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-69862720704662468532017-04-13T21:52:00.000+05:302017-04-13T21:52:07.650+05:30Moments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Little moments,<br />
hearing you<br />
<br />
And these moments<br />
under the stars<br />
<br />
Amazing, how<br />
such moments<br />
<br />
make me<br />
exquisitely alive<br />
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<br /></div>
Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-57815415310315994082017-03-30T22:21:00.001+05:302017-03-31T08:00:42.716+05:30Brown headed barbet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This ridiculous looking bird is keeping the mornings busy with its signature call that goes <i>kuttroo kuttroo kuttroo </i>across the neighborhood although it manages to hide itself so well that one has really, really to persevere in one's efforts to spot it. And as I firmly believe, these arboreal avians can only be photographed when it allows us to. As you can see, this particular bird seems more curious than shy, rather uncharacteristically! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown headed Barbet in Faridabad, India</td></tr>
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All barbets have bristles above their beaks and that adds to the spectacularity, I must say. So this one is probably a young adult, and that could also be the reason it wasn't scared at my antics with the camera :))<br />
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-81863609824953659382017-03-27T22:54:00.001+05:302017-03-27T23:03:00.944+05:30Spring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In complete silence, these flowers of the grass have burst in song. </div>
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An unknown rhythm has struck in spring, an unknown joy the air does bring.</div>
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-68338653256284566012017-02-20T00:18:00.001+05:302017-02-20T20:40:22.461+05:30Zafar Mahal and the dargah of Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A few weeks ago, my friend goaded me to go out, get some pictures. It was already about noon, so I headed for the Zafar Mahal at Mehrauli, which is not too far away and I could not visit this monument earlier. </div>
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We took the walkway through the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, keeping the mosque of Kamali Jamali and the other buildings to the right and came across Rajon Ki Baoli to the left, one of the few remaining <i>baolis</i> or stepped wells in Delhi. There was also a small mosque on the top right hand side on the western wall<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rajon Ki Baoli </td></tr>
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We also came across some new excavations and conservation efforts being carried out by the ASI, a gallery, an unknown tomb probably dating back to the Lodhi period and gatehouses.<br />
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Also noticed a lone sparrowhawk enjoying the sun ...<br />
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More tombs and pavilions in ancient graveyards along the way, perhaps of powerful noblemen during the Sultanate period whom nobody remembers these days. The ego of men!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An unknown tomb</td></tr>
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Then, another <i>baoli,</i> called Gandhak Baoli or the Sulphurous Well! It appears this was dug by Sultan Iltutmish for use of the Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki. The waters are said to have some sulphur content and curative properties. Since there are five floors to the structure, the water is really deep. We were now bang into the middle of Mehrauli village.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gandhak Baoli, Mehrauli </td></tr>
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The summer palace of Zafar Shah is under much needed conservation for the interiors are all in ruins. Completely hemmed in from all sides by residences, the place is now used by children to play cricket and some older people for a game of cards.<br />
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The Zafar Mahal is the last palace built by the later Mughals and the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar installed the gateway to the building. He also lived in this building during the summer season. It is said that people used to salute him when he appeared on the balconies which was not liked by the East India Company, so they diverted the Mehrauli Badarpur road which used to run in front of the building.</div>
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We climbed some stairs to get to the top. Some other stairs end abruptly and some areas are quite perilous so they have a guard in place. So these were the rooms of the last Mughal emperor, before he was caught up with the Mutiny and was exiled to Rangoon by the East India Company<br />
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There is also a lovely little marble mosque attached to these premises, the Moti Masjid like that in the Red Fort. Between the Zafar Mahal and the Moti Masjid is a small yard containing the tombs of three later Mughals and alongside, an empty space where Zafar Shah would have liked himself to be buried, but for fate which denied him the two yards of earth in his beloved homeland</div>
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The dargah of the venerable sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki is next door, actually. While you can enter from the Zafar Mahal side, the main entrance is from the Mehrauli village. That shoe rack to the right is where I left my shoes. Washed my hands. Bought a tray of rose petals to offer to the saint.</div>
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Made some small donations for charity, bowed my head to the saint and poured a handful of rose petals on his grave, wondering what he said to the masses that gathered to hear him everyday. Including the Sultan, incognito. </div>
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And there are those who sing qawwalis everyday outside the main enclosure, bless them, for the saint was very fond of qawwali music. He also led an extremely austere life, giving away whatever was offered to him the same day. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lovers don't finally meet somewhere,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They're in each other all along.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Jalaluddin Rumi) </span></div>
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-46826769436854690722017-01-15T21:28:00.000+05:302017-01-15T21:28:01.393+05:30Tinni<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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She was devastated by the death of her pet parrot, the one with broken wings and no tail at all, that she and her mother had rescued from the patch of green while scores of the parrot family screeched angrily overhead about three years ago. Back from school, when she had to be told, I had to hold her tightly to stop the shivering and the unbounded flow of tears and to feed her in easy morsels ...</div>
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And then, she went on the roof, sitting on the parapet wall. Keeping watch from a safe distance, I could almost see the flight path of her thoughts, remembering those moments with the parrot on her shoulders and pecking at the phone screen, the mirror and then, going to sleep with the parrot at a nibbling distance from her head</div>
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Finally, she seemed to be reconciled with her loss. Dreamy eyed. </div>
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My daughter, Krishnakali. Tinni</div>
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-75240623106076656452016-11-20T21:46:00.000+05:302016-11-22T21:30:29.701+05:30Another rambling post <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If there be the effulgence of a thousand suns bursting forth all at once in the heavens, even that would hardly approach the splendor of the mighty Lord </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>(Bhagavad Gita, 11:12)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>(John 8:12)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Light upon light, light upon light,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">upon light is light</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This majestic light of divine epiphany</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">penetrates every darkness.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You are here, you are also there</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">for you are everywhere</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">this effulgence.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Oh, what magnificent splendor!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>(Sufi song)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Prophets and seers down the ages everywhere have always talked of peace. Love, and service. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Professing to follow in their footsteps, we have somehow, managed to box ourselves in various categories and denominations in such a way that would have surely failed to pass muster in their eyes, for many wars have been waged and the blood of innocents spilled in their name and nations have been torn asunder. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Prejudices have been cleverly projected as political tools not only in Asia and the Middle East but even in the US of A, where Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard had to face allegations of not being aligned with the constitutional foundation of the US government merely because of her faith and having been compared with the devil, no less!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let's kindle the lamp within!</span></div>
</div>
Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-62414118553767101542016-10-11T17:27:00.000+05:302016-11-23T21:03:03.736+05:30Eastern Mysticism<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><b>In this rambling post, I am simply citing some verses from the Upanishads, dating from somewhere in the middle of the second millennium BC, the Bhagavad Gita and the Tao Te Ching, that wonderful book of verses from ancient China which I recently happened to pick up, dating from somewhere in the seventh century BC, without a single word of commentary of my own. For these verses all have come from truly illumined souls and have been contemplated upon by millions of seekers over the centuries. </b></i></div>
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<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b>There are 108 Upanishads, and all of them contain verses and discourses, fables and parables on the nature of the Supreme Being or the Ultimate Reality. I have included only a few verses from the Kena Upanishad and Katha Upanishad because they sound exactly the same as several verses of the Tao Te Ching and this common ground is the very reason for this post. </b></i></div>
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<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b>Citations from Tao Te Ching are from a translation by Jonathan Star.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Citations from the Kena Upanishad are from a translation by Swami Paramananda</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Citations from the Bhagavad Gita are from a translation by Swami Swarupananda</b></i></div>
<div>
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Verse 1, Tao Te Ching</b><br />
<br />
A way that can be walked<br />
is not the Way<br />
A name that can be named<br />
Is not the Name<br />
<br />
Tao is both Named and Nameless<br />
As Nameless, it is the origin of all things<br />
As Named, it is the mother of all things<br />
......<br />
<br />
<b>Verse 14, Tao Te Ching</b><br />
<br />
Eyes look, but cannot see it<br />
Ears listen but cannot hear it<br />
Hands grasp but cannot touch it<br />
Beyond the senses lies the great Unity -<br />
invisible, inaudible, intangible<br />
......<br />
<br />
<b>Verse 25, Tao Te Ching</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Something formless, complete in itself<br />
There before Heaven and Earth<br />
Tranquil, vast, standing alone, unchanging<br />
It provides for all things yet cannot be exhausted<br />
It is the mother of the universe<br />
I do not know it's name<br />
so I call it "Tao"<br />
Forced to name it further<br />
I call it<br />
"That which is beyond the beyond"<br />
"That to which all things return"<br />
........<br />
<br />
<b>Verse 37, Tao Te Ching</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Tao does not act<br />
yet it is the root of all action<br />
Tao does not move<br />
yet it is the source of all creation<br />
......<br />
<br />
<b>Kena Upanishad, First Part </b><br />
<b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Verse IV</b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That which speech does not illumine, but which illumines speech: know that alone to be the Brahman ( the Supreme Being), not this which people worship here.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Verse V</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That which cannot be thought by mind, but by which, they say, mind is able to think: know that alone to be the Brahman, not that which people worship here.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Verse VI</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That which is not seen by the eye, but by which the eye is able to see: know that alone to be the Brahman, not that which people worship here.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Verse VII</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That which cannot be heard by the ear, but by which the ear is able to hear: know that alone to be the Brahman, not that which people worship here. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<b>Katha Upanishad</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Verse 18</b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“This Supreme Knower, <i>vipashchit</i>, is not born, never
comes into being at any time, and so has no death.” </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Verse 23</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Not by
speech can He be known; not by the intellect, not even by hearing.” </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b>Verse 9, Chapter 8, The Bhagavad Gita</b><br />
<br />
The Omniscient, the Ancient,<br />
the Overlord, minuter than an atom,<br />
of form inconceivable,<br />
self luminous like the sun,<br />
beyond the darkness of Maya<br />
<br />
<b>Verse 21, Chapter 8, The Bhagavad Gita</b><br />
<br />
What has been called Unmanifested and Imperishable,<br />
has been described as the Goal Supreme.<br />
My highest state, having attained which,<br />
there is no return.<br />
<br />
<b>Verse 10 - 11, Chapter 9, The Bhagavad Gita</b><br />
<br />
By reason of My proximity,<br />
Nature produces all this,<br />
the moving and the unmoving,<br />
the world wheels round and round<br />
<br />
Unaware of My higher state,<br />
as the great Lord of beings,<br />
fools disregard Me,<br />
dwelling in human form<br />
<br />
<b>Verse 16, Chapter 9, The Bhagavad Gita</b><br />
<br />
I am the rite<br />
I the worship,<br />
I the offering,<br />
the fire,<br />
and I the oblation<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>There are also huge similarities between certain verses of the Bhagavad Gita and the words of Jesus as retold by his disciples in the Holy Bible and some of these have also been commented upon by Paramhansa Yogananda in his book, Autobiography of a Yogi. </i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The following passage occurs in the Brihadaranyak Upanishad - </span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Om purnam adah, purnam idam,<br />purnat purnam udachyate;<br />purnasya purnam adaya<br />purnam evavasisyate.<br />Om Santih! Santih! Santih!</b></span></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>That is full, this is also full</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>From infinity, infinity comes forth</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>After the coming of the full</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>from the full</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The fullness remains as before</b></span></i></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><b>Let there be peace!</b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-21626039771521641512016-10-08T01:44:00.000+05:302016-10-08T01:44:26.743+05:30Midnight blues<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G93FjWiGmaQ/V_gArQP3lTI/AAAAAAAADTc/RtPo-R9aaKc4OtFeOQFU20iBKhCoi4xjgCLcB/s1600/IMG0916A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G93FjWiGmaQ/V_gArQP3lTI/AAAAAAAADTc/RtPo-R9aaKc4OtFeOQFU20iBKhCoi4xjgCLcB/s1600/IMG0916A.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusk at Nariman Point five years ago</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I don't</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">really</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm not</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even then</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can't</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">but</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">bedazzled</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Unbreathe me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">then,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">unravel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">me,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">if you please</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859335667453367352.post-4115313889613436102016-08-20T13:22:00.000+05:302016-08-20T13:22:34.899+05:30Rambling in Amritsar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It was actually the better half that voiced the wish, and as the world knows, certain wishes are better be fulfilled or else :)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So one fine morning found us in this city which was founded in the 16th century, and is inextricably linked with the Darbar Sahib or Harmandir Sahib, better known as the Golden Temple. The word Amritsar itself means a pool of Amrit, or divine nectar and the Darbar Sahib is beautifully set into the middle of an artificial pond which is fed by the river Ravi. The Darbar Sahib holds the Guru Granthji and is the holiest of Sikh shrines. And yes, it is indeed a place where your mind would turn inward, becalmed and silent, listening to the tremendously moving hymns being sung from the sanctum sanctorum that does not have anything except the book of verses that is the Guru Granthji. Gently, softly, reminding us of our link to the great unknown and the immense possibilities open to humankind...<br />
<br />
The walled inner city is accessed through medieval gates such as this one -<br />
<br />
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<br />
The interesting part is that there are no traffic lights. Chaotic but the city has one of the most congenial atmospheres I have ever seen, there are no clashes, no accidents, and everyone is smiling!<br />
The heritage area inside the walled city is now being done up in red sandstone and I hope this frenzy of activity comes to a close before long<br />
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And then, a left turn into a small alleyway which leads to Jallian wala bagh. This was a vacant lot, accessed through the narrow alley and closed on all sides by residential buildings. One day in 1919, people gathered there to protest against a draconian law passed by the British government and met their fate when a certain Reginald Dyer, garrison commander, opened fire on the unarmed. One thousand two hundred and sixty five rounds were fired. More than three hundred people died, some trying to escape by jumping into a well which is now known as the Martyrs' Well. Estimates vary upto 1800 casualties, as reported by a British doctor.<br />
<br />
This is what the Butcher of Amritsar said on his death bed -<br />
<blockquote class="templatequote">
So many people who knew the condition of Amritsar say I did
right...but so many others say I did wrong. I only want to die and know
from my Maker whether I did right or wrong.<br />
—<i>The Butcher of Amritsar: General Reginald Dyer</i> by Nigel Collett</blockquote>
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<b>BULLET MARKS ON THE WALL</b></div>
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The well has now been closed from all sides but not covered up</div>
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And the Martyrs' Memorial </div>
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The then Governor of Punjab, Sir Michael O' Dwyer, supported the assault and he was later assassinated on British soil by Sardar Udham Singh, who as a boy, witnessed the massacre. A statue of Sardar Udham Singh has been erected in his memory in front of one of the gates to the walled city.<br />
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The Jallianwala bagh also has a small museum, with some of the literature that was proscribed almost a hundred years ago, the urn containing the ashes of Sardar Udham Singh, a photo gallery of the martyrs and the like. After coming out of the alley, it was just a short walk to the Darbar Sahib.<br />
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Repairs and renovations were on and these boys were obviously enjoying their work. <br />
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The Darbar Sahib or the Golden Temple is situated in the middle of a pond which in turn, is surrounded by a quadrangle with gates on the four sides. The Temple is accessed by a causeway with another gate at the entrance. There is no restriction, no discrimination other than the requirement of covering your head with a scarf, handkerchief or turban and leaving your shoes in safe custody outside. Those red minarets rise from the building that houses the Guru Ka Langar, or the kitchen of the gods. The kitchen serves meals round the clock to all, free of cost and all workers in the Langar as well as the Temple premises serve voluntarily as seva, or penance. The degree of orderliness and cleanliness, hygiene has to be seen to be believed. To top it all, the meals are hot, simple and delicious, perhaps the best that can be had in the entire city. Regardless of the fact that Amritsar has several eateries that are famous for their cuisine, whether vegetarian or otherwise.<br />
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You would not notice even the smallest object floating in the pond for it is removed as soon as it is seen by sevaks. Not a single speck of dust on the marble flooring<br />
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The compound has three ber trees (jujube) that are centuries old and are associated with several saints. As you can see, there are minor shines in memoriam<br />
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Approaching the causeway, to join in the queue. Photos are not allowed once you join the queue. One of the most orderly queues I have been into, everyone listening to the devotionals in silence, some of them humming along. <br />
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Those volunteers are washing the gold plates of the Temple with nothing other than water. The gold plates were installed by the Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the greatest ruler of Punjab. The other building behind the gate of the causeway, the one with the golden dome, is the Akal Takht, the seat of temporal authority for the Sikhs. <br />
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After coming out of the Temple and collecting our shoes, we decided to explore the old city before it went dark. This was again an experience, the narrow streets and alleyways of Katra Ahluwalia and Katra Jaimal Singh that house several bazaars. Each locality had a speciality, some were full of shops selling brass and steel pots and pans, some had jewellery shops, most of them had shops selling woollens and cotton garments.<br />
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We rounded off the day with some shopping for the prodigal son and the dutiful daughter :) Decided to explore the Katras the next day, before going on to see the spectacle that unfolds everyday at the Wagah border.<br />
The Katras or narrow markets in the walled city had their own gates and defences. While the lower floors have shops, the upper floors have residences. The jharokhas, or overhanging balconies were made of wood and some of the splendour of the 18th and 19th centuries can be imagined in these structures that remind one of the walled city in Delhi<br />
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We decided to break for lunch when we came to Kesar da dhaba, the most famous eatery in the walled city known for outstanding quality. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain and simple vegetarian fare consisting of flat bread smeared in clarified butter, a most delectable dal and a bowl of mixed vegetable curry cooked in butter. A glass of lassi and firni, a sweet dish served in earthenware.<br />
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The hired car was waiting and we had to move quickly to be able to see the "beating the retreat" spectacle at the border after a quick visit to Ram Tirath, known as the birthplace of the twins Lava and Kush, children of Lord Ram. But that would be another story :)<br />
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Soumyenduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586465804913627495noreply@blogger.com4Amritsar, Punjab 143001, India31.6339793 74.87226420000001831.5258238 74.71090270000002 31.7421348 75.033625700000016