Getting Lost in Alleys of Old Amdavad- A Story Through Pictures

Exploring Delhi - Sultan Ghari's Tomb

I am endlessly discovering Delhi and I know I will be doing the same for a long long time. I can visit the same places again and again and still not be able to capture it's essence fully. I know I can go to the same Monuments and a new characteristic would come in front of me every time. This is the beauty of this ancient city and it has made me fall in love with it through its past history.

      So recently I visited Sultan Ghari's Tomb which took me by surprise with it uniqueness. One does get a shock and awe at witnessing the inimitable majestic fortress-tomb rise from the ground in the middle of the unrelenting forest. It is the splendid beauty of the gigantic rectangular entrance which gives a protective shed to a shared culture and  peaceful cohabitation of the local Hindu and Muslims. Over the ages they began considering Nasiruddin Mahmud a a saint. “Peer Baba” who is remembered by regular lighting of oil lamps and incense. Continuing since decades, is a tradition that had been unaffected by any political or religious attempts and acts as a sign of heartwarming coexistence between these people of varying faiths and their mutual admiration and acceptance of each other.

The fact that this structure was built over a Hindu/jain temple and used the architectural remains of a temple is the most interesting part for me (Just like we find in the Quwwatu'l-Islam Mosque). Infact the architecture students and other History geeks will be so thrilled to point out at the Hindu temple remains used in the Tomb,  just like I did.

 From the inscriptions on the main gateway,  we learn that it was built in 1231 by Iltutmish for his eldest son Nasiru'd-Din Mahmud. This is characterised as early Delhi Sultanate architecture. The Arched Windows, the Corbelled Arch, the Dark Crypt and the 'Mihrab' cannot go unnoticed.

The Tangible Heritage being my weakness made me come here and made me go back to the past and imagine things how they were in medieval times. I like to feel this way when I am at such places. You know the feeling when you walk down a 11th century structure and cannot believe that Sultans and Princes walked the same corridors? The same place which is in ruins today, would have been a centre for the activities!?  That if you spend more time at this structure and devote yourself in the stories of Nasiru'd-Din Baba you could also become a believer of this shrine/monument. I spent my remaining time in the Tomb, giving a thought on these questions...

Unfolding - Intangible Heritage of Jagannath Puri

I am all set with the 'essentials' I need to write a Project Report for my Institute this semester which include

✔ Stationery    ✔Pictures   ✔References 

✔ Good luck!?  oh yes most Important,  and for that I need to explain the whole background to everybody.  So I have worked on three projects in last eight months and this would be the fourth one (believe it or not) .  This one deals with 'The Intangible Heritage of Jagannath Puri Temple'. I have been so excited since this topic came to my mind and now I can't wait to begin with it. The Idea of the assignment is based on the Cultural pattern of Puri in present day, the century old practices and rituals and the beauty in these complex believes. After reading much about it, I came to the conclusion that the glory and greatness of Jagannathism is a great story to do. Such a broad based system of religious life is not to be found anywhere in the world. 

       Moreover, Only recently I have also got this realisation that I dig for 'Intangible Heritage' around me. The performing arts,  the traditions,  the living expressions, social practices,  festivals. I live to see these long living, on going Wonders. The idea of working on the 'Temple Traditions' have always been interesting me. I was very little when I visited the 'Purushottam Kshetra' with my family and I do not remember much from that. I have wanted to go again, not because of religious reasons but because reading about the fascinating facts of this temple has compelled me to witness the marvel of it in reality. Its origin, history, it's association with the Tribals, and the innumerable rituals that take place inside the magnificent temple complex is very unique. So a month back I was in Orissa, and I finally in Puri. It was just as I expected, a huge mass of devotees eager to see the 'Trimurti'.

      When we think of the Puri temple,  we also think of the presiding deities therein. Hence I decided on understanding the Cult of Jagannath and the social, religious,  cultural life associated with it.  Jagannath, "Lord of the Universe" is worshipped along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra.

   The famous Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra,  an Intangible Heritage of the area which has been ongoing, since years. It is participated by lakhs of pilgrims from the whole of India, has a number of vidhis or practices in connection with the pulling of the chariots and the journey of Jagannatha to the garden house (which will be a focus point in my report). One of the vidhis is called 'Cherapahanra'. This literally means, the sweeping of the floor. On this occasion, when the deities are brought from the main temple and placed on the special seats designed for them on the chariots, the Raja of Puri, is required to sweep the floor of the chariots in front of the deities with a golden broom-stick. Thousands of eyes watch the performance with rapt attention. Needless to say, this vidhi or practice is symbolic of the highest form of social justice and equality that has remained an objective to be realized by humanity in all walks of life. 

     The most interesting and tasteful section of my report will focus on the 'Chappan Bhog'. Being a foodie myself I can't wait to get started. As I crossed the main entrance, I found on the left-hand side, a vast kitchen area of the temple. The Puri temple may be described as the 'biggest hotel of the world'. It can feed even one lakh persons. The method of preparation is most hygienic and the traditional process of preparation of food for so many people in so short a time, takes many by surprise. To the right, we have the Ananda Bajara which is the popular name of the food selling market within the enclosure. Ananda Bajara literally means, the pleasure market. The food offerings of the Jagannatha temple which is called 'Mahaprasada' is a wonder of the Hindu world. Usually persons of all castes are seen enjoying Mahaprasada sitting in one place in a row. 

     Another grandiloquent event associated with the Lord Jagannath is Naba Kalabera. The event involves installation of new images in the temple and burial of the old ones in the temple premises. It's the most elaborated theory which is offered me to study so I will be doing another write up on it soon.

There was so much I saw and took in that is difficult to express. Till then wish me luck for the upcoming assignment.

He and his Beloved Plants

Daddy said: "to be happy, be like a flower which attracts butterflies, bees, lady birds and gentle people."
"A flower doesn't have to rush about in order to make friends. It remains quietly where it has grown and sweetens the air with its fragrance. "
"God gave this power to flowers and Gentle people."- Ruskin Bond, To Live in Magic

Nature has played a very crucial role in my growing up. A lot of my most fond memories are around nature, plants and flowers. I have been brought up in a family where gardening is practiced as one serious hobby. I have seen my father spending his daily leisure time with his plants. His daily ritual would include examining each of his babies after the morning cuppa and instructing Sonu bhaiya meanwhile to replace them as needed. He knew of everyone's need, ours and also his much loved plants. 

Every season i would witness new members in house. He would very excitedly talk about his nursery visit each time. The seasons changed and the garden grew prettier, with new flowers, new colors. The creepers and climbers grew to need more attention and care from him, and he devoted them all the time they needed. I remember him mentioning us alot of names, of those I only remember the ones I really liked, but he was not partial, he loved them all. Showing and laughing over the plant called 'Mother-in-law's tongue' was so typical of him. He is the reason i love Ferns today, he made me love bougainvillea, he taught me the art of watering the plants without splashing back the mud all over the area or out side the pot. He taught us to pick fruits and the right art to wash and eat them, specially the Mangoes(We are a huge fan of 'Dussehri aam'). He made me like the smell of Eucalyptus, the green-ness of the grass, the dry leaves falling off guava tree. I remember getting pictures clicked in Marigold winters. The names like Salvia, Petunia, Cineraria, Panzy and Dahlia are some i have always remembered as they were regular from October to March every year. He taught me little things like that succulents and cactus needed less maintenance. He would go very botanical some days with the names and i would just stand and not understand a thing (mostly uninterested). I never wanted to learn so much, but he still managed to make some of it look so interesting that the roots of things got into my mind. 

We never missed yearly Botanical Garden Flower Show, it was a family ritual for us. We would eagerly wait for it. Even though it was his kind of fun place, it would make us happy just being their with him. Same time last year he won the best Garden award in the city. He was delighted. I still got the pictures of his hardwork in my phone he sent me over our whatsapp conversation. His phone would always have more pictures of 'blooms and buds' than faces :)

Over the years i have seen him having discussions about politics, office, life, health and plants in our garden. Chacha's arrival always made Papa happier, they always spent their best time in the company of these plants. Another one was sharing the same moment with Dadi. He loved bringing her new plants for her Garden. Somedays he picked flowers and bring some for the vases, (an art of making a basic flower bouquet i learnt from him at a very early age). Mother loved it when he got roses, the sweet fragrance made her happy. 

There are so many beautiful memories i have with these plants that i would never let go of these because that concern him, from making me love the taste of Tulsi leaf, to picking red and yellow capsicum.... from having Custard Apple at home to Kapaas (cotton) we have had it all. Walking on the road sometimes i can locate plants i know of, their names and now that i am old enough to understand, i want to learn and read more about them. So that i can keep up this legacy, I wish to give time and energy (just like he did) to his beloved plants because He is missed by them as well....

A Hidden Gem - Orchha.

Now that I am writing something which is just not for me, I would like to start with something which actually shows my personality, which presents the kind of places i like to visit and what are the things that fascinate me enough to go in detail. I start with my favorite place Orchha. It isn't on most tourist maps, but with beautiful monuments, both big and small, revealing tales of battles between kings and emperors, Orchha deserves a trip of its own.

        Just 18 kms away from Jhansi, the cradle of Rani Lakshmibai is the forgotten town of Orchha. The Grandeur and the beauty of Orchha Heritage cannot be precisely described in words but can only be experienced. Though a small town, Orchha occupied an important place in the history of Bundelkhand.  Orchha is a land shrouded in mystery. Its very name, according to many, means ‘Hidden’ some believe that the land derives its name from the remark of a Rajput chief, who upon sighting the land, exclaimed ‘Ondche’ or ‘it lies low or far enough'. 

        Far from the madding crowd of cities, this Peaceful town Orchha, on the banks of Betwa River giving a glimpse of bygone era. Orchha is a town in Tikamgarh District of Madhya Pradesh state, India.  It had the distinction of being the capital of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms of Central India, established by Rudra Pratap singh as the seat of an eponymous former princely state of central India, in the Bundelkhand region. This medieval city seems to have frozen in time, its palaces and temples still retaining their grandeur.

        Orchha is one of the few places in India that combines natural beauty, the aesthetic legacy of history and a certain authenticity. Orchha is in transition from village to town and many of its smaller temples throne over well-tended fields. It's a paradise for bird watchers with a wide variety of colourful birds often making an appearance. Life in Orchha revolves around the Ram temple where one can see how vibrant Hinduism remains today. You will not have to dodge traffic, you will have to deal with the insistence of shopkeepers, at the same time, this place will provide insights into the challenges that young people, farmers and workers face in India today.

       This historic village on the banks of the boulder- strewn Betwa River showcases a supreme display of Mughal architecture, some of which is similar to that of nearby Khajuraho (albeit without such high-quality artistry) with much grander palaces and cenotaphs dotting the pastoral landscape as well. The atmosphere in Orchha, though is far more laid-back and hassle free, which makes for a relaxing stay. There are great homestay options as well as opportunities to enjoy the surrounding countryside, with walking, cycling, rafting all on the agenda.

This is just in very brief, I will be doing more posts about the beautiful Orchha, stay tuned! :)