When Amitji over powered Rajivji…

It was sometime in Dec 1989 when I and my brother were travelling from Guwahati (Assam) to Shillong (Meghalaya). Before undertaking the journey we had to stay at the army’s transit camp (which was just outside the Guwahati railway station) where all defence personals take a break journey before proceeding towards Arunachal Pradesh or Nagaland or any of the north-eastern states by road. We had to stay at the camp till the fog cleared on the route to Shillong.

Once we got the clearance we started immediately by jeep. The distance being just a 100 kms, we were told that it would take about 3 hrs to reach Shillong. We started at 5 pm and in no time it was dark. The jeep started making jerks mid-way as we felt we were running out of gas. As the jeep slowed down we were over taken by a lorry who’s driver shouted saying that our jeeps silencer had caught fire. We jammed brakes, got down and ran away from the jeep. The driver didn’t panic but took out one of the water bottles and threw water on the silencer. The driver said that we couldn’t go further as the jeep had broken down and he needed to call the unit to send us a recovery vehicle. We were in the middle of a forest and didn’t have a clue on how to contact the unit at Shillong.

It was past 7pm, cold, foggy and pitch dark with no lights around. The driver said that he’ll try to stop any army vehicle coming or going for help, meanwhile my brother was searching for place to answer nature’s call when he shouted…“Hey! I can see some light coming from that hut downhill.” I told the driver to continue what he’s good at and we both will go down the hill to get some assistance.

I and my brother slowly walked down the hill and knocked at the door. A 50 year old chinky tribal looking guy opened the door…before he could ask us I asked him…“Chai milegi”? The man couldn’t understand. I asked him again in Hindi- if we could get a mechanic as our vehicle had broken down. The man was clueless, my brother started guessing on how to explain the man…as the man asked- “Why don’t you both come in?” in English…we were completely zapped!!! I asked him how come he knew the language; he said it was their local lingo.

We both sat down inside as the man went in to get us some tea. We looked around his walls which had a few paintings, arrows and a huge poster of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Amitabh Bachchan. My brother asked the man if he was more of a fan of the PM or AB. The man replied that he didn’t know who the posters were of but all he knew was that the right side poster was of a man who acts in Hindi films and got injured while shooting in 1982. Before we could ask why he didn’t know about our country’s PM, our driver shouted…“Sir, recovery van mil gaya!” We soon thanked the man and asked if we need to pay for the Tea, he said- “No, you are my guests!” We both thanked him again and left his hut to be carried away to Shillong by the recovery vehicle only to realize how much our Bollywood actors over power our politicians.

Courtesy :- Hop Around India Blog

India's Highest Skiing Location

One day I wanna pack my bags and take off - all by myself to a place totally ‘not-known’ to anyone in my ever-evolving network of friends or family. No advice……no map….no compass….no GPS….no asking for directions…..no newsletters from befriended (or not) planets….no screaming promos from travel companies who seem to know exactly when I oughtta take a break from work (even though I don’t) and ask me to leave NOW….no weddings to attend…..no family friends to visit with a ‘sweet-packet’.

It doesn’t matter that a city won’t charm and shock me at the same time. It doesn’t matter that a historic monument won’t stir my soul from within and make me feel nostalgic of an era that I did not witness. It doesn’t matter that a prehistoric artifact won’t fill me with awe and rake up the archaeologist in me. It doesn’t matter that the million flowers in the valleys won’t welcome me with a smile. It doesn’t matter that the salubrious air won’t embrace me with warmth. It doesn’t matter that the trickling brooks won’t tickle my feet. It doesn’t matter that snowflakes won’t land on my nose. It doesn’t matter that I won’t get the thrills of my life hanging upside down by a rope in a deep gorge. It doesn’t matter that I won’t race down a snowy mountain at a 40-degree angle at a maddening speed like a maverick on wheels who has nothing to lose. It doesn’t matter that a gushing river won’t drench me with its ice cold water as it tosses me around merrily. It doesn’t matter that I won’t laze around in a hammock with a book at hand and a German composition in my ear. It doesn’t matter that I won’t be rolling in laps of luxury with hot and smooth black pebbles dotting my spine. It doesn’t matter that I won’t do a ‘world-tour’ of India on a shoe-string budget. It doesn’t matter that I won’t have stunning backdrop photos of mine to share online. And it sure as hell won’t matter that my bank balance remained untouched.

Buuuuuut….what DOES matter is that I do things on my terms, at my pace in my own race. I decide ‘where’ and I decide ‘when’. And right now I feel like surrendering to the bliss of warm oil dripping on my head while a masseuse kneads my feet endlessly. I want to be enveloped in light Indian folk instrumental music and want lush green trees to surround me. I want to inhale moist cool air and I want beams of the sun to shower on me through the mosaic-like thatched roof. And when I’m done with this piece of paradise, I want to lazily walk over and park myself next to either splashing water or gushing water and just watch all of nature’s bounty on the roll. And I wouldn’t mind an occasional visitor or two – an Elephant or a bird that would sit along with me or flutter around me like as if I mean the world to them. No…it ain’t impossible. I heard that in Kerala - in quiet and quaint towns - there exist – what we now call ‘Spas’ which bring my dream to reality. These Spas are a legacy of certain select families. It’s almost as if it’s a trade secret. It must be. Why else do others not succeed in this endeavour of treating people’s lifestyle oriented ailments using this very technique? You may have other successful techniques but this technique behaves like it won’t survive if it switches hands. And who cares? From what I heard, I will walk my way…..all the way…..to Kerala just to be pampered by these Ayurvedic masseurs and practitioners. I’d indulge in Ayurveda from head to toe and ravel in the ‘magical’ balms, oils and lotions of Kerala.

Or……I could also head north to Himachal Pradesh where resorts are resorting to ‘Kerala-Style’ practice of Ayurveda – only…. at an altitude of about 6000 feet. An additional fringed benefit of Ayurveda treatment in Himachal Pradesh is the breathtaking and wondrous panoramic views of the Himalaya Mountains. Just imagining myself in those mountainous regions…sends a chill down my spine. To be soaking in all of nature’s bounty….the lush green meadows dotted with millions of wild flowers; the pleasantly chill weather with cool breeze; the clean air; the sparse civilization with no traffic (much less traffic jams); the open and vacant streets of these small Himalayan towns – all surrounded by the Great Himalayas is an experience by itself. And then to bask in the Himalayan sun with Ayurvedic oils from a different latitude is pure bliss!!

And while I’m up there kissing mountains in Himachal Pradesh, how would it be if I just drifted to 34.05°N 74.38°E? What say? In case you’re looking up these coordinates – don’t bother. They belong to an all-weather resort which sports millions of wild flowers in summers and radically changes to a ferocious snow-sports capital of India in winters. This is where we’ll find India’s highest skiing location; world’s 2nd highest Cable Car; world’s 4th highest golf course; and one of the very few Helicopter-skiing resorts in the whole of Asia. And what I’m really interested in the ‘apres ski’ in this place. I heard it one of the most happening international party places in the world with people from New Zealand, Australia, Europe, China, Russia and India converging after a whole day of ski-indulgence to let their hair down and chill and socialize. With the holistic and Ayurvedic treatments with which I’d feel totally invigorated, I think I’d be all ready for some action then. Now…all I’d need to do is rope-in a friend or two and I’m set for the best action-packed and picturesque vacations of my life. Oh….and 34.05°N 74.38°E belongs to Gulmarg in Kashmir!

Courtesy :- Hop Around India Blog

The Fast Depleting Hinterland of Jharkhand

What have we achieved in mowing down mountain ranges, harnessing the energy of mighty rivers, or moving whole populations about like chess pieces, if we ourselves remain the same restless, miserable, frustrated creatures we were before? To call such activity progress is utter delusion. We may succeed in altering the face of the earth until it is unrecognizable even to the Creator, but if we are unaffected wherein lies the meaning?    -Henry Miller

Touched a raw chord dint it?

But what misery lies untold is misery double-fold. These were the words that crept into my mind when I read about the depleting forests of Jharkhand. Jharkhand, the land synonymous with forests, the land whose visage we imagine is green with smiling brightly hued tribals whose cause for celebration begins and ends in the forest. The land that celebrates life in jungles, under the thick canopy of trees, the green-lungs of the Eastern belt, the land that is rich in mineral resources- you name it they have it in short all those elements which can produce billions and billions of dollars. But then you utter Jharkhand and the screaming headlines of a Madhu Koda or a Shibu Soren stares back at you. But there is never any mention of the fast-depleting-at-the-blink-of-of-an-eye huge tracts of trees and with them the endangered species of flora and fauna!

Jharkhand is now 12 years old. But the forests that give it its identity, give no cause for celebration. While the state is forging ahead with its grand plans of industrial development tapping into the rich mineral resources, the forest ranges of the Santhal Pargana are fast disappearing. Reasons..well they are myriad in number.

Careless and illegal human activity heads the list. Man’s insatiable greed has taken him to gobble the dense mountainous forests and all its richness within. The huge expanse of 5470 square miles of solid lung space has been home to several indigenous tribes for centuries. Tribes who have lived with wisdom that has been passed down from generation to generation, communities who have lived in harmony with the forests that provided them with sustenance of such magnitude and importance that the so called modern way of living seemed inconspicuous and insignificant. These forests have been home to hundreds of rare species of birds and animals, making them the destination of numerous enthusiasts, researchers and bird watchers worldwide.

Way back in 1910, the West Bengal Gazetters published a book written by L S O’Malley, that reveals the large presence of wild animals in Dumka, Godda, Pakud, Sahebganj, Devghar and Jamtada forests. Malley also states that the clash between man and animal began around 1790-1810 when the Santhal tribes began to claim the forests for their own.

There has been drastic change of scene and since the last 11-12 years the Santhal Pargana that was once home to the Asian Elephants, has all but wiped it out. The gentle pachyderm’s 11 ft huge skeleton stands as a mute testimony of its presence in the Museums of Kolkata. Pattabadi and Dumka forests no longer echo with the trumpeting and groans of these wise animals. Who is to be blamed?

Life still continues and wild pigs, bears, rabbits, wild cock, royal peacock, wild cats, hyenas, jackals and bucks still inhabit these forests. But woe to the greed of man again, these are marked! What was once considered to be a favorite pastime of kings and zamindars continues to attract the upper echelons of society, whose modern weapons make the killing in large numbers. Making matters worse is the huge demand for skins, bones, teeth, horns and meat of rare species in the international market. Animals straying into human habitations and getting caught or killed are again a matter for grave concern. Those that have been killed or maimed or captured or sold are never brought to the notice of the forest officials, and the numbers get screwed.

Research into the numerous varieties of birds and animals in the forests are bound to bring cheer in to the hearts of many wildlife enthusiasts. But those familiar with the forests believe that the government officials are hand-in-glove with the poachers and hunters of the region. Illegal killing of rare birds and animals is rampant and in such an alarming way that many are not sure if these did exist in the first place!

Strapped for funds, civil society organizations, natural wildlife groups feel that with no active support or any massive drive ordained to save wild animals, birds and trees, the extinction of several rare species of flora and fauna from these forests is just a matter of time. Time may come when Jharkhand meaning the land-of-jungles may soon seek to change its name!

Courtest :- Hop Around India Blog

Hop Around India - Travel Tips: Top Tips to remind during "Vinayaka navarathrulu"

Hop Around India - Travel Tips: Top Tips to remind during "Vinayaka navarathrulu": Many people follow way of worshiping, how ever don't care about neighbors. Disturbance some times leads to quarrel and makes devotion into ...

Yak Do Teen- ‘The Yak Effect’…

Ever wondered why Yaks are seldom given due importance by visitors in their trips and why do they end up just being a part of your trip album? Well, they could be many reasons for it as they are not found easily in the lower line areas but only in the snow capped mountains, just like camels in the desert. But believe you me, be it Leh, Kufri, Rohtang, Nathula or Tawang, all Yaks are the same. They are misunderstood by many as they look ferocious and dangerous by their appearances.

As we know, Yaks are good for carrying loads and transport tourists for a short distance in a snowy tourist spot and to take a pic or two with it (and trainer of course) for the album. The Yak helps you through slippery snow melting roads provided you have the patience to have your heart in the mouth if you are a first timer.

A Yak ride is better than a horse ride; a safe roller coaster ride, at least it doesn’t throw you off its back. There are many researches one can do on Yaks before getting to know what they are all about. To understand Yaks all you have to do is sleep a couple of nights with them (no ideas plz!!!), they are harmless and full of fun except for the smell…they stink horrible but they do have the “Yak Effect” as I discovered this during one of my visits to Nathula Pass in Sikkim, where I along with my friends had to spend a night in the shed with the Yaks. Couldn’t help as it snowed heavily due an avalanche that night and all rooms were booked except the shed, so we ‘shed’ all inhibitions (no ideas plz…again) and shivered (because of the cold) the whole night as none of us had seen so many Yaks… so close. The way they mooed we felt we were not welcomed sharing space with them, later we were told that it was one of the female Yaks who expressed her excitement seeing the 4 of us.

I’ve travelled on a few Yaks at various snow-hill mountains and got to gather some tips to bear in mind while travelling on a Yak….

1. Make sure you know a bit of horse riding as it would be easy to handle a Yak or recover from a fall.
2. Never use a body-deo or spray before mounting on it, remember Yaks hate good smell. So at least make sure to miss your bath that day, for a safe trip.
3. If still you can bear it, cover your nose with a surgical mask as some Yaks smell ‘Yuck’.
4. Never try to cuddle or pat it as it could be the last thing you did in your life.
5. If you are nervous dare not sing, carry an i-pod instead.
6. Keep your mobile in silent mode, never take or make a call, you may distract it.
7. All questions about it should be directed to its master.
8. Never dismount in a hurry, give an impression as if you enjoyed it.
9. Once you dismount, thank its trainer whole- heartedly instead of the Yak. You’ve reached safely, remember.
10. And, finally, never bargain on the charges; remember, you may have travel on it again.

Courtesy :- Hop Around India Blog

Nathula Pass- Not for weak hearts…

The recent earthquake that rocked the state of Sikkim in Sept 2011 last year took me back to one of the summers which I and my friends happen to spend there. Sikkim is nostalgic for me as I’ve spent some of the best years of my life there.

Sikkim’s Gangtok was just a two and half hour ride from New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) station from where one could take a taxi or a bus to enter the state of Sikkim. Having all the arrangements made by the army (33 Corps), we all 4 friends started off in a Gypsy after consuming light breakfast at New Jalpaiguri station. This time we thought of becoming a bit bolder by not just camping at Gangtok but going ahead as we were suggested by someone to visit the Nathula Pass where one could see the Chinese border and also see posts being exchanged between both the countries.

For many who do not know about Nathula Pass, Nathula is a pass located on the Indo Chinese border ('La' meaning 'Pass' in Tibetan) which is guarded by Indian and Chinese troops. The place is about 55 kilometers from Gangtok which takes about 2 ½ hours to 3 hrs by road and passes through Tsongo Lake.

Nathula is covered with snow throughout the year. Initially the pass was traditionally used for trading by merchants of India and Tibet.

We reached Gangtok by 11 am after admiring all the scenic beauty that nature had to offer us on the way. Gangtok was pretty chill, so we freshened up to have an early lunch in the mess and headed towards the Mall road and monasteries in Gangtok. Nothing was new to me as I had already visited it but my friends were thrilled to know that Danny Denzongpa hailed from this place. As it becomes dark soon in the east, we planned to start for Nathula immediately where one needed to report at the base camp at Nathula before 5.30 pm. We were given a 1 ton (an army vehicle now no more in use) which was more suited for the hilly region. The driver drove us to the check post (by 4 pm) that is enroute to Nathula. After finishing formalities at the check post we were cautioned by the driver that- Come what may, DO NOT PEEP OUT OF THE VEHICLE (This line was enough for curiosity to get the better of us) as he drove past mile after mile.

We were told by the driver that the landmarks after the check post were marked by miles- 5, 9, 12…etc, by army pickets. It was mandatory for us to reach the base camp before 6 pm or else one can expect a recovery vehicle to retrieve your vehicle and bodies from the deep down valley.

We were already on our way with clouds entering our vehicle to welcome us. One of my friends just could not resist opening the tarpole (the cloth which covered the vehicle) a wee bit to peep what’s outside. He was shell-shocked to see that we were driving 10,000 ft high and before any one of us could say ‘Jack Robinson’ Mr. Peeping Tom fell unconscious and suffered a bout of fits. We all shouted at the driver ‘ Gaadi Roko’, the driver stopped and we got down to provide first-aid to our friend, we could see fog all around us and what more the road was exactly of the same breath as that of the vehicle. With one down, we three just didn’t have the courage to get into the vehicle and continue as we all were terrified. It was getting darker as the driver somehow coaxed us to get before the recovery van could fetch us. Somehow we started praying, closed our eyes and held each other’s hand and got into the 1 ton. The driver sped up before we could change our minds.

Exactly after an hour of silence accompanied with shivering (not because of the cold) we realized that the vehicle had stopped and heard a pleasant voice saying- Utar jaaiye sir, base camp aa gaya!!! We all opened our eyes as if we were granted another life. We realized it was pitch dark and only could see a lantern lit at a little height. We were told to get down (carrying Mr. Peeping Tom) holding each other’s hand and keep walking till we reached the lantern. All we knew was that we were walking through fresh snow- Alive. As we climbed steps we could see an army man waiting for us with 4 cups of ‘Chai’ in his tray. It was paradise for us as we felt that there couldn’t be a better way to celebrate our survival on reaching Nathula. But we were in for a shock as our driver said confidently – Sir, aap log raat yahaan bita lo, kal aapko ek doosri gaadi mein Nathula Pass le jaaya jaayega….!! 

Somehow, the next morning we got up amidst Yaks because of the overnight snow and lack of accommodation, we were given a Yak shed to sleep that night. The whole shed was buried in snow. Just, then we could see someone throwing a rope from the roof top and telling us to come out holding it. We all were pulled out one after another bidding good-bye to the Yaks. My friend who suffered fits regained his senses and asked- ‘Main yahaan kaise aaya?’ Tea was waiting for us along with some bread and jam. We were told to quickly have it and report at the vehicle standing down which would take us to the border.

We were asked if we would like to go to the border by the chopper but decided against it. After deciding to live life dangerously, we hopped on to the vehicle to get on to a totally different journey. As our fears started to vanish, we could see small army men posted at different picket points on our journey. Being May month we couldn’t see anything except snow, snow and more snow. We started to imagine what it would be like in December and January months when the temperature drops down to -25 degree C and what about our soldiers who safeguard us from enemy invasions in these icing conditions.

Our vehicle stopped and we were told to get down. We had to go through a safety check before climbing up the snow mountain from where the Chinese border could be visible. With less than 80% oxygen available this was a challenge as we got ready to walk up about ½ km in heavy snow to see the posts getting exchanged. It took as about 45 mins to reach the top and totally exhausted were we. There was another army personnel who pulled us up to tell us about the place and all about the posts that were exchanged between the two countries. The 4 cups of tea again infused energy into us making us feel so small and meaningless in front of these soldiers who contribute so much towards the nation by performing their duty relentlessly.

We all need to bow down at these unsung brave heroes who give away everything for our peace.

Our journey to Nathula Pass came to an end, though exhausted but very refreshing and fulfilling. I look back at those fond memories which have become a part of my life…forever!!!

Courtesy : Hop Around India Blog

Rave-ing & Ranting in Goa for New Yearz Eve !!

Intelligentia, literati, scribes, muckrakers are all I’ve hopped parties with so far where the highest decibel was provided by the Italian Operatic Tenor - Pavarotti or the Hindustani Classical Vocalist – Pandit Bhimsen Joshi….and greatest move made was towards the buffet table.

This would certainly be the first for me to dance to ear-deafening hundreds of watts of trance & techno music and be flooded with broad and dense laser beams in environs that are practically not visible in the otherwise pitch dark venue with thick artificial fog clouding your view (or what little is left of your view) - of your co-dancer. Phew! You’d have to be a Navy Seal to navigate through this unpredictable terrain! Wonder how they do it?!

They call them Rave Parties. And Goa is a ‘Rave Party Capital’ of India and is reckoned number 3 on the list of ‘Top Rave Party Destinations of the World’. Originating in the 60’s Hippie Culture and refined in the acid-house parties in the 80’s by the DJs of Chicago – Goa’s acid parties are transitioning into yet another trend. Silence!

Music is played alright…only….directly into the ears of the party-hoppers. Yup you heard it right. You would wear headphones that are connected through WIFI to the DJ system and hence would have music streamed to you directly. Now THIS is what caught my fancy. I heard these parties are catching on – especially on the Anjuna Beach in Goa. So That’s where I’m headed this New Year’s Eve. Lemme see what are raving and ranting about. Goa Ahoy!

A Pilgrimage turned picnic- Murudeswara

We keep travelling at every given opportunity. We capped our travel calendar of the year 2011 in December with a trip to Murudeswara in Khatkal district of Karnataka state in India. It was a completely unplanned trip as we were at Sringeri on 4 Dec and had planned to return to Bangalore. We realized that few tourists were proceeding to Murudeswara which is at a distance of 150km and not more than 3hrs from Sringeri. As it is on the Arabian seashore my two boys were excited to go on the trip. So, there we were on NH13 by 11 am on 4 Dec moving towards Murudeswara in our family car. We got on to state highway after some while and were back on to NH 17 and a left from Indian Oil petrol filling station lead us to our destination Murudeswara.

Murudeswara is a temple of Lord Shiva and is popular for the 20 storied and 237 ft high Raja Gopuram. We had to strain our necks to get a complete view of the Gopuram. It is built on the Kanduka Giri hill surrounded by sea on all three sides. The temple premises are very clean and pleasant. The entrance of the temple invited us with two elegant elephant statues.

My sons liked the temple instantly as it looks very modern, clean and appealing. The main deity of the temple is Sri Mridesa Linga, or Murudeswara. The Linga is located 2 feet below the ground level and appears like a rock structure inside hallowed ground. Abhisheka, Rudrabhisheka and Rathotsava are some special rituals performed here at several occasions throughout the year as per the temple calendar for the year 2012 we purchased.

A huge, imposing and beautiful statue of Lord Shiva in meditating posture complements the raja Gopuram of the temple with its size. This towering statue is considered the second largest statue of Lord Shiva in the world and is of 123 ft high. This is located within the temple complex and supposed to have taken two years to make. The temple and statue both were built by a philanthropist and business man Mr. R N Shetty. The statue looks sparkling with sunlight reflecting and we were all very surprised at the size and beauty of it.

The next best thing that awaited us after the temple and the statue was the beach. It was surprisingly clean and well maintained despite the thronging crowds. It was bright and sunny day with the sea water being warm by mid day. We went on a boat trip that cost Rs 800; it was exclusive with the four of us and the two boat men on board. We sighted many penguins and tried our best to capture images, but they were so fast and so shy of company that we could not. The boatmen were two young chaps and very entertaining, they allowed my boys to do the steering for some time and over all it was a great experience.

It was almost 4pm by the time we returned from out boating and ready for lunch. We went to a close by restaurant and had delicious, spicy Konkan vegetarian food. And post lunch we were on our way back.

Eternal Bliss……in Radhe Radhe!!

It is almost a year and half when I visited my parent’s house at Kanpur. I miss those days spent with my family. I remember that it was decided by me and by my father that daily we are going to visit one temple in the morning and market places in the evening.

It was Sunday, as far as I can recall, we planned for Iskcon Temple, also known as Shri Shri Radha Madhav Mandir. The temple is situated on Mainavati Marg, Nawabganj, Kanpur. It takes around 20-30 minutes time to reach to that place from Kanpur main city. We reached there by 12:20 pm.

ISKCON, International Society for Krishna Consciousness, was founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966. Since then a number of Iskcon temples are built at different places in India. At Kanpur, the construction of this temple started around four years back and is still in progress. At present, the temple site consists of a hall with beautifully dressed idols of Radha and Lord Krishna at the centre and their paintings on almost all the walls. The temple is well surrounded by a small garden.

As we all know, cows are supreme friends of Lord Krishna. Goshalas, large space for the protection of cows, is also available near the temple. Devotees believe that offering respect and giving grass as feed to the cows will help to diminish their past sinful activities.

Suddenly, we saw people rushing inside the temple. Actually it was 12:30 pm, which is Aarti time. Inside the temple, there were beautifully decorated idols of Radha-Krishna. These idols were bejeweled with the garlands made of red, yellow, orange and white colored flowers. The temple’s surrounding was echoing with Hare Rama Hare Krishna……

In Iskcon Temple, Aarti is done three times, first at 8 am in the morning, second at 12:30 pm and third in the evening at 8 pm. After every Aarti, doors (or in Hindi we call Pat) are closed so as to serve food to God. This served food is distributed among peoples as Prasads. On week days in Prasad, fruits, panchamrit and khichdi (sabudaana khichdi on the days of fast) while on weekend’s in place of khichdi, dal, chawal, khadi, roti and sabzi are given. After this, the temple is closed for 3 hours that is from 1 pm to 4 pm. It is believed that God takes rest during this time. 

People from far and nearby places throng this place to see beautifully decorated idols of Radha-Krishna, to perform religious activities, sing bhajans and take rest in peace. We also did the same thing and enjoyed for whole day. Actually for me it is a must visit place when in Kanpur. For lunch we took puri, aloo sabzi and some pickles with us. Although snacks, drinking water, tea etc. were available in the temple premises but it is always advised to keep food items and drinking water when you plan to go out for whole day especially with children for this temple or any other place.

Courtesy : Hop Around India Blog

Favorites in India: Guruvayoor Temple

Favorites in India: Guruvayoor Temple: Guruvayoor or GuruvayurSree Krishna temple is a  famous Hindu   temple located in the   Guruvayur town of Thrissur district in Gods own ...

Hop Around India's September Newsletter

An aweseome month of September welcomes you with the equal light, Equal darkness, flowing in circles....Beckoning the festival season after a lull of few months with the asupicious Ganesh Chaturthi... The month of Septmenber radiates with energy transformed from the holy nature.

TarnetarMela: Sep 19th

Tarnetar Mela is popularly known as TrinetreshwarMahadev Fair. Generally it is 3 days festival held from September 19 to 21 on this year at Tarnetar in Saurashtra, in the state of Gujarat.The temple heavily renovated in the 19th century, is believed to be the site where Arjuna won the hand of Draupadi in an archery contest. The popular belief associates the village with the 'swayamvar' of Draupadi after Arjuna performed the 'Mastsyavedh', an unbelievable feat of archery.This Mela is a kind of marriage market for the local clans - the Kolis, Bharwads and Rabaris who visit Tarnetar to find suitable brides. Traditionally, if the girl stops to talk to one of the men, it is a symbol that she has found the man of her choice. Another important feature of this fair is the 'TarnetarChhatri' (umbrella). These umbrellas are a delightful treat for the exoert of art. The umbrellas meticulously decorate with mirror work; complicated embroidery and fascinating lacework are worth seeing.

PitrPaksh: sep 30th -oct 15th

According to Hindus Tradition, PitruPaksha is celebrated for the departed souls of dead progenitors, parents and relatives. This year pitrPaksh falls between September 30th to October 15th. Mainly there are 3 debts in Hindus methodology- Devarina(Debt to the Gods), Rishirina (Debt to the Guru), and Petranina (Debt to the fore fathers). But most of the people prefer to perform Shraddhas at their homes and some other holy places like Gaya, Varanasi, Haridwar and Badrinath. Generally Shraddha is performed by the elder son of the family who in honor of the dead offers oblations and he offer food to the cows and crows. This festival celebrated by all over India.

Tejaji fair: Sep 25th

Tejaji Fair is the birth anniversary of Veer Tejaji who was the protector against Snakes, Scorpions and Mosquitoes. Tejaji is regarded as aJat folk diety and worshipped entire Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madya Pradesh by all communities. People believes that Tejaji save them against the bites of these parasitic reptiles. The rural people participated in this fair with zeal and enthusiasm. This festival mainly celebrated in Kharnal in Nagaur district in the state of Rajasthan.

Ladakh Festival: Sep 1st – 15th

Ladakh Festival is celebrated between September 1st to 15th every year at Leh and ladakh in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The festival begins with a long parade, of local leaders, school children and dances, which makes its way through Leh. This festival includes archery, polo, Mask dances from the monasteries, and traditional dances by cultural troupes from the villages.

Festival of the Month

Ganesh Chaturthi: Sep 19th

“Ganapati Boppa Morya” this is time in the year when streets of Indian cities reverberate with this chants. September month sees the start of festive seasons for Hindus after a short break. Ganesh Chaturthi is a popular Hindu festival in India, this year it is celebrated on September 19th. Ganesh Chaturthi is also called as Vinayaka Chavithi and Vinayaka Chaturthi. This festival is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Lord Vinayaka, who is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvathi. Generally this festival is celebrated with devotion for 11 days. On this holy day people buy idols of Lord Vinayaka and install them in their houses and streets.

On the the 11th day of this festival these idols are taken out ceremoniously, through the streets of the town and immersed into the nearby River or Sea. Ganesh Chaturthi is especially celebrated with much gusto in Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Vizag, Chennai, and Banglore. Using of Idols made of mud or biodegradable material is of at most importance keeping the environment in mind.

Indian natural wealth: World Largest river Island-Majoli(Majuli)-Assam,In...

Indian natural wealth: World Largest river Island-Majoli(Majuli)-Assam,In...:  Majoli - also called Majuli, is the world's largest freshwater-river island located in the middle of the vast River Brahmaputra ...

Travel Time

The Theory of Relativity couldn't have been explained better than this.

Get this.

You may think - a road is a road and distance is distance and that it takes the same time to cover the same distance - no matter which road you're on. But I'll have you reconsider your theory shortly. Let me show you how.

Let's look at some of the popular roads of India:
1. Bandra-Worli Sea Link Road - a bypass through the sea.
2. Khardong La Road - one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
3. Stilwell Road - once the most expensive road in the world.
4. Grand Trunk Road - one of the oldest roads in the world.
5. Magnetic Hill in Ladakh - one of the strangest roads in the world.
6. Hyderabad-Bangalore Highway - one of the easiest roads in the world.
7. Rohtang Tunnel Road - the longest tunnel-road in India at 10,200 feet elevation.

Geography. Landscape. Weather conditions. Speed limit. Magnetic forces. Unforeseen and uncontrollable forces.  And the driver's disposition towards driving. All contribute to the variation in driving speed and experience.

Now picture this....

1. Bandra-Worli Sea Link

is an 8-lane cable-stayed bridge road which is 5.6 kms long and serves as a bypass to the Mahim Causeway, through the sea and is built to reduce travel time by 20 minutes between Bandra and Worli. Though the road may facilitate 60-km drive-speed, the traffic-congestion still brings the vehicles to a grinding halt for more than 15 minutes at both ends. It is one of the best roads in the world and still can't expect to reach on time.

 

2. Khardong La Road

is perched atop a 17,600-feet high mountain in Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir. Speed is secondary on this road - safety comes first. With all the perennial snow and ice mountains, finding a road beneath the sheets of snow is top priority.

 

3. Stilwell Road

also called the Ledo Road, was named after U.S. Army General Stilwell and was built during the World War II as an alternative to the Burma Road which was cut by the Japanese Army. In terms of construction costs, this road was once the highest in the world! It's the zigzag that will make you dizzy if you attempt speed on this road.

4. Grand Trunk Road

one of the oldest and longest roads in the world which connects Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. This route was first initiated during the Mauryan Empire  and was renovated and extended during the 16th Century by Sher Shah Suri of the Muslim Sur Empire who took control of the Mughal Empire in 1540. Now this road would be ideal for high-speeds in most parts of its entire length.

5. Magnetic Hill in Ladakh

thousands of curious tourists visit this area to check this strange behaviour of this mountain/hill which is 27 kms west of Leh in Jammu & Kashmir. Tourists who visited this place at 11,000 feet altitude, have reported that this hilly area has magnetic properties which are strong enough to pull vehicles uphill. If this theory is fake, then why do aircrafts increase their altitude while flying over this area? As it is this hilly landscape is not speed-friendly and then this magnetic force which has a mind of its own?

5. Hyderabad-Bangalore Highway

they say you can drive on this road with your eyes closed. There is some reality to that - though should be attempted literally! This is almost a straight road that runs north to south without any deviations. During the day, you would barely see any traffic on the road. And the highway is 4-track road. You can easily cover this 570-km drive in 7.5 hours during the day in a car as opposed to the 12-hour drive in the night. Well.....I did!

7. Rohtang Tunnel Road

the current longest road tunnel of India which is at 10,200 feet altitude under the Rohtang Mountain Pass in the Pir-Panjal Range of the Himalayas on the Leh-Manali Highway. The tunnel is 8.8 kms in length and is supposed to reduce driving distance of 60 kms between Manali and Keylong.

 

By this theory, you ought to know better than to apply the same formula of distance, time and speed to all geographies alike!

Courtesy :- Hop Around India Blog

Top 10 Romantic Hill stations in India

Though, India has a plenty of Hill Stations throughout the country, some of them are more beautiful and romantic. Hill Stations in India are just like heaven for the travelers and travel freaks. 

1.      Darjeeling – West Bengal

2.      Dalhousie - Himachal Pradesh

3.      Shimla – Himachal Pradesh

4.      Nainital – Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal)

5.      Ooty – Ooty is popularly known as Udhagamandalam and is the "Queen of hill stations” located in Tamilnadu.

 

6.      Gangtok - Sikkim

7.      Srinagar – Jammu & Kashmir

8.      Kufri - Himachal Pradesh

9.      Leh - Jammu & Kashmir

10.  Dehradun – Uttarakhand

Hindu Adhyathmikam: Teacher's Day - Upadhyaya Dinothsavam

Hindu Adhyathmikam: Teacher's Day - Upadhyaya Dinothsavam: Teacher's Day in India: Teacher's day in India is celebrated every year on September 5th on the birth day of Late Mr. Sarvepalli Radhak...

Hop Around India's August Newsletter

August is a special month in the year 2012. Generally a full moon occurs after every 29.5 days, so there in one full moon day in every month. But in the month of August, 2012 we will have two full moon days i.e on august 2^nd and another on 31^st august.

Krishna Janmashatmi: Aug 9th & 10th 

Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami is the birth anniversary of Lord Sri Krishna. Lord Krishna was born on the Astami thidi on Krishna paksha during Shravan Masam. Mathura, Gokul and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, the places where lord Krishna had spent his childhood, attracts visitors from all over India and they participate in these festival celebrations with joy. People in the city of Dwaraka in Gujarat where Krishna has established his kingdom; celebrate the festival by visiting the Dwarakadhish temple. On this holy day Kite flying is an important part of celebrations in Jammu. In Puri, Orissa and Nabadwip in West Bengal people celebrate Janmashtami by fasting and praying till midnight. This festival is celebrated in Manipur at two temples in Imphal. First temple is the Govindaji temple and the second one is in International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple. Gokulastami popularly called in Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra as Dahi Handi, is celebrated with enormous zeal and enthusiasm.More… 

Onum: Aug 29th 

Onum is the most important festival in Kerala. It is celebrated in the beginning month of chingam, the first month of Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham). Onum is a 4 days festival. The most important day in Onum is the Thiru Onum and is celebrated in 2nd day of Onum. On this holy day people decorate their houses with flowers arranged in beautiful patterns to welcome the King (Lord Krishna). Feasts served on banana leaves(feast known as Onasadya), dancing, sports, games, and snake boat races form an important ritual on this festival day. An important feature of Onum is the performance of beautiful dances like Kummatti Kali - the Mask dance, Pulikali / Kaduvakali, Kathakali, Thumbi Thullal and Kaikotti Kali. More…. 

Nehru Trophy Boat Race: Aug 9th – 12th 

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most important sporting event, held in the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha in the state of Kerala. This event took place for the first time in 1952. Pd Jawaharlal Nehru, our first prime minister of independent of India visited Kerala in 1952. He enjoyed the thrill of being part of the snake boat race, and announced a trophy to the winner. During the race, each snake boat has 95 Oarsmen, five ‘Amarakkar’ or Controllers, and 10 ‘Nilakkar’ or Cheerleaders. Vanchipattu, or songs with very catchy beats are sung by about 10 singers on board, keeping the boatmen’s spirits high. These beats have devotional and mythological themes. This boat race also called as snake boat race. More…  

Independence Day: Aug 15th 

Independence Day in India is celebrated every year on the 15th of August. On 15th August 1947, India achieved her independence from British rule and became a paramount nation. On this day India’s tricolor flag was first hoisted by Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first prime minister of India, at the Red Fort of Delhi. The Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the nation. On this day Indians proudly hoist their National Flag, sing patriotic songs like “Vande Mataram”, “Jana Gana Mana” etc. The Prime Minister hoists the National Flag at the Red Fort accompanied with the gun shots, Parades by armed forces, amazing live performances and music, He delivers his symbolic “Address to the free nation”. More.. 

Festival of the Month

 

According to Islam, the ninth month of the Muslim or ‘Hijri’ calendar – ‘Ramadan’ is the holiest month of the year. During Ramadan, believers of Islam observe strict fasting from dawn to dusk during which period; they abstain from food and drink and spend the days in spiritual reflection. After 30 days of Ramadan is ‘Shawwal’ – the tenth month according to the Hijri calendar. And the first day of the Shawwal month is ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’ – the joyous festival of breaking the 30-day Ramadan fast. Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations span three whole days when Muslims worldwide meet all their families and friends in person to partake of the Eid celebrations. 

From the sighting of the first crescent of a new moon after the eighth Islamic month, the ninth month – Ramadan begins when Muslims observe fasting, reflection, devotion, sacrifice and generosity – the five Tenets of Islam. Not only do the Muslims comply to this imperative, they feel blessed by this compliance.

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