Benaras Diaries!!!

Hmmm, when we planned to visit with our friends, being a Shiv Bhakta, I was only keen to visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple and start my 2023 on a beautiful note, amidst other things that every tourist supposedly does as a customary thing in the city. Obviously we will take the over rated boat ride and see the Ganga aarti but whats the big deal about it? Brahmastra had only made the exaggeration even more exaggerated I thought to myself.

Anyways, when we stepped out for a late night walk to Dadhashwamedh ghat, my head did not want to believe what my heart felt. Any picture I clicked, I wondered whether it was a photograph that looked like a painting or was it a canvas that looked like a photo? Unlike the glorified movie version, the spiritual connection in this city was evident.

The entire city boasted of an ancient feel. There was a chill to the air as we walked through the colourful paved roads, dotted with rickshaw drivers, the narrow streets, peeling paint on the sandstone walls, tiny innumerable chai shops, temples in every nook and cranny, niches filled with skilled Paanwalla’s, pillared balconies with intricate jali work. At this hour the streets seemed quiet, almost serene.

Aloo-kachori, Tamatar chaat and freshly made Idlis looked super delicious. So we ventured off to find these promised tasty treats. I was impressed by how intense the operation looked at the Kaashi Chaat Bhandar, multiple hands served and even more sat behind, spooning the delicious delicacies being handed out one after the other.

Next morning, we headed to Dhamek Stupa, where Lord Buddha preached the first sermon to His five disciples after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. Veneering sandstone cylindrical structure which draws thousands of international tourists dates back to Ashokan period. Although we had more fun in being fooled by the local guide into clicking pictures with fake laughing buddha before we finally reached the aesthetically designed masterpiece.

Evening was surely much awaited. It was time to return to the waters, this time to visit Dashashwamedh Ghat for the evening Ganga aarti. Oh how could I forget! Divya would not let me move down without putting the Chandan tika with trishul on my forehead. Felt funny bigtime and yet soaked in the Varanasi charisma!!!

Anyways, we trodded down the staircases on the Ghat which lead down into the waters of the Ganga. As our boat slowly chugged along the river, stretching to around 80 odd Ghats, we were bessemerized as each ghat unfurled a different style of architecture- Old houses, Brijwasi palace, Munshi Ghat, ashrams, ornate temples, and haphazardly built homes. Our boat paused, and as the engine died down, we hovered in near silence and I sat in awe, watching on as the sky slowly turn from Prussian blue to cobalt and finally deep dark and still.

We glided back to the docks where thousands upon thousands of people were here to witness the colourful event in all its divine glory. We were near the back of the pack in our wooden boat slowly crashing into others as everyone tried to get a view of the ceremony. Thus I gave up on clicking any decent photos and settled into my seat to truly appreciate the magic of the moment. As floating candles balanced on leaves and hovered around us, I felt a clear sense of gratitude pass over me.

After the aarti, the chants and the ringing bells, before I headed back, I paused at the banks of the dark water, cool waves gently probing at my feet, and closed my eyes while I placed the leaf basket delicately into the water. I smiled contently knowing it has been more than what I had expected from this city. This was beyond magical. It was new years eve and I knew that my start had been beyond words.

Even though we missed a guided tour by Nitish at the Benaras Hindu University, I’m not going to lie; it was lot to take in. They say that traditions are age-old in this City of lights which is believed to be the centre of Earth. While for many come to bathe in The Ganga as once in a lifetime journey, for others it marks the end of their lifetime, as their ashes form on the Manikarnika Ghat and fade into the water below. If ever there was a pinch-yourself moment, this was it.

 “I saw that you were perfect, and so I loved you. Then I saw that you were not perfect and I loved you even more.”

CHOPTA CALLING......

People often have a phobia about trekking and think that it is not meant for them; it is a stunt performed only by professionals. Well, that is absolutely true.- at least for an amateur like me. Nevertheless, I decided to take on the challenge and climb onto this trek from Chopta, supposedly the Mini Switzerland of India. A small tourist town located in Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand, it is also the last road ahead to Tungnath Temple & Chandrashila peak.

Tungnath is the highest Shiva Temple in the world located at an altitude of 3680m and is one among the Panch Kedar Shrines. Believed to be more than 1000 years old, the temple is closed during the winters and the deity is shifted to Mukku village.

It can be classified as a fairly easy trek – on the difficulty level and can be ideal for a first time trekker. And so I believed. Honestly, with me I would say beggars can't be choosers, I just wanted to do this. All I knew is that my end objective was to not slip down and come back triumphant in one piece after climbing up all the way to the highest temple in India. When Divya and Shashank proposed this, I was thrilled honestly and not wrongly so.

This indeed is one the most beautiful winter treks if you like snow with prettiest meadows where you see wild flowers blossoming if you visit Pre-monsoon. It was a pleasant morning with a fresh cold breeze, sun rays falling on the glittery tiny drops of water sprinkled on the grass and astonishing view of Kedarnath and Chaumukha Peaks.

The clouds were as though playing hide and seek with a little drizzle and hailstorm on and off. The trail zig-zagged steadily gaining altitude. The real challenge was the steep rise- an elevation from 2800m to 3500m in a stretch of just 3 km. However, we trekked up one step at a time falling in love with nature and letting my mind take a break amidst the pristine surroundings from the busy everyday schedule.

Though we missed spotting the state bird of Uttarakhand, colourful Monal – on the slopes near but the view from the top was totally worth the climb enhanced by snowy peaks around. I loved savouring the peace and listening to the wind that blew furiously with the sound of the bells making it a divine experience.

While writing about this exciting trip, I cannot miss to mention our deluxe campsite in exquisite location. Tents laid out in green meadows can be a beautiful experience if you want to get a real campsite feel. Thankfully we did not have to lay them out by ourselves. The website read comfortable accommodation in Swiss camps entwined with the facilities of comfy beds, attached washrooms, onsite nice dining facility  , Battery Operated lights and 24 hours hot water supply. We thought we were all set.

The stay was a unique one. We learnt how to lead a happy life with minimals. They had wood fired stoves and two people manging the whole accommodation. There was no power except for two hours at night because there was actually no need for one. No devices was the real detox we all needed. The food menu had no barbeque or appetisers but one of the most simple delicious meals I had had in ages. And the best part were our cozy tents. By cosy I mean 12 of us packed in 2 cabins with a small make shifter fireplace in the room.

The path down to the tent from our cars was no less than a trek- more like a teaser before our final expedition. But hats off to the two guys who were managing all the chores to ensure all basic necessities to us. I wonder how they could survive, enjoy and rather hop in such difficult terrain and weather.

Before heading off to Chopta, we took a one night stop over at Devprayag, a spiritual hamlet situated at confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirati  forming the Holy Ganga. The place we stayed in offered tranquility nestled at the base of mountains on all sides with gushing riverside- A view to die for. Walking by the river side coupled with a little adventure at rafting was only adding to the excitement of this long-awaited trip.

Kudos to Apoo and Anuj who suggested and planned this trip and to Divya for such a flawless execution. Shashank and Gagan need no mention. A special mention to Ashish and Dharam without which the trip would not have been so comfortable. Who are the latter two? I guess I shall leave that to my fellow trekkers to explain. Lolz!!!

Memorable, divine and panoramic! There is something  about hills and river that intrigue me. The hills remind me to look up. That feeling of achievement when you reach the top and the weightlessness when you look down alongwith the sense of awe as you are immersed in the wilderness cannot be put in words. On the contrary, rivers remind me of the endless flow of life and the serene down to earth attitude. When I am in a place like this, its as if I am in the middle of a conversation- Like the river telling me that it too shall pass and mountains saying that it does’nt matter anyway.

 

 

 

Nevertheless, She persisted.......

 

 

A quest to climb a mountain high

With a smile but a deep sigh

Beautiful dreams written in gold

But some beliefs needed to be cajoled

A foggy vision and hands tight-fisted

Nevertheless, she persisted!!!

 

Observing and absorbing every scene

Some fights within that could not be seen

Success is failure turned Inside out

Overshadowing every cloud of doubt

Mixed feelings of distrust & hope co-existed

Nevertheless, she persisted!!!

 

Things did go wrong and knew they will

With steep curves that carted uphill

Impediments that threw out of gear

Grim and thorny to see anything clear

Sometimes weary , sapped but  encrusted

 Nevertheless, she persisted!!!

 

Every journey is queer  with its twists & turns

No matter what, one is bound to learn

Looking back on the battle afterwards

Some stories cannot be put to words

She wanted to say but resisted

Nevertheless, she persisted!!!

  

Hold a little motto, say a little prayer

Nothing is too far, you are almost there

Regardless of the time it takes

Once you have resolved, you cannot shake

Only a brief soreness that subsisted

Nevertheless, she persisted!!!

For the love of Rains.....

 

 

 

The tiny raindrops dripping silently on my face

Melting my soul as my fingertips embrace

Dwindling off the dreariness bringing solace.

Putting my heart into the right place.

 

The tiny raindrops soothingly humming down

Thawing my heart as they touch the ground

Knocking my window coming unannounced

Spreading the earthy aroma  that sticks around

 

The tiny raindrops rejoicing with no fuss

Leaving its imprints on every teeny buds

Following the rhythm of breeze that it must

With unbound joy making the two of us

 

 

The tiny raindrops  drizzling from up the sky

Resounding the keynote " Never say die"

Breathe all the solitude in with a deep sigh

Relish the  placid sound of peace dropping by.

 

The tiny raindrops that may sound more insane

Have infact come back to run by again

Nothing gets better with more & more complain

That to enjoy a rainbow, you must enjoy rain

 

 

 

All I want is to be me…….

 

 

A feather Ocean full of eyes

Magical blue when these rise

Ogling at me with so much pride

Cheering high with sheer delight

 

In awe of my rainbow sheen

Crown like a Queen not often seen

Iridescent colours flair and dance

Golden plumes with a poised glance.

 

A national bird with a star

Preening myself in the barnyard

My liquid eyes whirling to life

How I wish they knew, as I sighed.

 

Helpless! I do surrender to that spell

Just like the bunch around …tells

Whispering slowly, I ask them to pause

Do not adore me just because.

 

These bare words & mindless  thoughts

Just do not help me connect any dots

Don’t just tack on handsome to me

Being flawless can get tricky to be

 

Can I just feel unadorned for once?

Simple and happy like my loved ones

A bird with beauty of its own within

Never mind the titles that I win

 

Sometimes I just like to be

Feel the sky and smell the sea

May be Glorious , symbolic of integrity

But all I want is JUST TO BE ME!!!!!

THE PERSPECTIVE

 

When the lockdown was announced in March 2020, just like pretty much everyone around, I also got myself to think as to what kind of situation are we heading for? And how will we manage to stay for so long in the house. Not wanting to go is one thing and not being able to go is another. This sounded unfair and at first like typical human behaviour, I put this all out on China.

Moving beyond who is responsible and who is not, I do wonder whether we will ever get out of this? Will this last beyond 2020? Will we live in this phobia for a few years? It sounds insane and unfair. Never has anyone seen this ever before and I don’t want to – not for so long.

Then I recalled my conversation with my Great Grandfather, who proudly mentioned how he was a part of freedom fight for India. He was only 19 years back then. He was born when the World War I ended with 22 million people dead that year. 21 years when Second World War began. 29 years at the time of Independence and by 1962 Indo China war in, he was thrilled to have a grandson. He talked about blackouts on windows at the time of Indo Pakistan 1965 war and shared narrative of how soldiers gave away their lives at the border and how fear mounted upon them each moment of bombarding from the top. In fact, smallpox which does not raise any alarms today also actually broke out like a pandemic sometime in history. Isn’t that too much for his prime youth to feel victimised? Phew!!!!

Not to say that we should just get used to these worse ways of life – living with so much distress around; being at war with other countries and coping up with new viruses. However, what I wish to share is a Perspective! A perspective which my great grandfather had when he narrated those incidents in his life. He was proud to share how he glided through such times and how tall he stands today. He had no disappointments, just lessons, experiences and optimism. He had no impatience, no rush and no expectations to change the unpleasant too soon. He had acceptance. He had the perspective that each day we are moving towards a better tomorrow. And that’s what matters.

Instead of verbalizing 2020 as the worst year in history, can we remember that our forefathers have seen even worse? Drawing the same Perspective, I was so heartened to read this children’s book by Tomos Roberts and ever since I have decided to call it the year of GREAT REALISATION.

 Let’s not forget, undeniably we all discovered a better way to life as we all slowed down and       re-focussed on “Quality” part of our existence.  It’s the time to stop whining like a spoilt brat and start doing whatever needs to be done and get through this as stronger. Tired of wearing a mask?  Don’t be fatuous and thankless.  It’s a massive test. You better come out with flying colours.

THE SHADES OF LIFE

 

Off late, I just felt like exploring my long kept DSLR camera. All thanks to Anurag Sir. When I looked at his mesmerizing pictures, I always thought that photography is about capturing the right fleeting moments and he surely was good at that. I reasoned I could try my hands on it too. Obviously, I do get it, it’s not as easy as he makes it sound. But undeniably interesting.

Obviously during this pandemic, I cannot really travel anywhere. So here I was, sitting on my terrace exploring the clear blue sky. It surely looked grand and felt serene sitting under an umbrella of the unruffled stillness.

Technically, when I was a kid, I had figured out why sky was blue?  When sunlight falls on the atoms that make up the air, some of the light bounces off and Shorter-wavelength colours, such as blue, are scattered more effectively — making this firmament look blue — while the remaining sunlight that falls to our eyes is slightly yellowed by the loss of some of its blue. Simple.

But with the sun setting down, this simplicity was seemed much more complex to me- the brilliance of colours was splendid - something so very captivating. The pink crimson rays alluded more than its literal meaning. The orange haze splashed a warm sensation onto me, and the calmness flew by with the wind making me heart stop for a second. Oh wait! Was I seeing this all from my own terrace?

The chirping birds flying like free souls through the canvas of dusk amidst the infinite azure space. These heavens-bound birdies looked so happy together relishing the play of colours from zenith to the horizon flaunting their confidence and happiness like they knew it all.

And here we are so reluctant to let ourselves be- so fearful of change- so fretful for handling any pressures. Isn’t life also the same? Don’t we get brawnier and stronger with every darkness that we sail through. Don’t we gain all the optimism to fly higher with each passing day? Don’t we just become a better version of ourselves with changing shades of life? Just a few minutes on the terrace brought in so much introspection. Bliss it was.

Straight up, even after so much reflection, I don’t know if I am yet ready to try on the newer shades. All I know is that after today, I plan to go more often to my terrace looking in peace and whenever  I sit down to tint in with my brushes next, my sky might just be pink and not blue for a change.

Reminds me of my daughter’s status that read a few days back “Great things never came from comfort zones.” Right my sweetheart I promise to take you very seriously.