The Village Fair

Plan to share pics from this Mela (fair) that I visited in recent times. It reminded me of the fairs that my father would would take me to when I was a little girl. I hailed from a small town and these fairs were much looked forward to. 

There used to a large Merry go round contrast to the one over here. It used to be my favorite ride. Me, as 3 year old would not miss this and I would not move back when my parents tried to pull me. I had no fear of the heights it would take. My father used to be sit beside me holding me tight at times. But me, my eyes used to be wide-opened and stared indefinitely. My mother refused to accompany us in the ride. She did not held the courage and would watch us from the ground. This fair brought back memories from the past amidst the many amusement and theme parks that exist today.

And Here comes the Tinsel town for the Ladies

Below is the Balloon Shooting Arena 

As a kid I used to get this long gun with 10 pins to shoot the balloons. It used to be real fun. We felt privileged to have held a gun and went shooting, after all.

  

Watched A Play at the Theater

I always loved going for movies. However, I did not much chance of developing an admiration for theater plays until recently.

I watched PK a day before and also decided to go for the play on Macbeth in a nearby Theater the next day. I would perhaps surprise you by giving 5 more ratings to the Theater Play. It was incomparable. The lights, the sound and the one chance acts makes it a 100 percent show. There can be no re-take in a play and no mistakes are allowed.

The light-man, sound and other technicians have an important role in this all together mesmerizing effect. The play went on for around 2 hours. It was a breathe taken thing. I could not stop blinking for a while. The actors were very talented and lot of hard work was in it. Is this not called Team Work ?

The lights beautifully changed with the scenarios and made a real feel within us.

Christmas Eve 24th Dec 2014

It was lovely going out. Wonderful to see Christmas trees big and small continuously being sold out. There were Santas too. Large Santa, small Santa - whichever that fits your budget and space. And there was also a Dancing Santa to our much pleasure. Lights and lanterns were the charms of the season.

The shops were filled with people who seemed to have - less of time and more to buy. The market place looked very attractive. You just cannot not by-pass the decorative stores without walking-in. There were huge bright stary garlands, christmas lights, ornaments, tree toppers, sleige, chistmas stockings and so on. The Bakeries were doing great This Time of the Year. Simply love the irresistible Plum Cake on Christmas Eve!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Lazy Winter Morning

With a nip in the air and chilled wind blowing upon our face, there's nothing more pleasurable than to bask oneself in the early morning sun-rays. The warmth of the sun greets us with so much comfort to our stone-cold bodies. It livens up our spirits making us look forward to the day ahead with a much-needed smile on our face.

I love to sit in my wide armed chair on the terrace enjoying the bright warm sunshine while gazing at the newly blossomed flowers in the pots. The new ones mark the beginning of a new day with hopes and dreams.

What If I am Born in a Village

I peeped through my window, I was overwhelmed to see the lush green paddy fields. These were neatly carved beautifully laid out fields for the crops. How much hard of work must have gone into this beautiful creation, I thought for a while.

What if I am born in a village in my next birth? Would I love it or feel wretched eyeing the rich? Or would I be gradually transform into a simple village girl content with her life unknown of the other world.  I wondered and submersed myself in these wild thoughts. Which one I am to choose -Technology or Nature? As if God had bestowed me with 2 boons to choose from. I could not  have both. To have one, I must forgo the other. This is actually the story based on Reality of  Life. We cannot have all that we want in life. Some are accomplished and a few are to be set free, in order to be happy and contented in our lives.

The Balloon Seller

As I fled past the roads lined with shops and vehicles in equal number, a man covered in balloons caught my glaring eyes. He seemed amazingly colorful with the large balloons all over him. The balloons were big and the bright shiny colors were equally tempting.

For few seconds, it let me forget off my age. However, soon I got back on my senses and took control of my inner self. In this chilling winter, it was a good warm sight for everyone. I recalled how as kids we used to run up to these toy-selling vendors and then in minutes, our hands would start rolling up on the up-stood cart. I envied myself a bit. Still on the verge to decide if I would buy one. I followed him a few paces. Yes, the people would certainly stare at me while I bring back home. But Alas! he was no longer to be seen. Faster and quicker than me and my thought process!

Kali Puja on Amavasya

Goddess Kali is worshipped widely across West Bengal. She is one of the first incarnations of Goddess Durga and is considered as the fiercest symbol of  Stree shakti (Female Power and Strength). There are small temples of Maa Kali at every road turn in Kolkata. People worship with immense sincerity and devotion. 

Kali is worshipped to ward off evil eyes, enemies and remove negative vibes within us and around. We seek Maa's blessings for health, happiness, wealth and protection. Goddess Kali is known to be very powerful and fearsome. She symbolises true female power. Each woman can be as powerful as Kali Maa. 

Hence, do not evoke the wrath of a woman. Do not test her level of patience. Fence a stop to the ongoing crimes she has been tormented for years. Have you not heard of the Kal Bhoi Nashini? She was invoked from Goddess Kali's forehead who fought fearlessly with the demons and adorned herself with the garland of the bleeding hands and heads of the demons or Asuras.

We pray for mental and physical strength in times of need. I love to listen to the loud chanting of the mantras.

Dehi saubhagyam aarogyam, dehi me paramam sukham 

Meaning

Grant me O Mother Good LuckSaubhagyam), grant me good health, make me disease free(Aarogyam)

Rupam dehi, jayam dehi, yasho dehi, dwisho jahi

Meaning :

Grant me beauty(Roopam), grant me victory/success(Jayam), grant me name and fame/prosperity(Yash), And eliminate my enemies(Dwisho jahi).

These beautiful lines and the words, fills our heart with purity and strength. 

Seize Every Opportunity You Aspire!

Ramesh had newly moved into the city. He dreamt of a luxury - a magical spell kind -which was waiting for him behind the doorway. He only needed to step out on time. Though he was not much of a day dreamer, he often had these visions and faith-ed in them. He was somewhere caught midway between between aspiration and reality. He had to bridge the both ends.

Ramesh belonged to a small village in Hisar in Haryana. He had been good at academics and managed to get a graduation degree from the local Government College. He read the newspaper regularly and stayed updated on the events/happenings around the world. To keep up with the English language, he joined a spoken English course in the nearby town. He had also done a 3 month course on the basic Computer skills.

Several of his friends had moved to Delhi in the recent years. Its been 3 months he too moved here. Putting up in a 2 room rented house in North Delhi, he was cram-packed with other fellow friends similar to him. A person who is brought up in a small village has more endurance in-built and adjustment capabilities within. There was only one thing that was worrying him day and night. Every morning he would wake up, take his bath, chant the Hanuman Chalisa (which he had been doing since he was 5), change his clothes and move out with his large Folder File to attend the interview scheduled. He often stood before the small mirror, wondering what the day had in-store for him today. He occasionally grabbed paranthas from the roadside food-carts, before hopping onto the bus.

While in the evenings, he would be seen walking down leisurely at a slow pace, tired and exhausted. He was no more the same. He would then go back to his room, sit quiet for hours and prepare himself for the next day again. His company of friends - his roommates would often cheer him back. Getting rejected at interviews, he could not understand where he was lacking behind. His score at the technical rounds would come high. He had improved his English. Then Why?

The above Sketch has been made by Sonali Bhattacharya

One similar day, as he was sitting on his bed, sad and depressed, he suddenly felt a gentle warm hands on his shoulder. "It's ok" said the boy " Hi". He turned and saw it was Rohan who lived in the next building. Rohan said "Would you mind if I ask you something? Just tell me everything. Maybe I can help you." Ramesh felt so much warmth in his words, he just blurted out every small little thing. There was so much pain and worry piled up inside him that he could hold no longer.

The next day happened to be a Sunday and a no interview day. Ramesh had promised to keep the day reserved for Rohan. Hey Dude! You Ready! said Rohan. Come, Lets go!. They made their way onto auto-rickshaw stand. After a much to do bargaining, they reached the Kamla Nagar Market. Ramesh's eyes dwindled seeing so many shops and eateries where people were hanging out with friends, having fun, talking and laughing to their fullest. There was so much happiness around.  Rohan took him inside a custom shop where he selected a pair of formal attire (formal shirt and trousers) for him. Next they headed to Shikanji shop they quenched their thirst with Masala Soda refreshing drink. It was almost 1 o' clock now and were hungry. They had lunch at the Bunty-da-dhaba with the traditional North -Indian menu. They returned home in the evening. They laughed recalling the funny incidents in the market. Ramesh went in for a shower and when he came, he saw there a gift wrapped in colorful papers left on his bed. On it was written "For my dear Friend Ramesh - from Rohan". He quickly removed the wrappers and out came the small box - A beautiful set of Gillette Men's Grooming Kit (Gillette Fusion Razor, Facial Moisturizer, After Shave, Series Gel). A small note - "Use this every morning, you shall see a sea change in you and your life".

As usual he woke up the next morning with hopes and dreamy eyes. He remembered yes - he had something new to try out - the gift from his friend. He cleaned all the long haired stubble that had been covering his face since weeks. He looked at himself in the mirror once more. He really had a good face. He wondered why had he stayed like this with all stubble. He looked polite and descent. He took his bath, put on his new clother, said his daily prayers, had the gobhi paranthas and headed to take the Metro. He reached the venue on time. There was a long queue of candidatees waiting in the hall. It was almost 1 hr 30 mins now. A voice called "Ramesh Sharma"..."Ramesh Sharma please". A shock swept passed him. He got up. He moved with confidence, heading straight. He greeted everyone well and took his chair. He rightfully answered all the questions. The personal round went good as well. The interview panel looked quite satisfied. They told him they would let him know in a few days. 

Its been almost 4 days since then. Ramesh continued with other interviews as well. He managed to get shortlisted in one more company this week. By the end of the 4th week, he had 3 job offers awaiting him. Hurray! Nothing could be more blissful than this. Now he was there to make a selection and accept one amongst them.  His joy knew no boundaries. He felt so much happiness within -  a goal accomplished.  He joined the company which was offering the highest and had a good name in the industry. He went to see Rohan with a box of sweets to share the good news. He described how grateful he was to him for the "Gillette Shaving Kit" which had made him look so smart and presentable. Success followed him everywhere as if were his shadow. He always remembered him for the wonderful gift throughout his life. 

This post is a part of #WillYouShave activity at BlogAdda.com in association with Gillette

WOW- ‘If I had the Midas touch’

If I had the Midas touch, I would feel blessed by God for such a wonderful magical gift. My first step would be to enter the store room and transmute the abundant stock no longer used piles into gold. I would keep some and the remaining I would give to the poorer sections of our society. I would touch the outer walls of my old house whose wall chunks always seem wearing and tearing out. It would make it look like a palace I had heard in my childhood.

WOW! So Beautiful! I would live like a Queen. I would have many golden dresses. I no longer need to carry on with my job. I would be happy to be out of my Cranky Boss office and life. Yes, I could do more fruitful things. I could invest in a course in painting and journalism. I would have ample time with me. I would visit the most expensive parlours, have the best manicure-pedicure and make myself astonishingly beautiful. I would do lots and lots of shopping. Handbags, Accessories, Jewelry, Outfits and the list is endless. I dont need to work any longer. I would buy Aston Martin or BMW latest model.

When I fall short of money I would just use my Magical Midas Touch as I use my mobile or ATM today. I would go for tours abroad  - US, UK, Europe wherein Europe and Turkey would be my topmost destinations. I would flaunt myself at the best resorts and Spa. Hey! Joy To Myself and the wonderful Life! Thanks Midas Touch. A thousand dollars to you too.

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda

Fishing On Sunday Morning

A Fish-hunter is fortunate to be counted amongst the so-called "Shikaris" brandname in India. Every Sunday morning I happen to witness a fishing that happens in one of the neighborhood ponds. Fish Hunting is a passion with patience. This Sunday as I pass by, taking the short-cut to reach the main road, a smile cut cross my face. Sunday is the day for Fishing here. I am happy to see so many people around preparing themselves with bait, net, towel, rod, reels and other essentials. 

The pond is quite large and the water is absolutely clean and maintained. The widely-branched bushy green trees surrounding the pond casts a beautiful green reflection on the water. These trees are the home to a variety of species of birds. Their  chirping can be heard loud at sunset, too lovely and sweet to be overheard. Wooden planks, square shaped have been erected around the banks of the river. A large Campaign umbrella have been hosted on each of them. Water-ripples are astonishingly being formed and travel towards the other edge. Bait is the food for fish which is hooked on to the fishing rod hook which is then thrown  at a distance in the water. People wait patiently for the fish to get tricked by this. Everyone hopes to return home with a big, fat fish that would his family happy and make him feel proud.  Bait - is made by mixing wheat flour and water into a semi-solid paste. Fish love it and are attracted.

Small fish - the babies of the large ones are seen on the surfaces of the water on the banks. I think myself - How organised and deep bonding unites them! Suddenly, I see one of the fish rod strings getting heavier as if some strength is pushing and pulling it down. It catches the attention of the near-by men who have been watching the whole spectrum since hours. There are faces of hopes around. The man sits tight and puts all his strength. A large hefty fish has been caught to everyone's delight. 

Let No Child Go Hungry

A child today is a citizen tomorrow. The future of a child is shaped much ahead in his childhood days. A child needs love, affection, wisdom, guidance, education, food and shelter. Our nation has been striving hard to push children across all income-level households to school. They are making constant efforts to ensure there are no drop-outs. However, its not so easy - neither for the children nor for the parents. The parents of these kids are so poor that for them education is a thing of privilege. One kid going going to school means one less working hand. Those who struggle hard the whole day to feed the family find it hard to send their children to school. Most often these children come school empty stomach and hungry. A hungry children cannot concentrate on the teaching in the class. His mind wanders around food all the time. He finds it hard to sit in the class and continue with others. The child is always malnourished. Often the child falls sick and suffers stomach aches.

Our Government should start a Breakfast program at school where a child can start the day healthy. Breakfast should comprise of bread/chapatti/upma, fruit - banana/any other fruit, milk. A healthy child is a happy child. A happy child enjoys learning at school and would take interest in the co-curricular activities at school. There should be provision of clean drinking water and sanitation facilities. Government has already taken the initiative of providing free meals at lunch hour. This would surely help the child to continue his education. There should be regular inspection at the cleanliness and the nutrition provided.

The rich private schools should donate a certain percentage of their profits for the meals and other benefits of the poor kids. Each child is entitled to right to education. No child should go hungry and deprived. A lot of crimes would never take place if the world has access to food and clothing. No child would move towards wrong-doings if he is well fed and has education in his life. He would learn the difference between the right and the wrong. He would pursue an ambition in life and would have moral values instilled in him. These children could become the proud citizens of our country, only if we let them.

Instead of throwing a bashing party on birthdays and other occasions, the rich can sponsor a good meal for few children who are not so lucky to afford it on their own. They can run a feast at one of the local government schools and sponsor the meal for few classes or the entire school.

At marriage functions, the guests should serve themselves only as much as they can consume. They should avoid excessively filling their plate  and then dropping off everything to the dust-bins. The over-stock of food which is left un-served can be sent to these children who would love to have a share of it.

Its equally important to win the trust of the poor parents who are still managing to send their children to school. We need to listen to them, understand their problems, empathize, seek out solutions. We have to explain to them how educating a child will help them and the nation. We have to make them belief in us. We too, have to keep our promises made. 

I am going to #BlogToFeedAChild with Akshaya Patra at BlogAdda.com

Child's Treasure World of Rhymes

Baa Baa Black Sheep

Baa, Baa, Black Sheep, have you any wool?

Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full!

One for the master,

One for the dame,

And one for the little boy

Who lives down the lane

I Still Love Singing Along. Feel Like a Kid Again!

When I was a little girl, my mother used to read out these poems loud to me from a colorful book. I used to imagine everything right before my eyes as if they were real and true - There must be this black sheep somewhere. I would find him one day. And where did these people live? Could I go and meet them? Where could I see the old man and the little boy of my age. He could be my friend too. I could play with him.

And the Black Sheep was very precious for me. More Precious than the glittering diamonds and the gold I have today. The little boy was so lucky to have this Baa Baa Black Sheep. He could get wool whenever he desired. The Black Sheep had never-ending stock of black wool all over him. He shared wool with all his friends. They could spun many warm sweaters. 

I wished someone to take me to this Black Sheep. I would befriend him too. And then I would also sing to him like the others do - Baa, Baa, Black Sheep, Have you any wool?

And He would Say To Me: Yes Sir, yes sir, three bags full!

One for the master,

One for the dame,

And one for the little boy

Who lives down the lane

And He would love me Too! And would Give me plenty of Wool for the Winters. 

I would give all these Wool to my Mother.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

How I wonder what you are!

Up above the world so high,

Like a diamond in the sky.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

How I wonder what you are!

As a kid, I looked up at the night sky and would see the blue sky full of bright - twinkling stars. I felt they were twinkling at me. They were my friends. They were watching over me and smiling at me. One day, I would grow up and reach there. 

Once I even made a drawing which showed an Aeroplane travelling in the sky (assumed I was sitting inside) and there were were big stars all around the plane. I showed it to my Arts Teacher. She smiled and added one more Red colored star to it.

Hahahahaha!!! Little did I know no stars can actually be seen from a plane while flying.

At times, I found them looking so beautiful, I wished I could reach so high and pick few of them and keep them next to my bed.

Such is the beauty in the the imagination and innocence of a child.

This post is a part of Kids Hut activity at BlogAdda.com

Karthik Puja in Kolkata

As I stepped outside and headed towards the local market, I could sense the arrival of  some puja in the days to come. Lanes of Bows and arrows hung outside the bhandara stores. Peacock Fan or the Mayur Pankh were also displayed alongside. It looked so attractive - Colorful artificial garlands, small earthen pots, diyas.

Karthikeye Idols of different sizes - big, small, medium were lined up in rows. The display looked somewhat similar to the Goddess Saraswati and Laxmi puja idols . 

Karthikeye is known as the God of  War and Victory and is worshipped in many households across West Bengal. Idols of  the God are secretly put in the rooms of the newly married or those who are expecting a baby. The celebration is carried with huge pomp and splendour speacially amongst the traditional rich bengalis who still believe in the so-called babu culture that prevailed in the old days.

A Trip To Khandala

We made a wonderful trip to a place, much heard of in Soaps and Movies - The Khandala. The lushing green meadows, the green valleys, natural springs, fountains and the drizzling rain were the  wonders created by nature for the mankind on Earth. We were spellbound by the beauty. A place so perfect, so untouched by the rapid expanding human population. 

Welcoming Lord Ganesha on the auspicious eve of Ganesh Chathurthi

Each one of us were eagerly waiting for the day to come. 29th Aug - The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, SiddhiVinayak. We had already received several pamphlets inviting us in the welcoming of the Lord. A day before we paid a visit to local market and were amazed to find idols thousands in numbers of varied sizes. Accessories were also sold alongside - the Lord Crown, long flower garlands, decorative items, rangoli work, stars, golden balls. All of them looked very pretty. 

As we were sitting in our rooms doing our daily tasks, we heard a loud drum beat nearing us. We rushed ourselves to the veranda and the sound became louder. We could not keep ourselves at home anymore. We reached for the lift and hoped it to come at the fastest. A single minute counted as we did not want to miss out anything.

 People danced to the beats in welcome of the Lord, drums grew louder, smiles on everyone's faces,  children played a merry go round with each other. 

The puja continued for another 2 hours. Slokhas and Sanskrit mantras were chanted. We repeated after the priest. Beautiful Modaks were served to the Lord. Little kids stared at the sweets with large eyes - wondering when it would be given to all. We all prayed to Ganesha and asked for his blessings on us

 "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Warshi Lavkar Ya"

My Grandpa My Role Model

My Grandfather. A fearless man. Bold and Strong. He feared nobody except the Almighty God. One who did not let himself get swayed away with the waves of Life. He would remain calm, composed and wait till the tide pulled back itself. He never lost hope and faith in Life even when the most ill-luck stuck him. 

A large hearted person, whom I have often seen giving away clothe, food and money to the poor and the needy. While travelling home, once he even gave away his favorite sweater to a poor man who was shivering in cold and who had very little clothe hung onto his bare body. That sweater was the one knitted by his eldest daughter and gifted with love.  

He used to say "There would be good days and bad days in Life. Be brave. Accept the good and the not-so good equally. And then one day, the bad times would be over so soon without even having you realising that."  And about my grandmother, she was an equally sweet lady.

My grandfather came to India after the 1947 partition as a 16 year old young lad. Quite devastated and uprooted, he somehow managed to continue his education. Then one day he received an offer to join the Indian Railways. However, he had to quit due to mounting pressure from the family members who did not approve of him staying separately and away from home. Things were not so liberal at that time and also, there was lot of emotional attachment in the family. 

Gradually days turned into months and months into years. He understood it was time to make a bold say in the family. He no longer wanted to strive at the earnings of the elder brothers. He started off his own business. Initially, he began in a small way. As money started pouring in, he saved a little out of it for re-investment. Thus began his story of success. He eventually established a very successful transport business and earned the respect and honor he deserved. I remember how I loved listening to him as he narrated his early days. He was a avid book reader too. He always stood by me and instilled faith and courage in me.

Today, though he is not with me anymore, he still resides in my heart and mind. I respect him and am grateful to God for letting me have him as my grandfather. May I have him in my every birth. Grandpa, you are one in a million! You shine higher than the stars in the sky.

I am writing about #MyRoleModel as a part of the activity by Gillette India in association with BlogAdda.com

Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Metro Station

Tollygunj Metro Station or the rightfully named Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Metro Station is a major hub or junction for the office-goers. There is a aristocracy in its looks. There is a lot of hustle-bustle. You will see men, women, young ladies walking fast as though the Cinderella clock will turn 12 in no time.

This Metro Station has long connection with the Tollywood (the Bengal version of Bollywood and Hollywood). Hence the name Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Metro Station, the evergreen hero of the Bengal Cinema and everyone's sweetheart. 

A number of branded outlets have sprung up in the area. A diverse range of eating joints to attend to your hunger-pangs. Right from Biryani, Tele-Bhaja (Pakoras), Dosa-Idli, Puchhka (Golgappe), Chinese Noodles, Momos, Chilli chicken to Bengali Luchi & Chholar dal (Puri & bengal dal), Egg-Roll, Chicken Shawarma Roll, Chips, Soft Drink, Tea/Cofee -  act over the senses and will make you hit at one of them atleast.

Fashion Jewellery, Trendy clothing shops are the regular opt for many who have a tight time schedule.

There is so much life all around. Bright and Colorful. Happy & Cheerful faces. That Brings a smile on your face.

Morning Vegetable Market

This is about the local vegetable market in one of the neighborhood in Kolkata. Every morning by the time you sip your first cup of tea, the vendors are out on the streets unpacking their large baggage's. Within few minutes, the road sides would be engrossed like a Fair with the villagers selling everything right under the sun. These are the rural people who come from far-flung villages, wake up at 3 am before dawn sets in, travel 3 to 4 miles by foot in the dark to catch the first train and by 6 am they are seen in your locality, while some of us are still in bed. Each one has its own item/product. Fresh Vegetables, tempting fruits, flowers, Bengal specialties, fish, exotic veggies, newspaper/magazines draw the glance of the people passing by. Mocha (Banana Tree Flower), Thor (Banana Tree Stem), Kacchu Saag are the Bengali's favorites.

After an hour, the roads are full of men and women buying the days vegetables quotas. Conversation and stories get woven in the air by the vendors with the customers. Few standing around try to add a bit more spice and humor to it. By now, around 8 am, many are done with the bazaar for the day and return home with their bags filled, hoping to have the best meals made.

Its Raining!

Rain Rain come up - was the phrase that was on the mind of every person in Kolkata. The scorching heat and the burning sensation left almost no breeze to soothe our profused sweated body. Heat and Humidity were the two upfront players this month. Prayers, eagerly made wishes and patience bore the sweet result. Dark clouds appeared from nowhere and covered the whole sky with a thick blanket to blacken out the sun. 

Titter-Tatter, big droplets fell onto the ground and quenched the thirst of the mother earth. Tree leaves revived and the color turned greener. Roads washed clean. Buildings renewed. It looked as if the whole city of Kolkata had taken a shower. It’s time of the umbrellas again. Kids would be seen in raincoats. Coffee or Tea with Samosas/Pakoras would be the lovely monsoon snacks for ladies, students and the elderly people. We still wish more rain and storms to brighten up our city.