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Perfect Things To Do In Rishikesh

June 24, 2022 No Comments

Rishikesh is a small town in Uttarakhand and one of the most spiritual places in India. On your Rishikesh trip, this place offers lots of things to do. Over the past few years, Rishikesh has been an important destination for tourists from all over the world. Spiritual seekers from around the world travel to the birthplace of yoga to experience spirituality and authentic ancient Indian culture. Located on the banks of the holy river Ganges in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is most famous for being the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’.

Also Read Rishikesh- My Travel Experience

Creative Wall Of Rishikesh — Wall Of Rishikesh

List Of Things To Do In Rishikesh In My Way

If you want to travel somewhere, you have to do something according to the specialty of that place. In this blog, I will share some things about Rishikesh. When you come to Rishikesh, you can enjoy the journey of Rishikesh through these top must-do things. And Of course, let me know by commenting on this blog if you have any new information about Rishikesh.

1. Take A Walk

Take A Walk Rishikesh Morning — Take A Walk

Take a walk along the banks of river Ganga from Lakshman Jhula to Ram Jhula Bridge. Although a little crowded, this walking experience is very impeccable. During this walk, you will see colorful wall paintings on various walls across Rishikesh. And it’s impossible to come back without taking pictures of those wall paintings. Besides the graffiti, the beautiful Himalayan range would offer you a great experience for a lifetime. It is impossible to forget the breathtaking view.

2. Sit On The Ghats

I recommend in the morning but you can choose your own time to sit on the ghats. The architecture of all the Rishikesh ghats is very old. All the ghats of Rishikesh have different types of rituals throughout the day. The feeling of sitting on the banks of an ancient river in an ancient city of India is really worth full. The two famous ghats of Rishikesh are Tribeni and Parmarth. Tribeni Ghat is famous for the confluence of three sacred rivers- Ganga, Jamuna, and Saraswati. As per the documents submitted by the Harayana government in the recent case, around 6000 years ago the Saraswati river disappeared due to tectonic disturbances, impacting its tributaries. But as per popular belief, the river is alive and flowing underground.

I never used to be alone in ghats. Strays, and puppies used to come and play with me. I love animals. If you love them too, then you will be showered by their unconditional love.

3. Experience Authentic Yoga

Hey, If you are in Rishikesh, then you are in the Yoga Capital of the world. So just experience it. This ancient place is the hub of many renowned yoga schools and meditation centers. You can take a yoga retreat program or yoga teacher training for in-depth knowledge of yoga and add a spiritual experience to your journey.

Also, Read Yoga Indias Most Successful Export To The World

4. Witness The Ganga Arati

Never miss this colorful Ganga Arati on the Triveni Ghat. Ganga Aarti is an event held every evening on the banks of the river Ganga at Rishikesh, Varanasi, and Haridwar. Lots of people come from different places to witness this Aarti. Be sure to get there early to get a great seat because it’s something you don’t want to miss. It is a view, you can never forget. In front of the river, so many lamps may show you the divine presence.

Also, Read Travel Precautions During Covid-19

5. Do Adventure Sports For your Lifetime Memories

Rishikesh River Rafting (Google Image) — River Rafting (Google Image)

If you are looking for some adventure sports then Rishikesh is the only perfect destination. As Rishikesh is the adventure capital of India, you will not be disappointed to do any adventure here. If you are a true adventure seeker, activities like river rafting, cliff jumping, and bungee jumping will be on your list. If you want to go river rafting you can go to any booking spot and book river rafting for that day. But if you want to do bungee jumping, you have to take your booking several days in advance. There are also many shops in Rishikesh which can book various adventure sports for you. So add some memorable adventure to your Rishikesh trip.

6. Visit The Beatles Ashram

There are many ashrams in Rishikesh. But Beatles Ashram adds another dimension of importance to the map of Rishikesh. Beatles Ashram is also known as Chaurasi Kutia. It is located on the east bank of the river Ganges. It was a training center for students of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi from 1960 to 1970, who developed the transcendental meditation technique. In the year 1968, The Beatles visited the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram for transcendental meditation. It really put Rishikesh on the map. Then this Chaurasi Kutia ashram became the Beatles Ashram popular with the whole world. Nowadays the ashram is abandoned but it is still an interesting place to visit. Also, this place is very popular for photography.

Also, Read 10 Amazing Things To Do In-Home When You Can’t Travel

7. Jungle Safari In Rajaji National Park

If you like the jungle, if you like animals, then in no way you should miss the jungle safari of Rajaji National Park. Lots of deer, elephants, and tigers can be seen on the 2 hours jeep safari of Rajaji National Park. There are plenty of counters in Rishikesh Market from where you can book Jeep Safari of Rajaji National Park. In My personal opinion, rather than going to a zoo to see animals in captivity, going on a jungle safari, and seeing them in the open jungle is much more thrilling.

8. Don’t Miss the Cafe With View

The unique natural beauty of Rishikesh is one of the reasons why people from all over the world come to visit. There is nothing more relaxing than grabbing a coffee/ chai or delicious food at one of the many cafes and just taking in the breathtaking scenery. There are many good small and cozy cafes all over Rishikesh. Some of my favorite cafes are Ganga view cafe, Freedom Cafe, and LittleBudha cafe.

Please Note Being a holy city, alcohol and non-vegetarian food are banned in Rishikesh.

Real Addiction Rishikesh — Real Addiction

Also, Read Experience A Train Journey

Your Things To Do

Rishikesh may hit differently to different people. I have shared mine. And it is very important to know your side of the story too. There can’t be anything worth sharing your own experience. So here I am, waiting for your comments. So that next time I re-visit Rishikesh I can see the place with a new lens. Share your things-to-do experience.

Travel

My Favorite Best Travel Documentaries

February 10, 2022 1 Comment

The travel documentaries highlight the travel history of the traveler. Also if you are looking for inspiration for your next trip, these travel documentaries will help you undoubtedly to be more knowledgeable. Travel documents make it easier for people to get to know new places and also new cultures. My Favorite Best Travel Documentaries- I have compiled a list of outstanding travel documentaries that you can watch on Netflix, Youtube, and also other OTT platforms. So at this time enjoy your virtual travel.

List Of My 9 Best Travel Documentaries

Salt Of The Earth

Sebastiao Salgado, a Brazilian photojournalist, spent 40 years on his travel documentaries. He captures some group of unknown people in South America, Africa, and Central Europe and the results are compelling. He portrayed the painful lives of those groups of people through documentaries. As well as this Oscar-nominated 2014 documentary has been highly acclaimed all over the world. This is one of the best travel documentaries I have watched.

You can watch this documentary on Youtube.

Also, Read My Travel Cool Photos

Also, Read 10 Amazing Things To Do In-Home When You Can’t Travel

Magical Andes

The magical Andes resembles a virtual tour of the royal Andes Mountains in South America. The Spanish documentary features a unique story of five characters who share a deep love of nature and also mountains. This six-part docu-series clearly showcases the landscape of the region and the ever-changing lives of the people who live there.

You can watch this documentary on Netflix

Dark Tourist

Dark Tourist- The Travel series explores Dark Tourism. Presenter journalist David Ferrier travel to many shady places of the world. And he mainly focuses on that area of travel, known as dark tourism, in this docuseries. The series is also a wild ride that depicts bizarre tourist traps and unsociable things. This is one of the most unique Netflix travel documentaries.

You can watch this documentary on Netflix.

180 Degree South

Watch it for exciting travel documentaries. As well as gritty traveling, and the proper technique devised before pulling off such endeavors. 80 Degree South is an assimilation of the memorable journey undertaken by Jeff while recreating the epic tour pulled off by Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins during their road trip in 1968. Jeff’s journey was also more adventurous as he chose to surf, sail, and climb before finally making it to Chile.

You can watch this documentary on Youtube

Hit The Road India (2013)

Two people running through the coasts and ghats of South India, driving one of the lightest vehicles, making it a spectacular sight. Hit The Road is one of the most interesting travel documentaries. Recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the best travel documentaries of 2012, this film is a story of two friends participating in a rickshaw rally from Chennai to Mumbai spanning 12 days also covering over 2000 km. Yes, as well as they had to suffer plenty of breakdowns along the way.

You can watch this documentary on Epic Tv App

Children of the Snow Land

This multi-award-winning film follows young people making a long and emotional trek back to their homes in the mountain villages of the Himalayas. Children of the Snow Land is a 2017 Nepalese English feature documentary film directed by Zara Balfour, and Marcus Stephenson. Also, The documentary has won Best Documentary at the Victoria Film Festival and London Independent Film Festival.

You can watch this documentary on Youtube

Baraka (1992)

Baraka, also known as one of the best travel documentaries of all time, is a non-narrative documentary of a kaleidoscopic retreat with various hymns of nature and its impact on different cultures. From the cacophonic mantras of hundreds of monks assembled for a cosmic sacrifice to the frantic slaps of the whole village, the documentary highlights the phenomena of nature and how it forms the core of different cultures.

You can watch this documentary on Youtube

14 Peaks

For some, climbing the world’s highest mountains is a lifelong achievement. For Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja, the new Netflix documentary film 14 Picks, Nothing is Impossible is going to be a good season to climb in all of them. Purja also sets a goal – which he calls “project possible” – to climb 14 peaks (more than 8,000 meters high) in a single mountaineering season. This is one of the absolutely stunning mountain-based travel documentaries.

You can watch this documentary on Netflix

Tales by Light

Travel Docu-series, Tales by Light, is full of moving portraits, panoramic imagery, live music, and also philosophical narratives for exploring the natural world through various photographers and filmmakers. As well as it has unseen footage from unique angles.

You can watch this documentary on Netflix.

This is my list, please comment and let me know what is your list of best travel documentaries.

Also, Read Wear Mask Help In Yourself

Social

10 Amazing Things To Do In-Home When You Can’t Travel

January 15, 2022 2 Comments

Yes, I know Travel is an amazing thing. Now is the time to stay home and explore the world within your own thoughts. Travel is now is little restricted for all because of the pandemic situation. Yet many travelers are traveling to different places. And I’m sure those who are traveling now, are following all the safety rules to keep them and others safe. Most people like to travel but do not want to travel for this epidemic time. But they are using their travel-hungry minds for travel in various ways while staying in the house. Traveling is vast like an ocean. There are different ways we can gain our knowledge from travel.

Also Read Mask Works, So Make Your Masks Work

Read All About Travel

Reading books or travel magazines are perfect to learn more about travel from home. Many travelers around the world have their own personal travel blogs, and by reading them you can learn a lot of amazing things about your next travel destination from their travel experience. So through Google and YouTube videos, you can take a tour to your favorite destination or location. When your mind is open then you can go anywhere you like. Connect with relatives and friends and take a download of their travel stories. There are many ways, I have noted very few here. Find your way of travel.

WatchTravel Documentry

Documentaries have the power to educate. The documentary film is an in-depth and informative resource that makes our travels much more knowledgeable. There are many good travel-related documentaries around the world. Which is very helpful to know about world travel. It is easily available on Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, or different OTT platforms. I will share some amazing Travel documentary names –

Encounters at the end of the world, Mountain, Woodstock, Tawai A voice from the forest, Children of the snow land.

Also, Read Travel Precautions During Covid-19

WatchTravel Video log

Nowadays travel vlogging is a very trendy thing. The complete travel story of any traveler is recorded in their vlogging. Travel vlog has become a big trend followed by many travelers who go to new places, explore the subtleties of the destination and offer tips and tricks to help fellow travelers.

Discover Hidden Places

Discovering is always knowledgeable things. When we travel somewhere, we like to see the main attractions of that place. Places are hidden because of a lack of awareness (you don’t know they’re there) or access. Every place has some hidden places except the main places or attractions. It could be a new place, a new village, a new restaurant where normal people are rarely gone. Discover such hidden places before heading to the next destination.

Learn First Aid

It’s good to be prepared for an emergency or minor injury. If you suddenly need medical attention But if there is no hospital or doctor available in the area then we have to take care of our own injuries with basic first aid. There are many first aid courses online that we can take in our free time from home.

Have A Workout/ Yoga

Workout and yoga are important not only for traveling but this is very important for our healthy living. So we always need to know some freehand workout or yoga that even if we can travel, we can take our time and do it for our healthy lifestyle.

Also, Read Yoga Indias Most Successful Export To The World

Find Your Amazing Travel Music

Without music is a bit of a hassle for me when traveling. The music of your phone or iPad gives you the best company in any long journey. While at home you collect your best amazing travel music which will become your next best travel companion.

Learn A language

Learning a new language is a great idea. When we want to travel somewhere outside our country, the language there is different. So if we can learn the basics of the language of that country in advance, So traveling there becomes a bit easier for us. Google Translator can help us learn the language in this case.

Also, Read Travelling-Explore The World From Your Home

Find Your Best Travel Gear

We can’t say travel gear is just packing clothes and luggage. Different travel gears are needed in different places. Travel gear like shoes, accessories, anything and everything that might be necessary for traveling and staying at a place. For example, travel insurance, electronics gear, photography gear, hygiene essentials, explorations, safety essentials, etc which help make a trip perfect.

Writing Your Travelogue

Write your own travel experience as an article or blog. Writing a travelogue is to take the reader to a new place. When done well, it can even inspire others to explore, experience new things, and gain an appreciation for different cultures. So start your amazing travel experience through your writing.

Also, Read Stay Healthy While You Travel

Travel

Experience A Train Journey

January 7, 2022 No Comments

The long-distance train journey is like a movie to me. Lots of people, lots of characters, lots of places, lots of small incidents & crazy sounds in a journey make a train journey very memorable. Once upon a time, people used to travel the country on foot or in bullock carts. At that time travel meant a pilgrimage or to a relative’s house. With the invention of the train, travel gets its speed and people get their frequency. The train is an affordable medium for people to travel all around. The biggest advantage of a train journey is the space which gives added comfort to the journey. As the train crosses different stations, different places travelers get to experience a different culture.

Also, Read Bir Paragliding Capital In India

Window Seat

Train windows are pieces of the open world. If you want to go somewhere far away by train, the window of the train is the only big thing to pass the time. Through that window, every moment the scene in front of your eyes is changing. The best thing is that you get to see different people and their mundane life. To me, this window of the train is an open book. Every moment we have to learn something new as the train leaves the city, village, river, and moves towards its destination.

Also, Read 5 India’s Most Ancient City

People Of The Train

This is the most interesting part of a train journey to see different kinds of people. The different attitudes and actions of different people are very much seen in the train journey. Sometimes when family members travel together, they make the train cube their own home. Then you find one person for sure who roam around and see others for their entertainment. It’s their favorite time pass. Different vendors from different stations get on the train from time to time and each of them has a different style of selling their items. The interesting thing for me is the tea sellers of different stations. Their call, pronunciation change at different stations.

Also, Read Bir Is Hidden Ecotourism Village Of Himachal Pradesh

Without Ticket

Gone – without a ticket. You can’t dare to go without a ticket. However, one of my friend’s fathers used to work for railways. He used to get passes for his two sons. I used to use one of those passes while traveling. There was always a throbbing feeling in my chest. And I used to fear if get to inquire about my father’s name. Their surname is Goswami, mine Ghosh. People may lie about their own name, but there is a dilemma in their mind to lie about their father’s name. Of course, I never caught traveling like that. But once or twice my friends were caught by the ticket checker. They used to make them wait on the platform for long hours. Lastly, make them pay a sum of 100\200 Rs. I don’t know what is the punishment now, or how much the bribe rate has gone up.

Also, Read Tell Yourself- TODAY IS MY DAY

My Story

There was an intense desire to travel at an early age. I wish I could get out of the house and go somewhere but I didn’t have money then. Going abroad was unimaginable. I used to go around with twenty rupees and twenty-five rupees. Because of my friend and the train pass I got an added wing to my desire.

The advantage of that pass was that the cost of the ticket got saved, and as far as the pass was concerned, one can get off at any station beforehand. I used to drop off my luggage at a station and deposit it in the locker. Then I used to wander around freely, and come to the station at night and sleep in waiting rooms. The hotel cost used to be saved. That’s how I used to roam when I was in college.

But now when I think about it, it seemed much better than today’s planned and luxurious travel. Then maybe there was trouble and a friend who would get on the train and say, I forgot to bring my wallet. Everything was done on purpose to save the little pocket money. As a result, two people had to travel on one person’s money. And in the end, it was cool.

Also Read Mask Works, So Make Your Masks Work

Travel

Tell Yourself- TODAY IS MY DAY

November 17, 2021 No Comments

Sometimes a day is just for you. Do you believe that? I believe and I feel sometimes a day is designed just for me. And of course, I am the designer for that day. When we leave our city and travel to another unknown place, those days are almost planned for us. When we travel, we planned what we will do all day, what we will see, what we will eat. Someone has either instructed us or we have been influenced by someone. Normally most of the time we get influence from different travel destinations on social media and spend lots of time in such away. If you get up in the morning and cancel all your plans & schedule and you decide to spend the day on your own, that time is basically your day.

Also, Read Bir Paragliding Capital In India

Love Yourself

We love ourselves the most in any given situation. But we tend to believe being well means, being well with our family and loved ones around us. Sometimes while looking after a loved one’s comfort we tend to forget our own comfort. Loving yourself means doing what you love. Eating junk, roaming around with no plan, or going to a new place and sleeping all day in a new room, new bed in a new atmosphere. Go alone on a date with yourself. Ask yourself and spend a day or two as you like. Be adventures or just lazing around. Don’t forget your daily dose of self-love, even if it makes you a little selfish, trust me don’t feel guilty, you totally deserve it.

Also, Read Travelling-Explore The World From Your Home

A Day Past In Bir

This one day I just did nothing. I woke up in the morning and went to the roof to have tea and my car was supposed to come. I had been fully planned for the whole day. But all of a sudden I saw the weather there and it seemed like I was going to spend the whole day with this Weather. I canceled my car and plan and decided to stay on the roof today. Suddenly someone started giving me company. He is Bagiraa, the pet dog of the Hostel. It seemed to me then that the decision to cancel everything today and sit there was the best. Believe me, I was sitting on the roof from morning till evening. No phone calls, no meetings, no rush to get around, I was far from everything that day. I realized that there is more joy in sitting quietly.

Also Read When I met little God In Shantiniketan

Good Time With Bagiraa

I always like to spend time with animals. wherever I travel, always they join me. They walk along, they also sometimes guide the roads. Dogs never like the concept of “loneliness. That’s why when I was sitting alone, Bagiraa joined to give me company. Playing with dogs or cats, spending time with them is great for your mental health and healing. That day Bagiraa sat with me quietly and looked at the sky all the time. I was responsible for taking care of Bagiaa that day. We spend a good time together. Our happy hormones made the day special.

Also, Read Bir Is Hidden Ecotourism Village Of Himachal Pradesh

Your Day

I don’t know what is your plan. You will understand best what it is and what you want. Your day doesn’t have to mean or can mean drinking, partying, and socializing. Also, Your time can be a night alone, getting lost in a book or music, a deep conversation, a walk, just sleeping, just eating, playing with animals, or simply doing nothing. Find your best leisure and go for it.

Also, Read The Holiday

Travel

Bir Paragliding Capital In India

November 13, 2021 No Comments

Bir is known as the paragliding capital in India. There are plenty of places to travel in India for adventure. Some are famous for bungee jumping, river rafting. Some are famous for scuba diving. And then there is Bir, famous in India for paragliding. People from all over the world come to India to enjoy these adventures. Paragliding in India has become one of the leading adventure activities in the world in several years. The best and safest destination for paragliding in India is the Bir Town in Himachal Pradesh.

Also, read Bir Is Hidden Ecotourism Village Of Himachal Pradesh

Best Paragliding site in India- Bir & Billing

Bir and Billing are small villages located about 14km apart in Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh. Bir is always famous for natural beauty and Tibetan culture. Billing is popular for its adventure sports. Billing is a paragliding take-off point, which offers panoramic views of the world’s second-highest, 8,000 feet high, valley below. The landing place is in the field west of Bir Chaugan. In the backdrop of the blue sky of the Bir these paragliders fly all the time with colorful wings. There is another name of Bir “Parindo Ke Nagari” ( City Of Birds). In 2015 the paragliding World cup held in Himachal Pradesh at Bir Billing villages for the first time.

Also, Read 5 India’s Most Ancient City

How To Go Bir Billing

There are many ways to go to Bir Billing village. I go from Kolkata to Delhi and plan the rest to go from Delhi to Himachal mainly Bir. From Delhi and Chandigarh, you can reach Bir by Volvo bus or by car.

Delhi to Bir 489 kilometers. Time Take 11 to 12 hrs. There are various overnight buses ( Private and Government) operating from Delhi to Bir. Manju ka Tilla and Kashmeri gate from these two bus stand you will get a bus to Bir. Bus ranging from 1200 to 1400 depending upon the luxury and season.

Chandigarh to Bir 289 kilometers. You can get a direct bus to Chandigarh ISBT to Bir. Time takes 7hrs by Car or bus. Bus cost around 1000 Rs.

The nearest airport Kangra Airport is 68 kilometers away from Bir town. Time takes 2 to 3 hours by car or bus. But to reach Kangra Airport, you need to go via Delhi Airport.

From Dharamsala and Mecloadganj you can easily reach Bir colony by hiring a car or taking a local bus. It will take 6 to 7 hrs.

Please Note Bir to Billing is 15Km & the time takes 40 minutes by car.

Bir Paragliding Information

Bir and Billing is the safest paragliding site in India. This is the place where India gets the opportunity of the International Paragliding World Cup. All amenities here meet international standards. You will always have a license holder paraglider with you whenever you paraglide. So don’t worry about your smooth landing. Some risks involved with adventure sports. To deal with this, experience rescue teams trained on-site to deal with any unforeseen accidents. The Bir Billing Paragliding adventure starts at Billing where you’ll be at approximately 7,600 feet above the ground. Expect to be in the air for 15 to 30 minutes after which you’ll land at Bir which is 4,300 feet above sea level.

Timing

You cannot paraglide when the region receives rainfall, usually from July to September. Otherwise, paragliding is done here all the time for the rest of the year. The best month is October till mid-December. This time you will see a gorgeous view of the Dhuladhar ranges with clear skies.

You can go paragliding anytime from 7 am in the morning to 6 pm. But people prefer paragliding at sunset. There is only one reason, the sky and the surrounding environment look so beautiful at this time. Many times while paragliding, you have to wait a long time at the take-off point for clear weather.

Also, Read KOLKATA IS AN EMOTION

Booking

Don’t need to book online. When you get in Bir, you will find lots of operators in the Tibetian colony bazaar area, who book paragliding and other activities all day long. There are also lots of paragliding instructor information in the hotel or hostel where you will be staying. Call them to book your time and enjoy.

Price

The cost of paragliding in Bir is INR 1800 to 2500. The flight journey time is 15 to 25 minutes. This price including

Bir to Billing transportation (15Km) and video photography. Some people can do 45 minutes of paragliding if they want, in which case the charges become INR 4000.

Please Note There is another still photographer on the landing site. When someone is landing the photographer clicks a lot of your landing pictures. And then sells them 200 Rs for all pictures. But it’s up to you whether you want to buy those pictures or not.

Age & Weight

There is a certain weight limit for paragliding, which is that you have to weigh between 15 kg and 95 kg. If your weight is between 95 kg and 115 kg, then you too can fly, but you have to pay a fee of 500 rupees. Children under the age of 18 will also need parental consent to fly.

Safety Precaution

Always Choo’s license holder and experienced paragliding instructor.

Wear something warm when you go paragliding.

You need sports shoes that fit properly. During takeoff and landing time you need to be running so good shoes will help you.

Avoid carrying too many things. You will be dropped off at another point after you land, so carry just what you need.

Don’t eat heavy food before paragliding.

Don’t panic in the air. Be a team player do as your instructor say and enjoy the thrill in the air.

Also, Read The Land Of Festivals -Nagaland

Fly Solo

You can have your solo paragliding experience here. But for that, you have to do a month course from paragliding institute here. And only if they give you a certificate after taking the exam then you can fly solo. Lots of tourists from India go there for about a month only learning paragliding. The government operates a national paragliding institute with training facilities for domestic and international pilots. So fly solo in the paragliding capital in India.

Please Note– The local police can take a fine of up to 1000 RS for not wearing musk. So wear your mask.

Festival

Durga Puja During The British Era

October 19, 2021 No Comments

We all know Durga Puja is one of the biggest festivals in Bengal and as well as in India. And not only in India but in all corners of the world. In long years the Puja has changed in many ways. But one thing remained unchanged. That is the pure bliss, the joy, the excitement that has never changed throughout the years. The style of Durga Puja in Calcutta during the British period was a little different. Even before the British rule, the Durga festival was celebrated in Calcutta even during the Muslim period. Earlier, Durga Puja was not so glamorous at that time, then Raja Krishnachandra of Nadia was the first to bring great splendor to this festival. And seeing his glorious Durga Puja festival, those who became rich during the time of the British government also started the same glorious worshiping of goddess Durga.

Also, Read KOLKATA IS AN EMOTION

Durga Puja Invitation In British Era

From the middle of the eighteenth century till the rule of the famous Act No. 10 of 1840, Durgoutsab was the best social festival in Calcutta irrespective of the class of the society. The joy of the natives in this festival is more than that of the company. From Esplanade to Enntali, from Latbahadur to normal clerk, no one could have dreamed of leaving Calcutta during Pujo. Most of the time they were almost ready to wait when Pujo’s invitations would come from different big houses.

Nemantanne ( Invitation) never made mistakes. During Durga Puja, Durga Puja tickets or invitation cards used to go to different houses. At that time generous advertisements were published for the common people on behalf of the big zamindars. Advertising was an invitation for everyone. Because Babura knew, even though the occasion was Durga, this festival was the festival of the company. In the beginning, just like the money given by the company, in the end, the only desire was to get the company’s favor.

British People Holiday During Durga Puja

In the late nineteenth century, British officers based in Calcutta started going out of Calcutta with their families during Durga Pujo. They went on vacations to various places in Shimla, Manali, Darjeeling. Following in the footsteps of the British, the Babu community in Calcutta at that time used to leave Calcutta. At that time, Durga Puja meant to them to travel outside Calcutta like the British. The Barwari Durga festival did not start in Calcutta at that time. Durga Puja used to perform only in the house of the big zamindar of Calcutta. Durga Puja was not performed in large numbers, as all the zamindars or big people in Calcutta used to travel outside Calcutta. At that time Pujo was not so glorious in Calcutta. But from that time onwards this touring tradition began. So far, the people of Kolkata have gone out of Kolkata for the Pujo holidays.

Also, Read Unique Story- Of 7 Indian Villages

Debt-Ridden Prisoners

Apart from various pleasures of dancing, singing, and drinking during the puja, the people of the Babu community in Kolkata used to free the prisoners who were in debt. In the old days, a class of prisoners could be released only if they repaid the loan. At that time some rich people used to repay their debts and release those prisoners. They used to release more English prisoners to please the British government. As a result, during the puja season or at the small causal court, a crowd of underage people would gather. They want to go to jail right now, before Pujo. Because there is the hope of liberation soon.

Also, Read 5 India’s Most Ancient City

50 Rupees Durga Puja

At that time British officials used to perform Durga Puja with their own money. One of the employees of the company used to do Durgotsab with his own money. He is John Chips, the famous manufacturer of Hunter’s Annals of Rural Bengal. The popular ‘Sree Chikbahadur’ of Birbhum. When Chips set foot in Calcutta as a writer for the company in 1782, he was only sixteen years old. Within a few years, it was heard that he had been appointed Auditor General of the company. In due course (1787) he was appointed the first commercial agent of the company in Birbhum. The company then traded in cotton, silk, lacquer, dyes, etc. Chips added to that, personal business. The company’s office was in Sonamukhi, and Chips’ home was in Surule, near Santiniketan. Shyamkishore, a descendant of Lord Singh of Raipur, was the dewan of chips.

He started Durga Puja in the words of his Dewan Shyamkishore to improve his business. Chips already knew about the british company’s official mood about Durgotsab. He organized the Durgo festival of the people with pomp and circumstance. And he used to believe that this Durga Pujo was the reason why his business flourished and every year Chips continued to perform Durga Pujo in his place. Mr. Chips used to spend only fifty rupees a year on this. Pujo costs only seventeen rupees. With the rest of the money, the people of the village used to get new clothes, and a full feast on the day of Mahasthami.

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People

Stranger Meetup In Travel

July 11, 2021 No Comments

One of my favorite parts about traveling is stranger meetup. I prefer to mingle with people than visit historic monuments. No matter how much we travel alone, we get connected with some people somewhere during that journey. Meeting someone for the first time is very exciting for me. And my personal travel experiences taught me that strangers are much more helpful and polite. As we travel, we see changes in the environment, culture, and people in different places. And we will never know about their culture unless we mix with them.

I have made great connections with different people at different times in different places, including Nagaland, Pondicherry, Sikkim, Assam, on my nearly one and a half year journey. Later I may not have had any direct contact with them, but I still feel that emotion when we met first. I can meet you on my next travel?

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The kind Woman In Guwahati — The Kind Woman In Guwahati

The Lady And Her Tea stall In Guwahati

One afternoon I was waiting at the bus stand in Guwahati to catch a bus to Jorhat at night. Due to travel, I was exhausted, and I fell asleep. The shop where I came to have tea was owned by an Assamese woman. She offered me a cup of tea with some warm concern “did not you sleep last night? Please have it, we will feel better”. More than the tea, her kind words charged me up. Then I told her my travel details, she kept quiet and said “do you want to sleep? There is a room next to my shop where you sleep and rest”. Before I would say yes or no, she told me “don’t worry, it is a clean bed”. I wanted to sleep so I took the offer. When I woke up after two or three hours, she smiled and made me a very good evening snack. She asked me to wait there until my bus arrives. I thanked her, paid for my meal, and headed towards my bus. But she stopped me. She handed me a small packet. The kind woman said “it is your dinner with bread and vegetables.

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Facebook Friend In Jorhat

In Jorhat, I met my social media friend. When I was in Nagaland through my Facebook profile I got connected with some locals from Jorhat. I had a conversation with a gentleman named Deepak. He lived with his family in Jorhat. Deepak assured me that he would arrange an auto for me from Jorhat bus stand to Majuli ferry ghat. Early morning I reached the Jorhat bus stand, Deepak’s called at the same time as the bus arrived. And I saw him waiting for me in an auto-rickshaw. He came to pick me because his auto driver was late for the day. By profession, he was the staff of a government school there. Deepak gave me a lot of information about Jorhat. We had breakfast together and he dropped me off at the ferry ghat to go to Majuli. I have very little time with Deepak but unforgettable.

Belive In Strangers

It’s a simple incident. When I reached Majuli Island in the morning, I needed to go to the toilet badly. I asked some people about the location of the washroom. They showed me a place, but I could not go with my heavy backpack. They were strangers to me, but still, I had no option but to believe them at that moment. In there, I was worried about my backpack, as it had all my important documents and money. I was regretting my decision, but when I came out, I found them guarding my belongings. I was so relaxed. They ordered tea for me. It seemed that believing in people might be a little difficult, but sometimes we have no choice but to trust strangers, who might give a lifetime memory to cherish.

When Unknown People Become Good friends In Nagaland

Also, Read My Extended Naga Family In Nagaland

The world is full of good people. And in Nagaland, the fact was no different. Before traveling to Nagaland, many people warned me about Nagaland. Their culture, eating, and drinking habit does not match with people like us. But the experience that I had is completely different. In Nagaland, I spent time with a beautiful Naga family. And their whole family helped me tremendously to get around Nagaland and took care of my other things.

As I was touring the Hornbill Festival, I met some young Naga people. And in a short time, they became very close friends. We went out together, sang songs and ate different foods. For the remaining four days I stayed with those new friends at their home in Kohima. They gave me tours in their car to different places in Nagaland. In my last 4 days in Nagaland, they never let me feel that I am not in my own house. And the warmest thing was that they cooked various famous dishes of Nagaland in their home and fed me. Solo Travel is always amazing when you meet strangers on your way.

Travel

Yoga Indias Most Successful Export To The World

July 1, 2021 No Comments

Yoga is the union of body, mind and spirit. And thus, it connects the individual to the universal. It’s about realizing the connection between the finite and the infinite, manifest and the unmanifest. This practice is bringing harmony in Thought, Word and Deed. Rigveda is one among the foremost sacred, and therefore, the oldest books of human history. It’s about eight to ten thousand years old, and it may be a part of this sacred writing. Maharishi Patanjali considered being the authority on yoga propounded, nearly 5000 years ago in ancient India. Lord Krishna and plenty of saints of India have also spoken about yoga. In the middle ages, the practice was confined only to the Royal family. And therefore, the scholarly class taught to students in gurukuls after passing a rigorous test. Bhagavad-Gita says ” Yogaha Karmasukaushalam” meaning yoga is skill in action and expression.

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How Yoga Gains Empires Around The World

The beginnings of yoga date back to the Indus Saraswati Valley civilization 5000 years ago. And it was first discovered

mentioned in the Vedas. More coded and organized. When Patanjali established his knowledge of this technic when he composed the Yoga Sutras around 400 AD, it was forgotten until the recovery of Swami Vivekananda in the late 1860s. Although Patanjali’s practice was aimed at attaining samadhi or knowledge, the rituals that came many centuries after his writings were meant to engage physically and mentally and enhance the living experience.

In 1893, when Swami Vivekananda travelled to Chicago to address the Parliament of the World Religions, he became interested in yoga by drawing attention to the practice. After that, this practice has gained a different dimension around the world. While the practice was accepted with arms wide open throughout the world.

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The Rise Of Ancient Yoga

The rise started with the two Indian celebrated yogis, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya and Sivananda. They established Hatha Yoga, the modern form of the practice that we know today. Krishnamacharya’s Mysore School of Hatha Yoga gave the world three leading yogis-B.K.S. Iyengar, T.K.V. Desikachar and K. Pattabhi Jois, men who have been responsible for the global ubiquity of yoga.

The virtues of yoga practice are slowly spreading all over the world. The fascination began in the 1940s, thanks to the efforts of Indra Devi or Eugenie Peterson. Peterson was an actor before she came in contact with Krishnamacharya and became one of his disciples-the first woman and foreigner to get the opportunity. After training for several years as his disciple, Devi travelled with the gospel of yoga to China and then to Hollywood. Indra Devi Often called the ‘First Lady of Yoga. Devi went where many others didn’t and attracted the West to this ancient practice by restructuring it to appeal to Western sensibilities.

The Significance Of June 21-International Yoga Day

June 21st, the day of uninterrupted summer, transforms the passage of the sun into the sky from north to south. The yogi and mystic, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, explains: “In yogic lore, the first transmission of yoga by Shiva. And the Adiyogi, to his seven disciples, the Saptarishis, said to initiated on the first full moon after the summer solstice, which celebrated as Guru Purnima. This period, known as Dakshinayana, hailed as the phase when there is natural support for those pursuing spiritual practices.

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Social

Magawa- The Hero Rat, Saving Cambodian lives

June 19, 2021 No Comments

Magawa The rat directly responsible for saving the Cambodian people. The “hero rat” whose work sniffing out landmines in Cambodia. Magawa also won a medal for life-saving bravery. Magawa spent five years (2016-2021) sniffing out hazardous, unexploded weapons of war dotting the Cambodian countryside. Cambodia is one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world. And Magawa one of the most successful bomb-sniffing rats of all time. This Hero rat retiring after five years of service.

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The Rat, Saving Cambodian live

In Cambodia, the mainstay of the economy is agriculture. But wars and conflicts have left 5 million landmines across the beautiful country. Over 40,000 people have been made mine amputees. Cambodia’s people work and live with the threat of injury and death every single day. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes but all of them have big hearts and brave spirits. Magawa is a landmine detection rat. He trained to alert his handler, whenever he finds explosives. So far, he cleared 141,000 square meters of land of unexploded landmines. As well as saving countless Cambodian lives. So far, Magawa has impacted more than a million people and freed them of the terror of landmines.

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Magawa’s Journey

Magawa, a giant African pouched rat. The Hero rat started his journey in Tanzania ( East Africa). He was born there as part of a breeding colony. He trained by the Belgium-registered charity called APOPO. Rat are normally weaned at the age of 10 weeks after that Magawa was socialized and thereafter he started clicker training. The rats are too light to trigger a mine so they just gently scratch over the mine. Magawa can find mines very quickly. He can search for a field the size of a tennis court in just twenty minutes. And he also famous for used his powerful sense of smell to detect TNT (the chemical compound used in explosives). Magawa just indicated the location and presence of TNT. Once he finds an explosive, he scratches the top to alert their human co-workers. If an explosive is found the spot will be marked and the threat will be removed and destroyed by expert de-miners. Magawa is also the rat responsible for discovering an anti-tank mine. In his five-year career, the rat sniffed out 71 landmines and many more unexploded items from Cambodia. Every landmine Magawa finds could save a life.

The Honour

Magawa, awarded the prestigious PDSA Gold Medal for his work and bravery. According to PDSA (People’s Dispensary For Sick Animals), this is the very first time in our 77-year history of honoring animals that we will have presented a gold medal to a rat.

Magawa’s handler ‘Malen’ says – Magawa’s performance has been unbeaten, and I have been proud to work side-by-side with him.

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