It wasn’t the first time that we had stopped at the same spot for breakfast Nor was it the first time that we had heard the foot-tapping music near the grand gate next door. However – it was the first time I saw those dancers perform to the beat of the drum And it was … Read more
The smoke from his chillum rose high and then merged with the fumes from the aarti. Right next to it, was the Kathak dancer performing a chakkar – all to the tune of tabla. I felt the essence of Banaras through these moments – all captured in the magnificent Varanasi street art. Visiting one of … Read more
With one hand, he held the saw to rotate the spinning wheel. In his other hand, he fashioned a chisel. Securing a small part of the lathe with his foot, he began to work his magic. Within moments, the slab of rock transformed into a perfect mini globe that finally became a bobbing head of … Read more
Pretty landscapes cruised past my window Causing my gasps to be caught in my throat. Then came those Basgo monastery ruins Replacing those gasps with a racing pulse – like an antidote. I stared at the pretty landscapes as our van tackled the curves to Alchi Monastery in Ladakh. My gasps at the stunning scenery … Read more
Forced to flee, they had to abandon Their highest royal abode in the hills. As time flew by, the Leh palace was forgotten And yet it stood tall – braving all of nature’s drills Most of us associate Ladakh with Buddhist monasteries, gushing streams, stunning landscapes and beautiful mountains. However, it has a fair bit … Read more
I followed the lone floating diya to the first ray of the rising sun that had begun to spread its golden tones onto the river. The slow rhythmic chants in the background added to the mystique in the air. A sudden splash broke my reverie and drew my attention to the ceremonies being performed in … Read more
The soft tinkle of the singing bowl echoed across the valley adding to the mystic aura that I felt as I stared at the fluffy clouds floating in the blue sky. The brown, white, and black mountains framed the perfectly still landscape. Bewitched – I kept looking until the first ripple finally – broke the … Read more
The deep blue abruptly changed to bright red and then equally quickly became yellow. The colorful canvas reflected the gorgeous brown and white mountains Spellbound – I gazed on at the famous 3 idiots lake until finally … My stupor broke as the fluttering white beauties settled onto the perfectly still landscape Such is the … Read more
He asked the holy one to choose anything from his ship – “A gratitude for guiding us to safety.” Madhvacharya chose the sandalwood ballast. While transporting it, a small piece broke away to reveal a glittering jewel. Curiosity unleashed a sparkling discovery. Sri Krishna had just arrived in Udupi from Dwarka by way of an … Read more
Was it the magic of the rising sun that was beginning to add its golden glow to the trees at one end? Or was it the sea spray that continued to create a misty sheer around the beach and the backwaters? To the east was the sunrise while on the west was a pristine beach … Read more
It was not just the Kere Basadi that exuded calm Even the blue-green water lake around it seemed serene. The twittering birds & temple bells added to the spell And the slow ripples by the boat oars further enhanced the charm The combination of beauty and serenity at the Varanga Jain temple in Karnataka makes … Read more
They tried over and over again, but he refused to move. And so, they honored his wish to remain by building a new home at that very place. The new abode completed, the priest decided to try once one. Voila! This time, the statue moved and thus began the miracles at the St. Lawrence Church … Read more