KAVERI - MOTHER RIVER TO MILLIONS

Amidst the hills that create the River.
Trekked uphill labouriously, over large stony steps, one has a faint hope of encountering a bit of divine up there. Disappointment. But the view from up there, that is magical.






                                                                                          

Kaveri / Cauvery is a big river. Big enough to create trouble over sharing of her waters between two large states. But at its point of origin its a modest, peaceful continuous stream. 

Quite in keeping with India's ancient traditions, the River is feminine and deified as a goddess. She, who ensures bounties of sustenance for humans. Sit on the stairs, pray, meditate, or just watch her flow gently before you.  

Mumbai - The City

         

 










Mumbai moves orderly, 
it waits at traffic signals, 
it slows down to let walkers cross the road. 
Its transport staff in their distinguishable 
uniforms works unhurriedly efficiently. 
That 'at home' feeling for visitor comes early.                                                        

SUPERWINGS ON A BIG MISSION

Ecologists like to remind us that Butterflies are a good measure of how long an existence Humans can expect on the planet. A few sightings this summer, as one here, was reassuring that 'the endangered species' still has time for some contingency measures.

Mumbai - the city

TAJ the luxury hotel at Mumbai is a city
 landmark. Since the time it was at the heart of
 a terrible terrorist seige, security all around it
 has been visibly fortified. (why terrorism's
 volunteers would take the same sea route to strike
 at the same target puzzles common sense, though).

Mumbai - the city

Bombay or Mumbai on western coast, has curious sounding names to denote public spaces. As you absent mindedly saunter into the zone called Kala Ghoda, a large standing sculpture of a dark horse (kala ghoda) suddenly confronts you. (presently, modern transportation gives it company).

The Month of Magic

                                                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

 A torrid summer grudgingly makes way for the stream of gray clouds that assemble and deeply grumble and then let go. Slime of summer now washed away, the Botanical riches of earth transform into artist's palette and every hue of green teases human sight.

And thus it occurs every year, when one doubles up in prayer to Lord of Sun to be a bit benevolent and show some mercy, those dark Omens from legends show up in sky and so truly drench the Earth that a fresh cycle of life is set rolling. Be a Believer.

 

 

CHARIOTS OF WAR

Chariot of war from ancient history.

This exhibit from Mohen-jo-Daro excavations is a toy version of the real thing. The warrior/ archer would stand inside the wooden coupe on wheels and let the chariot driver rush him to strategic points from where he would rain his arrows. From Egypt to Persia to India, these chariots have a unique similarity in design.








(to view this collection you have to visit 'Indian Museum' at Kolkata.)

THE SEAT OF GREAT TEACHERS

Ruins of the ancient University of Nalanda reveal hundreds of years of building and rebuilding. The structures, though coalescing in seamless geometrical patterns, are located at a variety of levels. This platform in foreground is believed to have functioned as the Teachers' lecture seat. (He may have needed a booming voice to address hundreds of pupils in such assemblies).

NATURE'S TANGO

Nature's ecological ballet in view as one plant species has a stranglehold over the seemingly reluctant other (suitor plant had crept up three stories to meet the potted plant). 

NALANDA-RAJGIR TRAIL

Intriguing structures from ancient times punctuate the landscape in Rajgir-Nalanda region. The one here called 'Treasury' is carved into the thickly vegetated hillside. The accessible chamber is dark and empty.(could there be a fortune lying around?).

NALANDA - EVERY BRICK HERE BELONGS TO A GOLDEN AGE

Ruins of Nalanda located at Rajgir in Bihar offer a stunning spectacle. An university flourished here for over 600 years. It was dedicated to the teachings and Dhamma of the great Buddha. Buddha's statues, large and small and reliefs in stone depicting the great one in a yogic meditative posture abound.                 

AN INDIAN WEDDING - 2

Jayamala, the exchange of garlands between Groom and the Bride signifies a willing acceptance of the other as a partner for life. Their families, friends stand in testimony, and approval of the event and bring their own joys and spice to the occasion.













Kanyadaan, is a crucial component to wedding rituals popular in many regions of the land. Kanyadaan literally means 'giving away of bride/daughter'. The acceptance of the bride by her groom is seen as completed by his holding her hands. Bride here is being given away by her grand father (acting as her father's substitute).

AN INDIAN WEDDING

The Dulha (Bridegroom) is set to depart for the bridal house. Dressed in his best fineries, a decorative Mowr (head-dress worn as a crown) atop his head, a sequence of rituals have been performed at his parents' home. Women of the household, relations and neighbours participate actively.















An emotional moment here as the groom seeks
his father's blessings before his ceremonial
departure at the head of the wedding party (baraat). Fathers accompany the party mostly or depute a trusted family senior to officiate at rituals. Wedding rituals across India vary greatly but many traditions are common to all. 

BITS OF LIFE IN COUNTRYSIDE

Morning stroll through a rural hamlet has the tourist being greeted by its' early risers.
They will be led into the fields by the mistress to graze on some fresh leaves and wild grass.
(and a small treat of some leafy crop standing in the field, unguarded).
   

INFANTRY OF THE DAYS OF SUN

Spring to early summer a regiment of colourful bugs and flies stalk every living design of nature.

They creep, crawl, fly, hop skip and jump, and occasionally give you a pinch and fright in a friendly sort of way perhaps as a nudge that 'Hey, we're back and living it n' so should you !'

A lady beetle here toils her way up the stem to the cone of plenty.

Hussain, Vaikuntam at India Art.

Hussain at Art Show. Irresistible, fascinating.

     Vaikuntam     -       narrator of timeless themes,    presides          gloriously.

SUBODH GUPTA'S PIECE OF ART AT IAF

                         
                                Subodh Gupta is an inventor with art. Here's his take on the
                                legendary 'Absolut Vodka' with kitchen ware and Indian dining ware
                                blending together to fashion contours of the signature alcohol brand.
                             
                                (IAF-2017).

Ram Kumar / Vaikuntam at IAF 2017

Ram Kumar's works at Art Fair.

                                                    Vaikuntam's works - like magic to the eye.

India Art Fair 2017.

Pradeepta Chakravarty's alluring paintings in candy colours.

A unique style, tellable from all other artists, it makes you  

turn around and take a second look. (IAF-2017)