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.