Ram Navami Celebration :Surya Tilak Ceremony at Ayodhya's Lord Rama Temple 

Ram Navami marks the birth anniversary of Lord Rama and holds a special place in India's festival calendar. This year, it carries added significance as the pran prathistha or so called the installation of the Lord Rama Idol, recently took place after a centuries -old legal battle.

The highlight of this year's Ram Navami celebrations is the presence of Lord Rama's idol in the newly constructed Ram temple, marking a historic event after centuries. 

Today, Wednesday the 17th of April, Ayodhya is alive with the spirit of Ram Navami. Devotees at the birthplace of Lord Rama are thrilled to have direct access to the idol for worship and darshanam.

Since the morning, people have been exchanging Ram Navami greetings with each other. People are sharing Ram Navami wishes, messages, quotes with their loved ones . In the temples devotees have been standing in queues outside temples, waiting for the darshan of the deity. The fervor is palpable across India.

This festival is celebrated with great devotion and joy. This year, the excitement is even higher as people witnessed a special event named 'Surya Tilak or Abhishek' where sunlight illuminated the forehead of Lord Ram Lalla idol at the Ram temple in Ayodhya through mirrors and lenses.

It is believed that worshipping Lord Rama on this day brings blessings, peace ,and remove obstacles from one's life .

 What to Do When Your Ticket Is Not Confirmed? 

Festive seasons and vacations bring about a frenzy of travel plans, with everyone rushing online and offline to book trips to holiday destinations since many educational institutions are closed.

 Peak seasons, often coinciding with holidays, festivals, and school breaks, during this period the quest for a coveted train seat becomes like playing a strategic game.

Amidst the thrill of travel, challenges often emerge during peak seasons. Delays, cancellations, and overbooked trains test the patience of even the most seasoned travelers.

The serpentine queues at the ticket counters pose yet another challenge. Booking a ticket at the last minute is truly exhausting and tough, and it's costly as well. As the last minute approaches, seats on trains nearly disappear, ticket prices soar. 

 To avoid the steep prices of last minute bookings ,vacationers typically reserve their tickets well in advance.

In case if they cannot get a ticket after much efforts, they abandon the idea of going on a tour or opt for a short trips nearby where getting train reservations isn't as challenging or they try the last minute option i.e. Tatkal tickets. If things go well ,perfect ;if not ,they cancel the tour idea. This happens usually in every case.

What options does a traveler have if they are unable to obtain a confirmed ticket and still wish to go on a tour? Are there solutions to this issue, and if so, what are they?

1) When unable to obtain a confirmed ticket, a   traveler can purchase a waiting list ticket offline.   while on the journey ,approach the TTE (Train   Ticket Examiner).They cannot prohibit you from   travelling with a valid waiting list ticket.

   Inquire about any available vacant seats- if you are fortunate ,you will find one, if not ,traveling without a reservation is an option.

2) During peak seasons Indian Railways announces several special trains every year, so it's good idea to check the availability of seats on these trains.

3) There is a ladies quota in trains. By applying for the ladies quota, you can secure a confirmed ticket.

4) If there is an elderly person in your family, you can avail the elderly quota, which greatly helps in getting a confirmed ticket.

5) The premium Tatkal quota is also a great option, as most of the time you can easily get a confirmed ticket. Seats under this quota often remain vacant until the last minute. Indeed, the premium Tatkal ticket remains expensive.

6) If you still fail to get a train ticket and have to reach your destination anyhow, consider breaking the journey into parts.

  This means booking a ticket from your station to the mid-station of your main destination, and then booking another ticket for the final leg of your journey. This will also ensure a journey that is both convenient and comfortable.

7) If your desired route has no available seats, try another route to reach your destination where the chances of getting confirmed tickets are highest.

8) Changing trains is also a viable option. Spilt the journey into parts and switch trains from other stations along the route where the probability of getting a confirmed ticket is highest.

9) Different stations have different quotas, If you cannot find a ticket from your preferred station, try booking from other stations along the same route to your final destination. There is a high probability of getting a confirmed ticket this way.  

10) Lastly ,consider using a travel agent. They have a good understanding of how to secure a confirmed ticket, knowing all the routes, stations, and trains where ticket availability and confirmations are easier.

These are the methods through which you can easily secure a confirmed ticket and enjoy the flavor of travelling. 

'' India's  battle with 'cancer capital' status"

While it may seem unbelievable, yet the fact remains- we're heading down the wrong path. Though it might not be  pleasant to hear, the truth is that what seems perfect and flawless is often nothing more than an illusion .My concern is directed towards the recent title of India as the world's cancer capital as per the reports of Apollo Hospitals on world Health Day 2024 . This is really a matter of significant concern.

In a recent study, Apollo Hospitals has revealed statistics indicating a decline in the health of Indians. India has been given the title of the "cancer capital of the world. "surpassing all other countries. The alarming rate at which cancer cases are rising in India is deeply concerning.(Travel attractions)

The most frequent types of cancer in women are breast, ovarian, and cervical, where as men often encounter mouth, prostrate ,and lung cancer. According to 2020 statistics, there were 14 lakhs of cancer cases, and this number is expected to rise to 15.7 lakhs by 2025.

The findings from Apollo Hospitals also highlight the alarming rise of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, mental health disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.

 What's particularly concerning is the increasing prevalence of these conditions among younger generations. Shockingly, in India, one in three individuals is pre-diabetic, two in three individuals are grappling with pre-hypertension, and one in ten suffer from depression. These statistics are truly staggering(Travel attractions)

Apollo's search reveals that the average age of breast cancer diagnosis in India is 52, while it stands at 63 in the USA and Europe .Additionally, they report that 30 percent of colon cancer patients in India are younger than 50 years old. 

Despite the rise in cases, India's screening rates are severely low. For instance, the breast cancer screening rate is a mere 1.9 percent in India, in contrast to 82 percent in the UK and 23 percent in China. Furthermore, the report highlights that cervical cancer screening in India is only 0.9 percent, compared to 73 percent in the USA and 70 percent in the UK.(Travel attractions) 

Apollo's research findings signal a serious health risk for the nation, emphasizing the need for immediate attention.

What initiatives can India undertake to counter the alarming rise in cancer occurrences, with the ultimate aim of no longer holding the title of the world's "cancer capital" and greatly improving the health and well-being of its citizens?

There are multiple ways to prevent and decrease the incidence of cancer:

Engage in regular exercise.

Ensure you get sufficient quality sleep daily, as lack of sleep is associated with weight gain , a risk factor for cancer.

Stay away from all types of tobacco.

Avoid alcohol.

Minimize exposure to radiation.

Minimize industrial and environmental toxins.

Vitamin D plays a role in reducing the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer, and other forms of cancer.

Most importantly, make it a priority to undergo screening tests regularly to detect cancer in its early stages.

           

Taiwan's seismic activity : causes, impacts, and preparedness

Despite its size , Taiwan offers a wealth of picturesque destinations to explore. Every year, droves of tourists from around the world descend upon its shores to witness the natural beauty that abounds in this country.

However, Taiwan grapples with a significant challenge- the constant threat of earthquakes due to its position at the convergence of two tectonic plates. The island's history is marked by numerous notable earthquakes that have badly impacted its landscape and inhabitants.

 True , earthquakes are a common occurrence in Taiwan .Geologists warn that Taiwan's geological setting makes it prone to  seismic activity, with earthquakes occurring nearly every year or at regular intervals.

Taiwan lies in the area called the Ring of Fire means the area that belongs to the seismically and volcanically active zone where world's largest earthquakes occurred.

while not all prove catastrophic, some unleash destruction, claiming numerous lives and devastating communities.

These earthquakes often register a magnitude around 6 on the Richter scale ,but on the morning of April 3rd , 2024  tremor surged to a formidable 7.2 on the Richter scale . It is considered the strongest in decades in Taiwan, causing widespread devastation that reduced buildings to rubble .Countless structures were destroyed, leaving many homeless.

  

The epicentre of the earthquake was Hualien city, 18 kms ,south of Taiwan 's at a depth of 34.8 kilometres.

There within the mountainous expanse , seismic activity triggered landslides resulting in debris damaging vehicles on the road and leading to deaths. 

Taiwan's first recorded earthquake dates back to 1624 .The major earthquake prone areas in Taiwan include Hualien, Taitung, Yilan , Taipei ,Chiayi.

Here the building constructions are done according to strict adherence to rigorous safety protocols. Taiwan's susceptibility to earthquake has prompted the implementation of rigorous building codes and disaster preparedness measures.

 The government has invested heavily in seismic retrofitting of buildings, especially in densely populated urban areas ,to mitigate the impact of future earthquakes.

Despite these efforts, Taiwan continues to face the ever-present threat of seismic activity. The most devastating seismic activity in recent memory occurred on September 21, 1999, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale , resulting in the deaths of 2400 lives. 

 The dichotomy of parenting: Nurturing care versus Emotional Stress  

When the notion to write this article struck me, I grappled with uncertainty, wondering whether to proceed, as I intended to dispel the belief that parents' decisions are always flawless. While parents undoubtedly have good intentions ,their decisions are not always infallible.

I have sought to clarify this by presenting two different narratives stemming from the same origin. These two stories will expose much and give a glimpse into the reality. The initial story pertains to parents whom I know personally.

I know a person who works as a salesman in a shop, while his wife runs a small garment shop nearby. Their only daughter is in the fifth grade at a prestigious convent school ,consistently ranking among the top ten students.

 

To cover her school fees and other essentials ,both parents work tirelessly .On the day of the school's final result announcement ,I was present. When the teacher didn't call their daughter 's name among the top ten ,her mother's face flushed with anger.

 

Angered by this ,her mother's face turned red with fury .Without uttering a word ,she stormed out of the school. Outside ,she scolded and punished her daughter all the way home, the child crying all along reached home .She suffered consequences due to her poor result, which reflected a waste of all her parents' hard work.

This clearly indicated the shattering of the dream cherished by the girl's parents ,or the dream they had envisioned in their earlier days and now hoped to achieve through their child. 

 In the same way ,another story that will give you insight into what parental pressure really means.

  

This story unfolds with a father, a science graduate from his time tried various competitive exams and applied to numerous jobs ,but none materialized.

 Disheartened, he left his job and joined as a sales agent at an insurance company. Like the previous case, he admitted his daughter to a prestigious school. Every spare moment ,he spent teaching her after school and even during vacations when she visited her grandmother's house ,he would set study targets. If she failed to meet them , he would scold her grandmother .

 

He even gave detailed instructions to the tuition teacher. He would also give him daily goals, directing him to complete a certain portion within a day, and admonish him if her exam outcomes were unsatisfactory.

 

Their daughter avoided staying at home due to the pressure , and always seeking enrollment in any course to escape her parents tyranny, which eventually happened .

 

Despite the immense pressure, her exam performance was lacklustre and she eventually enrolled in a nursing course. Her father 's aspiration of her becoming a doctor remained unfulfilled.

 

These two stories illustrate how parental pressure impacts the careers and lives of children .In truth ,there exists a fine line between parental care and parental pressure. What we often label as parental care may actually be parental pressure.

The fundamental question at hand is why parents feel compelled to impose such heavy expectations on their children .Is it a reflection of sincere parental care or a parental stress?

What ,then, can be done to foster children's growth without imposing excessive pressure?

Research indicates that parenting with praise can greatly enhance a child's performance.According to a 2022 study ,empowering your child to feel capable can increase their motivation to overcome future challenges.

Creating a positive environment where children feel at ease is crucial for yielding positive outcomes. Additionally, parents should establish practical and achievable expectations, rather than projecting their own unfulfilled desires onto their children.

In India, the competitive landscape is fierce. The National Career service reports that over 14 lakh eligible candidates are competing for 2.2 lakh jobs in the country.

Moreover, 66% of students in India feel pressured by their parents to excel academically. This pressure often arises without a proper understanding of the child's capabilities, interests , and intelligence.

Now the question is how can we motivate children to study without applying undue pressure? This can be better understood by a simple story.

There was a boy who was struggling with academics and lacked interest in studying, which deeply concerned his parents. Despite their efforts to encourage him ,there was little improvement.

 One day , his father attended a dog show where he observed the trainer's technique of using a ring to direct to leap through it .The dog was rewarded with a treat for each successful jump, and the height of the ring was increased gradually after each successful jump.

Inspired by this, the father decided to try a similar approach with his son .Upon returning home, he introduced the idea of sketching and asked his son to draw a picture of a dog.

He promised to reward upon completion .The boy enthusiastically completed the sketch. From then on , the father set progressively with challenging tasks for his son, rewarding each accomplishment with treats such as zoo visits, movie outings , and trips to water parks. This strategy ignited his son's interest and resulted in academic success.

Throughout this process, the father maintained a positive environment at home, consistently praising and encouraging his son .He would often say ," You can do it, you are a winner, "instilling a sense of confidence and motivation in his son to pursue his goals.

So the key to sparking children's interest in studying is through nurturing care and love, rather than applying pressure.

'   

  

💖 Spring 

Spring , though brief  among the seasons, whispers of change in nature's rhythm. It's a season of awakening. It's a time of blossoming. It's like poetry penned by a poet, painting the lines with vivid imagination, capturing the vibrant youth of nature.

With the onset of spring, a wave of energy and joy envelops the world .You can feel its presence in every living creature: the leaves gently smiling, the birds chirping joyfully, and the lively air filled with sunlight, almost like a divine blessing upon the abundant nature. To me, spring signifies the presence of something divine. Without it, nature's symphony remains unfound.

As spring unfolds , emotions long suppressed find their voice , hearts echo with melodies, life gains depth and significance. It strikes a chord deep within the heart. Quietly, the heart sings a tune, longing to dance and sway in the open gentle breeze. It feels like the whole universe is one , no one distinct, all appears as the embodiment of divine love. There are no grudges, no complaints, no sorrow ,only an abundance of love flowing everywhere.

The arrival of spring feels like a celebration. The fragrance of spring, and the love strewn all around, begin to naturally seep into the pages of self -expression. The pen eagerly longs to depict this abundant beauty and love in nature. In its depiction, words seem to fall short, lacking in conveying the depth of emotions. Spring is just like that- no matter how much one describes, it always feels insufficient.

Spring is simply spring , the blooming both outwardly and inwardly, It's just a celebration, renewal and anticipation .Quiet right, the wait, love and excitement for spring are  always deeply sensed.

 Holi

Vibrant Hues: Celebrating the joy of Holi Festival

With the advent of Holi, nature seems to chuckle with delight, joining in the festive spirit. Fresh leaves adorn the trees, birds sing in sweet jubilation, and the melodious notes of the cuckoo create a symphony of welcome. A delightful ambiance envelops everything ,painting the world with the hues of happiness. Really in this moment, the earth seems no less than heaven. Happiness all around.

Holi is recognized as a festival that commemorates the fruitful harvest and the beginning of the spring season. 

In Hindu tradition ,the festival of Holi unfolds with Basant Panchami, the time when devotees offer powdered colours also called Gulal to Goddess Saraswati. Truely, Basant Panchami marks the onset of Holi. In villages people begin playing Holi with an array of vibrant colours from Basant Panchami.

Holi,the vibrant festival of colours ,holds a significant place among all Hindu festivals. In the northern states of India ,it takes center stage as the primary festival.

For many ,Holi is not just a festival ;it is a journey back to their roots. People working in other states or abroad  return to their native towns or villages to celebrate Holi. Therefore, during the festive season, securing reservations for trains and flights for Holi is no easy task, Prompting many to make advanced bookings.

Numerous tales account the origins of the Holi festival,as chronicled in mythological texts.

One such legend speaks of a formidable king known as Hiranyakashipu,who demanded that all in his realm worship him as a diety.Yet ,his own son ,the devout Prahlad, remained steadfast in his devotion to Lord Vishnu,defying his father's commands.

In a cunning scheme ,the king enlisted his sister ,Holika, who possessed immunity to fire, to dispatch prahlad.As they sat on a pyre, Holika intending harm to Prahlad, she succumed to the flames while Prahlad emerged unscathed.This age-old narrative of virtue conquering evil reverberates through the festivities of Holi.

 Another enchanting tale unfolds the divine love shared between Lord Radha and Lord Krishna. 

During this festive occasion, people joyfully engage in throwing coloured powder and splashing each other with water. 

Some even playfully toss balloons filled with vibrant colours at one another.Here different colours symbolises different shades of emotions like red signifies love and fertility while green represents new beginnings .

The streets come alive with laughter and excitement.It is a time when differences fade away , and joy becomes the universal language spoken by all.

India celebrates Holi under various names, each distinctive to its respective state , adding a unique touch to the festival.The same Holi called by different names are 

1. Royal Holi - Rajasthan 
2. Hola Mohalla - Punjab
3. Shigma or Rang Panchami -Maharastra
4. Lathmar Holi -Uttar pradesh 
5. Phaguwa - Bihar
6. Yaosang -Manipur  
7. Dol Jatra or Basant Utsav -West Bengal
8. Dola - Odisha
9. Ukuli -Kerala
10. Shigmo - Goa

In the Indian culture , the Holi festivities in Mathura and Vrindavan are highly significant as they are the birthplaces of Lord Krishna.

Masan Holi

A very unique kind of Holi celebrated  in India called Masan Holi .It is a type of Holi in which people play with the ashes of cremation pyres. This Holi is played at the Manikarnika Ghat crematorium in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

During this  two- day festival, people savor various types of dishes such as Malpua, Dahi Bhalle,Puran Poli, Gujiya and many others.

Regardless of the name under which Holi is celebrated , the essence remains unchanged: setting aside all grievances, people embrace one another,sharing the hues of love through food, songs, and heartfelt embraces.

 

;    

 

Back Together Again : Our Reunion ( Part -3)

 

Is the reunion not a confluence of the past and present facets of the same soul? Do we not see  reflections of their former appearance, behaviour, speech, confidence, and openness in contrast to the present? However, we seldom voice these observations. In reality, within the introspective mirror of our minds ,we intricately analyse our friends in every aspect during reunions.

The boys ,once slender and without facial hair during school days , now boast deep moustaches and flowing beards 🧔,with some even showing signs of grey.

The same goes for the other half- the girls ,once admired for their beauty- have now gained a bit of weight in their middle years. Their voices and tones have undergone a change in these past two decades, their faces showing a new look from before, with a noticeable development in confidence and boldness.

 Now they are not hesitant to speak up, showing no trace of shyness, and have grown accustomed to travelling long distances alone , as many have flown in from foreign land.In terms of beauty , the girls appear to grow more stunning and glamorous with age ,infused with a sense of maturity.

 Let's pause here for a significant truth: beauty exists at every stage of life. Middle- aged women often appear younger than their younger counterparts due to their depth of maturity and understanding. The fusion of beauty and maturity enhances an individual manifold ,as was evident in all the women present in the reunion.

During our get-together Jay, Renu, Binita and supriya, these graceful ladies immersed themselves in the ocean of dancing and singing, savoring all the flavours of the events.

 Like bees extracting nectar from flowers without disturbing them ,I mean they enjoyed themselves quietly, without moving their lips and tapping their feet, entertaining themselves as silent observers. They did not open themselves in the gathering but remained an integral part.

Though they remained reserved during the gathering, they were indispensable in offering support, lifting morale, and providing encouragement throughout all the events.Undoubtedly, they were the mainstay of the reunion ,contributing to a lighthearted atmosphere with their combined maturity.

Dazzling like the girls in the hall, the boys were equally impressive .Clad in white suits, they sparkled under the lights ,truly the stars of the reunion. Each looked dashing as if they were headed for a romantic evening, judging by their attire. 

Saddy, our clean-shaven ,smart Hero, captivated the gathering, with his eloquent speech and impressive command of words. Saddy with eloquent  articulation,  introduced our ensemble of singers led by Ved, a vocalist with sweet melodious tones supported by friends Saddy, Dj, Vikram, Moti, Romen in harmony ,they delivered a captivating performance enchanting the ears of all present there. 

The moment truly evoked nostalgia as Moti and Romen, with their distinct dancing styles, captured the hearts of everyone present .Moti, with his kangaroo-inspired moves, hands raised high and taking baby steps, Romen, leaping as if he were jumping over our heads , infused the atmosphere with a sense of fun and joyousness.

Another sparkle of our reunion was Vikram, arriving all the way from London,added a lively touch to our reunion by blowing a high -pitched whistle and sharing an assortment of imported chocolates he had brought along.

Let it be clear that he didn't use any advice for the whistle during our singing and dancing ; rather, he blew it through his natural ,soft lips .The sound of his whistle resonated throughout not just the hall, but the entire hotel.

With each passing hour, the evening slipped into the late night ,signaling the arrival of the next day.

With the break of day, we travelled to place that had shaped us, the school .

Visiting the school after two decades felt like stepping into a dream .Overtime, the building had acquired a weathered appearance, but it seemed to lack the uniqueness it once possessed.

 I felt as though walls, garden and the ancient trees telling stories of days gone by. The echoes of childhood laughter, chatter of classmates and teacher's scolding voice for not completing the assignments seemed lingered in the air.

 As I stepped in the classroom I was struck by the wave of emotions. The desks arranged in rows ,held the secrets and dreams of past days. The scent of chalk dust , the worn out mark on the wooden benches mark a story unto itself .

Among the alumni of our school, Renu emerged as the sole remnant of our school days, now a dedicated Biology teacher . With genuine warmth ,she welcomed us, offering refreshments and serving numerous cups of tea.  

Looking at the school and around I couldn't help but marvel at how much had changed. Leaving the school was like saying goodbye to a part of myself

I knew that the fact is I could never go back those carefree days .

Walking away from the school made me realize how much I had grown and changed since those days .While leaving premises I felt a pang of sadness deep in me. 

Returning to our accommodations ,the night had enveloped us in its darkness, yet there was no sign of fatigue among our group. Gathering in the hall, we immersed ourselves in lively conversations, reminiscing about the cherished moments of our past.

The upcoming day marked the conclusion of our reunion, with each member preparing to embark on their journey back to their destinations.

Morning arrived with a tinge of sadness. The hall, once filled with animated chatter ,now held a quiet reverence as we prepared to bid farewell. Hugs were exchanged ,promises made to keep in touch, plans whispered for future reunions. The weight of nostalgia hung heavy in the air.

 

As the cars pulled away, I looked back one last time at the place that had been our haven for these few days. Departing from reunion is never easy.It is a moment of mixed emotions - joy for memories created, sadness for the inevitable goodbyes, and gratitude for the time spent together.

At times, I wonder why we friends reunite when the reality is we no longer stay together as we did in childhood. Why does time seem to slip through our fingers so swiftly , especially when we are surrounded by cherished memories? And the haunting question that lingers within me still :Why did they all depart ?    

  

Back Together Again :Our Reunion (Part- 2)

Unbelievably ,it didn't take me much time to recognise him- the beloved figure of my bench-mate -with the same lean and thin body contour, now adorned with a distinguished grey beard, reflecting his years of experiences and carrying the ethereal aura of our school escapades.

With an embrace filled with surprise , he greeted me ",DJ, it's like we've aged a century !Can you believe it's been two decades since we last met and shared laugh ?"I mirrored his sentiment ",Ah, time, Dear time flies .But seeing you now feel like we just met yesterday."

I found myself grappling with an ability to articulate ,uncertain of the words to utter. My gaze remained fixed upon him ,as meeting him had once seemed like a distant dream, yet here he stood before me today. The individual I once thought impossible to meet, now within arm's length, engaging in conversation - a reality I never envisioned. The sight of these events filled us with nostalgia.

As we meandered through the corridors, I scanned the surroundings with eager anticipation , hoping to catch a glimpse of other long -lost friends from our school days. Our journey led us to the lobby, a breathtaking space that seemed to whisper promises of renewal .

The soft glow of lights, the plush velvet armchairs arranged with loving care, and the gleaming marble floors- all conspired to create an ambiance of grandeur and possibility.

With each measured step, the ambient noise seemed to swell , the environment coming alive around us. What initially began as a faint background murmur gradually coalesced into a vibrant cacophony of voices, laughter , and animated chatter ,creating an atmosphere brimming with lively energy and eager anticipation.

Suddenly, my gaze fell upon a sign proudly displaying 'Reunion 92' just above the entrance. Ah, yes,'92, the year when our paths last converged in academia. The venue itself seemed to breathe with the stories of our past, with pictures of days long past whispering tales of bygone eras, the decorations all over evoked a profound sense of nostalgia.

As the grand door swung open , a hush descended upon the room. As all eyes turned towards me ,a tinge of nervousness crept over me.The reason behind my nervousness was unclear, but the sensation was definitely strange, possibly because it had been a long time since we last met.

  In the opulent hall, a group of eagerly attired young ladies sat around a circular table on plush couches, each draped in resplendent red sarees ,their radiant skin ,flowing raven locks, and crimson lipstic lending an ethereal quality to the gathering .It was as though a troupe of celestial beings (pari) had descended upon Earth to grace our reunion, each exuding a unique and incomparable beauty.

 As the vast beauty unfolded before our eyes, waves of madness surged repeatedly within and the heart was yearning to embrace everyone .Yet, with a tender touch of understanding ,we embraced the delicate line that softly separates us.Let us dwell within these sweet confines of gentle boundaries. Perhaps this unspoken desires stires in every soul ,yet all chose to suppress the articulation of  their innermost sentiments.

My childhood companions Moti, Sandy ,Ved, Swati, Anu, Nitu, Appy, Maddy and others savoured their snacks and drinks amidst the tuneless melodies of Appy, and Maddy.

 Interestingly, the duo was so engrossed in their unmelodious singing that they unknowingly tapped their feet ,unaware of the disinterest of those around them but everyone immersed in the moment without a care for pitch and melody.

Yes, there were two exceptions- Swati, and Anu with their silky and velvety voices stirred emotions in the hearts of those gathered .But ,the truth remains it was Appy and Maddy who kick started the frenzy, and lit the fire ,prompting everyone to join in the joyous dancing and singing.

     The venue buzzed with their singing and lively chatter. In a flurry of voices, each individual struggled to be heard ,unaware of the lack of attentive ears. The room became a hub of singers and speakers ,reminiscent of our school days when we would raise a ruckus in the absence of our teachers. 

Could these be the same individual with whom I had shared the halls of academia two decades ago?No, it seemed inconceivable. They had undergone a metamorphosis. It seemed as though I had mistakenly knocked on the wrong door. Really, my senses were unprepared to accept that these were the same individuals with whom I shared my schooling.

 Genuinely, the suppressed childlike spirit seemed to resurface among all, a heartening sight that the eyes had been deprived of for years.

 

Back Together Again: Our Reunion 

Imagine the sheer delight when after decades the laughter and chatter of your childhood friends resonated your auditory senses. Wouldn't you feel like having received something truly precious?Wouldn't that evoke a sense of exhilaration  and intense excitement ?Wouldn't that make you elated soulfully? Recently, I went through the similar situation .

Indeed ! It was a class reunion - a moment to cuddle the nostalgic embrace of familiar faces and places .The act of meeting childhood friends possesses a distinct taste and flavour, one that fills the heart with joy. I eagerly anticipated the prospect of reconnecting with friends after years, envisaging numerous open heartfelt conversations.

Ah, the preparations! One should not wonder; we had been meticulously planning for a year. Every detail- from food arrangements to travel logistics and accommodations-was thoroughly orchestrated to ensure seamless execution and the absence of any potential hiccups. And the planning persisted throughout the year. And finally to explore the intricacies of the preparations several rounds of marathon deliberations were carried out. Finally a date was set for our much -anticipated reunion.

 

The excitement was palpable among all attendees. No,doubt the excitement of meeting after two decades was at its peak among us .It was like happy hormones were on overdrive for everyone who were going to be the part of much -anticipated reunion.

From varied locations, friends descended upon a small picturesque landscape close to the steel city , Jamshedpur. The patch of land had a scenic beauty adorned with majestic mountains and lush forests. The main highway ran past our lodging, situated by a serene hill with a spring flowing down, was nestled amidst the surrounding woodlands. 

Several of us reached the venue a day ahead , eager to soak in every moment and not miss a single event. But due to some prior engagements I got there the next day for being a part of long -awaited  reunion.

Upon stepping into the lobby, suddenly a hand gently tapped my shoulder from back, causing me to whirl around D....DJ? a voice stuttered ,he looked at me and without thinking further ,he threw his arms around me and held me tightly.  

(Rest in next part) 

Chhat Puja , a mega festival !

A Mega Festival, Chhat Puja

In India, whenever it comes the name of 'Chhat Puja' ,states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh strike the brain box which are believed to be the birth places of mega Hindu Vedic festival . Though many festivals are celebrated in a year but Chhat acquires the top because of its sanctity and purity.

Earlier, this sacred festival was confined to states like Bihar and Uttar pradesh only but now it is extended  to  other Indian states.

The people of Some parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhy pradesh ,West Bengal, Odisha and even Maharashtra also celebrate this sacred festival.Fiji, Mauritius, United States are a few of the some countries where 'Chhat ' is celebrated. It would not be incorrect to say that  almost everywhere were specially Biharis reside there 'Chhat' is celebrated with great devotion and gusto.

The people of these states who stay out the home state all the year during' Chhat ' must come to their home land to participate in the festival.

 Don't think all who live other states or abroad come to their native places to celebrate .Those who fail to come, celebrate there with the same faith ,dedication , and enthusiasm.

  This vedic festival  symbolises cleanliness and the  proper hygiene that are maintained during the entire stages of this festival.

 

A small lapse in the process is believed to be a sin so every care is taken starting from arrangements to celebrations of  'Chhat' .It is a sacred festival .

Basically, this festival completes in four days , in other words it can be said that this festival is celebrated for four days.

The first day begins with 'Nahay-Khaye' a name assigned to a particular ritual that comes the first day of the festival.

The special thing about this day is that those who keep fasting on this day eat rice , Pulses , vegetable with no garlic and onion.  As in the Hindu system ,it is a common belief that consuming garlic and onion are unsacred .

The second day is known by name 'kharna' when the fasting people eat pudding made from rice ,milk and molasses along with the bread (wheat) also called' roti 'in Hindi language is also prepared as prasadam .On this day , people invite their near and dear ones to celebrate .During evening time, the prasadam is distributed and everyone eats the prasadam.

The third day is the beginning of prayer to Lord Sun.Those who keep fasting for 'chhat' during evening time before sunset offer prayer to Lord Sun, at the bank of any water body ,it might be any river, pond or .If there is no water body close to home then people also dig a small piece of earth and fill it with water to offer prayer to Lord Sun.

The fourth day is also the ending of the 'chath' festival . Early in the morning before the sunrise , people reach at the bank of water body and with the Sunrise they start offering prayer to Lord Sun and in this way the fourth and the last day of the festival ends.

The unique thing about this festival is those who keep fasting has to remain on fasting without water and food from the evening of the second day to the fourth day i.e up to the early morning.So, in this festival fasting hours is around 36 hours at a stretch .

The second thing is that this festival reflects a traditional system ,no use of modern system like the prasadam is prepared on earthen oven , wood and dried cow dung cake are used as fuel in the earthen oven ,no induction oven or gas stove is used to prepare the prasadam.Even, the ingredients that are used to prepare the prasadam are cleaned in a proper way so that there should be no foreign particles  .

 

Milk used  for making Prasadam should be fresh and directly taken out .Only cow and buffaloes milk is used to prepare the prasadam .No other animal milk is used to prepare the prasadam.

 

Entire area is cleaned thoroughly so that one who keeps fasting and go along water body side to offer prayers should not come in contact with  dirt particles.