GangaSagar Mela: A Dip for Faith

“Sab tirath bar bar, Gangasagar ekbar”, may we visit other holy places several times – but a visit once to Gangasagar is worth a life-time, keeping it in mind Hindus from all over the world, from Nepal, Thailand, West Indies, Canada, Japan, far from Australia and  from every state of India reaches the confluence of Ganges at Sagar Sangam situated in southern part of West Bengal in India.



Aerial View of Gangasagar Mela

 

Ganga Sagar, located on the western edge of the Sunderban Delta in West Bengal, is for many Hindus a very renowned Place of Pilgrimage, because there the Ganga River has a confluence with the Bay of Bengal. Every year, on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti (when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius) a huge fair is held here. The most prominent site in GangaSagar is Kapil Muni Temple and millions of Hindu pilgrims visit this holy place all year round to take a dip in the Ganges.The biggest attraction of this place is “Ganga Sagar Mela(Fair)" that happens during “Makar Sankranti" every year. This Mela is the largest human gathering after "Kumbha Mela(Fair)", and it’s also called Ardha Kumbha Mela(Fair). This is an annual festival happening on 14th January and is one of the biggest Hindu gatherings worldwide.



Prayer of Faith




Devotees assembled for Gangasagar Mela



People start celebrating the Ganga Sagar Mela from the first week of January in West Bengal. The popularity of this fair can be understood from the fact that without any formal or informal invitation, advertisement and organizing authority, more than a million pilgrims come here every year, from different parts of India, just to take a holy dip in the Ganges. Apart from the general pilgrims, the assemblage of Naga Sadhus here gives a unique identity to this festival. In 2011, around 5 lakh piligrims took holy dip in the river Ganga braving the icy cold water and a chilly wind at the annual Gangasagar Fair.



A Dip for Faith and Devotion



Piligrims taking holy dip during Makar Sankranti



During Ganagsagar mela, the site of pilgrimage was a fascinating exchange of so many sincere spiritual seekers from so many lineages and backgrounds. Sky clad devotees of Lord Shiva covered in ash, saffron-robed sunnyasis, red-robes, leopard skirts, big turbans, small turbans, dhotis, sarees tied every which way, silk, cotton, nylon...the diversity was unique and one of its kind.



Naga Sadhu at GangaSagar Mela




Holy Dip at GangaSagar Mela



Only in India, one can get wake up at two in the morning to hike down to Mother Ganga with tens of thousands of pilgrims to take bath in the company of calves, sadhus, gurus, coconuts, marigold flower garlands, floating candles and millions of sticks of incense burning everywhere. That’s the strength of devotion.

Filigree Work: Romantic and Delicated Twisted Wire designs

Indian culture has many jewels which many of us not even aware of. One of them is Filigree work on silver. For thousands of years, Indian cultures have made filigree: delicate jewelry, decorative objects. Filigree refers to laces like decoration using gold or silver wire. It is ideal for arabesque designs. The wires or threads in filigree jewelry are often intricately intertwined or bent into swirls or rosettes. It is feminine, delicate, and alluring art form of jewellery.  



Filigree Brooches



Filigree work in silver is quite famous in India, especially in eastern India.  Silver Filigree is the most delicate and exquisite rendition of Silver handicraft. This fine art has been an integral and coveted part of the Indian culture from ancient times. It is done with patience because it involves technicality. Basically filigree work is done on silver before it was used on gold.  Filigree is created through the careful application of intricate detailing, in the form of a thin metal overlay finish, which is swirled across the surface of the silver jewellery to give it a light, woven effect.



Filigree Bangles



Filigree Ring


India has its unique importance in the field of filigree work. Indian artisans are inspired by Greek filigree work. Even today the same old style and pattern is followed. Beautiful designs of flowers and peacocks are carved on pendants.



Filigree Hairpin

 


Filigree Pendant

 

In India the art of filigree jewelry is very popular in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. In India, filigree work is known by different names, in Orissa it is called ‘Tarkashi’. It is also done in Andhra Pradesh, its 'Karim Nagar' is mainly known for this work. In Orissa, filigree is localized at Cuttack town and a few villages in Cuttack district. Silver filigree has been an important export items of Orissa from ancient times and has been a symbol of the dizzy heights of excellence reached by Orissa's craftsmen.



Filigree Necklace




Filigree Tray



This work involves beating and drawing pure silver metal into fine and thin wires, which are then crafted together to form elegant patterns.  This jewelry is often floral in design and made from sterling silver.Filigree work is not only useful in making jewelry, but also to make different kinds show pieces, trays, bowls, spoons, plates, ash-trays, incense containers and many more decorative pieces. The Konark Chakra and Konarak sun temple are great favorites as mementos. Various types of filigree jewellery like pendants, earrings, hairpins, brooches, etc. are today available in the market.

Dev Deepavali: Perfect way to Welcome God!!

Not many people have heard of the Dev Deepavali. In fact the majority of Indians have never heard or aware of it either. Dev Deepavali, celebrated on the fifteenth day of Diwali, is a tribute to river Ganga by the people of Varanasi.  These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Dev Deepavali celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi.


One of the decorated ghats of Varanasi

 There is an old tradition of celebrating Dev Deepavali with pump and show in Varanasi. Dev Diwali is observed on Kartik Purnima and popularly celebrated along the Ganga River banks in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). There are many legends around Dev Deepavali. On Dev Deepavali (full moon day) it is said that God descends from heaven to bathe in the Ganga. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu returned to Vaikunta, his abode on this day after the Vamana incarnation and visiting King Bali. Another legend has it that Lord Shiva killed the three demons, who were killing the Devas and humans, and destroyed the three cities built by them on this day. 


Varanasi during Dev Deepawali

 Kartik Snan and Deepdaan are the main rituals performed during Dev Deepawali. Early morning, devotees take a holy dip in the river while chanting mantras and bowing to the sun-God. In the evening under the full moon reflecting in the holy waters, they perform deepostav. On deepostav occasion amidst chanting of Vedic hymns people light diyas (earthen lamps) and burst firecrackers in welcome. These lamps are lit as a mark of welcome to the Gods as they descend on earth. The little sparks of fire flicker elegantly and is a wonderful sight to watch.



Varanasi Ghat

 The 'Ganga-Aarti' is an important event in the evening. Almost all Ghats organize their own ceremony. During this time, the Ghats of Varanasi come alive with thousands of Diyas (earthen lamps). Huge lamps are set ablaze and the priest holds forth the lamp as the multitude chants the hymns. Every ghat along the Ganga is lighted up on Dev Deepavali in readiness for the Divine.


Ganga Aarti during Dev Deepavali

 The event is a must for all tourists who want to get a glimpse of the rich culture of Varanasi and India

Ross & Simth Islands: Tale of Twins Island

In India, there are numerous unexplored places and beaches especially in Andaman Islands. Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a real treat for beach lovers. These islands provide many untouched seashores and one of them is Ross & Simth Island. I was lucky to explore this twin islands in my trip to Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Ross & Smith Island is 30 minutes away via boat journey from Aerial bay jetty or Kalipur water sports centre.



Ross Island Beach

 The greenish blue water and white sands looked amazing from ferry. The view of beach was EXTREMELY mesmerizing!!!  The beach was unexplored, exotic and serene. It was difficult to believe that India has such a beautiful white sand beach. The scenery is beautiful all along and water is crystal clear. It has all the natural ingredients of tropical paradise. There is a lagoon side and a sea side to the beach. The serene environment and the scenic beauty was spell bounding me.



Ross & Simth Island veiw from boat




Simth Island Beach


The unique feature of this twin islands is that they are connected by a sand bridge which is visible only in the low tide. During high tide they get separated by crystal clear sea water. I reached Ross Islands during low tide and I was able to walk across this sand bridge to reach the Smith Island. Ross and Smith, the twin islands joined by a wide range of sand bar is gorgeous spot.



Arial View of Ross & Simth Island

 Below snap is taken from Smith Island as the high tide was setting in. You can see in snap how the waters from both ends cut across the divide, meeting each other eagerly. It was a treat to watch this water merger and how these islands get separated from each other in high tide.


Sand Bar which joines Ross & Simth Island



Its beaches are suitable for swimming, snorkeling and it is surrounded by coral reefs. It was a life time experience to do snorkeling in this beautiful beach. While snorkeling, I could see each reef row seemed to have its own kind of fish to look at the various shapes and the incredible colorations of tropical fish.



Coral Reef

 After enjoying for 5 hours in this picturesque beach, it was the time for me to return but this tropical paradise has surely  stolen my heart at the very first sight. It’s a must- see place for all the beach lovers.


Best time to visit: October to May

Janjira Fort: Unconquered Emerald of Arabian sea

Last year in Dusshera holidays, we planned to go to Goa for a week. While going to Goa, we have planned to meet our relatives in Mumbai. Since it was my first visit to Maharashtra, I was discussing with my colleagues which places to visit. One of my friend suggested Janjirra Fort. When I heard the name, I thought she is saying Jal Jeera which sounded quite strange to me. I browsed through the Google, and found the suggestions real true and the place looked quite interesting to me. So I added it in my list of sights.

We started at about 9 am from Navi Mumbai in a hired cab and reached Kashid beach at about 11:30 am.  The white sand beach was so enchanting that we couldn’t control and run towards it! We captured few snapshots quickly then we proceeded towards Murud-Janjira, which is at about 40mins distance from Kashid. We reached the 'Rajpuri Jetty' from where we travelled to Janjira fort by boat. I saw the glimpse of Janjira fort from shore . The fort is impressive to say the least and is quite unlike something I had ever seen before. It’s huge and right in the middle of the bay surrounded by water at all sides. The 2nd heaviest cannon in India is here. Definitely worth a look.

The local says the fort is immortal due to due to its complex design and astrological calculations about the auspicious moment when the fort could be constructed. I was quite interested about fort history so we took a guide. He told us that Janjira fort, built in the mid-15th century, was originally a wooden fortress built by the Murud fishermen to protect  their village from pirates. Janjira fort  name was originated from Arabic word Jazeera which means island Some of the people also split the name as “Jal Jeera” meaning fort in the water also known as ‘Fort Mehroob’. Shivaji, Sambhaji and the Peshwas tried, in turn, to take over the fort, but the Marathas, British or Portuguese could never capture Janjira. This fort is also termed as the unconquerable fortress of India. The fort remained virtually invincible in its lifespan.

As I entered the fort, I notice a room like structure on the right side of the main entrance called ‘Peer Panchayatan’ which houses a few graves in the front yard. Walk down further along the coastline and came across a stable from where you can see the three storied palace, the tallest structure inside the fort. The western side of the fort features a small door which was used as an emergency exit in the early years.

The whole trip at a leisurely pace would set us backed by about 3 hours or so but the experience to visit the unbeatable legacy of fort was quite thrilling.