River Cruise | River Ganga, Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the most visited religious destinations in India, thanks to its historic ghats, splendid temples and the distinct flavour of the city itself. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, a fact that makes it even more fascinating as a popular tourist spot in India. It is the river Ganga though, which lends the city its identity. Indeed, the city and the river have become synonymous with each other. We went for the evening river cruise for the fabulous views of the river Ganga, the ancient Ghats and the Ganga Aarti. Continue reading River Cruise | River Ganga, Varanasi

Judhajit Roychoudhury05 Dec 202218 Jan 202311 Comments

Mixed Bag

18th anniversary of our Diksha

Diksha is a ceremony of initiation and the entering of a religious order. It involves a guru giving a mantra to a disciple and having the disciple agreeing to follow a certain religious practice. During diksha, a Guru provides a disciple with a Guru Mantra. The sole aim of the Guru Mantra is to control the senses and set the individual in the path of Brahman consciousness. Continue reading 18th anniversary of our Diksha

Indrajit RoyChoudhury11 Jan 202116 Feb 20236 Comments

History

Chandraketugarh | A Lost Civilization

What connects Bengal and the Indus Valley Civilisation? A 2,500-year-old archaeological site, suffering from neglect might have the answer. A thriving settlement between the 4th century BCE and 12th century CE, Chandraketugarh is often thought to be the kingdom of Gangaridai as referred to by ancient Greek and Roman writers. Apart from its historical significance, Chandraketugarh is of great cultural importance, associated with Bengali poet and astrologer Khana, the daughter-in-law of Varahamihira, the famed astronomer and mathematician who was part of Chandragupta Vikramaditya’s court. Continue reading Chandraketugarh | A Lost Civilization

Indrajit RoyChoudhury08 Sep 202023 Feb 202319 Comments

History

Budaun | Sleepy Town with a Vibrant History

Budaun is a historical city with its history lost in its dusty avenues and sleepy streets. It seems nothing more than a secluded small town. But moving around the city, you can come across numerous historical ruins and monuments that reveal many legends from its past. Situated on the banks of the river Ganga, Budaun is indeed a hidden gem of Uttar Pradesh. Budaun was the capital of Delhi Sultanate for four years from 1210 CE to 1214 CE during Sultan Iltutmish rule (reign: 1210-1236 CE). Continue reading Budaun | Sleepy Town with a Vibrant History

Indrajit RoyChoudhury08 May 202023 Feb 20235 Comments

Culture

Durga Puja, Varanasi, 2008

The festival season in India means bright colours, lights, giant floats, ceremonies and excitement. The major Indian celebration is Durga Puja (Puja meaning worship). The Hindu Goddess Durga is the goddess of Shakti (power). Magic may be the only word that best describes the pageantry and fanfare that revolves around Durga Puja. While going through some old pictures yesterday, I came across the photographs of … Continue reading Durga Puja, Varanasi, 2008

Indrajit RoyChoudhury11 Sep 201923 Feb 20237 Comments

Travel

River Cruise | River Hooghly, Kolkata

Kolkata, the City of Joy, is known for its cultural significance. The 350-year old metropolis boasts of a rich heritage and several popular landmarks that exude a distinct charm. As the sun sets, painting an evening sky with a hundred shades of red and orange, the cruise sails through the Hooghly river. Continue reading River Cruise | River Hooghly, Kolkata

Judhajit Roychoudhury22 Jun 201918 Jan 202312 Comments

Culture

Shahi Snan, Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, 2019

The Kumbh Mela — the largest congregation in the world — sees world gathering of saints, pilgrims, devotees to take holy dips in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati. Bathing in these rivers is thought to cleanse and purify ones’ soul of all sins. Recognized by UNESCO as India’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’, Kumbh Mela never ceases to amaze and its amazement is always felt in the grandeur of it being the largest religious-cultural festival in the world. Continue reading Shahi Snan, Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, 2019

Judhajit Roychoudhury05 Feb 201905 Mar 202323 Comments

Travel

Siberian Birds at Triveni Sangam (Prayagraj)

The arrival of annual visitors — the Siberian gulls — at the Triveni Sangam in Allahabad heralds the onset of winters. With the onset of winters, these Siberian birds spread their wings to take flight of thousands of kilometres all the way from Siberia via Afghanistan, Mongolia and Tibet crossing high Himalayan mountains. Continue reading Siberian Birds at Triveni Sangam (Prayagraj)

Indrajit RoyChoudhury07 Nov 201718 Jan 202323 Comments

Opinion

Makar Sankranti Is Not Uttarayana

Makar Sankranti is about nature, energy of the sun, harvest of new crop, and progress of mankind. It marks the end of Malmaas, an inauspicious month in the Hindu (Panchang) calendar, and the transition of the Sun to the zodiacal sign of Makar (Capricorn) to herald a change in season. Continue reading Makar Sankranti Is Not Uttarayana

Indrajit RoyChoudhury14 Jan 201522 Dec 20222 Comments