LIFE BEYOND EXPECTATION AT SONEPUR

Perception about life is very easy and simple for the people of Sonpur, Which is situated just 34km distance from Berhampur .in the district of Ganjam , Odisha.A small fishery village near the commendable Sea Beach of Sonpur.Though not too popular among tourist but the whole location has filled with the natural beauty. 
The calm and quite village mostly busy with their own work never concerned with the matter which are not required for them. Very close neat neighbors  stay while sharing every bit of things at the time of crisis. No formality and dual mind set among the group of house wives who stay at home through out the day. The much elderly persons never think to go at old age home as like modern city but there the housewife give more time for the care of the elders. If incapable then the whole  families of the same lanes gather in one place to feel comfortable. Social life is too simple for them . No much hype club house or community centers are there where they can spent their social life. Surprise to see that total village involve in day today affair and gather for the interaction for each bit of matter. Mostly the women are busy for the selling of fish at market while the men are going to sea for catching fish. The new generation gradually are motivating for study and the girls are more orients for education that's why instead of getting married so early now their parents opt for the higher education . If one can pass the corridor of the village one can feel the solace and the

cleanliness around their houses. They probably believe that cleanliness invites God Luxmi thats why soon after the sunrise they make the alpana in front of their house. Neither they use any plastic nor do they spread any unhygienic habit which may help to the violence against environment. Perhaps i feel that they are the chief guardian of the beautiful location.

 

 

 The chirping sound of the children at the road creates a positive vibration how happily they are spending time with out any fear. Due to safety and security they are independently roaming around the village . No security guards are there to watch for the safety of the girl child. Never think about that situation only because the transparency and the mutual respect for each other and internal coordination with each family.

 

The short interaction with a group of women of that village gave me idea how much they are so confident to save their tradition and believe to continue their sanctity of their family life. They still adorn traditional jewellery along with cotton Saree. Confidently they feel to adopt modern thinking so that their new young generation can grow positively.

One important thing they shared with me was that they prefer to arrange the marriage of their daughter only within the village which will give them safety and security of their daughter. Neither they never arrange out of their village nor they bring from other location . That give strength to inter generational relationship. The psychological bondage is growing within the families. Due to internal peace and adjustment most of the people are not suffering by any aliment. All these matters give a communal strength and they all work hard to save the beauty of the environment.
This some how clicked to my mind too severely how the people of small village live life so happily with out any availability of modern amenities and the props of  high standard living facilities.
With their regular routine work they accept what the things are coming into their ways. At times the availability of fish are not so much at their two or three days journey at sea .Still they struggle to face the crisis. No depression that they feel for this short comings.

At times they come back with empty hand from their tour to catch fish. The hard work and the suffering never creates any hitch on their life schedule.

Perhaps the concept of beautiful life style that they follow due to the influence of the exemplary surrounding of nature. Which impact on their life style, simple but beautiful .
Soon after passing just 1km from their village the beautiful Sonpur beach is there.No words are there to express the beauty of the place . Just serene and unspoken able to the natures best beauty. 

River Bahuda is flowing near to the village . The confluence of river with Bay of Bengal at the end is the most attractive point to visit there. The transparency of the water speaks about the cleanliness of the river . No pollution is there at the water bodies.
To enjoy  the meeting point of river with sea one can go there  by boat.Thats the optimum point where one can enjoy at its fullest form.

Before reaching at the beach local volunteers are helping to give their services without charging anything from the tourist. This is what i got support from the two young chap who without thinking anything  they helped my mother for reaching at beach. Both of them were so soft and ready to help every one and doing volunteering in a group who are from their village .The most touching point was that they kept more vigil for the safety of the tourist like me when i went towards the lonely locations of the river for the photo shoot. They were with me and advised not to move more interior due to the viability of any danger. On that situation i felt about their honesty of their job and helped me to take fish from the fisherman at the lowest price . They did not feel like to take any tips from me. Their smiling face and honesty created a soft feelings for them.I asked their name and exchanged contact no . They are non other then but a two young boys of that village . Laxhmi Kanta Behera and Meenoketan Behera. Both of them are studying in the college. They are hoping to do their best at their career.

So far as the beauty of the beach and the river sight is concerned then i can say no such clean tourist spot is there in odisha.

Life will be more simple and stress free if we expect less . No mediation is necessary to fill the emptiness of life . Great travellers always says that we get great lessons from each visit to any new place. This life teachings we may perceive for the healthy  living standard.

The silence whisper of the wind speaks loudly about the importance of the place. The Sun set view itself prove  to spend time more  there.The pine trees near the sea beach creating a picturesque, green glossy attractive view for the each visitors.I captured the sequences of the natures best position returned back with heavy heart and great satisfaction .
I recommended everyone to visit and enjoy there at least for a day.If any one need guide then take the help of the volunteers who will give assistance for the roaming near beach and the confluence point by boat .Laxhmikanta Behera-6370554165,
Meenoketan Behera-7894424572.

Date- 12.3 2020
Sapna Acharya
Travel Writer

HARIPUR, AN ERSTWHILE PRINCELY STATES OF ODISHA

The strong passion for history and the regular traveller to a new location compel me to search a hidden treasure  of Indian culture and architecture.This is how my journey began at the second week of January to know more about the Haripur Garh of Mayurbhanja District of Odisha. No doubt  ,the whole place is surrounded by natural forests and local tribals who lives with their traditional way.

Once reached at the Anandbrindabanpur which is our ancestral village of our forefathers, I hold my breath for a moment to see the ambience. Touched to the point  where all houses  mostly made of mud stood like a part of different  world where every bit of nature attracts to the vision of human being as well as animals.Too much imbibing with the place I enquired  about the Royal garh of erstwhile King of Mayurbhanj.

While moving towards Haripur ,which was just 2km distance from Anandpur, we came across so many locals who were going to attend the Mela where at the time of Sankranti so many programmes were arranged like cock fighting and tribal dance. They burnt the effigy of Ravan at this time. This is how the local tribals celebrated the festive of new year along with the Uttarayan of Sun God so also this is their main festival  for the enjoyment of production  of Rice from their land. 

Haripur,which is very close to Baripada,is a place where a palace had built by the Bhanja dynasty in Badasahi block.Nothing was there to watch except a foundation of fort and few temples. It was once called as the Leaning Palace,because of its grandeur and beautiful construction  of the fort and palace.

The then king of Mayurbhanja Maharaja Shri Harihara Bhanja had built the palace at Haripur because of its geographical surroundings.

No care is there to restore the fort .Few tourist from local areas who visit there had no botheration except taking selfie photos of their own. Due to negligence  the historical fort has been gradually diminishing with the passing of each day.

So many events and stories  attached with this place. Before shifting to this place the Royals of Mayurbhanja had built their strong base at Khiching. Due to the threat and attack of Tughlaq Dynasty Firuz Shah on 1361 the Bhanja ruler shifted to Haripur.

The structure that exists on the palace premises include Rasikray Temple,parts of the fort and the main gate.Sources said that another temple has already been buried due to neglect.In the past,several secret chambers,artifacts and weapons used by the then rulers have been discovered.

Spread over 25 acre land,the palace that comprises the fort,temples and other structures is situated on the banks of Budhabalang river and surrounded by villages and forest.

Among all these the attention moves towards Rasika Ray temple.It was built by the influence of Gaudiya style. 

The architectural style is very similar to the temple of Bishnupur .The whole temple is made by brick . Even the design and small motifs and statue are very aesthetically  carved  on the bricks.

One cannot imagine the artisans skill without visiting there personally.The arches and domes are the main attraction for every visitors. Though there is no idols inside the temple but it remain as a epic center for the historical point of view.

Felt great to be a tourist and remembered our rulers who achieved by their strong civil work as well as their responsibility  to change the whole scenario by their brave administrative  skills and educational  policy.

Date--17th Jan.2020.

Place-Haripur Garh

CHITRAKOOT-------A PLACE FOR SALVATION

                                        CHITRAKOOT, A PLACE FOR SALVATION



A common notion is that soon after the old age one should go to a place where one can recite the name of God for salvation. So many religious centers are there at India. But, Chitrakoot is an another important place where everyone delighted to visit there to have a look on the important points which are related to God Ram.
The river Mandakini has attached so many ghats which are popularly known as Ramghat. Since the sunrise to late night devotees are coming to have a bath at the river for sanctity. Sadhus along with all walks of society coming there for chanting of sholkas after visiting the temple adjacent to river. 

Mahaarti take place at the ghat at every evening that will be the most mesmerizing scene for each and everyone.Mostly the boat riding in a beautifully decorated boat is an interesting part for all visitors.

An important place near the Mandakini river is the Tulsi ghat where it is believed that Tulsidasji got  darshan of Lord Ram while writing of Ramayan. So, people are doing meditation there for divine love.

Its a part of life to incline for getting divine wisdom . The means to pray God and the attainment of nirvan is very different for all. Whether  by taking holy bath or chanting of mantra or meditation it all depends upon the ones own mind set. Among all a hidden matter is there in the social point of view. 
Soon after the sunset the view at Ramghat is quite different. Few old couples are coming there to spend quite time 

. However. this is a regular feature of everyday. Curiosity  raised to inquire about the truth behind all. The disclose of one old couple made to know whether this is one type of social pressure to leave their family so that there will no burden for the young generation to maintain the life at the old age.

The couple have their own family at the far way to chitrakoot but as per their view they opted to stay here for getting salvation from the life. They have been staying here in an ashram in a rented room and preparing their own vegetarian food of their own however the monetary help either in cash or kind they are getting from their family.

The way they are leading their life at chitrakoot is very peaceful for them. They feel good and leaving all desires behind the life and practicing the detachment from worldly attachment.As per them every problem is dissolved by divine wisdom. The contentment on their face  make to feel that to live life with pure divine love.Perhaps they left all their worries , sad, hope , confusion on the hand of God. 
The search for peace at this environment is definitely a most demanding factor for all. But, the way the devotees take the path for getting salvation is an amazing thing. Its very painful to follow to leave all desires but confidence on god give moral support to live life in a better way.

Though the rotation of time continuously going on . The life frame is there to take it easily in the name of various mean . The faith and devotion help to get rid of all trouble in simple way .Every shadow is erased by Gods Light thats why mostly the people at the old age come to get salvation or to get free from all troubles. Awaiting for getting last divine love from god may be the ultimate wish.
Visit to Chitrakoot as a tourist where i met this old couple at the ghat dated 9th Oct 2018.

 

 
 

                          BAGG  PRINTING--A UNIQUE ART OF HAND BLOCK PRINT

Traveling to new places give us enough scope to learn about so many hidden things.I travelled to Mandu for a passion to explore the historical site of that particular place .Within that magnetic place a different aspect attracted my attention while roaming at the market areas at the evening time.  Due to rain the ambience was little hazy and more lovable to enjoy the mist.Mostly the tourists were enjoying at center of small local market by taking hot boil corn and omelets. Steadily, i went towards the tiny shop which demarcated the hoardings on the name of BAGG PRINTS  cloth materials available here. This was what intricately motivated me to know more about it.I interacted with the shop keeper regarding the details of the bagg prints. Though customers were very scanty so i got opportunity to talked in details.This is how the story line began.

                                     Mist soon after rain at Mandu                                    

Hand printing on clothes is a tradition of our Indian culture  and civilisation. With the development of civilization the art of hand print has been spreading like a wild fire. This specific bagg print has been a traditional work of Bhora community of Madhya Pradesh . They are doing this printing by their own hand with wooden blocks.The organic colors are basically applying for the printing on the clothes.

Since so many years the Khatri  community has been doing the printing works at Bagg ,under district Dhar. Now, other community are gradually learning to spread this art and also this helps them to earn for their livelihood.

For making prints , first of all the artist design the wooden blocks at least 1300 in numbers.They usually collect natural  vegetable colors for coloring the  materials.It is believed that the water of Baghini river, which is flowing near the Bagg Village , is helping to brighten the colors of the print on the clothes.Once the artist make design through his blocks then they repeatedly washes at the water of the baghini river which is the base matter for making it so specific.

Most of the basic  designs are taken from  the Buddhist art and style . The name of Bagg has came after the  Bagg Cave which is situated very close to the village.One can visit there from Ujjain that is 150km distance from there and 120 km distance from Mandu. 

To popularize this hand print block design among mass , government has organized so many associations and printing association club at Dhar.Rupayan is also established for the marketing of the  genuine bag print. 

After getting so much information from the shopkeeper and locals i choosed from the available stuffs.. No doubt all designs were very extraordinary, soft and unique. Due to limited stock i returned after taking few . Next visit was towards Rupayan on next day morning but availability of dress materials were very less as no season was there for tourist . Perhaps , at the time of winter one can get more choice due to the arrival of more tourist.But, one can contact with this no to get bag prints directly from Mandu,9098563120. I collected book from the shopkeeper to know more about the bag hand print but initially he hesitated to handover me that book to me completely because that was the only source through which he explained to the foreign tourist. I promised him to return his book within very shortly once i completed my blog .Again i choice a set of dress material which were very dear to me. 

What made me more close to Bag hand print is that its design and uniqueness of color combination. Very light weight to wear. Artist are so expert to do designs on their hand. Mr. Yusuf Khatri from Bagg received National Prize from Honorable Ex president Dr . A.P.J Kalam on 2003 for his Alzerin print of hand print.

Art and artist are the backbone of our Indian Culture.So, felt satisfied after getting so many information about Bagg .If possible i will able to give them scope to visit Delhi at any exhibition so that the local artisans can get platform to sale their product so also popularize this among new young generation.

25-7-2019-----Visit to Mandu as a tourist 

Sapna Acharya

Travel Writer

 

DISTINCT BATIK PRINT OF BHAIRAVGARH, UJJAIN

                             


Once time was there to wait for reading a story of King Vikramditya and vampire spirit Betaal from the monthly magazine Chandamama. The famous story revolved around many social issues of Ujjain. Time lapsed.That anxiousness is not there now.But, memory has still imprinted in the mind.Ujjain has blended with so many religious matter but behind the social issues one hidden fact is still there since 400 years. Yes ,The Batik Print of Bhairavgarh is a distinct part in the art work of India.
Mostly the tourist make focus on the different temples for which Ujjain is famous. Surprisingly, more inclination for the Bhiravgarh village raised due to the interest to know more about it. As per the guidance of driver we reached there to see the printing work of artisans. 
Village is very close to Bhairav Temple of Ujjain. While interacting with the locals it came out the story behind the settlement of artisans in that location since long. Mostly the Bhora Community invited from Gujrat and Rajsthan to work on the hand printing at the time of Mughals . Gradually , Bhiravgarh became the hub for Batik printing.Now, almost 8oo families are there to do the batik print.We went inside a house where the work was going on .At the month of July, all workers sincerely followed their work without hesitation even at the humidity climate.

The artisans did their designs of their own with the help of stylus, which was made by tying coconut husk on a metal rod.Very smoothly in a disciplinary way all artisans designed the graphs like creepers , motifs of flowers, leaves in a systematic twisting  in perfect  symmetry.

I saw them to the use of hot wax applying through their brush.Too difficult to manage it all.I asked to explain in details regarding the processing method. The vats of hot wax slowly steaming on gas burners stand along side large sand covered tables on which the animation of wax lines would take place. Sand avoids melted wax from touching the table and sticking the fabric along with it. 

 The artisans drew perfect wax pattern on fabrics with no guidelines and no rough sketches. As if the automatic machine is doing work of their own . 

On the other corner of the hall few workers busy for coloring the fabrics. Once the wax dries , the fabric is dipped in dye. Color cover the exposed areas and when the wax is melted in hot water, white motifs can be seen on a colored field.The whole work require body stamina and patience. The well built physique of artisans looks as if they are born only for it.To protect from the effect of coloring's and hot wax they are wearing full length well protective dress that help them to save themselves.

The use of vibrant yellow , red, orange for the fabric matched perfectly with the designs.

The storage of logs of wood at one corner gave the hint of using for
boiling the water for coloring

 The interaction session still continued further to know about the rest of the matter.The fabric they brought from Tamilnadu and Rajsthan. After questioning more in details they did not agree regarding the use of natural dyes now. Due to the effect of so many reasons the Industrial candle wax has replaced natural wax .The use of vivid chemical dyes is prevalent somewhere at the same village. But, Most of the artisans try to follow in the traditional way.
After completion of so many process the final product come at their store . Ramesh and Jitendra , two workers from the batik print factory , shared their opinion what i asked them . Though they are getting daily wages for their work still they love to do this to save the tradition of handicrafts work of India. 
Back to the store room where the final product set for supplying to different places as per the order of the clients. 

 Impressed with the designs and the quality of the materials i stood there for long . Felt good to see the working process by the artisans at the remote areas of Madhya Pradesh . Then , I realised the importance of Batik printing, the ancient technique of wax resist dying process. Which is believed to have been practiced in Africa , China,Japan and India for more than 2000 years.So proud to be an Indians whose culture and Arts are so integral part of each and everyone of our society.
Sources-- Traveling there as a tourist
Date         -23.7.2019