Shakti Peeth,Maa Mangala of Kakatpur

Maa refer to mother who take care of everything about her children.Supremacy of power lies on the strong thought and powerful voice  to control the vibrancy of different angle of life. This divinity aura is internally connected with Shaktipeeth of each and every location . This is how it attract the attention of devotees to pay a visit to get a power of internal strength . 

Without any second thought I planned to visit there as a solo traveller. Exploration of place is possible with strong passion and power to overcome the difficulties. With prior collection of information regarding the details of location and transport facilities I moved from Puri on 21st June 2022 at 6.30am. It's always good to take benefit of local transport for getting to know regarding the language,culture and behaviour of common local people. This is the best way to observe from their spontaneous life trend at public areas. 

Amidst loud noise,rush of crowd made it clear that the hurries of travellers at the bus depot.From my brief queries with the person I came to know the brief details about kakatpur temple timings. The destination is required to travel around 3hours. The distance between Puri to Kakatpur is 55km. Though the temple is situated just at the main road of the place so it's easy to locate the temple just for any new comer as like me. 

The first glance of the temple give ideas about the importance of Utkaliya temple architecture. Beautifully adorned with vibrant colors on the walls of temple. It is believed that the temple has built around 15th century but the arrival of Maa on the statutory form is around 9th century. The legends has related to Ramayan and the exploration of Maa Mangala has come to limelight in a different way.  It's all explained in details in a statement of local tales . Temple is just near the Prachi river. Once over pouring water on the body of river ,local boatmen unable to cross the river.  A boatman at the rainy time find it difficult to move his boat even after a long trial . At the same night he got dream to save a statue of Maa from the exact point of where his boat stocked in the mid point of Prachi river. The explosion of dream helped him to save the idol of Maa Mangala .The existence of Shakti peetha is symbolically embodiment of love of loyalty and revival of internal power. 

The surrounding of temple is very sanctified and maintained well by the temple authority. Offerings are a minimum rituals by the regular devotees. The priests of temple maintain their graceful attitude for each devotees and visitors. The common wish of each and everyone are to get relief from problems of life. 

The God represents as a form of omnipresent.  Her glory is stood for love,ferocity and devotion.The uniform  purpose of prayer is saving from all evils .

We should understand the point of visiting a Shakti peetha. The feminist power is vibrated there to energize the soul with positive feelings.  One has that capacity to accumulate the positive power from supreme authority.  One should develop internally to maintain the high spiritual sense. So,its a matter of high density where one can reach with sincere meditation and prayer. 

One important part of the place is directly linked with the rituals of Jagganath culture. On every Navakalebara time priests from temple of Jagganath dham come here to pray at Maa Mangala  for  blessings and indication regarding the location of devotional Daru brahma for the making Idols of Balabhadra,Jagganath and Maa Subhadra.

Jhamu Yatra is a significant part of Mangala shrine. Large numbers gather here to have a glance of that yatra. 

To protect the human existence in this universe, this supreme power always stand for the purpose of true benevolent for all. We ,as a surviving creature understand the importance of the facts.  The presence of natural Environment around each Shakti peeta give direct message for keeping the balance of nature who help in the mainstream of living being in this earth. 

 The focus point is that to maintain the ability to master oneself. Undoubtedly so many positive thoughts are directly giving messages for peaceful life and power to carry the best part in a most meaningful way. 

The opening time of temple is fixed for every day. It may remain closed for few hours at afternoon . Interested devotees may take prasad from the premises of temple after 11am.Priests are very cooperative for any form of help.

The visit is a great challenge and definitely get satisfaction from the fact of getting darshan of Maa .

Important Note to follow-

Regular transport is available from Puri.

Time of local bus is fixed.

Take your water bottle and fruits for safe side.

Try to visit in the morning hour. Rush is less.

No compulsion is there for offerings. It depends on the interests of devotees. 

Avoid photography in the inner circle of the temple.

Keep only one day for visiting Kakatpur from Puri. 

Sapna Acharya

Blogger 

DEULI MATH,A SACRED PLACE @KAKATPUR

Deuli Math is a place of serenity and linked with a traditional rituals with the Jagganath temple of Puri. The math has situated almost more than 2km. from Kakatpur,Odisha. The surrounding location is full of greenery and beautiful views . The importance lies on its holiness and devotion of Jagganath culture. The existence  of Prachi river near the math double the beauty of the place. Once it was the lifeline of locals for the regular use of water for every activites of life. Now,the situation is different. Due to negligence and changes in circumstances of climate and environment the present conditions of the river is very pathetic. It needs to renovate and cleaning of river. People nearby places should get awareness for keeping the condition of river in a well manner. Otherwise one day time will come Prachi River will vanish from its existence. 

So far as the importance of Deuli math is that it has been related to the divinity work of Lord Jagganath . The priests of Jagganath temple come to stay here during Navkalebar time to pray Maa Mangala for getting significant information about the status of availability of divine wood for Daru Brahma of Lords. 

Even though the math has it's own importance since long still public visit here for  conducting marriage ceremony and mundan rituals of child. Now it has supervised under otdc for smooth functioning of the system. 

Prachi River near Deuli Math.

Entrance Gate of Deuli Math.

The surrounding areas of Deuli Math.

Till now the traditional rituals of temples are observing in a systematic way.  One eye catching matter is that every year at the time of Annasara of Lords ,this matha take responsibility of sending organic fruits like mango,banana,coconut,pineapple,jackfruit etc  through a handmade bamboo basket by Bullock cart. Neither they use any modern amenities for quick  transport for such a long route. They travel by Bullock cart and few followers come by praying Gods name.Even they donot use foot wear at the time of walking. 

This devotion for Lords and the rituals of our culture is so magnetic that one can feel the depthness of pure religious facts by direct visual of the facts. 

When I went there for a short visit then I internally get emotional and feel to keep these all inside my soul for betterment. When I asked them the way they all conduct for the traditional rituals their honest and hardwork shows the strong bondage with the culture of their own. That's why even in every difficult situation people of Odisha are  stand apart throughout world for their belief and simplicity, hard work.No matter how the time changes but it's their own way of thinking process and regards to the value of religious beliefs of Sanatan Dharma.

Sapna Acharya

Blogger 

Social Activist

ENTANGLED WITH COVID-19 ON 2021

Time passed at its own pace. The moment of incident happened whenever anything probability was there to happen in life. Nothing is so sure to go on smoothly. Exactly one year passed but the traumatic memory still haunted to mind till now. So many questions are arising inside the conscience but no proper answers are there to solve the equations of problems. It was the time when second wave of Covid-19 variant spreaded throughout World. It was perhaps at its peak stage.The drastic surge of second wave of COVID infections in India started in Mid -March2021. No idea about its bad effect on the infections on health.At its peak the daily new infections reached about 4lakhs cases in the first week of May.It put immense pressure on the health systems across the country.

By that time i went to Max hospital, Vaishali on 19th April in relating to checkup the emergency case for my family . Again it was required to visit several more hospital for the availability of checkup . Due to lock down it was just not possible to visit to the opd sections also. On 22nd April my presence at Max hospital, Vaishali at late night was an horrible experience to see the scene at the out side of emergency department of hospital. More than one patients gathered irrespective of age bar to get an admit but unavailability of bed prevented most of the patients to wait at the outside. The impatience's of family members and  the terrible trouble visible very clearly . The out cry of public and the anger created too difficult situation to maintain the hygienic atmosphere for the common people. After spending few hours i returned back to home around midnight. Soon some changes that i felt internally. Gradually the muscles pain started . Although i was used simple a mask to cover my nose only at the visit to Max hospital. Suspicion increased by the passage of time. Felt fever in the next moment. Isolated myself from others and took rest. On 22nd i went to take my first covishield vaccine for the safety point of view at Bimla Devi hospital by paying nominal charges.At the same day i went to Vermani hospital for testing   RT-PCR test. Waited to get the result. By the passage of each day the complications increased . Due to strict indications for corona infections most of the opd sections of each nursing home and hospitals were not entertained . I took options by online treatment by Dr Kapila  and Suarabh Chandra . Minimum   medicines prescribed by them . Sooner congestion of throat and coughing started seriously. Finding no improvement in the situation, i contacted with so many friends and family members. Finally, confirmation of final report came online about my corona infection. Till 27th April trial was constantly on the progress for finding a bed in any hospital for taking nebulizer and oxygen supply .It was very tough and difficult to maintain the situation normal due to lack of proper treatment. On 27th April my brothers brought oxygen cylinder through their known sources . But, the result was short term. Through out Delhi and NCR it was steep problem for admission in any way. The excessive degradation of health problem pushed us to contact as many sources as possible but meagre result came out . So many WhatsApp messages circulated by that time through social network regarding the availability of bed for corona patients but the ground reality was different . Either the contact no was not validity or switched off whenever one would try to communicate with them. Perhaps the fake information spreaded as like a wild fire.In between we decided at least to try for making admission at Commonwealth games covid center. Information provided about the availability of oxygen cylinder for patients.While going through the Mayur Vihar -2 sudden plan changed and went towards Virmani Hospital.

At last i got a bed near by nursing home for treatment. Doctor agreed for admission but clearly informed for the lack of continuous supply of oxygen Still with the of getting bright hope for treatment we blindly took all formalities at normal room. After one day we shifted to deluxe room with better facility. But , there was no sign of improvement of cough and pain.

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On 1st May 2021 doctor advised for ct scan. The hospital authority took me Vivek Vihar for a x-ray and ct scan. After waiting a long time my no came . I was exhausted and tired to sit in one particular chair for a long. Too weak to walk for a short distance also, after that they took me for an another test to near by location of M.V-2.Doctors treatment neither effected nor my condition improved within 2 days staying at that nurshing home. Finally , the team did not capable to diagnose my case and suggested to transferred to other high hospital where all facility would be avail. Throughout Delhi the  situation was serious for pandemic cases of corona. Due to increase of patients number hospitals were unable to provide any bed at the worst emergency cases also.

Though oxygen level was fluctuated since 1st May, terrible throat infection and weakness made my health condition more serious. Finding no option we contacted for emergency treatment at kailash hospital, Noida by the reference of my brother. Since the staffs were very frequently took my case immediately but shifted to day care center for a while. Numerous injections and antibiotics provided as per the instructions of doctor. When time for day care over then we returned back to emergency counter.They denied to keep me for more longer due to  rush of patients at emergency. Frequent checking of das board and other hospitals like fortish , max , yosoda , yatharth hospital , noida, the complexity increased by getting no response from all. Finding no way i sent my hubby to greater noida for a private hospital which my friend assured me for icu bed. Ultimately result was futile. PRO of kailash hospital assured us to provide a bed at late hour of 3rd May. Finally after a long struggle i got admitted at bed no 17 at night 2.30am.under the supervision of Dr Mrinal Bhargava.

The best efforts of the staffs of Kailash hospital helped to come stability in my health. Unable to talk much for even a short time made me difficult to communicate with others. The strong determination to stay cool internally gave me more scope to eat food in a regular way. Hospitals provided all medicines and eatables in a routine and strict time table. But , the most heart touching matter was that all the way my hubby took care too intesively of me. Consulted doctors team with utmost care for proper treatment so that i could feel better. The rest of the patients conditions at my hall were very pathetic. Their family members looked after them in a very sincere way. The whole scenario was a struggling stage for everyone.

The regular prayer and yoga practices by me at the bed influenced a lot to others also. Doctors pleased to see my hope for struggle to deal with the infection. The high doses of different medicines made my situation under control. Then the hope for improvement raised in me so i tried to move my self within the hall of the hospital room and did all my self care so that nurses could not get suffered for me.

I was gradually became a friendly face with everyone . Encouraged others to take food on time and talked  with positive vibration. The life went  in a different angle.Nos of para medical staffs took their duties in a very strict order. Now , i was also acquainted with the new environment . The night watcher, sweeper ,cleaners and nurses were my  familiar persons whom i interacted with them. 

The supply of food in right time made me inclination for waiting to  next moment . The varieties and sumptuous food was the credible things for me. 

Then the continuous testing of ct scan and xray  of my health resulted with good report. Doctors gave hope for better improvement. Every moment became a testing time for me . No idea what would happen in next moment. My family went through a tragic stage to maintain me. Specially my better half sincerely doing all caring for the improvement of my health. I could not tolerate to see his suffering for me. He wished to recover quickly to get well soon.I understood his conditions but no way to do more for him. His presence on my bed side consoled me a better way.

On 10th May 2021,on my Anniversary day,it was very special moment for me so i could understood the sentiments also. I could not tolerate the way he was suffering for me.Still, he came with a chocolate and coconut water for me and wished to recover quickly so that we could plan later for a better way. He was looking after both hospital matter and household work also . His intensity of his feelings was so touchable i could  realize that moment.But , unable to do anything for him.

Stability came to my health. No positive sign of corona and oxygen mask removed due to the increase of parameter of oxygen. Must be some relief for the health issues. But , felt weakness for doing anything suddenly.Doctor gave positive sign for the relieve from the hospital on 12th May at 1.30pm. All formalities taken care by my dear husband. He did not get little time to take rest for himself . 

After submission of all dues , time came to collect reports and medicines for further treatment at home .

A long journey of fatal stage of life came soon after the corona. The fear and lack of medical facility even in a capital city made the situation worst both mentally and physically. Ultimately i relieved for another chapter of life that waited for me.No one could think of trauma and suffering throughout few days that went within my family . The tragic stage was yet to cover even after that . The following checkup and frequent visit to hospital made the situation more serious also. The lockdown period by the govt made the life of all people more confinement within the home only . While coming back to home throughout the way the emptiness on the road created feelings of the dangerous situation of the city. Only the tall building stood as a pillar of residential locations for the human society. No crowd , no vehicles visible at the road.

I came with a sign of victory over my life that once i was in fear of loss . Never thought to under went  such a traumatic phase of life of my own. On the occasion of the completion of one year i thought to pen down my experience through which i could express my sufferings and trouble for which my husband did best for saving my life . The caring and love he shown at the most critical juncture of moment was unimaginable. We thanked each moment the way time passed but got no clue about the tragic incident that God gave me soon after that. The continuous post Covid issues raised  and complications came in each passing days.Hope to help and support to others who suffered corona.

  

 

Women’s Role In The Economic Transformation At Rural Chanderi

The saga of Chanderi is relating to its rich history which is located Ashoka Nagar District of the State Madhya Pradesh. The intense charm of the place is surrounded by the hills southwest of the Betwa River. Several Monuments of the Erstwhile Emperors like Bundela Rajputs and Malwa Sultans still flaunts at the central part of Chanderi. It plays a great role in the heritage site of India because of its rocky destination with desert-like areas, historic monuments, and Archeological sites, palaces, Temples that have more attraction for the public.





Babur’s Mosque, Khuni Darwaja, Badal Mahal, Jageswari Temple, Kati Ghati, Shahzadi ki Rauzamany more such beautiful best places of Chanderi makes it very distinct.

The incredible Chanderi sarees are famous since the time of their inception. Which draws a large group of passionate saree lovers throughout the world for its intricate tana- bana weaving style.

Life goes on even in the presence of all rich undistracted things at Chanderi. But, the present context is quite different in

comparison with past glorious history. Most of the families are now desperately grilling under the scarcity of financial crunch due to a lack of employment and basic amenities for a better life. They all worry for themselves. Their passionate desire for learning their forefathers' traditional work compels them to learn weaving skills to fulfill the day-to-day requirements of life. So far as the responsibility of family matter is concerned that women of every section gaze upon the intensity of problems which are rustling them to follow hard work so that they can be shinning with the joy of stars in the family. With the limitation of raw materials and financial transactions, they are bound to keep themselves under pressure for following minimalistic daily work to survive in society.

Without any hesitation, the section of women is now following self depending work so that their financial position can improve. They do help with the weaving process along with their husband. Though unable to do direct business with the customers they are just doing under trading community with minimum wages. They don't have any financial position for doing all business so they are depending on them.



Over time few sections eagerly learn to make Bidis from Tendu leaves. Generally, Tendu Leaves are used to make Bidis, an indigenous leaf-rolled cigarette made from coarse uncured tobacco, tied with a colored string at one end. Though this is not advisable to take any tobacco still the demand in rural areas and the availability of raw materials compels them to prepare for local circulation. This work of housewife fetches them to earn for self financial independence. Their task of earning status keeps them powers pouring to attain the mighty life with dignity.



The very common notion is that the poverty rates are related to the overall health of the economy. Once the economy grows, so the opportunities for employment increase and show the rise of economic growth. Stronger labor markets and higher income levels tend to help families who live under the poverty line. In this context, the women of Chanderi contributes a lot to the progress financial position even if the existence of rich heritage and past prosperity.

PERIOD LEAVES , AN OPEN CHALLENGE FOR WOMEN

 For the first time in the history of India , Prime Minister talked about sanitary pads very openly in the public forum on the occasion of Independence Day speech at lalquilla ground on 15th August 2020. This speech is truly a progressive idea. Now , this made menstruation a mainstream topic. Undoubtedly this is very welcome move among our conservative society where this has never  been openly talking. Due to taboo, women of all age groups under the menstruation time  are suffering silently. At the earlier time they are keeping aloof  at least for three days. They had not given any permission to do any household work including the worship of God either at temples or houses. In this way, at the menstruation time, women spontaneously got relief from the physical hardship and they received time to relax.

Time changed, women go outside to join a different sector for a job. For the first time questions were raised after the announcement of Zomato's paid leave for periods. Company employees can apply for period leave through a human resources portal

For decades menstruation has been a barrier to women's equality.

 The monthly menstruation cycle can cause a variety of painful symptoms that continue with each cycle until menopause typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55.                                        

The period leave is considered a bold move in talking an age old  taboo in India where 77% of young women remain unaware of menstruation  until their first cycle. Zomato Company's founder said, there should not be any shame or stigma attached to applying for a period leave. One should feel free  to tell people on internal groups or emails that  you are on your period leave for the day. This factor had drawn a focus point around the world . Every one praised by social media users and women's rights  advocates.                       

 

For centuries , menstruation has been a point of barriers to women's equality. Several women experience excruciating pain and cramps    when they menstruate. Some to the  extent that they cannot focus on work. These cycle symptoms can include pelvic and lower back pain, headaches and mood swings caused  by a fluctuation in hormonal     levels. Period related pains is very common world wide . It often       affects  school and workplace performance  and grows worse with    age.Women are facing discrimination at work place  and are forced  to suffer menstrual pain in silence in the work place  or lose pay by  staying home.                                                                                      

In India menstruation is remained as a taboo that causes real harm . Superstitions are also there which hamper the women   emotionally      and physically . Period leave is not a concession or  an excuse             to empower women. As menstruation is a taboo. Its a time we normalize it. It compels to drive the national conversation. There is   an enormous number of menstruators who work in the unorganized labor sector as domestic workers and no houses give them a day off when they have their periods.                                                              

 

This period leave will help in normalizing periods and period talk. Some advocates on this topic that its important to create a             environment of healthy co- existence rather than denying the        difference completely. Major arguments in this matter agreeing      

this is a step in the right direction . It is now a necessity for             everyone.Because women do not talk enough about how painful      periods can be for some of them. It is comforting to stay at home     when you are bleeding. Women should not feel ashamed on              menstruating either should it diminish her confidence . It also should not make working feel weak while availing the leave . This step will help remove the taboo around menstruation.                                      

  

 

 

                                      
 

EDGE YOUR EGO AND DEVELOP HARMONY

Appreciation is a small word that creates harmony between two different people. Negativity elements always play for the development of devil reaction in the mind.Everybody has their own limitation  accordingly they will do work. Appreciate for every small work.No matter the depth  ness of work it's very vital of others involvement in the work whether the work is small or big one.If work is not happened  as per the wish of other then they feel anger and frustration arises on you. We are giving our remote control to others.Whoever creates trouble for you that may upset you.It means we react to the  actions of others.In this circumstances  we should understand  our own thinking and control emotions also.

Situations may be same for everyone but the creation of thought and how is your response for that situation is depending upon one's own  capability and understanding.At the outside we are perceived the idea of perfection in every aspect. But,our internal space is totally  vaccum. This vaccum lead to lower the speed of thinking and loneliness develop that's the reason for  depression. Nobody is there who will interact with you honestly.Although thousands friends and family members are there in your social sites. With the increase of virtual world present emotional crisis develop among mass. No .mutual  conversation is accurately taking place .Due to busy schedule and high expectations for career and the accumulation  of materialist things compel everyone to take them rich in resources of negative energy. To deal with ones own emotions  is very Important. Social distance  is alright but connection with others are highly required. So,first of all tackle with yourself . Charge your own emotions..

We are giving our opinion  without knowing the situations. The truth is different about one situation. But,various perceptions creates confusion.Take decision  peacefully when emotionally  you are cool.

Generally people see their own righteous mess and find mistakes of others. Everybody are the creations of  God. Spot the virtues of others and accepts the negativity  of those who stand in front of you. Reach the utmost point of one's  positiveness.

crisis develop if we are unable to define ourselves.Self definition is the most important  criterion aspects for everyone. We are not in harmony with ourselves.At times we think something  else but are doing the opposite  way what previously  we are thinking.If we are not realise one's own concept  and condition then problem arises in the life.

Since the beginning of the school till the end we get teachings regarding lessons about  syllabus and career. But,never we receive the lessons about the care of soul.Body and soul are two different things.We always try to improve the skills to lead a life of unending expectations. Although body is temporary and soul is permanent. So,give full attention for charging of energy  to soul.Due to the loss of energy  from soul imbalance  starts in the life. Happiness of life depends upon the positive fulfillment of soul. Discharges of energy from soul creates irritation and disturbance in the behaviour of humanbeing. To make the fulfillment of the harmony of self,meditation is necessary. 

In this false world we get betray everywhere.So,connectivness with oneself is important. That gives relaxation to mind and body.

If too many negative thinking are coming to our mind then there is a lack of clarity of thoughts.So,meditation is necessary for smooth running of thinking process. Check, choose and change the reflections of thinking process. Make harmony with  self.Empowers your mind to give you right decision of life. Harmony is vital for everyone. 

Keep thanking  God for whatever you have. Connect with the supreme power. Think that you have the power to choose the right decision for leading a healthy life.

Sapna Acharya

Travel Writer

DT-15.6.2020

FAMILY

The notion of family is an important feature in Indian society.It is considered as an institution by itself. It is believed that family is a collective cultural symbol of the country since ancient times.

 

 As per the opinion of the sociologist there are no families when hunters and gatherers kept moving on.When they slightly stable and attached to the land and procurement of production then the concept of the family started . When a man worked hard and really wanted to give his earnings to his progeny then man control on women, do decision on every matter then family started.They tried to control all the earnings as well as the land also within his near ones then started the requirement of extended family or joint family.. Gradually joint families build strong circles. Attachment to land that passes from generation to generation then there grows the common decision place. With the coming of industrialization family act as a unit of production and consumption. Gradually, people moved to factories to work and the urbanization starts and the whole scenario change.Then there came economic changes and political changes and social changes.An individual is becoming more important than the family. Subsequently, there have been changing the legal system. Women need legal rights. They wish to acquire property from her father and husband.. All this point clearly shows that the joint family did not support the other institution of society.

Finally, nuclear families in urban areas increases. It is believed that with the advent of the 21st century the rapid increase of urbanization , the socio-economic changes effects the features of social system of family.For better education and career orientation , extended family and joint family gradually dis-integrated. Smaller family units comprising of husband, wife and their children grow simultaneously. According to the 2001 census, 9.98 crores out of 19.31 crore households are nuclear. In the 2011 census12. 97 crores out of 24.88 house holds are nuclear families in urban areas.
 With the growth of nuclear family in urban areas so many difficulties are increased for couples.They exclude from the extended family. They do not learn conflict resolution skills. So, with less tolerance situation like divorce cases are increasing among couples.. A small support system is there. Compounding stereo types are the day to day affair for them. Their view is always self centered. Individual responsibilities increase. The value system is losing at nuclear families.The women's participation in the work place is larger in the nuclear family. But , the most advantages of nuclear families are they face fewer quarrels compared to joint families. A nuclear family has based parental love and sibling connection.

However on the other side, a joint family builds strong circles. The situations at joint families are economically beneficial.Elders take care of children. In the absence of parents, children are not feeling lonely.That creates an emotional bond between two generations. The joint family acts as a social insurance.The togetherness of many members of a family creates an imbibing family value. The cradle of social virtues is there that shared support system, division of labor, financial security, socialism in wealth . With the coming of privatization of working place in the employment sector, both parents leave their children with their care taker or creche. They indirectly suffer. So , gradually the couples need  support from their family. The research report which clearly states the status of the Indian Family.The Indian Joint Family is storied phenomenon. It is mostly still going strong despite the common trend of urbanization and nuclear families.

 

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILIES.

Sapna Acharya

Travel Writer

Dt-15. 5.2020