Colors of Hope....

Despite the many advances in science and medical breakthroughs, cancer is still a dreaded word even in the most advanced countries. However, this is not so in the land of ayurveda and traditional medicine, and a pioneer in this field is Vaid Balendu Prakash, who has successfully treated not only this disease, but “incurable” conditions like HIV and Multiple Sclerosis. He has integrated the ancient and modern, formulated his own medicines and brought succor to many around the world. I have personal experience of this, and can only say that words cannot describe the immense depth of his contribution to humanity. With a base in Dehra Dun, where his wife Gopa very efficiently and professionally oversees the work (including the making of medicines in the traditional method--glimpse in the last photo) of the research foundation and the in-house patients, Vaidji travels widely to see patients. He is indeed a harbinger of hope!
Look for detailed information on his site
www.padaav.com

Tiger, tiger, burning bright.........

An interesting operation was carried out recently by the Wildlife Institute of India: certain areas were selected to verify data given by the forest department, using the "camera trap imaging method". This was to get a census of the tiger population, which lasted for six days, and was carried out with the help of volunteers. This year there were 450 volunteers, double the number of participants in 2006. Emails and sms played a major role in spreading awareness of the program, and was a novel and enriching experience for many. The inexperienced wild life lover got a first hand experience of animal behaviour and the ways of the jungle, scientists collected samples for analysis, photographers got rare shots--all guided by competent guides. The results so far are heartening-- in time for the World Tiger Conference in Ranthambore (the site of a major tiger sanctuary) in October 2010.
Source: The Times of India, Bangalore, January 28, 2010.

Pongal.....the harvest festival of south India

The equivalent of Lohri in the north is Pongal in the south, especially in the state of Tamil Nadu. Like Lohri too, it heralds the sun’s apparent movement northwards. Pongal is very colorful and traditional, especially in the villages.
The celebrations last for three days, January 14 being the main one. The farmer’s harvest depends on the sun, rain and his cattle, so they are honored and thanked on the different days. This is the season when rice, cereals, sugar cane and turmeric are harvested, so these are essential ingredients in the rituals.
The first day is in honor of Indra, the lord of clouds and rains. An interesting ritual, symbolizing new beginnings, is the throwing of obsolete household articles into a bonfire made of firewood and cow dung cakes.














































The next day is the main one, when the Sun is worshipped with prayers and offerings in acknowledgement for a good harvest. The fruits of the harvest are used to make a special dish of “sweet” rice, called Pongal, and this rice and milk dish is offered to the sun. Pongal literally means “to boil” or “boiling over” of milk. It is cooked outdoors, in a new earthenware pot. Other offerings include sugarcane, bananas and coconuts. Sugarcane is an important part of the decorations too.
An interesting feature is the importance given to cattle, especially cows, on the third day. They are bathed, decorated and worshipped by farmers, and fed with Pongal in gratitude for their role in ploughing the land. Their horns are often painted and decorated! Houses are cleaned and decorated, while elaborate designs called “Kolam” are drawn with rice flour outside the doorway. In some places, special bull fights called Jalli Kathu attract contestants. This is because bundles of money are tied to the horns of the bulls, and unarmed men try to wrest these! (This can also turn dangerous). This is followed by a community meal made from freshly harvested produce.
In Tamil Nadu, the fourth day is devoted to brothers, when women perform rituals and pray for their prosperity.
The photos (taken in Bangalore) highlight the symbols of Pongal: products of the harvest (sugar cane, flowers and fruits), the Pongal pot, the cow..and finally, the potter at work.

Lohri ...the harvest festival of north India

Many Indian festivals herald the change of seasons, or celebrate the harvest. One such festival is Lohri, celebrated in north India on January 13. This is the time when the biting cold begins to wane, and farmers get ready to gather the harvest. Lohri celebrates the changing season, hopes for a good harvest, as well as a natural phenomena--the beginning of the sun’s upward journey towards the northern hemisphere! Lohri is celebrated specially as the harvest festival by the people of Punjab (a state in north India); Punjab is the breadbasket of India, so the focus of the festival is on food and thanksgiving. The winter crop of wheat is actually harvested in March-April, so this is a period when people are relatively free to join in the festivities.

The main celebrations take place around bonfires. Fire, or “Agni” is worshipped and plays an important role in rituals and festivals. People circle the bonfire thrice, while singing traditional folk songs and throwing in food items like fruits, sheaves of barley, sweets, peanuts and popcorn. This is done as thanksgiving as well as prayers for a good harvest. It is a celebration of fertility, and an acknowledgement of the gift of warmth and light from fire. The highlight in rural Punjab is the performance of folk dances around the bonfire, to the beat of traditional Indian drums.

Special sweets made of sesame seeds, or peanuts and jaggery are popular at this time---these are not just healthy and tasty, but considered “warm” foods for the winter.

Most parts of north India celebrate Lohri with fervor as a community festival, when differences are forgotten and people gather to greet each other and take part in the celebrations.

A Merry Christmas!

A very "late" post! but better late than never! so some glimpses of Christmas in Delhi...at the Sacred Heart Cathedral...the photos say it all!










Due to the big crowds, midnight mass and the masses on Christmas day are held outdoors.
























And specially for my online friends--the (Japanese!) restaurant where we had Christmas lunch, and the Christmas corner at home!

Far from the madding crowd....Himalayan Village, Sonapani

The pictures say it all…..the view from the rugged road on the way to the Himalayan village resort (Sonapani) the pine forest just outside the resort gate--then from the resort, a view of the mighty Himalayas stretched out in the horizon, forests all around, a profusion of flowers and trees laden with fruit around the cottages, a spectacular sunset……the experience cannot be described, only felt!
Look for details at www.himalayanvillage.com. and have a great holiday!

The road less traveled........

The colors of India, (and indeed, the world) are not only about places and events, but the people who choose the road less traveled, thereby enriching not only their own lives, but the lives of countless others.
Meet a young couple who have done just this…..Ashish and Deepa Arora, who in 2004 chose to leave comfortable jobs and successful careers in Delhi to “return to nature” in an unspoilt region of Uttaranchal and contribute to the local community. The resort that they have built up with tremendous labor and love and look after today is truly far from the madding crowd…. indeed, one can’t be closer to nature---there are no TV sets, daily newspapers or telephones (though mobile phones and internet data cards work now!) Maybe that is why their little girl is more creative and well read than any city child older than her! They live in a 100+ years old stone house (artistically done up by the talented Deepa!) with their children Vanya (6 years) and Aranya (not yet 2) and are the best hosts imaginable. Himalayan Village, Sonapani is spread over 20 acres on a 2000 m high ridge, and they personally supervise every aspect of it, with the result that the cliché of going there as a stranger and returning as a friend is the experience of every visitor!

The 12 cottages at different levels all face the majestic Himalayas, so the first sight as you wake up is that of snow covered peaks glinting in the sunlight. A herb bush beside each cottage gives it its name! In keeping with the eco friendly policy, earth blocks have been used instead of bricks. The dining room affords a magnificent view of the cottages, forests and mountain ranges. The food is multi-cuisine and excellent, made with home grown ingredients, and augmented by the impeccable service of the staff, and above all, the personal attention and warmth of the host.

There is something of interest for every visitor. One can just soak in the peace and beauty, with only the sound of birds and insects and the breeze. For the more adventurous, Ashish organizes individual and group activities like rock climbing and jungle walks, learning programs for school groups and corporate training programs. In fact, batches of students on an exchange program from the University of Washington are regular biannual visitors.

Despite the constant task of looking after visitors, the staff exudes a warmth and cheerfulness that is rare, but as they say, Ashish and Deepa “lead from the front”!
More about the resort in the next post!