Kolkata

A Tour to Kolkata’s Top Kali Puja Pandals

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The next destination for parikrama was the worship of Shri Krishna Kaali where the Maa is depicted as Lord Krishna. According to legends in Vrindavana, when Radha rani came to worship Lord Krishna, radharani’s mother in law Kutilaa compained to Radha’s husband Ayan that she is worshipping Krishna. When Ayan himself went to verify the same , Lord Krishna took the form of Kali in Krishna Kaali roopa and henceforth this sweet incarnation came to be known as Krishna Kali.

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Kolkata-Howrah

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I was little ahead of Indian Museum on the road so decided to walk unto the museum. By this time the footpaths along the road were starting to get occupied by hawkers selling all sorts of wares. I came to Indian Museum building which had just opened its counters. I did not have any expectations form the museum and thought I would just skim through it. However, it turned out to be a real treat. It has geological, archaeological, animal, avian, marine specimen over several galleries. The galleries where huge with several things at display. The display units were either tall wooden almirahs or wooden boxes placed on the floor. Rather than specimen I was more amused by rarity of such display furniture.

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Soul of Kolkata – Festivals, Food, and Sports

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Calcutta also known as the city of festivals almost remains enlightened all through the year with various festivals every now and then. Whether it’s Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Laxmi Puja, Kartik Puja, Vishwakarma Puja, Holi, Diwali, Christmas or whatever, the city enjoys them all with full celebration. Durga Puja is ideally the biggest festival of Calcutta (and West Bengal). The city of Calcutta has a completely different look.

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Kolkata-Sikkim-Darjeeling trip

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After all this, the last thing on our list was a visit to some tea estate in Darjeeling. To go there was one part of the pleasure and the next best part was to sip a hot n nice cup of tea there! It was really a divine experience and I had about 3-4 cups of tea- each of a different variety!

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The mysterious Naga Sadhus and humbling return journey

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Very soon the faint evening glow, which was prevalent in the sky, vanished. The vessel did not have any light in the upper deck area. All the lights we had, was only the cosmic glow in the sky. I could not see anything ahead. The person sitting next to me was a mere silhouette. Up above there were innumerable stars and glowing planets travelling with us and below there was infinite quantum of water through which we were moving.

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Gangasagar

Being one of the 12 Lac++ pilgrims to Gangasagar Mela

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Sagar mela is held every year at the same place drawing huge turnout irrespective of caste, colour, creed and age. Last year the turnout was 12 Lakh and this year the Govt. of WB made all the arrangements for an expected turnout of 20 Lakh. The holy dip is observed on the day of Makar Sankranti, the day when the Sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius.

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The Sunderban Tiger Reserve -Nature at one of its best

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where one can only see the azure sky merge with equally breathtaking river at a distance, small village boys running around on the “kuchhe pakdandi” of the adjoining villages, million hues created by a lone cloud that tries to mask the majestic sun and the alluring riot of colors created by ripples on the bluish silver water. One is bound to get lost in the soothing effect nature weaves here.
The first stop is at Pakhirala from where the permits are obtained by the streamers and boats to pass through the river. The second stop is Sajnekhali where tourists halt for the night to start the journey early next morning.

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Bakkhali-Henry Island-Frazergunj (Weekend hideout from Kolkata)

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But there is no connecting bridge. What we experienced here was something amazing and unique. A huge barge operates between the banks to transport vehicles. We drove our car to the barge, sat inside it and the barge took us to the opposite bank. Huge size lorries and buses are also transported in the same manner. It was a memorable experience sitting inside the car and floating on the river.

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A Rainy Day in Raichak

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The balcony leads you to the lounge or resting area. This lounge will amaze you. Four-poster bed, easy chair, gramophone, tables, chairs, sofa – decades old decorates this lounge. One can also notice the typical Bengali red cemented floors here. The only touch of modernization in this room perhaps is the air conditioning. The best part was the view through the large glass window panes which got frosted because of the rain outside. It rather added to the rustic beauty.

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