Photography

  Jharia: A Community Living on the Edge (#JhariaBurning) Jharia, a bustling suburb in the Dhanbad district of Jharkhand, India, faces a unique and harrowing challenge – an underground coal fire that has been burning for over a century. This persistent inferno, fueled by millions of tons of coal, has cast a long shadow over the lives of its residents. Living with a Fiery Underbelly Smoke and embers rise from the earth, a constant reminder of the unseen flames below. The air is thick with toxic fumes, and the ground itself becomes treacherous, prone to sinking and cracking. Homes and roads have succumbed to this fiery menace, tragically claiming lives. A Century of Struggle The fires date back to 1916, predating nationalization in 1971. While efforts have been made to extinguish them, the flames stubbornly persist. Some progress has been achieved, with a reduction in the fire-affected area from 2017 to 2020. However, the fight is far from over. A Reluctant Exodus The s...

  Pipli Applique: A Dazzling Discovery in Odisha (#OdishaTourism #PipliApplique) Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden gem while traveling? That's exactly what happened to me on a assignment in Odisha. My train back to Ranchi wasn't until late, so I was relaxing when my phone buzzed – it was the boss! He needed a story for the magazine. With a quick change of plans, I decided to explore Konark, a famous Sun Temple about 60 kilometers from Bhubaneswar. On the way, I spotted a sign for Pipli, a village just 26 kilometers from Bhubaneswar (and about 40 kilometers from Konark). Curiosity piqued, I made a detour. Little did I know, I was about to discover a dazzling art form – Pipli Applique! Pipli's history is intertwined with the worship of Lord Jagannath. As far back as the 12th century, the Gajapati kings commissioned colorful applique canopies, umbrellas, lanterns, and decorations for the annual Rath Yatra festival. This vibrant craft involves teamwork between men an...

  Manihari Ghat: A Picturesque Gateway Awaiting Development My frequent work trips to Sahibganj in eastern Jharkhand offered little variation. However, on one occasion, I had the unique opportunity to travel by steamer from Manihari Ghat, located in Bihar's Katihar district, across the Ganges River to Sahibganj. The two-hour journey was a picturesque voyage, allowing me to capture the beauty of the Ganges and its surroundings. Unfortunately, the lack of a bridge connecting Manihari Ghat to Sahibganj forces travelers to rely on small boats or steamers. This has been a longstanding issue causing inconvenience to the local population. Interestingly, the area boasts a rich cinematic history. During the 1950s and 1960s, it served as a backdrop for numerous Bhojpuri and Hindi films. Notably, the legendary Bengali filmmaker Vimal Roy filmed a sequence for his iconic movie "Bandini" here. The scene featured Ashok Kumar, portraying a sickly character, crossing the river by s...

  Unveiling Australia's Train Network: A Journey Through History and Comfort #AustralianTrains Introduction Australia boasts a rich railway history, with the first train steaming off in Newcastle, New South Wales, in December 1831. Today, its extensive network serves as a vital artery for both freight and passengers, offering a comfortable and scenic travel experience. Commuting in Style: Your Experience My description of commuting by train from Newcastle to Sydney paints a vivid picture. Traveling through diverse landscapes - bridges, tunnels, jungles, and even a dam near Woy Woy station - creates a visually stunning journey. The convenience of halved fares on weekends and holidays adds another perk. A Historical Perspective The Australian rail network has evolved significantly since its humble beginnings with the privately owned coal mine line in Newcastle. The official opening of Victorian Railway and New South Wales rail network in 1854 marked a significant milesto...

  A Thrilling Ride to Sinhagad Fort's Wind Point # WindPoint A Weekend Adventure in Pune. Pune's rich history beckons, and on a whim, my son and I embarked on a motorbike adventure to explore the legendary Sinhagad Fort, located approximately 38 kilometers southwest of the city. The bustling energy of Pune gave way to a scenic highway as we cruised towards Khadakwasla, a renowned spot 13.7 kilometers away. Lush greenery lined the road, culminating in a picturesque dam on the Mutha River, Pune's primary water source. The dam's serene beauty attracted families and couples seeking a tranquil escape. Khadakwasla also boasts the prestigious National Defence Academy and the Central Water and Power Research Station. Monsoon paints Khadakwasla with vibrant hues, making it a must-visit during that time of year. Following the Footsteps of History Continuing our journey, the 1.5-hour drive from Khadakwasla to Sinhagad Fort took us along NH 48, a highway that witnessed pivo...

  A Wondrous Encounter with the Penguin Parade #PenguinParade Our Melbourne sojourn took an exciting turn when a trip to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade was scheduled. Having only ever seen penguins in pictures, We all were filled with anticipation. The journey from Melbourne, a scenic two and a half hour drive, revealed the charm of rural Australia. Quaint villages dotted the landscape, boasting sprawling gardens and a peaceful atmosphere unlike anything Sunny had seen before. These villages, with their small houses and sparse population, were a stark contrast to bustling urban life. Tractors and modern machinery parked alongside sleek cars hinted at a balanced lifestyle between tradition and progress. Lush green fields stretched as far as the eye could see, with vibrant orange orchards and vegetable patches adding a touch of color to the idyllic scene. The scenic Bass Coast Highway offered panoramic views of Western Port and French Island, further enriching the journey. U...

  Traveling the Mumbai-Pune Expressway: A High-Speed Lifeline #Expressway During my travels to Pune, I've had the opportunity to experience the Mumbai-Pune Expressway numerous times. This six-lane highway, also known as the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway, is a landmark infrastructure project and India's first concrete expressway with three lanes dedicated to each direction. Officially opened in 2002, it revolutionized travel between Mumbai and Pune. A Boon for Commuters: Previously, the old highway offered a much slower journey. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway has been a boon for commuters, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities. Designed for Speed and Safety: The expressway boasts a well-defined central divider for safety and a smooth concrete surface. Medium-sized vehicles can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h on flat stretches, which reduces to 40 km/h in ghats (mountain passes). Similarly, heavy vehicles have a prescribed speed limit of 80 km/h on flat t...

  The Sydney Opera House: A Masterpiece of 20th Century Architecture #OperaHouse The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts center situated on the picturesque foreshore of Sydney Harbour. Widely recognized as one of the world's most iconic and distinctive buildings, it stands as a testament to the brilliance of 20th-century architecture. Unparalleled Design and Innovation The Opera House's significance lies in its unparalleled design and construction. Its exceptional engineering achievements and technological innovations have solidified its position as a world-renowned architectural marvel. While not included in the Seven Wonders of the World, it has rightfully earned its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A Collaborative Effort Inaugurated in 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II, the Sydney Opera House was the brainchild of Danish architect Jørn Utzon, who emerged victorious from an international design competition in 1956. The project, however, faced si...

  Crispy Onion Pakodas: A Perfect Monsoon Treat #OnionPakodas The monsoon season brings with it a cozy charm, often keeping us indoors. But fear not, for this is the perfect time to indulge in a steaming cup of masala chai alongside some crispy, golden onion pakodas! These delectable fritters are a symphony of flavors and textures. Made with a light gram flour (besan) batter generously filled with thinly sliced onions and a touch of spice, onion pakodas are not just deeply satisfying but also surprisingly easy to prepare. Why you’ll Love This Recipe: Simple Ingredients: Onion pakodas require just a handful of pantry staples, making them a great option for a quick and delicious snack. Flavorful & Crunchy: The combination of crispy batter and perfectly cooked onions creates a delightful textural contrast, while the subtle blend of spices adds a touch of warmth. Versatile: Onion pakodas can be enjoyed on their own or served with a variety ...

  The Auspicious Sawan Month in 2024 The Sawan month, a sacred period for Hindus dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati, commences on Monday, July 22nd, 2024, and concludes on Monday, August 19th, 2024. This year holds particular significance as it coincides with several auspicious alignments, the last occurrence of which being July 27th, 1953, marking a gap of 72 years. Unique Coincidences of Sawan 2024: The month spans five Mondays, a rare occurrence. Seven auspicious alignments enhance the spiritual significance. Observances and Rituals During Sawan: Devotees of Lord Shiva traditionally observe this month through fasting, applying tilak (holy mark) with turmeric paste, and offering prayers at Shiva temples. Offerings typically include bel leaves, charnamrit (holy water), bhuna chana (roasted chickpeas), jiggery, Dhatura (sacred datura flower), milk, rice, sandalwood paste, and water from the Ganges River. Festivities and Preparations: Temples across the regi...