Travelogue of Guwahati: The Door to Seven Sisters Paradise

Traveling has always been my tempting weakness.This time to break out of the monotonous grinding lifestyle,I decided to explored the tranquility, beauty, calm, and the purest form of nature in,“The Paradise of Assam and Meghalaya”.Our first stop was Guwahati:The door to seven sisters Paradise.North East owing to its rich natural beauty and the fact that it hasn’t yet become a commercial tourist-choked destination. Guwahati, except Sikkim, is the door to all the North Eastern States of Tripura, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland.

We landed by an Indigo Flight at Guwahati airport at around 3.30 PM.At Air port I booked ,from pre hired taxi counter for our guest house.The counter boy charged Rs 300/=for destination.To our surprise the distance was hardly 3.8 Km and we reached there within 15 minutes.We were cheated by “pre hired taxi counter boy”.

I must mention that the people of North East India have been demanding for two time zones for India, from a long time. We, from the rest of India don’t understand this much. But soon after landing at Guwahati, I realized how just and true their demand is. It was dark by 5 pm and pitch dark a little bit later.

Whenever one plans a trip to North East, one must keep in mind that the sun sets here around two hours before the rest of the country.It is said that North East is wet ,due to an early Sun set in comparison to rest of India.

After getting energized with tea and some snacks, we were ready to explore City life of Guwahati by night.Taxi driver stopped in Paltan bazar.

Palton Bazaar of Guwahati

While roaming on streets of Guwahati, I realized that it is not a small town, but fairly big and growing. Real estate business seemed to be booming like any other city in India. The city lies in the plains of Assam sandwiched between the hills of Meghalaya on one side and the mighty Brahmaputra on the other side, leaving it without much room to grow.

One of the busiest market places of Guwahati, Paltan Bazaar is one place you cannot escape as a traveler. Home to Guwahati railway station and the bus terminal.Paltan Bazaar is also known for its row of hotels guest houses, and big mallas.This place always remais crowded.

 Due to the railway station and the bus terminal, Paltan Bazar is one place in Guwahati that never sleeps. North eastern tribal garments and articles made of clay and wood in the roadside establishments. Paltan Bazar is home to many restaurants and dhabas serving Indian and Chinese food items and you will never feel the hunger pangs after all the walking and haggling.

With strong influences from its neighbouring states and countries, Assam has developed some unique foods that you rarely find anywhere else in India.You’ll find Tibetan-, Burmese- and even Bangladeshi-inspired dishes at street food stalls all over Assam, and even some very interesting indigenous recipes.

Kamakhya Temple  

We were ready for whole day roaming in Guwahati.Guwahati is dotted with a number of ancient temples.The most famous among these is the Kamakhya Temple. Kamakhya is the renowned Goddess of Desire whose famous shrine is in the heart of Nilachal Hill.Kamakhya temple is considered most sacred and oldest of the 51 Shakti Peethas on earth.It is the centrepiece of widely practiced, powerful Tantrik Shaktism cult in India. The temple sits atop the Nilachal Hill about 800 ft above sea level.

The approach road to Kamakhya Temple was filled with colorful products that commercialise religion. Whether they result in devotion and peace, I do not know, but they did result in great photo subjects for my camera.

The Nilachal hill believed to be a 'Khasi' sacrificial site earlier, now has a group of ancient temples on the top; the largely eminent of them is the Kamakhya temple. The temple of Goddess Shakti or Kamakhya is the oldest and most revered centre for Shakti worship leading to the spread of the Tantrik Hinduism sect.

Legend has it that this is the spot ‘where Sati used to retire in secret to satisfy her passion with Shiva, and it was also the place where her yoni fell after Shiva danced with the corpse of Sati.The middle chamber leads to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in the form of a cave, which consists of no image but a natural underground spring that flows through a yoni-shaped cleft in the bedrock.’ 

Traditionally, it is believed that prayers accompanied by the sacrifice of an animal tend to get heard better…so a courting couple prays with a pigeon offering:

And so the population around the temple, included pigeons and goats and buffaloes amidst bridal groups, colorful priests, tantrics–making it a visual treat and friendly to camera.

Umananda Island (Peacock Island)

Next ride was for Umananda Island (Peacock Island), the smallest river island in the midst of river Brahmaputra flowing through the city of Guwahati.The British named the island Peacock Island for its structure. Umananda Temple is a late 17th century Shiva Temple located at Peacock Island in middle of river Brahmaputra.

 Hired three wheeler dropped us at Kachari Ghats behind the high court and the planetarium. We find our way to the ferry dock for a ride to Peacock Island.I involved myself in mesmerizing charm of Brahmaputra river scenery.After a 15 minutes ride we touched the rocks of island.I ascended over rocky stepped top of hill. Brahmaputra River was flowing below the hill, High court building was visible from here and breathtaking scenery.

It is not surprising that so many people find their way here to experience the sublime tranquility of the place. Love is in the air, perhaps it is an effect of the arrow of love Kamdev shot on Shiva to make him fall in love again. Many couples visit the island in search of some solace. Others enjoy the unmatched beauty of the island from the river banks of the city.

Mythology Umananda Island
According to mythology, Shiva created the island for his wife Parvati's happiness and pleasure. Shiva is said to have resided here in the form of Bhayananda. According to a myth, Shiva burnt Kamadeva with his third eye on Umananda when he interrupted Shiva's deep meditation.

According to the Kalika Purana, it was believed that Goddess Urvashi, who brought nectar for the pleasure of Kamakhya, resided here. Therefore, the island on which this temple is constructed is also known as Urvashi Island.

A walk along river Brahamputra

Th One of the most sought after sightseeing activity in Guwahati is to enjoy a walk along River Brahamputra.It seems impossible to visit this city and yet not lose yourself for a few minutes by the majestic Brahmaputra River. Typically, a lot of people start their day at the banks of the river while sipping chai or energising with a fresh workout. 

Statue of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan with soldiers and cannons. built over a concrete pedestal in Brahmaputra

A 35-feet-high statue of Ahom General Lachit Borphukan is erected in the middle of the Brahmaputra near Machkhowa in Guwahati. The soldiers and the cannons are made of fiberglass. The total size of the pedestal on which the statues rest is 12 by 12 by 1.5 meters and it stands on a well 8.5 meters wide. The main statue stands four feet above the pedestal while the soldiers are placed below Lachit.The pedestal is placed five meters above the High Flood Level (HFL) of the river and 50 meters below water.

Lachit Borphukan (1622-1672) was the Commander-In-Chief in the famous battle of Saraighat.

He refused to let the Mughals rule the North-East. He saved Ahom kingdom from Mughals. A greatest warrior in the history of North East India. The Mughal army had been assigned from Dhaka and had set up a camp on the north bank of the Brahmaputra at Hajo, now in Kamrup district of lower Assam.

Much weaker, the Ahom Army defeated the Mughal Army by brilliant uses of the terrain, clever diplomatic negotiations to buy time, guerrilla tactics, psychological warfare, military intelligence and by exploiting the sole weakness of the Mughal forces—its navy.

2^nd River Brahmaputra Art Festival’ to showcase artists from 25 countries

At some distance from Alfresco Park on bank of river Brahmaputra,where I was walking, heard musical band with a  large gathering.As per curiosity,I walked there.I was amused that a grand occasion was there: 2nd River Brahmaputra Art Festival’ to showcase artists from 25 countries was going on.I  loaded my camera to capture that moment.It was showcase illustrious artists from at least 25 countries. 

The 39 year-old young Indian artist who displayed his art works in various national and international exhibitions said, “It took years to expose my creative soul to the world audience. Besides attending exhibition in different festivals, River Brahmaputra Art Festival is a sort of dream comes true with a unique feeling and emotions. 

Deka studied fine art in Khairagarh, Chhattisgarh. After finishing his course he shifted to Mumbai in search of a better platform. Poverty instills fear, stress and sometimes depression; strained childhood pushed him to make extra effort in life. Deka has been flourished with experiences participating exhibitions held in London, New York city, Moscow, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Egypt.

By Sun Set, this traveling to Guwahati:”The Door to Seven Sisters Paradise” was near to end.I was short in time, only on day for Guwahati as next destination was Shillong.It is not possible to explore the charm and beauty of Guwahati in one day.

For travellers who love nature and adventure, Guwahati is an ideal place and has much places to visit, some of these are: Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary. Saraighat Bridge. Assam State Zoo, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Tea gardens, Alfresco Grand cruise in mighty Brahmaputra River.

Travelogue of Guwahati: The Door to Seven Sisters Paradise, written, photographed and posted by Engr Maqbool Akram with help of Wikipedia and materials available on net with thanks.

Moomal and Rano: A love story that blossomed in Thar deserts

I was in Jaisalmer Fort with guide, who was telling me the glorious past of this fort.A question flashed in my mind and asked him “Jaisalmer is situated in Thar Desert. Is there any legendary love story “He promptly replied yes there is a story of Moomal andRano.Wow: I got a new story to share with readers, my friends.

So I am posting this legendary love story of Moomal and Rano , as narrated by the guide.This story is of that time when the great India was one subcontinent.It dates back to sixteenth century.During that period this area was known as Sindh province, the two cities “UMER KOT’ now in PAKISTAN and; JAISALMER” in INDIA.

In India it is called a love story of Rajasthan, in Pakistan it is known as a love story of Sindh. Rano is now sung during mehfils of Pakistan. It is most frequently requested musical piece in a mehfil of kafi genre.

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (1689 – 1752).A noted Sindhi Sufi scholar, mystic, saint, and poet, widely considered to be the greatest Muslim poet of the Sindhi language.He has also compiled love story of Mumal and Ranoin his collection of poems” Shah Jo Risalo”-- or Poetry of Shah. This is one of the most popular tragic romances from Sindh, Pakistan.

Introduction of main characters of this story.

1. Moomal Rathore:--She was a legendary gorgeous and intelligent princess. Living in Kak Palace, weaved on a web of magic. Built in village Ludarva (Jaisalmer-India).

2. Rano Mahendro:- A minister in royal court of Umerkot (now in Pakistan)

3. Soomal:-- Sister of moomal.Soomal was too beautiful but most cleavers.

4. Hamir Soomro:--He was ruler of Umerkot (now in Pakistan)

During sixteenth century in the Sukkar district of Sindh near Mirpur Mathelo (Now in Pakistan). Gujjar chieftains Nand used to rule over that area.He had nine daughters but amongst all Moomal was most beautiful and Soomal was most clever. 

And Love Story Starts As-----Mumal was an extremely beautiful Rajput girl whose beauty and charms were famous not only in Jaisalmer but also far and wide. She wanted to marry someone who would win her heart with his bravery and intelligence. Mumal, along with her seven sisters and attendants would weave a web of magic in Kak Mahal to test them. Several kings and princes tried their luck but in vain.

The reputation of this palace and of Mumal’s dazzling beauty soon became a legend. Once Rana Mahendra Sodha, the ruler of UmerKot in Sindh (now in Pakistan), reached the banks of the river while hunting. He too was attracted by the magical Kak. From the window of her palace Mumal saw Mahendra and his friend resting by the river bank, so she sent water and some refreshments for them. She invited them to rest in the palace till next morning.

Like others, Mahendra also had to cross the labyrinths and other hurdles to reach the palace. He was an intelligent and courageous man which led him to succeed in reaching the palace, unharmed. Mumal was very impressed and decided to accept him as her consort. Mahendra spent the night at the palace and returned to Umer Kot in the morning.

Eventually their love blossomed. Mahendra found a camel which was fast enough to cover long distance from Umer Kot to Kak & back in few hours. Each night Cheetal, the camel, used to take him to spend time with Mumal and they would return to Umer Kot by dawn. He could not keep his mind off Mumal and would keep humming “हाले नी मूमल म्हारी अमराणे रे देश” (Come with me to my Umer Kot, Oh Mumal).

One day, when Mahendra’s family got to know of his love for Mumal, they ordered to break the legs of Cheetal. That night another camel was arranged for him by his friends. The camel was not as fast and experienced as Cheetal. Mahendra didn’t have any option and started his journey. After a while he whipped the camel in order to make her go fast. The camel started running. In the dark Mahendra couldn’t figure out the direction and the result was that he reached Barmer instead of Jaisalmer.

At the same time at Medhi, Mumal kept waiting for Mahendra and started playing games with her sisters. One of her sisters Sumal dressed like a man. Time passed and they were tired and sleepy. Sumal slept in man’s attire with Mumal on her bed.

At Barmer, on realizing his mistake, Mahendra raced towards Jaisalmer and when he reached Kak Mahal, he mistook Sumal as Mumal’s paramour. Disgusted, he left his riding cane besides Mumal’s bed and returned to Umer Kot. He was highly distraught that Mumal had cheated on him.

Mumal pleaded Mahendra to forgive her but he ignored her requests. To prove her innocence, Mumal set a fire and jumped in it. When Mahendra came to know of this, he rushed to the place where Mumal was already in flames; he joined her to be consumed by the fire along with Mumal.

And that was the end of a fervent legendary love story of Mumal and Rano that blossomed in thar Deserts. It is said: Death does not kill love, nor do prisons prevent love!

Posted by Engr Maqbool Akram with help of story available on net and photos are also from sources of net with thanks.

Black December: A killer Bullet: White December: I Am Alive: The Destiny

Again it is month of December; December overwhelms me. I am remembering that Black December, sitting in cosy winter sunshine of December, in my lawn.The dry leaves were rustling in the breeze.That killer bullet was shot at to snatch the bag filled with Government cash, lacs of Rupees.Destiny played its role, Rajoo was killed, and I am alive to share this real story.I am alive, hence I say it white December.

Rajoo entered in my life for a reason.It seems that he was a godsend angel in my life to sacrifice himself; to keep me alive.This happened in a Black December 28 years ago.It was destiny that brought us together.

That was a cold and bright day of December.The railway crossing, which most of the time would have been closed, strange it was open. This railway track has high railway traffic, from Calcutta to Jammu .The National highway leads to Nainital and far ahead to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu Kashmir.

Surprisingly by the time we reached here, it was open. My office from this point was hardly 300 meters away.Suddenly a killer bullet bursted the silence. Rajoo was lying fell down on railway line.Two boys riding on motorcycle were running away after snatching government cash bag having lacs of Rupees.

We were carrying salary cash of field and office staff from Bank. Rajoo was sitting with cash bag, behind Mr “Z “on his Motorcycle. I was behind Mr “X” .Seeing wounded Rajoo lying on Railway line, I ran away crying and shouting on foot to Division office.

With the help of my Executive Engineer and other staff , unconscious  Rajoo was carried to district Hospital,where Doctors  advised to carry him  to King George Medical College Lucknow.In an ambulance,and one night journey we reached Lucknow ,where Doctors declared him dead.We came back with dead Rajoo.

Entry of Rjoo in my life

I was lying on my bed trying to sleep; mind was blown out to decades back when I was a young bachelor Engineer.

After completing my Engineering degree, I got a job in Steel Authority of India (SAIL) ,posted in Rourkela (Orissa).From there my officers shifted me to a coal field mines area to look after construction work of a conveyor belt, for carrying coal from mines .That was a tribal area , surrounded by thick forest.

I was a homesick boy and unfamiliar to that life. I was not comfortable there at a distance of about 1500 Km.I remembered the day, in one trip to home, when first; my father introduced me to Rajoo. I was in need of a boy for my domestic and kitchen work.

I liked him. His education was upto class 10th, a soft spoken boy.Before joining SAIL, in Rourkela, I appeared in State Engineering Services .By the grace of Almighty, my name was in successful candidates.Without any hesitation, and I joined state Engineering services.Needles to mention that Rajoo came with me.

The loot of govt money and murder of a govt employee was taken seriously by the state and district administration. An F.I.R was already lodged .Now it became a normal system to interrogate me by police, and press reporters. In any such statement, it may be that I told “They were looking young people by their bodily physique of normal height”.

Next day this was main headline of all local and state level news papers, adding more salt and pepper .It fuelled and fanned to me and my family’s tension and greife.The climax to it, that within few days, I received a  threatening letter stating....

“Tumne bahut badi galti ki hai, mujhe pehchan kar, ab tumhare aur tumhare bachchon ki khariat nahi hai”(You have done a gt.mistake by recognising us, now we will not leave you and yr family). 

I am thankful to my higher officers, District Magistrate, Senior Superintendent of Police, to provide police protection. A sub inspector ranked police officer was my shadow.From that day, to my great pain and tension; it was a normal routine of police to call me in police station at any time to sit me idle. By the grace of Allah that days passed away.After few weeks shadow was removed.

One fine day I was checking my official letter Dak pad.The same threatening letter was in my dak pad.Again, I was under police security, a police shadow for me.I requested my senior officers to transfer me, other district far away from this city.

One day, I was asked by police to come in district jail for shanakht parade of culprits in jal. I was unable to recognize any one of them. “Dhanyawad, Namaste”, some one among them shouted happily.

In the meantime, I got my transfer orders to a remote Eastern district. I with my family shifted to that place .This ended my fearful days.

Destiny of Rjoo’s Family

Raju’s wife got a Govt. job as a peon on humanitarian ground. They hired a room and lived.

After many years, I got a horrifying story of Raju’s wife. She married her brother in law (Rajoo’s younger brother).During some illness she died.His husband (Rajoo’s brother) an educated man, M.A.in Economics, got a govt job in place of her wife (Raju’s wife). This happened decades before. I don’t know where is Rajoo’s brother, and his children .I pray for their happy life.Ameen

Moral of Story

“Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our “protector.” And in Allah let the believers put their trust.Thank Life for Happening, Thank Every Twist and Turn. There Is A Reason For Every Single Thing; There Is A Reason For Every Worry And Concern.”

Yes: it is true that everything in life happens for a purpose, and always for our own good. If we think about it, all our past experiences actually happened to bring us to where we are today and it is always for the good. All the past experiences make us a better person.

What to say about the tragedy happened with Rajoo, it was his fate, his destiny.That was the month of December, when Rajoo was killed by killer bullet, that is why I remember this month as  Black December.It was my destiny that I am alive ,so that was a white December for me.

Hamlog khilona hai, ek aise khiladi ke

Jisko abhi sadiyon tak ye khel rachana hai.

Written and posted by Engr Maqbool Akram.Photos used are symbolic, taken from net with thanks.

Learn to Maintain Self Respect: If You Don’t Respect Yourself, Why Should Anyone Else?

While growing up, everyone repeatedly told you to respect others. And because of this, you may have became obsessed with pleasing everyone else, putting yourself last. Hence it is important to learn to Maintain Self Respect: If You Don’t Respect Yourself, Why Should Anyone Else?

If you truly want to respect yourself, then you have to accept yourself, and work on becoming the person you always dreamed of becoming. Take steps to maintain self respect,to know how to feel happy with whom you are and make the world treat you as you deserve to be treated as a respected personality.

Respect starts from within, so if you wish to be respected, you have to do what it takes to respect yourself — that is, living in a way that demonstrates self-respect. Would you speak to a respected friend the way you speak to yourself? Your treatment of yourself sets the standards for how others will treat you.If you have no self-respect you can't respect others, because what value would you offer someone by giving the respect of o“The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself.” (Mark Twain)

If you want self-respect, don't stagnate. Seek out meaning and passion in your life. Look for opportunities for growth and positive change, even if you feel scared. Jump into the river of life and keep moving. You'll find self-respect comes naturally if you do.

Why Self Respect is Important

On the other hand, Self Respect is a positive emotion. It is all about honoring yourself and honoring what you stand for. It makes you independent and it comes only when you follow the path of discipline. Self Respect makes you respect your boundaries; it helps you define and honor your own opinion as distinct from others. It makes you respect the choices you make in your life and above all, it gives you independence of thoughtRespecting Your Mind, Body, and Spirit. Don’t look in a mirror and say, “I’m not attractive” or “I’m so stupid.” That’s not what matters. Don’t you think your loved ones love you unconditionally? Of course! They love you because of what’s inside of you. They respect you for who you really are and you can learn to respect yourself too.

Respect your body because it is the home of your mind and spirit, then harness that spirit and love it because it is who you are.Loving your body, mind, and spirit is the key to gaining self-respect. It is then that you can extend yourself out to meet the needs of others.

Look After Your Appearance, Without Being a Slave to Fashion. Our appearance is important. It can give us confidence or it can make us feel awkward. Take care of our appearance; dressing smart for the right occasion gives us self confidence. At the same time, we don’t want to be the slave of fashion trends. Dress for your own benefit; don’t dress in the expectation of pleasing others and receiving compliments.

Learn to Handle Criticism.We are sensitive beings. Nobody likes criticism and when we are criticized, either directly or indirectly, we feel bad about yourself – even if the criticism is not justified. To maintain a sense of self respect, we need to learn how to deal with criticism. Don’t take criticism personally.

Look at it from a detached perspective. Maybe it is false, in which case we should ignore it. If their is some truth, we can use it to develop our character. However, it is important not to take criticism too personally. Just because we are not very good at a particular task, doesn’t mean we need to lose our self respect.

Spend time with respectful people.We tend to attract people in our lives who reflect our state of mind. If you're lacking in self-respect, you might be reinforcing your feelings by surrounding yourself with people who don't respect you. Begin to create boundaries for yourself that show others you have self-respect. Release people from your life who don't honor your boundaries. Actively seek out people who treat you the way you want to be treated.

Believe in your choices. If you want to respect yourself, then you have to believe in the decisions you've made. You have to be firm in your beliefs and make an effort to understand yourself and to know what will really make you happy. Give yourself the reward of a decision well-made and stick to it, no matter how difficult it may be.

It's okay to ask other people for advice, and this can actually help you gain a more balanced perspective, but you shouldn't spend your time doubting yourself, thinking that what you've done is all wrong, and wishing that you had done something else.

Work on building your confidence. Achieving self-respect is difficult if you're not happy with who you are, how you look, or what you're doing. Building true confidence takes a lot of work, but doing a few simple things every day can start you on your way.

·  Start by maintaining positive body language and good posture, smiling more, and thinking at least three good thoughts about you each hour.If someone compliments you, accept their statement by saying, “Thank you.”

Maintain a positive attitude. A positive attitude can make or break your success in life, as well as your thoughts about who you are. Even if things aren't going your way, be confident about the fact that something good is bound to happen eventually. Be pleased with your everyday life and all that it can offer you. If you feel overly negative about everything and only imagine the worst in every situation, then you're bound to never feel good about who you are or to give yourself the respect you deserve.

Stop trying to keep up with everyone. One of the reasons you may be lacking self-respect is because you feel bad that you're single while all of your friends are engaged, or that you feel inadequate that you don't make as much money as other people you know. Maintain your own standards and work on achieving the goals you want to achieve.

Don’t waste your time doing what you think will impress your Facebook friends or give you bragging rights. It's much more impressive to succeed at doing what you want to do instead of following the path that everyone else has taken.

Respect Others. If you have no respect for others, how can you have self-respect? Self respect means we have an inner confidence and inner assurance, but this is not a confidence built on superiority. It is the wrong approach to try and feel better by putting others down. If we look for the good qualities in other people, it is easier to remember the good qualities in ourselves.

Maintain your environment. If you can’t take care of your home, your table or car, you can’t take care of yourself. Clean up, declutter and surround yourself with beautiful things that are a reflection of your beauty and character.

Show your hobbies.Stop hiding your hobbies. Openly share your passions. There are plenty of people who will be interested in the real you.

People will value you less when they realize you’re spineless and easily manipulated. Understand your limits and learn to say no.

Self respect comes when we value our attitude to life and other people. Even if things go badly don’t lose your self respect. Work with the best of intentions and gain your self respect from that.

Hence from above lines it is clear importance of Self respect, so learn to Maintain Self Respect:If You Don’t Respect Yourself, Why Should Anyone Else? If you don’t have respect for yourself, you won’t get it anywhere else.Self-respect is the fruit of discipline; the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself. Abraham Joshua Heschel