Lizzy and Rizzy were not
expecting anything that Christmas.
They had lost both their parents
to an accident...
Imagine their surprise when
they opened their door to find Christmas gifts!
"Isn't this our
grandmother's rocking-chair?"
"Yes, the one we had to
sell off!"
"Look! The same encyclopedia that we have been dreaming!"
We have all got it wrong in our schools. Time has come to unveil the real contribution of India to the world.
1. Father of Astronomy: Aryabhatta ; work - Aryabhattiyam2. Father of Astrology: Varahamihira , works; Panchasiddhantika, Bruhat Hora Shastra3. Fathers of Surgery : Charaka and Sushruta , works : Samhitas4. Father of Anatomy: Patanjali , work: Yogasutra5. Father of Yoga : Patanjali , work : Yogasutra6. Father of Economics : Chanakya , work: Arthashshtra
Four friends were travelling by car to see the festive lights.
"Whatever happened to
Laila?"
"Don't know. I haven't
seen her in the last week in class."
"I was inviting her for
today's outing, but my calls and messages went unanswered."
Laila was their fun-loving classmate.
 |
| Picture Prompt- Rochelle Wisoff-Fields |
The fourth friend seated on the
passenger seat, was silent.
That Wine Cellar was very famous.
Every tourist visited.
The happy place witnessed the
first dirty fight.
 |
| Photo Prompt- Rochelle Wisoff-Fields |
While a doctor attended to him,
cops interrogated the lady.
"Tell us whatever happened. Why did you smash the bottle on his head?"
They were after her life.
She escaped in her car.
Driving as fast as she could, she
felt safe after crossing the international border.
Her car malfunctioned and came to a halt.
 |
| Picture Prompt- Claire Fuller |
She was right in front of a garage!
There was no one.
It was dark.
We start with a quiz question- Identify this art.
After taking a look at the above image, the name of which art comes to your mind?
At first glance, seeing the borders and style, one knows that it is Pattachitra, that is also being spelled as Patachitra. It is an ancient art of Odisha that is linked with the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri.
However, the name of Odisha's exquisite Pattachitra art is being copied and presently, different art is being passed off as "Pattachitra/Patachitra".
Why is the name of West Bengal clubbed with Odisha too when the similar art of their place is called "Pot"/Patua/Potua?
The Cockroach Theory For Self Development*
"At a restaurant, a cockroach suddenly flew from somewhere and sat on a lady.
She started screaming out of fear.
With a panic stricken face and trembling voice, she started jumping, with both her hands desperately trying to get rid of the cockroach.
Her reaction was contagious, as everyone in her group also got panicky.
The lady finally managed to push the cockroach away but ...it landed on another lady in the group.
Now, it was the turn of the other lady in the group to continue the drama.
The waiter rushed forward to their rescue.
In the relay of throwing, the cockroach next fell upon the waiter.
The waiter stood firm, composed himself and observed the behavior of the cockroach on his shirt.
When he was confident enough, he grabbed it with his fingers and threw it out of the restaurant.Sipping my coffee and watching the amusement, the antenna of my mind picked up a few thoughts and started wondering, was the cockroach responsible for their histrionic behavior?
If so, then why was the waiter not disturbed?
The yellow envelope was top secret.
She was proud to be the chosen one.
The task was of national importance.
She tried to crack the given map and the code as she set out to accomplish the mission.
She saw the yellow arrow atop the snowy mountain.
Recently, Kalinga TV, a leading news channel of Odisha, aired a special programme about Rasagola in its Kalinga Swatantra show (on 27th November 2021 and repeat on 28th and 29th November 2021).
The show's title is in Odia - "Rasagola Kahuchhi Mu Odia".
In English, it means- "Rasagola says I'm Odia."
The show is about the Rasagola origin issue following the Twitter trend #RasagolaDibasa, and also about the Odisha Rasagola Geographical Indication (GI) application and registration. Kalinga TV has documented the views of some stakeholders- historians, authors, researchers, general public, and Rasagola shop owners and sellers, who all have shared about Rasagola's antiquity and association with Odisha.
Some of the personalities, who have been interviewed, and have shared their views in the video are- Prof Pushpesh Pant, Dr. Bhaskar Mishra, Dr. Sarat Kumar Mohanty, Shri Bhakta Tripathy, Shri Santosh Sahu, Dr. Asit Mohanty, Shri Bimbadhar Behera, Shri Satyabrat Mohanty, Shri Manoj Patra, Ms. Saipriya... and yours truly.
It has been uploaded yesterday on YouTube-
It was a normal day, but it did
not seem normal.
Their city had come out of the
second lockdown recently.
There was much excitement!
It was great to see all the
familiar faces.
Not seeing a soul in sight was
creepy.
On a normal day, there would
have been a traffic jam at that time of the day.
He walked on the street
puzzled.
 |
| Photo Prompt- Roger Bultot |
He wanted to get his smartphone
repaired.
She had a home where she felt at
home.
She had invested her lifetime's
savings.
She had spent time and effort
to set it up.
 |
| Photo Prompt- Dale Rogerson |
She sure felt settled.
Her fairytale did not last
long...
Those powerful people wanted
the land where her home was built.
"This is all. There is
nothing beyond this shore."
Rizzy was never convinced
whenever her grandparents said this.
She knew what had happened to
all those who had not believed the elders.
She had lost her own
parents.
Rizzy was sure that there was a new
world.
There could not just be one
tiny island.
The innumerable stars in the sky emboldened her.
 |
| Photo Prompt- Ted Strutz |
There was a lot of crime in the
city.
One person was responsible.
"I'll leave clues. Catch
me if you can."
The police were trying.
They believed it would be
child's play for detective Leela.
----------------
Detective Leela stared at the
given photograph trying to decipher.
 |
| Photo Prompt- Jennifer Pendergast |
The culprit seemed to be rather crude, or was he highly intelligent?
It is truly satisfying to see the confident answer of singer Sthitipadma Dash and the reactions. In the audition round of Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, a leading singing reality show, filmed at Mumbai, Sthitipadma encountered a sweet question on the stage the moment she introduced herself as from “Cuttack, Odisha”. Judges- singer-cum- music-composers Vishal Dadlani and Shankar Mahadevan immediately turned to the third judge, singer-cum-music-composer, Himesh Reshammiya, who asked her in Hindi- “Rasgulla Kiska Hai?”i.e. whom does Rasagola belong?
Sthitipadma confidently answered, “I wouldn’t like to take the things further but Jay Jagannath, Rasagola Aamara (Rasagola is ours)- End of discussion.”.
Everyone cheered.
My heart was beating
fast.
My invention was to be put to test for the first time.
I had spent most of my
life working on a time-machine.
Photo Prompt- Douglas M Macllroy
To test it, I kept a
mannequin on the machine.
I thought of testing with a dummy before trying on a living-being.
It was a normal date.
This was their third meeting.
He had invited her home for a
meal.
They had met at a café earlier.
This time was special.
He showed her his art- both
paintings and cooking!
The man could paint and cook!
She liked him.
 |
| Photo Prompt- Rochelle Wisoff-Fields |
She was yet to discover that he
was a real artist...
It did not take long.
Odisha has been famous for exquisite handicrafts, handlooms and textiles. These popular and rich treasures of Odisha have been a part of Odisha's glorious culture, heritage, history, and maritime trade and commerce for long and have immensely contributed to the employment and livelihood of the artisans and weavers of the state.
Out of the registered seventeen Geographical Indication (GI) products of Odisha, there are twelve handicrafts including nine handlooms. There are many more potential GI products.
Odisha has an impressive handloom map.
Note- All handlooms of Odisha have not been shown in the above map.
In addition, Odisha has 50 crafts recognized by the state Govt.
*Gentle voice* Feel comfortable and be relaxed.
We are taking a shuttle to your past.
What can you see?
I am visiting a fair with my parents.
I can see a merry-go-round.
I request my parents- Please allow me to take a ride.
 |
| Photo Prompt- Brenda Cox |
Then?
Devi puja i.e. Goddess worship is being done for many centuries in India.
During Navaratri, Durga Puja, and Dussehra festivals, many Goddesses are worshipped, especially Devi Durga.
There are Shakti Peethas, where it is believed that the different parts of Devi Sati had fallen. According to the Tantra Chudamani, Sati's navel fell in the Utkala Kingdom.
Maa Biraja Peetha is the Shakti Peetha where the naabhi i.e. the navel portion had fallen. Some Shakti Peethas are present in Odisha.
In his Ashtadasha Shakti Peetha Stuti, AdiShankara describes the goddess as "Girija".
In Tantra literature, the Oddiyana Peetha is located near the Baitarani river. Oddiyana is an ornament worn by a woman around her navel.
Devi Durga is worshipped as Maa Biraja in this Peetha.
 |
| Image Courtesy- Jajpur District Administration |
Maa Biraja Temple is an ancient temple with a unique Mahishasuramardini i.e. the killer of Mahishasura- idol. The Durga idol has two hands, spearing the chest of Mahishasura with one hand and pulling his tail with the other. One of Her feet is on a lion, and the other is on Mahishasura's chest.
The Mahishasura is depicted as a Buffalo, and not as regular human demon. The crown of Maa Biraja has the symbols of Shree Ganesha, crescent moon, and a Shivalinga.
The Biraja Temple is located in Jajpur that is known as the "ancient capital of Orissa" (Odisha). It is about 125 kilometers north of Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha.
 |
| Courtesy: Wikipedia |
River Baitarani flows beside the Biraja temple. The temple covers a large area and has several shrines dedicated to Shiva and other deities. According to the Utkala Khanda of the Skanda Purana, as this area cleanses pilgrims, it is called the Biraja Kshetra.
The mention of Maa Biraja is also in Brahma Purana, Kapila Samhita and the Mahabharata.
It is said that when cursed Lord Brahma was worshipping, then pleased with his prayers, Maa Biraja appeared. The original temple was built by King Yayati Keshari. However, it was destroyed by invaders. Thereafter, the present temple was built.
 |
| Entrance- Image Courtesy- Jajpur District Administration |
Maa Biraja is the only Goddess in the world who has Her own Ratha Jatra (Rath Yatra i.e. Chariot Festival) It lasts for 9 days during Durga Puja celebration.
Yes, there is a Ratha Jatra, just like in the ShreeMandira i.e. the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri.
The Shree Jagannatha Ratha Jatra is well-known, but many are yet to know of the Ratha Jatra of Maa Biraja.
ମା ଵିରଜା ରଥ ଯାତ୍ରା🙏🙏#ଯାଜପୁର pic.twitter.com/sD3wrla7K5
— ଶୁŕ¬୍ରାଂଶୁ (@Subhran89) October 11, 2021
As per the tradition, the chalanti pratima (idol to represent Maa Biraja) is taken for the Ratha Jatra. Lord Brahma is the sarathi (charioteer) of Her Ratha.
During Ratha Jatra, Maa Biraja is offered Rasagola (Rasgulla) as bhog.
"Who is that charming lady in the photograph?" Mini asked her grandmother.
"That is my grandmother!" Mini's grandmother answered pointing to the lady who was seated.
 |
| Photo Prompt- Rochelle Wisoff Fields |
"I was referring to
the tall and fair lady, who is standing... I look a lot like her!" Mini
winked.
"Granddaughters do
resemble their grandmothers; it’s in the genes!" Mini’s grandma laughed.
Seven-year old Gia's mother was
very sick.
Gia was heart-broken to see her
industrious mother bed-ridden.
She could not afford to lose
her only parent.
"Only a miracle can save
her," the doctor answered after checkup.
Gia knew where miracles were
available.
She did remember the real-story
her mother had told her.
Gia lost no time to visit that
place- the local church.
 |
| Photo Prompt- Dale Rogerson |
She looked bewitching in the red
off-shoulder dress.
He just couldn't wait to lay
his hands on her.
He put his right arm around her
lissome waist and holding her right hand in his left, entered the hotel's
elevator.
He continued his conversation by
saying sweet-nothings to his ladylove.
He was aware that all his
activities were being watched.
 |
| Photo Prompt- Liz Young |
A multi-billionaire died.
His fortune was to be equally
divided amongst his grandsons.
As per his will, a secret
treasure would belong to the grandson, who cracked the clue-
"Sandwiched by water and
greenery- no access by road even if you try;
After reaching, you'll find it
guarded by the one with the keen eye..."
Entire estate could be accessed
by road.
Where was the treasure?
You once professed your deep love for me-
Believing you, "You & Me" merged as one!
I accepted your "Team WE" proposal & identity;
Complied with your ideas of intimacy & fun.
Fought with my upset family; it was you I chose.
Just you in my heart & eyes, I severed all my ties.
"Till death do us apart", we took our holy vows.
Our inter-religion marriage would sure win & rise.
They warned- "All this is a lie, eye-wash, smart plan"-
I was yet another virgin prey for you & your group.
Promising you my all, I offered myself as your top fan.
Consumed by your love, I was the flavour in your soup.
I dreamt my life would be an eternal honeymoon-
With you by my side as king, I'd feel like a queen.
My high castles in the air collapsed pretty soon.
You metamorphosed into a beast, unheard & unseen.
I tried to keep my faith, persevere, & to keep pace,
You & your family forced me into the conversion.
I was simply a prize-trophy, forgotten after the race.
I bore you heirs; you exploited fruits of our relation.
"It's you, again!" the border security-officer encountered Raunaq.
It was Raunaq's fifth
cross-border trip via his truck that month.
 |
| Photo Prompt- Sandra Crook |
"Am sure you are smuggling
something inside this stack of hay”.
"Please check, officer. I’ll
wait." Raunaq confidently said just like he had said before.
The border-force checked.
They even used metal-detectors.
The bluebirds were nowhere to be
found.
She was trying to spot them
like crazy.
She had always wanted to research
and write a book about the bluebirds.
Many could be spotted in that
eco-zone where she had grown up.
Wasn’t the spot near the river
their favorite place?
 |
| Photo Prompt- Penny Gadd |
Tanka is a form of Japanese poetry. There are five lines in this type of poem.
Though I had heard of the term before, I did not have the chance to explore this form previously.
Did so thanks to the Tanka contest opportunity by Blogchatter.
It was great to read the Tankas of Kamala Ramesh.
I tried reading up more about Tanka. Here are some of my lines as my maiden creation.
Hope you like my five Tankas presented below:
--o--
"That's really not fair!"
"All
my husband gets is this old country house, while grandfather leaves his posh
city apartment for hubby's younger brother!"
Liz was upset.
"I have many memories
attached with this home. Grandpa knew," Mike said fondly caressing his
grandfather's framed photograph.
"I always knew I would
inherit this ever since he had handed me this box a decade ago."
In the antique silver-box were the most exquisite keys Liz had ever seen.
Ratha Jatra or Ratha Yatra or Rath Yatra, also called the ‘Chariot Festival' of Puri Shree Jagannatha is a centuries-old festival of Odisha, India. It finds mention in many ancient texts like the Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, Kapila Samhita, Bamadeva Samhita, Niladri Mahodaya etc.
Ratha Jatra is celebrated all over the world now.
This annual festival is celebrated on Asadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya (second day in bright fortnight of Asadha month, the third month of the Odia calendar).
The rituals have been held systematically as per the tithi for hundreds of years. The preparations start early. The first lot of wood for constructing the Rathas reaches by Basanta Panchami, and Puja (Ratha Katha Anukula) is done.
The
construction of the chariots starts on the day of Akshaya Trutiya (the third
day of the bright fortnight of the month of Baisakha). Skilled artisans and
craftsmen construct the Rathas following
centuries-old traditions. The size and specifications of the Rathas are
fixed.
Ratha Jatra is the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from their abode, Shreemandira, to their birthplace, Shree Gundicha Temple. Thus, this is also called Gundicha Jatra.
She loved the outings with her
grandfather.
They cycled taking the roads
less travelled.
One day, they found a shortcut
to the woods.
An abandoned van made Grandpa
say- "So here you are!"
 |
| Photo Prompt- Russell Gayer |
They struggled to open the
jammed door.
When I saw that cheat enjoying
himself in the resort, I was livid.
Such unethical people mustn’t
do what they do.
He had to be taught a
lesson.
 |
| Photo Prompt- Brenda Cox |
He had copied all my work and
gained undue credit and awards.
He maligned my name and
reputation, and appropriated my creations, claiming them to be his own ideas!
"Speak the truth - support honesty,
Without being deterred by the noise.
Empathy & character are your richness.
Integrity, hard-work, discipline...are choice."
He reposes tremendous faith & confidence,
Celebrating enthusiasm & trust, we rejoice.
This practical teacher practices what he preaches.
He values his girls- no way inferior to boys.
 |
| Sand art on Puri beach by Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik |
A week ago, on June 11 2021, we lost Padma Shri Prof Radhamohan. He was an environmentalist and social scientist. He was the former information commissioner of Odisha.
A student of Samanta Chandrashekhar College, he studied Applied Economics and taught the same.
She had photographed and
documented all the statues found on the river-bank.
They demanded attention,
protection and preservation.
All her pleas fell on deaf
ears.
There was no action.
Some months later, she was
shocked to find the priceless heritage missing.
 |
| Photo Prompt - Alicia Jamtaas |
What is the meaning of mangalacharanam?
In which place was the Mahabharata composed?
How many seasons have been described by
Kalidasa in his epic Ritusamhara?
What are the four vedas and the four
upavedas?
What does Mrichhakatikam mean?
Are spirituality and religion the same
thing?
Who compiled the Bhagavata Mahapurana?
If these questions teased your
brain-cells, and you are unable to retrieve the answers, it is time to pick up
this informative book about Sanskrit language and texts-
The Beauty of Sanskrit Language and Texts is written by Durga Prasad Dash.
It
is one of the eBooks launched by the Blogchatter EBook Carnival this year.
Sanskrit is one of the most ancient languages of the world. It was the language of the intellectuals of India, prior to the Mughal invasion and reign. India has one of the most manuscripts in the world. Sanskrit texts are treasure-houses of India’s ancient wisdom. However, many of us are unaware. Many Indians have never studied Sanskrit in school. Had the British not interfered with our education system, we would perhaps have devoted more time and interest in studying this.
The spherical orange building shone.
She was surprised to see it in their backyard.
She was sure it was not there the day before.
She had not seen or heard people working.
 |
| Photo Prompt - Dale Rogerson |
Every morning, she crossed that way.
Was the religious morning-walker so lost in her thoughts that she had never noticed it?
She looked like a radiant new
bride.
Basking in the full moon night,
she sparkled.
He sighed.
He dreamt to get his hands on
her!
His dream could come true.
The time was right.
Everyone was asleep.
There was no one in sight.
It is great to share that about the publication of my second eBook- ‘Rasagola Dibasa - Odisha Celebrates A Day for Rasagola (Rasgulla)’. It was launched in this year's Blogchatter EBook Carnival.
Random Thoughts On Random Words by Rajeev Moothedath is an interesting eBook suitable for readers of all ages.
It is one of the eBooks launched by the Blogchatter EBook Carnival this year.
Book Title and Cover
The author has chosen an apt title.
The book cover looks bright,
colourful, and attractive, with many images corresponding to the topics covered
in the book. The cover design is by Tarun.
I am deeply saddened to share that Odisha has lost key officials, who were treasure-houses and walking encyclopedias about Odisha handlooms and handicrafts-
Shri Devaraja Sahu and
Shri Basanta Kumar Dash (B.K.Dash).
Both these late personalities
were valuable experts, who had a wealth of knowledge about our Odisha handlooms
and handicrafts.
Despite their position, expertise, and experience, they were so simple, humble, and approachable. They were a phone-call away. They listened and patiently answered.
My home is my favorite place with corners favourite.
Picking just one corner, for me is not just right.
I must share about the specialty & what they mean-
Each corner is special where I 'm happily seen!
How often have you looked for a practical guide to plan international trips in low cost?
The
explorer in us yearns to travel, especially during this pandemic when we are
under lockdown. While we wait for Covid19 to go, the waiting seems productive
when we plan for the golden trip days ahead.
To make such experience even more worthwhile, it makes sense to consult an expert who will guide us and smoothen the process. If you have often wondered “How to plan international trips on our own in low cost” and other aspects of planning travel-trips, do read the book- “World Travel in low budget” written by by a travel lover who has visited 40 countries so far.
World Travel In Low Budget by Shrinidhi Hande is a practical travel guide book.
This book is suitable for all readers around the world.
The salesman had worn a T-shirt
that read- "Just Do It!"
Seeing that I approached his T-shirt
shop in the foreign land where few spoke English.
I confidently began to converse
in English.
His blank face expressed his
inability to understand.
I picked an attractive red
T-shirt with graffiti in the local language.
The price was mentioned.
