Posts

Showing posts with the label Travel

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha by PM Modi

Image
On Monday January 22, 2024, history was indelibly marked in the hearts of Lord Rama worshippers worldwide as the Ramlala idol found its permanent abode in Ayodhya. This momentous day will resonate through generations, fueled by the unwavering devotion of Lord Rama's followers. The nation witnessed a collective jubilation akin to a grand festival, with major offices closed to honor this significant occasion. Millions of temples in the country in its own way celebrating the Lord Rama  Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya. Today is the day for Indians to become Rammay. Lord Rama transcends being merely a religious figure; he embodies the spirit, devotion, and way of life in India. He is the soul of India. His cultural significance transcends religious boundaries, with Hindus taking immense pride in venerating Maryada Purushottam Ram, whose ideals continue to inspire every Indian. Notably, many Muslims also hold reverence for Lord Ram. The great Urdu poet, Iqbal described Lord Rama as “Ima...

The Art of Balancing Desires

Excerpts from the Diary: November 13, 2014, 6 PM Contemplating the Art of Balancing Desires Struggling with the tumultuous waves of unwanted lust and desire, I find myself at a crossroads where these impulses significantly impact both my professional and personal realms. Despite considerable knowledge and practicing self-control, I am perplexed as to why mastering this aspect remains elusive. I suspect that my tendency towards extremes might be the root cause. It's either complete immersion or total abandonment, with no middle ground. I lack the skill to navigate responsible, manageable desires—a critical aspect of a balanced life. The challenge intensifies when, after abandoning something entirely, I return to it for some reason. The resurgence of lust and desire at such times is overpowering, surpassing previous levels. This cycle of departure and return exacerbates my struggles. The key, it seems, lies in mastering the delicate art of balance. But how does one achieve this equil...

Memorable Solo road trip from Delhi to Patna

Image
It was a pure joy, fun on wheel on a 15-year-old Zen Estilo from Dwarka, Delhi to Patna on 5th Feb 2023. My beauty and most trusted car Zen Estilo turned 15 on 6th Feb 2023. As per Delhi rule, I have to dispose of the car or bring back to Patna for a further lease of life of five years to my "Basanti". I was so attached to this car so I decided to bring it back to Patna to apply for a 5-year extension by paying road tax at Patna with Bihar number. I got NOC online in December at Delhi and then looking for a time to go to Delhi and bring back the car. In any case I have to bring back before 6th Feb 2023. My friend and his wife were returning to Delhi on 2nd Feb with car so I decided to join them. His car was new Kia sonet. It was a new car with less than 10000 km run. We started at 6.15 am precisely from Patna and took Patna-Bihta-Koilwar-Buxar-Purvanchal Eway-Lucknow -Agra Eway -Yamuna Eway -Sarita Vihar-Outer ring road-Dwarka with leisurely 3 stops and two fuel stops. ...

An adventure through East Africa

Image
My Travel Diary of East Africa: An adventure of a life time through some of the breathtaking landscapes, culture and people in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zanzibar I have been wanting to take an adventurous trip to Africa for several years, and I had planned to travel by road from Cairo to Cape Town, crossing 13 countries in 49 days. My plan was to fly to Cairo from Delhi, then drive through Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, and then fly back to Delhi from Cape Town. I was planning to depart in April 2020, but I had to modify my plans to leave out Egypt and Sudan and fly to Addis Ababa instead, and return from Cape Town to Delhi. I started preparing for the trip and got a yellow fever vaccination on January 20, but then the COVID-19 pandemic happened and all my plans were put on hold. The plan was, A) Addis Ababa to Uganda via Omo valley, Marsabit, Nandi hills, Eldoret, Kampala (2000 km) Kampal...

Tanzania: Random Educational Observation

Image
Some of my random observations/thoughts while traveling Tanzania in July 2022. I travelled far and wide mostly by public transportation, meeting people, talking to them, observing them and seeing the vast possibilities of Tanzania. I have not followed any order intentionally to keep it as it is since it was part of my communication with a Tanzanian friend who wanted to hear my experience. I may be wrong in certain observation but it is completely educational without any wrong motive. Given an opportunity I will return to Tanzania again to complete my tour of Mbeya in South and Mwanza on Lake Victoria which I was not able to do this time. I entered Tanzania from Rwanda through Rusumo border and travelled up to Dar es salaam then Zanzibar and back to Dar. And in return to Moshi, Arusha, Engaruka, Karatu, Ngorongoro conservation area and entered Kenya through Namanga border. I found Tanzania friendly and receptive. There was openness in talk. My entry to Rusumo, Tanzania was smooth. The ...