Travel and Learn

How do you define learning? If it is mugging up big books and jolting them down then seriously you are being trained to be a parrot. You are just repeating things that is already felt, discovered or jolted by somebody else without even contributing anything to it. That won't help anybody. Obviously some teacher who is not accustomed to innovation would have given you good grades, but he has obviously killed the little left zeal of innovation in you. 

Learning is gaining knowledge. I believe the best way is to travel and learn. The thrill and adventure teaches you that there is no charm in waiting for the destination, but the worth is in valuing your journey. 

Travelling brings you across new cultures, new people, new places, nature, terrain and food habits. It is said that culture and food habits change every 100 kilometres and what is more fun in travelling across such varied forms of cultures and food habits. 

Travelling also develops your micro-mentality in to a broader prospective. You forget to differentiate across people by the caste, community, religion and wealth. When you stay inside your home you forget to love your neighbours, when you live only amidst your neighbours you forget the other parts of the city, when you live only in your city you forget the other places in your state, when you live only in your state you forget the rest of the country, but when you travel like the whole world is your  home you are not confined to restricted thoughts in your mind. 

Travelling also drives away the inner fear of home-sickness. I have seen a lot of people around who could achieve big but they refrained themselves from doing so because of their inability to give up with their home-sickness.

I was always discouraged by my friends to try trekking because of my weight. I did a lot of things which people of my weight generally refrain themselves fearing adverse consequences. I was never encouraged by anyone to trek up across rocks to a ice filled hill. If ever I tried, nobody was there to motivate me. Last year, when I stood below one such icy hill I was again lacking motivation from within and surrounding. When I saw a few people nearby mocking me because of my weight I gave up the fear and got up to the topmost peak without anybody's help. I did it and I am proud of it. They who tried to mock me, gave up in between. I accomplished another fear of life. I could do that because I travelled to a new place and that led me to discover a different part of me inside me.

Life is such a journey which is not possible to learn it all. In fact, nobody has ever known the whole of it. Travelling just lets you know a different part of it everyday. So I believe in the mantra - Travel and Learn.

Significance of Areca Nuts and Betel Leaves in North-Eastern India

Don't be surprised if you are welcomed in to a North-Eastern family with Areca Nuts and Betel Leaves instead of any soft drink. It is an integral part of our culture. It is called 'Tamul Paan' in Assamese and Nagamese, 'Kua' in Manipur, 'Kuhva' in Mizoram, 'Kwai' by the Khasi's of Meghalaya and 'Gue' by the Garo's of Meghalaya. 

Chewing Areca Nut and Betel Leaves is being followed as a custom since thousands of years. Famous traveller Ibn Battuta describes the ritual as, "The betel is a tree which is cultivated in the same manner as the grape-vine. The betel has no fruit and is cultivated for the sake of its leaves. The manner of its use is that before eating it one takes areca nut; this is like a nutmeg but is broken up until it is reduced to small pellets  and one places these in the mouth and chews them. Then he takes the leaf of betel, puts a little chalk on them and masticates them along with the betel." Tobacco stands as an optional addition with the betel leaves. 

Chopped Areca Nuts offered with betel leaves and lime

In Assamese culture the host places small pieces of areca nuts with betel leaves to the guests as an honour and conversations go on with offerings of tea and areca nuts with betel leaf. When wedding invitations are given with areca nuts and betel leaf, it signifies that the host family honours the guest and is very keen for the guest. Newly wed couples seeks blessings from the elderly by offering areca nuts and betel leaf. During bihu,  areca nuts and betel leaf are offered to the Fire God along with sesame seeds and laru-pitha.  Areca nuts and betel leaf are also given as felicitations. 

Areca Nuts with Betel Leaves

In Khasi culture, they carry small packets of  areca nuts and betel leaf. Their day goes on with  areca nuts and betel leaf. They offer it to every visitor. There is also a humorous belief that when someone has left for his heavenly demise, he has gone to have 'Kwai' with God. Most  people carry a small bag of areca nuts with betel leaves and they rarely go out of stock.

In Manipur, women sells heaps of areca nuts with betel leaves in the market which goes from Assam, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Grooms are welcomed to the wedding by offering areca nuts with betel leaves in a brass plate. 

The craze for areca nuts with betel leaves is same in Mizoram also and local shops are seen selling Kuhva Hring in small packets and locals consume it. 

Nagamese people also love tamul and it is mostly consumed post meal. It is believed that it enhances digestion.

Areca Nut Trees

However the craze for areca nuts with betel leaves is not seen in Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura. 

Areca nuts with betel leaves are elements of high respect in North Eastern culture and a guests denial to the offering by the host will obviously be disappointing for the host. It is also believed that there are several health benefits from the consumption of areca nuts with betel leaves. It keeps people warm in winters. It is believed to cure impotence, help in digestion and a remedy for tooth decays. 

x

Barbados - A Dream in my Bucket List

Nature is always an underrated beauty. There is more thrill in travelling to explore nature, culture and customs, than just travelling to places to try out cuisines and shopping around. Barbados is a dream destination for all nature lovers. With tide pools, cliffs, coral reefs, underground lakes and caves, coral rocks and beaches with palm trees the island stands as one of the most sought after travel inspiration destinations across the world. The land is an unspoilt haven for many creatures and houses some of the indigenous flora and fauna.

Barbados is an island country in southeastern Caribbean Sea, covering an area of 432 square kilometres. English is the official language of the country. Barbados has tropical monsoon climate round the year with mild breeze. The period from June to November witnesses rain in the entire climate.

The playful waves and pink sand makes the Crane Beach one among the top beaches of the world. The gentle breeze that sways the coconut grooves also adds to it beauty. The beach is famous for Boogie boarding and body surfing. The beach has always been a favourite for honeymooners. The Crane Beach Resort, located near the beach ensures great stay for the visitors and also ensures every possible comfort to the visitors.

Bathsheba is a rugged beach towards the eastern coast. At Bathsheba beach, large rock formations stand in the beach giving the view of picturesque beauty. These rocks are broken rock formations from the ancient coral reef. The pools of Bathsheba are carved in inshore coral reefs. Visitors sit in them with a drink and enjoy the enriching experience of the natural whirlpool created in them.

Oistins Bay Garden is a small fishing town towards the south coast. Different vendors have different cooking style. They have wide range of fish and meat which is prepared in front of the customers. People take their seat in informal setting and enjoy their food while enjoying music. During weekends, late night visits general keep the customers waiting for long time as the queue gets longer. Art and craft items like jewellery, pottery, wood carvings, pottery, clothing and accessories are also available for sale at the beach.

Bajan Bus is one of the historic treasures of this island country. The bus gives the tourists a tour around the scenic beauty, the life of locals and sights of some of the photogenic places. The bus takes around 30 passengers on shared basis or rent. The bus stops for a rum punch and buffet lunch.

Andromeda Botanic Gardens houses several flowering plants and tropical plants. The garden houses, humming birds, resident monkeys and over six hundred different variety of plants. The garden is a delight for horticulturists. There is also a cafe and a place nearby to buy crafts.

The Atlantis Submarine tour is a forty minute journey to 150 feet below the sea level and allows visitors to the sea the sea bed as a playground. The journey leaves the visitors enthralled by the view of amazing coral formations and sea life. The co-pilot shares different information and adventures about the sea life.

Barbados Earthwork Pottery is located near St. Thomas and it manufactures some of the attractive and usable pottery in the finest class. Dinnerware and serving pieces come in 150 shapes and 36 patterns. The entry is free but the aesthetic tempts almost every visitor to buy a gift or a dinner piece. This Caribbean pottery place is a must visit.

Barbados is the birthplace of oldest distilled spirit – rum. Mount Gay Distillery, founded in 1703 is believed to be the oldest manufacturer of rum. Rum has been the essence of Caribbean culture and Barbados rum is considered to be the best rum in the world. There are several recipes of rum across Barbados and each the uniqueness of each recipe adds a better experience of self-exploration.

The nightlife at this island is also highly appreciated. There are plenty of places to grab a cocktail, dance, play arcade games or even set out on a dinner cruise. There are plenty of festivals happening all throughout the year where crowd from all around the year drop in.

A visit to this island will definitely prove to be more than awesome. The experience here starts with a gentle smile, goes on with inquisitiveness, builds more delight with every different facet of the island and leaves everyone with an urge to visit again. The narrows roads and colourful lives give a wonderful experience of Caribbean culture exploration.

This post is submitted for Lufthansa's #TheBlindList contest.  So pack your bags and #SayYesToTheWorld.

Some Me Time

Do we need someone to remind us to peep in to our life for some time everyday?

I was going through a tough time of life. Although I was doing better than than most people around me, yet I was directionless. Even those who were doing not as good as me were at least sure of where they were heading to. I started long back but I didn't know where I had to end. I was confused whether that start of mine was the appropriate or I was yet to start. I was in the midst of such a phase that I couldn't restart, I couldn't erase away of what I was going through. I had to live with it. I couldn't erase the beginning but could surely decorate the end. The start was gone from my hands, but not the end. To decorate the end I had to change the journey. I did that too. I started peeping in to my life more. I started reviewing myself. Today I am my biggest critic. I wake up and while I plan for the day I spend some time thinking if it was taking me to where I wanted to be. If what I was planning to do ended  in vain than it was of no use of doing that. Just before going to bed I analyse the entire day. I also self talk and I perfectly realise when I do that. I got to know myself better. I also got to know that my limits were not so less. I could push myself to extremes which I always feared to. 

Today I am not successful but I obviously realise what I am doing to achieve my success. Today I am at least aware of what I define as my success parameter of life. Introspection helped me to be a better version of me.

"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom."

 - Aristotle 

Penned down for the 242nd edition of Indispire - Are you a smart learner? Do you learn lessons from everyday things? How did you learn the lessons? Share a story.

Section 497 - ABOLISHED

Section 497 in The Indian Penal Code

Adultery - Whoever has sexual intercourse with a person who is and whom he knows or has reason to believe to be the wife of another man, without the consent or connivance of that man, such sexual intercourse not amounting to the offence of rape, is guilty of the offence of adultery, and shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both. In such case the wife shall not be punishable as an abettor.

The Supreme Court on 27th September declared it as unconstitutional the penal provision on adultery, saying it was manifestly arbitrary and dents the individuality of women.

The problem with Section 497 is that it considered women as the victim of the offence and as 'property' of her husband. It was not of any problem if the husband had intercourse with an woman after getting her husband's consent.

After declaring the section as unconstitutional the jail term of 5 years has been abolished. However adultery will continue to stand as a reason for divorce. Allowing it to be a reason for divorce, it gives the couple a chance to decide whether to continue with the dent in their marriage or seek for separation. This glorifies the view that punishment cannot build commitment in a relationship.

However if one of the partners commit suicide due to the adulterous nature of their partner, the culprit could be proceeded against criminal offence of abetting suicide.

Section 497 treated a married woman as a commodity of her husband and abolishing Section 497 allows the couple to deal with their private life in their own way.

Adultery still holds as a crime in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, UAE, Egypt and Congo. Adultery is not considered as a crime in China, Japan, Brazil, Australia, Germany and South Korea.

Gradual Love

Love is the result of a momentary impulse or it grows with time?? The momentary impulse or what we call as 'Love at first sight' is exaggerated attraction. Most momentary impulses are due to attractions to a beautiful physique. I believe in the old quote, what comes fast goes fast.  

Love is the flower you've got to let it grow.

                                                                         - John Lennon

To be in love means to be in love with the worst part of your partner too. You can't ignore your partner at the darkest hour of life. To be in love is being like the captain of the ship. When its soft and smooth, he enjoys sailing with the breeze; but when the ship sinks he dies with it. When love develops gradually there is an entire story behind. Having an entire story behind can be either from being school friends or even hooking up with your best friends girlfriend. It can be anything. Falling in love  is easy, but staying in love isn't. Sometimes there are less of agreeable beliefs and more of opposing views. People can be totally opposite in beliefs and habits and yet love is what makes both the bipartisan's meet at a midpoint.

There comes a stage where liking the goodness in each others phase comes to an end and people start getting irritated by the differences. Fighting the differences and ignoring  the past are the two major tests. The best part comes when you know your partner and still there is something that doesn't pull you away. Its like falling in love again and again with the same person.

Falling is love is like trying a new drug. You like the hallucinations but when  the intoxication starts fading away you hate the hangover. To grow with love gradually is being an addict who would die with the drug. It isn't easy. Its love after all. It can't be easy. It can simply be adventurous, gradual and forever.

Submitted to the 241st edition of Indispire.

Believe

We'll find some place soon,

In the quarter of heaven,
Where we'll share a laughter or two

All you gotta do is believe.

Let's fly into the clouds

Neighbouring the stars and resting on the moon

You are an angel I believe

You don't deserve to be here.

You are the rain,

You are the sun that glow,

You are the beautiful rainbow,

You are the angel of my dream.

One day we'll be there,

Believe me it's true,

Just hold on to me,

In the future lies peace.

Mission China - Somehow a reality

08th September 2017 - The director and protagonist of the movie 'Mission China' released the movie across theatres not only in the state, but also in the whole country. The reason behind the date is to pay his tribute to the 'Bard of Brahmaputra' Late Dr. Bhupen Hazarika on his birthday.

It is the first ever Assamese movie with a huge budget of 2 crore. What had put the viewers eyes into arrest was the exotic locations that was screened in movie. The protagonist of the movie, 'Colonel Goswami' with three of his handpicked soldiers traveled alongside Indo-China border to rescue a young girl from the trap of kidnappers. Zubeen Da's anguish look in the whole movie drops several hints that there could have been another reason why he gave his consent for such a risky mission even after being from jail for something where he was trapped into and nobody gave an ear to his innocence.

The movie was a success across the state. Pabitra Rabha, Sattyakee D'Com Bhuyan, Deeplina Deka and the others in supporting roles gave their best for the role they played.

The movie wasn't an ordinary one for the state. In fact, it was a festival. People stood in lines for long hours for the first day any show tickets. Online tickets were booked for the entire week.

It wasn't an easy deal for me to watch the movie. On 8th September I was at Lunglei, Mizoram which is 650 kilometres from Guwahati across West Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Barak Valley and crossing several districts of Mizoram. I reached Aizawl on the night of 08th September. Due to vehicle puncture, I reached Aizawl late and had to sleep skipping my dinner. I headed to Silchar the next day. I could have watched the second day last show at Silchar itself. I didn't want to watch it alone. I reached Silchar at 04:00 PM. With a small halt at my room in Silchar, I headed towards ISBT. Surprisingly there were 14 buses and all were totally occupied. It was never in my lifetime that I found so many passengers from Silchar to Guwahati even when trains were operational. I sat beside the driver in one of the last buses and travelled entire night to reach Guwahati without any sleep. While we stopped for dinner, I asked few boarders what was the reason behind such rush. The rush was to watch Mission China at Guwahati. I reached Guwahati and took a nap. Third day last show - I finally made it. I finally made it after a long journey of two days from Lunglei to Guwahati.

Thang Ta - Manipuri Martial Art

Thang Ta is one of the two martial art forms that originated in India, the other being Kallaripayattu.  Thang Ta originated in the state of Manipur and its original name is HUYEN LALLONG.  Manipur has been an independent kingdom since the early Christian era. It has played an important role in the geopolitical environment of medieval times in between India and China with many independent states at war with each other. Constant life and death struggles between clans, tribes and states resulted in the devising of ways and means of safeguarding the lives of the citizen soldiery and at the same time developing an inward attitude to problems of life, death and afterlife. Battle art plays a pivotal role in small tribes as it forms a method of protection from enemies and also gives a status and recognition within the tribe. Thang Ta  (The art of sword and the spear) was secretly practised by the Gurus and disciples during the British Raj as it was purely prohibited. The heart of Thang Ta is the sword.

Female performers practising Thang Ta

The different moves of this ancient Martial art Style has been bought from daily body postures and movements. Khurumba (the bow) is the movement that represents the  front flexion with the relaxed spine. This movement provides body rotation towards the front. Tha Leiba is rotation and tilts of the pelvic joint in different angles. Occasional half turn of the chest is also common. This movement emphasises on middle body movement. Thong khong is the posture of lowering of the upper extremities nearer to the ground, where the two legs in deep bent position and it supports the whole body. thereby proximally utilizing the use of the upper extremities at the ground level. This movement emphasises on middle body movement to  the ground. Wai teiba is  a daily ritual of cleaning the floor by women. Women use a different flexible squat system with the bent knees opened out to enable the forward flexion of the torso or spine. This gives a forward movement and also movement of hands and control to form out the figure of eight.

Performers practising Thang Ta at a school

Thang Ta is practised and taught under strict code of conduct. The initiation of training starts with a ceremony. The initiation ceremony begins with lighting candles in front of  Pakhangba, the originator of Thang  Ta. The student offers a gift to the Master and then asks for his permission to accept him as his student and the Master does that after accepting the gift. The School where Thang Ta is taught is known as Sindamsang. The student has to enter the Sindamsang barefoot and has to bow in front of the master and also to other senior members present. The training floor is cleaned and groomed before practice. The student also has to bow to Pakhanga before each practice session. The student has to also bow to his partner before practicing.  There are several weapons that are used while practicing Thang Ta. The student needs to touch the weapon and offer a mark of respect to it by touching it and bringing the hand to his head. The student also needs to take care that the weapon doesn’t fall in anybody’s feet. Whenever any instruction is given by the teacher the student needs to stand still. Any intoxication is strictly prohibited. After the session ends, the student again needs to bow down to his master. Such regulations ensure that there is minimum or no injury during the practice and also students learn to build in themselves patience and discipline, thereby maintaining the sanctity of the martial art.

A performer practising Thang Ta with his gear

Thang Ta practitioners also need to take care of certain other codes of conduct. There is strict prohibition of marching against any opponent who is running away in fear or has given up. The practitioners need to take care of this or else it is believed to be sin. Thang Ta is more of spiritual than physical. The practitioners need to follow certain routine. Thang Ta practitioners wear a certain cloth which is usually worn by the dead, thus symbolising the readiness for ultimate sacrifice by the practitioner. Thang Ta symbolises selflessness.

Performers practising Thang Ta

The history of Huyen Langlon has made  its origin branch to several forms. Each technique can specifically be broken down into several various forms. Thang-Ta is the armed version which involves the use of spears, axes and shields in combat. Sarit Sarak is an unarmed version with various forms of evasive and defensive attack. Fundamentals in Sarit Sarak include footwork, kicks, hits and rolling around in the floor. Punaba Ana is a form which is fought with small leather shield and fighting sticks. However, they are not used allowed to use their legs. Thangkairol is an individual swordplay which is ornamented with swords and individuals perform with performers performing with one or more swords. Yannathang is a form in which two martial art performers get in to combats with swords. Khosarol is the form in which the performers fight with spears. Thengkoural is the form which is reserved known by very few masters and it is kept to only a few practitioners.

Thang Ta practitioners need to maintain self-discipline to a great extent. They need to practice, worship and keep training every day. Although the martial arts involve attacking the opponents, yet the practitioners have to maintain the dignity of not harming any enemy who has already given up. The warrior has to protect his land, people and the king with the secrets of yantra, mantra and tantra. Their dedication of the practitioners can be well found out from their habit wearing a sacred cloth which is worn by dead which symbolises their readiness to die.

Today Thang Ta is losing its glory and only some stage practitioners are keeping it alive. Its preservation demands an early attention.

The Touch and Trust

What is the need for physical intimacy in a relationship??

There has always been a debate on whether to get swept over by your partners love or not or when is the right time to get swept away from your partners love. Intimacy helps to feel the warmth. A simple hug builds a trust that there is someone beside, always.

Its good to have an assurance of togetherness, but is it always necessary to get naked in front of your partner? Can't we build in an intimacy without touching?

There are people who meet their partners once in a year. The only intimacy that they carry with them is their partners pic safely walled in their purse. Our soldier brothers and sisters have been living all their life with only the emotion of real touch for a fortnight or so in the entire year with their partners and this doesn't make their relationship less stronger. Even in this modern day concept of global village, people are staying apart, some in different cities of the same country and some even in different countries. Their need and greed for intimacy doesn't drive them to be unfaithful to their partner. They too meet after months.

I don't believe that happiness, faithfulness and intimacy can ever be correlated. Life isn't so uniform for all. A couple can be happy without any intimacy while another might need that happiness of intimacy quite often. A couple can be far and still be loyal while someone can just be near his partner and still be deceiving.

There are couples who find it exciting to have that touch quite often and that they need their daily dose of orgasm. There are also people who are so corrupted by sex that they find happiness in changing partners often. There are also people whose only intimacy is the walk they walk together back from office holding hands.

The real intimacy between two souls is when you don't speak and still your partner understands. Spoken words are to make sense to the world and unspoken emotions are only to the one who is intimate to you. He, who knows you for being yourself will understand when you are happy and what makes you happy.

“there's nothing more intimate in life than simply being understood. And understanding someone else.”

          - Brad Meltzer, The Inner Circle

 The article is penned for 236th edition of Indispire, "Is physical intimacy the only thing which matters in a relationship? Can you live without it and yet be happy?"

Deodhani Festival - Kamakhya Temple

Deodhani festival is a three day long festival which is celebrated at the intersection of 'Sawan' and 'Bhado' month as per the Assamese calendar. Situated atop the Nilachal Hills, the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, a consort of Lord Shiva. The temple is considered to be the principle seat of the Hindu cult of Shakti. The temple comes alive with the celebration of the Deodhani Festival which forms the core of rituals related to worship of Ma Manasha (Serpentine Goddess). During the festival the temple is full of drum beats and priests chanting prayers.

Two Deodhas dancing at the Deodhani Festival

The Deodha of Lord Shiva

The temple dancers or 'Deodhas' get possessed by spirits of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The Deodhas dance to drum beats which are continuously played by drum groups. There is no uniform dance form, but each Deodha dances as per the dance form of the God or Goddess who has possessed him. The male temple dancers are smeared with colour and sacrificial blood. The Deodhas also carry the swords of the corresponding God and Goddess. The preparations of the festival starts a month back, when the Deodhas leave their home and start sleeping nearby the temple of the corresponding God or Goddess who is going to possess him. The Deodhas consume boiled rice and vegetables and no form of non veg is allowed. A slightest mistake in following the rituals would lead to the God or Goddess being angry on him and not getting possessed to him and which is believed to be inauspicious for the particular Deodha. One of highlighted moment of the entire festival is when the Deodhas get up on the sharp end of 'Dao' (a form of Assamese sword) and dances above it without hurting himself. Three or more Deodhas get up on the Dao and whose number and person is selected by the mutual agreement of all the Deodhas. The Deodhas defy their age and health during the course of the festival. There are several Deodhas who are senior citizens and they too get up on the Dao bearing all risks, only for the devotion to Goddess Kamakhya. Before getting up on the Dao, they take the blessings from Goddess Kamakhya and also young girls (Kumari's). They believe the Goddess Kamakhya resides in the heart of the young girls and so seeking their blessings is significant. During the course of the festival, offerings of goats and pigeons are made, which is because of the belief that they get supernatural powers from the Goddess. They also drink the blood of the offerings they make. After the death or default of any old Deodha, a new person gets possessed by the God or Goddess. While he can be recognized by the sudden movements that are caused by the possession, still he is being questioned with certain questions about the Goddess to establish his authenticity of the purpose.

Another Deodha

A Deodha dancing to the drum beats

The Deodhas roaming around the Kamakhya Temple with the Kumaris leading their way.

After the dance they take three rounds around the temple and take some rest. Visitors meet the Deodhas and seek their blessings during this time. On the last day, the festival continues till dawn. The Deodas have to get their possessed God and Goddess leave their body. It is painful to watch the session and it continues for hours. The family members of the Deodhas go in to tears seeing their near and dear one in such pain. The Deodhas leave their temple and start staying at their home after few days of the end of Deodhani festival.  

A Deodha standing on the sharp dend of Dao.

Another Deodha

It is believed that seeking blessings from the Deodhas can get your long dreamt wishes fulfilled and so visitors visit the temple and wait for the Deodhas to take rest and seek their blessings.

Two Deodhas dancing

A Deodha with his sword

My maternal Grandfathers elder brother Late Shiva Das, was the Deodha of Goddess Dakshina Kali for nearly 50 years and till his death until 2 years back, he was performing all the rituals without any dint. Just before the last Deodhani festival, he had a small accident and couldn't walk properly. On the day of Deodhani, he danced with the sword on one hand and a stick to support his broken leg on the other.

Another Deodha with his sword

My mother's Grandfather, Late Faguna Das was the Deodha of Goddess Chalanta. While he was on his early forties, on the first day of Deodhani he expired. When he was laid for his cremation the Deodhani drums started to beat. To everyone's amaze, he stood up from the pyre and ran to the temple where his sword was kept. He danced till the end. After the festival was over he returned home. My grandmother who was the youngest daughter says she was very delighted to see him back. I know most of you shall find it hard to believe, but I myself have spoken to a few of the funeral visitors and everyone has said the same story. While most of the funeral visitors are themselves dead, the ones who are alive are very old and they still get amazed when they recall the incident. He lived for near about thirty years after the incident and was the Deodha of Goddess Chalanta till his death.


Kamakhya resides in the heart of Guwahati city and it is well connected by public and as well as rented cabs. Two new hotels have also come up for accommodation. Kamakhya is well known for the homestay facility provided by the locals where they welcome every guest with their heart. The kitchens of Kamakhya are famous for the delicacies that are cooked in them.

The Bid Adieu

Since the day you have left

I have wept in solitary and prayed

May Your smile and happiness

Fly from your lips across your face

With the broken heart I cried all night,

Wish you were nearer and always mine.

I shall wait for you to return,

Cause I know there is a lie hidden.

You left alone in the dreary desert,

With the dry hope of swimming around beautiful Madagascar.

Now there's a last wish that I do tame,

Be with someone whose heart beats with yours.

The one who showed you dreams of beautiful blue,

Are all unreal, vague and untrue.

There is beauty in your smile,

That only a drunk poet can define.

For he who wants you for the glory of sex and beauty,

Remember, he shall be gone once it fades away.

The Suicide Note

"Are you happy Dad?", the father read the words in the suicide note after he pulled it out from his son's hanging body.

Nobody expected the hanging body. Neither it was easy for the son nor for his father. The son died a thousand deathas before he actually died and the father couldn't live a minute more after seeing his son die. Self claimed deaths were meant for cowards but  this wasn't true here. He was brave enough to live but braver enough to die. He thought if his death could put an end to a notion then how successful his death would have been. The father was a simple man who followed common social notions and wanted his successors to even inherit it further. The social notions, which were bricked by hatred to separate humanity. Religion frames certain common faiths and beliefs and it was really difficult to convince a middle class father to marry a girl who had some different faiths and beliefs. He could confront fist fights with strangers but not his fathers beliefs. Death wasn't easy but he had no options. All he wished that he be the last one who lost his life for such social notion. At last the father realised but he had already lost his son.

Ode to my Mistress

If only I knew that your love wasn't so true,

I would have let  you go with a hug

Those saturday night sleepovers and messy sundays,

were as true as the desert mirage.

The city lights and the sky so blue,

nothing as good as you.

I can burn myself up to be lost in the sky,

I still fall in for you and I don't know why.

The summer rains and winter breeze,

all are back except thee.

Its hard to sleep  and whenever I do,

I wake up to a beautiful dream of you.

Wish rebirths were true and if it ever happened so,

I would live that life ever with you.