Travel To Discover

Why to Travel? Is it seriously to explore new places or try out new cuisines or have an experience about different culture or food habits? Or it is just to load your instagram with fancy selfies and fish around for more double-taps or check in at new airports and let the world know that you can afford to travel? Is it seriously for yourself or a status quotient?

If you are travelling to save your social status amongst your network then its seriously an issue that you must give a thought. In this era of global village, where you are stuck between presentations and EMI's, you hardly get to know who lives on the other end of your apartment. If you are getting a chance to explore then you must go on with discovering your inner peace and exploring things that probably you won't even dream about while you are in your conference room. Some of you might find it strange but there are people who are more bothered about their facebook likes on their pout selfie in front of an international airport than have the real fun of travelling.

I like to travel. Whenever I go around to explore a new place I either do it alone or with the least possible company. Having someone with whom you can share a similar thought is what matters more to me than a group of noise making dissimilar crowd. That gives me a lot of benefits. I  get peace which isn't so easily available these days. I get to know the  place better as lesser people means lesser priorities and more similarities. Also, if I am travelling with someone special then it gives me a chance to know the other person better. It is about discovering our common likeness and common dislikeness.

Written for Indispire

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.

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.

Baba Harbhajan Singh

Late Sepoy Harbhajan Singh or Baba Harbhajan Singh, as he is known today was born in the village of Sadrana, Gujjarawala district now in Pakistan. He enrolled himself in the army in the year 1956 as a soldier in the Signal Corps. In the year 1965 he was granted Commission and posted to 14 Rajput Regiment. In the war of 1965 he served as the Adjutant of the Unit and later  was transferred to 18 Rajput.

The hoarding at Baba's Shrine giving a brief introductory description about Baba

On 4th October 1968, he slipped past a glacier near Nathu-La Pass in Sikkim and drowned to death while carrying ration to remote post from Tuku La to Dongohui La. The downline water stream carried his body two kilometres down the nullah. His story doesn't end here.

Baba's shrine with the Tricolour

He appeared in the dreams of one of his co-soldier and guided him to the exact location where he was found after three days of his death. He also instructed one of his colleagues in his dream to construct a shrine in his name. Accordingly, the Unit then constructed a shrine at a place which is 9 kms away from where the present shrine stands today.

The idol of Baba with photos of Hindu and Sikh Gods surrounding him

Even after his death, Baba guards the frontiers and warns soldiers of any impending attack at least three days in advance. Resides among the soldiers guarding there many stories about Baba waking up soldiers who fall asleep during night duty and night patrolling. Indian Army has accepted his presence in the post with his colleagues even after his death and his salary was being sent to his family without any fail. He also received two promotions and was promoted to the rank of a Captain. He also gets two months of leave every year and soldiers carry his picture along with his belongings to his native. A special arrangement is made in such a manner that a train seat is left empty in the entire journey. The army deployed at the post becomes extra cautious whenever Baba is on leave.

Baba's office room

He is not only alive in the beliefs of Indian Army; but equally amongst the Chinese troops posted across the Border. Nathu-La is one among the four posts where Ind-China meets are help. Chinese Army has also admitted seeing Baba on several occasions doing patrolling near the border. During any customary meets between both the armies the Chinese army still keeps a seat empty as a tribute to Baba.

Baba's bedroom with his well maintained uniform beside

The current shrine of Baba is reconstructed at the junction of Kupup Gnathang road and the pathway leading to Menmoichu Lake as apart of the watershed memorial complex. The Baba  Mandir is a three-roomed structure. The central room has a portrait of Baba with some portrait of Hindu and Sikh Gods. The room to the right is the personal room of  Baba with household belongings like clothes, slippers, bed, shoes etc. The room to the left is his office room cum store room. Water bottles, slippers and tooth brushes are kept at stock in the store room. It is believed that the water kept at Baba Harbhajan Shrine is capable of healing ailing people. It is also believed that the slippers kept there helps people with foot problems.

Jawan's distributing prasad to devotees at Baba's shrine

We all are born with a debt to our motherland. As we start working for the betterment of the land and its citizens we start repaying the debt. The day we give our ultimate sacrifice for our motherland we can consider complete repayment of the debt. However, there are people who believe that death can take the soul apart of the human body but the patriotism remains within. Baba's love towards our motherland is an example of extraordinary service to our motherland. Salute to revered Baba for his services to our motherland.

Things to do in Dhubri

Dhubri district lies to the Easternmost part of the state of Assam bordering internationally with Bangladesh and nationally with West Bengal. It is one of the most populous districts of the state. Dhubri is filled with scenic beauty and is a heaven for fish lovers. There are a few hotspots around the district and are explorable for first-timers to the district.

• Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Gurdwara Dhubri is one of the famous pilgrimage sites in the district. It is located in Dhubri town itself. The first Sikh Guru Guru Nanak Dev visited the place in 1505 AD and he met Srimanta Sankardeva on his way from Dhaka to Assam. Sahidee-Guru-Parav is one of the renowned festivals which his held here every here. The place although holds importance for people of Sikh religious beliefs, but it attracts people from all religions.

• Mahamaya Dham is located at Bogribari, between Dhubri and Bilasipara town. The temple has its significance from past 400 years and it was also the presiding deity of the landlord of Parvatjohar. There is a bathing river bank nearby the temple, which is believed to be the bathing site of the Goddess. Every year a Shakti Yogya is performed by the priests of this temple.

• Panbari Mosque, Dhubri is located at Panbari and it has its roots from the era of the Mughal Era. The mosque holds its importance because of its architecture. One of the remarkeable facets of this mosque is the volunteer involvement. People are present round the clock near the donation box to facilitate donation from the bus passengers to the Mosque donation box.

• Panch Peer Dargah, which is located at Dhubri Town is a Mazar Sharif of five Sufi Saints who accompanied Raja Ram Singh during his Assam Invasion. The Dargah attracts people from all religious backgrounds and is a perfect exemplar of religious harmony.

• Netai Dhubunir Ghat at Dhubri Town is also a nature lovers paradise. It is a port connecting Dhubri Town with Medettari and Fakirganj. There is a small park attached and it a hotspot for Morning strollers of the town. It is one of the famous spots in the dusk to go on a date with your better half with the beautiful river breeze gently kissing you.

• The park at Gauripur also holds its significance. One can sit beside the pond and enjoy his day. Mostly cricket tournaments go on the beside field and one can stop by and enjoy the cricket while sipping his evening tea. To add to the list, there are several fast food joints nearby.

• The Hawamahal or Pratima Pandey Baruah's palace is also a noteworthy place to visit. The palace is now maintained by her relatives and the charm of its architecture has faded. However one can find the beauty and glory of Koch - Rajbangshi's hidden amidst the old walls.

• The marketnear the Panbari Mosque often holds beautiful Bangladeshi cotton sarees. One can stop by and take a look. There aren't too expensive, but obviously they hold significance.

• The Indo - Bangla border can be visited near Satrashal. There is also a Satra at Satrashal and it attracts a lot of tourists who hail from the religious beliefs of Sankardeva.

• For people who enjoy bike rides on deserted roads, there is beautiful road which is enveloped by nature. The road stretches from Rupshi to Barjan, passing through Bashbari, Kokrakhar District. The road stretches amist forests on both sides and the road is well maintained for bike rides. One can also stop for a fag at Bashbari and continue his ride. However late night rides through the road isn't advisible. I haven't faced anything wrong as of now, but its better to be safe than to dwell around danger.

• Gauripur is also a beautiful place for sweet lovers. Agarwal Sweets and Tridev Sweets are renowned for their 'Kheer Curd' and other sweets. Interstingly, sweets are cheaper at Gauripur than at anywhere else. It is perhaps because of the abundant milk availability.

• Local fish is abundant at most areas of the district and is also cheaper as compared to others because of near river location. Fish lovers must stay in the district for a few months and enjoy their taste.

For people who have been to Dhubri, they shall always be broken once they leave the place.

5 places I wish to visit

I don't want to settle in any narrow corner of the world and get confined to any territory. I want to travel the entire world.

Before I step ahead and travel the entire world, I am much eager to explore the place from where I belong - North-East India.

I am born in midst of extreme natural beauty. Greenery, Wildlife, Snow and overflowing rivers are the sites that I have always wanted to dwell across ever since a child. Five places I would like to explore as an amateur traveler are -

1. Sivasagar

Sivasagar is town located in Upper Assam, 360 Kilometers from Guwahati. Sivasagar was previously the capital of Ahom Kingdom. It is the home to many ancient heritages.

Devidol is the temple of Hindu Goddess Durga that has been standing tall for three centuries. The architecture speaks all about the Golden days of Assam History.

Sivadol is one of the tallest Shiva temple of the world. It was built about three centuries back. The center of attraction there mainly is the gigantic architecture and religious values. It has three temples built on the bank of Sivasagar Tank. All the three were built by Queen Ambika, wife of King Shiva Singha.

Kareng Ghar is a four storied building and arranged in gradually receding towers of which only two can be seen.The top floor has a dome like roof with a chamber. The groud floor has three west facing halls with a front and rear chamber. The palace is well secured by digging canals around the place and then building fort like walls around it.

Ranghar is a double storied royal pavilion of Ahom Kings with unique architectural features. It ias an unique amphitheater built by the Ahom Kings, which symbolizes the pride of Ahom Kingdom. It resembles the Roman Colosseum in the fact that Ahom Kings used this as a platform of enjoying sports.  

2. Teesta & Rangit River

The nearest town to access there two rivers is Kalimpong. White Water rafting has been one of my childhood wishes. Rivers for ages have been the arteries of communication and culture, today can be explored for sports and recreation. The spells of swift, intense encounters with foaming, roaring waters are punctuated by many more longer periods of gentle floating with opportunities to observe natural wonders along continuously varying canvas of the river banks. 

3. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam is one of the biodiversity hot spot. The scenic beauty includes a range of forested hills, alluvial grasslands and tropical evergreen forests. The site provides critical and viable habitat for rare and endangered species including tiger, greater one-horned rhino, swamp deer, pygmy hog, and Bengal florican. Manas has exceptional importance with the Indian sub-continents protected areas, as one of the most significant remaining natural areas in the region, where size able populations of large number of threatened species continue to survive.

4. Hornbill Festival

Hornbill festival is celebrated every year in between 1st to 10th December in Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is around 12 Kms from Kohima. The festival shows a melange of cultural display under one roof. All the tribes of Nagaland take part in this festival. The festival aims to protect the rich and varied culture of the state. The week long festival unites one and all in Nagaland and people enjoy the colorful performances, crafts, sports, food, games and ceremonies. Traditional arts include paintings, wood carvings and sculptures. Festival highlights include traditional Naga Morungs Exhibition and sale of arts and crafts, food stalls, Herbal Medicine stalls, flower shows and sales, Cultural Medley - songs and dances, fashion shows, Beauty Contest, Traditional Archery, Naga Wrestling, Indigenous games and musical concert.  

5. Mawlynnong Village

Mawlynnong Village in East Khasi Hills, also referred to as 'Gods Own Garden' , has won the acclaim of being the cleanest village in Asia in 2003. Mawlynnong is located 90 Kms from Shillong and 92 Kms from Cherapunjee. The onus to keep the village clean lies with every person residing in the village. Local cleaning the roads, picking up leaves and throwing garbage in the bin is a common sight. Bamboo garbage bins adorn every nook and corner of the village highlight the consciousness of cleanliness among the villagers. Cleanliness is an old tradition and a way of life for all villagers. The village gives an experience of walking on a live root bridge, 85 feet tall sky walk and a breath taking view of Bangladesh Border. Suprisingly the village has 100 percent literacy rate.

This is a post for Indispire Edition - 8 of Indiblogger. 

I submit this post today on the day of Assamese New Year.