Thursday, May 21, 2009

Martyr's Memorial


Death comes to all, but sacrifice build a monument which shall endure until the sun grows cold

Jallianwala Bagh Martyr's Memorial, is a historical monument stands for the glorious freedom struggle of India. This site witnessed the massacre of over 2000 innocent people by the British

Amar Jyothi - The memorial


History reminds us what never happens twice.

Looking into the flickering flame all I could see was women and children being crushed under the heels of those who trying to escape and the sounds of screaming, running innocent people.

Important notice


We, who are the living, possess the past. Tomorrow is for our martyrs

Brigadier General Reginald Dyer opened fire on an unarmed gathering in Jallianwala Bagh. 1,650 rounds were fired into the complex, with the narrow only exit blocked by the troops. Close to 2000 people died either directly hit by bullets or by jumping into the well to escape from the bullets. Most of those that died were not freedom fighters but rather villagers that had arrived in Amritsar for the Indian festival Baisakhi and had gathered in the park.

Bullet Marks


The people who have really made history are the martyrs.

As we passed the narrow entrance and entered into the garden, we can clearly visualize what took place on that unfortunate April day. A section of wall with bullet marks still visible is preserved .The Jallianwala Bagh memorial that stands today as a mute testimony

A scene of Jallianwala Bagh massacre


You cannot kill the truth. You cannot kill justice

Jallianwala Bagh is a sprawling memory of the great tragedy, which evokes the patriotic spirit in every Indian. It was here, that the worst massacre in the entire history of Indian freedom struggle took place .

Black page in history


A generation which ignores history has no past and no future

It is said that there were not less than 25000 men, women and children gathered to participate in the protest meeting. They included Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians. Not long after the meeting had started, General Dyer appeared on the scene with his armed troops and without any warning ordered firing, aimed at dispersing the crowd through he had blocked the only exit of enclosure.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Jalianwallah Bagh


Mournful and Never-ending Remembrance

A historical monument that tells the sad story of mass killing during the independence movement in India, Jalianwallah Bagh..

Vande Mataram


I have no country to fight for; my country is the earth, and I am a citizen of the world.

Every single obstacle that we crossed was worth the moment. The whole aura of hooting, shouting, jumping and pumping, passion & patriotism running at all time high is nothing compared to what I had experienced the day I was at Wagah border, just a few meters away from Pak territory

Flag-Lowering ceremony


The rituals are performed with utmost duty.

When the sun decides to say goodbye to a peaceful day its time For the reunion, which transcends the boundaries, that man has laid. The gates are slammed shut and on both sides, a trumpet announces the end of the spectacle. Both officers return to the white border line and a final martial handshake without exchanging a single glance is watched by thousands each evening. They show their anger and their determination, but it always stays formal.

Border closing ceremony


War then, is a relation - not between man and man: but between state and state; and individuals are enemies only accidentally: not as men, nor even as citizens: but as soldiers; not as members of their country, but as its defenders

Soldiers from both countries marching in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. As the sun goes down, nationalistic fervour rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause

My Salute to Mother India


Why do we have wars ? Why do we have boundaries ?

The entire Indian crowd was very much charged up due to the event & as well due to those devotional songs were played on the loud speakers. In between the announcer used to charged the people with 'Hindustan Jindabad, Vande Mataram, Bhramt Mata Ki jai' type of slogans. At one point people started dancing on the road. Its amazing atmosphere.

India-Pak Border at Wagah


The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?

The border between Pakistan and India at Wagah is the scene of a pompous flag-lowering ceremony daily at sunset, complete with ornately-dressed military guards. Patriotism runs high on both sides of the border and the respective citizens join in, waving flags and cheering. Hugely entertaining and unique.

The Retreat Ceremony


Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime

Wagah about 28 kms, from Amritsar is the only border crossing between India and Pakistan.It an interesting and unique experience especially at sunset when the 'Retreat' ceremony takes place with the BSF on the Indian Side of the Border. This ceremony has taken place every day since partition in 1947 and was a truly unique experience.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Reflecting


I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.

Although stunning on a sunny day, at night the Golden temple , lit up in spectacular style like a glowing amber beacon. A walk along the banks of the lake allows you to take in the beautiful setting.

Come One, Come All!


A journey of spirituality, religion, discovery and more

Golden Temple has a very enchanting feature, which endears it more to the devotees. The gurdwara has entrances on all the four sides, signifying the fact that the home of God is open to one and all, without any distinction on the basis of religion, caste, creed, sect or social status.

The Pride of Punjab and the Sikhs


Faith is the force of life
The architectural style of the Temple is a beautiful amalgam of Hindu and Muslim styles and many believe that this particular specimen has led the way for what can be described as a Sikh school of architecture. The mirrored interiors of the temple are lavishly gilded and decorated with inlay work that adds to the aesthetic value of the experience in addition to its spiritual relevance.

The Journey of My Soul


Irrespective of whether we are religious or atheist, all human beings are spiritual by nature and spirituality is the cornerstone of our recovery.

The very land is steeped in spirituality, where many ancient practices were developed and perfected over 5,000 years ago. Simply walking the land can leave a profound and lasting imprint on your soul. To transform your life requires such a journey which will change the way you view yourself and the world.

Shrine of Sikhism


Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow them.

This famous temple is builted by the lowest level because it symbolizes the modesty of Guru Nanak. The structural design of the temple is measured as the essence of handiness and inspiration and it characterize an exclusive harmony among the Muslim and the Hindus.

The Golden Temple


We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence
As a site of spirituality and discovery, the stunning and peaceful Golden Temple represents one of the most culturally significant shrines for the Sikh religion and supreme manifestation of devotion.

Kashmir Valley


The richness I achieve comes from Nature, the source of my inspiration.
The valley of Kashmir is unique in its surroundings, which offers breathtaking view of its varying topography. Nature has endowed Kashmir with exotic beauty, which is reflected in its picturesque landscapes, lush green forests of Chinar, Deodar and Pine trees, beautiful rivers and waterfalls, snow covered mountains and a range of flora and fauna.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Soulful


The few wonders of the world only exist while there are those with the sight to see them.

See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence...we need silence to be able to touch souls.

Natures Seduction


The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event

The unremitting snowfall has covered the entire valley with thick white blanket, making Kashmir, perhaps, the most beautiful place on Earth. We are happy after receiving fresh snowfall.

Time to play


I just play for fun

This is one of the beautiful places, ideal for skiing, but you require a pretty good experience as well as training to ski down the slopes. Ski instructor helps me to try out a hand on skiing. but you know i do not participate in any sport with ambulances at the bottom of the hill

Sonmarg: The meadow of Gold


If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.

Legend has it that a well in the vale has been bestowed with water which is further bestowed by mystical qualities of turning everything into eternal riches-gold.
Sonamarg derives its name from it. It literally stands for 'meadow of Gold'.The blooming valley has been chiseled over the ages by mighty River Sindh

The Mughal Gardens


Memory is the greatest of artists, and effaces from your mind what is unnecessary.

The Shalimar was a royal garden, and as it is fortunately kept up by His Highness the Maharaja of Kashmir, it still shows the charming old plan of a Mughal Imperial summer residence.

Kashmiri kids


The innocent and the beautiful Have no enemy but time

Kashmir, “The Paradise on Earth”, is a history in making. Kashmir has a glorious past, a painful present and an uncertain future.
Kashmiris are very hard working and intelligent.Life flows slowly here. The people are gentle and unassuming.

Traditional Kashmiri Dress


Every man's memory is his private literature.

My niece dressed in traditional Kashmiri dress. This whole set of dress and ornaments are available for hire . Kashmiri ladies are the considered to be very tough at work and delicate at beauty and I think everyone looks beautiful in this dress:)

Shalimar Bagh


Wherever life takes us, there are always moments of wonder

The most beautiful of all the Mughal gardens, Shalimar Bagh was built for Nur Jahan, “Light of the world”, by her husband Jehangir in 1616. The gardens are straight out of a fairy tale. The top most of the four terraces called the “Abode of Love”, was reserved for the emperor and the ladies of court. There is a huge tank, and around 150 fountains dazzle with their display. Electric lights add charm to the beautiful atmosphere.

Blossoming almond


Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts

The enchanting scenario is attributed to the thousands of almond trees that blossom and present a surreal blanket of white and pink in the majestic mountainous landscape. These flowers indicate the departure of winter and the arrival of spring.

The Mustard Field


Nature is an infinite sphere of which the center is everywhere and the circumference nowhere

On the way to Sonamarg ,84 kilometres off from Srinagar, we will feast our eyes and minds with the scenic view of blooming mustard flowers, which turned the whole picturesque Kashmir valley into golden.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

The Land Beyond


Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.

It can be easy to forget that Kashmir, beyond what we see in the news: political upheaval, rioting & loss, is a land with a diverse geography and natural prowess. Rolling, umber mountains dip into fertile green-patchwork valleys where acres and acres of mustard fields can be found blooming in bursts of yellow.

Friday, May 15, 2009

A lone shikara


Silence is a source of great strength.

A nature's verse with shrouded beauty as pure as white, hushes a breeze loaded with man's fancy. Some called it paradise and some nature's grace, for very less knew that it's god poesy floating on earth with snowflakes and hazy breath of the valley.

Cultural cruising


A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measure the depth of his own nature.

Dal Lake is famous not only for its beauty, but for its vibrance.. Just one ride in Kashmir Shikaras will take you give you a feel of heaven in your hand.

Whispering


Discovering this idyllic place, we find ourselves filled with a yearning to linger here, where time stands still and beauty overwhelms.

The abundance of natural beauty has earned the valley a nickname of the 'Switzerland of the East'. It is mesmerizing to see how this endless beauty never fails to charm us with its dazzling white snow of Winters.

Mystic road


There's a long, long trail a-winding into the land of my dreams

With MysticRoads you will discover a small, old, beautiful place that will enchant you in ways you could have never imagined. The beautiful scenery will melt your heart and touch your soul.

Kashmir Valley

The richness I achieve comes from Nature, the source of my inspiration.

The valley of Kashmir is unique in its surroundings, which offers breathtaking view of its varying topography. Nature has endowed Kashmir with exotic beauty, which is reflected in its picturesque landscapes, lush green forests of Chinar, Deodar and Pine trees, beautiful rivers and waterfalls, snow covered mountains and a range of flora and fauna.