Travel is an enriching experience. A life of travel gives us opportunities to discover and appreciate this enchanting Universe and its bounties of nature. Above all travel widens our perspective, giving us greater understanding of people, their way of living, dressing, food and customs, thus bringing us together. Indicating that even though we might be different in color, language, race or economic background, as humans we are essentially the same. It is through travel do we realize that the world is closer than we think.  

 In this blog `What travel teaches Us’, I am sharing my experiences and learnings gathered through my journey to different countries : 

 Interaction with People/ Other Travelers  

 Curiosity about the country we belong to, a fascination to know about the culture is generally what prompts people whom we meet outside our country to strike a conversation. Though having an amiable disposition and eagerness to chat too is a factor. Be it at train stations, airports or other public places, I’ve had several opportunities to interact with localites while traveling abroad. Most of those I’ve come across were quite open, friendly and helpful. Impressed with India, the country being top on their wish list.   

A lady whom I met in Amsterdam, was a frequent visitor to the Sai Baba Ashram in Bangalore and an ardent devotee. She was so full of faith, love and appreciation and immediately bonded. Or the person on a flight in Australia, who knew about our festivals and traditions. He had a desire to visit Mumbai during the famous Ganpati festival. The joy and pride that you feel for your country through such experiences is incomparable. On our own part, visiting a church abroad reaffirms how we embrace each other’s faiths, are awestruck by the architecture of cities, castles and churches, while they find solace in our ancient traditions of yoga, meditation and wellness, points of commonality that unifies the world. 

What travel teaches us

 Then there was  an octogenarian couple in Paris, who were so happy and welcoming, on coming to know that we were from India! A conversation peppered with episodes of their trip to Rajasthan and Kerala was absolutely enamoring, filling our hearts with warmth and love. Such experiences prove that strangers are friendlier than we anticipate. On the positive side, conversing with them can lead the way for lifelong acquaintances!  

What is truly inspiring is the kindness of strangers and empathy – offering to help fellow passengers struggling with luggage or to click a picture to have the entire family in one frame or just a friendly smile. You don’t even need to ask, such empathetic behavior flows naturally.  

Language may be a constraint occasionally.  Especially in some European and South East Asian countries, everyone doesn’t know English. But this doesn’t prevent people from helping each other, it is the attitude that eventually matters. A particular incident I recall, while waiting in the wrong queue for entering a museum in Venice. An Italian lady who didn’t know english tried to communicate to us and when that didn’t work, she made sure to search for someone who knew both the languages to inform us! It was heart touching.  

Of course, this friendliness may not be true every time, as there are two sides of a coin. People differ in their attitude and behavior. You cannot avoid meeting people who are condescending and unwelcoming as well. It’s better to ignore them specially if you are in an unfamiliar place.  

 Traveling in big groups and chatting noisily in their own language is quite common. People sometime forget manners, having no consideration for others around.  It is annoying at times, but that is all part of our travel experiences and we have to keep that in mind.  

 Some of the key attributes that we learn from a world of travel are patience, independence, trust and confidence:  

•  Patience – whether it is waiting for your flight, train, or for a meal at a restaurant. Or queuing up for getting into a park, one learns to be patient.   
•  Confidence and trust – going to a new city implies that you could need information about routes or checking out a restaurant or anything else. Without confidence and trust to approach unknown people to ask, you cannot move ahead. You have to get over apprehensions.  
•  Independence – most western countries have automated ticket machines at railway stations or airports and there’s no concept of porters. So, from knowing how to buy tickets from automated machines to carrying your luggage, you learn to manage by yourself.   

While there could be striking contrasts in eastern and western customs, you’ll discover close similarities also. To mention a few – at the Trevi fountain in Rome there’s the belief that if you toss coins into the water your wishes fulfilled. This is also true for some other countries including India where hopefuls toss coins in the river or pond. In Thailand there’s the water festival where people throw water on each other and play. That’s similar to Holi festival of India where we play with colors and water. Doesn’t this reflect the interconnectedness of different cultures of the world?  

Not only do we gain knowledge about the world; travel opens new horizons and makes us better equipped to face our everyday lives! 

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RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

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The fervor and enthusiasm with which we celebrate festivals in India is incomparable to anywhere else in the  world. Not only that, the myriad of festivals surpasses any other nation, throwing light on our rich culture and traditions.  Even each state of the vast country have so many of their own unique celebrations – it’s a wonder !! Apart from their religious significance , people look forward to festivals every year as a time of celebrations, socializing.  For children and working people it means a long holiday and enjoyment.  

One of the important festivals of India is the ten day Dusshera celebrated in diverse ways in various regions and known by different names. While it is Dusshera or Vijaydashmi in most of India, it is Durga puja in West Bengal, Navratri in north and western India.  

In north India, every year a massive effigy of the demon Ravan is burnt in a huge open ground with spectators cheering and applauding. Vijaydashmi signifies the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. Taking us back to the time when Lord Ram had vanquished Ravan.  Streets are illuminated, embellished and fairs are organized. At the same time, tableaus representing stories from our ancient epics keep zealous crowds enthralled .

Importance of Indian Culture – Dusshera Celebrations

In eastern state of West Bengal, worshipping diverse forms of Goddess Durga throughout the nine days of the puja is the norm. Beautiful theme based `pandals’ with idols of the deity laid out with much fanfare, involves lot of preparation and hard work. Not just reverence , also showcasing the talents of artists and painters! Durga puja being one of the main festivals here, it’s a lavish celebrations. Cultural and entertainment programs, talent shows, meeting and greeting people, marks the festivities. Then there are food stalls offering the most delicious cuisines. This is not limited to Bengal, we’ve seen similar kind of celebration in Bangalore as well. Along with adhering to the customs, the spiritual air is invigorating ,it’s a period of rejoicing. 

Dance as part of the celebration

Navratri in other parts of India literally means nine nights, characterized by fasting, prayers and temple visits. Each day dedicated to a particular form of the deity. Temples and households are abuzz with singing bhajans (devotional songs of praise),  recitals and offering of the most scrumtious food. Devotees faith is insurmountable. In Gujarat, there is the prevalence of the `dandiya dance’ organized at a massive scale. Dandiya is a specific type of group dance originating in Gujarat, involving the use of sticks or `dandiyas’ while dancing in a circle. Men, women and children come together to participate, wearing colorful , glasswork `lehengas’ and outfits.  

Infact the dandiya dance also known as garba performed with great fervor in other places as well, is not confined to this particular region. This is what is the common thread that unites people and communities and is the core of every Indian festival. For enthusiastic first timers, participating in the garba  begins with the excitement of putting together the pretty costume, as also getting familiar with the dance steps so as not to botch up and to be in co-ordination with the group. As the dancers move to the rhythm of the music , the beating sticks creating a reverberating sound, reveling in this customary dance ! A  joyful experience bringing forth the true festive spirit ! 

Dusshera in South India

As I have stayed in south India and also in the north, I am quite familiar with the customs and traditions of both. In south India beautifully decorated dolls adorn every house, depicting timeless tales from epics Ramayana, Mahabharat and Puranas. Setting all this up does involve lot of dedication and hard work. Each year the dolls carefully packed and preserved – a ritual carried on from generation to generation. People look forward to visiting these homes to admire the display and also immerse in the divine atmosphere. 

Aren’t these festival representative of a nation having a rich cultural heritage, and ancient traditions ? One which encourages people to live together in unity, harmony and joy!

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RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

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Going to a temple and spending time in its sacred environs is a part of life of most of us. Below are some of the most visited hindu temples in India, rendering peace and enriching our souls.

Shirdi

The temple town of Shirdi in the western state of Maharashtra, India is synonymous with the 19th century saint Sai Baba. People flock from far and wide to pay obeisance to one of the most unassuming Godly figures.  Not much is known about his earlier days though. He became famous as a person who helped mankind and was the creator of healing miracles. 

How to reach Shirdi 

The closest railway station to Shirdi is Kopargaon, while Pune airport is four hours away. Plenty of hotels in the town, the names of most beginning with Sai, makes pilgrims stay quite convenient. 

Main temple – Samadhi mandir 

The life size, silver and marble statue of Sai baba at the main Samadhi mandir looks so real, as though he is actually present. The entire atmosphere invokes a deep reverence for the great soul who is a symbol of hope, faith and harmony. 

Usually it takes about 20 minutes from the main gates to reach the shrine, though on special days it may take 45 minutes. Everything is well organized, with all basic facilities for visitors. Devotees in turn following discipline and patience which Sai Baba had propagated. Thursday being the most auspicious day for Sai Baba , rush on this day is more. 

Of particular significance at Shirdi are the inspiring aarti’s (a form of prayer) conducted four times a day. Starting with early morning kakad aarti at 5.15 am, which is the most important. Then there’s a mid-day aarti, evening aarti at sunset and finally the shej aarti in the night at 10 pm. Apart from this throughout many pujas and programs are held including bhajans (devotional songs).  

Currently offerings of flowers or sweets is not permitted. 

Tirumala – Tirupati

The very mention of Tirupati, a place in the state of Andhra Pradesh is associated with one of the most visited temples of India – the Lord Venkateshwara temple, Tirumala. Occupying a special place in the hearts of devotees, and so strong is the faith that it’s an annual pilgrimage that people make  to seek HIS blessings! 

Despite the heavy rush, their  unsurmountable faith draws them here often. Though the waiting time to get a `darshan’  is somewhere between 2 to 5 hours and can even extend beyond that too, yet the devotion is  beyond words. And for every reason – the place is truly a heaven on earth !! 

Location of the temple

The main temple is situated atop the pristine, green Venkatadri mountains. It is 20 kms uphill  from the base through winding roads and thick forests. Distance from Bengaluru being 250 kms and Chennai 125 kms.  

Not just the exterior gold gopuram with its  intricate carvings, the main idol of the deity inside is beautifully decorated. Adorned with precious gems, jewels, gold, diamonds and  draped in silks !

As you move slowly forward or rather are propelled forward by the enthusiastic devotees amidst chants, the entire atmosphere is rendered with immense positive energy. Approaching the inner sanctum – the aroma  of incense and camphor pervades. Stepping inside the dimly lit doorway, Lord Venkateshwara stands towering before you. As though in a trance you have to quickly say your prayers, not for a moment taking your eyes off the holy sight, before being ushered out. At no cost are you allowed to linger there for more than few seconds. 

The `prasad’ here is as famous as the temple – the absolutely divine laddoos ! 

It’s up to you to either stay on in Tirupati for a couple of more days to visit the other temples around. There are package bus tours from Bengaluru that are completed in less than 24 hours also if you wish. With the opening of an airport, a pilgrimage to this sacred place has become much faster and easier! 

Prior to your  visit, it is a requirement to purchase entrance tickets. There are different categories of tickets. Most of the information along with contact numbers is available on their website.

 The government has done a tremendous work in the past four decades to make a trip to Tirumala comfortable and convenient. From well maintained roads and infra-structure to bus services and security,  everything is in place. 

Vaishno Devi

Vaishno Devi – it is popularly believed and  very rightly so  that you make a trip to this holy shrine in north-western Himalayas on the behest of the Goddess.  Situated within the Trikuta mountain range, at a height of five and a half thousand feet, Vaishno Devi is not just a religious destination but a breathtaking hilly getaway. A picturesque 12 km uphill track from a place called Katra in Jammu leads to the cave temple. 

Nearest airport and railway station to Katra is Jammu. Helicopter services, horse rides till the temple, are also available  cutting down travel time and making the journey easier for worshippers.   

Such is the unshakeable conviction, propelled probably by an inner power of the mother, that we devotees undertake this journey on foot through lofty mountains and greenery. The entire route is lined up with shops, restaurants and sitting areas where people can take rest and then proceed. Arrangements for the yatris are quite good. 

The main shrine lies inside a narrow cave, with the icy cold waters of the river Ganga originating from the Himalayas flowing below. Amidst chanting of the divine name and full fervor,  the endless line of pilgrims inch forward to reach the main shrine. This consists of the original three rocks depicting three forms of the Goddess. It is said that these natural rocks appeared on their own. Nobody knows exactly when ! Perhaps, the beginning of time, for she is `adi shakti’.  Totally captivating, priceless moments, which remain with you for a lifetime!   

These are few of the most visited Hindu temples in India

RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

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Diwali also known as Deepawali or the festival of lights. An important festival of India that is celebrated with great pomp and splendor. It mostly falls in the months of October/ November. The date is decided as per the Indian lunar calendar. Signifying the victory of good over evil, Diwali marks the return of Lord Ram to his kingdom after living in exile for fourteen years. People lit their homes and surroundings with clay lamps or diyas and oil to welcome him. This tradition has continued since then. Also it’s on this day that the deity for wealth and prosperity Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped.  

Pre-festive Arrangements/ Planning 

Preparations for the festival begins days in advance. Cleaning, decorating the house, shopping and cooking being top on everyone’s agenda.  

It is customary to decorate the house beautifully, as it is popularly believed that Lakshmiji visits every home and showers her blessings.  In the olden days,  clay lamps were lighted, nowadays along with that beautifully painted or handcrafted diyas,  scented candles and artistic, streamer lights are available giving a festive aura. The doorsteps of houses are embellished with rangoli (an Indian art form made on the floor with colors).  

An assortment of delicious sweets, savories and dishes marks the celebrations of Diwali.  

People meet and greet each other, exchange gifts, sweets and love and togetherness abounds. Some of the must cook dishes are dahi bada (lentil dumplings in curd), kachauri (fried, stuffed bread) and barfi (an Indian milk sweet). 

Dressing up in the traditional Indian attire is the norm!!  Women and girls in either sari, lehenga or salwar-kurta with matching jewelry. Men in kurta, achkan or similar ethnic wear. 

The highlight of the festival of lights is the bursting of fire crackers in the night, that everyone looks forward to, enjoyed by all age groups. The skies are lit up with sparkling lights . It seems like a spectacular firework show. Similarly too, our hearts are  illuminated with joy and abundance. 

It is best to buy eco-friendly crackers, that produce least amount of smoke and impurities. This will prevent environmental hazards !

Ushering into positivity, well-being and burning away the darkness from our lives is the essence of Deepawali !!  

Diwali is a five-day festival, each day having its own religious significance. On the main day of Diwali prayers are performed at a particular auspicious time to invoke divine blessings.  

RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

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An important component of our travel experience is food, getting a taste of the local cuisine has fascinated travelers since ages. Food unarguably holds people and cultures together. Not just to satisfy our hunger pangs , bringing out flavors and pleasing the palate as well . 

For those who are curious to know about Indian cuisine, here’s a blog on some of the best Indian dishes. 

Indian food is well recognized internationally, the variety of dishes and taste is incomparable ! You’ll find a diverse range of cuisines depending upon the region, as India is a vast country comprising of different cultures and states. The spices, ingredients, vegetables and grains natural and healthy. 

India being an indigenous producer of spices – from chilly to cardamoms, each of these are used in the correct, balanced proportion  for an authentic taste.  

Paneer Butter Masala –  bursting with intense flavors, this dish comprises of a thick, creamy gravy, tossed with chunks of fresh cottage cheese (paneer in hindi) . The main ingredients in most Indian curries are onions, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and ground spices, and the same goes for `paneer butter masala’ too. An optional item can be cashew paste for a smooth, creamy consistency.  

Each painstakingly selected ingredient contributes to the greatness of this dish. Though it does takes time to be prepared, as each ingredient have to be fried and cooked, nevertheless, be assured the results are awesome ! Enjoy this masterful dish with either Indian  bread or steamed rice. Variation of this for non-vegetarians is the  chicken butter masala. The recipe for both are the same, except instead of paneer, chicken is put ! A  garnishing of fresh coriander leaves not just beautifies the dish, infuses a heavenly aroma. 

Dal Makhani –  made of a combination of different lentils, this main dish has a burst of flavors  and is healthy too ! The traditional method of cooking dal makhani, coming down from generations is on a slow wood fire, greatly enhancing the taste, giving it a smoky aroma! Though nowadays that not being possible, still  cooking dal makhani is a long process. The pulses have to be pre-soaked and cooked along with turmeric, ginger, salt etc in a vessel ( pressure-cooker is not used for it) . The final tempering in pure ghee and a dollop of cream is what makes this preparation divine. 

Laccha Paratha (Indian Bread) –  an accompaniment of the above two dishes,  this is a form on Indian wheat bread that is made from a special technique. Small portions of the soft dough are rolled out, layered, cooked on a flat pan, and served with a dash of butter on top. The laccha paratha  is crispy on outside and tender inside and goes well with any curry or lentils (`dal’ in hindi). Other type of Indian bread is `roti’ which is a staple food and eaten with almost all meals. 

Pani- puri –  the most popular street food, a favorite of both kids and adults, and an absolutely tantalizing snack ! The lip-smacking pani-puri consists of three items. The deep fried `puri’ is a  thin puffed crispy ball, that is filled with spicy, boiled and mashed potatoes or peas, dipped  in a tangy water and devoured. The flavorful water is laced with tamarind, mint and coriander leave paste, cumin powder and some other spices. A different form of this dish is the `dahi (curd) puri’, where the filling is of curd. 

Ras malai –  what better way to round off a delicious meal than by indulging in the palate pleasing dessert (mithai in hindi) `ras malai’ . It’s a royal, irresistible sweet made of cottage cheese balls  floating in a flavored, milky  syrup. A dash of saffron gives an alluring fragrance. 

There’s been an influence of the Mughal period on our food. A culinary masterpiece that intertwines flavours and texture  under this category are `tandoori kebabs’. Kebabs are small  pieces of previously marinated meat or vegetables, that are cooked on skewers, grilled or fried in a pan. The marinade consists of curd, powdered spices, ginger-garlic paste and chilly. Then there is the melt-in-the-mouth  `galouti kebab’ that is made of mince meat, these are excellent starters. A fresh mint chutney, onions and salad completes this platter. Each bite providing a forkful of comfort ! 

So many regions in India, each having its own cuisine and distinctive tastes.  The best Indian dishes have gained considerable fame around the world and are must try!

RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

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