True Feelings !!

It’s a fiction story of two strangers who coincidently interacted via social network and entered into a new world which was quite different from current generation. Both were strangers; never met with each other; never talked to each other but connected via same aspect of living life and viewing the world.

Love at first sight, Is it possible? Scientist said Yes but normally it happens when two parties see each other and then something happened in their mind or heart. This story is coming from imaginary world where no interaction happened but still considered something at first sight.

And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. — Paulo Coelho

It's an imaginary story which is directly coming from my conscious or subconscious mind where magical forces conspires for a person to achieve the goal but assuming it could be real somewhere.

The story begins here:

Aniket. follower of lord Shiva Ganesha & Hanuman, belongs to small village of Madhya Pradesh. He had grown up in an environment which was surrounded by multiple religions & respect the value of others. His view to see the world was quite different. He was sharp, scholar and always does the things uniquely; which can easily win the heart of others. He was the person who always in the good book of their teachers, society people, friends and many more.

He had a simple funda in his life - We get life only once so enjoy each and every bit of it at fullest and do well from your side and leave the result on Karma. He was not studious guys, but when he studied then learnt the things from heart. He had only one aim in his life - fulfill the dream of their parents and let’s explore the beauty of the world with them because he had witnessed the pain and struggle of his family.

"Future is unpredictable so never plan the things for long time; try to accomplish it in shortest time even though you have to work hard - Don't fear to do because god may have different plan in place for you which could be in your favour or out of your favour; may be full of happiness or sorrow"

He realized it when he lost his father in a medical emergency. The things which he had planned; were getting broken in the front of his eyes. His father left many responsibilities on his shoulder at the initial stage of his career. He was a courageous son of his brave father who learnt many things from trim so he decided not to quit but to accept the current scenario and fulfill all the promises which he had with his father.

He was working in IT firm based at Mumbai. Life was full of challenges but he had taken it and started converted them as opportunities. He had created a great rapport everywhere. With his determination and never give up attitude; he started achieving the things even though lot of local politics involved. Everybody surrounded by him was amazed by the way he handled the things and managed it. He did do multi-tasking at extreme level but that was related to his work only. Day by Day he was getting into that region where beyond office and home; nothing visible to him.

One day, top boss of his firm called him because he also heard his name a lot from everyone. He had planned something for him; not additional responsibilities but wanted to balance the life of Aniket first. He invited him for a tea and asked Aniket to share — his daily routine and no. of projects which he was handling. He found that Aniket was doing extreme level of multi-tasking which won't be good for long run He interrogated more to know the reason behind this but Aniket didn't share the personal things with him; so he twisted his conversation to know about the hobbies and area of interest.

After listening the words of Aniket; his boss advised few changes in the routine and add few action items for him. Aniket was good in interacting with new people, travelling and exploring the things. Aniket started photography in his spare time and found that his life balanced very well after following the suggestion of his boss; that was the changing moment of his life.

Life cannot be live alone, we need a partner who can join us and explore the things together masti, gossiping, sharing, fighting and many more. He started a hunt to taxi a friend in social network even though he was aware about the danger side of social network but he was positive person so moving ahead with a great hope

One day white scanting the profile in social network, he found one interesting person - Her name was Nitya. He did initial look up on her profile and sent an invite. Next day hunt begin to search new one and this process continued in couple of months. Later one day he realized that he was referring Nitya's profile & comparing with others. He revisited Nitya's profile and decided to do deep dive on it but no acceptance from other side. He disappointed and lost the hope.

One day at around 2:30 am, his request got accepted by Nitya, looks like a new ray of hope on the way but again no luck. Post acceptance no talk things were started running as usual. He decided to left everything on god's hand with this fact - If our destiny is defined then definitely we will meet.  Sometime when we think that chapter is end and nothing further to read then god comes up with another version. He got the reply after 8 months from Nitya's side that was the time of Navratri. Aniket treated this as a magical sign from god side and an event which god has planned. Both got connected and started chatting with each other even though the response from other side was rare but precious for him. He started greeting Nitya's every day with positive thoughts.

Let me introduce Nitya — A fashion designer; belongs to oldest city of the world — Varanasi. Varanasi is famous for most of the things — Lord Shiva (Jyotirlinga), Various Ghats — famous one Harishchandra, Banarasi Silk Saree, Ganga Arthi, lots of galiyan, BHU etc. She was holding unique feature inherited from her parents and living in knit family. She was gregarious person and always ready to help other without giving second thought of it. Everyone likes her company and important point was that she was pet lover.

Aniket decided to do something different for her so he started creating unique items which could be shared with her and add smile on her face. Every night he prepare something special after doing brain-storming and share with her on next morning... slowly- slowly he found that things were getting changed in his life and saw happiness in his life too. That was the genesis of true feeling: feeling to care for someone special, feeling to add happiness for someone, a feeling that cannot be expressed.

Nitya looks like her dream person because she was holding the same qualities which Aniket was looking for. Aniket decided to do something big this time so he started doing deep —dive on profile and started relating & finding the things about her (without having any single talk). It took couple of months to gather and then he had written a book about her. She got amazed after reading the book and acknowledged that 99.9% things are correct. She became speechless and appreciated the tremendous efforts of Aniket. She said - we didn't met, didn't talk and didn't chat much —How did you manage to get all the information; even though few things were new to her also.

Aniket shared the honest response which was liked by her. Aniket was seeking her permission to have a call with her & finally day came when both exchanged the words. Aniket didn't find that he was talking to a stranger first time but looks like he knew her since long time [childhood days]. Both were interesting person because they were sharing lot of unique qualities. He started seeking the moment to have next call but it didn't go well. They were planning but unfortunately not able to do.

There were different thoughts popping up at Aniket's mind; moments came where he disappointed too because of his bad luck. But he kept trying and putting his efforts. 

One day, he came up with an idea & shared with her. Let's change the character for one day and swap the position (Aniket became Nitya, vice versa). That would help both to feel the things. Both agreed and tried; Nitya (in character of Aniket) found that a beautiful world Aniket had created for her where all memories were secured likewise a thread binded all the pearls together. She was amazed to see this imaginary world and never thought that someone could attempt at that level. She realized the Aniket's feeling for her was pure and divine. She thought to give a chance to him and decided to take this interaction ahead.

Meanwhile Aniket (in character of Nitya) found that a beautiful world and people were connected with Nitya. He was amazed to see the world of Nitya where she connected with her pets so deeply, also attached with her things, home and family. He found that Nitya was looking someone who couldn't be her partner only but a friend too. Then he decided that he would try his best to meet all the expectation of Nitya.

Next day; both came out from their exchanged role and shared the smile on Whatsapp then talked to each other. Both started talking to each other on daily basis and started liking the things of each other's view; they cracked joke together, do gossiping, shared the best memories of their life; gradually a strong bond had created. Aniket had promised her that he would always stand with her in every phase of life and try his best to fulfill all the dreams of her and execute the planned items which he created in his imaginary world

Later both had taken this friendship to next level and involved their parents to know about this bond. Aniket's family was already aware about Nitya because they had seen him working various nights when he was preparing the surprise gift for her Aniket's mother initiated a chat with Nitya's mother and they visited their places. Both families were cultured and found that their children were made for each other.

Aniket and Nitya both started a new phase of their life. Aniket started executing all the planned items one by one which he promised to Nitya. Whenever they planned for long holiday break then they ensured that parents of both families were there with them.

Do you think that God creates someone special for you? Ideally no and the reason is

One of the most beautiful aspects of the creation of man is God seeing the need for man to be in a relationship, to have a companion.  God places this need and capacity into the heart of each person.  Each has the potential to be a friend, a companion, a helper or a person of influence.

This is what God had in mind when he created you.  He created you in his image so that you could think, make choices, use your creativity, build relationships, faithfully work at the tasks in your hand and be a person of influence in the lives of others. 

Here I would like to conclude with below facts:

-         Destiny defines the events but to proceed with this depends on our hand. Nitya realized the purity of Aniket’s love and his true feeling so decided to continue her journey with him.

-         And when you want something with true desire; all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. Aniket wanted to be a part of Nitya’s life and he put his all efforts at extreme level. Later that reached to Nitya’s heart.

God is just creating the moments for us and we are the actual players who perform the role.

Harishchandragad Fort Trekking Memories

Harishchandragad Fort: 22^nd Dec 2018, MSIMQA Trekker group had achieved a common dream to trek Harishchandragad fort and Taramati point which is the second highest point in Maharashtra. It is dream for most of us to do 2 days trekking; spend quality of time at fort & enjoy the night out with team but to achieve that dream we have to struggle a lot. We struggled a lot and finally nailed it; this achievement can be expressed in one liner statement that - We added golden feather in our cap.

Someone said correctly:  Where there's a will there's a way

About Harishchandragad – It is a hill fort in the Ahmednagar district of India. Its history is linked with that of Malshej Ghat, kothale village and it has played a major role in guarding and controlling the surrounding region. There are multiple idols and each one is telling the story of ancient time. There are many ways to reach to Harishchandragad fort – Extreme [Trek via Kokankada – Impossible for normal guys because it took 16 days and we have to hike the rocks & stayed their using handing sleeping mattress and all]; Difficult [Trek via Khireshwar – Possible but full of challenges because during the way we can find rock patches to hike and narrow route so if you have Acrophobia then don’t look at valley side while following the narrow routeJ]; Moderate/Simple [Trek via Kalyan – Moderate Or Simple and reach to fort in 1-2 hours]

Temple at Harishchandragad fort is around 2000 years old; on right side of the temple there is a cave where huge Shiva Lingam [around 9 feet] which is placed at center and surrounded by waters throughout the year. One fact associated with that cave which local legends are telling – This cave is supported by only one pillar and remaining three are broken. When the fourth pillar breaks, the world will come to an end. On left side of the temple there are many caves which are situated at foot of Taramati peak and now are the place for accommodation for trekkersJ. A huge idol of Lord Ganesha [7-8 feet] can be seen easily there.

There are many natural’s source of water and which are drinkable [e.g. near foot of Taramati Peak, another inside the temple].  Few important points – Taramati Point for Sunrise which is around 45 min hiking from Harishchandragad Temple & can be seen easily left side of the temple. Kokankada for Sunset which is around 20 min walk from west side of Harishchandragad Temple. Both places are awesome and give a pleasant view – You will see color or beauty of the nature.  Most of the people are doing night camping there.

Let me pen down our journey:

It was an unofficial and unplanned event where enthusiastic person within the team gather in Whatsapp and started showing their interest – Kuch Bada Thrilling Karte Hain. Initial head count which everyone assumed was max - 6 but it reached to 8. Two days prior people confirmed with their Go/No Decision and just one day before; I would say post office work when only 8 hours were remaining to start the trekking journey we collected the rented mattress and tents. Akash managed this space with assurance that things would be available for all by time. Girish leaded the PALTAN as a captain because he visited that place thrice earlier so familiar with all the challenges, routes and timing. And rest people were carrying the basic required stuffs.

DAY 1: We all started our journey from different locations but gathered at Shivaji Nagar Bus Stand at around 6:20 am. Next challenging task was to find the appropriate bus to go to Aryaphata because we didn’t do any reservation. We were wandering here and there to find the correct one; fortunately Akash nailed it again. We entered in local bus at around 7:00 AM which were going toward Alephata and did ticket booking on spot. Thanks to god – all members got the seats except one but we adjusted by using SAM rule - SWALPA ADJUST MADDI.

At sharp 9:30 am we reached Aryaphata where did nature call’s and bought some fruits or eatable items. There were two options to go to Khireshwar Village – Either by Bus from Aryaphata to Otur then Otur to Khireshwar OR directly hires 6 seater Tempo. We opted second option at 750 RS [We know it was costly but we didn’t want to waste our energy on commute]. 6 seater-Tempo but fitted 8 people; recalling the school and college days.  Travelling in tempo was giving a feeling of movie – Swadesh because we were already overloaded but view on both side of road was Incredible - Beautiful mountains, lakes, villages, agricultural field, blue sky, greenery, huts, traditional people and true village essence.

From Aryaphata to Khireshwar; distance was 40+ km and travelling time was 1+ hour but we didn’t notice any pain even though we were overcrowded in tempo. That’s called as Magic of Mother Nature; if our mother is around us then we never feel the pain similarly we didn’t notice such pain.

At 11:00 am, we reached Khireshwar after crossing a beautiful lake via Kacha-Rashta. We halted @ Hotel Akshay – Sudh Shakahari, Mansahari J and did breakfast – Maggie & Poha. Prior to start the trekking we applied Sun-Screen because of past skin burn experience.  At 12:00 PM, Real trek started from base with great zeal but energy was getting down because journey was full of challenging – Up/Down routes, Rock Patches, Narrow & Dangerous route and long journey including multiple hills. While trekking such difficult trek – We need a great leader where Girish played a vital role; timely pushed us when we lost our strength but he boosted us on every path.

Wherever we found the rocks – We (lazy guys) took a minor nap on it to regain the energy. We lost our one mattress while crossing one of narrow & dangerous route. Later it was found by another group but they didn’t return it because they were poor & narrow minded guys even though we tried to do the settlement. At top we had two options – Either cross 7 hills or go via 1 hill but the difference between both was just 10 min. We opted 1 hill way and moved ahead with minor halts at three places – 1). Open field at top, 2). While descending the hill [in between we had bananas/snacks etc.] 3). At rock patch prior to base camp.

At 4:50 PM, we reached Harishchandragad fort with super excitement because what we left behind that cannot be expressed. I started capturing the view through my digital eyes and rest team members went to cave for Shiva Lingam Dharshan. We did lot of photo-shoot there and witnessed the beauty of ancient time. Girish and Abhishek took a dip in the water and enjoyed a lot.

At 5:30 PM, we started moving toward Kokankada for sunset view.  The scene was stunning – Orange Sky and sun was taking a dip in the cloud. We were so relaxed and feeling that we are in different planet e.g. MARS. There were around 150+ people to see that beauty. Kokankada – It was telling a separate story; that was also a way to reach to Harishchandragad fort but it took 16 days. 25 years ago one team opted to come via Kokankada and recently another team from Pune attempted & passed.

At 7:00 PM, Abhishek and I decided to go to dense forest area to collect the woods/sticks for Bonfire. Meanwhile remaining where taking the photo-shoot. We missed it L but while returning we got a chance to be a part of group photo. It was Full Moon day; dense forest and we were moving toward the Harishchandragad fort with holding torch & adding wolf sound effects – HOWL / Old Bollywood Song – Gum Naam Hain Koi, Badnam Hain Koi. At 7:30 PM, we reached at our base where we decided to halt for that day. It was just couple of distance away from Temple entrance gate.

We all joint together started installing Tents; all were inexperienced person so coming with their logic but later we made one perfect and by using same method implemented for others. While we were installing; one of the member went to hut in order to give the order for dinner. At the top there were local villages created their huts and they provide foods, water, trekking stuffs. At 8:30 PM, we had our awesome dinner which we would never forget.

Post dinner our bonfire moment started but we roasted – BhuttaJ. We had shared best moments – Old stories, Antakshari and few secretsJ. At 11:00 PM, we went to our tent for sleeping because next day items are already aligned and challenging.

DAY 2: At 5:00 AM, we woke up and did our daily chores. Whereas few people didn’t sleep last nightJ. At 5:30 AM, we started our journey toward Taramati Point to witness the sunrise. We were crossing the dense forest and hiking the mountain by playing power song – Hanuman Chalisha and Haan Yahi Rashta Hain Tera. At 6:30 AM, we reached at Taramati Point and were waiting for Sun to rise.  It was very exciting moment for all of us because it was our first experience to see the SUNRISE at that peak.  Taramati point is the second highest point in Maharashtra. Pleasant wind was blowing; Birds were chirping and heard monkey’s sound.  Few minutes later we witnessed the sunrise from that peak and moments were amazing. Post sunrise – We did lot of masti, gossiping and photo-shoot. At 8:00 AM, we started descending from Taramati point. While returning we noticed that one tent was missing.  Everybody was shocked but when we reached at base then got to know that local people had kept in their hut safely.  We thanked to god else we had to pay huge amount because all items were rented one.

At 9:00 AM, we had our breakfast – Poha, Chhane, Veg Sandwich, Tea and Guava.  We got 30 min to do photo-shoot of temple so Neha, Abhishek, Akshay and I went to temple or around for photo-shoot and Lord Dharshan. At 10:30 AM we assembled and then decided to descend from fort to Khireshwar.  Sometime ascending the hill looks easy as compared to descending. We experienced it because our legs were complaining the pain and few people had acrophobia. But together by helping hand – we reached to our origin point safely at 2:45 PM. With minimal halt – We directly reached to village where local bus supposed to come.

Bus got delayed so we settled ourselves at road side and enjoying the shadow of trees.  Bus came at 3:20 PM and left us at Otur from there we took bus to Aryaphata. Next challenging item was how to reach to Pune because all buses were coming from Nasik and it was fully packed; also there were long queue in bus stand for Pune. Fortunately we got one person who arranged 8 tickets for us and we got comfortable seat. We reached Pune at 8:30 PM with great learning experience.

It was a nice trek with great people; all the MASTI which we did together would be remarkable forever. This trek has created a great bonding; trust and stronger our relationship.

Here are the glimpse of our trek:

Title: Harishchandragad Fort Trekking Memories

Year: 2018

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqJykj9UlpU 

Suggestion:

-         If you are planning for Harishchandragad Fort trekking then keep few items – Torch, First Aid, Sleeping Mattress, Water Bottle at least 2-3 litres, Glucose, Snacks, Biscuits, additional clothes, power bank and cash.

-         Don’t carry tents – You will get it easy at the top where they charge 500 RS for 4 people. Even though you don’t get at top then you can sleep in cave also.

-         They also provide sleeping mattress but I would say sleeping mattress we should carry for worst case.

Rajgad Fort Trekking Memories

Rajgad Fort: 2^nd Dec 2018, MSIMQA team has accomplished the trekking of Rajgad Fort with great joy, excitement and pride. Basically this trip was just a kick off for another milestone – The Ultimate Goal is Harishchandragad. We worked in short of AGILE mode where random planning, less documentation and quick implementation which can add the values (Memories, Enthusiasm, Team Building and Trust).

I started at 6:05 AM to pick up one LAD from Hinjewadi & reached to waked flyover bridge at 6:15 am. Next challenging event was to wait for Automation Girls which delayed the event by 15 min; looks like Thread. Sleep (900000) hard coded not only in testing environment but personal life too – Just Joking.

First early morning view of sunrise, chilled weather and at speed of 80 Km/hrs was really awesome.  We reached at Katraj Dairy and started further journey at Girish’s car where 4 YO youngest trekker – Ginny joined us. On other side CZ guys and Abhishek & Akash reached earlier at agreed junction point – Baneshwar. We had a pleasant breakfast and then next journey to reach to Rajgad Base point kicked off. Rural greenery, narrow road, surrounded by mountains, agricultural field, cows, deshi-murga (Alarm Clock for villagers) and many more were adding calmness and giving great pleasure – That’s called Real Life. In between two people stolen – Sugarcane from field and distributed to all.

We started ascending the hill and leaving our footprints for others. In b/w unplanned situation came where few people were in deep thinking – Kahi Iske Karan Wapas Na Jaana Pad Jaye but things managed & controlled. With limited halts, zeal to concur the fort, group Selfies, helping each other and beautiful songs helped us to reach to Entrance Gate of Fort – Pali Darwaza. We had opted different kind of poses; some were risky and unique at gate then moved further.

At top, we found a pleasant place which was awesome to take rest and have lunch. We halted 1 hour there and enjoyed Antakshri and delicious food. Post lunch – We started heading toward the end point of the fort with great narrow Kacha-Rashta which was surrounded by greenery, flowers etc.

We all, finally reached the end point of the fort and halted 15-20 minutes there. Nature was too good and looking down from mountain was giving a feeling that we are at cloud 9 and enjoying the beauty of god’s creation.

We started descending the hill at 16:30 hours and touched the base at around 18:00 hours which included lot of haltsJ.  While returning – We have shown our hidden talents – Sketching, Shayari, Songs, Unspoken Words, and Dreams (we get 1 life so need to do many things).

We all were cordially invited by Girish at his home for dinner where we had delicious food and enjoyed the moment.

Well, all agreed to say that this trip was one of the best Trek which we ever had. Ginny and Girish were inspiring us throughout our trek. Hope to see many more such kind of treks in future.

Here are the glimpse of our trek:

Title: Rajgad Fort Trekking Memories

Year: 2018
YouTube Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK-26Vuig38

Happy International Women's Day 2018

World witnessed to see you in many form …

These tags “ Daughter , Sister,  Daughter In Law , Mother, Grand Mother “ are just a norm…

Your eternal love can heal any pain …

Even God doesn’t exist today without your name …

You became Durga , You  became Gauri …

If any mistake caused by us than please accept our sorry ...

Happy International Women's Day 2018 !!

Chhath Puja 2017

Chhath Puja 2017: The week before last; I visited Buxar (Bihar) for Chhath Puja celebration. This festival is one of the biggest fest for all the people who belong to Bihar, U.P, Jharkhand and Nepal too or connected directly / indirectly to these states via their ancestral roots. Last time I visited this place in 2013; from then to now many things have been changed. In the beginning of this year, I have promised my mother that will visit during Chhath Puja time whatever would be the situation in office. Well, honestly speaking both office works via remote computing and personal commitment managed nicely even though situation of my current project is at peak (Burning state).

Let me pen down the origin & importance of Chhath Puja, History & Some Facts of Buxar city:

*** Chhath Puja: Origin & Importance ***

This festival is considered a toughest as compared to others because any mistake noticed during the puja then it turned out as a “Bad Things To Happen” to the person’s life or their family. According to ecologist – Chhath is an eco-friendly Hindu festival because all the things that are used in rituals are obtained naturally. “Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival dedicated to the Sun and his two wives Usha (First light of the day) & Pratyusha (Last light of the day) in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life”

Sun is necessary for life of possibly every creature on the earth and this festival is a way to pay tribute to it irrespective of caste, creed, gender and social stigma. Sun God is believed to impart good health, prosperity, intelligence, and well-being. Therefore, the Surya Namaskar (sun salutation) is said to cure one of many different forms of mental and physical illness

This festival starts: 4^th day from Diwali and ends at 7^th day. It’s a four-day fest & the people who would be doing this Puja have to follow a strict rule during the course.

According to the rituals, women need to fast for four days following all the rules strictly:

·         Usage of garlic and onion is restricted during the puja. Even regular salt is not consumed during these days; the devotees can consume rock salt instead.

First Day (4^th day from Diwali): This day is known as NAHA-KHA where people who do fast take a bath in holy water, preferably of river Ganga to purify themselves and prepare food (consisting of rice, dal mixed with pumpkin, made in pure ghee). They are allowed to consume this meal only once in that day.

Second Day (5^th day from Diwali): This day is known as KHARNA or Kheer-Roti (An Indian recipe where rice is prepared with sweetened milk instead of water) and chapatti (called roti in many Indian provinces). The people observes fast for the full day without taking even water and eat this Kheer-Roti as dinner after offering it to the rising moon and goddess ganga. This is the only time when they eat or drink anything from the starting of the day till the last day of Chhath.

Third Day (6^th day from Diwali): This day is the main festival day and known as Chhath. The devotees do nirjala-vrat (Fast without taking single drop of water). During evening they go to bank of river Ganga with carrying Fruits/Prasad arranged in Tokna & Suppa (Utensil made up of bamboo). Devotee offering fruits and sweets in winnow to the setting sun; which is called as Sandhya Argh. Devotees, whose wishes are fulfilled, generally go to the water bodies performing Dandavat (covering the distance alternately lying and standing on the road from home to Ghat)

Fourth Day (7^th day from Diwali): The last day of Chhath is known as Suryoday Argh. Devotees start reaching to the Ghat early morning [from 3 am to 5 am] and stand in water and wait for sunrise. Devotees worship the rising sun and break their fast by consuming the holy Prasad and have fruits and sweets as well. The offerings made to the Sun God include the new harvest. The food consumed during this period includes these freshly cultivated fruits, vegetables and grains.

·         Usage of bed for sleeping is strictly prohibited during these days; devotes sleep on floor and in a separate room.

·         Usage of gas-stove to prepare the food or Prasad is strictly prohibited, devotes prepare their food and Prasad on Chulha [mud stove made from local clay] & combustible material like wood dust, cow dung, pallets, grass and stick are used.

The main Prasad which devotee prepare for this festival is Thekua. It’s a popular homemade  desert from Bihar which prepared with whole wheat flour, sugar, and coconuts.

Origin of Chhath Puja:

There are several stories of the origin of Chhath Puja:

·         Ramayana: Lord Ram belonged to Suryavansha dynasty of the ancient India and their spiritual director was Surya (Lord Sun). They returned to Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years. To pay tribute to Sun ; lord Ram and Sita did holy bathing, Fasting and Abstaining from drinking water (Vrat), standing in water for long periods of time, offering Prasadam (prayer offerings) and Argh (commodity offering) to the rising and setting sun.

·         Mahabharata: Draupadi and the Pandavas, rulers of Indraprastha (modern Delhi), performed the Chhath ritual on the advice of noble sage Dhaumya. Through her worship of the Sun God, Draupadi was not only able to solve her immediate problems, but also helped the Pandavas later regain their lost kingdom.

·         Purana (Ancient): There was a king Priyavad didn’t have a child and thus, saint Kashyap asked him to perform Putrayeshti Yagya. His wife Malini was given Kheer as Prasad due to which she was blessed with a son. But, this son was born dead which distressed the King and he tried to kill himself. At that time, Lord’s human daughter, Devsena, appeared and told the King that she was Devi Shashti. She asked him to worship her and that he would be blessed with a child in return.

Women do this puja for longer life of her son.

*** History & Some Facts of Buxar city ***

Lord Ram killed Tadika (Rakshai: Demon) – As per mythology, Swami Vishwamitra was family guru of Lord Ram. They wanted to do unstoppable Yagya or Prayer at Buxar with their 8000 saints but every time they tried; Yagya was interrupted in between by the Rakshai – Tadika. So Vishwamitra demanded of King Dasaratha to send Ram & Lakshman to Buxar for education. Lord Ram killed Rakshai: Tadika and did her funeral near Chritarvan. Also Ram & Lakshman had their teaching accomplished at Buxar.

Ram-Rekha Ghat: Most sacred place in Buxar where Lord Ram took bath after killing Tadika. This place is connected to holy river Ganga where we can find the footsteps of Lord Rama. Also Lord Rama & Lakshman ate “Litti Chokha” there. Litti Chokha is a dough ball made up of whole wheat flour and stuffed with Sattu mixed with herbs and spices and then baked over coal or cow dung cakes or wood and served with Chokha – mashed char-grilled eggplant done with chilies, onion, tomato, cumin powder, coriander, and turmeric powder. Litti Chokha is Bihari delicacy and famous over there.

Ahirauli: It’s a place just six kilometer from Buxar where Ahilya, the wife of Gautam Rishi restored her human form from that of stone and attained salvation by a mere touch of the feet of Lord Rama.

Battle of Buxar: The Battle of Buxar was fought on 23^rd Oct 1764 between British East India Company and combine force of armies of Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal; the Nawab of Awadh; and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The battle fought at Buxar, a "small fortified town" within the territory of Bengal, located on the banks of the Ganges River about 130 kilometres (81 mi) west of Patna, was a decisive victory for the British East India Company. It proved to be decisive resulting in the establishment of British sovereignty in Bengal. This battle brought out the political weaknesses and military shortcomings of the Indians and the hollowness of the Mughal Empire.

Buxar Jail: Buxar jail is the main supplier of hanging rope across the India which is prepared by prisoner of that jail.  Infamous person like Afzal, Kasab, etc. hanged till death by those ropes.

Here are the glimpses of Chhath Puja 2017 which I witnessed through my digital & natural eyes:

Title: Chhath Puja 2017

Year: 2017
YouTube Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxVC46lvj6o

Thanks for watching this space.

Message through my blog to all the children – Your mother do this toughest fast for your longer life so never forget her in any stage of your life. And Do whatever you want to do but don’t trouble your mother !!!