Varanasi

 

Varanasi is supposed to be one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. It is located on the banks of river Ganga and is a major pilgrim site for Hindus. The evening prayers on the banks of river Ganga (Ganga Arti) is a big tourist attraction. People of all faiths hire boats to witness it from a vantage point. The hundreds of years old temples are also a major attraction. It is believed that whosoever is cremated on the banks of this river in Varanasi goes straight to heaven. 

Whether you believe it or not but if you happen to be in this part of the world a visit to this holy city is a must.

Happy New Year

     I have been missing from this place for some time now. The excuses are the same as every time I go missing. But I am here to wish all of you and all your near and dear ones a very happy new year. Have a great year ahead and may all your wishes be fulfilled. Happy painting.

The spirit of freedom.

     Some time back I was in Porbandar, a town on the west coast. On one of my morning jogs, on a road outside the town, while crossing a stretch covered with trees and thick undergrowth, I noticed some movement. I stopped as this area has its share of stray leopards. On looking carefully I realised it was a herd of wild horses, waiting to cross the road. Finally they overcame their hesitation, came out in the open and quickly disappeared the other side. They were not very well fed, or well groomed but still had a different air about them. Was it freedom that added that extra bounce in their steps? I guess so....!

     This fleeting experience forced me to paint horses.... wild horses. Hope you all agree with me and hope you like this work.

    

Cherry Blossom

     When ever I want to paint but some how am not able to start, I paint flowers. They are pure therapy for me. Started this one, lost control of it midway, and wanted to abandon it. This is what happens when the gap between two paintings is large. But then I decided to complete it whatever be the result. I think I did manage to salvage it to some extent. Not very happy but then that is how life is. Enjoy the good moments and take the not so good in your stride. Have a nice weekend friends.

Albert Hall @ Jaipur

     In the 'Pink City' Jaipur, is a garden called 'Ram Niwas Garden' spread over 33 acres. In the centre of the garden is the Albert Hall museum. It was built in 1868 by Maharaja (Emperor) Sawai Ram Singh. Like most of the buildings in this area, it is made of red sand stone. In fact most of the buildings in the old city are made of the same stone. Because of the color of this stone Jaipur is called the pink city. Even now all the buildings have to be of the same color even though sand stone is no longer used for construction! You shall be fined if you do not! It is a beautiful museum in a beautiful building and attracts hundreds of pigeons besides tourists! 

     Found it an interesting subject to paint in my recent visit to the city. Felt the character of the building would be incomplete without the pigeons. Hope you agree with me.

Ganga Arti @ Varanasi

     The holy city of Varanasi is located on the banks of the holy river Ganges and this makes for a very spiritual combination. The Ganges is considered a giver... to the Body and Soul. It is called Ma Ganga meaning Mother Ganges. In the evening thousands gather to offer prayers. As the skies darken and night falls the ceremony is conducted in the light of flood lamps. The chants of the priests, smoke rising from the gigantic lamps in their hands, hundreds of small earthen lamps kept on the stairs make a beautiful and mesmerizing sight. They say it is really a spiritual experience. This is an attempt to bring out the scene. I hope I have been able to do justice.