Maro Ghagro Jo Ghoomyo

     The Indian state of Rajasthan is famous for its culture and history. The grandeur of the Rajput kings is still visible every where. It is a major tourist destination. The culture of this state is distinct. The highly cultivated classical music and dance is a part of its heritage. The folk music is uncomplicated and reflects daily chores. The traditional dress is colourful and eye catching. The combination of vibrating music, colourful dresses and high voltage moves makes it an unforgettable spectacle. The post title has been taken from a folk song which literally translated means 'when my skirt swirls'. Well this attempt can never do justice to the actual dance but hope it motivates you to try and make it to Rajasthan sometime. 

      Have a great weekend.

Konkan railway @ Doodhsagar

     The Indian western coast is flanked on one side by the Western Ghats, a hill range covering the entire coast line. The hills are covered with thick forests and heavy rainfall is the norm. The Konkan rail line, as it is called was constructed along this hill range. This is a beautiful and scenic journey which will mesmerise anyone. It has 91 tunnels and over 2000 bridges.The construction of this line was a real challenge. The tunnels had to be dug through loose soil. There was no technology available in the world for this and much of the work had to be carried out manually. The frequent cave ins and landslides claimed 19 lives. It was completed in six years in 1998.

     The picture I have painted here is the train arriving at the Doodhsagar station. 'Doodhsagar' is a waterfall (the tallest in India) which means 'sea of milk', The fine spray of the fall creates a feel of white milk with the hills in the backdrop. The train chugging in through the spray is a breathtaking sight. I hope I have been able to capture the atmosphere and you get motivated to visit this place. Trust me you will not regret.

     Have a great weekend.

Abandoned @ Rajahmundry

     I am in a town close to the east coast, called Rajahmudry. It is a very old town named after a king called Rajah Mahendravaram. It is called the cultural capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is said that the Telugu language originated here. It is full of tidbits of history. Just outside my hotel, on a hillock, saw some old abandoned bungalows. Was told that they dated back to the British times. Wanted to explore them but the road leading to the top had disappeared in thick shrubs. There was actually no way to reach the top. Finally sat down in a parking lot at the base of the hillock and did this plein air work. I think I did manage to catch the atmosphere and hope you all like it.

Fly Helicopters, Paint Helicopters.

     Well, as usual have been missing from the cyberspace for some time. Was busy with flying commitments and the exhibition which went off well. Finally managed to complete a request which had been pending for quite some time. My friends usually request paintings of helicopters. But this one came with a rider... The Umaid palace as the backdrop. This gentleman had emotional attachments with this place as he had commanded a helicopter unit here. And I believe art is incomplete without emotions. Had to take up the challenge. The composition was difficult as there was no ready reference material. Getting the angles and the perspective correct proved to be a herculean task. After numerous failures managed to get it right. Hope you like it.

     Oops, forgot the history bit. This palace was constructed by the Maharaja of Jodhpur. The architect was a British gentleman Henry Vaughan Lanchester. The construction started in 1929 and finished in 1943. But with Indian independence in 1947 and the Maharajas losing their seats of power and their purses, they found the upkeep of this property difficult. Presently a section is the private residence of their descendants and the major part is a five star hotel. Those of you who want a taste of the luxuries of the erstwhile maharajas of India, must try this out.

INVITATION

Dear Friends, 

     I have finally gathered courage to bite the bullet. You all are invited to my exhibition of water colors at Malaka Spice, Koregaon Park, Pune (01 Jan 2016 - 15 Jan 2016) and Malaka Spice, Baner, Pune (16 Jan 2016 - 31 Jan 2016). If you happen to be any where around Pune on these dates please make it a point to visit. 

      Thank you friends. Wish me luck.

      Have a great week ahead.

          

Kasturchand Park @ Nagpur

     I am presently in the Orange city of Nagpur in central India. Am here on an official trip. What better way to spend an otherwise lazy Sunday than painting. Got in touch with an artist friend who paints with a group on sundays. They were all getting together at this lovely park in the heart of the city- Kasturchand Park. 

     This is a huge park which is used for all kind of get togethers. It has a large pavilion in the centre which is used for religious functions. There was a large circus tent pitched in the background. Morning walkers and cricket crazy children thronged the place. We sat down on one side for our share of fun. About three hours was all that we spent. By my standards it was quick work. Hope you all like it.

     Have a great week ahead.

Afghan Church @ Mumbai

          When I first heard the name 'Afghan Church', I had wondered what the Afghans had to do with a church! On reading the history of the place it revealed that this church was built in 1847 in memory of the British soldiers who lost their lives in the first Anglo - Afghan war. The retreat of the British forces from Kabul in 1842 is considered the worst disaster suffered by them in India. The church was built entirely with locally available material and is known for  its wide gothic arches and stained glass windows. The tall structure was supposed to be a landmark for the ships in the Bombay Harbour but is now dwarfed by sky scrapers all around.

          This work was done plein air. The October heat was killing. However I did manage to finish it. This blog should not remain idle lest my friends forget me! Am sorry was missing from the scene for a long time. Work compulsions. 

           Hope you all like this. Have a great weekend.