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.

Paradise Lost

     The Kashmir valley is considered a paradise on earth. It is nature at its best. Mythology says that the whole valley was a lake long back. Sage Kashyapa is said to have drained the valley by cutting the mountains near Baramulla. We do not know how far this story is true but a beautiful lake still exists there... The Dal lake. The house boats of this lake are a favourite with the tourists. The same valley is facing unprecedented floods. Hundreds have lost their lives. People are struggling. Many have lost all their worldly possessions. Though the waters have started receding slowly, it will take ages for normalcy to return. This is a painting of the famous Dal lake and its house boats. Hope you like it. Also do not forget to say a prayer for all the affected people.

@ Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

     Sanjay Gandhi National Park of Mumbai is one of the few reserved forests in the world, located  right in the middle of a city. In fact it is called the green lung of the much polluted Mumbai city. It has lions, tigers, leopards and hyenas besides monkeys and many species of birds. Lions and tigers are in a cordoned off area but leopards roam around freely. At times their interests do clash with humans but then this is the case all over the world. I love going for a jog in this park. Not to worry, I am not alone. There are many like me. It is so peaceful away from the hub bub of the city. This morning was not feeling like jogging so did the next best thing... carried my painting kit along, sat next to a stream and did this quick fire work. Hope you like it.

Coasting in @ Gadimoga

     I am operating from a helidrome called Gadimoga on the east coast. It is right next to the point where the river Godavari merges into the Bay of Bengal. Flying to offshore oil rigs during the monsoons can be quite tricky. One just wants to hit the coast as soon as possible. This was a sight I saw while returning back from one sortie. Sunlight sneaking in through the dark clouds and the river Godavari lit up with the light. Oh what a sight it was. How I could I not steal some time out of my study schedule for this. It is a quick fire work with some broad wet in wet washes. It was well worth the time spent.      

Need a break.

     Have been extremely busy flying and preparing for an exam in addition. Absolutely no time for painting or blogging. But today something inside me said 'enough is enough'. I need a break. What a break. What you see here is the result of that break. Am feeling absolutely fresh for the next session with my books. Do you feel the same when you paint? Hope you all like this. 

Mustard?

     Vast expanses of mustard fields or for that matter sunflower fields are always a treat  to watch. Had painted one a long time back but wanted to do it again. Did this with the help of some reference pictures. Hope you all like it. Have a great week ahead.         

@ Matheran

     Matheran (It means 'Forest on the Forehead') is the smallest hill station in India located in the Western Ghats. Discovered by Hugh Poyntz Malet, a Britisher in 1850, was developed by the then Governor General as a retreat to beat the heat during the summers. 

     About 10 years back it was declared an eco-sensitive zone and made vehicle free (the only one in Asia). The only motorized vehicles that enter the town are a narrow gauge railway train  and ambulance run by the town administration. Transportation is by hand pulled rickshaws and horses. The streets have been made horse friendly- paved on the sides and unpaved in the centre to avoid injury to the hooves of the horses! It is a trekkers paradise. There are so many trails that you can take off on. The thick forest cover keeps you cool at any time of the day. It is a dream for riding enthusiasts. The elderly can avail the hand pulled rickshaws. Game any one !!!