Just About Everything

Kanchenjunga peak Lava is a small and scenic little place in Darjeeling district, in West Bengal, India. Lava is one of the most popular tourist destinations in West Bengal not only because of the scenic beauty, and the beautiful birds that can be sighted in Lava, but also because it happens to be one of those very rare places in West Bengal where you can find snow in winter. You can reach Lava by road from NJP which is one the most frequented railhead and is well connected. A private vehicle can be rented for the onward journey to Lava. It takes around 4.5 hours to reach Lava, via Kalimpong. I am posting pictures of these tiny little gems clicked by Soma during her visit to Lava this year. These birds are between 9 cm-14 cm in size, smaller than a sparrow. Ashy-throated Warbler Black-faced Warbler Fire-breasted flower-pecker Fire-tailed Sunbird Red-tailed Minla Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler White-browed Fulvetta Yell...

My cousin Soma is made of no ordinary stuff. Who we are today is shaped by a lot of people we have come across in our life ...I have come across several such wonderful people in my life who have left a lasting impression on me, but if I have to talk about the one person who has made and continues to make a significant impact in my life then that would be "My cousin Soma". Though we are not in the same age group, in my mind and anyone who knows her, she is forever 16. A gold medallist in History, she is a one of the most well travelled, intelligent, and knowledgeable persons that I have ever come across, and she happens to be a favourite teacher! Many of her students started enjoying history and opted to take up history in their further studies because of her interesting history classes. Not just history, if you have a teacher who is a good listener, a friend, philosopher and guide…what else would you wish for! I often wish I could have attended some of her classes. She s...

Durga idol-Trikon Park Even though Durga puja is long gone…I could not resist sharing some more beautiful and creative pandals from South Kolkata. The themes are mostly tribal, barring a couple, that are unique in their own way. These Durga puja pandals are from Kalighat, Southern Avenue, and Santoshpur areas of South Kolkata. Rajasthani themed puja Tribal themed puja