Just About Everything

Durga Puja 2021 It was Nabami and Durga puja was almost over....I wanted to make the most of the festive spirit and take a  look at some of the puja pandals nearby. Pandal hopping by maintaining social distance is not really feasible! Somewhat possible in Salt lake though. And the best way to go pandal hopping is to walk and see the puja pandals.  So off I went and it felt so normal (although wearing a mask was not normal but I am assuming that will stay for sometime) to go pandal hopping. The festive spirit can be so uplifting.  Here are some pictures from my Nabami walk. The Durga pandals are from the GD, HA  and HC blocks in Salt Lake, and nearby ones.  

                               Durga puja 2021 Durga pujas have always been special to me. 2021 Durga pujas were even more so because I went out to see some pandals after a long time! I did not see any in 2020. Not that I could see too many this time, I saw very few since I had to restrict myself given that the pandemic is still at large.The few pandals that I did mange to see were beautiful, creative, and had  a theme and message. It was a short tour of three hours. We started very early in the morning and ended our tour by indulging in piping hot and super delicious luchi and dal (Bengali style) from a sweet shop for breakfast. Pujas are incomplete without food...all Bengalis will agree with that for sure:) Below are pics of  Durga puja pandals I saw in South Kolkata. As usual I was floored by these beautiful and creative idols and pandals.  I hope next year things will be back to normal and...

       Bayon temple in Siem Reap Cambodia- The stone faces are so spectacular! Day three started with the sunrise at Angkor wat , and then the complete tour of Angkor Wat temple. What a start to the day it was! After having ended the previous day with the  beautiful sunset view from Phnom Bakheng temple , we were on a all time high:) We spent quite a few hours at Angkor Wat (worth spending the whole day!), and then headed towards Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom literally means a big city and It used to the capital city of the Buddhist King Jayavarman VI.This city houses various temples and historical site, the ones we saw were: Bayon temple Baphuon temple Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King . I was totally awestruck by Bayon temple. I have not seen any temple like this before. It is a huge temple and I could literally get lost in it.The exquisite and detailed carvings on the walls and the peaceful stone faces make this temple so unique. This temple ...