There were some ramblings, Some silent musings echoed In silence and yet very loud. The time entered a void, Where those eyes met. Somewhere in between Twinkling and Talking, In silence they prevail. Reading the missed beat, Laughs, noticed yet unnoticed. The eyes made a story, A song where wilted flowers bloomed.
You and I, A song of separation, An ode to silence. You and I, A story of looks exchanged, A poem of chances lost. You and I, A song of belongingness, A rhapsody of contradiction. You and I, Who met and are yet unmet, Who connect in nonconformity. You and I, Who tread the in between, Who smiled in apprehension.
Bemusing as it was! Our souls just clicked right. Realizing in peace, Appreciating the similar dissimilar. Whatever the souls are made of, Ours is the same. Rational and Pragmatic. Decadent in smile. Trusting the process, And, tuning into serenity. Where understanding fails, Just read the vibe.
Thousand days have gone. With limitless precious moments bygone. Days to serve, days to thank, days to help, days to care, days to make a bright future towards! Thousand days have gone. Where appreciation lost its footing. Thousand days have gone. Where drowned limitless opportunities and time, In lieu of reckless complains, self-centeredness.
Thousand days have gone. Of thousand complains and misery. Shouting, croaking, cracking, taunting, Thousand days of annoyance and bickering. Nothing left unsaid, nothing left unheard, Thousand days of turmoil within self. Thousand days have gone. Of loathing and recklessness, of clashes and dislikes.
Yes, a thousand days have gone With thousand opportunities lost. A thousand unsaid words and learnings Left undone, unutilized that one can’t forsake. A thousand says will come. With thousand hues and opportunities. Live in the moment, and appreciate To never regret that thousand days have gone. Be happy where you are, Strive for the life imagined, Then,one day thousand days will come, To knock the door and say “Hello”.
A straight line relationship- at one end is the person
And the other end is God.
The straighter the Alif the closer one is to the Almighty.
The first letter of Arabic alphabets- ALIF
Alifالف was my journey from despair to humility,
From past regret to acceptance.
My guardian angel, an oasis in the desert of life.
Let me define my life in a Jumla:
“Toot’ta Hai Roz Dil Roz Joron Mein Isay
Basta Umeedo Ka Hai Roz Kholu Mein Isay.”
This HOPE keeps me going- A continuous cycle of Accept and Restart.
“Ishq Bhi Hai Aur Nazar Aasman Par Hai Khari
Tujh Ko Paalun Ya Yeh Apni Chor Dun Yeh Zindagi.”
Confusion, dejection, and a low-key note
That’s how the day started for me.
Mulling over the significance of the above Jumla in my life
And how to overcome them was the state of my mind.
As I opened the laptop to get some break, find some solace
Snippets of Alifالف popped in front giving me a tight, reassuring embrace.
Alifالف has made me see life differently.
I learned and understood the importance of pain and struggle.
To everybody who is wondering why such pain and struggle-
“Dard Hee Kyu Sikha Raha Hai Kaisay Jeetay Hai Zindagi
Dard Apna Dawa Samjh Tu Na Samjh Aisay Bebasi.”
Don’t feel powerless in front of pain.
Appreciation for sweetness comes only if you ever had a taste of bitterness.
In my life what helps in continuously reconciling with myself,
To never losing myself is the apt timing of Alifالف holding my hand- guiding & guarding.
When I feel shackled,
When things close seem farther,
When my people seem hard to reach,
When I am cluelessly stranded alone in the desert of life,
It’s Alifالف that stops me from going astray, my safe place.
Alif- The Novel by Umera Ahmed
“Tu samajh jaaye agar wajah apne wajood ki
Jhoom jaaye ye qalb tera kasratein sajood ki.”
I am on my way to know myself and the vast unknown.
Whenever I think about my existence and its importance
I stumble upon Alifالف – like the morning star guiding me forward.
In the harshest weather yet in life, I met Alifالف
And Alifالف keeps revisiting me providing warmth in the snowstorm.
Maybe subconsciously I want Alifالف by my side
‘Cause never have I ever sought it consciously.
Imagine how symbiotic subconscious and Alifالف are.
Oh, How I hope that one-day Alifالف will help me find taufiq!
Alifالف always finds its way to me.
Or is it me finding my way back to Alifالف!
Whenever in need, just at the right moment
Alifالف engulfs me making me eternally grateful for the blessing it is.
Ever thought of a home for the mind, a shelter in this blinding heat?
As we don’t differentiate water while quenching thirst from an oasis, so does God.
That’s how a Hindu me found shelter in the Islamic Alifالف.
P.S. All the text within quotes used to describe situation and state of mind are originally written and composed by Shuja Haider and are part of the OST of the drama Alif. Also, Alif is the first letter in Arabic and has a deep religious connotation. This hasn’t been written to hurt or offend the sentiment of any people belonging to any religion and I apologize if it did. And, sorry in case it gets too deep.
कभी कभी मेरे दिल में ख्याल आता है, की पहले मुझ में कितना बचपना था, बड़े होने की बहुत बेशब्री थी।
Teachers खूब लाड़ करते, नाज़-नखरे उठाते, उनपे भी हम दोस्तों जैसा हक़ जमाते। पदोष के आंटी की बातें हमेशा अनसुना कर देते थे।
मोटे से R. D. Sharma के अंदर Harry Potter पढ़ते थे। Boomers, Kit Kat का मिलजाना कोई Trophy से कम नहीं था।
Exam ख़तम होजाये तोह जम के Party करते थे। छुट्टियों की ख़ुशी पानी पूरी में समेट लेते थे।
Reminiscing Childhood- Innocence Lost
कभी कभी मेरे दिल में ख्याल आता है- की जादू थे वह गुज़रे दिन। Sunday को Trekking जाओ, Diwali शोरो से मनाओ, रंग-बिरंगी Holi में गुजिया खाओ, और हर पल खुल के मुस्कुराओ।
कितनी मासूमियत भरी थी हम में दोस्ती भी बिन लेन-देन के खूब निभा गयें। ” Give and Take” से वास्ता नहीं था, हर सौदा बड़ा खारा था।
उन फ़िज़ाओं में अलग अपनापन था, हर गली में किसी अपने का बसेरा था। दोपहर की गर्मी, रात की ओश, सब हम जैसे चहकते थे।
कभी कभी मेरे दिल में ख्याल आता है- की Hermione की Time-Turner ले आऊं और घडी को 15 साल पीछे ले जाऊं। फिर से वही बचपन जी आऊं।
Nostalgia- Childhood vs Adulthood
मासूमियत से निखार जाऊं बिना सवाल-जवाब, Judgement, Stress के खुल के सचाई से मुस्कुराऊँ बड़े से फिर छोटी हो जाऊं खुद को ये समझाऊँ- ” तू खुल के हसले ज़रा “।
वक़्त से गुज़ारिश करू- ” ऐ वक़्त ज़रा धीरे चल तू। में बहुत दूर से वापिस आई हूँ, अब वक़्त तू वक़्त लगा ! मुझे अब कोई जल्दी नहीं बड़े होने की। “
ऐ वक़्त- इस मासूम सी हसी को थोड़ा और जीने दे। मौहलत दे थोड़ी और इन लम्हों को खुद में संजोये रखने की। दोबारा बचपन जी लूँ , मुठी भर ज़िन्दगी इस दिल पे सी लूँ।
कभी कभी मेरे दिल में ख्याल आता है, की ज़िन्दगी बच्चों की तरह जियें तोह कैसी होगी ? इस उलझी सी ज़िन्दगी में बचपना आजाये तोह कितनी सुलझी होगी !? कभी कभी मेरे दिल में ये ख्याल आता है।
Mesmerizing beaches, vibrant culture, surreal nightlife, and Portuguese monuments define this place. Yes, it is Goa-The land of beaches where the East meets the West. Its beaches are so terrific making it a must-visit destination for tourists throughout the world. What makes Goa standout is the exemplary number of sight-seeing and adventure options. It is the most preferred destination in India. People from all the corners of the world visit Goa which houses some of the best beaches in the entire world.
It is a calm place with a not-so-extreme population. The general populace pursues Christianity. Goa welcomes all with open arms. Feel free to explore all the famous places in Goa without any jeopardy. Goa is a rainbow of colors especially the Portuguese Quarters in Fontainhas. Being a former Portuguese dominion, many holy sites revered here are churches, chapels, and Basilica. The chapels and churches are the perfect places to visit on the off chances to find some tranquility and have an otherworldly experience.
Reis Magos Fort, Goa
What makes it more interesting is the plethora of adventure sports options available here. Goa is not just about the beach, it is more about some extremely enthralling adrenaline rush exposure. Name any water sport and strike it off your checklist here. Fly skiing, parasailing, kite surfing, and waterboarding are some of the water sports options one can try among many others.
Goa is everything a beach lover can ask. But, it is not just beaches and nightlife. With adrenaline-spiked adventure sports options, it is a heaven for adventure enthusiasts. It houses the remnants of Portuguese-era forts, basilicas, etc. Do not miss the amazing Graffiti on many houses and in many places around the city.
If you are one of those who are looking forward to a trip to Goa, here are a few intriguing attractions of the city that you must unravel.
1. Fort Aguada
Enough about beaches and nightlife! Are you looking for something cultural and has a historical touch to it? Then, one such attraction is Fort Aguada. Built during the 17th-century, this fort acted as a barrier and protected the Portuguese colony against attacks by the Marathas and the Dutch. It has a gigantic bastion for protection. Earlier, there used to be a freshwater channel that ran here which runs dry currently. Today, the fort stands and shows the prowess of the bygone era. Its importance in shaping the culture has made it a vital tourist destination in Goa. There is a moat, a four-story lighthouse, and a secret passage used during war and emergency. A few areas of the fortress act as a prison while the rest are open to visitors. Located on the mouth of the Mandovi river, the fort has a beacon to view the panorama of the landscape and the entire Arabian sea till the eyes reach. Tourists reach up to the point to see the vivid view.
Drone Shot Of Fort Aguada
2. Basilica of Bom Jesus
Goa was a Portuguese colony. It was a European settlement. Hence, Christianity was the main religion. It was on the zenith before autonomy, which justifies the significant number of churches and convents spotted here. One of the best of its kind is the Basilica Of Bom Jesus. It is a Roman Catholic Basilica. It has Portuguese colonial architecture with a tinge of Baroque architecture. It is very significant to tourists, Christians, and devotees as it houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The relics of the saint are placed in a casket and shown to the public during religious festivities. The fresco and murals are made with precious stones embellished to it. This site is a legacy of the spread of Christianity and is flocked by tourists the year-round.
3. Mapusa Market
Located 10.3 km from Anjuna Beach in North Goa, Mapusa Market is a weekly market and a major tourist attraction of Goa. Many people from neighboring districts set up their stalls every Friday to sell a variety of local produce. It is one of the best, biggest, and intriguing local markets of Goa. A wide assortment of fishes, meat, vegetables, nuts, spices, jewelry, pottery, garments, coir mats, and wines are sold in the market. Try the local alcohol famously known as Feni here. The stores are assembled according to the type of items sold. It is a shoppers’ paradise and a great place to buy souvenirs for family and friends at a pocket-friendly rate.
Goa is more about different aspects of life than just beaches. Many cultures are intricately strewn here and reside peacefully simultaneously. What makes Goa an appealing place is its bourgeois nightlife. Bars and eateries are plentiful. Stay at the shacks at beaches to enjoy the scintillating atmosphere. It is almost every traveler’s goal to visit and know every aspect of Goa. Night outs, the Casino extravaganza and rave parties on the beaches are a paradise for vacationers. Not that it is all loud in Goa. The history, culture, Portuguese architecture, and monuments attract many spiritual and historical buffs. So, if you intend to visit Goa make an itinerary first. Plan early, book tickets, and lodgings accordingly at minimized rates. Make a list of things to do, attractions to visit, etc. Make the most out of the trip and enjoy the amalgamation that Goa is.
8 March is celebrated as International Women’s Day. Today all are wishing Happy Women’s Day. A friend of mine texted, “At least today everybody is praising our existence.” Another male friend commented, “Wishing once a year! How does it matter?”She replied, “On occasion as such, you men show us some respect.” This led me to think about how thought-provoking statements both have made. Why do we celebrate women’s existence once in a year? Is this the day when all women or a section of women felt empowered?
Women’s Day is not about empowering them only. It is to celebrate their sacrifice, power, affection, ambition, equality, etc. to make them feel special. A woman when born is a daughter, grows up to be a good sister, can become a trustworthy friend, understanding companion, a loving wife, a dutiful daughter-in-law, an understanding sister-in-law, an affectionate mother, an exemplary mother-in-law, etc. to name a few roles. She can be an ambitious woman, a helping colleague, fiery to those who wronged her, wonderous to those who stood by her. Just think how much sacrifice, adjustment, pain, and compromise she endures. She is an epitome of multitasking.
While creating humans, Nature knew the importance of women. A woman can stand up and handle any ordeal she faces. She is the one who brings a new life into this world. Giving birth is equivalent to breaking twenty-one bones of one’s body, which only a woman goes through. Even Nature is by gender female. We address her as Mother Nature. We address our motherland as Mother India. Our world is revered as Mother Earth.She is an effigy of sacrifice and pain. But, love, power, and fiery spirit are more synonymous with women. She gives rise to a new life- she is a creator. She can single-handedly nurture and care for children and needful people- she is a nurturer. She binds the family and relations. Wrong her and she will uproot you- she can become a destroyer.
A woman is very powerful. She is a kid’s first teacher. She shapes children’s values and ethics. The rein is in her hands. There ain’t a single field where women haven’t established and proved their caliber and authority. Best examples of women’s excellence in various fields are Indira Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, Marie Curie, Kalpana Chawla, Malala Yusufzai, Kiran Bedi, Kiran Desai, Mother Teresa, Queen Victoria, Razia Sultana to name a few.
A woman’s contribution is not limited to a day. She is limitless. So, every day is Women’s Day. She need not ask for respect. She earns it every day with her actions. She is respectful and beautiful in her own way. There is a mantra in Hinduism which describes various aspects of the goddess Durga. In each woman resides Maa Durga. She is Parvati, Sita, Radha, Meera, Yashoda, Kunti, Savitri, Anusuya, Menaka, Draupadi, Kaikeyi, Manthara, Razia Sultan, Rani Laxmi Bai.
A woman today needs to realize her importance. She should understand herself, believe in herself and cherish herself first. She should know to take the reins of her life in her hands. Never forget that she is the one in control. When a woman respects herself first, everybody learns to respect her. Women are awesome. Women are not needed to be celebrated. They should celebrate themselves. When women will live their life as a celebration of their womanhood and glory, then each day will be Women’s Day.
Pushkar is a city of myths and mystics, of fairs, festivals and temples. Located in a valley at a distance of 15 kms from Ajmer, it is flocked by tourists and devotees the year round.
It is believed that Lord Brahma accidentally dropped a lotus leading to the creation of the famous Pushkar Lake. Surrounded by ghats and temples on all sides gives the viewer an otherworldly panorama. The evening aarti at the ghats is a must see. The bhajans, chanting of mantras and sound of bells makes you dive into a trance-like state. It’s a scene-stealer for people who want a weekend getaway from the daily humdrum- an ancient, elegant city with a bit of mysticism.
Situated in a valley with hillocks on the three sides and the lake in the front is the world’s only Brahma Temple. A journey here is considered as a way of salvation by many devout hindus. Adding to that the ghats and the lake are much cleaner than Ganges ghats. The great Brahma temple can be identified from a distance because of its tall red spire. Inside the temple Lord Brahma’s vahana, the swan idol, will be the first to welcome you. The sanctum sanctorum houses a chaturmukhi (four-faced) idol of Lord Brahma. There are many idols of demigods inside the temple. What’s more interesting is all the idols are shoe-less except Surya (the Sun God). Offer your prayers to the revered creator of universe here, watch the evening aarti and take a holy dip in the lake (water is clean and not much polluted)!
Interestingly in the ghats, temple and also while crossing the lake you can’t wear shoes! It is forbidden and a long-standing custom here. So, explore it barefoot! And if you are wearing a totally western attire don’t mind the locals gazing at you.
If you are keen on traditions along with an appetite for adventure then it is the right match for you. Camping in the desert, camel safari, watching the sand dunes at sunset to trekking and rope-way rides you have got it all covered. Ajmer and Pushkar are a hillock away from one another. Take a trek to Ajmer or to the Savitri temple on the hillock (it’s really steep). In the hindu month of Karthik (October/November) the world’s largest Camel Fair is held here.While men here buy and sell livestock, women flung the place to sell lac bangles, textiles etc. Hop to shop hand-looms, handicrafts not to forget lac bangles endemic to the city and buy some souvenirs.
Pushkar is touristy but not crowded. The best time to visit is October/November and February/March when its not damn hot nor freezing cold. Plan early and the trip won’t make a hole in your pocket. With traditional cuisine available within 80-120 rupees and bargaining for souvenirs. It’s fun! Your whole trip won’t cost more than 15,000 INR. The nearest airport to Pushkar is Sanganer in Jaipur. It is well connected by roads and rail to Jaipur and Delhi via Ajmer. Nearest station is Ajmer which is a 30 minutes ride from Pushkar. Taxis and buses are always available to Pushkar from Ajmer.
Pushkar is holy, ancient and breathtaking with a streak of mythology and mysticism. It’s a must visit for people looking for some adventure with a penchant for tradition, culture and history. The tranquility of the temple and stupor of ghats will leave you awestruck. It’s a haven to escape the hustle bustle and enjoy serenity at its best.
The Whiteboard of Life 