My Tryst With KumbhMela

It was my inner calling that brought me to the Triveni Sangham (Meeting of Three River's) the merging of river Yamuna, Ganga and the mystical Saraswati, to be here exactly on the auspicious period of Kumbh Mela at Prayargh, Allahabad.

Wanted to be at the exact point of the Sangham, boatman Kaka made sure of that. I was accompanied by Mr & Mrs Sushil from Varanasi, strangers who were destined to share my experience.

I took a dive from the platform, almost breast level, the freezing water had a numbing effect for a few seconds, but slowly I felt a calming sense.

After taking the third dip head in the water there was this feeling of nothingness which I have never felt. I guess the fusion of being overwhelmed by being at the Kumbh, the Triveni Sangham, and the freezing water gave this adrenaline rush that I have never felt before.

At that fleeting moment everything stopped, but I know I was there, I was conscious, but there was nothing.

I liked that feeling.

After that, experience, I had the most colourful sight visiting the Baba's tents, they are the most eccentric people that I have ever seen.

India has always been an enigma. For many these Baba's could be a "Tamasha", for others it could be a photography feast, and to the faithful, a blessing is hoped, but very few, really attempted to understand this way of life. From the interaction I had with a few of them, their purpose seems as diverse as they are.  But to me they are not only intriguing but very inspiring too. 

And of course what is a festival without traders. They come in all shapes and sizes. Amazing entrepreneurial talent. This in it self is feast to the eyes.

I am still recovering from the overwhelming effect of this experience, truly humbling. 

These Siberian seagulls are migratory birds, who travel thousands of miles from the harsh winters of the Siberian hinterland. They will be a common sight till March.

The entire event has shown me how small the 'i' is. 

The more I seem to know, the more I realise how much I don't know. 

My dear friend Harish, from Varanasi shared a quote yesterday, he said "We are so obsessed of using a telescope to see things afar but failed to see within oneself using a microscope." A simple analogy but with profound wisdom. 

The search continues..............

ravi varmman

26 January 2019

21.51

Varanasi

India.

Note:
My friend Harish and wife run a Homestay at Varanasi. Great people, wonderful hospitality.
Contact: homestayvaranasi.in 

BEYOND FAITH

Like in many previous years I had fulfilled my pilgrimage this year at Velayuthar Temple Batu Caves. It felt good, reinvigorating, inspiring, and highly motivating. This has been an annual event for my family, where the youngest to the oldest, participate in carrying Paal Kudam (Milk Pot) up the 272 steps to energize mind and body.

Many reasons have been given to this ritual, but the most common would be to thank the Lord Muruga for his divine intervention in our lives.

For the sick, beyond the hands of a skillful doctor, faith gives them courage and strength to go through a particular treatment.

For a student, beyond his or her effort in preparing for an examination, faith gives clarity of focus to achieve the desired outcome.

To a job seeker beyond equipping oneself with the necessary skills and knowledge faith gives hope for a better job.

Thus there could be many reasons why the "faithful" perform such or any other act to thank the divine for the believed intervention.

But the philosophy behind the "VEL", Lord Murugan's lance embodies great value as a guide to one's journey called life.

The shape of the lance "Vel" which has a broad 'head' representing the need for broadness of the mind, followed by the sharp pointed edge representing sharpness of knowledge and the long length of the shaft depicting the depth of thought. In totality the VEL represents WISDOM, something that many lack. 

The entire act of fasting and preparing both mentally and physically for the pilgrimage definitely requires greater discipline, which in itself is an act of detoxification.

Ultimate human progression leads to the development of higher consciousness, as such a disciplined articulation of body and mind would pave the way for clarity of pursuits. 

Many look for happiness and peace via religion and religious practices, hoping for a divine intervention either for the present or even for an eventful afterlife. Unfortunately many are so focused on embracing religion and religious rituals that they fail to see within on how to be a good human being.  

An act of "Kavadi" bearing (carrying the milk pots balanced on a wood or sugarcane) gives a sense of humbling to the bearer making one realize that the cosmos is definitely bigger than one's ego. 

I have found solace in many places of worship, be it a Mosque, Church, Synagogue, Gurdwara, Temple or even the Mausoleum of Spiritual Masters.  In all of them, I have  experienced positive vibrations or energy that gives a good feeling. I have come to the realisation that Religion is merely a means to higher consciousness but religion itself is not the end. Hence there are many spiritually enlightened masters who do not belong to any specific boundered philosophies. 

If only more people understand the logic of their actions, the world will be a better place.

Vetri Vel, Veera Vel

Lance of Victory, Lance of Bravery

Bravery to face all challenges, and Victory To all Pursuits

Ravi Varmman
21 January 2019
Subang Jaya. 

The Cosmic Dance

Today is 2nd January, a new day like any other day just began. 1st January will be a memory and eventually will be forgotten. All the celebration and merry making from Christmas till New Years Eve would have ended, some with hangovers, others with bloated food binge, and many others would have just slept through the New Year.

Some may have promised new year resolutions, and for many, it's just another year, like many others that they have crossed.

Reflecting on Shiva's Cosmic Dance, 'Anandatandava,' meaning the Dance of Bliss, symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the daily rhythm of birth and death, should remind us of our responsibility as a human being.

photo@chennaidomesticairport

Another year, another period of borrowed time, let us strive to be a better human being.

May we be guided in the righteous path.

Have a Great Year Ahead.

Ravi Varmman
2nd January 2019
Subang Jaya.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

BY ROBERT FROST

Whose woods these are I think I know.   

His house is in the village though;   

He will not see me stopping here   

To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   

To stop without a farmhouse near   

Between the woods and frozen lake   

The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake   

To ask if there is some mistake.   

The only other sounds the sweep   

Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

In remembering Robert Frost whose treasures have now been officially deemed public.

A very inspiring poem that has changed many lives, including that of yours truly.

The seeker's thirst is never quenched, with every mile seemingly just a precursor to the next. Some miles may seem longer than others, without a realization that a mile is just a mile, although to the feeble mind it stretches according to one's imagination.

To rise above the duality of mind would give a better comprehension of existence, hence a better grasp of the mile, which in turn inspires persistence and conviction in facilitating one's passion and pursuits.

Thank you Robert Frost for keeping the flame in me constantly burning.

Ravi Varmman
2nd January 2019
Subang Jaya.

The Dawn Of A New Beginning - MALAYSIA TANAH TUMPAH DARAH KU

Malaysians of all walks of life woke up in the early morning of 9th May with a zest, determined to change their well being as a citizen of Malaysia Tanah Tumpah Darahku (The Land I Spilled My Blood). 

Feeling of uncertainty was definitely in the air, especially recalling back the last two General Elections where it ended with big disappointments. Nevertheless the young and old, the rich and poor, the educated and the not so academically endowed, all made their way to their respective polling stations, waiting patiently to do their duty as a citizen of this country to casts their votes to determine the future of this country. Everyone was helping each other, the young giving way to the elders, the physically challenged were accommodated by the abled, and giving way to someone who was already late to catch a flight. I observed the presence of a sense of humanity and citizenry amongst the people who had to endure long queue under the intense heat  and humidity.

Everyone had clear objectives as to who they want them to be represented in the legislature, but like in any elections, there can only be one entity winning over the other.

But this time the composition of Gen Y representing 41% of the total population made the difference in the outcome of the election. This generation basically do not have specific ideological leanings but totally operate on existentialism. What they see and experience determines their decision rather than having any political party based emotional underpinnings.

The wrongs of the incumbent's governance was not only glaring but with information accessibility by the digitally savvy generation became the game changer in determining their mindset. 

Secondly the web of digital coverage unlike in the past had also permeated rural Malaysia, giving rural folks alternative information as against contradictory propagation made by the incumbent government. Coupled with the fact, many policies of the incumbent government created hardship to the man on the street, which caused much frustration because it started to affect the well being of these folks. 

One significant decay owing to 62 years of a single alliance rule, was that there seem to be a blurred boundary between the civil service and the ruling government. It became almost synonymous that members of both entities crisscrossing jurisdictional boundaries which often frustrated the Rakyat (Citizens) in terms of the services expected out of them. 

It is hoped that with the formation of the new government, greater transparency is afforded so that there is clarity in accountability of roles by the members of the civil service and the governing political entity. Definitely there is going to be discomfort amongst the members of the civil service, working under a new master with a totally different ideagogue. 

This entire event is going to be a new experience to all stakeholders. But I believe with patience and perseverance we all can triumph to create a better MALAYSIA.

To the new government, I say the Rakyat have spoken and given you a mandate, it is up to you to meet the expectations that you yourself have promised. We are watching you. Do follow a righteous path towards good governance.

You have seen the power of the RAKYAT,  if you miss your step, absolutely without hesitation we can throw you out.

"Mistakes are committed unintentionally, but misdeeds are committed knowingly, 

The ones who commit mistakes must strive to mend it, while the ones who commit misdeed must repent." - quoting from Poet Vaali.

A New MALAYSIA is BORN, it is not a time to celebrate, but its time to work even harder to rebuild a frayed governance and citizenry. 

For the FUTURE of OUR CHILDREN and the GENERATIONS thereafter.

Ravi Varmman Kanniappan
10 May 2018

MUMBAI TRAVELS: The Mumbai Traders

One of the most fascinating sight in any city would be the road side traders. Some how they add colour to any city any time. 

On my recent visit to Mumbai, I had the opportunity to click a few amazing shots that depicts the life of the street vendors. From the "Idli" (steamed rice cake) wallah at India Gate to "Moongafalle" (ground nut) seller at Juhu Beach, they all add charm to the glamorous Mumbai.

Mumbai or Bombay as it is formerly known, is well known globally for Bollywood, and from the commercial perspective it is the business capital of India.

But beyond that its these little traders that are the life blood of  Mumbai who serve  Mumbaikaars, day in day out. This is would be a humble tribute to the contribution of the street vendors to the city of Mumbai. 

The Convenience Store, watch out SevenEleven

Pickled Fruit Anyone?

Mobile "Idli" Wallah

Sweet Meats, freshly made, and Coke to down it with.

The Haji Ali Dargah pathway.

How can you miss the Haji Ali Juices or their Falooda!!!

Mammoth Dosa Display

Dosa on the Go....

A hot afternoon at Kamala Nehru Park, Malabar Hills

If you can't trust your barber who can you trust.

Must be checking on the Commodities Market

Laundry, the never ending story......

Just about everything on paper.....

He who controls the spice, controls the world.

Live Life with a little Spice

Variety is the Spice of Life

Where There's Tea There's Hope

Bajji Fry

Where's The Boss?

 

I Need Some Vitamin SEA

I Give Boring People Something To Discuss Over Corn

The Man With a Mission

"In this city, every deserted street corner conceals a crowd. It appears in a minute when something disrupts the way in which the world is suppose to work. It can disappear almost as instantaneously."   - Jerry Pinto (Mumbai based writer and a Poet)

Ravi Varmman

20 March 2018

MUMBAI TRAVELS: KHOTACHIWADI An architecture that paints a thousand stories.

Found this little gem hidden in the district Kamathipura in a village called  Girgaon (not Gurgoun) right smack in Mumbai.

Actually when I stepped into this colony I just felt like I was transported to Goa. One is welcomed by Portuguese styled homes with a cute chapel right smack on on your path. My wife Greeja and I went there almost about 11.00am and were greeted with the fragrance of fish curry coming from one of the houses. Residence of this colony were friendly and greeted us with smiles around. 

This enclave currently houses Catholics, of both Maharashtrians and East Indians. Originally this settlement was inhabited by local fisherfolks, Portuguese migrant from Goa, East India company's immigrants. 

The village apparently was founded in the 18th century when a local resident called Dadoma Waman Khot leased this piece of land to a group of East Indian Christian families. Originally there had 65 homes but now it has dwindled to 27 only. 

Kothachiwadi can been loosely translated as "The Garden of Khot," and was officially adapted by the community in 1880 in honour of Dadoma Wan Khot (who incidentally is a Brahmin).

Th wooden houses typically has Portuguese styled architecture, where it has large open front porch, a back courtyard and very uniquely external stairs leading to top floors. The original wood were imported fro Burma. The walls were made of limestone and sand.

The origins of this settlement was based on the concept of "Gavthan" meaning a self sustaining village, where this hamlet had it's own onion cultivation (Khandivadi), Mango farm (Ambevadi) and jackfruit farm (Phanasvadi). This agrarian community did not only sustain Kothachiwadi at one time but also provided for the district of Girgoun.

The Chapel was constructed in 1899, as a part of the community's thanks giving aftermath the plague where this community was spared to a larger extent.  

One of the famous sons of Kothachiwadi is fashion designer James Ferreiera, who has been instrumental in setting up the Kothachiwadi Welfare and Heritage Trust (KWHT), which have been striving very hard to preserve this enclave from development.

Development is every where, how long will this little treasure will withstand the onslaught is anybody's guess. For now KWHT is fighting hard with both residence as well as developers to protect this little piece of heritage that has stood against time.

So next time in Mumbai, head to South Mumbai, Kothachiwadi, to experience a different cultural experience.

Ravi Varmman
26 February 2018