Pushkar- frozen in time

                                      Pushkar

                Much has been said about the annual Camel fair at Pushkar, Rajasthan. My first impression as we reached the outskirts, was that of a somnolent village tucked away in the middle of nowhere. I failed to understand what the lure to the place was. That impression did not last long. Pushkar is a village, for it is nothing more than a village, bustling with activity. You are assaulted by the sights, smells and sounds with such rapidity that it takes a while for things to register. What made the most impact on me was the people of Pushkar. The vibrant colours of their clothing enliven what would otherwise be a dismal landscape. The turbans and veils provide a much needed relief from the scorching heat of the day and the chilly nights. The laid back panache with which they carry themselves make them even more striking.

Husband and wife duo out shopping

Turbaned devotee outside temple

Ladies in red veils at the marketplace

Vegetable market

Rajasthani girl

Village ladies

                                                

Rajasthani man who serenaded us in the desert

Beautiful mother and baby in the desert

Rakesh, who took us around the fair

Husband and wife entertainers in the desert

Ladies out shopping 

Man in colourful turban out for a stroll.

Man in white

Ladies with fantastic nose rings

Boy dressed as Lord Shiva for the celebrations

                                                                  (Photos by Global Nomad)

Elephant farm at Jaipur

Elephantastic

is the name of the farm we visited. It is part of an endeavour supported by the State government of Rajasthan. 4.5 acres of land have been given to elephant keepers to raise elephants.There is adequate land around to take the elephants for a walk and a small lake nearby for a swim. The elephants each have their own dwelling and a family to take care of them. The elephant remains with the same family throughout its life. 

Rahul, the proprietor of Elephantastic owns 24 elephants. The purpose of Elephantastic is to give one an opportunity to learn a bit about elephants and spend time in close proximity with them. One can choose to spend half a day or a whole day with the elephants. One elephant is assigned to you for the day. Under Rahul's supervision and instructions, one starts by feeding, stroking and getting acquainted with their elephant. Once acquainted, you get to ride them in the forest nearby. You get to decorate your elephant with non-toxic paints. And if the weather is hot enough, to bathe and swim with your elephants. A slightly daunting experience when you have these magnificent animals tumbling around in the water next to you. 

We were a group of four and had two of the most gorgeous animals assigned to us. Muskan, whose name means smile and Birli. Muskan was the gentlest of creatures interested only in feeding herself. But morphed into the most delightful and playful elephant we have ever seen, when taken to the lake. Tumbling around in the water, she sprayed herself and everyone around her with water. Birli, on the other hand, kept rocking back and forth, trumpeting and was generally more active than Muskan. But became more placid in the lake and seemed to enjoy a good scrub. The lake is filled with rainwater and is recommended only to those with an adventurous bent of mind. 

One has to be aware that these beautiful animals although domesticated, are nevertheless animals of immense strength and act accordingly. But this was a unique experience like no other we have ever experienced and I highly recommend it. 

Nostalgia

Chennai

revisited,  

is a different city
from the one I remember as a child.

Chennai or Madras as it was called then, 

was the city of traditional homes, inner courtyards,

Kolams adorning doorways,

 the ubiquitous places of worship at every street corner, 

 

bright Kanchipuram silks sarees,

 flower vendors everywhere,

endless festivals,

Gulmohar trees,
a cool breeze wafting through quiet streets

Marina Beach,

and friendly faces.

(All images: Pinterest, Global Nomad, Storyboarding: Global Nomad)