Bounty

Women of the mountains~  a few clicks from Alchi village and Khalsi Tehsil in Leh district, Ladakh. It was harvest season and a time I did revisit some of my favourite poets. Ladakhi women wear a flowing robe called sulma usually paired with a loose blouse called tilin,  a bright coloured sash or skeyrak is

Happiness

 “Having nothing, yet hath all.”  So many conditions of Happiness are available, they say. Sometimes very little is needed to make one happy. Lamayuru Monastery, Ladakh  

Welcome to the Moon Land!

MOONLAND, as they call it!   Nestled among the mountain folds is this quaint little village Lamayuru in Ladakh (11,890 ft above sea level). A dramatic topography which resembles the surface of the Moon and an enchanting monastery atop a hill render Lamayuru a unique, timeless charm. Lamayuru monastery, built in the 11th century, is

No Pogonotomy?

Two interesting words that I came across recently are derieved from the Greek word pogon. One is ‘pogonotrophy‘ (beard growing) and the other is ‘pogonotomy‘ (shaving or cutting of a beard). That led me in reading many interesting facts on beard growing!  In the Victorian era doctors were believed to prescribe growing beard as a prevention

Songs of Experience

” She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms” (She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms) proverb 31:17 A Rajasthani village woman  wearing upper armlets. These are some portraits of tribal women of Rajasthan, who would have had varied experiences which made them bold and strong. Adorned themselves with lot of

“If music be the food of love, play on…”

  ‘If music be the food of love, play on…’ (Twelfth Night) Ravanahatha can be called as a precursor of the violin. Legend has it that,  Ravana the mighty asura king used to play this instrument to please Lord Shiva. The instrument got its name from him ( hath or hasta mean hand). Ravana Hasta

Ye Soft Pipes, Play On…

  ” Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard Are sweeter ; therefore, ye soft pipes, play on; “ ~ Keats-Ode on a Grecian Urn~ The orange-bearded musician is playing the wind instrument alghoza that consists of a pair of flutes. One of them produces heavy notes and the other low notes. Music experts call