Stay at Nagaon

I had always traveled through Nagaon but since we did not have any relatives in Nagaon I never had a chance to stay there.

In October last year I decided after Ghatasthapna I will explore Alibag and Murud. Like I had done in my childhood along with my Aai. 

On Instagram I found and connected with this place called Palms Cottage. 

It’s a quaint little place. Small wadi surrounded by other green wadis that added to the beauty of this place. I was the only guest on the property in Oct 2023. So enjoyed the solitude. It’s a pet friendly place so Omid roamed free. 

They served home cooked meals, I got to sample their dinner and breakfast. 

One suggestion the linen was really old and even the sofa upholstery desired caring. 

The staff was lovely though. I stayed here one night. Next day I went to Chaul Datta mandir on the hill. 

They have upgraded the property by adding in a swimming pool recently. 

Rameshwar Mandir Chaul

Last September just before Ganpati sthapna Sapna and I decided to go to Chaul for darshan of Rameshwar. Which also meant shopping for pedhe and modak from Phaphe Bandhu ! 

I wanted Bubble to have memories of these temples like I have from my childhood with my Aai. 

Back then it was more of an atmospheric experience I think or did my memory blur. My Aai would have narrated the fascinating stories connected to this temple I am sure but rediscovery to pass on the heritage to the next generation is our responsibility too.

The grand Pokhran or temple tank welcomes you. You go wash your feet and pay your obeisance to the Nandi and know that this temple is dedicated to Shiva the lord of Shree Ram. The temple is centuries old and the actual date of establishment is not known. Yet we know that this temple has evolved since it was first built it has seen renovations through generations. 

The temple architecture is vernacular Kokan style. The sanct sanctorium houses the Shivlinga. As usual it is at a lower level as Shiva is the lord of the Netherworld or Pataleshwar. 

Women are not allowed into the sanct sanctorium and men must go in bare chested as is the protocol here. 

The temple has many smaller shrines of different Deities around the main Shiv linga in the main temple as well as surroundings. 

This dome in particular is a Indo Saracenic style. 

The pillars are exquisitely carved and vividly coloured.

Parjanya kund

The uniqueness of this temple is its three kundas for Rain, wind and fire. It has been documented in the temple records that the Parjanya Kunda has to be opened whenever there is a drought. It will give rain and water. 

Vayu kunda

The Vayu Kunda is a slit in the wall through which beautiful breeze blows. I tried to see through it and captured the Ganpati through the slit. 

The Agni Kunda in the Sabha mandap is where the Homa havan is performed on fixed ceremonial days.

This temple has a few secret sealed walled chambers that the temple texts have strict instructions to open. I haven’t heard of when they were last opened and what it contains?

Treasury or treasonous things? Only the Rameshwar knows! 

Ganpati in Thal and more

Last two years I have started going to Thal for Ganpati. It’s the memories of many Ganpatis spent there that has a magnetic pull. Ganpati in Thal and across Alibag is home and hearth centric. It is about bonds n ties. This is my native place and I have a family home here.

Get yourself invited to a friend’s home to experience this special time. 

In my home the tradition is carried forward by my cousin Sumeet. He does the sthapana himself and also helps other families and friends do it. 

Here are some pictures. 

What are the other attractions in Thal? 

1. The virgin beach.

2. Fishing business watch.

3. Riding through the green snaking roads through the village. 

4. Enjoying fresh seafood.

5. Swimming in the sea and just having a chill time. 

There are a few resorts and home stays in Thal some near the beach some in wadis. Choose as you like and that which fits your budget.

Being Local in Bhubaneswar

A beautiful morning in Bhubaneswar. The modern city is very well planned with large sidewalks and flower beds along side. This is ofcourse the high street with all brands and Govt buildings in the vicinity. 

Shopping 🛍️ at Boyanika. Where ever we travel we bring back memories. Some momento shopping is integral part of keeping memories. I bought a saree and  running material here.

AND with that last coffee on the curb side we said farewells. Farewell Odisha!

Next day for morning flight Sai dropped me at the airport. Those 12 days in Odisha were packed with so many memories. It has taken 2 month for me to post it all. Hope you enjoyed watching and reading the experience through my eyes. Do let me know what you think?

📷 @mycookingcanvas

Adivasi Mela 2024

This was a surprise! Sai @mycookingcanvas had told me to keep my last day free. I thought it was to shop and pack up. Then she took me to this Adivasi mela. It was a lovely conclusion to my Odisha trip. Enjoy the visual. @saswati_gypsytraveller and @prativa_oct came to say bye bye to me. What this trip taught me is to open your heart to new people build friendships. Accept the love and give back double the love you get. Thank you my dear friends for this enriching experience! 🤗😘🤗😘🤗😘

A bungalow in Bhubaneswar

 

Mangala Jodi, Cuttack and Pahala all in one day! We were tired and returned home. Home in Bhubaneswar? 

Yes! As I always do in the last leg on my journey to experience local life I booked into an AirBnB. It was a lovely bungalow owned by a Doctor in Bhouma nagar. A quaint little place. The home was clinical clean 😃. 

After staying in 5 star to come to a spotless home in an old world bungalow is so comforting. It had a big kitchen with the best appliances. One could have cooked if not doing all the exploring outside. The living room had recliners which we snuggled into. Also as soon as We got there we were happy to have separate bedrooms. This home could accommodate 4 guests easily. On the days here we drank lots of tea as it was chilly and skipped dinner. 

That’s Sai nursing her drink 🥃 while I was warming my hands on a tea brewed by her for me.

I recommend this place with a happy heart💕

Shopping for Trarakasi in Cuttack

You must have guessed my trip was coming to an end. But who knew what was in store? 

On the way back to Bhubaneswar from Mangala Jodi Sai suggested going to Cuttack for evening tea and exploring the Tarakasi or Filgree market. 

Tarakasi has been crafted since centuries in Odisha and especially Cuttack thus gaining popularity as the silver city. 

All the Tarakasi work for temple jewellery and Durga pooja is done here.

At the outset we went to the protecting mother goddess of Kataka Chandi for darshan. You can get a glimpse of her right thru the gates. The vigraha of goddess is older than the temple. She is an avatar of Durga therefore Durga pooja is celebrated in a big way here. 

Then after tea we went shopping at the Filigree market. I bought some jewellery for myself and a mukut for our family Ganpati when he comes home next. I captured a video of it when I was showing it to our lil boy. Check it out on reels.

We decided to sample 

Cuttack Fame Dahi Bara Aloo Dum