Peace- Happy Holi-Day

I was looking through my pictures of Mcleodganj Losar when I came across this one. Instantly, I had that stab of emotion when I saw this lady for the first time in the Tshuglagkhang. There was a sense of peace that arose some yearning in me to be in a peace similar to this.
Considering the fact that I am presently in a state of beer induced bliss myself, I am sure my kins readers will excuse my digressions and indulge me some further.
It is only later that I tried to find what exactly that hand gesture signifies, and as usual googling got me some answers over here. Though I have not been able to find the exactly similar gesture, but it does seem to be a variation on the meditation gesture of a particularly Japanese type. Does anyone have any idea?
On the other hand, I often wondered why people have to travel to "holy" places. And having been to some and pretty sceptical after having been through most, I have come to the conclusion that some places do that when the mind is prepared enough. At the very least, when the mind is free and ready to accept peace and quiet, the 'soul', opens its gates for peace to enter.
I will continue my travels now.
Also to all, happy Holi. Have a good time and play it safe.

Memory Lane

Its been some time since I was here last. There have been a few anniversaries around this time and there are more to come. It sort of puts perspective on the New year and what it means.

I went home and sunning himself in the courtyard was the community pet...he has been there ever since we moved. Lots of people thought that they would outlive him but seems he is having quiet a few last laughs or is that a woof.

A stray dog braves the cold and the fog and looks for some scraps of food in the gali outside my home, I went inside shortly after. Thankful for the few gifts I have and trying hard not to think of the ones i dont.

I also had the chance to visit my late grandmother's home. Was taken aback to see it all gone to seed and decay. Remembered so many joyful summers spent here with people, now dead. When life revolved around an icecream soda or a comic book, and my uncle who taught me to play chess and delighted in spoiling me thoroughly.

On a less sombre note, today turned out to be an unexpectedly good day. The elections neccessiated a public holiday, the OPD's got closed and it was perfect to sneak out with Naresh and have two massive aaloo ka parathas washed down with curd and dripping with butter. Followed it all up with some hot, sweet and milky tea. And life is worth living again even though I tripped a couple of times since and could get not get the tickets to a movie I planned on watching today.