In search of a passenger

“Where that blue checked t-shirt guy went?” The shared taxi owner inquired looking at the back seats of taxi.

“He put his bag on the seat and went away, without telling anyone which way he is going.” One of the passengers sitting on the back seats replied.

“Now, the taxi is full, we must leave for Gangotri.” The taxi driver said. “Today was a bad day it took more than three hours for the taxi to get filled with the passengers.”

“He must have told you where he is going.”

“He didn’t tell me. Moreover, we have already waited for him for more than 30 minutes. It is getting late. We must search him in the vegetable market.”

The taxi driver turned the taxi towards the vegetable market, which was in opposite direction to Gangotri. He moved the vehicle very slowly and asked all the passengers to look for the person in blue checked T- shirt. After covering some distance, I who was one of the passengers pointed at a young person wearing blue checked t-shirt. At that moment, that guy was buying some green leafy vegetables in the market.

I said, “There is that fellow whom we were searching.”

“The taxi driver closely looked at him and said, “No, he is must taller and slimmer than him.”

The taxi moved further to the farthest end of the market but there was no trace of blue checked T-shirt passenger. The taxi driver turned the taxi to go towards the taxi stand. When we reached taxi stand, the blue checked T-shirt guy was waiting there. On seeing the taxi full of passengers, he complained to taxi driver, “How did you left me behind? I was waiting for you for the past 15 minutes.”

“We went towards the vegetable market in search of you! Now, get in quickly! We are getting late!!”

Sleeping Intensive

During the Sadhana Intensive course, I noticed very unusual behaviour of one of the student of the course. I saw Ms. 'D' sleeping all the time on her yoga mat in Satsang Hall and that too close to altar. Whenever I climbed up or down the stairs from Asana Hall where I used to practice my yoga asana and pranayama, I noticed from the glass panes of Satsang Hall that she was sleeping all the time while the rest of the students in that hall were either practicing pranayama, reading or clicking their photos in different as well as difficult asanas. For a few days, I thought she was not feeling well. The point to ponder is that if she was not feeling well then she should have taken rest or at least she should have shifted away from the altar. But even after a week I saw her sleeping on the mat at the same place. I never saw her doing any asana, pranayama or reading book.

It was really very annoying to see her sleeping so close to the altar. The positive vibes near altar help in better meditation, in better focus and in better breath control. For the first time I was noticing someone who was utilising the positive vibes for sleeping more soundly, a tamasic activity.

It was the course for self improvement and development, we all were improving our Sadhana practice where as she was improving her sleeping practice. On the day of convocation, I was really curious to know whether on her certificate it was mentioned that she had done Sadhana Intensive Course or Sleeping Intensive Course.

Grilled bread rolls with cheese fillings

I love to eat bread rolls with potato fillings. The deep fried bread rolls are too oily and heavy. The potato is also not so healthy. So I try a healthy version of bread rolls with very less oil and with cheese and vegetable fillings. I name it as 'Grilled bread rolls with cheese fillings'. The recipe is ....
Ingredients
Bread - 10 slices
Oil - For rubbing on the tray
Milk - For soaking bread

For Filling
Grated cheese - 150g
Boiled peas - 100g
Boiled chopped carrot - 1 small
Grated ginger - 25g
Grated cauliflower - 1-2 floret
Boiled beans - 25g
Oil - 1 teaspoon
Cumin seeds - 15- 20 seeds
Turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon
Coriander powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
Chopped green chilli - 1
Chopped coriander leaves - 15g
Salt to taste

Method
1. Heat the oil in pan. Add cumin seeds and grated ginger in it.
2. Add turmeric powder and coriander powder to it. Stir it and quickly add boiled peas, carrot, beans, chilli and grated cauliflower to it.
3. Cook it for 2-3 minutes and then add grated cheese to it.
4. Add salt and black pepper to it.

5. Remove from fire and garnish it with coriander leaves.
6. Boiled corn and other boiled vegetables can be added according to one's liking.
7. Soak the bread in milk. Do not leave it longer in the milk.
8. Quickly remove it from milk, press it between the palms.
9. Put the mixture on it.
10. Roll it into the balls.
11. Apply oil on the tray. Put the bread rolls on it keeping a lit space in between them.

12. Grilled in for 15 minutes. If you want to make it more crispy then take out the tray and turn the rolls and again grilled it for 15 minutes.
13. Serve them hot with ketchup.

You can even try this recipe in air fryer.

I need to talk about this with Mataji

Day 1
"They are giving us boiled whole green gram, khichadi of split green gram dal and sprouts of green gram in salad. Too much of green gram is creating flatulence and giving rise to gastric problems." Ms. 'B' said.
I said, "hmmm...."
"They should not give us sprouted green gram. I need to talk about this with Mataji (Director of the institution)."

Day 2
Ms. 'B', "The toilets are not clean. They are dirty and dustbins are filled. Who will clean the toilets?"
I said, "hmmm....."
"There must be a rule by which each one of should clean it. Who will clean it when? I need to talk about this with Mataji."

I never heard her saying that I need to talk about how to control my negative emotions like jealousy, hatred, anger etc with Mataji. She never said that I need to talk about how to improve my concentration in meditation with Mataji. She want to talk with Mataji about everything except sadhana (meditation).

Set of hand painted terracotta pots

While dusting, I broke a decorative glass pot that I used to place on the side table in my drawing room. Without any decorative piece on the table, it looked too monotonous. An attractive art work could make that place interesting!

I surfed the Kraftly site as I loved the amazing and vast collection of art and handicrafts available on this site. I found the set of three pots very attractive and elegant for that corner. They are available in three different sizes, colours and designs. I am confused which one to buy. Can you help me in selecting?

The three designs are as follows :-

1.      Craftbell miniature Warli table pots blue in terracotta – Set of three gift items home décor

2.      Craftbell miniature Warli table pots yellow in terracotta – Set of three gift items home décor

3.      Craftbell miniature Warli table pots white in terracotta – Set of three gift items home décor

Effect of demonetisation

"Oh! Lift is not working! I have to take stairs to the fourth floor to reach the house of a bank manager, Mr. 'H'." I thought. "What a bad beginning of a day!"
On reaching there, I rang the bell of the house. His wife opened the door.
"Is sir at home?" I asked after greeting her.
"Yes, He is bathing." She replied.
"I just need the document which I gave him for signing."
While standing at the main door she shouted, "Ma'am had come and is asking for paper."
He replied, "I forgot my bag in the office and the document is in the bag."
While she was explaining this to me in detail, she looked inside her house and said, "Come, come! Its fine."
He peeped from on side of the door, wearing towel around his waist and trying to hide his nakedness with his right hand by covering his chest. He said, "It's really messy!"
I thought, "Ya. It is messy because you even forget to dress up properly before coming to the main door of your house."
His wife was smiling trying to control her laugh on the funny situation created suddenly.
I said, "I tried to call you yesterday but your mobile was switched off."
He said, "Sorry, ma'am. Actually I was sleeping as it was holiday. If I have not slept yesterday then today I will not be able to go to office. Sorry! I forget to bring the document amidst the hustle and bustle of demonetisation. From the past five days I was going to office at 8 a.m. and coming back at 9 p.m. It was so hectic. I will bring it today positively. You can collect it tomorrow."
"Fine." I said.
I turned to return, thinking, "What a humorous beginning of the day!"

Bizarre ideas for the study room

I want to renovate my study but in an unusual way, not like the uninteresting study room with books, study table, chair, stationary and pen stand. I wish to make it attractive, interesting and motivating. I search Kraftly site for such bizarre ideas and I find some. I like them so much that I am sharing with you.

1.      Terracotta three idiots pen stand – It’s uniqueness fascinated me. I love the idea. Whenever I will take out or place back a pen or pencil from it, a sweet smile will always appear on my face.

2.      Book Safe – What an innovative idea to fool thieves!

3.      Convenient wooden shelf with side wood log and handcrafted deer – It can be placed on table and is good for holding books. Different bookshelf isn’t it?

The smallest gesture that mean a lot to me!

In the month of August, it was raining and raining in Uttarkashi. It rained all the time. Most of the time, it's drizzling, sometime it's raining lightly and rarely it's raining cats and dogs. There were five - six green colour three sitter cemented benches by the Bhagirati river side in the ashram garden on which most of the students sit in their free time to read, to meditate or to watch the swift flow of river. I also loved to sit on them but my reason was to get some fresh air as I found my room congested. My room was a very small room and four people accommodated in it. Moreover, my room-mates wanted to keep the windows closed and curtains drawn all the time which make the room dark and suffocated. I felt uncomfortable to sit or read in the room.

One day, I took my book and went near the benches to sit, to read and to enjoy. All the benches were full except one on which Mr. 'G' was sitting on one side. I sat on the other side of the bench. As soon as I sat than I got up with a jerk. Even Mr. 'G' was surprised with my sudden reaction.
He asked, "What happened?"
I made my face as I couldn't find the right words to express the situation. He spread his long arm where I was sitting a few moments before to find out the reason. He stretched his fingers further on the bench and touched the water which have gathered there because of drizzling in the early morning.
He said, "Oh it is water!" And shifted towards the water side making space for me on the bench where it was dry.
I sat on the bench and said, "Thanks!"
This simple gesture of his goodwill touched my heart.

Siror Bridge, Netala

There are hundreds of bridge on a river for the persons, animals and vehicles to move from one side of river to another. During the day time, to and fro movement on them can be seen  frequently and during night a bit less frequently.

Though Siror Bridge near Netala is like any ordinary bridge over the river even then I like it very much, may be I love to watch the local people especially women carrying grass bundles or baskets at their back with sticks in their hands or men whistling to ponies to give them instructions and guiding them directions to the destination. Some times school children pass it, some times cars and some times cows but rarely army men cross it with guns for practicing in a nearby area.

During the two courses, whenever I found time I looked at it to admire its giant size so massive so mammoth.

I also appreciated its light swinging movement because of air and its quick swaying because of heavy movements of humans or animals or both over it.

I was amazed that it remained intact even in difficult times joining the two different regions together. It teaches us to bridge family members, office workers and friends together even if they have dissimilar opinions, thoughts and views.

It always inspire me to cross the bridge of my negativities, ignorance and insecurities so that I can embrace positivity and knowledge at the other end.

Antique decorative items for the drawing room

My friend pinged me again on Facebook.

I bought not only hand painted kettles from Kraftly site but also some decorative items for my drawing room.

I replied

That’s great! What did you purchase?

It was very difficult to choose as art and handicraft collection of Kraftly is marvellous.

Very true.

I bought elephant pair hand painted with multicolour shades and traditional kundan stone  work on it.

Its so beautiful! Amazing work by an artist from Jaipur!! What more?

I bought antique decorative gifted handmade ship model.

It seems that it is made up of wooden strips.

Ya. And I bought a pair of peacock made up of paper mache with lac work. I was searching for lac work decorative pieces but couldn’t find them in any shop or fair. I was delighted to find them on this online retail shop.

Wow! They are so cute.

Five most attractive designs of hand painted kettles

Last night, my friend ping me up on Facebook.

Hi Chandrika. I read your yesterday post on the blog about the handicrafts. The painted kettle was very attractive and your post very informative.

I replied

Hi. Thanks. :)

I wish to buy some, may be three or four to decorate my kitchen window. I love the idea of painted kettles but I want to go for some unique themes and vibrant colour combinations. Are there any other options?

Kraftly, online retail store has many exquisite designs. I am sharing some with you.

1.      Hand painted kettle with cards theme.

2.      Hand painted kettle with checkmate theme

3.      Hand painted kettle with Warli Hamlet theme

4.      Hand painted kettle with bicycle dreams theme

5.      Hand painted kettle with woman of world theme

WOW! They are so attractive. I will buy all.

The artistic gifts

I wished to gift my friend a nice gift on her anniversary that too in my budget. While surfing the internet, I came across beautiful handicrafts on Kraftly site. The handicrafts are artistic, attractive and eye-catching. They are made up of metal, wood or glass. They are painted with striking colours. The colour combinations and themes use to decorate them are very innovative. I am mesmerised with the variety of products available in my budget. I liked the hand painted kettle, doorbell with two birds and a wooden truck for the dining table.

1.      This hand painted kettle has exquisite designs and fine finish.

2.      This is beautiful casted metal doorbell.

3.      This is table decor truck.

Dear readers, can you suggest out of these three, which should I gift to my friend?

Banana Pomegranate Smoothie

One more smoothie recipe that I tried which tasted delicious.
Banana Pomegranate Smoothie (No salt no sugar)
Ingredients
Banana - 2
Pomegranate - 2
Buttermilk - 2

Method
1. Chop banana and add pomegranate grains to it.
2. Add buttermilk and mix them well.
3. Do not add any sugar or salt to it. Serve in a glass.

Height of interfering

"What Mr. 'K' was saying to you in dinning hall?" Ms. 'D' asked me as I entered my room.
The sudden attack of this question confused me as a few minutes before I was eating sweets alone in dinning hall while watching the swift flow of River Bhagirathi from the window.
I said, "I didn't talk to him during the tea time."
"During the brunch, when you were sitting next to him and he was saying something. Remember? What he was saying when you and that foreigner woman were listening to him?"
I didn't express my anger on intruding questions from her side rather calmly said,"Oh! At that time, he was saying that he was not able to hold the breath as long we were asked to retain. If he tried to retain longer then his hands get tensed therefore, he decided to hold for only that time he was comfortable with."
Ms. 'D' said, "I am also not able to hold the breath for one minute. What else he told you?"
I said, "He was also complaining that on prolonged sitting his back started aching and then he was not able to focus on his breath as well as retention of breath."
Ms. 'D' said, "I also have this problem. My back starts paining badly due to excessive sitting."

Next day when I entered my room my mind was prepared for the question my room mate was going to ask. Her third question was, "What you were talking with Mr.'K' in satsang hall?"
Even on asking such an interfering question, I remained calm and said, "He was telling that he bought some books from Rishikesh and sent them to his home."
Ms. 'D' asked with a bit of surprise, "Did he send all the books to his home?"
"Ya. The books were very cheap there."
"That's true. I will also buy some books from Rishikesh."
"I was very much curious to know which books he bought. Therefore, he was telling in detail that he bought the books written by Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevanada. He also bought the books published by Bihar School of Yoga, Munger."

Nobody has ever dare to ask me such an interfering and intruding question ever in my life - What I was talking with this or that guy?!!!!

Kraftly – The best online shopping site

“Granny, today my best friend ‘D’ called me.” I said.

“One who studied with you in the college?” Granny replied.

“Ya.”

“She also visited your house on the grahpravesh, sang ‘hey prabhu annanddata jnana humko dejeye’ a bhajan melodiously and gifted a pair of metallic elephant statue.”

“You remember her so well.”

“Her sweet voice is unforgettable!”

 “She invited me to her marriage ceremonies. Her marriage has been fixed in the coming week with a Punjabi guy who is NRI and works in a software company in U.S.A. The would-be-bridegroom has to return early therefore the ceremonies will be starting from tomorrow.”

“I am happy to hear about her marriage. Will you be going to attend the functions?”

“I wanted to attend each and every function. But which dress, jewellery, shoes and makeup I will wear in those functions.”

“One can’t repeat the same dress, jewellery, shoes and make up in all the functions because these days every moment are captured in photographs and videos.”

“May be some can wear the same dress is all functions but I can’t do that. I need a different dress with matching accessories for every occasion.”

“Then start shopping now, without wasting a minute.” Granny suggested me.

“Due to the festive season the roads are jam packed. It will take more than one hour to go to the nearest shop. Then how much more time and energy will be needed to shop all.”

“My dear child, actually I was talking about the online shopping.”

“Granny, I love you! You solved my problem.”

“hmmm....”

“In some sites the products are either too costly or of low quality.”

“To avoid such situations, you should only buy from a reputed online store?”

“Which online retail site is good one? Do you have any idea?”

“Kraftly is an online retail store which excels in woman wears. They have fabulous sarees, kurtis, kurtas, salwar kameez, blouse, petticoat, dupatta, churidars, lehangas, leggings, jeggings and tights.”

“I want to wear western dress in atleast one occasion.”

“They have a decent collection of western dresses, top wear, bottom wear, jacket, coats, shrugs, jumpsuits, sweatshirts, hoodies, suits and blazers.”

“To search for matching accessories is also a big problem.”

“They have watches, bags, wallets, sunglasses and other fashion accessories. There jewellery section is adorable. They have wide range of classic as well as stylish jewellery. Rings, necklaces, bangles, earrings, chains, pendants and pendants & earrings sets are amazing.”

“For shoes?”

“Heels, flats, flip flops, bellies, sandals, floaters, wedges, ethnic shoes, pumps and peep toes are trendy.”

“The prices will be too high.”

“The prices of Kraftly are reasonable and affordable to all.”

“Then the quality will be very poor.”

“No, my dear. The quality of the products is good. I wear clothes, jewellery and makeup bought from this site ONLY. I really like this site as it saves my time, energy and money. Moreover delivers good quality products in minimum time. Till now I haven’t return any product nor complaint about any of their product.”

“Now, I will shop with my finger tips on my laptop!”

Apple Pear Smoothie

Today I prepared a delicious and colourful smoothie. I am sharing its recipe here.

Ingredients
Apple -1
Pear -1
Spinach 8-10 leaves
Basil Leaves - 5-6
Honey - 1 tablespoon
White pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
Lime juice - 1/4 teaspoon
Salt to taste
For garnishing - water melon seeds

Method
1. Chop apple and pear in small pieces removing its pips.
2. Add chopped spinach leaves and basil leaves to it.
3. Add honey, white pepper, lime juice and salt to it.
4. Mix them well in a mixer. Pour the liquid in a glass.
5. Garnish it with water melon seeds and serve it.

Bhojpatra tree in Uttarkashi

While trekking in Himalayas from Gangotri to Bhojwasa, I saw some bhojpatra trees.

It's scientific name is Betula utilis and it's white bark was used in ancient times to write scriptures and texts in Sanskrit. Even these days, sacred mantras are written on it's bark for doing some special prayers.

Due to deforestation, most commonly found tree in hills is now rarely found!

Pineapple Smoothie

Today I tried a new recipe 'pineapple smoothie'. I added spinach to it to give unique colour to it. The light green colour was amazing and it tasted wonderful. The recipe is as follows :-
Ingredients
Pineapple - 4 -5 round pieces
Spinach - 6-7 leaves
Milk - 1 1/2 cup
Sugar - 1 tea spoon
White pepper - 1/4 tea spoon
Salt to taste

Method
1. Chop pineapple in small pieces. Add chopped spinach to it.
2. Pour milk in it and blend them with the help of blender or in mixer.
3. Add sugar, salt and white pepper to it.
4. Pour in glasses and serve.

Try this healthy drink.