Photography

A rough script of the idols of goddess Durga! That is something comes to mind when I stare at these photographs of muddy sculptures those are yet to be finished with vibrant, blissful colors and sanctified ornaments. I stare with awe, I stare being utterly overwhelmed with the aura these photographs of muddy sculptures hold even not being fully prepared. The next thought that hovers over the mind is that the biggest festival of Bengalis – “Durga Puja” is knocking on the door. “Durga Puja” – a small phrase that is one of the prime reasons to be happy for an individual belonging to a Bengali neighborhood. The sacred grey color, which is seemingly at the centre of highlight of these photographs, grabs attention as soon as one looks at them. Grey – a color that has never been appreciated preferred or applied for an occasion of gay, prosperity and success. Contrary to that, these photographs are proof of the fact that the color – grey is the very basis of one of the biggest reasons to be happy for a whole culture. Here, grey is in the centre of attraction, grey is highlighted and somewhat worshipped.

One of the photographs is of a rough sketch of goddess Durga’s face set in a faded background. The sharp features of the face have been highlighted that remind of the valorous sculpt of goddess Durga and the story of her triumph over the evil so far. On the other hand, the photograph of goddess’ hand in position of giving blessing is the demonstration of Durga’s another charisma – the Universal mother. One of the photographs feature a roaring lion with special highlight on its muzzle and canine area, showing the ferocious approach of the animal, who has served for the success of the goddess. All photographs are featured in light and dark grayish undertone, which is deepening the intensity and power of this mythological legend. The faded background is adding more vigor in these photos and foregrounding the sacredness of these robust sculptures. The way these photographs have been taken is adding more life in these unvarnished sculptures, which are soon going to be the center of celebration.

Maybe it is the stereotype thinking or way of looking at the color – grey, due to which it has never been appreciated or considered with much priority. The grayish undertone of these photographs is not diminishing but glorifying the very power and supremacy of Goddess Durga in a sacred way.

People often talk about heaven but only those who have got the urge and guts to tread the unexplored paths on this Earth get to experience the slice of Paradise before the inevitable end. There is more than blue sky and ferocious streams up there that can make your imagination levitate to the lofty heights of contentment. If your instincts are always pulling you towards the virgin beauty of snow-capped bare mountains then it is the perfect time to pack your rucksack and start on a trip towards the extreme north where the vista resembles a perfect canvas.

The panoramic view of the rugged summit blending with the poisonous blue sky along with the drifting cottony clouds will definitely satiate the voracious soul of a true traveller that is hidden in you. If you ever wish to spend a day in the exquisite company of nature, there is no better place than this. Why not set up a camp right beside the lake experiencing the silence of nature “outside the near neighbourhood of man?” Take time from your busy schedule to contemplate about life lost in the breath-taking view of nature. You never know when epiphany will strike you and initiate a major change as Danny Kaye says, “To travel is to take a journey into yourself.” Travelling is not only about pleasure; it is also about self- indulgence and apprehension.

Poets and authors have always drawn inspiration from nature and have gifted the world with exceptional literary pieces. Travellers are often seen penning down their experiences to motivate others because travelling not only fills one with satisfaction but knowledge. If you are creative person, use your encounter with the mountains to concoct a pristine opus. Quietude, equanimity and the irresistible pulchritude of nature together gives an Expeditioner enough reasons to explore the virgin beauty of nature till the end.

The crude winding pathways leading to the desolate places over the ridges are tough to cover but they are definitely worth it. If the unquenchable traveller in you is peeping out for more explorations, take a map, wear your supreme footgear and head for the untrodden trails now. An absolute traveller will keep on longing for more and deep inside will continue to repeat Robert Frost’s verse “But I have Promises to Keep, / And miles to go Before I sleep…”