Celebrating love and mischief with Krishna
Every year, on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the waning moon in the month of Bhadrapada, we celebrate the birth of Krishna - the Blue One, the maakhan-chor (he who steals butter), the beloved of Radha, the One who gave us the Divine Song- Shri Bhagvad Gita.
Krishna has many facets, the statesman, the warrior, the lover, the friend, the cowherd, but perhaps his most celebrated ’roop’ is that of Bal Gopal, the child.
This year too, we dressed up our little one as the playful, mischievous Krishna. Decked up the temple, prayed Together as a family, and made offerings of His favourite foods like Panjiri (a sweet made with whole wheat flour, ghee, coriander, and nuts), Makhan-Mishri (a blend of butter and sugar candy), and Panchamrit (a traditional mix of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar).
May we all be blessed with the strength, wisdom, and love that Krishna personifies, with a touch of mischief as well.
The Other Pune
Roaming the streets of Old Pune is like stepping into a different era. Here, time seems to linger, allowing one to savor each moment. The light doesn't gleam off modern structures but filters softly through the ancient banyans, casting dappled shadows. This part of the city isn't characterized by hurried steps or the constant buzz of technology. Instead, the air is filled with the sweet melody of life: the jingle of bells from the sugarcane juice stalls, the distant laughter of children playing, and the rhythmic clatter of a local artisan at work. The streets are a mosaic of colors and textures, from the vibrant clothes drying on balconies to the intricate patterns of old doors. Every corner offers a new visual symphony, a story waiting to be told. As I meandered through these lanes with my camera, I wasn't just capturing images; I was preserving the essence of a Pune that exists parallel to, yet so distinctly from, its modern counterpart. Each photograph I took is a tribute to this 'Other Pune' – a world where the past and present coexist in a beautiful, timeless dance.
