Truth behind Dwarakapeeth Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati's statement on Sai Baba

I do support Uma Bharti that people can worship anybody out of faith in him.But Swami ji is also right in his fears and these Pictures I took in early April show just that.Just near Phoneix Mall in Bara Birwa Lucknow is Deva Maa Temple.It was a beautiful temple,people thronging to it on all days.But in my April Navratra visit I was shocked to see it in ruins.I came to learn that a Sai Baba Temple will be built inside the premises adjacent to Durga Temple,that's why the reconstruction.If we respect Sai Baba's followers freedom to worship him and build Temples of him.We should also respect people who believe in traditions of Hindu Religion.

Ek Villain - Review

"Ek Villain" is a impressive film because of its lovely music composed by Mithoon & Ankit Tiwari,its dramatic scenes,convincing image breaking performances from Riteish Deshmukh and Sidharth Malhotra and heart-touching scenes of Shraddha Kapoor.Yes it has some shades of Murder 2 and Gangster and movie has silly masalas accommodated in second half which drag the film for few minutes bit still it makes you laugh and cry and hate evil in men.Kamaal Rashid Khan is equally impressive in short pivotal role,the person who provokes Riteish to become a serial-killer.Though Remo Fernandes looks weird as Gangster Godfather.This is definitely one of the better films produced by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor.

"Banjaara" is one of the most beautiful song I have heard in quite some time.A nice melodious song composed by Tum Hi Ho creator MITHOON. The song is sung by Baarish & Dard Dilon Ke singer Mohd. Irfan while Koi mujhko yun mila hai, Jaise banjare ko ghar lyrics are penned by Mithoon himself.

Read more: http://www.lyricsmint.com/2014/05/banjaara-ek-villain.html#ixzz362WHCZzB

Kudos to  Milap Zaveri & Tushar Hiranandani for writing a brilliant script which goes from one flashback to another,from past to present telling a heart wrenching tale of human emotions.Mohit Suri sans Mahesh Bhatt has deftly directed this violent/tender dramatic/subtle film,though it feels like a Mahesh Bhatt movie.

Shraddha Kapoor marks her debut as a playback singer in "Galliyan (Unplugged)"  song.Shraddha Kapoor was injured in a bike accident while shooting for this film in Mumbai on 10 April 2014.

"Actors Sidharth Malhotra and Shraddha Kapoor remained underwater for seven hours to shoot a romantic track for their upcoming film 'Ek Villain'.

For the song 'Galliyan', both Sidharth and Shraddha stayed underwater in Mauritius and took just a few breaks. They took rigorous lessons in Mumbai before taking the plunge, the makers said in a statement here."http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ek-villain-sidharth-shraddha-shoot-underwater-sequence-for-7-hours/470282-8-66.html

Banjaara Lyrics

Jise zindagi dhoondh rahi hai
Kya ye woh makaam mera hai
Yahaan chain se bas ruk jaaun
Kyun dil ye mujhe kehta hai
Jazbaat naye se mile hain
Jaane kya asar ye huaa hai
Ik aas mili phir mujhko
Jo qubool kisi ne kiya hai

Haan..
Kisi shaayar ki ghazal
Jo de rooh ko sukoon ke pal
Koi mujhko yun mila hai
Jaise banjaare ko ghar
Naye mausam ki sehar
Yaa sard mein dopahar
Koi mujhko yun mila hai
Jaise banjare ko ghar
Hmm...

Jaise koi kinaara
Deta ho sahaara
Mujhe wo mila kisi mod par
Koi raat ka taara
Karta ho ujaala
Waise hi roshan kare woh shehar

Dard mere woh bhula hi gayaa
Kuch aisa asar huaa
Jeena mujhe phir se woh sikha raha
Hmm.. Jaise baarish kar de tar
Yaa marham dard par
Koi mujhko yun mila hai
Jaise banjare ko ghar
Naye mausam ki sehar
Yaa sard mein dopahar
Koi mujhko yun mila hai
Jaise banjaare ko ghar

Muskaata yeh chehra
Deta hai jo pehraa
Jaane chhupata kya dil ka samandar
Auron ko toh hardam saaya deta hai
Woh dhoop mein hai khada khud magar
Chot lagi hai usey,
Phir kyun mehsoos mujhe ho raha hai
Dil tu bata de kya hai iraada tera

Main parinda besabar
Tha uda jo darbadar
Koi mujhko yun mila hai
Jaise banjarey ko ghar
Naye mausam ki sehar
Yaa sard mein dopahar
Koi mujhko yun mila hai
Jaise banjarey ko ghar

Koi mujhko yun mila hai
Jaise banjare ko ghar
Jaise banjare ko ghar..
Jaise banjare ko ghar...
Jaise banjare ko ghar....
http://www.lyricsmint.com/2014/05/banjaara-ek-villain.html

Vistas along Bareilly Haldwani Highway

Though the road was bad from Baheri to Bareilly still one can admire long stretch of cultivated lands which were so green even in hot summer,bordered by Poplars and Orchards of Lychee (Litchi).

Hotel Darpan - A nice Budget Hotel on Mall Road Nainital

 Hotel Darpan is just adjacent to Chandni Chowk Restaurant in Nainital.I have stayed there twice and people are really friendly,honest and nice.Rooms are as in Budget Hotel,nice and comfortable.Bathroom are tiny for its like house converted into a Hotel.This time around I got a Lake facing room,it was a pleasure to lie on bed and see the world pass by.Good security and CCTV cameras.Things you need or ask for are quickly made available,i.e. hot water.

Television is in every room,showing all sorts of channels including local channels which are informative about the place and fun to watch.Rented cars or Bikes are also made available to visiting tourists.Its better to stay with people you can trust rather than any fancy hotel.Darpan Hotel is near to Bus Stations,both new and old so its another plus point.

April is the Best time to visit Nainital

One of the best time to visit Kumaon Hills is April,because in May and June there is Tourist peak season.Hotel rates shoot up,temperatures too besides there are people everywhere,too crowded for comfort and obviously out of budget for a middle class family.

Beside these reasons winter fades away in March giving way to spring.Its pleasant in the day and cold in the Night and there are blossoms everywhere.But if you go in May or June it gets hot even on the hills during the day.I went in June and Bheem Tal has shriveled up in size.Hotel rates were up and Bus Stations flooded with tourists fighting with each other to get into a Bus going to Nainital.

In April you can take long leisurely walks on Hilly Paths not perspiring a bit.You can also enjoy all sorts of fruits like Kaphal,Apricots and plums.Nainital is the only Hill Station that remains cool on a Summer day because of lovely green trees,placid lake and winds coming down from the mountains.Bheemtal,Almora,Ranikhet,Bagheshwar and Pithoragarh are all hot during the day.

What is Vexillology?

Vexillology is the "scientific study of the history, symbolism and usage of flags or, by extension, any interest in flags in general".The word is a synthesis of the Latin word vexillum ("flag") and the Greek suffix -logia ("study"). It is formally defined by the constitution of the International Federation of Vexillological Associations (known by its French acronym FIAV) as "the creation and development of a body of knowledge about flags of all types, their forms and functions, and of scientific theories and principles based on that knowledge."

The term was conceived in 1957 by the U.S. scholar and vexillologist Whitney Smith and first appeared in print in 1959. It was originally considered a sub-discipline of heraldry,and is still occasionally seen as such. A person who studies flags is a vexillologist. Vexillography is the art of designing flags; a person who designs flags is a vexillographer. A person who simply likes, admires, or enjoys flags is a vexillophile.

Since 1965, an International Congress of Vexillology (ICV) has been organized every two years under the auspices of FIAV. The 2013 ICV was in Rotterdam, Netherlands.Internet activity of vexillologists is centered on the Flags of the World website and mailing list.

When my Bus ran away with my Strolley Bag

I make it a rule not to eat heavy while traveling,eating a meal at a Dhaba absolutely no no.But this time around when a whole day has passed since we started from Haldwani and just a few Km away from Haridwar,our Bus stopped at this Dhaba (road-side eating joint).I decided to eat a Thal (rice,Chapati,sabzi,salad,pickle and Dal).I found a dead insect in the sabzi,I gave up eating.

When I went to pay,guy refused to take note saying it was cut.I said the conductor gave it to me,conductor changed it.I gave the note to the Dhaba guy,he said give it to the conductor.I was surprised but I gave it to him.Then I went to fill my Bottle at the hand-pump adjacent to the motel (Dhaba).When I returned the Bus had vanished into thin air.I asked the Motel guy to give me mobile no. of the conductor,he said he has no number,said it was my fault I should have informed conductor before going.

From there I got into a maxi-cab which left me few Km away where I got a Fisheries Institute Bus which left me on Haridwar entrance.From there I took a Bus to Haridwar Bus stand.Where to my relief I found my Bus and my Bag safe.Next day when I traveled back to Lucknow I didn't eat anywhere just filling myself with Cold-drink and snacks.

June Pictures From Heavenly Nainital

Dehradun is famous for - 'Khatmals' Bed Bugs

Last year in May when I was checking out of Almora's Ambassador Hotel,Manager asked me if my stay was fine and if Bed had any 'Khatmals' (Bed-Bugs).I was surprised that he asked about 'Khatmals' and said no the bed was comfortable and no Bed-Bugs.

This time around in June I went to Dehradun planning to take morning Bus to Shimla.I stayed for night in a near by Motel.It was quite spacious,staff was courteous and food of good quality.But when I lay on Bed to sleep soon I had this biting itching feeling on my back and shoulders and around neck.I complained to the Bell-Boy,he said it must be 'Khatmals' who are quite notorious this time of the year.He changed the Bed asking me to wash off any bugs clinging to my skin.I took a bath again after he was gone and went to sleep,itching feeling slowly subsiding away.

Later I had a talk with my friend Ravinder Singh Karkee,he told me Dehradun is quite notorious for 'Khatmals'.

Suicide at Naukuchiatal Lake - 5 June 2014

Food at Naukuchiatal Lake Tourist rest house was costly and hardly any choices.I was not even feeling hungry so instead of eating with other tourists from our Bus I went on a stroll along the Lake.The road that goes around the lake is shrouded by shady green trees and the water of the Lake all light green and shimmering in sun-light,makes it a cool place to be in.

A guy was selling fruits beside the canteen in the corner.I passed two young kids selling Corn cobs and a hut guy selling Pakoris (Bhajia),Bread Pakora and Tea.As I was taking a video of the Lake further down the road,I saw a man in a boat just turn over and fell in the river.Soon there was a lot of commotion,I zoomed in to the spot but could see nothing much.I could not understand what the matter was until later from the locals I came to know that a young man had came on purpose to this Lake to commit suicide.He folded his hands in a quiet prayer before jumping over to the shock and horror of the Boat-man.Even people around the nearby Hanuman Temple were sadly shaking their heads expressing their sorrow for his parents.Bad News do travel fast.

I could hear the Police Jeep siren blaring far off.This is a huge Lake and this all happened at the opposite end.Lots of men rushed past me in excitement such incident is bound to generate.They said if the guy had to kill himself he should have done it on his own and not involve the Boatman.

Why Apricots and Plums are more delicious in Hills then Plains

If you visit Nainital or Almora in mid-summer you would find many exotic fruits being sold in the fruit market or in Nainital sold in cups made from green leaves,a small wooden basket holding almost six type of fruits in beautiful green leaf cups.Apricot,plums,cherries,Kafal,Ghigharu and Hisaaloo are the commonest fruits to savor while walking along the Nainital Lake.A fruit vendor told me the more ripe apricot and plums are the more sweet they are bound to be.Means if you touch it and found it gooey don't think its rotting for it will taste better than others.I savored lots of fruits and thought it one of the best part of my Nainital visit.

On returning back to Lucknow after few weeks I bought some Apricots and Plums which looked good on outside,but as I ate them they were bitter and sour and not a bit sweet.Its the same with people,in Hills you would find people to be mostly filled with love and innocence,and here in plains most people are cunning and talk like biting dogs. Nazakat Nafasat of old Lucknow has vanished away,in fact I found visiting Haryanvi and Jat tourists having the same qualities inherent to erstwhile Lucknow culture.Like if they are angry and scold you,still they would do it in a loving tone. 

Dumb-Charade - The Best Game To Play on a Family Holiday

 
Recently on a Lakes Tour in Nainital I had a Jat Family traveling with us.They were as funny and witty as Gerald Durrell's family in "My Family and other Animals".As we were returning from Sat Tal (Seven Lakes,which is the biggest Lake of the region) they decided to play Dumb Charade of Movie Names.It slowly became so interesting and funny and sometimes exasperating for the players who tug their hair out in guessing Movie's name.Their hand and face action or their pauses in deciding how to express the name without uttering a word or the general camaraderie between brothers and sisters made us forget our travel exhaustion.

What Does Dumb-Charade means? A game in which words or phrases are represented in pantomime, sometimes syllable by syllable, until they are guessed by the other players.

So this game lets a family interact,know each other better and make them use their wit and common-sense.It also passes the time easily as the moments are filled with mirth and laughter.

Humshakals (2014) Review

Its a fun-filled mad-cap no-brainer movie which still makes you laugh,it may not be as classy as you thought but no doubt its funny and worth seeing once.Though Bipasha Basu is wasted in the movie and one would think Sajid Khan didn't give much thought to the casting of the movie for Riteish Deshmukh stands no where opposite Bipasha Basu and they look pretty odd.

 

Satish Shah is brilliant as Y.M. Raj warden of Lord Crazy Mental Asylum.In his getup he looks very much like Oliver Hardy.His ideals are the most horrible dictators of past century whose idea of worst form of torture is to show Sajid Khan's Himmatwala to his captives.

In the cross-dressing Avatar only Riteish Deshmukh impresses who looks really pretty as a woman which was confirmed by the exclamations of two girls who sat next to me.Audience simply loved it for it was like a stress-buster and sat till the end of titles as they showed many funny bloopers."Caller Tune" song is already topping the charts and other songs to are full of fun.

Ram Kapoor has come out well in his triple role.He plays Saif Ali Khan's maternal uncle scheming to get all his property.Saif has acted well though he looks shoddy dressed in frocks.Ram Kapoor looks like a bloated up version of Tun-Tun which may give you the idea how exotic he looks.Chunkey Pandey is brilliantly funny in what ever little screen-time he gets.Tamannaah Bhatia & Esha Gupta have small roles and do their best in them.

Sajid Khan dedicates this film to Kishore Kumar,Peter Sellers.A scene from Half-Ticket is the one where Saif and Riteish butter up Ram Kapoor's face,its the only colorized (By ULTRA) Kishore Kumar-Madhubala film.

Bareilly to Haldwani Bus Journey - A Commuters Nightmare

Rather take the train from Bhojipura or Izzatnagar to Lalkuan then travel by Road,because this stretch of road between Haldwani to Bareilly is being developed into a 4 Lane Highway.Work is still under progress,a fly-over is coming up just in front of Bhojipura Junction,so roads are in very bad shape congested near the fly-over dusty and bumpy elsewhere.If you still want to travel by road take the Sitarganj route which is longer but more comfortable.http://www.distancesfrom.com/in/directions-from-Bareilly-to-Haldwani-via-sitarganj/DirectionHistory/7909083.aspx

"Bareilly - Haldwani 130 kms. Road: Upto Bahedi is terrible.Rest OK."http://www.indiamike.com/india/journal.php?do=showentry&e=1257

Flyover under-construction Bhojipura

Bhojipura Junction

Flyover under-construction Bhojipura

Flyover under-construction Bhojipura

Flyover under-construction Bhojipura