KALIMPONG'S COLOURFUL ATTRACTIONS

CACTI, PARKS AND SHRINES

(By Subbaram Danda)

Kalimpong is a major hill-station in West Bengal attracting a large number of tourists especially in summer.  Cool climate, natural sceneries, exotic nurseries, leisure parks, museums and shrines join together to make it a desirable destination for visitors.  Paragliding is another activity that has become very popular there.  The city is at a distance of about two and a half hours drive from Darjeeling. 

We set out in the morning for Kalimpong from Darjeeling in a hired car.   Along the 50-kilometre route we could see plunging gorges, variegated vegetation, occasional streams and human settlements on slopes.  The ghat road wound its way up and down the hilly terrain negotiating several tricky turns and twists.

Confluence of rivers

Shortly before reaching Kalimpong we stopped near a hair-pin bend at a place from where we could see two rivers -- the Teesta and its tributary the Rangit -- meet in a ravine below.  The two rivers originate in the Himalayan glaciers.  It was a lovely sight, which no visitor should miss.  The local people call it a “Lovers Link.”  It was an excellent opportunity to click nice photos.  A hot cup of tea and a packet of spicy potato chips from a stall there provided the much-needed refreshment in the breezy chill environment.  

Exotic cacti

Kalimpong is also known as the “City of Flowers” popular for its rare orchids, exotic blossoms and uncommon cacti.  It is an established exporter of several select varieties. Our first halt in the hill-station was at a private cactus and flower nursery.  Holding a ticket to see it, we entered the place with our own reservations but were astounded by what we found.  Pumpkin-sized cacti with ribs of thorns all over their surface and big yellow or pink flowers at the top were indeed a sight to behold.  They were nurtured and grown with all care in transparent tents. Thin tall cactus types could be seen standing upto a height of about eight feet.  Among the wide assortment of flowers, we could identify the eye-catching lilies, roses and bulbs.   

The hill with a difference

The highest point of Kalimpong is called Deolo Hill, from where one can have an unhindered 360-degree panoramic view of the city.  A beautifully landscaped garden has come up at the top to serve as a recreational arena with well-paved undulating pathways and a variety of flower beds and neatly-trimmed plants.  Several resting areas with benches under canopies have been provided at different points in the park.  A tourist lodge is also located in one corner.  Pony rides and zorbing ball rolling (a huge transparent sphere for children to get in and spin) are available there.   The hill serves as a well-patronized hub for paragliding activities.  We spent more than an hour walking round the place in the pleasant mid-day weather.  People who like walking will love it but others are advised to stay put near the gate.  

The Science Centre

The next attraction we went to was the Kalimpong Science Centre at a short distance from the Deolo Hill.  Set up in 2008, it showcases through exhibits the intricacies of scientific phenomena in simple terms to popularize them among students and the general public.  All branches of science find an expression there.  Children will certainly love the displays. The one item we enjoyed most was the “Miracle of Mirrors.”  A person standing behind a set of mirrors appears to onlookers as only a bust!  There is also an out-door science park.  Among its multifarious activities is one that facilitates formation of science clubs in educational institutions and elsewhere.  One cannot miss a long row of busts of renowned scientists in the lawn in front of the main in-door block.   

Towering Hanuman

Our next stop was at an open-air Hanuman shrine, where the Lord’s towering statue stands on a hillock approachable by a long stairway.  The image is in reddish vermilion colour with a glittering crown on the head and a triangular cloth flag of saffron colour fluttering.  We did not go up but could see the image from the entrance point on the roadside.

Buddha statue

Nearby there is a large colourful statue of Buddha on a raised open terrain.  Climbing a flight of steps we found ourselves in front of the image.  There was no one in the vicinity.  We spent just a few minutes seeing the statue and taking photographs.  

It was afternoon and it threatened to rain.  We decided to head back to Darjeeling.  After lunch at a local restaurant we began our return journey.  We reached our resort before dusk.  Though somewhat hectic, it was a worthwhile and enjoyable one-day excursion.

May 25, 2014  

   

IN DARJEELING ON A VACATION

THE CHARMS OF THE QUEEN

(By Subbaram Danda)

It was a delight to watch the snow-clad mountain of Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world (28,209 feet), glistening alluringly against the backdrop of the blue morning sky close to the horizon.  Slow moving streaks of clouds playing hide and seek with the peak provided a touch of romance to the enchanting scene.  We were viewing the mountain from the precincts of a resort in Darjeeling, the Queen of Hill Stations in India, where we stayed – Sterling Silver Oaks.    

Son-in-law Sendil Kumar, daughter Aishwarya Devi, grand-daughter Divyashree, wife Sampuranam and myself were on a short summer sojourn in the hill station nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of West Bengal.  Darjeeling, meaning thunderbolt in the Tibetan language, attracts thousands of tourists every year from all over India and abroad.  Though our primary reason to head there was to enjoy its cool climate, we did not like to miss the other attractions that the city had to offer.  Our stay at the resort, which is located on a higher terrain at an altitude of 7,400 feet, while most other parts of the city have a lesser elevation, enabled us to take a good look at Mount Kanchenjunga.  Some hotels also have a view-point for the mountain.  

The Toy Train

For us another tempting appeal came from the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the Toy Train, which runs on a two-foot narrow gauge track from the town of Kurseong to Darjeeling. It is the recipient of the World Heritage status accorded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization (UNESCO).   After flying from Chennai to the airport town of Bagdogra, we took a taxi to Kurseong and boarded the train.  Senior citizens can recall that the block-buster Hindi film of yesteryears “Aradhana” featuring Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore immortalized the Toy Train by including a song sequence “Mere Sapnon ki Rani” shot along the route.

It took three pleasingly meandering hours to cover the 30-kilometre distance.  For the most part the track ran alongside the ghat road with no separating wall or fence between the rail-line and the road.  So, when the train entered villages or towns, it came very close to street-side shops and had to keep hooting all the way.  People took everything in their stride and expressed no surprise or shock at the approaching train!   At one point on the way, it stopped for a few minutes on a siding to allow an on-coming train to pass by on the main track.   People in our train got down and found to their astonishment several vendors selling fresh vegetables having spread them on the ground close to the siding.   Soon our train resumed its journey and in unpopulated areas we could take a look at the steep valleys, occasional streams, tea estates and other verdant vegetation.  Softly caressing cool hilly breeze kept us in good humour.

Batasia Loop

At a place called Batasia, after the train passed the station of Ghum and about five kilometres before Darjeeling, it negotiated a sharp descent of about 1,000 feet in an incredibly marvellous fashion.  An imaginative engineering feat made this possible.  Here the train moved on a gently sloping large circular track.  After completing the loop it passed through a tunnel below the earlier track, thus making a smooth descent.   On both sides of the circular track, a well-tended beautiful garden with seasonal and perennial flower plants had come up.  At the centre of the loop, we could see a war memorial, opened in 1995 to commemorate the sacrifices made by Gorkha soldiers of the Darjeeling Hill in various wars after Indian independence.  On a raised platform stood a memorial pillar and a statue of a soldier paying homage.  

The Ropeway

The best way of appreciating the beauty of the hill-station in a panoramic setting is by taking a ride in the Darjeeling ropeway.  Buying tickets at the rate of Rs.150 per adult we got into a cable car and glided over the city watching closely-packed houses on its slopes, green valleys, sprawling lush tea gardens and ghat roads.  The 40-minute to-and-fro ride was exhilarating.  In summer time, we were told, there would always be a long queue to buy the tickets and to get into the cable car.  We stood in the line for about 45 minutes.  

Sunrise at Tiger Hill

A major item in the itinerary of many people vacationing in Darjeeling is an early morning visit to the Tiger Hill.  This is the highest point from where one can have a spectacular view of the sunrise, provided the weather is fine without any mist or cloud formation.  For this, one has to get up at 3:30 a.m., as the sun rises at about 4:30 a.m. in summer, and take a car to the site braving harsh cold winds!  The sun first emerges as an orange spot on the horizon and gradually grows into a ball of fire. The entire skyline of the mountainous terrain glows swathed in brilliant crimson light to the exhilaration of the sun gazers.  I and my wife were not witness to this spectacle, as we did not want to expose ourselves to the early morning biting chillness.   Our son-in-law, daughter and grand-daughter, however, made it.  

The Japanese Peace Pagoda

One attraction that left a lasting impression on us was the Japanese Peace Pagoda.  Located at a 10-minute driving distance from the centre of Darjeeling and completed towards the end of the last century, it is a dome-shaped Buddhist structure (stupa) on the slopes of the Jalapahar hill.  Designed as a symbol of world peace, it serves as a source of inspiration for people of all races and creeds to strive for global harmony.   It came up under the guidance of Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii.  

The gleaming white pagoda presents Buddha in four postures.  Strikingly sculpted on its walls facing the four cardinal directions are large Buddha statues in four styles – sitting, sleeping, standing and meditating.   The images shine in rich golden colour.  Between them are realistically etched sandstone panels depicting the outstanding episodes in the life of the peace apostle.  Walking around the pagoda at the top level visitors can see from a close range the statues and the panels. 

We were told that similar pagodas have been erected in other parts of the world.  The Darjeeling pagoda is the tallest free-standing circular edifice in the hill station.  Its height is about 94 feet and diameter 75 feet.  From there one can watch the wonderful sights of Darjeeling.   In the same premises, there is a Japanese Buddha temple, which the visitors see first.  

Monasteries

There are several Buddhist monasteries in and around Darjeeling.  They are essentially shrines where people throng to offer prayers in front of large colourful Buddha statues.  We visited a monastery in the locality of Ghum close to our resort.  Belonging to the Tibetan school of Buddhism, it is said to be the oldest in Darjeeling, founded by a Mongolian monk in 1875.  There are also big open-air statues of Buddha at some points in the city.   

Himalayan Zoological Park

Visitors to Darjeeling make it a point to visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park named after the former governor of West Bengal.  Situated on a vast hilly terrain, it is said to be the only specialized zoo of its kind in India, internationally recognized for its conservation and breeding programmes aimed at saving the endangered animal species of the eastern Himalayas.   It houses some exotic types of high altitude animals such as red panda, black bear, snow leopard and yak, besides colourful Himalayan birds. 

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Located behind the zoological park is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which functions as a centre of education and research in mountaineering.  Set up in 1954 at the instance of the then Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru, it also has a rich collection of models, paintings, sculptures, photographs, manuscripts, autographs and equipments of well known mountaineers.  Of interest is the “samadhi” of Nepal-born Tenzing Norgay, who was the first to step on the summit of Mount Everest in 1953 along with New Zealand’s Edmund Hillary.  

Tea Estates

There are numerous tea gardens in Darjeeling producing a wide variety of teas – black, green, white, blended, flavoured and scented.  They have their own distinctive taste, colour and aroma.  Darjeeling has acquired the reputation of being the world leader in high quality teas.  Climatic conditions, hilly slopes, appropriate soil and labour from nearby Nepal have all joined together to make this possible. Tea tourism, marked by visits to gardens and processing units with a possible stay there overnight, is getting good encouragement.  Of course, shopping for Darjeeling tea is a priority with tourists.

Mark Twain

Celebrated American writer Mark Twain had once described Darjeeling as a “land that all men desire to see.”  It is true even today but at the same time one cannot brush aside the appalling conditions in which the city finds itself.   The first impression that a visitor gets has nothing to write home about.  Bumpy narrow streets, shanty shops selling wares of all kinds, dirty public places and four-wheelers occupying every inch of road space are dampening pointers.  However, this view slips into oblivion, when one sees the other side of the coin and experiences the bounty that the nature has uniquely bestowed on the city in the form of Himalayan wonders, lush valleys and salubrious summer climate.  After all, the queen’s charms still stand out!

(All photos are our own)

May 21, 2014

FROM THE "TOP" OF THE WORLD'S TALLEST BUILDING -- BURJ KHALIFA, DUBAI



THE CONTOURS OF DUBAI SKYLINE

(By Subbaram Danda)



Burj Khalifa (the Tower of Khalifa) has become an iconic feature of the glittering skyline of Dubai, one of the fastest growing entities of the seven-member United Arab Emirates.  For over four years, it has been reigning supreme as the tallest man-made structure in the world soaring to a height of 2,717 feet. On the evening of March 23, 2014 I and my better half went to the "top" of the tower and our exhilaration knew no bounds. 

A model of Burj Khalifa



The tower has 163 floors with an observation deck for visitors, called “At the Top,” in the 124^th floor.  With pre-purchased tickets we made it to the "top," from a reception desk in the Dubai Mall at the base of the tower and through escalators and finally through an elevator.   It was a marvellous lifting machine.  It moved to the 124^th floor in an incredible operation in about a minute, whisper-free and vibration-free.



At the Dubai Mall before proceeding to the "top"

We got the exciting feeling of being on top of the world.  In the past we had been on the Empire State Building in the US, the Eiffel Tower in France, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy and the Petronas Towers in Malaysia but they were not so tall.  “At the Top” was a broad circular glass-encased corridor built around the tower for hundreds of visitors to walk around in comfort and take a look outside below.



"At the Top" observation deck in the 124th floor



An interesting fact was that the visitors could stay there as long as they wanted and could take photos and videos without any hindrance.  We could see lots people from all over the world.  But, there were only a small number of “locals.” 

    

A view of the high-rise buildings below



We had opted for a late afternoon time-slot to be able to enjoy the scenario in daytime as also after the nightfall.  In the haze-free atmosphere the high-rise buildings around the tower looked uncannily dwarfish.   Cars moving on highways and clover-leaf flyovers appeared play things.  Distant desert sands and a dazzling horizon proved charming.

Fast moving cars on the roads and the clover-leaf intersections

With bated breath we waited for the sun-set.  Orange and crimson patterns started adorning the sky and the sun kept descending slowly and very slowly.   Finally as it sank in a radiance of reddish colours, lights appeared on the buildings below.



Another view out of the tower



And almost all of a sudden, the water sprouts of the famous Dancing Fountains at the base of the tower started spewing out. Thus began the star attraction of the evening.  It lasted about five minutes. The next show would be after about fifteen minutes.

 

As the sun set, the Dancing Fountains came alive



We joined a long line to get into the elevator to go down and see the fountains from a close range.  The queue moved fast and soon we were at the waterfront at the ground level.  The fountains started dancing to mesmerizing Arabic music and at the end there was a show of laser beams. 

 

On the way back to the ground floor, photos of people who built the tower

The facts about Burj Khalifa are awesome. There are hundreds of ultra-luxury private residences, corporate suites, all convenience service providers, hotels and restaurants. The design of the building is the outcome of an international competition. It rises from a triple-lobed base and its wings emerge out of its central core like petals from a stem. Its floor plan maximizes views of the Arabian Gulf.

A close-up of the Dancing Fountains from the Ground Floor



Initial excavation work on the tower began in January 2004 and the official launch ceremony was held in January 2010.  It was said that at the peak of work, over 12,000 workers and contractors were on site every day representing more than 100 nationalities.

April 05, 2014



THE GRAND MOSQUE OF ABU DHABI

THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN

(By Subbaram Danda)

I and my wife were on a short holiday in the United Arab Emirates from March 20 to 24, 2014, visiting Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.  We were advised not to miss the Grand Mosque, a modern-day architectural marvel in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi.  It was open to persons of all nationalities and religions.  One morning we set out exploring it.



A broad corridor in the mosque with rows of glistening pillars and arches

The drive on the multi-lane super highway from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, a stretch of 150 kms, was pleasant. As our car sped touching 120 kms per hour nonchalantly many times, high-rise buildings of every shape, size and colour on both sides of the road whizzed by. Our driver assured us, “We are permitted to drive upto 140 kms per hour in several segments but any adventure above that limit will be risky. The traffic regulators here are very strict and we do not take any chances either.”

We kept enjoying the passing scenes, occasionally taking snaps, looking forward to seeing the new wonder. The traffic was also not much in the morning hour. What was striking was the well-laid out pink and white flower beds on the pavements running along the highway, providing pleasant relief to the concrete structures.

The driver interjected, “Hope madam has brought her passport with her. She has to leave it in the safe-custody of the mosque’s security in return for a black abaya (full body robe with hood for the head), which she should wear while in the mosque. Finally, it is to be returned and passport got back. It is free. Men cannot wear sleeveless T-shirts nor shorts above the knee.” Soon, we entered the underground parking lot of the mosque. In the same floor, the abaya booth was located. The procurement and the wearing of the abaya proved easy.

A side view



Making our way through an escalator we reached the mosque level. What we saw ahead of us was stunning. A long line of white marble pillars in twin format glistened in the mild morning sun against a clear blue sky. The pillars, which supported arches, and domes above, had golden embellishments that added a touch of enchantment to the scene. Our first impression was that the mosque was a picture of opulence and serenity in equal measure. Photos and videos were permitted without any restriction.

Skirting the long stretch, we reached the main entrance. We could see people of all nationalities and faiths sauntering there in large numbers. It was amusing to see some western women struggling to hold their black robes, as their men clicked their pictures.

It was ten, the time for the first official complimentary conducted tour of the mosque. About thirty men and women from far and wide had gathered in the foyer. We joined them.

The main facade



A young abaya-clad English speaking UAE guide gave each one of us a hand set and an earphone to be able to hear her clearly. “Welcome to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, popularly known as the Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi. It was conceived by the late first President of UAE Sheikh Zayed. Its cornerstone was laid in late 1990s and the completed mosque was thrown open to worshippers in 2007,” she narrated.

To build it, high quality materials such as marble, gold leaf, crystals, gems, ceramics and glass were procured from all over the world, particularly from Morocco, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Germany, India, Iran and China. Craftsmen and workers also came from several geographical areas.

The guide led the group along a tile-paved broad corridor supported by four long rows of white marble pillars. With gold-covered patterns at the top, the pillars cast a magical spell on the visitors (the first photo above). “The 22,500 square metre mosque, one of the largest in the world, can accommodate 41,000 worshippers. It has four soaring minarets standing at the four corners. It features 82 domes of various sizes and more than 1,000 columns. The largest dome is located at the centre of the main prayer hall,” she explained.

Glittering chandeliers in the Main Prayer Hall



After a short while we were asked to leave our footwear on wooden stands and enter the main prayer hall. It was a huge space lavishly decorated with chandeliers, carpets, vaulted arches and Islamic calligraphy. The chandelier at the centre was undoubtedly a brilliant piece of artwork made in Germany with crystals and colourful gems shining out of gilded nest of strands. It descended gracefully from a point high above. Weighing about 12 tons, it is considered one of the world’s largest. Two smaller versions, also in the main prayer hall, weigh eight tons each. There are four other smaller ones elsewhere in the mosque.

Sensing that we did not shift our gaze from the top, the guide directed us to see the floor. It was another case of superlative workmanship. The world’s largest hand-knotted carpet covered the prayer hall. The carpet, covering an area of 5,700 square metres, was hand-crafted with designs by about 1,200 artisans. It was made of predominantly of wool (about 70 per cent) and cotton.

The guide led us out of the prayer hall and remarked: “Through the Grand Mosque, Sheik Zayed desired to have a channel of interaction with people of all cultures and faiths. By keeping its doors open, he wanted to promote the concept of tolerance, love and understanding among them.”

The central courtyard



The guide signed off in the vast central open courtyard used for congregations and meetings. It was paved with marble and mosaic slabs depicting colourful floral designs. We kept moving around to see the rest of the premises ourselves.

An outstanding feature we noticed was rectangle-shaped tranquil pools of water around the mosque that reflect the pillars and domes with a supernatural touch. We could see people standing in front of them and taking pictures to serve as mementoes. Water fountains in front of the main entrance and a landscaped area with a well-tended garden and date palms added charm to the scene.

Returning with lingering memories



Special lighting arrangements have been made to illuminate the entire edifice at night. The extent and style of illumination would depend on the brightness of the moon as it waxes and wanes through its phases. Twenty-two light towers are in place to provide this effect. Many travel mangers advise their clients to visit the mosque in the evening and stay back for the night illumination.

A state-of-the-art library in the mosque has on its shelves numerous rare manuscripts and imprints.

The Grand Mosque attracts about three million visitors a year, including many celebrities. And sure, memories of an hour-long visit there will linger long.

April 02, 2014

TAMIL FILM "AAHA KALYANAM" : A Review

A BREEZY ENTERTAINER

(By Subbaram Danda)

An unexpected invitation took me and my wife to the newly-released film “Aaha Kalyanam,” a Tamil romantic flick produced by the famous Yash Raj Films and directed by Gokul Krishna. A remake of the highly successful Hindi movie “Band Baaja Baaraat,” it features dashing Nani and Bollywood sensation Vaani Kapoor in lead roles. Veteran actress Simran appears in a few scenes.

As the film rolled, its storyline fascinated me. It has, at its core, the activities of the fast emerging breed of wedding planners, about whom I have also written but in a different context. In the short story “Celebrations Exotica” in my book “The Rustles of Pleasure” I have highlighted the trend of organizing weddings in novel ways and at unconventional sites like beaches, palaces, castles, foothills, large parks and even lagoons. Facilitating this are the wedding planners, who are much more than contractors. They are smart professionals, who leave no stone unturned in arranging everything from A to Z for a wedding. They release the parents of the bride and the groom from a variety of hassles, of course for a swank fee!

The main plot of the film revolves around the roller-coaster love affair between the partners of a firm of wedding planners – a ravishingly beautiful lass and a dynamic young guy. Interspersed are the trials and tribulations faced by these planners in a world of cut-throat competition and underhand deals.

Presented in a breezy style, the film treads on a refreshingly new track leaving behind the old clichés of the Tamil film industry. The first half runs fast capturing the attention of the audience, while the second half meanders but ultimately it too catches up. The film is remarkable for its pleasingly colourful, expensive settings and fast-paced dances in sync with resonating songs. The bewitchingly gorgeous costumes that the heroine sports have the potential to become the rage of the teens. Happily, contrived fighting scenes are missing.  There is no separate comedy track either.

February 24, 2014



HUMOUR UNLEASHED -- 28

HUMOUR UNLEASHED -- 28

(Compiled by Subbaram Danda)

 Sometimes humour is like an exotic orchid flower.

It does not appeal to all !



Relatives

A man and his wife, who were known to cut jokes at the expense of each other at every available opportunity, were driving on a village road. When it took a turn they saw a flock of sheep moving ahead of them occupying almost the entire width of the road. He honked several times but they would not budge. The animals maintained their sluggish and languorous pace without leaving sufficient room for the car to overtake.

At this point, the husband looked at his wife and commented, “They appear to be like your relatives, slow and insensitive.”

“Yes, you are absolutely right,” the wife replied with a cool flourish. “They are behaving like my in-laws!”



Enticing exchange

A shop dealing in a variety of items came up in a busy locality. The owner had expected good business but as time passed he was frustrated. He could get only a few customers.

He approached a marketing guru and his advice was: “Modernize and decorate your shop pleasingly. Organize frequent sales fests and make enticing exchange offers. More important, your shop signs should attract womenfolk.”

Religiously, the owner beautified his show-room and put up a colourful board in front of his shop. It read: “NEW FOR OLD. We exchange anything and everything you have. Step in with your wife and step out with your selection fully satisfied. You have our guarantee.”



Oh My God!

A drunk staggered out of a bar and bumped into a decently-clad man on the street. Holding his arm, he blabbered, “I am God. I will grant you any wish. Tell me fast.” Flabbergasted, the man replied, “Friend, you are not God. Leave me alone.”

The drunk: “If anybody calls me God, will you get me a drink?”

Trying to wriggle out, the man replied, “Sure.”

The drunk dragged the man into the bar. Looking at him, the bartender exclaimed in high pitch, “Oh, my God…. You are back again!” The startled man shouted an order immediately, “One Scotch,” threw a note on the table and ran out.

February 15, 2014



A VISIT TO THE PONGAL FAIR



AN ENJOYABLE OUTING

(Experience of Subbaram Danda)



In front of the pavilion of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department

We -- grand-daughter Divyashree, daughter Aishwarya Devi, wife Sampuranam and myself -- were at the Pongal Tourist Trade Fair on the Island Grounds of Chennai on Saturday (February 1, 2014) afternoon. We missed it last year and so the urge to make up for it was strong this time. People thronged the shops selling sundry items like hair clips, kitchenmates and plasticware.

A noticeable fact was that the price of almost everything was exorbitantly high. Our favourite eatable, the large-sized 15-inch-diameter fried Delhi appalam, was priced at Rs.30 each. Yet there were many stretched-out hands to grab them! Use of the urinal had a charge of Rs. 5 per head. However, one redeeming feature was that the Kulfi ice cream at the state-owned Aavin milk stall was only Rs.16 a piece.

In front of the Police pavilion

                                                                                                            
There were the usual pavilions put up by the various government departments, showcasing their brighter side. The façade of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments edifice was impressive with life-like images of deities. Two mounted policemen greeted visitors to the Tamil Nadu Police outfit. The Reserve Bank of India stall saw long lines, as one of its counters exchanged old and soiled currency notes.

On the whole, it was a four-hour enjoyable outing, marked by shopping binges and carefree strolling.

February 3, 2014