Clay of Art

It has slowly become one of the best gifts that can be presented. Not only is it easy on the pocket of the presenter, the receiver is equally happy. Terracotta items are one of the most loved gift items around. They are absolutely beautiful to look at and are very long lasting. These glazed terracotta items are made from earth and rate very high on the utility meter.

The use of clay and terracotta has been done from the time since it was known that such things exists. From grand temples like The Temples of Vishnupur to small household items like tea pot and utensils, artists of Bengal have made the full use of terracotta and clay. Few years back, the use of it had drastically fallen as there were not many takers for it and it no longer remained a profitable venture for the artists. But after some time, its absence started pinching the real art lovers and soon there was again demand for it.

The rich alluvial clay which is the raw material for this art work comes from the banks of River Ganga. It is perfectly purified and moistened by nature itself. After it is extracted, it is treated with special chemicals to turn it into superior quality ceramic clay. This clay then passes through several stages of being filled in a kiln at various temperatures. In between, it is glazed, treated with chemicals and colours and shaped into different shapes. What makes the products special is that the chemicals and colours used are tested at the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, and certified as harmless. The high temperature firing also makes the household products safe for use in microwave. The range of products includes tea and coffee sets, mugs, soup and sauce bowls, dinner sets, planters, vases, room decor and the list goes on and on....

So go on and invite your friends over for a drink and serve them beer in these beautiful work of arts. Not only will this show your concerns towards earth but will also be a nice style statement. And the best thing is that they can be bought in mostly all regions of India.

Pipli's Appliqué Work

I have started believing that the most beautiful things in life happen unexpectedly.

Driving down the highway in Orissa, I was mesmerized by the sudden change in my surroundings. It was as if someone poured thousands of colors all over the region. Both sides of the road were displayed parasols, wall hangings and various types of bags in bright shades of red, green and yellow. On inquiring, I came to know that these wonderful art works were created in a small town called Pipli, situated on the highway between Bhubaneswar and Puri. There was something different yet very common about the art work on the products and that enticed me to go their origin place.

Pipli is the home to the old appliqué art work. Only on looking at them closely did I come to know that Pipli's treasure is not exactly unknown. The giant canopies, colorful beach umbrellas, wall hangings and lampshades are bought by millions across India, but nobody knows about its place of origin. It is not just a product you are buying, you are actually taking home a very old tradition, a treasure.

It is somewhat different from appliqué works elsewhere. In Pipli's appliqué work, motifs are cut out from various colored materials and then superimposed on a base cloth, usually of contrasting colors. It is not clear about its origin but they have been associated with rituals of Jagannatha Temple from as long as anybody could remember. They are used in ceremonial attire, ritualistic props and on drapes used in the chariots. There is a strict color code and only red, black, green, yellow and white colors can be used in religious art work.

Slowly the items on which appliqué work was used increased drastically as it was praised in all sections of the society. Today they are used on bags, parasols, wall hangings, room decorations, awnings, letter holders, bed covers and almost everywhere. I was told that Pipli appliqué work can be bought from anywhere in Orissa and government emporiums throughout the country, but i found it really pleasing to see the craftsmen at work. It really helps you appreciate the craft more once you see it being born. So if you are traveling to Puri or Bhubaneswar or anywhere close, do not forget to visit Pipli, it is worth it.

Digha Beach - Widest Beach In The world

Everybody talks so much about the Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world that many equally beautiful and deserving destinations are ignored. There are many first in the world on the face of India that get lost in oblivion due to their low reachability. On my trip to Kolkata, I came to know about a magnificent spot that still is far from being world famous or even India famous.

Well...one cannot call Digha beach a one day excursion from Kolkata as I had to keep aside two days for visiting this place. And that makes it a perfect weekend getaway option. It is nearly 187 Km from Kolkata but it is worth every single moment you spend to reach here.

The beach is surely among the quietest beaches which is pleasing to all senses. Digha beach is one of the very few where you can drive your own car on the shoreline. And it was from a local that I also learned that this is the widest beach in the world. Then why isn't this beach more famous than Marina Beach or even recognized???? Digha is surely more cleaner, calm, uncluttered, and beautiful than the Marina.

I went there all alone so I didn't have much to do, just lie around and sunbath. There were few groups who were enjoying beach volleyball, some were taking a horse ride, and few families were splashing around in the water. The shoreline is surely firm as the water here is quite clear and perfect for swimming. And how could you not find couples in such a romantic setting.

The beach is not completely isolated and there are few staying option near to the beach. There is a Digha Tourist Lodge (I stayed here and it was good) run by WBTDC and there are few private accommodations as well.

A near perfect weekend spot for everyone.

The Unexplored Brighton of India

India is the mystical land that has been referred as the most vibrant
country in the world. Whenever I plan for vacations my preference revolves
around the unexplored options yet to be treaded and exploited by humans.
While I was
in Mumbai, I got a chance to fulfill this prolonged wish of mine. Through
the natives of the outskirts of the city, I got to know about the place
called Karjat, laden with everything 'that dreams are made up of'.

Vast acres of luxuriant green paddy fields swaying in the gentle breeze
against the panoramic backdrop of the Bhor ghats greeted me while
transversing the river Ulhas. I could feel that this remote destination in
Maharashtra have everything that a nature
lover can seek above imaginations the magnificent views of splendid
greens, dazzling waterfalls manifestation of a milky falls and the most
shimmering rivulets
streaming down the hill slopes trespassing the vibrant greens blossoming
with numerous flowerets Ah what a sight! The eyes have not seen a charisma
like this before.
To add more to my taste is the adventure cocktail and the various trekking
routes.
I choose the one that lead to the most beautiful
hills of Matheran via Vavarle village and Rambagh point. Initially this climb
was quiet gentle and comfortable but lateron the inclination increased
drastically lasting for three good hours that almost took my breath out.

My another trail was the seven-hour trekking route to Bhimashankar.
Starting from a small village Khandas about 15 kms from Kajrat, this
climb was long and steep. I along with two local guys who accompanied me in
a courtesy of guiding the route covered the distance in almost 4 hours. In
between we halted at Padar fort and then at Koli village to restore our
energy. The villagers were too humble to offer us fresh coconut milk and
fried banana chips. The sky elevated outgrowth and thickly populated
vegetation provided welcoming
shades that increased our halts too. My local friends bid me goodbye and I
was on my track again. Bhimashankar is a revered pilgrim destination, after
climbing a hill I could reach the 'Nagphani' - shaped like a head of the
cobra, quite spectacular. After
indulging into a short trek from Kondana village, I came upon the rock cut
Kondana caves with Buddhist embodiments, definitely it was worth a climb.

My monsoon experience of river Ulhas was beyond comparison. The turbulent
gushing of the waters enhanced the thrill of rafting as well as canoeing.
I really found that
various adventure options and the proximity from Mumbai, has made
Karjat a popular weekend gateway specially for those who want to enjoy
nature at its best.