Being Women- A Curse or Blessing

My writing today will go against my blog title 'Daily Life in Style' because...my daily life will not allow me to live in style; because, I'm afraid of my existence in this world; because, I'M A WOMAN.

The gang rape incident that took place in 16th December 2012 has left me in a state of shock. While surfing my Facebook account, I came across the brutal incident faced by Damini in the capital city. For a minute, my mind was totally blank. Several questions came into my mind, like why did this happen, what was  her fault, where were the people around, how could so many human do so much bad to a human.....

I don't know her, I have never seen her but I could feel her pain, the helpless situation that she has gone through. And, after a while, my soul said, God, please help her. May the criminals be hanged till death.

Like me, she might also have many dreams associated with her parents, her siblings, her boyfriend, her friends. But now, would she be able to withstand the storm that shattered her inside out? Will the people around take care of her, entire life? That day, she nor the entire world could have even sensed that the animals in the society were making their mood to stripe off the respect of a woman and bringing down the many dreams to death. Those animals are the outcome of 'No Justice or Low Justice' done till date for the many such rape cases in the country.

I'm yet to recover my mind from the Guwahati women molestation case where a teenage girl was molested by rowdy mob of 50; I'm yet to come out of the pain of Faisalabad girl whose face and body parts were burnt badly; I'm yet to wipe of my tears for Damini, that two new rape cases flashed before me today. Will my eyes remain to weep forever? Do I have to bear the pain of being disrespectful forever?

Who do I ask to bring me a life full of happiness; a face full of smile? Who do I ask, if my life as a woman a curse?

(Image Courtesy: northeasttoday.in)

June 24- My Best Friend Got Married

It’s been 12 years now that I know you dear and, it’s been 10 years that we’re best friends. You may have many people around, but I have only one and you know very well that it’s none other than you. I’m sorry dear; I could not be with you on your special day. I couldn’t sit beside you in the most important day of your life.

How do I show my regret for my absence in your wedding ceremony? I still remember those days when we used to make plans to be with each other in our special time. And, till the last few months back when you came to my home in Delhi, we did the same. Dear, we had wonderful moments to be cherished forever. Though, I was the first person among friends to know about your marriage date, I could not keep up with my words.

I failed to pass in this exam. I failed to proof myself as your best friend.

I’m missing you a lot my dear. I know, you must be looking very nice just like a dream angel in this world. Your hand must have glittering with colorful mehendi and you must be lightening the surrounding with your ever-beautiful smile. For sure, my Jiju is the luckiest man to find my best friend in his life.

Now, that I’m far away from you, I can only pray to my Good God that may you lead a happy married life, may all your dreams come true, may you be happy always.

I know, you will not forgive me and I think you should not forgive me for this. I’m ready to stand any kind of punishment, you’ll decide. Eagerly waiting to meet you this October…….

Loads of Hugs and Kisses.............

Yours’ truly disgusting friend

My Assam is at Faridabad Now

I feel so very happy, when I find the imprint of my homeland. This time, my Assam has come to meet me in Faridabad (Haryana). This beautiful state among the seven sisters of North-East India is known for its sprawling tea gardens, mighty Brahmaputra, handicrafts and unique culture.

Last week, I saw an electronic advertisement about Assam Tourism and was mesmerized to see the collage of my state’s beauty, my people and their colorful culture. And, now see, how lucky I’m to find my home miles away from my home. Well, I’m talking about the on-going Surajkund Mela 2012. The colorful extravaganza is highlighting the vibrant culture of Assam this time.

Like every year, the Surajkund Craft Fair is successfully attracted lakhs of tourists from various countries. But, I’ll feel the festive ground will receive more number of foot-steps so has to take back home some brilliant collection of ‘Assamese Meghala’, ‘Assam Tea Leaves’, Handicraft items etc. I have also heard that the mela ground will occupy stores for different varieties of rice & grains, commonly produced in Assam.

I’m not gonna miss this 15-days event. Can you afford to miss it??

Bengali Marriage- Rituals unending

It is said that matrimonial affairs are predetermind by the Almighty in Heaven. Apart from the would-be couples, many things lie around and off-course, they are untouched by heavenly rules and regulations. We human beings are the creator of certain rituals, although most of them are dedicated to the God and Goddesses for the well-being of the newly wed couples. Get a snippet of what our ancestors have kept in store for us in the form of Bengali marriage:

• Bhaikyo Daan
• Mangalacharan
• Pano Khili
• Soroshmatrika Puja
• Rooposhi Borto
• Adhrisnaan
• Adhibhash
• Shaka-Shindur
• Shubho Vivah
• Baashi Biya @ Bride's house with Holi celebration
• Vidhai
• Putra-vadhu Agaman
• Kaal Ratri
• Baashi Biya @ Groom's house with Holi celebration
• Chaturtamangal
• Introducing bride with custom and tradition
• Phira Jatra
• Sweet Honeymoon
• A happy married life begins

I'm gonna write a breif about all the above mentioned rituals...Till then, stay tunned!

Recalling Rishikesh....

As always, the sweaty summer calls for a break. Last month, I and my colleagues made a trip to Rishikesh- a mesmerizing hill-station in Uttarakhand. The tour carried the theme of adventure and was solely arranged by our company itself. We started our journey on Friday night, around 10:30 pm and reached the destination early morning on Saturday.

Well, it was Shivpuri, a bit far way from the main town of Rishikesh. Unlike five star resort and luxury hotels, we enjoyed a stay at make-shift camps, build on the bank of river Ganges. The natural ambiance was full of adventure and was far away from the city cacophony.

Enthusiastic travel troupes missed no chance to ooze fun and adventure. The trekking began and we all dared to cover a distance of 4 kms. On the way, we encountered the place, we were actually looking for. Oh! The cascading spring was awesome and we couldn't stop ourselves from getting wet. For an hour, we took halt and then, resumed our expedition.

We were at the apex level of the Neer Parvat- a height from which you can feel like standing close to sky. A pool there, was an ideal place to take rest. For an hour, we engaged ourselves to splash silver-white spring fall.

It was around 3:30 pm, when we were back to our camping location. We had sumptuous lunch and took a nap in the tent. The afternoon time on the bank of river Ganges is awesome. The big block of stones on the river-line appeared like stool and each one of us took best position to throw pebbles in the river.

Well, a few of my colleagues tried volley ball in the sand scape and some took part in the adventure rope walk.

With dusk, fun took an indifferent angle. All 33 of us took chair in a circular manner and started to play 'Dumsheras'- a guessing game dedicated to Bollywood movies and Anktashri. Hymm....I must say, my colleagues possesses good acting skill and singing spirit. The day called off with lip-smacking snacks and dinner.

Day 2 was even more adventurous than Day 1. Guess What! On the very day, we enjoyed the hearting pounding river rafting. All the arrangements were made by Indo-Ganges Nature Camp. We were provided life-jackets and trained guide, who taught the river rafting technique very well. It was just more then anything else. Sailing down through the smooth flow of Ganges and facing the wild rapids is  all together different. We covered 16 kms and faced 6 rapids, of which, I remembered the first one only- 'roller coaster'.

With completion of the rafting adventure, our trip came to an end. I think, I and few of my colleagues are a bit freaky. The last adventure task was something extra-ordinary. In spite of moving safe towards the developed road ways, we took pleasure to crawl high in the slippery hill-side and reach the bus. Thank God! We balanced to climb high or would have met accident, for sure.

The overall trip to Rishikesh went great. Stay tunned, till I set to pen down about my next traveling experience to the world of adventure.