How Tradesmen Ruined the Sangam in Name of "Religion"

Triveni Sangam, Allahabad

I went to Allahabad for work recently, where I decided to go see Triveni Sangam, where three rivers meet -  Ganga, Yamuna — and the invisible Saraswati River.

First of all, the boatmen charge a bomb to go there. Make sure you bargain and not pay over Rs. 450/- if you are alone (Initially, they quoted Rs. 1250/-!). The boat ride itself is pleasant, but the duration is exaggerated. It takes only about 20 to 25 minutes one way and they tell you it takes one hour.

When you reach Triveni Sangam, you are made to sit before an eternally smiling Pandit, who will have you believe he works for God, when he only works for the ‘Gandhis’ in your pocket. He’ll perform the puja and make you also pay for coconut used in the puja. Although, he says that ayment is optional and we can give whatever amount we choose, that is absolutely a lie. If you give a 50 rupee note, he will say ‘50 mein kya hota hai!?’and he will force you to pay at least 200! Please refrain from sitting with these pretend pundits.

The actual difference in the water colour is something which isn’t that evident. Perhaps it can only be seen in certain light at certain time. The Saraswati river is supposed to be invisible and it is believed to be flowing under these two rivers.

The only thing you will see for certain are people getting naked and bathing in the water to wash their sins, without even repenting them and tradesmen and “god-men” trying to exploit them... If you are religious, do go to the Sangam, but try to ignore all the things people trying to corrupt your religion. I think the State Government should regulate the fare charges and also the sums charged by the so-called “Pandits”. If this is done, the seren location will no doubt, become far more enjoyable.

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Why I pick Trains over Planes

The Indian Railways is one of the biggest employers in the world. Even without statistical data, this is rather apparent to anyone who travels in inter-state trains, especially for long journeys exceeding 24 hours. Travelling in these trains will show you a variety of people, from different parts of India, having different backgrounds.

Trains v. Planes

From a plane one can see a whole stretch of land or a vast portion of the sea. But in order to really feel minuscule or insignificant you have travel the same distance by rail, since travelling in trains is like observing each and every dot of an impressionist painting. The only question you have to ask yourself is whether you are ready to witness the world from that perspective.

Building Character

I have, personally, found that travelling in General compartment for over 24 hours at a time builds character and endurance. All modern day philosophers must perform exercise at least two or three times. If you are not ready for that level challenge, the next but best thing is to climb into Sleeper class with a General ticket and pay the fine to the T.C. You won’t get allocated a seat, but you’ll be allowed to be inside the sleeper coach. Please don’t pick a high-end train like Rajdhani. Pick one of the lesser known trains.

This way you will have to learn to “manage”, and share seats. Your sitting down will depend on the kindness of others. You may find yourself constantly shifting from one place to another. Getting a place to sleep will be exceptionally tricky. If you are not so lucky you may have to stand for most of the journey.

You will get plenty of time for self-analysis and to be lost in thought. You all know what its like to sit at the window seat during a 20 minute bus journey. Now, imagine that lasting for about 24 hours. If you don’t have any luggage your mind will be free to wander. Keep a pen and paper on you in case you are the type of person who likes to jot down good ideas or thoughts that may end up be life altering.  However, if you do have luggage which you have to keep an eye on, that will make the journey all the more challenging.  

As for myself, I will be performing this ritual annually so that I am reminded to remain simple, considerate and cautious.

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Mumbai - City of Greatness

Mumbai is the financial capital of India. It is the most dynamic and energetic cities, not in in India, but also in the world. My friends who come to visit, always ask me why Mumbai is #madeofgreat and I tell them the three key features of Mumbai which are:

Drive: Mumbai City is also known as the City of Dreams. At the same time it is also known as the City which Never Sleeps.  It’s true that it’s a rat race here. People run from one place to the other, looking for opportunities. The reason the people of Mumbai hope big is because Mumbai is the city where even a person who starts as a tea-seller or gardener, can make it big. It’s like Abhishek Bachchan says in ‘Bunty aur Babli’ – if Dhirubhai Ambani, Ratan Tata, and Birla had been in Lucknow/Kanpur they'd be swatting flies in Ambani General Stores, Tata Flour Mills and Birla Tobacco Stall. Bombay... gave them the recognition they deserved.

Cuffe Parade Skyline
(Image taken from here.)

Design: Mumbai s beautiful. If you ever visit, make it a point to see the Cuffe Parade skyline at night. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a heritage structure. A free guided tour is available between 3 to 5 p.m. Let’s not forget that you can’t leave Mumbai without seeing the Gateway of India. Also, take the ferry at Colaba and go see the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, while you are at it. Although it's not a popular tourist destination, I recommend seeing the Bombay High Court as well. The architecture is really first-class. The Bandra–Worli Sea Link, though, comparatively new, has given the city a lot of class too.

(Image taken from here.)

Connect: Despite all the ambition and show, the city has a certain spirit. Everything and everyone in this city is connected. Mumbai is one big well-oiled machine and each person is a nut or a bolt, which helps it run. People say that Mumbai is crowded, and admittedly it is. But what they don’t notice is that the crowd is one force. There is a spirit of oneness which can only be felt, but cannot be explained. When calamity strikes, Mumbaikars come to each other’s aid, without even a second thought. This city has seen its fair share of disasters, but after everyone, the city has come out stronger and wiser. The railways and metros have connected us in terms of travel, but in terms of spirit we have always been connected, and that is what has made us the best city in the world.

It’s for these reasons that Mumbai is considered to be #made of great. In a way you can say what makes Mumbai great, is also what makes the vehicles of Tata Motors great. If you want to understand why, please go to: http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/

Comment below and please do share why you find Mumbai to be made of great.

How Mumbaikars Can Unwind in Mumbai

A vacation means going to an amazing destination to have fun and rejuvenate. People go to different countries to look for these destinations. But have you ever considered that there may be amazing vacation destinations in your own city? What if I told you that you didn’t have to travel more than just a couple of kilometres to unwind and relax? For example, I’m from Mumbai, and I’m not really fond of travelling. So if I needed to go to a place where I could completely refresh my mind and my body, I would pick one of these three hotels in Mumbai itself:

1) Svenska Mumbai , Mumbai

In middle of all the hustle and bustle in the city of Mumbai, you will find Svenska Mumbai, standing out. This hotel inspires peace and tranquillity. The staff is polite and bends over backwards to ensure that all your needs are met. The rooms are well designed and clean. One must not forget to go to Miro, the Mediterranean restaurant, to try their amazing wood fired grills. Do also enjoy a drink at the Miro Lounge. The Mesa Deli provides a huge range of flavoured and herbal teas.

Svenska Mumbai , Mumbai

For those who are coming from outside the city, Svenska provides facilities such as airport transfers in luxury sedans, currency exchange and sight-seeing. The concierge is extremely helpful. Of course, no vacation is complete without a visit to the spa or a swim in the swimming pool, and Svenska has one of the best spas and swimming pools.

2) Meluha The Fern , Mumbai

Not only is the Meluha The Fern, a great hotel, but if you want to go out for a bit, you will really enjoy yourself, since this hotel is located in one of the best areas in the city, i.e. Powai. The rooms are modern and spacious. The ambience relaxes you instantaneously. IF you look outside your window you will see wide green pastures. Trust me, you live here and you will forget who you are and where you are. Time comes to a halt and you feel serenity so divine that you think you have transcended into the heavens. It was never so easy to attain inner peace before.

Meluha The Fern , Mumbai

The restaurants, Tiara & Cesky are not only good to please your stomach, but also your ears. The combination of the food and the music is, for a lack of a better word, simply..... Wow!”

3) Waterstones Hotel , Mumbai

Waterstones Hotel , Mumbai

Another place to spend a great day, either alone or with your significant other,  in just the the swimming pool, spa and salon, is the Waterstones Hotel. If you are staying at the hotel with your soul mate, do take them to Waterstones Bar + Grill. The ambience, the food and the drinks, can really awaken a lot, if you know what I mean <wink>.  Do also try the Lobby Lounge, Moon Girl or The White Barn.

For a relaxing evening do try the Van Goghs, On The Rocks, or at the Room with a View.

What are you waiting for? Come join me for a vaction. Book a hotel right now. Click here.

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