The Grand Naubat Darwaza in Aurangabad (officially Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar)

Standing as a silent sentinel, the grand Naubat Darwaza in Aurangabad (officially Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar) served as a majestic entrance to Qila-e-Ark Fort. Known as the "City of Gates," Aurangabad's rich past is evident in its historical gateways. Though time has taken its toll, several, including the Naubat Darwaza, still stand as a testament to this legacy. Built around 1682 in the Mughal style, the Naubat Darwaza witnessed the arrival of Emperor Aurangzeb and his commanders.

"Naubat" translates to the ceremonial playing of music, including drums and shehnai, often accompanied by showers of flowers. This grand entrance reflects its significance, welcoming dignitaries and marking special occasions.

#NaubatDarwaza #NaubatGate #Aurangabad #ChhatrapatiSambhajiNagar #CityOfGates #QilaeArk #Trivia #Maharashtra #India #IncredibleIndia

Campa Cola !!!

The other day, wandering through the supermarket aisles, a familiar sight stopped me cold: rows of Campa Cola bottles basking in the fluorescent glow. Instantly, I was whisked away to those childhood summers filled with the satisfying and refreshing taste of Campa Cola. Remember the tagline? "The Great Indian Taste" - pure nostalgia! 😊 While I haven't tried the relaunched Campa Cola yet (since its revival in 2023), seeing these bottles has me itching to grab one and relive those happy memories. Hope the Magic is Still Alive. And speaking of Magic and Nostalgia, here's a trip down memory lane - a couple of vintage Campa Cola commercials! [https://youtu.be/kGCdITXAWVY]

#Nostalgia #CampaCola #TheGreatIndianTaste

Where Faiths Collide: A Unique Mumbai Shrine

Have you ever come across a place of worship that blends elements of different religions? In Mumbai's Worli neighborhood, there's a unique shrine that does just that. It features a crucifix, bas-reliefs of Christ and the Madonna, and even a sign that reads "Jai Siddhibaba."

The story behind this shrine is fascinating. Originally built as a Christian shrine, it has since been merged with a small temple dedicated to Siddhibaba, a local sage. This amalgamation reflects the city's diverse religious landscape and the harmonious coexistence of various faiths.

The shrine is believed to be particularly powerful, attracting devotees from all walks of life. It serves as a testament to Mumbai's rich cultural heritage and its acceptance of diverse religious practices.

A Memoir of the Future ~ Scenes from the Unfinished Film by Kumar Shahani. 1983.

The world of psychoanalyst Wilfred R. Bion unfolds in Kumar Shahani's unfinished film, "A Memoir of the Future ~ Scenes from the Unfinished Film." Watch the unrestored, unedited rushes captured in 1983, offering a unique glimpse into Bion's fascinating world || https://youtu.be/p5wvDIIv6tM ||.

In an insightful interview, Shahani shares Bion's profound worldview, drawing parallels to the symbolic representation of Kali and delving into Bion's exploration of archetypes, mythology, and dreams. Bion's quest for knowledge and his examination of group behavior lie at the core of this cinematic endeavor.

Inspired by his friend Udayan Patel's passion for Bion's work, Shahani embarked on this cinematic journey, envisioning it as a fantasy rooted in Bion's rich legacy. Despite Bion's reluctance towards film and drama, Shahani's dedication to portraying his life and ideas shines through.

Unravel the mysteries of Bion's mind and the creative process behind this ambitious film. Further reading about the project's evolution, from a short documentary to a feature film, will help explore why it remains unfinished to this day || https://www.artlit.info/pdfs/BIon_Memoir_Intro.pdf ||.

A world where reality and mysticism intertwine; experience what Shahani had described, 'The film is visualized as a fantasy.'

#AMemoirOfTheFuture #KumarShahani #WilfredRBion

Ameen Sayani: The Voice That Shaped My and Your Childhood

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As the news of Ameen Sayani's passing sinks in, it feels like a floodgate of memories has opened, flooding my mind with nostalgia. When I was growing up, his voice was always there, spinning tales of music and melody through the radio waves. One of my fondest memories was tuning in to hear the captivating stories behind the songs on Binaca Geet Mala.

Ameen Sayani wasn't just a voice on the radio; he was the soundtrack of our childhood, a gentle presence that filled our homes with warmth and joy. His storytelling skills were unmatched, effortlessly whisking us away to a world where every song had a story and every lyric had a deeper meaning.

Listening to Binaca Geet Mala was like embarking on a musical journey guided by Ameen Sayani's soothing voice. Each episode was a treasure trove of melodies, nostalgia, and trivia, forging a connection between listeners and the songs that transcended time.

As we say goodbye to Ameen Sayani, we also bid farewell to an era of innocence and simplicity, where the radio was more than just a device; it was a gateway to another world, where dreams were woven from the threads of melody. Though his voice may have faded from the airwaves, it will forever echo in the halls of our memories, reminding us of a time when life was simpler, and music was pure magic. Rest in peace, dear Ameen Sayani. Your voice will continue to resonate in our hearts forever. And thank you for making our childhood truly awesome.

A Journey Through Chor Bazaar, Mumbai: 2024 Edition

The relentless heat of the scorching sun mirrored the emptiness that stretched before me as I entered Chor Bazaar—a stark departure from the bustling scenes I remembered. Gone were the usual throngs of bargain hunters, replaced by an unsettling silence that hung heavy in the air. Even the shopkeepers, usually poised expectantly, seemed to wilt under the oppressive sun, their stalls casting long, lonely shadows across the deserted lanes.

Originally known as Shor Bazaar for its bustling and noisy ambiance, the market's transformation into Chor Bazaar by the British, unable to pronounce "Shor" correctly, adds another layer to its storied history.

During my exploration, I encountered a poignant moment: a man resting on a chair under the unforgiving sun, patiently awaiting customers amidst the quietude of the market.

Chor Bazaar finds itself in a state of flux, straddling the line between its storied past and the uncertain promises of its future. While weathered stalls and dusty lanes may soon give way to gleaming facades and polished sidewalks, the hope for the enduring magic of Chor Bazaar remains steadfast.

Will the cacophony return, or will the sun's silence become its new normal? As I left the market, the question lingered, echoing in the quiet streets long after the heat had faded.

Gomira ~ Enchanting Mask Dance of Bengal

The 'Gomira Kali Mask' showcased at a handicraft fair in Kolkata is a mesmerizing sight, seemingly infused with life itself. It stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of West Bengal, crafted by skilled artisans from the indigenous communities. Inspired by the animistic traditions of the Rajbongshi community in Kushmandi, Dakshin Dinajpur district, these masks hold a legacy that some believe dates back to the dawn of 'Kali Yuga'.

The Gomira dance, accompanied by these enchanting masks, is an invocation of the forces of good, a rhythmic homage performed by villagers to safeguard against evil and invoke blessings for prosperity and protection. Adorned with masks such as Bura-Buri, Bagh, or Chamunda Kali, the dancers serve as conduits for ancient rituals, weaving tradition into every movement.

The name "Gomira" likely finds its roots in 'Gamar', the wood predominantly used in crafting these masks. It symbolizes the enduring power of storytelling through art and dance, reminiscent of the esteemed "Chhau" tradition.

A fictional conversation between Hiralal Sen and Guru Dutt.

A fictional conversation between Hiralal Sen and Guru Dutt.

Hiralal Sen: Can you believe it? All my films, every single one of them, destroyed in a fire accident. Years of work vanished in an instant.

Guru Dutt: I can only imagine the pain you must feel. Your films were your legacy, your passion. But sometimes, from the ashes, something new can rise.

Hiralal Sen: It's hard to see it that way. I poured my heart and soul into those films. And now they're just... memories.

Guru Dutt: I know it's difficult. But think about the essence of your creations. They may be lost physically, but their spirit, their influence, lives on. Your pioneering efforts paved the way for all of us who followed in your footsteps.

Hiralal Sen: You may be right. I must find solace in that thought. But it still hurts.

Guru Dutt: I understand. But remember the words of that song from my film, "Jala do isey, phoonk daalo yeh duniya" – "Set it ablaze, consign this world to the flames." Sometimes, letting go of the material is the only way to find true freedom.

[Hiralal Sen and Guru Dutt smile and slowly walk away into oblivion.]

by Arin Paul.

#Fictional #Imagination #Conversation #HiralalSen #GuruDutt

A Journey Through Bengal's Artistic Heritage: 150 Years of Bengali Cartoon with The 2023 Table Calendar

In the quiet December breeze of 2022, we found ourselves strolling through the timeless Jorasanko Thakur Bari, delving into the cultural mosaic of Bengal. A detour from the bustling Marble Palace led us to the Udayshankar Hall, an unassuming space that held within it the magic of the unexpected – the Cartoon Mela organised by CartoonDol Kolkata, coinciding with the profound celebration of '150 Years of Bangla Cartoon.'

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Within the hall, amidst the echoes of artistic expression, we wandered through a visual journey showcasing Bengal's cartooning legacy. Each stroke on the canvas of humor felt like a whispered story from the past, and as our eyes met the lively sketches, we stumbled upon an array of memorabilia – books, posters, and the 2023 table calendar.

As we carefully turned the pages of the calendar, each month unfurled tales from Bengal's cartooning heritage. It wasn't just a calendar; it became a companion on a contemplative journey through laughter, satire, and the profound artistry that defines Bengal.

This unexpected sojourn, not only enriched our day but also set the stage for our very own 'Cartoon Chronicles.' It was more than an exhibition; it was a poignant reminder of the beauty that emerges when history and creativity blend, creating a bridge to cultural richness that resonates deep within us.