Papa, I saw Ganga.

Papa, I saw Ganga Diya Chandak

Design and Concept by Diya Chandak Year of Publication 2023 Copyrights © 2023 by Diya Chandak No part of this document may be reported or transmitted in any form without the permission from the author.

For copyright enquiries contact: Diya Chandak Phone number : +91 7558551701 Email : chandakdiya1907@gmail.com Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology.

Papa, I saw Ganga Dedicated to my dad and his wish to see Ganga.

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Nestled along the serene Ganga, Varanasi unfolds its tale of magic. The river, a wise storyteller, whispers of times gone by. Yet, in this bustling city, where every step feels like a dance, my adventure began in a 6-seater rickshaw, a vibrant chariot navigating the maze of gallis.

Decked in tassels and hand paintings, our rickshaw was a rolling masterpiece. The driver, an artist of the streets, treated it like a cherished friend. With every jolt and bump, our ride became a thrilling escapade, dodging obstacles like daring heroes.

Amidst the symphony of honks and laughter, Varanasi enveloped me in its beautiful chaos. The rickshaw, a whimsical companion, led me through the narrow lanes, each turn revealing a new secret. In this city where even a ride is a grand spectacle, I felt the heartbeat of Varanasi in every twist and turn.

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As I strolled through the lanes of Varanasi, it was like stepping into a living storybook. The buildings, standing tall and proud, whispered tales of times long ago. Each wooden door, with its intricate details, seemed to have a secret to share. The temples, adorned with sculptures, echoed with the soft chime of bells, as if inviting me to join their ancient dance.

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Every shop, every shopkeeper, and every window along the way had a unique story waiting to unfold. The road beneath my feet felt like a magical path, guiding me through scenes of history painted in vibrant hues. Varanasi, I realized, is not just a city; it's a treasure trove of stories, where the past and present waltz together in a dance of beauty and heritage.

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Wandering through the lively lanes of Varanasi, I discovered a treasure trove of yummy surprises – the famous street food! Each bite was like a delicious chapter in a tale of flavors, crafted with love by the smiling vendors. Forget fancy hotels; the real magic happened in the small roadside shops.

I embarked on a taste adventure with the samosa chat – hot, flavorful, and a crispy-soft dance on my taste buds. The bhaji, bursting with spicy goodness, carried an aromatic charm. The lassi was a cool, refreshing hug, and oh, the mallaiyo! This unique Varanasi delight, sweet with hints of kesar and pista, was a light and lovely dream.

In every mouthful, I felt a connection, Papa, remembering how you loved exploring new flavors. Varanasi's street food was not just a treat for my taste buds; it was a heartwarming journey filled with the joy of discovery, just like the memories of our food adventures together.

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Remembering how you adored wooden treasures, Papa, I discovered a magical world in Varanasi – a land of wooden toys! Picture this: a toy emporium bursting with colors and joy. The hand-painted toys were like tiny masterpieces, each detail a symphony of vibrant hues.

In this wonderland, wooden auto-rickshaws, trucks, and cycles stood tall, telling stories of the bustling streets of Varanasi. The bells adorned with floral paintings and wind chimes dancing in the breeze added a musical touch to the air. Creatures from the forest, like wise owls and majestic elephants, joined the parade of wooden wonders.

But the real showstoppers were the Russian dolls, wearing the traditional Varanasi style like a magical cloak. Each one a miniature masterpiece, they whispered tales of faraway lands. Papa, I wished you were here to share in the enchantment of Varanasi's wooden dreams, just as you did with me in our home.

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Varanasi and Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh are renowned for their exquisite wooden lacquer ware and toys, showcasing designs that harmonize with the natural veins of the wood. Crafted without joints, these toys are not only attractive but also provide safe playthings for children. The skilled craftsmen, proud members of the Kunder Kharadi Samaj, consider this craft integral to their lives. A fascinating tradition unfolds, where the addition of a new lathe accompanies the birth of a child. Marriages involve a unique ritual – the bride-to-be is acquainted with the lathe, emphasizing the craft's significance.

Varanasi, once the epicenter of toy production in India, preserves this ancient craft. Wooden creations depicting birds, animals, musicians, and dance ensembles are carefully arranged in charming boxes. As I roamed through the shop, each toy spoke volumes about its history and craftsmanship, artistry. Every piece held a unique tale, a testament to the beauty and cultural legacy of Varanasi's wooden craft.

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In the heart of Varanasi, a city steeped in devotion and ancient tales, stands the Kashi Vishwanath temple, a realm dedicated to Lord Shiva, the revered ruler of this sacred land. As I stepped into this marvel, memories of you, Papa, and your deep love for temples flooded my thoughts.

The temple, a masterpiece of beauty, echoed with the hum of worship and the gentle murmur of prayers. It held the essence of Varanasi's spiritual soul, a place where devotion blossomed like the lotus in a pond. Every step I took, I missed you a little more, yearning to share this sacred space with you.

In the hushed halls of Kashi Vishwanath, I followed your temple's ancient walls. I prayed not for things, but with a heart full of gratitude, just as you taught me. It became a memory etched in my soul, a story I'll carry forever – the day I walked in the footsteps of devotion, guided by the love you left behind.

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Embarking on a boat ride along the mighty Ganga, I entered a realm of timeless tales and enchanting ghats in Varanasi. The river, a storyteller of the ages, unfolded the city's history with every gentle wave. As the boat glided, ancient temples, palaces, and centuries-old structures whispered stories etched in the riverbank's embrace.

The hues of the ghats painted a warm tapestry against the backdrop of the cold breeze, a captivating contradiction. Each ghat bore a unique significance – Tulsi Ghat, where Tulsidas penned the Ramayana, and Manikarninaka Ghat, where souls find liberation through cremation.

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The colors danced around me, weaving a vibrant symphony.

Recalling your words, Papa, about the serene beauty of Varanasi and the Ganga, I felt the peace you promised with every ripple beneath the boat. The river became a mirror reflecting stories of the past and whispers of the present. Each jolt of the boat etched a memory in my soul, a testament to the timeless serenity of the Ganga and the enchanting beauty of Varanasi.

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The moment I witnessed the Ganga Arti was a chapter etched in the storybook of my life, never to be forgotten. The crowd hummed with devotion, each "Har Har Mahadev" echoing across the expanse of the mighty Ganga. The air was thick with spiritual fervor as the priests, with graceful precision, conducted the puja.The crescendo of the Arti, marked by a towering array of glowing diyas, became a spectacle of unparalleled beauty. In that sacred moment, I felt a presence beside me – as if you, Papa, were standing there, sharing the awe of this captivating ritual.

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With each step, I sensed a gentle hand holding mine, leading me through the beauty he had yearned to witness. The ancient city unfolded before me, and in its kaleidoscope of colors, I felt intimately connected to him. It was as if he saw through my eyes, experiencing Varanasi's splendor in a way only the heart can understand.

As I stood before the sacred Ganga, I whispered, "Papa, I saw Ganga," knowing he shared this moment with me in spirit. In the symphony of the city, his presence lingered, a silent guide through the labyrinth of life. Though unseen, he held my hand, a reassuring touch echoing through time, forever a part of my journey.

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Embark on a soul-stirring journey through the ancient city of Varanasi, a heartfelt ode to my late father. Discover the enchanting tapestry of culture, history, and heritage woven into its sacred ghats. Unveil the artistry of Varanasi's wooden toys, each tale a testament to craftsmanship. A poetic tribute, capturing the essence of this timeless city, shared through the lens of my experience.