Mrinal Chatterjee
Come Shravan, the second month of the rainy season, and one can see tens of thousands of men, women even kids walking barefoot with a kanwad (in Odia it is called Bahungi; a pole, usually made of bamboo with strings at both ends for carrying things) towards Shiva Temples in Eastern Indian states like Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar; and towards holy rivers in North Indian States like UP, Haryana, Uttarakhand. This is called Kanwad Yatra. In Odisha it is called 'Bolbom' Yatra.
Observed during the month of Shravan, devotees worship Lord Shiva during the month of Sawan, and those who bring Kanwars, are known as Kanwariyas. In Eastern Indian states, the kanwariyas carry holy water from sacred rivers to Shiva temples. The devotees believe that presenting the holy water to Lord Shiva during the month of Shravan bestows blessings and spiritual benefits.
There are several stories from mythology about the genesis of this yatra. One such story is about Guru Parshuram. Parshuram, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, started his first Kanwar Yatra during Shravan month. He offered gangajal to Shivlingam on Trayodashi Tithi. Since then, this practice has been carried on by the saints who religiously follow Lord Shiva.
According to another story, it was during sawan Samudra Manthan (churning of the sea) was done. Many things emerged from the sea including poison. It was Lord Shiva who partook the poison and kept it in this throat (thus came the epithet- Nilakanth- Bluethroat) to save others. It was Ravan, the Devil King who offered Lord Shiva water from holy Ganga to reduce the toxicity of the poison kept in his pharynx. After Ravan, everyone made the same offer. Thus started a yatra to offer water to Lord Shiva.
The Kanwad Yatra, in recent years have grown manifold in size, creating huge traffic and other civic inconveniences, which needs to be addressed.
Songs on Rain in Indian Cinema
After Vasanth (Spring), Barsha (Rain) is the most celebrated season in Indian literature and different art forms including painting and music. In Indian classical music there are ragas for almost each season. For rain we have meghamallahara. While spring in India is short-lived, rain has a longer presence. It also evokes more varied emotions; and these emotions got expression through songs in different parts of the country in different languages: from longing for rain for a parched land (Allah megh de pani de in Bengali, O God, give us rain, give us water), to celebration as it arrives (megha barashila tupuru, tupuru in Odia or ghanana ghanana ghir aye barsha in Hindi).
In Indian cinema (As well as world cinema, and in theatre) rain has served as a backdrop to sync with the mood of the narrative. It also served as a powerful narrative device that enhances the storytelling. However, in Indian cinema, rain-songs have done more than that. Whether it's portraying romance, drama, or renewal, rain-songs bring a unique charm and emotional depth to Indian cinema. These songs continue to resonate with audiences, making rainy days synonymous with some of the most cherished moments in Indian film history.
Rain is often associated with romance in Bollywood. Songs like "Pyaar Hua Iqrar Hua" from Shree 420 (1955) encapsulate the timeless charm of lovers sharing an umbrella, symbolizing unity and intimacy amidst the downpour. The rain in such songs acts as a natural veil, adding a layer of sensuality and closeness. In songs like "Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein" from Ajnabee (1974), rain represents playful romance, with lovers teasing and dancing in the rain. These sequences capture the joy and spontaneity of young love, making the scenes delightful and memorable. Songs like "Tip Tip Barsa Pani" from Mohra (1994) showcase rain as a symbol of sensuality. The chemistry between the actors is heightened by the rain, creating an atmosphere of allure and passion. The visuals of rain-soaked clothes and the intimacy of the moment make these sequences iconic.
Rain in Bengali and Odia film songs often sets the stage for romance. Songs like "Dhire Dhire Bhijigala" from Suna Chadhei (1993) depict lovers sharing tender moments in the rain. The rain adds an element of intimacy and magic, making the romance more palpable and poetic. In songs such as "Ei Megha Ei Brishti" from Paradesi Babu (1999), rain also evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing. The melody and visuals of rain-soaked landscapes remind the characters and the audience of cherished memories, creating an emotional connection that transcends time. Rain is also used to express deep emotions in Indian cinema. In "Aaji Mun Shrabani Tume" from the Odia film I Love You (2005), the rain symbolizes the protagonist's inner turmoil and emotional struggle. The melancholic tune coupled with the downpour reflects the character's sorrow and contemplation, adding a profound layer to the narrative.
Rain is also used to depict emotional release and introspection. In "Zindagi Bhar Nahin Bhoolegi" from Barsaat Ki Raat (1960), the relentless rain mirrors the characters' sorrow and longing, emphasizing their emotional turmoil. The rain becomes a metaphor for tears, washing away pain and bringing solace.
Paris Olympics
Paris Olympics would be underway by the time you read this. This is the third time the French capital is hosting the Summer Olympics.
Sports fans can look forward to new events making their debut, including breakdancing, which reflects the Games' effort to attract a younger audience. Traditional Olympic sports will also see stunning backdrops; for instance, beach volleyball will be played at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, and equestrian events will take place at the historic Palace of Versailles.
The Paris Olympics 2024 holds significant promise and excitement for India, a nation with a growing presence in international sports. India's participation in the Paris Games will be marked by high expectations and aspirations, as the country aims to build on its performance from previous Olympics and strive for a greater medal tally.
India's athletes will compete across a diverse range of sports, with hopes pinned on disciplines where the country has traditionally excelled, such as shooting, boxing, wrestling, badminton, and athletics. The performance of Indian athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where they secured a record seven medals, including a historic gold in men's javelin throw by Neeraj Chopra, has ignited a wave of optimism and renewed focus on sports development in the country.
Moreover, the Paris Olympics will witness the participation of Indian athletes in newer sports, such as skateboarding and surfing, as the country expands its horizons and encourages talent in emerging disciplines.
Tram in Christchurch
There was a tram stop right in front of the Convention Hall in which the IAMCR conference was held in Christchurch, New Zealand. I have travelled on a tram in Kolkata, the only city in India, where it is still operational though at a limited scale as a form of public transport.
Tram in Christchurch is smaller, prettier and used mostly for tourists to explore the city and its historical monuments and places. The Christchurch Tramway is a heritage tram system that winds its way through the city's central business district, combining sightseeing with a sense of nostalgia.
Christchurch's tramway history dates back to the early 20th century when trams were a primary mode of public transport. The original electric tram network operated from 1905 (in Kolkata electric tram started plying from 1902) until 1954. In 1995, the city revived the tram system as a tourist attraction, preserving and celebrating its rich heritage. The current tramway route is approximately 2.5 kilometers long and features 17 stops, allowing passengers to hop on and off at key attractions and landmarks.
Riding the tram is a delightful experience, offering a unique perspective of Christchurch's diverse architecture, gardens, and vibrant cultural scene. The route takes passengers past significant sites such as the Canterbury Museum, the Arts Centre, Hagley Park, and the Avon River. The tram carriages are meticulously restored vintage vehicles, providing a comfortable and authentic journey reminiscent of a bygone era.
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This is the personal opinion of the author. The views expressed in this write-up have nothing to do with www.prameyanews.com.
