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Thursday, December 20, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
Madhubani paintings
Madhubani paintings , also known as Mithila paintings.have their origin at Mithilanchal or Mithila region of state of Bihar. Traditionally these paintings were done by women of Madhubani and the nearby areas.The paintings were originally done on the kachcha walls ,mud walls of huts but now they have found expressions on various bases--handmade paper,pulp and even fabric.
Unlike other folk paintings Madhubani is found in various styles and traditionally each of these styles belong to particular caste /strata of society.Such as Bharni style was practiced by Brahmin community while Kachni was prevalent among business community or vaishya.Godana style was popular among the lower strata of society.
Themes of these folk paintings are basically religious.Various Hindu God ,Goddesses,anecdotes from their lives are the popular subject matters.Besides these images from nature such as sun,moon ,trees ,birds and animals also find their places in the paintings.Scenes from royal courts,social occasions like marriages/weddings are also depicted .
Traditionally only basic colors -red ,yellow,green ,blue,black and white were used.Even now Madhubani paintings set themselves apart due to their vibrant colors.Only herbal colors are used in these paintings.Different colors are obtained by different plants and trees.
Black color is made by adding soot to cow dung/burnt jwar /kajal.
Blue is obtained from indigo
Source of red color is Kusuma flower or sometimes red sandalwood.
Yellow is made by combining termuric and some times pollen grains with banana milk.
leaves of wood apple tree leaves,bilv leaf,saim creeper are used to extract green color.
Palash flowers are used for orange .
Rice flour provides the white color.
Twigs with cotton wrapped on the tips were used as brushes.
Few prominent characteristics of Madhubani paintings are that generally no empty space is left in whole of the frame. Space left after drawing the images is filled with leaves,flowers,birds or even various geometric designs and forms.
No shading of colors is displayed in these paintings.
Double line is drawn as border and the gap is filled with small horizontal lines or sometimes with small dots.
I have tried to make few paintings of Madhubani styles on my computer screen by using the basic paint and brush tool.Let us see how have I fared.
Unlike other folk paintings Madhubani is found in various styles and traditionally each of these styles belong to particular caste /strata of society.Such as Bharni style was practiced by Brahmin community while Kachni was prevalent among business community or vaishya.Godana style was popular among the lower strata of society.
Themes of these folk paintings are basically religious.Various Hindu God ,Goddesses,anecdotes from their lives are the popular subject matters.Besides these images from nature such as sun,moon ,trees ,birds and animals also find their places in the paintings.Scenes from royal courts,social occasions like marriages/weddings are also depicted .
Traditionally only basic colors -red ,yellow,green ,blue,black and white were used.Even now Madhubani paintings set themselves apart due to their vibrant colors.Only herbal colors are used in these paintings.Different colors are obtained by different plants and trees.
Black color is made by adding soot to cow dung/burnt jwar /kajal.
Blue is obtained from indigo
Source of red color is Kusuma flower or sometimes red sandalwood.
Yellow is made by combining termuric and some times pollen grains with banana milk.
leaves of wood apple tree leaves,bilv leaf,saim creeper are used to extract green color.
Palash flowers are used for orange .
Rice flour provides the white color.
Twigs with cotton wrapped on the tips were used as brushes.
Few prominent characteristics of Madhubani paintings are that generally no empty space is left in whole of the frame. Space left after drawing the images is filled with leaves,flowers,birds or even various geometric designs and forms.
No shading of colors is displayed in these paintings.
Double line is drawn as border and the gap is filled with small horizontal lines or sometimes with small dots.
I have tried to make few paintings of Madhubani styles on my computer screen by using the basic paint and brush tool.Let us see how have I fared.
 |
| Krishna in Bharani style |
 |
| Kachhani style tried by me.In this style usually light and subdued colors are chosen and the lines very fine. |
 | ||||
| Krishna Radha in Bharani style---In this style bright colors are used and the spaces are filled with colors. |
Monday, October 8, 2012
A journey within
Beyond the sky do I really need to look? They say heaven lies on the other
side but I was experiencing it here only.
The vast expanse of rocky terrain strewn with brown ,beige stones stretched unto the distant mountain ranges .A solitary white cloud gliding genially in deep blue sky between the purple mountains intensified the feeling of the vastness and the depth of space. The ripple less green blue water of the lake with its dazzling white banks sat quiet and peaceful as if in a meditative trance. The stretch of stillness spread from earth to sky. Space and solitude were my only companions. Suddenly at far off high point a colossal mass of dark, turbulent clouds swelled up, intimidating the radiance of colors spread around. The very next moment it dissipated into thin air transforming the surroundings magically. The gates of heaven were thrown open and a whole new world of brilliant colors was being created on the sky. The overwhelming magnificence at one moment and disappearing at another then creation of another dazzling sequence such was the suddenness of changing scenario that I felt like dreaming with open eyes. Rather I felt like being directly in His presence.
Standing at one point I was journeying through different planes. I have never ever felt such a greater sense of emancipation. Some where inside me as if shackles were being broken- the negation, the prejudices, the expectations, the fears The sense of my smallness on the face of such spectacular vastness ,such majestic grandeur gave birth to a new kind of humility, a humility borne by complete surrender .,a humility which leads to inner courage, courage to accept one’s weaknesses, to shoulder the responsibility of failures. I slowly sank on my knees. Once again the landscape changed .Soft dreamy fog filled the space obliterating the difference between invisible heights and bottomless depths. The air stood still as if in deep veneration. The fog silently closed in around me. I felt secured like in womb. Slowly I closed my eyes and tried to feel Him through all my senses.
He was guiding me beyond the present horizon. From the temple in the valley the deep vibrating sound of bells reached me .It was as if a call from deep downs the earth to the sky overhead, a call from darkness to the light. Light that surmounts all fears of evanescence.
The sky now was bathed in the glory of setting sun. The departing rays of
the day had broken through the clouds dispelling all the gloom. The landscape
was flooded with soft golden hues .The depths, the slopes, the heights all were
sunlit. Few dark clouds still persisted above the Rocky
Mountains but now and then they were lit up with lightening.
The vast expanse of rocky terrain strewn with brown ,beige stones stretched unto the distant mountain ranges .A solitary white cloud gliding genially in deep blue sky between the purple mountains intensified the feeling of the vastness and the depth of space. The ripple less green blue water of the lake with its dazzling white banks sat quiet and peaceful as if in a meditative trance. The stretch of stillness spread from earth to sky. Space and solitude were my only companions. Suddenly at far off high point a colossal mass of dark, turbulent clouds swelled up, intimidating the radiance of colors spread around. The very next moment it dissipated into thin air transforming the surroundings magically. The gates of heaven were thrown open and a whole new world of brilliant colors was being created on the sky. The overwhelming magnificence at one moment and disappearing at another then creation of another dazzling sequence such was the suddenness of changing scenario that I felt like dreaming with open eyes. Rather I felt like being directly in His presence.
Standing at one point I was journeying through different planes. I have never ever felt such a greater sense of emancipation. Some where inside me as if shackles were being broken- the negation, the prejudices, the expectations, the fears The sense of my smallness on the face of such spectacular vastness ,such majestic grandeur gave birth to a new kind of humility, a humility borne by complete surrender .,a humility which leads to inner courage, courage to accept one’s weaknesses, to shoulder the responsibility of failures. I slowly sank on my knees. Once again the landscape changed .Soft dreamy fog filled the space obliterating the difference between invisible heights and bottomless depths. The air stood still as if in deep veneration. The fog silently closed in around me. I felt secured like in womb. Slowly I closed my eyes and tried to feel Him through all my senses.
He was guiding me beyond the present horizon. From the temple in the valley the deep vibrating sound of bells reached me .It was as if a call from deep downs the earth to the sky overhead, a call from darkness to the light. Light that surmounts all fears of evanescence.
I smiled reassuringly darkness is bound to be there but so
should be the battle against it. With renewed faith I started my journey back .
I need not look beyond the sky, I have
my heaven within.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Bird diary--2
We all read a lot about the rapidly decreasing number of the little chirpy sparrows.There was a time not very long back when this bird practically lived with us in our homes.Early in the morning their flock picking on the grains in the open courtyard used to be a common site but now they appear to be on the verge of extinction.
We are aware of the problem and we want to bring them back in our lives, in our homes. Thought provoking sessions, discussions are being conducted at various levels to determine the reasons of the sparrows flying away from our lives, our vicinities. I think the two very obvious reasons are ---shrinking of the open spaces in our homes and non availability of large quantity of the whole grains in our homes.
From my childhood I remember sparrows in large number landing in the open area in home and picking on the grains .These grains were not specially sprinkled to feed them but were scattered there the previous day during the various activities of cleaning, washing and drying of the wheat, pulses and grams extra. They were never awry of human presence around them and used to leave after eating their share. During day time also few of them were seen flitting in and out but specially those who had their eggs/kids in the nests on near by trees. The co-existence was mutually fulfilling.'aangan me gauraiya' birds in the courtyard was considered a good omen indicating that the house has enough storage of grains for the family members as well as the guests. Now due to our changed life style, we lead a shuttered existence, living in boxes and eating out of packets does not leave much scope for our winged friends entering our lives and homes. The climatic changes, pollution, changing sky lines of ever increasing cityscape, receding greenery.....there are many reasons for the sparrows to fly away in search of a better and more open place for themselves.
Number of sparrows visiting our terrace has also gone down considerably. A few months back there came about 10 to 15 sparrows together to eat the millet kept for them.while three or four sat on the pot eating others perched on the railing of terrace in a queue as if waiting for there turn but for last few days only a pair visit us in the morning.Where have all of them gone? I feel the disturbance caused due to white washing and painting might have compelled them to fly away. Did they miss the usual quiet and peace? have they sensed the unfamiliar presence? Whatever may be the reason we sorely miss their chorus of chirping. Besides that sparrows have a way to be part of your life.We usually put the grains in the pot quite early in the morning but if at all we missed it or were late in getting up, they used to sit on the wire in a row and started calling with such insistence that we have to rush out to cater to their rightful demand.
Today 22.05.12 no birds came except this pair of sparrow. Is it the pair who now a days frequents the nest in the open space in front of our kitchen.? can't say .But at least it's presence keeps the hope alive.
The pair of sparrow......our regular visitor......
We are aware of the problem and we want to bring them back in our lives, in our homes. Thought provoking sessions, discussions are being conducted at various levels to determine the reasons of the sparrows flying away from our lives, our vicinities. I think the two very obvious reasons are ---shrinking of the open spaces in our homes and non availability of large quantity of the whole grains in our homes.
From my childhood I remember sparrows in large number landing in the open area in home and picking on the grains .These grains were not specially sprinkled to feed them but were scattered there the previous day during the various activities of cleaning, washing and drying of the wheat, pulses and grams extra. They were never awry of human presence around them and used to leave after eating their share. During day time also few of them were seen flitting in and out but specially those who had their eggs/kids in the nests on near by trees. The co-existence was mutually fulfilling.'aangan me gauraiya' birds in the courtyard was considered a good omen indicating that the house has enough storage of grains for the family members as well as the guests. Now due to our changed life style, we lead a shuttered existence, living in boxes and eating out of packets does not leave much scope for our winged friends entering our lives and homes. The climatic changes, pollution, changing sky lines of ever increasing cityscape, receding greenery.....there are many reasons for the sparrows to fly away in search of a better and more open place for themselves.
Number of sparrows visiting our terrace has also gone down considerably. A few months back there came about 10 to 15 sparrows together to eat the millet kept for them.while three or four sat on the pot eating others perched on the railing of terrace in a queue as if waiting for there turn but for last few days only a pair visit us in the morning.Where have all of them gone? I feel the disturbance caused due to white washing and painting might have compelled them to fly away. Did they miss the usual quiet and peace? have they sensed the unfamiliar presence? Whatever may be the reason we sorely miss their chorus of chirping. Besides that sparrows have a way to be part of your life.We usually put the grains in the pot quite early in the morning but if at all we missed it or were late in getting up, they used to sit on the wire in a row and started calling with such insistence that we have to rush out to cater to their rightful demand.
Today 22.05.12 no birds came except this pair of sparrow. Is it the pair who now a days frequents the nest in the open space in front of our kitchen.? can't say .But at least it's presence keeps the hope alive.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Our Birds diary--1
On this particular morning, a pair of Bulbul came to our terrace at around 6 A.M.They first landed on the telephone wire running parallel and quite near to our terrace.One thing, I have noticed about Bulbuls, they always come flying in pairs. After a careful watch, they landed near the pot of grains albeit one at a time. In the mean time, the other one was, as if keeping the vigil. Today the pot has two varieties of food--one the usual millet and other Laiya.We saw that Bulbul preferred Laiya while we have observed that sparrows invariably love to feed on millets.
Today morning we had other visitors also.We were not able to click the pics of all the varieties of birds but the morning was filled with different kinds of notes and was musically vibrant.
There was this tiny dark chocolate coloured bird. Midst the crisscross running mesh of electric and telephone wires, this little one would have been almost invisible if not for it's shrill yet sweet call. She came late, around 7.30 A.M. In fact I was not even out on the terrace but was reading newspaper inside. Her call made me come out. At first I was not able to locate it but later on was able to track it near the electric pole midst the wires. She sat there for few minutes as if calling and waiting for someone then flew away spreading it's tiny feathers. At a distance she was just like a dot but her voice reverberated through the area for quite a long time.
Early in the morning also came the birds with white and black feathers. I feel they have made their nest inside the tin box installed on the pole by T.V. cable suppliers. Mynas and these white and black birds have some issue of proprietorship over this box or the birds have their little ones in the box and Mynas try to harm them ,is not very clear to us but we often see them fighting near that box. Today also, as a pair of Mynas came and sat on the wire near the box, these birds came flying and tried to attack them in an effort to move them away from the place.We did not have our camera ready at that time hence could not shoot the scene. The surprising part is that neither that bird nor Mynas regularly come to that place. May be they have some other issues to settle or the birds have zeroed in on that box as their nesting place.We have observed that these birds choose box kind of structure for laying their eggs.Once earlier also, last year when the ground floor of our home was not occupied, a pair of this bird made their home for laying the eggs in the main electric meter box. On other occasions also we have observed these birds frequenting in and out of the boxes of cables on the electric poles.
I have to search for the names of these birds. Today almost every variety which we see in our locality was seen near our home. These winged creatures fill our days with melodies and colours and what an inexplicable joy is to watch them engaged in different activities.They too have their own world full of all kinds of emotions, actions, needs and responsibilities.
White Browed Wagtail.....this perhaps is the name of the bird I refer here as black and white bird .While searching on net I found one picture of the bird similar to the bird I talked about and the blog writer referred it by this name. But we shall try to click the bird and then confirm it's name.
All the pics by Sunder Iyer.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The seven days of a week
As per Shiv Puran Lord Shiva created seven days at the very onset of the creation of universe.
The first day i.e. Sunday is the day of Lord Shiva himself and the master planet of this day is Sun.Sun provides health..{Prior to this I was under the impression that Monday is the day of Shiva}.
The second day i.e. Monday is the day of Lord Shiva's Maya Shakti{ Aadi Shakti,feminine part arising from the self conciousness of supreme} and the master of this day is moon.Moon provides prosperity.
The third ,Tuesday is Kumar's day. Mangal is the master of this day and the day is for eradicating deceases .Ailments since birth can be cured by worshiping the day.
Fourth day ,Wednesday is the day of Bhagwan Vishnu.Wednesday is governed by Buddh. Lord Shiva created this day with the purpose of extirpating sins , lethargy , inertia and all round well-being of whole universe..Buddh provides vigor.
Then followed Thursday, the day devoted to Brahma ji and governed by Brihaspati. Brihaspati bestows long life span.[I thought Brihaspati is lord of wisdom.]
After creating the universe ,ensuring it's growth,formulating the rules of divine -law and transgression from the divine law, Lord Shiva created two days to bestow the results of the karmas-----the days of Indra and Yama i.e. Shukra and Shani.....Friday and Saturday.Friday is the day of carnal pleasures and enjoyment while Shani dispels the fear of death.Friday ,the day of Indra is also ruled by sun.
Shani 
Shukra graha
chandra graha 
Buddha graha
Brihaspati Graha 
Surya Graha
Mangal Graha
pictures from net
The first day i.e. Sunday is the day of Lord Shiva himself and the master planet of this day is Sun.Sun provides health..{Prior to this I was under the impression that Monday is the day of Shiva}.
The second day i.e. Monday is the day of Lord Shiva's Maya Shakti{ Aadi Shakti,feminine part arising from the self conciousness of supreme} and the master of this day is moon.Moon provides prosperity.
The third ,Tuesday is Kumar's day. Mangal is the master of this day and the day is for eradicating deceases .Ailments since birth can be cured by worshiping the day.
Fourth day ,Wednesday is the day of Bhagwan Vishnu.Wednesday is governed by Buddh. Lord Shiva created this day with the purpose of extirpating sins , lethargy , inertia and all round well-being of whole universe..Buddh provides vigor.
Then followed Thursday, the day devoted to Brahma ji and governed by Brihaspati. Brihaspati bestows long life span.[I thought Brihaspati is lord of wisdom.]
After creating the universe ,ensuring it's growth,formulating the rules of divine -law and transgression from the divine law, Lord Shiva created two days to bestow the results of the karmas-----the days of Indra and Yama i.e. Shukra and Shani.....Friday and Saturday.Friday is the day of carnal pleasures and enjoyment while Shani dispels the fear of death.Friday ,the day of Indra is also ruled by sun.
Shani Shukra grahachandra graha Buddha grahaBrihaspati Graha Surya Graha Mangal Grahapictures from net
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