I am back from my long vacation and it’s a great relief to have taken this break. The pleasant weather of Nasik has rejuvenated me to take on bigger things in life which I am expecting to be coming my way in the next days (or weeks). The salient feature of this current visit was the discovery of a vibrant and a youthful Nasik city, especially elating for me because Nasik is claimed to be a pilgrimage hot spot in India. The 3M syndrome seems to have finally hit this sleepy city now – the Malls, the multiplexes and McDonald’s, identifiable with the true blue globalized economy of India. Not to mention the other ‘M’ – the powerful Middle-class which was seen shopping at various places and thronging the streets for the Diwali celebrations. So thank god for not making me visit the Godavari ghats and the shrines this time around. BTW, you can view some of my favorite shots from the recent trip here.
Nasik
My Diwali 2005
It has become a routine affair for me and I have sort of given it my full support. I escape from all the cacophony & smoke of Mumbai to my hideout in the tranquil arms of Nasik (pronounced ‘Nashik’ in Marathi). My hideout is an apartment in the outskirts of the pilgrimage city – around 7 kms from the heart – in a secluded sleepy village called Gangapur. It’s a sprawling project called Tulip Eden and the builder told me it has now become known in local circles as ‘Eden Gardens’ (he’s also contemplating changing the name of the project). As long as it has no relation with the sound and spree associated with the cricket ground in Kolkata, I am happy. The only problem that I have found while visiting Nasik is the travelling. It’s difficult to sit on one place for 4 hours and getting sleep is another challenge which I face.