Bhopal's blog

Lokrang snippets !

2012-02-01T21:40:00.000+05:30

Here are some pictures from Lokrang, festival being held at Bhopal from Jan 26- Feb 1, 2012.

Pictures @ anil gulati

Surya Namaskar

2012-01-14T11:37:00.000+05:30

Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chauhan performing Surya Namaskar at Bhopal.

Madhya Pradesh is aiming at registering itself in Guniness Book of World Records in multi locational aerobic demonstration by around 60 lakhs children performing Surya Namaskar in MP on January 12, 2012.

Last sunrise of 2011

2011-12-31T09:02:00.000+05:30

Last sunrise of 2011 as seen from Bhopal 6.30 am - 7.15 am

Bhopal back waters @!

2011-12-30T21:22:00.000+05:30

Agony of the burning tree !

2011-11-13T21:32:00.001+05:30

Picture courtesy - Gagan

This old tree at Bhopal crossing near Bhopal talkies was burning from inside from last two days. No one cared. Locals here say that they had informed the fire brigade yesterday but it came today afternoon. Fire Brigade tried to control fire but somehow the tree is burning from inside and one could see smokes still even after many litres water had been thrown over and inside the tree. Pictured at 3.00 pm !

Happy diwali

2011-10-26T23:46:00.002+05:30

Dusshera at Bhopal

2011-10-06T21:05:00.000+05:30

Bhopal marked Dusshera with festivity, while idols of mother godess were being immersed in the nearby lakes of Bhopal ....and in the evening it was burning of effigy of Ravana at various places in Bhopal. Have a glimpse of it ..

Ravana effigy at Bittan Market

Ravana effigy at TT Nagar

Ravana effigy in fire at Nehru Nagar

Fireworks which followed after Ravana effigy was lit with fire

Idols of mother godess being taken for immersion at Prempura Ghat

Picnic @ Kerwa

2011-09-12T05:26:00.001+05:30

Bhopal has been lucky this time; it had ‘bounty full’ of rains. Today was another pleasant day at Bhopal. It was combination of weather, cool breeze, over shadowing clouds, intermittent light rains - a perfect day to soothe ones senses. Kerwa was perfect destination to be around. It is around 8 kms from Nehru Nagar, on the outskirts of Bhopal. Drive to kerwa was smooth, crossing over few trucks carrying Ganpathi idols, with drum beats, loud music, with popular songs, and roars of slogan which added to the flavor.

Young boys laded with red ‘gulal’ and in their own ‘masti’. One could see a big group of over 100 young schools boys returning from kerwas in long line probably after day’s trek. The drive from the start of Kerwa dam to eco-tourism spot was like going in jungle, though it had narrow drivable, but is curvy. On both sides of the road it had trees, and shrubs. Lantana plants dominated the road side, with butterflies hovering around the little flowers.

The road about kilometer and half to eco-tourism spot has number of blind turns, which needs care while driving especially when you have few vehicles going up and down. One could not drive in the eco-tourism spot as the gates were closed. ‘Gush of flow of water’ was had submerged the bridge at the gate. Though few youngsters tried to cross the submerged bridge as water was till knees height, few returned back as surface was slippery surface and gush was powerful, and this could be risky. One could see many earthworms on the surfaces at the gate crawling in the wet mud.

Best option today was to be at Kerwa bridge road or visit at MP tourism ‘picnic @kerwa’. For entering into picnic@kerwa one has to pay a ticket of Rs 5 per person, which is not expensive especially as it includes parking fee for your vehicle. It gives you awesome view of the Kerwa and hillocks around it. It has nice eating joint, and benches to relax if you don’t want to eat at the joint. The hut with stairs at picnic@kerwa gave a nice look of the water filled kerwa and its opened small gates, with water gushing out and on other side hillock covered with green trees.

Clouds, cool breeze, water filled bodies soothes one senses, roars of slogans, drum beats as one immerses Ganpathi in lakes added to the flavor, with only pain being for water filled lakes, as they get chemicals and non-recyclable materials in them.

- Anil Gulati

Eco friendly Ganpathis at Bhopal

2011-09-02T02:43:00.001+05:30

Ganesh Chaturthi is here. Bhopal celebrates with all its colours. One can find Ganpathi idols for sale in all markets and on street corners of Bhopal. Today onwards one will see hundreds of pandals across the city. Majority of Idols on sale are Plaster of paris based with chemical colours but thanks to growing awareness on environment, ecofriendly ones are also on sale.

Eco Friendly idols are the ones made of natural mud and should have environment friendly water soluble colours, so that they do not do harm to the water body when they are immersed. NGO Kala Vihan Art and Welfare Society is selling them at Bittan market of Bhopal. On sale are many variants. Smaller ones are made up of mud and attached to the real coconut or just mud and water soluble colours. To make the popular and provide them in numbers an NGO had trained idol makers in this. For bigger idols they have to added paper to give strength and made them attractive. But majorly it is clay, water soluble coloyrs and all will dissolve in water, shares Preeti Bawa of Kala Vihan. ‘They are 20 % expensive but will not harm eco system. Smaller ones you can immerse it in smaller ponds or tub Bawa adds.

Similarly another NGO Narmada Samagara is selling idols made of mud. They are also made up of mud and water soluble colours and are priced at Rs 51.00 and Rs 101.00 respectively. Hopefully this awareness on eco-friendly Ganpathi’s will grow…and help save Bhopal’s water bodies.

Last minute touches..Ganpathi at Bhopal

2011-08-31T17:25:00.002+05:30

Idols getting ready for Ganpathi puja

2011-08-22T17:26:00.001+05:30

Idols getting ready on bhopal roads...

Bhopal rains

2011-07-23T23:42:00.000+05:30

Bhopal's safe roads ?

2011-03-27T16:57:00.000+05:30

These are just few snippets, of traffic on one particular day during summer ...

From a withered tree, flower will bloom one day !

2011-03-23T09:16:00.000+05:30

Bhopal @ March 2011

Bhopal activist - Satinath Sarangi awarded

2011-03-20T09:02:00.000+05:30

Satinath Sarangi, social activist who is fighting for rights of Bhopal gas disaster victims has been awarded "The Week Man of the Year Award". Sarangi, an MTech engineer-turned-activist, was presented the award by Union Water Resources Minister Salman Khursheed at a function held in Delhi on Friday. As per PTI reports Satinath Sarangi said "the Bhopal tragedy was not just a gas leak.It was a leak in the system. What I see is the microcosm of what is happening across the world.". Deepak Tiwari, Principal Correspondent of The Week based in Bhopal wrote about him as the 'Engineer who has been fighting Union Carbide for 26 years' and was on cover page of 'The Week' magazine recently. (pic courtesy Prakash Bhai (Prakash Hatvalne)

Statue of Raja Bhoj

2011-03-18T18:36:00.000+05:30

Statue of Raja Bhoj on rampants of Fategarh fort in upper lake of Bhopal. The statue installation started a debate on naming Bhopal as Bhojpal which is being resisted by many in Bhopal.

पतझड़......

2011-03-13T20:54:00.000+05:30

भोपाल ..पतझड़ .....एक झलक... कैमरा की नज़र से

As it gets...hot in Bhopal ..few snippets

2011-03-12T19:25:00.000+05:30

Counting homeless and people living on streets - Census

2011-03-02T22:29:00.000+05:30

February 28 night was the last leg of the census, 2011. On the night people living on the streets or houseless were counted. Pictures of the same happening at Bhopal.

Display board for new media daily

2011-02-27T18:03:00.001+05:30

Display boards being hanged on electric poles with a social message for the upcoming new media daily in Bhopal namely Pradesh Today.

Bhopal mela from a distance !

2011-02-02T00:15:00.000+05:30

View of Bhopal mela from a distance at night !

Exhibition of masks !

2011-02-01T05:37:00.000+05:30

Bhopal's Lokrang showcases exhibition of masks this year. Masks have been worn by nearly all cultures. Reasons could be varied, could be a form of disguise, by an actor in a performance, or as part of a religious ceremony or some places it may be punishment for a crimine or in celebration of a holiday. Diverse masks from India and overseas are on display at the exhibition being held at the festival. Interesting ones to be seen are masks from South Korea, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia, Bhutan, and Nepal among others. Though all of us wear some kind of mask, many a times which adapts to situation and time, though invisible !!......but have a look at few visible man made masks, which are on display at Lokrang ......

Masks from South Korea

Masks from Sri Lanka

Mask from Bali

Mask from Laddak

Lokrang at Bhopal - some snippets !

2011-01-31T23:02:00.001+05:30

Bollywood in Bhopal !

2011-01-24T21:31:00.001+05:30

Picture courtesy - A M Faruqui

Bollywood at Bhopal....Bhopal is buzz with actors like Big B, Deepika Padukone and Saif Ali Khan are here. Big B landed today by private plane. They are all in Bhopal for shooting of the movie Aarakshan. This is based on the theme of reservation, and is being shot in and around Bhopal. Bhopal media is also a buzz with news on them.....here are some pictures...

Bhoj Adventure Fest

2011-01-03T12:30:00.000+05:30

Participants take part in adventure sports at Bhoj Adventure fest being held at banks of Kaliasoot near Nehru Nagar in Bhopal. In the festival 10 kinds of adventure sports are being organised and is aimed to boost tourism in the State.

30th Rose show opens in Bhopal on new year !

2011-01-01T14:01:00.001+05:30

Bhopal: First day of new year 2011, Bhopal's 30th rose show opened at city's link Road Garden. More then 100 varieties and approximately 2000 pots are on display at the exhibition. Competetion is being held in varieties of HT, polyantha, miniature and floribunda. Some pictures of the varieties on display...

Wonderful things around us - New Year wishes !

2010-12-31T19:54:00.000+05:30

Bhopal blog wishes you happy 2011....and one of the way is by appreciating its natura !

Polluting the environment

2010-12-29T20:01:00.000+05:30

One more picture on erosion of our green cover, factory emitting fumes on Bhopal - Guna highway !

On the edge at Bhopal !

2010-12-29T16:42:00.001+05:30

Here are pictures from a water body in Kaliasoot area in Bhopal. It is painful to see this in Bhopal a city which was known for green cover.... The story on same issue was covered in today's Nav Dunia which reflects the issue ......

Manav Sangrahalaya masked !

2010-12-23T14:23:00.001+05:30

Manav Sangrahalaya, Veethi Sankul galler is masked !!. Well that is gallery within the museum which is holding exhibition in gallery 2 & 8 of various masks of India and from across the world. Gallery 2 has collection of masks from collection of Dr Anoop Mehrotra and Gallery 8 has collection from Indira Gandhi Manav Sangrahalaya. The exhibition presents a wide range and variety of masks used throughout the world. Masks of various forms and appearances are on display and also bring to attention that in India and across world masks are used for variety of purposes by different cultures around the world. Apart from the religious and ritualistic uses, masks were also used for communication and entertainment.

In most areas masks are made by specialists, majorily by men; in some cases dancers make their own masks. While carved and painted wood is today the most common material, masks are also made from leather, paper-machie, clay, cloth, cardboard, wire mesh, gourds, wax, etc.

The journey of mask from an item of ritualistic use to the contemporary world of entertainment makes us to feel that mask is a powerful cultural entity. The great film makers from many of the film industries around the world choose mask as one of the important subjects of their films and they are successful in attracting a large number of viewers. Even the Indian film makers have created successful stories of masks bearing divine powers. The purposes of masks are numerous, but the human need for them is perhaps universal. Have a look at some masks ....

100th post at the Blog - Sunrise at Bhopal today !

2010-12-20T21:10:00.000+05:30

This is the 100th post on the blog and it happened I had sun rise picture of today which was great, hence thought post it on the blog as its century post !

MP team gears up for National Kayaking and Canoeing championship

2010-12-20T19:45:00.000+05:30

MP team is gearing up for the upcoming National Canoeing and Kayaking championship which will be held at Bhopal in the second week of January (expectedly 11- 12 January).

It is expected that 32 teams from various states, army, police and home guards will participate in the same. About 80 members will participate from Madhya Pradesh. They along with other professionals and learners were seen practicing at Bhopal’s lower lake. Have a look ..at the pixs....

Protesting farmers block Bhopal roads

2010-12-20T19:12:00.001+05:30

Tractors carrying hundreds of farmers from districts arrived last nite and were in capital city early morning blocking roads particularly around polytechnic square, new market, depot square, near raj bhavan, chetak bridge, and all roads leading to Shymala hills leading to traffic chaos in major parts of the city.

Though police diverted the traffic to other roads but jams and traffic chaos was witnessed in city. It is said that many trucks had lined up on hoshganbad road blocking the entry to Bhopal.

The farmers were seeking resolution of their demands which included more electricity, low prices for urea, implementation of scheme of payment of bills for pumps in instalments, control over sale of spurious fertilisers etc. At places they were seen cooking while tractors were lined up to block the city roads.

Cheering for life and cricket

2010-12-11T06:17:00.000+05:30

The match was organised by the Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS Society (NPLHAS) supported by UNICEF and Madhya Pradesh State Aids Control Society. ''No doubt forums and seminars on December 1 are informative and spread awareness. But a cricket match was a brilliant idea,’’ State Minister for Health Mahendra Hardia said. "It sends an instant message to society that HIV positive persons can play a game of cricket with as much energy and enthusiasm as any other person. People generally have the wrong idea about HIV positive and people living with AIDS, cricket match is to defy that theory.

"I am playing this match so discrimination against those infected by the virus and help spread message that playing a game of cricket, sharing a meal or shaking hands with them don’t spread the virus,'' he added.

Speaking at the start of the match, Manohar Agnani Project Director Madhya Pradesh State AIDS Control Society that activities like this help in spreading right information within people and add to existing efforts of spreading awareness on HIV/AIDS. "On AIDS Day, we chose cricket seeing the popularity of the game. Our aim through this cricket match was to spread awareness in society, as well as strengthen the infected victims with renewed courage to fight HIV and live a regular life,'' president of NPLHAS Manoj Verma explained. The match ended in a tie as both the teams scored equal runs. Trophies were given for the best bowler, best batsmen and man of the match.

Event held by bitiya.in at Bhopal

2010-12-11T06:06:00.000+05:30

Bhopal recently has formed a group of single daughter parents and is called bitiya.in. An event was held recently by the group at Bhopal. A glimpse..

Chrysanthemum exhibition opens in Bhopal !

2010-12-04T16:03:00.001+05:30

Chrysanthemum exhibition opened up in Bhopal's park on link road number 1. The exhibition will be held for two days December 4th & 5th. Bhopal is known for its Rose and Bonsai exhibition, but exhibition of Chrysanthemum is being held here after gap of 15 years. Horticulture department along with other organisations like Arera Club, IIFM, ADHPG Bhopal, Prerna Praksh etc. are supporting this. This will help in disseminating information and help in inceasing cultivation of Chrysanthemum.

Chrysanthemum is exhibitional and garden plant. It has many varieties, and varieties which are attracting people at the exhibition are quill, cascades, brushes & thistle, pompon in different colours - green, white, orange and irregular incurve. One can also see spider, and koreans. Chrysanthemum is an interesting plant which is not only exhibitional but some of its varieties have insecticidal and medicinal properties. Research is progress which talks of it helping in reducing indoor pollution.

Torch rally for raising concern on Bhopal Gas Tradegy

2010-12-02T22:21:00.000+05:30

People who suffer raise concern on the suffering's due to Bhopal Gas Tradegy outside the old factory in presence of the idol of women and child made to mark the suffering.

It is extremely painful and sad inspite of all which is said and all 'promises made' a lot needs to be done as people still suffer after 26 years of the tradegy !

(Pic courtesy - A M Faruqui)

Bonsai show at Bhopal

2010-11-14T21:15:00.000+05:30

Bonsai Club, Bhopal had organized 15^th Bonsai exhibition on November 13 and 14 at Bhopal. This also marked its 20^th foundation day. Apart from new varieties of Bonsai trees in their different moods, Saikei Landscape and Mini Forest , was displayed. Bonsai (pronounced bone-sigh) is an ancient oriental horticultural art form. The word Bonsai literally means (in Chinese & Japanese language) 'tree-in- a-pot'. Contrary to popular felt bonsai is not the art of stunting a tree's growth. Bonsai can be grown from seeds, cuttings or young trees. They are kept small by pruning branches and roots, repotting periodically, pinching off new growth and wiring the branches and trunk so that they grow into the desired shape.

Bhopal's Sunrise

2010-11-08T22:51:00.000+05:30

Bhopal's sunrise, post diwali ! Nov 9, 2010 from Kaliasoot

Bhopal marks Diwali

2010-11-05T22:37:00.000+05:30

Happy Diwali Bhopal

2010-11-05T17:22:00.000+05:30

Houses lit with electric lights as seen from 'diya's light' in Aakriti Gardens, Nehru Nagar of Bhopal.

Fireworks in Bittan Market

2010-10-17T21:52:00.000+05:30

Fireworks at Bittan Market Dusshera Maidan on Dusshera eve.

Effigies of Ravana at Bhopal

2010-10-17T14:12:00.002+05:30

Effigies of Ravana errected at Bittan market and Kolar Road on eve of Dusshera. Media report says Kolar road one is probably the highest Ravana effigy of Bhopal.

Kashphool is here

2010-09-12T18:28:00.002+05:30

Kash Phool is here. If you travel towards outskirts of Bhopal one can site, whiteness of kans grass spread over empty fields. Kans grass or Saccharum spontaneum, as called technically, is a perennial grass, which grows up to three meters in height, and has spreading rhizomatous roots. In picture kash phool growing in fields in Kaliasoot area of Bhopal.

Rising clouds

2010-09-11T09:19:00.001+05:30

Sept 10, 2010 view from Aakriti Gardens, Nehru Nagar, Bhopal

Preparing for Ganesh Chaturthi

2010-09-07T22:15:00.001+05:30

Ganesh Festival is really a time for festivities. It is start to get Bhopal into festive season mood that spans till Diwali.
Ganpathi idols being prepared for sale on Hoshangabad Road for upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi.

Crops affected near Bhopal

2010-09-05T09:40:00.001+05:30

Crops impacted by pests and other factors near Bhopal, but who listens ?

May be these pictures help bring issue to light !

Birla Temple, Bhopal

2010-09-02T09:45:00.000+05:30

Birla Temple at Bhopal decorated to mark Janmashtami, and is being visted by hundreds from and nearby Bhopal.

Clouds over Bhopal

2010-08-25T20:04:00.001+05:30

Bhopal, Wednesday, Aug 25, 2010

Rakhi's being sold at Bhopal's market

2010-08-23T20:35:00.001+05:30

Bhopal’s upper lake needs more rains !

2010-08-21T18:06:00.000+05:30

Sravani Sarkar report in Hindustan Times raises right concern on static water level in upper lake - the water life line for Bhopal. As per the article water level had risen by 11.80 ft by this time last year. But like in the year 2008 this year water level in upper lake will see a low. On August 20, Upper lake stood at 1657.50 feet just 0.80 feet over the lowest level recorded at the end of summer this year (1656.70 feet), which is 9.30 feet below the 'full tank' level of 1666.80 feet.

The last time upper lake had achieved the full tank level was in month of August 2006. The reason is due to less rain in Bhopal and Sehore which includes catchments area for the upper lake. Bhopal is 32 per cent rain deficient while Sehore is 50 % rain deficient this time. We still have three week more to go, while Regional Metrological Centre remains positive, but lest wait what rains have ‘instore’ for us.

National Sailing Championship, Bhopal

2010-08-21T17:25:00.000+05:30

Saturday - Day 3 of 420th Inland National Sailing Championship being held at Upper Lake in Bhopal.

Bhopal after rains

2010-08-19T22:09:00.001+05:30

It is raining in Bhopal, though less but it does sometimes. As sun shines, after rains one can see many which are important part of the wetland !

Let save 'green bhopal'

2010-06-04T19:59:00.000+05:30

I had clicked this one at Prempura Ghat few days back. Though it was wild flower but today when I went at the same place, this plant was missing, thanks to constructions happening there. One feels pained when one sees 'concrete' replacing 'trees' in Bhopal and am not sure where are we heading as world marks another environment day. May be call to all of us to help save 'green bhopal'.

Sunday Special : Pedal power

2010-05-02T20:51:00.001+05:30

A group of cyclist wearing helmets and pedalling their way at kaliasoot in Bhopal. Bhopal now has groups of bicyclers clubs which are helping in promoting use of bicycles for transportation, recreation and something which keeps you fit !!. It also help spread the message of a healthy pollution-free environment.

Peacock at Kaliasoot

2010-05-01T20:55:00.001+05:30

Bhopal had a nice weather today morning, relief from onging heat storkes. Clouds had cast its shadow, wind was blowing, and dash of little drizzle ! Sited peacock at kaliasoot and peahen over electric pole ! (They way green cover of Bhopal is eroding may be one day we will have building of concrete here, am not sure if we have peacocks by then !)

Hope this 'to be stud farm' does not become concrete !

2010-04-24T19:16:00.001+05:30

There used to be stud farm called Sewania Stud Farm, on the backside of National Judicial Academy at Bhadbada. The above pictures also shows the lane which goes towards this farm. The farm had bred ROYAL TERN, b c 1975 which is one of great Indian thoroughbred. As per indianrace.com Royal Tern raced for four seasons, making at least one appearance on every major racecourse in the country, barring Calcutta. His victories included the Indian Derby, Gr.1, the Bangalore Derby, Gr.1, the Indian 2000 Guineas, Gr.1, the President of India Gold Cup, Gr.1, the R.W.I.T.C. Ltd. Invitational Cup, Gr.2, and the Eclipse Stakes of India, Gr.3 (twice). Royal Tern was a brilliant and versatile performer whose 26 victories were gained over distances from 1200 metres to 2400 metres, often under big imposts, particularly in his last two seasons. He was defeated by both the scorching pace and the formidable Own Opinion in the Indian Turf Invitation Cup, Gr.1. His only other notable defeat came when he was somewhat recklessly sent into the lead in the Indian St. Leger, Gr.1, once again allowing Own Opinion - the better stayer - to beat him. He had his revenge, though, because barring these two reverses, he always managed to beat his arch-rival.

Now the stud farm no longer exists. People of the village say that property is owned by Agarwal's. It is on the back of new entertainment park coming up, at prempura Ghat, this blog hope's and pray's that this should not get changed into concrete, as is other part of Bhopal !

On the tree trunk

2010-04-24T15:41:00.002+05:30

Pigeons in Bhopal on the tree trunk as heat soars in Bhopal.

Cooling the heat

2010-04-18T17:10:00.000+05:30

Mercury is soaring high in Bhopal, bird landing on the waters of upper lake to cool the heat !

Water for birds

2010-04-11T20:02:00.000+05:30

Birds flock for drinking water over the pot kept outside a house in Aakriti Gardens in Bhopal.

Let's save sparrows !

2010-04-04T12:59:00.002+05:30

March 20 was World House Sparrow Day. The diminutive house sparrow ( Passer domesticus), whose nests dotted almost every house in the neighbourhood as well as public places like bus stands and railway stations, where they lived in colonies and survived on foodgrains and tiny worms, is now a disappearing species. Bhopal has still number of sparrows though at many places they have disappeared thanks to the way construction is happening. It is builder's lobby, mobile companies, and pollution which are causing changes in urban habitat, modification in architecture, excessive use of microwaves by installing mobile towers and pollutions which is impacting the lives of these housebirds.

Interestingly sparrows are not found in jungles, deserts or places where humans are not present. The sparrow is a species that has evolved with humans and is always found in and around human habitations.

Time for us to think and take some action to save sparrows or we will have to live in sparrow less, concrete Bhopal !

Bhopal skylines !

2010-03-12T23:19:00.000+05:30

Bhopal skylines made by the jetfuel crossing each other.

Desi water coolers !

2010-03-11T04:12:00.000+05:30

As temprature soars in Bhopal., one can see these desi water coolers on sale on the roadside's of Bhopal.

Happy Holi !

2010-03-01T14:20:00.000+05:30

Colours on sale at new market of Bhopal !

Hey what are u lookin at ?

2010-02-19T23:26:00.000+05:30

Hey what are u lookin at ?

Swans at Bhopal's upper lake !

Interesting ad !

2010-02-19T15:13:00.000+05:30

Don't get mislead, this is real ad placed on a tree for sale of a farm house !

Abhi- Aish in Bhopal

2010-02-16T22:06:00.000+05:30

Filmstar Abhishekh Bachchan and his wife Aishwarya were in Bhopal on Monday evening to wish Abhishek's grandmother on her birthday. They came to Bhopal by Jet Airways flight drove straight from the Raja Bhoj Airport here to the residence of Abhishekh's grandmother Indira Bhaduri.

The two also went to Vaishali Nagar to meet Abhishekh's aunt Rita Bhaduri and her husband and television actor Rajeev Verma.Rita Bhaduri popular television actor is the younger sister of Jaya Bhaduri. (pic courtesy A M Faruqui)

Creativity on display board !

2010-02-14T23:51:00.000+05:30

Display board on bridge near IIFM. requesting people to maintain the pond. But someone was creative enough and took some words away from the display board !

Sinful and Naughty Valentine Coffee's !

2010-02-14T15:02:00.001+05:30

Cafe Coffee Day all decked up for V day. Though many in Bhopal had marked the day on Feb 13, 2009 to avoid any conflict and on Feb 14 were they were seen at places like Islamnagar (out of the city) to mark the day @!

Say it with roses !

2010-02-14T09:16:00.000+05:30

On valentine day - Rose in a house in Aakriti Gardens, Nehru Nagar

Pakshi Vihar in Bhopal

2010-02-12T23:02:00.000+05:30

पक्षी विहार, बड़ा तलब पर बना यह नया पक्षी विहार. यहाँ विहार तो है परन्तु पक्षी कम !...

Blooming Palash in Bhopal

2010-02-09T19:16:00.001+05:30

Blossoming Palash Tree in Van Vihar.

Flowers of Bharat Bhawan, Bhopal

2010-02-08T22:47:00.000+05:30

Here are some pictures of flowers in complex of Bharat Bhawan in Bhopal. A place not only for art lovers but for ones who enjoy clicking flora !

National Ceramic Workshop at Bharat Bhawan

2010-02-07T18:33:00.000+05:30

National Ceramic Workshop is onging in Bharat Bhawan in Bhopal nowadays. It started on Feb 5 and will be going on till Feb 14, 2009. It has participants from 11 States & Union Territories. They are working on exhibits which will be on showcase on Feb 14, 2009. Some of the participants include Vibha Sharma from Delhi; Prasun Ghosh from Kolkata;Vishal Bhatnagar from Chandigarh, S Karthik from Cheenai; Shailendra and Devilal Patidar from Bhopal, Arun Panidt from Delhi and Brahmaswarup from Varanasi.

Purple sun bird at Bhopal

2010-02-06T22:44:00.002+05:30

Purple sun bird in Aakriti Gardens, Bhopal

Birds at upper lake of Bhopal !

2010-01-31T22:27:00.002+05:30

Pigeons and Egret at rampants of fort in the upper lake, a view to see from VIP road when sun shines in winters !

Watering plants

2010-01-31T09:22:00.000+05:30

The lucky ones - Water tanker watering plants on VIP road !

Indonesian puppets at Bhopal's Lokrang

2010-01-27T18:02:00.001+05:30

Indonesian Rod puppets are attracting visitors to Bhopal’s Lokrang festival. Lokrang is a five day event held every year at Bhopal. It showcases the cultural and traditional heritage of India in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It opened on January 26, 2010. This is 25th year of Lokrang. It not only showcases heritage it but also has a theme pavilion. This year theme pavilion displays ‘Puppet’. Puppets of forms like glove, rod string and shadow are being displayed at the show. It has puppets from nine Indian states like West Bengal, Orissa, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and some other countries like Indonesia, Turkey, and Vietnam.

Indonesia rod puppets are among the various puppets which have been displayed at Lokrang are being liked and clicked by many. Rod puppets have: three dimensional carved figurines which are manipulated from rods below the "stage." In addition to this the pavilion also has water Puppet from Vietnam that dance on water are also on display. It also has display of Shadow puppets, which have cut-out figure held between a source of light and a translucent screen. Shadow puppets from Turkey and Andhra Pradesh are on display.

Open bill stork

2010-01-26T22:41:00.000+05:30

At Prempura Ghat in Bhopal

Flowers at Bhopal on Basant Panchmi

2010-01-20T22:08:00.001+05:30

Solar Eclipse as seen from Bhopal

2010-01-15T22:21:00.000+05:30

Pictures of Longest Solar eclipse which had dazzled India, as seen from Bhopal.

Pictures courtesy A. M. Faruqui

Another birding site !

2010-01-03T17:58:00.004+05:30

Backwaters of Smriti van on National Judicial Academy road - a birding site

Cormorants enjoying saturday sun shine in Bhopal

2009-12-26T19:06:00.000+05:30

Cormorants at Shahpura Lake, Bhopal - Cormorants do not have oil glands to keep their wings from getting wet. Each time they get out of the water, they sit on the bank for sometime and spread their wings for drying.One can see them in numbers in Winters at Shahpura Lake.

Merry X'mas !

2009-12-25T14:32:00.002+05:30

St Mary's Church in Tulsi Nagar, Bhopal, and a tableau with theme on Global warming

Blue pansy butterfly

2009-12-24T21:24:00.000+05:30

Sun loving winged wonder, seen here sitting on the bare ground in one of the office of Bhopal, this medim sized butterfly looked attractive for the camera !

Bhopal markets catch up for Christmas & New Year

2009-12-24T05:12:00.000+05:30

Hangings outside shop at 10 number market for sale. Markets decorate and gear up for Christmas and New Year. Archies and Bakeries are their best !

Bird's vila !

2009-12-15T03:40:00.001+05:30

Birds on the wall on the rampants of the fort on upper lake of Bhopal

Traffic lights are new ad sites !

2009-12-12T18:26:00.004+05:30

Traffic lamp posts are new ad sites in Bhopal. The one in picture is at 10 number market is an effort to reach directly into eyes of 'the customer'. By the way the place 'traffic light' where these boxes are hanged and the colour of ad 'red' is interesting !

Further traffic lights are also not working, am not sure what that indicates ?. But hope 'all' would be happy to help in case one meets with an accident !

Boat in water's of Bhopal's upper lake

2009-12-09T04:07:00.000+05:30

Handicraft fair at Gohar Mahal

2009-12-06T17:38:00.000+05:30

Handicraft fair at Gohar Mahal. This Palace built on banks of upper lake of Bhopal is normlly known for its fairs which are held almosr year round but more in winters. Now a days handicraft fair in onggoing.

Celebrating spirit of the childhood

2009-12-05T22:44:00.000+05:30

Bhopal, Dec 5, 2009 : More than 300 hundred children participated in Masti Ki Pathshala organized by Aarambh, a non governmental organization with support from UNICEF held at BHEL sports club, Berkhera.

Children from Aishbagh, Bajaria, Kabadkhana, Annu Nagar, Atal Ayub Nagar, Indra Sahayat Nagar participated in the various event held to mark the day. Children participated in various track & field sports activities during the day and cultural programme like song and dance in the afternoon. Games stall were installed where children enjoyed during the day. The programme was part of events to mark 20th anniversary of Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Demanding justice

2009-12-04T07:48:00.005+05:30

Hundreds of gas victims took out torch rally on Dec 2 evening from Bhopal talkies to factory site, demanding justice. Led by the Bhopal Group for Information and Action, an NGO, the victims walked carrying blazing torches and shouting slogans that revealed the fire in their wounded hearts, ‘‘Bahut ho gaya pacchis saal. Bhopal ko insaaf chahiye". (Picture courtesy A.M. Faruqui)

Bhopal Gas Tradegy

2009-12-03T22:14:00.003+05:30

The killer tank from which gas leaked and killed thousands

Statue of mother with her two kids, remind us of the pain

Painting painted on wall behind the Statue, on struggle and pain of people

Slogans painted at wall of the closed killer factory

Some pics which remind us of Dec 3, 1984.

World AIDS Day - Rally by medical students

2009-11-30T20:47:00.003+05:30

Rally being taken out by students of Gandhi Medical College for spreading awareness on HIV/AIDS and voluntary blood donation in Bhopal city on eve of World AIDS Day.

From the fence at Van Vihar

2009-11-29T20:54:00.003+05:30

One could see number of spot billed ducks across the fence on Saturday morning from Van Vihar in Bhopal. It is awesome site though many got missing on Sunday !

Whistling teals zipping Bhopal !

2009-11-29T11:06:00.002+05:30

On a Sunday morning, whistling teals zip around the bhopal's van vihar. Whistling teals can be sited in numbers in winters in Van Vihar, national park of Bhopal. It is quite interesting to hear and see this gregarious ducks which flock here.

Swan at Upper lake in Bhopal

2009-11-22T22:08:00.002+05:30

Red Munia in Bhopal

2009-11-15T21:49:00.002+05:30

The Red Munia, is a sparrow-sized bird of the Munia family. They are popular cage birds due to the colourful plumage of the males in their breeding season. Their normal habitat is open grassland and paddy fields. They breed in the monsoon season. The species name amandava and the common name of avadavat is derived from the city of Ahmedabad from where these birds were exported into the pet trade. The beak begins to turn red in May and darkens during November and December. The beak then turns rapidly to black in April and the cycle continues.

Child rights meet at Bhopal - Children Day special

2009-11-14T18:25:00.004+05:30

Dalit Adhikar Manch held children's meet at Gandhi Bhawan in Bhopal to mark Children's Day. Children and NGOs from 14 districts of Madhya Pradesh participated. The meet was hosted by Dalit Sangh in support with NGOs from 14 districts and Action Aid. It was an opportunity for children to speak out their views, enjoy play and voice their opinions. Adults not only listened and interacted withy them but also welcomed the children who were on dias. A booklet Child rights in Hindi was also released by children. Children were also distributed children’s newsletter titled ‘Bacchon ki Pehl’ which is brought about child reporters, a initiative oif Dalit Sangh supported by UNICEF office for Madhya Pradesh.

Large Cormorants come home !

2009-11-11T21:19:00.002+05:30

As winter sets in large cormorants flock trees in Van Vihar in huge numbers. They have started doing so, though not in numbers as one sees earlier, may be they have got late !!. In picture taken yesterday wherein large cormorants can been seen on a tree in Van Vihar, the national park in Bhopal.