A Natural Paradise in Assam

MANAS NATIONAL PARK 🐅

A paradise for nature and wildlife lovers, the Manas National Park in Assam is a unique biodiversity hotspot. It holds multiple prestigious titles: A National Park, A Project Tiger Reserve, An Elephant Reserve, A Biosphere Reserve, A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is one of the richest wildlife areas in India, known for its spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife, and important conservation value.

🌿 Location and Geography: Manas National Park lies in the northeastern Indian state of Assam, on the border with Bhutan. It is 41 km north of Barpeta Road township and 175 km northwest of Guwahati. It is bounded on the north by the Royal Manas Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan and on the south by the North Kamrup region. It is flanked on the east and west by forest reserves.

The park lies on a wide alluvial terrace below the outer Himalayan foothills. The Manas River, which gives the park its name, flows through the west, later splitting into the Beki and Bholkaduba rivers before joining the Brahmaputra River.

🏞️ Scenic Beauty and Habitat Types: Manas offers a majestic wilderness experience with:

Forested hills in the backdrop, serene grasslands and tropical evergreen forests, the swirling Manas River and its tributaries.

The park features three main types of vegetation:

1. Sub-Himalayan alluvial semi-evergreen forests

2. East Himalayan mixed moist and dry deciduous forests

3. Alluvial grasslands

🐘 Biodiversity and Wildlife: Manas is part of the Transboundary Manas Conservation Area, which spans 6,763.89 sq. km across Assam and southeastern Bhutan. This region is home to many rare and endangered species, making it one of the most significant remaining natural areas in the region.

🌟 Highlights:

India’s Big Five: 🐅 Royal Bengal Tiger, 🐘 Asiatic Elephant, 🦏 Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros, 🐃 Asiatic Water Buffalo, 🦬 Gaur

Other Wildlife: 5 species of deer, around 40 other mammals, 36 types of reptiles, 476 species of birds

🦜 Rare and Endangered Species: Bengal Florican (largest population in the world!), Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog, Hispid Hare, Assam Roofed Turtle

🐍 Notable Reptiles: Indian Rock Python, Gharial, Banded Krait, Common Monitor Lizard

🐦 Rare Birds: Pied Harrier, Greater Adjutant Stork, Swamp Francolin, Slender-billed Vulture, Spot-billed Pelican, Greater Spotted Eagle

🏛️ History and Legal Protection

📜 Historical Timeline:

Before 1928: A hunting reserve for the royal families, known as North Kamrup Wildlife Sanctuary

1st December 1928: Declared Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

1973: Became a Project Tiger Reserve

1985: Included in UNESCO's World Heritage List

1990: Upgraded to a National Park

🛡️ Governing Laws:

Indian Forest Act, 1927 / Assam Forest Regulation, 1891

Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

❓Did You Know?

Manas has the largest population of Bengal Florican in the world.

It’s a great place to spot the Great Hornbill.

The park is one of India’s most diverse natural habitats.

🧭 Natural Wonders of India

Manas is not just a protected area; it's a living treasure trove of biodiversity, scenic beauty, and conservation success. A visit to this World Heritage site is a journey into the heart of wild India.

Art on Cloth, Stories from the Soul

🎨 PATTACHITRA PAINTINGS OF ODISHA 

India is a land of diverse art forms, and one of the most beautiful among them is Pattachitra, a traditional style of painting from the eastern state of Odisha. These paintings are more than just art — they are rich in mythology, devotion, and culture, painted with patience and love on pieces of cloth or dried palm leaves.

🖌️ What is Pattachitra?

The word ‘Pattachitra’ comes from two Sanskrit words:

‘Patta’ meaning cloth,

‘Chitra’ meaning picture or painting.

So, Pattachitra literally means ‘a painting on cloth’. These paintings usually show stories from Hindu mythology, especially related to Lord Jagannath, Krishna, Rama, and scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

🏠 Where is it made?

Pattachitra art is mainly practiced in Raghurajpur, a heritage crafts village near Puri, Odisha. Every household in this village is home to skilled artists, known as Chitrakars, who pass on their knowledge from generation to generation.

🎨 Features of Pattachitra

Pattachitra has a very distinctive style, with these main features:

Bold, clear outlines drawn with black or red.

Natural colours made from stones, plants, and shells — no synthetic paints are used!

Mythological themes, especially related to Lord Jagannath.

Decorative floral borders that enhance the beauty of the artwork.

The paintings are made on canvas prepared with chalk and gum, and sometimes on dried palm leaves.

The detailing and symmetry in Pattachitra make it truly eye-catching and mesmerising.

🌟 Unique Aspects

One famous tradition is the painting of the “Anasar Pati”, which replaces the deities in the Jagannath temple during the Anavasara period, when the idols are believed to fall ill and are not displayed.

Artists don’t use pencils! They draw directly using brushes made from animal hair.

Palm leaf engravings (called Tala Pattachitra) are also a unique style, where the art is etched into dry leaves.

📚 Cultural Importance

Pattachitra is not just decorative art — it is deeply spiritual. It plays an important role in Odisha’s culture, temple rituals, festivals, and even storytelling traditions. These paintings were once used as visual aids to tell stories from epics and teach values to communities.

🛍️ Pattachitra Today

Today, Pattachitra is appreciated globally and is also used in:

Sarees and textiles 👗

Home décor 🎁

Bookmarks, fans, and souvenirs 📘

Digital prints for modern art lovers 💻

Many artists now combine traditional designs with modern objects, keeping the art alive in a new way.

🧠 Conclusion

Pattachitra is more than an art form — it is a living tradition that connects people to their roots and to ancient stories of devotion and dharma. Whether seen on temple walls or in modern galleries, the charm of Pattachitra continues to inspire awe.

Let us support and celebrate such beautiful Indian art forms, so they remain alive for generations to come!

The Bouncing Ball of Fun and Skill

PINBALL 🎮

Have you ever seen a shiny ball bouncing inside a glass-covered table with flashing lights and ringing sounds? That’s pinball — a classic arcade game that combines fun, fast reflexes, and a bit of luck. It may look simple, but there’s more to it than meets the eye!

🕹️ What is Pinball?

Pinball is a game where a small metal ball is launched into a sloped playing field filled with bumpers, targets, ramps, and obstacles. The player uses flippers (paddle-like buttons) to keep the ball from falling and to hit different objects that give points. The goal is to score as high as possible before the ball falls into the drain at the bottom.

🛠️ Parts of a Pinball Machine

A typical pinball machine includes:

Plunger: A spring-loaded rod used to launch the ball.

Flippers: Controlled by the player to hit the ball back into play.

Bumpers & Targets: These bounce the ball and score points.

Scoreboard: Displays the player's score.

Tilt Mechanism: Stops the game if someone tries to shake the machine unfairly.

🕰️ A Quick Look at History

Pinball has a long and interesting past:

The idea of pinball comes from bagatelle, a French game from the 1700s.

In the 1930s, pinball machines became popular in the United States.

Flippers were added in 1947, making the game more skill-based.

In some cities, pinball was banned for years as people thought it was gambling!

Today, pinball is enjoyed both in arcades and in competitive tournaments.

🎵 Pop Culture and Pinball

Pinball machines often feature exciting themes like:

Movies (e.g., Star Wars, Avengers)

Rock bands (e.g., The Beatles, KISS)

TV shows and cartoons

These designs, music, and effects make the game even more fun!

💡 Why is Pinball Still Loved?

Even in the digital age, pinball remains a favorite because:

It’s a mix of skill, timing, and excitement.

Every game is different — no two ball paths are exactly alike.

It improves reflexes and hand-eye coordination.

It teaches patience and focus in a fun way.

🧠 Fun Facts About Pinball

The first pinball machine with flippers was called Humpty Dumpty.

There are pinball museums around the world.

Pinball has its own World Championship!

🏁 Conclusion

Pinball is more than just a game — it’s a piece of history, a skill builder, and a whole lot of fun! Whether you're playing it in an old arcade or on a virtual screen, pinball continues to flip its way into the hearts of game lovers everywhere.

So the next time you hear a “ding!” or see a ball bouncing around a glowing board, remember: you’re witnessing a timeless game that has entertained people for nearly a century.

Japanese folktale

THE TONGUE-CUT SPARROW (舌切り雀, SHITA-KIRI SUZUME)

The Tongue-Cut Sparrow is a very well-known and beloved traditional Japanese folktale. It's a classic example of a moralistic story found in many cultures, where kindness is rewarded and greed is punished.

Once upon a time, there lived a kind old man and his greedy, ill-tempered wife. The old man loved a little sparrow that often visited their home, and he would feed it and care for it as if it were his own child. The sparrow, in turn, would sing beautiful songs for him.

One day, while the old man was out, the sparrow accidentally ate some starch that the old woman had prepared for her laundry. Enraged by this, the cruel old woman grabbed the sparrow and, in a fit of anger, cut out its tongue before driving it away.

When the old man returned and learned what had happened, he was heartbroken. He set out on a journey to find his beloved sparrow. After a long search, with the help of other animals, he finally found the sparrow's home in a bamboo grove.

The sparrow, despite its injury, welcomed the old man warmly. It introduced him to its family and entertained him with a grand feast and delightful sparrow dances. When it was time for the old man to leave, the sparrow offered him a choice of two baskets: a small, light one and a large, heavy one. Being humble and not wanting to impose, the old man chose the small, light basket.

Upon returning home, he opened the basket to find it filled with precious treasures, gold, and silver. The old man and his wife became wealthy and lived comfortably.

However, the greedy old woman, seeing their newfound riches, became consumed with envy. She demanded to know where the old man had gotten the treasures. When she heard about the sparrow's generosity, she decided to visit the sparrow herself, hoping to get even more treasure.

She found the sparrow's home and, despite her past cruelty, the sparrows still offered her hospitality. When it was time for her to leave, she was also presented with the choice of two baskets. Driven by her insatiable greed, she immediately chose the large, heavy basket, convinced it would contain even greater riches.

Struggling with the heavy basket, she rushed home. As soon as she opened it, instead of treasure, out poured horrifying creatures, snakes, and demons, that terrified her. Some versions of the tale say she was carried away by the creatures, or that she was so frightened she fell down a mountain to her demise.

The Moral of the Story:

The "Tongue-Cut Sparrow" teaches valuable lessons about:

 * Kindness and compassion: The old man's kindness to the sparrow is ultimately rewarded.

 * Greed and its consequences: The old woman's greed and cruelty lead to her downfall.

 * Karma: The idea that good deeds are repaid with good fortune, and bad deeds lead to negative outcomes.

It's a popular tale that has been passed down through generations in Japan, often told to children to instill these moral values.

The giant creatures of the past

DINOSAURS🦕

Millions of years ago, long before humans walked the Earth, there lived giant creatures called dinosaurs. These reptiles ruled the land during a time called the Mesozoic Era, which was about 250 to 65 million years ago. They came in all shapes and sizes – some were small like chickens, while others were bigger than buses!

🌍 Where Did Dinosaurs Live?

Dinosaurs lived on every continent. Fossils (the remains of ancient creatures) have been found all over the world – from dry deserts to frozen lands. This tells us that dinosaurs were everywhere and adapted to many different environments.

🦖 Types of Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs are usually divided into two main types:

Herbivores: These dinosaurs ate plants. Some famous plant-eaters were Triceratops, Brachiosaurus, and Stegosaurus.

Carnivores: These dinosaurs ate other animals. The most famous meat-eater is Tyrannosaurus rex, also called T. rex.

Some dinosaurs even had feathers, and scientists believe that modern birds are actually their descendants!

🔍 How Do We Know About Dinosaurs?

We know about dinosaurs from fossils – bones, footprints, and even eggs that turned into rock over time. Paleontologists (scientists who study fossils) dig them up and study them to learn how dinosaurs lived, what they ate, and how they moved.

💥 What Happened to the Dinosaurs?

Dinosaurs lived on Earth for over 160 million years, but about 65 million years ago, they suddenly disappeared. Most scientists believe that a giant asteroid hit the Earth, causing massive fires, climate change, and blocking sunlight. This led to the extinction of most dinosaurs.

🐦 Are Dinosaurs Really Gone?

Even though the big dinosaurs are extinct, their closest relatives – birds – are still flying in our skies today! So in a way, dinosaurs are still with us.

✨ Fun Facts

The name dinosaur means "terrible lizard."

Some dinosaurs could run as fast as a car!

The largest dinosaur may have been over 30 metres long.

Not all dinosaurs were huge – some were the size of a cat.

Goa’s Wild Monsoon Treasure

TAIKILO 

Taikilo (also spelled taikulo) is the local Goan name for Cassia tora, a legume‑family plant cherished in Goa during the monsoon. Here's what makes it special:

A wild edible green, Cassia tora sprouts prolifically about a week after the first heavy rains and continues through October.

It’s commonly seen along roadsides, open spaces, and fields across Goa.

The edible parts are the tender young shoots and leaves, picked similarly to tea leaves—two tips per shoot.

Reaches around 30–90 cm tall, with leaves about 5 cm long.

🍳 Culinary Uses in Goa

Commonly prepared just after the monsoon arrives:

Fritters (pakoras/bhajiyas): Leaves are chopped, mixed with spices and gram flour, then fried.

Bhaji and vadas: Stir‑fried or formed into grainy or smooth savory discs (bhojjos) often with soaked lentils, rice, chillies, coconut or jackfruit seeds.

Curries, chutneys and cooling 'tambli': Leafy paste or gravy variations are popular.

Herbal drink (kashaya): Made from seed powder decoction for immune boosting.

🌿 Nutritional and Medicinal Value

High in dietary fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Ayurvedic credentials: touted as a liver stimulant, mild laxative, heart tonic, anthelmintic, anti‑periodic, and beneficial for eyes and digestion.

Traditionally used to manage blood sugar and support gut health during monsoons.

🌾 Cultural Significance

One of Goa’s signature wild monsoon greens—plucked as part of seasonal rituals, and sometimes even used in decorations or eco‑rituals.

Collecting taikilo signals the first flush of monsoon and brings nostalgia for older generations.

🪴 To Sum Up

Taikilo is more than a seasonal vegetable—it's a cultural, medicinal, and culinary emblem of the Goan monsoon. If you spot it, you’re seeing a cherished heritage green bursting with flavour and tradition.

The Ancient Indian Science of Architecture

🏠 VĀSTU SHASTRA 

Vāstu Shastra, often simply called Vastu, is the traditional Indian system of architecture and design. It is an ancient science that lays down guidelines for building homes, temples, towns, and other structures in harmony with nature, the elements, and cosmic energies.

🕉️ What is Vāstu Shastra?

The word Vāstu means “dwelling” or “building”.

Shastra means “science” or “knowledge”. So, Vāstu Shastra means “the science of building”.

It comes from Vedic literature, and its roots go back thousands of years in Indian civilisation. It blends spiritual beliefs, architecture, astronomy, and geometry to create peaceful and prosperous living spaces.

Who wrote Vāstu Shastra?

The Vāstu Shastra is not attributed to just one single author. Instead, it is a collection of ancient texts and knowledge systems developed over centuries by various sages, architects, and scholars in ancient India.

However, some key figures and texts associated with the composition and development of Vāstu Shastra are:

📜 Prominent Contributors to Vāstu Shastra:

1. Vishwakarma

Known as the divine architect in Hindu mythology.

Believed to be the original creator of Vāstu principles.

Associated with building mythical cities like Dwarka (Lord Krishna’s city) and Lanka (Ravana’s kingdom).

2. Maya (Mayan Acharya)

A legendary architect and author of the text called Mayamata.

Mayamata is one of the key classical texts on Vāstu, especially in South India.

Maya is also said to have built the city of Indraprastha (from the Mahabharata).

3. Sage Bhrigu

Credited with Bhrigu Samhita, which includes astrological and architectural knowledge.

Considered one of the oldest contributors to Vāstu-related literature.

4. Vishwakarma Prakash

An important treatise that describes various Vāstu rules, believed to be authored by sages following Vishwakarma’s teachings.

📚 Key Ancient Texts on Vāstu Shastra:

These texts were composed by different scholars over time and form the foundation of Vāstu knowledge:

Mayamata – by Maya

Manasara – a comprehensive text on architecture and design

Samarangana Sutradhara – attributed to King Bhoja (11th century), it covers Vāstu, sculpture, town planning, and even flying machines!

Vishwakarma Vastu Shastra

Shilpa Shastra – deals with art, sculpture, and Vāstu

Vāstu Shastra is a collective wisdom, not written by just one person.

It evolved through the contributions of sages like Vishwakarma, Maya, Bhrigu, and later scholars.

The knowledge was preserved through texts, oral traditions, and temple architecture across India.

🌍 The Five Elements (Panchamahabhutas)

According to Vāstu, everything in the universe is made up of five elements:

1. Earth (Prithvi) – stability, foundation

2. Water (Jal) – flow, purity

3. Fire (Agni) – energy, power

4. Air (Vayu) – movement, freshness

5. Space (Akash) – openness, connection

Vāstu aims to balance these elements in a built environment to ensure health, happiness, and success.

🧭 Direction Matters: The Vāstu Compass

Vāstu Shastra gives great importance to direction (disha). The orientation of a building affects how sunlight, wind, and energy flows through it.

Direction Element Suitable Use According to Vāstu

East Air Entrance, Prayer Room

West Water Dining Room, Storage

North Earth Living Room, Study Room

South Fire Kitchen, Bedroom

Northeast Water Temple, Meditation Room

Southwest Earth Master Bedroom, Stability

🛖 Vāstu for a Home: Simple Tips

Here are some basic Vāstu tips commonly followed in Indian homes:

The main entrance should ideally face east or north.

The kitchen should be in the southeast corner.

The bedroom should be in the southwest part of the house.

The toilet/bathroom should be in the northwest.

Prayer rooms or pooja spaces are best in the northeast.

🛕 Temples and Towns

Many ancient Indian temples, palaces, and even cities like Jaipur were built using Vāstu principles. Temples are often perfectly aligned with the sun or specific constellations to create spiritual energy.

🔬 Is Vāstu Scientific?

Some Vāstu principles are linked to scientific ideas:

Sunlight from the east is healthy, so morning light should reach the house.

Cross-ventilation ensures fresh air.

Heavier structures in the southwest give better stability.

Keeping spaces uncluttered improves mental well-being.

However, Vāstu is also deeply tied to faith and culture, so not all ideas have modern scientific proof — yet many people believe it influences energy and prosperity.

🌟 Why is Vāstu Still Important?

In India, many people still consult Vāstu experts before:

Building a new house

Buying property

Designing shops or offices

Starting a new business

Whether it's belief or tradition, Vāstu continues to be a respected part of Indian lifestyle.

🧠 In Conclusion

Vāstu Shastra is a unique blend of science, art, and spirituality that has guided Indian architecture for centuries. While some may follow it strictly, others treat it as inspiration for designing spaces that feel balanced, positive, and harmonious.