The Curious Mamma

Hello, everyone! Following a brief break after Diwali and some thrilling travels, I'm thrilled to return with the next installment of my Rajasthan diaries. Get ready for an engaging narrative that will showcase the varied spectrum of my experiences in Jaisalmer, offering insights into both the positive and challenging moments. Jaisalmer earned its nickname thanks to the unique yellow stone that graces its buildings, imparting a warm, golden hue. Whether you're exploring the iconic Jaisalmer Fort or wandering through the captivating havelis, this local stone adds a touch of magic. When the sun paints the sky during sunrise and sunset, the entire city transforms into a breathtaking panorama of gold, creating a scene you absolutely shouldn't miss. Jaisalmer City and it's Iconic Fort Transportation, Lodging and Lounging We started towards Jaisalmer from Chhotaram Prajapat’s stay at around 7.30 AM and covering a distance of around 275 KM, we reached our destination between ...

While my trip to Uttarakhand was spurred by unconventional reasons , my exploration of Rajasthan held a more traditional charm. It was the mystical and solitary desert, along with the rich cultural mosaic, that beckoned me. The allure of the desert and its culture had already captured my imagination through books and iconic films such as "Lekin," "I am Kalam," "Dhanak," "Paheli," and others. Beyond these influences, a profound motivation pulsed within me, much like the rhythmic beats of my beloved Indian classical music. The tales of legendary Rajasthani musicians, the enigmatic charm of their lifestyles, and the timeless melodies they crafted had sparked an indescribable yearning. This longing guided me to the heartland of this musical tradition, or at least to a place that softly echoed its essence, in my pursuit of forging a profound connection with my art. Truly, this journey fully satisfied that yearning. Rajasthan is a veritable haven of cu...

Namaskara everyone! The curious Aai (आई), mama as they call in English and Thayee (ತಾಯಿ) in Kannada, is back with a story about a different experience that she had recently! This time it's not about a place but a traditional folk art from the coastal part of Karnataka, the Yakshagana (ಯಕ್ಷಗಾನ/यक्षगान). Recently I watched a Yakshagana performance as a part of women's day celebration program organized by Swakruta and Maharashtra Mandal Bangalore . My visit to Janapadaloka , which hosts compelling statues of various folk forms of Karnataka, introduced me to the same, but I had never witnessed a performance. Yakshagana statues at Janapadaloka Being accompanied by my five-year-old, I was a little doubtful about attending the 1.5 hour long show. But, as Mr. Phatak, Bhagawatar (the orchestrator of the act) started singing Naandi (नांदी/ನಾಂದಿ; an invocation of gods seeking successful completion of the act) in his orotund voice, accompanied by a dancer depicting Ganapati, we were deeply...