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An Inward Journey – Need Of The Hour
What exactly runs in a person’s mind just minutes before taking away his own life? Does he feel numb or does he feel angry? Is he agitated or is he absolutely calm? Does he feel alive or is he dead already? Amidst the chaotic mess of random speculations, a zillion thoughts cross my mind. But I can only find a deafening silence within. What state of mind exactly leads one to suicide will remain an eternal mystery. Perhaps, the best that we can do is – take a pause and head for an INWARD JOURNEY within. Recently, on a bright Sunday morning, we lost a very prominent young Indian actor.…
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Healing a Bruised Soul ~ A Short Story
“He is that kind of high, which only a deep soul will get stoned to.” There, he stood right there, all by himself, soaking in the deep blue ocean, the myriad shades of azure skies and the setting sun with its glossy warmth. As he looked at the ocean, there’s something that fixed his gaze. It was never that alluring before. As he began walking towards the ocean, his mind started racing with thoughts. The brain started diminishing the cacophony of the surroundings and there was nothing else that he could hear. It was just HE and HIS THOUGHTS. As his feet left the dry land and crossed over the…
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My Top 10 Must-Try Sweets in Odisha
Got a sweet tooth? Never forget to try the delicious sweets of Odisha, whenever you visit next. Sweets have always formed an integral part of Indian Cuisine. Considering the different states in India, you can vouch for a wide variety of sweets to satiate your sweet tooth. The cuisine of each state has its unique taste and flavour. Needless to mention, Indian sweets are almost always laden with clarified butter (ghee), sugar or milk solids which makes it difficult to consume a lot. But, it is definitely worth a try! Today, I bring before you a list of 10 must-try sweets, most popular in the eastern state of India –…
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A Tribute To RATHA JATRA – The World Famous Chariot Festival at Puri, Odisha
Amidst the corona virus epidemic scare this year, Ratha Jatra was like never before! With very strict restrictions and a limited number of people, the authorities allowed the basic rituals to be commenced for Ratha Jatra in 2020. The priests were masked and public attendance was completely banned, followed by some sharp criticism for even allowing this in the first place. While we witnessed the empty streets of Puri on television while the chariots were being pulled, I thought of writing a tribute to this world-famous festival of Puri, Odisha. I did my bit of research and collated whatever little I know about Ratha Jatra so far. This blog…
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RAJA PARBA – The Festival Of Odisha Celebrating Womanhood
Today, I will write about a very popular festival of Odisha – “Raja Parba”, which is going to start from this weekend. And I can’t help but hum this very popular folk-song from Odisha, commemorating RAJA PARBA, while I sit down to write. The first stanza goes something like this : ବନସ୍ତେ ଡାକିଲା ଗଜ ବରଷକେ ଥରେ ଆସିଛି ରଜ, ଆସିଛି ରଜ ଲୋ ଘେନି ନୂଆ ସଜବାଜ । Amidst the current pandemic crisis in the world, social distancing is the key. So, one of the many things that has been hit hard and taken a backseat is – the fanfare and celebrations of Indian festivals. So, I thought of writing about one of…
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Making ‘Roti’ in Indian Households : Whose Job Is It Actually?
Recently, I read a very interesting take on roti making in India. It defined the whole process of making ‘roti’ (read : Indian flatbread made from wheat flour) and how it weaves magic in Indian households. Apparently, no meal seems to be complete without the quintessential ‘roti’ or ‘chapati’ after all. And yes, we even have variations in the form of parathas, kulchas, pooris etc. as part of the Indian cuisine. But nothing has ever been as regular a feature in Indian meals as the good-old ‘roti’. I had just wrapped up work and blissfully reading away random blogs in the late evening. And this particular post immediately made me…
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Quote Of The Day
How busy can we really get? Today’s quote is dedicated to that one moment which we spare for just ourselves, and that connects us to the truth of life in someway. -> Take a pause before that last sip of your favourite tea, -> spend that extra minute in bed cuddling with the loved one, -> look at yourself in the mirror for that one extra moment, -> breathe in that smell of the first rain, -> hold your breath for a moment after that beautiful kiss, -> steal a glance and appreciate beauty, -> smile back at a stranger passing by, -> stop by and wave to that…
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A Honeymoon to Remember : 10 Basic Destinations in Thailand
Honeymoon, a voyage undertaken by the newlyweds, filled with love and happiness, is the most momentous experience and one always has high expectations about the same. Whether you are the kind of couple who dreams of adventure or luxurious coastal getaways, or into architecture focussed on history or just would like to hit upon places of relaxation, to have a romantic and unforgettable experience, choosing the best destination for honeymoon is of foremost importance. People are on the lookout for destinations that are less crowded and have natural beauty as well as a romantic set to it. Thailand is one such place that oozes romance and that is why it…
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Quote Of The Day
Life conversations happen with many. Self-conversations are rare. I dedicate today’s quote to all those times we spend with just ourselves, in that cosy little private space of ours.
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Quote Of The Day
Introducing a new category in the “Unleashed Thoughts” segment of WANDER BIRD – Quote of The Day. This compiles life quotes by the author of this blog – SANTWONA PATNAIK – an avid writer, story-teller and a dreamer.
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WOMEN OF TOMORROW – Are we grooming kids the right way?
Gender inequality has existed across the world since ages. Men and women have never been considered as two equally contributing wheels in the cycle of life. So, let’s just face it, without sounding preachy. Well, we don’t have any control over whatever has happened and there’s absolutely no point brooding and fighting over who did what and the so-called distorted facts from history. But what we have a solid control on now, is the opportunity to inculcate the most basic value of equality within our kids. An EQUALITY which simply means ‘being equal’, with no discrimination based on caste, social status, region, nation and most importantly gender! Kids have the…
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4 Most Amazing Things to Do in Thailand
Thailand is one of the best destinations for pleasure-seekers who are travelling on a budget. With over 39 million international tourists every year, Thailand offers a wide range of activities from daily massages and island-hopping adventures to Michelin-starred street food and a superb night-life. With so many activities to choose from, picking which ones to do can be quite a task. So, here’s a list of four things you shouldn’t miss when you are in Thailand: Visiting the Grand Palace Want to know what it feels like to be a Thai royalty? Visit the Grand Palace. Located at the heart of the capital, Bangkok, the Grand Palace is a 200-year-old,…
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5 Best Travel Apps Every Woman Traveler Must Have
Gone are the days when “Are you going alone?” or “Is it safe for women?” are the questions which are asked again and again by families whenever women plan women-only or solo trips. Travel apps and other technologies have played a very important part to eliminate safety and other concerns of women travelers. There are many travel apps available now that help find partners to go on trips or are geared towards increasing the level of women’s safety or help make your trip as hassle-free as possible. Below mentioned are some travel apps for women which will ensure that you have a trip of a lifetime. Sheroes: Are you an…
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The Bizarre People and Customs of South Korea
Here’s a personal essay by John Adams on the chain of events, which led to his experiences in a beautiful country called South Korea. “I had something special planned for our second marriage anniversary, but she gave me an even bigger surprise ten days prior to the big day. We started as friends in the first year of college and two years later, I was convinced that we were soul mates. Our wedding ceremony took place a month after graduation and it was absolutely perfect. Getting into an intimate relationship with a former best friend is something special and I was certain that this was meant to last. We shared…
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Best Time To Visit Mauritius
Best Time to visit Mauritius for honeymoon.
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Learn to prioritise LIFE ~ A Personal Memoir from GOA
I could not have asked for a better sunset or better company, on this trip to Goa! Time froze right here. Undoubtedly, life has a zillion shades. Maybe, this is what is called ‘perfect’. As we grow older, it becomes more and more difficult to coordinate, find common timelines and plan a getaway with friends. But if you earnestly want to make plans work, they will work. Learn to PRIORITISE. No matter how reckless and spontaneous our 20-year old selfs were, the dynamics change at 30. We have more responsibilities, financial constraints and work load which definitely get tougher with time. So, impromptu getaways pave way for well-coordinated plans. Yes,…
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Top Places To Visit In USA
From coastlines to enormous urban communities, the United States is comprised of such a large number of different goals that it's difficult to choose which spots merit the qualification of the best in America.
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Arunachal Pradesh: A hidden trove of fascination in India
Forget the sultry beaches of Goa, alluring hill stations of Manali and verdant greenery of Kerala. Just land in Arunachal Pradesh – the land of mountains, daunting passes, and soothing lakes. Arunachal Pradesh might not be a big name when it comes to top tourist places in India, but it certainly has something different to promise you a refreshing holiday. Today, let’s talk about the tourist places in Arunachal Pradesh. Tourist Places in Arunachal Pradesh Tawang Draped thoroughly with an irresistible lure, Arunachal Pradesh has many wonders to unveil and Tawang is one of them. Once you have reached Tawang, you’ll feel like you have landed in a Tibetan land.…