The Hindu and Buddhist history of Odisha , or rather, ancient Kalinga, is rather well known to everyone. Who hasn’t heard of the grand temples of Odisha – Puri, Lingaraj and Konark, or the great war of Kalinga which inspired Ashoka to convert to Buddhism? In contrast, very few know of the Jaina heritage of this region. This is quite a pity, since, just around 7 km from the city, is one of India’s most ancient inscriptions, which throws light on the Jaina heritage of Odisha. This inscription is the Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela, in the hills of Udaygiri. Udaygiri and Khandgiri are two hills located opposite each other, and both are testaments to the rich Jaina heritage of Odisha. The caves at Udaygiri are older, while Khandgiri is relatively newer, but has lasted much longer, and continues to be a place of pilgrimage for Jains even today. These hills, from inscriptions and excavations of caves, shrines and rock beds, appear to have been a haven for Jaina monks, right from the ...
Ten days of any festival can get quite hectic, but preparing for it is much more so, especially when there are five steps to decorate, as well as loads of craft work to make. Last year, I had posted detailed posts on my Navaratri Preparations. Those of you who havent seen them can take a look at them, as well as my Navaratri Posts here.
Here is a sneak peek into what we are into, for Navaratri 2010,which begins the day after tomorrow.
First off, is the fort - something we had to think a lot about....... but which turned out to be quite simple, once we got an idea....
A couple of boxes of Kellogs Chocos, a few leftover pieces of thermocol, and a couple of plastic bottles lying around... thats all it took.....
Here's what it looks like, finally....
In case you haven't guessed yet, thats a tunnel through a mountain....
This has been made by special request - Samhith's of course!
It consumed masses of newspaper and tissues....
Does the result look anything like what its supposed to be?
And finally, here are the mountains which are supposed to make up the backdrop....
Here is a sneak peek into what we are into, for Navaratri 2010,which begins the day after tomorrow.
First off, is the fort - something we had to think a lot about....... but which turned out to be quite simple, once we got an idea....
A couple of boxes of Kellogs Chocos, a few leftover pieces of thermocol, and a couple of plastic bottles lying around... thats all it took.....
Here's what it looks like, finally....
And now, heres what we made with another Kellogs box.....
In case you haven't guessed yet, thats a tunnel through a mountain....
This has been made by special request - Samhith's of course!
It consumed masses of newspaper and tissues....
Does the result look anything like what its supposed to be?
And finally, here are the mountains which are supposed to make up the backdrop....
The major work seems to be done, but this is just the beginning.... there are steps to be set up, the layout planned and laid out...... and much, much more... and all I have is a day in hand.... a normal day with school, classes, et al........ Wish I had more hands to use... or a few extra hours to snatch.... I shall be back once I manage to complete the work!
nice work. Couple of watch towers on top of fort would have been nice
ReplyDeleteI am sure Samhith would have had a gala time doing this.
ReplyDeleteCool Fort! Love your theme-based gholu. Can I invite myself to see it on one of the days? :)
ReplyDeleteI am sure this is going to be wonderful time for Samhith.Good work there.
ReplyDeletehey!!!! u plz come home na! u can write abt this house too.... its really mela here!!!!
ReplyDeletekanthi
@Shrinidhi: thanks... there are two small watchtowers at the ends.. thats what the bottles were used for... unfortunately they are rather small due to the space constriction... wish i had a huge place to make use of.. would go mad trying things out, probably!!!
ReplyDelete@Mridula: Samhith is actually doing little except getting in the way and dropping fevicol all over the house! as of now, there really is nothing much he can help out in, except getting me stuff and seeing what i am up to.... he will be making his blocks houses once the main stuff is ready so we know what exactly he needs to make... but it is fun!
@Monisha: thanks a lot... your blog design is interesting....
@Bindhu: hey, u can drop in anytime.. would love to have you here.....
@Chitra: thanks.... i hope he likes the way it finally turns out!
@Kanthi: that is your job... tu kya kar rahi hai???
This is so nice.
ReplyDeleteEverything shown step by step.
Kids would love to follow this.
Thank you for following me.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about gollu's a lot these days, but considering we did only one gollu when I was a kid, I am not at all sure I know how to go about it.
Reading about last year's Navaratri has inspired me to attempt something next year.
Are you in Bombay too? Asking because of the Matunga mention.
@Haddock: Thanks.... I have been taking so many ideas from others' blogs, it felt right to show detailed steps so that others could use mine too!
ReplyDelete@Rayna: I just happened to stumble on your blog, and loved it!I enjoy navaratri and making all that stuff because this is the one festival where i can satisfy all my creative urges... We could never keep Golu when I was young either, but I grew up hearing about it... so u also can try it out.... I am in Chembur, chedda nagar actually... what abt u?
Simple Ideas, Turning into amazig outcomes...wow....you must have gone through a lot and at the end enjoyed the fruits of that!!! Amazing effort and passion - what is this guy and you upto next is something that I am eagerly looking out for manni - Siva
ReplyDelete