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Pandharpur Yatra 2023

The first time I visited Pandharpur was back in 2007 . The names Vitthal and Pandharpur, were just names to me. I had heard of them, but that was about it. Seeing the lord standing on the brick, hands on his hips, was memorable, but more memorable was the sight that greeted us as we walked out of the main sanctum of the temple. In the mandap just outside were a group of devotees singing abhangs , and dancing. This was the first time I had heard abhangs , and even almost 15 years later, I can remember the welling of feeling within me, listening to the songs, and how fascinated I was by the sight of the devotees dancing, lost in their love of the Lord. Over the years, as I have read more about Vitthal, and participated in Ashadi Ekadashi programmes at Puttaparthi, that first experience has stayed clear in my mind and heart. Every time I tell my Balvikas students of the saints who sang of Vitthala, it is that experience that I re-live. I visited Pandharpur again, in 2010, but that experie
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Alibag article on Spice Flair

It is a small coastal town, dwarfed by its neighbor – the concrete jungle of Mumbai. Yet, Alibag manages to hold its own, with beaches, forts and temples, a wealth of history within a small area. Alibag has, for long, been the favorite destination for Mumbai-ites looking for a short break from their hectic lifestyles. It is, after all, easily accessible from the city – it is barely 30 Km by the sea, and plenty of ferries are available from the Gateway of India. It’s not too far by road either, for the 100 Km journey takes barely 2 hours to cover. I have always preferred the sea route however, enjoying the feel of the sea breeze in my hair, watching the view of the Mumbai skyline fading away, seeing ships from all over the world at the Mumbai harbor, and of course, the chance of spotting sea gulls or even dolphins!



I have been to Alibag twice. My first visit led to an entire series on the beaches, temples and forts which attract us to the coastal town. My second visit was an unplanned one, which happened suddenly, thanks to a cousin's visit. This visit was short, but just as much fun as the first visit. Looks like we can never have enough of Alibag!!! 


Read my complete article on Spiceflair.com to know more about Alibag and its attractions....



Comments

  1. R Niranjan DasMay 20, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    Nice post Anu.

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnuMay 20, 2012 at 11:56 PM

    Nice travel article...I love beaches, particularly in India. There's so much opportunity in there - to eat, sit, enjoy the tranquil waters touch our feet. And ofcourse the crowd!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Trikannad Raj.May 21, 2012 at 9:51 AM

    Ina concrete jungle Mumbai has some nice scenic spots--Very interesting -thank you.
    CaptTR ,Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousMay 23, 2012 at 9:55 AM

    nice post heard its a getaway place from mumbai during weekends

    ReplyDelete
  5. IndiatravelMay 29, 2013 at 1:13 PM

    Nice photo and Blog about Alibagh

    ReplyDelete

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