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The Vaishnodevi Experience 2023

My first trip to Vaishnodevi was unimpressive. Climbing was hard, and it only served to highlight how badly out of shape I was, while my in-laws managed to cope so much better. Further, I hadn’t quite realized that the cave experience wouldn’t be the same as I had imagined, since the original cave was only opened at certain times a year, and that we only entered a newly created tunnel, one far easier to access, and hence more manageable with the crowds that thronged the mountain shrine. The resulting experience at the shrine, for barely a fraction of a second, hardly compared to what I had expected / imagined / heard about. So, for me, Vaishnodevi was like any other temple, nothing to write home about, something that was reflected (though not explicitly mentioned) in the blog post I wrote then.
3 comments

Photo story - Fishermen in the rain at Cherai

On our recent summer vacation, we woke up at Cherai to heavy rains. These weren't the usual summer rains where it rained now and then, but the skies opened up with a vengeance, and made it impossible for us go explore the area. I opted instead, for exploring the resort, and enjoying the peace, since most people were enjoying the cosy comforts of the resort, indoors! Walking towards the backwaters, the sight of these lone fishermen made me stop and watch them for a while, appreciating their hard work, and their perseverance.

This isn't a black and white photo, but the dark clouds and the fog make it appear so

These were the only two men, out in the backwaters in the rain, doing their job....


Even while I struggled with my umbrella, which threatened to blow away every moment, and my camera, trying to keep it safe from the rain, I tried to capture them at work - one busy rowing, the other, throwing the net out, reeling it in, and emptying it of the fish caught in it, and repeating the process over and over again. In the midst of all this, one of them noticed me, and waved out! 


I don't think this story needs any more words... I will leave you to enjoy the photos....














And before I end, here is one last photo, one I think is my best capture of the lot! What do you think? 


I must have watched these fishermen for about an hour, but they would have been out in the rain, for hours, and hadn't finished by the time I left. It really makes you appreciate them, doesn't it?
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Location: Cherai, Paravoor, Kerala, India

Comments

  1. Meghana HassanJune 17, 2014 at 8:59 PM

    Beautiful set of photographs..

    ReplyDelete
  2. BikramJune 18, 2014 at 1:59 PM

    first of all beautiful picturesssssss... and yeah they are working harddd...


    Bikram

    ReplyDelete
  3. By Deepa and SupriyaJune 18, 2014 at 5:57 PM

    simple images that tell a compelling story of perseverance. great capture! first time here and already liking it!
    good work!

    stop by our blog Aalayam - it's a fun space that features a ton of inspirational ideas.

    ~deepa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 25, 2014 at 9:11 PM

      Thank you so much, Deepa, and welcome here! Hope to see you here regularly now!

      Delete
  4. R Niranjan DasJune 19, 2014 at 10:55 PM

    Nice monsoon frames!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 25, 2014 at 9:11 PM

      Thank you, Niranjan! well, the monsoon hasnt set in here yet, so making the most of my pics!

      Delete
  5. UnknownJune 21, 2014 at 4:41 PM

    you are doing really good job...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kannan nSeptember 23, 2016 at 11:49 AM

    nice shoot, especially the last photo click is awesome

    ReplyDelete

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