Monsoons in the Abode of the Gods Mount Abu 2015

Monsoon Season at the Abode: The Wet Hug of Mount Abu

In Mount Abu, everyone looks forward to the spectacle of the Southwest monsoons arriving. Rain usually arrives by June 12th, much to the relief of the parched land and the hope of the farmers. The traditional celebration of St. Anthony’s Day, June 13, in Goa, coincides closely with the monsoon season. The locals have a peculiar custom if the rains don’t come by then. They parade St. Anthony’s statue around the streets, and some of them make a lighthearted but sincere appeal to the saint by submerging it in wells or soaking it in cold water.

We saw the first indications of the monsoon’s embrace yesterday. The clouds opened up, promising, and Mount Abu was greeted with a brief shower and a hint of thunder. I’m glad I took a picture of these moments with my phone and am posting it on my blog.

The All India Radio Tower Mount Abu

The All India Radio tower opposite my house.  

The meteorologist says this year’s monsoon will be moderate. In Mount Abu, we have a special method for anticipating rain: we gaze to Mumbai. When Mumbai receives its first substantial monsoon rain, we know our turn is approximately 10 days away. Thus, we wait for the rains in Mumbai with crossed fingers and high hopes.

But there is a wild side to life in Mount Abu as well. A Rottweiler was attacked by a leopard only last night in Dhoondai, close to the Jal Hotel. This time, the dog was saved by the prompt action of the residents and security personnel, who scared the leopard away. However, the event serves as a sharp reminder of the ongoing conflict that exists in this area between people and wildlife. We hope that in further interactions, the dog stays safe.

 As the monsoon alters Mount Abu, stay tuned for more updates and pictures.

You and your Camera Mount Abu 6 June 15.

From Walker to One-Arm Bandit: A Photographic Journey Through Recovery

When mobility was a distant dream following my injury, I found peace and purpose in an unexpected partner - my Mac. As I overcame the difficulties of limited movement with a walker, I became known as "you and your Mac." I had no idea that this would be the start of a life-changing experience.

Obsession with the nuances of the Apple operating system became a daily practice for me. It was a comfortable distraction, a doorway into the world outside my immediate surroundings. I gradually let go of the walker and welcomed the freedom provided by a one-arm bandit, allowing me to explore the world with greater mobility.

As I went outside, my trusty camera became an extension of me. Hours passed into pure bliss as I studied nature and photographed the few lovely images my neighbourhood had to offer. I focused my camera on anything that flew, moved, or crawled, demonstrating my newfound respect for life's fleeting moments.

Today, I'd like to share with you some of the intriguing items that attracted my notice throughout our outdoor adventures. The camera became more than just a tool for me on my road to recovery and rekindling. I've ditched the moniker "you and your Mac" in favour of "you and your cameras."

Each camera click signifies a step ahead in my recovery process, a visual story of resolve and the quest for beauty in unexpected places. Life may have thrown me a curveball, but through my camera lens, I've learned to focus on the positives, converting obstacles into chances for development.

Join me on this photographic adventure, where the moniker "You and your cameras" has become a badge of honour. It's a testimonial to the flexibility that comes from adversity, as well as the capacity to discover beauty in the ordinary. Every image tells a narrative - a story of recovery, passion, and the unwavering spirit that pulls us ahead, one photograph at a time.

The Large-billed crows have made the tower in front of my house their haunt and attack any bird or animal that transgresses their domain. The only time they move out is when the Peregrine Falcon alights on the tower.
 Birds, insects and beasts around the house.will be posted shortly.

Animals and reptiles.

Monitor lizard

 Monitor lizard

 Squirrel

 Monkey

Daman Rat Snake

Daman Rat Snake

 Doby the hunter was taken away by the 

leopard in December.

Insects.

 Ant attack

 Butterfly

 Dragonfly

 Dragonfly

Flowers.

 Rose

  Rose

  Rose

  Rose

 Wild fruit

 Wild flowers

Shoe flower

Birds.

 Black Stork Ciconia nigra   

 Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciata fasciata   

 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus   

 Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis

House Sparrow Passer domesticus indicus

House Sparrow Passer domesticus indicus

Strange colour markings for this species

Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala

Shikra Accipiter badius   - Male

Shikra Accipiter badius   - Female

Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus

Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis  

White-naped Woodpecker Chrysocolaptes festivus

White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis

With crab.

Some Abstract photos.

 Paper article flying through the air

  Paper article flying through the air

  Paper article flying through the air

  Paper article flying through the air

If I asked you to guess what's this you 

would probably be at a loss

It's an ice cube melting in the sun.

Full Moon June 2015.

Click on the image to see the beauty of it.

I guess a little bit of Luna does enter my upper attic, making me reach for my camera so that I'm compelled to snap the satellite of ours. Hope you enjoyed the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.

GREETINGS ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2015

GREETINGS ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY! 

From the Abode of the Gods 

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.”- Mahatma Gandhi.

Behold the sweeping view of Mount Abu

The Time to Give Back: Restoring Abu’s Green Heritage

More than half of the world’s forests have been destroyed because of humanity’s insatiable greed. Now, more than ever, it is time to curb this destruction and begin healing. Our environment needs a break, a chance to recover, and for this planet’s sake, we must act now to preserve what remains of our natural beauty.

Each year, individuals from diverse backgrounds in Mount Abu gather to plant trees across different locations in this beloved hill station. But planting is only the first step. What if the community took it upon themselves to care for these young saplings—especially during their crucial first three years? If every local were to nurture and water the trees in their immediate surroundings, Abu could reduce the number of trees lost to the scorching summer heat.

By undertaking this small yet meaningful initiative, we nurture a flourishing environment in Abu, leaving a rich, green legacy for future generations.

Update on Yesterday’s Incident

At around 7:30 a.m. this morning, a JCB showed up to remove the car that had fallen into the dried-up stream yesterday. The operation was rather crude but effective. I’ve captured a few pictures of the process, showcasing how the vehicle was hoisted out of the streambed. Look below.

  
  
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