April 23rd is "World Book Day" & "World Copyright Day".
To all the shameless copycats, here's what I wanna say-
Lisa went to their garden with her notebook.
Being inspired by nature, she wanted to write a story for “Earth
Day”.
She settled in the cool shade of their mango tree.
She spotted a well-crafted tiny door attached to the tree
trunk in front.
Photo Prompt- Fleur Lind
Who lived there?
Should she open the door and check?
The Odia New Year is called Pana Sankranti or Mahabishuba Sankranti.
Details about Pana Sankranti are in my previous blog posts here.
This time let us all ensure correct representation in our social media posts.
As per the Purnachandra Odia Bhashakosha, an Odisha encyclopedia- a monumental 7-volume work of about 9,500 pages published between 1930 and 1940 by an illustrious son of Odisha, Sri Gopal Chandra Praharaj (1874-1945):
Bishuba Samkr─Бnti рммିрм╖ୁрмм рм╕ଂрмХ୍рм░ାрми୍рмдି —рм╕ଂ. рммି —рм╕ୂрм░୍рмп୍рнЯ рммрм░୍рм╖рмХрм░େ рмпେрмЙଁ рмжିрмирмж୍рн▒рнЯ рммିрм╖ୁрмм рм░େрмЦା рмЙрмкрм░େ рмЧрморми рмХрм░рми୍рмдି; рмдрм╣ିଁрм░ рмкрм░рммрм░୍рмд୍рмдୀ рм╕ଂрмХ୍рм░ାрми୍рмдି рмж୍рн▒рнЯ; рмЬрм│рммିрм╖ୁрмм рм╕ଂрмХ୍рм░ାрми୍рмдି рмУ рморм╣ାрммିрм╖ୁрмм рм╕ଂрмХ୍рм░ାрми୍рмдି; рммрм░୍рм╖рмХрм░େ рмпେрмЙଁ рмжିрмирмж୍рн▒рнЯ рм╕ୂрм░୍рмп୍рнЯ рмк୍рм░рмермоେ рмпрмеା— рмХ୍рм░рмоେ рмоେрм╖ рм░ାрм╢ିрмХୁ рмУ рмдୁрм│ рм░ାрм╢ିрмХୁ рм╕ଂрмХ୍рм░рмормг (рмЧрморми) рмХрм░рми୍рмдି —The two Saс╣Бkr─Бnti days in the year falling after the equinoxes; the passage of the sun to the next sign at the vernal and autumnal equinoxes; the passage of the sun to the first points of Aries and Libra after the vernal and autumnal equinoxes; the equinoxial passage (Apte).
Mili was visiting her grandparents’ home.
They
had passed away...
Though
Mili was visiting after many years, she saw that not much had changed in their
home.
There
was still no air-conditioner or television.
As
a kid, Mili never missed electronic devices whenever she visited her
grandparents.
They
played many board games together.
She
loved listening to their stories.
Many
memories came flooding her mind.
Photo Prompt- Susan Rouchard
The villagers had always wanted a bridge.
During the rainy season, boatmen either didn’t come or didn't dare to ferry passengers.
School students suffered.
Some diligent students, who didn't want to miss school, used to swim to attend school.
The villagers had communicated during meetings with politicians.
All letters to leaders had been in vain.
Governments came and went; the river had no bridge…
-x-
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| Photo Prompt- Sandra Crook |
Imparting dance lessons to
Persons With Disability (PWD) was tough.
She trained them wonderfully.
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| Photo Prompt- Dale Rogerson |
Her dream University beckoned.
She often saw the building through
her netted-curtain.
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| Photo Prompt- Roger Bultot |
In her last attempt, she was
rejected.
They had challenged her that she could never learn to ride a bicycle.
"You are already so old!"
"If you fall while learning to ride a bicycle, your broken bones are not going to heal easily!"
They all taunted her!
--x--
The choice was hers.
The field was hers.
She started earnestly.
It was tough with arthritis...
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| Photo Prompt- Rochelle Wisoff-Fields |
Rasabali is a cottage cheese-based dessert of Odisha.
"Kendrapara Rasabali" has the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
When I first started working for this GI, I looked for the spelling of this word- Rasabali- not only in English, but in Odia also.
As "Rasavali" too is derived from Sanskrit, and there the letter "v" is used instead of "b".
Rasavali was born in the temple of Baldev Ji in Kendrapara. It is a delicious dessert. It is a famous food all over Odisha. It has a long history of being born in Odisha and it is an Oriya food. It can make the world famous as an Oriya food by getting the GI tag#saveodiafood pic.twitter.com/a1g20SLuNP
— ЁЯТЦOdia food & sweetsЁЯТЦ (@_odia_food_) March 2, 2022
When I first consulted with scholars and language experts, those with a strong Sanskrit background advocated the usage of "Rasavali" in the name.
However, the usage of "b" i.e. Rasabali is more common in Odia.
Many of the sellers are already using - "Rasabali" as the name.
As we must be true to our local spelling and name, being "vocal for local", we settled for "Rasabali."
The name of "Kendrapara" was also discussed and went ahead with "Kendrapara" as the district name is - Kendrapara (and not Kendrapada).
These blog posts have more about our Rasabali GI outreach-
http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2020/07/kendrapada-rasabali.html
http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2023/09/does-rasabali-have-hole-like-doughnut.html
https://www.anitaexplorer.com/2023/10/kendrapara-rasabali-gi-tag-of-odisha.html
After my facilitation for the "Kendrapara Rasabali" GI and despite personally informing the stakeholders multiple times about the need for "correct representation", it was disappointing to find that the GI application had been submitted and the logo had been applied that too with the wrong information and spellings of product, applicants, place etc -
I do not know how or why I embarked on that trip,
They laughed at me saying everything I did was a blip!
With the herd mentality, they indulged in copy-paste-
Anything original & great, they'd own up after a taste!
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| Image credit; Moostapper @ Pixabay |
While they followed footsteps & copied all bit by bit,
Hiding sources, appropriating & falsely claiming credit!
Fairness has its stark advantages here.
Dark skin is not what most can bear.
"Fair is beautiful"- for many in our land.
Being fair is "lovely" & like a magic wand.
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| Source: Pexels |
A darker shade of skin is sought to be lightened.
Beauty standards are accentuated & heightened.
"Fair" is much in demand in this digital age too!
Tech filters, apps & AI change the looks of you!
“No, you cannot cancel our trip to the Himalayas yet again!
I’ve never seen snow in my life.”
Riya was upset.
It was the second time her husband had expressed his
inability to go on the trip.
Riya had spent hours to book the trip.
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| Photo Prompt- Dale Rogerson |
He had promised he would make it this time.
In our previous post, we shared how the eyes of the deities are now being misrepresented- in printed photographs/images that are used even in temples and at homes in Puja rooms, and also on diaries, calendars etc.
Misrepresentation of Eyes of Deities- Shree Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Shree Jagannatha-
https://www.anitaexplorer.com/2024/02/misrepresentation-of-eyes-of-deities.html
Even in the new art- paintings created by hand- artists are shaping the eyes incorrectly & not presenting the original eyes.
India has many Goddesses and Gods.
Every deity has their own distinct image.
For example, Maa Saraswati is shown holding Her Veena and wearing white clothes.
Similarly, Shree Shiva is shown with the moon and holding His weapons.
Shree Ganesha has been represented in many ways- holding sweets, books, weapons etc.
The Shree Jagannatha Temple of Puri, Odisha, is one of the "Char Dham"i.e. the four holy places to visit for Hindus.
Lakhs of devotees visit the temple.
The sibling deities also come out of the temple and undertake their annual journey - the Ratha Jatra (Ratha Yatra).
She thought herself to be lucky-
Always experimenting with art!
Their engines made
her appear murky-
Like a fox & coyote,
without heart.
She worked hard to sow the
seeds.
Her confidence gave them
the blues.
They removed her plants as weeds!
Her name joined their list of taboos.
Source: Pexels
A group of seniors had scheduled their meeting on the newest bridge in the city.
Their idea was to meet, chat, and watch the sunset
together.
Priya was on the bridge staring at the water.
Photo Prompt - Peter Abbey
The laughter and banter of the seniors filled her thoughts.
Seeing the group, she understood that they might have been school/college
friends.
The party was on in full swing.
Many guests had been invited.
Why did he have the empty feeling?
He was quiet though much was unsaid.
There was decoration, food and fun.
Free drinks flowed; the spirits were high!
Many indulged in animated discussion!
All fake smiles & superficiality made him sigh.
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| Woman With Flowered Hat- Jean Dupas |
Sita was excited when the National Sculpture Competition was announced.
For the past year, she had been devotedly working on an idol of God though
some remarked- "You being a female, how and why are you in this man’s
trade?”
People mocked and questioned her- “How can you even dream of your art
getting selected or expect winning?"
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| Maa Durga Idol- Pexels - Anil Sharma |
The 75th Republic Day was held with great pomp and show on January 26, 2024, at the Kartavya Path, New Delhi.
Odisha state's tableau has won the first prize in the State/UT category in Republic Day Parade 2024.
She was so lovely!
He loved her.
She did not know.
Even if she did, would she have
cared or reciprocated?
She cared for her books.
They were her love.
Even he loved to chew on books.
Once he had tried making his
presence felt.
She shrieked.
Even he got startled!
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| Photo Prompt- Susan Rouchard |
When she decided to move homes,
even he decided to make a move.
Parampara means- Legacy, Tradition or Heritage.
Odisha has an age-old Parampara & cultural heritage with textiles.
The thoughtfully designed poster itself has handlooms as the background for the faces! Can you identify the handlooms?
Thank you so much, Nabagunjara Family, for the honour & great opportunity to learn & share about Odisha's rich handloom tradition. ЁЯЩПЁЯП╜
The view was very beautiful.
The artist in Lizy was ecstatic.
Lizy had to express it on her
canvas.
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| Photo Prompt- Rochelle Wisoff Fields |
She returned with her painting
materials.
She took pains to ensure that
her sketch was a replica.
When the princess woke up, she found herself locked in a small room.
She realized what had happened.
A witch had kidnapped her...
The princess closed her eyes and took deep breaths.
She searched in her brain’s memory.
“The Nice Princess’s Guide” chapter- “What to do when a witch abducts you?” flashed in her mind!
“Buttering and oiling helps. Be nice to the witch and flatter her! Try oiling her hair!”
The princess looked for oil in the room.
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| Photo Prompt- Jennifer Pendergast |
It was wonderful to meet & interact with Justin Imam ji 6 weeks ago at the Odi Art Museum at the Chilika Shelduck Folk Carnival 2023 held at Barkul, Odisha where he was a speaker.
He had also displayed Sohrai & Khovar at the stall. He was so enthusiastic about this GI craft's promotion and explained to all visitors continuously and proudly shared information with all.
When I went to the lagoon,
I felt great!
The lagoon was there,
I was alive & not
"late"!
One friend-
Was in a bed-ridden state;
Another-
Passed the heavenly gate.
When I started seeing her in my dreams, I thought I had to visit her.
Where had my best-friend suddenly disappeared?
Why had she stopped receiving my phone calls and replying to
my emails and messages?
I took the next flight to her city.
I went to her workplace and apartment.
When I showed her photo or asked about her, none recognized
her.
They said- "No such girl ever worked or stayed here!"
I ordered coffee at her favourite coffee shop.
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| Photo Prompt- Susan Rouchard |
Each English calendar new year comes with hope and cheer and the possibilities are unlimited!
Darshan of Mahaprabhu
I remember the past celebrations when we started the year with a darshan of Shree Jagannatha Mahaprabhu at Puri Dham, Odisha.
Those were the days when there was no internet, smartphone or social media.
Now, we can end and start with darshan anywhere and anytime.
Heartiest Wishes for-
— Anita Sabat - рмб. рмЕрмиୀрмдା рм╕ାрммрмд (@anitaexplorer) January 1, 2024
- New day
- New week
- New month
- New year ЁЯОК
May this brand new year 2024 be a wonderful & eventful year ЁЯЧУ filled with lots of goodness, happiness & cheer for all by the grace of Shree Jagannatha Mahaprabhu ЁЯЩМ
Jaya Shree Jagannatha ЁЯЩП
рмЬрнЯ рм╢୍рм░ୀ рмЬрмЧрми୍рмиାрмеЁЯЩП https://t.co/KvL5cFiTUD pic.twitter.com/ZRwiUZ4tYO
Now, what we want to do "darshan" and what we want to share is totally up to us!
Recently, the Bargarh Handloom Summit 2024 was held at Bargarh, Odisha.
Actress Dia Mirza was the guest.
She wore a beautiful Bomkai saree.
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| Source |
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| Photo Prompt- Dale Rogerson |
Truly proud to share that 7 Odisha products have been registered as Geographical Indications (GIs)
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Some other GIs registered today belong to states like- Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir & West Bengal and their latest registered GI products such as - Arunachal Pradesh Wancho Wooden Craft etc, Kachchhi Desi Kharek, Ramban Anardana & Kalonunia Rice etc. respectively.
All these are now GIs- "Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India".
GIs are always a matter of great pride and prestige for our nation.
As a grassroots GI worker, proud to have initially suggested some of the brand-new registered Odisha GIs for filing.
Had mentioned some GI names in my talk during a panel discussion held at Bhubaneswar on Makar Sankranti, January 14, Rasagola Mahotsav 2019, organised by Tarang Music and Odisha Television (OTV) group-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TysPkOx3Thc
Watch from 49:05-50:05 and I have shared the names of some potential Odisha GI products including-
