Tribute to two great Bengali artists

Though miles away from Bengal and India, I cannot resist myself from writing this post to pay tribute two great Bengali artist, Atulprasad Sen and Manna Dey. This composition will tell you why:

A day at the Rhine Falls

With five of my colleagues, I went to visit the Rhine Falls on Saturday. Rhine Falls is the largest plain waterfall in Europe and was formed some 14,000 to 17,000 years ago in the Ice Age.. From Zurich Airport, it takes about 40 minutes by train to reach the Falls. 

More details about Rhine Falls

Here are some incredible pictures and videos of the Falls.

This quiet river meets the Falls

Another view of the river

The Falls

Now in Zurich again...

A X-Mas tree with Swarovski crystals 

My work has brought me to Zurich again in less than a month's time. I flew from Bangalore to Frankfurt and after a few hours halt, come down to Zurich. First five days was all work and no play and hence we decided to take some time off and go about the city. On Friday night (19-Nov), we went to visit the Bahnhofstrasse next to the Hauptbahnhof. We didn't expect that so many people would be on the street on a Thursday night. Bahnhofstrasse was very beautifully decorated with LED night and there was live performances every 50 meters on the street. It was really welcome change to see so many people on the street welcome the holiday season after the gruesome terrorist attack in Paris. A great sight was that of a X-Mas tree built with Swarovski crystals.

A human X-Mas tree singing choir

Well lit up buildings add to the glitter

Happy Diwali to one and all

Today is Diwali or Deepavali, the festival of lights. On this auspicious occasion, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous year (Samvat 2072) ahead.

Beginning of any auspicious event or occasion begins with the puja of Lord Ganesha, the benevolent Elephant God. May Vinayaka shower His blessings to one and all.

I am so very grateful that I could celebrate Diwali with my family this year. We lit diyas at our house in the evening and then lit sparklers with Torsha and Tojo. I wanted to make it a sound pollution free Diwali and hence avoid crackers.

In the afternoon, I visited the Ramakrishna Math, Ulsoor, and have the privilege to see the Paramhansha, Ma and Swamiji. A blessing indeed.

Have a peaceful year ahead. May the Universal Force always be with us.

Om Shanti, Om Shanti, Om Shanti