Live from Chinnaswamy Stadium: India vs. England

For the past few days, I've been travelling in India.

Today I spent a few hours in and around Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore (okay, am not going to say Bengaluru as I still fancy the Anglicized name of the City) where the India vs England cricket match was going on earlier today.

These pictures were shot using a Nikon D300 using a standard Nikkor 18-55 mm lens, hours before the match was to begin.

The match was a thrilling tie!

Sunset at Tungabhadra Dam

The Tungabhadra River, formed by the confluence of Tunga and Bhadra, in the southern part of India flows from Karnataka to Andhra Pradesh. From then on, it joins as the chief tributary of the Krishna River.

The Tungabhadra Dam was constructed to harness the River water. What I like about dams is that they help with irrigation, farming, in producing hydroelectricity and I'm sure there are other uses that I am not aware of. It is amazing how water is stored so that there is enough during the summer months too.

The Tungabhadra Dam is near to the World Heritage Site, Hampi. It's storage capacity is 135 Tmcft, and in times of heavy rains, the Dam is said to be distributing an estimated quantity of 235 Tmcft, in other words... a huge amount! My mind could not fully comprehend the size of the water body. Water was filled to the brim as far as my eyes could see, right up to the horizon!

While strolling in the gardens at that height, I particularly liked the view of several species of birds flying past continously for hours together. I believe some of the birds are resident, others migratory.

I also stayed long enough to capture some sunset scenes.

Tungabhadra Dam in the distance....
on the left is nothing else but water as far as the eyes could see!

Sun setting in the waters

Shot through my sunglasses

Shimmering waters

~~~

Go view many more water shots at
Watery Wednesday

Vidhana Soudha

My World Tuesday

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The photographs here are of the Vidhana Soudha, located in Bangalore (Bengaluru), which is the seat of Karnataka’s secretariat and legislative assembly. It is constructed in the Neo-Dravidian style and also incorporates Indo-Saracenic elements of architecture.

Ayyo Appa...

Constitutional breakdown
Conflicts and conspiracies
Peddling of politicians
Land grabbing, horse trading
Land scams, struggle for power

Kidnapping, goons ruling
Ruthless and tyrannical
Defections, corruption rampant
Situation out of control
Deterioration by the day

What use of prayers and rituals
To idols and the gods
While poor are not cared for and die
When will the so called leaders
End such insolent autocratic rule?

What happened to oaths and duties
Morals and responsibilities
Integrity and honesty
Has it all been thrown in the winds
Gone for a toss so easily?

Is there anyone out there
Ready for selfless and honest service
To bring about needed change
Raise the standard and dignity
In the life of the common man

I think they were around
During the freedom struggle
Can we not find them anymore
Except in movies and books
Or should we seek them in statues?

~~~

Photographs shot: 24 December 2009
(during my last visit to Bangalore)

Poetry created: 22 November 2010
(keeping in mind the present chaos and political crisis
in Karnataka, the state I was born in)

SWF: Sundown

For more pictures of skies around the world, go visit Sky Watch Friday.

Sunset viewed from Mahanavami Dibba, Hampi

Dec 2009

SWF: Bylakuppe Monastery

Bylakuppe in Karnataka has a number of monasteries, nunneries and temples in all the major Tibetan Buddhist traditions. It is a settlement that was established on land leased by the Karnataka state government to accommodate some of the Tibetan refugees who came to India after 1959.

My skywatch pictures this week are these made one pleasant evening last month while on a long walk from the Namdroling Monastery to reach this Sera Monastery.

Do go watch more skies at Sky Watch Friday.

SWF: Sigh of Contentment

During a stroll one evening as the sun was getting ready to set, I reach this place of justice...

A local woman in her traditional garb poses before it...
A bunch of school kids and a lone bird flying high up...
A little further away another gate is open...
Men in khaki stroll under blossom filled trees...

Pardon me while I sigh in contentment at memories of a pleasant and peaceful evening.

Go watch more skywatch posts at SkyWatch Friday.

Like to join me for a Swim?

Dubare Elephant Camp, Coorg
Photographed on 3 January 2010

No, Mr. Crocodile, thank you. Certainly not, unless I am pushed off the edge by someone into the River Cauvery. Even then, I shall quickly learn to swim and reach the banks of the River before you decide to play with me your favourite game, Snap!:D

Greetings from Hampi

Stone Chariot at Vittala Temple, Hampi
27 December 2009

After celebrating Christmas in Bangalore, and post Christmas good times in Mysore, I am now in Hampi, the erstwhile capital of the glorious Vijayanagar Empire. The past few days have transported me to the awe and ambience of the golden age of that Empire along the Tungabhadra river.

Sunset at Tunghabhadra Dam, Hospet
28 December 2009

Like the beauty of the setting sun captured here, may the year 2009 end on a similar note, and I wish all my readers a happy holiday season and a lovely 2010.

Sunset from Mahanavami Dibba, Hampi
26 December 2009

Cheers.

celine

Shades of Green

"To be native is to have been born in the area in question; but native also designates those whose ancestors were from the area..."

I came across a website where some famous people whose native is Mangalore are listed.

~~~

Driving around Mangalore is a delight. The sights are so diverse throughout and in the outskirts of the city, almost at every bend there is a beautiful scenery to enjoy. It is a great place to soak in the greenery, especially so during and after the monsoons.

These miles and miles of land full of greenery is a soothing sight. Green in nature is one of my preferred colours. So also the pure whiteness around snow clad mountains. But then I also like the fiery red, orange and yellow of autumn.

Which is your favourite colour adorning nature?

~~~

Mangalore and around - September 2009
Photographs shot by me in and around my native.