Life in a magic world

30/07/2025 The passed night was not easy. Could not sleep at all. There were frequent disturbances. I woke up early and went to the area where common toilets were placed. Although, it was not easy to get freshened up, I could do it some how. After brushing teeth, I realised temperature levels were very low. My palm was frozen.  I rushed towards the Bhandara to have some hot water. Though the water was not very hot, it was drinkable and found some relief. After having a cup of tea, moved back to the tent. My co-pilgrims were ready to move. They packed their bags and was waiting for permission. They left the tent around 7 am. Meantime, the announcement came that the yatra is halted due to poor weather conditions. Someone said that there was heavy rain last night and a landslide blocked the way.  I saw from my wife's condition that she won't be continuing the trip that day. She appeared to be very sick and rested in tent. Her conditions hinted that she plans to rest for the day o...

29/07/2025 (Tuesday) We woke up at 4 am to get ready. By 5 am all yatris staying in the resorts were ready. The resort owner arranged two Innova cars to Chandanwari. It cost Rs 250 per person.  Chandanwari is a beautiful place in the lap of the Himalaya. It is an elevated point up to where we can reach by a four-wheeler. Surrounded by peaks of snow almost all months except summer, it appears to be a favourite place for those who like nature and its serenity.  En route to Chandanwari we can also see the beautiful Betaab Valley (where the Bollywood movie Betaab was filmed). We all reached around 5.40 am or so at Chandanwari. The entry point had every preparation for crowd control. Steel barricades restricted the direct movements. Under a well-designed tin shed, the yatris had to report and complete the required checks.  After completing the entry check, we all rushed towards the Bhandaras to eat something. All Bhandaras were ready to offer hot food and tea to yatris.  ...