JOURNEY THROUGH THE PRISM TO UNFURL IN THE COLORS

by Saliha Waseem (Pakistan)

Making a local connection India

To quench my thirst for adventure I took a trip to the variegated land of India. It was the year 2018 when my excursion began at the Lahore (Pakistan) railway station where I stepped into the train whistling towards the platform asking me whether I was ready for my adventure, and I sure was. The train took me across the Wagha border(in Pakistan) and the Pak-India border opened as I entered in the territory of India. Though I have been to India four times in the years 2001,2007,2011 and 2018 my story is a reflection of how I felt during all these times in India. It was the land filled with diverse cultures like a rainbow and it seemed like it was showing me the great history it went through. I began my journey in Delhi, where I stayed in a little town called Nayaryaan, a little old fashioned town with narrow streets, the typical of Old Delhi. Buying the ticket of Metro train service, I went to visit Jama Masjid, the Country’s largest and magnificent mosque. Its red color, extravagant architecture spoke for its own beauty and splendor, Muslims and Non-muslims alike visited the Mosque and praised its beauty. My next destination was The Laal Qila (Red Fort), the red and white fort looking like a commando as it was when it was a safe haven and residence for the Emperors. I entered through the Lahori gate named so as it faces the city of Lahore. I toured through the Diwan -i -Aam, the Public Audience Hall, the central canal Nahr-i-Bihisht "Stream of Paradise", Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and I thought of how royal the lifestyle was in those days. I exited the fort after my tour and bought souvenirs symbolizing the history carried in the heart of the fort. I also visited Humayun tomb, built by the Mughal ruler Akbar, Qutb Minar, the largest individual tower looking like a giant and people surrounding it taking pictures and I joined them for it is not every day that we get to see such art. Carved in its walls were the Islamic writings and verses showing the belief of the Muslim rulers who built it. I also visited The Lotus temple, India gate-the war memorial in Delhi, Agresan Baoli-the famous water reservoir of the past, Connaught palace, the largest commercial area in Delhi filled with shops and business centers where people were busy in the hustle and bustle of life. I was also welcomed by the celebrated old Bazar in Delhi, the Chandni Chowk where I ate the delicious local foods, particularly PAAN which was yummy. Lodhi Garden, Rajghat, Tuglaqabad fort, Delhi Haat, and Purana Qila were among my travel destinations. I saved the best for the last, the wonder of the world, Taj Mahal built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Noor Jahan. I took my shoes off and went in between the four minarets surrounding the tomb and saw its magnificence. I tried the local rides in the city including camel riding, horse riding, cart riding and (tanga) a special ride where a cycle would be attached with a cart and the ride was fairly common. I found it fascinating as it was environment-friendly. The foods I ate in India were simply luscious. To add to that, Indian land is famous for its savory foods, curry, and sweets. I had a taste of the very yummy Pani puri, Dahi Bhalay(local foods). The traditional fast foods included dosa, Pao bhaji, vara Pao, bhelpuri, uthappam, idly and all of them were scrumptious. Writing about the flavorful meals I had, shahi paneer, choly Bathory, kachori and the sweets, reflecting the typical Indian taste in food. The essence of my trip were the people filled with hospitality and warmth in their heart who welcomed me in their land and I witnessed their traditions, their lifestyle, their clothing and broadened my knowledge of India. Although my trip ended, the journey resides in my heart showing me how the world even though is so small and yet is full of colors and diversity!