Practice Session

15th July 2010 

Commonwealth games have created quite a fervor among Delhiites. For the past few months our Deer Park has been in for makeover for the better. Everyday we found some new activity happening; signboards erected advising various excercises, pathways made, flower- beds created along the road, etc. On our regular walks in the morning, some new additions did meet our eye, like a welcome surprise.

A little over two months ago, practice sessions were held at Dlt Khanna stadium. The entry was through the district park of mostly known as Deer Park. Police posted, banners for rules erected, screening of participants and so on…Lot of hustle and bustle so to say!!

 What to talk about the human beings, even the 

animal world got impacted by its fervor. As I was taking my usual rounds alongside the lake, to my surprise saw all the white ducks come out on the inclined bank and marched past the concrete path in neat rows of fours. I stood there at a safe distance in dumb silence watching this breathtaking scene. A neat marching past practice! Grappling with my camera as I got ready to take pictures, a man came rushing from the other side scaring the ducks to retreat. Before they got inside the water, I was just in time to click few pictures. I would like to share it with you. The sight is still so vivid and fresh in my mind.

SACRED DIPS!

26^th March2011. 

Who says ‘Sacred Dips’ can be taken by humans only?

There are others also who enjoy the dips with equal zest and fervour.

Had you seen it, would have felt the same.

Today, when I went to the District Park (more commonly known as ‘Deer Park’)the sight totally enthralled me. It was 7am. A flock of crows cawed merrily swooping down the trees, taking a morning dip in the so called water- logged puddles, created in various places, by watering the fields. Straining my eyes I found a hose pipe strewn on the ground with water flowing out to all the low lying area—so the puddles.

The sun had risen some time ago, spreading its lukewarm soothing rays all around the fields and the puddles, giving it a glistening effect.

I stood there transfixed watching the crows enjoying to the hilt. Some took the dip, while others fluttered their wing cawing excitedly calling out to their friends; yet others stood aside as audience waiting for their turn.The thirst effect didn’t apply here, the sunshine being quite pleasant at the time.

 My mind instantly transported to the time when I had my Kumbh dip in Allahabad some years ago. . A fresh feeling of joy swept all over me.

“Wow” I found myself bursting out, “It seems the crows are also having their sacred dip in Delhi, more so in the deer park. For them it was no less than a Kumbh. ( With no offence to religious sentiments)

I walked around the park, saw few more puddles, and crows busy with their bathing spree. Man it’s surely a ‘Bathing day’ for the crows!

A DOG, A ROOF AND A CAT !!

You know, as I was driving back, after my routine morning walk in ‘Deer Park’, at the corner bend of my lane, an unusual sight caught my eye. A dog was standing aloft the roof of the car. Four five dogs surrounding the car barked loudly and the dog standing aloft barked looking upwards. I trained my eyes to the direction, to my surprise, I saw a small black cat standing on the lower branches of a tree. I braked my car on the side and stood watching. I wish I had my camera, but my mobile came handy. I quickly took pictures, and stood in silent wait to see what would happen next. The cat stared and the dog barked. What a sight! Finally, the dog jumped down, went his way thinking of sour grapes, I’m sure. As for me, I had captured the most unusual sight. Have a look!!