Yes, 2011 is all set to bid us Goodbye!

But before we close down the curtains... It’s time to pause and look back... time to muse over  a pile of reminisces... time to thank for all the good it gave to us and time to pray for peace and a better tomorrow... It's time to relive an entire journey of 365 days in a few moments...

It's time to reflect and rewind, and to walk on the sand dune of memories…

My Yatra Diary... Posts Recap:

Picked out from the archives, a recap of My Yatra Diary... January through December, 2011 compiled together in pictures accompanied with a short excerpt and the link of that article... Hope you enjoy going through it..

JANUARY

Anjaneri mountain in Nashik

There is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather - John Ruskin


FEBRUARY

Magh Mela, Allahabad

Living in a crowded suburb of Mumbai and having experienced the crowds first hand, I have to admit I had never seen anything like what was before me that day. The sheer number of people overwhelmed me...

Holika dahan, Festival celebration in Mumbai

One of the most awaited festivals – The festival of color, HOLI - is finally here! Today is Dhuleti and this post comes amidst all the vibrant fun and frolic, singing and merrymaking that's happening right now in many parts all over the country!

APRIL

Harsil, Garhwal Himalayas

So these stones that you see in the river… These are not ordinary stones, Beti! They are Lord Vishnu. Pray to them with a sincere heart… They will make all your wishes come true!

100 posts completion, picture collage

There are days when you just bring out some old photos, old scribblings, old notes; to do nothing but to sit amidst a bundle of memories that you treasure and would never want to lose…
Badrinath temple, One of the Char Dhams in the Garhwal Himalayas

I stood there outside…starring at the temple for several long minutes...It’s a dream to be at this holy place and God calls only the lucky ones to His abode…The sound of my elders echoed deep in my ears… I felt highly blessed… for I felt like I was among the chosen few…

JULY

Sunrise at the Neelkanth peak in the Garhwal Himalayas

For the next ten minutes or so… we did not move, nor spoke… just stood transfixed and gaped in awe and admiration at Nature’s own wonder miracle unfolding before our eyes …

AUGUST

Lord Shiva Temple in Ambernath during Shravan

Mom, it’s raining so heavy today!
The RainGods are bathing Lord Shiva dear…

As a small child, I remember such instances quite vividly.
For me, it was just the dark clouds and the cool breeze of the rainy season that came along in the months of July-August.
But for her (read my mother) it was a little bit more…
Lalbaugcha Raja Ganpati Pandal in Mumbai

‘Bagha Bagha! Lalbaghcha Raja Disto Aahe!’ (Look! The Lord is now visible! ) It’s just 20 min or so in the queue… A glimpse so soon, How? I wonder. But a single step forward, a slight curve in the queue and yes, its indeed Him!


2.
Ganpati Pandal Hopping in Mumbai

So, pack your bags and bundle up your woes… Get ready to join me, as I embark on a yatra (pilgrimage) of a slightly different kind… The Festive Ganesh Yatra… And let’s together enjoy this spirited carnival!
Mahatama Gandhiji's message in his own handwriting from Sabarmati Ashram
Many years ago, a solitary figure clothed in a loin cloth, firmly holding on to his stick of principles and ideologies, set out on an expedition…
On the 142nd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, also fondly known as Bapu and renowned world over as The Father of the Nation, just spare a few moments to ponder on His wisdom, teachings and invaluable contributions to the rich history of India…

2.
Har Ki Pauri in the evening, Haridwar

By the time, I climb back again, the sun is all set kissing the horizon and the steps are fully occupied. The chit-chatter amongst the crowd has risen substantially and so has the anticipation for the Ganga arti to commence.

NOVEMBER

1.
A hand made greeting card for mother

Cards, letters, and poems - they were all there... Oh, when and how I had forgotten about them...?! Soon enough, I found myself buried in a heap of memories, going through the scribblings, chuckling to myself, getting reflective over some, while finding others quite childish. I ended up spending the whole afternoon rummaging through the letters that had gathered dust over time and found utmost joy in wiping them off. Ah... Memories!


2.
A cake celebrating 2 years of blogging

Thus, If I witness celebrate this day today by writing this post, it’s only because of You... You have encouraged, supported and contributed to the growth of the diary… You are the reason it has all been possible! I have nothing more to say except a -- BIG THANK YOU!!!

DECEMBER


A constant companion throughout my journey... It was difficult to part with Her and say goodbye at the end of my yatra...




What People came looking for in 'My Yatra Diary...' this Year... Some Facts, Stats and Figures:

1. Top 12 Search Results for My Yatra Diary... in 2011 -

Google analytics stats - pages overview
Pages Overview Summary for the year

1. ISKCON Temple Delhi - 6318 Pageviews
5. Khatu Shyamji Temple, Rajasthan - 3271 Pageviews

2. Top 12 keywords for My Yatra Diary... -

Google analytics stats - Traffic stats overview
Traffic Sources Overview for the year

1. iskcon temple delhi - 619 Visits
2. Salasar balaji temple - 429 Visits
3. ganpati decoration - 411 Visits
4. kabirvad - 396 Visits
5. valley of flowers - 315 Visits
6. harsil - 303 Visits
7. sai baba - 265 Visits
8. pilot baba - 248 Visits
9. char dham yatra map - 211 Visits
10. trimbakeshwar - 195 Visits
11. iskcon temple - 192 Visits
12. khatu shyam temple - 186 Visits

And Finally...

Mother Teresa Inspirational Quote on Happy New Year

Happy New Year Everyone!
Keep Blogging And Keep Smiling :)