My Yatra Diary...'s New Blog Look In 2014!

I have been thinking of changing the blog look for the past couple of months and it’s only now, in the beginning of a new year, that I have finally managed to set aside my lethargy, take the challenge up and ring the changes in. And now that it's done, I am so excited to show it to all of you!

So what’s new?

• The overall width of the blog has now increased as a result of which we will be able to see bigger images in the posts hence forth.
• White comes in as one of the overriding colors which is hopefully more soothing to the eye.
• The header: Though I personally LOVED my previous header still I couldn't resist replacing it with a new one. I love the entire process that goes in the making: the selection of pictures, then playing with them by putting them in Picasa and eventually the joy of your creation, the final output. It’s fun.

Pictures in the new header:

The 1st picture is from one of my trips to ISKCON Temple, Delhi in 2011. I had the fortune of attending the afternoon arti (prayer) after which I had clicked this picture.

Attending the arti is always one of my highlights while visiting any of the ISKCON temples, in fact I always look forward to them; the yellow aura surrounding the divine flame, perhaps more powerful, more radiant from the combined energy of a multitude of people, all singing glories to the Lord; I find the entire experience emotionally very connecting. Almost every time I am there.

2nd picture is from a recent trip to Hyderabad I embarked on, in August 2013 during the weekend Independence Day holidays. Situated in the one of the historic zones of the city, the place is Mecca Masjid compound renowned for being one among the oldest and largest mosques in Hyderabad and India respectively.

Feeding  the pigeons in the masjid grounds is a popular activity with a large number of visiting people inside. While feeding the birds, I spotted this young goat nearby and extended my hand of grains towards her. I was delighted when she accepted my offer and started licking my hand softly. It was another experience, one of a kind for me and very beautiful to be sensed.

And the 3rd and the final picture is perhaps my favorite of the lot. It is from a small town in the Char Dham Garhwal Himalayas named Harsil and leaves me in awe each and every time I see it. 

I find a strange sense of magic in this picture, like it's alive, breathing life… in its very own self and also in me. Those quiet moments in the company of the eternally benevolent mother Ganga, my chance encounter with the village woman and the magical mystical power of faith…Those were moments of bliss, and perhaps it was the same divinity that also led me into capturing this one - this way. I think this photograph has to be my favorite from the entire lot that I have. 

Help me improve!

Please do let me know your thoughts on the new changes, since you are its reader, I trust you to know it best. Do you like them? Or do you see something that can be done in a better way? If you have any suggestions to make regarding anything, please feel absolutely free to let me know your feedback in the comments sections. It’s you who can really help me make this better. Though I don't swear on acting on them right away or even incorporating them, but be rest assured that I will be surely considering them and if possible try inculcating them as well. I sincerely look forward to hearing from you.

A BIG thank you for all my joys of 2013!

Before My Yatra Diary... starts filling up pages (Melbourne coming up) for the dates, 2014, I just want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for all your visits, comments and thoughts throughout the past year. Though I may not reply to all the comments but I am always deeply pleased to read them and learn from them. It has been a joy connecting with all of you and to have your company all along... I couldn't be more blessed to share my travel tales with friends like you. You have been family; and My Yatra Diary… loves you. It would have been so incomplete without you... Thank you.

“May God give you...
For every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile,
for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share,
for every sigh a sweet song and an answer for each prayer.”
 ~ Irish Blessings quotes

Here’s to a very happy and blessed new year 2014.  Happy blogging and Keep smiling. :-)