I woke up at the break of dawn on Tuesday. A whole new world was awaiting me. When I saw buses coming our way, I immediately thought of how lucky we are to get an extra picnic! Where to? Joranda.
It's a 45-minute drive from my college, IIMC Dhenkanal. Journey to Joranda wasn't really a picnic, we were supposed to think of a theme and click relevant pictures so as to make a photo story from it. And so our journey began, it was confusing whether to close one's eyes and let the cool breeze hit one's face or keep them wide open to relish the beauty of the landscape.
Huge green hills losing their existence as clouds engulfed them and in the foreground were long stretches of lush green paddy fields. They say greenery is the most soothing to the eye, but I felt it soothed my very soul.
We arrived amidst light showers in Mahimagadi, a whole new world, a place where you get a new perspective of spiritualism. After a good power dose breakfast, we went on to observe the beautiful temples of Mahima Dharma.
"We are all parts of one supernatural power, God does not have any shape, colour or size," my eyes glanced over the sage as he said these words. His feet depicted how he had abandoned all luxury and comfort. His ochre clothes depicted simplicity and austerity. His eyes didn't match with his smile, they looked calm yet strong. He wore a Jhampi, a big hat made out of dried Bamboo leaves.
I went inside thinking of a theme for my photo story but got carried away with how much of an unlikely temple it was. Earlier, the temple used to be white, a symbol of Mahima Dharma. Only recently it seems as if a layer of loud and vibrant colours is slowly grasping it.
I witnessed a flexible detachment in the sage's lifestyle as he asked me to save my number on his mobile phone. They leave out luxuries but are still connected to devotees, devout and prospective.
This journey had three facets, photojournalisistic, spiritual and that of a picnic which appealed to my inner child. No matter how many metro cities I go to, my heart will always yearn lush greenery, cool breezes and tranquility.
