DUSSEHRA EFFIGY MAKER

DUSSEHRA SPECIAL For 46-years he has smiled when his creations goes up in flames Father a master craftsman in Lahore used to be fondly referred as 'Lahori' Ram Rashmi Talwar/Amritsar October 4, 2008--------- On Thursday, the 9th of October, Harbans Lal (62) would see his month long hard work go up in flames ,he would smile and also 'rejoice' along with thousands of onlookers that the evil creation has been destroyed in full public view. Harbans, has been a master craftsman for over 46 years in making of effigies of Ravan, Meghnath and Kumkaran—symbolic of the evil brothers who are set aflame on every Dussehra festival as a symbol of destruction of evil and the dominance of good, as enshrined in Epic Ramayana and celebrated for eons . Talking here to The Pioneer Harbans says although he earns a measly sum of Rs 150 of labor daily, for the month that takes to form the three big effigies, he not only enjoys his work but is never disheartened as he holds religious sentiments for this work along with familial ties with the creations. His three sons also help him. Harbans says his father 'Lahori "Ram" too was a master effigy maker before partition and had created effigies over the years in Lahore, Pakistan during un-partitioned India when Dussehra was celebrated with much gusto in the open parks of Lahore, that had a sizeable Hindu population, He was fondly referred to as 'Lahori "Ram" –(the Ram of Lahore who killed Ravan –the evil), Harbans explains affectionately While the effigy of Ravan would zoom upto 90 feet, the other two would remain as at 70 feet each. The three effigies cost a total of about 4.5 lakhs contributed by people. As much as 350 metres of cloth, quintals of paper including colored paper , 10 quintals of bamboo, 30 kilos of seba (jute) and 7000 patakas in each, make up the effigies that takes only a maximum of 5 minutes to be reduced to dust, at the crack of dusk on Dussehra Day. Last year was the first for him when one of his effigies lost balance but was handled deftly with cranes , says Harbans . At other times of the year Harbans along with his sons Naresh , Ashwani and Deepak make different sizes and shapes of kites including patangs, pari's, paddar , gudda and others . In the lean period they sell 'amm pappar' (mango preparation ) and others eatables he adds. "But making Butts (effigies) remains my first love since I was 17 years old and helped my father make them" says he . eom…………..

HISTORICAL FORT GOBINDGARH AMRITSAR--THROWN OPEN TO PUBLIC

ARMY HANDS OVER HISTORICAL FORT GOBINDGARH TO CIVIL ADMINISTRATION
Rashmi Talwar /Amritsar
October 6, 2008--------
The coming Monday was indeed be special and a magnificent historical moment in the history of the holy city as the army handed over the Fort Gobindgarh ramparts to the civil administration of the city, after several rounds of talks between bureaucracy, the political leadership and army authorities.
Major General P.S.Paul,VSM, General Officer Commanding Panther Division handed over the reins of the fort to Deputy Commissioner KS Pannu on this Monday .
The Punjab Government has already chalked out an ambitious plan to tap the great tourism potential of this historic city which includes a plan for the adaptive re-use of Fort Gobindgarh as a National Museum displaying memorabilia of India's Freedom struggle besides a contemporary history of the Indian armed forces and the role of these forces in preserving the integrity of the country.
Located on the northwestern boundary of India, it was here that Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his armies for the first time were able to shut the Khyber Pass and prevent the invaders from invading India in the early 19th century.
It may be recalled that on December 20, 2006, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had handed over the key of the historic fort to the then Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh.
This monument was kept out of bounds from the people of Punjab for over 150 years who have emotional attachment with the events related to Fort Gobindgarh. It had remained under the control of Army since 1849, when Punjab was annexed by the British after the demise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It is expected that Fort would be thrown open to the civilians who could witness firsthand the past history of the monument and of the period .
Built in 1760, it was called Bhangian Da Kila (Bhangis was one of the twelve Sikh misles), The fort occupies a unique place in the Indian military history.
During 1808, the fort was known as the fort of Gujjar Singh Bhangi. Later it was re-built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh with the help of Jodh Singh. The legendary Maharaja Ranjit Singh, strengthened the fortification of the fort in order to keep his treasures and treaties safely. Towards this end, is a specially constructed "Toshakhana", in the centre of the fort. The huge Toshakhana was also used to store large amount of grains and provisions for the 12,000-strong Maharaja's army.
Made with brick and lime with number of army bastions and iron gates and 25 cannons on the ramparts that are now replaced with modern weaponry, the fort was constructed on a square pattern with a parameter of 1500 sq mt with two strong gates, four large bastions and well-defined rampart.
The majestic entrance has been named 'Nalwa Gate', after General Hari Singh Nalwa –the great Sikh warrior in Maharaja Ranjit Singh's army.
The other end of the gate is known as 'Keelar Gate' and it was rumoured that in its close proximity existed an escape tunnel, connecting to Lahore tunnel. However, the army authorities said that they had not been able to locate any such tunnel so far.
Of special interest to the denizens and tourists is the Darbar Hall, Hawa Mehal. and Phansi Ghar (hanging chamber) besides the "O'Dyer Bungalow" a grim reminder of -- a reminder of the Jallianwala Bagh bloodbath (General Reginald E. H. Dyer, chief of the British army in Amritsar and the perpetrator of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre that is merely a crows flight to the historical bagh where thousands lost their lives in the bloodiest carnage) . the British Army had added these to the fort after the annexation of Punjab about 150 years ago
Significantly after the Indo Pak Partition the fort provided shelter to a large number of refugees from Pakistan. A year after Partition in October 1948, the fort was handed over to the Indian Army. It was last occupied by 176 Field Regiment of the artillery
However, reservations are already being expressed whether the state government would be able to preserve (and restore) its original glory. Talking to The Pioneer, Pannu said the administration and the Army authorities had worked out a solution. A part of the fort still held by army establishment would be properly segregated to give safety to their unit and also provide suitable camouflage by raising a wall with a cost of Rs 2.50 crore. A special road has also been constructed to provide a separate entry to the Army establishments.
He said the Ministry of Culture and Tourism had already earmarked restoration fund of Rs 2.50 crore that had been lying with the administration and would be used for proper facelifting and conservation of this historic monument..
Despite the prolong army occupation of the monument , the forces had to this day maintained the historicity of the place with the names of the various buildings still intact and etched in original form and have even tried to enhance the usage of the place by displays .
One such instance is the "Phasi Ghar" (hanging chambers ) that has a mock effigy hanging from a noose pointing explicitly over its use by the British who condemned hundreds of Indian freedom fighters and patriots to the gallows. It is reported the General got sadistic pleasure in watching patriots being hanged in ‘Phansi
Ghar’ which is situated just opposite his residence-cum-office. On this occasion , the "Association of Families of freedom fighters" demanded an inventory of those condemned to the gallows by the British , to be handed over to the civil administration as well as all previous records of the fort so that history could be truthfully , clearly and concisely conveyed to the public through historical memorabilia and corresponding documents in the proposed museum .
Also such a list could piece in the puzzle of several "missing" freedom fighters "who were known to have just 'vanished' during the freedom struggle and their mention in any incident or report could not be located .

Mamas turn sons into monkeys --LANGOOR WALA MELA IN AMRITSAR...

WORLD FAMOUS LANGOOR WALA MELA IN AMRITSAR
RASHMI TALWAR , AMRITSAR
September 30, 2008------
'Amritsar' conjures up images of the glistening 'Golden Temple' but few are aware that the holy city of Amritsar is also "world famous" for the "langoorwala Mela". What "Durga Puja" is to West Bengal and "Dandiya celebrations" are to Gujarat, the Langoorwala Mela is to the Holy City of Amritsar.
Every year on the occasion of the Navratras, thousands from across the country and abroad arrive at the ancient “Bara Hanuman Prachin Mandir” at Durgiana Temple here to take part in the internationally famous nine-day Mela to make a wish for a child or for thanksgiving.
The unique mela that began here on Tuesday, on the auspicious occasion of Navratras saw children dressed as “langoors” dancing to the tune of drums in a procession passing through different parts of the holy city , in a rare feast for the eyes.
More than 2000 langoor costumes have already been distributed say temple authorities.
Many childless devotees, irrespective of 'religion' or any caste, don the garb of langoor to seek Lord Hanuman’s blessings for the birth of a child, while many children can be seen wearing the languor dress to show their gratitude towards Him.
In bright red outfits, with silver and golden trimmings, conical caps, faces smeared with fuller’s earth and make up like langoors complete with long tails and silver-coloured staffs, children dressed as langoors dance to drum beats for all nine days of Navratras.
The temple boasts of a "rare" idol of Lord Hanuman in sitting position. Except for Hanuman Gadri, Ayodhya, such posture of the idol is believed to exist nowhere in the world.
According to legend in the epic Ramayana, twin sons of Lord Rama – Luv and Kush (Lahore and Kasur in Pakistan were named after them, respectively) — who lived in exile with their mother, Sita Mata at Ram Tirath (near Amritsar ) captured the Ashwamedha horse let loose after “Ashwamedha Yajna” performed by Lord Rama to stake his claim over the territories where the Royal horse set afoot.
Lord Hanuman, who came to defend the horse, was taken prisoner by the twins and tied to a banyan tree which is located in the Durgiana Mandir . Later, a temple was built at this place. To commemorate this, couples still tie a red thread on this very ancient banyan tree after wish fulfillment.
Interestingly, an eighty-year-old and a few months old baby alike can be seen dressed as langoors to fulfill the vows of their parents or grandparents. On their part, the parents or a guardian sleeps on floor, observe fast, avoid footwear, eat vegetarian food uncut with knife and recite verses from Ramayana during the entire 9-day period. The “langoors” on their part remain bare-foot all the 9- days and sleep on the floor. On the first day, they bring some sweets, coconut and flowers after seeking blessings from the head priest.
Many childless devotees, irrespective of religion, don the garb of langoor to seek Lord Hanuman’s blessings for the birth of a child, while many children can be seen wearing the langoor dress to show their gratitude towards him.
The mela concludes on Dussehra festival when “langoors” finally take off their langoor outfits near the banyan tree.
The childless mothers gifted with a child, untie the thread on the ancient tree on the fulfillment of their wish. According to a popular legend, the unique festival has been celebrated for centuries.

INDIAN PM's CLASSMATE FROM PAKISTAN MEETS HIM IN INDIA

INDIAN PM's CLASSMATE FROM PAKISTAN MEETS HIM IN INDIA

Indian PM classmate frm vill Gah Pakistan here in India to meet him

PM's Childhood Classmate from Pakistan to visit India ………Hopes to meet PM Dr Manmohan Singh BY RASHMI TALWAR Amritsar May 18 , 2008------------
Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh childhood classmate Raja Mohammed Ali from village Gah in Chakwal district of Pakistan has crossed his first and biggest hurdle in his dream to meet his class fellow in India . He was recently granted a visa for a visit to India. Raja Ali talking to The Tribune here today from Pakistan said he said Allah has been kind to him and he was thrilled to be coming to India in May 2008 with a relative Mahmood Ahmed accompanying him. Earlier he had applied for visa but was refused on several occasions. Raja Mohammed said he would be getting the 'mitti' (soil) , water and another "Tilley Walli Chakwali Jutti" for the Prime Minster . Mohammed had earlier in March this year (2008) written a letter in Urdu (as he knows no other language) to Prime Minister and handed it over to a hindu jatha member visiting Katasraj Shrines in Pakistan. In the letter to Prime Minister he wrote that he fervently desired to meet him and have a few moments to relive the memories of him and their other class fellows when they studied together in the ancestral village . He further wrote that because of him (PM) a lot of development work has been undertaken in their village and each person of village remembers him and sends their good wishes. He reminded the PM that he had earlier sent a 'tillay walli jutti' for him and hoped that he must taken out some precious time from his busy schedule to have tried on the shoes . He acknowledged getting a letter from PM who had sent his regrets on the sad demise of their only girl classmate "Baqt Bano" and added that he was pleased that the PM had done higher studies."God willing I will get a ticket to India in near future ", he wrote. Recalling the time when he sent a tilley wali Jutti to the PM with the 29-member delegation of Pakistan local council that crossed over to India in August 2004, Mohammed said joyfully, "I had made the estimate of his (PM’s) foot-size from his television appearances that we collected together to watch in houses of friends and relatives in adjoining townships". The class mate said he studied from class I to class IV with Manmohan Singh lovingly called 'Mohna' by all, after which he (Mohammed) became a school drop out and took to agriculture with his father . He said that while Mohna was a studious one they were all upto tricks. He recalled a moment when 'Mohna' used to be deep in study and they used to quietly steal dry fruit from his pockets. "He knew our tricks but preferred to smile instead". Mohna’s family were dry fruit agents in Gallah mandi.. "Mohna was very fond of marbles, gulli danda and often we used to play kabbadi", recalls Mohammed. Reminiscing the celebration in the ancestral village when Dr Manmohan Singh became the 17th PM of India, Mohammed says:" The whole village was agog with cries of sada Mohna Hindustan da wazir-e-azam ban gaya ..... The same year the blessings continued as the village was declared a model village by the Pakistan government. The village was doubly overjoyed when they received the first ever letter from the Indian 'Wazir-E- Azam' , said Mohammed and added " The village had received the PM's condolences through its Nazir (deputy commissioner ). The letter in Urdu was written in a very poetic style. The whole village had felt pride that a man from their village had risen so high in life but had not forgotten his roots and expressed his sympathies for one of them. The PM had written that he was moved by the present of a Tilley walli jutti sent to him by the people of his ancestral village." . The PM wrote : "I am grateful to receive a copy of old school Examination result of my ancestral town along with a pair of Chakwali shoes. These traditional shoes reminded me of my childhood memories. I am very much thankful to you for sending these things which reminded me my past. A few years ago, I came to know that Ms Bakht Bano had passed away I was deeply shocked to hear this. If possible, please convey my condolence to her son Mr. Khizar Hayat."………………………….eom

MINORITIES ART-WORK FINDS ESTEEM IN LAHORE---COCCO'S DEN

ANCIENT ARTWORK FINDS SEMBLANCE OF ESTEEM AT COCCO'S DEN IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN
BY RASHMI TALWAR
LAHORE (PAKISTAN)
Nothing surprises you more than finding a rich repository of Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian ancient artifacts in the heart of Lahore, Pakistan. Broken or cracked is no issue.
If any individual has dared to salvage ancient "art" of minority communities in Pakistan and given them some semblance of esteem – it is the "Cocoo's den"—Art Studio cum Restaurant–Cafe --in Lahore.
For owner- painter Iqbal Hussain and restoring the 4-storeyed Haveli known as 'Holy Castle ' a evacuee property in the Heera Mandi –the red-light area of the city-- was a daunting task!
"I faced heavy odds from mullahs and extremist elements who questioned this amalgam of art of differing religious sensibilities. Sometimes the higher or lower levels of placement of artwork in comparison to the Muslim 'Kalma' evoked outrage. At others it was my collection of paintings of modern day 'tawaifs' in various modes of undress amidst these artworks have borne the ire of fundamentalists. But now with the round-the-clock security, things have been more settled," he added .
Queried over his paintings of flesh traders he answers without a hint of embarrassment " My mother -- 'Nawab Begum' was a 'tawaif and a' 'nautch' dancer in the court of maharaja of Patiala hailing from Dharampura from where we came to Lahore during partition".
About the extravagant collection that he has painstakingly chosen to decorate in nooks and corners, even on balustrade ledges! he says "I collected and bought works of art from local junk dealers -- temple jharokas/domes , statues of Hanuman lifting the Sanjivni , Buddhist busts , striking bells, flower platters , ancient diyas , life size statue of Mother Mary, Guardian and cupid angels and virtually turned this into a art studio. However financial -crunch pushed me into remodeling the studio-- into a restaurant and cafe where I displayed 'my' art now."
His art has been aptly described by Aryn Baker in 'Time' Magazine as "Hussain's searing portraits of teenage prostitutes, thickset madams to wizened harmonium players amidst ancient art ---- a mix of the "debased and the divine" .
Senior Superintendent of Police Special Branch, Lahore Ms Neelma Durrani admits that the 'strange mix' has brought its share of hardships to the place and owner. Owners of other shops around the restaurant also give credence to the fact that the place faced hullabaloo from those claiming to be the protectors of Islam on several occasions.
However Cooco's den is replete with a unique combination of ancient culture, gastronomical delights and a near perfect view. It is no surprise then that it has become the most favored spot for a Lahore visitor including many Indians and foreigners.
The indoors are intriguing in contrast to the dazzling outdoors, giving a feel of different time zone.
Tastefully, laid tables, glassware, antique chairs in almost all settings including indoors, patio, terrace, and rooftop.
A bell hung over a beatific statue of Virgin Mary on the main patio is used to ring in the delicious food orders from lower floors as a 'handi' strung on ropes is lowered and swiftly pulled from the rooftop to serve sizzling cuisine food on any floor .
'Rope- pulling'-- is an ancient method used to lift purchases like groceries, vegetables others to upper floors of the house practiced even now in many congested parts of Punjab in both India and Pakistan but especially in Amritsar and Lahore. "I have kept alive this ancient mode of transportation," the owner lets out with a guffaw.
Warm marble tables heated with electric heaters underneath, under the glow of the lanterns with flavors of mint, strawberry and vanilla 'hookah' –called 'sheesha'--absolutely transforms as one breathes in the unique roof-top view of the breathtaking sight of 350-year old ancient minarets of Badshahi mosque—bathed in floodlight, underneath a chilly, clear, twinkling, dark sky.
The view adds to the exotic ambience of bells, marbled statues, frescoes of deities, flower platters, wood- framed mirrors, and sparkling glow of 'diyas' that casts a virtual spell.
"I respect all faiths. After the Babri Masjid went down in 1993 lots of shrines in Pakistan came under violence. I offered to take in any statue of any Hindu, Buddhist, Jain God or Goddess if it came on the market. So they came to me. I don't want any disrespect shown to them," says Hussain.
Interestingly, according to Hussain his 90-years old mother tells him that his father was a Hindu – a Pandit named 'Karamchand' –a singer of big, local fame. He even claims to have a picture of him

TRAIN JOURNEY AMRITSAR LAHORE SAMJHAUTA EXPRESS

AMRITSAR –LAHORE JOURNEDY BY TRAIN SAMJHAUTA EXPRESS Jet lag Versus "Mal Gaddi –lag" By Rashmi Talwar I remember arriving back from America and facing the proverbial jet lag that could sap the strength out of anyone, but nothing could beat the "travel fatigue" after the"longest Train journey for the Shortest distance" in the world -- from Amritsar to Lahore or vice versa . Mind you, the distance between Amritsar –Lahore --the twin cities (before partition) is just 60 kilometers from each other and merely "3 Kms" apart from each others border and not thousands of Kms. However when I arrived back from Lahore just before the deadly twin blasts in capital of West Punjab, my family heaved a sigh of relief. Seeing my groggy appearance for the second day after arrival they broke into peels of laughter and commented "lookan nu JET LAG honda hai tuhanu "mal gaddi –lag" (goods train) hoya hai " The Samjhauta Express train between the two countries may be the "train of emotions" for those who were separated during partition but surely the "Samjhauta-Compromise" is all for real on every front, even if it means the dubious distinction of being a train for smuggling. But for many of us the ground reality saw emotions of a different kind---of endless wait, rushing, grabbing, queuing, minor scuffles along with hunger pangs and hot tempers. Due to the sizeable number of our group our journey from Lahore to Amritsar started at 6 am to reach Lahore station. Formalities of passports, tickets et al done, the train finally started at 8 am. As the first "International" train between India and Pakistan chugged along the railway track towards Wagah (village in Pakistan on border ) the nearly 25 Kms of journey to border took more than one and half hour in a third class compartment . On reaching Wagah, entire baggage of passengers was downloaded for immigration and customs. "Helter-skelter ran people looking for baggage trolleys standing in long queues. After another set of formalities, people struggled to get back to their seats but nothing remained in the name of seats!" All were occupied or laden with baggage. The passage-ways full of sacks and assorted luggage. Weary and hungry, a bottle of coke with pack of biscuits was all that I could manage to grab from the lone vendor at Wagah station. No sooner did some eye the goodies and what remained was the 'transparent' bottle and a biscuit cover. After that no one dared to open the "meager morsels" that they stored for onward journey. Perched precariously on baggage it was a 'rock-n-roll' experience. Painstakingly, the train departed at about 2 pm to be again halted near border gates. Emotions ran high in fascination to see BSF personnel gracefully riding a horse alongside the train. For those with cameras the snail's pace proved a boon as pristine rural landscapes on either side were caught for posterity in 'unblurred' picture frames. Many prayed post crossing the Radcliffe railway line while many were amused as police personnel on duty offered them handsome exchange currency! The situation was no better with cumbersome customs and immigration at Attari "International" Railway station on the Indian side. Again the race for trolleys--with only 200 of them for nearly 500 alighting passengers-- Minor scuffles and hot words ensued-- At about 5 .30 pm I managed to reach my waiting family outside the station. Ordeal of nearly 12-hours over, some aptly commented "what can you expect with a rail ticket on Indian side costing measly Rs 18 but surely the Pakistani side could do better with a Lahore to Attari ticket at Rs 100 (Pakistani)", some smiled. My last remembrance would be the 'mal' arrived in the 'gaddi' and the 'lag' followed ……………..eom

Amritsar:emergency contraceptive pills?..think again

For Headlines Today Gynecologists sound caution to women resorting to "emergency contraceptive pills" to prevent unwanted pregnancy By Rashmi Talwar Amritsar April 7, 2008 ---------------- Men and women who practice unsafe sex and then resort to the "emergency contraceptive pills" to prevent unwanted pregnancies need to be aware of certain counter effects of using the "pill' . Vigorously marketed by some pharmaceutical companies that claim its cent percent success, the "pill" is far from safe as noted by some gynecologists in Amritsar. Several cases have been reported in the city where woman were found to have developed "Ectopic" pregnancy post usage of these pills . The 'Ectopic' pregnancy is when the pregnancy takes place other than the uterus. Most commonly these pregnancies can take place in the fallopian tubes besides other areas could be ovaries, cervix or even abdomen and can be fatal for mother. A gynecologist of the city requesting anonymity revealed that at least three patients had come to her for treatment in the past 3-4 months with severe abdominal pain. When tested it was found that they had 'Ectopic' pregnancies and surprisingly all three had been consuming the 'emergency contraceptive pill'. "Their pregnancy occurred in the fallopian tube and caused severe pain in the abdomen with bleeding . The condition is life threatening as contrary to pregnancy in uterus as the most natural environment for the foetus, the egg fertilizes and is implanted in the fallopian tube of the patient", the gynecologist added Another gynecologist explained that as per medical reports the movement of the ovum or the egg is controlled by natural hormones. The pill is targeted to change the natural balance and course of hormones that serves to control the 'unwanted' pregnancy. However the pill is also known to be causing imbalance in hormones leading to unnatural changes that have resulted in 'Ectopic' pregnancies. Undetected or ignored cases of Ectopic pregnancies may lead to rupture of the tube internally causing death, the doctor contended. The gynecologist who dealt with three such cases in a private hospital of the city said "when some patients came to me with severe abdominal pain their ultrasound proved the presence of the foetus in the fallopian tube. Subsequently a number of such cases have been recorded in the city wherein patient had felt safe in the knowledge of having taken the emergency contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy but have landed in a serious situation". She advised that companies advertising such pills should be asked to fully inform the patient about the effects of the pill and possible outcomes through wrapper information or in the advertisements to help them make a sound decision on its usage. "But vested interests play a pivotal role in keeping this information under wraps thereby putting under threat the lives of women users " she added . Amongst the most common symptoms recorded by some doctors for the presence of Ectopic pregnancies could be a missed period, symptoms during actual pregnancy , abnormal bleeding, pain in the lower abdomen or the pelvis. …………..eom