The Act

The Act Strolling with my fellow classmates, we were intrigued by the crowed gathered at the corner of the street at St. Germain, Paris only to learn that a young lad was displaying this balancing act using a glass sphere. The show lasted for 15mins but the memory , I think, is going to last for ever.

~VJ~

Statues

VJ :: Statue of Gomatheswara - When you climb 650 steps, you are on the top of the Chandragiri Hill, where the statue of Gomatheswara is located. I was told that this statue was carved out of a single monolith. However, what appealed to me was this a statue made of bronze that was placed at the foot of the giant statue. Notice the bronze bell placed next to it..have we all seen it somewhere and does it ring a bell ?

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Shillu :: One more picture from the temple series. Unfortunately the head of this statue is missing - I am sure there is a story behind this...An invasion, a battle maybe?..

Bells

VJ :: Have you heard the legendary Dr. Chitti Babu's composition called- Temple Bells..when I took this picture, those were my first thoughts..I have seen in many temples in South India lately where it is forbidden to ring a bell.

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Shillu :: Handmade copper bells in various sizes & forms for decorative purposes for sale.

Indian dance balet - 5

A post war scene, by the way of capturing emotions, King Ashoka is made to realize that true happiness lies within the four walls not in conquering places and blood shed.

Indian dance ballet - 4

We are back after a long break. We have been extremely busy with too many events - both happy & sad. And we are back for good.

This picture highlights the performance of the dancers in the King's (Ashoka's) Court.

Enjoy more pics from the Indian dance ballet series.

Indian Dance Ballet - 3

Suryanamaskaram - is the first prayer in the day to worship the rise of Sun. Today, it is a part of our daily exercise in yoga.

Sashanka Chakram Sakeerata Kundalam Sapeeta Vastram Sarasee Ruhekshanam- Sahara Vakshasthala Kausthabham Namami Vishnum Sirasa Chaturbhujam-- the prayer

~VJ~

Indian Dance ballet-2

Shilpachaturyam :: This posture depicts the innate talent of the Shilpi (sculpture artist) during 304 BC. By way of the dance, the dance artist's portray carving and setting up the sculpture, which in this case is an entrance, also known as Dwaram. ~VJ~

Traditional Indian dance ballet-1

Shillu :: Brace yourself to watch some breathtaking pictures the next couple of days from VJ. When I looked at this collection I decided that these are too precious to be coupled with any of my pics. So I will only post VJ's pics for the next couple of days.

Panchamrutam - My fiancee and I went to watch a Bharatnatyam Dance Ballet called 'Ashoka'- meaning 'end of sorrow' and based on the life of King Ashoka. Various dancers young and old, held the audience captive with their enthralling expressions, gracious moves, apt mudras and above all, an outstanding performance..three cheers to the team 'Mangeeram' who presented this fusion dance ballet at Shilpa Kala Vedika on the occasion of Sree Rama Navami... VJ

Art work

Shillu :: What you see here are the tools of Bidri artist who is half way thru creating a beautiful handicraft. Birdi ware originates from Bidar in Karnataka state (India). The metal used is a blackened alloy of zinc and copper inlaid with thin sheets of pure silver. You can read more about this unique art here.

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VJ :: Look at this picture. Walking into this palatial building called the 'Chatsworth' castle, I was pleasantly amazed with this image on the wall. Now, look at this picture one more time, you think it is real or a painting? I would not put my money on someone who would call it real?