Eid Ul Fitr

This is a video collage of the Eid Prayer gathering at Red Road in Kolkata.



Sunday: October 14th, 2007

Eid Mubarak عيد مبارك

Eid Mubarak and warm greetings to my Muslim friends celebrating as we start the month of Shawwal!

Ah, how nice it was awaking to a warm cup of coffee and breakfast. Refreshing as it was to welcome the morning meal, I was off early yesterday morning to Red Road where people had already begun to gather for the largest gathering of Eid Prayers in Kolkata.

Though no government census is taken, I am guessing the numbers are in the hundreds of thousands.

For about half an hour the Shahi Imam of Tipu Sultan Masjid gave a fiery sermon. Imploring the Muslim’s of Kolkata to rise up and be politically motivated in the coming elections and in light of current crises in the city which led to the murder of a young Muslim man (Rizwan) at the hands of Hindu’s. While there is an ongoing investigation, the media is pointing to the involvement of top police brass in the city. Anyhow, this was a large part of the Eid Khutba (sermon).

After the Khutba was completed a siren was sounded. Thus the Allahu Akbar’s began and the prayers were under way. Once the Eid Namaz was completed everyone arose to hug one another and offer hearty "Eid Mubarak’s." Much like Christian’s offering a Merry Christmas to others during the Holidays.

I will try to post more later, but wanted to put up a few photographs of the amazing gathering of Kolkata’s Muslim’s.

Here’s a first glimpse.

Iftar #2

I already posted a little about Iftar, but wanted to do so a second time after a great opportunity we had on Friday night. It was then we were invited to a special Iftar party with friends in the community. Here is a photo of the wonderful arrangement of food that the ladies prepared.


Along with the wonderful food, we had a great time of prayer and fellowship. It is such a joy to experience life in India. The rich cultural tradition, camaraderie and honour are both excellent and praiseworthy.

Adhan أَذَان 101

5 times a day from the minaret of the Mosque, all Muslim’s are called to prayer. This call is the "adhan." This adhan itself is recited by the Muezzin. It is as much a proclamation as it is a warning that prayers are about to begin.

The Muezzin is someone specifically tasked to give the adhan five times a day for Fardh (mandatory) prayers. Then, Muslim’s hearing the adhan respond by coming to the Mosque for prayer or beginning their ablutions from wherever they might be to begin their prayers.

Throughout the Muslim world, from Africa, Arabia, Central Asia, the Indian Sub-Continent and down through South Asia the adhan is given in Arabic. Even in Western nations this call is given daily in the Arabic language. During the course of the adhan, this is a translation of what is recited;

God is Great, God is Great!
I bear witness that there is no god but God x2
I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God x2
Come to prayer x2
Come to your good x2
God is Great, God is Great!
There is no god but God!

Once everyone has arrived to the Mosque this call is given a second time within the Mosque. This second call is the Iqama. The iqama is recited in a lower monotone voice at a faster pace than the adhan. At this, the prayers begin.

Here is a short clip I saw on youtube that can give you a birds eye view of its sound…

Taraweeh ( تراويح ) Prayers

During the month of Ramadhan it is tradition that Iftar (dinner) parties are thrown every evening around sun down to break the days fast with ones family and neighbors. After Iftar the men retreat to the Mosque and women to prayer rooms to begin their Maghrib prayers. (Maghrib is the 4th required liturgical prayer of the day for Muslim’s.) Later in the evening, well after sundown, there is another Adhan (call to prayer) from the Mosque loud speaker for the Eish’a prayers.

Eish’a is the 5th and final (required) liturgical prayer of the day. During the month of Ramadhan there are special prayers that proceed directly after the Eish’a prayers. These prayers are called Taraweeh ( تراويح ) and they require almost two hours for their completion every night. During Taraweeh prayers the congregation of the Mosque is lead by a Hafeez (One who has committed the entire Qur’an to their memory). The Hafeez will recite and take them through the entire Qur’an in Arabic during these thirty days according to Juz’ (جزء ). Juz’, being the Qur’an broken up into 30-parts to be read during the 30 days of Ramadhan. During the Juz’ recitation Sunni Muslim’s normally perform 20 Rak’at’s ( ركعات ) in pairs of two Rak’at’s with a short rest in between.

The completion of one Rak’ah looks a little like this:

Standing in prayer, one gives his/her Niyat (Intention before God) then he/she lift’s their hands to their ears and proclaims, "Allahu Akbar!" (God is Great!) After reciting a few prayers, everyone recites the first Surah of the Qur’an while in a standing position with their hands interlocked over their stomachs (hands interlocked over breasts for women). From this position one will bow while standing and proclaim 3x, "Subham arab biyal’ajim!" (Glory to our Lord the Great!) After this, one will stand upright again proclaiming "Allahu Akbar!" (God is Great!) Then the Imam (Prayer Leader/Priest) will say, "Sammi Allahu liman Hamidah" (God has heard all those who praise Him) at this, the congregation will together in unison say, "Rabbana lakal Hamd!" (Our Lord: Praise be to thee!) and at once, all-together bow all the way to the ground with their forehead’s touching the floor in Sajdah (Prostration). While prostrated with ones head to the ground one will proclaim 3x, "Subhan arrab biyal a’la!" (Glory to our Lord the Most High!) After this one will assume a sitting position with ones feet under him/her. From this position other prayers (parts of the Qur’an) will be recited and then the worshipper will return to Sajdah (Prostration) where he/she will recite again 3x, "Subhan arrab biyal a’la!" (Glory to our Lord the Most High!) When this is completed the worshipper will rise to his/her feet. At this, one Rak’ah has been completed. Thus, it is 20 of these Rak’at’s that are completed while reciting the Juz’ (parts) on a nightly basis to fulfill the requirements of the Sunnah (Law).

While some Sunnis might only do 8 or 12 Rak’at’s every night during Taraweeh, Shi’ah Muslim’s do not perform Taraweeh prayers at all. For Sunni Muslim’s this is Sunnat-e-Muakkadah (required according to the Law) and Jayez (That which is perfect in God’s eyes). For Shia’ah’s these Taraweeh prayers are seen as Bid’ah (Innovation), and therefore should not be followed. Thus making this one key contention between them.

Both the devout and laymen Sunni’s attend these prayers every year. In the Muslim community there is little that rivals the festivities and pride surrounding the fasting of Ramadhan and Taraweeh’s participation and completion.

It is my sincere prayer that all Muslim's praying Taraweeh, or any prayer during Ramadhan would be lead on the Siratul Mustaqeem (Straight Path). Straight into the arms of the Beloved!

Bearing one's heart...

As we seek the Divine there is much we can learn from those who have gone before us.

In these special days of life and breath that I now partake, my spirit is moved, as if a waterfall rushing towards its deepest cavern. As I read from the Doctor Illuminate, Ramon Lull, my admonition of Love is deeply challenged and stirred.

"What meanest thou by Love?" said the Beloved. And the Lover answered: "It is to bear on one’s heart the sacred marks and the sweet words of the Beloved. It is to long for Him with desire and with tears. It is boldness. It is fervour. It is fear. It is the desire for the beloved above all things. It is that which causes the Lover to grow faint when he hears the Beloved’s praises. It is that in which I die daily, and in which is all my will." -- Ramon Llull (1235-1316)

Doing Good in Thought and Deed!

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." - John Wesley

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil 4:8

I pray that your day is full of this Good which comes from the source of Life, Light and Hope.

Iftar إفطار

Iftar, the evening meal which breaks the days fast. We are now several days into the Month of Ramadhan with the festivities in full swing.

Soon after the sun sets the Maghrib Adhan comes over the loud speaker and everyone is ready and prepared with their prayer. On the lips of every believer is this dua:

اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّى لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ امنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ
تَوَكَّلْتُ وَعَلَىرِزْقِكَ اَفْطَرْتُ

Allahumma inni laka sumtu
Wa bika aamantu
Wa 'alayka tawakkaltu
Wa 'ala rizq-ika aftarthu

O God! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I put my trust in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance.

With a unison of "Amin's" together everyone partakes. As is tradition, the Iftar is broken with a succulent date palm. Today it is the wonderful date of Saudi Arabia. Then the water and juice begins to flow. The Lord's sustenance in the form of Chireh (sweet rice), cucumber, carrots, watermelon, fried potato- vegetable crisps, apples, grape fruit and chola-lentils with mouth watering seasoning of the finest Indian masala.

May the Almighty lead His Creation into all Truth as the Muslim seeks Him.

Searching for the Shaik

From village to town the trodden roads of a Murid's trail settling in the dust before the night fell. Train to bus and house to house their journey would lead them hundreds of miles beyond any doubts. Searching for the Shaik from Mosque to store, their research would take them right to his door.

Low and behold together they sat, stories and memories etched in ones cap. A whisper, a cry, a runaway train, Master's, Servants and sacrifice made. What our journeys behold, no man can explain, death that escapes us and lives that are changed.

Like the pain and the joy wove into one thread, life pours like a river shifting ones head. When starting from mire in darkness untold there is life in mere Word's that begin to unfold. Once hearing the Shaik there's decisions to be made, a commitment, a grasp, a birth to be gained.

A ha! I see it, the Spirit has come, a Kingdom uniting under One sun. While some not perceive it my eyes have now seen, the wind is now blowing and carrying me.

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.

Experiencing our Answers

"Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart. Try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books written in a foreign language. Do not now look for the answers. They cannot now be given to you because you could not live them. It is a question of experiencing everything. At present you need to live the question. Perhaps you will gradually, without even noticing it, find yourself experiencing the answer, some distant day."

- Rainer Maria Rilke

Ramadhan 1428

The fourth Rukn (Pillar) of Islam is the Saum (Fasting) of Ramadhan. Among the Five Pillars of Islamic Faith, it is often the month of Fasting that is perceived with both joy and angst. Joy in the festivities that abide and follow, and angst in the long days of incredible heat with no food or water during the daylight hours. It is a time to bring ones body into submission before their Creator, give to the poor, and seek spiritual guidance.

For Muslims, the 30-day fasting month of Ramadhan is not a freewill event. Instead, and along with - confession, 5x daily prayer, alms giving and the pilgrimage to Mecca once in ones life – fasting for 30 days is a requirement that every Muslim man and women starting at puberty must do annually.

Unlike any other time of the year, it is during Ramadhan that ones spiritual disposition and intentions are manifest in ones life. Beyond the abstinence of food and water there is a great longing to draw close to ones Creator God. The Real, The Absolute, The Giver of Life and Forgiveness. I cherish my time and interaction with my Muslim friends as their palpable passion for God, His Word, and prayer are center point in their homes and lives. There is so much to learn from cultural tradition and practice. The motives of mans hearts are laid bare.

Islamic History tells us that the Qur'an was revealed during the month of Ramadhan. And it is from the Qur'an that we will see it's initial guidance for the Fasting. This is what it says;

002.185 Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. God intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

002.186 When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way.

002.187 Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments. God knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what God Hath ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast Till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. Those are Limits (set by) God: Approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth God make clear His Signs to men: that they may learn
self-restraint. Al-Qur'an, 002.185-187 (Al-Baqara [The Cow])

One of the most significant aspects of fasting is the development of Taqwa (God-consciousness) in the heart and the soul of a fasting Muslim. Being obligatory to abstain from immoral behavior and attitudes as well. To abstain from food and such is essential during Ramadhan but it is not sufficient. It is reported in the Hadith that Hazrat Muhammad (S.w.t.) was to have said:

'If one does not abandon falsehood in words and deeds, God has no need for his abandoning of his food and drink.'(Al-Bukhari)

Around the world this fast is kept by Muslim's. They begin every day before sunrise by praying with one intention. "I intend to keep the fast today for the month of Ramadhan." In the night, when preparing to break the fast after sundown they begin the Iftar meal with this prayer, "O God, I fasted for you, I believe in you and I break my fast with your sustenance." While praying the 5x daily prayers, it is also Wajib (mandatory) to pray the Tarawih prayers in the evening on the last prayer of the night. During Tarawih prayers and over the course of 30 days, the entire Qu'ran is recited in the Mosque in Arabic by a trained Qari. Thus, everyone who enjoins these prayers will follow through the Qur'an in this thirty days.

With this coming to completion at the end of thirty days, everyone gathers for Eid. When together as a community everyone joins in unity on the first day of Shawwal. This special day is known as: Eid Ul Fitr. In India, at a local Eid Ga (prayer grounds) everyone joins for morning prayers known as Salat. Once the liturgical prayers have concluded, the Imam will then ascend the Minbar (Pulpit), and will deliver a Khutbah (sermon). The message is Wajib (mandatory) for the Muqtadis (follower) to hear. After a prayer of forgiveness and the well being of mankind the session is complete. Everyone rises to greet one another with hearty congratulations, hugs, and handshakes for their completion of the fast. From there, most everyone returns home to spend the entirety of the day feasting on lavish preparations of extraordinary cuisine.

Ramadhan is anticipated to start this year around the 13th of September should the new moon be seen according to the Lunar calender 1428.

There is much which lies ahead.

Pondering 'Community'

"Community is like a large mosaic. Each little piece seems so insignificant. One piece is bright red, another cold blue or dull green, another warm purple, another sharp yellow, another shining gold. Some look precious, others ordinary. Some look valuable, others worthless. Some look gaudy, others delicate. As individuals stones, we can do little with them except compare them and judge their beauty and value. When, however, all these little stones are brought together in one big mosaic portraying the face of Christ, who would ever question the importance of any one of them? If one of them, even the least spectacular one, is missing, the face is incomplete. Together in the one mosaic, each little stone is indispensable and makes a unique contribution to the glory of God. That's community, a fellowship of little people who together make God visible in the world."- Henry Nouwen

Al-Qāhirah القاهرة The Triumphant

Crossing the Nile

By popular demand ( ha ha.... I know, no one actually reads this blog... ) I have decided to write a post regarding my adventures in Masr, (Egypt مصر).

Back in October two thousand and six, my family and I set out for a special adventure starting in Kolkata, taking us through Mumbai, Bahrain and finally on to Egypt. Once arriving in the beautiful city of Al-Qāhirah القاهرة (Cairo) we went straight to the heart of the town. In downtown Cairo, we stayed at a small hostel just a stones throw from the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. As the worlds largest cities go... Cairo ranks #16 according to Wikipedia. Also making it the largest metropolitan city in Africa.

We had a wonderful time in this beautiful city. The sights of tapestry and architecture, the sounds of Arabi music and language, the smell of Kebab's, date palms and fresh baked bread for Ramadhan. All of this and so much more. While we were there for some work related meetings, we did get out to the Bazaar in the afternoon's and evening's during our short stay.

Visiting the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar in the evening proved to be an adventure in itself. Traveling through the streets of Cairo by Taxi was a joy. Watching the people, interaction and landscape was mesmerizing. I had dreamt of this city for many years, but now I found myself looking into the eyes of its inhabitants. In the Bazaar itself there were people selling wares of every sort. Lined upon the streets in the evenings were small cafes where numerous men and women sat to drink tea and smoke fruit flavoured Sheesha, (شيشة). Both the hospitality and warm respect of the local Arab's was very enjoyable.

From our initial quarters in the center of Cairo one could see Muhammad Ali's Mosque in the Citadel of Salahideen in Old Cairo. The Citadel of Salahideen was in the backdrop of rooftops covered with sattellite dishes, too numerous to count. In this ancient Islamic city, bustling with more than eleven million people there are constant signs of an ever changing society. Seeing the billboards, satellites and modern wares was just a small glimpse on our short stay.

As I will remember much of my time in Cairo, there were two memories that I will forever cherish. After staying in the center of the city the first night, we went south west to the outskirts of town for the next week. To get into the city one had to cross the Nile River. Crossing the Nile itself was a blast. As we entered this little wooden ferry boat I could not help but think about the story of Moses. What must it have been like so many years ago for his Mother to place him in a papyrus basket, covered in tar and pitch? What must she have felt as she waited from a distance watching it among the reeds along the bank? Then as we rode along slowly in this ferry I was deeply encouraged thinking of the faithfulness of the God of Moses. That He had preserved his life in the midst of what could have easily been lost to such danger. Perhaps these thoughts and the reminiscent nostalgia of it all was what made this journey so memorable.

The other event that has been etched into my mind is my trip to Al Azhar, (the inarguable centre of Islamic learning). That day a friend and I started off early with a bus ride to the banks of the Nile. From there we would cross by ferry and find a taxi from the eastern side. It was Friday and we were headed to Jummah Prayers. Off to visit the Mosque and see the University and its surrounding area. Crossing the city and labyrinth of Bazaar's turned out to be exciting. Along the way we met several nice Egyptians that engaged us in conversation. Once arriving at Al Azhar we washed up and went inside to look around. We shot a few photo's here and there and then went into the inner sanctuary. Just about then, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Sheikh Ali Gomaa was beginning his Khootbah (Sermon). While my Arabi is limited, I could catch that he was sharing from this verse in the Qur'an:

024.035 اللَّهُ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأرْضِ مَثَلُ نُورِهِ كَمِشْكَاةٍ فِيهَا
مِصْبَاحٌ الْمِصْبَاحُ فِي زُجَاجَةٍ الزُّجَاجَةُ كَأَنَّهَا كَوْكَبٌ دُرِّيٌّ
يُوقَدُ مِنْ شَجَرَةٍ مُبَارَكَةٍ زَيْتُونَةٍ لا شَرْقِيَّةٍ وَلا غَرْبِيَّةٍ
يَكَادُ زَيْتُهَا يُضِيءُ وَلَوْ لَمْ تَمْسَسْهُ نَارٌ نُورٌ عَلَى نُورٍ يَهْدِي
اللَّهُ لِنُورِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَيَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الأمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ وَاللَّهُ
بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ
024.035 Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The Parable of His Light is as if there were a Niche and within it a Lamp: the Lamp enclosed in Glass: the glass as it were a brilliant star: Lit from a blessed Tree, an Olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil is well-nigh luminous, though fire scarce touched it: Light upon Light! Allah doth guide whom He will to His Light: Allah doth set forth Parables for men: and Allah doth know all things. Al-Qur'an, 024.035 (An-Noor [The Light])

After the Khootbah and a short time of prayer everyone began to depart the inner sanctuary. I walked with my friend into the courtyard where we sat and spoke with several Egyptians. Finally, sitting on the Arabian carpets of Al Azhar and chatting with a local surgeon who gave me some medical advice for my back. I was most enriched to meet the people of Cairo. I will forever remember these moments.

(The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, off to the left. This photo was taken from the balcony of our hotel.)

Off in the distance is the Masjid of Md. Ali in the Citadel of Salahideen, Old Cairo. This photo was also taken from the same Balcony.


Al Azhar Al Sharif





















Adrah Al Azhar






















The courtyard of Al Azhar Masjid

Inside of Al Azhar Masjid

Of lesser importance was our trip to Giza. While the pyramids are a must for any traveler to Egypt, I cannot lie, we only made this trip on the way to the airport. While the shear size and enormity of the pyramids was indeed breathtaking, I cannot help but think of the incredible loss of life and suffering that was experienced in order for have them built.

Two of the pyramids and the Sphinx.

old friend of mine....



















Tahrir Masjid in the heart of Cairo.

Faces

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2Cor 3:18

When I see these faces, I think of the Lord's glory being revealed 'in' and 'through' each one of His precious creations. All of them created with pure intention, all of them with mystery, all of them with love. In my travels, it has been my desire to cultivate eyes that see people in this light.

These are the faces of Kolkata Muslim's. Beauty, Mystery, Trials, Joy, Suffering, Hope, Purpose, Honor, Life, Depth, Unity, Devotion, Giving, Hurting, Loving, Living...

(Click on the image to see a larger size.)

Joy in Bangladesh

On a recent trip to Dhaka, Bangladesh I was riding down the road in a cycle rickshaw when suddenly I heard this commotion. Laughter, giggles and hootin! It was a beautiful site that had to share... I'm sorry its not longer.

Kolkata

Sweet shop's, Sufi's and cell phones...

When many people think of Kolkata certain images are conjured in the mind. For myself, it has been an interesting experience. This picture kinda sums up some things that have stood out in my mind as I have observd over the last twelve years.

The Kolkata Sweet Shop, rather Mishthi Dokan, (in the backdrop on the right side of the photo) is something quite inseparable for the local Bengali's. Life without sweets such as Roshogulla, Kala Jamun, Shondesh and the likes would be pretty bane for the common Kolkatan. These are some of the common sweets that are part of any Bengali wedding, festival, party or function. Beyond that, you cannot really visit someones house without having to scarf down at least a piece or two. Some might even say, 'to experience Bangla Mishti is to experience Bengal.' Quite the delight to the taste buds...

(A fresh basket of Roshogulla)

Sufi's
The Kolkatan Muslim Sufi's are unique. With the majority of the Muslim population here adhering to commonly known Sunni Islam, you will find a vast majority of these folks involved in Sufi practices. As there have been many books written debating the subject, this is not the place to define what Sufism truly is. I can say from experience that a Kolkatan Sufi Muslim leans towards an almost evangelical pursuit of his Creator and God. Through the use of song, direct prayer of supplication (rather than only memorized Sunni prayer or homily), and the chanting and meditation on the beauty and characteristics of God. The Sufi often follows the way of Futtuwah (Pronounced Foo-too-wahh). Ibn al-Husayn al-Sulami says its 'When the Light of the hart is reflected in the beauty of the face, that beauty is Futtuwah'

The meaning of Futtuwah could be described as 'humble chivalry'.

In Tosun Bayrak al-Jerrahi's interpretation, The Way of Sufi Chivalry, he describes it like this:

Futtuwah is the way of the fata. Fatah literally means a handsome, brave youth. After the dawn of Islam, following the use of the word in the Qur’an, fata (pl. fityan) came to mean the ideal, noble, and perfect man whose hospitality and generosity would extend until he had nothing left for himself; a man who would give all, including his life, for the sake of his friends. According to the Sufi’s, Futuah is a code of conduct which was exemplary in the Prophets, Saints and intimate friends of God.

Just how different this was than what I had read, been taught, or the media influenced assumptions I had before meeting Muslim's in this region. I must say, I find it a great joy to learn from their history, culture and disciplines.

When I think of Kolkata, I can not help but remember the Sufi's.

I snapped this photo on my mobile a few weeks back as I was sitting at a stop light near my house. This green Taj, turban will often signify the Tarikah, Path/Denomination of his group.

The Mobile Phone
When I first arrived in Kolkata on the mid 90's there were very few folks who had a cell phone. Today it is so common that you can even see the Sheik's and Guru's using them. While outsiders may think of India as backward or technology deprived, the mobile phone has changed that. Even in the most remote of villages can the mobile be seen these days. Something that often shocks even the most avid travelers these days is seeing the Rickshaw-wallas of Kolkata who pull the hand-drawn Rickshaw, 'using their mobile phone.'

These three things remind me of Kolkata. Its recent and long passed history, with culture changing before our very existence.

Kolkata Taxi

I snapped these shots on my mobile phone just the other day sitting in traffic.

I kinda like the joy on this guys face as he waits for the cars ahead of him. =0P

From one cab to another.... The yellow Ambassador Taxi cab has plied the streets of Kolkata for many years... (notice the Mercedes hub cap..)

Hyderabad...

The capital of the Indian state of Andra Pradesh, Hyderabad has more than seven million people. This bustling city is renown for its history, architecture and rich cultural influence over the Indian Sub-continent.

I have posted my personal photo's of Mecca Masjid (Mosque), a scene from the marketplace, two shots of Charminar and two of Golconda Fort.

While Charminar literally means the (Four Minars) this ancient piece of History was built during th dynasty of the late Ibrahim Qutb Shah during the 1500's. It is said that this standing memorial was built to commemorate the eradication of the bubonic plague from the region. When my family and I visited this area, though it is smaller in size than the Mecca Masjid itself, it stands as the more renown symbol of Hyderbadi Architecture and History.

Mecca Masjid itself has an interesting story. Though it is thousands of miles from Mecca in Saudi Arabia, I understand that the reason it is called by this name is because sand from Mecca was brought to the city hundreds of years ago to build this Mosque. The front half of this Mosque was littered with Mausoleums to past Muslim Saint's. Even today they are being venerated an worshipped by Muslim's of various denominational backgrounds here in India, posing interesting questions for the Orthodox Muslim.

One of my favorite memories of visiting this city was Alhumdulilah Hotel.

Deep in the heart of the Muslim quarter of the city there is a vast array of restaurants (Hotels) serving up this Hyderabadi delicacy. Several friends and I ate with satisfaction these mounds of masala rice, potatoes and lamb.

Then there was the visit to Golconda Fort. Over looking the city of Hyderabad, this is the massive fort that was built into a Granite Mountain beginning as far back as 1143. Measuring over 120 meters in height this ominous structure was built by the Muslim Nawab's. Though it had an un-used Mosque at the top of the mountain, there was a Hindu Temple that was being venerated just feet away during the time of our visit.

While this was a place of struggle and leadership between several dynasties and faiths,and though it lay in ruins, it remains a quintessential part of Hyderabad and the History of India.

It was a wonderful opportunity to observe Faith, Culture, and History being played out right before our eyes.

Destination Associates

Hi there Friends, Family and anybody else out there reading in cyberspace....

Welcome to this Blog.

This blog, I guess, has been along time coming. I have been marinating the thought of creating some sort of account for some time.

It is my hope to try and journal online some of my travels, discoveries and experiences as I live in Asia.

I don't want to be presumptuous in thinking my writing is anything of interest, yet I do realize that I might look back in the years ahead and, "hoped that I kept a better record of things."

So here's to the kickoff of "Destination Associates."

SAC