Why Do Astrological Predictions Fail Sometimes?

This is an argument most nonbelievers put forward against the science of astrology. They opine that because the practices are not testable, it is futile to expect valid explanations for them. Their belief is even strengthened when astrological predictions fail. However, there are reasons behind these failures, just like there’s a ground for every failed experiment in science. Let’s discuss.

Whether it is Mathematical, Physical, Chemical, or Biological Science, the knowledge is always guided by empirical facts; it is based on statistics. In astrology, too, everything is based on defined calculations. You have to calculate the planetary positions to form the natal chart. The measurements need to be precise. The difference of even a quarter of a second can create significant changes.

A certain planet moving in a certain house by, say, 15 degrees is not equivalent to the same planet moving in the same house by 16 degrees. This also explains the uniqueness each individual possesses. Predictions can be ruled by a million factors. Missing out on a significant single can lead to a so-called ‘failure.’ Here are a few cases explained:

Taking All The Systems Of Planetary Periods (Dashas) Into Consideration

The science of astrology is ancient. It has been a part of our Vedas, which is why it is called ‘Vedanga.’ Its primary motive is to help man understand the karmic influences in his life, and how he shares a connection with the celestial world.

If we go back in time, we will find Maharishis like Jamini and Parashara working extensively on this very field. They had laid down a number of systems to determine various planetary periods. These periods are called dasas or dashas and include systems like Mandook, Chara, Yogini, Vimshottari and more.

Each dasha has its own characteristics. Each comes with some benefits and some shortcomings. If an individual’s entire life is considered, each will determine some points, but not all. While one system could near the real state, the other could be far, far away.

While making a prediction, an astrologer takes into consideration all the systems so that he doesn’t miss out on any aspect. However, it is like gathering different fruits in the same basket. Although individually tasty, some fruits may not be right for a fruit salad.

It is better not to average the intensity of each system. For instance, if Mandook dasha is showing an accuracy level of 20% and Chara of 40%, calculating the average accuracy as 20% might rule out the good of Chara and invite the bad of Mandook.

However, if the accuracy levels are negative and positive each, taking the average might help. Nevertheless, the systems should not be mixed. Instead, a single system should be considered for a single prediction so that the most accurate results are achieved. And this is just for Vedic astrology. The other forms of astrology have similar glitches as well.

Merging Hora Jyotish With Medini Jyotish

      Hora Jyotish is also known as Native Astrology and Medini Jyotish as Mundane Astrology. Both are way different from each other. ‘Hora’ translated means hour. Thus, Hora Jyotish is about how each hour of the day influences an individual according to any of the nine planets.

The hours begin at sunrise and carry the energy of the concerned planet. Also, this form of astrology needs to be in accordance with the rules laid by the ancient maharishis. On the other hand, Medini Jyotish is more intricate and happens on a larger scale. It covers the natural elements – fire, air, water, and earth and even the changing positions of the nine planets.

Astrological predictions based on the Mundane form also have to consider celestial affairs like solar eclipse (Surya Grahan), lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan), and how such situations might lead to earthquakes, droughts, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, and even wars and battles.

It is, thus, not limited to studying an individual, but the universe as a whole. Sadly, some astrologers tend to mix the two concepts. It is never okay to link the effect of an eclipse with that of an individual’s zodiac sign. Think about it like this – if a tsunami occurs, it might kill anyone in its path. The natural disaster will not spare a person because of his zodiac.

By the same token, if the individual survives, it will be by dint of his dasha or hora. This is why it is not right to merge Native astrology with Mundane and come to conclusions. The predictions can not only be wrong, but catastrophic.

Depending On A Flawed Natal Chart

The time of birth of an individual is crucial in determining his natal chart. If based on a wrong time, it will always lead to wrong interpretations, no matter what. This is also the reason why most astrologers do away with the sixteen-divisional chart called Shodasvarga. 

It demands the accurate time of birth without which it becomes difficult to study. However, ignoring Shodasvarga, in turn, leads to more wrong predictions. Yet again, this chart needs a lot of time to be analysed. In today’s world, when everyone needs everything within the single click of a computer button, the Shodasvarga chart becomes troublesome and hence, accuracy is thrown out of the window.

To avoid failed predictions, it is needed that you provide your astrologer with the exact time of birth. Imagine it as visiting a doctor for a certain ailment. He will definitely look into your medical history to ascertain the probable cause of the disease.

You shouldn’t hide anything from this man or provide the wrong information. Most astrological predictions that fail are not based on such divisional charts. In addition, because the chart the astrologer is referring to is flawed, it cannot suffice his quest for factual data.

Understand that to err is human. No profession can ever be hundred percent glitch-free. For instance, while some medicines prescribed by a certain doctor would fail, others might work wonders. This does not imply that the failed medicines are flawed or that the doctor is not worthy.

In addition, it does not rule out the effectiveness of medical science. Similar is the case with astrology. Mistakes happen, but they do not wipe out the very existence of the astrological aspects. So, do not let a wrong diagnosis shake your faith in the science. Accept it, understand it, and just delve in its profundity. 

Trying To Find The Unfindable

There are certain things, which cannot be predicted no matter what. If God doesn’t want you to find some facts, you cannot find them come what may. Take up the pages from the Mahabharata. When Arjuna was confused and heart-searched if he should really take up the fight against his own brothers, the Kauravas, he was counselled by Lord Krishna.

The Lord displayed his Vishwaroopa Darshan and showed him the Kauravas entering his mouth, indicating their defeat. Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s beloved son, was also a part of the activity. However, the Lord chose not to show this bit and kept it concealed.

Arjuna had no idea this was going to happen and hence, was saved for the dissuasion at that time. Thus, it is futile to try and intervene a divine stratagem. Every prediction needs the approval of God. An astrologer, who has the audacity to defy his wish, always ends up making flawed predictions. 

What More's There To The Story?

All these causes apart, astrology that has not changed with time, would undoubtedly be faulty. There should be thorough research and proper analysis. For instance, your fate also depends on the country and time zone you are living in. You cannot cling onto astrology that talks about defunct and illegal practices like child marriage.

Even our occupations have changed over the years and the predictions should correlate with them as well. Astrology for the society needs to be more meaningful first before failed predictions are criticised. Of course, it largely depends on the know-how of the astrologer you have consulted.

How to Look Like Jungle Book's Mowgli Under $200

Being Mowgli is not so simple. The very look could be expensive, at least by Indian standards. You'd need a Pageboy haircut first. So, choose a good salon. You never know when this trend hits the fashion world. Do keep up with the latest hair trends.

Next, you'd need a  loincloth. I'm not very sure if people would be of this opinion. It's okay for kids and definitely not okay for grown-ups. Interestingly, loincloths are available on major online shopping sites like eBay! Get your pick if you dare.

Of course, tan sessions wouldn't hurt. Grab a good online deal on a session in your nearby store. Don't attempt a DIY as it will leave you looking like a leopard. Complete the look with a simple wooden boomerang from Amazon.

Bingo! Your Mowgli look is ready! Let's sing together, "Jungle Jungle Baat Chali Hai...." Ah, what fun!

By the way, did you watch the trailer and the new song? Check the two videos below:

I'm getting nostalgic. Are you?

Have You Watched This Indian Version of Super Mario by AIB Yet?

Remember Nintendo's Super Mario trying to save the princess from the Bowser while she kept shifting to 'another castle?' Well, Mario just got Indianised! Here's Mukesh Ki Kahani (that's what I'm calling this video) in the pixel words of All India Bakchod.

This one's full of 'Sanskaar' (?) is dahi-powered, and absolutely Rajni-fied. He is generous and offers money to beggars near Antila (wondering if his surname is Ambani). What's more, our Mukesh surpasses Super Contra and Pac-Man as well! There's a special DDLJ moment and yeah, spot Katappa killing Baahubali if you can! You're going to love this Indian Mario.

Video credit: AIB

Did you get all the silent jokes?

No?

Watch again.

Strange Scientific Reasons Behind Everyday Indian Customs and Habits

India is a land of strange rituals. More strange are the reasons behind these unusual customs. Some of them are odd and hard to believe; sometimes, you have to take it with a grain of salt. However, there are some that come with proper, valid, SCIENTIFIC rationality. Like –

Greeting with a Namaskara.

This is a popular way of greeting people, especially in India. The gesture requires you to join your palms together and make a little bow in respect.  Wondering where the science is? Well, when your palms are joined, the fingertips touch each other.

Namaskara; Source: Wiki

In these tips lie the pressure points associated with the sensory organs and the brain. As you press them, you activate the points. The signals are sent to the brain, which suggests that you should remember the person you are seeing for a long time. Also, if you think of it from the hygiene point of view, isn’t it a better way of greeting people than a handshake?

Serving food on banana leaves.

This is an ancient custom still followed in many parts of India. Some people hold the notion that it saves the world from pollution. Banana leaves being biodegradable can be easily disposed. However, there’s another fact which is not known to many.

Food on a banana leaf; Source: Travel + Leisure

These leaves are a rich source of vitamins. Whenever hot food is served on them, the vitamins get added in it. A healthy custom, I’d say. And yes, the ‘biodegradable’ thing holds true as well.

Eating with your hand.

It’s not unhygienic. In fact, it energises your body, mind and soul. That particular posture, when you are holding food in your hand and about to insert it into your mouth, is a yogic ‘mudra.’ The extended fingers represent the five elements of nature – fire, water, earth, air, and space.

Eating with hands; Source: ifood.tv

Each finger is responsible for contributing to the food in one way or the other. Science as proved it that food consumed with hands stimulates a person’s sense of taste, smell, and texture better. The digestive enzymes are secreted properly and the consumption of food becomes a delightful experience.

Piercing ears.

Did you think of it only as a fashion statement? There’s more. Pierced ears contribute to a better intellect.  They strengthen a person’s reasoning and decision-making abilities. Further, they also save the ears from diseases and disorders.

Pierced ears; Source: Style & Fashion

You’d be surprised to know that pierced ears can minimise talkativeness. Yes, they help in disciplining speech. Interestingly, women in India have always been expected to pierce their ears. Don’t you smell a misogynist mind behind this?

Applying henna.

Think apart from the colour henna imparts on your hand. Isn’t it a herbal medicine as well? Well, this is proven. Now, here’s the scientific reason. Henna is cold; it works on the blood and lowers the body temperature.

Bridal mehendi (henna); Source: Fashionkidunia.com

Yet again, Henna also acts on the nervous system and calms down the nerves. It’s a great stress buster and is this is why it is recommended during weddings and rituals. Style goes hand in hand with health, you can say.

Wearing a silver toe ring on the second toe.

It’s beyond fashion. The second toe ring has a certain nerve which leads straight to the heart through the uterus. Science says that a silver toe ring in this finger helps in enhancing the health of the uterus. It also assists in the regulation of blood flow and helps cure irregular menstrual cycles.

Toe rings; Source: WomanDot

Silver is a great conductor and can absorb the earth’s polar energy, thereby passing it on to the human body. No wonder these rings are still recommended for married women.

Hanging chillies and lemon in the entrance of residences.

This is so damn common. We see it almost everywhere. People hand chillies and lemons believing that it can keep the evil and misfortune away from a home.

Man holding chillies and lemon tied on a thread; Source: The National, UAE

Here’s the real story – the cotton thread which supports the hanging chillies and lemon, absorb the juices of the edibles. The combination is like a natural pesticide that keeps away disease causing agents. In short, ‘misfortunes’ and ‘evil’ is kept at bay.

Ringing the bell at the entrance of a temple.

This is a practice as per the Agama Sastra, which says that the bell helps in warding off the evil and keeping the grounds of the temple pious. However, science has a different explanation. It says the loud ring keeps people away from distractions.

Temple bells; Source: Alekhya Homes

It’s like a reminder to stay attentive; it helps us concentrate on the being devoted more than thinking about world outside. In short, it’s a concentration booster.

Having desserts after a meal.

People with the sweet tooth are going to love this fact. Indian meals are mostly spicy. Did you know that spices kindle the digestive enzymes in the body? And that they activate acidic substances?

A plateful of Indian sweets; Source: NineFineStuffs

Both the processes are needed so that the digestion of food occurs to the utmost. Now comes the dessert part. Sweets contain sugars (carbohydrates) that put a brake to the ongoing process of digestion. Simple, isn't it?

Consuming sesame seeds and jaggery during Makar Sankranti.

The celebrations of Makar Sankranti happen when winter is at its peak. A combination of sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gur) when consumed help the body to keep warm. They contain carbohydrates in the form of sugar, which have heat generating properties.

Til-gur laddoo during Makar Sankranti; Source: Rediff

Did you know this sweet delicacy is also a cure for bed wetting? Indeed, when health comes in sweet packages, it is always welcome.

Chanting ‘OM.’

It’s more like Aaa-Ooo-Mmm. We all have heard it a zillion times in our lives perhaps. Ever wondered about the logic? Well, OM, the mantra is full of physics! It’s a practical example of syllables that direct to sound, resonance and vibration. The sound of ‘Aaa’ activates the nervous system in the chest and stomach via resonance.

The importance of chanting Om; Source: MindBodyGreen

‘Ooo’ on the other hand sensitises the chest and throat. Lastly, the sound of  ‘Mmm’ resonates in the nose as well as the brain. So, here’s a single word that’s looking after the health of your chest, stomach, throat, nose, and brain. The sound waves help in enhancing your concentration, calming the mind, and lowering mental stress. Wonderful, isn’t it?

Our ancestors had a scientific outlook which we can never possibly fathom. They were way wiser, logical and rational than we are. Let’s not question every ritual that we come across. Let’s try and understand the hidden reason first.

Do you know of any such everyday custom? Can you provide a scientific explanation for it? Kindly share.

The Summer of 1816, A Casual Writing Contest and the Birth of Three Literary Masterpieces

Miracles often happen when they are least expected. Ideas pop up out of the blue and even the creators fail to assess the brilliance of the thing they have conjured up. Such was tale behind the creation of three literary works of wonder.

We’ll come to the works later. Let’s hear a little story first.

It was the year 1816 – the ‘Year There Was No Summer.’ The climate around the Northern Hemisphere was at its worse. There were extreme weather conditions everywhere and heavy rainfall doomed lives across Europe.

Source: Celebrate Boston

The dampness and gloom had cast a dark spell that was difficult to overcome. Mount Tambora had erupted somewhere in Indonesia and the Earth was gripped in a dreadful volcanic winter in summer.

Living amidst all the chaos were two great personas – poet George Gordon Byron and writer John William Polidori, trying to orient themselves to the adverse weather changes in Villa Diodati  near Lake Geneva.

And they were not the only sufferers. Equally disheartened by the strange summer were three other people – poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, his spouse Mary Shelley, and her stepsister Claire Clairmont, who came by to give them company and enliven their own dying spirits.

Source: Pinterest

Rain and darkness make the perfect ambiance for ghost stories, don’t they? Thus, a plan was made amongst the rendezvousing for the sake of amusement. As the rain lashed on the window pane, the five of them took turns in narrating spooky tales to each other. Included amongst the stories was Fantasmagoriana – a French anthology of German ghost stories.

Source: Wikiwand

As the action unfolded, the excitement grew more and more intense. But, can writers ever conquer their boredom merely by reading out stories? Nay. So, it was decided that they would write their own ghost stories! What happened next is history.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was created. Polidori came up with The Vampyre (in fact, this is believed to be the onset of the literary genre; Twihards can thank him). And, who doesn’t know Lord Byron’s poem – Darkness?

Of course, Frankenstein didn’t happen in an instant. Mary Shelley had a tough time creating the plot. At times, she even went blank, unable to put her thoughts into writing.

Lord Byron was no better. He began with a story and ended up writing the poem, Darkness. The story, which narrated a dying man pledging to pay his friend a visit after death, was left midway. Polidori was the cleverest amongst them. He picked up Byron’s story and created The Vampyre out of it.

Ah, the mind-boggling ways literary masterpieces are born!

Introducing Kuli: The Ultimate One-Eyed Surfer Cat

Cats hate water!

That’s like Gospel Truth. Their fur isn’t simply made for getting wet. If you have a pet cat at home, you will surely know how difficult it is to convince the animal to take a bath.

So much is this fact known that it has found its way into Literature as well! Remember the Yiddish Idiom – ‘How does a cat cross over the water?’ In India, you’ll often hear the term ‘bheegi billi,’ meaning, ‘a wet cat' that's suggestive of a coward.

But, surprise, surprise! Here’s a kitty that’s totally in love with water.

Meet Kuli – the surfer cat.

Kuli - the surfing cat

He is one-eyed, but a pro in hanging ten. This orange kitty took to surfing when he was barely 6 months old. You’d love how he wears an ergonomically made life jacket during his endeavours. Kuli is full of life and enjoys riding the waves in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Presently, he surfs with his owners – Alexandra Gomez and Krista Littleton. According to them, Kuli developed this fearlessness while he was recovering from an eye surgery. Gomez and Littleton used to bathe him regularly, which made him lose the fear of water altogether.

Kuli, the wonder cat does not fear water

The roomies trained the cat by putting him on their own longboards, and later bought him a wavestorm foam board of his own. They say he loves the spongy material on such boards.

Kuli was a malnourished alley cat that was rescued from the streets of Oahu by the owners. He weighed less than a pound back then. His one eye had to be surgically removed as it was damaged due to an infection.

Kuli with owners Alexandra Gomez and Krista Littleton

The kitty’s name is derived from the Hawaiian word ‘Nanakuli,’ which means ‘to look blind.’ Kuli is a feline surfer of the league of adventure animals like Didga – the skateboarding cat and Ricochet – the surfer dog. You can follow the kitty on Instagram @kulithesurfingcat.

Just MEAWSOME!

Image source: Instagram.

17 Interesting Facts about the Oscar Statuette You Need to Know

We know it as the Academy Awards signature. It is perhaps the most recognised trophy in the entire world. But, there's more to the golden man than meets the eye.

Got some more information about the Oscar statuette? Feel free to share in the comments section below.

Why Do Clocks on Display Always Show the Time As 10:10?

Ever been to a clock store? Carefully observe the timepieces on display. Each will have the default time set at 10:10. Do you know why?

Source: King Framers (Pinterest)

Let’s come to the common beliefs.

The most stated reason suggests that this was the very time in which the first watch was invented by Peter Henlein. However, other contemporary clockmakers in Germany were already working on different types of timepieces. There’s no clear evidence that the watch of Henlein was the first one.

Source: Wiki

And all this happened in the 16th century, whereas there are a number of proofs that can attest to the fact that watches have been in use since time immemorial, in some form or the other.

Yet again, some say it’s a way to memorialise the time of death of Martin Luther King Jr, John F. Kennedy, and Abraham Lincoln.

You’d be disappointed when you know that Luther King was shot at 6:01 in the evening and died at 7:05 pm on the same day. Lincoln was shot at 10:15 pm and died at 7:22 in the morning. Kennedy was shot at 12:30 in the afternoon and died at 1 pm.

Source: artid.com

Another speculation is, 10:10 denotes the time of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It is set as default in every timepiece to mark the tragedy that led to major casualties.

However, even this proposition fails to satiate the query as Hiroshima was bombed with ‘Little Boy’ at 8:15 am and Nagasaki with ‘Fat Man’ at 11:02 am as per local time.

Source: Wiki

A third hypothesis says that 10:10 shows the ‘V’ shape in the clock, which stands for victory. The factuality of this hypothesis, too, remains in doubts. In fact, ‘V’ as the victory sign only came up during World War II. Sigh!

Source: The Pre-Read

Here’s the real reason why:

It’s purely aesthetics! At 10:10, you can observe all the key details of a timepiece’s face. This is the position in which the seconds, minutes, and hours hands are not overlapping and so, are visible. The manufacturer logo, which is usually present under 12 or next to 3, 6, and 9, is evident as well.

Source: PetaPixel

Moreover, at this position, all the hands are in symmetry, which evokes a sense of pleasure in a viewer. Also, if the timepiece depicts date and other such details, 10:10 is the moment which brings everything in sight.

Did you know?

The Apple Watch always displays the default time as 10:09. This has been done intentionally so that the company can make a statement with the product line. The motto is to depict the products as being ahead of their contemporary smartwatches.

Source: Engadget

Apple is not the first company to breach the age-old tradition. Popular watchmaker firm Rolex has chosen the time to be 10:10:31. Bell & Ross keeps it at 10:10:10. Tag Heuer has chosen 10:10:37. And Timex displays it as 10:09:36.

Apparently, Apple has made a silent claim that its products are better than everyone else’s. Indeed, “time has a wonderful way of showing what really matters.”

If you were a watchmaker too, what time would you choose to display?

Go on. Pour out your suggestions in the comment section below. Time’s on your side. :)

Jodachua - On a Jungle Trail, Chasing the Wilderness in Balasore, Odisha

“The Jungle Law is a law without exceptions. Only the strong survives. Animals are following it, human societies are following it. It is the law of the beast, and it knows neither reason nor compassion.”

The gateway to Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary

As our SUV trudged over the bumpy road, I pondered on the paradoxical existence of the human race, deeply engrossed in Stephan Attia’s The Balance of Justice.

We were heading to Jodachua Forest of Odisha near Balasore – an old travel interest which had long been on my bucket list. Unticked.

The bumpy ride to Jodachua

My five friends were jabbering, but I was unmindful of the cacophony going on at the back. As I looked up from my book, the light of the high noon seemed profound, but was mischievously hidden by the tall trees and greenery around.

The red soil had traces of endless social calls - perhaps some jungle enthusiast on the lookout of raw nature. There would be a slight bristling every now and then; we could hear birds fluttering wings, cricket chirping, leaves rustling, and the feeble sound of water flowing somewhere.

Signs of endless social calls

The rest was calm, serene, dead silent.

The journey seemed never ending. But, somehow, I had already fallen in love with it. No, I wasn’t bothered about the destination and neither about the accommodation. I could live in this moment forever.

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but, it is the journey that matters, in the end.” – Ernest Hemingway.

The welcome signboard

Finally, we came to a halt, not that I despised it. This was the core of the jungle – dark, solemn, and with a rather surprising human establishment that looked more like a conflict between man and Nature, isolated from the forest by a deep-dug trench.

The guest house in Jodachua

There was smoke coming out of a little thatched hut, indicating all possibilities of good food. We don’t have to depend on jungle berries and raw meat, then – I laughed to myself. A concrete building was shown to us; the authorities pointed it out as our accommodation. Decent.

Inside, there was a large dining space, flanked by two huge rooms – airy and well-lit. We were told light wouldn’t be available all the time as solar power generator was the only means of acquiring electricity. Ah! The perfect nomadic life I had wished for!

A cook had accompanied us to Jodachua. He carried with him a bagful of potatoes, onions, and other edibles. It had been a while since I tasted food cooked by someone else. Although meat was a strict no-no there, I was totally basking in this morsel of blessing, wishing it to last for long.

Outside, upon the clear grounds was a little garden – the pain invested in nurturing it, very evident. The building had a terrace; we chose it to witness our chitchats, observations, and of course, the way we had given the agony of our everyday life to the winds.

"NOW this is the law of the jungle, as old and as true as the sky, And the wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the wolf that shall break it must die." - Rudyard Kipling.

Post lunch (a delicious one), we took a small trip along the jungle trail. We were told there were wild elephants on the loose. Sadly, we saw none, only smelled their obnoxious BO. The cold was settling in and the darkness was getting creepier. So, we came back to the pavilion to be greeted with piping hot black tea.

Jodachua, will you be promising tomorrow? We’ll eagerly wait for the sun to come up.

After a dreamless night, I woke up to a lovely morning. Beyond the window of our room relaxed a pond and an artificial salt lick in all wildernesses. On lucky days, one could see bisons gleefully gulping water there. Yes, we were fortunate to spot the animal, but not endowed with enough good luck to capture it in our lenses.

The salt lick beyond the trench

Rather, we had a chance to click a giant red squirrel! I bet the rodent, too wanted to get clicked. Its inquisitive eyes, quick, abrupt motion, and quivering whiskers were fun to watch; its long bushy tail attesting to its uniqueness all the more.

A Giant Red Squirrel in Jodachua

The sunbeams were peeping in stealthily through the dark, dense forest, like crisp streaks of shining swords. I approached one of them, stood in the light, feeling warm and cosy amidst the morning mist.  – A heavenly feeling!

Sunbeams  through the forest canopy

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness,” – John Muir.

Indeed, the wilderness was alluring, inviting us to explore it bit by bit. Could we resist trekking on its grounds? The adventurer in us was screaming out loud. Little did we know that we’d be in for a bombshell!

Thus began the trek

What began as a happy, zealous, thrilling endeavour, soon turned into a nightmare when we lost our way deep in the forest. Okay, we had a guide to guide us. But, he wasn’t familiar with the trail either. The more we tried getting out, the more the forest seemed to gobble us up.

And then, we lost our way in Jodachua forest

We were wrapped up in insecurity and a constant fear of the unknown, of encountering wild animals, of being bitten by snakes, of dying of hunger and thirst, of desperation, and of the possibility that we’d never be able to escape from the place.

“The forest did not tolerate frailty of body or mind. Show your weakness, and it would consume you without hesitation.” – Tahir Shah, House of the Tiger King: The Quest for a Lost City.

The network signals in our phone went missing, adding to our woe. After six long hours of roaming in the forest without proper direction, we were tired and exhausted and almost gave up. But, like they say, every adventure is worthwhile and life begins only at the end of our comfort zone.

We stopped searching for the human trail. Instead, we started looking for the one made by elephants, which was sure to lead us back to the little civilisation we came from. There was enough BO and faeces to guide us.

The route was difficult; sometimes we had to cross thin, flowing streams, and at other time, the road was all rock covered. But, eventually, after about another hour, we were able to see an artificial salt lick – a sign that we are pretty close to human habitation.

The signals on our phones were feeble, but present. Somehow, all those mobile network commercials claiming the omnipresence of signals appeared like a big, bad joke for the moment. But, by now, we had found our way back to the guest house. Our tactic had worked!

Finally, we found our way back!

This is one an experience that I’d like to cherish, fear, and feel happy about – all at the same time. It taught me the power of teamwork and will. It taught me how the strength of the mind is way more intense than that of the physique.

“The creeper that girdles the tree-trunk the Law runneth forward and back, for the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack,” - Rudyard Kipling.

Indomitable were we. No, we are no pro trekkers. We all have our small, humble families. We are people who toil in nondescript corporate corners and get choked with what the world calls ‘work pressure.’ It’s unbearable, but we have to carry on.

Needless to say, this trip was a respite. We were on top of the world – thrilled, elated, exhilarated by our success. We wanted to celebrate and let the world know about our share of adventure. The tiredness faded away and evanesced when food was spotted.

There! We have spotted our accommodation. Yay!

Energy being restored in us, we were now ready to head to Russia Dam in Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary. The locals call it ‘Rissia’ and rate it on a level with Dal Lake in Srinagar. Indeed, the location is no less than a paradise.

As the sun started setting, the water in the Dam turned a bright blue, extracting the dark of the growing night sky and flaunting the orange of the sunlight above it. This was just the cherry we needed on our travel cake. It absolutely made our day.

Sunset in Rissia Dam

Not much of wildlife could be noticed. Despite that, Jodachua will remain in our memories as a bittersweet episode that taught us an important lesson – there’s more to life than making virtual connections over the Internet. There’s Mother Nature, waiting to be discovered. As the day ended, we hopped onto our SUV riding through the jungle, humming a sweet melody.

Celebrating our safety in Rissia Dam

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.” – Robert Frost, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.

The next day marked our retreat with a visit to Kuldiha FRH and the Panchalingeswar Temple near the Nilagiri hill. They say Sita, wife of Lord Rama, had enshrined the temple during their exile. Don’t know much about this place and the information is a direct rip off from Wiki. Apologies.

FRH Kuldiha

Tents in FRH Kuldiha

Panchalingeswar Temple in Balasore

Wish to visit Jodachua or Kuldiha?

• Visit this website: www.kuldihasafari.com
• Or contact this person: Manaranjan Das (9439300312, 9937332552)

That's our chauffeur cum guide cum cook. Interesting person, he is.

Little tips: 

• Remember to carry a camera, or else, you’ll miss some wonderful snaps.
• Apply a tick repellent before you go trekking in the forest. You don’t want to return with some nasty tick bites.
• Don’t carry, cook, or consume meat. You’ll attract wild animals, which won’t be pleasant.
• Trust your guide, but mark your own way for a safe return.
• Carry long, sturdy sticks with you so that you can trek easily.
• Don’t get into the forest in slippers. Wear shoes.
• Most importantly, don’t panic when you get lost in the forest. Take inspiration from us.

You shouldn't forget your camera, lest you want to miss some awesome snaps

Mushrooms in Jodachua forest

Want to know more about the trip?

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Goodbyes are never good. We'll miss you Jodachua

Picture Credit: Susanta Paul.