My little sister had her first entrance exam in Itanagar and the whole family came up to see her off to her examination center in Green Mount School in Itanagar. After she went inside the hall, the family were left with 3 hours and decided to visit the Buddhist temple known as Buddha Vihar consecrated by the Dalai Lama in Itanagar.
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| The white stupa |
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| Interiors of the Gompa |
It was such a delight driving up the road to the temple surrounded by pine trees and colorful prayer flags racing over our car. When we reached, there were quaint shops selling Buddhist souvenirs and colorful balloon lamps and golden Buddha statues. There were tables around the souvenir shop where we sat down for a light round of momos (dumplings). Damn, it was very tasty! I actually asked for another plate.
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| Papa, Mommy and Rozi having a Mango juice break |
Mommy, Papa and Rozi went up the stairs of the gompa and I made it a point to capture all those moments for them. I was the photographer for the day. We made rounds around the Gompa and these photographs happened.
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| Happy Rozi |
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| Papa and Rozi |
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| Entering the Gompa Gate |
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We become what we behold!
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| Mommy and Rozi touching the prayer wheels |
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| Mommy and Papa coming across each other |
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| Papa, doing his own observations |
After we had seen all of it, we went to a space behind the Buddha statue and took our own spaces.
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| The Buddha statue |
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| Papa and Lord Buddha |
Dad sat in a corner, mom sat in another and Rozi and I sat in another.
No words. Just quiet moments.
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| Some books for companionship |
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| This one, Rozi clicked! |
The whole of Itanagar town visible from the point where we sat. Green mountains across a summery blue sky with a light breeze.
Every time I come here, I realize how much I love open airy spaces and colors. Red, blue, white, green, yellow prayer flags fluttering with the breeze! And those prayer messages on the papers by visitors tied to the Jasmine bushes.
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| Some quiet reflections on my journal |
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| A prayer message tied to a Jasmine bush |
Our three hours just passed that way in a peaceful reflective personal moments.
When we got down the steps back to our car, Rozi and I spotted an Ice-cream seller and rushed for it. Two old and weary travellers climbed up the stairs and halted to have their ice-creams. They said they came from Switzerland to see Arunachal Pradesh and how they have spent weeks exploring different parts of the state. We wished them Good Luck and they wished us the same before the family got inside our car to get back to our little sister.
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| Me and Rozi with the swiss travellers. One of the name was Arnold! |
Finally, we ended the day with a big family feast at a Manipuri restaurant named Mathel near BB Plaza.
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| The family and friends at Mathel |
And while driving back home towards the city outskirts, I realize summer has already arrived in Itanagar!
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| Lastly, that's me! Doing a selfie :) |
Much Love,
Subi Taba
