#Butterflies

  On Bhaderwah It was a routine transfer in the department of higher education that I was posted at Bhaderwah, a sub-district within Doda. It is a very old town as old as Harrapan civilizations. History has it that during the beginning of 19 th century Bhaderwah was fighting its own battle to accede with Jammu and Kashmir. Its people defeated the Chamba rulers from Himachal and acceded happily with Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1854. It is called mini Kashmir, not only of its picturesque beauty but its history resembles with Kashmir. It had floods, battles and misfortunes like Kashmir. Its old hero Jimat Vahan; a king sacrificed himself before Garura (Carrier of Lord Shiva) to end an old battle between Nagas and Garudas. Jimat vihan lived during the time when Lord Shiva resided in Kailash Mountain. In June 2022 someone desecrated the idol of Shiva in those mountains, and we witnessed clashes on the streets. Religious sentiment runs deep among the people. There is no end to the breat...

 One night sleep came too late to my eyes, Rain was creating pitter-patter on the roof, water hitting the rocks, and my soul murmuring as if the water in the fountain wants to be heard, so-so my soul humming and irritating the flesh while picking the brains.  It has been a hectic day, certain schedules of life do not hit the dopamine but they pass the time, and when you end your day like a busy ant, you feel happy with your routine.  Subah hoti hai shaam hoti hai  Zindagi yun hi tamam hoti hai  Routine disturbs, and man wants to change. It may be a picnic to nearby Cafe Chill at Nalthi where friends catch up under a Gazebo and an aunty in their late early 50s serves a plate of Pakoda and Chai. The chill hits the face in winter or summer. When the heat rises tea is never replaced with cold drinks but, yes, we strip off and jump into the river nearby.  This place is amazingly beautiful, and so is Bhaderwah. You travel miles, and this river will never leave yo...