Of my two beloved cities

The two cities of Varanasi- Allahabad have always intrigued me. Ever since I watched the movie 'banaras', the urge to go there atleast once a year has grown stronger. The narrow lanes intrinsic to the old city, overcrowded markets and the great ghats of Varanasi and sangam area of Allahabad always cast a lasting effect on me, only to be invigorated by my next visit. The burning corpses and the vast stretches of the river alongside give it a mystic resplendence so much so that I can never get over it. I can spend my whole life time at these ghats sitting alone, watching the sunrise with a backdrop of the ringing bells of so many temples located on the sides of the river. So noisy at times but gives a sense of tranquility to the soul. Enriching, enticing and what not...

Today I watched 'Masan' a movie based on these twin cities, the story framed on the back drop of ghats of Varanasi , includes a portion on the Indian railways and like wise. Brought me back to the great time we had had in the railway colony, Delhi. A simple but beautifully crafted storyline and adorably edited movie is something you always yearn for. This movie also has a subtle element of mysticism and through a small gold ring, the writer has been successful in giving out the message that how one life begins when the other ends. In this fateful world which has so many compelling sagas, this is how the lines of the palm perhaps meet...