ಅವಿಸ್ಮರಣೀಯ 2020

"The best memories of our life can never be captured in pictures, they are always captured by heart!" 😇

What makes the life journey memorable?? 

Its not always the straight way, Its always Ups and Downs! ෴

Its scientifically proved that, object which goes through ups and downs will be faster than the object going undisturbed!

When I remember my life in 2020, it was not different than ECG line. What an unpredictable year it was! 

It was just a mirror to look at ourselves. What we had taken for granted, made us realize that nothing is in our hand and in fact we are part of some supreme power which controls us, which directs us, which is ultimate and beyond our capacity!

Firstly, Wish you all a very happy and prosperous gorgerin new year - 2021

Its nostalgic that 2021 is same as calendar year 2010✌. 

Like all of you, 2020 was way special to me as well. Not because I got to spend whole year at home with my wife 😜 but it's special because it unfolded lot many unseen things of life! 👀

#Jan20:

It started with a big celebrations as the fancy no. year 2020 started with lots of hopes for everyone. 

All my PARIVAR group friends visited us. We played games, had lots of fun by cutting cake. It was a mesmerizing start to the new year.

PARIVAR group is always special to me and you must know who these people are?

Its a group of friends who met first time on 9th Sept 2006 at AVOPA Hostel. Became roommates during engineering and then remained as roommates even while working in bengaluru after the college until individuals got hitched. We are not just friends, its beyond friendship and became PARIVAR since the first meet. We are celebrating 14 years of friendship and many more years to come to this wonderful bonding 👌. Having chandru anna with us on that day added beauty to celebration.

Then next big day was Dad's birthday on 4th Jan😇. I wanted to gift my dad one Navaratna Gold Ring from long time, which I accomplished on his 66th birthday, which made me happy!

Then the next wonderful thing was going to Sabarimala by wearing Mala for the first time.

I should definitely thank the troop (Rangaswamy, Subhas, Deepak, Vaidya and Ravi) who made it possible. I never thought I will make it but by the grace of lord Ayyappa Swamy, I wore mala for the first time and it was for 3 days and went to Ayyappa swamy darshanam at Sabarimala, kerala.

I had never been to kerala before, this being the first visit and yet memorable one with lord Ayyappa mala gave me lots of soul satisfaction and vibrant experience.

We started from bengaluru on 9th Jan late evening after completing rituals at Ayyappa Swamy Temple near Varthur, bengaluru. On 10th Morning we visited Guruvayur - Sri krishna temple (Which is very old temple and must visit. You will get to see lots about culture, rituals, Travancore architectures etc.) and had darshanam of  lord guruvayurappa (For more info about Guruyavor visit : - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guruvayurappan). 

From their we went to Kalady - Birth place of Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya. It is situated on the banks of river Purna. Having bath in this holy river and worshiping Jagadguru was a blessed feeling (For more info visit : -https://www.sringeri.net/branches/kerala/kalady).

Late evening we started to sabarimala and reached Erumeli mid night. Had dinner and slept for 2 hours. On early morning @3am, we departed to shabarimala by walk (Erumeli to sabarimala walk way is called as - Doddapaada) by holding Irumudi on the head. Doddapaada is 41km trek to sabarimala.

Wow! What an amazing journey it was, the toughest trek ever I've climbed. That's when I realized why people always chant - Ayyappa, Ayyappa. Because swamy name will come automatically in that hardship which keeps hopes alive to continue climbing and chanting also relaxes with divine feeling.

After walking for 41km in a single day, we finally reached base of sabarimala at 7:30pm. Slept for about 6 hours and then on early morning started climbing sannapada to take darshanam of Lord Ayyappa after taking bath in holy Pampa River. Sannapaada is 7km journey from base of sabarimala to Lord Ayyappa Swamy Temple.

We were very providential to see almighty after 2 days of around 50km continuous walk. It was priceless moment.

                                                                           

After coming back from Sabarimala, next big thing was Sankranti Festival. Having parents and sisters from Hyderabad & Mysore at Bgr home added richness to the Sankranti celebration. It was delightfully celebrated and enjoyed with full family.

After the festival, next most awaiting and memorable one was Trip to Phuket amidst the Covid chaos. 

Tickets were already booked in December. We were all set to fly. But to go on this trip along with blessings we wanted Guts! 

As Western countries were already started showing up the Covid Cases, we were on the edge whether to cancel this trip or give a try!

Firstly, we adventurous couple decided to go and see what's there for us in destiny as we believe strongly that god always has something special for us.

Secondly, I went and brought 2 masks which was most important than the passport that time and started packing the luggage for the trip.

Trust me, this was one of the best International trip of my life. 

I'm a globetrotter. I have roamed alone in east coast of United States as a excursionist, travelled in Germany and Netherlands without knowing language and just managed with offline maps & google translator and explored most hilarious journey of life, but with wife, planning the trip in my way was thrilling experience.😂

The whole trip (Phuket and Bangkok) was planned personally without any travel packages or travel agents considering Flights, Hotels and Tourist spots. 

Finally the day was here! on Jan 30th night, we went to airport to board flight to Phuket.

Mom and dad accompanied us to Airport, and those moments are worth cherishing forever.

This being the first flight journey to Myna.

Reached to the Bangkok on Jan 31st and had around 3 hours of layover time to catch flight to Phuket. In meantime we got our immigration done.  

When we looked around in airport, we realized very less crowd due to Covid. But in reality Chinese are the most visiting foreigners to Thailand. That point buzzed us to keep ourselves safe with mask everywhere. Because, the week we visited was Chinese New Year.

Chinese celebrate their new year for 15 days. Traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival.

Keeping safety as first priority, boarded the flight to Phuket. On the way, the bird view of an India Ocean from flight gave us mesmerizing welcome to the land of buddha!

After landing in Phuket, we headed to Merlin Beach Resort where we had already reserved the lodging. 

What a magnificent resort. I can say, its best resort ever I have stayed on earth.

#Feb20:

On Jan31st and Feb1st We covered ISLAND trips in cruise which had the world Famous James Bond Island, Phi-Phi Island in the list. Kayaking inside the rocky island, Jumping into the Indian Ocean from Cruise, snorkeling in the crystal clear water of ocean were the most unforgettable and adventurous of the trip. Staying in the private beach resort was one of the amazing experience. 

After staying 2 days then moved to Westin Resort for 2 more days as we wanted

to witness and experience the diversity of the place and hotels.

It was Feb 2nd. Hotel receptionists were waiting for our check-in as we reached late evening. On welcome they gave us upgraded room which was already arranged for us. I requested the hotel to give me the room which I had booked as I had seen images of that while booking but they denied to demote as I fall in elite group of Marriott Club and they have the privilege to upgrade.  

With little disappointment, receiving welcome gifts, sitting in bubble buddy shuttle, reached the room. As soon we opened, there was big surprise waiting for us. 

The room was completely decorated with letters. Cake and candles were all set on table on the occasion of my birthday. 

We got astonished by the way they welcomed us. Then I realized why they were not ready to change the room. But the upgraded room was mind blowing- Duplex, with sea side balcony and attached private swimming pool on both the floors.  

Next day Morning on 3rd Feb, we hired Scooty and went to Phuket city view on two wheeler drive using google maps. It was one of the thriller moment of the trip as it's kinda adventurous journey. We went to Big Biddha Temple, Tiger park, Elephant park and finally ended with nice Indian Lunch in Indian restaurant. All were adventurous and life time experiences. 

Visiting Tiger park and playing with tiger was unforgettable moment as we never imagined about it. The whole moment I was praying Lord Ayyappa to take care of us 😂 

After spending 4 days in Phuket, returned to Bangkok. 24 floors high story building and room at 22nd floor of Marriott hotel with city view was a great feeling. 

After visiting Palace, Sea life (Aquarium), Surya Temple, Shopping, Metro, Auto (Took Took), Malls with delicious Indian Veg Dinner near hotel, we packed our bags to return back sweet home!

Overall it was a great and different experience for us in the Eastern Country. On spot planning using mobile and internet technology for booking cabs, cruises, tickets for tourist attractions were amazing. It was wonderful trip with lot of beautiful moments to cherish.

If anyone would like to visit Thailand then feel free to reach me out. I would be happy to guide.

Rest of the month spent like thanking god as we returned safely back to India and Covid started wide spreading across the globe.

#Mar20:

In start of the month, Parents went to native. At the same time, Lots of speculation started across the globe about this tiny, Invincible and Invisible Covid spreading across the globe. Soon on last week of the March, Lockdown started in India as well. Such an unbelievable decision. Having 136 crores population country, undergoing lockdown was an unbelievable thing.

Life started 'For home' and 'From Home'!! All impossible things became possible in this situation as everything migrated to digital world. Buying groceries, daily needs, everything turned up online and Video calls became part of life to connect with everyone!

Everywhere uncertainties, lots of negative news, unpredictable days, unwanted virals, unheard problems. 

Exploring new dishes, doing meditation, learning yoga, working from home, keeping ourselves safe became part of life in #Apr20, #May20, #Jun20 and #Jul20.

#August20:

When August started with reducing covid cases and rising hope of life, our family friends - Tara and Sunil called us and planned a picnic. We were in fear of outside world but when we went out with them realized that we were the only couple sitting at home and everything is as usual outside in bgr. 😁

We went to 'Goravanahalli - Mahalakshmi Temple' after 4 months of house arrest.😋 It was a great feeling to expose ourselves to outer world. After taking darshan of Goddess MahaLakshmi, we went to near by farm to have delicious lunch. Then visited Shivaganga - shiva temple, then back to Home. Many thanks to lovely couple Tara-Sunil for that wonderful outing in unprecedented time. It was a wonderful day spent outside home.

Then comes big day of the year - August 16th - My lovely wife's birthday! Celebrated at home and then went for long drive on Greety (Ave-220) and found hotel open there! we were able to get some delicious food. That was amazing and memorable day.

we also celebrated Varamahalakshmi festival in Bangalore home.

 

#Sep20:

September started with lots of surprises. On September 7th, I went to my native to bring my parents for medical checkup. On September 9th we came back to Bengaluru.

Finally the most awaiting day came (20-09-20).

We welcomed our FIRST KID - Angadh(From Ramayan)[Tata Nexon - Milky white] with whole family. It was unforgettable moment of our life.

As it was the special month of Lord Krishna - Adhika maasa, We went to Davanagere for Adhika - Baagina. 

From there we went to meet Krishna Conscious family (My 2nd Sister) @ Gadag to give Adhika-maasa Bagina.

#Oct20:

As adhika maasa continued, we visited Goddess - Nimishamba Temple @ Srirangapattana and Did Kaveri Tirtha Snana.

Then went to First Sister home @ Mysore for Adhika-baagina.     

When everything was going good and suddenly life took a turn. We were spending family time @mysore and received shocking news about my maternal uncle's sad demise. It was very difficult to digest the precious loss of my maternal uncle. Who was very supportive, caring and kind hearted person. May his soul attain moksha. Om Shanthi Shankar Mama! 🙏

At the same time, I got an opportunity to write lyrics for one of the kannada advertisement. Though mentally I was little disturbed, but tried it, finally couldn't through it due to short time. But this opportunity enabled my creative angle once again. I would like to thank Mr. Ganesh for reaching out.

Then comes big festival - Dasara, which we celebrated @ Bangalore home. For the first time my parents missed Dasara festival to celebrate at Native. As mom was undergoing medication, we decided to skip going to native and celebrate @ bgr.

#Nov20:

Cool month started with buddy's wedding! After lot of planning and preparations we decided to go to his wedding with full family. First wedding after Covid - First lockdown. 

Wishing once again hearty congratulations to my best friend and roommate Anil Murthy and Bhargavi for their wonderful married life.

Many thanks for My Colleague Skanda and his family for arranging accommodation for us to stay in their home @ Shivamogga. His mother and Father facilitated us so nicely. We enjoyed his father's art work and mother's tasty food.

After wedding, From Shivamogga we went to day trip to Sigandur and Varadamula. it was so divine feeling and happy to receive the blessing of goddess Maata - Choudeshwari. It feels very special always and lots of happiness to visit Sigandur Chowdeshwari temple.

Visiting Sigandur Temple with one more my best buddy - Sandeep Shetty and his family who travelled from Sirsi to Sigandur was very memorable. First time our families met, though we are friends from decade.

Next day went to Tirthahalli, then to Mangala Village - For Ayurvedic treatment- for mom and dad's knee pain. Then we went to Kuppalli - Kumpu's home.

Then we went to Shringeri - Sharadamba Temple. As its being first time for my parents to travel towards western ghats it was very scary for them to see the road with lot of hair pin curves and high hill stations. 

By taking ghat sections and road journey into considerations we decided to stay in Sringeri. It was great feeling to take darshan of Goddess - Sharadamba. It was special feeling as well as its first time for my parents to visit this temple.

Then after taking darshan of Goddess in early morning, we started back to Bgr. On the way, we went to Baalehonnur - Mutt. It was special for us as our Home-God (Mane Devaru) origin belongs to this holy place.

On the way, we covered - Belur - Channakeshava temple as well. Art and sculptures of this temple is mind blowing and a must visit place for anyone to understand the ancient technologies.

November ended with Deepavali festival celebration followed by our 3rd wedding anniversary on 24th November.

#Dec20:

This month brought lot of happiness and fun as it gave us hope of new beginning towards post covid life.

It had lovely birthday celebration of my mom on Dec 22nd. Its kinda online bday celebration for my sisters and family 😇

Due to lockdown, our plan of going to Chikkatirupati by walk was pending. Chikkatirupati is hobli in Malur taluk of Kolar Dist, which has beautiful Temple of Lord Venkateshwara. It's 28kms from my stay. Finally on Dec 24th, just before the day of Vaikuntha Ekadashi. Myself, My dad (@67), Deepak and his roommate planned to walk out. Four of us started on early morning @5am to chikkatirupati by walk and reached by 12:30pm. It was an amazing experience as always. I fall off words to describe this walking experience.

On 26th Dec, we had perfect Temple Run in outskirts of Bengaluru. Mukti Naga, Saaligrama Srinivasa Temple, Big Banyan Tree and cake show in richmond circle😇.

To end 2020, we were all set for one more trip to Davanagere. Visiting with Myna's family to Santebennur - pushkarni, Siddara gudi, Glass house and boating in Shanti sagar lake was one of the unforgettable experience.

On last day of 2020, dinner @District-17 hotel made it memorable one. It was lovely time spent all together.

Overall 2020 was very unexpected year. When the whole world was heading to an endless destination that's when the tiny and invisible virus turned the whole world upside down. But prayers, hope and self awareness to keep oneself safe helped to move forward.

For me it was not different. It was roller coaster ride but at the same time 2020 gave one direction to the dreams and hopes to lead life in critical situations. 

Dear Darling 2021, I welcome you with lots of love and energy. I request you below wishes :

1. Continue innovation journey in career to file Minimum 5 patents in 2021.

2. Fly high in career.

3. High time for the entry of Junior - M.

4. A beautiful home with car parking inside the garden with our nameplate.

5. Finish reading of 3 books minimum.

6. Adopt disciplined lifestyle and continue hardwork/smartwork with passion.

7. Reduce 7kg weight.

At the end, I would like to thank you all for taking time out to read my blog. Your support and encouragement is always appreciated.

Wish you and your family a happy and healthy year ahead 👍😇

LIVE the Life you LOVE and LOVE the Life you LIVE, because you will never get second chance here! 

                                         -- With lots of Love ~ Mahesh Ainapure