Remnants of history

I have just arrived from unplanned travel that my work demanded. I badly need to rush to spa as there are little aches and pains of fatigue all over my body screaming for some mercy. I have gleefully abandoned all the work that was waiting for my attention the moment I am home. There is terrible guilt in my heart for being late for this week's article but believe me, I have missed writing immensely!

A typical lane at Udwada at early morning 

Despite crazily hectic schedule of last few days, my brain is brimming with so many tales! I had to travel a lot by road during my journey and the most intriguing place I visited was, Udwada. Albeit it was for only two hours, it certainly made up for all the stressful time I had during my trip. Udwada is a treasure trove of delight if you are a photographer and writer! For a person who thrives in urban chaos, this town exudes tranquility and stunningly beautiful old world charm. It is a known fact that Parsis, (followers of Zoroastrianism) entered India through this lovely town.

A Parsi House by the street at Udwada village

Looking at the locked houses and the languid pace of this place, one is compelled to think about not just days and months but the years and decades that might have passed by when the town and its breathtakingly beautiful cottage bungalows would have come to life! One feels weight of years that has passed by in to eternity! The time stands still and one finds remnants of history strewn all around in town. 

A library for Parsi community

The delight of a trip is always in the tumbling out of stories inside your head that visit when they are least expected; long after you return home; and while you are away, exactly reverse happens when home comes wafting to you in a sudden collision with some fragrance or sound that grips your heart with nostalgia for what it reminisces. 

One of the locked houses at Udwada

The problem with me is, the moment I like some place the nomad in me emerges forcefully and it feels as if something has possessed me and turned my soul inside out! Every corner of this town seemed to be inviting me but unfortunately, I didn't have luxury of time to explore this place the way I would have loved to.

Picture of Zarathrusta, outside almost every Parsi home in Udwada

When I drove off from Udwada, I was trying to hold on to its exquisite beauty, hoping secretly that it remains untouched by rest of the world. Some places should remain just the way they are; untouched with time, holding on to its strong character. I am afraid it may not remain like that for long. An important part of our heritage is crumbling slowly and I feel utterly helpless.

A Parsi Mansion