Saktipur- a journey to my native place

Standing on the river bank for the ferry to arrive Maa Ganga i have been trailing from Himalaya, here is the life line of our rural bangla. I am thrilled and excited today; In my childhood, i had been once here holding my father’s hand; i was only 6 years old. He lost his way to this Ghat in that dark evening in the meadows & dense paddy fields.. worried extremely to miss the last ferry. I see bluish horizon over the trees.. dark shadow touching the surface of water & diminishing casually up into the sky.. the river bank is naturally decorated in Palm, Coconut , Banana & Neem trees.. all grown to their full blossom in this season. I see the same ancient dilapidated Shiv temple beside an old jatadhari banyan tree. Now the boat has arrived; the ferrymen anchored the big motorised boat getting emptied whatever it brought over it. Villagers are offering fruits & vegetables in Maa Ganga and sprinkling water over heads; for her continued immense blessings on mankind. Pool of men, women and cattle wait for their turn with me to ride on this huge boat. All stares at me if i am an invader into their land; “No dear friends” my roots are here only.. and living miles away due to compulsion and my livelihood; this piercing pain in my heart, you will never feel..I am one amongst you, I am a Saktipurbashi like you.. Bright sun on head but cool breeze drives past over sailing onto the boat towards Saktipur Ghat. Nostalgic as usual i am today and mind is revolving around my parents, they have left years back leaving me an orphan, their thoughts haunt me deeply every time while i cry inside, i am crossing the river on ferry.. All are speaking in their high pitch, partially disturbing my tranquility & thoughts but i have no complain today, the sound of machine & wind made all ears deaf. I suddenly felt i have reached Saktipur Ghat.. The ferry men put the rope around a big log a wooden ramp extended from the boat to the bank. Touching the land bare foot; gave me intense pleasure a satisfying heavenly feeling.. the land of many footfalls of our great grandfathers, thaka, our parents, cousins and others. i sensed the sacred land, i breath afresh today. Auro (Vasant Kunj 15th March 2011) [ Maa = Mother; Ganga = one of the longest Himalayan river; Ghat = Bank of river; Shiv= God of Creation & destruction; Jatadhari= Roots of Banyan tree from its branches; Thaka = Grandmother(father’s mother); Saktipur bashi= name of a remote village , Bashi means a native; Himalaya = Longest snow mountain in the world]