Under the Citadel’s Shadow: Savouring Erbil’s Soul

On October 18, 2025November 2, 2025 By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes10 Comments

In the heart of Erbil, where modern life hums around an ancient hill, history still breathes through stone. The Erbil Citadel — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited places — rises above the city like a memory that refuses to fade. Beneath it, the Old Bazaar buzzes with life: men sip tea and smoke shisha under the autumn sun, children feed pigeons, and the aroma of kebabs drifts through narrow lanes once walked by traders and conquerors alike. Watching people enjoy these simple pleasures, time seems to dissolve — and you realize that in Erbil, the past and present are forever entwined.

From Bursa to Erbil: A Butter-Soaked Affair at BayDöner

On October 13, 2025November 2, 2025 By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Epicurean Mosaic12 Comments

The experience of dining on Iskender Döner at BayDöner in Erbil's Family Mall transcended mere consumption; it became a vivid memory. This iconic Turkish dish, rich in flavors and prepared traditionally, transported me through culinary history while also reflecting Erbil's diverse culture, blending Turkish culinary heritage with local life.

The Evolution of Bangla Prose: Clarity, Creativity, & Genius

On October 11, 2025October 11, 2025 By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents14 Comments

From classroom lessons to timeless stories, this is a nostalgic journey through how Vidyasagar, Bankim, Tagore, and Sarat Chandra shaped modern Bengali prose. Like four currents merging into a single river, they gave the language clarity, imagination, rhythm, and heart — a legacy that still flows through our words today.

Savouring Mandi: A Feast for the Senses

On October 9, 2025October 29, 2025 By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Epicurean Mosaic8 Comments

At Erbil's Grand Majidi Mall, I met up with my friend Arbab for a memorable dinner at Mandi Al-Hattab. The cosy atmosphere of the restaurant provided the perfect setting for enjoying a traditional Mandi meal. The dish, known for its deep flavours and cultural importance, offered both delight and a meaningful link to heritage, making the experience truly memorable.

Mist, Valleys, & Boat Ride: Our Patratu Escape

On October 6, 2025October 9, 2025 By Judhajit RoychoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes6 Comments

On September 6, 2025, my sister-in-law Gungun visited Ranchi after family time in Rourkela. On my day off, we explored the scenic Patratu Valley and Dam. Enjoying a leisurely boat ride and exploring an island, our adventure was filled with laughter and memorable moments, highlighting the beauty of family and nature.

Farewell to Udaipur — An Epilogue

On October 5, 2025October 5, 2025 By Judhajit RoychoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes8 Comments

Our journey to Udaipur lives on within us, etched not just in photographs but in the quiet stirrings of memory. On our final morning, we wandered through the city once more, breathing in its calm rhythms, as if Udaipur itself wished to soften the weight of our departure. Journeys, we realised, do not end with the last mile or the final boarding call. They remain within us, lingering as quiet companions, reshaping how we see the everyday. Udaipur has become a part of us—its essence folded into our own lives—until the day we fulfil the promise whispered in our hearts: to return.

The Epic of Chittorgarh (Part 3) — Faith & Food

On October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 By Judhajit RoychoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes6 Comments

We found that Chittorgarh offered a blend of history and culture, featuring the serene Kirti Stambh Jain tower and fragrant sarees. We also shared a satisfying lunch of dal-bati-churma with our driver, Deepak ji. Reflecting on our experiences, the journey back to Udaipur was marked by a deeper understanding of both valor and faith.

The Epic of Chittorgarh (Part 2) — Towers & Flames

On October 1, 2025September 13, 2025 By Judhajit RoychoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes4 Comments

Every stone in Chittorgarh carries memory, but some rise higher than others — literally and figuratively. As we walked deeper into the fort, towers touched the sky, kunds whispered of battles, and the specter of jauhar hovered heavy in the air.

The Epic of Chittorgarh (Part 1) — Palaces & Poets

On September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 By Judhajit RoychoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes8 Comments

If Udaipur is the romantic heart of Mewar, Chittorgarh is its soul — fierce, tragic, unyielding. As we drove towards the fort that once stood as the largest in India, I felt as though we were approaching not just stone walls, but a living legend of Rajputana.

The Roads of Faith: Nathdwara & the Shreenathji Temple

On September 27, 2025September 27, 2025 By Judhajit RoychoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes6 Comments

The trip to Nathdwara takes place along the roads of Rajasthan, where pilgrims travel barefoot, showing their devotion to Shreenathji, a respected incarnation of Krishna. Led by Deepak ji, we observed the lively culture and holy environment as we arrived at the Shreenathji Temple, feeling a deep bond amid the busy crowd and spiritual enthusiasm.