Shiv Sangal's Blog, page 5

I Accidently Tore My Clothes At Tapkeshwar Mahadev

It was Sunday yesterday, but still it was not as boring as other days. I and my two hostel mates Vibhu and Shuvadip had a plan to visit the serene Tapkeshwar Mahadev. If you start from Clement Town, you'll have to change two buses. The journey takes approx an hour.One tip- Please don't play music in a high volume while travelling in any public transport. It's really an anti-social habit. You can use earphones or just play at a low volume. I literally don't like such people. People stick coins on Ganesh ji's effigy. 
The scenes we envisioned en route showed us two aspects of Dehradun. One as a capital city; which is usually accompanied with a lot of hustle-bustle. It is quite crowded. The other part is more fascinating than the first one, i.e, the hills and the forests. That's the reality of Dehradun.
Eyes feel so relaxed after seeing the greenery around. When we reached our destination we had to walk for around 1-2 kms. The air was so fresh and cool that we were feeling really energetic. Now, let me tell about Tapkeshwar Mahadev. It is situated in Dehradun (outskirts of the mainstream city).  Here, there is a naturally appeared shivlinga inside a cave. The rocks above the shivlinga constantly drench it from the water droplets which they source from any of the hilly brooks. There are also Santoshi Mata temple and Hanuman ji temple which you can also visit.There's a river the water of which is so clear that the rocks beneath are clearly visible. ShivlingaAfter having the darshans, I was really fascinated with the colorful stones in the river that I rushed to pick them up. As soon as I jumped on the middle of the river, my legs stretched and soon I realised that my shorts were torn as well.  After I tore my shorts. I quickly draped the shirt I was wearing around my waist. I really wonder that whatever happens is for good only. Just in the beginning of that morning, I was thinking if I should wear the shirt over my t-shirt or would it look odd. But look I wore the shirt over my t-shirt and was thus able to save my dignity standing on the threshold.



P.S. Pardon for the image quality, as the pictures were exchanged via Whatsapp.

Personal Care Products Available For Sale On My First Ever Online Store

(First things first, to buy all the products or just to reach out the store I've talked about in this blog post, click here.) In 2020, It'll turn out to be my sixth year of blogging. While starting in 2014, I didn't know that this stuff will go so long. I didn't even a heck of the idea of monetisation. It was all for fun and for sharing my views and everything else I knew. It was in 2017, I decided that not always will I have the same energy to share my views about everything going around me. Whatever, I was doing at that time was my internal energy and motivation.To drive my blog in the long run, an outside force was also necessary along. So, I decided to monetise my blog. I opted for ads in 2018. Within six months I realized that even after having a decent audience, leads to ads were low. The reason is obvious. Adsense payscale is certainly low.Moreover, the audience these days is more aware. No one would willingly click on ads. Even I won't do so. Then I discontinued ads from my blog.These days, I get a few sponsors who really love my content and would love to work with me.Sponsorship is a feasible running program for me. But, this was not enough, I wanted to offer my audience something which I, in some way crafted myself, which could showcase my creativity.That's why I started my online store in which I'm currently selling some personal care products.Highlights Of The Online StoreThis online store is going to be different than the other ones. I've kept many things transparent.I've revealed the name of the manufacturer and the ingredients, so that the well aware customer could carry out his own research and buy the product only when he is fully assured.
Products Available at The Online StoreThe following products are available at the online store.Hands Plus Aloe Vera HandwashHands Plus Aloe Vera Handwash (pearly)Hands Plus Neem HandwashKesh Vriddhi Hair OilKesh Shuddhi Hair OilYou may visit the store to read the description of all the products yourself. If you want to get the details in depth, you can read this article in which I've reviewed some of their products.

2 Breathtaking Places To Explore In Clement Town, Dehradun

You might already be aware of the fact that I cancelled my admission from CVS DU. Do you want to know what happened further? Well, here is the complete story. After I cancelled my admission from CVS-DU, I shifted to Dehradun and got an admission in Graphic Era Hill University which is based in Clement Town. Here the conditions of living are relatively better. The city itself is pollution free. Food and accommodation are comfortable than my Sheikh Sarai Apartment.Till now, I haven't traveled much in Dehradun as it's just a week since I've moved there, But everyday, I try to manage an hour of morning walk and yoga to refresh myself up. There's a temple behind the GEU campus adjoining the Rajaji National Park. From there is a narrow lonely road with the forest continued on one side and a housing colony on the other. That road takes you to the Mindrolling Monastery and if you go further to Air Force Colony, you'll find a beautiful Lake with ducks inside and forest around.Since I don't have my camera with me in Dehradun, I prefer my Samsung J8 to do all the clicking work. In this post, I've shared some pictures clicked from my camera when I visited it previously.
Note- This Content is the property of Shiv Sangal, using it without his prior permission may result in a lawsuit.Air Force Colony LakeIt is known as Air Force Colony Lake because of the area where it is situated. It is also known as Clement Town Lake.
Air Force Colony Lake.
 Clicked using Samsung J8.  You can find it on Amazon. The path for the lake passes through  the Rajaji National Park. Still, it is safe.
Shot on Samsung J8.
Whenever, you want to relax or think about something big in your life; just take a break and get close to the nature.
In the Air Force Colony Lake, You'll be able to find that kind of ambiance. You'll find different benches and Lounge chairs to sit on.
Clicked using Samsung J8. You can buy it on Amazon. Though, this picture is slightly blurred, but it's sufficient anyway to tell, how beautiful this place is in the morning.
Shot on Samsung J8. You can buy it on Amazon.
You can find really beautiful wild flowers all along the way.
Shot on Samsung J8.Mindrolling MonasteryThis is really a beautiful place to visit, if you ever come to visit Dehradun. It is located in the Tibetan Colony, which was constructed to provide refuge to many tibetans back in mid twentieth century.This is a good photogenic spot. A beautiful statue of a tibetan god.
Shot on Nikon D3200.
The giant effigy of Lord Buddha and Praying wheels.
Shot on Nikon D3200.
Another Statue and pillar in the monastery.
Shot on Nikon D3200.

I Tried Earthing For 3 Days And The Results Were Amazing

Today's scenario is full of people who are unhappy but seem to be happy on social media. I'd already seen them in my hometown Muzaffarnagar, but found the condition more grave when I was in Delhi. I don't target to any person or group in particular but all I felt was that people in metro cities are more limited to themselves. Their hostility can't be described as introspection or solitude but it should be described as ambiguity. Most of the people had expressionless faces. Whenever I traveled in metro, it was quiet. There used to be no hustle-bustle. No one used to talk to each other. It felt like their soul was lost in deep latency.
Within a few days in Delhi, I felt like if the same condition persisted, I would lose the connection with nature soon. As a small town boy, I'm habitual of space, air and sunlight. I was fortunate enough to find an average apartment, which though was not as comfortable as my home itself but was at least way superior to eight other accommodations we checked on.
Though in this regard, Delhi Government is quite responsible. I lived in Sheikh Sarai and there in every colony there was a park. As I'm habitual of going to the Temple, fortunately, there was one as well. But the park was unmaintained.
My Landlord suggested me to visit the Model Park in Pushp Vihar. He expected me to find what I wanted. I am habitual of going for a morning walk so I thought to check it once.
Pushp Vihar is quite near to Sheikh Sarai. As soon as I entered the park, I found it really wonderful. Though, I wondered that it might be smaller than the company garden of our city still it was beautiful on its own. It had a path paved for walkers. That path ringed the park which was a big land with well maintained grass.
Many people had brought Yoga Mats with them. Some were simply doing some light exercises.
The environment I found there was completely contradictory to what I saw in entire Delhi.
People were talking with each other. They were cracking light hearted humor over each other. Most of the people were happy. There I got my answer. When people are close to nature and their minds are unclenched from the stress; they're the happiest and can express themselves well.
I would also like to show my gratitude to Delhi government that it's really working towards installing more manual outdoor gymnasium machines. They can be found in almost any public property all across Delhi. So those types of machines were in our college and in that park as well.
Now you might be wondering that I was about to tell you something about Earthing, you might think that I've distracted myself from the topic. Well, this is not the deal. What I've told you till now is just the introduction.
EarthingIf you google the word 'Earthing', you'll find that it means 'connecting to the ground'. Well it has meaning beyond this. I've done my own research and I would suggest you to do your own research as well.I perform Yoga everyday and am taking baby steps each new day to make my life more inclined to yoga through eco-friendly practices and holistic well being.Both our hands and feet have many acupressure points on them. But who would bother to press each one of them. You can clap your hands to make use of your hands' acupressure points but for making use of your feet's acupressure points, it is better to walk bare footed on ground.Mother Earth has many free electrons on her surface which may enter in your body through direct skin contact. Don't worry that your legs will accumulate dirt. Wear light and old clothes.Walking barefooted on green grass is good for eyesight as well.My Experience With EarthingEarthing has literally worked for me. It starts to show results right from the first day. I visited the Model Park of Pushp Vihar just for three days and I practiced earthing on all the three days. There's a difference between walking barefooted and walking with footwear. At least I feel it every time. After I come home the very first thing I undress with is my footwear. Though footwear provide you comfort in walking and can protect you from obstructions in the path but they can be tiresome to wear at some point of time.Usually, when I wear my footwear for too long my feet are too tired and it seems as if they're emitting heat. The solution is that you can dip your feet in cold water,but it was quite tedious for me to be carried on everyday. Finally Earthing comes in the picture. I'm telling you with my personal experience. Whenever you walk on green grass in the presence of fresh air and sunlight you feel fresh, positive and energetic the entire day. Moreover the other happy people you see around act as catalysers in the process.These days, many people sell fruit juices and flavored milk in parks, you can also try them out.What are you waiting for? Try Earthing right now.

Sneak Into Our 2019's Raksha Bandhan Celebration

Festivals are quite enervated these days. There is a severe lack of hustle-bustle around. Many students who are distant from their homes are unable to manage to come back for just a one day holiday. These days puris and desserts are not made basket fulls because of the health concerns of the middle aged and the elderly. So, it's the need of the hour to find some new ways of celebrations.I know I'm posting the updates of our Raksha Bandhan Celebrations quite late as this year it was on 15th August 2019. On the same day falls Independence Day of our country.This year, my elder sister was 1000 kms away from home due to being engaged in a workshop. My second sister tied her own rakhi and then tied her rakhi on her behalf while associating with her through a video call.My paternal uncle from Delhi had brought with him two rakhis, his daughters sent for me. My second sister tied them as well.My maternal uncle came to visit us with his son (Gopal) and daughter (Parkhi). Parkhi tied me her rakhi. My mom and my sister tied Gopal their rakhis.Overall, it was a good event. Mom made Chhole Bhature . In the evening when Bhature were finished, she served Chhole with Kulche.  My cousins-Gopal and Parkhi.
My second sister- Shreya.

The Reasons Because Of Which I Left CVS (DU)

Life at DU(Delhi University) seems very attractive to many students, especially to those of small towns. It was fascinating for me as well, but I got familiar with the reality once I got admitted in it. On 20th of August, It will be a month since the orientation and nothing specific has been taught.
I've finally left that hyperbole and only a few days ago I cancelled my admission and carried my luggage to home in order to carry it somewhere else.
So, I must tell you all the reasons why I left CVS(College Of Vocational Studies).
Moreover, I assume that hardly 10-15 colleges of DU maintain a standard of educating students, rest are just for fulfilling the ephemeral pleasures of college life mostly hyped by cinema and luxury magazines.
The Reasons Because Of Which I Left CVS.1. Teachers didn't take the classes.Though the teachers are really educated (that's why they're getting the government jobs), they didn't take the classes. Our orientation was on 20th of July, i.e, Saturday. Our first class was supposed to be on Monday, i.e, 22nd of July. But not a single teacher took the class. I inquired in the staff room after I got to know from the seniors that this scene will go on for 15 days. One of the teachers sitting there told me that it's true because the admission process was going on. I excused because, cutoffs run till August. I called Dad to take me home as the classes were not going on. The next day he took me home. I returned on 31st, but even then the classes were not going on. At least, all the major cutoffs had been dealt off.I asked a trusted senior who was also in my school to which she answered that the teachers hired on ad hoc basis are more likely to teach while the teachers hired on permanent basis don't bother to teach.Many teachers even send the notes to a certain photocopier and asks the students to get them for themselves from there.2. Exploitation in SocietiesIn that college, there were many societies, the most popular were for fashion, literature, entrepreneurship, marketing, photography, travelling, art etc. In entire DU, attendance is fixed at 66%. Though, it is not revealed how, but if a person is regular in working of the societies he was entitled to receive 33% of that attendance. Thus, only 33% of that attendance was supposed to be fulfilled from the classes.As far as I understand, I didn't join that college to join societies. I understand that extra-curricular activities are necessary, but not on the cost of education.I went to the auditorium of our college to see the orientation of an NGO affiliated society. I didn't see the planning committee talking anything about social welfare in any way. They along with the audience were making noises and laughing along as if, instead of some decent issue, it was a live concert going on. I left that place disgracefully.Another disadvantage, I noticed about the societies was taking it for granted. The students of the societies were exploited. No monetary opportunities were provided.I've participated in many contests in my school life but in college life, I've gradually picked up a different perspective. Everything, I did in school life was out of fun and for getting the exposure go hand in hand. Now, in college I'm an adult and hence I look at my passion with a professional approach.On the orientation day itself, I watched that the students who were the members of the photography society were covering the event for free. Covering an event is a tedious task, and doing it for free is the modern day begar. Had the college outsourced this to any other team of photographers, they would have charged at least 20k. Exposure merely doesn't pay for the expenses. Exposure without Compensation is Exploitation.3. Election PromotionOn our orientation day, many seniors came in our class to introduce themselves. Some were from different societies. They claimed that they would help us so as to show gratitude to their seniors who helped them when they were freshers. Within a week I realized that it was not true.Nothing in this world is free, you've to pay for everything you get either in past, present or future.Our phone numbers were collected with which a whatsapp group was made. The seniors who made it were admins.Soon, promotions of societies were started. Afterwards, posters of late night unofficial freshers' parties were forwarded most of which were in lavish clubs of Hauz Khas or in Select Citywalk Mall. They had arrangements for both Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic. Isn't it strange that seniors are promoting such habits among their juniors. The fees were no less than 800 in any of the events. I wasn't interested so I didn't join any.A few of my friends started to mingle up with a bunch of seniors to get some benefits, like getting to know of societies or arranging notes and other study material beforehand or just for sounding trendy. Wanna know how they paid for it? They were given the posters of societies and Election campaigns to forward and put in their whatsapp and instagram stories.4. DU is more suitable for DelhitesI believe that DU is more suitable for people living in Delhi because they get to study on almost zero expenditure. The fee of  CVS is just INR 10000 p.a. Other colleges of DU might have similar fee. While outsiders have many expenses to deal with. They have to pay for their accommodation and associated expenses which stand at around 20000-30000 per month. Living in Delhi is really expensive.Moreover, if the classes are not going on, a Delhite can go back to his home, but an outsider has to go to his accommodation. His time and energy is wasted.Let me tell about the conditions in which I lived there.A room's rent is usually INR 10000-20000 depending upon the facilities provided. The number of students living in a room divides the room. My apartment was in Sheikh Sarai. The room in which I lived was supposed to be for two as told by my landlord, but as a small town boy, I'm more habitual of more space. So I took it for myself. But this accommodation didn't include food. For this I was supposed to walk at least 100 m away for the food. There was no security of the food. The food point owner was unable to provide the food when it rained. I'm habitual of having my breakfast between 8-9 A.M. They started making it from 9.30 A.M. Lunch was alright. They started preparing the dinner from 8.30 P.M which is quite late. I had to go to purchase it at 9 P.M. It's really not safe and decent as well to roam at that time. I literally felt that the place is really not worth spending three precious years of my life there. Had I stayed longer, I would have been depressed, either physically or mentally.Breakfast and Dinner plates cost INR 60. Lunch costs INR 50. If your keen to take individually I can suggest you the probable rates. Rice plate costs around INR 15, Roti INR 5 each, Parantha INR 20, Curries such as Paneer INR 50 and Pulses INR 30-40.I mostly took the thalis as they were sufficient for me. If you calculate on monthly basis, they accounted for approximately INR 5000. Look you won't find the taste of your home everywhere. You've to negotiate somewhere. I don't like onions. I can't control my belches after eating them. They smell too much. But when I purchased Rajma Chawal, they were made like beans added directly to the onion puree. Belches kept coming. I had to eat them forcefully. My throat choked for a while.Apart from this, you're supposed to wash your dishes and clothes yourself. I don't know the laundry charges because I washed and dried my under garments, towels and kitchen clothes myself and took the remaining to home. Well! I can tell you the rates of getting your clothes ironed in the market. That's INR 50 per pair. Shocked, no? If you're taking your room on a shared basis, then it would be feasible for you to hire a sweeper.
The sweepress told me that she would charge INR 600 per month for cleaning my room. I thought that the room was already small. After adding all the furniture the space remained almost substantial. INR 600 were not really worth of that space. I decided to broom and mop my room myself.
You're also supposed to pay for your electricity charges which would be at least INR 2000-3000. You also must calculate your conveyance with which you go home. Everything counts.
The total living expense is at least INR 30000.
ConclusionNo matter what happened but just in around 7 days I got the biggest of all experiences of my life. I cooked my own food many times. Once I cooked vermicelli, other times, I ate bread. I boiled the milk myself. Mom wasn't there to pamper me. I peeled my fruits for the first time in life. I had to shop some grocery as well. Here, my safety was my own responsibility as my parents weren't there to tell me. Though, it is an essential universal truth, I got to understand how and why proper food and good living conditions are important in the development of an individual.I traveled alone for the first time in my life. I cared about my belongings in the public transport for the first time in my life. Though, living in Delhi was not peaceful, even then I got to embark on my journey to realize a new paradigm of existence and self- actualization. My landlord and his family was decent, so it proved a bit easier. They helped about the neighborhood. 

Myths Broken About 2 Tourist Places Of Delhi

This saturday, I and my cousin Gopal planned a day out. I've just moved to Delhi and that's the reason he was quite concerned or worried to know about me. To take it light, he planned to meet me on saturday. We planned beforehand on night and we had three main places in mind. They were- Bangla Sahib, Agrasen Ki Baoli and Connaught place. The first thing you need to take note of is that the nearest metro station is Rajiv Chowk. From there you would be able to cover all the three spots. Besides these, you can also take time to visit Jantar Mantar and India Gate, if you like, which are nearby. We didn't visit because they don't match our spirit. We like something consistent to visit, with which we can associate.Bangla SahibWell, I must tell you that first of all, we visited Bangla Sahib. It's a famous gurudwara where communal efforts were laid to deal with smallpox, centuries ago. The campus is really beautiful. It has one main structure, where guru granth sahib is laid. Coming out of it, you'll see a big pond where sikh devotees bathe. Colorful fishes and fries can be seen inside. The holy water of the pond is really pure, cool and clear.There are many services where they offer you water for free. It's relatively sweeter than the water which you'll find in other places of Delhi. You must mind it anyway that don't waste the water as it is divine.They'll give you prasad as well which is the sweet halwa or Lapsi of wheat.Though the authorities are not as strict, you can carry the gadgets inside; yet, I'll suggest you not to click pictures there. Read the instructions carefully and then act accordingly.Agrasen Ki BaoliThis is really a beautiful place. This stepwell was built to deal with water management. I feel sad to say that this architectural structure is on the verge of oblivion.  Though, this place has many visitors every day, it is still unmaintained. I went till the lowest surface after descending through the stairs to find that the actually well didn't have even a single drop of water in it ( Though it was quite lower from the ground level), It had a big cavity connected to a drain nearby which was filled with infinite plastic waste. Surface of the baoli had dead insects and the roof of the structure was black with the presence of bats.

I wondered, that even in this age, this baoli could have proved itself as an idea of rainwater management and fulfillment of water table (if not as a source of drinking water), as a big part of Delhi is running short of clean water. Anyways, you must visit it, at least for some good shots. We stayed here for no more than 15 minutes.

Connaught PlaceThis is a marketplace which was built by britishers in the colonial times. It was designed by Architect Robert Tor Russel . If you're a photogenic person, then this place is for you. Here, you can really get some good shots. However, if you talk about my rating about its consistency, I guess there is no option for zero, right? I might sound rude, but I mean what I think. I like to visit any place which has something consistent to visit. I like those places with which I can relate or associate myself. The structure is really good, but I don't really feel that it properly represents the Indian culture. Here, you'll find the perfect glorification of the cruel colonial past.If you want to shop, it can be your destination. But this doesn't please me. Here, almost all the biggest brands of the world have their franchises or outlets although that doesn't make this place unique. Those brands have their outlets in various malls and shopping places of the country. Moreover, they can be found online as well.You should be sensible enough before becoming lavish. This is what a minimalist can advice you. The rates of the restaurants and cafes soar higher than ever. Now, I'm relieved that you won't blame me if you visit this place and didn't find it upto the mark.I don't like visiting the cafes and restaurants unless it's necessary. Moreover, I keep a check if the rates and charges offered are justified.

2 Famous Temples Of Delhi You Must Visit

I recently made my first sole travelling expedition which was completed successfully.The two famous temples of Delhi which you must visit are Kalkaji Temple and Lotus Temple.The nearest metro station to both of them is ‘Kalkaji Mandir’ Metro Station. Also, I had my first metro ride yesterday. I got my metro card as well.Kalkaji Mandirhas a special place in our Hindu History as well. The mention of this place can be found in Mahabharata.It is believed that one who visits any Devi Temple is supposed to visit the temple of Bhairav as well. But when I visited, Bhairav Temple was closed.There is a street market en-route the temple, so you can buy the prasad there. They’ll also guard your shoes and wash your hands if you buy from them. The present structure of the temple is believed to have been built by Marathas and a part was built by a courtier of Mughals.The Darshans are really beautiful. The temple has white stone walls and pillars. The idol of the goddess is heavenly as well. Outside the temple, in the street market, I had my lunch (Chole Bhature). The restaurant was specialized to make food without onion and garlic. I too don’t like onion and garlic. I can’t hold my belches if I eat so.That’s the reason why the food was tasty. I had my lunch there.


Then I headed to Lotus Temple. It’s a beautiful white marble temple in the shape of lotus made for the worship by Bahai people.Here too, you’ve to deposit your shoes in bags provided by the authorities themselves to get a token returning which you get your shoes back. I went inside. The visitors were instructed not to click pictures inside. We were not allowed to talk or make a noise. The inside part of Lotus Temple or Bahai Mandir is basically a large prayer or meditation hall. It has facilities to accommodate 1300 people. At 3 pm, the prayer started.  It lasted just 10 minutes. 3 or 4 priests were there. One sang from the Bible, other from Bhagwad gita, third from Quran, fourth about Buddhism and lastly a Bahai prayer was observed.The ambience was so calm that even an infant’s cry or even a bird’s voice could be heard. Everything echoed. A child clapped his hands and everyone turned.One thing, it is not a picnic spot. It’s for meditation or prayer.I came out and got my pictures clicked from a Korean stranger.The temple totally has 27 petals of Lotus. It is surrounded by 9 ponds.Straight in front of the temple, at walking distance is an exhibition which talks about the achievements of Bahaullah and Bahaism itself. There was also a bookstore from where I got a book.I also visited Iskcon Temple but as it was 3:45pm and the Darshans were supposed to be open by 4:30pm, I thought it would be quite late, so I came back.I didn’t take my camera there as the photography is not allowed. I clicked only with my phone.

What is Minimalism? An Introduction

All opinions are my own. I'm not forcing them on anyone. In this era, nothing is permanent. Everything is ephemeral and transient. New schools of thoughts are being formed and demolished each new day. So it's not certain that all the facts you get to know of are reliable. Many are controversial, even when they're provided by some trusted authority. The best way out is to carry out your own research. There's no need to take any stress, you might start out at your own level.
MinimalismA concept which is always appealing to me is minimalism. I follow it in my daily life. Minimalism is basically the promotion of stuff which we really value and discarding everything else. De-cluttering the space around you can make you more peaceful inside.However, you don't need to be a minimalist all of a sudden. If you do so, people will get to feel that you're in hurry. For a peaceful life, you should be active but at ease as well. Rome wasn't built in a day. You should start by taking baby steps. If you try to do everything at once, there's a fair chance that you'll be bored and will resort back to your old ways and eventually back to your old life.Some Practical Ways of Implementing Minimalism In Your Life1. Rich MinimalismIf you think that you'll have to discard your riches away in order to be a minimalist, it's not the case.I've some examples.You've got 200 outfits. Some are casual while some are party wears. Classify them into two groups- which you wear often and which don't get their chance. Now give the second group a chance. It's still not necessary to start wearing them more often but at least if they are being worn, they've some use otherwise they're worthless. Life is short, you'll need to stop postponing the usage of your precious things. It's better to save, but you should also enjoy what you have. Utilize all the articles you have, clothes, crockery and valuables.Retire what's unnecessary.2. Ecological MinimalismIn this type of minimalism, you tend to take some steps to conserve environment at your own pace. 10000 species of animals are extinct every year just because of one (homo sapiens). You can survive very well on plants. You don't need to consume non vegetarian foods. All the nutrients that you get from consuming animals can be found in plants as well. Science has proved it. And you can't just end up blaming and making excuses as just with a click you can get any fruit, vegetable, herb or any other plant delivered at your threshold. If you might think that people of many areas need it. They need it because of certain climatic factors. I don't object it. But if you're living in an area with an adequate supply of all plant based resources. You don't need to kill other organisms.I mentioned about all of my steps towards conserving the environment in an instagram post which I uploaded on 5th June(Environment's day).

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Shiv Sangal | New Delhi (@shiv_sangal) on Jun 4, 2019 at 6:45pm PDT

 Some Environment Friendly Steps Taken By Me So Far.You can find the details of all these steps in the instagram post. I've also written articles of many to explain. Although, some aspects are still left to be written on, anyways I'll try to write about them as soon as possible. Right here, I'm just outlining them.On 1st June 2019, I completed my one year without TV. (Click here for related article)On 28th July 2019, I'll be completing my seventh month without toothpastes. (Click here for related article)On 6th June 2019, I completed my third year without Soft drinks. However, packed juices are an exception after I check all the ingredients. (Click here for related article)I've stopped wearing denim clothes as they're a nuisance to the environment. (Click here for related article)I've stopped using deodorants. (Click here for related article)It's been four years that we're drinking water from earthen pots.We've donated our microwave oven. 

Ethical Guidelines And Precautions For Kawadiyas During Kawad Rush 2019

Kawad Rush is going on. It's really a wonderful time. Schools and colleges of affected villages are off for at least a week. During this time, the Kawadiyas perform a ritual of walking from their hometown to Haridwar or any other place where River Ganga flows. There they fill their containers with Gangajal and offer it to either their Ishta Devta or Pura Mahadev in Baghpat from which the legend is associated. Due to the teachers being busy with the admission procedure, classes are not going on in the college, so I'm at home for a week. Today, I decided to visit, Shiv Chowk, the busiest square of our city to see the hullabaloo of Kawad Rush. As it is usually crowded, taking my camera (Nikon D3200) there is not feasible. I've clicked all the pictures on my phone, i.e, Samsung Galaxy J8 which is also available on Amazon.There are various aspects of this tradition which I want to discuss. Some have completely diverted from the mainstream culture. Kawads adorning Shiv Chowk, Muzaffarnagar. Shot on Samsung J8.
Guidelines For Kawadiyes (People who carry Kawads)1. Don't Smoke Or DrinkTaking Kawad is basically a Tap or Sadhana, so if as a kawadiya, you're smoking, you're perhaps creating a hindrance in your Bhakti yourself.  Your family is fasting and following rituals at home. Don't make it just a holiday or vacation. It's your devotional tour.If possible, fast or live on a Sattvic diet.2. Don't Play Minor ArcYou must first of all know, what I'm talking about. There are two types of arcs in this regard, Major Arc and Minor Arc.Major Arc produces soft music which is relaxing and soothing whereas Minor Arc is a music with unnecessary noise and is banned by most of the religious institutions of the world. It leads to restlessness. So with your Kawad, be careful about what music are you playing. Provide ease to the people around you.3. Daak KawadIt's my own opinion, decision is upon you. Daak Kawad is not a part of our mainstream culture. Moreover, many of them believe that vehicle shouldn't be stopped. This becomes a cause of many accidents.4. Behave ProperlyMany Kawadiyes start fighting in the camps if they're not satisfied with the service. This is really bad. Because of a selected few, the reputation of entire community of Kawadiyas comes at stake.If you're carrying a Kawad and take a break at a camp, you should show some gratitude to the benefactor for providing you those services. What would have happened if you found no camp to stop or stay? It would have been very difficult for you. If you're capable, you can donate either in cash or kind to cheer them up to carry on the service unstoppably. Kawadiyas lying down on the road at Shiv Chowk, Muzaffarnagar. Shot on Samsung J8.
Guidelines For Visitors1. Don't come in their wayIf you come in their way, it would be quite inconvenient for them. They're after all carrying Kawads which are indeed heavy. You're just breaking their momentum with that kind of act.2. Don't LitterSometimes, because of no camp around, Kawadiyes have to sleep on roads; so if you litter on roads you're creating trouble for them. Even if they're not resting there and just passing from there, unhygienic environment is not impressive.3. ContributeThis one is optional. You can donate in cash or kind to a Kawad Camp or you can also organize one on your own.  Shiv Mandir at Shiv Chowk, Muzaffarnagar. Shot on Samsung J8.