Kaala Prayanam

Buddha Stupa with carved icons on its sides, with a lion carrying a lotus on his back at the top in the Wenshu (Manjusri) Monastery in Chengdu, China. Candles like our oil lamps are lit in the central place of the Buddhist temple in the Wenshu (Manjusri) Monastery in Chengdu, China. A hexagonal pillar with six bells at each segment in the Wenshu (Manjusri) Monastery in Chengdu, China.   Statues of lions on both sides of the main Buddhist temple (as watchmen) in the Wenshu (Manjusri) Monastery in Chengdu, China. Wenshu (Manjusri in Indian culture) Monastery is located at No. 15 Wenshu Yuan Street, Chengdu City, China. It is the best-preserved Buddhist Temple in Chengdu. In the Sutra Preservation Pavilion of Monastery, many famous handwriting exhibits, paintings, and arts works are restored. These precious works of art were created by renowned Chinese painters and calligraphers. The Monastery houses 300 Buddha statues of various materials including iron, bronze, stone, wood, and...

My life with a panhandler (street player or beggar) at the street entrance of the Wenshu (Manjusri) Monastery in Chengdu, China.  Begging is banned in China. It is said that everybody, though at lower wages through casual work, gets livelihood in China. Though not in strict terms like in Cuba, none in China also is let live without working. Out of the 13 cities we visited only two beggars are seen. One was physically challenged, crawling on the ground, near the Bell Tower adjoining the Muslim Street in Xi'an City. Second is the panhandler near the Wenshu (Manjusri) Monastery. The style of begging by this man is like our street players during festivities. A common nature of both these beggars is that both are near religious places.  

China's Chengdu is known as the city of Pandas. Some buildings are decorated with a standard idol of Panda. Digital screen on both sides of a building with shops below. Ads are displayed on screens only in China. Panda is screened here.    This is an exceptional ad of the city and standard panda painted on a wall in Chengdu, China. In China, no cutout, flexy, wall painting, banner, and mike for advertisements of goods and services and of political parties and leaders is used.   

A panda in the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center near Chengdu, China. Pandas playing on the trees in the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center near Chengdu, China. The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is located on Futoushan Mountain 10 kilometers away from Chengdu City in China. People are educated about the research to promote endangered species in China especially the Pandas. Visitors can enjoy the large open areas, Open-Air enclosures provided for the giant pandas to roam freely among bamboo trees, in the gardens, and in nature.  

A multi-storied building, in the shape of a ship, in Kuan Zhai Lane, Old Chengdu City, Chennai    A man pulling rikshaw parked in the Kuan Zhai Lane, Old Chengdu City, China. This rikshaw is registered like a motor vehicle.   A canal in the JianShe Night Market. People walk on the bridge over the canal for shopping.   Chengdu's Kuan Zhai Lane (the wide and narrow alleys/streets) carries happy memories of the past Chengdu. It is one of the three major historical and cultural conservation areas in Chengdu City. It is the last relic of the city pattern of  "thousand years old young city" and the one hundred year original architectural structure of old Chengdu. It is the only existing copy in Southern China from the lane (Hutong) culture and architectural style of Northern China.  

A typical ancient shop in the Kuan Zhai Lane, old Chengdu City, China.   In the 100s of years old Chengdu, China. Flowers on the drainage lids and a footprint (of a deity) on the flooring stone are carved. The Gathering place of Kuan Zhai Lane in the old city of Chengdu, China. For the Chinese New Year Celebrations the tree is decorated with Google Eyes. Beautiful houses in the Kuan Zhai Lane in the Old City of Chengdu, China.    

Logo (Sun and immortal birds) of the Jinsha Site Museum near Chengdu, in China. Golden ornament of the Logo (Sun and immortal birds) of the Jinsha Site Museum near Chengdu, in China. The Jinsha Site Museum, near Chengdu City, China, is built to protect, study, and display the archeological finds of the Jinsha Site. It was discovered by archeologists in February 2001. In an area of 5 Square Kilometers, it is a rare site museum among Chinese museums. It is a combination of modern civilization and the civilization of ancient Shu State (the old name of the present Sichuan Province) as well as a combination of ecological environment and culture. It consists of Relics Hall, Exhibition Hall, Cultural Heritage Protection Centre, and Ecological Garden.  

A rural Agriculture and Agri-Business Industry between Xi'An and Chengdu Cities in China.   Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms led to rural industrialization. Small-scale, collectively owned enterprises produced a variety of goods, from textiles to electronics. “Connecting Every Village Project” expanded internet access, and enabled rural e-commerce. The government promoted rural industrialization through the 2013 poverty reduction plan, family farms, cooperatives, and industrial investments in agriculture. Initiatives in 2022-'23, integrated modern agriculture with industry. China extended advanced industries to rural areas with policies like “Made in China.” Rural industrialization in China drove economic growth. But facing environmental degradation and regional disparities.  

Lenin's body will be buried in his birthplace beside the tombs of his parents on 3rd September 2025.   Photography of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin's body in his Mausoleum is strictly prohibited. Lenin's embalmed body lies in a glass sarcophagus, dressed in a black suit, with his eyes closed and hands resting at his sides, maintained to look lifelike through advanced preservation techniques. The setting is dimly lit with dark red and black decor, creating a solemn atmosphere. It is not officially announced to bury Lenin's body. Recently people like Alexander Dugbin, a far-right philosopher, suggested removing Lenin's body to "make room" for a new symbolic figure, as reported by Newsweek in January 2025. Prez Putin opposed. Some advocated for Lenin's burial due to changing attitudes toward his legacy. Others, older Russians, and communists, opposed it. A 2017 survey by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty found that 63 percent of Russians favored burying Lenin. This...

Agricultural fields along the railway track between Xi'an and Chengdu cities in China. Roads in the fields and in the rural areas of China are also seen.   A village with two or three-storied houses, a telecom tower with antennae, and fields between Xi'an and Chengdu cities in China.  Agricultural lands in China have good irrigation facilities. They are under the control of the government. The government leases them to the farmers. Houses in rural China are up to 3 stories. In some villages, apartments of 10 to 20 stories are seen. The villages in China are well-connected with good roads. Villages are also very clean. The government doesn't give any financial assistance to the farmers. But it buys all the agricultural produce at fair prices. Fields in mountain areas are in very small sizes. Nowhere oxen, carts, and other farm tools are seen. Cultivation in China is with modern machines. Farming mazdoors with their personal and agricultural materials are seen in the railway ...

Wonderful ceiling, beautiful flooring, and convenient seating arrangement in the Xi'an City Railway Station, China.  A decorated pillar in the Xi'an City Railway Station, China. Coaches of soft sleeper train in the Xi'an Xi railway station, China. The platform, closed with a roof, is neatly maintained.   Passengers are allowed into the railway station before 2 hours and into the platform before 20 minutes of the scheduled time. Trains halt for at least 7 minutes. One-minute halts like in India are not scheduled. There is no weight limit to the luggage. Bags are scanned. Some items are not allowed. For some allowed items weight is limited. Sufficient seats and excellent toilets of all types, including for the physically challenged, are available. Railway Stations are provided with well-equipped medical clinics. These Railway Stations are better than our international airports. No unreserved coaches. Trains are air-conditioned. Heaters are provided during winter. Various trai...

Pre-wedding shoot of girls and boys in Xi'an City, China. Girls in traditional dress take photos in every Chinese tourist place. Pre-wedding shoot in Bell Tower (seen behind) Center in Xi'an City, China.   80 percent of Chinese boys and girls choose their spouses as per their will and choice. 20 percent are arranged marriages. Details with photos of girls and boys who want to marry are displayed in parks and public places. Marriage brokers, who charge fees after settling the marriage, are also seen. 22 and 25 years are the statutory marriage ages for girls and boys respectively. Girls' family pays dowry to the boys' family intending that the boys' family takes care of the girls. Girls come to the boys' house after marriage. Girls select boys who possess a car, carrier, credit card, flat, etc,. Nowadays people marry and beget children lately because of late settlement in life. Unemployment and poverty prevail in China also.

In Xi'an, China, in the Gao Family Courtyard, the wooden ceiling of the house is artistically painted. There is a Buddha statue in the Muslim house. Connecting wall with a round thoroughfare between various portions of the Gao Family Courtyard in Xi'an, China. Gao Family Courtyard (Gao’s Grand Courtyard) is a well-preserved Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) residential complex at No.144 Beiyuanmen Street in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter. In 4.2 acres, 86 rooms with a living area of 2,517 square meters, it features a traditional Chinese quadrangle layout with brick and wood structures. The Residence of Gao Yuesong, a scholar-official with the second highest rank in the reign of Emperor Chongzhen (1628–1644). This was a reward for his service. Seven generations of the Gao family served as officials. The complex showcases Guanzhong-style architecture, antique furniture, calligraphy, paintings, porcelain pottery, and cultural relics. The courtyard earned the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage A...

Architecturally rich building of the Xi'an City ancient mosque in Xi'an, China. This structure, in the Xi'an City ancient mosque, resembles Buddha or Tao temple. In the Xi'an City ancient mosque, China, through this main pagoda-like building many such structures can be reached.   Ancient Mosques in China, with rich architectural values, resemble Buddhist temples. The recent mosques have Minars and domes. Mikes are not used. Ajah is not practised. Very less churches are seen. Prayers here are rarely offered. In Buddhist temples, prayers are done. 70 percent Chinese are nonbelievers in God. Hence, religiosity and hardcore religious practices are not observed.  

Main entrance gate of the Muslim Street in Xi'an City, China Bronze statues of a weight lifter and the onlookers inside the main gate of the Muslim Street in the old city of Xi'an, China Muslim Street, also known as antique street in the center of Xi'an City, China, is a fantastic place to see. All the shops and restaurants in the street are neatly maintained and run by Muslims. The stalls in the narrow lanes sell everything. Muslim Street, the collective name of many streets in the Muslim District, consists of Beiyuan Gate, North Guangji Street, West Yangshi, several  Dapiyuan   streets . This ancient city street is with rich Muslim culture and atmosphere. The streets are with blue stone paving, tree lined roads with Ming and Qing dynasties style buildings. The streets are with Muslim characteristics. Skull caps, burkas, nikabs, hijabs, muslim beards are not seen. Two beggars were seen though begging is banned in China.  

The "Terracotta Warriors and Horses" statue in the Qin Terracotta Army Museum near Xi'an City, China. The United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation listed the Terracota Army Museum as a World Cultural and Heritage Site and the Eighth Wonder of the World. It is a collection of terracotta sculptures of funerary art.  

Statue of Xuanzang (Huentsang) with Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an City, China.   A bronze statue in the north square in Xi'an City, China. The husband is drawing water by a wheel and rope arrangement from the wall behind. The housewife is with a basket in her hands.   Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the symbol of Xi'an in the north square, was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty. With 5 stories, it was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian. Its exterior brick facade was renovated during the Ming Dynasty. The functions of the Pagoda were to hold sutras and figurines of Buddha brought to China from India by Xuanzang (Huentsang). The Yongxing Fang, in these premises, is a large music fountain plaza and tourist attraction. Here we find several bronze and other metal statues of bullack carts, animals, cultivation, migration, playing children, executing domestic works, depicting Ancient rural lifestyle, Chinese culture, and dramatic art.  

People write their wishes and names on plastic or wooden tags and hang them in a designated place. They believe that their wishes would be fulfilled  by doing so . This is one such belief in the Xi'an Xi City market, China.   In the Xi'an Xi City Market, the pieces of broken cups behind the wine jars are the result of the practice of a superstitious belief.   The belief behind breaking the cups: To dispel anger, hatred, ill wishes possessed by others on a person, this person drinks wine, kept in the jugs there, poured in a cup 3 or 5 times, supervised by a priest with mantras. Finally, the priest rings a huge bell, hanging beside, chanting mantras, and the man (no woman did this when we observed) breaks the cup forcefully. The porcelain pieces lying there are from those broken cups. The person pays some money to the priest.  

Xi'an Xi City Market. Statues exhibiting the ancient Chinese culture, books, and literary material of ancient times.   School Children, Teachers, and Tourists in the Xi'an Xi City Market Teachers bring school children to China's Xi'an Xi City market. Teachers show the students various items, articles, and services sold in the market. Get them acquainted with the selling, purchasing, and bargaining system in the market. Students come to know how to prepare some items and the superstitious beliefs prevailing in the market and practised by people.  

Entrance of the ancient City Wall of  Xi'an  City, China   In the Museum on the ancient City Wall of  Xi'an  City, China In front of a building on the ancient City Wall of Xi'an, China Xi'an was a walled city. The Xi'an City Wall represents one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls. It was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370. The wall is 13.7 km in circumference, 12 meters high, and 15-18 meters thick at the base. There are two entrances from the North and South gates. The city is arranged along the city wall. This wall was one of the world's largest ancient military defensive systems.  

A part of Summer Palace The Summer Palace, originally known as the Garden of Clear Ripples, is a magnificent imperial garden located at 15 KMs north of Beijing City. This is the largest preserved ancient garden in China. This was summer retreat for emperors. This garden comprises more than 100 ancient style pavilions, mansions, towers, halls, temples, lakes and bridges. During summers the imperial family preferred this beautiful garden, known as the Royal Garden Museum, to the walled-in Forbidden City.  

One of the ancient buildings in the Summer Palace, the former summer retreat of the emperors near Beijing, China Part of the Summer Palace, a magnificent imperial garden, near Beijing, China   The Summer Palace, originally known as the Garden of Clear Ripples, is a magnificent imperial garden located at a distance of 15 KMs north of Beijing City, in China. This is the largest preserved ancient garden in China. This was the summer retreat for emperors. This garden comprises more than 100 ancient-styled pavilions, mansions, towers, halls, temples, lakes, and bridges. During summers the imperial family preferred this beautiful garden, known as the Royal Garden Museum, to the walled-in Forbidden City.  

Hutong (slum) in the old city of Beijing, China. Electricity is provided through overhead wires on poles. Electrical meters are fixed on a beam atop.     In this hutong (slum) number of small houses are inside this main door In China nowhere roadside shops are seen like in India. But in this Beijing hutong (slum) this is a shop on the roadside for repairing and setting the punctured tubes of the cycles. People, some with cigarettes between the lips, are waiting for the repair of their bicycles.  Beijing's hutongs (slum areas) are narrow streets with small houses. They date back to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. These are with families, vendors of street food, the coal for heating. Some houses are preserved or restored. Many slums were bulldozed for modern development. Hutong means well with water originally popped up around water sources. Some hutongs like Nanluoguxiang are narrow lanes packed with shops, bars, and rickshaws. Others are calm and less commercial. Old ...

Varieties of Mushrooms in a local market in Beijing, China Kirana Shop with different dry fruits and peanuts in a local market in Beijing, China In a Beijing Market fresh fruits, vegetables, mutton, chicken, beef etc are placed neatly. All items, like cloth, clothes, kirana, rice, dry fruits, peanuts, are displayed. Nonveg items are neatly maintained. No flies, ants, insects are seen in, and the surroundings of the market. No foul smell is encountered. Vegetables, fruits, potatoes, onions, garlic, mirch, ginger etc are in large size. Oranges were in very small size. Local puddings like chikkey with til, peanuts, mur mur, popcorn., etc are prepared on the spot and sold. The cost of all the items is higher in comparison with India. But different varieties of rice were available at Rs. 26 + or - 2. On seeing we tend to purchase all the items in the market.