ZAND is a village in the forests of the Panchmahals District of Gujarat. There is a well-known, ancient Hanuman Temple at Zand. It is believed that during their exile for twelve years after the Dyut Kreedaa (the dice game, which the Pandavas lost to the Kauravas), the Pandavas had stayed in these forests and that Shree Krishna had come to see them during their stay here. We visited Zand on the 26th of January, 2008 – Republic Day. The view of the Forest outside the car window was so beautiful that I could not resist the temptation to capture snaps of the passing hills, fields, villages, schools – celebrating the Republic Day, homes …. in my mobile camera. Here are those snaps …. Taken while going and coming back – from the car, during the journey as well as at Zand, along with glimpses of thoughts they provoked ....

1. VISIT TO ZAND
ON 26th JAN., 2008
-VANITA THAKKAR
“DEVASHISH”, 317, SAHAKARNAGAR,
NEW SAMA ROAD, VADODARA – 390 024
Web-site : www.omkaar.com

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ZAND – the Village
ZAND is a village in
the forests of the
Panchmahals
District of
Gujarat.
There is a well-
known, ancient
Hanuman Temple
at Zand.

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ZAND – The Tapovan
It is believed that during their exile for
twelve years after the Dyut Kreedaa (the
dice game, which the Pandavas lost to
the Kauravas), the Pandavas had stayed
in these forests and that Shree Krishna
had come to see them during their stay
here.

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VISIT TO ZAND
We visited Zand on the 26th of January, 2008 – Republic Day.
The view of the Forest outside the car window was so
beautiful that I could not resist the temptation to capture
snaps of the passing hills, fields, villages, schools –
celebrating the Republic Day, homes …. in my mobile
camera.
Here are those snaps …. Taken while going and coming back
– from the car, during the journey as well as at Zand ….

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The Beautiful, distant hill ….

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The Trees in Autumn …. : Do they shed
leaves or sorrows ?!!

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The Corn Fields ….

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Reminded me of : “Friendship is a green hill by
the side of life’s dusty road ….”

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The beautiful orange bloom peeping from drying
leaves ….

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These beautiful orange flowers
are called “Mahudo” in Gujarati ….

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Thorny Beauty ….

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Like clouds and constellations, trees also grow
in strange shapes – sometimes catchy,
lovely shapes ….

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I came to know that these trees are called –
Khaakharo – the leaves of which were used to
make disposable dishes / bowls earlier, before
plastic entered the scene ….

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Standing tall and majestic :
Palm Tree ….

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Village school celebrating Republic Day ….

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Wild and Beautiful …. : A plant called
“Akado” in Gujarati, believed to be
dear to Hanumanjee

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We arrived at Zand ….

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Towards the woods surrounding the temple ….

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In the woods surrounding
the Zand Temple ….

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In the woods surrounding the Zand Temple ….

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In the woods surrounding
the Zand Temple ….
Pappa, Mummy and Galalbhai

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In the woods surrounding
the Zand Temple ….

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In the woods surrounding the Zand Temple ….

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In the woods surrounding the Zand Temple ….

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With mummy ….

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Bheema nee Ghanti (meaning Bheema’s Chakki)
– It is said that this pair of hand grinding
wheels – Chakki – was used by the mighty
Bheema ….

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Arjuna’s Magic : It is said that this is the well
created as a result of Arjuna’s Arrow forcing the
underground water up, for Draupadi to drink water
….

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Wild Strength of roots ….

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On the way back ….

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A Kali Temple being constructed
at the entrance of Zand ….

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More such wind mills
are required ….

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Cotton fields …..

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Sweet slumber – cool afternoon nap ….

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Eco-friendly (Green) House …. It is a way
of life here, not fashion …. We are going
back to them …. We need to ….

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Happy Republic Day !!

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These beautiful orange flowers – Mahuda –
are used for making wine ….
Man has amazing ability of turning the
beautiful into harmful ….

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THANKS !!!!
- VANITA THAKKAR
“DEVASHISH”, 317,
SAHAKARNAGAR, NEW SAMA
ROAD, VADODARA – 390 024
Web-site : www.omkaar.com