It has been many years since I have ridden a bi-cycle. Today morning, to my surprise, I woke up at 7:30 and decided to see some of the villages near by my village as I like to watch village atmosphere in morning time. I took some time to decide my riding track coz I wanted to see villages that I rarely go. So, I decided to go to one village (East Edavalli), having Lord Rama’s temple at 5 Km distance. The reason behind this morning trip and selecting this particular village is to impress mom. She likes it, if I go to temple on a festival day (Sri Rama Navami) and on my side, to burn calories from my body.
So, after 15 mins, I could take out “Bandi” (Dad calls his Bi-cycle as Bandi) for an adventurous trip. It was really adventurous bcoz I have not tried cycling since years. After some initial struggle I could somehow manage to ride Bandi. Within first 5 mins of journey I have crossed polimera (Village Border). The road next to polimera was patchy and full of pot holes. Despite the bad road condition I have really enjoyed the trip. It was a foggy morning in a Village road surrounded by thick palm-oil and coconut farms and Paddy fields. Everywhere, I could see green colored paddy fields just like a green saree. Born in a farmer’s family and brought up in village atmosphere, I really love these farms and greenery. Cool breeze was coming onto me and sun was rising just opposite to me and rays were striking my face directly as I was going towards EAST. I had mixed feelings of both warm and cold. Later, I have seen a mob of buffaloes crossing the road. This incident reminded me of my childhood days. Those days I used to go to milk booth to pour milk.
In the course of my journey I happened to see a Ratcha Banda (Village court) of a neighbourhood village, prosecuting some people on theft case. Here, in ratcha banda, the Judgement is final and binding in that village. Grama Peddalu (judges) deliver the judgement and decide the accused. I could not see the entire episode as many people were watching that but I could understand the situation there. Some people were standing in front of judges, probably the accused people for a theft case. All these years, these have been very interesting sessions for me as I have an inclination towards politics. I used to attend these sessions in my grandmother’s village as one of the judges for that village happens to be my uncle. I consider it as a platform to acquire great knowledge and wisdom.
Later, I had seen some people coming in opposite direction on bi-cycles with banana trunks. They have parked their cycles near a baddi (Shop) to have chai and Idli. One of them had called me and said “Naveen, How are you? Do you remember me”. I went close to him. He was a school mate of mine. We spoke about our school friends and said bye to each other. I was very happy to meet him as I don’t have many old friends in my village.
At last, I have reached the village. Songs of lord Rama were heard from the temple village style loud-speakers. I prayed to Lord Rama from outside the temple. It was 8:00 AM in the morning. Now, the sun shone brightly. During the journey I had come across beautiful ponds, green farms, some known faces and friends. I have returned on my bi-cycle with a great sense of satisfaction. It was really a wonderful experience. I felt very relaxed after the journey. Every scene in villages is as beautiful as it used to. Every incident is heart touching.
“Serenity everywhere”
