Ganapatipule beach and temple.

Blog by

Vijay Kant Diksit 

vkdiksit@gmail.com

All photos by Author 

 I have described in my previous blog as to how we reached Ganapatipule earlier in the evening.  In the picture, you can see the tranquil beach of Ganapatipule with the temple in the background. It truly captures the serenity of the place, doesn't it?

We woke up early in the morning at around sunrise and strolled onto the beach, it felt as if we had stepped into fictional scene from a mystic story. The beach, pristine and immaculate, with the Ganapatipule temple in the background, left us enchanted. A few cows leisurely roamed the shoreline, adding to the idyllic setting. 

The beach has a grandeur and we relished a leisurely walk, listening to the rhythmic music of the ocean waves. Occasionally, the sea seemed to protest our indifference, sending playful waves to remind us of its presence.

  I wanted to describe with pictorials that how happy I was by spending time at this beautiful beach. But is happiness? What makes us happy.

Happiness is a multifaceted emotion, often derived from a combination of experiences and feelings. One of the surefire paths to happiness is embarking on a holiday to a breathtaking, panoramic location. The awe-inspiring vistas and the serenity of such places can instantly uplift our spirits, filling us with joy.

Equally, the joy of meeting with our near and dear ones is unparalleled. The warmth of their company, the laughter shared, and the bonds strengthened during these moments create lasting memories that contribute significantly to our overall happiness.

Financial windfalls or unexpected rewards or promotion in job can also bring immense happiness. The feeling of financial security and the opportunities these windfalls can provide can lead to a sense of contentment and joy.

However, happiness isn't solely reliant on external circumstances. Sometimes, the simplest moments, like a quiet sunset or a peaceful walk in the park, can make us genuinely happy. It's in these unassuming moments that we discover that happiness comes in various shapes and colors, often when we least expect it.

While thinking seriously about happiness a comical situation emerged. In a whimsical twist of fate, a delightful chain of events unfolded when three photographers found themselves caught up in a captivating moment. The scene became a delightful puzzle of sorts, leaving spectators wondering who the true photographers were and who had unwittingly become the subjects of their art.

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As the shutter clicks echoed through the air, it was as if the roles of observer and observed had blurred into a comical dance of uncertainty. Each photographer, armed with their trusty cameras, jostled for the perfect angle, only to find themselves unwittingly caught in the crossfire of their colleagues' lenses.

In this hilarious spectacle, the very essence of photography itself seemed to be playfully questioned. Who, indeed, was the observer here, and who was the observed? The line between subject and creator became so delightfully muddled that it left everyone involved, including the bemused onlookers, with infectious laughter.

Ultimately, the key to happiness lies in embracing both the external experiences and the inner contentment that can be cultivated by appreciating life's smaller, everyday pleasures. It's the harmonious blend of these elements that makes us truly happy, painting our lives with a beautiful spectrum of joy.



Our walk eventually led us to the ancient Ganapatipule temple, where the usual crowd management measures were in place. We paid our respects to Lord Vinayaka and retraced our steps along the beach.

What struck us, both on the beach and at the temple, was the absence of a money-driven culture. There were no vendors hawking their wares, no colorful stalls selling cool drinks, no pony or camel riders seeking customers, no street performers, and no beggars. The atmosphere was one of serenity and calm, a stark contrast to the chaos and anarchy often associated with popular beaches. Even at the temple, no one pressured us to make offerings; whatever we gave, we did so willingly. This spoke volumes about the local population's honest mindset and their hardworking attitude and genuine devotion.

After our serene morning adventure, we returned to our hotel rooms to enjoy a hearty breakfast, appreciating not just the natural beauty but also the authenticity of the experience this seaside paradise offered. The day has just begun and there is still more exploration, but that is in next blog.