Every year has its ups and downs. Last year, during this time when I was penning down the blogpost for the yearend blog hop hosted by Swarnali tears trickled down murmuring a silent prayer for a happier and more peaceful new year. I had lost two pillars of my life in 2022 and it was not only a big blow to my existence but also for my family.
Well, prayers are magical and a sincere prayer never fails. The year 2023 began with a small win and I received a beautiful book on Himachal Pradesh, for the most loved blogpost. The Universe has its own way of paving the path for YOU. This book came to me with a purpose, I got my story for the Multilingual Storytelling Event Of Chennai Storytelling Festival. The story was beautifully weaved by one of our co-bloggers Sonia Dogra whom most of us know. The story was weaved around Jwala Devi temple famous for its divine flame which still burns without being extinguished after several attempts by mighty kings & emperors including Akbar. Renowned scientists from all over the globe have also failed to give a befitting answer behind this divine flame burning through the ages. The story “Faith Vs Science” was received well by the audience. The book also offered several heartwarming stories by noted authors belonging to Himachal that took me down memory lane during our stay in Shimla for close to 2years.
The year had kicked off well but what came to me as a sweet surprise was the “Runners Up” title for The Orange Flower Award for the food art that I had created for one of the events of Blogchatter. I never knew it could help me bag this prestigious award. Though I promised to come up with more foodarts somehow I couldn’t keep this promise to myself this year.
The first quarter of 2023 was surprisingly pleasant with a couple of wins in my kitty, feeling proud and optimistic for the rest of the year.
Summers are a little early in Odisha and the worst time to visit. Since Bhubaneshwar is my hometown the summer vacation is the time when you can spend more days with your loved ones. In spite, of the sweltering heat almost killing you, our stay was good as I got to spend some quality time with my sister and niece. Spending time with parents, and siblings is always blissful especially after marriage when you can revive your childhood memories. I had one of the best Summers of my life……………..
Travel always makes your life more fun-filled and festive. After returning from Bhubaneshwar we headed to “The Scotland of India”. By now you all must have guessed the famous coffee plantation hill station. Coorg had been long on our bucket list and we thought to make our visit more special by celebrating the 50th Anniversary of my in-laws. Coorg’s enchanting and picturesque beauty took our breath away in every sense. I still remember the mellifluous bird song which was my alarm clock for three days. The thick, lush green rainforest that our balcony opened to, was partly covered with floating clouds. For a moment I felt I was in a fairyland. Trekking to the sunset point, bird watching, knowing flora and fauna, and coffee experience made our stay more interesting. In Coffee Experience, they shared how the coffee we sipped was prepared from coffee beans. My in-laws were touched by the beauty of the place and the hospitality of the staff at the poolside dinner arranged for the 50th-anniversary celebration.
Coorg’s experience had left us more hungry for exploring nearby places. Our next destination during the Navratri holidays was a place known for its sandy beaches, sunny weather, parties, and nightlife. GOA is a perfect destination for a short holiday. No rewards for guessing though ……….. Loved Goan cuisine, Goan music, soaking in water for nearly 6 hours a day, and experiencing adventurous water sports from jet skiing to parasailing to banana boat rides we experienced everything. We came back with lovely memories but also super tanned skin.
This year was all about travels for me, making it more adventurous and fun-filled. But still, I experienced a void within me and wanted to give new life to my passion. Somehow, I got connected with my Odissi teacher and started learning it again. The pandemic was cruel and harsh in several ways but has given the virtual world a new dimension. This year I started learning again Odissi through online classes and to my utter surprise got a chance to perform in Bhubaneshwar before a humongous crowd of 1500 people mostly from other parts of the country. The overwhelming appreciation from the crowd not only made my parents, kith & kin proud but I also felt the joy of being a true artist that day. I never fathomed that “Moksha”, a short, dynamic, and powerful dance piece culminating with the Shanti mantra SARVA MANGAL MANGALYE would touch everyone’s heart. I had chosen this dance piece to pay tribute to my Spiritual Guru whom I lost in 2022. Moksha or liberation is the ultimate motto of every soul born in this mundane world. This stage performance rendered my life’s greatest lesson: “Passion is the source of our finest moments”. Truly, it had given me one of the finest moments of my life. That day I promised myself that I would never give up on my passion.
The year was drawing to closure and I was already thankful to the Universe for many things both big and small but never knew that the last surprise was still awaiting me. Last month, my start-up “Swarna Utkala” bagged a bulk order of Patachitra paintings for wall decor in a monochromatic style. The year ended with a bang and boosted my spirits as an entrepreneur.
I could share only a few paintings here. The beginning of the year rekindles hope and faith in every heart for a better and prosperous tomorrow. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year !! Signing off with a silent prayer in my heart that every year should help us become a better version of ourselves.
This blog post is part of The Year & You blog hop hosted by Swarnali.
Wow Di the year was quite eventful for you. I am so happy to see you dancing gleefully and gracefully. Your memories are lovely and they give me sunshine. Thanks for joining the blog hop and making it successful with your glorious presence. Gratitude. Wishing you Happy 2024.
Ya, the Universe was kind enough. Hopefully this year also it passes well. Wish you too Happy 2024. My pleasure to be part of this bloghop.
wow, wow, wow..Debi. 2023 has been a happening year for you. You look very pretty in the dance costume. And yes, do not give up for the passion of our life. In our sad moments, our passion gives us all the reason to smile and get up with double energy. Congratulations for your entrepreneurial milestone. More good wishes for 2024.
Thankyou for the kind words and wishes. Its blissful and soul enriching when you follow your passion. Hopefully I conquer my dreams this year . Best wishes to you and your family for 2024.
Wow, Debi! You had a holistic life experience in the year 2023. Congratulations on the well-deserved awards and recognitions. Loved your dancing postures; I check your dance posts on social media too. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead 🙂
Your story is inspiring and your entrepreneurial success is the perfect end to the year and a wonderful beginning to 2024. Your words, “Passion is the source of our finest moments” hold so much power.
Thankyou,Leha !! My best decision this year was to follow my passion.Wishing you too for a happy and prosperous 2024 !!
It was so great to know about the art side of you Debidutta! You look stunning in your yellow saree and the paintings look gorgeous. Heading over to the website to know more. May your 2024 be filled with gentleness and kindness <3
Thankyou Suchita !! Do visit our website I started this along with my sisters to support Patachitra artists during the pandemic.Hope you would like our work .
2023 was such an eventful year for you, Debi!
Nice that you could visit Bhubaneswar too.
Pattachitra paintings look great! Getting orders is wonderful.
Lovely Odissi dance images.
Super wins, travel, craft, art…
Many congratulations! Hope 2024 will be even better!
Thanks!! Anita . Wishing 2024 to be more eventful for everyone ????
What a happening year you’ve had! Your energy for following multiple pursuits is commendable and inspiring. Congratulations on your milestones, both small and big. Your paintings are beautiful. 🙂 Here’s wishing you another fantastic year ahead!
Thanks !! Dashy. Though I paint but not Patachitra . These are being painted by talented and seasoned artist whom we support through our venture. We started this during the pandemic to support them financially.
You look so professional in that attire. Supporting artists financially is such a great virtue. All the best for 2024 and to your start up venture too. God bless you in all you do!
Thanks Cindy !! Trying in our humble way to support artists through Swarna Utkala.
What beautiful patachitra paintings! And so good to know about your victories and awards. I hope this year is equally good to you. Your awards are a reminder that good work always pays off…so keep walking and blogging.
From a cool Himachal Pradesh book surprise to winning an award for your food art, that’s awesome! Rediscovering your love for Odissi dance and performing in Bhubaneshwar must’ve been incredible.I’ve too have learned classical (Bharatanatyam) but haven’t pursued my passion after marriage.
Keep rocking your passions in the upcoming year
Hey Anjali,
If you are passionate about dancing then give it a try. I started learning Odissi only after marriage when I was going through a setback for not conceiving. Dance breathed a new life into me.
Hello,
Dear Debi,
First of all congratulations ???? for your achievements in 2023. You are truly an inspirational lady ❤ . I love and respect such women who take their passion seriously and take it forward at a professional level.
All I can say is that you set a new benchmark for women who forget that there is a need for establishing your identity beyond the role of a mother, wife, daughter/inlaw, and much more. I am really happy to know about your journey in 2023 and wish that in 2024 it takes you to a new height and more achievement feather I want to see on your hat.
You are from my neighbouring state as I was born and brought up in Bengal. I am a bit like you when it comes to creative space other than writing and Dance( dance is something which I actually can’t do because I feel shy)… I love the world of canvas and lens and I want to learn from your Patachitra if you have time. I do believe that there is no age to learn new things.
You are inspirational for those women who all are still wondering how to manage family and passion/work together. I am really proud of you Debi.
May 2024 be more happening for you.
Much Love
Samata
Thankyou Samata for your kind words. I feel doing something just for yourself is equally important or else you are lost in just playing different roles in the stage of life. These paintings are not mine but are done by highly talented and experienced artists from Odisha from my venture “Swarna Utkala” we do workshops to teach Patachitra for beginners as well as Advanced Patachitra to the persons who are keen to learn this 1400 years old temple art. If you are interested I can arrange workshop for you, our Head artist is an Odisha Govt. official trainer and has a rich experience of more than 30 years. We can connect over the whats app for the same.
Wow, Debi! You had a holistic life experience in the year 2023. Congratulations on the well-deserved awards and recognitions. Loved your dancing postures; I check your dance posts on social media too. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead 🙂
Thankyou Aditi !! So good to know you watch my dance videos. 🙂
So happy for you Debi. Wishing you another year of joy and success. Lovely to read about your accomplishments. More power to you dear
Thankyou Harjeet !! Wishing you also a very Happy and prosperous year 2024 !!
It is great to reconnect with you on your blog, Debi. 2023 has indeed been an eventful year for you. Many congratulations on the recognitions and for Swarna Utkala too. The pieces you sent were such a delight to the friends I gifted them to. Wishing you the best 2024 has to offer. Keep inspiring us all!
Hey Thankyou Ritu !!So glad that your friends liked it. We also do Patachitra on sarees and apparels with marriage and other occasion themes. Do let us know if anyone is interested.
So happy for you Debi. And must add that I’m proud too. It’s so heartening to hear that you picked up Odissi again and were able to perform in front of a huge audience. Sometimes, universe is just waiting for us to take the first step, I think. Good luck for 2024. May it bring you more joys and more reasons to be proud.
your Traditional performance look, multilingual storytelling, Goa trip that is to an eventful year Deb. I would like to catch up soon and wish you an even more eventful 2024. Lots of love dear. ❤️
Thankyou Siva !! Wishing you also for a happy and eventful year !!
What an incredible year 2023 has been for you! Never let go of your life’s passion; it’s the source of strength in tough times. Many congratulations on your entrepreneurial milestone, and here’s to more success and good wishes for 2024!
Thankyou Abha for your warm wishes!!
You’ve had an amazing year and it’s so good to see one of us doing so well. Congratulations on the awards! You’re looking gorgeous in your dance getup, and I love those Pattachitra paintings too. Wish you an even better 2024!
Thankyou Varsha!! I was lucky this year praying the Universe for being kinder in the following year too.
Wishing you and your family a very Happy and prosperous year ahead !!
It was a pleasure to read. Nice article. You are a very good author.
Thankyou for stopping by and appreciating my work. 🙂