# My New Year’s Picnic to Remember

Beyond the Horizon
Daily writing prompt
Name an attraction or town close to home that you still haven’t got around to visiting.

This morning, I stumbled upon a Daily Writing Prompt that urged me to reflect on an attraction close to home I hadn’t explored. That spark ignited a thrilling idea — to share my unforgettable experience of ushering in the New Year with a picnic at Farakka Dam three days ago.

Farakka, a mere 160 KM from my present residence in Raiganj. Join me as I unravel the memorable celebration of New Year, 2024, that blended nature’s grandeur with human jubilation.

As the first rays of the New Year’s sun painted the sky with hues of pink and orange, my family and friends embarked on a thrilling journey to Farakka Dam — a place where nature’s grandeur seamlessly meets human celebration.

Nestled on the banks of the Ganges River in West Bengal, India, Farakka Dam proved to be the perfect canvas for our joyous New Year picnic.

The drive to Farakka was nothing short of mesmerizing, with picturesque landscapes unfolding before our eyes.

Lush green fields, quaint villages, and occasional glimpses of the mighty Ganges were ready before our eyes for an adventure that promised both natural beauty and festive cheer.

Upon reaching the dam, we were greeted by a breathtaking sight. The Farakka Dam, an engineering marvel standing tall against the backdrop of the flowing river, was a spectacle to behold.

The gushing waters of the Ganges, restrained by the dam, created a rhythmic melody that echoed the power of nature harnessed for the greater good.

We had chosen this picnic spot for its panoramic views of the dam and its surroundings. Boarded in a boat equipped with chairs, tables, and music, we ferried along the Ganga, soaking in the spectacular views.

Our curiosity led us to explore the Hilsa Fishery processing center, where Bengal’s best Hilsa are cultivated from the Ganga’s current. These prized fish are exported from here to different places, making it a unique and enriching experience.

We couldn’t resist indulging in the delicacy of fried Hilsa fish, adding a savory touch to our New Year celebration.

After an hour of boat journey, we landed on the other side of the river, which felt like a hidden paradise—a Tapu. As we laid out our blankets and set up our feast, the air buzzed with excitement and laughter.

The ambiance was filled with the promise of a year ahead, surrounded by friends and family, against the backdrop of this awe-inspiring creation.

A truly astonishing sight unfolded as we crossed the other bank of the river on a boat. We landed at a picturesque “tapu,” our chosen picnic venue.

While preparing and enjoying our delectable meals, we witnessed a stunning view—a large group of buffaloes swimming across the Ganges to reach the Tapu for grazing. These animals came from a nearby village, where farmers engaged in the milk business.

As we finished our meal and the sun began to set, we observed the animals swimming back to their village through the Ganga. The courage of a young shepherd guiding the herd across the river on a handmade tin boat left us awe-stricken.

We couldn’t resist capturing the moment in both pictures and videos, adding to the festive atmosphere.

We also observed vibrant boats cruising in the river, filled with young boys and girls dancing to lively music. The infectious energy led us to join in the revelry, dancing along as the boats sailed by.

Our day continued with exploration, marveling at the intricate lock gates and the vast expanse of the river. The observation deck offered an unparalleled view, making us feel like spectators in a grand amphitheater, with the dam and the Ganges as the main performers.

As the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow on the landscape, we gathered for a heartfelt toast to the year that had just begun. The beauty of Farakka Dam served as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving and appreciating our natural wonders, even as we celebrate milestones and moments of joy.

As we say goodbye to Farakka, the memories of our New Year’s Day picnic stay with us like a beautiful song. The dam, with its grand presence, not only gave us a stunning backdrop for our celebration but also left us with a deep appreciation for the delicate balance between human progress and the beauty of nature.

I believe that the Farakka Dam is more than just a dam; it’s a symbol of the peaceful coexistence of human achievements and the stunning landscapes that make our visit truly remarkable.This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is whatsapp-image-2024-01-03-at-15.53.17_c36689d0.jpg

BE HAPPY….BE ACTIVE….BE FOCUSED….BE ALIVE…

If you liked the post, please show your support by liking it,

following, sharing, and commenting.

Sure! Visit my website for more content. Click here

 www.retiredkalam.com



Categories: infotainment

Tags: , , ,

20 replies

  1. 🩵💙

    Liked by 1 person

  2. How lovely to celebrate your first day of the year at such a lovely location

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I loved this Vijay, the views of the dam and the surrounding area look amazing and what might have started out as a family picnic seems to have become so much more with the dancing etc. I’m sure if will give you all happy memories for years to come. What a perfect way to welcome the new year. You’ve got a challenge to top that for 2025 😆

    Turning back to the dam, and the engineering. I’m fascinated by the size of those pilons in the water – and the fact that you’d put them in water. It also makes me want to visit the Falkirk Wheel here in Scotland . Its a huge ‘stair lift’ connecting 2 canals, replacing many sets of stairs and locks.

    https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/visit/canals/visit-the-forth-clyde-canal/attractions/the-falkirk-wheel

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you so much for your lovely words.
      I’m delighted that you enjoyed the post about our New Year’s celebration at the dam.
      It truly was a special day filled with breathtaking views and unexpected moments of joy.
      The idea of creating lasting memories is precisely what we aimed for, and your kind words affirm that we succeeded.

      The Falkirk Wheel in Scotland is absolutely fascinating. The concept of a “stair lift” for canals is intriguing,
      I have clicked the link and found nice engineering marvels.
      for the challenge to top our New Year’s celebration in 2025, you’ve given me something exciting to look forward to! 😄
      Wishing you wonderful adventures and joy in the coming year as well!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. You have added many things in the blog by enjoying picnic at Faraka dam on eve of New Year eg Tapu,Hilsa .Nice.

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment