Howrah bridge

The Howrah Bridge seen in the early morning the fills visitors with a sense of awe and respect.

If you have ever been to Kolkata, chances are you have crossed, or at least admired, the iconic Howrah Bridge. Stretching across the Hooghly River, this massive steel structure is more than just a bridge. It is a lifeline, a landmark, and a living symbol of the city's spirit. For locals, it connects two bustling worlds - Howrah and Kolkata - carrying thousands of cars, buses, and pedestrians every single day.

For travellers, it is a moment of awe: a steel giant that captures the essence of Bengal's capital in one sweeping glance. But beneath its daily hustle lies a story of engineering brilliance, wartime resilience, and cultural pride. Here are six incredible facts about Howrah Bridge that reveal why it is so much more than a crossing over water.

No Nuts And Bolts Used: One of the most jaw-dropping facts? The Howrah Bridge was built without a single nut or bolt. Instead, it was entirely riveted together, a technique that made it stronger and more durable. This was cutting-edge engineering in the 1940s, and it still holds up today, despite decades of heavy traffic and unpredictable weather.

A Dream That Took Decades: The idea of building a bridge over the Hooghly River was first proposed in 1906, but construction only began in 1936. It finally opened to the public in 1943, right in the middle of World War II. By then, it was hailed as an architectural marvel. And even today, it continues to impress engineers and travellers alike Howrah Bridge is not just historic; it is incredibly active. Every day, it carries over 100,000 vehicles and nearly 150,000 pedestrians, making it one of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world. What is even more remarkable? It does all this without any supporting pylons in the river, allowing ships and ferries to pass freely beneath.

Built With Indian Steel: The bridge was constructed using around 26,500 tons of steel, most of it supplied by Tata Steel in Jamshedpur. At a time when India was still under British rule, this was a proud moment for Indian industry. Today, the bridge still stands tall as a symbol of homegrown engineering excellence.

© Rajat Ghosh, stock footage / pictures available for licensing

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Coucal

Usually solitary or seen in pairs. More active during early morning and evening. Prefers walking or hopping instead of flying. Builds nests in thick bushes. Very shy and hides quickly when disturbed.

The Coucal is a large, crow-like bird known for its long tail, bright eyes, and secretive nature. Often seen walking through bushes instead of flying high in the sky, this bird is famous for its deep, bubbling call. Found mostly in Asia and Africa, coucals are important for controlling insects and small pests. The Coucal diet mainly includes small animals and insects. It is a skilled ground hunter.

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Chamoli to Ghangaria Day 2 of Trek

this section has this waterfall to really admire else it is all a uphill walk, nothing too exciting

Overnight we stayed at Joshimath, one could stop at Govindghat, If one is using there own car, going to Govindghat is best as there are more parking



Trek is almost 10 km and mostly uphill the last bit is the toughest, last 4 km or so From Joshimath, it is to Chamoli we get a cab, and then from chamoli to Ghangaria is the walk, 10 km approx.; factor is a whole day for the walk There are options of Horses if one is tired, the horse ride cost Rs 2400 / person

And yes midway too horses are available and one could bargain Rs 1000 to Rs 1200 for 5 km of steep climb, unless one enjoys the steep climb.

Brahma kamal

Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata) is a rare, sacred Himalayan flower and the state flower of Uttarakhand. Key Facts • Scientific Name: Saussurea obvallata (though the night-blooming cactus Epiphyllum oxypetalum is also commonly grown in home gardens and called Brahma Kamal across India). • Habitat: Native to high-altitude Himalayan regions (3,700 to 4,600 meters). • Blooming Season: July to September, opening strictly at night for a single evening. • Significance: Deeply revered in Hindu mythology as the flower of Lord Brahma, symbolizing purity and divine creation

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XIM Bhunaneshwar

On occasion of world Photography day , here are a few pictures of “my Home” today and this week
Students at work to birds for company it is a;; happening here at XIMB situated in bhubaneshwar, Orissa in Eastern part of India.

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Cycle of water

Water drops along the wire, the natural beads of pearls to elevate the mood on gloomy days . Water that’s needed to survive for most beings is provided for us by nature in form of rain. Have you noticed how water is constantly in movement and changing its state too, LIQUIED- VAPOUR – ICE – BACK AGAIN

essence of life keep flowing

© Rajat Ghosh, stock footage / pictures available for licensing

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Living by the river today

I was to go for a wedding, am all excited got my best clothes out train is on 29th, a cousin called he had mistakenly booked a ticked for me from KOL, well had booked a ticked from Jamshedpur where I was and it was RLWL1, (remote location waiting list) -1

Had booked the ticked 60 days in advance was sure it will get confirmed so asked my cousin to cancel the ticked he had booked for me, But then what do you know my Wait listed ticked stayed the same and did not get confirmed, do disappointed was I that I canceled my return ticked right away (YA YA I could have taken a flight) but then I was so disappointed ,,,

Long story short now I am sitting on the roof, watching the water rise in the river by my house and wondering if this was divine intervention to keep me home as water level might get to high that floods hit Jamshedpur like it has hit Orissa and the same river that passes by my house is coming from Orissa so maybe, just maybe I need to be ready to move my car and bike and help others in distress.

YUP thats me now

© Rajat Ghosh, stock footage / pictures available for licensing



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