It was summer month in that lovely country with number of floras, lush green trees with an number of colorful leafs, fully blossomed flowers all over the places, houses and it was most pleasing first experience at the onset of our trip. We were told Basel is the most important/ famous destination in that country with Churches housing the heritage collection of the historically famed county. It was no wonder that any time when we made it to any of the churches/museums it was full of tourist from all over the world. It was a real pleasure to sight older generation/granny and grandpas meticulously dressed in spotless arteries and the ladies laden in all types of jewelry.
During the early hours of the day traveling for various purposes most of them with there pets, while during the afternoon hours it was a sight to see the young ladies having there toddlers in the pram going for shopping. Evenings are cool and wonderful, all the gardens/parks are full to the brim with children of all ages and some of the parents marry making, playing various games and enjoying every bit of the lovely summer. River banks of mighty Rhine were full of life all through the day and even up to late hours in the evening. It was most happy state to note that there were not even single untoward happenings that we witnessed in our prolonged stay of over three month, except one on the river bank when 2 outsiders fought but with in minutes the cops caught them. Rightly they claim that it is a country with No law and order problems.
No Bengali (people hailing from West Bengal in India) are amused if he or she haven’t had an opportunity of the yearly most sacred celebrations of Durga Pooja where ever they are in the world. During younger days it was narrated by our elders the enjoyment they experienced in the pooja in the various countries that the lived.
As such in an effort to explore the possibility of pooja celebrations being held in Switzerland was taken up through Inter Net surfing and courtesy the net we found to our happiness Sarwajanik Durga pooja being held in Taj Palace Hotel complex at Zurich. We were extremely happy with the feeling of not missing pooja this year too in this far off country. Durga pooja is celebrated for a total of five days, from Sthapna to Bisharjan. We planned our move to Zurich on the second day of the celebration (Maha Saptami) day. We moved early morning with all admistrative arrangements by various modes of transport first to see Pilatus the place of Red Dragon of ancient times in Luzerne and had the thrilling experience of riding huge Cable Car in pouring rains and hail storm enroute. On our way it started snowing and by the time we alighted from the cable car at Pilatus the entire ridges and ground was covered with white bed sheet of snow
Our return journey from the wonderful mountain ridges was by the world’s steepest cogwheel Mountain Railways, The old but reliable technology which stood the test of times, since its operation began in1893. the romantic value of yester year’, stylish train ride on 80cm gauge track with locomotive and carriages of bygone era, through the stunning Alpine scenery and number of tunnels above 3000 meters peak to the base
It was one of the most beautiful tourist destinations. We enjoyed seeing white snow clad mountains and glaciers at far of hill tops. At the hotel on top we had some snacks also played with snow with our little grand daughter as the entire area was covered with snow and it continued snowing even when we left and commenced our journey down words. At Bern we had the rare glimpses of the huge Swiss parliament complex, also was the most fascinating under ground shopping centers. Having seen all we located the venue of the Pooja. We were just on time for pooja and most attractive part of the day being enjoying the Bhog Prasad. On our arrival at the premises we were warmly greeted by the organizers and were astonished as to how we came to know of the pooja event! Our encounter was with one elderly person who was one the founders of the pooja in that place. Mr. R Sengupta had a most pleasing personality. He coincidently belonged to not only Nagpur, Maharashtra but to a colony very close to ours. The gentleman has spent around 42 years in Switzerland with three generations of his kith and kin living there, he not only new all most all languages of that country and around but had not forgotten Bengali, Marathi & Hindi the languages he has learnt during his early years in India. They were a lovely family and were full of praise for there native place, India in general and Nagpur in particular.
Having obtained divine blessings on us by the Pundit ji (Priest) and interacting with the participants/ friends and family members of the organizers from all cultures present there, we begged permission to leave the venue. It was really praise worthy to see the amount of effort and hard work of the people in making the function a success. They were most hospitable towards us; with the grace of god we were very fortunate to have five items in the Bhog Prasad, the offerings to the Goddess Durga.
On our way back we were still lucky to witness Baden celebrations, which are held once in ten years a whole night event. The cracker display was superb. A 100 Year vintage Locomotive on display was the star attraction of that night. The people from distant places to the tune of over one lakh assembled to enjoy the celebration. We were shown around by an Indian family friend who all are now settled there .In due course, we also saw Geneva, the long stretched Zurich lake (sea) and the most liked Miniature Swiss the ultimate and most amazing site to view. After the long day we reverted to our place Basel.
We then in our stay saw autumn setting in, all the trees got denuded of leafs increasing the work load of area keeping personnel/authorities many fold and to ensure all roads/ tracks are kept clear for traffic. In nut sell we enjoyed all the seasons/weather less the sever winter and made our return journey to India.
The country boasts of tourist heaven and also is said, it is the main stray of income for the government/exchequer. There could be no denial to this; it is also to the credit of the canton councils and government that a tourist is able to see various sites at ease/free of any hassles. We were amazed to see that in one single ticket (Swiss Mobility Ticket) we traveled not only to the farthest destination but availed almost all means of transport less of course Air. The most sincere, affectionate, cheerful, affluent, hard working and above all helpful citizens of that country contribute in making the country to be the most liked places of tourist destinations in the world. It will not be an exaggeration to say that such facilities in those gods own heavenly created country is no match in the world.
God bless the Durga pooja functionaries/ Swiss people/Country men/Swiss travel System and Government for taking such pains to ensure hassle free travel, organizing such a place for offering prayers and may usher all the wisdom to further develop and prosper in days ahead.
Good luck the Swiss people.
