A JOURNEY BY BOAT

1.Occasion. 2, Preparation for the trip. 3. Course of journey. 4. Difficulties . 5. Termination of the trip.

1.Our school was closed for the Kartik Purnima. We had one holiday. The students of my hostel decided (fa firT) to go boating trip and thus to pass a happy holiday. We were about 40 in number and so it was decided to hire ( ) two boats and to start in two batches.

2. My batch, consisting of 18 students, reached the Collectorate Ghat early in the morning. In my batch there was a boy who was talented () singer. He also knew how to play on the armonium. We were all in perfect () holiday mood (first) So we arranged for a harmonium and a tabla and took these with us. We had a mind to take bath in the middle of the Ganges. So, we all took one set of extra clothes with us. We also took some cooked food and some provisions (- ) and a stove with us. Our programme was to go up to Sonepur to visit the fair. We had decided to return the next morning by steamer

3. We hired a boat, boarded it, and started. The weather was fine. There was neither strong wind nor strong current (). The boatman held the oars (sis) and began to row (). The boat was gliding ( - slowly through the gentle waves of the river. We were silently enjoying the scenery (ga) on either side of the river. On one side the big and massive buildings were slowly receding (4NG ) into the background. They were looking like toy-huts. On the other side there was a vast (faa) expanse (da, tea) of sand. After rowing for some time we reached a place where there was only neck deep water. Here the boat was stopped and we got down into the water to take our bath. After taking our bath we again came on the boat. It started again. We took our refreshment on the boat. Then we took up the programme of music. The melodious ( a song of my friend echoed (afaaa 1) on the gentle ( a) waves of the river. It resounded (a) in the still and noiseless atmosphere ( ) of the river.

4. We were now approaching the confluence ( ) of the Ganges and the Gandak. It is a dangerous (UA ) spot for small boats, especially when the weather is rough and disturbed. Fortunately for us, the weather was calm. The current also was favourable ( We had no major (as) trouble.

5. We had again a smooth course (fa). Our music ceased (1) and we began playing cards. After a journey of five and a half hours we reached Sonepur at noon. The temple of Shri Hariharnath was close to the ghat. We, at first, visited the temple of Shri Hriharnath. Then we came out to go round the fair.