Manas National Park

Celebrating Matri Pitri Vandana

I had the honour of witnessing something genuinely exceptional on November 6, 2024: a governmentapproved “Matri Pitri Vandana” leave day honouring my parents.This unique program provided me, as a state government employee, with the ideal opportunity to spend quality time with my fathnot in a city park or over tea, but in the centre of Manas National Park, one of India’s most pristine  wildlife havens. This was not only a journey. It was a day of introspection, solidarity, and quiet gratitude.  One that will live in my memory forever.

What is “Matri Pitri Vandana”?

The Government of Assam declared 6th November 2024 as a special leave day for its employees to observe Matri Pitri Vandana, encouraging them to spend quality time with their parents or elders. The initiative is inspired by the cultural ethos of “Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava” — honoring one’s parents as divine figures.

The day aims to rekindle emotional connections that often get buried under our daily routines. For me, this meant planning a special day out with my father — someone who rarely asks for attention, but deserves it the most. you can see the wesite:

https://matripitrivandana.assam.gov.in/

Choosing Manas National Park: Nature, Peace, and Purpose

I knew instantly when the leave was announced that I wanted to visit Manas National Park. Rich in biodiversity and cultural value, Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located approximately 71.1 km from Bongaigaon. My father is a retired service man who has a strong passion for silence and the outdoor and therefore Eager for a respite from the hectic office life and the opportunity to create a lasting memory, we embarked on a one-day vacation to Manas early on the morning of November 6.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manas_National_Park

Driving Through the Countryside to Start the Day

At dawn, we departed from our house. The fields were still covered in mist, and the temperature was cold. The actual trip was serene, with tea gardens, verdant scenery, and snippets of rural life on each side. We discussed the past, his early years in the village, and the changes that have occurred. There was no hurry. The clock didn’t matter for once. Being present was the day’s priority.

Arrival at Manas National Park

When we arrived at the entrance gate at Barpeta Road at around 10:30 AM, we were welcomed by pleasant villagers and forest guides. The most exciting part of the day was getting on a Jeep Safari (Zeep Safari) after a brief registration and training. We noticed a sudden change as our jeep rolled into the thick forest paths: from noise to silence, from concrete to green. Sunlight filtered through the leaves of the tall trees like golden lace. Deer ran across paths, birds chirped, and there was always the chance of seeing something uncommon around every corner.

Jeep Safari Highlights

During our 3-hour safari, we were fortunate to witness the rich biodiversity that Manas is known for. Though we didn’t spot a tiger, we saw:

• A herd of wild elephants bathing near the riverbank
• A one-horned rhinoceros grazing in the tall grass
• Several species of deer, including hog deer and swamp deer
• Colorful birds , green pigeons, Monkeys
• A fleeting glimpse of the golden langur, a rare primate unique to this region

My father, though usually quiet, was visibly excited. He kept pointing out animals and even shared some folk tales about the forest from his younger days. Seeing him so animated made me realize how little we give our elders a chance to reconnect with nature — and with us.

After jeap safary we sat by the riverside for a while after that — eating a simple lunch of rice, dal, vegetables, and local fish curry. Nothing fancy. But the setting, the company, and the intention made it the most nourishing meal I’d had in months.

Returning Home with a Full Heart

By evening, we began our journey back. The sun dipped low behind the trees, casting long shadows and golden light on the road. My father dozed off peacefully beside me, tired but content.

I drove back not just with photographs, but with a deeper sense of fulfillment. The day had reminded me of something we often forget in the rush of life — our parents don’t need grand gestures, just our time, attention, and gratitude.

End  Thoughts

Taking my father to Manas National Park on this special day was more than just a getaway. It was a pilgrimage — to the roots that raised me, and to the forest that reminded me of life’s quiet magic.

If you ever get the chance, I urge you to spend a day like this with your parents. Take him to a place they’ll love — and just be there. You’ll gain more than you give.

Quick Info:

• Date of Visit: 6th November 2024
• Location: Manas National Park, Assam
• Safari Type: Jeep Safari
• Main Highlights: Wildlife spotting, forest experience, parent-honoring ceremony
• Travel Tip: If you Leave early from Guwahati (around 6 AM), and pre-book the safari if possible.
• Guwahati to Manas National Park Distance only 150 KM.

Final Thought

In a world that moves too fast, sometimes the most radical thing you can do is pause, listen, and be present. For me, this trip to Manas National Park with my father, under the banner of Matri Pitri Vandana, was that pause. And I will carry its lessons with me, always.

Tips for Your Visit

• Best Time to Visit: November to April (we went in early November — perfect weather).
• What to Carry: Warm clothes for night, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, and most importantly, a journal.
• Where to Stay: Eco-camps inside the park or forest lodges in nearby Barpeta Road.
• What to Expect: Raw beauty, minimal distractions, and plenty of soul-healing silence.

Reflections

Coming back from the Manas National Park tour, I felt a shift inside me. Not only had I connected with nature in one of its most pristine forms, but I had also reconnected with my father — not as just a parent figure, but as a person, with dreams, history, and wisdom to share.

The Matri Pitri Vandana isn’t just a Gift leave for state govt employee. It’s a reminder — that we don’t need to wait for birthdays or anniversaries to show our parents love and gratitude. Sometimes, all it takes is a sincere gesture, a shared journey, and a quiet moment in nature.

Thanks to State Govt

Sincere gratitude to the State Government for Matri Pitri Vandana’s kind endeavour.We were able to honour our parents with love and gratitude and re-establish a connection with our heritage thanks to this particular leave.Such moments are uncommon in the hurry of life; the government’s action allowed us to have that valuable time.We sincerely appreciate your heartfelt act that honours values and family.

If you’re  planning a meaningful trip with your parents, I highly recommend visiting Manas National Park. Let it be more than a vacation. Let it be a return — to family, to respect, and to the roots that nourish us.