The Surya Namaskar – Facts & Benefits You Need To Know

December 14, 2021

The Sun has been a source of both spiritual and physiological benefits since time immemorial. Life, as we know it, would not have been sustainable without the heat and light from the Sun. The Sun’s significance and its respect is an essential aspect of lifestyle for many civilizations. Incorporating their gratitude towards Sun is not just about beliefs but has many health benefits associated with it. Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation is a primordial form of offering respect to the Sun.

Surya Namaskar is not only significant for its conspicuous sign of respect but also its implicit benefits. By sparing only 10 minutes to perform this exercise, one can witness visible changes in their health. In today’s busy corporate life, incorporating a healthy routine can be a task. The Surya Namaskar is one such exercise that does not demand a lot of time and still qualifies as a panacea.

Here are some of the secrets of Surya Namaskar that make it such a prescribed form of exertion.

Maintain Discipline while Surya Namaskar

Having a 9-to-5 job or hectic college life, discipline for a healthy lifestyle is lacking for many individuals. Taking time out, say an hour or two, to exercise can be challenging. Surya Namaskar can be of aid here.

Very minimal yet effective, Surya Namaskar takes up only 10 minutes of your time. As the name suggests, Surya Namaskar is ideally an exercise to perform in the morning. More ideally, it was performed at the crack of dawn, right during the sunrise in the old days. In the present time, those who can manage to wake up that early are commendable in themselves. Even if one cannot be an early riser, performing the Surya Namaskar at any time of the day will still be equally beneficial.

Incorporating the 10-minute workout in your daily life will help bring discipline to your life. Irrespective of one’s dynamic schedule, some sort of stability is necessary for all. Surya Namaskar can help bring that stability.

Effective Burning of Calories

To explain the benefits of Yoga may take up this entire article. Even after introducing modern workout regimes, the place of Yoga and its efficacies remain the same.

Surya Namaskar is a form of Yoga. Moreover, it is a full-body exercise. In the modern counterpart workouts, a half an hour exercise may burn up to 199, 232, 298, 364, and 414 calories for weightlifting, tennis, football, rock climbing, and running, respectively. Performing the Surya Namaskar for half an hour burns 417 calories, the highest among all exercises above. A 10-minute regime of Surya Namaskar burns 139 calories.

Surya Namaskar is known as ‘The Ultimate Asana’. Surya Namaskar is one of the most refined forms of exercise even in modern times, from strengthening your back and muscles to lowering your blood sugar levels. It helps with metabolism and blood circulation. For women, it aids in ensuring a regular menstrual cycle. It also helps cure insomnia. From burning calories to aiding in curing other elements, Surya Namaskar indeed has a lot of advantages.

Surya Namaskar: A Cyclic performance of 7 asanas

The Surya Namaskar consists of 7 asanas. These seven asanas are performed in a cyclic order resulting in 12 asanas in total. All these asanas have individual benefits. Though some of the asanas are repetitive, here are the names and their advantages-

1. Pranamasana

Namaskar means a sign of greeting. It begins by and intends to greet the Sun. The exercise starts in a prayer position by standing upright. To begin the activity, this posture helps one calm their mind and body.

2. Hastauttanasana

A stretching pose, this posture requires one to lift their hand and bend their back backwards gradually. While in this pose, slowly inhale. This helps to stretch their chest and abdominal region and bring the energy flow to their upper body.

3. Padahastasana

The previous pose helps in beginning the exercises by stretching the abdominal area. This posture further massages the belly. One needs to slowly and thoroughly exhale and bend their upper body forward and try touching the floor. Make sure that your spine and legs are straight. This asana helps in digestion, enhances blood flow to the brain, and aids in women’s ailments.

4. Ashwa Sanchalanasana

A runner’s beginner pose, this asana stretches our spine further and stimulates abdominal organs. After Padahastasana, start bending your right knee towards your chest and extend your left leg backwards. Raise your head and look forward. Throughout, maintain an equilibrium in breathing and perform it slowly.

5. Parvatasana

The downward-facing dog pose, Parvatasana, helps strengthen your arms and legs. It also relieves the varicose veins. By breathing out and lifting your waist, the body makes an inverted ‘V’ pose. This pose also stretches the calf and spine muscles.

6. Dandasana

Dandasana is also known as the Chaturanga Dandasana or the Four-Limbed Staff pose. It is a low plank pose that helps improve body posture. It reinforces the back muscles and spine and also stretches the shoulder and chest.

7. Ashtanga Namaskar

In the Eight-Limb pose, Ashtanga Namaskar requires the chin, chest, hands, and knees to be on the ground. Only the hip needs to be in the air. This asana also helps in strengthening the chest, arms, and legs.

8. Bhujangasana

The cobra pose, Bhujangasana, requires you to bring down your hip and, while inhaling, place your legs and midsection on the ground. Bend your back and keep your head up. Ensure even breathing. This asana is known to relieve tension from the back and spine. It is effective for mild sciatica and is therapeutic for asthma.

9. Parvatasana

Here starts the cyclic repetition. Going back to the first step, the opening prayer posture is done again.

10. Ashwa Sanchalasana

In a repetition of the fourth step, the left leg is brought forward, and the right leg is stretched backwards.

11. Padahastasana

Exact repetition of the Padahastasana pose.

12. Hastauttanasana

Again, a repetition of the Hastauttanasana pose.

This entire cyclic exercise can be undertaken as many times as one sees fit. With the asanas’ benefits, the whole Surya Namaskar helps in motoring the major body parts. From strengthening to stretching muscles, the exercise is perfect for weight loss and toning the body. If one performs the workout with proper regulation of their breathing and maintaining the postures, they can see visible results.

Benefits of Surya Namaskar

Apart from the above benefits, the other secrets of the Surya Namaskar are-

It stimulates our nervous system.
Surya Namaskar helps strengthen the immune system.
It helps in maintaining cardiovascular health.
Results in glowing skin.
Helps to detox the body.
It helps deal with anxiety.
Enhances cognitive functions.
Aids in overall improvement of the mind and body.

Yoga has been a part of scientific research and development for a long time now. Surya Namaskar, an exercise of Yoga, has many scientific benefits. A simple and effective workout, the Surya Namaskar helps in many aspects of one’s lifestyle. From good physical health to inner spiritual development, the Surya Namaskar helps spread a positive vibration in your body. By making the exertion a part of your daily life, from physical to psychological to spiritual, the secret of Surya Namaskar will surely improve your life.

Top 7 Adventure Places in India for Daring Travellers

Cscope Staff

December 13, 2021

Different people have a different idea of vacationing. For some it might mean a peaceful, quiet experience spent in the midst of calming nature. For some vacationing may be all about spending time with family, whereas for others it could mean a solo trip or valuable ‘me’ time. Where some might want to laze and relax it out, for some a vacation or holiday may be all about adventure and adrenaline.

An overview

For those who look for fun and action for a few days, adventure sporting destinations are a wonderful option. Adventure sporting refers to any of those activities that revolve around speed, risk or any kind of physical action. Secretly, I am sure even the most laid back of vacationers wouldn’t mind trying at least one adventure sport in their lifetime, just for its kicks. We are often wowed by the people performing life altering, sometimes threatening stunts. These could be heart pounding such as mountain biking or bungee jumping. Or soul altering such as scuba diving or a hot air balloon ride.

There are those adventure activities that bring us closer to nature, be it trekking or camping. And then there are those that are worth all the effort for the sheer satisfaction at the end of it all, such as rock climbing or ice climbing. But every adventure sport is however, largely about fighting the internal demons of fear and terror. Of letting go of inhibitions and believing in the power or self. It is also of course, about following safety measures and trusting your instincts. About not getting arrogant or too carried away, yet finding the right balance of outwitting fear to face victory.

If you are someone who likes to take the plunge and explore the brave corners of adventure sports, then read on. Here we bring to you the top seven destinations in India that are a must visit if you are an adventure and adrenaline sporting junkie. But even if you are a laid back traveler who likes to take things slow, it is worth checking these destinations out for sure. Because who doesn’t like, if not always, but at least once in a while, to counter and brave the seemingly impossible.

1. Rishikesh

Top-7-Adventure-Places-in-India, Rishikesh — Image – Wikimedia

Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is one of the leading destinations when it comes to adventure sports in India. There are a few activities that one can enjoy in Rishikesh, however the most popular adventure sport is river rafting. Rishikesh is also known as the Gate to the Himalayas and white water rafting along the Ganga River is one of the most fascinating sporting adventures to endure here. The city has various rafting related training and booking facilities. Also, the Ganga is perfect for rafting experience because it has different Grades from I to IV of rapids and ups and downs to traverse. Some of the rapids such as Double Trouble and Sweet Sixteen are extremely fun and exciting. In total there are around 13 rapids across the river that adventure lovers can enjoy. The best time for white rafting in Rishikesh is from September to June, though you can avoid the winter months if you are not someone who is too fond of the chill.

Besides, white water rafting, Rishikesh is also known for bunjee jumping. Rishikesh has one of the highest Bunjee jumping platform or podium in India. Falling from a height of 83m with the Ganga plunging below is definitely one of the best thrilling experience one can have. Some of the other adventure sporting activities in Rishikesh include giant swings, flying fox, mountain climbing, kayaking and paragliding.

2. Goa

Top-7-Adventure-Places-in-India,Goa — Image – Nilesh & Anshul/Flickr

Goa needs no introduction when it comes to water sports. With myriad beaches, one is never short of water sporting activities in Goa. Water sports has a whole range of stuff that one can try out. From flyboarding, surfing, water skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, water scooters, river cruising, rafting and more Goa is heaven for those who want to splash their way through water adventure sports. Also, because Goa is a popular tourist destination a lot of international travelers also make their way here. The standard and security for various water sports is good and there are multiple agents and facilities to choose from. Again, depending on the water sporting activity that you want to try you can choose the particular destination within Goa itself. For example, Candolim and Mobor are well known for knee boarding and wakeboarding. Similarly, Baga, Utorda and Calangute are popular for water skiing, Morjim for kite boarding, Arambol and Baga for parasailing etc. On the other hand, popular destinations such as Baga, Mobor, Palolem and Calangute have many water sporting adventures to avail from.

Besides water sports, some of the other adventure sports popular in Goa include, camping, hot air balloon rides, trekking, hiking etc.

3. Meghalaya

Top 7 Adventure Places in India - Meghalaya — Image – Wikimedia

The northeast of India has some gems for sure. Meghalaya is one such destination that is fraught with adventure sports. The best is of course caving. Meghalaya is the land of caves tucked inside forests and waterfalls. For explorers taking a walk inside the caves is a wonderful experience as one understands the change in temperature and the beauty that stands out within its walls. Shillong has many caves waiting to be discovered and Mawjymbuin Caves is located in one of the wettest places in the world. Exploring the caves is also a much less expensive adventure than many other adventure sporting activities.

Besides caving you can also try out river canyoning in Sohra. One would need to swim, trek and also feel the sheer force of the waterfalls around. Water rappelling is also quite popular especially at the Elephant Falls in Shillong. One can also try mountain biking, trekking and water sports at the Umiam Water complex for more adventure sports.

4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Top-7-Adventure-Places-in-India,-Andaman — Image – Matsography Via Flickr

When one thinks of the Andamans, you are struck by the pristine water beauty of the place. The adventure sporting scene in Andaman is no different for it explores the innocent splendidness of the region. Scuba diving is however Andaman’s most priced adventure sport. Best done at Havelock Island, North Bay Island and Neil Island, the colorful and absolute magnificent beauty of the underwater will definitely transcend through space and time. The other adventure activities in Andaman include sea walking, another heart touching activity, boating on glass bottom boats, banana boat rides, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, water skiing and more.

5. Ladakh

Top-7-Adventure-Places-in-India,-Ladakh — Image – Indi Tourists/Flickr

Ladakh is all about the mighty Himalayas. Trekking is Ladakh’s most important forte into adventure activities. There are a number of different trekking experiences that can be undertaken depending on experience and physical strength. Some treks are advised for veteran trekkers, whereas many can be accomplished by novices too. Some of the popular treks in Ladakh include the stunning Chadar trek which is a walk along the frozen Zaskar River during the winters. Some of the other treks are the Stok Kangri trek, the Markha Valley trek and more.

Besides, trekking mountain biking is another exciting dare to try out here because of the daunting landscape. There is also river rafting on Zaskar and Indus, camping, rock climbing and many other adventure sporting activities to try out in Ladakh.

6. Rajasthan

Top 7 Adventure Places in India, Rajasthan — Image – Saurabh Chatterjee/Flickr

Rajasthan is a historical adventure. But there is much more to it when it comes to thrills. The hot air balloon rides in Pushkar are by far one of the best bird eye views that one can hope for. The landscape of the region unfolds as one rises up and the views from top are magnificent. The hot air balloons are very popular during the Pushkar Camel Fair. Besides, Jaipur is also well known for paragliding and Udaipur and Alwar are great water sport destinations.

Rajasthan’s adventures continue with camping in the desert and visiting its various wildlife abodes at Bharatpur, Jodhpur and Bikaner. Besides, one can also try trekking, zip lining, jeep safari and more in Rajasthan. So next time when you are awed by the royal beauty of the state, take some time out for its adventure sports too.

7. North India for winter sports

Top 7 Adventure Places in India - North India for winter sports — Image – Piqsels

There are a few destinations that you can try for winter sporting activities if you enjoy the chills as much as the thrill. Gulmarg is great for skiing and ice climbing too. One can climb up the frozen waterfalls during winter with proper training and safety equipment. Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are also under the cover of snow and hence Auli is another splendid skiing destination for both beginners and experienced adventurers. Some other skiing destinations include Tawang, Solang, Pahalgam and more.

There are other adventure sporting destinations, such as Amby Valley in Maharashtra and Mysore for skydiving, Kasauli for hang gliding, Bir for paragliding, Dandeli for trekking and many more.

Finally, let not the adventure in you subside ever. It’s time to take the leap of faith and enjoy the adrenaline rush of fear and victory by vacationing at the various adventure sporting destinations in India.

Optical Illusion Places in India that You Must Visit

Somya Goel

December 10, 2021

India is a land of mysteries. If you love travelling, then there’s no chance that you would not have encountered a single bizarre place that made you stop by and think. India has millions of secrets buried deep under the heart. Thinking about India’s wonder, there are a plethora of mysterious places wrapped up in fascinating secrets still waiting to get disclosed. Have you studied Gravity? Do you trust your eyes? Have you ever heard of the unidirectional downward flow of a waterfall? Well, keep them in the backseat and tighten up your seatbelts because we are now entering the country of mysteries, India. Here are some of the fascinating places in India that you didn’t know cause Optical Illusion:

Magnetic Hill, Leh

Optical-Illusion-Places-in-India-Magnetic-Hill — Image – Amit Rawat/Flickr

The Magnetic Hill of Leh has made its way to the international report of the most mysterious places in the world. Found at an altitude of 3500 meters, the Magnetic Hill is an exciting mystery and fun play for the tourists. Here, you can witness the crash of Newton’s theory. This place defies Gravity. The vehicles, with their engines shut down, travel up the hill on their own. According to tourist experiments, the car went up the hill at a speed of 20 kilometres per hour.

In reality, the hill’s land creates an optical illusion, making the downhill slope appear as an uphill slope. The vehicles move down the mountain; however, it seems as if they are going up. This phenomenon is called the ‘Himalayan Wonder’.

Kavalshet Point, Maharashtra

Optical Illusion Places - Kavalshet Point — Image – Falguni Panchal / Facebook

The Kavalshet Point at Amboli in Maharashtra is a famous tourist place. Every year thousands of tourists come to this place to experience the unbelievable. This place screams’ Gravity is a joke’! The breathtaking view of the reverse waterfall is something worth remembering for eternity.

The wild wind blowing in the valley makes it look like the water is flowing upwards. This fantastic optical illusion is accompanied by sound illusion as well. In the monsoon season, the wind in the valley flows at a devastating speed, making the water falling down the waterfall seem to come up. That is, the waterfall appears to float towards the sky.

Marshes of West Bengal

The bizarre phenomenon that occurs in the deep marshes of West Bengal freaks out the native fishermen of the region. The ‘Aleya Lights’ are sighted in the nighttime. The sighting of these unnatural glowing lights of different colours is locally seen as spooky and ghostly.

The scientific theories justify the phenomenon as the ionization of methane. The methane gas emitted from the dead and decaying matter in the marshes ionizes, resulting in this effect. The real reason behind the ‘ghost lights’ is the oxidation of phosphine, diphosphate, and methane and not some supernatural entity. The cold methane fire in the abandoned deep marshes creates an optical illusion, freaking out the natives.

Tulsishyam in Gujarat

The anti-gravity hill of Gujarat is next on our list. Tulsishyam is located between the Amreli district and Junagadh district. It is famous for the ancient Krishna temple and calming hot springs. Like the magnetic hill in the Himalayas, here too, the cars act up on their own.

The locals see the road on the Tusishyam hill as a gateway to heaven. The calling of God, making the cars and vehicles attracted to go up the mountain.

Many people see it as a crooked vortex of Earth’s gravitational field. However, the scientific theory urges that the phenomenon occurs due to the structure of surroundings. The land on either side of the road gives this effect. Put simply; the car is moving downhill, fully obeying the law of Gravity. It is just an optical illusion that makes it seem like the vehicle is moving up the slope.

Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh

Optical Illusion Places - Taj Mahal — Image – Wikimedia Commons

Taj Mahal is the seventh wonder of the world and the monument of love. Other than these two attributes, it is famous for its mystic architecture and grandeur as well. The architects built the memorial with the image of Jannat in mind.

As soon as you enter from the big Redstone Mosque gate, the monument seems large. Although, as you move towards the actual building, it seems to shrink. That is, it looks greater from a more considerable distance and looks smaller as you go nearer.

The loveable monument is full of such optical illusions. The four long minarets around the main complex seem to be leaning outwards. However, it is argued that this was done for safety purposes as the Taj Mahal is built on a tectonic plate prone to earthquakes. Moreover, the monument is full of symmetric proportions; everything looks implausibly symmetric, from the Persian designs to the garden in front of the main complex.

Airavatesvara Temple, Tamil Nadu

Optical Illusion Places - Airavatesvara temple — Image – Wikimedia Commons

Constructed during the 11th-12th century, the Airavatesvara temple shows remarkable examples of the oldest architectural optical illusions in the world. The great Chola temple is located in the earthly state of Tamil Nadu. The exceptional craftsmanship on the walls of the temple includes intricate carvings. One of such carvings shows a spectacular yet mind-blogging image of an animal, which looks like an elephant from the right and a bull from the left. The relief carved on the wall depicts two bodies, with their heads overlapping. The head resonating with both animals (elephant and bull) results in visual trickery.

Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Optical Illusion Places - Veerabhadra Swamy Temple — Image – Natesh Ramasamy / Flickr

Reading ‘Veerabhadra Swamy temple’, your mind must have dawned on the mysterious hanging pillars of the religious monument. But other than that mind-blogging thing, there is a perfectly carved artwork that attracts the visitors. The ancient temple, built around 600 years ago, is a fascinating example of one of the oldest optical illusions in India. The Lepakshi temple is famous for its three-faced cow etched on the wall of the temple. The temple is a specimen of sheer excellence in carving techniques.

Bara Imambada, Uttar Pradesh

Optical Illusion Places - Bara Imambada — Image – Wikimedia Commons

The historic place in Lucknow is fondly called ‘Bhoolbhulaiya’ for its complex yet marvellous architecture. The visitors have noticed a stage thing in this place. One can see the reflection of the main street in the baoli water in this monument. The baoli is present on the side of the Imambada and is at a 45-degree angle to the main gate. Despite its location, the visitors can see the reflection of the street in the water. What do you think? Is it an optical illusion or a miracle?

This is a list of 8 places in India where you didn’t know the cause of optical illusion. The list comes to an end here; however, the places full of marvellous sights do not. There are still many places in the country where one might see what doesn’t exist. For instance, the UFO mystery of Kongka La Pass in India is waiting to be revealed, the ancient buildings’ architectural marvels, and many more.

Thangka Paintings – Mesmerising Tibetan Buddhist Art

Somya Goel

December 2, 2021

About Thangka Paintings — Image – Wikimedia

Thangka Paintings are the finest example of surviving ancient Tibetan Buddhist Art. The appealing artwork is not only alluring to the eyes but also the soul. The direct connection of Thangka art with the spiritual mind is phenomenal. In India, the art form lives in the state of Sikkim. Sikkim is one of the states where Buddhism is present in the majority. It is one of the places in the world where you can witness traditional style thangka paintings.

Origin of Thangka Paintings

Going back to the Neolithic Age, the Thangka paintings go back in time to the Mogao Caves along the silk road. The cave is a buffet of old traditional Tibetan paintings. Historians speculate that Tibetan art saw life from here. The art form got reverence later in the Tubo dynasty. An ancient legend asserts that the Tubo king, Songtsan Gambo, is the father of the tradition of Thangka. The first techniques of thangka paintings

The art form saw spring in 7th century Nepal, where it began as a teaching aid. In historical times, the teacher (known as lama) taught their disciples along the journey about the life and principles of Buddha. The prime tool of this kind of teaching, where the teacher would travel to distant lands to spread the teachings of Buddha, was the Thangka paintings. These pictorial scrolls were dominantly used to convey spiritually significant events, aspects of various deities, and core Buddhist concepts. Many scholars refer to thangka scrolls as the visual representations of a spiritual reality based on Buddhist scriptures.

In the earlier times, Thangka paintings were dominant and in fame in regions where Tibetan Buddhism was prevalent. These included areas like Mongolia, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of Himalayan India.

Religious significance of Thangka Paintings

People treat thangkas as pictorial religious scrolls as that is from where they trace their origin. Thangkas hold immense religious significance among the traditional Tibetan Buddhist tribes, and many theists even worship the Thangka paintings during religious festivals. A considerable number of people of the community believe that commissioning Thangka would generate spiritual merit.

Types of Thangka Paintings

There are primarily two base factors for categorizing thangkas. These are, first, the technique, and second, the material used to make a thangka painting. Further, based on these two categories, we can classify thangkas as painted or embroidered. Other than the use of technique, the material of the canvas also plays a role. Some thangkas use silk applique; others painted in color, others with background color, say black, red, or golden. Artists also group thangkas according to their size and content.

Process of Thangka Painting

The process of painting a thangka is very elaborate and meticulous. In the first stage, the artist prepares the canvas with foundation line drawings. As the scrolls are of religious significance, the purification step is given supreme importance. In this step, the artist performs certain rituals and prayers. In the preceding step, the artist prepares the final hue by mixing natural mineral paints. Finally, the process of painting begins taking up more than three months to a year to complete.

Artists of Thangka Paintings

A skilled thangka artist goes through rigorous training under the guidance of a lama or a Buddhist teacher. The first step involves stretching and smoothening the canvas, which works as the main stage for the painting. This step requires a high level of concentration and expertise as it is the first step in making a Thangka painting. The artist strung the canvas on a bamboo frame and then stretched this frame onto a wooden frame. The artist gets a uniform tension on the canvas, making it easier to draw and paint on it. Traditionally, the artists coat the canvas surface with chalk or gesso, performing the base pigment. However, many modern artists in the contemporary time prefer the use of a distemper-glue mixture as it is easier and provides a smooth surface.

The artists use ordinary pencils for drawing the foundation lines and then fixate the lines using a fine brush. This process requires a lot of precision and observation skills. The artist pays utmost attention to the deity’s gesture, mood, and color. The drawing should be in exact accordance with the iconographic grids. The drawings on a thangka painting usually include the main deity and the object of personification and symbolism.

Though the traditional thangka paintings use mineral colors, contemporary artists now use acrylic colors instead of natural ones. The first step towards coloring and painting involves outlining the figure with a fine brush. Colors hold significance too. In the Tibetan Buddhist culture, different hues depict or identify various deities and their attributes.

Significance

Thangka paintings serve as an essential tool in visually depicting the life of Buddha. Thangka depictions connote not only to Buddha but also to other deities and bodhisattvas. They hold considerable mythological significance. Other than that, they also act as an essential source for describing historical events. In the present times, many people use thangka paintings as an object of decoration, while others use them as the centerpiece during ritual ceremonies or prayers.

This unique form of art depicts the history, culture, politics, society, and other aspects of the Tibetan and Buddhist people. Thangkas use symbolism to represent these aspects. The guidelines set by Buddhist sacred scriptures are the core base for the symbols in the Thangka art.

Buddhism is a religion of the meditational spirit. Meditation holds importance in the culture of Buddhism. Thangka is a traditional art form of the same, and is also well-versed with meditation-thangka art works as a mediational tool. Believers meditate on the scenes and depictions of the art. People relate this meditation trait with spiritual quests and merits.

Conclusion

The primary purpose of painting thangkas is to find an interlude between iconographic ideas and the community’s lifestyle. Thangka is present in many regions today, although most are concentrated in the Himalayan region. The eccentric, lively vibe oozing out of these paintings and the aura of calmness surrounding them is their pride.

Street foods of Delhi that Make it a Paradise of Savouries

Eesani Dey

November 27, 2021

Street-foods-of-Delhi — Image – Wikimedia

There is a famous saying in India, ‘Dil ka rasta pet se hokar Jata hai’. This means, ‘the way to one’s heart is through their stomach’. Food is a human’s basic need, and good food is the perfect company for any kind of gathering. Delhi is the capital of India and is also known as ‘dilwalon ki Delhi’. To translate, ‘Delhi is the place of the heartiest people’. Heart and food’s connection is eminent in our country. Therefore, it is valid to say that the street foods of the capital of our country touch the heart of everyone who tastes it. Indeed, the chaats, chole bhature, momo, and kebabs found in every nook and corner of Delhi are drool-worthy.

Suggested Read – DU Food Haunts – A foodie’s paradise!

People visiting Delhi for the first time, we present to you some of the lip-smacking street foods of the state that you must not miss. For those familiar with the taste of Delhi’s street foods, here is a nostalgic reminder of the unforgettable delicacies. The street foods of Delhi are paramount to have an authentic experience of the place. In fear of missing out on the best dishes, here is a list of street foods of Delhi that make it a paradise of savouries.

Chole-Kulche

Chole-Kulche is hands down one of the tastiest street foods of Delhi. It is a sought-after dish for everyone in need of a little spicy or non-spicy snack. It is a minimalist but tasty preparation of boiled chickpeas with tomatoes, onion, chillies, lemon, and chaat masala. The Kulcha is fried with butter. The flavourful Chole and Kulcha are given individually for you to tear the Kulche and dip it in the zingy Chole. As a quick-bite during a short break, Chole-Kulche is also made as a roll.

Chole-Kulche is enjoyable for a light yet filling meal. When you go on a shopping spree in Sarojini or explore the city and its beautiful gardens and architecture, you can munch on this street food. The best Chole-Kulche in town is in Karol Bagh and at Yadav’s Chole-Kulche in Saket.

Momos

Street-foods-of-Delhi, Momo — Image – Wikimedia Commons

Calling attention to all the momo lovers out there, Delhi’s chicken, paneer, veg, and soya momo is very famous. The soft, small, butter oozing dumplings, along with the spicy chutney and mayo, is a go-to food for everyone in Delhi. The rising popularity of momo as a street food has made people opt for it as a perfect dish for any kind of outing with friends or family. The momos of Delhi are especially famous among all the college students.

Dolma Aunty ke Momos in Kamla Nagar is a hotspot for every Delhi University student. Janpath holds some unique momo stalls. Majnu-ka-Tila, the Tibetan hub of Delhi, gives a quintessential experience of the best Delhi momo. When visiting the capital city, remember these few names, and anybody can guide you to these steaming momo joints.

Kebabs & Mouth-watering Mughlai Dishes

Street-foods-of-Delhi, Kebabs — Image – Eatingeast / Flickr

The rich delicacies that originated during the Mughal period are still extant in many parts of India. Delhi was also the capital of the Mughal Empire. A variety of kebabs and other Mughlai dishes is therefore authentic to the state. The grilled delectable pieces of meat, when mixed in a rich gravy, taste lives rent-free in the heart of all who try it. Buttercream chicken, mutton korma, nargisi kofta, mutton kebab, chicken fry, and on and on, these dishes are a must-try. The sweet words are equally mind-blowing. After tasting all the spicy and rich chicken and mutton dishes, the heart might crave some sweet endings. You can always try some famous Mughlai sweets to get the complete Mughlai splendour Delhi has to offer.

The best place to try these delicacies is none-other than the Jama Masjid area. Aslam Chicken Corner, Al-Jawahar, Qureshi Kebabs are the places to try some of the best Mughlai dishes. Cool Point, as the name suggests, is ideal for cooling off on a sweet note. Try their Shahi Tukda or Badam Milk and crave for more. Nawab Qureshi watermelon shake is another necessary refreshing drink that helps you rejuvenate from the earlier savoury endeavour.

Chole Bhature

When in Delhi, never miss gorging on Chole Bhature. Chole Bhature is an all-time favourite dish for every foodie. This very popular street food is one of a kind that misses its authentic taste in any place other than Delhi. The fluffy and soft Bhatura together with the aromatic Chole is a match made in heaven. Just like the Chole-Kulche, Chole Bhature is another comfort food that is on the top of the street foods list of Delhi. Chole Bhature has made its place in the hearts of many people.

Chandni Chawk, Karol Bagh, Rajouri Garden, Dwarka are all places that boast of having the best and hygienic Chole Bhature in town. Try out Chole Bhature for yourself once and forget all your worries momentarily with its lip-smacking taste.

Ram Laddoo

Ram Laddoo is the ideal dish to grab for a quick bite. Delhi houses numerous vendors who are present in every alternate road and alley across the city. It is the perfect snack to accompany a cup of tea with a friend. It is a deep-fried dish of either a batter of dal or potato. A plate of these crispy balls with a delicious green mint chutney and chopped onions is ideal for a friends group gathering.

The best Ram Laddoo is available among the street vendors of Janak Puri, Tilak Nagar, and Green Park. A plate of Ram Laddoo on a rainy day with some old Bollywood songs over the radio of the stall is the epitome of old Delhi nostalgia.

A palate of chaats

Delhi is the king of a wide variety of chaats. Fruits, lentils, or vegetables, Delhi’s streets are present with different and delicious kinds of chaats.

Some of the must-try chaats and where to find them are as follows-

Bishan Swaroop Chaat

The Bishan Swaroop Chaat is one of the best and most healthy chaats. For parents who cannot make their children have enough fruits, try this chaat for inspiration to make nutrition tasty for kids. This is a fruit chaat with chana toppings, a perfect combination of healthy and wise. While walking in the streets of Chandni Chowk, try this chaat and regain your energy for another bout of adventure or shopping.

Aloo Chaat

Potatoes are a primitive ingredient for most street foods. Making a chaat out of potato, well, that must be a top street food to try. A plate of small bite-sized potatoes stir-fried with an assortment of spices tingles all the taste buds. Do give this street food a try and fall more in love with the king of vegetables. Vendors in Chandni Chowk and Khan Market sell some of the best plates of Aloo Chaat.

Samosa Chaat

Samosa Chaat is another snack that you must try. It in itself is a very qualifying dish. But when made into a chaat, well, behold a party for your taste buds. The samosas are crushed and mixed with tangy chutney, chopped onions, chillies, and sprinkled with bhujia. The taste you will receive will make you keep asking for more. CR Park and Chandni Chowk are the ideal places to enjoy the best Samosa Chaat in town.

Daulat ki Chaat

Those who think that chaat can only be savoury think again. Delhi will not disappoint the sweet lovers who would love to try a sweet chaat. Daulat ki Chaat is a unique and prominent street food whose taste seems to come from the hands of the food God Himself. This one-of-a-kind sweet chaat is only available in Chandni Chowk.

Sweets

Delhi’s street foods also boast a wide array of sweets that have a special place in them. Some of the sweet dishes to try in Delhi are-

Rabri Faluda

Rabri Faluda is a very distinctive sweet dish that is a favourite amongst most Delhites. This dish can uplift any gloomy mood with a superb recipe of coconut, dry fruits, and falooda milk. The best place to try this is Giani di Hatti in Chandni Chowk.

Kulfi

Kulfi is indigenous Indian ice cream. The perfect balance of sweetened milk mixed with badam and pistachios is a known taste to many Indians. Delhi does not fall short of bringing out the authentic taste of Kulfi to suit everyone. Places like Karol Bagh, Chawri Bazaar, and Ajmeri Gate have the best Kulfi in town.

Nan Khatai

Nan Khatai is an Indian-style Persian biscuit. It is a very ‘buttery’ food of Delhi, especially in demand by cookie lovers. You can find this cookie in any local bakery, and the taste will remain with you for a long time.

These were some of the many street foods of Delhi that make it a paradise of savouries and also sweets. Some other mentionable street foods of Delhi that does not require any introduction given their popularity are-

Chur-Chur Naan
Raj Kachori
Rajma-Chawal
Bhel Puri
Pav Bhaji
Dahi Bhalle

I hope you too find your favourite street food in Delhi. May your heart also be full of the lovely taste of the street foods of Delhi.

Lata Malani Fighting Odds & Making Space For Herself As A Fashion Illustrator

Prarthana Asija

November 26, 2021

Lehenga-choli, jhumkas, sarees, kameez-salwar – Lata illustrates them all. Lata Malani, a fashion illustrator presently residing in Surat, Gujarat is a young fashion illustration wizard. Lata who is currently pursuing her bachelors in commerce has no formal education in fashion or design whatsoever. Nonetheless, designer clothes always fascinated her. Little by little, her passion for Indian textiles led her to set up an Instagram page under the name of MASO Indian Textile.

Once upon a time, Lata solely loved drawing and painting as a subject. Not long ago, she picked up her subject love as a passionate endeavour. She began her learning journey off of the internet. Eventually, she decided to give herself a break by setting up her Instagram page some 4-5 years ago. What triggered it? It was definitely her fashion illustrator-slash-her first finding-slash-her-inspiration Anoop Barwa.

The Family Pressure

Despite the self-start, her family did not support her. Their constant questions and nagging sent a shiver down her spine and posed a dilemma in front of her. A relative of hers who did happen to pursue fashion studies later dropped out. This continues to serve as a specimen for others who even remotely think of entering this stream. It is deemed as a habit that most girls do but later drop out from. Another reason is that most boys in her family pursue Chartered Accountancy. Thus, the others must follow.

The Curious Case of Anoop Barwa

Lata’s curiosity spoke when she wondered how one could go into such detailing vis-à-vis looking at the designs created by Anoop Barwa. Even though she started practicing 3 years ago, she was placing herself in comparison with Anoop, which as she says was unintelligent. But, with mindfulness, she realised she was comparing the practice of a few weeks to the dedicated practice of years of Anoop’s. With such a thought, her work started improving gradually.

The First Break

You know those few months when you are toiling hard with expectations at bay? That is when Lata received her first work. Doubts resurfaced her family again, reinstating that she is going off track. But Lata kept her patience. Soon her earnings skyrocketed. This is exactly when her family realised what she was doing had a future attached to it. AND they asked her to join an institute (finally).

But things weren’t as easy as they seemed – first her father expired, then her brother was getting married, and then covid happened. She could not join the institute of her choice. Without further ado, she enrolled herself in an online course and engrossed herself in the field of illustrations only.

But the challenges were manifold..

For a young learner, demotivation in the forms of doubts, constant fear of losing, self-doubt, a state of confusion, was suffocating. Another artistic challenge was artist’s block. Often, she would start an illustration and leave it midway. In a moment, her interest flourished when she decided to devote herself to the recreations of several designers. To name a few, she chose pieces by Anita Dongre, Anushree Reddy, Sabyasachi and more.

The Clientele

Most of Lata’s clients are foreigners, approximately 90% are spread over the world. The biggest challenge here was adjusting her time according to her clients abroad. The deadlines were set in sync with the clients. One such client who resides in the USA sent her a query for a wedding card which involved quite a lot of detailing. This particular card took over a month to complete 4 illustrations. And most recently, she received commission work from Brand Meenakari and Diva’ni.

At the moment, Lata is devoting her time towards fashion and jewellery illustrations simultaneously, where work is short-timed.

The Overall Experience

The experience of working with such big brands was overwhelming for Lata. Having worked with a popular designer (name shall remain undisclosed), she received guidance from him and his team. Nonetheless, she found the motivation and the validation that was missing earlier. Moreover, her illustrations were a star in themselves which made her stand out in a world of designer clothes.

The Fashion Illustration Process

Any designer aspires to view a summarised look before it takes the form of an actual attire. The first step is the imagination, the second step is the illustration and the final step is the creation. For instance, a lehenga is red but one wants to add a different color, or a lace here and there. An illustration helps the designer to get a clearly rough idea of what the final piece would look like.

Choice of Indian Women as Subject

Personally, Lata has been an ardent admirer of Indian women, their body type, their clothing and finally turning them as the subject of her illustrations. For now, she illustrates traditional Indian wear only, but for commission work, she does not hesitate experimenting with western wear.

One thing that is worth noting and as Lata mentions is that although the attire and fabric is as per Indian standards, the body, hair, and skin color are not. Once adorned, even the blonde subject begins to look like an Indian woman.

Managing an Instagram Account

As a creative person, one has to think 10 steps ahead of other designers (read competitors now). A lot of people are constantly waiting for your fresh ideas, which is why repetition, plagiarism, and recreations are not welcome anymore. While the audience can help you in gaining popularity, they are also at their quick wits to criticise. Lata does not believe in poor publicity.

One of her reels garnered her 4k views which later shot up to 1.8 million in just a month! Later the views for the yellow saree reel followed and increased. When asked about the process of recording videos, she stated that she records with her phone in one hand while painting with the other. Indeed, practice (here, a steady hand) makes a woman perfect.

As a one-woman-army, she has to handle everything. From illustrations, to recording with one hand, editing the bits and pieces together, curating the content, adding a suitable song – everything is her job.

The Critics

In the month of September, one of her reels received a crazy response! There were new comments almost everyday; people were sending in love and appreciation through DMs; it was tough to keep a track of each comment for Lata. She then recalls her first critic who wrote ‘Everything except the face looks good’. Although Lata is not a fan of criticism, she enjoyed her first criticism.

The Oops Moment!

Once upon a time, Lata had an oops moment when one of her young cousins spilled some remaining water droplets off the brush over her artwork, particularly on the groom’s side, something that took 3 to 4 hardworking days to take shape. The piece was almost ready. For a moment, everything seemed gloomy and lost to Lata. With no room or mind for recreation (since she was on a deadline), she applied a quick recovery technique. She wiped off the excess water with tissue since the color was light. Since then, she continues to impart this tip to other artists as well in her workshops.

On Educating

When asked about her objective, she states that she wants to educate the masses about patterns, fabrics, textiles and motifs. She wishes to design garments vis-à-vis informing others.

Since she herself has no formal education in the same, she continues self-study. However, she does believe that a certification or a degree is the trophy that completes a home. With a formal education, she would diversify into the luxury market and work with Indian artisans, craftsmen and designers. That is why she has enrolled herself in the course offered online at London School of Trends curated by Manish Malhotra. The course concludes in June 2022.

Jewellery Illustrations

When one of her reels went viral, the views of the other reels soared as well. This is when her first ever earring illustration which she illustrated for Sunita Shekhawat Jaipur was noticed. Soon, she received commission work for jewellery illustration and luckily, the clients loved it.

Couple Illustrations – A Blooming Business

Couple illustrations for wedding cards or posters is a great way of acknowledging the couple’s journey. It seems that you are a part of their journey and that their love story is valid. Lata shares the story of a couple where the girl was Hindu and the boy was Christian. She was faced with the decision to portray a semblance of both the cultures as well as their journey. The rest is history.

Workshops for Passionate Learners

Lata has given 5 online workshops up till now. These workshops are of 2 days wherein she teaches students several techniques and step-by-step illustration. This workshop stands at a cost of 1000. Lata will be hosting a full fledged 2 month course as well once she has a few things sorted for herself. Lata always insists everyone to follow their personal style of illustrations. In her own words, she adds, “There is nothing like a specific technique; technique is your way, the one which makes you feel comfortable in it.”

Future Prospects

“Would I want to try out illustrations centered around Indian men? The answer is absolutely.” For now, she is focusing on commissioned work for couples. Lata may diversify into handbags and footwear too in the future.

Additionally and without a doubt, monetary benefit is something that she aspires to gain. Exploration of other thingummies follows. She does state that she started drawing as her hobby, designing continues to be her dream, and illustration was born as an outcome of both. No doubt, she wishes to garner a job experience beyond virtual theory. She wishes to learn several skills on the go such as tête-à-tête conversations, client needs and more.

Watch more of her work here : L A T A M A L I N I

Cheery Ways To Enjoy Christmas on a Budget

Cscope Staff

November 26, 2021

Christmas can be the most stressful time of the year. Nonetheless, when you’re together with your family enjoying the season and the gifts, the stress is forgotten. Knowing your children and loved ones are happy and healthy can be one of the most rewarding things you can receive this time of year. However, it’s no secret that the holidays can make a pretty big hole in our wallets and savings when it comes to getting presents for everyone. It’s important to prepare for the season so you can enjoy it alongside your family in the most festive way you can.

Here are some cheery ways to enjoy Christmas on a budget.

Save up early in the year

One of the best things you can do to have a merry Christmas is to save enough money for the season with enough time. You can begin the new year by adding a new category to your budget for gifts. You can passively invest in this category on a monthly basis or as your paychecks are deposited into your bank accounts. The idea is to be prepared for the season with enough money to not dip into your savings for anything else other than emergencies.

Have a secret Santa

Another thing you can do to have a great Christmas is to host a secret Santa event with your closest friends or family. You can establish a price limit for the gifts so everyone can be aware of the budget and simultaneously enjoy the season with trendy and personalized gifts. Additionally, this can help your pockets since you’ll be responsible for only one family member’s or friend’s gift rather than multiple ones. You can add personalized Christmas labels to each of the gifts for a loving touch. These Christmas labels can have customized messages so you can add your family name and your loving message for your family and friends.

Handpick gifts for the family

In the same spirit as a secret Santa gift, you can choose specific budget-friendly gifts for each of your family members or friends. For instance, you can choose the best budget gaming chair for any gamers in your family or friend circle. Some of the best gaming chairs you can get include ergonomic designs and features for comfort and performance. These gaming chairs include adjustable headrests, backrests, armrests, neck pillows, lumbar support, and footrests so users can enjoy long hours of gaming. These chairs can come with backrests you can recline and cushions that support your hips and lower back. Some of the most popular budget gaming chair brands include Razer Iskur, Anda Seat Kaiser Series, Ewing Knight Series, and Verta Gear SL500.

Have a potluck

Additionally, you can have a potluck at your home so everyone can contribute to the occasion with their own homemade dishes like casseroles or favorite comfort foods. These can include cakes, appetizers, drinks, and other delicious Christmas food. This will help you save money and have a very cheerful Christmas celebration when the season comes. You can gather with your friends and family as well as your coworkers and other relatives to share the goodness of the season with laughter, good food, fizzy drinks, and tons of good memories.

Use coupons at discount stores

Lastly, you can use coupons and discounts at designated discount stores in your community or state. You can even take advantage of the Black Friday deals online or at your local grocery stores or malls. You can do this to purchase gifts, ingredients for your Christmas dishes, and any other important purchases you may need for the season. Likewise, you don’t have to limit your couponing to this season only—you can make it a habit for the rest of your life so you can find the best deals throughout the year and save a crazy amount of money all year long.

Try these ideas today so you can have a cheerful Christmas this year.

Are Necklaces In or Out?

Caleidoscope

November 24, 2021

Necklaces have the potential to bring forth memories of special people and special times in our lives. Necklaces can also bring almost any outfit together. According to a 2021 Vogue article, the coronavirus pandemic forcing us to work over platforms such as Zoom has led to a refreshing trend that is referred to as “waist-up dressing.”

This trend puts emphasis on accessories such as earrings and, you guessed it, trendy necklaces! While jewelry wasn’t something a lot of us bothered with most days in 2020, it’s definitely going to be making a comeback in 2021. Especially necklaces.

What kinds of necklaces are “in”?

According to a StyleCaster article from this year, to make up for our lost time out in the “real world” during the pandemic, 2021 is going to be the year of “over-accessorizing.” Therefore, it may be time to find the best looks for the last part of 2021. When it comes to necklaces, the top style magazines are predicting that pendant necklaces, beads, and pearls are going to be what’s popular this year.

Where can I find necklaces that are in style this season?

For cute necklaces in all the latest styles, check out Kendra Scott. Here, you’ll find naturally made luxurious jewelry at a low price in basically every style expected to be popular this season. From new arrivals like the Beaded Shiva Gold Charm Necklace to the Layton Gold Statement Necklace In Red Oyster to necklaces that give the impression of fringe (noted for being “in” this season by Vogue) like the Kingston Long Pendant Necklace in multiple colors—you’re sure to find something perfect for your taste to help you stand out.

Check out the best sellers’ page for a look into what is popular (particularly the cutest pendants) not only in necklaces, but also in earrings, rings, and bracelets. Or check out the new arrivals page to be on top of the next trend. Whether you’re looking for a gift or a new necklace for yourself, you’re sure to find women’s necklaces in all the latest styles here.

Bonus tip: if you sign up for the “insider” list by submitting your email address, you will get 15 percent off your first order sent to your email as well as updates on promotions and discounts.

Try the layered look

The “art of layering” is expected to be popular in the fall and winter months of 2021 both in the outfits and the jewelry, according to a The Zoe Report article from earlier this year. If you’re on a budget, this is fantastic news. You can just go through all your current jewelry and find pieces that are keeping with the trends and layer them for specific looks. Keep in mind that multiple sources are reporting that silver and pearls reign supreme this year and chokers should be “chunky.” For pops of color be sure to add fun beaded pieces as well.

Bonus tip: Kendra Scott’s collection not only has various elegant multi-strand necklaces, but this line also offers the “Layer It! Necklace Clasp In Gold” that allows for you to connect three necklaces together without getting them all tangled up (it’s genius!).

Try Etsy

Let’s be honest—you can’t really go wrong with the unique and fun looks available on Etsy. This is especially going to be true for unique beaded pieces, pearl looks on a budget, and statement pieces. This would also be a great place if you wanted something distinctive or quirky for a pendant piece or you need something simple but unique to complete your layered look.

Going Fishing? Use these 6 Tips For A Better Catch Rate

Cscope Staff

November 23, 2021

Fishing can be a fun and rewarding hobby, especially during times when schools of fish are all around you. But like any sport, it’s a skill you must hone to avoid the frustration of idle hours with no action. At times, the fish may appear to be only a castaway. You wait for them to come closer, but as your patience wears thin, you crank up the boat or paddle closer only to have them reappear seemingly at the spot you just left.

Before your next fishing trip, read up on these six tips for a better catch rate.

1. Fish Early or Late

One major way to catch more fish is to go out as early in the morning or as late in the evening as possible. These are the times when fish typically feed, so hypothetically, you’ll get more bites. If fishing on your own, the time to go out is up to you. But if you’re hiring a boat, most companies only operate during daylight hours. You’ll be limited to opening time to increase your catch rate.

2. Take Advantage of Technology

Electronic devices such as the HydroWave use a speaker to emit the sound of varying baitfish below the surface. This type of device can be effective at activating fish in certain conditions and feeding scenarios. Using such a device is better suited to deeper water. The key is learning when and where to use it.

Some seasoned anglers swear by the use of solunar fishing calendars, others scoff at it. The method involves fishing by moon phases. The theory is that fish are more active during strong tides. If you’ll be fishing in Florida or other places near the ocean, it’s a method certainly worth exploring. The strongest tides are during a new moon or a full moon. The sun and the moon pull in the same direction during a new moon and pull on either side of the planet during the full moon phase.

You’ll find lunar fishing calendars in most fishing magazines, and there are apps that can show the same information. Some anglers use a moonphase watch for data related to the tides. These watches come with varying prices and functions such as alarms and timers that come in handy while out on the water. They also make a handsome addition to your wardrobe while on land.

3. Read Local Fishing Reports

Even the most experienced anglers rely on online fishing reports, and if you’re a novice, this tactic is a must. The reports provide local information about yesterday’s catch, the species of fish caught, and what bait worked. Use the information to learn what species to fish for and the best bait to use. Set a goal for one type of fish. You’ll save time setting up new gear and more time actually fishing. This method will likely increase your catch rate.

4. Fish at a Hot Spot

You can expect to increase your catch rate by traveling to a “hot spot,” a place where fishing grounds have proven to have the highest population of fish. These spots are usually determined by devoted anglers after trial and error. The hot spots are often guarded secrets, but if you’re using a boat hire, ask for tips on where to go. Generally, you’ll find more fish around piers, rock formations, and steep drop-offs.

5. Slapping the Water

Slapping the water may seem silly, but makes perfect sense in theory, especially when hoping to reactivate a school of fish such as bass. That’s because the sound of slapping the water triggers a feeding response. If nothing more, slapping the water can put the fish in an aggressive mood. It’s a simple low-tech method that’s worthy of trying.

6. Making Waves

Anglers often rely on the waves of a boat doing donuts in the water or the wake produced from a passing boat to increase their catch rate. Make five or six rounds, return to idling and wait. Schools of fish will be rocked by the waves and break formation to leave the safety of the group.

Ruhaniyat – The live Sufi and Mystic Music Concert Across 8 Cities is Back!

Tasneem Sariya

November 22, 2021

‘Every soul became for me a musical note, and all life became music’- Hazrat Inayat Khan

All music is mesmerizing, but there is something almost divine and spiritual about Sufi and Mystic music. It is hard to not be enveloped in its pietism and get engulfed in its rhythm of words and music. There is enchantment, almost like magic, that stands like a still fog amongst the performers, as well as listeners. Well, if Sufi and Mystic music is your thing, then you would be happy to know that Banyan Tree’s flagship festival Ruhaniyat is back.

About Ruhaniyat

Ruhaniyat is a festival that features works of Sufi saints and Mystics from across the globe. The live concert has been drawing audiences year after year across 8 Indian cities. Banyan Tree Events with continued support of their National presenting partner TCS will bring Ruhaniyat, in its 21st year to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad in November- December 2021. This will be followed by Ahmedabad, Chennai and Pune in February 2022.

This year the Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata edition will see a very special guest artist group; the world-renowned Tuvan living legend Huun Huur Tu, from Republic of Tuva. Among the Indian artists are Ashupreet Kaur & group (Punjab), Rameshwari Devi & group (Uttarakhand), Parvathy Baul (West Bengal), Narh – the Ancient instrument of Mystic stories, Kachra Khan & group (Rajasthan), Prahlad Singh Tippaniya & group (Madhya Pradesh) Kinnara Katha (Telangana), Jogwa & Bharud by Radha Khude (Maharashtra) and of course, Qawwali.

Ruhaniyat-artists — Parvathy Baul and Huun Huur Tu

The artists for other editions include groups from all across India like Hemant Chauhan, Dhadhi Jattha, Kashmiri Kalams, Avadhoot Gandhi to name a few and guest artists like Louvat brothers from Belgium, Latif Bolat from Turkey, N’Faly Kouyate from Africa among others.

The Relevance of Ruhaniyat

The last few years have been challenging. With the pandemic and natural disasters, there has been pain, chaos, insecurity and anxiety. It has compelled us to ‘sit up and take a good look at what we call life, how it is changing, why it is changing the way it is, and, what is our role in all this.’

Attributes, such as compassion, corporation and humility are beginning to comfort the heart and mind. The whispers of the heart are being heard and as said by realized masters ‘”It is the realm of the heart that gives solace eventually; for, the heart knows”. TCS Ruhaniyat is back with the messages of such great masters once again. And yes, mystic and Sufi music has a way to connect with the whispers of the heart, the compassion of the soul and humility of the mind.

Also, the festival provides the bridge that ensures the living traditions; the unique aspects of our intangible heritage are nurtured. When you hear of the bliss the great realized masters, great mystics experience, the unconditional love they talk of, all boundaries seem to melt away, even if for a short while. In that sense Ruhaniyat is about world peace too.

The only festival of its kind, TCS Ruhaniyat is like a timely reminder of the human capacity to love, to nurture, to guide.

The Ruhaniyat audience

Ruhaniyat is loved by its audience. So what do the fans think of the festival?

‘It is more than a concert. It is an enriching experience emerging from the combined power of music and spirituality; opening the hearts, and minds of all witnessing it. As the works of great masters and mystics are brought to life by carriers of unique living traditions, they remind the listeners of the blissful path of spirituality, of the basic oneness of all beyond all man-made divides of class, caste, religion, race, language or nationality.’

A brain child of Mahesh Babu the festival is a much awaited event in India. The artists, curators are rearing to go and the audiences are waiting to be transported into another realm, to a world of love, harmony, peace, equilibrium and unity.

Ruhaniyat Schedule and Bookings

Mumbai: 27th & 28th November
New Delhi: 3rd December
Kolkata: 5th December
Bengaluru: 12th December
Hyderabad: 19th December
Chennai: 5th February 2022
Ahmedabad: 11th February 2022
Pune: 13th February 2022

Tickets will be available on: www.bookmyshow.com
Artist’s line–up can be found on: www.ruhaniyat.com

About Banyan Tree Events

Banyan Tree Events promotes the vast treasure troves of India’s performing arts. With an experience of more than 25 years it has been in the forefront of unique music and dance festivals of international standards. Some of their most notable national annual festivals include Barkha Ritu (All India Monsoon Music Festival travelling to 8 cities), Splendor of Masters (featuring all time greats from India and other countries, travelling to 3 cities) and Ruhaniyat.

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