Redefining the Concept of Luxury Living in Mumbai’s Luxury Apartments

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December 15, 2018

Having state-of-the-art facilities in your sea-facing apartment and waking up to the charismatic view of the sea, is a dream come true. Every house buyer wishes to own a luxury apartment which is a statement of a classy lifestyle and high social status. Mumbai is the most sought-after city when it comes to owning a luxury home. The demand for luxury apartments in Mumbai is increasing. To cater to these demands, the real estate tycoons are coming with a myriad range of luxury residential projects in Mumbai. The real estate developers are building new residential projects in South Mumbai. They are of various types such as penthouses, villas, bungalows, ultra-luxurious apartments etc.

If you are planning to buy a luxury apartment in Mumbai then look no further. We have listed out some prominent locations where you can think of buying a luxury apartment.

What is a luxury apartment?

A luxury apartment is the one which has high-end facilities, is in an upmarket locality and whose price ranges start from Rs. 1 Crore to more than 10 Crores and above. A luxury apartment has many unique features, which sets it apart from a regular apartment. They are as follows:

A luxury apartment is usually in an upscale neighbourhood. Having such a lavish flat in Mumbai works as an asset for you.
It has a high-end appearance. There are expansive looking kitchens, special quarters for house help, huge glass railing balconies, a gym or any specific onsite amenity.
Most luxurious apartments in Mumbai are 4 to 6 BHKs.
The space area of a luxury apartment is huge. High ceilings, master bathrooms, etc make the house look ginormous.
The construction materials and fittings used in the making of these houses are of top of the line quality.
These luxury homes are much more secure than a regular apartment. They have security installations such as emergency buzzers, intercoms, fire chutes etc.
Luxury homes also have energy-saving features such as solar generators.

Best areas in Mumbai to Buy a Luxury Flat

Here are some of the most prominent neighborhoods in Mumbai, which have luxury apartments.

Altamount Road

Altamount road in Tardeo is an upmarket locality which houses one of the wealthiest Indian of our country. Mukesh Ambani’s Antilla is nestled here in this hilltop area. Altamount Road runs parallel to Peddar Road, so it’s a give you peace and quiet from the bustling Peddar Road crowd.

Pali Hill

Pali hill in Bandra is named after the Pali Village. This place is a favorite of a lot of celebrities as they have their abodes here. Pali Hill also has some of the best-known restaurants in Mumbai.

Worli

The connectivity offered by the Bandra-Worli Sea Link makes Worli a sought after locality for luxury homes. Flats in Worli give you the chance of owning a sea-facing apartment.

Mumbai-luxury-apartments-01 — Image – Dinesh Valke via Flickr

Bandra Bandstand

Bandra is everyone’s favorite suburb. From shopping streets to lavish homes of Bollywood celebrities to the iconic Mount Mary’s Church, Bandra is the upbeat locality to live in. Bandra Bandstand offers you luxury homes with the best views of the Arabian Sea.

Powai

Powai is another favorite of home buyers. It houses many famous restaurants, pubs, reputed schools, lush gardens and also IIT Bombay. There are premium residential complexes offering some state of the art luxury homes. Powai Lake is at a stone’s throw away and has many visitors.

Cuffe Parade

Cuffe Parade is the business district of Mumbai. Famous business landmarks such as the World Trade Centre and Makers Tower are both situated here. Taj President Hotel is located here, so you will spot a lot of dignitaries and celebrities visiting the place. The shopping street of Colaba is just adjacent to Cuffe Parade and is frequented by many people.

Breach Candy

Breach Candy offers some of the most luxurious apartments in Mumbai. It is the only place in Mumbai which has a club equipped with a salt water pool. The Breach Candy Club is frequented by the elites of the city. This locality also has many reputed colleges and schools.

Everybody dreams of owning a house in such posh localities. These places are redefining what it is to live in a luxurious home.

A look at British Colonial Architecture in India – Part I

By

Tasneem Sariya

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December 4, 2018

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Fort William Church Kolkata,1866 – Wikimedia

India has a long history of being ruled by different empires, however, the British rule stands out for more than one reason. The British governed over the subcontinent for more than three hundred years. Their rule eventually ended with the Indian Independence in 1947, but the impact that the British Raj left over the country is in many ways still hard to shake off. Freedom came to India with a price. The price of years of struggle, countless men, women and children bearing the brunt of oppression and the political control of the masses by outsiders who didn’t quite understand or respect the internal dynamics of the nation for a long time. The British initially were more interested in using the rich resources of the colonized areas. However, it is understood that especially after the 1857 Mutiny they started taking a much keener interest in governance and social norms.

British-Colonial-Architecture-in-India-Parliament Delhi — Parliament Delhi – Roberta Romero via Flickr

British colonial architecture hence came into the picture the very instant that the British set shop in India. But over the years, the architectural styles evolved. From what started out as an all-out endeavor to mark superiority slowly changed into accepting and acknowledging the ‘Indian way’.

British-Colonial-Architecture-in-India — Lutyens Delhi Zoning – Source

And hence in spite of more than 70 years of Independence, there are many architectural structures in India that were actually built during the British colonial period. In fact, many remain as the major landmarks of the cities that they are built in and some such as the Parliament House in Delhi are administrative centers of the country. Most of New Delhi was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker and is the main seat of administrative and political governance of the country.

British-Colonial-Architecture-in-India-Victoria Memorial Kolkata — Victoria Memorial Kolkata, Photo by Martin Jernberg on Unsplash

So what does this really make us? What does it mean to know that though we are an independent nation, our strongest infrastructure and architectural planning have been given to us from the same regime that we tried to wade off for generations?

It is a tricky spot to be honest, however, a realistic and practical one. The British era is a part of the subcontinent’s long history and their influence is and will be seen on many societal, cultural and structural aspects. India as a nation has always been warmly and enthusiastically acceptable of other cultures and ideas and this is also another reason why many changes and features during the colonial rule have not been discarded or shunned away on the pretense of false pride or nationalism.

An overview of the British Colonial Architecture

One of the earliest architectural influences of the British colonial rule is seen on the churches. Gothic and neo-classical style was in rage and many of the structures in the Presidency of Bengal, Madras and Bombay became flag bearers of the opulent style of building. St. John’s Church, Fort William, Calcutta Cathedral in Kolkata or the Mutiny Memorial Church in Kanpur are some examples of the Gothic style of colonial architecture.

British-Colonial-Architecture-in-India-Rajabai-Clock-Tower-Mumbai — Image Source – Wikimedia

However, the constructors realized that the climate of the subcontinent did not always suit the architectural and raw material usage of the built structures. They slowly started to adapt to the climatic needs of the land, just like the Mughals had done earlier and began using the verandahs, blinds, screens, lattice work and so on.

After the Mutiny of 1857, Queen Victoria and Her Majesty’s Crown took over the administration of the India. The shift from being traders to rulers was also seen in the architecture of the regime which now started incorporating few Indian designs and motifs into its own style. There was a sort of architectural and construction boon since the mid nineteenth century that saw the building of various monuments, railway stations, rest houses, government buildings and so on. The Rajabai Clock Tower, Victoria Terminus, Bombay High Court in Mumbai and the grand Victoria Memorial in Kolkata are some of the many notable structures built during the late 19^th century.

British-Colonial-Architecture-in-India-Madras-High-Court-an-example-of-Indo-Saracenic-architecture — Madras High Court an example of Indo Saracenic architecture – Wikimedia

However, it was also during the late 19^th century that the Indo Saracenic architecture took its place in the colonial architectural history. Indo Saracenic architecture was in many ways a revival style which incorporated the British style along with many elements from the Mughal architecture as well as the Hindu temple architecture. The Chepauk Palace, Madras High Court and Chennai Central Station are some examples of the Indo Saracenic architecture. Others include the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, the Khalsa College in Amritsar, Mumbai GPO and many more.

British-Colonial-Architecture-in-India Chennai Central Station — Chennai Central Station – Arian Zwegers via Flickr

New Delhi is a classic example of early 20^th century colonial architecture. Sir Lutyens along with a group of architectures designed the main central administrative district of the city that till date stands and houses important buildings and residences of the political and administrative importance.

Cities of British Colonial Architecture

Many cities have some or the other influence of the colonial architecture. However, the cities that are landmarks of the British architectural history are Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Agra, Delhi, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Bhopal and Karachi.

British-Colonial-Architecture-in-India Lutyens Bungalow New Delhi — Lutyens Bungalow – rachaelvoorhees via Flickr

Over the years the names of many of the colonial structures have been changed to give them an Indian tone, however, the structure itself bears testimony to its period and age of construction. The British colonial era is a reality of the Indian subcontinent history and its architecture is an important and integral part of the nation’s past and present.

Continue to Read – Exploring Colonial Architecture in India – Part II

NataCampa – Back to the Roots of Indian Performing Arts

By

Cscope Staff

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December 4, 2018

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India is the land of some of the most expressive and elegant dances. Nritya is pretty much a part of our large cultural landscape with even those who do not understand much of it are mesmerized by its beats, its form and dedicated skill. Home to various dance forms, such as, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Manipuri and many more, Indian classical dances are spread across the length and breadth of the country, with every region known for its own distinct dance form.

Modern times has seen an influx of external influences on the classical dance forms, which are being adopted, practiced and popularized through various mediums, including films, social platforms etc. However, though integration and fusion is not necessarily always bad, the originality and authenticity of the art needs to be preserved and sustained. NataCampa is one such platform that encourages artists who are passionate and do not want to indulge in the commercial corruption of their art.

Etymology

Natas or dancers are the soul of the dance, expressing emotions, themes, ideas and stories through their dance form. The Champa is a common cream colored flower and used in temples, said to be Lord Krishna’s favorite, spread across Mount Kailash and also used to worship Lord Ganesha. The Champa plant can blossom even after it is uprooted and it is perhaps this very quality that signifies immortality and has made it popular even amongst Muslim and Christian graveyards and cemeteries. NataCampa thus as the name suggests, tries to bring back to its roots the different forms of performing arts, be it classical, semi-classical or folk dances.

What is NataCamp all about?

The idea behind NataCampa is to encourage and give true artists a platform to showcase their talent and skill. At the same time it also acts as the means to restore, preserve and encourage the different performing arts across the nation across the nation. Their main hashtag is #indiarerooted, reiterating their goal of focusing on Indian performing arts and making them available for audiences who understand and appreciate pure art and dance forms.

Nritya decoded

It needs much more than a few lines to understand the vast knowledge of dance forms. Natyashastra a Sanskrit text on performing arts was compiled by Sage Bharata Muni and dates back to 500BCE to 500CE. Most of the dance forms and performing arts have their roots and basic elements taken from here.

NataCampa offers on its platform short descriptions of the various elements of dance, ranging from bhava, abhinaya, vrtti, siddhi that are directly related to the dance or svara, aatodya, gaan, ranga related to the music, instruments and stage.

The pages also explain in short texts and visuals the essence of the different dance forms, such as, Manipuri, Kathak, Mohiniattam, Odissi, Ghoomar and many more.

The online platforms

NataCampa has its online presence on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. On these social media platforms, their pages are fraught with videos of different dance forms and performing artists. The videos are easily accessible and hence for art lovers NataCampa is the perfect one stop platform to browse, view and get tuned into the various different performing art forms.

The arts and artists

Presentations of artists of the different dance and performing arts are found on NataCampa’s various online platforms. From an artist performing on Rajasthani Folk to semi-classical, from the timeless Radha Krishna classical dance to a ghoomar performance the videos are a delight to watch for not only those who understand the finer details of the performing arts, but also, for novice watchers. There is the Urdu storytelling of Dastan-e-Saraswati as well as a Kathak rendition of the all-time popular Hindi song Lag ja Gale. Simply put, NataCampa offers the platform for performing artists whose art is rooted into the deep structure and form of Indian arts. It is an attempt to ‘reroot’ or make these art performances connect with the audiences in all the varied types of renditions, performances and artistic approaches.

Are you an artist interested in showcasing your art?

Artists who would like to have their videos uploaded on NataCampa’s platform can either contact them on their social media handles or email them at natachampa2018@gmail.com

Even those artist who cannot make a video of themselves, can send across their clippings to the NataCampa team keeping in mind that the content is original and unique.

NataCampa is a wonderful idea that aims at giving artist their due credit and limelight. A purely noncommercial project, the main purpose is to spread the love of the arts. In their own words, “NataCampa is a humble attempt to breathe back Indian aesthetics into dance and music. Be it in the classical, semi-classical of folk form, NataCampa aims to reinterpret the popular and commercial in a manner that roots us back into the ethos we originate from.”

The Lost Jewish Heritage of Goa

By

Caleidoscope

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November 23, 2018

22

In recent years and with growing ties between India and Israel, the ancient Jewish heritage of India has come into focus. India or rather the Indian sub-continent welcomed people of all faiths from around the world.

Among the first settlers of foreign faiths in India were members of Jewish tribes or followers of the Judaic faith.

Jewish Culture in India

Traces of Jewish heritage in India can be found in several states. India’s southern state Kerala has done well by preserving its ancient Jewish heritage. So have Maharashtra and Karnataka, along whose coast and ancient ports, Jewish settlers set their foot on India.

Sadly, Goa, which was once the largest settlement of Jews, has lost its Judaic heritage. The reason: Portuguese colonial rulers of Goa resorted to something called ‘inquisition’. Meaning they were intolerant towards Jews of Goa.

Thousands were burnt alive between the years 1560 to 1820 along with followers of other faiths.

Traces of Judaic Heritage of Goa

I began taking interest in Goa’s Judaic heritage for several reasons.

Books written by prominent historians clearly indicated the presence of large Jewish settlements in a place called Goapakapattna (present day Old Goa). A prominent landmark and popular tourist destination in Old Goa are the ruins of St. Augustine’s Tower.

Jewish-heritage-of-Goa-Velha_Goa — Velha Goa – Image via Wikimedia

Generally, visitors to these ruins are greeted with an eerie silence. Occasionally, one may see a snake slither away just inches away from your feet. Ancient artifacts, especially ruins of the structure have been carefully laid out by workers and historians from the Archeological Survey of India.

Indeed, I was lucky to get a coupon that offered discounted travel to Goa. Armed with a cheap air ticket and highly discounted hotel booked, I decided to fly to Goa and see for myself the lost Jewish heritage.

Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical about reports that had begun appearing in newspapers citing researchers that some sites in Goa were indeed of Judaic origin.

The flight from Mumbai to Goa lasted just about an hour. I was fascinated by the landscape of Goa, with its lush green rainforests and mountains as well as Portuguese style mansions that dot the road from Dabolim International Airport to Panjim, the state capital. The trip helped me to explore the Jewish heritage of Goa, something I identify myself with.

What History States

Ruins_of_the_Church_of_St_Augustine — Ruins of St. Augustine Church – Image via Wikimedia

According to ASI, the St. Augustine Tower complex was built by Augustinian Friars from Portugal between 1590 and 1600. At the time, Goapakapattana was a large settlement with a population estimated between 200,000 and 500,000.

Historians claim, the complex was abandoned during the inquisition of Goa by Portuguese rulers.

Another account states, the flourishing port city of Goapakapattana was deserted after a malaria epidemic that claimed thousands of life.

The outbreak was purportedly triggered by mosquitoes that bred in some 600 wells from which residents of this ancient city drew water. Portuguese rulers hence shifted their capital from Goapakapattana to Panjim.

Findings Indicate

My visit to St. Augustine’s Tower complex and study of Goa’s Jewish history however revealed some startling facts.

In the first place, the complex could never have been built by the Portuguese as claimed. The reasons:

Stones used in the construction of complex came from as far as Bijapur. Portuguese rulers could never have procured such stones from an enemy kingdom.
Carvings on some of these stones have nothing to do with Christianity. Some of these carvings are similar to those found at existing Jewish synagogues in Bulgaria.
Colored paintings on some walls inside the complex clearly indicate they are of Ethiopian Jewish origin. These decorative paintings are used till date in Ethiopia.
A large stone plaque depicts an eagle. The carving clearly shows the eagle carry a box containing the Torah, the holy text of Judaism, by its right claws.
A well or pool, similar to those found at Jewish synagogues exists inside the complex. Such wells are used till date in Israel and elsewhere for the traditional Bar Mikvah ceremony during which Jewish teenagers confirm their faith and circumcision.

St.-Augustine-complex-a-possible-mikveh — Gideon Avni visited the St. Augustine Complex, that might contain an Ancient Mikveh – Source

Other Evidence

Historian Jose Nicolau da Fonseca, in his book titled “A historical and archaeological sketch of the city of Goa,” talks about a street named ‘Rua de Judeas’ (Road of the Jews) located near the tower complex.

Goapakapattana was ruled by the Bijapur sultanate by Adel Shah Bahman, a ruler the Iranian Bahman dynasty. Adel Shah reportedly had Ethiopian and other African Jews in his military.

This would perhaps explain why St. Augustine tower housed a synagogue.

Adel Shah Bahman also had a Jewish admiral of Spanish origin, named Gaspar De Gama. Further, a Jewish family called Martins, who were ancient diamond merchants of their time, also lived in Goa.

A history of Goa’s inquisition reveals, the sister of famous Jewish botanist, Garcia de Horta, was burnt alive during the inquisition.

Possible Synagogues

Pre-Portuguse-Era,-Goa — Pre-Portuguse structure, of possibly Jewish origin – Source

Modern day historians and researchers into Goa’s Jewish heritage claim, several churches purportedly built by the Portuguese were indeed ancient Jewish synagogues.

The issue is however contentious. One such a researcher explained to me that converting a synagogue into a church was rather easy.

The Portuguese had scarce resources and hence, could not have built as many churches as they claimed. Hence, the best way to establish churches was by refurbishing existing synagogues, he explained.

He pointed out that a chapel in Siridao, Goa bears all evidence of being one such a synagogue.

Fate of Goa’s Jews

Inquisition-of-Goa — Procession of the Inquisition at Goa. Sketch shows the Chief Inquisitor, Dominican friars, Portuguese soldiers and religious criminals condemned to be burnt in a procession. Image via Wikimedia

My talks with modern day researchers into Goa’s Jewish heritage revealed one startling fact. That nobody knows for sure what happened to followers of Judaism who lived there in ancient times. There are several speculations though.

According to one school of thought, most Jewish soldiers and traders of Goapakapattana went to Bijapur along with Sultan Adel Shah Bahman. They settled in parts of Karnataka.

Others could have gone further south, to Kochi and other parts of Kerala, by sea.

Some researchers believe, a few Jews of ancient Goa were forced into embracing Roman Catholicism by Portuguese rulers. Those who did not were burnt alive at stakes.

There are claims that, the large bell that adorns the popular Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, commonly called Panjim Church, was rung whenever anyone was being burned alive as punishment for spurning conversion.

The bell was earlier housed in the Augustinian ruins Old Goa and later moved to Panjim.

In conclusion

There is ample historic evidence to prove that Jews lived in ancient Goa either as traders, civil servants of the highly secular Sultan Adel Shah Bahman and in his military.

In recent years, historians from Israel and elsewhere are taking increasing interest in tracing the lost Jewish heritage of Goa.

Nowadays, Goa ranks among the topmost destination for vacationers from Israel.

With more archeologists and historians taking interest in the ancient Jewish heritage of Goa, I wish that history of this tiny Indian state will be rewritten.

Fact Files

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/A-Jewish-past
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goa_Inquisition
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/
http://indiafacts.org/the-portuguese-inquisition-in-goa-a-brief-history/
http://www.jewishwikipedia.info/Goa.html
https://archive.org/stream

Author Bio – Win Honawar is a journalist and blogger based in Panjim, Goa. He has extensive experience in writing news, features and blogs and has worked in various countries across the world during his career spanning 28 plus years.

How to Do the Matsyasana Yoga (Fish pose), Its Meaning & Health Benefits

By

Caleidoscope

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November 22, 2018

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Matsyasana or the Fish pose has an interesting story behind it. The name of this asana comes from the Sanskrit language. The word Matsya means fish and the word asana means yoga asana or yoga posture. It is pronounced as mot see ahs ana. This yoga asana is practiced in the most authentic way in 200 hour yoga teacher training in India.

According to the Hindu mythology, Matsya was actually an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu is known as the preserver or the one who saves the Universe. It is believed that a massive flood was going to wash away all of the Earth because it had become corrupt. This is because Lord Vishnu incarnated as a fish known as Matsya and helped in transporting all the saints and sages to safety. He also ensured that wisdom was preserved through the entire process. This yoga asana is practiced to instil focus and resilience whenever a person feels out of balance similar to the time when Matsya came to restore balance between the Earth and the sea.

Why Matsyasana?

This yoga asana is actually practices to increase focus and resilience in a person. Anytime a person feels unsure or shaken due to any problem, this asana works wonders. Legs are supposed to be grounded till the point your legs feel firmly and deeply fixed on the ground. This helps in lifting the chest area and also helps in the breath to become more deep. This yoga pose will make your back and stomach stronger than ever. Similar to all the back bending yoga postures, this asana helps to lighten up the mood and reduces the anxiety.

This yoga asana is considered to work like a relaxing and refreshing break that helps in grounding you and waking you up. You will weigh more energize and full of life once you practice it regularly. You can do this asana even at work by creating some movements similar to the Matsyasana. Desk job can make your spine round due to sitting all day in one position. You can reverse the imprints of your posture while sitting on your seat.

How to Do Matsyasana?

Begin by lying straight and flat on your back while making sure that both your legs are kept close to each other and your arms on the side of your body.
Place both of your palms under your buttock in a way that your palms face in the direction of the ground. Now bring both your elbows together so that they comes closer to your waist.
Cross both of our legs with each other while making sure that they touch your torso and your thighs. Make sure that your knees are placed flat on the floor.
Take a deep breath in and lift up your chest in a way that your head is lifted as well. Make sure that your crown is touching the floor.
Remember to ensure that the entire weight of your body rests on your elbows and not on your head. While you lift your chest, pressurize your shoulder blades in a light manner.
Stay in this position till the time you feel comfortable while breathing in the right way.
Exhale while you let go off this position. Do this by first lifting your head and subsequently dropping your chest on the ground. Separate your legs and bring them in the normal resting position.

Benefits of Matsyasana

Out of the many amazing benefits of the Matsyasana, some of the best are:

This yoga asana helps in improving the nutrient absorption. It also helps in stretching the chest area and the neck area while releasing tension in these regions.
It helps in getting rid of all the respiratory problems because with its regular practice, a person learns how to breathe properly.
It helps in strengthening and toning the pituitary gland, pineal gland or the third eye and the parathyroid.
It helps in effectively stretching the back region and also helps in toning of that region. All the strain gets relieved from the back as a result of doing this yoga asana every day.
The muscles of the upper back and the neck region get stronger as a result of practicing this yoga asana every day.
The hip flexor muscles get a good stretch situated between the ribs with the regular practice of this yoga asana.
All the muscles situated in the front of the neck region and abdomen area get activated with the help of this yoga asana.
The digestive tract and the throat of a person get a good massage with everyday practice of this asana.
This yoga asana helps greatly in improving the correct posture of a person.
This asana can help in getting rid of all the disease mentioned below:

Constipation
Anxiety
Tiredness
Backache
Menstrual problems
Respiratory problems

Precautions & Considerations

There are some precautions and contradictions of this yoga asana that must be followed. They are as the following:

It is best to stay away from this posture on the off chance that you experience the ill effects of high or low circulatory strain (blood pressure problems).
Likewise, patients with a sleeping disorder and headache are requested to stay away from practicing the Fish Pose.
On the off chance that you have had any kind of back damage, it is emphatically suggested that you keep away from this asana.

Beginner’s Tip

If you are a beginner then it is quite possible that you might feel some kind of strain in your back and your neck when you start practicing this asana. To make sure that this does not happen, bring down your chest region in a marginal direction or you can put a cover on your head till the time you begin to feel comfortable while doing this asana.

4 “Must do” Things in Kodaikanal

By

Caleidoscope

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November 20, 2018

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Often known as Kodai, this place has never failed to seize every traveller’s mind with its ethereal beauty. This beauty of the Southern province of India has a lot to offer to its visitors, from picturesque hills to serene lakes, the possibilities are literally endless. Gifted with striking natural beauty, reaching this place via flights is easier than you thought. Book a flight to Madurai and then take a few hours more journeys to reach the beautiful land with amazing trekking routes and waterfalls.

In this article, we are going to be sharing some of the best things to do while you are visiting Kodaikanal.

Visit the Kodai’s lake

Situated just in the middle of the Kodaikanal city, encompassed between the virgin forests of the Palani hills, the Kodai lake is a must visit when in Kodaikanal. It is possibly the most popular tourist spots in the area and if you are visiting during the summers, just be assured to be enthralled by the beauty of the flowers and the boat pageant events around. Looking at the entire place around on the body is possibly the highlight that you simply can’t afford missing out on.

Visit the Silent Valley View at the Echo Point

If you are a nature lover, visiting the silent valley view at the echo point must be in your itinerary. The enticing panoramic beauty and view of the entire place around are just too good to miss out on. Combine this amazing view with the lush greenery and the calmer atmosphere around you and you are surely going to be mesmerized with the place. Since the valley, for the most part, is covered in mist, the best time visit is either during the early morning or during the late afternoons.

Try some photography at Berijam Lake

Hidden between the dense forest of the Palani hills, the berajim lake is a treat for every photographer and nature lover. The lake is surrounded by a thick blanket of acacia as well as pine trees and is encompassed with picturesque views of the entire landscape. Not just that, even the lake has rich habitats of flora and fauna which just adds to the beauty for every photographer. Just consult the authorities there and get your forest pass and you are all ready to enjoy the amazing beauty of the place.

See the Glass House located at the Bryant Park

http://www.thewhatsupguy.in/2014/06/Bryant-Park-Kodaikanal.html — Image – Thewhatsupguy.in

When in Kodaikanal, visiting the Bryant Park is a must do. But what makes the experience even more riveting is when you go to see the glass house of the Bryant park. It is an exhibit for some of the most beautiful flowers including orchids, ferns and even some of the most exotic plants. The entire park is just a recluse for every nature lover which nobody can just miss out on.

Greensole – Paving the Way for Sustainable Footwear

By

Cscope Staff

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November 19, 2018

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One of the tabs on Greensole’s website reads, ‘Did you know?’, and furnishes some awakening statistics. Every year 350 million shoes are discarded worldwide and according to a WHO report 1.5 billion people are infected by diseases that can be prevented by wearing shoes or proper footwear.

This information alone is an eye opener and highlights the equation between the have and have not of our society. And hence came forth the wonderful concept of Greensole founded in 2013 by Shriyans Bhandari and Ramesh Dhami, a business model which seeks to ‘To contribute to the social good, by creating a self-sustaining infrastructure that facilitates the provision of the basic necessity of footwear to everyone, forever…’ They started by providing 50,000 people in need of footwear across villages of India and today boast of some fantastic achievements, such as, crossing one lakh footwear in 2018, estimating 360,000 of CO2 emissions saved (LBS)and dreaming that no under-served is barefoot in the World by 2023.

How did it begin?

Both the founders of the company, as athletes found the need to discard about 3-4 expensive sports shoes each year because of wear and tear. This led them to brainstorm an idea wherein the discarded shoes could be refurbished and recycled into slippers that could be distributed to those in need of footwear. At the same time, it had a positive effect on the environment, by keeping the disposed shoes away from landfills and thus reducing the carbon emissions significantly.

How does it work?

The discarded shoes are taken to the manufacturing unit in Mumbai where they are dissembled. The soles of the disposed shoes are used as the base in slippers, the lacing and outer shoe used to make straps and more.

Why providing footwear is important?

According to UNESCO and WHO 1.5 billion people contract various diseases by walking barefoot. The Hookworm Infection is when the larvae penetrates into the skin of the foot and can migrate to the lungs. Other diseases that are associated with walking barefoot, include, stongyloidiasis, tungiasis, creeping eruption and tetanus. Besides, injuries to the foot or being bitten or stung by animals are a common resultant of being barefoot.

In India, in the many thousands of villages, buying a decent pair of shoes remains an unnecessary indulgence. This is most prominent in schools, where children usually wear hand down shoes of older siblings and a new pair of footwear is rarely given priority over meals, uniforms and books. Children in villages help parents in the fields and doing so barefoot can have its undue consequences.

Also, many children walk for 4-5 kilometers to reach their school highlighting all the more the need of proper footwear.

Bridging the gap

The founders of Greensole have to be congratulated on building a sustainable business model that gives equal importance to the social and environmental impact. Collecting discarded shoes and recycling them leads to less strain on the environment and generates employment by engaging people in the manufacturing units. However, the idea just does not stop here and in fact takes the initiative a large step ahead. The trendy recycled slippers are not only sold to potential buyers thereby generating a profitable business but are also donated to the hundreds of children and people in villages who would never have gone out of their way to buy a pair of slippers for themselves. This merger of a successful business model seamlessly merged with a social responsibility that not many people would think of merits applause and support.

Shriyans, Ramesh and their entire team have managed to grow a business excellently balancing the social, environmental and economic aspects. Having partnered with multiple businesses under CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), as well as through donations and the sale of their refurbished slippers, Greensole in its own words is here to ‘Donate Walks’.

With encouraging words, from Ratan Tata, Barack Obama and Anuj Puri as well as being featured on multiple platforms, such as, BBC, Forbes and Vogue India, Greensole provides an easy eco-friendly footwear option for users, who are waking up to trying to do their bit for the environment and society at large.

What can you do?

Next time you want to discard your used shoes think before throwing them in the bin. Instead donate a pair to Greensole or find out the nearest collection center.

You can also help the cause by buying your new slippers or shoes online from Greensole.

Companies and startups like Greensole stir our conscious a bit and make us sit and take notice of things we at some point have started shoving in our subconscious mind. It also paves way, in showing youngsters and business enthusiasts on how to balance fulfilling a social cause with a sustainable environment and economic approach.

Everything You Need to Know About Indian Kurtis

By

Caleidoscope

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November 13, 2018

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Many people may have heard of the Indian Kurtis but may not know where it originated from. Every person should at least have a brief history of the Kurtis. It was called the daughter of the traditional long Kurta that was used in the past back in northern India. Over the years, it has spread and become part of the world. Kurta originated from standard long shirts which were worn in Northern India.

In the Western countries, the tunic was worn for some religious and traditional ceremonies with cloak beneath it. Many industries have emerged due to the spread of the Indian Kurtis and it has resulted in job employment and development of infrastructure all over the great country of India. This popular garment is made up of fabric and the amazing thing with it is that any fabric can be used to make this wonderful garment. Many leading manufacturers of this garment usually do it according to the latest fashion trends that will suit the needs of the customer since everybody likes to be in the newest fashion in town.

Importance of the Indian Kurtis

Some people may tend to buy the Indian Kurtis but may not know the appropriate uses/when to wear it or where to wear it and from where to buy it. You can buy it from stylecaret.

The following is a brief about the different uses of Indian Kurtis:

FESTIVAL GARMENT- Indian Kurtis is used as a festival garment and worn during various festive seasons. So if you are in a festive season and you don’t have any garment to wear, consider Indian Kurtis and it will give you the perfect outlook on that memorable festival season.

OFFICE WEAR- many people are used to going to offices with skirts and blouses but this popular type of garment known as the Indian Kurtis will be fitting for your office work.

CASUAL WEAR- most people prefer to wear jeans as their casual wear but the Indian Kurtis is the most appropriate garment to wear as your casual garment since it helps you feel free and able to walk around when you are happy and relaxed. Try it today and you will definitely get a new nice experience.

Varieties of Indian Kurtis

Many people may tend to think that there is only one type of Indian Kurtis and they are absolutely wrong since there are various varieties of this popular garment.

The varieties include:

Chiffon designer
Chiffon beaded
Georgette designer
Georgette beaded

Kurti Styles & Design

Kurtis may come in different styles and designs in order to present that magnificent look that one may deserve while wearing the garment.

The following are some of the styles in which Kurtis may come in

PRINTED KURTIS- this Kurtis contain printed images of things such as beautiful flowers, dots or even some presentable dots.

FLARED KURTIS- these are Kurtis which form a certain shape at the base presenting that excellent look

LONG KURTIS-this type of design is the one which goes beyond the knees and perhaps may reach the toes or even the angle. This type of Kurtis is preferred by older women who don’t like short clothes.

STRAIGHT KURTIS- this type of Kurtis are usually straight in nature with no cures and don’t form any shape at the base. They are just straight in nature. They are preferred for office work.

Latest Kurtis Design

As a matter of fact most people want the latest fashion designs so as to rhyme with their peers. The manufacturing industries are doing their best to manufacture latest designs so as to sustain their endless market and demands from their customers.

The following are the latest designs of Indian Kurtis in the market:

EMBROIDED JACKET DESIGN- this design is basically a long Kurtis and it is like a jacket.

This design is popular mainly among the young generation.

KITE DESIGN- this garment is basically triangular in shape and can be made from cotton or fabric.

It is fitting up to the waist then it spreads giving that elegant shape of a kite.

This design is selling in the market like hot cake.

SIDE LAYERED KURTI-this type of Kurti is made up from the georgette material. It gives a straight line on one of the sides. This garment also has a top which looks like that of a coat and it has long sleeves. It also has the popular semi-necklace design. This design is also popular despite the fact of it emerging only this year.

BROCKED LAYERED- this marvelous type of garment is made up from pure silk. It contains the brocket layering in the knee part and gives a new pattern. It is appropriate for special occasions. Moreover, it contains long sleeves. This type of garment is gotten from a traditional type of dress

DHOTI STYLE-this type of garment improves your style standard. It is made up of silk. The lower part of the dress is made up from georgette material. It contains some golden decorations on the front. It is mainly worn in parties.

SINGLE SHOLDER- this design is very common in teens and the youth. It is made up of silk material. Given a wrap design that forms layers from the shoulder towards the opposite side. It has the single shoulder design spicing up to its beauty.

Navy Raw Design

According to research, this is the recent design in the market and everybody is rushing to purchase it while stock lasts. It is made of silk. It has horizontal lines which are usually in 3 colors. In the base, there is a golden lace. It contains a dress look. It is fitting at the waist.

Buying the Kurtis Online

One can purchase the garments online via different sites like stylecaret at an affordable price since the shop may be too far from your location. Once you buy the garment it is delivered right at your door step and you pay for it on delivery. They come in different sizes and materials in which you can choose from. Buying online is relatively cheap than buying from a shop.

Turmeric – The Flawless Flavor of Indian Culture

By

Tasneem Sariya

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November 5, 2018

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turmeric-in-Indian-culture — Image – Pixabay

It is surprising how some things exist for centuries and are part of our everyday existence, but we only wake up to its full potential when shaken from our slumber. Turmeric or Haldi is one such Indian kitchen/social/religious ingredient that has for years been a vital part of the Indian culture, adding color and flavors into all that it is poured into. The West, however, has adopted its benefits only recently yet in our homes turmeric has always been around, the humble yellow powder used for myriad utilities.

Indian culture many a times throws up surprises that are hard to understand. Though the world at large is recognizing many of our cultural and traditional nuances, these have in fact been the very fabric of our social and individual lives. Yet, it is somewhat astonishing to figure out the history of how a simple inconspicuous turmeric plant could have been woven so intricately into our culture and homes that it has somehow seeped into our subconscious mind, groveling in our being but never superseding or overtly exerting its supremacy, worth and value.

Usage of Turmeric

haldi-ceremony — Image – Aritra Sen Via Flickr

Turmeric, the word, is a Sanskrit synonym for yellow color and has been cited in many Sanskrit texts dating back to the 4^th and 5^th century. Used in Ayurveda medicines as well as known to be a household remedy for many ailments, ranging from a simple cough and cold to treating wounds and jaundice, turmeric has many medicinal uses and often works as an anti-infection dose.

Turmeric curcumin benefits are many Cosmetically haldi is deemed as a perfect product for skin related ailments as well as for beautifying and nourishing the skin. Women over generations have used turmeric paste over their faces and hands and today many cosmetic products incorporate turmeric into toothpastes, face washes and shampoos.

In fact it would not be too far-fetched to say that turmeric as medicine can be applied or used for just about everything. Apply it on a burn, on an acne, wound or drink it with water for indigestion, bloating or intestinal troubles. Blend it with milk to curb the nagging throat pain or add it while boiling or cooking your favorite non veg dish to get rid of any infectant.

Besides, turmeric is the most staple spice ingredient that goes into practically all dishes while cooking. Also called the healer’s spice it adds a simple yet essential taste to any platter, always playing the double role of providing the perfect pinch in taste, color as well as giving the food its nutritional and curative touch.

Cultural usage

However, culturally the usage of turmeric is far more than a kitchen spice or medicinal plant. It is also deemed auspicious and before weddings the groom and bride across many religions are often smeared with haldi paste. During the wedding a string dyed in turmeric paste, called the mangalsutra is worn around the neck of the bride, an indication of her being married. Robes of the Buddhist monks are also dyed in turmeric, whereas invitation cards from Hindus usually have a mark of haldi when sharing some happy news.

Haldi_Mangalsutra — Image – Strandofsilk

It is also believed that turmeric was first grown to help tribes transitioning into agriculture to use in decorative masks, weaving and drawing deities.

Hence the significance of turmeric in Indian culture has always been attached to its sacredness and good omen and has a huge bearing on the culture and social traditions of society. In fact, besides haldi, there are many other foods and ingredients that are believed to be auspicious and influence the culture of the land – for example, eating curd and sugar before venturing for an exam, interview or any new endeavor, sprinkling saffron or kesar on wedding cards, cracking a coconut while beginning something new and so on. However, out of the many superstitions and beliefs, very few really can be explained to have a practical or pragmatic approach as much as haldi. Turmeric stands out racing ahead of the other foods with a religious or social significance, because its benefits are vastly accepted and to a certain point proven as well. Turmeric is made up of curcumin which has antioxidant properties and is anti- inflammatory. In fact studies have proved that the consumption of turmeric has had positive effects on diseases such as, arthritis, depression, and even cancer.

With more and more awareness being spread about the spice, more people have realized the importance of turmeric. And though turmeric has been a part of our lives since ever, it is good to know that it’s worth and importance is being recognized across the globe. At the same time, turmeric also essentially means much more to an Indian than just a spice that has many benefits, it is in fact as the author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni says in her novel, Mistress of Spices, “Turmeric the auspicious spice, placed on the heads of the newborns for luck, sprinkled over coconuts at pujas, rubbed into the borders of wedding saris.”

10 Unknown Facts of Ikat: The Magical Weave of India

By

Iti Tyagi

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November 5, 2018

0

These facts about Telia Rumaal (Puttpaka) ikat craft would blow your mind off, came from horse’s mouth (Padmashri Gajam Govardhana) and not available anywhere else:

The father of Telia Rumaal is Pendem Narasimhan who has developed this craft to what it is today by introducing concept of double ikat in Telia Rumaal, this legacy was taken over by Gajam Govardhan knowing that double ikat was on the verge of extinction!
The hanks and yarns has to be dipped in Sesame oil for minimum 21 days, post which without draining out it is put for resist dyeing based on the patterns designed on Graph and then put on the loom for weaving.
The reason why this oil was used as it has the natural character of maintaining warmth in cold weather and cool in warm climates. That is why this fabric was used as a Barter system for other materials with Arab countries and the Middle East. Telia Rumaal was used as the turban by all the men in the Middle East and one can see the ikat checks on the fabrics that has been used to be worn by travellers in deserts to beat the heat for days and months.
The tel (oil) treated fabric used to act as water repellent fabric for the fishermen and women working on sea shores (fishing), it also used to protect their skin from sea salt water. This was amongst the first water repellent fabrics invented ever!
The original telia rumaal had only three colours deep red (Maroon), Black & White, legend says that the red colours acted as an attraction to catch fish, whereas in contrast it used to save women and men from wild animals working in fields and jungles (colour theory has been used as a scientific method to protect from external sources).
Telia Rumaal acted as the uniform for all the staff members under Hyderabad Nizam Government, including members of court, police, civil servants and the part of Nizam Government. It was used as the differentiating factor amongst general public and government officials mainly.
The holy fabric of Ajmer Dargah Sharif is officially Telia Rumaal that is being draped on all the shrines at the Dargah Sharif of Ajmer city, this tradition is till date alive.
Today in the name of Telia Rumaal, people apply the oil on the loom itself while weaving that is not at all authentic, and the whole Andhra is selling these fakes in name of Telia Rumaal…Also now people use chemical colours instead of natural colours.
Last not least, it is the natural colour that is absorbed by the oil soaked yarns and interestingly no chemical dye can penetrate these oil soaked hanks, therefore making Telia Rumaal soaked in oil an authentic piece with Natural Colours.
Japan has championed Art of Indigo ikat which no body in the world has been able to copy so far!

Inputs provided by:
ITI TYAGI, Founder of CRAFT VILLAGE, India’s only social enterprise, works for the revival and up-liftment of crafts and craftsperson, through various awareness programs workshops and events.

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An overview of the British Colonial Architecture

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Etymology

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Beginner’s Tip

Visit the Kodai’s lake

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Try some photography at Berijam Lake

See the Glass House located at the Bryant Park

How did it begin?

How does it work?

Why providing footwear is important?

Bridging the gap

What can you do?

Importance of the Indian Kurtis

Varieties of Indian Kurtis

Kurti Styles & Design

Latest Kurtis Design

Navy Raw Design

Buying the Kurtis Online

Usage of Turmeric

Cultural usage

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