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The Love Hate Story of ‘Corsets’ – Indian Women Take A Quip

By
Caleidoscope
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0
Corsets-in-India
Image – Gryphus31 vi Flickr

India has a diverse culture. Every time we visit one of those 36 states and union territories, we find a distinct flavour at each place. For instance – Bengali women love wearing silk and cotton sarees. On the other hand, Kashmiri girls look stunning in vibrant Pherans and Tarangas.  But let me take it a little further today.

Traditional Indian women have held themselves back over the years but the current crop of young and confident Indian females like to take a quip at just about everything. From wearing western dresses to customary saris, denims, gowns and jumpsuits, they try it all as per the occasion. What’s more, they are even more liberal and finicky about what to wear beneath their shirts. Yes, I am talking about inner garments, lingerie and corsets. Techsci Research report predicts Indian lingerie market to grow at a CAGR of over 24% during 2018-2023, which is huge by any means.

There has been a growing demand of shape wears and corsets too. This is mainly because, 1- Indian women want to look good. 2- Corsets also provide medical benefits like supporting injured spine and regulating weight.

Current State –

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Image – Source

Luckily, corset trend in India is healthier. Unlike in the west, where a good chunk of women wear these to work and for leisure purposes, there isn’t a downright craze but it sure is catching up. A lot of it has to do with native culture, which defines women, a little conservative. Rather I think it’s a blessing in disguise. Just because corsets aren’t extensively used, I assume the Indian mind set is astute comparatively.

These are some of its benefits though –

  • Corsets make you look good and in shape
  • You look sexier. Corsets uplift your sagging breasts and hold excess tummy.
  • Relieve you from back pain and restore right posture
  • Corsets aid in waist training too, which is about rearranging the fat around the waist to look slimmer
  • Some sites also claim they help in subsiding weight and menstrual issues.

And since women like to experiment here, corsets are simply the best under cover fashion statement.

What’s the flip side?

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Image – Ben Alman via Flickr

Health professionals have a mixed opinion to its usage. They agree it might be the biggest social media fad to flaunt narrow waistlines and hourglass figures but corsets essentially should be worn with caution. One should be careful while choosing right size and material. Uneven and tight fittings can cause strains and rashes on the body. Same goes with the fabric. 

Health professionals have a mixed opinion to its usage. They agree it might be the biggest social media fad to flaunt narrow waistlines and hourglass figures but corsets essentially should be worn with caution. One should be careful while choosing right size and material. Uneven and tight fittings can cause strains and rashes on the body. Same goes with the fabric. Other potential dangers of aesthetic waist training include wasting of the abdominal muscles, breathing issues and even acid reflux if they’re too tight and worn for extended periods.

Corsets when worn, tightly hug the mid part, which leads to frequent sweating and water loss. Continued use for longer periods can trouble abdomen and liver. With that said, there’s no denying that gorgeous selfies and number of Instagram Likes trigger a feeling of happiness and well-being. And we know how big a reprieve that is. Fighting through modern day stress with those corsets, it all looks easy? Isn’t it?

Takeaways –

I remember Rolf Dobelli writing in The Art of Good Life. Happiness has 2 meanings, one is instant ecstasy and other one, more meaningful. Instant ecstasy is the joy you get when you put a piece of chocolate in your mouth. On the other side, to be able to keep a check on your health, is more meaningful.

Don’t hold yourself back. Try a bit of everything. But understand when and where to take it easy. Look good but stay healthy!

Broadening Horizons Through Education!

By
Rasika Soman
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0

Life-Education

It was only after my graduation I can say that I started doing what I love and from there this also formed a basis of my research interest and topic. Immediately after my graduation I started working as a Development facilitator with one of the renowned Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) in India. I still have vivid memory of my experience and the fact that I wish to share my experience itself makes it special for me. I could have never thought before my stint as a Development facilitator that Education could have so much impact on changing the entire life of the people. The meaning of education completely changed for me then. I realized that education was not only limited to knowledge based classroom education but could bring happiness and cheerfulness in the life of the people. Most importantly it could make them happy, empowered and independent.

My role as a Development facilitator for this NGO was really challenging and also interesting. I worked for a Sustainable Livelihood programme which involved educating the uneducated and marginalized youth from the slums and giving them an entire new life. My challenge used to start from mobilizing this youth from the slum and poor pockets of Mumbai and convincing them and their family to educate themselves so as to live a better life ahead. Every day was a totally different experience when we went for mobilizing. Some families wanted to get their child educated while some families did not. Most of the families did not. I found that there was ignorance, no motivation to live a happy life because of non-fulfillment of daily necessities and no purpose. It was found that these people needed more of life skills and motivation building than classroom education.

However, after rounds of walking and convincing people in these slums, we finally managed to get a classroom full of students. With different backgrounds of these students in my class, the problem was only one- they had no motivation to live life. This lack of motivation of theirs actually motivated me and made me curious to know about their problems. It was definitely not easy for me to solve their problems and to know about them very soon. I was a teacher who was energetic, motivated and curious to teach and change lives whereas my students were in abject poverty, going through a lot of sufferings through home, yet pushing themselves to come to my class. Inspite of all these sufferings. I used to train them in communication skills and other vocations education courses and then came the time to teach them life skills!

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LABS-S

Since they came from marginalized communities and from slums, life skills for them was not only a lesson to be taught but it really had a practical significance in their lives. While teaching them life skills I was not sure whether they would take it positively and whether it would work. I was however surprised to know that the life skills which included modules on building confidence and self-esteem, looking positively towards things, importance of learning etc motivated these students to learn and stay in the class for the whole upcoming sessions. The ignorance and worries on their forehead would turn to inquisitiveness and curiosity when I used to teach them these modules.

The whole aim of this sustainable livelihoods program was to make them self-reliant and independent by giving them employment and work to do. The experience of teaching them the work readiness module so as to get them ready for work was altogether a new experience for me. They did not know anything about work and office and therefore it was very thrilling experience for me to teach them about work and office skills in general. This training of me giving them the work readiness module really energized them to work hard and therefore it was very energetic for me to train them on new skills so that they can work and make themselves self-reliant. This employment of him changed his entire life. It gave him fulfillment and a direction to his career in the retail industry.

When he had come in my class he did not know about anything. He was very naive and his English was very weak. However, I had some feeling that there is something in this person and therefore I used to train him separately. I was thrilled to know that he passed his interview very well and was placed in the company. These students who could change their lives by getting a job and supporting their families made the experience all the more fruitful and worth remembering. I realized from this program that in developing countries like India the meaning of sustainable livelihoods is realized in its full potential when a person can actually support himself and be empowered. Hope I can build livelihoods of many other people like this one.

Image – Pixabay.

Evolution of Indian Fashion Industry through the Social Fabrics

By
Caleidoscope
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0

Author – Harsh S

From salwar kameez to denim to high street fashion, Indian fashion industry has gone through leaps and bounds. Fashion is all about style and elegance which undergoes constant evolution. The changes in the fashion trends usually reflect the political and social scenario across of several nations. Interestingly, various reports suggest that fashion as a cultural practice was first recorded in the western world during the late fifteenth century. This artistic practice was exclusively reserved for the aristocrats and royals at that time. In India, the transformation has not been that drastic as compared to the western nations. This can be owed to the various traditional beliefs and customs held by a majority of Indian women. In this context, it is interesting to note that with changing times; even the most traditional apparels have been improvised to render them an urban look without compromising on the tradition.

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Indian Fashion Trends – Source : Luxemi2.rssing.com

A deep insight into the fashion industry of India

The fashion industry in India has registered tremendous growth over the years. This growth can be attributed to the influence cast by the western fashion industries. As per a report by the Indian Brand Equity Foundation, India is the second largest exporter regarding clothing and textile in the world. Quite interestingly, the apparel and textile industry in India would worth more than USD 145 billion by the end of 2021.

Other factors would propel its growth significantly. For instance, elements like increasing penetration of organized retail and rising income levels are expected to drive the growth of the Indian fashion industry in years to come. On the other side, the increasing proliferation of smartphones has made it easy for the fashion industry to attract and retain customers. In this context, it is interesting to note that the market for women’s fashion wear is quite lucrative. Even the international fashion brands and houses are leveraging on women fashion to register growth.

Fashion During the British Regime

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Woman in Choli Ca. 1872. Via Wikimedia

After the arrival of the British in India, the fashion trends registered a drastic change. It is interesting to note that the Indian population got influenced by the costumes and dresses worn by the British rulers. In this context, it is worthwhile to note that during the British regime in India, the seeds of early fashion revolution are placed. Men turned their attention to sports suits. Women during that time were traditional, and due to this, they could not dare to jump to western dresses. However, the alterations were visible in the women attire in the form of Cholis. Quite phenomenally, with the arrival of British fashion in India, a large number of other European fashion trends started to invade the Indian market. This had a direct impact on the Indian fashion industry and is responsible for its evolution. Here is the list of phrases that are responsible for the development of fashion industry in India.

The Roaring Period of the 1920s

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Indian Fashion Trends in 1920s – Source

This decade is also known by the name of Charleston Era in the Indian fashion world. Quite importantly, this phase is also known by the name of Modern Era in the fashion industry. It is that era when the women discarded restricted fashions and moved over to comfortable and daring clothes. Clothes such as skirts and trousers became prevalent among the upper echelons of the Indian society. On the other hand, the Cholis started sporting a bright look which best resembled the Charleston Dresses. At this period of time, the sarees were made with Georgette and Chinese silk. In other words, during this phase, the women started to sport bold dresses. 

The Period after the Wall Street Crash

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Image Source

The Wall Street crash during the late 1930s had a direct impact on the Indian fashion industry. The suits that were worn by Indian men now came with belt loops. In other words, during this phase, the Indian fashion industry once again underwent a considerable alteration. The fashion trends prevalent among the Indian women depicted a massive change in the dresses. The blouses that were being worn by the Indian women now have padded shoulders. Silk sarees were preferred more than the cotton sarees. The gowns worn with sarees also sported a different look. During this period, they have shorter sleeves which made them increasingly demanding.

The Turning Point in the Indian Fashion World

The introduction of the miniskirt created ripples in fashion industries around the world. However, due to the presence of traditions in the Indian society, the Indian women could not wear miniskirts. However, they invented a manner in which the miniskirts can be made more traditional in the form of Salwar Kameez. The Kameez rose a few inches above the knee upwards. Quite interestingly, during this same time, the other dress materials like nylon achieved prominence. It is so because nylons are usually crease proof and are easy to wash.

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Image Source

By the time the 2000s arrived, the salwar kameez again underwent remarkable change. Its new variant came to be known as Kurtis.  Hence, it is quite evident that the Indian fashion scenario has undergone fantastic metamorphosis. Another interesting fact that can be mentioned in this context is that the traditions and customs of the society also play a pivotal role in the evolution of fashion industry. Irrespective of how Indian men and women chose to dress, one thing is quite clear. The Indian fashion industry would continue to evolve in the future too.

Tips to Create an Early Morning Exercise Routine Habit

By
Caleidoscope
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0

early-morning-exercise-habit

As adults, by this stage in our lives, we all are already well aware of the importance of a balanced diet and consistent, regular exercise both have on our lives. We know that we’ll be happier, that we’ll physically and emotionally feel better, and that without a doubt, we will be healthier.

And yet, for whatever reason, so many of us continue to disregard this advice — what our parents have told us since we were little and what our physicians have advised us for all of our adult lives — and as a result, we are unhealthy. We don’t feel well, we’re overweight, and for some of us, we have some pretty scary health repercussions that will only worsen in time if we don’t get our act together.

I won’t speak to the diet side of the equation and will instead devote the rest of my space here to talking about the importance of creating an exercise routine that you consistently maintain. While I can’t give you any additional hours in the day — don’t we all wish that we had a 25th or even a 26th hour on some days? — I can help give you points of advice that’ll help lead you down a direction that’ll enable you to create a routine you can stick with.

Below, I’ll describe in some detail tips to help you create an early morning exercise habit.

The tips include the following:

First and foremost: get medical clearance.

Before you jump into exercising, perhaps for the first time in a long time or the first time ever in your life, it’s imperative that you first speak with your physician or medical professional. If you haven’t had a physical in a while, you’ll want to do that, too, just to be safe. It’ll be good to get your baseline values for your various vitals, and having a physical will enable you to have a face-to-face conversation with a medical professional and address any of your fears or concerns you have about working out. Plus, you’ll probably get some screenings done that’ll help ensure that there’s nothing nefarious going on in your insides that you aren’t aware of. It may seem like overkill, but honestly, I think it’s better to be safe than sorry with this stuff.

Prepare your morning needs before you retire.

It is really tedious, I know, but if you’re developing an early morning exercise routine for the first time in your life, it’ll be so important for you to minimize the guesswork and to remove as much of the timesuck from the equation that you can. What does this mean, exactly, you may be asking? Simple: prepare everything you need for your new morning routine at night the day before, before you drift off to Dream Land. This includes preparing your workout clothes, from your shoes all the way up to your shirt (and everything in between); getting your work clothes ready; having your coffee ready to go and any pre-workout snacks or breakfast; and finally, having the important stuff, like your keys, wallet, or phone ready to grab. When you’re waking up earlier than usual, you’ll initially find that you’re going to feel pretty groggy and disoriented, and you don’t want to waste time poking around for a runaway sock or your keys when you could be (read: should be) already exercising. Preparing everything before you go to bed will essentially allow you to wake up and autopilot.

Get in bed at least 15 minutes earlier than usual.

When you’re going to be waking up significantly earlier than you’re accustomed to, logic would follow that you should also be going to bed earlier than you’re accustomed to, as well. Even if you’re not tired, it’ll still be important for you to get in bed and at least begin to unwind. Once you get into the routine of waking up early and exercising, your body will probably come to crave an earlier-than-usual bedtime, too. It may not feel that way right off the bat, but it will, in time.

Minimize or eliminate electronics in bed. Get some zzzs for real!

We’re all guilty of getting into bed, feeling “so tired,” and then wasting an hour+ online, browsing social media or doing work. Again, when you’re going to be getting up much earlier than usual to exercise, sleep takes on an even greater importance. Most people incorrectly assume that you make all your fitness gains during the heat of the moment, when you’re actually running miles or lifting weights or rowing or whatever. In reality, your body makes the fitness adaptations — the “gains,” so to speak — when your body is at rest, asleep, when your endocrine system can release the appropriate hormones into your bloodstream. That said, not only is sleep important for your physiological and psychological health, it’s also important so you can actually get fitter and healthier — which is probably the reason you’re doing this stuff anyway, right? If you’re not tired when you get in bed, read a book, an actual, hard-copy book. Don’t waste away online.

Get a buddy; it’ll be more fun that way!

Finally, in the morning, one of the best ways that you can ensure that you’ll actually follow-through on your early morning exercise routine endeavors is by enlisting the help and camaraderie of other people. Chances are high that you probably have a friend, colleague, family member, or neighbor who’d also like to work out; it’s honestly so much more fun with another! You two can cheer each other on when things get tough, and more than anything, you’ll be able to be accountable to each other, too. You probably don’t want to be known as being the person who stands-up his friend on the street corner in the freezing cold simply because you didn’t “want to” go workout, right? Sometimes knowing that someone else is out there, waiting for you, is enough of an impetus to get up and get moving.

The aforementioned tips are just a handful of ways that you can create an early morning exercise habit. Motivation will only take you so far; what the real secret is lies in creating systems and putting them into motion that’ll make it hard for you to fail.

AUTHOR’S BIO: JANE GRATES
A vegan and a certified runner. Performing at the nexus of aesthetics to express ideas through design.

8 Best Gifts for Kid Guitar Players

By
Caleidoscope
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0

Guitar-Gift-for-KidsLearning to play the guitar is wonderful. But studies have consistently shown how good learning music can be for children. It has plenty of benefits from simple enjoyment to cognitive improvements. Therefore, you should consider encouraging your child’s guitar enthusiasm at all times.

If you do have a budging guitar player in your family, a little gift can be inspiring and motivational. Here are eight gifts for kid guitar players.

A child-friendly guitar

Depending on the kid’s age, it’s important that they have a guitar that’s comfortable to hold and easy to play at that age. Adult guitars are not a good option for kids, as they can be clumsy to hold and to play. You can find a link to a discount voucher with Zanui right here: https://www.ozcodes.com.au/store/zanui/. The site has a great children’s guitar on sale right now.

A guitar pick maker

Guitar picks are an essential part of playing but they can be easy to lose or break. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money buying picks for your kid. Instead, you can purchase a guitar pick maker.

The machine looks, essentially, like a stapler and you can use it to create your own picks from different things. You can use old credit cards, loyalty cards and so on – your child doesn’t just get to have an endless stream of picks but also use his or her creativity while making them.

A guitar backpack

If your kid starting school soon, you might buy them a guitar backpack. You can find one at Attavanti.com – The guitar-shaped backpack is perfect for showing their love of music and carrying all the important school things. Of course, if your kid is taking guitar lessons, the backpack is perfect for carrying notes.

A book of chords

It’s important to practice playing the guitar as often as possible. For this, books with chords can be a fantastic idea and there are plenty on the market that are suitable for kids. Some books to keep in mind include:

  • Hal Leonard’s Rock Guitar for Kids
  • Faber Music, John Longworth and Nick Walker’s Guitar Basics
  • Wise Publication’s The Complete Guitar Player Children’s Songs

These have fun and simple songs for beginners and kids to play. The books will be fun for the whole family, including lyrics to the songs as well.

Guitar-themed furniture

You can also find plenty of guitar inspiration for kid’s room décor. One of the favourite ideas is to pick outlet covers for lights. The guitar-themed outlet covers are available on Amazon and they are perfect for adding a bit of guitar passion to your kid’s room.

Other furniture gift  ideas include guitar shaped lamps and rugs. A huge, colourful guitar rug on the floor is a superb idea. You might also pick guitar pillows, guitar bedding and guitar curtains. There are plenty of fun options for decorating the kid’s room with guitar passion.

A guitar-themed mug

You can also surprise your kid with a guitar-themed mug and cutlery. Novelty mugs are a fun gift idea and they fit all occasions. You can find plenty of them online – just search for “guitar novelty mug” on Google. If you can, get a personalized mug that allows you to incorporate the child’s name into the mug and perhaps add the child’s favourite guitar chords.

To make this simple gift idea a bit more special, you can fill the mug with sweets. These can be chocolates or guitar shaped candies you can order online. It’s a little, fun treat for the child to have – for example, as an end of year gift.

A guitar game for the console or PC

If your child is also into video games, then a computer-focused game for console or PC will be a great gift. Some of the top games include Guitar Hero and Rocksmith. You can play these with others – it’s a fun way to challenge your friends. While the games are not really like playing the real guitar, they can still be a fun way to learn about notes and to improve your finger movement. It can be a nice change for playing the guitar.

iTunes gift card

Of course, music lovers will always love gift cards to buy more music. Young guitar players would appreciate a digital gift card like one with iTunes. This will allow them to buy all the guitar tunes they want – listening to music is a great way of learning to play as well. If you want, you can also incorporate quality headphones to the gift – this can also be a good gift to those with an electronic guitar to allow the child to practice in peace.

So, when you need a gift, keep this list in mind. The list is a nice mix of cheap and pricier gifts to ensure you find something for all occasions. You’ll find something lovely for that little guitarist in your life and help them feel inspired to continue their journey to learn to play the guitar.

A Ride to the Floating Market (Gudri Market) of Dal Lake

By
Liza Borah
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1

Author – Liza Borah

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Dal Lake – Prabhu B Doss via Flickr

Hills and mountains have fascinated me from my childhood. Staying in Delhi-NCR, when the scorching heat of the sun becomes unbearable, I felt the immense urge to escape to the hills. Having explored most of the places in Himachal or Uttarakhand, I was badly looking for an offbeat place in the laps of the Himalayas during the 15th Aug’17 weekend. Finally, four of us, set out on a road trip, without any fixed destination, but obviously to the hills. Any destination in Himachal we checked was either prebooked or looked over crowded owing to that long weekend.

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After lots of discussions and arguments we decided to travel the road beyond Himachal and to our utter amazement we find ourselves taking the turn towards Udhampur from Pathankot. Kashmir, the paradise on earth, caught in immense political turmoil from the last couple of years, that too during 15th Aug, sounded bit crazy but thrilling at the same time. We had definitely enquired on the situation of the valley at that time and only after getting a safety signal from a friend posted as an army doctor there, we drove to the valley. After around sixteen hour drive from Delhi, we reached Sringar. We checked in to a Houseboat situated on the Dal Lake, which could be reached by riding through a Shikara from the main road.

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As suggested by the owner of the houseboat, who had enthralled us by their warm hospitality, was a visit to the floating vegetable market of Srinagar. The only catch here was that the market starts at pre-dawn and wraps up before sunlight falls on the water.  Next, dawn the Shikara was at the doorsteps of our houseboat. Though still drowsy, we decided to go for the ride. Nothing could be more relaxing than ride in a Shikara on the Dal Lake, as the cool breeze quietens the chaotic urban senses and the appeasing sound of splashes generated from the ripples of the water, as the Shikara rows through the calm water of the Lake soothes the soul. The vendors gather at a specific area of the Dal Lake, known as the Gudri Market. The market barely lasts for two hours.

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The market was at a half an hour ride from our houseboat. Since, it was monsoons, the clouds hovering on top of the hills, with the chilly morning breeze striking through our faces, stirred our souls. Our Shikara made its way through the canals of the Dal Lake. The generally busy and the very active handicraft and apparel market set up on the houseboats along both sides of the canal, appeared lull in a deep slumber, still undisturbed. The sides of the canal thronged by the green fauna and the lotus cultivation were surreal enough to captivate one’s mind. The ducks swimming effortlessly in the turquoise water and the myriad birds flocking along the swampy banks were a sight to behold. After rowing through the canals for more than half an hour, we reached the floating market, is one of its kinds, where the vendors sell the various vegetables in their canoes, grown mostly in the floating gardens, which they generally harvest few hours before the market starts.

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There are generally two types of floating gardens, the Radh type or the Demb type. The Radh type constitutes of long strips of lake reeds that can be pulled from one place to another. The Demb type is formed on shallow water either on the sides of the lake or in the middle. Passing through the canals, one could witness these floating vegetables gardens.  Owing to the rich ecosystem of the wetlands, various vegetables are produced in large quantities. This market is believed to have existed for more than a century and the vegetables grown here are organic and so delicious that as per fables even the Mughal Kings in Agra used to seek for these vegetables.

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The serenity of the Dal Lake bursts into life by the chatters, bargains, negotiations of these shifty boatmen. Vendors from villages as far as 15kms swarm to this market. The floating market is operational only during the summers, when the icy Dal Lake, frozen during the grey winters melts and the canals pave ways for the canoes.

These canoes are an indispensible part of their mundane life, from going to workplace to schools, or for visiting a neighbour; they need to hop on to these canoes. They are basically crafted of deodar wood and the way a boatman managed to stay afloat by sitting on the edge of these canoes, seemed incredible.

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Image – Lensnmatter via Flickr

The colourful canoes of the florists packed with various roses, lilies, daisies are feast to the eyes. Besides, the florists and the vegetable sellers, the bakers on their canoes with various baked breads and other eateries are the ones to hit the waters. After they were done for the day, they squatted in small groups, giggling, gossiping and chatting, over their cups of Kahwa. A tourist can enjoy this sight from the comforts of Shikara with a cup kahwa. The amalgamated aroma of saffron and almonds arousing from a cup of kahwa is simply enough to rouse the senses. As the market wrapped up, we also went for leisurely ride. As we wandered along the picturesque Dal Lake, while it drizzled, the lines by the famous Kashmiri poet Amir Khusrau, looped in my mind “’Gar firdaus bar,roo-e zamin ast, Hamein ast-o, hamein ast-o hamein ast’ meaning ‘If at all there be Paradise on earth, this is it, this is it, this is it indeed’.

Photo Feature – The Qutub Story

By
Sandip Bose
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0
The Qutub complex attracts hundreds of visitors every day and provides them visuals of history dating back to as far as 1192. Tourists come and explore different parts of the complex but are mostly fascinated by the Minar and the Iron Pillar.
When I visited the Qutub Complex , I wanted to see it and capture it the way our ancestors would have seen it on film. I wanted to document the place and it’s significance in the form of Black and White photographs which would make the viewer go back in time.
The photographs you will see below are an interpretation of how I saw the Qutub Complex.

Raja Ravi Varma’s Career in Two Paintings

By
Kumar Lakshay
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0
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Raja Ravi Varma – Via Engrave.in

Raja Ravi Varma was a rare master of European techniques and Indian sensibilities. It’s common to see painters from his era, trained in the European style, who later either lost interest in Indian subjects, or found a late muse in the Indian subjects with the establishment of their own styles. This movement from the European towards the unique, like the Bengal School was described by a shift towards simpler techniques, that were focused less on conveying realism and more on the “personal” meaning.

Ravi Varma is different in this sense. His style is not unique, or personal, but his meanings are, as is his treatment of the subjects. At the time when the majority was obsessed with the miniature art, he brought together a photographic and dramatic realism into his works, so far unseen. Here are two works that specify the dramatization that defines his oeuvre.

Rama Vanquishing the Ocean

Ram Sagar Darpa Haran, by Raja Ravi Varma, via Wikimedia Commons

In this depiction from Ramayana, Rama is painted with modest physical features but his status is elevated by the liberal space of the canvas he acquires in comparison to other characters. His wide-gazed side profile communicates a mix of anger and astonishment. The Lord of the ocean, Varuna, heavily ornate compared to the scantily clad Rama, is running towards him in an apologetic, conciliatory expression. His status, apparent with his size, is also made trivial by the two apsaras that flank him, probably as a representation of his vices.

Jatayu Vadham

Jatayu Vadham, by Raja Ravi Varma, via Wikimedia Commons

Another scene from Ramayana, this 1893 oil-on-canvas is a seminal work by the painter. It’s also the only painting that proves that Varma’s mastery extends to capturing human motion, and not just stills and portraits. The diagonal arrangement helps in the description of action, and a sense of depth is added by the severed wing thrown towards the viewer. There’s a fascinating level of details in Ravana’s jewels, which says a lot about his status in the composition. Eyes and facial features have been used with divine precision to achieve dramatization. Upon a longer scrutiny, one can see Jatayu’s blood spattered on the Ravana’s torso, intensifying the drama by adding gore.

It is true that Raja Ravi Varma popularized painting, his lithographs engaging the masses with the realistic representation of southern Women, the Gods and Goddesses, and the mythologies. He was undoubtedly a commercial artist, and it wouldn’t be too harsh on him if we compared his works to action films or comic books.

Escaping all attempts to derank his works to being “artsy”, Varma’s legacy is so ingrained in the country’s commercial art that it’s well possible, for any person born in twentieth century India, to have witnessed the painter’s works without actually knowing it. Countless firecracker packagings, bollywood film posters, calendars, and the romantically decorated tailgates of Indian trucks, all serve as evidence for the existence of a “Ravi Varma School of Painting” that is followed religiously by thousands of incognizant disciples.

Offbeat Destinations in Madhya Pradesh [Infographic]

By
Cscope Staff
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Offbeat-Destinations-in-Madhya-Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is truly called the heart of India. It has served at the center stage of history in the subcontinent, from the prehistoric cultures to the medieval power struggles. Artifacts of this diverse history can be inserted, on both, its land and the people. Here are ten Destinations in Madhya Pradesh that you should consider the next time you visit Madhya Pradesh.

Chanderi

Spotted with lakes and surrounded by hills, this historical town is famous for its textile, especially the Chanderi Sari. Places to visit include the Koshak Mahal and the Chanderi Fort.

Shivpuri

Summer capital of the Scindia Rulers, Shivpuri is alive with lakes, waterfalls, and lush forest cover. Places to visit include the Mughal Garden, Pawa Waterfalls, and the architectural marvel, Madikheda Dam.

Bhind

The Bhind district, bordering with Uttar Pradesh, captures the serenely arid Chambal landscape. The National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary in the region is home to endangered species of Gharial, the red-crowned roofed turtle, and the Ganges Dolphin.

Ken Gharial Sanctuary

Situated at the convergence of the rivers Ken and Khudar, the Ken Sanctuary offers a mixture of rocky patches, forest canopies, and waterfalls like the Raneh waterfall.

Rewa

Named after the Narmada river, Rewa has scenic beauty on offer. Must visit places are the Keoti and Purwa waterfalls, Rani Talab, and the Rewa Fort.

Mandu and Dhar

Crossed by the Vindhya Mountains, Dhar district, former Rajput stronghold has a rich heritage in the form of various monuments that mark its land. Prominent ones are the Jahaz Mahal, Rani Roopmati Mahal, and the Dhar Fort.

Burhanpur

Known as the “Gateway to the South”, Burhanpur was an important Mughal city. The place has many interesting monuments, that are unique to Burhanpur, like the Hammam- or the Royal Bath, and the Begum Shah Shuja Maqbara, which is rich with exquisite frescoes.

Tikamgarh

Tikamgarh has some fine specimens of medieval Mughal and Rajput architecture. The Garh Kundar Fort is definitely one of them. Others include the Raja Mahal, Chaturbhuj Temple, and the Orchha Fort.

Panna

Panna, known famously for its Diamond mines, is located in northeast of Madhya Pradesh. The Panna National Park and the Pandava Caves definitely deserve a visit.

10 Unique Things to Do in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

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Caleidoscope
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Image – Matsography Via Flickr

The region of Andaman & Nicobar Islands is massively distinct from the rest of India. Being a paradise for travelers, this place offers endless possibilities along with lifelong experiences to cherish. With that being said, check out some of the best off-beat things to do during your visit to Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

View Turtle Nesting

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Image – Jeroen Looyé Via Flickr

Turtles undergo a gestation period, which allows them to lie on the beach surfaces, especially during the months of December and January. You can pick a great tour package and witness this turtle nesting on Ram Nagar Beach, which is a prominent part of Diglipur town.

Marvel at Barren Island Plateau

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Image – Thomas Brauner Via Flickr

In recent times, this place has witnessed a volcanic eruption, which makes the Barren Island a dynamic landscape to view while the volcano is not active. The island ranges within a diameter of 3 km and is home to some of the toughest animals including the Flying Foxes, making this island a must visit.

Buy Souvenirs from Aberdeen Bazaar

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Image – Via Tripoto

For people who love shopping, Andaman offers an equal amount of possibility. If you want to shop souvenirs at cheap prices, Aberdeen Bazaar is the right place to be. Moreover, you can also shop wood carvings, sweets, Andaman t-shirts and jewelry from this place.

Explore Saddle Peak National Park

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Image – Via Quora

Are you a bird lover? If yes, then Saddle Peak National Park comprises some of the exclusive species of flora and fauna such as the Andaman Hill Myna, Andaman Wild Pig, Andaman Imperial Pigeon, and many more. It is also the highest point in Andaman, so you can have an amazing view of the islands from here.

Mangrove Boat Rides

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Image – Via Wikimedia

Turn to Mayabunder for an exciting and fun-filled mangrove boat ride. Since Andaman is always packed with tourists from all corners, in case you want some privacy, untapped beaches like Avis beach at Mayabunder can really cater to your needs.

Prepare Yourself for a Beach Night Out

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Image – Neilvert Noval Via Flickr

Bring the theme of movies in reality and spend a night on a beach like Long Island. At Long Island, you will be provided with a beach hut that is a dream come true moment for many couples. Make sure this is included in your Andaman tour package.

Collect White Shells

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Image – E W Via Flickr

A trip to a shoreline asks for collecting seashells, no matter how old you are. Andaman beaches like the Wandoor Beach have some of the whitest seashells you will ever encounter. You can also take part in some of the thrilling water activities when visiting these beaches.

Discover the Blue Lagoon

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Image – Matsography Via Flickr

Natural beauty is probably the strongest reason why people mostly look out for an Andaman trip. Clear blue waters, coral reefs, and shallow beaches make the place look like heaven. Book a ferry and take a trip to the mystical lagoon found at the Elephant Beach.

Enjoy Sunset at Ross & Smith Island

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Image – Anuradha Via Flickr

Walk or sit beside your loved one and enjoy the sun going down at the Ross & Smith Island, which is also one of the most beautiful islands in Andaman.

Experience the Emerald Green Waters

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Image – Smokylung.blogspot.in

Apart from the water activities, you can delve into the amazing views of the pristine emerald green waters of the Cinque Island. The place is easily accessible from Port Blair and you can take a boat in order to better experience the water.

Conclusion

Andaman and Nicobar Islands attract a lot of visitors every year; however, there are some things that still remain untapped. Keep the above-mentioned points in mind and make the most out of your next trip to Andaman.

About Author – Emily is a freelance content writer. She has written many good and informative articles on different categories such as technology, health, fashion, beauty, education, career, travel etc. She is very responsible towards her job. She loves to share her knowledge and experience with her friends and colleagues.

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