Sneakers are trendy, timeless, and oh-so-flaunt-worthy! Thanks to their cool styles and comfortable feel, these shoes can redefine your casual fashion instantly. And as with other trends in the menswear zone, the sneaker culture also undergoes rapid changes. This means sneakers provide plenty of options to etch out a distinct style statement. So, how do you select the best sneakers for menthat can elevate your fashion persona? Not sure how to go about it? Fret not, for we are here to guide you through this fashion dilemma.
To help you out, we have rounded up six breezy sneakers for men that are a must-have for your shoe arsenal. Check them out:
Canvas Sneakers
Canvas sneakers are stylish and comfortable footwear designed for daily use. Crafted out of canvas material, these shoes have a distinct low-heeled design. They come in a wide range of colours and so can be easily teamed up with your casual outfits.
You can get them in high-top or low-top versions, which further adds to the versatility of these shoes. If you are new to sneaker culture, you may be surprised to know that these sneakers inspired the trend of rolled-up jeans by the millennials. They are just what you need to go about your daily duties in style.
Basketball Sneakers
As the name indicates, basketball sneakers are designed to be worn on basketball courts. But their trendy looks make them the perfect choice to be flaunted outside the courts. When it comes to making a style statement, basketball sneakers for men are right up the alley for most fashion-conscious men!
Their high-top look adds a distinct edge to their appeal. Whether you love playing basketball or not, there’s no denying that these sporty shoes can elevate your style statement on and off the basketball courts. Team them up with a pair of jeans or shorts for making maximum impact.
Leather Sneakers
Leather sneakers ensure the perfect blend of style and functionality. They are a popular choice for men who need extra protection and comfort for their feet. You can depend on your leather sneakers to complete your casual ensemble with ease.
They may cost you more than the other sneaker varieties, but they are worth your money. You can flaunt them with your casual attire as well as sports outfits. Another big advantage of wearing leather sneakers is that they offer you the perfect fit. Designed to contour to the shape of your feet, they are great to wear for long hours at a stretch.
Slip-on Sneakers
Slip-on sneakers make a great choice as summer footwear. Like loafers for men, these shoes, too, don’t feature laces. That is why it’s easier to put on and off these shoes. They come in a wide variety of finishes and patterns.
High on comfort and style, these shoes are ideal for wearing all kinds of casual wear for men. You need to keep in mind that slip-on sneakers must not be teamed up with high socks. Like other low-top sneakers and loafers for men, these shoes too lose their fashion impact if paired with high socks.
Velcro Sneakers
Velcro sneakers can effortlessly uplift the look of your everyday outfits. They may not go well with all kinds of outfits, but they can serve as the right fashion accessory with your casual attire. If you pair them properly, they can enhance the appeal of your fashion persona.
Thanks to their availability in various colours and styles, you can flaunt these sneakers with your streetwear and casual evening wear. Apart from the style element, another plus point of these sneakers is their ease of use. As they come with Velcro closures, you don’t have to bother with tying and untying laces when wearing these shoes.
Retro Sneakers
With the retro wave swaying the fashion circuit, retro sneakers have been ruling the popularity charts for quite some time now. And it seems this trend of wearing retro sneakers isn’t saying goodbye anytime soon. Retro sneakers are a nod to the popular fashion trends way back in the 1980s.
Defined by their low-cut profile, these shoes present an attractive look. They are also more comfortable to wear than the high-top sneaker versions of today. These retro shoes are made from traditional materials, such as suede and leather, enhancing their durability and lasting longer.
To Wrap
Sneakers enable you to express your enviable fashion sense explicitly. Whether you are dressed for a casual event or heading out to the gym, you can depend on your sneakersfrom dil ke dealsto stand out from the crowd and assert your distinct style.
The right pair of sneakers can add the right amount of jazz to your casual look. So, invest in a couple of sneakers that can redefine your fashion statement with ease without much ado. We hope the options mentioned above will help you in making your choice.
#Didyouknow ‘Gita Govinda’ or the ‘song’ of the dark Hindu God ‘Krishna’, is an epic Sanskrit work composed in the 12th-century? The text is by a mendicant-poet, Jayadeva Goswami, an ardent devotee of Radha-Krishna. It describes the relationship between Krishna, Radha and gopis, the cowherd maidens of Vrindavan using a poetic idiom. It is considered an important text in India’s Bhakti movement. The popular and iconic text is sung, recited and choreographed for dance and studied as a religious text to the present day.
Part of a manuscript of a Gita Govinda, Devanagari script, 19th century. – Wikimedia
Jayadeva And Gita Govinda
The Encyclopaedia Americana mentions about Jayadeva –
‘‘JAYADÉVA, or DJAYADÉVA, Hindu poet and dramatist: lived in 1200 or 1300 A.D. The time and details of his life are unknown, but his ‘Gita-govinda,’ the ‘Song of Krishna,’ is the only known example of the religious drama in Sanskrit. The drama is a lyric poem, and is usually given a mystical interpretation. It delineates the love of Krishna, as a cowherd, for Radha, the milkmaid, his faithlessness and subsequent return to her, and is taken as symbolical of the human soul’s straying from its true allegiance but returning at length to the God which created it. The work is of great poetic beauty and is remarkable for its melodious and truthful mirroring of passionate emotions. Native editions are those of Vidyasagara (Calcutta 1882); and Telang and Pansikar (Bombay 1899). ‘Gitagovinda’ was edited with a Latin translation by C. Lassen (Bonn 1836). English translations are those of Sir William Jones (London 1799; new ed., Calcutta 1894); and Sir Edwin Arnold, ‘The Indian Song of Songs’ (London 1875).’’
Original palm leaf manuscript of Gita Gobinda – Wikimedia
However, in India, he is known of as a Baidya Brahmin either belonging to Odisha, Bihar or Bengal. A place called Kenduli has been associated with him. The Gita Govinda suggests that he was born in the Kindubilva village, scholars of Odisha, Bengal and Mithila have connected this with a present time place in their own region, Kenduli Sasan near Puri in Odisha, Jayadev Kenduli in Birbhum district in West Bengal, and the village of Kenduli near Jhanjharpur in Mithila region of Bihar. Jayadeva received his education in Sanskrit poetry from a place called Kurmapataka, maybe near Konark in Odisha. Jayadeva became a teacher of the school at Kurmapataka as well. He seems to have been a loner poet, a wandering mendicant, who visited Puri. He supposedly married the temple’s dancer named Padmavati there but this is debated by scholars. He is remembered and celebrated for his most iconic work ‘Gita Govinda’ The ‘Gita Govinda’ depicts Radha, a nayika (heroine) proud of her feminine beauty, full of longing, playful, jealous, passionate and despondent as well. Krishna is shown as the eternal and typical male, who is charming, suave and uncommitted. Radha submits to him, but feels devastated when Krishna returns to his other women, the other gopis. The sakhis, in this case, the confidantes are gopis who act as messengers and go-betweens. Jayadeva has captured different stages in the attraction between Radha and Krishna in the ten long parts of the poem. As translator C. John Holcombe says ‘’Krishna repents, longs for Radha, commiserates with her distress, waits for her, makes her jealous, importunes and praises her, enjoys and assures her of his love. Radha sulks and despairs, wastes away, flies into tempers, rails at Krishna, consents and finds joy and contentment with him’’.
Jayadeva worshipping Radha and Krishna, painting by Manaku, from Guler, dated to circa 1730, National Museum, New Delhi. – Wikimedia
Paintings of The Gita Govinda
Jayadeva’s celebrated masterpiece text is not just sung daily as a part of a ritual, badasinghara, to this day, at the Puri Jagannath temple at Odisha, but has also been brought to life by Schools of miniature painting in India, mainly the Pahari Schools. The Pahari Schools include Basohli, Mankot, Nurpur, Chamba, Kangra, Guler, Mandi and Garhwal of the hilly regions of sub-Himalayan India of princely states by the same names ruled by mostly Rajputs. Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra (circa 1765–1824) was a great patron. The paintings have a lyrical quality about them, especially the Kangra paintings. They have been able to convey the pangs of separation, the joy of union, the sakhi as a messenger, waiting for one’s beloved and love-longing. Jealousy and despondency of Radha as expressed by Jayadeva in the text has also been captured which is a part of the romantic and erotic love format of Gita Govinda.
Raja Sansar Chand, drawing, dated to circa 1830, Rijskmuseum, Amsterdam. Image Source
Let us see some captivating images of the ‘Gita Govinda’ illustrations, as captured by the artists of the ateliers from the 17th to 19th century of a few of these hilly kingdoms.
Confidante persuading Radha to relent as Krishna plays mesmerizing tunes on his flute-
“He is softly playing His flute, weaving Your name into the melody. When the specks of dust that have touched Your body are carried to Him on the breeze, He prizes His good fortune.”
…….as translated from the Gita Govinda
Painting from Kangra, dated to circa 1825, L A C M A, Los Angeles, U S A. Wikimedia
Waiting for her in ‘Love’s Sacred Thicket’
“And as if — far wandered — The traveller should hear The bird of home, the Koil, With nest-notes rich and clear; And there should come one moment A blessed fleeting dream Of the bees among the mangoes Beside his native stream; So flash those sudden yearnings, That sense of a dearer thing, The love and lack of Radha Upon his soul in spring.’’
“The honeyed spring breezes bring Hari to meet with You. O friend, what could be a greater source of happiness than this? “He manini, O indignant girl! Do not be angry with Madhava.”
…….as translated from the Gita Govinda
Painting by Nainsukh, from Guler, dated to 1775-80. Jean-Pierre Dalbéra/Flickr
A confidante narrating to Radha about Krishna’s dalliance with gopis –
“See, Lady! How thy Krishna passes these idle hours Decked forth in fold of woven gold, and crowded with forest flowers; And scented with sandal, and gay with gems of price — Rubies to mate his laughing lips, and diamonds like his eyes; — In the company of damsels, who dance and sing and play, Lies Krishna, laughing, toying, dreaming his Spring away.’’
…….as translated from the Gita Govind
Painting by Manaku, from Guler, dated to circa 1730, National Museum, New Delhi. – Wikimedia
Krishna in dalliance with gopis –
“I know where Krishna tarries in these early days of Spring, When every wind from warm Malay brings fragrance on its wing; Brings fragrance stolen far away from thickets of the clove, In Jungles where the bees hum and the Koil flutes her love; He dances with the dancers, at the merry morrice one, All in the budding Spring-time, for ‘tis sad to be alone.’’
…….as translated from the Gita Govinda
Painting by Manaku, from Guler, dated to circa 1730, National Museum, New Delhi. – Wikimedia
Krishna massaging the feet of Radha –
“My dear one, You have walked so far. Let Me soothe Your feet with My lotus hands. As I am a valiant follower of Your anklebells, come and favor Me for a moment.”
…….as translated from the Gita Govinda
Painting from Mankot, dated to circa 1735, University of Michigan Museum of Art, Michigan, U S A. – Wikimedia
Krishna and Radha In dalliance at the bank of River Yamuna –
“You are My only ornament. You are My very life. You are the jewel in the sea of My existence. Be gracious towards Me always. Pleasing You is the sole aim of My life.”
…….as translated from the Gita Govinda
Painting from Basohli, dated to before circa 1760, Chandigarh or Lahore Museum.
Krishna flirting with the gopis, Radha is upset –
“Sri Radhika’s sakhi cleverly searched out Sri Krishna and discovered Him nearby, delighting in the enthusiastic embraces of the lovable cowherd damsels, who were receiving Him with the utmost respect. Attracted by their advances, Murari became eager to enjoy love play. Drawing Radha’s attention to this scene from a hidden place, Her sakhi spoke to Her again’’.
…….as translated from the Gita Govinda
Painting by Purukhu, painting from Kangra, dated to circa 1760. – Wikimedia
Radha with a confidante, pining for Krishna –
“In the spring, the lovesick Radhika, whose tender limbs were soft as flowers, wandered far and wide in the woods searching for Krishna. Cupid tormented Her mind with the fever of love, while Her close friend lovingly spoke to Her to heighten the mood’’.
“His golden garment and wreath of wild flowers contrast His dark limbs besmeared with sandalwood paste. Jewelled earrings dangling from His ears make His cheeks glitter, setting off the bewitching smile on His face. “He vilasini Sri Radhe! O coquettish girl, look! Hari joyously revels with a host of love-maddened maidens here in the forest.”
…….as translated from the Gita Govinda
Painting in Guler style by artist Vijay Sharma, 20th century, CSMVS, Mumbai. Jean-Pierre Dalbéra/Flickr
We can thus understand how these exquisite paintings with their delicate brushwork, depict in visual form the text of Gita Govinda by portraying Krishna, Radha and the gopis in different romantic contexts and situations as envisaged by the poet, giving us a glimpse into their close bonding in a common shared space in the verdant groves of Vrindavan, the banks of the Yamuna River and pleasant hilly glades.
Although a typical vacation itinerary should be full of adventures as well as enjoyable and relaxing things to do, it is best to include some activities that also allow you and your family to learn something new.
This is something that you have to prioritize when you are visiting a place for the first time with your family. You have to take the opportunity to learn about your destination to make your trip more meaningful and memorable.
If you’re spending your family vacation in the United Arab Emirates for the first time, creating an itinerary with the right balance of enjoyable and learning activities is easy, particularly when Abu Dhabi is your destination. You can go to the beach, visit theme parks and waterparks, shop at various malls, and dine at different restaurants for fun.
For your learning experiences, you can exploreAbu Dhabi palaces, museums, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and national parks in the country’s capital city.
You can do all these and more in Abu Dhabi.
Top Entertainment, Play, and Learning Hubs in Abu Dhabi
If you want your family to have the perfect mix of fun and learning experiences in the UAE’s capital city, put these places on your itinerary:
Make the most of your vacation in Abu Dhabi by bringing your family to the only Ferrari-branded theme park on earth – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is one of the largest and most exciting theme parks in the UAE. It covers over 86,000 square meters of land on Yas Island, featuring several rides and attractions based on or inspired by the famous Italian automotive company.
Formula Rossa is the most popular ride in the park that attracts hundreds of visitors every day. It currently holds the record for the world’s fastest rollercoaster, with a speed of 0 to 240 kilometers per hour in 4.9 seconds. Its highest peak is 52 meters.
Flying Aces is another must-try ride for the thrill-seekers in your group. It is a steel roller coaster featuring the world’s highest roller coaster loop.
If you have younger kids, your entire family will love these rides and attractions:
Formula Rossa Junior
Turbo Tower
Flying Wings
Speedway Race
Benno’s Great Race
Tyre Twist
Viaggio in Italia
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is one of the top family-friendly attractions in the UAE that can give everyone endless hours of fun and adventure.
If you’re looking for other exhilarating experiences, you can tryindoor skydiving at CLYMB Abu Dhabi or driving a 2020 Aston GT4 or Formula Yas 3000 at the Yas Marina Circuit.
There are only three Warner Bros.- branded theme parks globally, one of which you’ll find in the UAE.
Because of this, you need to visit Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi with your family during your vacation here.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the largest indoor theme park on the planet, is home to 29 rides and attractions that range from thrilling to family-friendly.
The theme park’s most thrilling rides and attractions include:
Fast and Furry-ous
Tom and Jerry: Swiss Cheese Spin
Justice League: Warworld Attacks
Batman: Knight Flight
Since Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is a family-friendly theme park, there are plenty of rides and attractions suitable for families and young children.
These include the following:
The Flintstones Bedrock River Adventure
The Jetsons Cosmic Orbiter
Scooby-Doo: The Museum of Mysteries
Ani-Mayhem
Cartoon Junction Carousel
Marvin the Martian Crater Crashers
Daffy Jet-Propelled Pogo Stick
Tweety Wild Wockets
With these rides and attractions and Superman, Batman, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, The Flintstones, and other beloved Warner Bros. cartoon characters running around the park, you and your family will love every minute of your visit here.
Abu Dhabi’s climate calls for trying various water activities or simply getting drenched in water.
Aside from going to one or more of the city’s beautiful beaches, spend a day at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi to have more fun as you cool down.
This waterpark has over 40 water rides, slides, and attractions, some of which hold world records.
These include:
Bandit Bomber – the only suspended waterpark rollercoaster in the world.
Bubbles Barrel – the largest surfing sheet wave on earth.
Dawwama – the largest six-person tornado water coaster on the planet.
The waterpark’s family- and kid-friendly attractions are:
Yehal
Tot’s Playground
Cannon Point
Yadi Yas
Marah Fortress
Cinesplash
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is the best waterpark to put on your Abu Dhabi family holiday itinerary.
4. Qasr Al Watan
Qasr Al Watan, or the “Palace of the Nation,” is the first place you have to visit if you and your family want to know more about the history and culture of the Emiratis. It is the official presidential palace of the UAE.
The exterior of the stunning palace is made of white granite and limestone with a variety of elaborate carvings and designs. Thousands of unique pieces of crystal, china, and silver were also used during its construction.
At Qasr Al Watan, you and your group can explore various facilities and attractions, including a library, great hall, courtyard, and several gardens.
The highlights of the palace include:
The House of Knowledge – an area housing an exhibition of valuable artifacts and manuscripts from the UAE and other countries in the Arabian Peninsula.
TheGreat Hall – this zone showcases various elaborately designed architectural features, such as a central dome, archways, mosaic patterns, and ornaments.
TheQasr Al Watan Library – a library with an extensive collection of about 50,000 books containing centuries of Arabian knowledge and culture.
The zones for Presidential Gifts, The Presidential Banquet, and Spirit of Collaboration are also worth visiting.
Stay until sunset to watch Palace in Motion, an impressive light and sound show celebrating the country’s historical journey.
5. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the few mosques that permit entry to non-Muslims. Grab this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Islam.
The mosque, which is the largest in the UAE, has 82 domes, two minarets, and a marble and gold exterior. Its architecture, which has strong influences of Emirati, Egyptian, Indian, Moroccan, and Turkish styles, is one of the most beautiful you’ll ever see.
Its interior is just as impressive. An enormous hand-knotted carpet with an elaborate Islamic medallion design made by renowned carpet maker and artist Dr. Ali Khaliqi is displayed inside the mosque.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque also features seven crystal chandeliers of various sizes made by Faustig of Germany.
Qasr Al Hosn, which was built in 1790, is the oldest standing building in Abu Dhabi.
This old stone fort once served as the royal residence, the seat of government, and a defensive structure.
The original building was maintained and improved during its restoration. Certain areas were renovated to give way to new amenities and features, including the Cultural Foundation and Children’s Library.
Qasr Al Hosn also has a museum that holds an extensive collection of art and artifacts dating back as early as 6000 BC. Because of this, it is one of the country’s most important national archives.
When you’re going on a family vacation in Abu Dhabi, make the most out of your holiday by creating an itinerary with the right mix of fun and educational experiences.
Immigration to Europe can be an excellent opportunity for a visa-free travelling. Some EU countries support the relocation by the procedure called repatriation. Thus, Legal EU Counsel offers assistance to people from other countries in order to make their relocation easier. Legaleucounsel.com, is a reliable company, that provides people with relevant information about immigration to the European Union. Learn more details about the company, required documents, and all stages of obtaining citizenship of Romania, Slovenia or Bulgaria below. Also, in this article you will find the reviews about Legal EU Counsel. Thus, after analyze customers’ experience make your decision about cooperation with the experts.
General information
Legal EU Counsel has been helping people to relocate to Europe for almost 10 years. The company has assisted more than 600 clients to become citizens of various European countries. The lawyers are well knowledgeable in the European Law and all nuances during the EU passport obtaining procedure and are able to prepare all the necessary documents.
Potential immigrants can contact the lawyers by filling the online form or via phone. They need to present some personal information for the lawyers to analyze their chances to apply for Romanian, Bulgarian or Slovenian citizenship by repatriation. At the initial consultation, that is free of charge, the applicants will find out how to achieve their immigration goals. Analyzing the personal data of the clients, the lawyers will develop a strategy based on their needs. The payment for the assistance is split into several installments and is required only after the result.
Legaleucounsel.com: assistance in obtaining EU citizenship
The immigrants can obtain European citizenship by the most popular ways: investment, naturalization or repatriation.
The company assists its clients in obtaining citizenship by repatriation, and the reason for that is a fast-track application procedure.
The obligations of Legal EU Counsel include:
Legal issues solving;
Complete documents preparation (including translation and notarization of them);
Submitting the documents on behalf of the applicant (in some cases);
Additional materials for preparation to the oath taking ceremony;
Monitoring the whole immigration process.
Among the outstanding qualities of Legaleucounsel.com, according to customers’ reviews, are the high qualification and patience of the lawyers, great time management, and the transparent payment scheme. The client is kept abreast at all stages of the process, while routine job is done by the company. Considering that obtaining citizenship itself is not a quick procedure, the number of satisfied customers speaks in favor of Legal EU Counsel.
EU passport by repatriation: how does it work?
Gaining citizenship by repatriation is considered to be the quickest way of obtaining an EU passport. The immigrants must provide evidence that their direct ancestors were the citizens of a particular country.
To help the client get a passport of Romania, Bulgaria or Slovenia, Legal EU Counsel’s lawyers:
Search the required documents in various repositories;
Translate and notarize the papers;
Organize the application procedure.
The company guarantees complete confidentiality and protection of personal data.
Legal EU Counsel: feedback about cooperation with the company
The customer feedback on Legaleucounsel.com found on the Internet is entirely positive. The clients stress the professionalism of lawyers who were able to confirm their Romanian, Bulgarian, Slovenian descent. The potential immigrants choose Legal EU Counsel for the help because of their ability to manage paperwork on time, and a great experience in international migration field. The lawyers of https://legaleucounsel.com/ have been keeping up with all pandemic issues, and international law amendments in order to provide the clients with the best service.
Conclusion
Legaleucounsel.com is a great assistant on one’s way to EU citizenship, as it is famous for its professional team of well experienced lawyers. Over the years, the company has successfully helped hundreds of people with obtaining Romanian, Slovenian or Bulgarian citizenship. The applicants can easily rely on Legal EU Counsel in managing their EU passport immigration procedure, and the customers’ personal experience emphasize the company’s efficient service.
Kerala is home to myriad incredible cities with one of the most prominent ones being the Queen of the Arabian Sea or as it is commonly called: Kochi. This amazing city has a lot to offer with its mesmerizing architecture and picturesque views and is, therefore, a must-visit. Additionally, you can purchase Kerala eco-friendly handicrafts and their infamous spices of Kerala. But do you know about all the marvelous spots near Kochi that you can visit? The biggest city in Kerala is certainly a sight to explore but for anyone who likes to go on the offbeat path and travel the road less taken, then this list of places to visit near Kochi is for you.
The district of Thrissur is truly an underrated treasure of Kerala. The serene waterfalls such as Athirappilly Waterfalls and the Vazhachal Falls will provide you with a sense of calm like you never imagined! For pilgrims, I have rather good news for you can seek homage in temples such as the Vadakkunnathan Temple, Kodungallar Bhagavati Temple, and the Guruvayur Temple. Moreover, you can also enjoy the various water and adventure parks here for an exhilarating experience at Thrissur.
2. Alleppey
Image/Richard Mcall/Pixabay
When talking about Alleppey, the first thing that needs to go addressed is the breath-taking backwaters, the city’s charm. There you can also witness the exhilarating boat races that will keep you on the edge of your seats. But if you believe that that’s all Alleppey is, then you are yet to discover its entire beauty, an instance of which is the entrancing sunset at Pozhiyoram. The city’s temples will furthermore allow you to get in touch with your spiritual side.
When in Kumarakom, the first and foremost thing you must do is stay in a houseboat that has all the luxuries of a five-star hotel. For any bird-watching enthusiasts, you simply have to visit the city’s bird sanctuary! One of the most famous Ayurvedic centers here is the Maya Spa which will magically erase all your tensions in the world. Another invigorating thing to do there would be watching Kerala’s very own: Kathakali. Trekking enthusiasts need not be disappointed for the ultimate adventure awaits them at Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall.
This secluded area is perfect for anyone who is looking to get away from the city’s busy life. Kuttanad truly has a lot to offer such as mountain bike tours which is a refreshing experience and is especially great as it passes through rural areas of Kuttanad allowing you to take in the entirety of the place. It is highly recommended to also try out kayaking at Kuttanad, taking you through a mesmerizing tour of the beautiful backwaters, the peaceful village. Moreover, you can wish on the canoe as well.
Another popular place that you must visit near Kochi is, Idukki. Firstly, you can visit either the Kulamavu Dam or the Idukki Arch Dam. You also must visit Hill View Park and as its name rightly suggests, the picturesque view is the cornerstone of this park. For the devotee in you, pay a visit to the Mangala Devi Temple. Another allure of this city is the Ayyapancoil Hanging Bridge which is the lowest hanging bridge in the state and people from all over the country come to marvel at the structure.
A perfect detour from the Queen of the Arabian Sea is the Princess of the Arabian Sea or as it is more commonly known: Cherai Beach. It is the perfect place to unwind, away from the city’s hectic lives. You can do just about anything here, from collecting seashells found in abundance here or trying out some of the popular activities here, such as sunbathing and swimming. Even a walk by the sandy shore is a rejuvenating experience.
Kottayam is one of the most prominent tourist destinations located near Kochi. To explore the natural scenic beauty of the place, the Marmala Waterfall and the Kattikkayam Waterfall are a must-visit. Kottayam is also home to a lot of really great museums such as the Bay Island Drift Museum. To awaken your spiritual being, pay a visit to the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Malliyoor Sri Maha Ganapati Temple, and the Tomb of Saint Alphonsa. The Mango Meadow Agricultural Theme Park is worth seeing.
We come on to the destination most popularly known by us all for being the southernmost point of the entire country as well as its religious and holy importance as it is regarded as the home of the Virgin Goddess Kanyakumari. While here, some places that you simply have to check out are the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the Thiruvalluvar Statue, and the Wandering Monk Museum, particularly great for anyone looking to learn more about the philosophy of Swami Vivekananda.
All these places to visit near Kochi are so fascinating that one is bound to be confused as to which one to visit first for each shines in its own way. Being in Kerala is the true equivalent of being in paradise, after all, it is God’s Own Country and so you can never go wrong with the utopia that is Kerala. Share in the comments section below your experience of Kerala and which of these places would you like to explore next?
There is tremendous diversity in food when it comes to India. The difference in the type of dishes and flavours is seen both at the macro and micro levels. Where there is massive diversity between North Indian and South Indian food, there are subtle differences within foods of each state in these regions too. However, despite the mélange of different types of Indian Cuisine, there are some mannerisms and etiquettes of eating, serving, and preparing food that remain almost unchanged across the entire country.
One such aspect is the presence of the thali. A thali means a largish, round plate that holds various dishes all assembled together.
This platter of different food items placed together finds its roots way back to the very beginning Indian culture. It is hard to say when the thali was introduced, but it is an integral part of many homes till date. In the literal sense, the thali is a metal plate that holds all the different flavours of Indian gastronomy, including sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and spicy dishes. But in many regions and states, the thali is served on banana leaves as well.
Small ‘katoris’ or bowls are placed within the thali, each containing a separate dish. A dollop of rice and/or a few chapatis are centrally placed surrounded by the katoris, some pickles, some fried items, and in many cases, papad. Although the items vary significantly from thalis across different regions, the layout of the platter hardly differs.
We will talk about the different thalis of India, and there is no doubt that each one is tantalizing in taste and flavours, yet I find it more important to talk about the uniformity of food culture. The fascinating thing about Indian cuisine is that although it is so different, it somehow manages to keep most of its value system in place across the board. For one, thalis are a living example of this uniformity. Hence the thali is the first choice when it comes to food in most of the major events like weddings or small celebrations of the family.
However, there is a bit more to it than just being consistent. Food etiquettes mean a lot in most cultures of this nation. There is always a deep sense of respect and gratitude attached to meals, and that is manifested in the way food is served and consumed in India. A ‘grace’ or prayer, is not necessarily chanted at the start of every meal, yet the cultural connotations are markedly felt.
Why Thali System is the Best
Here we’re taking a look at some of the food habits that are essentially rooted in culture and also as some sort of science. Although they are not followed rigorously today, due to the influence of dining on tables with spoons and forks, they are still practised in many communities today, especially in rural India.
Sitting on the floor and eating is a common Indian practice. Scientifically it helps in better digestion and helps improve body posture. Also, sitting and getting up increases the movement of the body and makes a person more flexible if one does so thrice a day.
In south and east India, banana leaves are used as plates for food. The leaves are believed to have antibacterial properties that negate the germs in the food. Besides, there is a distinct flavour added while eating on a banana leaf.
Eating with hands is an important way of having food in this country. Washed hands are hygienic and the flavour and taste of food is enhanced so is the sense of taste on the tongue and fingers.
In some homes, there is usually someone, generally the women of the home, who serve additional quantities of the dishes. Self-serving has never really been a strong point in our culture. This is probably because the idea of serving food is also looked upon as an important task, though it must be said that the men of the house should give it a go too.
Now, the thali incorporates most of these basic Indian dining etiquettes, making it a wholly Indian experience. Thalis are rarely ever eaten with a fork and spoon. Usually, they are unlimited in supply, especially at local joints, where someone is always ready to refill the contents. Though thalis are served in hotels nowadays, many are reverting to sitting on low tables, or on mats to create an ethnic feel and authentic way of eating.
The Indian thali serves small portions of each item including a sweet dish. This means each of the nutrients is well represented in proper proportion.
The inclusion of pickles is almost standard across all thalis. Pickles are an important part of the Indian diet for multiple reasons. They act as a balance for over-spiced or bland foods. At the same time, they also help in effective digestion.
There will also be some sort of salad such as, kachumber in Uttar Pradesh or ripened papaya in Odisha that is a cleanser of the palate and helps in enhancing the flavours of the food.
The thalis almost always incorporate what is seasonal or local. Either it is in the form of an ingredient, such as mango or aam ras in a Gujarati thali, or the method of cooking, such as steaming, frying, baking, and so on.
The sweet dish put in the thali is a very conscious exercise and breaks the belief that the meal must end on a sweet note. In fact, for most of us, a paan or mukhwas does the trick much better. In many communities, sweet dishes are also eaten at the beginning of the meal to savour the meal better.
Major Indian Thalis
Indian Thalis are as diverse as their culture, we can see a different thali in each state of India. Here we are listing some of the most famous thalis that are liked by Indians regardless of the place they belong to.
The North Indian Thalis can easily be classified as one of the spiciest thalis in the entire list. These thalis are common in the northernmost part of India including Punjab and its adjoining areas. Chole which is a chickpea curry forms a vital part of it, along with paneer ki sabzi, naan, rice, a mixed vegetable sabzi, sweet dish called halwa with pickle, salad and curd.
Hailing from the southern regions as the name suggests, these Thalis, in their most traditional forms, are served on a banana leaf. These thalis include chapati or puri, dry curry, sabzi, rice, sambhar, vada, payasam, rasam, buttermilk and importantly appalam.
Bengali thali carries items like the signature fish curry and rice. Sweet dishes such as roshogolla and Sandesh make up an important part of it. This thali can be served on any Bengali event like, Poila Boishakh (New Years), Jamai Shasthi, Birthday etc.
Mughlai Thali:
Image – Joe souji/Youtube
Mughlai thalis are not that common in India and are mostly native to the parts of Lucknow from where this thali originates. Mughlai thali consists of food like Kebab, biryani, keema, korma, nihari, and much more.
Gujarati food adored by most people in the country for its subtle flavours. These thalis contain at least three fresh vegetable dishes, one dry dal or some sprouted pulses dish (ugaadayla mung, for instance), a wet dal, kadhi, kathor (a savoury), mithai, poori, rotis, steamed rice, chaash and papad.
A punjabi thali is said to be lively and dynamic, just like its people. The generous use of Makkhan (butter) is a must in every Punjabi meal. The most widely consumed Pujabi thali consists of Amritsari Kulcha or Naan, Pindhi Chhole, Dal Makhani, Jeera Rice, Paneer Makhani,Makke Di Roti, Sarso Da Sagh etc. A non-vegetarian version of it may include Butter Chicken, Amritsari Machchi and Naan. All punjabi thalis end with a big glass of Sweet Lassi.
The Rajasthani thali comprises an array of colourful dishes and some local hits that one would hate to miss out on. This intricate thali consists of Dal Baati Churma, Missi Roti with Gatte ki Sabji, Panchmela Dal, Laal Maas and Bajra Roti often combined with flavoured buttermilk. For desserts, Gondh ke Laddoo and Malpuas are great choices to treat your sweet tooth. Rajasthani thalis truly personify a royal dining experience.
Maharashtrians are known for their extremely spicy with different masalas and their thalis definitely showcase that. These thalis include the scrumptious staples of the state which includes Aamras, Koshimbir, Bhakri roti, Bharli Vangi, Amti, Pandhra Rassa, Mutton Kolhapuri, Sabudana Vada and desserts like kheer or Basundi. The thali will also have a little amount of rice in one corner with daal in a bowl, and chapati on the other corner. Pooran poli is another famous sweet dish that one will find in these thalis.
A traditional Assamese meal begins with Khar, which is a curry made with raw papaya, lentils and powdered dry banana skins. Their thalis require slow cooking, strong flavours and more sparing use of spices. It will further have masor tenga (light fish dish), narasingh masor jhol (authentic fish dish), poitabhat (rice-based dish), pitika (side dish of mashed vegetables), pickle and bor (fritters). Pitha (rice cake),Rice Payas or Narikolor Laru (coconut laddoos) are served to complete the meal.
Goan food is synonymous with sea food and so a Goan thali would be incomplete without some fish preparations and other local favourites. This thali comes with rice, coconut, fish and Kojum. A few dishes include Goan rice bhakri, Goan daali thoy, kele ambat, vegetable vindaloo, Goan kokum curry, Sheet Kodi Nustea, and Goan banana halwa to top it up. It is a complete Indian meal at your fingertips.
Served on a banana leaf, the Kerala Sadhya is the most popular on the occasion of Onam when the whole family gathers. It is very important in Malayalam culture and especially on festivals. Kerala Sandhya consists of servings like Manga curry, naranga curry, kalan, olan, upperi and other things.
Let me end by briskly gobbling over the fact that all these thalis are quite popular, not only in their respective regions but they also find eaters even outside of their geographical zones. Let’s hope that this legacy continues to flourish like this and prosper even more.
India has a rich history of paintings in its culture and tradition. There are quite a lot of types of paintings and art forms that we have. These include Meenakari paintings, Warli paintings, Madhubani paintings, and Phad paintings that originated centuries ago. Another such type of painting that we will know about today is Cave Paintings. These paintings date back to the pre-historic era and are ancient but still kept preserved and well maintained. The paintings on caves and rock-cut structures survive for many centuries. These cave paintings got their inspiration from nature. These paintings mostly depict gods and goddesses, mythological stories and characters, epics, nature, flora and fauna, humans, and religion. Let’s take a look at some of the cave paintings in India.
The Ajanta caves are Buddhist caves. These are located at a distance of around 100 km from the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. The Ajanta caves contain the oldest Indian paintings which were made around 1 st century BC. Other than that, the caves contain many portraits and illustrations. They depict the Life of Buddha, his rebirth, and his preaching.
There are many frescoes, murals, paintings, and rock-cut sculptures inside the caves. The Ajanta caves have beautiful frescoes painted all over the walls and the ceilings. These frescoes and paintings represent court life, processions, feasts, people working, festivals and events, and scenes from nature like animals, birds, and flowers. They mostly revolve around Lord Buddha and the most common theme is Jataka-the incarnations of Lord Buddha. They also depict yakshas, nagas and Ganga, and the Yamuna- the river goddesses, etc. The artists made the paintings in wet plaster. Then they put a layer of lime plaster over the paintings to protect and preserve them.
The Ajanta cave paintings are also known as the masterpieces of Buddhist art. It is one of the best examples of ancient Indian art. There are a total of 30 caves in Ajanta which have some wonderful, brightly – colored paintings. Some of the famous paintings of the Ajanta caves are the one which shows a procession of elephants, one which shows a dancer and women musicians, the Chhadanta Jataka in Cave 10, and Bodhisattva – an elephant with six tusks. The Ajanta caves have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Ellora caves are situated in the Charandari Hills. It is located at a distance of about 29 km from the city of Aurangabad, Maharashtra, and about 100 km from the Ajanta caves. The place contains over 100 caves out of which 34 caves are open for the public. These caves feature and celebrate Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Out of these caves, 5 caves have these paintings. They contain engraved pre-historic paintings divided into two sections. One section depicts Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The other section portrays Lord Shiva and his followers and the procession of Apsaras and Shaivas. Caves 32 and 33 are Jain temples that contain remains of some beautiful murals. These caves are from around the 9th century.
Kailasanatha, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Cave 16 was built around 760 – 860 AD. It contains some of the best-preserved paintings which have been repainted almost three times. This Kailasanatha or Kailash temple, a chariot-shaped monument in Cave 16, is the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world. The Hindu caves, built around 600 – 875 AD, contain paintings based on Apsaras, trees, nature, and deities whereas the Buddhist caves, built around 550 – 750 AD, contain paintings based on the Lord Buddha. The Jain caves were built around 800 – 1000 AD and they contain some magnificent murals. Some famous paintings are of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi with clouds as a backdrop and Ravan ki Khai. The Ellora caves are one of the largest rock-cut Hindu temple caves all over the world and they have also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Elephanta caves, also known as, Gharapuri (city of caves) are located on the Elephanta Island of Mumbai, Maharashtra. These historic caves contain several ancient Hindu temples, paintings, sculptures, carvings, etc. These caves depict Hinduism and Buddhism. These caves consist of five Hindu caves and two Buddhist caves. The paintings here are brightly colored and mostly represent the artist’s culture. Cave 1 is also known as the grand cave or the great cave. There are many sculptures here like Ardhanarishvara, Ravananugraha, Yogishvara, and Hindu deities such as Kartikeya, Ganesha, Dvarapala, Lord Shiva, etc. There is also a Trimurti statue which is around 20 feet high. It is also the most important sculpture of this cave. To reach the cave, one has to climb 120 steps.
The most popular and celebrated carvings of the Elephanta caves are the large monolithic Trimurti Sadashiva, Nataraja, and Yogishvara. These paintings and artworks were made between the 5th and the 9th century. There is also a carving depicting Kalyanasundara, the wedding of Shiva and Parvati, where one can see many gods and goddesses, Brahma, Vishnu, King Parvata, Chandra (moon god), and apsaras witnessing and blessing the wedding. The Elephanta caves were also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Sittanavasal Cave is also known as the Arivar Koil. It is a Jain cave located in the Pudukottai district of Tamil Nadu. This cave was created by Jains and is a rock-cut cave temple of the Arihants. This cave was built in the 2nd century. it contains remains of many well-known murals which dated back to the 7th century. The paintings here were done with vegetable and mineral dyes and colors which include black, blue, white, yellow, green, and orange. The paintings were made over a thin wet layer of lime plaster.
The Sittanavasal cave depicts Jainism and to reach the cave, one has to climb around 100 steps. The main themes of paintings are lotus pond, lotus flowers, two dancing figures, lilies, geese, fish, buffaloes, and elephants. Another common theme of paintings was Jain
Samavasarana, meaning the attainment of nirvana and Khatika bhumi. There are decorative and beautiful paintings of the sanctum and a lotus tank, men, flowers, birds, animals, fishes, and a dancing girl, the king and the queen all over the pillars and the ceilings. These Sittanavasal cave paintings depict the Pandyan period of the 9th century. They also contain inscriptions from the 9th and the 10th century. The paintings and the artwork of the Sittanavasal caves are very similar. It is believed to be connected to the Ajanta caves. The technique which was used in making these paintings is called fresco-secco.
The Bhimbetka rock shelters situated in Central India is an archaeological site from the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods. These rock shelters are located in the Raisen district in the state of Madhya Pradesh. There are traces of the Stone Age at the site. The site also contains seven hills with over 750 rock shelters and caves. There are beautiful, prehistoric cave paintings among which some are even 10,000 years old. Some common themes of these cave paintings were animals, dancing and hunting, elephant, deer, peacock, and snake. The paintings here belong to several different periods like the early historic, the medieval period, and the Chalcolithic age. Some paintings included gatherers, metals, horse riding, and fighting. Some caves here even date back to 100,000 years. The most common colors used in these paintings were red and white.
These rock shelters consist of over 600 caves and even the ceilings of these caves are decorated. These decorative paintings depict religious motifs, tree gods, magical sky chariots, humans, war scenes with kings and soldiers on horses, and people enjoying and living daily life. The place has a well-known rock caked “Zoo Rock”. It has paintings of bison, deer, bear, peacock, snake, and the sun god on it. Bhimbetka is the oldest known rock art in India. This place was named “Bhimbetka” after Bhima, a Pandava from Mahabharata. The name was derived from Bhim Bhatika which means the place where Bheem used to sit. The Bhimbetka rock shelters were also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The word “Lenyadri” can be interpreted as “a mountainous cave.” This word comes from ‘Lena,’ (‘Cave’ in Marathi ) and ‘adri’ (‘stone’ in Sanskrit). There are about 40 rock-cut caves in Lenyadri. The most well-known and frequented is the set of 30 caverns in a small group facing south. These caves were established as a Buddhist monastery in the 1st – 3rd centuries AD. One of the Buddhist residences afterwards became a prominent Hindu god Ganesh shrine. Lenyadri is listed on the major Ashtavinayaks: the eight most honoured Ganeshas of Maharashtra. These paintings are said to be at least 250 years old, as they have yet to be found an accurate record of their origin. For now, however, their origin can be considered more or less from the Peshwa era, because the style of this era is identical. Steps 283 cut stones grouped in 10 stairs which were constructed in the 19th century are used to reach the caves. According to the canon of time – Hinayana, the Buddhists created these caves. There are two big shrines in the group of 30 caverns — chaitya griha and one mini chaitya. Other caves for monks — viharas – have been built. The majority of viharas are composed of a porch, centre hall and cells placed around the main hall. Hill features four additional rocky caverns that are older than the main group caves. A little chaitya with a graved entrance design – lotus, geometrical motifs, is one of the caves. Shrines are located in other caves. Traces of old cave paintings and inscriptions have remained in the caves of Lenyadri.
Situated in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, on the banks of the Baghani River, these rock-cut caves have the most beautiful murals that early man has ever done. Only 5 of the first 9 caverns have survived up to now. The tradition has it that the Buddhist monk Dataka sculpted such caves in the late fourth – sixth centuries AD. For mural paintings, the Bagh Caves are often appreciated. The walls and ceilings were coated in brownish orange with thick mud plaster. Lime-priming was done over this plaster and paintings were subsequently applied. This is also called a tempera technique that refers to the use of a paint medium that is permanently quick-drying, made of a coloured pigment and a water-soluble binding substance.
Ajanta Caves are considered to be the only examples of these cave paintings in the outside world. However, it has been proved that these paintings have existed from much before. And this did not end with Ajanta, but was supported in many places of India by people of many faiths.
Only the cave no. 3 and 4 had endured the ravages of time when the caves in Bagh were first discovered. Bagh’s walls depict the Indian classical art in its “golden age.”
Armamalai cave is a natural cave, that in the 8th century was remade into a Jain temple. The cave comprises paintings, petroglyphs, rock paintings from the Saints of the Jains of the 8th century. These are on the walls of the cave and the frescoes on the roof. The artworks have been produced by using colours on the fine limestone surface and dense exterior dirt. These paintings were painted by Jain monks who resided in them during the ancient Tamil kingdom in the time when their faith flourished. Two methods of frescoing and tempera are employed in the caves. They look like Sittanavasal Cave, old Jain Caves, Bagh Caves, old Buddhist cave in Madhya Pradesh. The cave paintings are seen in India as medieval rock sculptures.
In the late 1960s, rock paintings were uncovered by archaeologists in the cave. The old Pallava Dynasty was founded by Gabriel Jouveau-Dubreuil, who died in 1945. Jouveau Dubreuil stated that he discovered a cave from information he obtained on the copper plate of Udayendiram that sounded like Kumaramangalam to the village, Pallava Ruler Nandivarman II. He was able to locate a cave in western Malayampattu upon further investigation. Photos illustrate the native histories of Jainism as well as Astathik Palakas pictures of Agni, Vayu, Kubera, Eesanya, Indra, Yama, Niruthi and Varuna. There are plant and swans are represented in a petroglyph. The cave walls also include Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions. Most of the art and paintings in these caves have been destroyed for varying reasons.
One of the best preserved structures of ancient India is the Badami or Vatapi, as was originally known. The paintings in the rock-cut caves belong mostly to the sixth and eighth centuries. The caverns of Badami were a major source of inspiration for Mahabalipuram’s structures. The monarch of Pallava fascinated by art and architecture in the caves in Badami Chalukya and came up with the idea to imitate his realm in the same way. There is a clear message of this in the ruins of Mahabalipuram. Later history also presents Chalukyas indication of Pallava’s architectural signs.
The earliest relics of the Hindu paintings are badami mural paintings. Many could not withstand the impact of time, but some of them have survived. The paintings were destroyed during the time of Puleksin I’s son King Mangalishwara. The Vatapi’s caves were completely ornamented with walls; several were puranas-inspired. The surviving ones are Shiva and Parvathi’s paintings as well as several other figures.
The pictures have been lavishly adorned since the ruins clearly indicate the grandeur and splendour of India’s ancient times. The pictures have brought together religions as the art is part of the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist inclinations, which in those times demonstrated the prevalence of secularism and tolerance. The 4th cave features Adinata’s wall art, the tirthankara of Jain.
The hills of Adamgarh are positioned 2 km to the south of the village of Hoshangabad beside the Narmada river. Manoranjan Ghosh found rock shelters in 1922, D.H. Gordon and other archaeologists such as Mitra (1927, CE), Silberrad (1932), Brown (1932) and Hunter (1935) carried out the futhtur required research. Adamgarh is home to roughly 18 rock shelters; 11 of which contain visible artwork, some faded with time, others because of visitor damage. The shelters are largely made of small paintings with Shelter No. 10 being highly interesting since paintings from different times are overlaid on the other.
The paintings are simplistic, less creative and in most cases without clear physical proportions. The human figures are painted in red, dark brown and white only, while the figurines of animals are a little more detailed. In Australia, South Africa, East Spain and South America, the activity of people and animals has been exceptionally trapped on the walls, which may be well compared by their numerous pictures. In fact there are paintings of numerous creatures such as oxen, monkeys, horses, fish, peacocks, and in one case giraffes, and even fighting scenes, horsemen, soldiers with bows and arrows, and swords. Trees have also been depicted, but the lack of detail makes it rather hard to identify.
Jogimara Cave, regarded as a symbol of the legacy of Chhattisgarh, is located in the district of Surguja city of Ambikapur. This old cave is decorated with drawings of animals, birds and humans which date back to around 300 BC. The cave also features an inscription written in Brahmi, which is regarded as the first written message of love to be documented on earth. There are no religious motifs in the paintings represented in this cave, but natural aspects are shown. Legend has it that heroes of the Ramayan — brothers, Rama and Lakshman and Rama’s wife Sita – hid here during their exile.
These caves measure approximately 10x6x6 feet. On them, there are numerous paintings of animals, people, birds and flowers. Each picture is painted with a red outline on white plaster. The design on a number of panels – homes (architecture), animals and individuals – depict a variety of things. On the boundaries, there have been recurring motifs of fish, makara, man, lions etc.
White ants, dripping water down the walls and the inadequate Indian environment ruined the plaster of the walls on which the artwork was made. Likewise, the structural buildings created during that period were without a doubt made of wood and unbaked brick, which hindered them from being long-lasting. It has been assumed that the surface of these constructions was achieved by crudely made plaster soil and in some cases were painted. In Jogimara, an entire example of the edifices with the art of the time has not been found yet.
These caves are positioned in a wonderful natural environment, an enormous mountain jungle. The caves are accessible in a natural tunnel in order to make this happen.
In Singapore, HDB flats aren’t the most spacious form of accommodation. In most cases, residents get 3-room units that don’t leave much room for the imagination. Still, there are some simple steps to turn your small space into a cosy home interior design.
In the past few years, many homeowners and interior designers have embraced minimalist and Scandinavian interiors. Indeed, those two styles are genuinely great at opening up tiny HDB interiors. However, most of the time, they are generic and lack the touch of personality.
In the quest of making their home look more prominent, most homeowners overlook cosiness and warmth. Of course, you can always be straightforward about it. However, achieving the unique serene and bright atmosphere opts for some creative ideas. Here are 5 tips on how to embrace the warmth in your HDB flat:
Bet on Geometrical Layouts
ACVision, Resale HDB 4-Room
Geometrical forms and shapes aren’t new in interior design. Surprisingly, they haven’t been very trendy lately, but they’ll undoubtedly serve as a background for your focal points. Whether you’re using a TV backboard or a flushed white wardrobe, geometrical layouts will streamline your eyesight.
The lack of handles on your drawers and cabinets will only make everything easier on the eye. Ultimately, your interior design will give the impression of an organised set of forms completing each other.
Introduce Warm-toned Wood
Perhaps, using a few geometrical layouts won’t have the same effect without using the proper material. In this regard, wood is the easiest choice you can make. Pick warm-toned wood and simply use it everywhere around your home – from furniture to flooring and wall decoration.
Of course, you would want to avoid monochromatic combinations, as you want your home to feel lively and warm. In this case, your best shot would be to choose veneered cabinets with white elements. Alternatively, you can come up with warm pastel hues like creamy white or beige.
Accentuate with Proper Lighting
ACVision, HDB BTO 3-Gen Flat
Arguably, the best way to accentuate different parts of your home is to use lighting. Needless to say, using single lighting in a room is the worst mistake to make. Instead, you should try and use different forms of illumination throughout your HDB interior design.
Typically, you can use anything from wall scones to bedside lamps and LED strips. Use the latter to illuminate the nooks within or under your cabinets. Also, you can use a unique chandelier for each part of your room. Of course, don’t forget to place your lamps wisely, or you’ll later regret the hefty electricity bills.
Add Dark Accents for a More Dramatic Look
Contrary to popular belief, dark accents are essential for every modern interior design. Whether you’re going for a luxe look or something more casual, dark brown or black will bring in contrast. In turn, you’ll create a sense of variation, and the warm tones will pop out even more.
In this regard, you can experiment with different elements in your HDB interior design. For example, you can bring a leather bed to your bedroom. Also, you can do the same with your living room sofa. On the other hand, you can be more subtle and simply go for a two-toned TV cabinet with flushed black doors.
Decorate with Greenery
Last but not least, don’t forget to think about the more minor details. If there’s something that will make your HDB interior design cosy and warm, it’s a bunch of greenery. While they will go with your wooden elements, they will make your rooms look full and lively. Ultimately, they will complete your interior design concept.
Undoubtedly, the easiest way to nail the idea is to bring in some succulents or cacti. Usually, they are small and will fit in spaces like showcases, shelves and drawers. If you want to make a statement or simply love greenery, go for a snake or spider plant. Both of them aren’t very picky about watering or light, so you won’t have hassle taking care of them.
You can bring in a Bromeliad plant if you’re an expert plant-lover. Just place it in a corner near the window, but ensure it gets filtered light and copious amounts of water and humidity.
Conclusion
To conclude, creating a warm and cosy HDB interior design is totally possible. Perhaps, the first thing to do when planning your home interior is to prioritise genuine wood and light veneers. Indeed, this will set the tone, but you shouldn’t forget the illumination as a way to highlight the main idea.
Of course, plenty of other ideas will work in a personalised concept like this. Arguably, the interior designers at AC Vision are experts at nailing such designs that can completely change your HDB home’s mood. If you’re eager to bring in the warmth back to your home, make sure you check out the company’s portfolio of HDB interior design ideas.
Is your Netflix’s horror movies list frequently visited than the other genres? Does your appetite for a good read always crave for Stephen King or Mary Shelly or the likes? Well then, welcome to the club of horror story fans. Bhangarh Fort is a name and place known to almost all horror story buffs of India. Most of us are curious that Bhangarh Fort is equivalent to the stories and videos the internet contains. All those who have been to Bhangarh have an extraordinary narrative about the place. For those who have not yet been to Bhangarh, make-do with the snippets from others.
To quench our curiosity and get an insight into the mystery Bhangarh Fort stands for, let us read about the place. Starting from the history, the curses, and the aftermath, let us read everything we need to know about the famous Bhangarh Fort.
Bhangarh Fort is in the present-day state of Rajasthan. To be more precise, the Fort is at the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve, between Alwar and Jaipur. A once prominent and lively city, Bhangarh is now commonly known as the ‘ghost city of India’.
The Bhangarh Fort’s origin goes back to many centuries. The Kachwaha ruler of Amber, Raja Bhagwant Das, had built the Fort for his younger son Madho Singh in 1573 AD. Man Singh, general of King Akbar, was Madho Singh’s brother. Chatr Singh was the son of Madho Singh, and he took over the palace after his father’s death.
Raja Bhagwant Das built the Fort after seeking permission from the ascetic Guru Balu Nath, whose place of meditation was in the precinct. Guru Balu Nath had one condition that the shadow of the Fort should not touch his shrine. If the palace’s shadow was to reach Guru Balu Nath’s place of meditation, then Bhangarh will be cursed and remain roofless. Raja Bhagwant Das agreed to the condition and built the Bhangarh Fort.
Curses on the Bhangarh Fort
There are primarily two curses in association with the fall of Bhangarh Fort.
As per the condition of building the Fort, no shadow reached the place of meditation of Guru Balu Nath. Unfortunately, one of the ascendants of the Fort did not adhere to the condition.
When the shadow of the Fort fell on the shrine of Guru Balu Nath, he put a curse on the place. All the houses of the Bhangarh Fort were to remain roofless.
The second curse that befell Bhangarh Fort was the curse of a ‘lovelorn’ Tantrik.
Princess Ratnavati’s beauty was famous widely. Marriage proposals from far and wide flew into Bhangarh, asking for Princess Ratnavati’s hand. Singhia Tantrik, a practitioner of spells and magic, also fell for her.
One day the Singhia Tantrik saw Princess Ratnavati’s maid buying hair oil for her. The Tantrik saw a chance and took it. He put a love spell in the hair oil. The Princess herself was aware of such spells and magic. Seeing the swirl in the hair oil, she knew there was a spell in it. Princess Ratnavati threw the bottle away. The moment the bottle touched the ground, it enlarged into a boulder. The boulder, in turn, became the doom of Singhia Tantrik. Before breathing his last, Singhia put a curse on Princess Ratnavati and everyone in the place. The curse was a warning to the people of Bhangarh to leave home or else they were to die a painful death and would never be able to rest in peace.
Bhangarh Fort was a place like any other fort or palace of India. The place was lively with markets, Dance Havelis, things for amusement, and, most importantly, people. Once the curses fell on the spot, Bhangarh Fort uncannily became a lifeless place, the air itself carrying a smell of suspense and a bad omen.
The ruins of Bhangarh Fort that remains today are unlike other ruins of forts and palaces of India. For starters, the roofs are entirely missing from the houses inside the Fort. The temples inside the Fort are devoid of their Gods. The people who once lived inside left their homes behind and settled outside.
Today the Bhangarh Fort is a place of tourist attraction. Visitors from across the country look forward to their Rajasthan trip. Out of the many attractions of Rajasthan, Bhangarh Fort has a place in their itinerary. What fascinates people even more is the restrictions imposed by the government of India.
The Archaeological Survey of India has put up a board at the entrance of the Bhangarh Fort, stating, ‘Entry to the Bhangarh Fort is restricted after sunset and before sunrise.’ The statement piques the interest of many. Young people are drawn to the place even more because of their quest for adventure and ghost-hunting spirit.
Another peculiar restriction is the limit on foreign visitors. Foreign visitors are not permissible to the Fort without special permission. Though the Bhangarh Fort is a popular haunted place globally, foreigners are not allowed inside the premises.
Moving along the narrow passageways inside the Bhangarh Fort, people notice items of spiritual significance. Some of the palace doors are marked off-limits by placing the orange cloth as a symbol of a ritual.
People with stalls outside of the Fort have temples outside as a symbol to guard them against evil spirits inside. In many interviews, the sellers have said that they are no longer afraid of the djinns and ghosts of Bhangarh because they have protection from their Gods.
Youngsters have a curiosity to find out why the restriction on timings is there for Bhangarh Fort. Some ghost hunters, with special permission, spend a night inside Bhangarh in the hope to encounter a ghost. But there is one popular story about three young boys who were found dead after spending a night in Bhangarh.
Other narratives of unfortunate accidents are also familiar. People fear and believe the tales of Bhangarh all the more because of these tragic incidents. The belief in evil spirits is instilled in the hearts of many locals.
Given the fairy tale type curses associated with Bhangarh Fort, the title ‘haunted fort’ is apt for the place. But in today’s practical and reasonable world, a rational reason is more believable than ghosts.
In an interview, an officer of the ASI had refuted the claims of there being ghosts inside Bhangarh Fort. The reason for putting a restriction on the timing according to the ASI is the proximity to the Sariska Tiger Reserve the Fort has. It can be dangerous for people after dark, for wild animals are common in that area. They have their security guards patrolling the site, and none of them affirmed seeing or facing any paranormal activities in the area.
So, to believe or not to believe in the ghosts of Bhangarh Fort? It is, of course, all up to the individuals. But ghosts or no ghosts, Bhangarh Fort’s ruins do tug the heart in believing in some kind of supernatural power. The suspense in the air carries the smell of age-old curses. Therefore, the best remedy is to visit Bhangarh Fort and then decide what to believe or not to believe in. Because of the tag of a haunted place, Bhangarh Fort receives many tourists. So why not, for the sake of a trip, you go and visit this famous place to quench your curiosity? We are sure that Bhangarh Fort will not disappoint you, given its history and location in the beautiful state of Rajasthan.
Imagine a huge house bustling with too many people. There is the head of the family who manages the overall affairs and has the final decision in all matters. And there are kids running around snaking their way across different rooms or racing down the stairs. The kitchen is a buzz with constant chatter of the women with the aroma of the food lacing its way through idle conversation. Out on the porch the men are gathered, some reading the paper and others idling their time. There is noise, clatter and a sense of being absolutely alive. Welcome to the Indian joint family which until a few decades ago was a reality of our social and cultural environment. Today, the joint family system has declined considerably with most families shifting to nuclear or small households. However, joint families still do exist!
A joint family is one where people who are related to each other live together. This means, they cook, eat and also perform all social and religious activities together as a family from under a single roof. However, when one thinks of a joint family, one imagines it quite like the description above. Yet, we often forget that a married son living with his parents also counts as a joint family. This is probably why though it might seem that the joint family system is deteriorating in India, some research say otherwise.
Some Stats and Facts
According to research by Etienne Breton the nuclear families in India have increased only marginally. According to the National Sample Survey only 4.4% of elders above the age of 60 years live alone in rural India, whereas 3.6% in urban areas. (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nsso-more-60-years-and-above-people-living-alone-in-villages/articleshow/77075946.cms). Slower rate of urbanization is one of the reasons for a slower growth of nuclear families. Also, surprisingly contrary to perception it is the poorer section of society that are adapting to nuclear families when compared to the elite urban class. The poor are migrating to the cities as they have fewer elements to hold them back, such as large property etc.
Yet the concept of joint families is not alien to the world. Many countries, including China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan have had a prevalent joint family system which started declining in the early 21st century due to more women joining the workforce. However, a study in India throws light on how women in joint families are less likely to take up a job due to family restrictions or social status etc. (https://www.livemint.com/news/india/great-indian-family-doesn-t-help-working-women-1550524334031.html)
The joint family in India has always been a cultural distinguisher. Even today children do not move out of their parent’s homes after a certain age, as often seen in the west. The values and respect for elders is ingrained in a cultural DNA, so much so that children often feel the burden of guilt on leaving their old parents behind. The strong sense of bonding and dependency on each family member also makes it difficult for youngsters to live independently. The relationships within the joint family are the fundamentals on which the structure of love and bonhomie is built.
Whether it is festivals, celebrations or a time of sorrow, the joint family system has been the glue that has sealed the economic, mental and emotional development of the individual. In rural areas, the joint family has been an essential advantage during the agriculture seasons. And hence, the Indian joint family has made a deep place in our cultural landscape, where family values help in expanding and involving the same principles in society at large.
One of the biggest practical advantages of a joint family is the sharing of the load. With a lot of people staying together, the workload of the household is evenly divided. Basic household chores, such as shopping, cleaning, washing clothes and cooking are divided amongst the members. So each individual has a reduced work load. Also, when working collectively the completion of the total work takes less time than otherwise.
2. Manageable Financial Burdens
Image Pixabay
Just as household chores are shared, the financial responsibilities of the home are also distributed amongst all the members. The entire burden of earning and running the budget of the home doesn’t fall on a single person. In fact, the finances are pooled in from the different sources of the joint family and hence usually there always remains an economic stability.
The adults and especially the children living in a joint family understand the importance of discipline. Since there are many members, the house cannot run efficiently if each member is not disciplined or stuck to their routine. The family figures out a smooth way to live their personal desires and manage their time in ways that do not infringe upon the space or time of the other members. And thus, a sense of discipline and habit is easily adapted by the members of a joint family. Also, they all learn to work together as a team, whether it comes to living together or managing duties etc.
4. Strengthened Love, Care and Family Bonds
Image – Unsplash
The biggest disadvantage of a nuclear family is that the bonding or sense of ‘family’ is often limited to fewer people. However, this is a huge advantage of a joint family. The feeling of being loved, accepted and cared for is extremely strong in a joint family. The bonding between the members is inevitable because they live, eat and spend time together. There is always the emotion of someone having your back or covering up for you in the hardest of times. The sense of not being alone or lonely is paramount as seen in the recent times of lockdown and quarantine. As humans, we crave for an emotional attachment and joint families are a wonderful medium to provide emotional and mental stability to its members.
5. Better Child Care
Image – Pixahive
The saying goes, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. And this is reflected in the way a child is brought up in a joint family. The responsibility of the parents alone reduces because the child is often spending time with other members of the family. This helps in a more rounded development of the child. At the same time, it frees up time for the mother or father too. The children are exposed to more members or people from birth, helping them to imbibe and learn from a larger group.
Fundamental values, such as sharing, caring, team work, discipline etc. are easily acquired in a joint family. This paves the way for the members to exhibit the same set of values even at the larger community level. This doesn’t mean that those living in nuclear families have only negative values instilled, but the range and exhibition of these in a joint family are far greater.
7. Strong Support System
One needs the family the most during both happy and trying times. Whenever there is an emergency or loss in the family, the support of everyone coming together helps to turn the tide. Imagine a death or crisis in a nuclear family. The responsibility falls solely on a single or two people who have to manage all aspects of it on their own. On the other hand, the same situation becomes relatively easier to handle in a joint family. The same can be viewed during weddings or any other celebrations. There is far more practical, mental, emotional and physical support in a joint family.
8. Improved Learning and Skills
Image – Pixabay
Though acquiring skills or learning is not exclusive to a joint family set up, it definitely helps. Each member of the joint family brings with him/her skills, talents and experiences that can be useful to the entire family. Whether it be grandparents or uncles and aunts or even cousins, the experiences and skills from each other are great to bounce off ideas and new learning.
There are many logistical and practical advantages of living in a joint family. Yet, it would be untrue to assume that all joint family systems yield only positive and excellent results. The advantages of a joint family only reap benefits when the people who make up the family are genuine themselves. Clashes and arguments may be common, however, the way these are handled and the maturity that each member of the family shows in conducting themselves is of paramount importance.
Finally, the basis of a joint family lies on its stress of basic values, such as caring, sharing, brotherhood, helpfulness or standing up for each other. Such values and temperaments are very important components of our cultural outlook and for the overall betterment of the society and world.
