8 Things You Didn’t Know About Caffeine

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January 5, 2019

Things to Know About Caffeine — Image Source

The rich flavors of coffee and the energy-boosting benefits are among the main reasons as to why so many of us enjoy drinking cups of coffee daily. However, there is a range of health benefits and potential downsides to consuming caffeine that a lot of coffee drinkers are unaware of.

To learn more about some key facts about caffeine that you should be aware of, check out the post below.

Caffeine Can Improve Your Workouts

Drinking coffee before working out can lead to improved performance in the gym. Studies that are published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging have found that drinking cups of coffee before exercising can be useful in helping you to physically exert yourself more compared to the Bodyweight workouts where you don’t consume caffeine.

One of the biggest reasons as to why you can work out more intensely after consuming caffeine is because it can enhance your pain tolerance. This is an especially helpful benefit when it comes to lifting weights as you’re able to push through the pain barrier more compared to lifting weights and not consuming caffeine.

Caffeine Could Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer

Researchers discovered that consuming higher doses of caffeine can lead to a decreased chance of developing melanoma, which is a form of skin cancer that is deadly. Some researchers have hypothesized that people who drink more coffee tend to be indoors more often and are exposed less to the sun compared to those who consume less caffeine.

However, another study suggests that people who consume more caffeine can decrease their chances of being affected by basal cell carcinoma. Therefore, the evidence points towards caffeine being a handy tool that you can use to minimize your risk of skin cancer.

High Doses of Caffeine Can Cause Side Effects

While you can experience some fantastic benefits from consuming caffeine, some potential downsides can be caused by higher intakes. Caffeine is considered to be a drug and can become harmful when being taken in higher amounts that exceed 500 mg per day.

The recommended dose of caffeine to avoid any side effects is 400 mg, which is approximately 3-4 cups of coffee a day. Consuming 500+ mg of caffeine can lead to stomach aches, heart palpitations, anxiousness, insomnia, and jitters. You can minimize these effects by eating, drinking water, and walking. (Source: coffeeverdict.com).

Caffeine Can Lead to a Healthier Heart

People who consume 4 cups of coffee every day can put themselves in a better position to avoid experiencing coronary artery disease and strokes. Studies have revealed that elderly people who are more likely to suffer from heart problems can refoodduce their risk by consuming caffeine regularly.

Caffeine can be an effective way to prevent cardiovascular cells from being damaged to ensure that they can help towards keeping your heart healthy.

Caffeine Can Enhance Your Memory

Caffeine has been associated with boosting your cognitive functions, including organizational skills, planning, and improved memory. Studies have discovered that consuming caffeine regularly can be an effective way to slow down the memory problems caused by Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

These memory benefits from consuming caffeine are the most effective among older adults whose memories are gradually declining. Having said that, consuming too much caffeine can lead to poor sleep which would be counterintuitive for enhancing your memory. Therefore, caffeine in moderation with 2-4 cups would be sufficient.

Caffeine Can Start Working Within Minutes

After you’ve finished drinking a cup of coffee, the caffeine typically takes anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes to get to peak levels. However, some studies have discovered that you may start to feel the effects of caffeine within as little as 15 minutes of consuming it.

People who consume caffeine regularly may not notice the alertness effects of caffeine kicking in as soon as people who don’t consume it as often.

Caffeine can last in your bloodstream for around 8-14 hours and it takes up to 5 hours for your body to mitigate the effects of caffeine by half. Therefore, it’s not recommended to consume caffeine within 6-8 hours of when you’re planning to sleep as it may still be in your system and keep you awake at night.

Women Feel the Effects of Caffeine More Than Men

It’s common for women to feel the stimulating effects of caffeine more compared to men. One of the reasons for this is because women are typically smaller than men and the doses of caffeine affect their bodies more extremely.

Caffeine Alters Brain Chemistry

Many of us cannot wait to start drinking a cup of coffee in the morning as soon as we wake up due to how it wakes us up and gets our brains turned on for the day. The reason caffeine makes us feel this way is that it alters our brain chemistry.

Caffeine binds itself to adenosine receptors in our brains which are proteins that can lead to fatigue. By consuming caffeine, these receptors are blocked and we’re able to feel more vitalized and energetic.

The amount of adrenaline released is boosted by consuming caffeine which leads to your airways expanding, more blood being pumped around, and an elevated heart rate. These are all factors that lead to you feeling more energy after drinking coffee or any other beverages containing caffeine.

Conclusion

Now that you know more about some of the positive and potentially negative effects that caffeine can have, you’ll be able to use it in a way that benefits you the most. Hopefully, we’ve provided you with some valuable insights into caffeine that you didn’t know before!

Top 7 Muslim Honeymoon Destinations You Will Love

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Caleidoscope

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January 1, 2019

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December doesn’t only bring winters but also brings the most suitable season for planning weddings in most of the Muslim countries; this brings along the obvious need of planning honeymoon trips. Honeymoon is something that is planned exotically in both non-Muslim as well as Muslim cultures. Muslim couples demand more privacy and select their honeymoon destination by looking at different factors according to their preferences.

Places with beaches and private villas are all dream destinations for honeymoon. As Muslims don’t have live-in relationship with their partners, the romantic environment of such destinations gives them a perfect place to come closer and get to know each other. Away from families, these new couples live independently and get to spend more quality time.

As it is often said that you get to know someone when you travel together, so here are 7 awesome destinations that can be visited by new Muslim couples for their honeymoon:

Thailand

Thailand has some outclass resorts and beaches. There are also Muslim travel apps that help tourists coming to Thailand find halal food and locate praying services for male and females. There are several beaches where you can do some amazing activities. Hijabi females may not enjoy freely the beaches, can get a private pool in a five-star hotel for a night at an affordable rate and you wouldn’t have to worry about finding delicious halal food. This makes Thailand an amazing destination for Muslim couples.

Indonesia

It is a country with scenic views, outclass beaches and affordable quality accommodations. There are various five-star private resorts which suit the demands of Muslim couples. Around 87% of Indonesian population are Muslims so if you’re looking to do some shopping and buying hijabs you are definitely in the right country! Among the Indonesian Islands, Bali is most beautiful which has 4% Muslim population with many halal food restaurants.

Being closely located to other Muslim countries, they know well how to cater Muslim tourists and they continue to expand their offerings. Most of the diners that serve pork or alcohol will clearly show on the menu. You can book villas offering complete privacy for breakfast and female butlers keeping in mind female privacy needs. It is a wonderful place with flawless isolation for private pools and world-class facilities for Muslim couples. What else can you ask for?

Sri Lanka

Most Muslim couples do not consider Sri Lanka as a feasible option while thinking of their honeymoon destination. Whereas it is located at the north side of Maldives and has similar climate; you are just a few hundred miles away and can enjoy similar feel with cheaper price tag. On the top of all this, southern parts of Sri Lanka have striking seashores.

Hijab-Fashion-2 — Image – Bokitta Hijabs

There are beautiful resorts in Sri Lanka with best-value luxury villas with the services of private chefs and live-in staff. You can also travel to Colombo for some days; there you can get plenty of halal dining options. You will also notice the numerous prayer rooms found in most of the hotels to attract more Muslim travelers.

UAE

Muslim-Honeymoon-Destinations-UAE — Photo by Anson Antony on Unsplash

If you want to have an unconventional honeymoon, you can always opt for desert retreat with romantic starry nights under the wide skies. You can explore the mystical desert dunes with a camel ride and experience the adrenaline rush with sand dune bashing. UAE is a Muslim country, so discovering the best Halal food and shopping fashionable hijabs is not a problem! You also MUST visit the city’s magnificent mosques! Dubai is a mainstream choice of most couples who want a lavish honeymoon, but Abu Dhabi is a choice for romantic and adventurous Muslim couples with plenty of opportunities to enjoy their honeymoon.
Even if sand sports are not your thing, you can relax while camping on comfortable day beds. There are numerous other activities for newly wed Muslim couples as well.

Greece

When we talk about Greece people usually think of Athens or Santorini; however, if you want to go to some place in Greece that’s not much mainstream and is yet rich in culture having some amazing views, Crete is the place for you. Crete has something for everyone; similarly, Muslim couples can’t get anything better than Crete with its 350 beaches and the touch of Venice and Florence here.

Private villas with an entire pool to yourself or a studio with dazzling sea view gives the perfect isolated romantic atmosphere for Muslim couples, keeping their privacy concerns in mind. Food is not a problem for Muslims even if they can’t find restaurants offering Halal food, they can still eat the local food as the locales are vegetarians and they have wide variety of vegetarian food for Muslims.

Mauritius

Mauritius is an island located in the middle of Indian Ocean providing the perfect island gateway for newly-wed couples wanting to enjoy the private romantic trip and who want to explore the exciting local culture. Here you can book your own private villa and get to enjoy the free non-motorized water sports and explore the local culture.

Muslim couples find easy halal dining options with alcohol-free menus in private villas; they also offer privacy for pools and similar facilities. Separate prayer areas for males and females are available. Female spa therapists are offered for hijabi females. Mauritius is the best location for Muslim-friendly villas in front of the clear endless blue water providing the best beach gateway that one can ever have.

Spain

Spain might not be the first option for Muslim couples to consider when they draw down the list of honeymoon destinations. However, if you think of travelling to Europe for honeymoon, you can skip the usual cities and head towards Granada. The largest Muslim community of Spain resides in this city and the city has rich Islamic history.

People going there always return with unforgettable experiences, and since it’s your honeymoon, Granada can be the best place to explore. In this area, females can walk around the street freely wearing hijab and can also explore the Al Taqwa and Grand Mosque of Granada.

A perfect honeymoon destination has all of this: Private villas and pools, halal and luxury five-star gourmet meals, affordable budget and a Muslim friendly environment where females can openly wear hijab, offer prayer and practice other Muslim values. People often think that going to a non-Muslim country might bring challenges for the females if they practice wearing hijab. You can opt from any of the above-mentioned locations to enjoy a dream honeymoon that you will cherish for a lifetime.

One more tip, if you are willing to spend big bucks on your honeymoon, Maldives is the perfect destination! A Muslim country that is our all-time favorite getaway destination!

The Murshidabad Heritage Development Society: A Journey Towards Preservation!

By

Cscope Staff

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December 27, 2018

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Murshidabad located on the banks of the Hoogly River in West Bengal was once an important center and the Mughal capital of the Bengal region. Today, however, very little is known about this historically rich town which seems to have been forgotten on the tourist and cultural circuit of the country. In fact, it would be harsh to say that Murshidabad is forgotten, as much as, covered in a layer of old dust that is being steadily washed off by organizations such as, the Murshidabad Heritage Development Society or MHDS.

About Murshidabad

It is best to know a bit more about Murshidabad before venturing into the ideals and role of the MHDS. In 1704 Murshid Quli Khan who was the Diwan of Bengal during Aurangzeb’s rule transferred the capital of the Bengal region from Dhaka and renamed the city as Murshidabad. In 1716 he attained the title of Nawab and Murshidabad became his capital. Murshidabad continued to an important center in British India.

It is architecturally fraught with luxuries of the nawabs, including palaces, mosques, gardens and tombs. Culturally the town is famous for its silk weaving, ivory and embroidery work, as well as, for exporting some of the best mangoes and litchis.

What is MHDS?

The Murshidabad Heritage Development Society was founded in 2010 with ‘the objective of restoring and reviving heritage in Azimganj and Jiaganj in particular and Murshidabad in general. It was envisaged with the aim of preserving the past, integrating it with our present and laying the foundations for future conservation efforts.’

MHDS in many ways has been responsible for creating awareness and interest in the glorious history, architecture and culture of Murshidabad. The Annual Cultural Festival conducted every year is a two to three day festival that showcases the region’s culture and arts through various different events and heritage walks. This year the Annual Festival will be held from the 12th to the 14th of January 2019.

The Annual Festival 2019

The Murshidabad Heritage Festival is a great way to explore the hidden gems of the town. This year the festival includes sightseeing tours to Heritage monuments, palaces and museums, including a visit to the Kathgala Palace and Lalbagh. Hosting textile and photography exhibitions and folk artists, the festival will also organize various cultural programs and performances by the Chhou Troupe, Raibenshe Troupe and Odissi Dance Troupe.

The second day incorporates a heritage walk in Azimganj, boat races and kayaking, a visit to the Tanti para or a weaver’s locality and a tour to the Murshidabad District Museum. A light and sound show at the Matijheel Park is the perfect way to end the day.

The final day takes the tourists to the famous Hazarduari Museum. The festival package includes meals, hotel stay and travel charges to and from Kolkata.

Community involvement

MHDS admits that community involvement is essential for the preservation of heritage. The Sheherwali Jain Community of Murshidabad are committed towards the restoration and sustenance of the city’s legacy and culture and the members of the community have worked together in patronizing the arts, dress, horticulture, architecture and other cultural aspects of Murshidabad.

Joining hands with the Sheherwali Jain Community the MHDS has finally been able to put into action what was envisaged and hoped for by the many natives of the region.

What does MHDS aim to do?

The objectives of the society are listed out below in their own words.

The revival, restoration & conservation of heritage & culture of Murshidabad,
To bring about awareness of the region,
Lobby for and assist the development of infrastructure,
Promote Heritage and Religious Tourism,
Renovation & revival of assets – Public and Private,
Mentoring residents to protect and add to the legacy of the region,
Organize Entrepreneurial & Vocational training,

What can I do?

Organizations like the MHDS need to be applauded and supported for their commendable vision and actions. You may look for more details on the various projects and events at http://www.mhds.in/.

However, more recently the Annual Festival 2019 is a great way to explore Murshidabad and learn more about its heritage and past. At the same time by actively participating and supporting the various ventures of MHDS one can in their own way contribute in the preservation and awareness of lost and faded glories of our history and culture.

7 Honeymoon Places in Andaman Couples Can’t Afford to Miss

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Caleidoscope

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December 19, 2018

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Honeymoon Places in Andaman — Source – Omkar Patil via Flickr

Andaman is one of those honeymoon destinations where the experience of spending the next few days after wedding becomes incredible. The natural beauty, amazing activities and beautiful sunsets are perfect to create intimate moments needed for such occasions.

Andaman has been a popular choice as a honeymoon destination for newlywed couples. Andaman fulfils the checklist of a perfect honeymoon getaway like scenic views, luxurious resorts, pristine beaches and fun-filled activities to experience.

While selecting from many Andaman Honeymoon Packages, one must make sure to include the below-mentioned places in their itinerary.

Port Blair

Port Blair is one of the most beautiful cities in India. The British had made this island their base and left quiet a mark here. Port Blair is the first stop where visitors arrive after landing in Andaman so it gives them ample time and opportunity to explore. One can enjoy multiple day tours, excursions and cruises here. Some of the best honeymoon resorts have made their presence in Port Blair and are ideal for a honeymoon vacation.

How to reach – Port Blair has the main airport that is connected to major Indian cities. Local ferries also run between islands that will help you reach Port Blair.

Places to visit in Andaman Nicobar island

Bay Island
Chidiya Tapu
Fisheries Museum
Wandoor
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Cellular Jail tour
Anthropological Museum

Havelock Island

Havelock Island looks like it has out from a painting. Its breathtaking sceneries and gorgeous beaches make it the best honeymoon destination in Andaman. Havelock is filled with Exotic beach resorts that look perfect for the honeymooners. Honeymoon couples can enjoy their time basking in sun, hopping to the most popular beaches namely, Kala Patthar Beach, Radhanagar Beach and Elephant Beach or go on a romantic evening cruise.

How to reach – Regular Catamaran ferries and government ferries operate between Port Blair and Havelock Island. There are regular ferries from other islands. One can hire a seaplane or a private helicopter to reach Havelock.

Things to do at Havelock Island

Snorkelling at Radhanagar
Scuba diving at Elephant Beach
Sunset cruise
Glass surface boat ride

Neil Island

At a distance of 40 km south of Andaman Island, this location is one of the favourite among the honeymooners and couples. Unlike other islands of Andaman, Neil Island truly takes you closer to the nature and into a world of lovely tropical forests and golden sandy beaches. Neil Island is the home to beautiful Coral Reef that makes it a perfect location for underwater exploration.

How to reach – One can reach here from both Port Blair as well as Havelock Island via Catamaran Boats as well as government ferries.

Places to visit

Laxmanpur beach
Sitapur beach
Bharatpur beach

Campbell Bay

Honeymoon-in-Andaman — Source – Aravindan Ganesan via Flickr

Campbell Bay is located in the island of Great Nicobar and is famous for its natural and enchanting setting that gives romantic vibes to every honeymooning couple. Campbell Bay is known for its national park that is known for the most unique wildlife in India. With a beautiful tropical setting, Campbell Bay is the home to crab-eating macaque, megapode, giant robber crab, and Nicobar pigeon.

How to reach – Both helicopters as regular ferries ply from Port Blair

Ross Island

Ross Island is last reminiscent of British Rule on this island. They had constructed many bungalows and offices in order to conduct their administrative affairs. The bungalows, the architecture and the beautiful European vibes soon gave it the name of Paris of the East. Today, Ross Island exists as an abandoned ghost town with these bungalows looking like a page from a haunted novel. Ross Island is the home to many deer who wander here freely.

How to reach – Ross Island is accessible through ferries from Port Blair. You can also choose packages for Ross Island with North Bay Island and other nearby places.

Entrance Fee – INR 30

North Bay Island

North Bay Island is very close to Port Blair and is always included in various Andaman Tour Packages. It is known for beautiful wonderful underwater coral reefs. This is one of the most tourist friendly islands here and provides amazing snorkelling and sea walking opportunities. Scuba diving is very popular here as it is very easy to spot the various marine creatures that inhabit the place.

Things to do

Scuba diving
Jet Ski
Snorkelling
Sea walking
Parasailing

Jolly Buoy Island

Jolly Bouy Island is an hour’s journey from Wandoor Beach. There are ferries at certain time that travel here. The route itself feels so beautiful as the boat passes over golden sea. The whole journey is itself a romantic experience.

The most notable part of this island is the Mahatma Gandhi National Marine Park. Jolly Buoy Island is one of the two islands of the park that is open to tourists but only in specific months.

How to reach – One needs to come to Wandoor beach from where regular ferries go to the park. First Ferry starts at 8.30 am and Last Ferry is at 10.30 am.

With so many amazing places to visit in Andaman, your honeymoon is surely going to be a memorable experience. Thomas Cook offers amazing Andaman honeymoon packages and makes sure that your visit to this island is a romantic experience. For more details on Andaman Tour Packages contact our team of experts.

Also Read – Five Most Beautiful Honeymoon Places in India to Let Your Love Flow

An Indian Urdu Poet Who had been Warm Welcomed in Australia

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Caleidoscope

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December 18, 2018

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om-krishan-rahat — Om Krishan Rahat – Source

Poetry is a genre which is not only the manifestation of verses understood by people belonging to the same creed, but is the recitation of verses which are written through heart and so it tugs at heartstrings of anyone who listens and reads it. Confinement of a single race with respect to any sort of literature is not possible. It is meant for everyone and a poet whose poetry blooms with wisdom, self-reflection, love for humanity and sympathy for suffering of poor is someone who is unforgettable and his name is even remembered after decades. Om Krishan Rahat is a great humanitarian and his love for poor is reflected in his poetry which makes him eminent among the famous poets of Sub-Continent,

Not only a renowned Urdu poet of Sub-Continent, he also earned great fame and reputation in Sydney with his distinguished and exquisite writing style. He is a bridging literary figure of Sydney for Indo-Pak communities and represents their culture with great respect. Even after his death on September 12, 2018, his contributions to Urdu literature will not be wiped off from this world, but will be remembered with dignity and pride.

After moving to Australia in 1996, every literary figure was compelled to serve him with great reverence. No literary festival, mushaira, Urdu International Organization and mehfil would be conducted without his presence. He would be a limelight of every poetry gathering and soothe people with his heart-wrenching expression about the challenges met by people in their daily life.

His wife SubeshRahat was highly influenced by her husband and she sometimes worked as a muse for him to help him in accomplishing his target. She regards him in such pride:

“I still remember Rahat sahib’s first Australian poetry gathering held in late nineties where audience were overwhelmed by the newly arrived poet and repeatedly requested to share more ghazals.”

Through his poetry, he was able to express the mechanism and intricacies of human psyche.

Phailata hai haath gharazka jab koi majboori main,

Har jaani pehchaaani surat anjaani ho jaati hai.

A literary stalwart Abbas RazaAlvi highly praised Rahat Sahab for his capability of expressing depths of human soul. He praises him:

“Rahat Sahib will be regarded as one of the best Urdu poets in Australia and will always be remembered through his words which reflect the feelings of ordinary people.”

Not only as a poet, but also a mentor he was a guiding light for many young writers, journalists and poets of Sydney. He attended various literary organizations in Australia and influenced people with his charisma of dealing with words. Ashraf Shad, founder of Urdu Society of Australia and Urdu International deems RahatSahabin prestigious words and highlights his contributions which he made to Urdu Poetry living in Sydney for two decades.

“When Om KrishanRahat First came to Australia it was a blessing for many upcoming poets in Sydney. RahatSaheb became their mentor and at the same time enriched the literary environment of the city. There was no Mushaira where RahatSaheb was not present and he became a major and distinguished voice of the Australian literary community from the subcontinent. He will be remembered for long by his friends and followers”.

The ability to delve deep into the human soul and portraying their true self is what is reflected in his verses and this quality allowed the literary figures and common men in Sydney to welcome his contributions to Urdu poetry in welcoming arms.

Main ne insaan sa khud saranhin dekha rahat

Apne mohsin ko bhula deta hai ehsaan keb aad

His first recitation of poetry in Wollongong is deeply engraved in the minds of audience even after his death and even DrShabirHaider who is the founder of Urdu literary organizations of Australia is not able to forget the way the audience were mesmerized and enchanted by his inspirational piece of writing.

“Om KrishanRahat was a great poet and fiction writer. A great human being who has distributed love through his work and supported human rights and values. We have a big loss in the literary world of Australia.”

Apart from showering love for humanity, his poetry convinces people to believe in their own power and not be dependent and blaming others for their own follies.

Jab jab bhi apne baarey main janana pada,

Apney hi dil main mujhe jhankna pada

Not only an eminent figure during his life, he is even being showered with respect after his death. The Sydney-based organization Urdu International of Australia recently organized a gathering for him to remember him as their ‘Ustad’ and celebrating his contributions of Urdu poetry in literary circles of Australia.

Syed Azeem Haider is an enthusiastic writer, loves to write on social issues, current affairs, books and T.V reviews.

Garba & Dandiya – Inspirational Cultural Dance of Gujarat, India

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Caleidoscope

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December 18, 2018

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Garba-Dance — Garba Dance – dpbirds via Flickr

Garba and Dandiya are two sister dance forms belonging to the state of Gujarat, India. These are two very energetic dance forms performed to commemorate the nine-day long festival of Navratri. Navratri is an Indian festival celebrated throughout the country to worship the nine forms of the goddess Durga. This festival not only marks the triumph of good over evil (victory of Indian Goddess Durga over the demonic king Mahishasur) but also celebrates the spirit of unity in Indian Culture.

While Dandiya is performed using special bamboo sticks, Garba is performed using coordinated movements of hands and feet. Both these dance forms have their own religious significance and are performed as a part of the rituals during the nine-day long festival. Men and women perform these dances on all nine days of the festival. Such dance forms bring in immense joy and set the festive mood throughout the country.

The Tradition

During the festival of Navratri, Garba is performed before offering prayers to the deity and performing rituals as a devotional dance. The word Garba is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘garbha’ meaning womb or embryonic life. Traditionally, this dance form is performed by both men and women who move in graceful and rhythmic steps around in concentric circles and an illuminated earthen pot or lantern is placed in the centre. The dancers clap and sing while dancing in circular movements around the lantern. The lantern represents the divine power. Amidst the circle of life i.e., the dancing circle, lays the divine power that remains constant.

Gujarati Traditional Dance Dandiya — Dandiya Dance – Brian Glanz Via Flickr

Dandiya, on the other hand is performed after the rituals and originated as a devotional Garba dance form. It essentially represents the fight between goddess Durga and the demonic king Mahishasur hence depicting the victory of good over evil. Bamboo sticks used to perform this dance are symbolic representation of swords of goddess Durga, and hence, this dance is also known as ‘the sword dance.’ The dancers move in rhythmic manner around in circles and the circular movements in this dance form are much more complex than Garba.

These dance forms are performed in honour of goddess Durga. Usually percussion instruments such as dholaka and tabla are used.

The Dance and Celebration

While these dance forms belong to the state of Gujarat, they have become immensely popular throughout the country and Navratri celebrations are thus incomplete without Garba and Dandiya!

Special arrangements are made during Navratri, wherein thousands of people gather in huge grounds and dance their way to joy! The enthusiasm and energy involved in this dance form is contagious and allows everyone to tap their feet to the sounds of music. Together, they sing and clap and beat their sticks in praise of goddess Durga.

Gujarati Traditional Dance — Gujarati Traditional Dress – Restless mind via Flickr

Women and men not only offer prayers, but also dress up beautifully to participate in the festival. Well of course, it is the time of celebration and who doesn’t want to look good? While women wear the traditional three-piece ghaghra-choli (Indian-style blouse and skirt) adorned with lovely embroidery and pieces of mirror complimented with magnificent jewellery, men are dressed up in ethnic and colourful pieces of kurtas and pyjamas with dazzling mirror craft. Even the bamboo sticks used in Dandiya are vibrantly colourful! In some forms of the Garba dance, women are required to hold ornate earthen pots over their heads. This makes the dance forms even more lively and colourful!

The dance forms have undergone evolution with the changing times. While the basic tradition and rituals are still followed, the dance forms that once were used to educate people about the Hindu festivals of India, have now been commercialised for the purpose of entertainment. Special Dandiya and Garba nights are held at various places throughout the country and these have become major glam events. Such events are also popular internationally. Canada hosts one of the largest Navratri festivals, every year.

Nevertheless, these dance forms allow devotees and non-devotees to come together from different regions and indulge themselves in the celebrations. These festivals spread the message of oneness. Such is the beauty of Indian culture.

Author Bio:

Rohit Agarwal is an architect by profession and travel-freak by passion. He is also a blogger at TransIndiaTravels.com where he writes on travel destinations in India. He loves to write especially on Indian culture and its various aspects. He has written variety of articles on Indian culture, travel and other interesting topics.

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

By

Caleidoscope

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December 15, 2018

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

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

What is a luxury apartment?

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

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

Best areas in Mumbai to Buy a Luxury Flat

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

Altamount Road

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

Pali Hill

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

Worli

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

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

Bandra Bandstand

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

Powai

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

Cuffe Parade

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

Breach Candy

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

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

A look at British Colonial Architecture in India – Part I

By

Tasneem Sariya

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December 4, 2018

1

Fort William Church Kolkata,1866 – Wikimedia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An overview of the British Colonial Architecture

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cities of British Colonial Architecture

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

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

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

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

NataCampa – Back to the Roots of Indian Performing Arts

By

Cscope Staff

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December 4, 2018

0

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

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

Etymology

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

What is NataCamp all about?

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

Nritya decoded

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

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

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

The online platforms

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

The arts and artists

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

Are you an artist interested in showcasing your art?

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

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

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

The Lost Jewish Heritage of Goa

By

Caleidoscope

-

November 23, 2018

22

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

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

Jewish Culture in India

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

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

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

Traces of Judaic Heritage of Goa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What History States

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

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

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

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

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

Findings Indicate

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

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

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

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

Other Evidence

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

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

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

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

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

Possible Synagogues

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

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

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

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

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

Fate of Goa’s Jews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In conclusion

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

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

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

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

Fact Files

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

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