10 Best Indian Food Festivals That will Make Your Taste Buds Cherish Forever

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Indian-Food-Festival
Image – Street Food Festival – New Delhi

Let’s be honest, for almost all of us the food was our first love. The various spices and masalas, all combined to make our childhood a delicious one. Food has always served a much bigger purpose than just satisfying our hunger. It is an important means of communication and bonding among people. No matter where you hail from, you would still remember the delicious flavour of those dishes you savoured in your childhood. It has a unique power to transcend the barriers set by language or culture. Around the world, thoughts may be different, costumes may vary, and lifestyles might differ, but put them all together around the dinner table, and watch the miracle unfold. And the best Indian Food Festivals is testimony to that!

Best-Indian-Food-Festivals
Photo by Prachi Palwe

It is no surprise that food festivals always attract a large crowd. Who would want to miss a rendezvous of dishes from around the world?. In a country like India, where different varieties of dishes exist and are considered to be an important part of the culture, it is no wonder that food festivals are both abundant in number and equally prosperous. Indian food festivals stand proud due to their variety of unique and tasty dishes as well as the large number of visitors who arrive from different parts of the globe. Owing to its unique blend of ingredients and incredible aroma, Indian food is already quite popular among food lovers from around the world. Here we bring to you the top Indian food festivals from around the country which are known for their variety and tasty dishes.

1. National Street Food Festival

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Source – Street Food Festival – New Delhi

No one can argue with the fact that street food always tastes the best. National Street Food Festival is a unique Indian food festival, which brings together street food from different states across the country. If you are an ardent fan of street food, this food festival will surely set you off on a joyful tasty ride. Usually held during December or in January, this Indian food festival is the central hub of street food, including Golgappas, Samosas, Dosa, Jalebi, and anything that comes in the platter of street food, name it, and you have it.

Venue: New Delhi
When: December/January

2. Navi Mumbai Food Truck Fest

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Source – EarthAngels Welfare Foundation

The second on the list for street food festivals in India is undoubtedly the Mumbai truck fest. As the name suggests, this festival features incredible delicacies served from food trucks across the country. It is the biggest Food Truck festival in India. This Indian Food festival features more than a hundred unique dishes from across India. With free entry and several dishes to choose from, this food festival is sure to send your taste buds on a delicious ride.

Venue: Navi Mumbai
When: March

3. Asian Hawkers Market

Indian-Food-Festivals-Asian-Hawkers-Market
Image – Asian Hawkers Market

This Indian food festival takes place over three days and comprises dishes from around the world—Korean, Chinese, French, Japanese, Vietnamese, etc. Every kind of delicacy from the sushi to the seafood platter, you will find here. This International food festival brings together the food culture from around the world and can be termed as the food lover’s paradise.

Venue: Select Citywalk, Delhi
When: October

4. The Grub Fest

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Image – The Grub Fest

The Grub Fest is the largest food fest organized in India and is known for its wide variety of delicacies. During this food fest, chefs from prominent restaurants around the country, come together to serve the food lovers with the best of their dishes. It is certain that The Grub Fest is not one to be missed by a staunch food lover. Apart from the incredible cuisine, this Indian food festival also features workshops, movies and fun games to entertain the visitors. This food fest takes place in Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune.

Venue: DB Bandodkar Grounds, Campal, Panaji
When: March

5. Goa Food and Cultural Festival

Indian-Food-Festivals-Goa-Food-and-Cultural-Festival
Image – gogoanow.com

Here is another reason to visit the beautiful state of Goa. Apart from the breathtaking beauty and the soothing ambience, the state is also home to the Goa Food and Cultural Festival. This unique food festival celebrates the rich culture of Goa and serves the traditional delicacies. Anyone who loves to explore the culture of Goa is sure to enjoy this grand event. One visit to this festival and anyone would undoubtedly fall in love with the food culture of the state.

Venue: DB Bandodkar Grounds, Campal, Panaji
When: April

6. Foodistan, 10 Head Festival

Indian-Food-Festivals-Foodistan,-10-Head-Festival
Image – dfordelhi.in

Though not a massive food fest like the ones discussed above, the beauty of this food festival lies in its simplicity. The 10 Head festival is not solely held as a food festival but is a significant part of the 10 Head festival. From the high-end restaurants to the street food vendors, everyone takes part in this festival, giving food lovers a unique chance to explore a variety of delicacies under one roof. Apart from this, you can get.

Venue: Dhanchiri Camping Resort, NH-8, Gurgaon
When: October

7. Bengaluru Food Fete

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Image – Eventshigh

The city of Bangalore needs no special introduction to food lovers. The city prides itself for being the ultimate stop for food lovers around the country. The Food Fete held in April is quite popular among the people. On this day, eminent and aspiring chefs, bakers and restaurateurs, all gather together to display their variety of delicacies. Apart from the food, the place also hosts stand up comedies and musical performances to entertain the spectators.

Venue: KTPO Trade Centre & Itpl Main Road, Bangalore
When: April

8. International Mango Festival

International Mango Festival
Image – International Mango Festival

Remember those summer seasons in your childhood, when the mango tree was your favourite haunt. Well, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the best part of the scorching summer days are the soothing and relishing mangoes we get at the end. If you agree with me, then the International Mango Festival is the right place for you. Held in Delhi, the festival displays more than 500 varieties of mangoes! It serves an array of juices and desserts all prepared from mangoes. If you are a mango lover like me, do not lose this opportunity.

Venue: Dilli Haat, Janakpuri, New Delhi
When: July

9. Mei Ramew Food Festival

Indian-Food-Festivals-Mei-Ramew-Food-Festival
Image – Adotrip.com

A blissful state, Meghalaya is known for its scenic beauty and magical appearance. The Mei Ramew is one of the most significant attractions of Meghalaya. This food festival is held by the state to acquaint the people with the traditional delicacies prepared by the ethnic communities of the state. The meals served in this festival are prepared from organic food items collected from the forest.

Venue: Sacred Grove, Mawphlang, Meghalaya
When: December

10. Ahare Bangla Food Festival

Indian-Food-Festivals-Ahare-Bangla-Bengal-Food-Festival
Image – Wikimedia

The people of Bengal are undoubtedly some of the greatest lovers of food. This food festival held in Kolkata and includes all the dishes, which are indigenous to the state. From the Bhapa Ilish to the Mishit Doi, every dish belonging to the Bengali cuisine can be found here. This festival is one of the major hubs for food lovers.

Venue: Milan Mela Grounds, Kolkata
When: Kolkata

Indian food festivals have a distinct charm and beauty of their own. They provide a delightful abode for food lovers from around the world. With its variety of dishes to choose from, Indian food festivals are sure to satisfy anyone who visits them. It is through these amazing festivals that people gain awareness about the indigenous food culture and the rich diversity. The Indian food festivals help in rekindling the spirit of unity among different communities, as they bond over the incredible variety of dishes. Indian Food Festivals are thus an integral part of the culture of India and has an important role in highlighting the rich culture and diversity of the country.

The Surviving Saree – An Artistic Expression of the Journey of Women’s Heritage

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Ishi-Srivastava-Artist

Experiencing women’s heritage through the transforming narrative of the sustainable drape

‘The Surviving Saree’ was presented at the Global Fashion Conference, France 2020 and is an artistic expression of the emotional journey of the saree, a 5-9 yards rectangular piece of fabric which speaks about heritage and identity. It is a garment that is known to be one of the oldest surviving drapes. The Saree can be traced back to one of the oldest Indian civilizations and has survived centuries of social, political and economic changes in India. Clothing and particularly, the saree has played a significant role in women’s heritage. Saree has not just evolved, but it stands as the most sustainable garment even today reflecting the renewal of fashion as it is draped entirely, with zero wastage of fabric as it doesn’t involve garment cutting techniques. The project explores the saree, not just as a garment but as the ignition of emotional aspects, stories of women, their transformation with the transforming saree, and the renewal of fashion in India.

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Growing up in India, I have been observing and visiting many places across the country to study the paintings, sculptures at museums and historical sites like Ajanta and Ellora caves. My observations have helped me understand the evolution of the drape, but the evolution is not just related to draping styles. The physical transformation of the drape is linked to the social, cultural and ideological changes. We see a significant difference in the ways women approached the drape in the ancient eras to medieval, and this also connects to how the saree is such a significant part of women’s heritage. The draping styles symbolized beauty and sense of freedom for women. The model of respect and identity has been transmission and transferred from one generation to another. I have witnessed may folk tales around the saree and how it stands for a women’s modesty.

In India, in many social rituals and ceremonies even today, sarees are gifted, or the bride has specific colours for the saree that symbolize marriage and good fortune. We see a very interesting blend of rituals, application of colours, and connectivity of the drape to spirituality. I have observed changes in the draping styles from the ancient culture to the medieval period. There is a major shift in the identity, ideology and draping styles during the Mughal and British rule in India. India has a rich cultural history and has seen the blend of many cultures.

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The most interesting find from my research has been to see how the saree kept evolving, and women saw themselves, their changing identity through the oldest surviving drape. It has evolved with women and their heritage. Changes in clothing throughout history have always been an adaptation to new styles. None of the earlier styles has been discarded. They have beautifully transformed. Women have adopted new ways as per the changing social, cultural, and economic needs and then adapt to those needs as and when they find it necessary or useful to their daily existence (Rathi, 2018). Today, the saree is a symbol of heritage, culture, and identity but what we also see is our future in this drape. The fact that the saree is very sustainable, can be draped around every body type and is an evolving drape, makes a fascinating suggestion towards the future as we are talking about sustainability.

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With no pattern cutting and textile wastage, the saree remains one of the most sustainable zero waste clothing styles we know of. Saree, being one of the oldest surviving drapes has proved that the ability of a garment to respond to change is the ultimate. Flexibility in transformation, adaptability through multiple social, economic, political, geographic and cultural changes have made the philosophy of the Saree much stronger. The Saree still stands as a symbol of culture, identity, and heritage and above everything today, individuality and sustainability. The Surviving Saree is not just a research project but a voice of the future. The sustainable future we dream of, the zero waste clothing the world is looking at today.

With sustainability, the saree also answers questions on gender equality and acceptance. Where today the world is speaking of gender-neutral clothing, it found way back in the Harappa civilization (Image 1) where we see men draped in fabrics. The Saree drape over the years has been associated with women, but I believe the drape is gender-free and stands for a sustainable and equal tomorrow. Taking my conclusion further into application of my research and explorations, the outcome of this project consists of series of images created with recycled, old sarees styled on men and women wearing masks to express gender neutrality in the current scenario. My outcome is an artistic expression of my research and conceptualisation.

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The following series was created in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and is interlinked with the mask. The Mask and the Saree are genderless forms of self-expression. The art of draping is our voice for tomorrow and the voice of gender-neutral clothing. I am looking at the future through my Saree, and here is a visual representation of my concept.

About the Author: Ms. Ishi Srivastava, lecturer at Pearl Academy, Mumbai is an artist, stylist and designer based in Mumbai. A fashion design graduate from Pearl Academy Delhi, she has worked in the industry as a freelance stylist, graphic designer, costume designer, visual artist and was running her own clothing line. Her styling work has been featured in multiple magazines like Mob Journal, Lucy’s, Mordant, Women’s Era, Malvie and Clichémag. She is also a part of the Khadi Design Council of India and has presented and will be presenting her research paper on ‘The Virtual Studio’ (online education), ‘The surviving Saree’ and ‘The Future Universe’ at platforms like Fashion Colloquia, Jaipur, From Place to Space (Virtual conference) and Global Fashion Conference 2020. Ishi believes in driving change through education, fashion, art and is constantly working to achieve this.

Fact File-

The Surviving Saree – Innovation in Future
Saree designed from recycled old sarees and hand painted with abstract artwork inspired from the story of Drapaudi In the Hindu epic Mahabharata by Author Ms.Ishi Srivastava 

Team 
Stylist: Ishi Srivastava @ishisrivasatava 
Concept & Creative direction : @ishisrivasatava, @darkknitestudios
Saree : Ishi Srivastava, @worldofishi
Photography: Rahul KV @darkknitestudios
Model: @zeniaboga, @toabhcreative
Assistant stylist: @rehal_singhvi
MUA: @fatema_m92
Hairstylist: @hairstyling_by_fatema

10 Indian Monuments That Your Child Should Know About

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Indian-Monuments-That-Your-Child-Should
Photo by Raj Rana

India is a beautiful country known prominently for its rich and varied culture. Through the ages, India has been in constant contact with diverse cultures from around the world. The monuments situated in the country represent the harmonious confluence of various traditions and cultures together. Apart from the cultural diversity and the historical relevance, these Indian monuments must be visited to experience the grandeur and magnificence of the architectural miracles that add to the beauty of our country.

In today’s digital world, when videogames and smartphones seem to be rapidly replacing books, we must educate our children on the rich and diverse culture that our country is home to. The first step in introducing the rich and diverse Indian culture to young minds is to acquaint them with the relics left behind by the past generations, the Monuments of India. Indian Monuments give a gist of the varied heritage that our country is part of. Here, we have compiled the list of ten such monuments, which will teach your child about the rich culture of our country.

Taj Mahal

Indian Monuments That Your Child Should Know-Taj Mahal
Image by enjoytheworld

Any discussion on the Monuments of India must undoubtedly begin with the most beautiful and majestic Monument, the Taj Mahal. Situated in Agra, on the banks of the river Yamuna, the Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Monument’s mesmerizing beauty, along with the magnificent architecture, makes it one of a kind. Made entirely of white marble, this Indian Monument is considered to be an outstanding architectural achievement of the Indo-Islamic architecture. The Monument blends in perfectly with its natural surroundings, enhancing its aesthetic aspect. Cited by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Hawa Mahal

Indian-Monuments-That-Your-Child-Should-Know-Hawa-Mahal
Photo by Dexter Fernandes

Situated in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, the Hawa Mahal is a grand palace built with red sandstone. Said to have been constructed by the Rajput ruler Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, the Hawa Mahal occupies an important place among the monuments of India. “The Palace of Wind” is said to have been constructed to allow the royal women, who were not supposed to be seen in public, to view the processions and festivals, which took place on the street. The Monument consists of 953 casements, each of which has a window. Built as an extension to the City Palace, situated nearby, the Hawa Mahal is both grand and beautiful. It is also quite popular among foreigners and is a central hub for tourists each year.

Qutub Minar

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Photo by Chandrakant Sawant

Constructed in 1193 AD by Qutb-ud-din-Aibak, the Qutab Minar is recognized as one of the three World Heritage Sites in New Delhi by UNESCO. The tower was built to commemorate the victory of Qutab-ud-din-Aibak over the previous ruler of Delhi. This majestic tower contains scriptures from the holy Quran carved in it. This great Monument is an accurate representation of the beauty and grandeur of Indo-Islamic art. It is the architectural brilliance and the peaceful ambience that enhances the beauty of this majestic tower. This renowned Indian Monument is the tallest brick minaret in the world and is a striking 72.5 meters high.

Konark Sun Temple

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Photo by Venkat Rajalbandi

Situated in the state of Odisha, the Konark Sun Temple, is said to have been built by Narasimha Deva in the early 13th century. Declared to be a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this Indian Monument is representative of the splendid architectural beauty that the country is home to. The Monument is built in the form of a chariot with twelve pairs of wheels, which are pulled by seven horses. The Monument is stunning; the marvellous design and sculptural work, along with the peaceful ambience, make this Monument one of a kind.

Charminar

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Photo by Ron Hansen

Completed in 1591 by Quli Qutub Shah, the majestic and glorious Charminar is situated in the city of Hyderabad, in the state of Telangana. The Monument gains its name from its four minarets (“Char,” meaning four and “Minar,” meaning Minarets). This Indian Monument is quite popular and is said to have been built to celebrate the end of a deadly plague, which had occurred at the time. The tranquil and welcoming ambience of the Monument gives the Charminar a special charm of its own. The magnificent and exquisite beauty of the Monument can be attributed to its marvellous architecture. The Indo-Islamic architecture can be found at its zenith in this Monument.

Agra Fort

Indian-Monuments-That-Your-Child-Should-Know Agra Fort
Image by Bishnu Sarangi

Located in Agra, the Agra Fort served as the residence of the Mughal Emperors till 1638. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made entirely of red sandstone and is located quite close to the Taj Mahal. This Monument occupies a significant position in the list of Indian monuments due to its historical relevance and marvellous architecture. This historical Monument is often referred to as a walled city and is one of the most popular and renowned Monuments in the country.

Sanchi Stupa

Indian-Monuments-That-Your-Child-Should-Know-Sanchi-Stupa
Image – Amit Rawat via Flickr

The Sanchi Stupa is believed to be one of the oldest monuments to have been constructed in India. This incredible Monument is located in Bhopal, the capital state of Madhya Pradesh. This Monument is an example of the spectacular architecture prevalent during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. Said to have been constructed by Ashoka to preserve and spread the philosophy of Buddhism. The Monument has a calm and tranquil ambience, capable of providing instant peace to anyone who visits it.

Gateway of India

Indian-Monuments-That-Your-Child-Should-Know Gateway-of-India
Image by Bishnu Sarangi

Situated in the busy city of Mumbai, the Gateway of India is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the country. It was built to commemorate the visit of the King of England, George V, and Queen Anne in 1924. The monument is embellished with the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Though it was mostly built to showcase the power of the British Raj in India, the Gateway eventually served as the passage for the departure of the British troops from India.

Mysore Palace

Indian-Monuments-That-Your-Child-Should-Know-Mysore-Palace
Image – Natesh Ramasamy via Flickr

The “City of Palaces,” Mysore, is home to one of India’s most incredible palaces, the Mysore Palace. One of the most popular historical monuments located in Karnataka, the Mysore Palace used to be the residence of the Wodeyar Dynasty. This spectacular palace is built in an Indo-Saracenic style and combines elements from Mughal, Hindu, and Gothic architectural styles. One of the largest palaces in the country, the Mysore Palace, was designed by Henry Irwin. Today, this magnificent palace has been converted into a museum and is home to the art and architecture that belonged to the Wodeyar Dynasty.

The India Gate

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Image by shalender kumar

The India Gate is situated in the capital state of India, New Delhi. This Monument is known for its striking resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe, located in Paris. The Monument was built during the British rule in India and was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, and the cornerstone for the monument was laid by the Duke of Connaught. The India gate was built as a war memorial and stood as a tribute to the British Indian troops who died during the First World War. After the Indo-Pak war of 1971, the Amar Jawan Jyoti, the Indian Memorial was added to the monument. The memorial is dedicated to the Indian soldiers who were martyred in the war.

Each monument in the country is relevant and plays an integral part in the history of the nation. From the mesmerizing Taj Mahal to the tranquil Shanti Stupa, the Indian monuments reflect both its diversity and rich culture. Apart from its immense historical relevance, these monuments also add to the fascinating beauty of the country.

5 Unexpected Reasons for Personal Loan Rejection

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When you plan on availing a loan, you do your research to get the best possible lending option available in the financial market. Comparing multiple lenders and what they have to offer in terms of the loan will give you an idea whether it is the right kind of lending for you. Numerous banks and lending institutions offer a reasonable rate of interest for personal loans. So, you do not have to pay high-interest rates on loan. When choosing the lender, make sure to compare the rates and options offered in the market and opt for the one that works for you. Generally, a reasonable interest rate on loan is one that’s lower than the national average rate, which is 9.41% p.a. Your credit score, debt-to-income ratio and other factors all determine the interest rate for personal loan.

To get low-interest rates on loan, you need to make sure you have a good credit score, less financial liabilities, higher income and no default record in your credit history. However, there are times when loan application might get rejected for some other reasons. Apart from the eligibility criteria of the loan we tend to miss little details when submitting the loan application, that might lead to rejection of your loan.

Eligibility Criteria

There are specific personal loan eligibility criteria that need to be fulfilled to avail a loan. They are as follows:

  • To apply for a personal loan the applicant should be between the ages of 23 to 55 years
  • If you are an Indian resident you are eligible for a personal loan
  • You should be an employed at an MNC, private or a public limited company

Documents Required

The documents required to get a personal loan are as follows-

  • KYC documents such as PAN, Aadhaar Card, Driving license, Voter’s ID, Passport
  • Bank Statements for the last three months
  • Salary slip of the previous two months
  • Passport-size Photographs

Unexpected Reasons for Personal Loan Rejection

  • Credit Report Errors

Your credit report contains all the financial information of an individual’s past loan repayments and credit cards. Lenders consider your past behaviour along with your present activity to determine your loan repayment intent in the future. Your credit score is an important factor considered by the lenders when availing a personal loan. The lenders make the final decision of granting the loan based on your score. If your credit score is low then there are higher chances of getting your loan application rejected or you may be charged with a high-interest rate on loan. With a good credit score, the lender gets convinced that you will be able to repay the loan on time.

  • A signature mismatch can lead to rejection

When you submit the loan documents and application form you need to make sure your signature is the same everywhere. Though it is quite understandable that you are supposed to provide your signature on many forms and documents. There are chances of making a different signature compared to the documents. Hence, you need to make sure the signature is correct to avoid mismatch that may lead to rejection of your loan.

  • Absence of NOC (No Objection Certificate)

If you have already closed your previous loan and are planning to get another loan you need to get a NOC from your previous lender. Without a NOC your loan application will get rejected. When you get this certificate it gets reflected in your CIBIL report. If the lenders check your credit history and don’t find a NOC of your previous loan, your application might get rejected. So, make sure to get it from your previous lender before you apply for a new loan.

  • Bank’s Loan Default List

If you want to avail a loan and you live in a location or area that falls under a negative zone or falls under the bank’s defaulter list, there are high chances of getting your loan application rejected. Banks and financial institutions have their own record of address, location and other details and if your current location is under the defaulter list or a negative zone there are higher chances of loan rejection.

  • Inaccurate information

Since a personal loan is an unsecured type of loan every detail mentioned of a borrower is verified for authenticity. If the lender finds any inaccurate information mentioned in the application form the loan gets rejected. Hence, it is essential to carefully provide accurate information and read the filled up form before submitting it.

Hair Transplant – Selecting the Right Extraction Method

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Hair Transplant for men

Are you planning to get a hair transplant? Do you know which of the two types of Hair Transplant Procedures, namely, Follicular Unit Transplant that is, FUT, and Follicular Unit Extraction that is FUE are better? Do you know the difference between these two methods? Well, it’s not only you, many other patients also have the same question. So in this article, we have views on this topic from two specialists Dr. Manas Jain & Dr. Mohit Srivastava who are working in this field for several years & are known for best in class hair transplant.

Dr. Manas Jain is one of the best hair transplant surgeon in Mysore. In this article he will be explaining the whole hair transplant process & will elaborate the two major procedures of hair transplant.

hairnimages.com, who is established hair transplant surgeon in Surat. In this article, he will be explaining the difference between FUE & FUT & will also guide you to select the best surgeon for hair transplant. This article will help you to make the best decision while selecting the method of hair transplant.

Hair Transplant:

What-is-Hair-Transplant

So, let us try to understand what a hair transplant actually is. Basically, a hair transplant is a process where a surgeon extracts your own hair from your donor area and implants it onto the recipient area or bald area. Majorly the back of your scalp is used as the donor area & is also known as the permanent hair zone. The grafts are extracted from this donor area either by the FUT or FUE procedure.

Hair transplant is a costly procedure. But remember, you are spending only once for the treatment as it is a permanent solution to hair loss. Click here to know more about hair transplant cost.

Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT):

In this procedure, a thin strip of 4 to 6 inches is extracted from the donor area which is later divided into 500 to 2000 grafts. The number of grafts required depend upon the level of your baldness, hair type & quality as well. These grafts are then implanted in the recipient area.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE):

This is a recent & more advanced method of hair transplant. A surgeon will extract individual hair follicles rather than extracting a strip. The entire scalp is shaved off before the transplant. The surgeon will numb the area & will use a follicle extracting pen, also known as a punch needle to extract individual hair follicles.

Baldness Hair Transplantation Set

Implanting Process:

The implanting process is more or less the same for both methods. Your surgeon will numb the recipient area so that you won’t feel any pain during the process. He then will use a small needle or scalpel to make small slits in your scalp. Hair grafts are then implanted in those slits. Each hair graft contains 2-4 hair. The whole process takes around 6-8 hours to complete. Though it depends upon the number of grafts. Usually, a patient needs 1000-5000 grafts. But the focus here is the quality of grafts, rather than quantity.

Post Surgery:

After the surgery, the scalp is usually very sensitive. Patients will feel some discomfort & pain in the scalp when the anesthesia will start to wear off. Your surgeon may also ask to consume certain medications to manage the post-surgery pain. 2- 3 weeks after the surgery, you will notice hair fall from the recipient area. However, you need not worry as this is a part of the treatment itself. Once the shedding phase is completed, it will take around 6 to 8 months for new hair to grow again.

FUT vs FUE:

Hair Transplantation Fut Vs Fue

Now as we have gone through the surgery process, let’s try to compare the two most common methods of hair transplant that are Follicular Unit Transplant & Follicular Unit Extraction. We can majorly differentiate the two processes on the following basis.

  • Scar- As mentioned earlier, in FUT a whole strip is extracted from the back of your scalp, which means it is a more invasive process. As a result, it leaves a permanent visible linear scar on the donor area. But in the case of FUE, it is a more minimally invasive method where one hair follicle or groups of follicles are removed one at a time using a very small instrument. It leaves small circular marks that are recovered within 15-20 days after the surgery.
  • Pain- Both these procedures are done under local anesthesia and therefore, patients don’t feel pain during the procedure. However, after the FUT procedures, patients will feel some tension on the scalp due to the removal of a strip. This tension will fade away eventually. The healing time

for the FUE method is comparatively less than the FUT method. In fact, the pain felt by a patient during the FUE method is almost negligible. Patients will feel some numbness during the FUT method. But one doesn’t feel such numbness during the FUE method. Patients will face minimal swelling after both procedures. This swelling is common & it reduces in 6 to 8 days.

  • Result- It is important to store these grafts safely and properly as well. These grafts are extremely delicate and they dehydrate very quickly. In the FUE procedure, the ratio of yield of these grafts and their survival rate tends to be less comparatively. The survival rate is comparatively higher in the FUT procedure. If these grafts aren’t handled carefully in both of the procedures, then this can damage the healthy hair follicles which will impact the result adversely. The number of grafts getting damaged during storage is less in the FUT procedure.

Selecting The Right Surgeon:

men-with-bald-head-black-wall-close-up_120739-761

Whatever the extraction method is, the success of a hair transplant depends on various other factors as well. Such as the Surgeon’s experience, skills, and training impact the success rate of the surgery. No matter what procedure you go for, we always suggest looking for an experienced doctor & a clinic where modern facilities are available.

Selecting Right Method:

Both of these procedures can bring you good results. One cannot simply say that only one of these procedures is better than the others. Both these procedures come with their own pros and cons. What method is better for you is something you need to discuss with your surgeon. Your surgeon will carefully observe your scalp, the quality of your remaining hair, and the hair density of the donor area. They also observe the donor to recipient ratio to determine the number of grafts to be extracted. They will carry out some comprehensive tests to determine whether FUE or FUT will be the right extraction method for you. Remember, choosing the right extraction method is very important for a successful hair transplant. For patients suffering from Grade 5 or Grade 6 baldness, they may even need for both these procedures to be done in combination with one another. Nowadays, most patients prefer the FUE procedure over the FUT procedure due to less pain & minimal scar.

Final Takeaway:

Remember, whether you choose FUT or FUE, both these method comes with their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, you need to make a well-informed decision for your hair transplant. Discuss your expectations clearly & frankly with your surgeon. Talk to your surgeon about which procedure will suit you the best. Tell your surgeon about your expectations from this surgery, also mention your time constraints or availabilities. Cost is a very important factor. So, discuss it with your surgeon and then only make the decision of going for a hair transplant. Your surgeon will be helping you in choosing the right extraction method for you.

Here’s How You Should Rethink Business Travel Post Pandemic

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Considering the pandemic, the travel industry is one of the worst-hit industries of the economy. It is taking time to revive slowly and get back on track. Despite adopting the ‘new normal’ attitude, people are still conscious of traveling. 

We can certainly postpone our vacations until everything gets back to normal, but businesses cannot wait. Important meetings, important deals, or new contracts cannot be completely handled via online meetings and require a personal touch and face-to-face conversation. Already businesses have been hampered largely, and now, people have become impatient trying to pull up and bring things back on course. 

Earlier, the travel insurance plans did not cover mishaps related to Coronavirus, but insurance companies have started including it since the end is quite unpredictable.

Despite everything being so fluid, travel is being anticipated differently in the new world. Travel insurance is playing a significant role in several aspects.

Trip Delay/Cancellation

Due to any reason, if there’s any delay in your trip or cancellation, you’ll be compensated and helped in the best way possible if you’re covered under travel insurance. Being on a business trip involves a lot of traveling because, in a short period, you need to get over with so many meetings and tasks. You might get burdened under huge loss during these uncertain times if you don’t take up travel insurance while planning your trip.

Medical Cover

Along with other benefits, travel insurance also provides medical cover that depends on the policy you choose and its specifications. Assuming many of your business trips to be solo, you have to take care of everything yourself. With travel insurance, you can be prepared in advance for any health issues to get medical assistance without worrying about the financial side.

Baggage Cover

While going on business trips, you might have many valuable documents in your baggage, losing which might cost you a considerable amount. Under travel insurance, you’ve got your baggage loss covered as well. Depending on your policy, your insurer will compensate you for the same.

Interrupted Airline Services

Due to the availability of limited staff and limited parking spaces for airplanes along with a constraint budget, it is getting difficult for many airline service providers to keep up with service efficiency like before. They are trying hard to provide the best they can at this time. But still, uncertainties can pop up at any time, and you should be prepared with your travel insurance.

Unexpected lockdown

Due to an uneven graph of Coronavirus cases still, any country or state can impose a lockdown at any time, due to which you might get stuck at that place. For that matter, even you might get stranded in the same. Therefore, you should be all-prepared for unexpected events and uncertainties.

Why Is Buying Travel Insurance Worth And Unavoidable?

Having gone through such a tough time, no one is ready to take up any more losses or difficulties. Though you don’t have any control over unpredictable happenings, you can at least make arrangements to stay prepared for the same. Many insurance companies like Tata AIG provides coverage for Coronavirus in their travel insurance plans. Due to the growing disruptions and inefficient functioning of service providers, it would be wise to buy a suitable travel insurance plan. Wondering if buying travel insurance worth the price paid? It would be best to stay on the safer side with travel insurance rather than learning from mistakes. 

Get insured and travel safer and happy-go-lucky!

5 Factors Affecting TDS in Your Drinking Water

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Total dissolved Solids, popularly known as TDS, are inorganic components present in the drinking water. It includes salt, heavy metals, and certain traces of organic ingredients dissolved in water.

Sometimes, these organic matters that are naturally present in the drinking water can be extremely harmful. The TDS present is a significant reason for turbidity and sediments in drinking water. If it is left unfiltered, TDS can be a cause of different fatal diseases.

TDS can be measured in the form of the combined aggregate of organic and inorganic substances present in the drinking water. This includes anything prevalent in the water other than the pure H20 molecules. These solids include salts, minerals, and organic matters showing the general indication of water quality.

The TDS is measured in terms of milligrams/ unit volume of water or mg/l. It is also denoted in parts per million (ppm).

Here are some factors affecting TDS in your drinking water.

1. High Flow Rates

When we refer to the TDS concentration, the water body’s flow rate can be a prominent factor. Fast-flowing water can have more amounts of large-sized sediment. During heavy rains, the water picks up clay, salt, silt, and many other things like leaves, soil, or other particles.

In addition to this, a variation in the flow rate can have a tremendous effect on total suspended particles. Change in the water current’s speed or direction results in the suspension of particulate substances from sediments.

2. Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is a result of improper or mishandling of resources on the surface of the land. This may be a result of unsolicited logging, mining activities, forest fires, and construction. The eroded soil particles are carried to the surface water during storms, which increases TDS and TSS levels in the drinking water.

3. Urban Runoff

As soon as the storm passes, the debris, dust, and other solid particles from the commercial or residential places get washed away straight into the streams. It is also common in urban areas that the pavement increases the infiltration and also the velocity. Eventually, all these sediments and particles are carried into the streams and brooks during storms.

4. Surplus Septic & Wastewater System

One of the major factors leading to higher TDS in drinking water is the wastewater mechanism. These particles present in the water treatment plants greatly impact the TDS levels of the water you drink.

The residential areas’ wastewater system carries human excreta, food leftovers, and other materials flushed in the drain. The initial filtration and treatment discard most solid impurities, but not everything impure component is removed during this process.

5. Rotting Animals & Plants

Many plants and animals rot in the surrounding, and their decayed body and other suspended particles are carried to the natural water bodies. When mixed with water, it has a huge impact on the TDS and TSS levels of drinking water.

Concluding Thoughts

Hence, it is often said that it is incredibly vital to measure the TDS levels in the drinking water. When the TDS levels go over 1000 mg/liter, it is generally considered ill-fit for human beings for drinking purposes. A high TDS level is also an indication of potential harm to the populace, making a case for further scrutinization.

More often than not, high levels of TDS result from chloride, sodium, and potassium. These ions have negligible short term effects. However, toxic ions, like lead arsenic, nitrate, cadmium, etc., might also dissolve in water. This is where it becomes crucial to take note of the TDS levels in the drinking water.  I hope the five factors that I have mentioned in this write-up helps you understand the importance of checking TDS levels before drinking water.

How to Achieve the Right Balance between work and Family

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Family. Work. Both of these things are important to many.

But many of us end up getting overwhelmed by one or the other, and it’s important to achieve a balance. Whether it be to teach family values or even to just be a valuable asset to your family unit, understanding that a balance between both is needed is important. 

Here, we’ll go over how you can achieve the right balance between the two, and the best way to do it. 

Have Your Priorities Straight 

First and foremost, set priorities straight. You can juggle both of these, and if you know something is important on one day or another, you should definitely have it take precedence. 

For example, if you want to be an involved parent, you should set aside time each day for you to spend time with the kids, and make sure to not let that fall by the wayside due to work things. You have to set up a schedule, and make sure you focus on that. 

Set Up Time Specifically for One and The Other 

You should have time set aside. Work on a schedule, and you’ll be much happier. 

For example, if you’re taking your kids to see the butterflies, take time to show them this, and don’t get sucked into work things in the process. 

If you need to do a work project, set time for that, and maintain a schedule too. It will help provide the right balance, and make it easier for you to improve your life too. 

Do Things in Advance 

Next, do things in advance. If you have work that needs to be done, do it ahead of time. That way, when you want to spend time with the kids, you can.

Meal prep is also a good thing too, since it can help you since you just have to reheat, and then boom, you’ve got several meals in play too. This is great because it saves you the stress of work. 

Have a Cutoff Time 

For work, have a cutoff time. This prevents you from getting sucked into it.

A lot of people spend more time with work than family if they do this, so if you have a work day, establish it, and when it’s done, you’re done.

This also applies to those who work from home too. 

Negotiate Hours if Possible 

Finally, negotiate hours if you need to. 

If you have a stressful household and need some time set aside to take care of it, talk to your boss about it. They’ll probably be willing to let you have a more flexible schedule for a small period of time. 

Get Help! 

If things are too much for you, know that you can get help. 

Sometimes, this can cause a lot of stress, and you might need to talk to someone. 

Going to Mind Diagnostics can help you improve your health and wellness. 

They can help you identify exactly what’s going on, and get you the help that you need to. 

Don’t suffer because of too much work or too much family. Finding that balance is essential, and we gave you ways to figure it out here.

Marie-MiguelAbout Author – Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with Mind-Diagnostics.org. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

4 Questions to Ask yourself Before Taking a Personal Loan

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Personal Loan

Many individuals who require financial assistance opt for a personal loan. Being an unsecured type of loan, it gives the borrower freedom of availing a loan without pledging collateral as security. The reason behind the popularity of this loan is that the funds can be used for numerous purposes and not just for a specific need unlike a car loan or a home loan. However, you need to make sure you are applying for a loan for the right reasons. Keep in mind that these are debts that need to be repaid based on the set tenure. So, here are a few questions to ask yourself before applying for a personal loan.

1. Why do you need a Personal Loan?

This question is one of the first things you need to think about carefully. You need to carefully check whether you really need the loan or you can manage it with your personal savings. Also, check  If you require financing for an upcoming event at your home or need the money to purchase a house or a car. This way you can plan the loan amount you need to apply for with the lender. Hence, it is best to think through all the aspects of your requirement before getting a loan.

2. Are you eligible for the loan?

The top reason for loan rejection is the eligibility factor of the loan. It is essential for you to look for lenders that have minimal eligibility criteria. You need to make sure you fulfil the basic eligibility criteria set by the lender for a smooth loan process. Banks and financial institutions look at the credit score, income, affordability, and depending on the value of the loan. Borrowers should find eligibility criteria of lending companies online and then proceed with the loan application.

3. Can you manage the loan repayment?

Before you apply for a loan analyze your current financial standing. It is important to consider this beforehand or else you might get in trouble later and sink in bigger debts. To avoid such situations you can take the help of loan EMI calculators available online. This will give you a fair idea of the monthly repayment based on the loan amount, duration, and the interest rate that is to be paid towards the loan.

4. What is the tenure of the loan?

Many banks and NBFCs offer flexible repayment tenure on personal loans. You need to check with the loan tenure when you apply for a loan with a lender. If you opt for a longer loan tenure the EMI amount will be less but the interest can be slightly higher. It is advisable to opt for a short loan tenure to avoid high-interest rates.   However, with flexible loan tenure, you can choose the tenure of the loan based on your financial capability and make convenient loan repayments.

Loan EMI Calculator

When you think of getting a loan, the first thing that pops on your mind is the EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) amount and the rate of interest. The loan amount is repaid in EMIs and it will turn into a regular monthly outflow, this is why it is important to get an idea about the EMI amount you have to repay towards your loan. You can now get an estimate of the EMI using the Personal Loan EMI Calculator available online and it is easy-to-use. When you use the calculator, you do not need to visit the financial institution’s branch to gain insights about the personal loan EMI that you will need to pay on the loan.

How does the loan calculator work?

The loan EMI calculator is an online tool, which helps in getting an estimated EMI outflow. The calculator can also be used to plan the amount needed along with the tenure for which you require the loan. An EMI calculator for  personal loan is an interest-only calculator, this means the calculator will only consider the loan amount, tenure of the loan and the interest applicable on the loan.

How to use an EMI calculator personal loan?

To use the loan EMI calculator, you can simply look up for it online. Many banks and financial institutions have  EMI calculators on their website. You can provide basic details like the loan amount, tenure, and the interest rate to estimate the monthly instalment. You also have the option to make changes in the loan amount as per your convenience until you have a set personal loan EMI you can manage to pay. During the application process after you have checked with the eligibility criteria of a loan, you need to calculate your loan EMI. The EMI calculator provides an estimate based on the loan amount and tenure to help you identify the amount you require and the amount you need to repay. Overall a personal loan EMI calculator will guide you to make a well thought out borrowing decision.

Pichwai Paintings – An Elegant Folk Art Form of Rajasthan

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Festival of the Cattle – Wikimedia

As a country with a diverse heritage and rich culture, India is home to some of the most beautiful folk art traditions, which are admired around the world. Each part of India has its own form of art. The folk art forms of India are abundant in its vibrancy and beauty. Colourful patterns, elaborate designs, and the presence of religious and mystical elements are the essential features of Indian folk art. These folk arts are instrumental in showcasing the ethnic mosaic of culture and heritage that India possesses. The popular folk art forms include Pattachitra Paintings from Odisha, Madhubani Paintings from Bihar, Phad and Pichwai Paintings from Rajasthan, and the Warli Painting from Maharashtra.

Among these varied styles of painting, one of the most popular and renowned styles of painting is the Pichwai Paintings. The Pichwai Paintings are believed to have originated about four centuries ago. It hails from the state of Rajasthan, more precisely from the Nathdwara town in the state. The word “Pichh” means back, and the word “wai” translates to textile hanging. The Pichwai paintings were usually hung behind the deity in the shrines of Srinathji. These paintings have an acute attention to detail and were more intricate and detail-oriented than the traditional Phad paintings from Rajasthan.

The paintings are famous for their spectacular depiction of tales from the life of Lord Krishna. Usually made on cloth, these paintings are stately and stunning. The Pichwai Painting demands intense focus and immense skill on the part of the artist. These paintings have to be painted with much precision. The artists pay profound attention to even the smallest detail in the paintings. The Pichwai paintings are a splendid and glorious addition to the many textile arts, prominent in the country.

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Festival of Cows – Wikimedia

The Pichwai art tradition has been passed through generations in a quite sacred manner. The painting is not taught in an educational institution but is learned under the guidance of a master artist. To this day, this is the practice adopted to master this art.

The mesmerizing Pichwai paintings portray Lord Krishna as Shrinathji. Apart from Lord Krishna; Radha, Gopis, and the images of lotuses, also have a prominent presence in the paintings. This textile painting also depicts various Indian festivals such as Diwali, Janmashtami, Holi, Sharad Purnima, Raas Leela and Anakoot, among others.

The Pichwai painting is created on a piece of handspun cotton, through a few steps. First, the sketches of the paintings are created with the utmost attention. Later these images are painted using only organic paints, colours, and natural brushes. Coals, Indigo, silver, are some of the significant sources of these natural colours used for the Pichwai paintings. The painting is also sometimes enhanced using gems, and crystals.  The fact that the painting requires pure gold in its making adds even more to the value of the Pichwai paintings. 

 The Pichwai paintings are quite colourful and have several colours drawn and combined with creativity and skill. The main colours used are red, green, and yellow, among others.

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Gopis and cows – Wikimedia

The Pichwai paintings are renowned for their depiction of festivals such as Janmashtami, Sharad Purnima, Raas Leela, Diwali, among others through their paintings.  The paintings which illustrate festivals, portray Srinathji differently as compared to the Pichwai paintings of other festivals. For instance, in the Pichwai paintings of Janmashtami, the festival which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the idol of Srinathji, is placed at the centre of the painting. In the paintings depicting Sharad Purnima too, Shrinathji is presented as the central figure. The Pichwai paintings of Sharad Purnima, depicts the full moon, in all its glory, adding a distinct beauty to the artwork. The powerful imagery of the painting is perhaps what attracts the observer the most. The characters represented in the paintings wear elaborate and attractive costumes with vibrant colours. The characters are created in such a manner that the observer immediately establishes a connection with them. 

Painted in a miniature style, the Pichwai paintings are quite mesmerizing and manage to capture the attention of the observer the moment they set eyes on it. The unique colour combination, the intense detail-oriented style, and the intricate manner of painting make the Pichwai paintings one of a kind. 

Today, the Pichwai paintings have many admirers from around the world and are highly valued in the country. The attractive design and the intricate details, along with the powerful imagery, make the Pichwai paintings one of a kind. Though the art pieces are of religious significance, nowadays, it is not uncommon to see the Pichwai paintings being collected by art lovers. The paintings are said to evoke positive and joyous feelings in the observers. Since the paintings portray joyous occasions, it induces positive thoughts and feelings in the observer.

The folk art tradition is said to have had a very long history in India, and its history can be traced to centuries ago. Folk art is one of the most integral factors that represent the culture of India.  Each state in the country has its own unique, distinct, and beautiful kind of art termed folk art. Each of these is distinguishable from the other through the manner and style of the painting, along with what it represents.  The notable and the impeccable quality of these folk arts have, have earned the attention of art lovers from around the world. Owing to this fact, the arts and crafts of India are exceptionally high in demand among foreigners. Apart from this, the aesthetic feel and the sense of identity provided by these folk arts are beyond comparison. Hence it would not be wrong to say that the culture or tradition of a country or a state in India will be incomplete without its folk art form. The Madhubani paintings, which are popular for their vibrant colours and patterns, the Warli folk paintings, which take their name from the Warli tribe, are renowned for their depiction of the daily social events of the Warli tribe, are just a few among the many fascinating folk arts practised in India.