SPECIAL

International Happiness Day 2022

Happiness is quite subjective, something we lack to understand in everyday life. So, this International Happiness Day we decided to round up people from different walks of life to explore how subjective happiness can be and how amazing it is to learn a new perspective.

Krutika Singh Rathore

BDM at Global Tree Model/ Actor

What is your perception of happiness? Happiness to me is being grateful for what I am and what I have. I enjoy the little things.

What/Who makes you the happiest? Might sound cliché but clouds make me happy. Let it be night or day, I turn off my phone and just stare at the sky. It makes me feel peaceful and happy. Also spending time with my dog.

What are 3 things to remember for a happy life? It's hard staying happy and positive all the time. When I'm having my off days, I always do this. I stop and look around, breathe out with a smile and hug anyone around that I know because they might need it too.

Rakshanda Kolhe

UX designer & Content Creator (@themadhatterfromalice)

What is your perception of happiness? Being worried and sad about things that are not in my control is what changed my perception of happiness. It has taken me time to learn that happiness has to be created by positive experiences compared to the very short life of happiness when linked to transactions. To me personally, the only way to sustain lifelong happiness requires each of us to look around every day and find enough reasons to be grateful in life.

What/Who makes you the happiest? My sisters make me the happiest. I have seen them grow up into beautiful people and spending quality time with them is what I cherish and look forward to the most.

What are 3 things to remember for a happy life? I think the 3 most important things a person should remember to be truly happy is: Gratitude, Family & Sharing. Being Grateful for what you already have (personally) makes a huge shift in your mindset of how blessed you are in life. Having the constant support of your family & friends during your hardships & tribulations, and having them around to share your successes with is truly a blessing. There’s something about giving that allows you to receive more in return besides just the act of giving to help others. I genuinely believe in the act of sharing, you have to give to get, and by doing that, your happiness increases.

Mikhail Wadhwani

Founder at Hype Consulting Services

What is your perception of happiness? Happiness is of course completely subjective. For me, it’s peace of mind and being satisfied with the progress you’ve made in life. Whether it be something tangible like in your profession or something intangible such as progress on a spiritual level.

What/Who makes you the happiest? What makes me the happiest is surmounting difficult obstacles in my life. Having seen my fair share of difficult circumstances, I also find happiness in guiding others on how to navigate through hurdles. Lately, I also feel happy working on my fitness goals and spend long hours at the gym throughout the week.

What are 3 things to remember for a happy life? I think the three things that a person should remember should always remember is,

Firstly, gratitude is of utmost importance. Secondly, it’s always to remember that comparison is the thief of joy and happiness. We should only strive to be better than our previous selves to be happy. Lastly, it’s important to remember to find happiness within our own lives, rather than searching for it in external sources like relationships, marriage, or even friendships.

Vasanthi Singampalli

Food Blogger @tastydrips

What is your perception of happiness? If there’s anything I’ve learned about happiness, it’s that it has much less to do with your possessions and achievements, but rather your perception of what you have and the world and people around you. Being content with what I have, who I am, and being proud of what I did to achieve it. While taking into consideration tomorrow may tilt my world and I could survive it.

What/Who makes you the happiest? My mom is the greatest blessing I have had in my life. Putting a smile on her face makes me happy more than anything else. Talking and spending time with her is the most satisfying time.

What are the 3 things to remember for a happy life? Never dwell on the past Never treat your body badly. Never compare yourself to other people.

Dr Mohd Sujathullah

B.Pharm, Pharm.D (Doctor of Pharmacy) President & Founder at Humanity First Foundation

What is your perception of happiness? Perception of Happiness according to me is in giving! Real happiness is not buying things, going to places, parties or movies but rather spending money for others be it friends, family, or the needy. Feeding the poor, helping an orphan. Try to help your needy friend or relative. Real happiness is when you make others smile.

What/Who makes you the happiest? I’m the happiest when I wake up every morning and go feed breakfast to those 1000 people waiting outside the government hospitals. I’ve been doing this for the past 4 and a half years now and I’ve never been so happy ever. This act of giving makes my day complete!

What are 3 things to remember for a happy life? Three things a person should always consider in life Always expect from the Almighty and not humans. Make your connection with him and you are all set to face anything that comes forward in life Always work for your good deed and not the world. Be optimistic! Life has its ups and downs, that’s how it has always been. Always stay positive in life.

Bhuwin

UX Designer Microsoft and Musician

What is your perception of happiness? Happiness is one emotion and there are many emotions in life. I see people craving happiness. You don’t want to be happy all the time because then it’ll become monotonous. As a human to fully enjoy happiness one must live through all the different emotions life has to offer. Happiness is temporary so cherish it rather than wish for more of it.

What/Who makes you the happiest? Music makes me happy. I believe I’m the happiest on stage. Especially when I outdo myself on stage. If I hit a note it’s like I have pushed new boundaries of my talent. When something like that happens, I often tear up on stage. I sleep with satisfaction on those nights because I’m so happy that I allowed myself to express it on stage.

What are 3 things a person should always remember to have a happy life? Stop looking for happiness - it occurs in everyday life and learns to acknowledge it. Don’t crave it - don’t wait for it, longing will only create sadness Just smiling, randomly smiling is a game-changer.

| SPECIAL LET’S SPRINKLE

COLOURS!

The most awaited time of the year is here! The festival of numerous colours shows endless possibilities holding a victorious significance. But, have you ever asked yourself, ‘’Is this festival more than just playing colours?’’ Yes, it is! It’s a festival that celebrates good over evil and asks to burn away all the evil with a bonfire.

By Hoshika Agarwal

HOLI AND HOLIKA, go hand-in-hand.

Mythologically speaking, ‘Holika’s Dahan’(death) is bound to happen as it’s a universal truth that the good always wins and the evil always ends. Holika enticed Prahlada to join her in front of a massive bonfire. Prahlada, on the other hand, prayed to Lord Vishnu to keep him safe when the fire was started. As a result, Lord Vishnu produced a blast of wind to blow Holika's shawl away from her and onto Prahlad, rescuing him from the bonfire's flames while also burning Holika to death.

OF COURSE! IT’S A FESTIVAL!

Every Indian festival is incomplete without sweet delicacies, like gujiya, malpua, Dahi bhalle. ‘Thandai’ is holi’s must-have drink made from milk and other spices to refresh during the warm sun. And definitely not to forget, selfies and gifts.

Gujiya is a traditional Holi sweet.

Apart from all the vibrant and original Indian sweets, gujiya (stuffed dumplings) is one of the most popular holi special cuisine dishes. It is most popular in the country's northern regions, although it is enjoyed by people all throughout India. As a result, this wonderful sweet dish must be included in your dessert section during Holi season.

Malpua — A sweet pancake to entice your tastebuds.

Malpua, or sweet crepe, is a delicacy made from a batter of coconut, mashed banana, flour, and milk, flavoured with cardamom, and served with sugar syrup. Don't forget to include this delectable on your menu. If you offer it during Holi, your customers will appreciate the delicacy and your effort.

Vada-Dahi is a combination of the words dahi and Vada

One of the Holi dishes that everyone craves is Dahi Vada. This delicious Indian snack is produced by soaking lentil, chickpea flour, or potato fitters in yoghurt (Dahi). To make it even more enticing, sprinkle it with cilantro, chilli powder, crushed black pepper, chaat masala, cumin, green chilis, or boondi.

Thandai is a special Holi drink

Thandai is a Holi special drink prepared with saffron, almonds, sugar, milk, and a variety of herbs that is particularly popular in Rajasthan and other northern Indian states. Thandai can also be served with bhang if requested.

THE HOLI PLAYLIST

What’s better than dancing to your favourite Bollywood songs?

1. Balam Pichkari 2. Rang Barse

3. Kamariya 4. Gulabi

5. Mere Angne Mein 6. Jai Jai Shiv Shankar

SPECIAL | LET’S GET TO THE BEST PART OF THE FESTIVAL!

A celebration with laughter and cheers, family and peers! Holi is the most colourful day of the year, it’s the day when life is more than just black and white. It’s all about throwing colours indoors or outdoors, not even caring about those white walls of the house! GULAAL (Colour pink) is the favourite of all.

BUY ORGANIC COLOURS!

Here are a few well-known stores in Hyderabad that provide organic Holi colours at moderate prices:

Daram

1-10-3/1, Boorugu Vihar, Andhra Bank Lane, Near Prakash Nagar, Opposite Old Airport Lane, Behind Bottles and Chimneys, Begumpet +91 40 27765503 / 40179171 / +91 40 27765503 / 40179171 / +91 40 27765503 / Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (closed Wednesdays). Website:\shttp://www.dacottonhandlooms.in/ Daram is regarded as a genuine handloom store for those who love handwork and are environmentally conscious. Natural Holi colours created from farm products and flowers are available. Colours include red, blue, orange, yellow, and green.

Fabindia

Address: GVK One Mall, Inorbit Mall, Banjara Hills, Basheerbagh, Forum Sujana Mall, Jubilee Hills Time: 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; open every day Website:\shttp://www.fabindia.com/ Fabindia is India's largest private marketplace for items manufactured with traditional techniques, talents, and hand-crafted methods. It is well-known for offering organic food and cosmetics to its customers. Organic Gulal colours come in four packs: blue, pink, yellow, and red. They sell Holi colours produced from agricultural food and flowers. The colours red, blue, orange, yellow, and green are available.

Good seeds

Akshatha Organic Stores in Sainikpuri, GoodSeeds Organic Store in Nallagandla, KidEngage in Manikonda, and Saptaparni-Banjara Hills are among the locations. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; open everyday Website:\sorganic@goodseeds.in,\swww.facebook.com/goodseeds As a community that encourages sustainable living via healthy and eco-friendly items, this one is a favourite of all organic product aficionados in the city. Natural, organic, and eco-friendly colours are used. Orange, Yellow, Magenta, Blue, and Green are available in five-packs. Bulk orders can also be placed with them.

WHITE ENHANCES ALL COLOURS!

Let’s get to the dressing up factor! How can one not dress up when it’s more than just a regular day. Friendly tip: ‘Wear white!’ White Kurtis and Kurtas are a go-to outfit, with any colour dupatta around the waist, for a more traditional look.

Pranutan Bahl and Zaheer Iqbal

Notebook movie actors In White Kurti with blue jeans and slippers is a go-to look for Holi. Her hair is tied up for a playful and comfortable holiday. The actor in a white short kurta and black jeans complements her look. Sunglasses and a colourful headband are the best accessories to be worn on Occasion when it's a little sun too. But no amount of sunlight can stop one from playing Holi.

Urvashi Rautela

White-Collar T-shirt and white jeans tied up make another attractive outfit for Holi. These are an example of casual outfits for Holi. Simple ballerinas are the most comfortable form of footwear. And tied up hair is always the best idea.

Sara Ali Khan

In her white Kurti and leggings, with a colourful tie and dye dupatta, she completely defines the festival, which is so cheerful and colourful. However, those colourful bangles on the wrist take all the spotlight.

Neha Kakkar

White Bell sleeves Kurti with white Pallazos and a printed colourful dupatta are comfortable and a fashionable outfit for Holi. They are the perfect combination of traditional and trendy. Neha Kakkar aces her stunning Holi look.

Rohan Preet Singh

White kurta and a Bandhani dupatta for the special Holi look. Accessorised with minimal jewellery like the gold chain and gold bracelet enhance the overall look. The red and pink colours of the bandhani dupatta complement the Holi colour, GULAAL.