Exotica February 2022

FOR THE DISCERNING READER

Delve into the best of travel, hospitality, wellness, food, fashion, interiors and more every month with Exotica, the monthly luxury lifestyle magazine. Read interviews with trendsetters, celebrities, industry leaders and authors to deep dive into what it took to get them there.

HERE COMES THE SUN

FASHIONALERT

TIME FOR SUSTAINABILITY

AAREN OCEAN BY SKAGEN: Skagen’s recently-launched Aaren Ocean range is the perfect embodiment of the brand’s underlying ethos — conscious living coming together with a style statement that can turn heads. These timepieces are made with tide ocean material and the simplistic design echoes their minimalistic Denmark roots to perfection. The case, dial and bracelet of these stunning pieces are made with upcycled oceanbound plastic combined with fibre for reinforcement. Topping that, the dial is marked with embossed wave patterns that are Skagen’s homage to the ocean.

With four colour variants — black ocean, navy ocean, olive ocean and dark grey ocean — these are perfect for the rugged, natureloving adventurer.

PRICED AT `12,495

Becoming conscious about the planet’s needs implies making choices that are earth-safe So, the need of the hour is to choose eco-friendly watches which do not compromise on your style

ARMANI EXCHANGE: FALL/HOLIDAY COLLECTION: Armani Exchange’s 2021 Fall/Holiday collection amalgamates the brand’s legacy with its patrons’ fashion-forward spirit. It features cases made with tide ocean material, a recycled PET strap and a solar-powered battery — making it a low-impact, environment-friendly accessory. These dive-inspired watches make for just the right addition to everyone’s wardrobe. It is available in three colour variants: grey, navy and black.

PRICED at `10,995

AUTOMATIC BY EMPORIO ARMANI: A mid-sized timepiece that blends modern-day sophistication with Armani’s heritage. Crafted with precision and intricacy, it is designed with a focus on sustainability. It features a built-in rotor powered by the motion of your wrist: thus doing away with the need for batteries and making way for an energy-efficient future. The rose gold timepiece comes with a leather-strap variant as well as a recycled bracelet. PRICES range from `18,495 to `25,995

EXECUTIVE EDITOR NAVIN UPADHYAY Chief Operating Officer Abhishek Saxena 09818600128 EDITORIAL Consultant Editor Saimi Sattar Chief Designer Anand Singh Rawat Production Manager Syed Nawab Raza Staff Photographer Pankaj Kumar SALES & MARKETING Vice President Jetender Rawat 9810404096 General Managers Kumar Gurudutta Jha & Sweety Verma Senior Managers Madhukar Saxena & Divyesh Kothari Managers Bharat Singh Sajwan, Prabhakar Pathak & Barun Choudhary MUMBAI OFFICE General Manager Devendra Adhikari KOLKATA OFFICE Vice President Suzanna Roy HYDERABAD OFFICE V Sunil Kumar General Manager (Circulation) Rajeev Gautam Printed and published by Navin Upadhyay for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd, printed at JK Offset Graphics (P) Ltd, B-278, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-1, New Delhi-110020 and published at No. 6, Behind Gulab Bhawan, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110002.

Executive Editor: Navin Upadhyay.

Entire Contents Copyright (C) 2006 CMYK Printech Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reproduction or translation in any language in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Requests for permission should be directed to CMYK Printech Ltd. Opinions carried in Exotica are the writers’ and not necessarily endorsed by CMYK Printech Ltd. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material or for material lost or damaged in transit. All correspondence should be addressed to CMYK Printech Ltd; F-31, Sector-6, NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh-201301 Phone: 0120-4879800 & 4879900 Email: letters2exotica@gmail.com

LOVE IN THE TIME OF PANDEMIC

IN

the end, love is a good reason for everything to fall apart,” asserts Tokyo in the much-watched Money Heist. But is it?

All of us, with or without love, seem to be falling apart as an after-effect of the onslaught of a virus. Cocooned and bereft of our social network, we are increasingly metamorphosing into beings who are closer to people farther away thanks to a screen held within our palm which gives us the illusion of holding the world within the same confines. But will that kind of love, with people who are almost virtual, survive, mature and, maybe, carry over into the Metaverse?

Time will tell.

Sometimes when a person follows his/her heart passionately, the result can be rewarding as it happened with the celebrity interview for the month, Mark Brownlow, the highly acclaimed, BAFTA/EMMY award-winning executive producer and wildlife filmmaker. The selfconfessed geek made his mark in natural history by pursuing it zealously and is showcasing six hidden paradises in his latest series, Eden: Untamed Planet.

Since Taj Mahal has been the epitome of love for centuries, our traveller makes her way to Agra and skirts the monument to delve into other pursuits before witnessing the monument at its finest — bathed in the mellow light of a full moon that imparts it a hue — which, has and, will continue to inspire tomes of poetry. Another traveller discovers the love of the divine in Orccha where a queen carried back the Lord and installed him as the ruler-king. A third one indulges his passion for driving to explore Rajasthan which lies beyond the realm of the popular circuit. Traipsing through the havelis, he discovers the heart of India.

Since love in the time of cholera... erm... pandemic is a different ball game, there are bound to be changes in the manner in which we plan our dates. Buried within the folds are some options that we can explore, not just on Valentine’s Day but, throughout the year which go beyond restaurant, movie and mall routes.

It is said, the way to a man’s (and also, a woman’s) heart is by way of the stomach, so our chefs have given out detailed instructions to plan a treat that is sure to win anyone over. Don’t take our word for it. Plan out an exquisite meal and revel in the side effects. For those who love their teas, the issue has tips and tricks from a master to become a tea taster.

Given that sustainability is a trend that we need to imbibe in our everyday lives, we have some timepieces crafted around the concept.

Plastics from the ocean, efficient charging and more go on to make these not only exclusive but also give the wearer, who wants to be an ecology warrior, an edge.

All this and more in this issue of the Exotica. Hope to meet you on the other side, in much better times. Antio sas!

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NEW SHOWS: For the 30th anniversary of Disneyland Paris, a new show will be performed every day — several times a day — at Central Plaza of Disneyland Park, in front of the refurbished Sleeping Beauty Castle.

It will be an opportunity to see Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and their friends decked out in their new iridescent costumes created especially for the 30th anniversary. Many other characters — including the Genie from Aladdin, Princess Rapunzel and Jessie and Woody from Toy Story — will join them.

DISNEY D-LIGHT: At nightfall, a new moment will be offered for guests before Disney Illuminations. Called Disney D-Light, this new pre-show will combine video projections, illuminated water jets, lighting effects, mist, Disney songs, and drone choreography.

A light and air show featuring 200 drones — designed with the assistance of European expert Dronisos, the official technology provider based in Bordeaux — will be performed to end this new nighttime pre-show. These synchronised drones will form a sparkling ‘30’ in the sky while the new theme song for the anniversary – Un monde qui s’illumine – will be played in the background. The soundtrack was recorded with a symphony orchestra at the Abbey Road Studios in London.

It will be the first time that a Disney Park will use drone technology as part of a daily outdoor show.

The anniversary celebrations include new shows, attractions and more

FIRST ULTRA-CHIC PANTSUIT FOR MINNIE MOUSE DESIGNED BY STELLA McCARTNEY: For the 30th anniversary of Disneyland Paris, Minnie called upon the services of British designer Stella McCartney to create her first pantsuit to be worn at Disneyland Paris.

“I wanted Minnie to wear her very first pantsuit at Disneyland Paris, so I have designed one of my iconic costumes – a blue tuxedo – using responsibly sourced fabrics. This new take on her signature polka dots makes Minnie Mouse a symbol of progress for a new generation.

She will wear it in honour of Women’s History Month, in March,” said Stella McCartney.

AVENGERS CAMPUS: The new theme-based area Avengers Campus, an integral part of the transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park, will start in the summer. Super Heroes from the MARVEL universe will gather at Avengers Campus.

SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT ELEMENTS: Guests will be able to experience more than 50 attractions – whether they are thrill-seekers, passionate about adventures or enchanted journeys – to suit all tastes.

CELEBRATE NATURE AND DIVERSITY: Disneyland Park will be home to a new Gardens of Wonder comprising 10 different theme-based gardens which celebrate nature and embody the diversity of popular Disney and Pixar characters.

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I N S I D E

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FEBRUARY 2022 VOLUME 16 NO 4

Novel paths Echoes of a faded past: Orchha [p24] Hit the road Jack: Shekhawati [p30] Palate primer [p36] Brim and brew Culture curry [p40] Allure of the Big Apple

COVER: A PAIR OF HOODED GREBE, PATAGONIA

Q&A [p10] Concealed paradise: Mark Brownlow Valentine’s Day Regal past, charming present: Agra [p18] Date like DC: Washington [p46] It’s a date [p48] Gastronomical intimacy [p50] TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES 64 INCLUDING COVER

PHOTO COURTESY: SONY BBC EARTH

CONTRIBUTORS Sanjay Jumaani [p55] NUMBER GAME: Count your fate Sri Sri Ravi Shankar [p56] GURUSPEAK: Search for home

[p40]

Bharat Thakur [p59] FITNESS: Activate your inner fire Follow us on:

@TheDailyPioneer

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instagram.com/dailypioneer

OUR PARTNER HOTELS Send us your feedback at letters2exotica@gmail.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/Exotica-394686670715776

FAVOURITE HAUNTS OF STYLISH PEOPLE

Recently became a choker person.

It finishes an outfit no matter what you wear and just looks so badass all the time.

Giorgio Armani Aqua.

Smells like freshly-cut grass and adventure.

Not such an enthusiast but have recently discovered Jaywalking and I love their style. It’s very meh.

It would have to be a tie between Gone Girl and The Bone Collector.

I’m a huge fan of psychological thrillers and crime dramas.

I really relate to puzzle-solving in anything.

My grandmother’s Mangalorean coconut-based curry. My nani’s everything — to be honest — it’s a very extensive list of Mangalorean food. I love the South Indian food palette overall so tough to pick.

Singer LOTHIKA JHA’s title track from Gehraiyaan and the number Doobey is steadily rising on the popularity charts

When in trouble, I go to Rumi.

His poetry is a hot cup of cocoa on a winter night and the smell of cinnamon. When I feel like I want to go home — I read The Famous Five.

My favourite destination to go to is Yumthang Valley in Sikkim and Kheerganga. The cold has always felt like home and these are some of the places I discovered myself the most in. But on a wish list, I would love to go to the Scotland Isle. The fairyland seeker in me loves the landscape of cold valleys.

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TRAVEL NEWS

ESCAPE TO AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

DESTINATION REINVIGORATE

the soul and embark on a wellness journey at Kandima Maldives. Whether you are looking for a detox, an active fitness routine — under or over the water, award-winning wellness or spa experiences or just an amazing bicycle ride on a three km long island — this resort in the Maldives has handpicked activities to suit your needs.

Start your mornings with relaxing yoga and mindful meditation by wellness professionals on the beach, rejuvenating your soul with stunning views of the blue waters. Or simply get an adrenaline rush at a session of aerial yoga. Choose from 10 dining options of restaurants and bars, with the option to experience the healthy Mediterranean diner, Azure, and the grill house, Smoked, serving freshly-sourced seafood, meats and a large menu of vegetarian options. Kandima also has a farm-to-table initiative, bringing the freshest of green produce to your dinner table. This initiative also supports local Maldivian communities and the surrounding environment. As dusk

approaches, a kayaking session or a beach run is an inspiring way to bring the day to a close. Set on its island in the Dhaalu Atoll, the resort is ringed by a crystal-blue lagoon and pristine white sands for a unique private island experience to help you achieve a personal transformation of mind, body and soul.

The retreat hosts an array of outdoor adventures from water sports and snorkelling to beachfront fitness classes.

Beach walks, paddleboarding at sunrise and a range of aquatic activities instantly calm the mind.

Aquaholics has diverse sports activities including diving, sunset fishing trips, parasailing and snorkelling as well as boat trips and team sports, and the ultimate castaway island experience to exotic private islands.

If you are looking for an immersive kick-start retreat to lose weight, tone or simply improve fitness — Kandima is the go-to destination for a tone-up getaway. The resort offers facilities such as BURN Fitness Centre with a private swimming pool, fitness pavillion, tennis, badminton and beach volleyball courts and a football field.

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KARMA GROUP’S FIRST SCOTTISH RESORT

Nestled in the tropical surroundings of the island with views of the blue azure sea, esKape spa has authentic Maldivian therapies like esKapism which begins with a full-body exfoliation followed by signature Maldivian Ocean Dream Massage using a variety of techniques that release deep-seated knots and tension areas. The Sea Coconut Secret treatment starts with a foot ritual followed by a gentle exfoliation using Maldivian coconut which has nourishing and soothing properties. These treatments are also available for teens and tots with parents in the room.

You can even explore your inner artist by taking an art class with the resident artist or one of the local artists who visit the resort frequently. Kandima Maldives is among the safest destinations to explore this year with a robust K’ OnGuard programme and an onsite medical clinic that provides an additional layer of safeguards to give you complete peace of mind during your wellness holiday.

SCOTLAND’S

only natural lake is the chosen destination of the Karma Group’s Scottish debut. The waterfront Karma Lake of Menteith is the 44th luxury hotel in the company’s expanding portfolio and its first offering in Scotland.

Sitting in the quaint hamlet of the Port of Menteith, this location has both history and natural wonder. Easily accessible, the Port of Menteith is strategically located an hour’s drive from the international airports of Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as within arm’s reach of the historic city of Sterling and Loch Lomond and the surrounding Scottish Highlands.

But there’s plenty of reason to explore the Port of Menteith itself, which sits on the cusp of Scotland’s only natural lake. The hotel sits on the banks with views of its surrounding hills and resident flora and fauna. This destination will hold particular appeal for avid fishermen as it is famous for its trout populations. History buffs might want to visit the lake as it was home to an island that Mary Queen of Scots took refuge on.

The hotel itself was once the manse for the church but has since been remodelled in the style of a New England Waterfront Inn. While currently in operation, refurbishments are expected shortly. “The property itself comprises 20 rooms and a renowned pub and restaurant (as well as a malt vault). It is currently actively trading but we will invest time and money in upgrading it over the coming months and ensure it is a true Karma resort by the spring (when the haggis hunting season commences),” says chairman and founder, John Spence of the latest acquisition.

The purchase of Karma Lake of Menteith is also further proof that the luxury resort group only continues to thrive despite a global pandemic. “This is [our] ninth purchase since Covid came our way and I would like to thank the hard work and diligence of everyone who got the deal over the line just before Christmas,” says John Spence.

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CONCEALED PARADISE

Q&A MARK BROWNLOW, the highly acclaimed, BAFTA/EMMY award-winning executive producer and wildlife filmmaker, has made a mark in natural history. He was the producer for Frozen Planet II, the landmark series, Blue Planet II and Planet Earth.

He has produced many other natural history documentaries for the BBC, including Hidden Kingdoms and Ocean Giants. He is the series producer of Eden: Untamed Planet which dives into a few untouched lands where isolation from the rest of the world has ensured that these remain protected from the most damaging effects of human interference. He talks to SAIMI SATTAR about how the series embarked on a breath-taking journey to Earth’s last Edens

How does any kind of interference or foray by humans change a place?

The natural world is continuously under threat and pressure from human activities. The less we report on it, the less we film the natural world and the dangers they face. It remains out of sight and out of mind. These things go unreported and there is a danger that we could lose species and habitats. I feel that natural history films serve an important purpose to raise awareness about the plights of nature across the planets.

How do you zero down on the place of the shoot?

Eden is a celebration of six remarkable ecosystems that remain almost unchanged since the dawn of civilisation where life still exists largely as nature intended. These are protected from human contact, in part, by the extreme remoteness and their extreme environments. Unlike other series that we have done in the past, we wanted to focus upon six individual habitats and immerse the audience in each unique location to reveal the inner workings and discover the secret to their

EXOTICA [11] FEBRUARY 2022

Stills from episode 1: Borneo — Sacred Forest and episode 2: Namib — Skeleton Coast And Beyond

natural riches. We chose our six Edens based on each offering a different habitat. So, we have a mountain film, a grassland film, a desert film, a temperate forest film, an island film.

So how do we picture the habitat? We wanted to make sure to cover as much diversity and variety within the series as possible. So, we based ourselves in six distinct habitats and each within has a completely different set of cast and characters. So, in the mountainous realm of Patagonia, we meet pumas, we meet penguins. In the depths of East Africa's Great Rift Valley in Luangwa, we feature leopards and hippos. In the Borneo rainforests, we feature orangutans, rhesus monkeys. In Galapagos, there are sea lions, the giant tortoises. The logic behind the series is to celebrate six extraordinary Edens that were filled with an ‘A’ cast set of characters and, within each, we immerse ourselves for a year to capture groundbreaking stories.

So, in the Galapagos, we film — for the first time — bull sea lions fending off sharks to protect the young seal pups in their first swim in the ocean. In Borneo, we capture incredibly rare moments of the hornbills snatching bats out of the sky. So, it’s filled with a variety of wonders. It captures the beauty of the landscape and also reveals the inner workings and interdependence of the species to maintain a healthy balance in the ecosystem and reveals the secret to their riches.

So, the reason why Namib, the

BORNEO HAS CAVES WHERE OUR CREW FILMED THESE GIANT AMOUNTS OF GUANO. THESE ARE BACKDROPPING OF THOUSANDS OF YEARS THAT HAVE TURNED INTO MOUNTAINS OF GUANO THAT SUSTAIN AN ECOSYSTEM OF COCKROACHES, SNAKES, GIANT MILLIPEDES

NAMIB, THE OLDEST AND THE MOST DIVERSE DESERT, BOASTS MEGAFAUNA — ELEPHANTS, ORYX, GIRAFFES AND EVEN DESERT LIONS — THANKS TO ITS SECRET SUPPLIES OF WATER FROM SUB AQUIFERS, RIVERS AND THE SEA MIST. AT NIGHT, FOG ROLLS OUT FROM ATLANTIC SEABOARD AND, AS IT CONDENSES, IT SUSTAINS EVEN A FROG, CALLED A RAIN FROG

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oldest and the most diverse desert, can boast megafauna — like the elephants, oryx, giraffes and even desert lions — is thanks to its secret supplies of water from sub aquifers, rivers and, more remarkably, thanks to the sea mist. The Namib desert runs along the Atlantic seaboard and, at night, fog rolls out and, as it condenses, it sustains even a frog — which is actually called a rain frog — the last animal you expect to find in the desert.

In Alaska, we immerse ourselves in one of the richest temperate rainforests on the planet. These vast tracts of forests run along Alaska's southeast coast and reveal the riches that come up on nitrile soil which hosts everything from grizzly bears to moose. The reason behind the riches boils down to the annual arrival of the salmon run that pour into the river system. As bears fish them out from the river and discard carcasses that decay and fertilise the forests. And that is why you get huge trees in the extraordinary wildness. They are known by the indigenous people as fish trees as they grow taller than in any other part of the forest. So yes, it's a celebration of these wondrous events. It’s a contemporary setting where we don't shy away from the pressure from humans in the modern world and, by working with the local teams, we brought you these groundbreaking stories.

The teams stay in these places for a long time for the show. So, how did

Stills from episode 3: Luangwa — The Emerald Valley and episode 4: Galapagos — Enchanted Isles

you make sure that the delicate balance, in these Edens, is not affected?

We worked to the highest standard and safeguarded our 50-year reputation of respect for the natural wild. So, when we enter these habitats, we only work with tried and tested experts who act as our guides to make sure that we do not disrupt the behaviour of the animals or damage the environment. And more than ever we are using, in part out of necessity from Covid, remote teams which not only lower our carbon footprint but absolutely make sure that we work with the very best people who know how to interact with the wildlife safely without interference. But this is our craft.

Unlike national parks, animals here are not used to human presence.

How did they react? What were some of the interesting incidents during filming?

If you go to southeast Alaska, it is a remote Eden. You are on your own when you get dropped off by the boat and you camp on the islands and film the stories including grizzly bears. A grizzly bear will eat humans... there are plenty of documented cases, sadly.

You have to be incredibly careful about how you interact with them.

But we were with a local guide who had spent decades studying the grizzly bears. Yes, you have to make sure that you put your food up the tree and you have an electric fence around you in the camp at the night. But it is

LUANGWA’S LOCAL TEAM CAPTURED NEW BEHAVIOURS — HIPPOS COMING OUT AT NIGHT AND EVEN SURFING DOWN ON THE BANKS OF A RIVER WHICH WAS CAPTURED ON GEOTHERMAL CAMERAS. WE WERE ABLE TO ENCAPSULATE MOMENTS WHEN LEOPARDS AMBUSH THEIR PREY AS THEY CREEP DOWN THE RIVERS GULLIES AND SPRING OUT TO CAPTURE THEM

GALAPAGOS WAS THE LOCATION WHERE WE FILMED — FOR THE FIRST TIME — BULL SEA LIONS FENDING OFF SHARKS TO PROTECT THE YOUNG SEAL PUPS IN THEIR FIRST SWIM IN THE OCEAN

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remarkable, that with the right communication and body language, you can safely film a grizzly just 20 feet away. Not that your heart isn't pounding during the process (laughs).

What were the challenges during the show’s filming?

Making wildlife films has always been hugely challenging and, now, more so during this Covid pandemic. We’ve had teams stuck in quarantine hotels not able to physically get out and film. And that's why we’ve relied on local talent to make these films. We were lucky enough to team up with some celebrated wildlife filmmakers who had based themselves in the midst of the pandemic in the Luangwa Valley.

So, we were able to capture new behaviours never seen before — like hippos coming out at night and even surfing down on the banks of a river which was captured on geothermal cameras.

We were able to encapsulate moments when leopards ambush their prey as they creep down the rivers gullies and spring out to capture them. You can only get this thanks to a local team that can immerse itself out there for a year.

Wildlife photography and films need an immense amount of patience, what are the qualities that make anyone stand apart from the average?

Natural history filmmaking is not a job... it is a life and you have to be incredibly resilient, passionate and dedicated. We work with the

Stills from episode 5: Patagonia — The Ends Of The Earth and episode 6: Alaska — Last American Frontier

best crews and people who will commit weeks and months of their lives braving uncomfortable conditions to capture those groundbreaking moments of behaviour. Our crew traipsed into the caves of Borneo to film these giant amounts of guano (the excrement of seabirds and bats).

These are backdropping of thousands of years that have turned into mountains of guano that sustain an ecosystem of cockroaches, snakes, giant millipedes. And teams have to go in hazmat suits. This is some people's idea of a nightmare — trudging through waste-y guano to film between billions of cockroaches. But you know it takes dedication to do that (laughs).

Planet Earth and Blue Planet have also been the subject of two books.

What is the synergy between the show and the books?

I think we all watch natural history films on our television, and it provides extraordinary visual and immersive experience but a wonderful thing with the accompanying books is that it enables you to get into far more detail. There is only so much information that you can impart in a 50-minute show. Whereas with the book, you can take your time and enjoy the in-depth stories of these habitats and the ways we went about filming them.

PATAGONIA’S MOUNTAINOUS REALM HAD PUMAS AND PENGUINS

ALASKA TEMPERATE RAINFORESTS HAS RICH NITRILE SOIL BECAUSE OF THE SALMON RUN THAT POUR INTO THE RIVER SYSTEM. AS BEARS FISH THEM OUT AND DISCARD CARCASSES THAT DECAY, IT FERTILISES THE FORESTS. AND THAT IS WHY YOU GET HUGE TREES THAT INDIGENOUS PEOPLE CALL FISH TREES AS THEY GROW TALLER THAN IN ANY OTHER PART OF THE FOREST

What are some of the learning that you have drawn from the two decades of your professional life?

I’ve been lucky to work in natural

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history for several decades making films and I am still surprised, marvelled and blown by the new stories we captured in Eden and each new series. There’s still so much more to film and to surprise the audience with. But also, at the same time, I am saddened by the destruction that has taken place over those two decades. I’ve returned to places that over 20 years ago were pristine and, now, are in a mess.

For me, it just accentuates — more than ever — how important it is to document this change, to make the global audience aware of how threatened the natural world is and why we need the natural world not just to enjoy the marvel but for a healthy ecosystem to maintain a stable future for every one of us.

As a youngster how did you realise that you wanted to pursue this as a professional?

I am a self-confessed geek. As a teenager, I would dig a garden pond just so that I could enjoy seeing tadpoles and newts. I always just marvelled at the small things in the British countryside from ants to magpies. I have always been fascinated by the natural world. I read zoology at the university and to be able to combine my passion for television with the natural world was a natural fit. I suppose I draw my inspiration from Sir David Attenborough with whom I still work... he is 95 years old and still going strong. So, there is plenty of time to film our stories.

V A L E N T I N E ’ S D AY

Regal Past, Charming Present At first glance, Agra may seem stuck in a time bubble where, the Taj Mahal is the heart. NIDHIE RAJ SINGH decides to skirt the monument to delve into the city to find it pacing up to stay relevant to the modern travellers

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SEATED

royally, at the confluence of rich history and modernity, Agra is unapologetically chaotic. There’s a method to its madness though.

The city in Uttar Pradesh is synonymous with the Taj Mahal, but is there anything to explore beyond this relic? The answer is, yes. The trick is to experience it… up, close and personal.

The very first thing that a discerning traveller would like to skip is the famed trip to the monument of love or at least snooze it to the last spot of their itinerary. I did the same. I ditched queuing up for entry, wearing hideous protective shoe covers, and joining the crowd that comes to take a look at the Taj Mahal… 40,000 odd footfalls daily, to be precise. Instead, I thought of taking a detour. The challenge lay in deciding where to begin.

With every structure of the Mughal era in Agra

— colossal or modest — comes a stream of stories of romance, enmity, grand gestures and even self-love. Agra Fort tells the tale of a helpless father and his power-hungry son. Akbar’s Tomb gives a glimpse into the mind of a mighty ruler, who meticulously planned his gravesite.

Itimad-ud-Daula’s Tomb is a symbol of the deep love a daughter had for her father. And then there is Mirza Ghalib’s birth home in the Kala Mahal area. The lesser-known but uniquely interesting structures are Chini Ka Rauza, Jama Masjid, Ram Bagh (earlier Aram Bagh), Mariam’s Tomb, and the ancient Mankameshwar Temple. The list is exhaustive. In hopes of turning the trip on its head, I hopped onto a rickshaw and headed to Tajganj for shopping even as Rashid, my chatty driver, filled me up with local myths about the mausoleum, the city and the best places to try Mughal delicacies. If you aren’t well-versed with

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the nooks of Agra, it’s a good idea to book a walking trail with an insider.

One such trail is led by Anal Jha for India Heritage Walk. He not only can take you through the history and architectural legacy of the monuments but also guide you to experience the heritage of Agra, hands-on. The trail involves a stroll through the Tajganj neighbourhood, where craft tradition has been painstakingly preserved by generations of craftsmen. Tajganj was established

by Shah Jahan, around the same time the Taj Mahal was being built and named Mumtazabad.

Today, it’s no less than a living museum.

The first stop is at Rizwana baji’s zardozi workshop, where you can not only witness the art come alive on silk, satin, or velvet fabrics but also try your hands at embroidering floral motifs. Next up is the workshop of a fifth-generation prachinkar (inlay artist) Irfan Ali, whose forefathers were involved in building the Taj Mahal. It can give a

peek into how painstakingly the monument was built, one inlay work at a time. What began in 16th century Florence by Italian artistes travelled to Agra through travellers coming to Mughal courts.

Today, only a handful of artistes are skilled in authentic marble inlay work. It’s one thing to buy a souvenir and quite another to know how it was made. With a miniature Taj Mahal in your bag, you can stop at the flower market, where over 100 families have been engaged in the flower business for generations.

The final stop is the carpet workshop. When the third Mughal Emperor Akbar invited Persian artisans to Agra for promoting carpets, little did he know that the Middle Eastern ‘Paradise-Garden’ flower motifs would beautifully bloom in the hands of Hindustani artisans. Centuries later, craftsmen from other parts of the world get inspired by subtle colours of vegetable dyes and intricate details of Agra carpets.

POST-COVID PROTOCOLS Taj Mahal is now open for visitors and it’s best to buy tickets online at asi.payumoney.com to avoid queues. Follow Covid appropriate protocols such as wearing a mask and maintaining distance.

Hotels and restaurants have vaccinated staff and follow the sanitisation process regularly. Some hotels may ask for a vaccination certificate or a negative RTPCR report for a test taken not more than 48 hours before travel.

These workshops can help you appreciate Mughal buildings better and understand India’s craft history. By the end of these trails, you can not only connect with homegrown artisans, learn new crafts but also contribute to the local economy.

As for me, every time I visit the stores on Fatehabad Road in Tajganj someone has to physically stop me from hoarding hand-tufted rugs and silk carpets. I always tend to overspend on shoes and bags at Shoe Mandi in Johri Bazar and Sadar Bazar which have rows of shops and factory outlets. A word of caution: keep calm, smile and ignore the overwhelming calls of the vendors around.

After hours of walking and shopping, you can turn your focus on trying out the street food of Agra. You can sample aloo chaat, sev puri and papdi chaat in Chaat Gali or let your sweet tooth have a field day with petha and lassi in Seth Gali.

You can buy varieties of petha from the Panchhi Petha outlet at Noori Gate. As always, I did not miss out on getting my share of biryani and kebabs from the restaurants in Tajganj and Nai ki Gali that serve authentic Mughlai cuisines.

At the end of day one, I sat down for dinner at the Moon Terrace restaurant in Tajganj. As I set my eyes on the Taj

Mahal visible in a distance, I thought of what Austrian historian Ebba Koch wrote in her foreword for Lucy Peck’s book, Agra: The Architectural Heritage. “Agra was designed as a grand riverfront city, not an isolated settlement on the banks of the Jamna (now the Yamuna).” So, it won’t be an exaggeration to compare erstwhile Agra with Venice as one could take a boat to many gardens dotting the city. Today, most of the gardens are gone while the river is shrinking.

What remains are the memories of a glorious past.

As if on cue, a restaurant staff member recommended catching a glimpse of the monument during sunset from Mehtab Bagh, one of the remaining gardens near the Charbagh complex, on the opposite bank of Yamuna. I will never know if I rued loudly or my unblinking gaze made him offer me the suggestion. I made a mental note to visit Mehtab Bagh the next day.

What I looked forward to though was my forthcoming night view of the Taj Mahal.

As I clenched my ticket in my palm, I couldn’t wait to see the greatest symbol of love in its full glory under a moonlit sky. As I entered the main arch and laid my eyes on the Taj Mahal, time seemed to stand still. It glistened as moonlight ricocheted from its minarets, creating a sublime portrait of beauty. A small group of 50 people was led by tourism officials and guides, as we soaked in the beauty of the Taj on a full moon night. As I made my way to the main complex, I couldn’t help but think that it wasn’t just the intricate inlay and relief work on marble and calligraphy that took 22 years to finish. It was also Shah Jahan’s dream and love for his wife, Mumtaz, that those 20,000 masons, stone carvers, artistes from India, Persia, and Europe worked tirelessly to turn into a reality.

This experience enveloped me in a shroud of calmness as cacophony and chaos vanished.

The next day, I found myself sitting on a cement bench in Mehtab Bagh looking at the monument gleaming in the afternoon sun. The legend of the Taj Mahal may be retold in the years to come, but it will have a unique impression on each one who visits it. As I got up to leave, I stopped and turned to look back at it for I remembered what Rashid said, “If you turn and look at the Taj on your way out, you will come back to it sooner or later.” Myth or no myth, one visit is not enough to take in the grandeur of the greatest symbol of love and the beautiful sights, sounds and smells of Agra.

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N O V E L PAT H S

faded

ECHOES OF A

HISTORY

MARIA RAZZAQ treads in the footsteps of Bundela kings to reveal some unknown facets of Orchha’s past, architecture and myths

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TRAVERSING

the roads of Babina, to the tunes of Billy Joel's Piano Man, on a cold frosty morning was picturesque. The scene appeared to have made its way straight from the silver screen to real life. However, if one thinks of the destination, there couldn't have been a better setting.

The wonderful town of Orchha — filled with its share of forts and palaces — holds in its heart numerous tales of kings and culture.

Having an Aunt in Jhansi meant a trip to the city — made famous by the Rani who fought bravely during 1857 — every few months. This year, when the plan included Orchha, the Civil Services aspirant in me leapt at the opportunity. The entire 45minute ride was filled with my fidgeting over the perfect pen to write notes with!

Soon we were face to face with the blink and miss Kanteela Darwaza and the road — leading from it to the entry points of Sheesh, Raja and Jahangir Mahal — was short but steep. We were greeted by a clear sunny sky, in the parking space, which I almost immediately took as a good sign.

Raja Mahal, Chaturbhuj temple and Ram Raja Mandi — as seen from the roof of Jahangir Mahal. (Inset): Chaturbhuj Temple

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A PALACE OF CONFLUENCE

AS

I entered the Jahangir Mahal in the Fort Complex, I was instantly reminded of Jodha Bai’s Palace at Fatehpur Sikri.

There was a striking similarity in the structures, built in the MughalRajput fashion, especially on account of the stone carvings and latticework. It is said that Bundelas gained favour when they supported Prince Salim, who was later crowned Emperor Jahangir, in his rebellion against his father, Akbar. Not surprisingly, when Raja Bir Singh Deo assassinated one of Akbar’s loyalists, Abul Fazl, in 1602, he was termed as ‘valiant warrior’ by Jahangir. The Mughal vassal then went on to build the Mahal in the Emperor’s honour who stayed there for just one night!

The palace is a multi-storeyed structure with eight domes and a huge courtyard in the middle. There are steep staircases leading to the upper storeys, that hold in them numerous rooms with more intricate jaali work. Looking out of one of the windows, I could see the entire city of Orchha below while the Betwa flowed close by. A chill ran down my spine thinking about the splendour of the years past as I traced the carved pillars and elephant motifs with my fingers.

Woken from my trance — by a sharp gust of cold January wind — I concentrated on the dome, adorned with blue stones, reminiscent of Gur-e-Amir in Samarkand, and the kalash of the Rajput culture on the top. A true juxtaposition of the Ganga Jamuni tehzeeb. The Bundela chief had indeed managed to truly capture the essence of the Mughals in the structure, an apt ode!

WHAT LIES WITHIN?

AFTER

delivering a soliloquy on the lives the kings must have led, I was coaxed to move on by my guide for there was much to cover. The famous Raja Mahal was next on the list.

Built in the early 16th century, it is a true testament to Bundela architecture. The construction was initiated by Raja Rudra Pratap, the founder of Orchha. The palace was then completed during the reigns of his successors, Bharti Chandra and Madhukar Shah. The entire structure is built in a mandapa style, with chambers around the two courtyards.

The facade seemed unostentatious, almost plain, when compared to Jahangir Mahal. However, as soon as I crossed the threshold, I was taken aback. They say, ‘Never judge a book by its cover’, I could rephrase it appropriately for the monument. The inner walls of the palace are decorated with motifs and murals from Indian mythology, especially the Puranas. The most striking feature remains the King and Queen’s quarters which are covered with frescoes, made of vegetable dyes, depicting the Dashavataras of Lord Vishnu.

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(Clockwise from top left): A few of the eight domes ; the huge courtyard in the middle; intricate jaali work and the author in front of a carved door at Jahangir Mahal

The frescoes, depicting Indian mythology, in the king and queen’s quarters at Raja Mahal are made of vegetable dyes

A PALACE FIT FOR A GOD

KING

Madhukar Shah was a devotee of Lord Krishna whilst his queen was an ardent worshipper of Lord Rama. Legend has it that queen Ganesh Kunwari dreamt of Lord Rama one night. She headed out in the search of the deity whilst her husband commissioned the current Chaturbhuj Temple in anticipation of his arrival.

The queen found her Lord in Ayodhya, who placed two conditions for accompanying her. First, he would be treated as the king wherever He went, not Madhukar Shah; and the second, once seated, He would not move. The queen agreed willingly and Lord Rama accompanied her on the journey.

When she returned, the temple was yet to be completed and so she placed the idol in the palace.

Soon the Chaturbhuj Temple was completed and awaiting its inhabitant. The idol was to be shifted to its newly constructed home but it refused. The queen remembered the second condition that once

Lord Rama was seated, he would not shift. Thus it led to the anointment of that part of the palace as the Ram Raja Temple. It is the only temple in the world where Rama is worshipped as a king, thus the name, and is offered a gun salute every day.

WORLD BENEATH MY FEET

TRYING

my luck to get that perfect view of the mahal and its borders, I climbed the tall, narrow steps to the roof...right where the sentry stood guard. Although, I must admit that, I kept contemplating what would happen if I fell.

But in the end, at that exact moment, it was worth it. The view was absolutely breathtaking. The sun was past its zenith and the whole town of Orchha was alive. The people, scurrying off to take care of their business, unaware that someone was watching. The Chaturbhuj Temple — with its huge vimana, contiguous arches and fortifications — was distinguishable against the blue sky.

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DOMED DREAMS

STILL

awestruck, I made my way to the courtyard when my aunt decided that we must visit the chattris (dome-shaped pavilions) before the sun set.

Without wasting a single moment, we set off to Kanchana Ghat, where the chattris were located.

The Royal Chattris were built in honour of the great Orchha kings including Madhukar Shah, Bir Singh Deo and Jaswant Singh. The chattris are laid out in a panchayatana style (a style of temple construction that has a central shrine surrounded by four other shrines) where a Shiv linga used to rest in the centre.

Each cenotaph is an amalgamation of Rajput-Bundela architecture save one which stands out with its Mughal style. This particular chattri belongs to Raja Bir Singh Deo, a testament to his close relations with Emperor Jahangir née Prince Salim. Apart from housing the kings of days past, they are home to critically endangered vultures.

As the sun started to set, the entire scene was flushed with an ochre hue. In this backdrop, I counted four to five vultures taking flight to return home nestled in the shikharas of the cenotaphs. A truly exquisite sight.

An entire day of learning about the past and looking at the secret passageways and murals can famish absolutely anyone.

Thankfully the food trucks at the riverside came to our rescue. With a kulhad of chai in hand, I heaved a deep sigh. An opal sunset with dark spiralling structures in the foreground, the waters of River Betwa lapping nearby, bells chiming from the temples afar and the cold wind whooshing past, holding in its heart, stories of men who went on to become legends and their houses becoming a source of wonderment for generations to follow. This exact moment felt like an appropriate summation of my day at Orchha. A fitting denouement...

(Above): Raja Bir Singh Deo Chattri is built in the Mughal style.

(Below): One of the Royal Chattris at Kanchana Ghat

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N O V E L PAT H S

A view of an empty baoli bathed in moonlight in Bagar; houses at a crossing and Rani Sati Mandir in Jhunjhunu

HIT THE ROAD JACK

Shekhawati and the havelis beckoned ASEEM BHARGAVA, Covid notwithstanding

I

have this innate need to get out and do what I love and love what I do. That is the mantra that makes me move! But let me be honest, Leaving on a Jetplane just doesn’t make the cut. I am more Hit the Road Jack! kind of guy as it is wheels under my heels — both literally and figuratively. All these combine to help this inveterate travel junkie look for places, adventure, the thrill of being carefree and no schedules. And it was this urge that made me drive, on a whim, to the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Undeniably, it is one of the most, if not most beautiful states of our country.

A long drive from Gurgaon to Bagar village through Mandawa, Jhunjhunu and Navalgarh, where havelis — of old Marwari families, many corporate scions and others who are now lost to the world — have stood for centuries. The alluring appeal these havelis have had in my head — and for many an inveterate traveller — exercised a strong pull. With the pandemic having

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become a constant, an almost permanent irritant, I was itching to travel. But throwing caution to the winds was neither possible nor practical. So, armed with all necessary preventive arsenal including masks, gloves and sanitisers Jack aka me did set out on the Country Roads undeterred. The wheels under my heels were revving and making suitable noises.

The 185-km drive to Bagar via Rewari- Kanina-Mahendragarh takes about four hours and 15 minutes. Of course, a lot depends upon the time one departs and whether the fog (which is sometimes as thick as a blanket) or the traffic slows you down. But travelling at a leisurely pace is inviting even though limiting. Inviting, as I could take in much of the beautiful locales and countryside that can’t be relished in the city. Also, there is much happening on these not-so-crowded roads which suddenly burst into action.

There's a lovely hillock that came up about 100 km into the drive.

And then, there were the inviting green, lush, undulating fields of mustard on both which made me stop dead in the track, click selfies to my heart’s content before working the pedals again.

Entering Jhunjhunu at the Peeru Singh Circle, I grabbed a quick lunch, after having driven for more than seven hours. And what an amazing lunch it was. The traditional Rajasthani mirchi ki roti, with red chillies, and an amazing spread of chutneys could beat a Michelin-starred chef hollow when it came to setting the taste buds alight. The impact of Covid was evident as Khana Khazana, the restaurant, had no more than 10-12 diners.

The havelis are scattered and trying to see a large number is quite a task, a tad repetitive. Moreover, many are not open for public viewing. However, where there's a will... always holds good, more so, when one finds oneself at a private residence guarded by a helpful caretaker. The Lala Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli is cared for by Nathu Singh who gets paid a paltry and princely sum of `3,000 for upwards of 18 years and counting. The sixty-something genteel man has four grown-up children including a 26-year-old son who works in Africa and repatriates some money. This gentle and unassuming man sheepishly requested `100 to open all the rooms for me to see and capture. I would have happily parted with much much more. The simple, selfless and obvious devotion to the lovely but slowly decaying building made my eyes mist over. When I asked him to pose with a smile, he rewarded me with a wide grin. Truly, people have such tough lives and the pandemic has only exacerbated the situation. Count your blessings, dear reader, as you are among the privileged few. We are truly blessed and we don't realise and thank our good fate enough.

To me, Nathuji provided a simple lesson in what loyalty and duty is or needs to be and not the rubbish, often-bizarre utterings and

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ENTERING JHUNJHUNU AT THE PEERU SINGH CIRCLE, I GRABBED A QUICK LUNCH, AFTER HAVING DRIVEN FOR MORE THAN SEVEN HOURS. AND WHAT AN AMAZING LUNCH IT WAS. THE TRADITIONAL RAJASTHANI MIRCHI KI ROTI, WITH RED CHILLIES, AND AN AMAZING SPREAD OF CHUTNEYS COULD BEAT A MICHELINSTARRED CHEF HOLLOW

A heritage hotel in Nawalgarh and parts of the Lala Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli

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An artiste imagines a ship voyage on a ceiling; the Rani sati Mandir complex and a green hamlet

definitions we hear from politicians, self-styled gurus and leaders who are just furthering their agendas. In a small way, it is also about making peace with your situation and lot in life…

As there are numerous havelis dotting Navalgarh, seeing each — I hazarded a guess — would take anywhere between two-five days. So, I made a whirlwind visit to two others — the Poddar Haveli and the smaller but beautifully-decorated and gorgeously-detailed Kamal Morarka haveli.

There was practically an incessant assault of my senses by the innate beauty of the architecture, miniature paintings and western influences.

A distinct advantage of driving is that you don’t have to depend on either local transport or app-based taxis. So, I was able to drive deeper into the hinterland to places like the Rani Sati Mandir in Jhunjhunu. However, not a place I'd like to return to, given the title. I did a customary walk about and was struck by the sheer commerciality of the temple. A man with a desktop computer was

asking for donations. But this temple had the most organised and clean pay and use bathrooms; the size of a WC was as large as a small storeroom. To add to this, unlike 90 per cent of restrooms in India it was spotlessly clean and sanitised.

There are lovely homes all around, one is surrounded by them on Rani Sati Road, Jhunjhunu and I got off to click pictures of many such dwellings. At a crossing was a small Indian mithai shop, whose owner was both informative and chatty. On hearing that I work with a large MNC firm, in a typical small-town way, he congratulated me and actually meant every word he said. The shop, located at a strategic junction on the arterial road in town, provides fantastic access to many havelis.

Near a narrow small street, not far from the Poddar and Lala Bhagat Ram Havelis, was a small jewellery shop almost spilling out on the road and barely able to seat three people. It is a one-of-a-kind of small-town shop and the owner

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Details of a jharoka in a Haveli in Bagar

was extremely hospitable. I managed a spot of silver rings shopping with uncluttered, clean designs which reminded me of the jewellery the statues of gods and goddesses are adorned with.

While it was a generally pleasurable and friendly trip, as Rajasthan is famous for its tradition of welcoming guests, there was a jarring note with tourist guides at some havelis. One young man, just into his twenties, thought that I was someone to make a quick buck via and quoted an exorbitant price for a quick tour of the place, which would take at the outer 30 minutes.

However, one needs to empathise that the pandemic has hit earnings hard.

The piece de resistance for me was the pictures I was able to capture of the chattris, bathed in moonlight, around an empty water tank which, a few decades or possibly a tad longer, must have been the scene of many pleasurable activities. The pictures did little justice to the ethereal vision all aglow in the moonlight.

This write up would be incomplete without a mention of the stunning hotel (for the want of another word), which still goes by the term haveli where I stayed. The Neemrana Piramal Haveli — owned by one of the Piramal families in Mumbai and Ahmedabad — is huge, elegant and decorated with beautiful four-poster beds and antiques strewn around the place. The food, primarily vegetarian, is truly outstanding and very reasonably priced. The level of care and service is exemplary. One of the members of the staff even accompanied me to the first haveli I saw in Bagar.

This was a short three-day trip, to do justice I'd suggest about five days to cover the entire region well. And sure enough, Rajasthan would be welcoming you with Padhaaro Mhaare Desh and impeccable hospitality.

— The author is an untrained and self-motivated writer on art and travel. He is a public relations practitioner, who does find time to work

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P A L AT E P R I M E R Rather than a science, tea tasting is an art that requires experience and tuning into your senses, says MADHAV SARDA

THE

love for this elixir made the British do some industrial reconnaissance and bring the seeds of Camellia Sinensis to the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. With an altitude between 1,200 and 6,000 ft above sea level, steep slopes, ample humidity, rainfall, shade, mist and acidic soils — Darjeeling is blessed with a unique terrain that infuses ‘magic’ into its teas.

These teas are some of the most loved beverages across the globe but a lot happens before the perfect sip — which is a delicate balance of aroma and flavour — reaches your lips.

To achieve this flawless blend, a tea taster has to step in or rather sip up. The job has gained mythical proportions over the years. Tea tasting is an art that requires focussed training and experience over time to understand the goodness of the drink and eventually differentiate between suitable requirements for the appropriate blend consistently as also to assess the finest teas in terms of quality.

Tea tasting is a process by which a trained taster assesses the quality of a particular tea and, in some ways, it is similar to wine tasting as it uses

four basic steps — appearance, smell, taste and touch. Being able to identify the difference in aroma and flavour between various teas is a prerequisite of the job. Thereafter, he advises on the various ways in which the tea can be brewed to achieve a particular taste. Tea tasters also help to brand the tea varieties according to their quality. A master tea taster describes the beverage and its value after tasting. So they need to have taste buds that are refined and alive to understand and differentiate the contents of taste.

As tea is manufactured across the world, a taster needs to consider topography, climatic conditions, manufacturing processes and evaluate the different clones of the beverage. Be it Black Tea, White Tea, Oolong Tea or Green Tea, the flavour and taste of each tea are different. A trained taster needs to ascertain the quality before the sale or if they are considering blending it with other teas.

During peak tea season, a taster with an auctioneering/broker firm could deal with hundreds of samples a day. He evaluates the teas based on his expertise and experience.

like what we are about to taste. A tea taster uses deep inhalations to determine the aroma of tea.

TASTE: The taster takes a deep breath before s/he slurps the brewed tea into the mouth. While doing so, the taster is allowing tea as well as ample oxygen to pass over all the taste receptors on the tongue as this will give an even profile of the tea.

The initial impression that one has is the headnote — what was first felt while tasting. The secondary or the body note is the lasting impression. Finally, one gets an aftertaste that will linger for some time. All three notes help you in determining the quality of tea.

A tea taster needs to have great control over his sensory organs.

SIGHT: Whatever be your choice of tea, the leaf has to be dry, free of moisture content and the leaves should not stick to each other. During the screening of the teas, a taster would place part of dry tea on a clean white screening paper and observe the leaf colour, size and consistency in shape and style as also the absence/presence of foreign particles and dust.

SMELL: The first sense that is evoked in tasting is the smell as it is the nose that tells us whether we

WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL TO BE A TEA TASTER? Tea tasters need their Olfactory nerves alive so that they identify the kind of fragrances that are released by the tea samples in question.

Knowledge of cultivation and manufacturing processes in a tea plantation such as tea kinds, varieties, grades and the character of the resulting liquors, assist in assessment.

They also need to refrain from smoking, alcohol and eating strong spicy foods. There can be exceptions to these rules, though, and depends on each taster.

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THE TEA TASTING PROCESS Temperature, Time and Teapot or the 3 ‘T’s play a major role in brewing tea

TEMPERATURE: It plays a very important role when preparing good tea. Each variety of tea, from green to black, needs to be brewed at different temperatures.

Due to its more delicate processing, white Tea or a fine green Tea often needs a cooler temperature to bring out the right flavour, 85-90°C, being apt. Black tea, on the contrary — due to its full oxidation — needs freshlyboiled water to 100°C to bring out its full characteristic and aroma.

TIME: Different kinds of tea require different durations of time to brew.

Generally, delicate teas such as green tea need to be brewed for shorter times, while energetic black teas benefit from longer brewing (two-three minutes for green and three-five minutes for black).

TEAPOT MATERIAL: The material of the teapot also impacts the quality of the brew. When considering a teapot, it is important to consider the kind of tea and the temperature at which it is prepared. Materials like iron are excellent at retaining heat, while glass or porcelain dissipate heat quickly. Therefore, iron and similarly heavy materials are better for teas that need to be prepared at high temperatures, such as black tea. Green and white teas, on the other hand, need a pot that stays cool like glass and porcelain. However, the use of iron teapots has been minimised in the last few decades.

Tea tasters should be knowledgeable about the tea market and keep abreast with changing times.

They should be willing to undertake endless tasting sessions.

Drinking tea alone can be a meditative experience, but to get the most out of tea, try to drink it with others. It is like reading your syllabus alone or in a classroom where discussions lead to more learning and better results.

Last, but not least, experience and understanding therefrom are very extremely helpful in honing the art of tea tasting. Of course, some tasters have Godgifted abilities and always tend to have the upper hand in assessing, identifying and selecting the finest teas and sourcing them at the correct prices too.

— The author is the managing director, Golden Tips Tea

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C U LT U R E C U R R Y

Visitors and locals can enjoy the signature programmes of NYC Winter Outing

Allure of the big apple

IF

the Big Apple was not already bewitching for visitors and locals alike, the return of the NYC Winter Outing makes it doubly so.

Bookings for signature programmes of NYC & Company’s (New York City’s official destination marketing organisation and convention and visitors bureau) — NYC Hotel Week, NYC Restaurant Week, NYC Broadway Week and NYC Must-See Week — are now open at nycgo.com/winterouting. Deals for all four programmes — including prix-fixe menus at more than 440 restaurants; 2-for-1 tickets to 18 Broadway shows and more than 45 museums, tours and performing arts; and 22 per cent off the standard retail rates at nearly 130 participating hotels — can be redeemed across all five boroughs till February 13 for the ultimate NYC Winter Outing.

Fred Dixon, president and CEO at NYC & Company says, “We encourage locals and visitors to show their support for businesses big and small across all five boroughs by booking these only-in-New York City experiences now.”

New Yorkers and visitors must adhere to the City’s Key to NYC guidelines and check participating businesses’ websites (available upon clicking into each of the four programmes at the nycgo.com/winterouting) for individual requirements, protocols, timed ticketing and more.

NYC RESTAURANT WEEK

NYC

Restaurant Week prix-fixe deals are back at more than 440 restaurants and neighbourhood favourites across the five boroughs. Diners can enjoy two-course lunches or three-course dinners for $29, $39 or $59, depending on the restaurant’s price point. Book reservations for dining out till February 13 at nycgo.com/restaurantweek.

Visitors and locals can browse hundreds of restaurants at nycgo.com/restaurant week by categories including dinner, lunch, Sunday lunch/brunch and Sunday dinner with additional filters including location, $10 back, cuisine, amenities and the week’s availability. Additionally, curated collections are available for diners to narrow down options, including Stella Recommends (Stella Artois is the official beer partner of NYC Restaurant Week Winter 2022),

James Beard Honorees, Wine Spectator Picks, NYC Classics, Date Night, Order at the Bar, The Great Outdoors and Dinner and a Show.

Mastercard cardholders who pre-register here will receive a $10 statement credit when spending $39 or more per transaction (for up to 10 transactions, totalling a $100 rebate) on-site at participating NYC Restaurant Week eateries, subject to NYC Restaurant Week Winter 2022 terms and restrictions.

Restaurants on offer include a variety of eateries from across the boroughs, including 10 restaurants that participated in the first-ever NYC Restaurant Week in 1992, including Ambassador Grill & Lounge, Barbetta, Docks Oyster Bar, Gallaghers Steakhouse, The Russian Tea Room, Sylvia’s Restaurant, Tavern on the Green, Tribeca Grill, Union Square Cafe and Victor’s Cafe.

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NYC BROADWAY WEEK

THE

return of NYC Broadway Week after two years is an occasion to celebrate. Bookings are now open for 2-for-1 tickets to 18 participating shows at nycgo.com/broadwayweek, for experiences to February 13. Broadway remains open and theatres have implemented safety protocols to the highest standards.

Participating shows include: Aladdin, The Book of Mormon, Chicago The Musical, Come From Away, Company, David Byrne’s American Utopia, Dear Evan Hansen, Girl From the North Country, Hadestown, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Lion King, MJ The Musical, Moulin Rouge!

The Musical, The Phantom of the Opera, Skeleton Crew,

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, To Kill a Mockingbird and Wicked.

"The return of NYC Broadway Week is an exciting moment for the Broadway community and a signal of New York City’s continued recovery. We remain committed to setting the gold standard of Covid health protocols in all of our Broadway theatres and encourage New Yorkers and visitors to confidently enjoy the exceptional lineup of shows participating in NYC Broadway Week this winter,” said Charlotte St Martin, president of The Broadway League.

Participating Broadway shows can be sorted by filters including drama, kid-friendly, musical, play, performance and Tony Award winner at nycgo.com/broadwayweek.

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NYC MUST-SEE WEEK

LOCALS

and visitors can book reservations for 2-for-1 tickets to more than 45 museums, attractions, performing arts and tours at nycgo.com/ mustseeweek, for experiences till February 13.

NYC Must-See Week participants include: 9/11 Memorial & Museum; Arcadia Earth Museum; Artechouse; Asia Society and Museum; Bateaux by City Cruises; Beat the Bomb; Bike Rent NYC Central Park Bike Tours; BKLYN Comedy Club; Carolines on Broadway; Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises; City Cruises by Hornblower; Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; Empire State Building Observatory; The Escape Game New York City; Flushing Town Hall; Food On Foot Tours; Fotografiska; Gray Line City Sightseeing New York Bus Tours; Historic Richmond Town; Inside Out Tours; Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum; Jazz at Lincoln Centre; Liberty Cruise; Like a Local Tours; The Metropolitan Opera; Museum at Eldridge Street Synagogue; Museum of the City of New York; Museum of Modern Art (MoMA); National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene; New York Botanical Garden; New York City Ballet; New York City Photo Safari; New York Philharmonic; One World Observatory; On Location Tours; Picture The City; Place Chase; The

Ride; Rise NY; Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum; Spirit of New York by City Cruises; Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbour; Summit One Vanderbilt; Top of the Rock Observation Deck; Top View Sightseeing Tours; and Untapped New York.

Locals and visitors can browse NYC Must-See Week participants by filters including borough, neighbourhood and category, all available at nycgo.com/mustseeweek.

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NYC HOTEL WEEK

BOOK

accommodations at 22 per cent off standard retail rates-to during NYC Hotel Week at nycgo.com/hotelweek, redeemable now through February 13. There are nearly 130 hotels across all five boroughs participating in NYC Hotel Week, covering a wide range of accommodations for every visitor, from major brands to unique independent hotels, and options for every price point from moderate to luxury. Some of the participating hotels include Equinox Hotel; The Beekman Hotel; New York Marriott Marquis; Lotte New York Palace; The Pierre New York; The Langham New York, Fifth Avenue; Opera House Hotel; Conrad New York Downtown; The Times Square Edition; The Rockaway Hotel; Mr C Seaport; Ace Hotel Brooklyn; The James New York NoMad; Hilton Garden Inn New York/Staten Island; JW Marriott Essex House New York; The William Vale; and many more.

All participating hotels can be sorted by borough and neighbourhood at nycgo.com/hotelweek.

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V A L E N T I N E ’ S D AY Here are seven adventurous and fun ideas for a perfect tryst in Washington

DATELIKEDC

THE

American capital is quite the place for an adventurous date or fun romantic getaway. From its national parks and outdoor adventures to exciting culinary journeys and more, Washington, DC, has everything that a couple could want in an excursion. Read on for date suggestions that go beyond the standard fare and add a unique element to your outing.

DANCE TO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT AT ECHOSTAGE: Some of the hippest musical acts around come to Echostage, an immense dance hall that is widely considered one of the best clubs in the country. The venue plays host to rap, hiphop, dance, electronica and other genres, with nearly every performance featuring an energetic crowd, plenty of grooves and lots of moving and shaking.

UNLOCK THE NATURAL BEAUTY AT THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM: Watch your love grow like a tree no matter the season with a trip to the National Arboretum, a 446-acre living museum brimming with gardens and cherry blossoms. The Arboretum is also home to the original columns of the US Capitol building, featured in their own dedicated space and instantly Instagrammable.

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ADMIRE THE SCENERY OF THE TIDAL BASIN AND THE JEFFERSON MEMORIAL: One of the most romantic spots in DC, the Tidal Basin offers a serene setting. Across the water, you can view the

beautiful Jefferson Memorial in all its glory, then take a stroll into the famous domed structure. The entire scene is even more romantic once the sun goes down.

WALK AMONG THE ANIMALS AT THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL ZOO: Lions, tigers, giraffes and the beloved giant pandas are just some of the 2,000 animals that call the 163acre Smithsonian National Zoo their home. The zoo’s habitats feature animals from 400 different species, certainly enough to fill an afternoon with your partner.

TURN DINNER INTO AN ADVENTURE: DC is a hub for international cuisine, meaning your romantic dinner can turn into a globe-trotting excursion. Rose Previte’s Maydan, named one of 2018’s best new restaurants in America by Bon Appétit, has perfected the flavours from the Middle East and North Africa. A Georgian feast awaits at Supra in Shaw, where the khachapuri (house-made bread filled with cheese) cannot be missed. Ambar in Capitol Hill brings Balkan cuisine to the heart of DC, offering mezze, spreads, flatbreads, meat, poultry and much more.

GET IN TOUCH WITH NATURE AT ROCK CREEK PARK: Even during the winter, Rock Creek Park serves as a scenic recluse from the city.

Put on your winter coat and stroll through the 2,100-acre park, which includes historical attractions like Peirce Mill, as well as a nature centre (step in for warmth, if you need to), picnic areas and playing fields. There’s also a planetarium, inside the nature centre, so you and your partner can stargaze.

MAKE SOME TIME TO THROW AXES AT BAD AXE THROWING: Talk about a unique date. Bad Axe Throwing allows you to book in advance or simply walk-in to do some good old-fashioned axe throwing. Don’t worry; safety is their number one priority, quickly followed by fun.

You will have a coach to guide you through your axe-throwing experience, during which you’ll launch at a target to see who has the finest skills.

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V A L E N T I N E ’ S D AY RAVI MITTAL proposes five unusual options for couples who want to take a unique route on the love highway

It’s a date THE

pandemic has made us take stock of what’s important in life, relationships and time. A recent survey of its users by a dating app found the majority of them accept that relationships need effort irrespective of how long two individuals have been together.

The butterflies and excitement should never fade away. It can make the difference between staying in love and drifting apart.

So, here are five fun and unusual ideas for this Valentine’s Day and the rest of the year.

PICK UP THE BRUSH AND PAINT WITH LOVE Wait! It’s okay if you don’t know how to paint. It isn’t a competition; it’s a way to have a splendid night at home with your partner. After a long day at work, the two of you can benefit from art as painting is a stress reliever. Pour some wine, put on some romantic music, take up those brushes and immerse in the process of mixing colours.

You can paint the same thing or let your thoughts fly and land on the canvas. Try painting two different parts of one painting and join their canvases together to get the complete picture. How often do you sit together and discuss life in the era of WFH and online meetings? The upside? You two will get time to laugh, talk, and even paint your partner’s nose.

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DRIVE-IN MOVIE Movie dates at theatres with partners were earlier one of the most looked-forward-to activities. But it must have been long since you went to one. You can enjoy movies on the big screen with your partner without being close to strangers at a drive-in movie theatre near you. The slots can be limited because of the present situation, but the experience of watching a movie with your partner from the comfort of your car and privacy is sheer bliss. If you and your love don’t want to step out and are bored of typical movie nights at home, then think out of the box (and inside a car).

A PAMPERING SPA DATE NIGHT If painting isn’t your cup of tea, then arrange a spa date night to spend a peaceful time with your significant other.

QuackQuack’s 86 per cent of women users regard a spa night as romantic escapism from the monotonous life. Couples who do skincare routines together stay together.

Some face masks, cream, slices of cucumber to put under your eyes or eat can spell miracles. Yes, for the skin and your bond too. You can end this with pampering and massaging each other with essential oils. If you have a bathtub at your place, then things can get a bit steamy. Instead of a massage, you can soak in a hot bath with your partner and talk about love and life.

Intertwine and unwind together.

STARS ARE SHINING JUST FOR YOU TWO A stargazing date to admire the stars (and them) might sound romantic, but pollution and tall buildings can play spoilsport. You can drive to the best spot in your city from where the stars are visible. Get a bed sheet, blanket, snacks or hot chocolate and get ready to cuddle under the sky jammed with stars. Grab a night sky map and a pair of binoculars if you want to do more than talk and cuddle. It spells romantic with a capital R.

A DATE FOR A GOOD CAUSE Volunteering together is a great way to realise how generous your partner is.

The two of you can do a food drive in a nearby area or educate underprivileged children who have no access to online classes. Volunteering pushes people out of their comfort zones, which leads to personal growth. Relationships are about two individuals growing together. Having a shared experience with your partner is a memory for life. You can think of more volunteering ideas and make someone else happy while enjoying your date.

— The author is the CEO & founder of QuackQuack, a dating app

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V A L E N T I N E ’ S D AY

GASTRONOMICAL

INTIMACY Go sweet or savoury on the day that celebrates togetherness. Either way it is love all

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ASPARAGUS, RICOTTA AND PINE NUT RAVIOLI INGREDIENTS: Durum wheat flour 100 gm; Golden egg yolks 5 to 6; Salt to taste; Black pepper 5 gm; EVOO 30 ml; Asparagus 30 gm; Ricotta cheese 40 gm; Pine nut 10 gm; Strawberry 100 gm; Parmesan cheese; Castor sugar 50 gm; Liquid glucose 10 gm; Butter 20 gm METHOD: For the dough: o Gradually add the egg yolks to durum wheat or pasta flour to make a stiff dough. o Add salt, as per your taste. Rest the dough for at least two hours before rolling.

For the stuffing: o Sauté some garlic in olive oil, add brunoise of asparagus, season with salt and black pepper and set aside. o Once cooled, add toasted pine nuts, ricotta cheese and adjust the seasoning (if required). o Stuff the mixture into heart-shaped ravioli and refrigerate.

For the compote: o Cook the strawberry and sugar in a heavy-bottomed pan on low heat until the mixture is reduced to half its original volume. o Once cooled, add liquid glucose, blend and strain for a fine compote like consistency.

Presentation: o Blanch the ravioli in salted boiling water until it starts to float. o In a sauté pan add EVOO and garlic.

Cook until it is golden. o Add the ravioli and cook with some of the pasta water, add seasoning and finish with some butter to create an emulsion. o In a separate pan, warm up the prepared strawberry compote. o In a serving dish, make a base of the compote and carefully place the ravioli in the centre. o Garnish it with golden garlic flakes and shaved parmesan cheese. Serve warm.

MIRROR GLAZED STRAWBERRY RED VELVET

and spread the batter around into one INGREDIENTS: Sweetened even layer. Tap the pans on the condensed milk 100 gm; Gelatin counter two-three times to remove any sheets 5; White chocolate 120 gm; air bubbles from the cakes.

Unsalted butter 90 gm; Red food o Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 28-32 colouring 5 ml; Castor sugar 120 gm; minutes or until a toothpick inserted Eggs 2; Cooking oil 60 ml; into the centre of the cakes comes out Unsweetened cocoa powder 10 gm; clean. Carefully remove from the oven Pure vanilla extract 10 ml; White vinegar 5 ml; Plain cake flour 120 gm; and place on a wire rack to cool the pans for 15-20 minutes. Then, Baking soda 12 gm; Salt 5 gm; carefully remove the cakes from the Buttermilk 80 ml; Icing sugar 40 gm; cake pans and place them on the Lemon juice 5 ml; Cream cheese wire rack to cool completely.

100 gm; Fresh strawberry 60 gm; For the frosting: Glucose 30 gm o In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted METHOD: with the paddle attachment, or in a For the sponge: large mixing bowl using an electric o Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). mixer, beat the cream cheese until Spray two nine-inch cake pans well smooth. Add the butter and mix for with non-stick cooking spray, line the about 30 seconds to one minute until bottoms of the pans with parchment well combined and smooth. paper and set aside. o Mix in the powdered sugar and o In a large mixing bowl, whisk vanilla extract and continue mixing together cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Then sift the dry until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. ingredients to remove any lumps of For the mirror glaze: cocoa powder. Set aside. o Boil 200 ml of water in a pan and o In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted add the castor sugar, glucose and with the paddle attachment or in a condensed milk. large mixing bowl using an electric o In a separate bowl, soak the gelatin mixer, cream together the butter and sheet in warm water. sugar on medium speed for four-five o Add the gelatin solution to the minutes. Add the eggs and mix until above mixture and strain. fully combined. Then mix in the oil, o Now, add the food colour and white red food colour, vanilla extract and chocolate and mix all together. vinegar stopping to scrape down the For the assembly: sides of the bowl as needed. o Level the tops of each cake with a o Mix in the dry ingredients in three knife or cake leveller. Place one of the additions alternating with the cake layers on a cake stand or plate, buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Make sure to mix top with a layer of frosting, and each addition until just combined and smooth it out into one even layer.

Place the second layer on top, then be careful not to over mix the batter. spread the remaining frosting on the o Evenly distribute the cake batter between the two prepared cake pans top and sides of the cake.

— GAURAV MATHUR, Executive chef, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Dwarka, New Delhi EXOTICA [51] FEBRUARY 2022

INGREDIENTS: Crust crackers 150 gm; Unsalted butter 75 gm; Nutella 50 gm; Brown sugar 50 gm; Cocoa powder 25 gm; Cinnamon 10 gm Topping: Fresh strawberries 350 gm; Sugar 150 gm; Gelatin leaves 20 gm; Cream cheese 150 gm; Vanilla essence 5 gm; Whipped cream 150 gm METHOD: For the crust: o In a food processor or blender, grind the crackers until they are fine crumbs. o Add butter, Nutella, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder and process until thoroughly mixed. o You may have to scrape down the sides of the bowl/blender a few times. Firmly press the crust evenly into the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan. It should come up slightly on the sides.

For the strawberry topping: o In a saucepan, heat strawberries, sugar, and two tablespoons of water over medium flame, until the the fruit becomes soft. Use a blender to puree the fruit mixture and then return it to the saucepan. o In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over two tablespoons of cold water. Leave it for about one-two minutes. Transfer the gelatin to the berry mixture and gently cook over low flame, whisking until the gelatin is completely dissolved, then remove the pan from the heat. o Reserve one cup of the strawberry mixture for the top layer of the cake.

INGREDIENT: For the coffee chocolate cake: Dark chocolate 125 gm; Butter 125 gm; Coffee powder 5 gm; Caster sugar 150 gm; Flour 50 gm; Eggs 3 METHOD: o Melt butter and chocolate in separate bowls and mix together. o Add egg and sugar, mix well, then add flour and coffee powder. Mix well. o Line a small round ring and pour the mixture into half of the ring. Bake it at 160°C for 10 minutes.

For the dark chocolate coffee cream: Dark chocolate 100 gm; Cooking cream 100 ml; Whipped cream 50 gm; Coffee powder 10 gm METHOD: o Boil the cream in a saucepan remove it from heat and add chocolate to make a ganache.

STRAWBERRY CHEESE CAKE

o Cool and add whipped cream. o Take the coffee powder, add some water and mix well. Add it to the ganache and mix well to make coffee chocolate cream.

For raspberry crude: Raspberry puree 100 ml; Egg yolk 2; Sugar 10 gm; Butter 20 gm; Cooking cream 10 ml METHOD: o Mix egg yolk, sugar and raspberry puree in a mixing bowl and cook it in a double boiler. Continue to stir till thick. o Remove it from heat, cool the mix. Add softened butter and cooking cream and blend to get a smooth mixture.

For the chocolate sauce: Dark chocolate 50 gm; Cooking cream 60 ml METHOD: Boil the cooking cream in a saucepan remove it from heat add dark chocolate and mix well.

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CHOCOLATE RASPBE

ERRY VELVET HEAVEN

For the cheesecake: o In a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium-low speed until smooth. o Add vanilla extract and strawberry topping (except the one cup you have reserved for the top layer). o In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until thickened to medium peaks. Fold the heavy whipped cream into the strawberry cheesecake batter, gently folding until well combined. o Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to bring any air bubbles to the surface. Put it uncovered in the refrigerator for about two hours. o Once the cheesecake is firmly set, pour the remaining strawberry topping over it. If the topping has set in the pan, gently heat it for a minute until it is just pourable (or heat in the microwave for 30 seconds). o Place the cheesecake back in the refrigerator, uncovered, for another 30 minutes, or until the topping is set firmly. o At this point, it is ready to serve or you can cover the cheesecake with plastic and it can sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Before unlocking the springform pan, run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it. o Top with fresh strawberries.

— MUKESH KUMAR, Executive sous chef, DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square

Assembling all the elements: o Take the coffee chocolate cake and pipe the raspberry crude over it. o Fill a piping bag with coffee chocolate cream and pipe four drops of coffee chocolate cream over the raspberry crude in the shape of a ring. o Take a round butter paper of the size of the ring, press the cream drop on it and put it in the refrigerator. o Take out the cake from the refrigerator and remove the cake from the round ring. o Glaze the cake with chocolate sauce. o Make a round strip of chocolate and cover the cake. o Finish with chocolate garnish and gold leaf.

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BAKED OYSTERS WITH HOLLANDAISE SAUCE

INGREDIENTS: Oysters 5-6 For the hollandaise sauce: Tabasco 1 tsp; Egg yolk 3; Vodka 60 ml; Lemon 1; Unsalted butter 250 gm; Salt 2 gm; Black pepper 2 gm METHOD: o Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Remove from heat and leave to cool until lukewarm. o Meanwhile, put the egg yolks and lemon juice in a heatproof bowl over a pan of hot water set over medium-low heat, making sure the base of the bowl is not touching the water. Whisk until the mixture thickens. o Remove the bowl from the pan, and slowly whisk in the melted butter. Once it is all incorporated, season the hollandaise with salt, black pepper and lemon juice.

For oysters: o Open the oysters and prise off the top shell. Drain off the juices. Cut the muscle to release the oyster, but leave it in the rounded shell; check for any fragments of the shell. o Preheat oven to high broil. Lay about one heaped tablespoon of Hollandaise on top of each oyster and baked under salamander until the sauce is a lovely brown colour in about two minutes. Make sure not to over brown. o Serve immediately! o Enjoy with vodka and Tabasco sauce.

— VIVEK RANA, Executive chef, The Claridges New Delhi

MORNING VALENTINE ENERGY BOWL

INGREDIENTS: Greek yogurt 200 ml; Strawberry 75 gm; Soaked almonds 10; Chia seeds 2 gm; Puffed amaranth 2 gm; Flex seeds 2 gm; Sunflower seeds 4 gm; Himalayan honey 10 ml; Saffron Few strands; Microgreens METHOD: o Wash and clean strawberries. o Pat dry and cut into thin slices. o Remove the skin of soaked almonds. o Soak chia seeds in 10 ml of water. o Arrange sliced strawberries on the wall of glass o Pour Greek yogurt and layer it with the mix of all seeds o Sprinkle puffed amaranth and pour honey o Mix well before eating — ARUN MATHUR, Executive chef, Trident Gurgaon

TIRAMISU INGREDIENTS: Breakfast sugar 200 gm; Egg yolks 7; Egg white 5; Mascarpone cheese 500 gm; Water 60 ml; Espresso 15 shots; Savoiardi 15; Chocolate 50 gm; Cocoa powder For sprinkling METHOD: o Heat sugar and water to 120°C. Take off the heat and bring down the temperature to 118°C. o Whisk egg yolks in a bowl. o Now add the sugarwater mixture to the egg yolks and mix well. o Very gently, mix soft mascarpone cheese with the egg yolk mixture. o Take another bowl and

whip egg whites to soft peaks. Now fold the egg whites with the mascarpone and egg yolk mix. o Take espresso shots in a large bowl and dip the savoiardi. o In a cup, arrange mascarpone mixture and dipped savoiardi one by one; repeat this two times. Chill for two-three hours. o Now melt the chocolate and mould it into a spoon shape. o Sprinkle the tiramisu with some cocoa powder on top and serve with the chocolate spoon.

— VIJAY THAPLIYAL, Executive Chef at The Lodhi, New Delhi

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NUMBERGAME Sanjay Jumaani Numerologist

COUNT YOUR FATE

NUMBER 1 (Those born on the 1st, 10th, 19th and 28th of any month) This month could be similar to the last one in terms of work, health and love. Your reflexes to tough situations constitute your character. Don’t be dissuaded by recurring obstacles. To your relief, they’re only stepping stones on the way forward. Keep burning the midnight oil and you’ll see the light.

NUMBER 4 (Those born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st of any month) You may have a decent month with a few hiccups. You could be strongly misconstrued this owing to your endless need for conflicts that occur due to your adamance and strong opinions. Your belief system, morals and ethics may make you rebellious. A sympathetic ear would be appreciated.

NUMBER 7 (Those born on the 7th, 16th and 25th of any month) Fulfil responsibilities and lay low.

Be wary of people taking you for granted. Before matters go out of hand, you have foresight in the guise of intuition. Take care of your health. Melancholy could strike but your resistance will help you bounce back soon. Financial advancements are likely.

NUMBER 2 (Those born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and 29th of any month) Hard work and luck go hand-inhand, so don’t compromise on either. You may have had your share of dejections last month; don't repeat the mistakes. A comparatively better time starts post 18th. If not the month, this year shall be good. More so, if you're in the service industry.

Aim for the moon.

NUMBER 5 (Those born on the 5th, 14th and 23rd of any month) This period shall act as an aid for your love, good health and work. The year forward is one of your luckiest. Harvest the nectar of your hard labour. Finances could march upwards. But always refrain from short-term investments or gambling. You are likely to travel at the drop of a hat.

NUMBER 8 (Those born on the 8th, 17th and 26th of any month) It’s your favourable month and super-lucky year. Your hard work, perseverance, toil and patience shall bear fruit. Your pockets shall fill up. A job change, new home or marriage — either of these is likely to come true. But short-term investments will do you no good.

Emotionally you’ll be at the peak.

NUMBER 3 (Those born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st and 30th of any month) It's your time to have a field month and a better year. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that this month shall favour you in saving more and investing right.

Your love life shall begin to blossom this month. Isn’t it the best possible way to kick-start an exciting 2022?

NUMBER 6 (Those born on the 6th, 15th and 24th of any month) Financially, a satisfying month.

Your expenses may weigh more but this is also a sign of prosperity. Not the best time for commercial partnerships. You will have the patience to achieve your goals. It seems likely that you may experience an emotional roller coaster. But the year belongs to you.

NUMBER 9 (Those born on the 9th, 18th and 27th of any month) After the 19th, you’ll get opportunities to advance your career. Avoid letting your temper take over you in heated situations. Resist temptations to spark an argument. While you're at it, focus your powers towards alternate remedies like yoga and Pranayam. Workouts shall only benefit your Martian energy.

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GURUSPEAK Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Spiritual Guru

Agreeing with whatever the Divine has provided for you, floating with the moment, not regretting the past or anticipating the future can bring you peace

home SEARCH FOR

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Are you tired?

If not, get tired.

If you are not tired, you’ll never reach home. Only if you are tired, will you ever rest and reach home.

Everything in the world makes you weary; the one thing that will not tire you is love because that is the goal, that is home. Have you ever heard anyone say, “Oh, I am so tired of loving?” It is unheard of because it is not possible to be tired in love.

You are tired of convincing people, of explaining things to them, of comforting or pleasing people. You can be tired of everything else, even enjoyment. Tiredness is the shadow of enjoyment. What puts you on the road is wanting to enjoy and being in love brings you home.

On your journey to find joy and enjoyment, you move from one thing to another. You see joy, but when you reach it, you find it is farther away — somewhere else — and so you move on. That moving on is tiring. Look at life. When children get

tired of playing with their toys, they want a new one. They soon get bored of that too and want new people or games. They grow a little older and, their games as well as their wants, change.

Teenagers look for something else. “Which movie to watch? Where to go? Which party?” Then they move further, try to find a life partner, get married. Then, they have a home and children…

It is like moving from one type of tiredness to another. Where’s that rest, solace, peace and love, that is comforting, cooling, eternal and blissful?

You cannot be at rest until you reach home. You may sit on the path, and relax a bit, but you cannot be there forever. You may just take a break. You can’t be at peace as the mind says, “Move on!”

Those who are single feel that married people are happier and those who are married look at single people and think that they are much better off. People without children feel those with children are happier. People with children think they will be free when their children grow up.

Parents look for someone else to take care of their children to give them a break.

Everything is exhausting. You move from one spiritual path to another, you do this or that practise and that can also be exhausting. “I’ve meditated for 20 years. I am so tired. Please don’t tell me to do another meditation. And Pranayama, forget about it. It’s boring.”

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WHAT DOES ONE DO? WHERE DOES ONE GO? IT IS THE DESIRE THAT WEARIES YOU. THE WANT IN THE MIND TIRES YOU MORE THAN THE BODY. IF YOU ARE WILLING TO WORK 15 HOURS THEN IT’S FINE BUT IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING, EVEN FOUR HOURS OF WORK TIRES YOU What does one do? Where does one go? It is the desire that wearies you. The want in the mind tires you more than the body. If you are willing to work 15 hours then it’s fine but if you are not willing, even four hours of work tires you. If you feel good about preparing for a party or arranging decorations, you won’t be tired working for it. But if you are working in a place that you don’t want to, you take many coffee/tea breaks and yet you feel exhausted. Even if you don’t do any work and just sit and think, it exhausts you. Fatigue often comes through thinking, not by working.

There’s a place, where you can rest with the Divine and that’s love. Surrender. But you can’t do it unless you get tired. When you drop down, that is called surrender. This is what all enlightened Masters in the past have said: You do your practises and when you cannot go on, come and rest. That’s why the ‘places’ of enlightened Masters were called Ashrams where you went to get rid of tiredness. ‘Aa’ means without and ‘shram’ means effort. An ashram is where all the tiredness — both mental and physical — vanishes. You don’t have to strive for it. Just sit there in the light. There is a candle that is burning for you. You only have to connect; sit and feel the presence and be a part of

Divinity. Then, you will find that nothing in the world can tire you. You become the source of love.

There was an emperor, who attained all he wanted in the world. Millions of people followed his command. At the snap of his fingers, he could have anything he wanted but that could not get him home and this made him feel tired. He went from place to place looking for spiritual knowledge and collecting things. This worked for a while.

Finally, he got so exhausted, he renounced everything... but that also did not work. Being an emperor didn’t work and neither did renunciation.

He was unsuccessful in his search for a Master.

One day he fell exhausted near a tree. It was autumn and, at that moment, a dry leaf dropped.

He kept looking at it as it flew first to the east with the wind and then to the north when the wind changed its direction. It was floating. Looking at it, something snapped in his head. The doer-ship, the wanting, simply disappeared. He realised that the moment is eternal and he came back home.

Living a life that way and agreeing with whatever the Divine has provided for you, floating with the moment, not regretting the past or anticipating the future but being like a dry leaf is attaining enlightenment.

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FITNESS Bharat Thakur is a yoga guru and founder of Artistic Yoga

ACTIVATE YOUR INNER FIRE The immense benefits of Surya Namaskar depend upon the time, manner and number of repetitions

SINCE

ancient times, human beings have revered and worshipped the sun as the source of life, light and vitality. In yoga, the sun is acknowledged through Surya Namaskar or sun salutation, which aims to activate the inner sun and fire within us. The ancient yogis believed that whatever is present in nature is also present within the body.

The Yajur Veda dated to 12-1500 BC states, ‘yathapinde, tathabrahmande, yathabrahmandetathapinde’ (as is the individual, so is the universe, as is the universe, so is the individual).

There is a solar system within the body that provides us with the vital energy we need. According to yoga, the Manipur chakra (solar plexus), located two fingers above the navel, is important as this is where jatragini (our internal fire), is generated. This regulates and maintains the nadis, body temperature, health and metabolic processes. There are 72,000 nadis, the subtle energy circuits that carry prana (life force). Pingala, a major nadi, carries solar energy to other nadis along the spine. This energy is transmitted to the mitochondria in every cell in the body where it affects our vitality, metabolism and energy levels.

Surya Namaskar — a dynamic, powerful practise SURYA NAMASKAR traditionally done at sunrise — activates this process. It is (SUN SALUTATION)

a sequence of 12 postures arranged to flow one into the STEP 1 PRANAMASANA other. Each movement is synchronised with the breath [PRAYER POSTURE] o Stand straight, feet and rhythmically alternately stretches and compresses the together, palms folded in body and its organs. Each asana affects a particular chakra front, thumbs on chest o Breathe normally (nerve plexus) and particular organs in the body with amazing effects on the body and mind.

It stretches and realigns the spine and joints, keeping them flexible. It tones and strengthens muscles. The deep inhalations and exhalations expand our lung capacity and increase oxygenated blood in the body. The rhythmic compressions spontaneously increase the flow of blood to the heart which then pumps more oxygenated blood. It improves peristalsis and the efficiency of our digestive system. Rhythmic bending increases the flow of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and improves body health and its healing capacity. The rhythmic movements generate heat and stimulate the Hypothalamus and sweat glands to excrete perspiration to cool the body and eliminate waste matter. It

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both relaxes and rejuvenates the nervous system.

Surya Namaskar has many benefits. Beginners start slowly with learning the correct positions and how to move from one posture to the next while coordinating the breath. Done dynamically in the morning, Surya Namaskar energises. Done slowly in the evening, it de-stresses and relaxes. Doing several rounds is good for cardio and helps with weight loss, coordination and flexibility.

The full benefit of Surya Namaskar, however, is felt when you have mastered it and can move on to its more advanced practise. Each posture is linked to a mantra (words that carry a positive vibration) and a chakra (nerve plexus). Synchronising each movement with breath, with its mantra and focussing mentally on the specific chakra, is when you gain the maximum benefit from this dynamic, beautiful practise.

STEP 2 HASTA UTTANASANA [RAISED ARMS POSTURE] o Inhale and keeping palms together,stretch your arms horizontally in front of you and over your head o Shoulders, ears and head are in line

STEP 3 HASTA PADHASTASANA [HANDS TO FEET POSTURE] o Exhale as you bend forward and down (as far as you can). Knees straight. o If you can touch the floor, place your palms by the side of your feet o Bring your head to your knees and relax

STEP 4 ASHWA SANCHALANASANA [EQUESTRIAN POSTURE] o Inhale, keeping both palms on the floor, take the left leg back, bend right knee, drop hip down o Lift the head and arch your back (alternate legs. In second round take the right leg back)

STEP 5 SANTOLANASANA [PLANK POSTURE] o Exhale, keeping arms straight, take the right leg back so the body is in a straight line from head to toes o Toes are tucked in, fingers point forward o Body weight is balanced on the toes and palms

STEP 6 ASHTANGA NAMASKAR [EIGHT LIMBED POSTURE] o Holding your breath, place knees on the floor o Bend your elbows, touch chest and forehead to floor keeping hips off the ground

STEP 7 BHUJANGASANA [THE COBRA] o Inhale and stretch the body upwards o Straighten elbows and arch the back to look up

STEP 8 PARVATASANA [MOUNTAIN POSE] o Exhale, push back on your arms and raise hips as high as possible to form an inverted ‘V’ o Tuck chin towards chest, look at navel o Heels are flat on the floor

STEP 9 ASHWA SANCHALANASANA [EQUESTRIAN POSTURE] o Inhale, keeping both palms on the floor, take left leg forward, bend right knee, drop hip down. (alternate legs. In the second round take right leg forward) o Lift the head and arch your back (as in step 4)

STEP 10 PADA HASTASANA [HANDS TO FEET POSTURE] o Exhale, bring the left leg forward o Straighten the legs o Bend forward to place palms on the floor (as in step 3) STEP 11 HASTA UTTANASANA [HAND RAISING POSTURE] o Inhale and put palms together, stretch your arms back over the head (as in step 2)

STEP 12 PRANAMASANA [PRAYER POSTURE] o Exhale and come back to start position o Begin with 10-12 rounds, done slowly

BENEFITS: o Revitalises body and mind o Improves flexibility of the whole body o Strengthens and tones muscles o Opens the granthis (physical blockages) in the body to make it look more vibrant, younger and lustrous o Balances the chakras (the vital nerve plexus in the body) o Improves blood circulation and digestion o Improves cardio-respiratory endurance when done faster o Helps in weight loss when rounds are increased

EXOTICA [61] FEBRUARY 2022

I N S TA D I A R I E S

KATRINA KAIF wants to, “Seas the day.”

BEACH BABES

HRITHIK ROSHAN hopes for a better, “#2022 Let’s live it well.”

It is that time of the year when celebrities make a beeline to the sea

VARUN DHAWAN insists, “I need water.”

PARINEETI CHOPRA thinks that, “The place where I belong. @orcadiveclub #Home #Diver #Ocean” JANHVI KAPOOR feels at home as she says, “arcadia — findin my way back to ya.”

DISHA PATANI lets the picture do the talking.

EXOTICA [62] FEBRUARY 2022

ANANYA PANDAY is making, “Ocean Eyes.”

SIDDHARTH MALHOTRA gives out the message to, “Keep your face always toward the sunshine — and shadows will fall behind you.

Walt Whitman #sundayquotes #lifequotes #sidfit”

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Delve into the best of travel, hospitality, wellness, food, fashion, interiors and more every month with Exotica, the monthly luxury lifestyle magazine. Read interviews with trendsetters, celebrities, industry leaders and authors to deep dive into what it took to get them there.

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