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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
WE, THE CHANGE
WOMEN,
it is said, hold up half the sky. As half the population that walks the planet Earth, the female of the species can be the harbingers of real change at the grassroots level influencing families and their immediate environs. Our cover story is about an initiative that allowed village women to weave carpets at their doorstep. While they could continue to look after their homes and hearths, their carpets travelled the world to decorate plush houses on every continent. The ramifications were numerous. Women empowerment, sustainable practises and a unique initiative were a few. In effect, all these catapulted a truly Indian brand on the international map. On the travel front, one of our explorers ditched Goa in favour of the serene Bekal... and was rewarded with rest recuperation and more. Another traveller took off to Mauritius, the island paradise where she discovered a culture that thrived on the beauty of coexistence and a melange of different influences to create an amalgam that is unique to the country. Sometimes, the best destinations are those that we discover by chance. And when these are found in your backyard, the rewards seem so much more profound. One of our travellers happened to find one such paradise close to the capital. Our celebrity interview is an author who was born in India and spent her formative years in the country. Though she went back to England, the country of her ancestors, Aline Dobbie returns annually to the one of her birth to renew her connections and write insightful travel books. For those who are connoisseurs of art (and even those who visit it to dive into aesthetics), The India Art Fair had become an annual pilgrimage of sorts. So, when it returns after a hiatus of two years, there is much to be anticipated and looked forward to. We narrow down a few galleries and the artists they display which are worth a dekko. With summer having unleashed its fury at full blast, it is time to reach out for that cooling drink. Our expert mixologists have some on offer for you to sip on. Beauty regimens need to change with the weather. We have some simple tips and tricks for hair and skincare which actually work. All this and more in this edition. Do svidaniya.
EXOTICA [3] MAY 2022
[p10] [p34]
INSIDE MAY 2022 VOLUME 16 NO 7
[p24] Sensorial journey [p38] Magical melange Liquid love [p44] A cool sip Trinket talk [p50] Shimmer & sparkle Beauty basket [p58] Swap therapy
COVER: CARPET WEAVER, MANPURA VILLAGE,
Cover story [p10] Sisterhood of warp and weft Travel bug Meditate, meander & manifest: Bekal [p18] Melange of heritage and hearts: Mauritius [p24] About town [p30] A surreal sojourn Q&A [p34] Path to India: Aline Dobbie TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES 64 INCLUDING COVER
RAJASTHAN
[p46]
PHOTO: PANKAJ KUMAR
CONTRIBUTORS SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR [p52] GURUSPEAK: The space within BHARAT THAKUR [p55] FITNESS: Cleansing the intestines SANJAY JUMAANI [p61] NUMBER GAME: Count your fate Follow us on:
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LBB FA V O U R I T E H A U N T S O F S T Y L I S H P E O P L E
LITTLE BLACK BOOK
Annone Pantheon for its oriental notes. And Creed Aventus as well.
Off-White streetwear — with its T-shirts, hoodies and sneakers — is currently my favourite.
Dal Makhani, with its buttery flavoursome taste is my favourite dish.
Sunglasses can add oodles of style to an outfit.
Actor, radio jockey, comedian, singer and television host, APARSHAKTI KHURANA made his acting debut with Dangal and followed it up with Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, Stree and Rajma Chawal
Open by Andre Agassi is an engrossing read.
With its global cuisine, cosmopolitan culture, amazing shopping options and more, London is a destination that I keep visiting.
EXOTICA [5] MAY 2022
TRAVEL NEWS
THE
Royal Caribbean International’s Quantumultra class ship, Spectrum Of The Seas, sailed on its maiden voyage from Singapore. This commencement is part of Singapore’s resumption of safe cruise travel for international guests, with innovative solutions and rigorous protocols. The award-winning Spectrum of the Seas presents guests with experiences such as the Sky Pad, virtual reality bungee trampoline, iFly, a skydiving simulator and the Bionic Bar, where robots craft customised drinks, to name a few. Guests can choose from accommodations including the Ultimate Family Suite, an expansive, multi-room retreat with its in-suite slide and cinema, to staterooms with private balconies.
SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS SETS SAIL
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IHCL’S TAJ LAKEFRONT BHOPAL WINS AWARD FOR ‘LUXURY UPSCALE HOTEL’
The introduction of Spectrum of the Seas will be welcomed by Indian travellers, who represented the top source market for Singapore’s cruise tourism in 2019. While in Singapore, travellers can visit Instagram-worthy Museum of Ice Cream, the openair panoramic SkyHelix Sentosa, and Adventure HQ, Singapore’s first and largest multi-installation adventure centre. The city will see upcoming attractions, including the Slingshot, Asia’s tallest slingshot ride at Clarke Quay, and the Jewel-rassic Quest, an immersive AR experience at Jewel Changi Airport’s Canopy Park and Shiseido Forest Valley, both slated to launch in 2H 2022. The Spectrum of the Seas will be undertaking sailings till April 6 next year. Guests in India can now avail of a discount of 30 per cent on the cruise fare and guests 12 and under can sail free on select Spectrum of the Seas sailings. The offer applies to third and fourth guests sharing the stateroom. These promotions can be availed by booking up to May 2.
AT
the 17th edition of Hotel Investment Conference-South Asia (HICSA)’s Hotel of the Year Awards, 2022 IHCL’s Taj Lakefront Bhopal wins the award for ‘Luxury Upscale Hotel’. The shortlisted hotels were chosen from across South Asia that have commenced their operations between November 2019 and November 2021. The event saw the participation of the key notable leaders from the hospitality industry who shared knowledge and insights on the current trends of the hospitality industry and the way forward. On receiving the honour, Kanika Hasrat, area director - Uttar Pradesh, MP & Uttarakhand and general manager - Taj Lakefront Bhopal, said, “This award is an example of where we as IHCL want to take the Indian Hospitality industry. When the dream of Taj Lakefront Bhopal was foreseen, the city was still an undiscovered gem waiting to unveil. And today we can proudly say that we have created something of special magnificence that puts Bhopal prominently on the map of India.” The hotel sits in front of the upper lake and offers views from its rooms and restaurants. The property offers signature restaurants of Taj Hotels including Machan and House of Ming both having a legacy of more than 40 years. The hotel is a one-stop facility for guests with a gymnasium, infinity pool, modern meeting rooms, banquet halls, spa, tennis court, rooftop bar and a lot more for a complete leisure experience. Situated in the heart of the city, this is IHCL’s first property in the state capital and was inaugurated in October 2021.
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THE HYATT REGENCY
HYATT
Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Dehradun. The 263room hotel marks the first Hyatt hotel in the state of Uttarakhand. Spread across an area of approximately 4.25 acres, it is conveniently located in the foothills of Mussoorie. Nestled in the surroundings of Malsi Forest and the Himalayan range, the hotel is well-connected to major Indian cities both through air and rail services. Contemporary Guestrooms: The hotel features 263 guestrooms, including 24 suites that offer a spectacular view of the mountains and Malsi forest. Accommodations are available across six categories which include Regency King/Twin, Regency Club King/ Twin with balcony, Regency Deluxe Rooms, Regency Suite, Executive Suite & Presidential Suite. Dining: It delivers a multi-sensory dining experience with local and global flavours and authentic hospitality. With plans to participate in the Hyatt Loves Local initiative, locally-sourced artisanal retail products from
THE
Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has signed a management agreement for two properties, The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel and The Leela Ashtamudi, a Raviz Hotel in Kerala, expanding its footprint in South India and fortifying the brand’s resort portfolio. Commenting on the announcement, Anuraag Bhatnagar, chief operating officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts said, “The two resorts complement each other and define two very distinctive and unique experiences that showcase the best of Kerala. This expansion is in lockstep with the growing demand to experience meaningful and transformative journeys that are an authentic expression of a region’s beauty, heritage, cuisine and culture.” Ganesh Ravi Pillai, vice chairman, RP Group, said, “The coming together of Raviz and Leela will create a synergy that can propel the State to the centre stage of
the global tourism network. Together, we can reimagine and transform the tourism sector in the region.” The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel, is spread across 60-acre of greenery. It is India’s only clifftop beach resort offering views of the Kovalam shoreline and a pristine beachfront. The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel is a backwater resort with traditional Nalukettu architecture capturing glimpses of Kerala’s heritage. With 93 rooms, the resort has a bevy of accommodation that ranges from a heritage wing that offers a collection of rooms and suites with a contemporary ambience, to two quaint villas that overlook the lake with traditional décor from the village and two cottages that were inspired from 300-year-old ancient heritage structure called Mana — a home of Brahmins — and a 200-year-old style cottage transposed from Eerattupetta. The resort also offers houseboats, also known as Kettuvallams.
DEBUTS IN UTTARAKHAND nearby small businesses will be sold at The Market. The rooftop restaurant, Beyul, presents flavours inspired by mountains and valleys. The Malt Bar features a hand-picked selection of ‘world whiskies’ and a global beverage list that covers both classics and new-age offerings. The rooftop poolside bar, Sky Pool Bar & Deck offers grill preparations, refreshing cocktails and teppanyaki ice creams. Range – the cosmopolitan food gallery offers a variety of cuisines. Meetings and Events: It offers 33,500 sq ft of function space located across indoor and outdoor venues at different levels. Recreation and Wellness: The StayFit Studio offers an array of wellness activities, including mindful meditation practises and yoga sessions. The hotel features a luxurious spa with six treatment rooms as well as an on-site salon. Differentiated Experiences: It offers food trails, adventure sports, cultural sights and guided hikes. Families can enjoy Hyatt’s signature kids’ programme, Camp Hyatt.
ABU DHABI UNVEILS NEW HOME FOR NATURAL HISTORY WITH A COLLECTION TO INSPIRE THE WORLD
ABU
Dhabi has unveiled plans for the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, which will feature some of the rarest wonders of natural history ever found. Visitors will travel on a 13.8-billion-year journey through time and space, which will include a perspective into a sustainable future for planet Earth. The new museum, currently under construction and due to be completed at the end of 2025, will be located in the Saadiyat Cultural District. A highlight of the collection will be ‘Stan’, a mostly complete 39-foot-long (11.7 metres) Tyrannosaurus rex, which is one of the best-preserved and most studied fossils of this iconic predator from the Late Cretaceous Period. Known by scientists around the world, years of scientific studies of ‘Stan’ have furthered our knowledge of countless aspects of T. rex. ‘Stan’ will join an extraordinary Murchison Meteorite specimen, which famously crash-
landed in Australia more than 40 years ago and has since revealed new information about the early solar system. It contains a huge range of organic ‘stardust’ compounds as well as pre-solar grains formed over 7 billion years ago — long before our current solar system existed. Conceived and developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in partnership with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of destinations and experiences, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will be a scientific research and teaching institution and an educational resource. It will join the diverse cultural institutions and museums in the Saadiyat Cultural District, including Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, as part of Abu Dhabi’s strategy to position the emirate as a centre for culture, arts and creativity.
COVER STORY
WARP AND WEFT OF SISTERHOOD
A
The success story of Jaipur Rugs is primarily told through its women, says SAIMI SATTAR as PANKAJ KUMAR captures the many-splendoured layers of the carpet work
guffaw goes up and the faces of the three women light up animatedly at an inside joke. Till a few minutes back they were focussed on their fingers flying deftly to create a silky-woolly mass on the looms while carefully watching a digitally-created map. The bonhomie and linkage — where they share lives, small joys, big triumphs and secret sorrows — are woven by the visible and invisible threads of a business that Jaipur Rugs
started in 2009. Sitting in a covered area outside Shanti Devi’s house in Manpura village — which lies at the periphery of Jaipur — Sumita, Geeta, Lalita, Susheela and others defy the popular perception of subdued and underconfident rural women. Their poise is powered by a simple fact: They might not have physically stepped out beyond a few kilometres of their homes but the carpets that they weave travel the world.
THE
LIGHTING UP LIVES
story of Jaipur rugs and the lives it touches are best personified by Shanti Devi (40) who had grown up watching her brother and sister-inlaw weaving carpets. Married at 14, she had her first child at 16. Life was tough as her husband didn’t work, so she shifted to her maternal home along with him and her five children in 2007. Initially engaged in unskilled labour, the idea of setting up looms at home appealed to her as it would allow her time to look after her children. When two looms were provided at her house on which eight women wove, it became the first centre of Jaipur Rugs in the village. “Incidentally Bhai Sahab (NK Chaudhary) also came on the day but I hid behind someone as I felt he was an important person... But now, I can talk to anyone,” says Devi. She has stepped up further on the professional front and been designated as a Bunkar Sakhi who looks after 43 looms and 150 people, solves the weavers’ difficulties, checks the sacks of coloured threads, explains the placement of colours and fills out the check cards to ensure that everything is in order. She visits each centre every three-four days while 15-16 women work at the one at her house. Her income ensured that Devi’s children are graduates or in college. She also comfortably married off three daughters. While her life has changed, what has remained constant is the first two looms with which she started. “I want to keep ‘WHEN I VISITED THE FACTORY, I SAW THAT OUR SMALLEST MISTAKES TOOK 15 DAYS TO RECTIFY. AFTER THAT, WE STARTED PAYING ATTENTION TO CREATING CARPETS THAT WERE ‘ZERO DEFECT’’ — SHANTI DEVI
them as a reminder,” she says with a hint of a smile. Just like her, 50 of the 150 women run their households with the money they earn here. On the other hand, her commitment has strengthened the company. “When I visited the factory, I saw that our smallest mistakes took 15 days to rectify. After that, we started paying attention to creating carpets that were ‘zero defect’,” she asserts. Incidentally, even the smallest carpet of the lowest quality takes about a month to weave. When it is placed on a loom, a map is attached to it and women come in, weave and leave as per their convenience. When the next one settles in the same place, she can easily pick up the threads from the exact point. To ensure that the payments are as per the quantity of work done, the lines of the knots tied are marked against the name of the person on a chart. At month-end, the work of each is added to make payments. The multi-layered structure created by the organisation involving the locals has benefitted many. Harphool — who has worked with Jaipur Rugs for 18 years and in the carpet industry for 32 years — supervises 50 villages, 340 centres and 1,200 people which lie within a 55 km radius of his home. He visits each centre at least once a month. “If the design is difficult or if the carpet is not completed on time, I motivate them, iron out the problems and enable them to reach their full potential,” he says.
WHEN
THE INCEPTION
THE
CONNECTING DOTS
NK Chaudhary started Jaipur Rugs first step towards the weaving of a carpet — after working as a contractor and, is the creation of a weft, locally called taani. then, a co-owner along with his Shipra Chanchal, storytelling brother in a carpet export company manager of the brand, points out — he wanted women on board. that to make a carpet of 8x8, the However, bringing them to the taani maker has to walk a minimum factory was tough as there were of eight km looping the thread responsibilities of home and hearth. in between two poles set eight Moreover, stepping out of homes feet apart. The completed weft is was unimaginable in a patriarchal transported to the carpet weaving set-up in rural Rajasthan. So, the centre. Here, separating the company implemented a sociothreads and placing them on the economic model where everything loom takes a minimum of five — machinery, loom, raw material, hours before the weavers settle yarn, map — was delivered to the down to work. In a lay person’s doorstep and the finished carpet language, an 8x8 carpet would have picked up. Chaudhary wanted that 64 knots per sq inch and two lakh these artisan-artistes should focus knots in totality. on the artistry rather than being The weaving units are spread bothered by the logistics. across large swathes of the country. Chaudhary — who has an aura So, the best quality carpets (14x14) ‘I STARTED WITH of a man who has done more than are made in Gujarat, the lowest NINE WEAVERS IN 1999 AND, his bit and is content with the quality durries in Uttar Pradesh and TODAY, THERE ARE difference that he has made — says, the average quality in Rajasthan. 40,000... OF WHICH 20,000-25,000 ARE “I started with nine weavers in 1999 Yarns are dyed primarily in ACTIVE’ and, today, there are 40,000... of Mirzapur while the taanis are made — NK CHAUDHARY which 20,000-25,000 are active.” across six-seven states.
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FACTORY FINISH
Once woven, the carpet is sent to the factory to go through 18 finishing processes. o The first step is Measurement so that the carpet fits the intended standard sizing. o Each knot is manually counted. If any is missing, the line is checked against a map and surgically repaired. o Pile Height Checking ensures the quality. o For discrepancies in the knot count, Repairing (Raffu) with a large needle and thread is resorted to. o A large iron nail and hammer knock the knots along the warp and weft to align the pattern during Knot Beating (Thukai). o First Shear (Kachi Kainchi) ensures that the pile is levelled by cutting the yarn. o To prevent the blurring of design, the yarn is untangled and the design is given its intended definition in Design Correction (Sua Birai). o The carpet is singed by a flame at the back to clear loose strands and tighten knots during Back-burning. o The singed particles are brushed off during Back-burn Cleaning.
THE
WHAT’S ON OFFER
company started with 20-30 designs in basic colours. Today, 10 new designs are created every day. “We have moved from a carpet company to a lifestyle company,” says Yogesh, Chaudhary’s son, who looks after the company’s sales. The company maintains an inventory of 200 crore carpets in sizes that vary from 2x3 ft to 14x20 ft in different colours and price points. But if you still find it difficult to find that perfect carpet there is always the option of customisation... provided you are willing to wait for six-eight months. While the United States was the biggest market earlier where the company retailed 90 per cent of the carpets. It has now expanded its footprint to Europe, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and Russia. It, of course, helps that globalisation and the internet have ensured that homes everywhere have a similar aesthetic and universal design language. “So, we can make one design and sell everywhere though 10-20 per cent are specific to a place.” The current turnover is `750 cr.
o The carpet is soaked to remove impurities during Dipping. o The carpets are laid on the floor and water, mild cleansing solutions are poured. An oar-like paddle flushes out the trapped dirt in Washing. o The shrunken yarn and the cotton warp and weft are brought to the prescribed size by stretching the carpet on an iron frame during Stretching (Khinchai). o The original binding is cut off the carpet during Cutting. o The edges of the carpet are bound together for durability during Binding. o The intended pile height is set onto the Shearing machine. o During Detailing (Kalam Birai) a carpet needle is used to sharpen the design. o During Snipping Visible Cotton (Chinte Nikalna) extra strands of cotton thread are snipped and removed. o Carving (Khadi Gultarash) gives cuts in the design while Embossing (Put Gultarash) gives a high and low effect on the rug.
THE
CHANGING MINDSET AND THE BRAND
brand has not just grown nationally but left its imprint on global design by snapping up every possible award during the journey and being featured as a case study by several brand gurus. What jettisoned Jaipur Rug to the position was changing the mindset of the weavers who were taken for exposure visits. Work was also afoot to create a supply channel connecting these weavers — who were the poorest of the poor — to the richest of the rich across the world by enhancing their capability. Simultaneously, the idea that the weavers belong to one family also took root. This was despite severe opposition from Chaudhary’s family and community as the carpet-weaving Regars are untouchables. Chaudhary insists, “We don’t sell carpets, we sell family blessings, we sell stories, we sell experiences and the carpet is free.” Parallelly, a foundation works on skill development to train 800-1,000 weavers every year. It facilitates artisan cards for them to access
different government facilities. The Foundation also develops the weavers’ leadership potential.
THE ‘DESIRED’ USP
JAIPUR
Rugs might have been just another carpet company had it not been for the innovative Manchaha initiative. Chanchal recalls, “Initially in 2012, it was called Artisan Original.” Weavers were given raw material and asked to create ‘whatever they desired’. They were happier making these pieces as they could express themselves and make mistakes. So, more weavers asked the Branch Manager and supervisor for carpets that they could weave according to their mann or manchaha which led to the collection being renamed. “We have 15 designers in the office and 40,000 artisans whose creativity can be tapped into. The scope of experimentation has increased manifold,” says Chanchal. To further hone their creativity, a pilot programme was done with Rajasthan Royal Foundation where 25 women from Aaspura
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were trained for six months by designers like Kavita Chaudhary and Matteo Cibic. “We had 25 masterpieces at the end as they learnt from the designers and peers. It was a journey from being a weaver to becoming a designer and an artiste,” says Chanchal. A similar model is being implemented with British Council Library. But the Manchaha initiative did not stop here. Chaudhary started a programme with Jaipur Central Jail three years back despite apprehensions of the staff as unlike the Regars who know the weaving basics, the inmates have varied backgrounds. However, the founder was on to something. “When an inmate — accused of a grievous crime — who has not narrated his story to anyone, weaves it in a Manchaha, it is beyond anything that we’ve seen,” says Chanchal. The new collection, christened Freedom Manchaha, caught the fancy of customers. The programme has extended to jails in Dausa, Kota, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Alwar and Ajmer and will gradually be operational in jails across Rajasthan. Yogesh points out, “My father is against charity and wants to make people capable. Manchaha has put this philosophy into action.” It is also the company’s most awarded collection having won the German Design Award (twice), El Decor, Europe Product Design Award. Some of these were won by an Indian design company for the first time.
DO THE NEW
CHAUDHARY
has handed over the baton to the next generation and believes that he’s lucky as each of his five children brings different qualities to take the business ahead. “Yogesh understands sales and marketing, my elder son works on the supply chain, my eldest
daughter understands business management, the second daughter is good at operations and the designs of my third daughter, Kavita, have been copied across the world.” Yogesh, who drives the business, was doing a four-year undergrad programme in Boston when he came home for a month at the end of two years. He stayed back for some time to tide over organisational problems that had cropped up in 2006. He never went back. He was 19. His naiveté, in some instances, worked in the business’ favour. When participating in an international carpet exhibition in Banaras, Yogesh went with just six carpets while people had come
‘EVERY MONTH TWO-THREE COMPANIES START SELLING ONLINE OR SET UP STORES. WE HAVE PUSHED TO EXPAND THE MARKET’ — YOGESH CHAUDHARY
with piles. The display, of three carpets on the walls of the stall and three on the floor, made it seem that the products were special. During the show, the brand got several international clients and created quite a buzz. There was also the realisation that the products were way superior and the prices lower as compared to the competition. When Yogesh tried to revise the prices, one of the old wholesalers started shouting. Unlike his father, who would have given in, Yogesh did not back off rather the wholesaler did. The times were changing.
FROM
HIGHS AND LOWS
2006 to 2010, the company expanded its footprint setting up production units in Jharkhand, Orissa, Nagaland, West Bengal and Bihar. The 2008 recession threw up another challenge as there were losses of about `20 crore in forex. “A $5 million order, the biggest in the history of our business, saved us. We’ve never got such a big order after that. In fact, we wouldn’t have been the Jaipur Rugs that we are now without it,” says Yogesh thoughtfully.
In 2012-13 Yogesh asked an Australian to design a collection which was praised a lot but didn’t transform into sales. Soon after, his sister, Kavita, a designer, launched a collection inspired by the kiosks of India which redefined the carpet industry. “In three days we sold carpets in 30 countries!” he remembers. Earlier it was only the German designers who were known to be modern carpet makers but, with this, an Indian company had arrived. The other change it entailed for the company was a switch from making 90 per cent of traditional carpets to 70 per cent of modern ones in two years. “Today we make 95-96 per cent modern carpets,” he says. The company forayed into retail with a store in Delhi in 2016 and added its footprint in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Hyderabad later. Along the way, the brand worked on making carpets a cool home accessory by running quirky campaigns. “Every month two-three companies start selling online or set up stores. We have pushed to expand the market,” says Yogesh. And the women continue to guffaw as they weave.
TRAVEL BUG
MEDITATE, MEANDER AND MANIFEST
If you want to give Goa a miss, head to The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal in the Kasaragod district of Kerala to experience a laid-back and luxurious vacation, says SAMEER BAWA
IF
you have had enough of Goa and look forward to a luxurious as well as relaxing holiday by the backwaters and the beach with a focus on health and wellness, then I have a perfect getaway for you. The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal in the Kasaragod district of Kerala is 70 km from Mangaluru airport and the drive will take you through a scenic route studded with palm trees and water bodies. Surrounded by river Nombili, the resort has an internal lagoon overlooking a white sandy beach. Spread over 26 acres, the property has 39 super luxurious suites including a Presidential one. The main restaurant, called Nombili, is centrally located on the property and serves both local and international delicacies. The hotel also boasts a
20,000 sq ft spa with 13 treatment rooms and a well-designed swimming pool apt for the tropical paradise. The huge open-air lobby is welcoming with structural aesthetics on point. Wherever you stand, you would have luxury, serenity and tranquility staring at you. Alighting at the hotel, the warm staff engages in a small ceremony to greet the guests at check-in which is followed by a welcome drink of refreshing tender coconut water. The suites offer a spectacular view of either the backwaters or the lagoon. Some of the suites have a private balcony while the others offer a sit-out area with access to the garden. All the suites are equipped with a king-size bed, offer a pillow menu, modern amenities, Kronocare
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bath accessories, marble bathrooms with shower cubicles and a private jacuzzi. The Presidential Suite, known as The Lalit Legacy suite, also has a private pool, an Ayurvedic spa therapy room, a powder room and a private lawn area. A dedicated holiday host is available to cater to all your request. The aesthetics of all the suites while being luxurious are very homely. Rejuve - The Spa has a variety of Ayurvedic and wellness treatments focussed on rejuvenation, detox and weight management. Depending on your needs, you can choose special packages, which can range from a few days to a couple of weeks. After checking the vitals, the in-house doctors can design an individual treatment plan laced with different therapies and a customised diet. Constant monitoring, counselling sessions and a disciplined approach ensure that you see tangible results quickly. If you do not want to go for any treatment plan or package, you can still opt for a
massage or treatment in isolation to de-stress and relax. Another eye-catching feature is the herbal garden laid out in the shape of a human body. The herbs are planted in such a nifty manner that they can be plucked and used to treat ailments for a specific body part. So, for example, if you are being treated for a stomach ailment, the doctors would use the herbs planted in the stomach area to make the medicines, tonics or rubs. Coming to the food, Nombili has something for every palate. The restaurant — with both indoor and outdoor seating — is located next to the swimming pool. The breakfast buffet is elaborate and offers local dishes, international favourites, a varied selection from the bakery and multiple live counters. There is a buffet for lunch and dinner but, at the same time, you can order a la carte. You can savour a range of healthy preparations, authentic Kerala cuisine, North Indian specialities and a very decent European selection. As you are next to the sea, the local seafood selection stands out. Pair your Meen polichatthu, Meen moilee, Chicken roast and Prawns chilli fry with Appams and Parottas. Round off your meal with a divine Tender coconut panna cotta. I promise a gourmet seventh heaven. You can also enjoy a Sadhya meal where a range of dishes is traditionally served on a banana leaf in Kerala. The variety of colours and textures will blow your mind away. The local chefs are artistes of the highest order and ensure that you have a memorable dining experience. Nombili also has a well-stocked bar with a good selection of wines and beer. For a special occasion, the staff is happy to arrange an exclusive and special table set up by the pool and take care of the minutest of details.
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GETTINGTHERE Indigo, SpiceJet and Go First offer the most feasible flights with a single stopover to reach Mangaluru. From the airport, it takes a little less than two hours to reach the resort
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ACTIVITIES IN AND AROUND THE RESORT YOGA: The resort offers personalised yoga and meditation
sessions. An ideal way to start off the day, the sessions open up a stiff body and fill it with oodles of energy for the activities ahead. BEACH: You can walk, take the buggy or even cycle to the Kappil Beach. The long stretch of sand gives you the proper experience of a private beach. If you like to catch the sunrise or sunset, you can plonk yourself and lose track of time for a bit. BEKAL FORT: A 20-minute drive from the resort, the medieval fort is rich in history and offers spectacular views of the coastline. KAYAKING: The hotel provides kayaks and you can row yourself down the tranquil backwaters of the Nombili river to enjoy the lush green environs. It also provides the relevant training and safety equipment like life jackets before you set off so that you are safe. BIRD WATCHING: The different species of a variety of birds wake you up in the morning with their constant chirping which is music to the ears. You do not need an alarm clock to wake up. So, all you budding ornithologists, just grab your binoculars and watch nature unfold in the most beautiful manner possible. FISHING: There is a designated fishing area within the resort. You might or might not catch something but the whole experience is relaxing and quite fulfilling. RECREATION ROOM: In addition to a fully-equipped gymnasium, the recreation room has a proper billiards table, chess boards, carrom boards and a lot of books. Engage in some competitive banter with your family and friends. There is a separate table tennis table placed in a different area for the sport. The serene tropical paradise away from the crowds is perfect to laze around in your suite with a book, go for long walks or cycle within the property or even sit in your private balcony/garden. So, whether it is a short twothree day luxurious weekend break, an Ayurvedic detox or wellness package, or even a corporate off-site, the lush green and tranquil surroundings of the resort will make you feel like staying just a bit longer. Once you have visited the place — I am positive, that just like me — you would make silent promises to yourself to revisit this destination yet again.
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TRAVEL BUG
NIVI SHRIVASTAVA finds a delightful amalgamation of culture, food and languages in Mauritius
IN
most parts of the world, this time of the year is the peak of summer. However, in the République de Maurice (aka the Republic of Mauritius), April to June is when the winter sets in with a perfect chill in the air. To escape the Indian summer and soak in the island breeze, we flew from Mumbai in an Air Mauritius flight to cross the ginormous stretch of 4,688 km over the Indian Ocean. After a comfy six-and-a-halfhour direct flight, we woke up the next morning below the equator landing at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) International Airport in Port Louis, the capital. The East African island nation is now open for foreign tourists and requires a full vaccination certificate along with a mandatory COVID-19 insurance cover to enter Mauritius. For Indian visitors, the country has a tourist visa on arrival and proof of Covid19 negative status through a quick RTPCR test, which can be done at the airport. After finishing the immigration formalities, we stepped out to a cheery welcome by a bright rainbow that had appeared after a tropical shower. Interestingly, throughout the visit, pretty rainbows and unexpected rains played hide and seek across the island.
MÉLANGE OF HERITAGE AND HEARTS
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MELTING POT
MAURITIUS
lies in the east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean and its outlying territories are Rodrigues Island, the Cargados Carajos Shoals, and the Agalega Islands. A nation with diverse geography, cultural heritage, and faith, it is the only country in the African continent where Hinduism is the most practised religion. Just like the diverse landscapes of the island, Mauritians take pride in showcasing the vivid mix of culture through their music, food and fashion that’s an outcome of blending over centuries. Although English is the official language, most Mauritians commonly speak two, three, or even more languages. Some common languages spoken here are French, Creole, Bhojpuri, Chinese, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu. From groovy Bollywood songs to the beats of Sega music in Creole, the amalgamated heritage that developed over the years is simply amazing.
TI PS F ORTR AVELLERS While there are multiple resorts, luxury hotels and guest houses to choose from, for a longer stay you can book a beachside villa and rent a car to travel across the island. When you pack your flowing kaftans, swimwear, shorts, sunscreen with high SPFs and hats for an exotic holiday in Mauritius, don’t forget to carry a raincoat or an umbrella as well because the weather swings between unexpected tropical rains and clear sunny skies throughout the year
SCENIC LANDSCAPES
THERE
are multiple beaches and islands in the country that are worth exploring for water activities and instagrammable shots. There are popular tourist spots famous for awesome views of multi-coloured ocean waters and breathtaking geographical terrains such as the Maconde viewpoint. If adventure is your calling, head to the La Vallée Des Couleurs Nature Park to enjoy zip lines, waterfalls and a unique view of the 23 coloured earth with its magnificent landscape, endemic plants and waterfalls. The Ile aux Phare (the rocky islet discovered by the Dutch settlers) and the nature reserve islet of Ile aux Aigrettes — where you can say hello to Big daddy, a giant Aldabra tortoise that is over 100 years — are a must-visit. On the east coast of the country is the Ile aux Cerfs, a picturesque island spread over 87 hectares of untouched land and known for its white sandy beaches. It is also famous for the Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club, a 19-holes golf course designed by the famous golf champion, Bernhard Langer.
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HISTORY AND CULTURE
HIS
tory-lovers can head to the grand Château de Labourdonnais. It is an iconic heritage mansion with a museum that gives you a glimpse into the 19th-century Mauritian lifestyle. In the capital city of Port Louis, make a quick stop at the Blue Penny Museum to see the prestigious stamp collections depicting the diversity of Mauritius. Close to this is the Le Caudan Waterfront — a commercial complex with a busy street market — that’s built under a canopy of colourful umbrellas. For those who are interested in exploring religious shrines, there are multiple temples across the island in brightly-coloured South Indian architecture. At the Ganga Talao (aka Grand Bassin) in the district of Savanne, the huge statues of Shiva and Shakti are crowd-pullers for devotees and tourists.
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GE TT I N G T H E R E Air Mauritius has a direct flight to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) International Airport in Port Louis from Mumbai while Vistara, Emirates, Spice Jet and Air India have connecting ones.
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GUIDED EXPERIENCES
CHECK
out the local sugarcane rum distilleries like Rhumerie de Chamarel and Labourdonnais to taste and buy the authentic Mauritian rhum. Set in a charming chalet with tropical views of the mountains, the Rhumerie de Chamarel Distillery provides a guided tour and a detailed explanation of the rum-making process inside the distillery. Whereas, wine-lovers can make a pit stop at the Takamaka Boutique Winery to try the fruit-based wines, especially the unique lychee one, and pick up some for home. Visit the L’Aventure du Sucre (sugar world) museum to learn all about the factory and the production of 14 varieties of sugar, which you can also buy.
GASTRONOMICAL DELIGHTS
MAURITIAN
food also reflects a delightful mix of flavours and techniques that were bought to the land centuries ago by their ancestors from various parts of Asia, Africa and Europe. If you are fond of salads and seafood, this is the place to be. The Palm heart salad is a delicacy made with a vegetable harvested from the inner core and growing bud of certain palm trees. Another delectable dish is the fritters (Indian pakoras) that are served in most places and are a local favourite. To sample oriental flavours, head to the Ming Court in Sofitel Mauritius L'Impérial Resort for the popular Mauritian Chinese food, which will remind you of the desi Chinese flavours back home. And, if you are fond of yummy cocktails and gourmet dining by the beach, try Horizon at Anantara Iko Mauritius for some extraordinary culinary innovations. There are some amazing upscale multicultural eateries like the Hotel Labourdonnais, Varangue Sur Morne, Wapalapam Restaurant and Karay Mario, where you can enjoy a hearty meal of fresh seafood delicacies like calamari, octopus, various freshwater fish and prawn curries accompanied by the local sugarcane rum. To experience authentic Mauritian cuisine, we also visited a local family with an Indian ancestry at Pointe aux Piments (a village near Balaclava). The experience arranged by the Ravenala Attitude Hotel was indeed a memorable insight into the Mauritian way of life where everyone cooks, eats and celebrates together.
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ABOUT TOWN SWATI SINGLA chances upon joyful solitude at the Karma Lakelands close to the capital. Photographs by VISHAL DAS
A SURREAL SOJOURN
SOMEWHERE
between Manesar and Gurgaon, sits a piece of heaven that must have drifted in from the kingdom of God. For a city girl, Karma Lakelands with its lush greenery, exotic flowers, abundant trees and lakes (sigh!) felt tranquil and rare. And it feels all the more so when you realise that it lies amidst the hustle-bustle of the NCR! I discovered this gem, purely by chance, while on my way back from a family holiday. What was meant to be a lunch stopover became a day-long picnic as my family and I were completely taken up by the beauty that we had discovered. If I was to drum up a list of grammable places, this one would surely top the charts. For a
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L N
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nature lover, lunch seemed a necessary evil I wanted to get done with. We ordered quick bites of pizzas and some coolers to quench our thirsts at the multi-cuisine diner, On-Kourse. The expansive resort is spread over 300 acres and practises organic farming over huge tracts, the server told us. I shrugged it off to be a mandatory claim all resorts make. That is until I saw the farms and staffers collecting fruit from the huge mulberry trees when we embarked on a show around the resort after lunch on a golf cart. I spotted many rare birds such as kingfishers, hornbills, cuckoos, doves, egrets, mynas, woodpeckers, weavers and others whose names I am not familiar with. “There are more than 60 varieties of exotic birds that can be easily spotted here. It’s a birding paradise,” explained our cart driver on seeing my enthusiasm. I also saw dancing peacocks. The owners host some artistic residencies once a year, I was told. We came across several fruit-laden trees as we drove amidst picturesque lanes through the golf course and then stopped by one of the lakes. Dotted by trees on both sides, the clean lake had an abundance of lotuses. The lakes at Karma Lakelands have been created by wastewater harvesting. The resort collects waste and sewage water from nearby areas and processes it to irrigate the huge land. I wouldn't have guessed that as the lakes that I saw were pristine. Other than the beautiful flora, the estate is also home to several farm animals. There is a huge bio composting pit and our driver explained how the entire wet waste goes into the soil for composting and showed us some eco-bricks as well. “Ashwani Khurana, the owner
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and CEO of the resort, is extremely conscious about the environment. We ensure that all our waste is utilised or composted. We do not throw anything outside,” the driver explained. But that was not all. We found more eco-initiatives practised at this resort. Along the way, I spotted bee farming, large vegetable gardens and wheat farmlands along the way. There is a drive called bougainvillaea lane, dotted with pine and semal trees as well as (in keeping with the name) huge bougainvillaea shrubs. On request, we see a villa, which has wooden flooring, a beautiful staircase, spacious and elegant bedrooms, and a large backyard with the lake flowing by. I was particularly attracted by the pansy, lily, rose, gerbera and several exotic flowers and plants that grew in abundance at the front and back of the villas. We just sat there dreaming and taking pictures. To behold such beauty meant one could forget time and forgive life. The destination might have felt like a unique discovery to me but it's a popular golf resort. The golfers around the vicinity have memberships and enjoy the sport regularly. I see some deeply engrossed in the game, chasing targets along with their caddies in the golf carts. The entire estate serves many purposes: A popular holiday spot, wedding destination, fine dining option with several restaurants, and a 9-hole golfing place. It is also a residential estate offering several beautiful villas and tent rooms for staycations. Our invigorating ride and walk have built up an appetite and made room for some snacks. We choose to dine at the new restaurant, LAKE360. As the name suggests, the restaurant is built on the lakeside on an elevated deck and operates for dinners and high teas. We are in time for the latter. Fully-laden Charlie stands with delicious bakes, mouth-watering confectionaries and cakes are spread out. There is a fine selection of tea, coffee and shakes as well. I opt for tea, my husband, a fresh brew and, for my children, some shakes. For once, we are all happy with our respective choices and not eyeing the others’. The memory of the
week-long holiday seemed to fade after the day spent at Karma; its picturesque sights filled our hearts and mind. We devour the sumptuous bites and expansive lands laid out in front of us. The sun is setting above the lake and we witness the beautiful halo of twilight. None of us engages in a conversation as each of us is engrossed in building our memory and connecting with the space. We are content as we settle into the car with an unspoken hope of returning... this time, for a stay.
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Q&A
ALINE DOBBIE might have spent the major part of her adult life in her ancestral home in the United Kingdom but the ties that bind her to India are old and remain strong. Born in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, where her father served as an officer in the Indian Army, she spent the first 16 years of her life conversing in Hindi and Urdu. She left the country in 1963 and returned after 35 years to sustain and nurture her ties with the land of her birth by visiting India annually. She has written extensively about the country in her books, travelogues and blogs. Her first book, India: The Peacock’s Call is a memoir blending an account of her travels in India with reminiscences of her childhood. India: The Tiger’s Roar is a personal account of her pilgrimage to India’s great wildlife parks, tying in the plight of the tiger with a journey around Central India. Finally, India: The Elephant’s Blessing follows her 2,500 km journey through Southern India written after a personal request from the Director of Tourism for the Indian government, shortly after the Asian Tsunami. Her latest, India-ji - the Land of My Birth was recently launched by Gaj Singh, the erstwhile Maharaja of Jodhpur. It covers her experience of travelling across the country for over 20 years. In conversation with SAIMI SATTAR, she talks about the post-pandemic world, the transformation of travel and the changes witnessed in India over several decades
n How do you see tourism and hospitality in India going forth post-pandemic... Especially when it seems that this will not be the last wave or infection that we have witnessed? Tourism throughout the World has been hit hard by Covid, and not least here in India. This is precisely why I have just published my fifth book India-ji. The whole world is faced with the same challenge. It would be excellent if the Indian Government were to be supportive and help those States that need support financially; others perhaps are in a good state of financial stability. In the UK, certainly, a similar challenge prevails. n Do you see inbound tourism taking off rather than exotic destinations abroad? Hopefully, yes. However, I do feel there will need to be an extra emphasis on litter and refuse removal. The world had been reflecting on all the global challenges and we do need to urgently address the question of ‘Saving our Planet’, our beautiful wild and wonderful places and our wildlife and birdlife. India should place greater emphasis on that aspect of tourism and hospitality. n What do you make of revenge travel, a trend post the second wave? Revenge travel curiously has a sort of negativity about the terminology. What we mean essentially is that we were all locked down and once free to roam needed to venture forth and either discover new places or haunt the ones we know and love. Certainly, we flew off to Greece and also drove up to our favourite parts of Scotland. Then, once, restrictions became minimal and we were on the first plane to India. It was a real joy. n You’ve spoken about the Constitution on its 70th anniversary. Have we been able to redeem partially or in a full measure the promises that we made to the citizenry by it? Only Indians know the answer to that question. It was an immense achievement at the time and one of the great documents of the free world post WW II. You Indians are yourselves
TOURISM THROUGHOUT THE WORLD HAS BEEN HIT HARD BY COVID, AND NOT LEAST HERE IN INDIA. THIS IS PRECISELY WHY I HAVE JUST PUBLISHED MY FIFTH BOOK INDIA-JI. THE WHOLE WORLD IS FACED WITH THE SAME CHALLENGE. IT WOULD BE EXCELLENT IF THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT WERE TO BE SUPPORTIVE AND HELP THOSE STATES THAT NEED SUPPORT FINANCIALLY; OTHERS PERHAPS ARE IN A GOOD STATE OF FINANCIAL STABILITY. IN THE UK, CERTAINLY, A SIMILAR CHALLENGE PREVAILS
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custodians of your Constitution — be diligent in protecting it. n Conflicts between countries and flash points seem to be increasing by the day... Would you say we are sitting on the edge of a third World War? Sadly, yes, all global conflicts require humans of stature and humility with a commitment to peace and harmony. Sadly, one such leader currently possesses neither quality. n Indians aren’t too particular about their heritage. Care to weigh in? Is it because we are blessed with more monuments than most countries? My history tutor taught me that a change of culture requires two generations to pass. This, now, is the way in India post achieving nationhood 75 years ago. Custodianship of your wild and built heritage is your responsibility; we too in the West had to learn this and did through the 19th and 20th centuries and even now. Restoration of heritage and conservation are hugely important everywhere. Moreover, so is the teaching of a nation’s history so that the young might feel the legacy and be encouraged to be proud of it. India is blessed with a vast amount of heritage through millennia. n How did you get interested in writing about travels in India? I returned to the land of my birth in 1997 after nearly 35 years of absence. It was in part a pilgrimage and an introduction to my husband. That led to the idea of a book and from there came a second book and then a third covering the whole country. Then I was commissioned to write Quicklook at India to help inform those would seek to do business in India. Now comes India-ji. n Forthcoming projects? My new publishers are Sabre and Quill of Delhi. There is a thought that we might work together in the near future. With committed dependable publishers, it is a pleasure to create something worthwhile. My time in India is once again drawing to a close, but it has been a splendid nearly six weeks; the book is on Amazon India and will soon be on Amazon UK and worldwide.
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A MAGICAL MELANGE
SENSORIAL JOURNEY India Art Fair 2022 has returned to Delhi after a year’s break. UMA NAIR details the highlights of the best galleries being showcased at the 13th edition
INDIA
Art Fair 2022 (April 28-May 1) is a magical melange of mediums, materials, a mix of established Masters and emerging discoveries that speak in different tones and tenors. Under the thumb of the brilliant Jaya Asokan, it promises many sensations. Amongst the best galleries in the mammoth unfolding are Chemould Gallery of Shireen Gandhy, Nature Morte of Aparajita Jain, Vadehra Art Gallery of Roshini Vadehra, Renu Modi’s Gallery Espace and Anu Bajaj’s Art Positive.
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CHEMOULD GALLERY
GANDHY’S
stars are Anju Dodiya and Dhruvi Acharya. The Mumbaibased Anju Dodiya is renowned for her sensitive ‘fictional self-portraits’ that confront the terrifying act of creation. Dodiya — graduated from the Sir JJ School of Art in 1986 and — since the 1990s has been recognised as among the most prominent artists of her generation. As a dedicated watercolourist, she pushes her medium to its limit on challenging surfaces in terms of scale and texture. Her works frequently juxtapose delicate and seemingly spontaneous watercolour smudges and stains against hard-lined charcoal incursions. Acharya is a Mumbai-based artist whose works
(Left and right): One of Anju Dodiya’s fictional self portraits and Dhruvi Acharya schowcases women’s tribulations in the world through her art
are characterised by psychologically complex narratives peppered with dark humour. Her works transform human forms — of her mostly female protagonists — to echo their temperament, often deploying empty speech or thought bubbles to convey unspeakable sentiments. Drawing from her own life, Acharya’s oeuvre unravels like a personal diary. It showcases an urban woman’s tribulations — in a world seething with gender inequalities, ecological disasters and emotional upheavals — all portrayed with critical distance.
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NATURE MORTE
NATURE
Morte’s offering has world famous award-winning Dayanita Singh and Seher Shah. The art of Singh uses photography to reflect and expand on the ways we relate to photographic images. Her primary format is the book and the ways in which she envisions new forms of books and how photographs are distributed to and viewed by an audience. In Singh’s most recent body of works, black and white photographs have been mounted on aluminium and coated with a thin layer of ash grey paint. This simple process radically transforms both the object and the image, obscuring the picture under a viscous skin and opening up a startling number of references and revelations. A section of the booth is devoted to new drawings by Shah. Works from two ongoing series, Grey to Silver and Of Dust to Measure (both 2019–2021) will display the prodigious achievements the artist is able to achieve by combining graphite, ink, graphite dust, charcoal and chalk onto paper. Shah’s language forges architectural abstraction, landscape and musical notations into a cohesive synthesis. She exploits the tonalities of graphite from silver to grey to black while employing the transparency of dust and the erasure of surfaces.
(Anti-clockwise from top left): Two of Seher Shah’s Dust and Measure and Dayanita Singh’s photograph mounted on aluminium
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(Above): Atul Dodiya uses a broad spectrum of media. (Below): Gulam Mohammed Sheikh's Refugees in pen and ink
ATUL
VADEHRAS
Dodiya is known for the citational qualities of his art, coupled with his extensive exploration of his place within Indian and global contexts which reveal that while he identifies distinctly as a citizen of Mumbai, his artistic roots stem from the world at large. One of the pioneers of contemporary Indian art, he builds bridges between the history of Indian and Western art. His references to popular culture, cinema and literature point to an underlying political analysis of the aspirations of the Indian middle class and the impact of globalisation on their traditions. Dodiya uses a broad spectrum of media, from his early photo-realism to the works on metal shutters that sealed his international reputation. Vadehras plumb the depths of magnitude and careerdriven evolutions. Its display of a trio of watercolours unravels Dodiya as both master and an artist of depth in compositional clarity. The second work of import is Gulam Mohammed Sheikh’s Refugees, a pen and
ink drawing. Lithe light yet full of the layers of angst and articulated struggles is this deeply aesthetic creation. An internationally-renowned writer, critic and artist celebrated for his lush, richly narrative paintings, Sheikh has been a key figure in Indian contemporary art since the early 1960s. He began his career rebelliously, forming Group 1890 in 1963 with 11 other emerging artists who were opposed to what they viewed as the stale and derivative art of the preceding generation. Turning towards his country’s cultural traditions, Sheikh draws inspiration from Persian, Mughal and Pahari miniatures as well as Bhakti and Sufi poetry and magical realism. This, combined with his interest in European Renaissance art, has shaped his approach to painting as a form of storytelling. Known for his penchant for historical and fantastical figures, narrative vignettes and intricate maps of the cosmos — his works illustrate his memories, historical and mythological scenes, and, ultimately, the universal experience of being human.
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Astral Dancer by Chitra Ganesh and Mekhala Bahl's canvas is an extension of her recent practise
GALLERY ESPACE
MEKHALA
Bahl’s two canvases in the booth are extensions of her recent practise, as seen in her solo exhibitions in Bikaner House last year. Bahl is a brilliant printmaker who combines layers and shades to create abstract studies that echo Kandinsky’s words when he said: “To let the eye stray over a palette, splashed with many colours, produces a dual result. In the first place, one receives a purely physical impression of pleasure and contentment at the varied and beautiful colours. But these physical sensations can only be of short duration. They are merely superficial and leave no lasting impression, for the soul is unaffected. The second main result, of looking at colours, is their psychic effect. They produce a corresponding spiritual vibration, and it is only as a step towards this spiritual vibration that the
elementary physical impression is of importance.” Brooklyn-based artist Chitra Ganesh’s prints combine the traditional imagery of bodhisattvas and mandalas with her line drawings, watercolours and painting to create richly-layered discernible narratives that cite the contemporary visual vocabulary of comics and sci-fi, street art and neon lights to give viewers a chance to look anew at the historical artefacts and imageries, and, perhaps, make them relevant in the present. Astral Dancer makes us think of her deeper understanding of paintings, animations, prints, and installations, For years now represented by Gallery Espace in India, Ganesh works to challenge canonical representations of femininity, sexuality, and power in art. She takes her inspiration from a plethora of sources that range from popular Indian comics and old Bollywood movies to queer politics.
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ART POSITIVE
ANU
Ankon Mitra’s Mastishka Vriksha (Brain Tree) and The Canopy of Prosperity
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Bajaj unveils awardwinning origami/ hexagram genius Ankon Mitra in a booth that is both enchanting and captivating. This is an ode to trees but it is the Mastishka Vriksha that echoes tradition and modernity. Both — Japanese accents and acratic echoes — come into play in a work that exemplifies the beauty of the earth and Hermann Hesse’s words: “Trees are sanctuaries.” Why is Mitra important? He blends design with spiritual fervour. The layers and gathers of the material create different qualities of inner light, making the mosaic of life rich with meaning, sometimes more material, sometimes more spiritual creating a fine balance. Buddhist tenets and philosophies swing through the finesse of facets created from multiple folds. Repetition, then, like a chant is more than a process, more than a means, it is the inner dictums of the harmony eked out from the ritual. Mitra’s work was the cynosure of all art aficionados for his important installation in Venice at the Arte Laguna Prize, Arsenale du Nord, Venice, Italy (2021). He has also been awarded the Lucca Biennale Outdoor Artists' Prize, Cavalerizza, Lucca, Italy and had two important participations with installations at CODA Museum Biennale, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands (2021) and The India Pavilion at the London Design Biennale (2021). — The writer is a curator & critic
LIQUID LOVE
A COOL SIP
GULAB AUR TULSI SHARBAT INGREDIENTS: Fresh, hand crushed rose petals: 50 gm; Dry rose petals: 30 gm; Rosewater: 40 ml; Saffron (soaked in 5 ml of warm water): 2 gm; Honey: 250 ml; Hand crushed basil: 50 gm; Crushed ice: 500 gm; Chilled water: 2 l METHOD: o Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and leave to soak and blend the flavours for about 20 minutes. o Check the sweetness, adjust according to taste and strain. Serve chilled with a basil leaf as garnish.
During summer, food takes a backseat in favour of cooling drinks. Here are some unique suggestions from the experts to make sure that the heatwave seems like a crisp breeze
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ANANNAS AUR PUDINA SHARBAT
HAWAIIAN CONNECTS
INGREDIENTS: Fresh pineapple juice with pulp: 1 l; Honey: 100 ml; Cinnamon powder: 2 gm; Cardamom powder: 2 gm; Hand crushed mint: 50 gm; Mint julienne: 10 gm METHOD: Combine all the above ingredients in a large bowl and leave to soak and blend the flavour for about 20 minutes. Check for sweetness and adjust according to taste. Strain and serve chilled with mint juliennes — PREM K POGAKULA, executive chef, The Imperial, New Delhi
INGREDIENTS: Pineapple juice: 60ml; Soda: 50 ml; Lemon juice: 20 ml; Maraschino cherries: For garnishing; Pineapple wedges: For garnishing METHOD: Mix all the ingredients (except the ones for garnishing) and shake well. Add the cherries on top and place the pineapple wedges on the rim of the glass. Serve chilled.
APPLE AND CINNAMON SPRITZ INGREDIENTS: Apple juice: 90 ml; Cinnamon powder: A dash; Lemon juice: 20 ml; Grenadine syrup: 10 ml; Cinnamon stick: For garnishing; Apple slice: For garnishing METHOD: Mix all the ingredients (except the ones for garnishing) and shake well. Place the cinnamon stick in the drink and the apple on the rim of the glass. Serve chilled. — DENNIS LIU, F&B manager, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Amritsar
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CELEBRATION SPIRIT
ABSINTHE FRAPPE INGREDIENT: Absinthe: 45 ml; Simple syrup: 15 ml; Water: 30 ml METHOD: Pour over crushed ice and garnish with mint leaves.
INGREDIENTS: Gin: 60 ml; Tonic water: 60 ml; Soda water: 60 ml; Signature lavender cordial: 15 ml (5 ml lavender syrup, 5 ml mint syrup, 5 ml cranberry juice) METHOD: o Start by pouring the signature lavender cordial and add the gin followed by lots of ice. o Top up with soda and tonic. o Stir gently. o Garnish with a sprig of mint and orange twist. — YOGESH KUMAR, manager, Aura Bar, The Claridges
POMEGRANATE AND ROSEMARY WHITE SANGRIA INGREDIENTS; Dry white wine: 1 bottle; Pomegranate arils: ¾ cup; Fresh rosemary: 4 sprigs; Lemon juice: Extracted from one fruit; Orange juice: Extracted from one fruit; Triple Sec: 1/3 cup; Simple syrup: ¼ cup METHOD: Add all the ingredients in a jar and infuse overnight. Serve chilled in a wine glass.
WATERMELON VODKA MARTINI INGREDIENTS: Vodka/Gin: 60 ml; Fresh watermelon chunks: 150 gm; Fresh lime juice: 15 ml; Sugar syrup: 15 ml METHOD: o Muddle watermelon in a cocktail shaker. o Add all the ingredients and shake it well with ice. o Double strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a watermelon cone. — VIJAY PURTY, mixologist, Azure Hospitality
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PINEAPPLE AND MINT MARGARITA
BLUE FLOWERS INGREDIENTS: Butterfly pea tonic: 250 ml; Lavender syrup: 5 ml; Lime juice: 15 ml; Lotus bitters: 2 dashes METHOD: o Build over ice by adding lavender syrup, lime juice, lotus bitters and top with butterfly pea tonic. Stir the glass. o Garnish by rubbing a lime on the side of the glass and sticking edible flowers.
INGREDIENTS: Fresh pineapple juice: 60 ml; Lemon juice: 15 ml; Fresh mint leaves: 8-10 leaves; Honey: 20 gm METHOD: o Add all the ingredients into a blender. o Blend until the mint leaves are mixed well. o Add ice into a shaker and pour the mixture over it. o Shake the entire mixture. o Serve in a margarita glass. o Create a salt rim to garnish.
FRESH FRUIT MOJITO INGREDIENTS: Fresh apple, orange, watermelon: 3 pieces each; Fresh mix fruit juice: 45 ml; Lemon juice: 30 ml; Mint leaves: 8-10 leaves; Soda: Top-up METHOD: Add lemon juice, mint leaves and fresh fruit chunks in a highball glass and muddle it well. Fill 1/3 of the glass with crushed ice, top up with club soda and fresh mixed fruit juice. Garnish with a lemon slice and fresh mint. — DASHRATH PURI GOSWAMI, food & beverage executive, The Leela Gandhinagar
SUMMER BERRY LOVIN INGREDIENTS: Blueberry puree: 20 ml; Blackberry puree: 20 ml; Strawberry puree: 20 ml; Top it with cranberry juice METHOD: Build over ice by adding strawberry puree, blackberry puree, blueberry puree and top with cranberry juice. Swizzle all ingredients with a bar spoon. Garnish with mixed berries and cherries. — JOEL SCHOLTENS LINDSAY, Liquid chef and mixologist, The Blue Bar at Taj Palace, New Delhi
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WATERMELON BASIL FRESCA INGREDIENTS: Fresh watermelon: 4 chunks + 2 slices; Lime juice: 5 ml; Ice cubes; Mint leaves: 3-4; Basil leaves: 3-4; Soda: 60 ml; Slash of Grenadine METHOD: o Cut the watermelon into pieces, peel off the skin and remove the seeds o Lightly muddle/mash four chunks of watermelon along with lemon juice, ice cubes, basil and mint leaves in a shaker and shake it well. o Alternatively you can use a blender to mix the watermelon, herbs and lime juice. o Pour the drink into a glass using a fine-mesh strainer and discard the pulp. o Top it up with soda and a splash of grenadine. o Garnish with basil for a fragrant aroma and watermelon slices.
ROSE AND WATERMELON COOLER INGREDIENTS: Rose petals: 150 gm; Fresh watermelon juice: 300 ml; Simple syrup: 20 ml METHOD Blend rose petals and simple syrup lightly. Strain the syrup and keep it aside. Mix watermelon juice, ice cubes and rose extract in a shaker. Serve in a champagne tulip with a watermelon wedge as garnish. — RAHUL GAUTAM, food & beverage, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, New Delhi
PINEAPPLE AND BASIL MARTINI INGREDIENTS: Freshly muddled pineapple chunks; Basil leaves: 3-4; Freshly squeezed lime juice: 30 ml; Simple syrup: 20 ml METHOD: Shake well and serve in a martini glass with pineapple wedge and basil sprig as garnish
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ROSEMARY SPICED ORANGE SPRITZER INGREDIENTS: Granulated sugar: ¼ cup; Sprig of rosemary: 1 large; Water: ¼ cup; Orange juice: 180 ml; Soda: 60 ml; Nutmeg: A pinch; Honey: A dash METHOD: o Take a small saucepan and add sugar, rosemary leaves and water. Cook over medium heat. o Stir it while it simmers for five minutes. Remove it from the heat and let it cool down for 10 minutes. Your rosemary syrup is ready. o In a shaker, add orange juice along with rosemary syrup, ice and nutmeg. Shake it well. o Pour the drink into the glass and top it up with soda. o Add honey for a subtle sweetness and garnish it with rosemary leaves. — SHAMAN PATHANIA, food and beverage executive & mixologist, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla
GRILLED PINEAPPLE AND CRACKED PEPPER INGREDIENTS: Fresh pineapples: 1-2; Fresh black pepper: dash; Grilled pineapple: 3-4; Fresh lime juice: 15 ml; Homemade cardamom syrup: 15 ml; Infused water with pineapple and pepper: 60 ml METHOD: o Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. o Garnish with fresh grilled pineapple.
PINEAPPLE BREEZE INGREDIENTS: Chunks of pineapple: 7-8; Sugar: 1 tsp; Coconut cream: 1 tbsp; Fresh pineapple juice: 60 ml METHOD: o Place all your ingredient into the blender. o Blend until a smooth consistency. o Pour into a chilled or even better, frozen glass. o Then add your garnish and serve. — ANUJ KUMAR, bar manager, Tipple, Vivanta, New Delhi Dwarka
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TRINKET TALK
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EID-UL-FITR: It is celebrated after the fasting month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar), on the first day of the Shawwal month of the Hijri year (Islamic calendar). Eid is an Arabic word which means ‘festivity’ and ‘Fitr’ means ‘conclusion of the fast’, thus the holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. WHEN: May 2 or 3* WHERE: All over India
AKSHAYA TRITIYA: Also known as Akha Teej, Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious day celebrated on the third day after the Amavasi which is no moon day. The word ‘Akshaya’ means ‘that which never diminishes’. It is believed to be the perfect day for starting new ventures, for events like marriages, for investing or purchasing precious valuables like diamonds and gold. WHEN: May 3 WHERE: All over India
THRISSUR POORAM: This is one of the biggest and colourful temple festivals in Kerala. Richly-decorated elephants from various temples across Kerala are paraded on the streets in stately grandeur. There is also a display of fireworks and music concerts consisting of traditional drum music. WHEN: May 10 WHERE: Kerala
BUDDHA PURNIMA: This festival is a celebration of the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. Buddhist scriptures are read by the monks in monasteries besides prayers and sermons. Celebrations are held in Bodh Gaya and Sarnath. Houses and temples are decorated with colourful lanterns and lamps and offerings of fruits flowers candles and incense are made to Lord Buddha. WHEN: May 16 WHERE: All over India *DEPENDING ON THE SIGHTING OF THE MOON
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GU R USP E A K Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Spiritual Guru
If we take out some time — two or three days in a year — to remain silent and observe our thoughts and emotions, then we get a sense of what quietness means
THE SPACE WITHIN YOU
cannot measure the energy in an atom. Similarly, you cannot measure the full potential of a human being. The nature of a human being is quite similar to that of an atom. The central part of an atom is positive. The negatively charged particle is on the circumference. Similarly, the negativity of a person is not his true nature, it is just on the periphery. When someone is in the centre, he is calm, steady and pleasant. Violence is not part of human nature, it is simply an indication of violation at the domain level. How do we know whether the knowledge that we have is correct or not? Even 10,000 years ago, people knew Jupiter had 12 moons. They used a subjective way of knowing things — by intuition, quieting the mind. When the mind becomes calm (it’s like sleeping, though one is alert) then an intention is taken. With that intention comes intuition, knowledge as well as inspiration. Using this method, the ancient man derived knowledge about the universe and developed mathematical techniques that are valid even now. The age-old calendars can predict the exact time of an eclipse. Astrology and astronomy have been derived in this manner. The ancient man knew that the sun is at the centre of the solar system and planets move around it. They used the method of intuitive awareness in which one feels that every cell in the body is fully alive now, and the mind is quiet. You call that samadhi. If we take out some time — two or three days in a year — to remain silent and observe our thoughts and emotions, then we get a sense of what quietness means. Freedom from the jugglery of thoughts is the basis of intuition. And, intuition is part of innovation. In our normal lives, we are bombarded with so many thoughts and stimuli, that attention and retention are simply not there. Today, children have attention deficiency syndrome. They have lost the ability to be attentive to things. When you become quiet, it is not as if you lose your intellect.
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TODAY, CHILDREN HAVE ATTENTION DEFICIENCY SYNDROME. THEY HAVE LOST THE ABILITY TO BE ATTENTIVE TO THINGS. WHEN YOU BECOME QUIET, IT IS NOT AS IF YOU LOSE YOUR INTELLECT
The intellect becomes very sharp as the attention span increases. The first outcome of our mediation or any self-development technique should be to increase our perceptual ability, which in turn, should help us in expressing ourselves better. One aspect is getting rid of stress, the other is seeing that it doesn’t enter our system. For the latter, we need a change in our attitude towards things happening around us. We can bear the heat, with a sense of humour, a sense of ease and with confidence. One needs to create barricades so that tension does not enter the mind. But it’s impossible not to be tense. Just learn to take it easy. The ease with which you can handle your environment, or the situation around you, is being able to utilise your full potential. When you are in touch with your full potential, nothing or nobody can shake you. You will have confidence. Spirituality is nothing out of the world. Attaining a spiritual level is simply recognising that there is life and spirit everywhere. I don’t see a division between what’s spiritual, and what’s material. The finest aspect of the matter is spirit. The gross aspect of spirit is matter. It’s like body and mind. You see through the eyes but the eyes are the means through which the mind sees. The mind is the spirit. The whole world is a combination of spirit and matter. Therefore spiritual practises too are not any different from you being spirited and being happy and compassionate and being in love. The way of prayer is to be in amazement — looking at the cosmos and saying, ‘Wow, how many planets. How many stars! How big is this universe!’ Your consciousness expands and this is meditation. The creation and the creator are not separated. The creator and the creations are the same. The creation is formed out of the creator, just like dance comes out
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of the dancer. I usually say we you will get is space, and that is PEOPLE ARE NOT ENTITIES, must have the 3C’s — cosmology, what you are. THEY ARE WAVE commitment, and compassion. Once we leave the spirit, the FUNCTIONS OR WAVELENGTHS. These three things make life mind leaves this body. Once out JUST CLOSE YOUR beautiful. of the body, the mind cannot EYES AND ASK Billions of years have passed be cleansed. It cannot be rid of YOURSELF WHO YOU ARE? YOU WILL since existence began on earth. any thoughts. The body is the GET NO ANSWER. Compared to it, the span of human instrument or the space where ALL YOU WILL GET IS SPACE, AND life — 80 years or 100 years — is past impressions can be washed THAT IS WHAT YOU nothing. In this vast space, where off. What Buddha called ‘nirvana’, ARE are we? is simply sitting and being in your Seeing yourself in the context of the big space and imagining that you are nobody and creation shifts you to a different level of nothing. When clarity comes, the mind becomes as consciousness. As per one of the scriptures in sharp and powerful as the laser beam. ancient India, there are almost 112 ways of realising And in that mind, an intention fructifies very consciousness. One of them is to observe the sky fast. That mind also can heal and elevate itself. It on a clear day, let go and relax. Wherever the mind is full of joy, ease and love. Your entire past is a goes, it makes an assumption and becomes quieter dream. Just remember all the activities you as, it assumes that space. did in the morning after waking up. Isn’t it The scripture also mentions that there are three all like a dream? It wasn’t more than a dream kinds of space. One is the bhutakash which is the because it was a memory and impression. physical space, chitakash where the thoughts flow, Dreams are also an impression. See your whole it is the mental space, and chidakasha, which is past as a dream. In the future, in the next the final space, the space of consciousness. So go 10-20 years, you will be doing many things, they from one space to another and from there to the will all pass like a dream. Knowing this and being final space. aware of it, the space within us starts to open up People are not entities, they are wave functions and we start experiencing heightened awareness. or wavelengths. Just close your eyes and ask You start seeing another dimension of life. Just yourself who you are? You will get no answer. All wake up.
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F ITNE SS
YOGA
Bharat Thakur is a yoga guru and founder of Artistic Yoga
Laghoo Shankha prakshalan is an effective way to clear the intestines
places great importance on a healthy well-functioning digestive system. The gut is the root of health. It absorbs energy and nutrition from the food we eat and uses it to repair, build and maintain the body. It also gives us the energy to function. While we wash on the outside, we do not clean our insides. So over time, debris collects along the intestinal lining. The food left outside for days on end rots. So, similarly, if our digestion is not good or we suffer from constipation, the debris that collects in or blocks our gut, rots and turns toxic. This affects our organs — liver, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, lungs and heart. Yoga has two shatkarmas ie cleansing practises to clean out our gut. The first is Shankhaprakshalan. The Sanskrit word shankha means conch which describes the coiled shape of our intestines. Prakshalan is translated as wash or clean thoroughly. This practise cleans out our gut and intestinal linings and has a transformational effect on both body and mind. It is done under supervision and involves dietary guidelines for a short period afterwards. The second practise is a shorter, condensed form preferably done under guidance but can be done at home with very little preparation. Called Laghoo Shankhaprakshalan it cleans the intestines, relieves constipation and helps the intestines function normally. It is done in the morning, on an empty stomach and involves drinking two litres of warm salt water while completing a set of five asanas after every two glasses of saltwater. This is how it works: First, salt is a purifier and, when dissolved in warm water, acts as an isotonic liquid. Its osmotic pressure is higher than water. This stops it from being absorbed by the cells and allows it to flow through and flush the intestines. It acts as a lubricant and loosens up any debris coating the intestinal walls. It also stimulates nerves to carry out their normal peristaltic function. Second, the five asanas — Tadasana, Tiryaka Tadasana, Kati Chakrasana, Tiryaka Bhujangasana and Udarakarshanasana — have to be done in a particular
CLEANSING THE INTESTINES
order. Each has multiple benefits and effects on the body and mind but — when done in this sequence — plays a special role. They create the right peristaltic movement in the intestines to allow the saltwater to flow right through the intestinal system and flush it out. Unlike Shankhaprakshalan, Laghoo Shankhaprakshalan does not dissolve the intestinal lining completely. It cleans up the intestines and after the practise, these become a little sensitive and vulnerable. So khichadi with ghee is recommended as your first meal since it’s very light and soothing. Your second meal can be anything light, non-spicy and easily digestible. When you first do this shatkarma, it’s best to keep the morning or day free. Once you get used to it, you can continue with your normal schedule but just avoid overexerting yourself physically that day.
TADASANA stretches the stomach and intestines, pushing the saltwater from the stomach into the small intestine. o Stand with your feet slightly apart, arms by your side o Breathing in, raise your arms above your head and bring your palms together, stretch upwards and rise on your toes, balancing your weight equally on both feet o Hold for 10-15 seconds, breathing normally o Breathe in, exhale as you come down to start position o Repeat seven more rounds
ASANA SEQUENCE
INSTRUCTIONS: o You need a glass and a jug/vessel of two litres (approximately six glasses) of warm water o Add two teaspoonfuls of salt per litre and stir till dissolved o Drink two glasses of warm water and do the full sequence of asanas as directed o Drink two more glasses of warm water and repeat the full sequence o Drink the last two glasses of warm water complete the sequence o You may have a bowel movement at this stage. If not, it will come later o Lie down and relax for a few minutes o Can eat your first meal of khichadi after 30 minutes
TIRYAKA TADASANA creates movement in the intestines for the saltwater to smoothly travel downward o Stand with our feet slightly apart o Lock your hands above your head and breathing in, stretch upwards o Keeping arms stretched, exhale as you slowly bend sideways o Hold for a few seconds, inhale and come up o Repeat the other side o Repeat seven more rounds
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KATI CHAKRASANA squeezes the abdominal muscles and intestinal walls allowing the saltwater to sweep the entire intestinal area, brushing away debris as it moves down o Stand with feet apart, arms loosely by sides o As you twist your body to the right, place your left arm across the chest, hand on the right shoulder o Wrap your right arm behind your back with your hand touching the right side of the waist o Inhale deeply, exhale as you twist the trunk to right, pushing your left shoulder as far back as possible o Turn your head towards the right as well o Hold for a second, return to start position o Repeat with the left arm behind you, right hand on your left shoulder, head turning to the left o Repeat seven more rounds.
TIRYAKA BHUJANGASANA creates pressure in the lower intestinal region, pushing the saltwater into the colon o Lie on your stomach, feet together, toes tucked in, palms beside shoulder blades, elbows tucked in o Breathing in, straighten your arms. Raise upper body and simultaneously twist back slightly to the right. Turn your head and look over the shoulder to the right heel, trying to keep your navel close to the ground Don’t strain o Hold for a second, turn forward, breathe out as you lower the body o Repeat the other side o Repeat another seven rounds
UDARAKARSHANASANA compresses and stretches the intestinal region so that the saltwater can cleanse the colon before being expelled through the rectum o Squat with feet approximately half a metre apart. Keep feet fixed and palms on knees throughout o Turn to the right, pushing left knee to the ground o Twist head and back as far as comfortable and look over your right shoulder o Hold one second, return to the squat position o Repeat on the other side o Repeat another seven rounds
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B E A U TYB A SKE T
AS Blossom Kochhar
the weather changes, we change our skincare and hair care regime. During summers, our primary focus is on sunscreens and hydration and as winter starts our focus shifts to moisturisers. Just like the skincare regime, our hair care routine also needs to be changed as per the seasons. Some of us don’t pay heed to the need for altering the routines depending on the seasons, others who do so don’t get it right. The change of seasons can make the skin and hair dry, sweaty and itchy.
HAIR CARE ROUTINE NUTRITION-FILLED DIET: Eating food that is full of all the nutrients can help
Our skin and hair care routine has to be in tune with the season
the scalp and hair. The change in season also changes our diet, which can be another factor that damages our hair. Improve the diet as the season changes by adding seasonal fruits and vegetables, monitoring the protein intake and staying hydrated. A nutritious diet not only helps hair health but can also prove to immensely impact overall health and well-being. OIL IN EVERY SEASON: Do not miss oiling the scalp and hair during every season. It should not be changed or stopped in any season. Apply oil from the
SWAP THERAPY
roots to the ends at least once or twice a week. Massaging the scalp with oil increases blood circulation, which brings sufficient nutrients to it and nourishes the scalp making it healthy. The oil we use for hair should always be the same. KEEP HAIR AND SCALP CLEAN AND HEALTHY:
The change in season can make the scalp or hair either dry, oily or both. During a season comprising hot and humid weather, our scalp is usually oily because of excessive sebum secretion and sweating. The hair gets dry due to sun exposure and heat. Dry and cold weather makes both scalp and hair dry. So, whenever there is a change of season, keep the scalp and hair clean and moisturised. Use shampoo and conditioner at least thrice a week. Both should be mild and made with natural ingredients. HAIR TRIMMING: This improves the hair’s health and texture by removing split ends and breakage while making the hair look heavier and healthier. Hair trimming is suggested every three to four months but it depends on the growth and condition of the hair.
STOP HEAT TREATMENT: Avoid using heat hair
tools as much as possible, especially during the changing season. Hair is at its most sensitive during this time. Heat can affect the hair and its strength adversely. It can make the hair brittle and dry leading to severe hair fall. Also, use warm water to rinse your hair. Water at room temperature and lukewarm water should be used to rinse hair during winters.
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SKINCARE ROUTINE USE THE RIGHT MOISTURISER: While it is
essential to use a moisturiser irrespective of the season, it is even more important to know the right moisturiser. In summers it is better to stick to gel-based moisturisers that have aloe vera in them whereas in winters use the thicker, cream-based ones. EXFOLIATE TO FRESHEN THE SKIN: In winters, exfoliating once every fortnight is enough as exfoliation also removes oil from the skin but in summers, we sweat a lot hence it becomes paramount to exfoliate at least twice a week to keep the pores of the skin clean and dirt free. ADD A FACE PACK TO YOUR ROUTINE: No matter what season we are experiencing it is important to apply a natural face pack that will deeply nourish the skin. But with the change in season, the ingredients will vary. In winters, go for face packs that have milk or cream in them whereas in summers, add lemon juice, turmeric and rose water. This will not only give a cooling effect but will also help you in keeping tanning at bay. SWITCH YOUR CLEANSER: Cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine, and it’s the base for everything that comes next. Most cleansers work by building up a lather, which removes bacteria and dirt from the upper layer of your skin. For this reason, you may need a more heavy-duty cleanser in summer, when oil production tends to increase. Choose a gel or water-based oil-removing cleanser with salicylic acid, or try out micellar water. As the weather gets cooler, switch the water cleansers to cream or oil-based ones. These are less drying on the skin and protect the moisture. Another way of transitioning is to mix equal quantities of water-based and cream cleanser for best results. —The author is the chairperson, Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies, an industry veteran with over 35 years of experience and a double doctorate in Aromatherapy
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NU MB E RGA ME Sanjay B Jumaani Numerologist
COUNT YOUR FATE
NUMBER 1 (Those born on the 1st, 10th, 19th and 28th of any month) Your fortunes won’t change in a snap, but it’s a steady period. In matters of the heart, times could be mellow. You’ll be patient and adjust. Financially, you might use some wealth on luxury, leisure and self-care. Also, some money would be spent on charity. You converge your energies towards calm-headedness.
NUMBER 4 (Those born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st of any month) Beware of associates with an ulterior motive. Your penchant for good things will be met. But ensure that it’s not at the cost of your work. You’ll have plenty of time to finish your tasks and enjoy your downtime. Those hungry for love could meet luck. Over-thinking is not equivalent to sensible thinking.
NUMBER 7 (Those born on the 7th, 16th and 25th of any month) Start investing. You might undergo a rough patch at work or on the personal front for a while. Stay guarded and ensure that you’re connected to reality. Keep in mind that while the illusion may seem beautiful, the rewards belong to the real world and you have to work to earn them.
NUMBER 2 (Those born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and 29th of any month) You become emotionally brittle and sensitive. This gives you the bonus of intuition. Despite that, your rationality and decision-making won’t follow your understanding. You may be blessed with love or your messy relationship could improve drastically. Those in entertainment would do well.
NUMBER 5 (Those born on the 5th, 14th and 23rd of any month) Your biggest enemy is monotony, but this month will offer a variety of experiences. An increment at work, a change of residence, or even growth in relationship trajectory in the offing. Money will stream in abundantly but put it to good use. Avoid splurging on unnecessary things. Keep away from gambling.
NUMBER 8 (Those born on the 8th, 17th and 26th of any month) Your love life could hit new highs. No better time to make things official. This period could also pave your work-life with gold. So keep an eye out for the offers on the table. Your work shall fetch you desired recognition and appreciation. It could even get you a promotion that has been long due.
NUMBER 3 (Those born on the 8th, 17th and 26th of any month) You might attain contentment at work or on the personal front. But don’t compromise on efforts. Your practical approach will see you hit the ball out of the park. Try not to overwork. Financially, a secure chapter on the cards. Budding relationships are likely to elevate to newer heights. And sour equations may improve.
NUMBER 6 (Those born on the 6th, 15th and 24th of any month) Leave no stone unturned at covering lost ground as this is the time you’ve been waiting for. Financially, it looks like a promising month but tread cautiously while spending. There’s no better time to take a stride in your career or relationship. All in all, a fulfilling month.
NUMBER 9 (Those born on the 9th, 18th and 27th of any month) It’s time to map out your course of action till December. Lay the foundation of a brighter tomorrow. You are likely to be graceful, patient and rational. If you’re planning to change your job or line of work, this seems like ‘the’ moment. But if you lose security, wait for backup. Practise mindfulness and consciousness.
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I N S TA D I A R I E S
VITAMIN SEA It is that time of the year when celebs (and ordinary mortals) splash water for a cooling break
RAJKUMMAR RAO has these pearls of wisdom, “Remember, no matter what anyone else says, No one is going to believe in you, the way YOU do – so hustle, and let the Universe do the rest.”
DISHA PATANI uses heart emojis to convey her message.
SARA ALI KHAN revels in, “Sun, Sea and Sand.”
SIDHARTH MALHOTRA tells us, “A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.”
ANANYA PANDEY commands all to, “Follow Our Queen.”
KATRINA KAIF sticks to emojis.
FOR THE DISCERNING READER LOCATION COURTESY: SRI VENKATESHWAR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, DWARKA
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HERE COMES THE SUN