EXOTICA
RNI NO. DELENG/2006/18084 POSTAL REGN. NO. DL (C)-01/1151/2016-2018 Posted at NDPSO on 10th, 11th & 12th of same month Published on 30th of Advance Month
VOL 10 NO 11 SEPTEMBER 2016
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Editor-in-Chief CHANDAN MITRA EDITORIAL BOARD Vice-Chairman & Joint Managing Director Amit Goel Chief Executive Officer Abhishek Saxena EDITORIAL Editor-in-Charge Rinku Ghosh Feature Writers Priyanka Joshi & Devi Singh Chief Designer Anand Singh Rawat Senior Designer Santosh Kumar Yadav Pre-press Manager Syed Nawab Raza Staff Photographer Pankaj Kumar SALES & MARKETING Chief Consultant (Strategy & Corporate Excellence) Sanjay K Mendiratta Vice President (Business & Strategy Implementation) Anju Sharma Jalota General Manager Kumar Gurudutta Jha Managers Bharat Singh Sajwan & Prabhakar Pathak Senior Marketing Executive Komal Sharma Marketing Executive Srinija Chakraborty GOVERNMENT & PSU General Manager Tapan Ghosh Assistant Manager Neeta Rai Media Coordinator Neelu Sharma MUMBAI OFFICE General Manager Devendra Adhikari KOLKATA OFFICE Vice President Suzanna Roy General Manager (Circulation) Rajeev Gautam Printed and published by Chandan Mitra for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd, printed at Lustra Print Process Pvt Ltd, Killa No. 51/21, Village: Rohad, District: Jhajjar, Bahadurgarh, Haryana and published at 2nd floor, Patriot House, 3, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002. Editor: Chandan Mitra. 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; 2nd Floor, Patriot House, 3, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110002 Phone: 23718296/40754136 Fax: 23755275 Email: exoticapioneer2016@gmail.com
FROM THE EDITOR
BIG FAT INDIAN WEDDING since blockbusters Hum Aapke Hain Kaun? and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge set the benchmark for the big fat Indian wedding, they are getting bigger and bigger. In the past there were at best two gatherings, on the day of the marriage at the bride’s residence followed by a reception for the couple usually hosted by the bridegroom’s side a few days later. I recall the mid-60s when Government regulations prohibited large dinners, limiting the number to a maximum 250. Also there used to be a law known as Guest Control Act, which even specified that cereals could not be served to invitees because India was then reeling under a food crisis. Invitation cards had to mandatorily mention that the reception would be held under the terms of the relevant law. India has come a rather long way since. Nowadays wedding ceremonies are prolonged with relatives and friends flying in from faraway places, including the US and UK where large numbers of NRI uncles, aunties and cousins live. It is now customary to enclose air tickets along with invitation letters and five-star hotel rooms are booked in abandon for outstation guests with a fleet of swank cabs hired to ferry people to the functions. For me, however, the months of November and December this year are truly hectic. But nothing could be as hectic as one winter when, having participated in three ceremonies in connection with a friend’s daughter’s wedding, it was my turn to attend my own son’s. It was decided to host the ceremony at picturesque Bhimtal because both sides felt that the marriage itself ought to be restricted to immediate family and close friends while the receptions subsequently planned could be more elaborate affairs. I was struck by the structured way in which hotels nowadays package such ceremonies, planning it down to the last detail. Considering my own marriage was a simple affair, I was struck by the grandeur these events entailed. I hadn’t realised till now the extent to which women in particular prepare for days for the sangeet ceremony, even engaging choreographers to help coordinate dance steps while a fortune is spent on procuring the appropriate attire. Undoubtedly, the end result is spectacular. Marriages are big business in contemporary India. Ours is probably the only country where so much time, effort and resources are deployed on these. Although the phrase “big fat wedding” originated with the Greeks who tend to gather the entire extended family for such events, India has surged way ahead when it comes to the sheer scale and lavishness of wedding functions. In the process, some traditions have just dropped out. As Bollywood takes over our wedding culture, the strains of shehnai have been replaced by bhangra and techno rock. My early memories of marriage functions include the erection of a gate at the entrance atop which shehnai players would sit (it was called nahabat-khana) and play the instrument without microphones. Those were uncomplicated times and wedding ceremonies may have been more ritualistic than they are today, but simplicity ruled as far as public functions were concerned. I don’t want to sound judgmental but the discreet charm of such ceremonies has been lost to India’s growing prosperity.
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[CHANDAN MITRA] Editor-in-Chief
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I N S I D E
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SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME 10 NO 11
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Little Black Book [p8] Varun Bahl: A quick peek into his style file Wedding bells [p16] Ease of doing business: Top wedding planners set trends Studio Shots [28] Dream Weavers: The lookbook by couturists Voice Test [p44] My choice, my life: New-age brides Couture Pick [p48] Glass Act: Rohit Bal crystalware collection
COVER PHOTO: EPIC LOVE BY ANITA DONGRE
CONTRIBUTORS
Spa Spy [p60] Unwind before the knot: The best and effective spa rituals in town Home Decor [p65] Not just a pad, but my space: Designers are encashing new breed of home-makers Think Pink [p72] Be the queen’s guest: Thailand The Look [p82] Blingsome: Intricate jewels and stones Private moments [p92] For lasting memories: Honeymoon destinations
Kushan Mitra [p94] Hotwheels: Not in a hurry Magandeep Singh [p100] Blithe spirit: The other affair Sri Sri Ravi Shankar [p102] Guruspeak: The nuptial bliss Sanjay Jumaani [p104] Number game: Count your fate
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Send us your feedback at exoticapioneer2016@gmail.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/Exotica-394686670715776
FAVOURITE HAUNTS OF STYLISH PEOPLE
John Lobb is my go-to brand for tailored formal shoes. They provide the most remarkable finish to any attire.
The fragrance I love to wear is UOMO by Ermenegildo Zegna.
I am currently reading DV by Diana Vreeland.
VARUN BAHL is an Indian couturier known for creating elegant signatures. He has showcased at Milan Fashion Week. He also has a menswear prĂŞt label
I generally opt for an Omega when it comes to watches.
Christian Dior glasses are what I usually wear.
I love eating Punjabi food. An all-time favourite is Bukhara at Maurya Sheraton.
I love hills with paradisiacal landscapes, Kasauli being the last I visited. I’m looking forward to an isolated Swiss cottage tucked away in Interlaken.
EXOTICA [8] SEPTEMBER 2016
TRAVEL NEWS
MARINER OF THE SEA the most exciting Asian voyage on board Mariner, Ovation and Voyager of the Seas with fun-filled activities. There’s more to enjoy with your family and friends than ever before. The Mariner of the Seas, one of the most exciting cruise ships ever built, is all set to take Asia by storm once again with enhanced state rooms, expanded dining
EXPERIENCE
options and state-of-the-art recreational facilities like a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink and basketball court, wherein The Ovation of the Seas and TheVoyager of the Seas are giving your kids the opportunity to meet characters from Shrek and Kung Fu Panda at meet-andgreets. For adults, there are bars, clubs and lounges to choose from, including The Vault nightclub and special robotic bartenders.
SENSORIAL DELIGHTS Hotels Resorts and Palaces, one of Asia’s finest group of hotels, has unveiled Tajness, the group’s brand and operations philosophy for the future. For more than a century, Taj has welcomed guests with a signature warmth, a practice of perfection, a culture of generosity and a clear sense of true Indian hospitality. Sensorial touchpoints are key to the brand’s experience and several elements that are going to be consistent across hotels include the delicate fragrance of jasmine, the active and passive music in public and private areas and the attire of Taj associates. The Tajness rituals will also include the wake-up by yoga and the afternoon tea that pays homage to local tea traditions, to the atmospheric sunset ritual that lights the way into evening and the sleep ritual that soothes into a restful slumber. A Tajness farewell ensures guests carry a bit of Taj with them; lasting memories that will bring them back. Tajness will be rolled out across all 100 Taj hotels in India and internationally on a phased timeline with completion scheduled at the end of 2017.
TAJ
EXOTICA [10] SEPTEMBER 2016
TRAIN TO WALES to a competition sponsored by the Department for Transport, travellers to Wales have a new free guide to tell them how to visit the “Great Little Trains of Wales” and many other Welsh attractions by public transport. Published by the 11 little railways, working together with Arriva Trains Wales, it includes ideas for intriguing places to stay and eat, walks, heritage sites and the magnificent scenery of Wales. Inspired by the Bradshaw’s guide, it suggests a range of trips into and around Wales, encouraging the public transport users or tourists to get out and about by rail. There are also travellers’ tales to whet your appetite, including one by BBC ‘Antiques Roadshow’ expert, Paul Atterbury.
THANKS
SAY YES TO YAS ISLAND the adrenaline rush at Yas Marina Circuit — one of the most advanced Formula 1 circuits in the world and a home for motorsports in the Middle East. Thrill seekers can put themselves in the shoes of a professional racing driver, revving a 3000cc V6 engine in the Formula 3000 experience. You can also make waves at Yas Marina — a growing centre for watersports, boating and fitness. With the iconic Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi as a backdrop, visitors can learn to sail at the Abu Dhabi Sailing Academy, charter a yacht from Safwa Marina, row to explore with Azure Marine or take a sunset cruise with Captain Tony’s Boat Charters. Just a few minutes away from Abu Dhabi Airport, 25 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai — it’s the perfect choice for an escape with family or friends.
FEEL
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ARTY CHANGI
PASSENGERS travelling through Changi Airport, Singapore, can now enjoy new interactive installations and visual treats across its three terminals. Jointly launched by Changi Airport Group (CAG) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) the showcases are designed to engage, excite and encourage visitors to explore Singapore in and beyond the airport. The highlight of the new spaces is a contemporary digital wall designed to boost interaction with the use of motion-sensing technology. Travellers now have the perfect photo opportunity to bring home a memento at the new flip-dot wall in Terminal 2’s Departure Transit Lounge where the interactive technol-
ogy is being introduced at Changi airport for the first time. Iconic background options include Gardens by the Bay, Merlion Park as well as Changi Airport’s control tower and Kinetic Rain.
COUNTRY LOVE you feel Indians prefer foreign destinations over regional then think again as domestic destinations are high in the itinerary of for the Indian traveller. According to a half-yearly travel trend for 2016, there is a huge change in the preferences of the Indian traveller. While international destinations are still most searched, there is a marked increase of 11.89 per cent for domestic destinations. The first half of 2016 also noted an increase in travel planning with low cost carriers. A 34.9 per cent surge indicated a growing preference for budget airlines by Indians. And once again, May has turned out to be the favourite month for travel planners as it saw the maximum number of searches so far.
IF
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WEDDING BELLS
Ease ofbusiness doing Planning an Indian ritual is usually a tough nut to crack but with help round the corner from wedding planners and several promo shows doing the rounds, it’s now easier than ever. EXOTICA asks the country’s top wedding designers to track some trends
is one business model which can never fail, that of wedding planning. Long before aggregator services took hold of the popular imagination, planners had been the first one-stop umbrella option for all aspects of organisation, selecting a venue, catering, decor, trousseau packaging, programming, culture shows, photography, counselling and the works. Currently, the Indian wedding industry is valued at over `100,000 crore and is growing at 25 to 30 per cent annually. The estimated cost of a wedding with no expenses spared could be between `5 lakh to `5 crore in India. The country has a population of around 1.25 billion and considering an average family with five members, there are around 250 million families in India. With about one marriage per family every 20 years, the country averages roughly 10 million
THIS
marriages every year. An average 30 to 40 grams of gold is spent in every marriage across the country. So the total consumption of gold comes between 300 to 400 tonnes annually. It is also expected that the per capita income will be tripled in a couple of decades and the per capita consumption of gold during weddings or otherwise will increase. With half of India’s population being under 29 years of age, the marriage market is set to boom like never before over the next five to ten years. The one-stop shop formula is a saviour for busybee couples-to-be. In fact, smart planning is the ultimate show-stopper compared to the subjects involved. Wedding designer entrepreneur Ramola Bachchan says the key to success is “how well you manage the client’s convenience.” She has compiled a broad spectrum of trends and themes that are ruling the market, personalisation being the key mantra.
Eco-friendly wedding you are one of those who care about mother nature and conserving the environment, then a green wedding is meant for you comprising natural or recyclable resources. Traditional spaces such as hotel ballrooms and fancy resorts consume electricity, water and other typical not-soearth-friendly resources. So chuck these options and opt for beautiful botanical gardens, quaint hilltops or farms instead. And don’t worry, these
IF
places do offer modern conveniences like sinks and toilets, so you don’t have to sacrifice your comforts. But in case you are not an outdoorsy person and prefer indoor weddings then there are several ways to make it eco-friendly. You can choose a venue that gets plenty of sunlight and host a daytime wedding so you can leave the lights off. Look for the hotels that recycle and use energy-efficient appliances and bio-degradable products.
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THE INVITES A guest list of 500 means cutting one tree. That’s not doing much for the environment. Why not opt for e-invites then? It saves you from sending a letter in advance. Besides you can send an invite on Whatsapp or even email it. If you’re not so tech-savvy and still want to send an invitation card, then you can contact some stationers who offer recycled paper. Using tree-free milled paper can be more beneficial and eco-friendly. DÉCOR You can make your wedding unique by using earth-friendly decorations that include recycled wood, natural stones or other organic material adding to the rustic appeal. You can also try using dried petals or trendy and stylish goodies from green products. ECO BITES The entire menu for the wedding can be organic. Opt for organic food, wines and champagnes. DRESSES Want to go green and don’t know what to wear? Go for the dress your mother once wore. Or if you want to wear something new then go for natural fibres like organic cotton or silk. You can also decorate your dresses with carnations, beads or stones. — Ashu Garg, Founder, Good Times Concepts
Seasonal bloom varieties with unusual shapes and forms in beautiful subtle hues. FOOD INSPIRATION Herbs, fruits and other edibles continue to play a supporting role in seasonal floral designs fuelled by an interest in infusing unique fragrances and textures into bouquets. Look for thorn-less blackberry, pears and pomegranates and other edible floral elements making their way into haute design and food inspired wedding florals. — Mukta Kapoor, Director, Yuna Weddings
PHOTO CREDIT: YUNA WEDDING
continue to top the wish list of style-savvy and eco-conscious couples. This trend is manifesting in many creative and innovative ways — reflecting the region, season and growing zone of the country. Today old-fashioned flowers are becoming “new” fashion favourites. It’s all about focussing on fresh seasonal flowers. The thought of incorporating common carnations or mums into a bridal bouquet makes most style-conscious brides drab. These over-used blooms had the same effect on floral designers until they discovered some of the new
Flowers
A friend always goes the extra mile to make you smile.
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Vintage magic vintage wedding trend is still going strong. It’s no surprise — there’s just something that feels so romantic about adding old-world items and antiques to your big day. Many couples opt to include family heirlooms within their décor, giving a personal touch to their vintage wedding. Sequins, lace and pearl will rock your big day. Try using some metallic or sequin colours for your decoration.
THE
Being desi every wedding needs to be elegant and classy — the kind that Audrey Hepburn would get married in. Sometimes, it’s okay to go crazy and express yourself in different ways — with all those quirks and fun ideas. So say goodbye to white roses and all the “something borrowed” messages and go desi with colour this time. The decor, outfit and those little personal additions that make your wedding a true reflection of your personality. Being Indian means using symbols that define desi chic, whether it’s decking up the scooter, auto, rickshaw or motorbike. The theme is called boho decor. It’s not about Bollywood retro either — the trend is slowly moving towards couture and artisanal. Marigolds are replaced by baby breaths and quirky prints with bold hues, chai glasses with old-school kettles, poster-ed walls with stained glass separators and embellished heels with sneakers. The hipster bride is here to stay and she’s looking her best in aviators with a gajra and a big smile. Classier bohemian world is being created — so chic! —Yuna wedding
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GOOD OLD HOLLYWOOD a huge demand for Hollywoodinspired themes. Be it Harry Potter or The Great Gatsby, these classics never go out of style, making for a perfect theme. Set in the roaring 1920s, Gatsby style is all about glitz, glamour and opulence. — Farid Khan, Director, Wedniksha
THERE’S
What’s trending in F& B? weddings are all about food and more food. Innovative, delicious and crazy. From an array of regional Indian delicacies to French finesse, a wedding spread is like a boutique experience, complete in its self.
INDIAN
CAKES It used to be a Western concept till a few years ago but now has become regular. While classic wedding cakes are delicious, you don’t have to stick to tradition. Couples are becoming more open to modern and daring designs and shying away from the really boring looking cakes. You can even do projections on them. Food meets technology. SIT DOWN Buffet is out. Classy sit-down dining is in. Cozy, comfortable and more intimate, this dining style echoes a more inclusive atmosphere. No more queues. Your guests can have a comfortable meal. SHRINK IT DOWN Miniature is the buzzword. Mini versions of your favourite meals are making a huge statement. A single meatball topped with spaghetti, a bite-sized pizza or a bite of Amritsari fish dipped in chutney are just some of the onebite options that guests are being served. FOOD ON WHEELS The only thing that can make your favourite comfort food better is if it’s served from the window of a truck. Commissioning a food truck is perfect for trendy couples who are looking for an economical yet jazzy way to feed their guests. Pizza, tacos and ice-cream are swoonworthy options for a relaxed outdoor soiree. Spruce it up for a fancier deal with a lobster or a fish and chips truck. —Wedniksha
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The invites wedding invite had a very stereotype image attached to it once with something religious on top and many sheets inside with names of family members, date, time and venue. Well things are changing and now invites are simple, practical and functional.
INDIAN
LASER CUT These basically have papers cut looking like lace or metal. You can have the classic white or ivory look or get it done in an interesting colour. THE CARD If you are the type who loves organised things, then you’re going to love this one. These include separate cards which are arranged inside the main invite like your cards in the wallet, which are super functional in case of a destination wedding, as cards can be earmarked and pulled out according to choice. GRAPHIC AND GEOMETRIC These look modern and funky. Not just with the graphics, you can play around with the shapes of the tiny cards inside like the map or the RSVP. If you’re planning a fun and colourful wedding with interesting décor, then this is a good theme to set right from the start.
POP-UPS Pop-up cards are totally ruling the weddings this season. Boxes, cut cards and even hampers come with a pop-up addition. The idea is to recreate a childhood memory with something super special. Plus, they add the cuteness factor. They come with a bunch of designs — pop-up stickers and little trinkets.
STUDIO SHOTS
Drawing up a postmillennial look for brides and grooms can be quite a challenging task given that they are more evolved and absorptive, pushing boundaries of innovation and participation. So we went back to the drawing board and consulted our top wedding designers to help us ready a lookbook. DEVI SINGH calls on them
TARUNtahiliani bride loves quality and fit and knows that style is not just what one wears but “how” one wears it. She lives in her heritage and yet is modern. She is individualistic and flexible to the changing times. The brides draw their allure and confidence from my brand — which is a modern Indian love story, and romance is at the very centre of its aesthetic. It’s all about Indian culture, craft and for all that it stands for — opulence, romance, passion, intrigue, seduction — a clever juxtaposition of tradition with modern sensibility.
MY
HOT COLOURS When it comes to the colour, there is no ‘it’ colour. Brides should only wear what suits them and what they are confident carrying off. Bridal trends are moving away from blingy and multi-coloured ensembles to a more sophisticated palette of creams, pastels, beiges and golds with red and of course pearlised summer tones. In my latest bridal collection, I have worked with an excitingly varied colour palette which includes renditions of gold, ivory, jade, red, cream, soft blush, powder blue and black. THE LOOKS Engagement: Concept saris and gowns would be an ideal choice for engagement functions. At sangeet, I would go for lehenga because there is nothing prettier than to see it in motion, twirling when people are dancing. This is where structured drapes come in. Cocktail: Dresses, gowns, light lehenga or an anarkali for the cocktail function works well as it doesn’t restrict movement. Wedding: I’m still an advocate of saris for the pheras, though now almost the entire country has switched to wearing lehengas as it is easier to sit up and get down. Reception: Either a sari or a gown looks absolutely stunning. Saris or anarkalis can be teamed with embroidered gillets or jackets and a versatile modern-day anarkali can be worn traditionally or as a gown. It’s unimaginable to see a groom in a suit sitting in a mandap. Similarly, for sangeets, being Indian is the ‘in thing’. The Indian groom has finally awakened. From paired down refinement to costumes of Royal India chic, he is fit and involved. The groom can go for chikankari kurtas with stoles, for mehendi/sangeet — pathani kurtas or bundis with dhotis and for the wedding day — basic sherwani.
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THE DOS AND DON’TS Brides should be themselves and feel beautiful by choosing what makes them feel spectacular. Choose ornate but lightweight garments. The styling shouldn’t be too overbearing, it should reflect the woman’s personal style. If you truly believe in your emancipation, you would want to look like yourself and not like someone you saw in a movie. That is the true spirit of being modern. You should wear whatever you are comfortable in and also select pieces that reflect your personal style and not follow trends blindly. MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES Normally you have very beautiful jewellery close to your face (layered necklaces, chandbalis etc) but your face is your biggest jewel and there is wonderful hair ornamentation as well. So if one has very fine tulle or sheer silk veils then it’s beautiful to be able to see through this. Always opt for chic but comfortable shoes because you never know how long you’re going to be standing for or you may want to dance all night! THE FUTURE INDIAN BRIDE The Indian of today has evolved and so have the garments. When it comes to Indian bridal wear there is a visible evolution. Once you get comfortable in Western outfits, people get used to the fit and proportion, so they start enjoying well-cut and fitted clothes which are easy to move around in. As most bridal wear revolves around couture, there is no fun in heavy clothes which restrict movement and come in the way of the wedding celebrations, hence the shift to lighter outfits is a key trend.
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RITUkumar bride will redefine elegance, adding on some fresh twists. She will be a modern princess, who will don traditional attire with contemporary elements and turn heads wherever she goes. Delicate artwork and net designs, georgette and velvet lehengas and saris will heighten her beauty. Today’s brides are modern goddesses who can carry off any outfit effortlessly and add grace and a royal flair to it.
MY
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HOT COLOURS Pastel shades like ivory, teal, baby pink, peach, mint green and lavender have the ability to suit every skin tone and add elegance to the bride’s look. Earthy colours like soft tan, lime green and sky blue are also gaining prominence while zesty colours like orange, bright yellow and burgundy add youth and brightness to the overall look. Gold and silver have always been a wedding favourite and will remain so due to their versatility and ability to pair well with any other colour.
or jewellery, she has to be at ease and happy as she will spend the entire day in the same look. A minor glitch can ruin a perfect day, so be comfortable and make sure the fit of the garment is perfect in order to accentuate one’s shape. It is understandable to want to look fashionable but don’t go overboard as today it is all about minimalism. Select pieces and colours that complement you and enhance your beauty rather than attract attention away from you. MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES o A clutch to keep your lipstick, pins, bands. o Jewellery plays an important role in accentuating a bride’s beauty, select the right jewellery that complements the outfit. o Shoes are not given much importance as they are covered by the outfit but are actually an essential piece for any look. The bride will have to spend the entire day in those shoes so it’s important for them to be comfortable and stylish. An extra pair of flat sandals also comes in handy for long events. o A bindi adds drama to one’s overall look and is the tiniest accessory that lends structure to the face. o A beautiful smile!
THE LOOKS The importance of dressing well and looking good for one’s big day is always a priority. However, during Indian weddings, it’s even more crucial. After all, it’s not just a single day but several events that are all elaborate affairs. A sangeet is an exciting and fun event where the bride can be dressed in a light lehenga or a kurti suit in pastel colours to highlight the peppy atmosphere and add some freshness to her look. For the big day, lehengas with intricate brocade and zari work look very elegant. Netted veils with simple designs work well with heavily designed lehenga bottoms and vice versa. The idea is to not go overboard with the design as it sometimes ruins the look. For the reception, a simple sari with delicate designs and a contemporary styled blouse add elegance and glamour while allowing comfort to enjoy the party for a longer time.
THE FUTURE INDIAN BRIDE The future bride is going to be chic and stylish. She will experiment with colours and tradition to bring out her inner elegance. Structured silhouettes, nets, floral motifs and designs with intricate patterns are going to be the highlight.
THE DOS AND DON’TS The most important thing for a bride is to be comfortable in whatever she wears. Whether it is the outfit, makeup, shoes
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ROHITbal thing I most enjoy is the process of making a bride feel special on her day and catering to her personal style. Having said that, this season has officially become what we call “the return to opulence” but in the most classic style. At the end of the day, a bride should express her personality and shine in her wedding attire.
THE
HOT COLOURS Being in India, red will never go out of fashion. My collection this year is mostly black which is not traditional but a style statement on its own.
THE DOS AND DON’TS The one major don’t is to wear something uncomfortable just for the sake of trend. Bridal wear is about feeling special on your wedding day. What one must do is to focus on one’s individuality and disposition, something that celebrates them on their special day.
MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES One can never define must-haves in a bridal closet. It’s not like other fashion choices and depends entirely on one’s personal style. I would say the top five accessories are maang tikkas, chandbala earrings, chokers, traditional kadas and a classic string of pearls — all because they can never go out of fashion and can be worn with anything.
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MANISHarora is bold, experimental, independent and versatile. My aim is to make every bride who wears an ‘Indian by Manish Arora’ to feel like she’s on top of her game.
SHE
THE LOOKS A bride should always keep it light during sangeet so that she can dance and enjoy without being weighed down by her clothes. The wedding and reception outfit should be heavy and this is the perfect time to play with colour and mirror work. Wear a long gown and highlight just two accessories for cocktail. Buy an outfit which can be worn in the future.
THE DOS AND DON’TS Blouses with lesser work and a heavylooking skirt or lehenga are created with light embroidery techniques to give the illusion of a rich, glorious outfit, allowing the bride to be comfortable and look beautiful.
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ANITAdongre bride is a young, confident new-age woman who embraces tradition in her own way. She chooses to wear beautiful Indian wear which bears a traditional sentiment yet is utterly comfortable.
MY
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HOT COLOURS A bright bougainvillea pink, a beautiful orange and of course, the traditional red. THE LOOKS I love coordinated looks for the wedding. It makes for a great picture when the bride, groom and their families plan the colours and ensembles. For the sangeet, I would suggest the bride and groom dress comfortably because they will be dancing. A light-printed lehenga with pockets, highlighted with gota patti handwork would look resplendent on the bride. Since it’s sangeet, a traditional look would be ideal on the groom as well. He can team a matka silk jacket with a pre-stitched dhoti. For the wedding, the bride can wear a traditional lehenga choli in jewel-toned solids with intricate gota patti and resham thread work. The groom must look distinctive — he can choose a traditional kurta and a stylish, open sherwani with detailing on the buttons, paired with a churidar. For the cocktail, the bride can wear a full-length net brocade anarkali or an elegant chiffon sari. For the groom, I suggest a smart bandi over a shirt with welltailored trousers. THE DOS AND DON’TS Simply follow your heart — wear something that is comfortable and makes you look gorgeous. Don’t overdo the jewellery and make-up or wear gaudy heavy outfits that weigh down your persona. MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES o Keeping a pair of comfortable gold wedges is smart. o Own or inherit a statement-making heirloom piece of jewellery. I personally love jadau because it’s classic. o A pretty blouse in a neutral colour can be teamed with either a lehenga, sari or silk pants. o A beautiful hand-woven Benarasi sari is stunning and timeless. o A formal clutch in a classic colour like beige or gold can be a part of the bridal trousseau. THE FUTURE INDIAN BRIDE She is beautiful and smart. She is true to her roots and enriched with well-travelled experiences. Her choices are practical yet she dares to pursue her dream — she is headstrong and decisive. Her taste in fashion is traditional, entrenched with a modern sensibility.
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HOT COLOURS Bright jewel tones in yellow and ruby red. For the ones who prefer a subdued colour palette, blushes and pale blues are the perfect choices for the season.
ANJUmodi bride is modern, graceful and unapologetic. She loves celebrating her journey of life, love, passion and commitment. She’s her own person — bold, confident and not afraid to speak her mind.
MY
THE LOOKS Couples complementing each other on colours these days is pretty cute. It shows the true spirit of companionship. Most looks depend on the personalities and choices of the partners. Grooms love to look regal without being too loud or over the top. A more kitsch and daring couple will go for a similar colour palette, with an achkan jacket, dhoti and turban for the guy and a full embroidered statement lehenga for the bride. Classic couples mostly go with contrasting or complementary colours, with silhouettes that best suit their persona. For the pre-bridal events, I will choose and recommend silhouettes that are easy to move and dance in, like anarkali kurtas and izhar sets in light shimmering colours. I encourage most brides to not shy away from different colour combinations and silhouettes on their big day. Layering and draping is key, it lifts the ensemble and gives it character. For cocktail events I recommend a clean silhouette like a crop-top and skirt, or embroidered jackets and shararas. THE DOS AND DON’TS Don’t follow trends blindly, be confident and enjoy each moment of your big day. MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES o Basic printed and structured kurtas. o Embroidered shawls and ethnic dupattas. o Printed crop tops. o Traditional saris. o A smile. THE FUTURE INDIAN BRIDE Beautiful, free, happy. Someone who sheds all conventions and is not afraid to be herself.
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blindly, wear what looks nice on you.
HOT COLOURS The colours of the season are gold, fuschia pink, royal blue and peach. THE LOOKS Brides can wear long jackets, anarkalis, heavy South Indian kanjivarams or lehengas for that old world charm. On the other hand, grooms can go for dhoti with short jackets or dogri churidar with short sherwani. For sangeet, the bride can opt for a lehenga with bandhani dupatta with gota work. Whereas the groom can be dressed in a simple black kurta pajama or a black cape with kurta inside. On the wedding day, the bride should look like a modern maharani with a nice textile look with a beautiful odhni. She should look like an old gharana bride. The groom should give out a maharaja look with nice embellishments. For cocktail, the bride can be dressed in long anarkalis or gowns. She can also go for one-shoulder gowns with western 3D flowers in colours like chocolate brown, pink or peach. The groom looks best in a smart tuxedo. THE DOS AND DON’TS The bride should be confident and comfortable. If she is not comfortable, the whole look will be spoilt. She should be relaxed and friendly as everyone’s eyes are on her. The dont’s are not to go over the top. She should not overpower herself with cakey make-up. Don’t wear coloured lenses, be natural. Another important thing to keep in mind is never follow the trends
MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES o A beautiful gold or silver clutch. o Beautiful gold or silver pair of stilettos. o Ethnic outfits for postwedding dinners. o Some beautiful Western outfits when she has to go out alone. o Light jewellery to be worn everyday.
ASHIMA-leena bride is elegant,
OUR
understated and sophisticated. She will be dressed in silhouettes with less embroidery in subdued colours. Her beauty should stand out above all without being overpowered by heavy trousseau.
THE FUTURE INDIAN BRIDE The future Indian bride will be comfortable in her skin. She would be conscious about over spending and will order an outfit which she is able to wear even after the wedding. She will look simple and elegant, the heavy look will be out.
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SAMANTchauhan bride is a sorted person, who carries the dress with fine dignity. She should not struggle with something uncomfortable killing her moment.
MY
HOT COLOURS The colours of the season are coral and mint with a touch of gold.
heavy the next day — the wedding. For the reception, embellished gowns could be the best option.
THE LOOKS For sangeet, one could wear long kurtas with skirts or shararas or something which is flowy so that it does not have much weight. The bride anyway has to wear something
THE DOS AND DON’TS Be comfortable, confident and enjoy the rhythm with all your heart. Don’t go for heavy things. No heavy jewellery or accessories. Go for a subtle look.
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MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES o Wide leg trousers o Brooches o Bangles o Maang tikas o Jhumkas THE FUTURE INDIAN BRIDE She would look like a soul that is much into liveliness and keen on enjoying her wedding day.
EKRU: RUCHIRAkandhari & EKTAjaipuria Ekru bride is confident and sophisticated who is in touch with her heritage and has a global perspective. The brides are more experimental with colours, fabrics, cuts and embroideries.
An
HOT COLOURS The colours for this bridal season are magenta, marsala, pink, peach, gold, green and blue. THE LOOKS For mehendi the bride can wear either a heavily embellished floor length anarkali or lehenga with a long kurti. For wedding she can go for a traditional lehenga with modern cuts and embroideries and threadwork which releases a sense of sophistication and has the right amount of oomph to catch everyone’s attention. For the cocktail, wear an embroidered silk, crepe, chiffon or georgette sari with a beautiful blouse. THE DOS AND DON’TS Coordinate a colour scheme with the groom for a better picture. Wear colours which complement your body type. Make sure to do complete trials with outfits, makeup and jewellery before the wedding day. MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES o Crystal bindis are a new twist to the traditional look. o Maang tika is the new fad with the Indian brides accentuating their look. o Dainty and embellished clutch bags go very well with the look while carrying the bride’s make up essentials. o Armlets or baajubands give a very traditional look to the ensemble. THE FUTURE INDIAN BRIDE The Indian bride in future would be more experimental with designs, cuts, colours and textures. She might even consider including black and white in her bridal attire. She will break stereotypes and carry her outfits with more confidence and élan.
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THE WHITE WEDDING KARLEO KARANberry & LEONEvaz bride is someone who has been dreaming about her wedding since she’s been a little girl and we help in making her dream come true.
OUR
HOT COLOURS Ivory is the primary colour but these days brides are willing to experiment. So we have used colors like dove, dirty rose, champagne, butter, silver white, pear and even black. THE LOOKS Bridal look depends on the personality of the bride, right from preppy to whimsical to the classic bride. We’ve created each piece differently keeping her character in mind. For a pre-wedding, we’d like to make something which is a bit sexy and naughty at the same time. A short dress would be ideal while trying to incorporate an element from her wedding theme. For the main day it would be a ball gown with a veil and for the reception it would be a slick fit and flare gown in a deep colour.
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MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES o White gold strappy heels. o Pearl studs. o Day to evening cocktail dress. o Grey short dress. o Classic gold or silver watch.
THE DOS AND DON’TS o Make sure that all your essentials and accessories are in order, your gown should be hanging without the gown bag a night before for it to settle in well. o Carry a pair of extra shoes because by the end of it you will need to change into comfortable shoes. o Jewellery can sometimes weigh you down. After you are done with the main part of the wedding, you can change into something lighter, so it is always advisable to have an extra set. o Do not carry a clutch, it’s that added piece of accessory which is not needed. It doesn’t add an extra element to your outfit. The less extra you have to carry the better it is.
THE FUTURE INDIAN BRIDE The Western silhouettes are becoming an integral part of an Indian bride’s look now. Brides get so exhausted wearing Indian clothes through the various events that they want to wear a different silhouette to look and feel different and can have a variation in their wedding pictures. Besides, people are so well-travelled now that the influence of the West is seen not only through their clothing but even at their weddings.
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VOICE TEST Brides today are no longer demure or willing to conform to stereotypes. They are confident, decisive and mistresses of their destiny. Exotica presents three such real-life brides, who are proactive about what they want out of life and yet keen on continuing traditions. Presenting the new-age brides
My choice,
my
life The second timer Chencho Sherin Thomas have always been a lousy decision maker; whether agreeing to get married to a total stranger at 20 or leaving a well-paid job and a seven-year-old son to pursue studies abroad, my decisions have always been, what others would say “a little crazy.” And more than once I had to bear the brunt. Eleven months ago, when I decided to ditch my decade-long single mother ‘dom’ and get married to another unfamiliar person, I doubted my sanity even. Why now? Many asked me, why say yes to an arranged set-up? All I could mumble was he sounded alright in the FB chat. It was embarrassing to admit that Chencho, the proud envoy of the modern woman, who once haughtily declared to her parents “no more arranged marriages,’ was complying with the same system which made her a single mother at 22. I was happy with my life to even bother looking for the perfect man (and I must say there’s no such thing as a perfect man). But women’s
I
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instincts are always right. It was one of those days during which I was brooding over the purposeless life I was leading in the Middle East (product of another crazy decision taken overnight), when my friend brought up the topic of marriage (believe me, she might be the hundredth person who has done that in the past 11 years). From experience, I knew my family is not the best to rely on for matrimonial matters, even though they strive for my happiness more than any friend. She said she knew someone who would be perfect for me. And it could be boredom or curiosity that made me look him up. And it had struck me that he was my Facebook friend for years and my mom’s friend had brought the same proposal last year. The bare minimum details given on his Facebook profile told me he did the same course as mine in the same college, only two years later. “A junior, no way” was my immediate reaction. But sooner than later, I was saying hello to him over the phone. He sounded mature, at least more mature than me. He was genuinely interested in my 11-year-old; he always remembered to include him in the small conversations we had; he cared enough to call up my parents and ask for their permission, and some-
how he convinced me to meet him during one of my trips home. And I did and so did my son who took to him right away. We got engaged soon after. Within six months, I, barely a five-foot-two, got married to the six-foot-two, huge man in a small ceremony held in Thiruvananthapuram. The decision was instant and I would like to say “an instant hit.” The wedding was anything but grand. While our man, being a staunch Christian, wanted a church wedding I, an agnostic most times, insisted on a registered office marriage and he didn’t object. Men have little say in wedding matters anyways. We both chose the simplest of attires, him, an off-white kurta with a tint of gold from Fabindia and me, an off-white crêpe saree studded with pearls and a dull golden border from one of those street shops in Mumbai. It was my conscious decision to not wear gold on the occasion; Instead, I chose golden jhumkas, a lovely pearl necklace and two bangles bought from one of those artificial jewellery shops in Kochi. The only pricey item I had on could be my Aldo shoes. But it all felt right. Today, after six months into the marriage, I can convincingly say that my crazy decision gave my son a doting father and me a caring partner.
Motherhood can wait like Lily Allen, you know you’ll be pregnant at your wedding, how do you prepare for the big day? Or perhaps you’ve had everything perfectly planned up until now, and surprise, surprise, you’re pregnant! Whatever the circumstances are, rest assured you can be a gorgeous pregnant bride. Nimisha Dhawan, who has been there done that, says there is no reason to sweat or fuss. “Just steer clear of fussy styles or complicated cuts, hemlines, necklines and scratchy underskirts. Stick to classic styles such as the empire line — this is the most flattering shape as it skims baby bumps, rather than clinging to them. I wore a ravishing Sabyasachi and nobody could make out a thing.” On her wedding day, though the to-be-mom glow upped her profile, she took care of minor things. “Drink plenty of water and allow yourself a little sit-down breaks for every 20 minutes you’re on your feet. Use this time to sit and chat with your guests. Let your bridesmaids/new husband/relatives do all the fussing around and step back as much as you possibly can. Make sure you’ve pregnancy-friendly food and drinks for you to enjoy. Try and keep as cool as possible. Perhaps change into something more comfortable after the wedding ceremony. If you can’t bear to take off your beloved dress, remove anything that could cause aches and pains, like heeled shoes, heavy tiara or veil. If anybody catches you not drinking the ceremonial champagne, just say you want to remember the wedding in the morning. Keep some comfort food around. You can always blame your need for it to stress.”
IF,
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The corporate strutter Sangeeta belong to Kerala and lived in Singapore. Satpal is Sindhi and from Hong Kong. When we arrived in India on our new headquarter assignments, we were not even acquaintances. Gradually we came to know each other through the food zone circuit where both of us, being foodies, joined to know and discover the flavours and character of Mumbai. It's true that love happens at the most unexpected of places. Eventually our food for love became love for each other. Then we began to meet everyday at one of the other food zones. We mostly spoke about the introcacies of world cuisine and many delectable discussions later we decided to get married. As we both had hectic work schedules, it was difficult to arrange everything quickly. We both chose Bengaluru as the venue as it was convenient for both of our families. We opted for a simple but traditional style wedding. Call us corporate bridezillas, but we cannot sit in the parlour, day-dreaming. We’d love to though. We are in back-toback meetings, making a mental note of what all still needs to be done , we are making presentations and budgets while preparing the shopping list and like it or not, we have our decided choices simply because they are more doable and practical. Both of us assigned the nitty-gritties to a wedding planner to save time and trust me they know their job. At the very first instance, she understood what we needed and showed us a vintage summer house with a well laid-out garden. She assured us that our wedding was going to be one of the most memorable days of our life. I remember what she told me. “It is important to remove as much stress from that day as you possibly can. I can give you the peace of mind of waking up on your wedding day with only one purpose — to enjoy it!” While the wedding decor and logistics were taken care of, we just needed a professional wedding photographer to spin beautiful memories. We hired one through a colleague's referral ! My advice for women who are working and can’t take an extra day off apart from the wedding dates is make a flow chart. Time management is crucial, you will have the evenings and weekends to do it all — shop, window shop, socialise. Leave the rest to the wedding planner. Just make sure you are getting the value for money. — As told to Priyanka Joshi
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PHOTO: NISHAL LAMA
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C U LT U R A L C R O S S R O A D
Magical
Mandu established in 600 BC as a fortified city, Mandu saw its moment of glory under King Bhoj and then during Muslim rule. Its fortunes rose during the reign of the Afghans and with the rise of the Khiljis, it became an important centre of power in central India. It exchanged hands between the Sultan of Gujarat and Mughals and for a brief time was ruled by Baz Bahadur before being finally conquered by the armies of Akbar. From here, it maintained its importance to an extent till the capital of Malwa was shifted to Dhar by the Marathas, bringing an end to the Muslim rule. Though in ruins today, this once magnificent city remains one of the priceless specimens of Afghan architecture in India. The fabulous five in Mandu: Hoshang Shah’s tomb: India’s first marble structure, its beautiful proportioned dome and intricate lattice work it lends its identity. Jami Masjid: Its inspiration was drawn from the great mosque of Damascus and was conceived on a grand scale. Asharfi Mahal: This structure was to be an academic institute by Mahmud Shah Khilji who was Hoshang Shah’s successor. Jahaz Mahal: Built between two artificial lakes —
FIRST
Its walls, bricks and love stories have made Mandu one of the most visited places in the country Munj Talab and Kapur Talab — this one is a reflection of medieval resort. Hindola Mahal: Its sloping side walls have lent it the name ‘swinging palace’ which was constructed as an audience hall initially. Its delicate trellis work in sandstone and moulded columns make it a sight to see. Mandu is synonymous with the love stories of Baz Bahadur and Roopmati with many architectural witnesses. One such is the Rewa Kund which was an aqueduct to provide Roopmati’s palace with water. Overtime this spot has gained religious sanctity. A few more monuments in Mandu need mention for their architectural merit — Nilkanth — the Shiva shrine at the very edge of a deep gorge was a palace made for Emperor Akbar’s Hindu wife. The most important feature of this palace is the inscription belonging to the time of Emperor Akbar which point to the futility of material world.
GETTING THERE Air: The nearest airport is Indore Rail: The nearest railhead is at Indore STAYING THERE Malwa Resort: 07292-263235/8349994782 Malwa Retreat: 07292-263221/8349994783 Toll Free Tourist Helpline:18002337777
COUTURE PICK
artiste in Rohit Bal loves looking at a crystal ball. Not for looking into the future though. An avid student of history and a classicist in mind, Bal is rescuing a glorious past of Europe and threading it into our future with an Indian leitmotif. Couturier ROHIT BAL has put his Yes, he has unfurled an unparalleled range of heart and soul into his crystalware signature crystalware and shown that an Indian has a comparable sense of global luxury too. collection. This is one gift of legacy you “Yet it was all there as part of our being. Didn’t we should consider. By RINKU GHOSH grow up with the lovely crystal jug that our grandmother kept on a crochet mat? I was fascinated by stained glass windows and Belgian mirrors all along. I have travelled extensively at home and abroad to get a sense of our luxurious living traditions, which linked civilisations. I have seen the relics in the old mansions of Calcutta. I have been collecting crystals and glass for as long as I can remember and so
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when an opportunity came my way to design a collection, I went ahead. And I am proud of what has come out because this has literally been a labour of love,� Bal tells us, walking us past his displays at Bikaner house. Anybody who knows the generous host that he is will remember how particular he is about serving the right wine in the right crystalware at his home. Even if it means searching high and low and turning the house upside down. And yes he has the best of the world, from the jewel-encrusted to the coloured, from the simple-elegant to the baroque, in his possession.
when he met Anton Matulcik from Slovakia, a former diplomat turned private businessman keen on rescuing the glassware factories of his country, things fell into place. Long-time friend Omer Haider from Showhouse joined hands and the deal was sealed. Matulcik, who had served in India, knew that this was an emerging market along with the highspending Indian diaspora. He realised that the crystal line would find takers in the everexpanding wedding and luxury market. He just needed an Indian grammar. And who better than
SO
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Rohit Bal, who is venturing into the luxury gifting space with Rohit Bal Luxury Weddings. The two partners indulged his creativity given his nose for perfection, be it as a designer, artist, revivalist, book lover or even a food connoisseur (yes, he can scent out pine nuts in a soup just as sharply he can rate a wine). Most importantly, they tapped into his innate Indianness. Each item on display — from wine glasses, champagne flutes, whisky decanters, tea cups, vases, urns, platters, salvers and fruit bowls — has his trademark lotus, engraved, etched and plated. Bal travelled for two years in Slovakia and Czech Republic, making Bratislava his temporary home. Over three weeks, he visited factories which produce the world’s best quality crystal, hand-cut and handcrafted. “I sat and saw through every single piece of
my collection, from glass-blowing to finish,” the artiste told us, learning every detail and acquiring all-new skills. “Crystal with at least 24 per cent lead has a higher refractive index and reflects more light than glass. Crystal is also easier to engrave, producing a flat decoration, or cut, which gives a three-dimensional effect. You may wonder that the geometric diamond cuts are done by some tool and machine but all the craftsmen did were swing the globular glass from side to side. They seemed to know the arc, the angle of the tilt and the rhythm of the hand motion genetically. Every cut comes with a mathematical precision. You cannot beat thousands of years of tradition. And these were women doing it,” Bal tells us excitedly, his eyes gleaming with passion.
CRYSTALWARE ORIGINATED IN BOHEMIA IN NORTHERN CZECHOSLOVAKIA AT THE TIME OF THE CELTS, ABOUT 2,000 YEARS AGO. IT GAINED INDUSTRY LEVEL MOMENTUM IN THE 13TH AND 14TH CENTURIES Crystalware originated in Bohemia in northern Czechoslovakia at the time of the Celts, about 2,000 years ago. It gained industry level momentum in the 13th and 14th centuries. In the last 40 years, cristalleries extended into Slovakia, the southern republic. “Now there are about 12 to 15 factories,” Matulcik tells us. The gold and platinum edges and bases of vases are the purest that can be. “I saw how they got a raised gilding, the glossy golden and the matte effect by firing and re-firing in the crucible. And at unbelievably high temperatures, the pure essence of gold sort of gets infused in the crystal itself, as if the most precious core of the metal is sealed in for posterity,” Bal says, recalling his days of sitting for hours at kilns. He has even innovated with the traditional cuts and engravings, breaking the similarity by handpainting lotus on glass.
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BAL IS A PURIST, NOT AN ECCENTRIC AND BELIEVES IN LUXURY BEING A PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE. HE HAS A PRET LINE OF WINE AND PUNCH GLASSES, ALONGSIDE HIS COUTURE LINE OF STATEMENT PIECES
So taken in is Bal by his latest creations that he designed the inverted gaslight-type casings for display, even the stands. In the focussed soft lights, the scalloped edges rise and fall in tiny waves, the facets bounce off each other’s reflection, lending a depth and density to each piece. The lotus laces up the edges, cascades as a stringy mass on glass and makes a bold statement with each petal, ridged and curved, in a giant bowl. straight-lined single-blown wine glasses (without joins) are a steal, regal and contemporary at the same time. Come to think of it, perhaps crystalware would not have gone to eccentric extremes had it not been for India. Baccarat, which relied almost exclusively on commissions from royalty, nobility and heads of state, made a gargantuan chandelier for the Maharaja of Gwalior. He commissioned the piece first, then built an entire palace around it, simply to show it off. When the ceiling collapsed, he called for it to be rebuilt, this time testing its strength
THE
first by suspending an elephant from it! Bal is a purist, not an eccentric and believes in luxury being a part of everyday life, no matter how small. So he has a pret line of wine and punch glasses, flutes and tableware alongside his couture line of statement pieces. They have 10 per cent lead. “Each piece has been made by a single person and the intricate ones have taken up to a month. Nevertheless I have priced a priceless effort,” the designer tells us. His heart is in the right place. The best part? He does it at an individual level. Without waiting for anybody.
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OUR TIME
[1] [6]
[2]
[5]
therapy [3]
[4]
Massages are sexy but you can heat up the ‘us-time’ better with these
[1] Make a Playlist: Get sexy with your music. Put together a mix of music to fit the locale — a selection of reggae or Latin or even sultry French numbers. [2] Adventurous activity: Go for a long bicycle ride, take a scuba diving trip or zip line through the jungle. Simply put, when pushed outside of your comfort zone, your brain releases endorphins that can elevate your mood and senses. [3] Go dancing: Hit the dance floor together more often. Dancing is a great precursor to other sensual activities. Find a spot relatively crowded, so there’s no need to feel self-conscious.
[4] Order in: Your honeymoon gives you a great excuse to hang out in your room and order in. Try a meal that includes at least one classic aphrodisiac like oysters, avocados or asparagus and don’t miss the wine. [5] Read a steamy book: For some adult-only reading that will most likely keep you up rather than putting you two to sleep. [6] Wear a new piece of lingerie every day: Bring different pieces for each night of the honeymoon. Think of themes or even just different colours to help you plan it out.
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GROOMING TIPS
Some beauty buzzwords every bride should know CUT CREASING: This striking look is created using all neutral shades. It makes your eyes look bigger and sexier. It also lifts the hooded eyes. Simply cut a fine line across the crease of the eyelid with a dark pencil and blend into the eyeshadow.
MULTIMASKING: This new Instagram skin care craze is simply unbelievable. Multi-masking gives you multiple treatments all at once. Apply charcoal mask to avoid the breakouts.
NEGATIVE SPACE NAIL ART: It is an incredibly versatile design which looks fantastic in all shades and can be done in any pattern. Just leave a strip or shape unpainted so the lacquer appears to be floating against a naked nail.
FLAVE: PUNS: The flat iron can create waves with a straightener but can’t quite master them in a ‘flawless’ way. The undone waves gives your hair some texture without the volume. Simply plait your hair and run a flat iron over it for those cool beachy waves.
The ponytail-bun is a sleek yet messy bun. Basically it’s a sophisticated version of a low knot. Pull your hair in a ponytail, divide them in two sections, tie into a knot and wrap it around itself. Give a messy look by pulling out the ends.
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L AGOON SPREAD
Wonder lake From migratory birds to rare animal species, Chilka Lake in Odisha has a lot to offer vast lake along the eastern coast of Odisha with beautiful islands, flamingoes wading in the shallow waters and the air echoing with the chirping of birds from as far as the Caspian Sea — this is only a glimpse of the breath-taking beauty of Chilika lake. Asia’s largest brackish water estuarine lake, Chilika sprawls over an area of 1,100 sq km covering parts of three districts of Odisha — Puri, Khurda and Ganjam. It is one of the major tourist attractions and has remained a favourite destination for tourists from across the world. Bird-watchers or nature-lovers, young or old, Chilika has a lot to offer to everyone. Being a major tourist destination, the place has all arrangements for the comfort of its guests. The floating restaurant in the lake at Barkul offers leisure at business. Similarly Rambha and Satapada are two other sites around Chilika where the visitors can experience infinite pleasure.
A
Satapada About 50 km from Puri, Satapada is nestled on the eastern shore of the lake. The Irrawady dolphins are the major attraction of Satapada. One can take a leisurely stroll or spend hours along the endless stretch of the unexplored beach across the sand bar. The blue waters of Chilika and the sea and the silence pervading the atmosphere can give an unforgettable experience. Interested tourists can also contact the forest beat house for having a camp there.
GETTING THERE Air: Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport. Rail: The Kolkata-Chennai rail route of East Coast Railway Road: The Chennai bound NH5 runs along the lake. Buses and taxis to Chilika are available at Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Puri and Berhampur
Manikapatna A village named after Manika, a milkmaid who had supposedly sold yogurt to Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra when they were on their way to Kanchi in the disguise of soldiers. Apart from this interesting folklore, this place is also known for the temple of Bhabakundaleswar Shiva which exists along with a mosque. Lake Rambha An ideal place to visit the most beautiful islands in Chilika. Beacon island, located 3 km from Rambha presents an architectural marvel with a conical pillar and a small room constructed on a submerged mass of rock near Ghantasila hill.
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SHOPPING TIPS
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Semi pendant light by Gubi. Price on request. Champagne glass by DIG Imperial. Price on request. Trafalgar Tealight holder by Linley. Price: `5,753
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So what should you get the happy couple? Some interesting ideas
Good Earth side plate. Price: `1,200 t t t t
Trunk by Casa Paradox. Price on request.
Christian Lacroix Sol Y Sombra teapot. Price on request.
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Corneliani cufflinks in palladium. Price: `21,000
DEVIEHL Mundo Nova Espresso Cup. Price on request.
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Floral printed cushions by Anna Simona. Price: `1,469
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Matrimonial human chair by Tucker Robbins. Price on request.
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Metal vase by Fabindia. Price `1,390
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Decorative tray from the home décor collection by Falana Dhimkana. Price on request.
‘One Touch Gold’ charcoal grill by Weber. Price on request.
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Frazer and Haws ashtray. Price: `51,700 Mosharbiya table finished with Lacquer t t glass and Moorish jali work. Price: `1,25,000
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t t
WOMEN POWER
A new
wave Mahila E-Haat — an online marketplace-is boosting economic growth for women entrepreneurs woman who makes copper vessels in the city of Tirupati can now sell the products online, having access to plenty of buyers across the globe. Thanks to “Mahila E-Haat”, an online marketing platform launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to support women entrepreneurs, self-help groups and NGOs. “Mahila E-Haat” is an initiative for meeting aspirations and needs of women entrepreneurs. It is aimed at leveraging technology for showcasing
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products made, manufactured and sold by women entrepreneurs. SHGs, NGOs can also showcase services reflecting their creative potential. The USP of this platform is facilitating direct contact between the vendor and buyer. It is easy to access as the entire business of e-haat can be handled through a mobile. The vendor can be approached by the buyer in person and over phone. Details of the products, services with
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photographs along with self-certification of quality of the vendors are available on the portal. Goods and services displayed and transacted through this portal should not be illegal and contraband as defined in various Acts such as Customs, Wildlife among others. There are 17 categories of products displayed on the portal, including clothing, bags, fashion accessories, jewellery, decorative and gift items. It also includes home décor, carpets, rugs, foot mats, baskets, pottery, organic products, file folders and industrial products. There are approximately 1,350 products and services apart from new ones being continuously added with 12.75 lakh visitors visiting the portal. Mahila E-Haat has been launched by taking on board around 10,000 SHGs and impacting approximately 1.25 lakh beneficiaries. It will be continuously upgraded. The basic criteria to become part of the initiative are that the participant must be an Indian woman citizen above 18 years of age working with SHG, NGO or women-led enterprises.
The unique features of Mahila E-Haat: E-learning services: Visitors to the site can get first- hand information about Mahila E-Haat by clicking the power point slides available on the portal. The Pitara “hamari baat” conversations — Under
Vision: Empower and strengthen financial inclusion of women entrepreneurs by providing continued sustenance and support to their creativity. Mission: Act as a catalyst by providing a webbased marketing platform to women entrepreneurs and directly sell to the buyers. Goal: Support ‘Make in India’ through digital marketing platform.
this, stories of human interest, poems, Home remedies and interesting facts are obtained from different sources. The vendors, buyers and viewers can send their story to the portal through feedback form. Services such as tailoring, mehendi and web designing are made available. To give visibility and generate awareness at the request of MWCD, links have been given to Mahila E-haat by major Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and nationalised banks on their websites. This has tremendously expanded the visibility of E-haat. For example, if a ticket is purchased from the IRCTC website, the Mahila E-Haat icon can be seen, which makes the visitors aware about the portal. Since its launch, some of the vendors have already secured orders and queries for their products. The different products and services have also got good hits and visits. There are also awareness workshops which have been organised with the vendors, those already existing and the ones who have shown interest to become part of the portal. Appropriate interventions, skilling, capacity-building, training and technology upgradation at the grassroots level have also been planned. Mahila E-Haat with its unlimited potential will soon become a catalyst in creating a new generation of businesswomen.
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SPA SPY
Unwind before the
knot UNCORK THE GLOW Woo, Pullman Aerocity say when tired, have a glass of wine. And it’s not something that rings hollow. We all know the quelling effects the wine has on us, especially the red. Not just a nerve settler, red varietals are also beauty enhancers. No wonder, the beauty and wellness centres today are offering several wine treatments. Known to accelerate healing and stimulate new cell growth, vinotherapy is not exactly an emerging spa trend, just a little
THEY
Radiance is not an everyday affair. Wrong. If you are the last-minute bride or groom, do not sweat about looking your best on D-Day. EXOTICA picks out some of the best instant and equally effective spa rituals in town
recherché, and we experience this one at Woo, Pullman Aerocity. As we take in the placid character of this bijou spa, not too huge and just fine, we are served grapeseed juice — an antioxidant. After the sweet tannin concoction, we head to our room with a familiar-looking therapist waiting for us, grinning ear to ear. The 90-minute soporific therapy starts with a full body massage with grapeseed oil acting as a precursor to the actual treatment. It softens and prepares the skin for the next round of massage. After the oil goes in deep and is fully absorbed, we are given a rest of 10 minutes. It’s now the turn of the ultimate mixture — black grapes imported from an Australian vineyard, some rice powder and honey. We catch a sweet whiff of grapes as our therapist works her magic spreading and kneading the body polish into the skin. The black grapes — the mystery varietal as told to us by the affable spa director — are flown in from some green lands in Australia. Our guess being, the pinot noir though we don’t really understand the secrecy here. The anti-oxidants in red wine promote tissue elasticity creating a more youthful appearance. But don’t even think red wine will give you
those enviable red cheeks. That is only wishful thinking. After a rest of 10 minutes, it’s now time for hot water shower — no gels whatsoever — the idea is to remove the extra grape roughage. As we dab-dry ourselves, we can feel the smoothness everywhere. But we wonder relaxing in a jacuzzi filled with red wine would have been another level of indulgence. But then again it’s not that costeffective, just think how many litres of wine you will need to soak in? Some wine for thought maybe? Once again and for the final time we stretch out on the massage table surrendering to Marina, our gentle and effective therapist, to moisturise the body with aloe vera gel. The ritual comes to a close by a glass of red wine and a small talk, of course. The domestic label, better left unmentioned, is the only thing we don’t appreciate. But the treatment leaves us feeling pampered and refreshed on a generic level. We wouldn’t really categorise it as one of the best but suffice to say, it’s a good start. If you want to try the basics of a wine treatment or want to know what vinotherapy is all about then look no further and head for this one. Let your skin drink the elixir of life after all. — Devi Singh
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HOME-GROWN MASK Shringar, Vivanta by Taj, Surajkund products might help in creating the illusion of a younger-looking skin but ultimately it’s the more holistic approach that works deep into the pores. Jiva at Vivanta by Taj, Surajkund, goes traditional with its bridal prep. Nestled in the lap of Aravalli, we soak in the view with a glass of detoxifying drink made of jaggery, lime and basil. The Shringar is not only a 120-minute pamper session but a ready reckoner of traditional rituals. The spa started with a wet sauna, opening up the pores leading to a temporary cleansing of the skin. After the sauna session, we headed to the bridal room, Sangam, clearly intended for some couple therapy with two adjacent beds. The room is meant for both bride and the
COSMETIC
groom and, therefore, has two beds. With the sounds of birds chirping and ducks quacking, we are welcomed with Aukshan, a traditional blessing for peace, prosperity and a long life. This is followed by a traditional ubtan ceremony, a full body exfoliation with herbs and lentil paste symbolic of leaving behind an old life and preparing for the new. After this, they bathe us with milk and rose petals. The process soothes the skin and seals in the goodness. The bath is followed by an hour-long aromatherapy, a leisurely hot water bath and the final blessing of the bride with saffron, a kajal tika and a set of bangles. Once we are done inside out, they offer us a plate full of apples and a detoxifying drink. To new beginnings. — Unnati Joshi
QUICK FIX Sheraton, New Delhi if you are a really busy bride, chasing deadlines at the last moment? Just drop in for the pri-bridal magic treatment at Sheraton. It starts with de-tanning, a natural exfoliant and a hydrating body massage. Hands and feet are given special attention, followed by a facial to improve skin tone, texture and suppleness. The luxury element comes with cellular oxygen treatment that infuses oxygen into your pores to heal, nourish and strengthen the skin from within. We start with 20 minutes of steam which removes toxins and cleanses the body at a very bearable temperature, lest you stress out over the heat and sweltering. Then the masseuse exfoliates
WHAT
our body with a scrub packed with the goodness of almonds, walnut granules and vitamin E-enriched creams. Good for sensitive skin because the granules don’t grate or dry you out. Brides can also opt for detox treatments including dry body exfoliation and clay cocoon. It ends with a massage of pure almond oil which helps relax sore points and release endorphines. Another treatment is the skin solutions facial where the therapist cleanses the lips, face and décolleté with a cleansing cream. This is followed by an exfoliating scrub. After rinsing, they apply a thin layer of Hydravive mask for 20 minutes which is followed by a screen of SPF 30. — Priyanka Joshi
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SUFI MAGIC The Imperial dropping from marble fountains, slow Indian instrumental music wafting in the breeze and away from the hustle bustle of the city, we sign up at The Imperial Spa, one of the most elegant spas of Delhi. We are welcomed with a glass of fresh pomegranate and cranberry juice. Among the many choices of rituals, we choose the signature Imperial Balance massage, a composite groom package in the busy season. The ritual begins with a steam bath, after which we are taken to one of the nine mini-treatment rooms of the spa, Jaipur, for a full body massage. We realise soon enough that the interiors and channel music do half the job of relaxing and soothing you. Once I slip into nothingness, the masseur chooses a Sufi organic oil, Rumi, meant to make you surrender to your innate senses. A 40-minute, home-made body scrub and a warm shower later, we get on with the oil massage. The oil oozes out all the tightness through the pores while the aroma floats up my nose and eyes.....and then sound sleep. I am awakened by the sound of manjira. A shower and hot ginger tea later, the world doesn’t seem too bad a place.
WATER
NOURISHED HAIR Silhouette, Claridges hair and beauty salon, Silhouette, has moved to Claridges after years of having served patrons at The Oberoi. The salon has been around for so long now that at least three generations of people have been visiting for a quick cut, colour and pruning (and everything else). But it is among the best groom hops in town. We choose Argon Oil hair spa, body and shoulder massage and face cleansing. We settle in a plush chair with a view of the poolside, as the Argon Oil deep hair massage begins. You can almost feel generous amounts of oil nourishing your pressure points so to speak. Just 15 minutes and it feels all ills of the world have flown away. You would have shut your eyes by the time of the shoulder and body massage. While you wait for the wash, you can opt for some face cleansing and scrubbing. Hot tip: Use a hot wipe to clean the face as it helps in opening the pores and daub out the oil gathering in them. The salon hands then put me through an organic, Brickell Face Wash and scrub, the best there is to soften up shaved skin. After the hair wash, I follow up with Argon Oil conditioner for deeply cleaning the hair and the scalp. Then top it with a post-wash serum called Finale, for smoothening and shine. — Jigyasu Joshi
THE
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NOT JUST A PAD,
BUT MY
SPACE
For young couples, a first home has graduated from being functional to becoming an ad for their shared existence. Designers are encashing this new breed of home-makers
curved or a wave sofa, a rug with a flowing lattice motif, pendant chandeliers, young couples are much more specific about micro-detailing as well as about macro reorganisation, breaking down walls and making new ones, in their first homes. Decorating a marital home is nothing less than a soulful exercise and has over the years risen on the priority ladder. It is also a pop statement of a new life, of having arrived in society and making a worthy asset investment. Sonu Sudhakaran, a photo agent in Mumbai, never went out shopping for even a bedroom mirror as a bachelor. But he has lavished lakhs of rupees on his new home post-marriage. “When I was a bachelor I was not specific about choosing furniture. Now from dressing table to the mirror,
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from the wardrobe to the dining table, everything is chosen with our sense of aesthetics”, says Sonu. It’s not just married couples who are expressing their oeuvre through their homes. Rachana Renukumar, a recruitment coordinator in Bangalore, who is going to tie the knot in December, has already listed the ideas running in her mind. “I would like to design my house as spaciously as possible so that it has positive vibes and enough light. It should look lively and inspire me to want to come back to it. I have a collection of souvenirs from my extensive travels around the globe. I love artefacts related to history and own a healthy collection of that as well. They have to be arranged thematically in the new house”, says Rachana. Rachana, whose fiancé is working in a tea estate in Darjeeling, is planning to move to a rented house in Bengaluru after the wedding.
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CUSTOMISED INTERIORS this has meant a profusion of customising apartments and designer consultants. Says Surya Kiran, owner/partner at InX Interiors, Bengaluru, “Newly-weds never tighten their purse strings when it comes to doing up their homes. On an average, they spend up to `10 to 15 lakh to beautify their new homes. In case of those who buy houses worth over a crore, it could go up to `30 lakh. If the furniture has to be made in solid wood, rather than plywood, the budget would scale up further. Newly-weds mostly prefer contemporary and modern furniture and have not yet developed the zeal for
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classic furniture. They want the house to be simple but neat and the wall to be painted with bright colours. As a designer, an attitude to ‘just get the work done’ would cost me my career. The new generation is well-read, travels a lot and collects things that satisfy their aesthetic preferences. Since they are regular cyber users, they have got a clear idea about their needs and insist upon getting things done exactly the way they wish. They insist on a global standard and force us to learn new things. Women are more creative in their suggestions.” So what are the decor trends? “Newly-weds these days prefer cutting edge style along with
comfort but at reasonable prices. They want optimum output from everything, even furniture and décor”, says Yukta Mathur, editor, Housefull.com, an online furniture retail store. “Keeping latest trends and buying habits in mind, newly-married couples are looking for a combination of looks, utility and value. For instance, the living room is now adorned with a comfortable, yet stylish seating arrangement. Elements such as a centre table with storage and ottomans are becoming popular as they consume lesser space and offer much panache and utility. Rugs are also high on the trend meter as they easily add a character to the space”, she adds. Aditya Gupta, founder, The Furniture Republic, feels home is the first expression of a mutually invested couple. “It makes a lot of sense to make the home as comfortable as possible to enjoy each other’s company forever. Interiors, specifically for newly-weds, include a dressing table, closet, mirrors, wet bars, combined bathroom and elegant furnitures. The master bedroom combo comes in a variety of styles such as traditional and contemporary. After the drawing and living room spaces this is one room of substance where you will find a play of solid wood and metals,” he says.
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THE YOUNG & ASPIRATIONAL Gujral Ansal of Casa Pop began this line only to tap into the quirky moods of youngsters. She suggests her Nest of Tables made with engineered wood, embellished with faux leather trimmings and decorated with graphics, digitally printed on cotton poly blend canvas, for newlyweds. Her Robinson Writing Desk, digitally printed on teak in a high gloss lacquer finish with chair upholstered in velvet and satin silk with brass studs, is luxury and boho chic rolled into one, though priced at `4.5 lakh. The Malachite Dinner Plate takes inspiration
RASEEL
from the stimulating malachite stone, given its graphic texture and colour tone. The Easter Egg Hunt Breakfast Table with digital graphics on wood and framed in high-gloss brass has also had pickups among the just married. Decor by itself is not the only criteria. There has to be a strong element of functionality. As Harvinder Singh, president, USHA Sewing Machines and Appliances, Usha International, says, “Newly-wed couples prefer products that, of course, ease out their life and add to dĂŠcor. They prefer technology-enabled products that meet many purposes. Millennials prefer kitchen
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appliances that retain nutrition, can be used for multi-purpose cooking, require less supervision while cooking and minimal possible efforts to clean. With evolving lifestyles, there are many innovations introduced by companies that help replace multiple small appliances from kitchen shelves.” USHA InfinitiCook Halogen Oven 360R combines nine functions; it can bake, roast, grill, thaw, slow cook, barbeque, braise, toast, air dry and air fry. According to him, most appliance purchases are also done from the quick, easy and healthy cooking point of view that allows the new bride to
prepare elaborate meals for her new family. Coffee machines find space in most homes. In fact, the revolution in the kitchen space and appliances is actually being driven by the younger demographic. Says Manish Khandelwal, Managing Director, Weber-Stephen Barbecue Products India Pvt Ltd, “Starter couples prefer a modern kitchen space with all the accessories, grilling appliances and customised designing that reflect genderless functionality. A man should equally be at ease as the woman. The kitchen becomes a flow of the shared activity and living pattern in the rest of the house.”
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RESEARCH IS THE KEY Internet-connected laptop or the smartphone has completely changed the way urban Indians shop for everything. The journey towards creating a dream home has always been excruciating and time-consuming. But knowing that your home design project is a serious investment decision that will stay with you for at least a few years, how exactly should you go about doing your research online? Ritu Malhotra, co founder and CEO of Renomania.com, suggests a thorough research about the intended portals that couples are fishing for. “Jot down your basic requirements and ask for leads, suggestions and advice for building your dream home. Certain portals recommend designers based on specific needs, which might be of great help. Once you are closer to understanding which designers suit your need and budgets best, check the customer testimonials on their profiles,” she says. She also asks inteding customers to be patient and talk about all aspects and the minutest of details. “Define your budget and timelines clearly as most troubles come from these two aspects. In the end, if you feel you have found the right person to build or decorate your house, insist on a written contract. Across India, people are now using online home decor platforms to locate the perfect designer because not everybody specialises in all types of projects. For example, Avinash C. Gupta, a home-owner, wanted fabricators and suppliers of copper railings whereas Neeta, another homeowner, wanted a particular designer fitment”, she says. Work together to create a list of must-have features for your new home, as well as those that you’d like to have but are not deal breakers. Remember to remain flexible. Once you get out there, you might realise that what you wanted is not available within your budget. But don’t let disappointment or financial strife derail your marriage. An upgrade is always possible but there’s no rescuing a downgraded commitment.
THE
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THINK PINK
Be the Queen’ s guest PHOTO CREDIT: VINEETA PANDEY AND THAILAND TOURISM
Whoever said Thailand is all about the guys and bachelor’s parties, Bangkok and Pattaya? It can be just about bachelorette parties, women travellers and a private jacuzzi and spa. VINEETA PANDEY shares an experiential that is exclusively tailor-made for women. And what do you know, they are all endorsed by Queen Sirikit
(Left) Hua Hin artists’ village; group at
Sirinath Rajini Mangrove, Thailand
of Thailand and what comes to mind is the hustle bustle of Bangkok, serenity of beaches in Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi, spa and massages, and of course the famous Thai food. And a perception that the place is a big lure for men than women. But perceptions are meant to be broken. And on a recent tour I found that this country has as much to offer to women travellers. Be it bachelorette parties, empty nesters, soloists or groupies, there’s more to Thailand than spas, shopping or massages. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently invited 84 women journalists, writers, influential bloggers and photographers from across the world for a familiarisation tour to experience the country from a woman’s perspective this August. It coincided with Thai queen Sirikit’s 84th birthday on August 12. Interestingly, this year August was designated as a woman’s month in the country to honour the queen. Even though Queen Sirikit has not been seen in public life for the last two years due to her fragile health, she is revered deeply by the people. We were divided into four groups to travel to the northern, southern, north-eastern and central regions, each covering the art, heritage, cuisine, tribal and nature circuits. “We wanted to honour the queen for her initiatives down the years. Besides, we also wanted to respond to the need of women travellers, who tend to explore more, shop for handicrafts and are keen on engagement with locals. We need tourists to stay longer and go deeper because Thailand is not Bangkok. There are stories revolving around you all the time,” said Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Director, advertising and public relations of TAT, during a conversation at Hotel Shangri-La, our host in Bangkok.
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CULTURE CZARINA Day One of the trip began with sightseeing in Bangkok where we saw important attractions like the Queen’s Gallery, Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Arts of the Kingdom at Dusit Palace’s Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. However, here I will touch upon some places that I found interesting as a woman. Top of the list was the Queen’s Gallery. The queen has been a patron of native artisans and this gallery exhibits various handicrafts made by the different tribes and gifted to her. Interestingly, some of the fabrics and patterns looked surprisingly modern and contemporary. There’s a story behind this. When the Queen, during her tours to tribal areas, found that locals were getting addicted to opium for lack of work, and were cutting and burning trees to clear forest tracts for subsistence farming, she decided to rehabilitate them. Through friendly persuasion and the king’s support, she first convinced the tribals to stop opium cultivation. While the king introduced people to cash crops like fruits and vegetables and encouraged them to grow strawberry and broccoli – products that Thailand used to import – apart from aquaculture, the queen set up a crafts training schools for tribal women. Impressed
SO,
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by their gifts — hand-woven dresses, jewellery and utensils — the queen immediately engaged some artistes to teach modern designing and crafts to the tribals who were till then weaving clothes and making jewellery for their own needs. “Old patterns are now being recreated in silk and linen. The designs, too, have been modified to suit a cosmopolitan market,” said Pornchewin Paul, an artiste who teaches tribal weavers. Such is the fine thread work that it takes about six months to complete an embroidery on a dress. My interactions with the weavers made it clear that they were much happier now as they make good money from their work. “All the material they make are sent to the queen’s organisations which
sell them in the open market for a good price. The tribals, too, get richly paid for their work and are content,” said Paul. Forty-seven-year-old Benzamat Saifoong of Kampang Peth province and her 42-year old neighbour Varee Poing have been weaving and doing embroidery for years. They both have a lot of patterns in mind and now, after learning contemporary designs on modern fabric, they have become instructors in their village to teach others. “In hills most women make jewellery and clothes for their own consumption. But now we make things to make others look beautiful,” Saifoong said.
(Left) Tribal art works at the Queen's gallery in Bangkok; (below) Benzamat Saifoong of Kampang Peth province and her 42-year old neighbour Varee Poing have been weaving and doing embroidery for years
BY THE SEA Day Two, we travelled to Phetchaburi, Pran Buri, Hua Hin province to explore a different Thailand. And trust me, our real adventure began outside Bangkok. Our first stop, Thai Song Dam tribe Cultural Centre in Phetchaburi, gave an interesting glimpse of the folk community living in the province for over two centuries now. The ethnic group is originally from the northern part of Vietnam and Laos but their ancestors later migrated to this part of Thailand. This tribe can be also found in South China. The Song Dam have unique life and traditions. They speak a language belonging to the Tai Kadai family. People grow mainly rice and agriculture is the main occupation. Food is very spicy but usually grilled or steamed with very little oil being used. They are mainly Buddhists but believe in ghosts and spirits. They enjoy music created by clapping and beating cane sticks (something like our dandiya). They dress in black. The cultural centre exhibits utensils, house models, clothes and various aspects of their tribal lifestyle apart from textile weaving and basketry skills. The welcome music and the traditional tribal dance was so simple yet so compelling that a few minutes later our entire group was on the floor, trying to match steps with them. After a brief presentation about their lifestyle, we were among the tribals eating their food – hot and spicy even by Indian standards. There Food choices are many was fried fish, chicken and soup, and thankfully, sweet dishes of coconut and rice, caramel jaggery and so on. After spending nearly two hours with them, we moved for lunch at the Black Mountain Golf Club restaurant. With a rise in sports tourism in the country, Thailand these days is the famous destination for golfers in the region. Since its opening in 2007, the Black Mountain has hosted three Asian Tour events. It is the only course in Thailand ever named in Golf Digest’s Top 100 courses outside USA. We were welcomed with a sumptuous lunch of Skagen toast, mango sorbet, mint and passion fruit coulis at the restaurant overlooking a hill that flared out into rolling greens. The third stop was Sirinath Rajini Mangrove. This biggest man-made mangrove forest in Thailand is the first learning centre for rehabilitation of mangroves developed from a
ON
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reclaimed shrimp field. This again is part of a royal initiative for reversal of habitat loss. The shrimp concessions were duly revoked and the land was incorporated into the Pran Buri Estuary Reforestation Programme. Later, forest plantations were done and today it is home to small marine life that feed fisheries and is famous for sustainable fishing and nature conservation. Here we had an interesting crab-releasing activity and a walk up to the 20 ft tall watch tower for a breathtaking view of the mangroves, a human arc of legacy worth continuity. Dinner was local Thai cuisine by the seaside at Udom Pochana restaurant. Special on the menu was sun-dried squid, sautĂŠed crabmeat in yellow curry, stir fried shrimp with black pepper. Fresh haul, fresh flavours, what more could one want. And just when we felt nice and easy, we had an inviting night stay at the Aleenta Resort and Spa by the sea with private jacuzzis. We soaked ourselves to sleep, amid the gentle lapping of the waves. Black Mountain Golf Club; tribals performing with their traditional song Dam; Pak Nam Pran beach
CHILD’S PLAY Three started with a visit to a weavers’ workshop. Ban Khao Tao Professional Handicraft Centre is actually a weaving training centre and part of another royal project. Way back in 1964, during one of their stays in Hua Hin, the king and queen visited local fishermen. Once they learnt that they could not earn their living during the rainy season and were reduced to absolute poverty, King Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit ordered for special classes to teach local fisherwomen the art of cotton-weaving using traditional looms called “kee kratook.” Thus was born the Ban Khao Tao cotton textiles, unique for their weaving techniques and patterns and silken texture. Mon Wan, the first student to join the workshop 50 years ago and now an instructor, said the project has lifted the community’s living standards. For those who love art, the Hua Hin Artists’ Village is a must visit. There is a lot to admire and the activities can keep you engaged through the day. Since we were special guests, we got a special welcome too – a traditional dance and playing of drums synchronised with a painting activity. Spread across 18 acres, noted artists conduct workshops here. While six families live in the campus, several visit the place throughout the day – about 500 tourists a day, mostly local. The artists’ village has large galleries of arts and
DAY
(Clockwise) Art work at Hua Hin artists’ village; Somdet Phra Srinagarindra; Mariott resort in Hua Hin; Sea salt spa; art work at artist village; eat according to your zodiac sign; fish at Hua Hin night market; lunch at Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park
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antiques, studios, residencies, coffee and gift shops and popular classes in painting and sculpture. Suddenly, we found there was an artist in each of us, itching to go berserk. We were promptly provided papers and colours and the entire group returned to their childhood for a while, each proud of what we had done and not afraid to be judged. From creativity to a different activity, we moved to Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park, an agro-tourism site that promotes integrated farming system for environmental conservation and forest rehabilitation. It is a centre for learning non-toxic farming, using herbs and vetiver grass. Our lunch was ready, wrapped in water lily leaves. But before we could pounce on it, there was a catch: Each had to eat food based on one’s birth element — earth, water, wind and fire, assessed from the month of birth, looks and character. Mine was fire (a Leo) and I had to go for the bitter and red-looking food items like lettuce, beetroot and tomato. But I cheated and pounced on fish, egg and fried banana instead, and even made an Indian omelette for myself. Thereafter, we moved towards tree and paddy plantations followed by making herbal balms. Dinner was at Coco 51 restaurant where the chef recommended roast duck breast curry with mixed fruit, fried prawns topped with tamarind sauce followed by a walk in the night market that sells clothing, souvenirs and local delicacies.
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Monks arrive for merit-making at Mariott Hotel beach in Hua Hin
CREATE GOOD KARMA Four was the most special. It started early morning at 5 with merit-making at the sea beach alongside Marriott Resorts in Hua Hin. For Buddhists, merit is obtained by surrendering all senses of the world, one of which is by providing food and daily essentials to Buddhist monks who gather each morning to receive alms. Not all tourists get to experience this but since ours was a special group, we gathered early morning to give alms to the monks – food, water, flowers and so on. Women had to wear clothes that covered them completely and had to maintain enough distance from monks to avoid touching them. After we did our bit, the monks chanted prayers and blessings. This was an
DAY
unique experience of peace and prayers in a serene ambience along the seashore. Later we visited another royal initiative — the Laem Phak Bi Environment Research and Development project — that does solid and water waste management through environmentally and ecologically sustainable methods. Technology used here is simple and easy to manage. We also visited Royal Sea Farming and Aquaculture Centre, set up to disseminate fishery-related knowledge and technologies to farmers. But whatever the experiences, no visit to Thailand is complete without the famous Thai spa and massage. As we settled for some stressrelieving sessions at the Kanhangtong Sea Salt Spa Centre, the aroma of Thai herbs refreshed us. Trust me, the special salts mixed with herbs are guaranteed to relieve weariness and give softer feet after a few minutes of soaking in these salts. I also made my own aroma salt, by mixing herbs to the salt crystals to carry back home. Of course, there were the stories, which I found at every step. What is yours?
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THE LOOK Minawala: Gold ring. Price on request.
Amrapali: Silver and yellow gold bracelet studded with diamonds. Price on request.
For
him
Velvetcase.com: Amethyst cufflinks. Price: `19,469
Amrapali: Gold ruby diamond cufflinks. Price on request.
Aamenta: Aquamarine beads, Tahitian Pearl and diamonds. Price on request
Amrapali: Yellow gold, diamond and ruby elephant inspired kalgi. Price on request.
Traditionally, wedding jewellery has been associated with women. In today’s times, men have become more open to experimentation with their wedding look and jewellery is an integral part of it
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VelvetCase.com: Ring in platinum. Price: `62,159
THE LOOK Aurelle: Origamiinspired collection in gold and diamonds. Price on request
Dilano: This temple jewellery has been inspired from the sculpted temples of South India to celebrate the grandeur of our country. Price on request.
Velvetcase.com: Green sunflower ring. Price: `66,010
Blingsome Intricate jewels and stones. Enough to make you sparkle
Entice: Diamond-studded rose gold bracelet from the Emilie collection. Price on request.
Minawala: The choker is a novel assimilation of modernity and nostalgia, crafted in 18K white gold, diamonds and rubies. Price on request.
Swarovski: This bracelet enchants with its stunning collage of exotic sea life brought to life with Swarovski’s exclusive PointiageŽ technique. Price on request.
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Renu Oberoi: A pair of exquisite ruby earrings studded with rose-cut diamond in 18k gold rodhium. Price on request.
Tanishq: A whirl of diamonds and radiant red stones exquisitely crafted to resemble the pleats of a glamorous floral gown. Price: `5,07,723
Mirari: This Insignia collection is inspired from the peacock. Price on request.
Hazoorilal: The heart necklace is set in 18k white gold with heart shaped diamonds. Gleam on the neck piece ensures the stones radiate and sparkle with brilliance. Price on request.
Adawna: Blue and diamond ring by the collection Festive Glint. Price on request.
Amrapali: A necklace from the Panna collection. The collection features mesmerising stones. Price on request.
Pooja Juneja: Pink sapphire floral inspired collection. Price on request.
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CONTOUR STROKES
Celebrity make-up artist Ambika Pillai tells you why it’s important not to look all caked up on your most important day. She jots down a few essentials for brides and grooms wants to look their best on their special day but many of us end up committing the mistake of overdoing. It’s something we can’t run away from. Can we? Now you can. Here are some of the mistakes you can avoid and how.
EVERYBODY
Get rid of the fairness obsession Never choose a foundation much lighter than your original skin tone. One or two tones lighter works best because the foundation oxidises and becomes darker after some time. If you try to use it too light, it will end up looking cakey because you have to use a lot of product to balance it. You will end up looking darker and the original undertone of your skin will show. Know your skin Choose a foundation according to your skin type —more creamy for dry skin and water-based for oily skin. Use powder to set foundation but sparingly. Too much of it will give you a cakey look. The most important point to remember for natural looking flawless skin is moisturising your face well. Use a product depending on your skin type and unless you
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Look for cover If you need more coverage, try using a creamy foundation on well moisturised skin and ideally use a primer for that lovely smooth finish. However if you do have flaky skin, then use a mineral powder foundation and blend it on your skin using a kabuki brush, or a dual fibre foundation brush.
have dry or combination skin, try to use a waterbased moisturiser. Conceal well Make sure your concealer matches your natural skin colour. You can use liquid for light to medium coverage or a creamy concealer for medium to high coverage. Go for spot concealing where ever you need it but remember to use it sparingly. Otherwise it will stand out and defeat the purpose. And don’t forget to blend in. No grease, please! The final step to give your skin the perfect finish is to lightly dust and blend well a matt, translucent powder all over the face. Again use it sparingly. Liquid foundation tends to cling to the flaky areas giving your skin a patchy, uneven texture.
Smudge-free For long lasting and smudge proof eyeliner, use a waterproof liquid eyeliner or a long lasting eyeliner pencil. Apply a fine line of powder eye shadow — the same colour as the liner with an angled or a small dome brush. Pop of colours Go for vivid colours on the lips — bright berry, pink or fuchsia. Bright blue liner or a touch of green shadow on either the upper lid or outer corner of the eyes can work wonders. There are more than a hundred or more variations for smokey eyes. However, most are too dramatic for anything other than the ramp or fashion shoots. For a bridal look, smoke out your kajal and liner using an eye shadow that suits most and many can carry it off confidently. You can increase the intensity of colour for added dramatic effect. This, of course, varies depending on personal taste.
FOR THE BRIDEGROOM It’s better to stick with only spot concealing — marks or blemishes on the face and dark circles. Make sure your concealer is as close to your natural skin colour. Do spot concealing wherever needed but remember to use just a dab or two. Be sure to blend well over the problem area and blend it out over the surrounding area till well merged. Contouring the cheeks and jawline with a darker foundation can give you a chiselled look. A dust of bronzer works well for grooms.
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SHOE TRAP
wedding feet Happy
Shoes for many ceremonies and after
Badgley Mischka: Price on request
Christian Louboutin: Price on request
has been said that planning a wedding is a series of endless details causing both frustration and elation. To be sure, there is one detail your feet don’t want you to overlook — your shoes. Though some say it is more important to think function over fashion when picking your wedding shoes, we recommend you find a happy middle ground. With the myriad of wedding shoe options, that should be easier to execute than your elaborate sangeet ceremony.
IT
Sometimes bigger isn’t better Unless you are used to horse footing it around in 7 inch heels, don’t go there! We will suggest you opt
for a safe 3-inch heel size. This is a comfortable height and won’t have you snapping your ankles in half when you head to the dance floor to twerk. If you are a tall lady, we say stand tall and proud and if you want to wear heels, wear heels. Put a strap on it Pick wedding shoes that will allow flexibility, wearability and most importantly stability. The best thing you can do is pick a shoe with a secure heel hold or a strap that will help it stay on your foot. If you have chosen to wear heeled shoes higher than you normally do, then we will highly recommend purchasing a strap shoe for comfort.
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Jimmy Choo: Price: `54,888 Salvatore Ferragamo derby shoes: Price: `71,131
Moschino: Price on request Sunil Mehra: Price on request
Kosher brogues: Price on request
Go for a perforated dress If you are wearing a floor-length dress or lehenga, you may want to think very carefully about the style of your wedding shoes. If you have fallen in love with a pair of crystal encrusted, beaded shoes, we would advise you to take a piece of fabric similar to that of your dress and run it over the shoe and see if it catches. We’ve just saved you a “hole” lot of trouble. Get the size right When trying on wedding shoes, make sure you try on several sizes to see which one fits you best. You don’t want to end up like Cinderella and lose a shoe half way down the aisle! We would recommend a round or open-toed shoe
for comfort as you are less likely to get sore toes. Wear them in New shoes can pinch and cause soreness from rubbing. Pop your new wedding shoes on with clean feet a few weeks before your wedding day and walk around on a carpet floor. By doing this, you will feel where all the shoe is rubbing. This way you have time to make adjustments and stretch them out some more. Happy feet, happy bride Pamper your feet and get a cheeky pedicure to soften the skin and give your toes a great colour. — Bhavya Chawla, Chief Stylist, Voonik
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AIR LINKS
MAKEOVER OF VIZAG AIRPORT
Lifeline to the city of the future Given its upgraded airport, Visakhapatnam is emerging not only as an industrial hub but also as a venue for international summits
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VISAKHAPATNAM AIRPORT: PRESENT STATUS AT A GLANCE Runway
TYPE TWR PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING APRON
Orientation: � 10/28 (primary runway) � 05/23 Dimensions: � 3048 m x 45 m (primary runway) with pcn value of 60 � 1829 m x 45 m Suitable for: Suitable for B-767 class of aircraft & IL 76 Latitude: 17 43 16" n Longitude: 83 13 29" e Elevation : 3 mtrs Joint ( navy & civil) 119.7 MHz & 123.5 MHz Handling capacity of 700 peak hour passengers
350m X135 m apron have 6 parking stands Stand 1 & 5 suitable for A-300 aircraft Stand 2, 3 & 4 suitable for B-777 & B-747 aircraft Stand 6 suitable for A-321 & B-737 aircraft
NAVIGATIONAL AIDS VISUAL AIDS AIRPORT SYSTEM EQUIPMENTS
90m X 75m old apron having 2 parking stands suitable for A-300 aircraft ENROUTE DVOR, DME/PAPI, TDVOR, ILS( CAT-1), MSSR , RCAG, VHF HIRL, PAPI & SALS/ CAT-1 X-ray Baggage Scanners- 6 No.s Make: Smith & Model:
6040I-4 No.s 100V-2 No.s
SCHEDULED AIRLINE OPERATORS WATCH HOURS DESTINATIONS SERVED
SCHEDULED MOVEMENTS CARGO LAND AREA
is not only a tourist destination but also a large industrial city in its own right. The city is a port city, located along the shores of Bay of Bengal and is headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. Now it is an emerging hub of the future given its state-of-the-art airport. Although considered to be an industrial city, Vizag has a rich and vibrant culture and heritage. The city was part of the ancient Kalinga Empire and was ruled by renowned kings such as Ashoka and Krishnadeva Raya. During the 18th century, the city was a Dutch colony. Today, Vizag embraces its past and present seamlessly, making it an
VIZAG
ETD -2 No.s Make : Smith & Model: IONSCAN 500DT Air India, Indigo, Spicejet, Jet, Air Asia, Air Costa, Silk Air 24 hours Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Vijayawada, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, Tirupati, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore 450-500 movements per week Domestic cargo : 12 tonnes per day 350 ACRES
interesting and attractive city to spend holidays at. Vizag is blessed with natural beauty, with hill ranges, pristine beaches along its coastline and lush, natural valleys. The city is surrounded by three hills, Sri Venkateswara Konda, Ross Hill and Dargah Konda. Each hill is home to a shrine, dedicated to three different religions. The Venkateswara Konda is home to the Venkateswara temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva; Ross Hill houses the Church of Virgin Mary; and the Dargah Konda is home to the tomb of a Muslim saint called Baba Ishaq Madina Dargah. MARKETPLACE This is a major industrial and fastest growing city of Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation of united
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Andhra Pradesh. It is a hub of business activities and is one of the fastest growing cities of India, also having the highest per capita income in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The city sometimes goes by its now mostly defunct colonial British name, Waltair. During the colonial era, the city’s hub was the Waltair railway station, and that part of the city still is called Waltair. Visakhapatnam is home to several stateowned heavy industries, one of the most advanced steel plants and has one of the country’s largest ports and its oldest shipyard. It has the only natural harbour on the eastern coast of India. AIRPORT This airport is the second busiest in Andhra Pradesh and runs domestic services to major Indian cities. This includes 20 check-in counters, duty free shops, customs and immigration counters, snack bars, child care centres and special lounges for VIPs and CIP. Vizag airport is ranked 13 among India airports as per AAI. In the year 2015-16, a total of 16,85,400 domestic passengers and 1,21,298 international passengers used the air travel facility from Visakhapatnam Airport as compared to 10,40,963 domestic passengers and 55,634 international
passengers during 2014-15, marking an increase of 64.75 per cent of passenger growth. Visakhapatnam airport (ICAO code: VOVZ and IATA code: VTZ) is situated at a distance of 10 km away from main city and on the NH-16 (KolkataChennai Highway). It is a civil enclave. Its runway as well as ATC is under the control of INS DEGA, Indian Navy. However, the apron and terminal building are being maintained by AAI. It has direct and regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore and connecting flights to different destinations of India and international destinations like Dubai, Singapore and Kuala Lampur. Currently, there are 60 movements in a day. FACILITIES The New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB) was dedicated to the nation by the Chief Minister of combined Andhra Pradesh on March 21, 2009. The terminal building has a peak-hour handling capacity of 700 passengers built at a land mass of 350 acres. Spread over an area of 20,000 sq m, the NITB has been well-designed and has central air-conditioning, besides flight information display system, CCTV for surveillance, public address system, a modern fire-fighting and fire detection system, building management system,
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three glass elevators and escalators, two VIP lounges, one CIP lounge, a restaurant, free wi-fi, free medical facility, two ATMs, four snack bars, a shopping arcade, tourism information counter, free baggage trolleys, MI room facility, child care facilities, post office, State Bank of India, smoking zones, pre-paid taxi counter, private car rental counters, a sewage treatment plant and so on. The car parking can accommodate 700 cars. Other salient features of the terminal building include 20 check-in counters, departure conveyor system, two long baggage conveyer belts, three passenger boarding bridges (Aero Bridges) for arrival and departure of passengers, five boarding gates, 20 immigration, ten customs counters and five baggage scanners. GREEN BUILDING This New Integrated Terminal Building is ecofriendly and unique in terms of its amazing architectural design utilising sunlight to save power during the day. It is a huge steel and glass structure, 22-metre high and a 18 m high structural glazing, which gives a magnificent look. Dazzling horticulture, water fountains and landscaping have also been developed around NITB which add to the beauty and charm of this building. It is decorated with some murals and paintings.
There has been a phenomenal rise in tourism and industry around Visakhapatnam after construction of NITB. The existing apron has six parking stands and is also suitable to accommodate A-300/B767-400 type of aircraft at a time. Keeping in view the expected growth in air traffic in future, a new apron with additional six parking stands is under construction for capacity augmentation. The planning of linear expansion of existing NITB on both sides is in progress to meet the requirements of air traffic growth. The coordination among various organisations and security agencies in ensuring smooth, safe and secure airport operations has resulted in Visakhapatnam airport being conferred with CSI rating of 4.59 point, which is above the global average score of 4.23 in the Customer Satisfaction Index Survey conducted by the Montreal-based Airports Council International. Visakhapatnam airport was adjudged the best airport award in tier-two category (Non-Metro Airport Category) by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in 2012. Apart from this, the city has hosted major international events like IFR (International Fleet Review) and Partnership Summit this year. The BRICS international summit is going to be held on September 16 and conclude on September 18.
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P R I V AT E M O M E N T S
For lasting
memories Six honeymoon destinations you never knew existed
ST ANTON, AUSTRIA Rated among the top five resorts in the Alps, St Anton is home to some of the best skiing and is also a party town. Located in Austria’s Arlberg region, one of Europe’s snowiest areas, it boasts 340 km of pistes. It’s a stylish town bursting with hotels, chalets and restaurants. WHAT TO DO: Buy your ski passes right at St Anton Arlberg. Afterward, down a few mugs of beer at Platz’l Bar, a chill piano bar. For a wilder night, try Krazy Kanguruh where loud music and strong shots are standard fare.
LA RIOJA, SPAIN Rolling landscapes, medieval hamlets and exquisite wines, La Rioja is Spain’s Tuscany. The flagship grape of Rioja is the noble Tempranillo, used to create delicious reds blended with other regional grapes like Mazuelo, Garnacha Tinta and Graciano. La Rioja has over 500 wineries and is internationally famous for the quality of its wines. WHAT TO DO: Visit Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture. If just drinking wine isn’t enough, treat yourselves to the Wine Maker’s Massage at Hotel Marqués de Riscal’s famous Caudalíe Vinothérapie Spa.
SAPA, VIETNAM Terraced fields and the forest-like Hoang Lien Son Mountains surround this ethnically diverse town, putting you in the middle of the culture sans the city bustle. Located at 1,500 metres above sea level in Vietnam’s remote northwest mountains — Sapa is famous for both its fine, rugged scenery and also its rich cultural diversity. WHAT TO DO: Explore Bac Ha market about a three-hour drive from Sapa. Visit Hoang Lien National Park, where a guide can take you to “Heaven's Gate” or the Silver Waterfall. Just wrap yourselves up in the mist. EXOTICA [92] SEPTEMBER 2016
CARATE, COSTA RICA South of Puerto Jiménez, this is where the dirt road rounds the peninsula and comes to an abrupt dead end. There’s literally nothing more than a long strip of wild beach and a pulpería. Carate is situated near Corcovado National Park and is just a short boat ride to Caño Island, making it easy to explore the rain forests and get your scuba on. WHAT TO DO: Start your mornings with yoga or a hike to nearby waterfalls and wading pools. Sign up for a scuba adventure with Caño Divers.
CAREFREE, ARIZONA The name says it all. You won’t have a care in the world at this super-secluded spot in the Sonoran Desert. Just 34 miles north of Phoenix, Carefree’s downtown offers art galleries, boutiques and the chance to —literally — walk down Easy Street. WHAT TO DO: Rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding and even guided astronomy tours are all available through The Boulders resort. Do try some treatments at the on-site Waldorf Astoria spa. Day packages are pricey but worth it after 18 holes at one of the area’s scenic golf courses.
ATACAMA, CHILE Stretching 600 miles from Peru’s southern border, the Atacama Desert rises from a coastal shelf to the Pampas —virtually lifeless plains that dip down to river gorges layered with mineral sediments from the Andes. WHAT TO DO: At Explora Atacama, guides will take you to treks to a horseback riding tour. After which you can relax with a massage for two in the “Turi Puri” room, a restored colonial building.
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HOTWHEELS Kushan Mitra Auto & tech expert
Audi’s next generatio n A4 has a n system that will b low the com infotainmen t petition out of the g roun d
first time I drove the nextgeneration Audi A4 was on a drive between Munich Airport and the Alpine lake of Tegernsee on the German-Austrian border. Driving the 2.0 diesel with a six-speed manual transmission and the 3.0
THE
one with a seven-speed dual-clutch (DSG) automatic — the cars we drove were not cars that would be launched in India anytime soon. Because there are no manuals in Audi india’s line just now, and it is highly unlikely that Audi will launch the bigger diesel engine option A4 in India.
However, spending a few hours on both German country roads and the Autobahns on what was a dreary day in May with the next-generation (B9 platform) of the A4 made one thing quite clear. Firstly, the new A4 feels a lot larger inside than the outgoing A4 and secondly the vehicle is a techgeek’s paradise. But, yes, large, quite large indeed. This feels almost as big as an A6 from a couple of generations ago and surprisingly comfortable at the back too. While we knew Audi India was likely to launch the next-generation A4 before the festive season this year, the carmaker did surprise us. Not by changing the date but by giving the A4 a surprising engine choice — a 1.4-litre petrol one. It would not be wrong to say that Audi, like all carmakers were caught out by the Supreme Court’s decision to ban the sale of cars with diesel engines larger than 2000cc. Although the ban only impacted the Audi A8 and Q7; the controversial EA189 engine that was the root cause of the Volkswagen Group fiasco globally actually was under 2000cc in capacity and thus managed to continue to be sold on the A3, A4, A6, Q3 and Q5. Audi sensed that the ban had another impact. It impacted the Indian consumer — to the extent that the consumer started to rediscover the virtues of petrol engines — particularly for cars that really don’t get driven that much.
But Audi is launching the new A4 with just a petrol-engine option. Not a big plonker of an engine or even a snorting mid-size petrol one like the Jaguar XE in India. Now Audi India in their wisdom have decided to launch the ninthgeneration of their mid-sized saloon with a 150horsepower 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine, dubbed the 30 TFSI. Do not ask me to explain Audi’s new model nomenclature; but rest assured that they have beaten BMW and Mercedes here. Basically put, Audi has fit a very large hairdryer under the bonnet of this engine and while the new A4 is (spec-for-spec) a whole fat person lighter than the outgoing model, the engine leaves a bit to be desired. The engine sounds like it is trying damn hard to get the car moving at speed. This is not a car for wannabe racers. This, as I discovered on the manic rural roads of Odisha driving back from Konark to Bhubaneswar, is a car that is very comfortable at speeds between 60-90 km an hour. And if you decide to
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get up to speed nice and easy, the engine delivers very good fuel economy as well, returning around 12 km per litre on a combined highway/urban driving cycle. And it is a very comfortable ride, the suspension just dulls all but the worst potholes and while roads of all colours are excellent in this part of Odisha, the ‘Marine Drive’ between Puri and Konark seems to have its own speedbreaker factory. Handling is not compromised by the comfortable ride, and the little bit of roll is not disconcerting in any way. However, Audi is not offering their famous Quattro all-wheel drive system on the 30TFSI. This could later come as an option on the more powerful diesel model but not anytime soon. Audi India will likely launch a fun petrol version of the A4, but they will likely go the whole hog and get the S4 variant whenever that is launched on the new platform sometime in 2017 with a 400-horsepower option. This 30TFSI option on the A4 also means that the petrol-engine option on the A3 might get a do-over, the 1.8-litre option likely to be retired. But Audi India is on the verge of launching the refreshed A3 soon, and if the A4 is any indication, this means the amazing 1.0-litre pocket rocket engined A3 could just
make it to India. But the hero of the A4 is the virtual cockpit. Let us get one thing quite clear now, Audi’s Multimedia Interface (MMI) System is now clearly — by far and away — the best car interface system out there. BMW’s iDrive is still excellent but Mercedes’ COMAND system feels a bit outdated as does the interface on most JLR vehicles. First the idea of replacing physical dials with a 12-inch LCD screen might seem a bit ridiculous but the amount of information you can pull up just by easily navigating through the steering controls is amazing. Ever since this system came on the new TT, the new Q7 and now the new A4, I have utterly enjoyed playing around with it. And the inside is very comfortable as well, this car being equipped with all the toys you think necessary in a luxury German car. Along with nice seats, a bit too much plastic though whereas you expected a bit more fabric and leather. But the 30TFSI A4 is likely to be some kind of price warrior, undercutting the BMW and Mercedes. And there is one more unfortunate thing about the A4, the amount of technology aimed directly at the driver will mean that this is a car best self-driven. Which is a pity, because it is rather comfortable at the back.
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BODY PERFECT
The
beautiful
you
It’s important for brides to start therapeutic treatments and nips and tucks months before the big day so the results are near perfect was a time when prebridal beauty rituals were limited to haldi and ubtan but the modern day rituals mean something else.
THERE
HYDRAFACIAL has proven effective for all skin types addressing a host of skin concerns. It takes non-ablative facial rejuvenation to a whole new level. A lot of young women and men getting married have concerns such as — open pores, oily
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Everyday skincare tips Take a multivitamin capsule daily. Use a good sunscreen. Moisturise well at bedtime after deep cleansing with micelle water. Use a Vitamin C serum for good antioxidant protection. Drink plenty of water, eat a diet rich in coloured vegetables and fruits. Consume green tea and avoid trying any new products before the wedding.
skin, acne, pigmentation, uneven skin texture and rosacea. And regular facials can’t treat these problems rather making the situation worse at times. These concerns are usually best helped by a combination of oral and topical medication, laser genesis photofacials, hydrafacials, medlight laser and fraxel laser. The results are extremely gratifying and long lasting.
who want to knock off those extra bulges and inches from their back rolls, stomach, love handles, thighs and arms — the combination of nonsurgical modalities — Exilis Elite, Vanquish and Lymphastim have results equal to liposuction without any surgery. The results are long lasting and there is a fair amount of body contouring and tightening along with inch loss.
THE SHAPE: There are treatments not just for better skin texture and clearer complexion but to improve the shape of the face as well. This is done through the use of botox and hyaluronic acid filler. Botox in younger people is injected into the broad square muscles at the corners of the jaw to give the face a thinner look. Fillers are used for giving a high cheekbone effect making the lips look fuller. Many brides and grooms to be also go for treatments like Exilis Elite and Thermage for the face in case they have a double chin or any slackening skin. These treatments give results for collagen remodelling which tightens the skin, fades wrinkles in a couple of sessions.
BROWS AND LIPS: To treat scanty eyebrows, people have an option to go for feather-touch treatment called micro-pigmentation. Well shaped brows frame the face giving a youthful rested look. Dark pigmented lips can also be made to look lighter with the same treatment.
FAT CUTTER: For the people
FULL BODY LASER HAIR REDUCTION: A painless procedure and a must do for all brides. It entails one-and-a-half hour procedure of six sessions at 4-6 weekly intervals starting about six months before the big day in order to complete it well on time. Few sessions of diamondpolishing with peels works beautifully to soften dark elbows and knees. — Courtesy: Dr Simal Soin, Aayna Clinic
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BLITHESPIRIT
time someone mentions drinks and marriage, we think of the usual food pairings and how one can go about executing them efficiently. If everybody seems satisfied with every drink and dish served in tandem, then be sceptical. Your guests clearly didn’t bother much about your pairing efforts. For a good wine and food pairing is one where emotions are heightened and often contrasted thereby leading to (healthy) debate and exchange. That cleared up, back to marriages — the collective noun for sangeet, cocktail, ring and wedding ceremony, reception, and any other excuse for partying that I may have missed out. Is there a specific wine for every occasion or can one just buy a white and a red in bulk and keep doling it out for every function? In a nutshell, yes you could do that; stick with two crowd-
EVERY
Magandeep Singh Sommelier
Marriages today are all about what wine is to be served and for which occasion. The choice counts EXOTICA [100] SEPTEMBER 2016
pleasers and serve them as standard at every event. But the time of the day is one big reason to change your drink choices. Sure the elderly will want to eat but shove them towards a small buffet with some chicken and plenty of paneer. For the rest, here’s how you do it in style: Day events are best for sparkling wines, white wines, beers (all served superbly chilled) and then some white spirit based cocktails. If it’s a hot day then all drinks will move slower even as beer remains most popular. Few drink whisky in the day although there is no rule saying one can’t — an iced whisky-soda is as good a pick-me-up as any. Rosé wines are a brilliant idea, second only to sparkling rosé wines. Afternoon functions although rare, are a great time to indulge. Think of it like an early sundowner. Bloody Mary is an evergreen favourite as also versions thereof. Surprisingly, frozen Margaritas and Daiquiris work well too. And if one must, the flavoured ready-to-drink pints with a rum or vodka base are good to have on standby.
Evening times are more conducive to red wines, dark spirits and cocktails. If it’s a wintery evening, then nothing beats good ol’ Negronis and Manhattans. Don’t leave out those who abstain from alcohol for all sorts of creative reasons. Involve them with something that’s a little more imaginative than nimbu-paani. There’s a host of syrups out there to play around with — step behind the bar and get building if you have the time, else look up some recipes online and let the bartender work his magic with them. Elderflower and other similar mildly aromatic options are best all year round. A good option is to keep a small stash of some good stuff, the type that you will uncork with flair for candid shots that get shared online. For social shams that we have to endure, especially as hosts, it is always good to fortify the spirit with something of notable repute and strength. All these conditions met, you are now all set to plan a successful bar for a wedding. Now go find a suitable someone who will let you ruin their life eternally and remember to send me an invite!
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GURUSPEAK Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Spiritual Guru
Commitment is like the banks of the river — providing our life with a direction. Marriage is one such commitment
THE NUPTIAL BLISS there is water everywhere, it brings flood but when the same water flows between two banks, it is a river that can be useful. In the same way, in a happy marriage one has to come from that space of giving. When we approach the relationship with a self-centred motive then both the partners become unhappy. In marriage, consider the other person as your own limb — two bodies, one mind, one soul. Make your spouse’s desires your own. Consider your spouse’s taste as your own. The conflict arises when your tastes start moving apart. Let us address some common issues:
WHEN
POSSESSIVENESS: Many times issues could be caused by the way your own mind functions because of possessiveness. If you are too possessive, the other person will run away. Trying to control somebody may not be very intelligent. When you are possessive, the negative thoughts are triggered. APPEASING YOURSELF: Often when people like to be pleased and cajoled, they put up a tough, upset face and act difficult to please. Lovers do this a lot. They expend a lot of energy in cajoling and this brings down the joy of the moment. People who keep a long face and expect others to appease them make others run away. It is okay to show your upset mood once in a while but doing
it over and again is taxing both for you and the people you love. In order to seek some attention, all you will get is tension. So stop it. NEVER DOUBT LOVE: If you find that they are not loving, instead of accusing them ask them, “Why do you love me so much?” Nobody wants to be in the company of a person who nags or complains all the time. Do you want to be with someone to whom you have to explain and prove your love all the time? No! It is such a burden. A good partner is one who always uplifts the spirit. Someone who has enthusiasm, someone who always pushes you forward. So never doubt or question someone’s love for you. Demand destroys love. JUST BE YOURSELF: Be natural and simple. Relationships develop naturally. If you try to
build a relationship that is when you become a little artificial. Don’t you notice when someone is trying to impress you? What do you do? You move away. You like someone to be honest, open, natural, unassuming with you. That is exactly what others also want from you. If you don’t try to impress, the expression comes naturally. There’s this beautiful ancient word, saptapadi — the seven steps one takes in life. The hallmarks of a happy marriage are — patience, sacrifice, a sense of commitment, co-operation, compassion, affection and humility. The relationship can bring us strength or weakness depending on how strong our mind is. If it is strong then relationships are a gift. Be a support to each other, be a pillar, a companion. — www.artofliving.org
NUMBERGAME Sanjay Jumaani Numerologist
COUNT YOUR FATE
NUMBER 1 (Ruled by Sun, people born on the 1st, 10th, 19th and 28th) Professionally and personally there could be a jump to the next level despite power games ruling the roost. But you know how to play the game. Being politically correct is something which you can boast about. The self-employed could earn few more of the brownie points that are there for the taking.
NUMBER 4 (Ruled by Uranus, people born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st) Uranus will be rather pleased with you in terms of career development especially to those in the IT, engineering or selfemployed entrepreneurs. Now is the right time to think. Topsyturvy relations could take an about turn. You might find an opportunity to mend what had been earlier bend.
NUMBER 7 (Ruled by Neptune, people born on the 7th, 16th and 25th) Most of you could be in a better mood this week. However, being successful in getting what you want can make you sometimes take things for granted. Don’t let complacency set in. Remember we lost to minnows Bangladesh not long ago and that too when it mattered the most. So don’t ever commit that mistake.
NUMBER 2 (Ruled by Moon, people born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and 29th) Being regretful about the past can make you down-hearted, and can reflect the melancholic side of your nature to the fore which you don’t want. Thinking too much about the future would also make the ‘present’ quickly pass through the sand clocks of time. It’s advisable to live in the moment instead.
NUMBER 5 (Ruled by Mercury, people born on the 5th, 14th and 23rd) Financial gains and better career prospects are likely to happen in a few weeks, so try not to let your restless side get the better of you. Even Abhishek Bachchan, a number 5, had to wait, too, for as many as 14 continuous flops before making his mark while the Big B had to wait for nearly 12 himself.
NUMBER 8 (Ruled by Saturn, people born on the 8th, 17th and 26th) Your subtle manoeuvres could freeze your counterpart. But don’t fret as you can get your Midas touch back this week especially in terms of relationships. At the end of it, just ensure that your selfassured attitude doesn’t end up making you sound arrogant. It will take some time to get things sorted and going.
NUMBER 3 (Ruled by Jupiter, people born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st and 30th) Your ambitious side could relentlessly push you a little too hard and can sooner or later bring about a nervous breakdown. Your determination to succeed is not for the thought of sounding powerful but could be a result of the insecurity of being under someone else. Take a necessary break.
NUMBER 6 (Ruled by Venus, people born on the 6th, 15th and 24th) ‘Spending’ is possible only after ‘earning’ — a wakeup call necessary to keep one on the toes. The early bird gets the worm. And such a call has to come from within as the flip side of your ruler, Venus can make you pleasure-seeking and loving and giving in to indulgence easily. So beware of that.
NUMBER 9 (Ruled by Mars, people born on the 9th, 18th and 27th) Inactivity can almost prove fatal for you. Mars ruled creatures have abundance of energy and vigour. If that is well directed and channelised, then there is hardly anything you cannot achieve. Relations too could improve if you are active. You know that an idle mind is a devil’s workshop.
EXOTICA [104] SEPTEMBER 2016
HAIR CARE
MIND YOUR
MANE
Your big day is arriving and you are stressing over your receding hairline. Things to note before you zero in on that hair transplant clinic transplant surgery has become one of the leading aesthetic procedures among men. With increased demand comes an increase in people trying to provide the service. But who is the right person to do hair transplantation? In most countries the law only permits a qualified plastic surgeon to perform the procedure and in some a dermatologist is recognised to be equally qualified. But in India, anybody and everybody is jumping onto the bandwagon. As for many people, ignorance is bliss, the common man not knowing who is really wearing the white coat? The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) is an authority on hair loss treatment and restoration. It allows hair restoration, preparation and insertion of grafts only by trained medical technicians. Although hair transplantation is considered a low medium risk, performed under local anesthesia, like any other procedure, standard and safe surgery practices should be applied to ensure safe outcome. Some of the things to take note of: � Procedure should be performed in an accredited and equipped medical centre with proper sterility and surgery protocols. � Patient should be evaluated clinically and medically to ensure they are healthy to undergo the procedure. � Continuous monitoring of the patient is mandatory by using pulse oximetry to measure oxygen levels. � FUT — a strip harvesting to be performed by a surgeon qualified in managing scalp wounds. � FUE — a follicular harvesting, this is to be performed either by a surgeon, dermatologist or a qualified allopathic medical doctor. � Site making to be performed by the licensed doctors.
HAIR
— Courtesy: Dr Sanjay Parashar, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation, Dubai and Delhi
EXOTICA [105] SEPTEMBER 2016
SIGN-OFF By RINKU GHOSH
MEMORIES OF ANOTHER DAY
T
he Bengali wedding was always a long-drawn, wholesome family event, even during my time. Little wonder then that when I expressed a desire for a rather simple and elegant do, both 0ur parents vehemently protested. If the union was happening our way, the rituals would happen their way. So what if it was the peak of summer? Otherwise there was the highway and the family had to be forgotten just like a pitstop along the way. Both of us complied. And got sucked in along the way. He, the foodie that he was, planned everything from engagement day to the reception spreads (Yes traditional Bengali weddings are all about the food, beginning with breakfast, where the English staples promptly get replaced by luchi and aloo dum). Since the wedding day was full of demanding rituals requiring both of us to fast, he had promptly dedicated reception day to his favourite Anglo-Indian cuisine. And he took particular umbrage that the fish fry from the wedding day dinner was not served to him for the send-off lunch next day, simply because things overnight are not served to the new son-in-law. “Fish fries always taste better a day late,” he insisted but my mum would have none of it. Apart from the usual fanfare, there were great moments in both our stories. An uncle took charge of candid photography, making the ladies conscious of unguarded moments, though they were happy when the prints came out. A grand aunt composed love ditties. Two disconnected
couples found love, my trousseau had two figurines resembling my mum and dad made out of sandesh, and much before themes were a statement, we had a white lily soiree at the Calcutta Rowing Club, jasmine overhanging the verandah over the lake. Of course, there was the videographer, who had to bear a rather torrid punch from me because he was filming my tears during the bidaai ceremony from up close! I thought it was serial-style gross. All that remains of those days are pictures in a suitcase album and scratchy videos rescued on a digital format. Nowadays, wedding is an organised industry with planning companies, packages and wellmanaged aggregated services. At our niece’s wedding reception, it was a photobomb of selfie sticks, professional photographers, videographers, documentary-makers and the zoom-in-zoom-out drones. Her wedding video was a film of two people coming together for a love story. A Page 3 journalist herself, she even had a tabloid brought out on their story. While her designer friends gave her the flower girl look in a red sari and a south Indian temple dance look on her reception, she chose simple Vedic rites, simply because the woman is an equal participant in the rituals as the man and the five elements of the universe are the only witness. Despite a scripted jamboree, she had managed to hold her own in shunning the Manusmriti-style rituals. And because she had remembered our Anglo-Indian spread from 19 years ago, she tried the same venue, couldn’t get it, and chose a Calcutta cuisine celebration at the Tolly club. No matter how intimate or corporate, remember it’s only the personal signature, perfect and imperfect, that makes for beautiful memories.
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EXOTICA
RNI NO. DELENG/2006/18084 POSTAL REGN. NO. DL (C)-01/1151/2016-2018 Posted at NDPSO on 10th, 11th & 12th of same month Published on 30th of Advance Month
VOL 10 NO 11 SEPTEMBER 2016