EDITORIAL

IT'S FESTIVAL TIME

The festivities are in the air already. With Ganesh Chaturthi just around the corner, you can literally feel the festive spirit the moment you step out of the house. I have always been fascinated by this festival and I still remember when I witnessed the celebrations in Goa 6 years ago. I was very new and hardly knew anybody but yet I remember visiting a couple of houses for Ganesh Darshan. One of the people who so lovingly invited me was a cab driver whose services I had used just a couple of times. He not just invited me home, but also made me feel at home and part of the festivities as much as possible. Then during visarjan, I visited another acquaintance ’ s house and from a feisty meal to lighting up lights, the evening arti, bursting crackers and finally the visarjan, everything was so mesmerizing. The spirit reminded me of Diwali in the North. Since that time, I grew fonder of the festival and every time I hear the distant dhol and crackers, I know Ganpati is leaving someone ’ s home and all set to arrive next year with even more pomp and show. Although I love the entire spirit of the festival, somehow the whole visarjan process does not go down too well with me. On multiple occasions, I have seen how the next day the idols are lying on the shores like ruins and that really makes me sad. I always urge people to use environment-friendly idols and see them off responsibly so as to cause no harm to nature at large. So I hope & urge you would do the same, let’ s keep our faiths and traditions alive but let' s also be more cautious and responsible towards our environment. And if you are a foodie, my suggestion would be to go for a chocolate Ganesha and immerse it in milk. Enjoy the milkshake, make family and your neighbours happy too or even better would be to host a milkshake party for the underprivileged children. Moving on, we are keeping up with the festive spirit in this issue of the magazine so don ’t forget to check out our Ganpati special recipes and more about the foods that you should really enjoy around this time. As much as we love these indulgences, we are also concerned about your health and our food and health section will guide you towards a healthy lifestyle. Our people ’ s section is full of stories that always keep the spirit of life alive. These real-life heroes and their stories will surely leave you inspired and transpire your thoughts to always give your best. Check out our review section for some great hangout places that are perfect to satiate all your coffee and good food cravings. A fantastic weekend getaway option also awaits you. And a new drink is available on the shelves to keep your spirits high ;), but drink responsibly and take care of your health. Have a great festive time ahead! Cheers ☺

ADITI MALHOTRA MANAGING EDITOR