Culturama January 2016

culturama your cultural gateway to india

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(Not Just) A New Year's Resolution As the wheels turn to usher in a new year, let us leave behind the baggage of regrets and resentments and walk light and free

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Bitten by the Travel Bug? We have a list of 10 places that you should visit in the coming year

January 2016 Volume 6, Issue 06

Rs 40

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Dear Readers, Lingam, a man who works in our office, had had a baby girl. He distributed chocolates to all of us as he announced her arrival with a toothy grin.

Nine days later, at 1 a.m., eight feet of water engulfed his simple home. Along with his friends and neighbours, he swam to safety, holding aloft his wife and weekold daughter on their cot, which acted as a raft, to the safety of a second-floor home nearby. He could save nothing else, as the waters mercilessly gushed away carrying his furniture, television, cooking utensils, clothes and food supplies.

It takes a ‘Chennai Sinking’ story to rouse national awareness of how illprepared mankind can be when it comes to the ravages of nature, even if it is the fourth largest city in India. The rains and incredible flooding that drowned regular life in the metropolis made world news,

and concern poured in from friends of India who watched the images in disbelief at home.

Here, we all prayed to the Sun. Prayers to Surya, the Sun God, an age-old tradition in India that held so much more meaning now.

The Sun is the chief source of energy for life on Earth. Around 14 billion years ago, the Earth is said to have appeared as a fireball after the ‘Big Bang’. As it started cooling, they say the moisture around the Earth started pouring in as rain for years.

The mountains and oceans formed due to the uneven cooling of the Earth’s surface.

The rain allowed vegetation to grow and it is along with this ready infrastructure that the Lord created mankind to enjoy the Earth. The Sun God, therefore, has been nourishing life from time immemorial. It is the reflected sunlight that we see on the moon as well.

It is therfore fitting that the first issue of 2016 is dedicated to the Sun and Moon – symbols of nature that we need to respect and tread lightly on, for it is in this that our lasting well-being lies (Page 30).

Let us learn to balance conveniences of technology without injuring nature.

Let us simplify, slow down and make our life enduringly beautiful. The Dalai Lama implores us to do the same – amongst other messages I had the fortune of hearing at a live lecture, and which I have compiled for you. (Page 12).

Lingam has promised to teach this to his baby daughter, too.

Ranjini Manian Editor-in-Chief globalindian@globaladjustments.com

In order to thank you for being a well-wisher of Global Adjustments and for your support in 2015 we made a 59 second video which carries unique good wishes for you and yours.

Visit: http://globaladjustments.com/wpblog/

January 2016

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Editor-in-Chief Ranjini Manian Managing Editor Yamini Vasudevan Sub-Editor Indrajit Dutta Business Head Archana Iyengar Creative Head Prem Kumar VP Finance V Ramkumar Circulation S Raghu Advertising Chennai Archana Iyengar Bengaluru Meera Roy Delhi/NCR Neha Verma Mumbai/Pune Arjun Bhat To subscribe to this magazine, write to circulation@globaladjustments.com or access it online at www.culturama.in Chennai (Headquarters) 5, 3rd Main Road, R A Puram, Chennai – 600028 Telefax +91-44-24617902 Email culturama@globaladjustments.com Bengaluru No.: A2, SPL Habitat, No.138, Gangadhar Chetty Road, Ulsoor, Bangalore- 560043.

Tel +91-80-41267152, Email culturamablr@globaladjustments.com Delhi-NCR 1414, DLF Galleria Tower, DLF Phase IV, Gurgaon, Haryana – 122009 Mobile +91-124-4389488 Email del@globaladjustments.com Mumbai #1102, 11th floor, Peninsula Business Park, Tower B, SB Road, Lower Parel, Mumbai – 400013 Tel +91-22-66879366 Email mum@globaladjustments.com Published and owned by Ranjini Manian at #5, 3rd Main Road, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai – 600028, and printed by K Srinivasan of Srikals Graphics Pvt Ltd at #5, Balaji Nagar, 1st Street, Ekkattuthangal, Chennai – 600032 Editor-in-Chief Ranjini Manian Disclaimer Views and opinions expressed by writers do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s or the magazine’s.

Cover Image

The cover image for this month was shot by Mikhail J. Gorbatov of Russia. It was one of the entries sent to the 18th Beautiful India Expatriate Photo Competition, an annual event held by Global Adjustments.

Advisory Board Members N. Ram is an award-winning journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu. He is Director of Kasturi & Sons Limited, publishers of The Hindu.

Suzanne McNeill lived in India for seven years before returning to Scotland. She is a freelance writer and graphic designer.

Marina Marangos is a lawyer, and enjoys travel and writing. She lived in India for four years before moving to Australia. www.mezzemoments. blogspot.com G. Venket Ram is an acclaimed photographer and the creative mind behind many a Culturama issue. www.gvenketram.com

Contributors Susan Philip is a freelance writer based in Chennai, and the editorial coordinator of Culturama’s various coffee table books.

Eknath Easwaran (1910–1999) was a spiritual teacher, author,and interpreter of Indian literature. In 1961, he founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation and Nilgiri Press in California.

Jen Mullen is a language graduate, who has lived in the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Australia and India. Her greatest linguistic faux-pas to date was to call someone a buffalo in Tamil, whilst attempting to say "good morning".

Letters to the editor Dear Editor,

I enjoy reading every issue of Culturama. Good luck to the team in 2016.

Zarin Mistry, Commented on you tube

Dear Ranjini,

I always find Culturama to be enthralling and informative.

The ‘Seeing India’ section makes me want to go and visit the different parts of the country. The piece on Darjeeling and Sikkim in the December issue was awesome!

Greg Taylor, Australia

Dear Editor,

I wish that the entire team have enough strength and power to face the recent challenge posed by nature. It was (and continues to be) testing times. I have not received the December 2015 issue of Culturama. I had received an email stating that it would be delivered on December 15, but did not get the copy.

Chaitanya Krishna, Bengaluru, India

Editor's note: We are proud to be, arguably, the 'only' free mailer produced in Chennai that delivered the December issue by December 12 after the floods hit our city. Mr Chaitanya also got the copy in Bengaluru a tad later. Thank you to our team and readers for believing in Culturama.

culturama – Subscribe Now! Get your copy of Culturama as a hard copy or as an e-magazine - visit www.culturama.in to subscribe For other enquiries, e-mail us at culturama@globaladjustments.com or call us on +91-44-2461 7902

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Contents 18

Ten for the Road

Trivia about an Indian state – featuring Punjab this month..

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India Now

A recap of the events and people that made news in the last month.

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India Diaries

When Chennai was hit by torrential rains, its people pulled the city out of the crisis.

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30 Feature The sun and moon hold an important place in Indian mythology, tradition and daily life.

India’s Culture 08

Short Message Service

India Impressions

We look at some of the main happenings during the Chennai floods.

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India Writes

Our pick of the month from the world of Indian literature.

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Look Who’s In Town

Expats in India share their views about life in India.

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Picture Story

Short, engaging snippets of Indian culture.

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Festival of the Month

January is a time when harvest festivals are celebrated across India.

We list some of the main festivals from different states and the ways in which they are celebrated.

Journeys Into India 44

Seeing India

If you are planning your holidays for the coming year, this is for you – a list of 10 places that offer something for everyone.

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Holistic Living

As we step into a new year, we should unburden ourselves of the baggage of lingering regrets and resentments and resolve to keep our mind free from unwanted clutter.

Regulars 12

Thought Leaders

India has the ability to surprise you with the unusual and ironic – at every corner. We bring you some of these whimsical moments.

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Calendar of Events

See what’s going on in the main cities and suburbs.

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Give to India

Featuring worthy NGOs and charitable organisations across the country

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At Global Adjustments

The India Immersion Centre, the NGO arm of Global Adjusments, was involved in distributing relief measures to those affected by the Chennai floods.

Relocations and Property The Dalai Lama tells us why it is imperative to develop loving kindness towards everyone around us.

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Space and the City

Property listings in Chennai.

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by Suzanne McNeill Short cultural snippets for an easily digestible India

Art/textile/craft Bahi-khata from Jaipur Hand-made, cloth-bound accounting books called bahi-khata (‘account ledgers’) have been made in Jaipur for the traders and businessmen of Rajasthan for centuries. Their white and yellow pages are crimped at specific intervals to produce subtle folds in the paper that creates columns for debit and credit entries, and they are traditionally covered in red cloth, an auspicious colour that is associated with Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. As computerised account-keeping has replaced manual systems, the book binders have expanded their craft to include new ranges of quirky, attractive handbound books.

Photo: Mia Kotakorpi, Finland

Food and Drink Chikki

Interpretations 'Blessing' the vehicles

Chikki is a simple but delicious Indian sweet that is made by mixing dry-roasted nuts or sesame seeds in a syrup of sweet jaggery melted in ghee, which is then left to cool and is served in chunks. Groundnuts or peanuts are used most often, but cashews, almonds and pistachios are popular too. Sometimes, cardamom is added for flavouring. Til chikki (made with sesame seeds) is associated with the harvest festival of Makara Sankranti on January14. The sesame and jaggery sweets are shared as a symbol of joy and unity; and because both ingredients are considered warm foods, they are beneficial to health in these last days of winter.

Indians will often have new vehicles garlanded and blessed at a temple or in a ritual at home before driving them for the first time, whether it is a child’s plastic tricycle or a Rolls Royce! Offering lit camphor symbolises burning one’s ego and sense of possessiveness, thereby extinguishing self-will and offering all our actions to the Lord. Crushing a lime beneath the wheels is a symbolic ritual to ward off the evil eye. These practices are more common in southern India than in other parts of the country.

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Photo: Bipin Khimasia, Canada

Word of the Month Namaste

Name to Know Narayana Murthy

The greeting ‘Namaste’ and the gesture of bowing slightly, with the palms of the hand pressed together at breast level that always accompanies it, are widely used throughout India.

The word derives from Sanskrit namah meaning ‘reverence’ and te meaning ‘to you’. By addressing someone in this way, the speaker is saying ‘I bow to the divine in you’.

Although India has thousands of gods and goddesses in its mythology and temples, the intrinsic belief of Hinduism is in the one formless Divine, which resides in our hearts. ‘I bow to the divine in you’ is therefore more than a greeting; it is a daily and oft-repeated reminder of the unity of life. The gesture of joined palms symbolically stands for: You and I are one, and are interdependent and interconnected. The same light that shines in me, lights you up too.

When someone greets you with a ‘Namaste’, failing to reciprocate the same greeting is the equivalent of a limp handshake in the West. Heartily join your two palms and, with a small bow, greet ‘Namaste’ back. It is especially meaningful if we remember the unity of life when we do this.

N.R. Narayana Murthy is an influential and respected entrepreneur who is described as the Father of the Indian IT sector for his role in cofounding the software giant Infosys.

He was born in Mysore, Karnataka, in 1946. His father was keen he join the civil service, but Murthy wanted to work in a hydroelectric plant. He studied electrical engineering at his local college, but whilst studying for his Masters at the prestigious IIT was introduced to computing science. He worked in programming and software design in India and in Paris, and then, in 1981, founded Infosys with six other software professionals. His dream was to add value from India, and he sparked the Global Delivery Model for IT services outsourcing from India that has brought billions into the country’s economy and transformed it into the world’s back office. Infosys was the second-largest India-based IT services company in 2014, and employs close to 190,000 people. Described as humble and self-effacing, Murthy is now retired, but continues as Chairman Emeritus of Infosys and is a director for several national and international companies. He is the recipient of numerous awards from Indian and foreign governments.

Editor’s note: You may have noticed that there has been a slight change in the format of this column. In line with the spirit of new beginnings, we felt it would be good to introduce our readers, every month, to one essential word and one key person in the Indian landscape. Use this information to enrich your knowledge and to power up your arsenal of small-talk topics.

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Thought Leaders

by Ranjini Manian

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Photos: All photos by Christopher Michel/Creative Commons

The Way of Peace The 14th Dalai Lama says his ‘first commitment is to promote oneness of the seven billion humans in the world’. Here are his key messages to humanity – as heard from a live session

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The Dalai Lama is speaking @IIT Madras 10 November 2015. It is Diwali morning and we have to be in our seats at 8 a.m., do you want to go?

I jumped at the WhatsApp message from a friend, and took it as a call from heaven. When we reached before the said time, we learnt that thousands of others had queued up from 5.30 a.m.

I listened to him, live, seated in the front row – right under his nose, so to speak, although he seemed to sweep the room and have everyone under his nose. ‘Is this real, or decoration only?’ the Dalai Lama asked the Director of IIT Madras, pointing to a basket of fruits with which he had been welcomed. Picking up an apple, he drew a clean handkerchief from his robes and wiped it, then bit into it, saying, ‘How delicious it is!’ And that was the start of an inspiring two hours with the well-loved Buddhist leader.

I will remember ‘today, so long as I live’, as Bhaskar Ramamurthy, the IIT–M director, rightly predicted, in his address of welcome. I took away two simple messages from the talk: It is amazing how simply human and kind one man can be.

It is simple to bring lasting meaning to our life, by learning to be like him.

Here are his thoughts on some key issues that define our lives and world. There are some excerpts from the Q&A session further down in the article. Apart from life-changing words, the Dalai Lama added a touch of humour during our session – as during his answer to the question of whether the next Dalai Lama would be a woman.

The Dalai Lama’s first commitment ‘My first commitment is to promote oneness of the seven billion humans in the world; when there is oneness there is great love and compassion,’ he said. ‘Only when we see differences, we have hatred, anger, jealousy or fear. I urge you all to lead a transparent life, communicating well, forming trust. Because it is trust, not technology, that is the basis for a happy human life. Our current education system is not enough, we need to add compassion and emotion into the system.’

The second commitment ‘My second commitment is to be a messenger of India,’ says the octogenarian who describes himself as a son of India, claiming his physical body has been maintained with Indian daal and chapathi for the past 56 years, and he admits

that every thought in his mental cells also comes from the Nalanda philosophy of India. ‘I spread ahimsa and religious harmony,’ he says. Those are things that many gurus have taught in this land.

The third commitment: ‘And the third commitment is to be a messenger for the ecological preservation of Tibet,’ says this much-venerated religious head. It has been called the third pole, as the Tibetan plateau has as much influence on climate and life as the North or South pole. Many rivers from India, China or Pakistan have their source in Tibet and billions of lives therefore are impacted by it. Tibetan culture is Indian culture; peace, compassion, religious tolerance, all came from here. ‘Till India’s light reached Tibet, this land of snow, was in the dark.’ he exclaims. You are the gurus and we are the chelas (students), he says. And therefore, preserving the landscape of this spiritually connected land is our mutual responsibility.

We ask and the Dalai Lama answers, interspersing his replies with child-like chuckles, and bites from the apple.

Who is your role model?

‘When I was given the Nobel Peace Prize I was sure it was Mahatma Gandhiji’s that I received. He was my role model, well-educated abroad, but such a simple lifestyle. Although I had only seen him in my dream. He should have been the Nobel laureate.’ And then, he adds, ‘My very first role model was my mother, a simple farmer, illiterate but always so kind, we had never seen her angry.’

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‘I believe that that nothing exists independently, we are all interdependent in our existence.’

What is success?

How do we promote harmony?

‘Success is leading a meaningful life serving others. After all, you and I will live 100 years. If we use that time to bring more smiles, then that individual life is successful. If you create fear and suffering for yourself and others, then that is the opposite of success.’

‘Religious paths are many, but the message is the same.

Message is always love and compassion. Happily proudly and voluntarily end those aspects of religion which were formed on a cultural basis, questioning their relevance today.

One example in Hinduism in India is the caste system. I know the castes are said to have come from Brahma himself, but that means there was no hierarchy and all were created equal; societal norms warped this and it needs to be done away with.’

Will the Dalai Lama be a woman in the future?

‘Among 200 nations in the world, if there were more women leaders, the world would have had more peace. People call me a feminist Dalai Lama anyway. Women would have nurtured and been compassionate automatically to this idea and the world would have been more peaceful. So if there is a need for a female Dalai Lama, then, of course, there will be one in the future. And she must be a good looking one, with a pretty face!’

The last word: ‘When you are with someone who shows human goodness, time passes so quickly.’ How does one become this way?

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Focus on similarity and you can connect at the human. level easily. Physical, mental and emotional similarity unites all mankind.

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See differences less, as it creates loneliness.

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Share common experiences, and life can be used for lifelong learning.

How can we make a change when there are so many paradoxes around us?

‘Change starts with you – one individual, then one family, then one community, society, national, universal, that’s how it grows. Implement small change starting today in yourself.’

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This page provides a recap for our readers on the dalai lama – his birth, mission and the future of the dalai lama legacy

Who is the Dalai Lama?

The Dalai Lama is a monk of the Gelug or ‘Yellow Hat’ school of Tibetan Buddhism, which was founded by Je Tsongkhapa. The Dalai Lama is considered to be the successor in a line of incarnations of Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron saint of Tibet. According to the 14th (current) Dalai Lama, Avalokiteśvara had long ago promised the Buddha to guide and protect the Tibetan people, and in the late Middles Ages his master plan to fulfil this promise was the stage-by-stage establishment of the Dalai Lama theocracy in Tibet.

Tibet. He was also the first Nobel laureate to be recognised for his concern for global environmental problems. He has received over 150 awards, honorary doctorates and prizes in recognition of his message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility and compassion. He has also authored or co-authored more than 110 books.

He has was the (joint) most popular world leader in 2013, according to a poll conducted by Harris Interactive of New York, which sampled public opinion in the United States and six major European countries.

The 14th (current) Dalai Lama

Future of the Dalai Lama legacy

The 14th and current Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso.

Born on July 6, 1935, in a farmer’s family in a remote part of Tibet, he was recognised as the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama at the age of two. The 14th Dalai Lama was not formally enthroned until November 17, 1950, during the Battle of Chamdo with the People’s Republic of China. In 1951, the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government were forced to accept the Seventeen Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet, by which it became formally incorporated into the People's Republic of China. Fearing for his life in the wake of a revolt in Tibet in 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India, from where he led a government in exile.

The 14th Dalai Lama said as early as 1969 that it was for the Tibetans to decide whether the institution of the Dalai Lama ‘should continue or not’. He has given reference to a possible vote occurring in the future for all Tibetan Buddhists to decide whether they wish to recognise his rebirth. He has also supported the possibility that his next incarnation could be a woman. As an ‘engaged Buddhist’, the Dalai Lama has an appeal straddling cultures and political systems, making him one of the most recognised and respected moral voices today.

‘Despite the complex historical, religious and political factors surrounding the selection of incarnate masters in the exiled Tibetan tradition, the Dalai Lama is open to change,’ writes author Michaela Haas.

The Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of

For more information, visit www.dalailama.com

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29 Indias: One Nation, published by Global Adjustments, has 10 handpicked snippets about each of the Indian states.

Read the book for free at www.globaladjustments. com.

Global Adjustments has created an animated video that captures the cultural markers of all 29 states: http://tinyurl.com/ m734xsm

Ten for the Road

by Susan Philip

Punjab Explore the 29 states of this fascinating subcontinent. This segment sets out a collection of interesting, bite-size facts from each state – this month, we look at Punjab 1.

How the Land Lies: Punjab, which, incidentally, shares its name with a province in Pakistan, means ‘land of five rivers’.

This northwestern state shares a border with Pakistan, and with other Indian states. The capital, Chandigarh, a Union Territory, is also the capital of neighbouring Haryana.

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Political Pressures: The original Punjab province under British rule had a sizeable number of Hindus and Sikhs, as well as a Muslim majority. After the partition of India in 1947, large numbers of Sikhs and Hindus who found themselves in Pakistan migrated to India while Muslims on the Indian side who wanted to be part of Pakistan went the other way. A further partition on linguistic lines hived off Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. Punjab is the only state with a Sikh majority.

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Past Glories: It was in this region that the famed Indus Valley Civilization flourished. The ancient Greeks called the area Pentapotamia, or the ‘delta of five rivers’.

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Ethnic Fingerprint: Founded by Guru Nanak, Sikhism flourished under the stewardship of his nine successors, also called Gurus (teacher/leader). Today, there are over 20 million Sikhs worldwide and the religion is ranked as the world’s fifth largest. The orthodox Sikh sports five physical representations of the faith – kara (steel bracelet), kesh (uncut hair), kangha (wooden comb), kaccha (cotton drawstring boxer shorts) and kirpan (ceremonial sword).

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Culture Quotient: The dance and music of Punjab mirror the energy that flows through the state. The bhangra, a folk dance performed during the harvest season, has now become famous worldwide, thanks to the Sikh diaspora in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and other places.

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Personality Plus: Born Sampooran Singh Kalra, he’s better known by his pen-name ‘Gulzar’. He is a multi-faceted person – poet, author, lyricist, screenplay writer, film director and producer. Apart from lending his talents to many Bollywood films, Gulzar won an Oscar for Best Original Song for his ‘Jai Ho’ (music by A.R. Rahman) in Slumdog Millionaire. The same song won him and Rahman a Grammy, too. Gulzar is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, the Government of India’s third highest civilian honour.

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Sights to See: The flag-lowering ceremony held on both sides of the Indo-Pak border at Wagah at sunset each day is a unique experience. Another must-see is a slightly crumbling brick

throne at one end of a water tank at Kalanaur. On it, a 13-year-old boy named Akbar was crowned ‘Emperor of Hindustan’ in 1556. He went on to become the greatest Mughal ruler of India.

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Tasty Treats: Makki di roti (flat bread made from corn flour), and sarson da saag (a gravy made from mustard and spinach leaves), are said to be a ‘must-have’ combination. Tandoori cooking is a Punjabi speciality, and the tandoor ovens here are traditionally bell-shaped.

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Crafted with Care: For those with a footwear fetish, Punjab is paradise! Traditional embroidered juttis (shoes) come in many varieties. The tilla jutti with curling tips are hand-stitched with silver or golden wire. Juttis from Abohar are embellished with appliqué work, beads or cutwork, while those from Malerkotla are embroidered even on the insoles.

10. Worshipfully Yours: The Golden Temple, named for the gold that covers its dome, is world-renowned as a pilgrimage spot for Sikhs. Less known but significant is the Guru di Maseet, a mosque which one of the Sikh Gurus had built at Hargobindpur. The complex also houses a temple and Gurudwara – a fine testimony to communal harmony.

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India now

by Susan Philip

The month that was

It’s Happening Now When the floodgates opened

As we enter a new month, we quickly recap the events, people and places that made news in the past month The north-east monsoon brought torrential rains to Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry, causing widespread damage. Tamil Nadu’s capital Chennai was among the worst-hit areas, receiving the heaviest rainfall recorded in over a century. The armed forces, coast guard and other official machinery swung into rescue and relief work. One of the issues raised during this time was the lack of immediate coverage in national news channels. Rajdeep Sardesai, consulting editor of the India Today group, said this was due to the “tyranny of distance” and that it was perhaps time for news channels to focus more on local news.

View Rajdeep Sardesai’s video blog at http://tinyurl.com/ndj5erw

Politics and Polity

And all the sodden misery, ordinary people turned heroes, risking life and foregoing comforts to reach out to those in need, opening hearts, homes and purses for the distressed. Read an expat’s account of how she felt a surge of love for the city she lived in on Page 24.

Being neigbhourly

Business Matters

Relations between India and Pakistan have warmed up with a meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to the Pakistani Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, at Islamabad. The two neighbours have agreed to resume their much-interrupted talks on the basis of a new 10-point Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue (CBD) formula. The CBD incorporates all eight points that were on the agenda in the previous Composite Dialogue Process (CDP), with humanitarian issues and religious tourism now being added to the list.

Bilateral business

Q. A Pakistani politician, who initially achieved international acclaim in a totally different arena, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi recently. Can you name him?

A: Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, a member of Pakistan’s Parliament and leader of that country’s Tehreek-e-Insaf party.

Japan and India have joined hands on a high-speed rail project, among several other bilateral agreements. The deals were signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, during the ninth annual Indo-Japan summit talks at New Delhi. Defence and energy are two other fields in which agreements were reached. The strengthening of the relationship between the two nations

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is mutually beneficial, as India is looking for investments to improve its infrastructure and Japan is seeking ways to boost business. The two countries also issued a joint statement on ‘India and Japan Vision 2025’ and India has offered ‘visa on arrival’ facilities to Japanese nationals, including businessmen, starting March 1, 2016.

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agreement. Under the accord, among other things, developed nations have committed to cutting their carbon emissions and also providing all necessary help to developing nations to manage and adapt to climate change.

Q; There is a memorial to a famous Indian freedom fighter, who has been in the news recently, at a temple in Japan. Can you name the person and the temple?

A: Subhas Chandra Bose; Renkoji Buddhist Temple, Tokyo.

January 2016

Awards and Accolades A thespian honoured

Googling India Talking of business and visitors, India’s own Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, was in the country, and spoke of plans to boost Internet access and build a new campus in Hyderabad, wowing starry-eyed students and experienced policymakers alike.

In the pipeline In what is seen by some quarters as the modern-day equivalent of the ancient silk route, construction work on the TAPI gas pipeline officially started with the pressing of buttons by leaders of the four countries involved in the international project – India, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. The US$10 billion scheme, being developed by the Asian Development Bank, envisages bringing natural gas from Turkmenistan to the other three nations. It will run from Duletabad in the former Soviet Republic to Fazilka in Punjab, India. It is expected to become operational in 2018.

Dilip Kumar, known as the ‘Tragedy King of Bollywood’, was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honour. The Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh, presented the award to the 93-year-old thespian at his Mumbai-residence, as ill-health had prevented the actor from attending the special Padma awards ceremony organised at the President of India’s official residence at New Delhi in April this year.

Dilip Kumar is his screen name. What is his real name?

A: Muhammad Yusuf Khan.

To get an idea of Dilip Kumar’s acting skills, watch some of his famous movies like Naya Daur, Andaz, Madhumati and Mughal-e-Azam.

This and That Happy New Year!

Q: How did the project get its name?

A: From the first letters in the names of the four countries involved.

Scientifically Speaking A climate of change India played a crucial role in tying up the crucial Paris accord on climate change. Member countries have agreed on an architecture for carbon emission reduction after 2020. India was insisting on the principle of common but differentiated responsibility, and this has been respected in the final

The Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir is always ahead of the country in ushering in the New Year. The Festival of ‘Losar’, a Tibetan word for New Year, is celebrated at social and religious levels in December. People visit monasteries to offer prayers, and also pay their respects at the final resting places of their deceased relatives to pray for the peace of the departed souls. Special food is prepared, and temples and homes are illuminated, adding to the general ambience of joy and hope.

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India Diaries

by Jennifer Mullen

when the tough get going

When torrential rains hit Chennai in November and continued on to early December, its people showed the world what is possible if everyone pulls together as human beings

One morning in November, as I travelled on a crowded London commuter train, tears rolled down my face. The passengers around me glanced up fleetingly from their smartphones with stoic British sympathy. Was she lamenting a break up or perhaps quarrelling with a colleague? Had she lost a loved one in recently in Paris?

It seems there is so much to cry about in our hateful, divided world of late 2015. Little did they know that my tears were for a city over 8,000 km away.

It is now three months since I left Chennai. The Chennai etched in my memory is of clouds of dust kicked up by the ox pulling a mango cart, the intense colour of flower markets in the midday sun. My Chennai is the wizened ‘paper recycle man’, rattling over the cracked dirt on his beaten-up bicycle.

My Chennai is a scorched and arid rapidly expanding metropolis, the pace of construction symbolising the desire for so many families to build a better life for themselves.

All this seemed to change in an instant in late November, when Chennai experienced a relentless lashing from the northeast Monsoon. Chennai was suddenly submerged.

All at once, my Facebook feed was flooded with anguished comments from my expat and Tamil friends alike, willing the torrential rain to stop. Almost overnight, Chennai went

from being a place in India, which barely registered in the consciousness of the West (give or take a few references to ‘Madras’ being a well-known curry), to a location that featured prominently on the front cover of mainstream Western media publications.

I was horrified, as I thought of how the rising waters would touch the lives of the ordinary people I knew. How would the residents of my old apartment complex get to the OMR, given the road was barely navigable before the rains? How would the parents cope, with their school and work routines thrown into chaos? What had happened to my Zumba class friends who I used to do the ‘lungi dance’ with?

Was the water knee high in that basement studio?

Most of all, I thought about the people who I had met, who lived below the poverty line. On the school run every day, I used to observe a family, who lived in the bushes next to the East Coast Road. They would wave enthusiastically to our car with broad grins, the brown chocolate button eyes of their children peeking out mischievously from makeshift shelters.

On the day I left Chennai, I had stopped and bought them a sack of rice. Despite the language barrier, I was snatched with great affection into their extended huddle. I wondered what had become of the family and their ramshackle dwelling.

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Illustration: Lalithaa Thyagarajan

Then, suddenly, something quite incredible started to happen. Chennai started to rise up and take control. The pleading Facebook posts transformed into battle cries. ‘Anyone stranded in T Nagar, Kottur and Alwarpet. You have a place to stay!’ announced groups on Facebook. ‘Doctor in Mudichur area needed urgently to help a pregnant lady without access to a boat!’ announced another. ‘My neighbours have started a collection for blankets and supplies. Donate now!’ The commands resonated across social media, not just in India, but all over the world.

The force of the deluge was nothing compared to the pace and volume of the helping hashtags.

Instantly, there were everyday heroes, such as the human chain that linked arms across a precipitous torrent to rescue a person from a near-drowning experience. There was also the ‘World’s Best Bus Driver’, who was captured on film rescuing a large group of stranded people. I heard tales of doctors funding their own supplies in medical camps to make sure that everyone had fair treatment. There were even fleeting moments of comic relief, such as the photograph of several men grinning from a floating sofa.

The normally laidback people of Tamil Nadu were proving a force to reckon with, not just using their hands but also their hearts and their heads. Enterprising Chennaiites

were harnessing technology such as Google Maps to spread the word about the worst affected areas. The expat community was also keen to get involved, such as creating a beautiful Christmas tree made from bottles, to be sold off as a fund raiser.

Most significantly, Chennai was teaching the world a few lessons about tolerance. In an age where some parts of the world are putting up barriers and segregating in the name of religion or politics, Chennai was a model of human cooperation. Mosque, churches and temples were flung open to provide shelter and food for people from all religions.

Muslims were helping Hindus. Hindus were helping Christians. South Indians were helping North Indians. This was indicative of the city I had come to love, showing the world the meaning of courage and compassion.

As for the tears on my crowded commuter train, I am pleased to say they were resolutely tears of pride. I understand that Chennai now faces an enormous mopping up exercise, of mud, displaced citizens and more serious threats, such as waterborne diseases. But one thing I do know is that, in a few weeks, Chennai earned its right to call itself a major Indian city on the world stage, just by showing us all what is possible if everyone pulls together as human beings.

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India Impressions

by Team Culturama

A TIME TO REMEMBER In early November, what seemed like a heavier than usual monsoon spell for the southern state of Tamil Nadu swiftly morphed into a natural disaster as the heaviest rains in 100 years poured down – an event that is now known as the ‘2015 South Indian Floods’ or ‘Chennai Floods’. We look back at some defining moments from the event

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On that day, during the annual cyclone season, a low-pressure area consolidated into a depression and slowly intensified into a deep depression before crossing the coast of Tamil Nadu the following day. The system brought very heavy rainfall over the coastal and the north interior districts of Tamil Nadu. This was the start of what would be a monthlong season of heavy rains across the southern state.

Rs. 3,000 crore This is the estimate of insurance claims from the general public and industries after the month-long floods drowned Chennai and its neighbouring districts in Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. In addition, claims worth around Rs. 200 crore are expected from the owners of eight corporate jets that were partly damaged by the floods.

December 1 Starting that morning, Chennai received 200 mm rainfall over 14 hours. Given the advance warning, and another by the meteorological department on November 30, the government had declared a holiday for schools and colleges. Following an increased outflow from Chembarambakkam Lake and from over 40 tanks in its catchment area, low-lying areas in the city were already flooded

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Col. G.

Venkatesan

In one of the most shocking deaths in the floods, 72-year-old Colonel G. Venkatesan and his wife, who lived in Defence Colony, drowned inside their house after a nine-hour struggle with the rising waters. The neighbours heard their cries, but were unable to help as the waters swiftly rose to 10 feet.

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Rs. 100

Help Chennai These words were flashed on Nasdaq’s hoarding at Times Square in New York on December 4 – an indication that the world had turned its attention to the southern capital.

Yunus

This was the price of a packet of milk – a litre costing five times more than its actual price – at the peak of the floods, when distribution of food and water was affected. Fuel supplies and travel were greatly affected. Airfares to and from most parts of South India peaked to almost 10 times their normal price. Tickets for a round trip from Mumbai or New Delhi to Bengaluru were sold at almost Rs. 1 lakh (compared to the usual price of Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000).

(Picture used for illustration purposes only.)

29,000

Mohammad Yunus, CEO of a start-up, contributed Rs. 1 lakh to buy boats to help rescue as many people as he could, and offered two of his apartments to the people stranded in his area. More importantly, he rescued a pregnant woman named Chitra, who was in labour but was stranded at home. Yunus helped rescue Chitra and got her admitted in a hospital, where she delivered a baby girl on December 5. In a gesture of gratitude, the Hindu couple named their child ‘Yunus’.

1.8

million

This was the approximate number of people who were displaced across the state of Tamil Nadu during the nearmonth-long downpour. More than 400 people were reported killed during the rains and floods.

cusecs

‘Cusec’ means ‘cubic foot per second’ and it is a unit of flow, especially for water – and this number stands for the measure of water released from the Chembarambakkam Lake. This lake is one of the two rain-fed reservoirs from where water is drawn for supply to Chennai city (the other is Puzhal Lake).

Owing to the heavy rains, the authorities had to release water from the lake into the Adyar River, which runs through several parts of Chennai (including the airport). The torrential rains, which could have resulted in the reservoir reaching its maximum capacity, led to the authorities releasing a greater amount of water (totalling the number mentioned above) into the Adyar River. This is said to have caused excessive flooding in parts of Chennai that the Adyar River cuts through.

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India writes

iREAD Narcopolis

by Jeet Thayil

Reviewed by Indrajit Dutta

Narcopolis begins in the late 1970s, in a drug den in Shuklaji Street (a prominent red light district) in Bombay (Mumbai, as it came to be known later). The protagonist, Dom Ullis, a proof-reader in a pharmaceutical company, and a drug addict, speaks to the audience from this den while consuming opium. It is here that he meets a fascinating array of characters such as prostitutes, pimps, fellow drug addicts, drug dealers and gangsters.

The writer even throws in an artist and a poet who he describes as a ‘wild child’. They are bound by the den at Shuklaji Street and the various narcotics they ingest.

All the characters lead heavily unconventional lives. A couple of them appealed to me the most. The first one is Dimple, a eunuch who is a prostitute.

We are not told a great deal about her family life except that she (he) was sold by her (his) mother when she was around seven or eight years old, and underwent castration soon after.

Dimple is an important figure in the lives of most men in the story. For Mr. Lee, a former army man from China, Dimple is like a daughter. For the tai (a form of reference for older woman), the brothel owner, she is a valued employee. For Rashid, the opium dealer in Shuklaji Street, she is a sexual object who can fix him his drugs, especially the opium from Mr. Lee’s special Chinese opium smoking pipe. As the story goes on, she even saves Jamal, Rashid’s son, from a Hindu mob during the riots in the city in 1993.

Another intriguing character is Mr. Lee, an opium addict is in his 50s.

The reader is told that Mr. Lee has been in India for a number of years and has lived in places such as Calcutta, Amritsar and Delhi. We are told he was forced to leave China as he had fallen foul of the Mao Tse Tung administration, but that he yearns to return before his death. A notable aspect of the story is his relationship with Dimple – he teaches her to cook Cantonese food and to swear in Cantonese. Lee is one of the few people who does not use Dimple for sexual purposes.

This book has several fascinating aspects, one of them being the protagonist’s relationship with Bombay. Dom Ullis abhors the name ‘Mumbai’, but the city is as much a source of addiction as the drugs he takes.

He also reveals to the reader how the city changes from the late 1970s up to the 1993 riots. Descriptions of the riots are stark, and he doesn’t hold back when stating what he thinks about them – of how the city ‘killed itself’.

The story ends in the early 2000s, where we get to see a mention of drugs such as Ecstasy.

About the Author: Jeet Thayil is a poet and musician from Kerala. He has authored four books on poetry, of which These Errors are Correct was awarded the Sahitya Akademi prize in 2012. Narcopolis, his first novel, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and The Hindu Literary Prize (both in 2012).

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Feature

by Suzanne McNeill

A Celestial

Legacy The Rig Veda, the oldest book in the collection, celebrates the coming of dawn as she spreads her red and purple-hued shining light, laying open the darkness as she attains brilliancy. Photo: Helen Ruth Taylor, UK

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The sun and moon have long been venerated in India, and the movements of the two heavenly bodies are instrumental in the Indian calendar or almanac.

There are several traditions and myths associated with the sun and moon as well A Vedic creation story tells of the order in which the world began. Eternal law and truth were born, kindled from fervour. Night was produced, and then the sea arose. The year followed, which dictated the days and nights, and then ‘in due order’, the creator formed the sun and moon, followed by heaven and earth, the regions of the air, and light.

Alongside water and fire, the sun and moon have long been venerated in India. The Vedas – the collection of Sanskrit hymns written around 1500 BC that are the primary texts of Hinduism, but which have also influenced Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs – glory in the beauty of the natural world. The Rig Veda, the oldest book in the collection, celebrates the coming of dawn as she spreads her red and purple-hued shining light, laying open the darkness as she attains brilliancy. Evening is envisaged as a dusky firmament, drawn in by a chariot decked with pearls. Supreme among the Vedic deities were the gods and goddesses identified with these celestial and elemental entities.

Surya, the Sun God At sunrise in Varanasi, India’s holiest city, people throng the east-facing bank of the River Ganges. As the sun rises over the holy waters, in hues of gold and orange, they perform yoga on the ghats, bathe in the river or simply meditate in the glow of the new light. The Gayatri mantra is the ancient greeting of homage to Surya, the Sun God, the source of inexhaustible power and radiance (pictured in the illustration on Page 32).

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So fierce was Surya’s brilliance, however, that it was too bright to bear. The Puranas – Hinduism’s scriptural texts – record that Vishvakarman, the architect of the gods, ground off pieces of the sun to dim it slightly, and then forged them into the weapons for the deities: the disk-like chakra of Vishnu, the trident of Shiva and the lance of Kartikeya.

Sun Worship In the Ramayana, the sage Agastya advises Rama to worship his ancestor, the Sun, in order to receive the blessing he needs to defeat his enemy, Ravana. Rama chants the Adityahridayam, the oldest of mantras, and feels a living tide enfold him, touching him with a powerful blessing that strengthens him to face the Emperor of evil.

Early Brahmanical writings maintained that there were three principal gods – a deity located on the earth, Agni; a deity dwelling in the atmosphere, Indra; and a deity whose home was in the heavenly regions, Surya. (These were later subsumed into the tri-murthi or ‘three forms’, of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.)

Photo: Painting by artist Sri S. Rajam. Picture courtesy ‘Art Heritage of India: A Collector’s Special’, published by L&T-ECC & ECC Recreation Club.

O splendid and Effulgent Sun, we offer this prayer to thee.

Enlighten this craving mind.

Be our protector.

May the radiance of the divine ruler guide our destiny.

We salute your magnificence.

The Sun God rides across the heavens each day in a chariot pulled by seven horses – sometimes said to signify the seven colours of the rainbow. This iconography is to be found in the earliest of Buddhist chaityas, chambers of worship carved from the living rock. At Bhaja caves (Pune, Maharashtra), a relief shows Surya in his chariot as he rides across the sky, crushing the monstrous forces of darkness beneath his wheels. The Buddha is often associated with

The time before sunrise, called brahma muhurta, is considered the purest time of the day. A burst of energy is believed to herald the dawn; and, for Hindus, this is an especially auspicious moment: the sun itself is seen as a manifestation of Divine Reality. The Vedas glorify the celestial body as the source and sustainer of all life on earth: Surya is the visible presence of the Divine, the Far-seeing One, and his brilliant light and warmth fill the world.

Swift and all beautiful art thou, O Surya, maker of the light, Illuming all the radiant realm.

And as the Gayatri mantra suggests, Surya is also the source of inner enlightenment – his is the all-seeing eye. He dispels darkness and his light drives away evil dreams. Surya’s rays have the power to heal. He measures day and night, controls the seasons and the ripening of crops is his to grant or withhold.

The Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha. Photo: Melissa Enderle, USA

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Photo: Michael Simmangk

Photo: Roopak Verma, USA

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Sunrise is regarded as one of the most auspicious times for Indians. In Varanasi, India’s holiest city, people throng the banks of the River Ganga at dawn.

infinite light, and portrayed wearing a solar crown (for devotees, visualising the setting sun is one way to reach the pure land of the Buddha). The lotus flower is closely associated with Surya – in some figurative carvings, he stands beneath lotus blossoms, and he is often depicted holding a lotus in each hand.

Another characteristic is the tall riding boots he wears to prevent his feet scorching the earth.

Temples were built across India in Surya’s honour, and there are still ancient sun temples in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu – where the second of the traditional four-day harvest festival is called Surya Pongal and is dedicated to the sun. India’s most splendid sun temple is at Konark in Odisha, which was built in the 13th century and designed in the form of a colossal chariot for Surya with 24 carved wheels and a team of seven galloping horses. An inner shrine contains a figure of Surya in his riding boots, accompanied by Arjuna the charioteer, and two statues whose facial expressions have been carved to appear to change from wakefulness in the morning to weariness at the end of the day as the sunlight moves round. Elsewhere, several temples dedicated to Lord Shiva feature a small shrine for Surya, designed in such a way that the sun’s rays illuminate the inner sanctum on certain days of the year. In medieval Hinduism, however, Surya was often identified with Vishnu. Vishnu may have originated as a sun deity, whose three strides have been associated with the journey of the sun from morning through midday to evening. The memory of this is preserved in Vishnu’s chakra and his vehicle, the sun-bird Garuda.

Motifs of the sun adorn Indian textiles from the embroidered cotton panels, called kantha, of Bengal to the opulent raw silk saris of Kanchipuram, and yoga practitioners begin their exercise with the Surya namaskara, literally ‘sun salutation’. The sun salute was added to the sequence of dynamic yoga moves during the 20th century, but since Vedic times meditation techniques were allied to ritualistic prostration in praise of the sun.

Surya, the Generator of Power The sun no longer sets on the village of Dharnai in Bihar. In 2014, the community of 450 families became India’s first village to be powered entirely by solar energy, with electricity running off a solar powered microgrid built to serve the village, replacing diesel generators, firewood and kerosene lamps.

India’s abundant sunshine – on average, there are 300 clear, sunny days each year – has the potential to offer 5,000 trillion kilowatt hours of solar energy per year, exceeding the possible energy output of all the country’s fossil fuel reserves. Many of India’s state governments are investing in solar power projects, with specific targets to offer electricity to India’s vast rural population.

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Photo: Painting by artist Sri S. Rajam. Picture courtesy ‘Art Heritage of India: A Collector’s Special’, published by L&T-ECC & ECC Recreation Club.

Chandra, the Moon God The Moon God, Chandra (seen in the illustration above), was said to have been born in the ‘Ocean of Milk’ – one of the seven oceans that surround the world according to Hindu cosmology – but his bright, glowing body nearly blinded the gods, so he was given the status of a planet and sent to dwell in the heavens. He is often said to be a handsome man, and is married to the 27 sisters who are the constellations in the night sky. These are the daughters of Daksha, one of the Vedic lords of creation. Daksha allowed this marriage on condition that Chandra did not favour any one of Daksha’s daughters over the others. Chandra failed to do this – the constellation Rohini was his favourite wife – and so Daksha cursed him to die a slow and lingering death, losing his lustre as each night passed. His wives pleaded with their father, however, and the sentence was made periodic, which accounts for the moon’s waxing and waning.

Another popular story from Indian mythology accounts for the dark spot on the moon. It is said that Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, ate too much and fell from his vehicle, the mouse, hurting his stomach. The moon laughed and Ganesha broke off and threw his tusk at him, injuring him, and adding a curse that it would be forbidden to behold Chandra on Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival that marks the

Photo: E. Blignaut, South Africa

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Each month of the Islamic calendar commences with the birth of the new lunar cycle when the crescent moon is seen.

birth of the god. According to the later Puranas, the Moon God, also called Soma, was appointed the monarch of the stars and plants, of sacrifices and penance. The association with plants is from an earlier Vedic manifestation, when Soma was the god of an intoxicating plant juice that was extolled by the deities and drunk from the moon, its cup.

From ancient times, phases of the moon were used to indicate the best times to sow seeds, reap crops and perform rites of passage or spiritual ceremonies, giving meaning and order to the lives of people. But as a reminder of the eternal reality, Lord Shiva wears the crescent moon as a head ornament to signify that he is the controller of time, whilst man’s role in life is merely contributory.

Moon Worship While the sun is considered to be the generator of power, the moon is the conductor and rules over the lives of people on this earth. India’s system of astrology is based on the moon. The new moon, amavasya, and the full moon, purnima, were the occasions for Vedic ritual sacrifices, and the moon-days, called tithis, are the basic time units for religious observances such as fasting. On pournami or poornima, the full moon day, special pujas or rituals are performed in homes

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Lord Shiva wears the crescent moon as a head ornament to signify that he is the controller of time. Photo: Enrice Donate Sànchez

and temples. People choose this day as an auspicious one for special events and believe in the blessings of the Moon God. The cycles of the lunar phases also mark important dates in the calendars of India’s other main religions. Buddha Purnima, which marks the birth anniversary of the Buddha, falls on the full moon of the fourth lunar month of the year. Jains and Hindus celebrate the holy festival of Kartik Purnima on the full moon day, or the fifteenth lunar day, of the month of Kartik (around November), whilst for Sikhs, Kartik Purnima coincides with the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

Each month of the Islamic calendar commences with the birth of the new lunar cycle when the crescent moon is seen, marking the end of the previous cycle. The star and crescent symbol, so closely associated with contemporary Islam, was introduced to India by the Mughals in the 17th century: the Padshahnama, the official chronicle of the reign of Shah Jahan, contains a miniature painting that depicts the Emperor carrying a shield decorated with an upward crescent and star, whilst the finial of the Taj Mahal is topped with a combined spear and crescent moon.

The name of the Moon God, Chandra, from the Sanskrit word ‘shining’ (candra) finds expression in both Urdu and

From ancient times, phases of the moon were used to indicate the best times to sow seeds, reap crops and perform rites of passage or spiritual ceremonies, giving meaning and order to the lives of people Hindi. Chandi is an Urdu word meaning ‘silver’, and is used to mean the metal itself, to describe brightness and lustre, or something precious. Silver jewellery in India is called chandi.

Chandni means ‘moonlight’ in Hindi. It is said that the old market of Chandni Chowk in Delhi is so named because of the way the moonlight once shimmered off a pool at the heart of the bazaar.

There are hundreds of synonyms and epithets for the moon in Hindi and Urdu literature, and it is frequently used to describe the beauty of the beloved. The word is found in the title of many Bollywood songs and films, where the beloved may be compared to the moon, or the moon is described as the witness and confidant of lovers. The moon may be accused of casting a spell on the lovers, and those who have been separated measure time according to the phases of the moon, or declare their love is eternal and will outlast the moon and stars.

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Look Who’s In Town Bengaluru

An Incredible Experience

Bipin Khimasia from Canada reckons that his Indian experience has been nothing short of incredible As I was born to Indian parents in Kenya, I had the opportunity to travel to ‘Desh’ (the term, which means ‘nation’ or ‘homeland’ is used in this context to refer to India) on a number of occasions. These trips were short but memorable as we met my mother’s family in Gujarat. As an adult, I travelled to India on a number of occasions and these trips were full of memories...friendly people and great food (mind you, I stayed in 5-star hotels only!). In 2007, I decided to move to Bengaluru to start a new venture – Komtech Plastic. Prior to that, I had never stayed in India for more than three weeks.

India on a plate North American food is quite different when compared to local food. Even Indian food in Canada is a lot different when compared to the flavours of South and North Indian cuisines here. Apparently, this difference comes from the taste of vegetables – less moisture and more concentrated flavours.

The best time for me is from April to June, when you find a mango in every direction you look! I love the varieties and the distinct taste of Indian mangoes.

Wanderlust When the opportunity arises, wanderlust takes over! I have thoroughly enjoyed trips to Kashmir, Ladakh, Gujarat, Kerala and the interiors of Karnataka. The experience has been a mixed bag – at times exuberant and at times disgusting. Then again, India has the ability to provide that incredible experience!

What I would like in India More honesty and accountability I am taking home...

A different perspective of the world! Looking at the world from this spot on the globe is a lot different from consuming the tailored media views provided in North America.

Best Indian friend: My camera Favourite Indian food: Tandoori chicken Favourite hang-out spot in India: Kutch Intolerable India: Lack of civility Loveable India: Music and dance

Take

5

An avid photographer, Bipin Khimasia has been a regular participant in the Beautiful India Expatriate Photo Competition – in the 2015 edition of the competition, he won the Third Prize in the ‘Places’ category and a Commended Prize for the ‘Black and White’ category.

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Look Who’s In Town Chennai

Lots to embrace and experience The Johnstons – George, Camilla and Felicity – a family from the United Kingdom, are intent on soaking up as much of the country as they can We made a short trip to India before making the final decision to move. Global Adjustments took us on an initiation tour and showed us shops, restaurants, apartments, hospitals and leisure facilities. We are now familiar with Chennai and its surrounding areas, but we are also aware that it is a tiny portion of India. There is far more to see and experience. We have a newborn baby; and once she is a few months older, we hope to see different parts of India such as the backwaters in Kerala and snow-clad Himalayas. Earlier, we had underestimated the variety amongst the people, culture and climate!

India on a plate Camilla: George is a vegetarian, so he is in food heaven in Chennai! It is a new experience being spoilt for choice with both restaurants and menus. Even after a year, we are still

learning about the different fruits and vegetables on offer, such as jack fruit. A big surprise is that the spice level is not as high as we expected. Having lived in Chennai for almost a year now, I think that I am becoming a sambar (lentil gravy) connoisseur.

Wanderlust George and Camilla: We travelled to Puducherry, and stopped at Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) on the way. As much as we enjoy the bustle of Chennai, it was great to have some relative peacefulness within a short distance. We have planned trips to Kerala and Ooty, although these have been postponed due to the birth of our daughter, Felicity.

What I would like in India George and Camilla: For people to not make exaggerated promises and not come up with unrealistic timescales.

However. we have to remind ourselves that it is done from a genuine desire to help.

I am taking home...

George and Camilla: We will be taking our new daughter back to the United Kingdom, but we hope that some of the Indian energy and positivity will be instilled in all of us.

Take

Best Indian friend: Meena Favourite Indian food: Sambar Favourite hang-out spot in India: Cafe Madras Square Intolerable India: Mosquitoes!

Loveable India: The people

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Picture Story

by Team Culturama

A Touch of Whimsy There is always a reason to smile – laugh, even. And we have several of them caught on film! Chosen from the entries to our 18th Beautiful India Expatriate Photo Competition, these photos are a testimony to how India can throw up a whole host of surprises, in the most unexpected of places!

Many ways to pray: An apt description of how spirituality, like language and culture, is often regarded as unique to the individual following it. Photo: Cassia Reis, Brazil

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true – their children in (many) safe hands in a public place. Photo: Lucie Labarre, France

Trying on Indian colours: Who would have thought that a sari and a string of jasmine flowers would prove to be the perfect accessories for stilettos and a scooter? Photo: Mikhail J. Gorbatov, Russia

You looking at me? You can never be sure of who you might run into – so better to make the right introductions early on.

Photo: Shawna Davis, USA

Daily fresh delivery from Vienna to Mumbai: We will get you what you need, even if it has to be from half-way across the globe. And throw in home delivery as well. Photo: Silvia Ricanek, Germany

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Photo: Michael Ditter, Germany

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Seeing India

by Team Culturama

Bitten by the travel bug?

If you answered ‘yes’, we have a whole itinerary for you to go gaga over! From north to south, east to west, we bring you a list of places that are more than just picture perfect "So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked.” – Mark Twain.

Mark Twain couldn't have been more accurate – there’s truly nothing missing in India. The subcontinent contains within its borders almost all types of weather systems – from the snow-clad Himalayas to the blistering Thar Desert to the backwaters of Kumarakom. Nature is not the only draw – history, culture and adventure abound in different parts of the country, and visitors can choose just which desire they wish to indulge. As you plan your holidays for the coming year, we have put together a list of 10 places that would speak to varied tastes. While this is by no means an extensive or exhaustive list, we hope to whet your appetite for all that India has to offer.

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Photos: Linda Graeble, France and (inset) Jerome Gasser, France

Amritsar

Ladakh

Photos: Lynn Elise Peterson, USA and (inset) Christine Valade, France

Ladakh, which means ‘land of high passes’, is one of the most sparsely populated regions in Jammu and Kashmir.

This mountainous region, located between the Karakoram mountain range in the north and the Himalayas in the south, is a popular tourist destination.

Leh in Ladakh is one of the must-see attractions. Here, the Leh Palace, a nine-storey structure is a well-known architectural icon. Built in the 17th century, it has been unoccupied since Ladakh’s royal family was stripped of its power in 1846. Today, the palace has some exhibition spaces and a small prayer room, but the best part is the panoramic view from the uppermost rooftops.

A journey to Nubra, on what is claimed to be the world’s highest motorable road, is another attraction. In Diskit, Nubra’s commercial hub, is the Diskit Gompa, a monastery.

Picture-perfect views apart, the mani walls (elongated mounds of stones engraved with Buddhist prayers) and white chortens (dome-shaped monuments housing Buddhist relics) add to its rustic allure. If you arrive by dawn, you may have a chance to listen to the monks’ prayers complete with cymbals and horns.

Founded in 1577 (or 1574, according to some sources)

by Ram Das, the fourth Sikh guru, Amritsar is home to the Harmandir Sahab or Golden Temple – the holiest shrine for Sikhs worldwide. The old city of Amritsar, which contains the Golden Temple and other historic sights, and is bounded by 12 medieval gates, is a fascinating place for history buffs.

A large tank of water known as the Sarovar surrounds the temple. According to legend, this water body is filled with amrit (translated to mean ‘nectar’; the reference here is to holy water).

At the southeast end of the compound is the Guru ka Langar, an enormous dining room where an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 pilgrims come to eat every day. The food is served free. Volunteers work in the kitchen to prepare the food and clean the utensils – this is to emphasise the principle of seva or service to all. With people from all economic strata, religions and races sitting next to each other and eating the same food, this is an excellent example of equality – one of Sikhism’s key principles.

Another key landmark in Amritsar is the Jallianwala Bagh, which is reached through a gatehouse on the road to the Golden Temple. This park commemorates 1,500 Indians who were killed or wounded when a British officer named General Dyer ordered his soldiers to shoot on unarmed protesters in 1919. Some of the bullet holes are still visible in the walls; there is also a well into which hundreds of people leapt to avoid the bullets. Today, there is a continuous ‘flame of remembrance’, an exhibition telling the stories of victims and a Martyrs’ Gallery with portraits of Independence heroes.

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Aurangabad Jaisalmer

Photos: Cathy Maljournal, France and (inset) Christine Valade, France

Aurangabad, in the state of Maharashtra, was so named after the last Aurangzeb, a Mughal emperor. This city is well known for its historic landmarks, especially the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.

Said to be as old as the 2nd century B.C., the Buddhistinspired paintings and sculptures in the Ajanta and Ellora Caves represent one of the finest examples of Indian art.

With 29 rock-out caves nestled in a gorge, the Ajanta Caves comprise shrines and monasteries used by Buddhist monks for meditation and study. The paintings on the walls and ceilings of the caves depict incidents from the life of the Buddha and other Buddhist divinities. The 34 Ellora caves, which display Buddhist, Jain and Hindu influences, contain Buddhist halls of worship and monasteries, and Hindu and Jain temples. The most imposing excavation is that of the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), which is the largest monolithic structure in the world. The Ajanta and Ellora Caves were declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1983.

The hilltop fortress of Daulatabad is another big draw. A 5-km battlement surrounds this ancient fort, which was built in the 12th century. In 1328, it was renamed Daulatabad, the ‘City of Fortune’, by Sultan Mohammed Tughlaq, who decided to shift his kingdom’s capital to this citadel from Delhi – and was later forced to shift back to Delhi.

Bearing an uncanny resemblance to the Taj Mahal, Bibi ka Maqbara (nicknamed the ‘poor man’s Taj’) was built by Aurangzeb’s son, Azam Khan, in 1679 in memory of his mother. While the prince had planned on building the entire mausoleum in white marble, his father had opposed the idea on grounds of not depleting the state coffers for the purpose.

The monument’s gardens, with the Deccan hills providing a scenic backdrop, make it an excellent place for a visit.

Photos: Helen Ruth Taylor, UK and (inset) Magali Mendes, France

Known as the ‘Golden City’ due to the use of glittering sandstone in all its monuments, Jaisalmer is located in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. From camel rides to shopping for trinkets in the bazaar, from a bonfire in the desert to exploring the ancient havelis (mansions), Jaisalmer is a feast for all the senses.

The Jaisalmer Fort is like a mini city, with about 3,000 people residing within its walls. Narrow, winding lanes, lined with houses and temples, handicraft shops, guesthouses and restaurants make up the interior of the fort. Visitors can enter the fort from the east, near Gopa Chowk, and pass through four gates to the upper part. The final gate opens into the square that forms Dashera Chowk, the Fort’s centre. The Fort was built in 1156 by a Rajput ruler named Jaisal, and was the focus of a number of battles in the region. Salim ki Haveli (or Salim Singh ki Haveli) – literally translating to ‘Salim Singh’s haveli’ – is an 18th century structure with 38 balconies.

Interestingly, its arched roof has superb carved brackets in the form of peacocks. The front part of the haveli resembles a ship’s stern.

The Desert Cultural Centre and Museum is the best place to learn more about Rajasthan’s history and culture.

Rajasthani music (with video), textiles, a kaavad or mobile storytelling device, and a phad scroll painting depicting the story of the Rajasthani folk hero Pabuji are on display. Halfhour puppet shows with English commentary are put up in the evenings.

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Photos: Helen Ruth Taylor, UK

Photos: Aleksandr Zykov, Creative Commons and (inset) Ranjan Kumar Ganguly

Udaipur

Konark

Udaipur in Rajasthan was given the tag of ‘the most romantic spot on the continent of India’ in 1829 by Colonel James Tod, the East India Company’s first Political Agent in the region. The city has much on offer to justify this sobriquet. Lake Pichola, one of the prominent waterbodies in the city, is probably better known because of the Taj Lake Palace that floats on it. The majestic marble structure, which has held many a shutterbug’s fancy, is a big draw for tourists.

The Sun Temple at Konark, Orissa – a Unesco World Heritage Site – is one of India’s best known architectural sights. Originally nearer the coast (the sea is said to have receded 3 km since ancient times), Konark was visible from far out at sea and called the ‘Black Pagoda’ by sailors. The Sun Temple was constructed in the mid-13th century by King Narashimhadev I and was in use for around three centuries. The temple was built in the form of Surya’s (the Sun God) cosmic chariot. Seven horses were carved to ‘pull’ the structure. The temple was positioned so that the dawn light would illuminate the deul (temple sanctuary) interior and the presiding deity (which may have been moved to the Jagannath Mandir in Puri in the 17th century).

The City Palace Museum, located within the City Palace Complex, has a host of historic treasures. Rooms along one side of the building contain paintings of key battles in the area; the Badi Mahal has a central garden with fine views over the city; the Surya Choupad boasts of a huge, ornamental sun (the symbol of the Mewar dynasty that ruled these parts) and opens into Mor Chowk or Peacock Courtyard with its lovely mosaics of peacocks. The southern end of the museum comprises the Zenana Mahal, the royal ladies’ quarters, built in the 17th century. It is now a gallery featuring royal hunting scenes. The Mahal’s central courtyard, Laxmi Chowk, contains a beautiful white pavilion and a stable of palanquins.

Shilpgram, a crafts village located on the outskirts of Udaipur is a must-visit for those interested in arts and crafts.

The annual Konark Festival, which celebrates Indian music and dance and takes place in the first week of December, is presented with the Sun Temple as a backdrop.

The International Sand Art Festival, which is held around this time, draws many contestants and visitors from many different countries. The massive yet intricately designed structures crafted from sand have been drawing participants and tourists from countries such as the United States, Spain, Columbia and New Zealand.

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Photo: (Main) Karla Kivlehan, UK

Photos: Anke M.L. Bollen, The Netherlands and (inset) Cedric Fontant, France

Shimla

Hampi

With forested hillsides seen in all directions, the capital of Himachal Pradesh is an excellent destination for nature lovers. Traffic is banned from the central part of town, so there is plenty of room to walk and enjoy the sights of the small town. From mid-July to mid-September, Shimla is frequently wreathed in clouds and even experiences snowfall in winter.

Hampi, in Karnataka, is a historian’s delight. Once known to be among the richest and largest cities, it is today better known for the remains of its ancient monuments (the ‘Group of Monuments at Hampi’), which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit the Viceregal Lodge (known today as the Indian Institute of Advanced Study) for a taste of life from times gone by. There is a half-hour tour of rooms with interesting photo exhibits, but the old ballroom and dining hall have been converted to a library. The Gaiety Theatre, a Victorian structure, originally opened in 1877 and now restored, has played host to several famed writers (including Rudyard Kipling), actors and viceroys.

Shimla has a famous temple dedicated to Hanuman – the monkey god – and it is only fitting that it has hundreds of monkeys loitering around. A 33-metre-high pink statue of Hanuman that looms above the treetops is a highlight of this place. On the way to the temple, stop by the gates of Rothney Castle, built for reformer and naturalist Allan Octavian Hume, who amassed the world’s largest collection of stuffed Asiatic birds here before donating it to the British Museum.

Among these, the best known is the 16th-century Vittala Temple, which stands amid boulders. Work was possibly started on the temple in the early 1500s, but it was never finished or consecrated. The ornate stone chariot that stands in the courtyard is the temple’s showpiece and represents Lord Vishnu’s (one of the main Hindu gods) vehicle with an image of Garuda (a giant eagle that Vishnu rides on) within.

The outer ‘musical’ pillars, which reverberate when tapped, are said to have been designed to replicate 81 different Indian instruments. Today, they are out of bounds to tourists to avoid further damage.

Apart from the architecture, visitors can check out the Daraoji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, where around 150 bears have found a home. To lure the bears out of their quarters, honey has been kept in several places around the rocks. The sanctuary is open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and has a watchtower for visitors.

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Photos: Helmut Josef Karrasch, Germany and (inset) Jean Denis Lenoir, France

Puducherry Puducherry (formerly known as Pondicherry and referred to in local parlance as ‘Pondy’) is a charming place that bears some of the impressions left behind by French rule (which lasted until 1954). Some people here still speak French, and several streets have signboards in French. The older part of Puducherry is full of quiet, shady, cobbled streets lined with colonial-era townhouses. Once you have had your fill of the beaches, head to the Puducherry Museum, which has an entire floor of French-era furniture.

Puducherry is closely associated with Sri Aurobindo, a spiritual teacher, and his disciple, French-born Mira Alfassa (who came to be known as ‘the Mother’). The Sri Aurobindo Ashram (ashram translates to mean ‘spiritual dwelling’) is visited by visitors and spiritual seekers alike. Some distance away from Puducherry is Auroville or ‘City of Dawn’, an experimental township founded in 1968 by The Mother. It was meant to be a ‘universal town’ populated by people of all races and religions, to achieve the aim of human unity.

In the middle of the town is the Matrimandir, known by its signature gold dome. Inside, a spiralling ramp leads upwards to a chamber of polished white marble referred to as ‘a place to find one's consciousness’. The structure is equipped with a solar power plant.

Photo: Dauphine LARDINOIS, France

Kumarakom Some of the most beautiful pictures you may have seen of houseboats on serene waters may have been shot here.

Located near the city of Kottayam in the southern state of Kerala, Kumarakom is set in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the state of Kerala. With houseboats offering stays that range from a couple of days to a week or more, this is a place that offers the most scenic of natural sights.

Kumarakom was the first destination in India to implement responsible tourism practices, by linking the local community with the hospitality industry and government departments, thereby creating a model for empowerment and development of the people in the area while sustaining ecofriendly tourism.

While the primary aim of visiting the backwaters is to relax and revel in the slow pace of life all around, those interested in doing just a bit more can visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Located on the five-hectare site of a former rubber plantation, it is a haunt for a variety of domestic and migratory birds. October to February is the time for travelling birds like the garganey teal, osprey, marsh harrier and steppe eagle; May to July is the breeding season for local species such as the Indian shag, pond herons, egrets and darters.

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Global Wellness Series

Kidney stones are serious problems. They either cause a lot of trouble a lot by blocking the urine tube (Ureter) causing very severe pain or they grow silently in the kidney getting bigger in size over a period of time.

Kidney Stone Hazards Dr. S. Kabilan, MS, M. Ch (Urology), Consultant Urologist, Global Health City, Perumbakkam, points out some ways to prevent kidney problems.

After treating the patient for stones I generally screen their dietary pattern by asking a set of questions. Almost all of them were not drinking adequate quantities of water. They are stuck in front of their computers for hours and don’t bother to take a break for water intake. Normally 2 to 3 litres of water intake daily is necessary.

As a general I suggest all my patients to have 2 to 3 litres of water, control weight, reduce salt intake, avoid coffee intake, restrict tea intake to two 150 ml cups per day, dilute milk and curd before consuming, to include plantain stem juice in diet and to take plenty of oranges, lemons and pineapple. Those were some important facts I wanted to share for the readers to think about.

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January Calendar of events

Presenting the best of India’s events in different categories across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and nearby suburbs

Art & Exhibitions

Art Exhibition Chennai

Photography exhibition Mumbai

Artists Conclave, an organisation consisting of national and international artists, and Art Houz gallery will present Mythology Revisited. More than 20 artists from across the country will display their works here.

The exhibition has been curated by Kalpana Yuvaraj and Art Houz. Kalpana, a Chennaibased artist whose works have been exhibited across the world, runs Artists Conclave. The exhibition is a fund-raiser and is held in association with Rotary Club, the proceeds will be donated to one of Rotary Club’s causes.

See how Mumbai looks in Black and White through Robert D. Stephens’ Mumbai North: Contemporary Aerial Photographs of Mumbai.

Stephens, a native of South Carolina, United States, has been in Mumbai for more than four years now. The photographs in this exhibition were taken 15,000 ft above sea level between December 2014 and November 2015. What makes this exhibition unique is the fact each image is accompanied by a record of air pollution levels on the corresponding day, as measured by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.

Date: January 6 to 20 Venue: Art Houz Gallery, # 41 Kasturi Rangan Road, Alwarpet Time: 1100 to 1900 hours

Date: January 7 to 16 Venue: Artisans Centre, VB Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort Time: 1100 to 1800 hours

Book fair New Delhi Book lovers can head to the New Delhi Book Fair. First held in 1972, this is India’s oldest book fair, and is organised by the National Book Trust of India. This year, the country that has been given ‘guest of honour’ status is China.

Date: January 9 to 17 Venue: Pragati Maidan, Mathura Road, Time: 1100 to 2000 hrs

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Art Exhibition Bengaluru

Clay Art Exhibition Delhi

Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath will present Chithra Santhe 2016, an art fair. This is the 13th edition of this event. There will be artists from all over the country. The art fair will be held at the Arts Complex in Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath. Paintings, graphic prints, miniature formats and sculptures will be on view. Artists who wish to have their work exhibited can send an application with two photographs of their recent works and personal details to Chitrakala Parishath. For more information, visit www. karnatakachitrakalaparishath.com

‘Vessel Redefined’, an exhibition of clay art, will showcase nine ceramic artists from across the world. This is the second edition of Vessel Redefined. Some of these artists are Veena Chandran, Thomas Louis, Perin Jacob, Nehal Rachh, Mudita Bhandari and Falguni Bhatt. Nehal Rachh, from Baroda, is an artist who specialises in pottery. She is the curator of this exhibition. The exhibition is presented by Terraforma and Vivanta by Taj.

Date: January 3 Venue: Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath Art Complex, and Kumara Krupa Road, Near Shivananda Circle, Kumara Park East Time: 0800 to 2000 hrs

Date: November 19 to January 19 Venue: Vivanta by Taj, Near Metro Station Complex, Sector 21, Dwarka

Events

Music Concert Chennai Academy Award winner A.R. Rahman will perform in Chennai after a long time. Titled Nenje Ezhu, the name of a song by Rahman as well, the show will feature famous Tamil numbers. ‘Nenje Ezhu’ translates to mean ‘Rise Up’, and the concert is an attempt to start the new year on a positive note. The event also supports VS Medical Trust, and aims to increase awareness about cancer.

The event will be organized by Noise and Grains, a production company. Visit www.bookmyshow.com for more details and to buy tickets.

Date: January 16 Time and Venue: To be announced

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Comedy Fest Multiple cities

Marathon Mumbai

Naked by Papa CJ is a modern and refined take on performance and stand-up comedy.

Drama, poetry, storytelling, music, comedy, tragedy and hope are some of the things you can expect from this critically acclaimed one-man theatrical production. Come watch the winner of Asia's Best Stand-up Comedian award in at his most honest, raw and compelling show to date. The show has received a standing ovation every single time it has been performed in India. All information relating to dates, times and venues can be found at www.bookmyshow.com

The Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, with a full distance of 42 km, also offers the options of Half-marathon, DHL Corporate Champions, Dream Run, Senior Citizens Run and Champions with Disability. The DHL Corporate Champions section is for companies that field a team, while people over 60 years of age can participate in the Senior Citizens Run. The winner in the marathon section will win Rs. 5 lakh, while those who come second and third will walk away with Rs. 4 and Rs. 3 lakh, respectively.

Only those born on or before January 16, 1998, are eligible to participate.

Date: January 9 to 29 Venues: At different venues in Bengaluru, Chennai, NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata – please visit www.bookmyshow.com for all details.

Dance Festival Bengaluru The Nada Nrityotsav 2016, a Bharatanayam dance festival, will feature well known artistes Vibha Selvaratnam and Shankar Kandaswamy. Some other performers are Radhika Ramanujam and Deepa Raghavan. For more details, visit www.buzzintown.com.

Date: January 8 Venue: ADA Rangamandira, J.C. Road, Time: 1800 hrs

Date: January 17 Venue: Starting from Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link to Chatrapati Shivaji Station (CST)

Stand-up Comedy Delhi On the Pot with Vir Das – Pajama Fest 2016 takes off from the popular comedian’s podcast, Vir Das’ Potcast. The show is a one-of-a-kind panel discussion featuring the funniest names on the comedy circuit as well as some special guests. The panelists will cover everything from sports, politics and current affairs, which makes this one comedy show you shouldn't miss. Visit www. bookmyshow.com for more details.

Date: January 31 Venue: August Kranti Marg, Asian Games Village Complex, Gautam Nagar Time: 1800 hrs

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Spotlight

by Team Culturama

Jaipur Literary Festival January 21 to 25 The Jaipur Literary Festival celebrates excellence in writing from across the world. It draws the Who’s Who from the literary world and eminent figures from other fields such as music, film and art. The event is comprised of interactive workshops, launch of new books, writing competitions and music performances.

The festival directors for the event are famed authors Namita Gokhale and William Dalrymple. The producer of the event is Sanjoy Roy, managing director of Teamwork Arts, an entertainment company. Started in 2006, the Jaipur Literary Festival was initially a part of the Jaipur Heritage International Festival; in 2008, it was turned into a standalone event. The festival is a great opportunity for everyone who loves the written word to rub shoulders with literary stalwarts and exchange ideas with them.

In the previous editions, Nobel Laureate V.S. Naipaul, as well as Man Booker winners and nominees such as Eleanor Catton and Ian McEwan have been attendees. This year, there is a treat in store for literature fans as Ruskin Bond and Margaret Atwood are confirmed attendees. Aspiring writers can take part in the ZEE Jaipur Literary Festival Writing Competition; winners will have their work published in the Festival’s official website.

The Jaipur Literary Festival will be held at the Diggi Palace Hotel in Jaipur, Rajasthan, from January 21 to 25. Jaipur is well connected by flights and trains from all cities in India, so getting to the city can be easily arranged.

Visit https://jaipurliteraturefestival.org

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Festivals Of India

by Team Culturama

Indian

Har est

Festivals

January is an important month across the country, when winter comes to an end and harvests are reaped. Given that India is traditionally an agricultural economy, a plentiful harvest is seen as a special blessing – and needs a suitable gesture of thanksgiving.

Interestingly, India hosts six major climatic subtypes – ranging from arid desert in the west, alpine tundra and glaciers in the north and humid tropical regions supporting rainforests in the southwest and the island territories. In addition, many regions have starkly different microclimates.

Hence, to have a harvest time that cuts across the country’s different climactic zones is a worthy fact in its own right.

We have listed below some of the important harvest festivals from across the country. The festivals are based on the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of makara rashi (Capricorn) on its celestial path. This time, which marks the end of the winter solstice, is regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase – a time when weddings, rituals and important events can be undertaken.

LOHRI - Punjab January 13

This harvest festival also commemorates the memory of Dulha Bhatti, synonymous with the legend of Robin Hood. The highlight of the festival is the bonfire that is lit at sundown. People gather around the bonfire and sing and dance. They also throw sesame seeds, pieces of jaggery (unrefined sugar) and sugarcane sticks into the fire as offering to Agni (the God of fire). Dishes that are usually prepared on these occasions include sarson da saag (a dish made with mustard and spices), makki ki roti (Indian bread made from corn) and gajak (a sweet dish made from sesame seeds and jaggery).

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remind themselves to try and speak only ‘sweet’ things in the coming year.

UTTARAYANA – Gujarat and Rajasthan January 15

BHOGALI BIHU – Assam January 14 and 15

The name of one of Assam’s biggest festivals is derived from the word bhoga, which means ‘to eat’ or ‘to enjoy’.

The two-day festival begins with the creation of the meji or bhelaghar – makeshift thatch and bamboo enclosures. At night, the community comes together for a feast, during which people sing bihu or local songs to the beat of a dhol (drum). The next morning, the meji is burnt, and people gather around it and throw rice cakes and betel nuts in the fire to signify obeisance to Agni, and to ward off evils for the next harvest season.

While this is strictly not a harvest festival, Uttarayana celebrates the movement of the Sun to the North (‘Uttar’ means ‘north’, and ‘ayan’ means ‘movement’). Kite flying is an important part of the celebrations, and the sky is dotted with the most magnificent array of kites – from the ordinary to the spectacular. This is the people’s homage to the Sun God. The International Kite Festival, held in Ahmedabad (Gujarat’s capital) on January 14 every year, is a popular event among domestic and international tourists. Chikki or candies made from sesame seeds, peanuts and jaggery are popular favourites on this day.

MAKARA SANKRANTHI/ SANKRANTHI – across India, including

PONGAL – Tamil Nadu

Based on the Sun’s journey as it moves northwards, Makara Sankranthi celebrates the arrival of spring and symbolises new beginnings. Families discard old clothes and things to welcome the new year. Many people also take a dip in one of the holy rivers as a ritual cleansing. Cows and bulls are decorated and worshipped in some states, as they are a key part of agricultural communities. Communal kite flying events and community fairs are organised across villages and cities. Food plays a central role during this festival, especially those made of sesame seeds – and when eating them, people

The four-day harvest festival of Tamil Nadu pays tribute to the Gods of rain and sun, as well as cattle. On ‘Bhogi’, the first day, a bonfire is built to burn old clothes and discarded possessions – a representation of making way for new things.

The Sun God is worshipped on ‘Surya Pongal’ or ‘Thai Pongal’, the second day. Milk and rice are heated in a pot and allowed to boil over, to symbolise the flow of prosperity. On the third day, ‘Maatu Pongal’, farmers pay their respects to their cattle.

The last day, ‘Kaanum Pongal’, is a time when families and communities host celebrations. This is also a day when sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being. Pongal – a rice and lentil dish made with jaggery (as a sweet dish called sakkarai pongal) or with ghee, cumin and black pepper (a savoury dish known as venn pongal) – is the highlight of this festival.

Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh January 15

January 14 to 17

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Advertisers Feature

Pongal’s Many Attractions Pongal is one of India’s biggest harvest festivals which is celebrated for four days Pongal is celebrated in Tamil Nadu to mark the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the sun’s journey to the north – a phenomenon considered auspicious by many Indians. Although Pongal is a harvest festival, it is an intrinsic part of all households – agriculturists and otherwise. It is also seen as a time for thanksgiving, wherein people celebrate the bountiful harvest, and pray that blessings continued to be bestowed on them in coming months.

The four-day festival starts off with Bhogi Pongal, celebrated in honour of Lord Indra (God of rain). On this day, old and broken household items are taken out and burnt in a bonfire. This is the physical representation of a new beginning, and the principle that we should make space for new things in our life. The second day is Surya Pongal, dedicated to the Sun God. Pongal (a dish made from the harvested rice, lentils and jaggery) is prepared. Kolams (decorative patterns made from white and coloured rice flour) are drawn outside houses.

The third day or Mattu Pongal is dedicated to cattle for the role they play in agriculture. Jalli kattu, a sport in which villagers have to retrieve money that is tied to the horns of

bulls that are set loose, is held in Madurai, Tiruchi and Thanjavur. The fourth and final day is Kaanum Pongal – on this day, women pray for their brothers’ welfare, and families and friends visit each other.

The Tamil Nadu Government celebrates ‘Thiruvalluvar Day’ on the last day of Pongal – usually on January 15 (January 16 on leap years). This Day is held in memory of Thiruvalluvar – a revered sage, scholar, poet and philosopher, whose work, Thirukkural, a work of ethics and moral codes for a better life, is an important part of Tamil literature and culture. In some places Thiruvalluvar Day is celebrated instead of Kaanum Pongal. Many memorials in Tamil Nadu, including Valluvar Kottam near Chennai and the Thiruvalluvar statue at Kanyakumari have programs dedicated to Thiruvalluvar.

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Department celebrates the Pongal Tourist Festival in all tourist centres in the state to publicise the importance of the festival among domestic and foreign tourists. Many programmes are organised by the Department to encourage foreign tourists to take part in the festivities.

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Advertisers Feature

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Comfort at every step One reason why Accord Metropolitan is hugely prominent in the hospitality sector is because it caters to many cultures.

Our hotel has many unique facilities, for example the interior is a combination of contemporary and ethnic designs, the wood used for the door, pillars, statues and architectures are from Karaikudi region of Tamil Nadu and are approximately 250 years old. The 5th Wing which is called the Pearls Wing as it is used specifically for single lady travellers. 36 distinctive rooms with unique Japanese touch rooms spread over 2 floors of Accord Metropolitan. Each room has been provided with best in digital technology of smart one touch digital panels, automated bidet for better hygiene and NHK premium Japanese channel with Room service menu in Japanese. An exclusive Japanese restaurant (Sora Jima) with an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine under the leadership of Chef Yasuhiro Katayama.

In 2012 Accord Metropolitan was proud to announce the opening of its first 5 star property in Puducherry in 2012. In addition to this we opened our second resort in Ooty in 2013 in the hills of Dottabetta. Accord was also awarded the Times City Award for Best Fine Dining Vegetarian Restaurant in Chennai 16th December 2013.

Advertisers Feature Since it welcomed its first guest in 1974, the Taj Coromandel has been an integral part of everything that makes Chennai unique.

Having undergone a recent refurbishment, the hotel now offers a rejuvenated luxury experience, bringing its patrons a perfect fusion of rich, South Indian design and classic European elegance.

Luxury at every corner

The Taj Coromandel offers a wide range of services, from state-ofthe-art suites to restaurants, topped off with a host of other facilities

The Taj Club Rooms and Executive Suites are designed to meet the needs of business travelers – they are equipped with two-line telephones, high-speed internet access, DVD players, and electronic safes. The Presidential Suite is the preferred choice for heads of state and royalty from across the globe such as Hillary Clinton and Prince Andrew .This luxurious suite includes a living room, two spacious bathrooms, a jacuzzi, guest bathroom, dining area and a pantry.

With menus from around the world, Taj’s culinary expertise can be enjoyed in all its glory. Chipstead, the stylish and contemporary bar features an intoxicating range of classic malts, wine, spirits and rare and old whiskies. The iconic Golden Dragon showcases Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine. Southern Spice delights with a menu of delicacies from the four southern states of India.

Prego offers an authentic and innovative Italian dining experience.

Taj Khazana, an in-house lifestyle store, showcases the finest of artisans, traditions and crafts that India has to offer.

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Providing high quality skin care Forest Essentials, with more than 44 branches in India, has come to be highly regarded in the field of skin care.

Forest Essentials India was launched in 2000 with the idea of making high quality skin care products based on ayurveda and representing the best India had to offer. In 2007, the company started supplying amenities to the Oberoi Group of Hotels along with others.

Ms.Mira Kulkarni, the founder of Forest Essentials, being exposed to ayurveda for many years in the Tehri Garhwal in Uttaranchal used her knowledge to source local herbs, oils and medicinal roots from the region.

Today Forest Essentials retails from 44 company owned stores across India. We are also available via e-commerce and ship to more than 70 counties across the world. Forest

Essentials is very proud and honoured to be chosen to supply the Rashtrapati Bhavan with in-room amenities for all their VIP rooms.

Our high performing products have been the recipient of multiple awards over the last several years, adding several more year after year; •

Harpers Bazaar Top 100 Beauty Products - Best Brightening Day or Night Cream(2014), Best Masque (2014), Best Cleanser (2015), Best Night Cream (2015)

• Vogue Beauty Awards – Best Moisturizer (2011) •

Elle Beauty Awards -Best Mask & Serum (2009), Body Firming & Shaping Product (2010), Best Toner (2011)

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Crafting the best

Gehna, a jewelry boutique in Chennai, was started by Mr.Sunith Samdaria in 1996, who has over 30 years of experience in the jewelry business.

Mr. Sunith’s hospitality and warmth can be felt by every client even if they just step in a for a cup of coffee. The moment a client sets foot in the shop the focus is on the client. Some of Gehna's trademark design are Marquee petal & Filigree Jhumki!

The Gehna team, with its highly qualified and designers who have years of experience, goes out of its way to hear your ideas, focus on your style preferences and then begin making that piece of jewelry that you desire. Mr.Sunith, sees to it the finest gemstones are picked and personally develops the ornament.

Gehna, a jewelry boutique, leaves no stone unturned to give its customers the best.

In his own words, "It's no accident that I have spent thirty years in the jewelery trade, working my way through the most intense learning experiences, from grading, cutting, and polishing diamonds to eventually overseeing the designing, crafting and finishing of jewelry, to the most exacting standards of perfection.”

Gehna has steadily been growing over the past decade. They were recently nominated for Luxury Lifestyle Awards - Jewelery Category (Asia). Gehna is among the top 5 jewelers from India to be chosen for the awards to take place in Singapore in February 2016.

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Portrait of India

by Team Culturama

One of the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi (the wife of Lord Vishnu), which are collectively known as the Ashta Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi is named after dhanya or ‘food grains’. She is regarded as the giver of agricultural wealth – especially food – all year round. She is shown here as having four hands, two of which hold lotuses and the others gold sprigs of paddy.

Painting by Sri S. Rajam. Picture courtesy ‘Art Heritage of India: A Collector’s Special’, published by L&T-ECC & ECC Recreation Club.

culturama

Postcard from India Ghat in taken in Dhobi The photo was all over laundry from Mumbai. Dirty sive open ght to this mas ou br is i ba um M y hand d painstakingl air laundry an en) in dhobis (washerm washed by the ncrete dless rows of co en y gl in em se the stones. If you with flogging troughs fitted ves you an this place, it gi take a tour of e ‘inside’ glimpse into th unforgettable of clothes usands pieces ho T . ty ci e th of ith a smart re every day. W are washed he gets lost , not one piece labelling system g. or goes missin herlands endal, The Net em lo B e sk in R —

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Holistic Living

by Eknath Easwaran

(Not Just) A New Year’s Resolution ‘Give up what is before, what is behind, and cross the stream. Then will your mind be free,’ says the Buddha in the Dhammapada – a principle that will stand us in good stead at all times

We must learn how to tear out all the pages in our mental notebook, where memory has recorded in gruesome detail everything unpleasant that was said or done to us. Tear out all the old resentful episodes from the past and never bother dwelling on any of them again. Otherwise they are going to cause a lot of pain in the year to come. Then go into the New Year with a fresh resolve to keep that kind of episode from causing further anguish. This is the most pressing New Year’s resolution there can be.

Spiritual psychology and secular psychology agree that if we are able to trace some of our personal resentments and personal conflicts, we shall often find their seeds buried in the distant past. Our early traumas at home and at school play a formative role in our later emotional life.

But here is where the two psychologies diverge. Great spiritual psychologists like the compassionate Buddha give us the same specific method for dealing with resentments and conflicts. If, by constantly pulling attention away to the

present, you can persuade your mind not to dwell on the past, there can be no resentment, no ill will of any kind. As the Buddha puts it so beautifully in the Dhammapada, “Give up what is before, what is behind, and cross the stream. Then will your mind be free.”

To grasp this takes some thought and a certain amount of experience. But now, when people confide in me regarding their personal difficulties – some of which seem to go on and on – I have no hesitation in concluding that it is those whose attention is caught in the past who are most often subject to unreasonable agitation. In such people, the most minute stimulus can bring into action a hostile response that has been building up over a long, long period. There is no sense in blaming them. Most of their mind is not here; it is back there.

There are people, for example, who let their mind dwell on some little phrase a parent or teacher may have aimed at them in a moment of frustration. Eventually they will not

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Photo: Debora Zerneri, USA

be able to refrain from dwelling on it, for it gives them an odd kind of satisfaction. This little hostile seed, which would die a natural death if left to itself, they keep watering with their tears and fertilising with their attention until it grows into a giant poison oak bush. Even more tragic, instead of just dwelling on one particular outburst of anger or criticism, some of us develop a tendency to dwell on all our negative emotions. When we do this for a long period of time, we are in for a lot of trouble in our personal relations.

Strong memories are time bombs. Whether the incidents took place five years ago or fifty, the emotional charge remains intact and the bomb is down there ticking. We have many of these time bombs ticking away in the depths of our consciousness, and some innocent little remark has only to brush that bomb by indirect association to make us flare up at people without rhyme or reason. It is not so much that the person who made the remark did anything intentional; it is just that we have these emotional charges there waiting to be set off.

In that quiet statement about setting the mind free, the Buddha is asking a very pertinent question. If you can only turn your attention away from the past – not only five or fifty years ago but even yesterday – and bring it into today, how will you be able to hold on to resentment? To be hostile you have to be caught up in the past; that is the stuff of which this phantom is made. Without the past, what cause could you possibly have for anger?

Realising this, the great sages of all religions have been able to make an astounding statement: “We don’t even understand any more what resentment is.” This unburdening of memory is the greatest relief in life.

Reprinted with permission from ‘The Art of Detachment’, an article by Eknath Easwaran from The Blue Mountain Journal. Copyright The Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, P.O. Box 256, Tomales, CA 94971, www.easwaran.org.

(Extract from https://bmcmwebsite.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/ bm-journal/2015/2015Spring.pdf)

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Give to India

by Indrajit Dutta

In the face of disaster Helping people affected by natural disasters cope with life is a far from easy, yet Bhoomika Trust has not shied from doing so on more than one occasion The recent Chennai floods left more than 280 people dead, many areas damaged and hordes of people homeless. The city truly needed all the help it could get. Bhoomika Trust, an NGO in Chennai, went the extra mile as they tried to help those gravely affected by the disaster. They donated 1,80,000 food packets to those in dire need of it, as well as 40,000 ration kits. With the help of around 10,000 volunteers, they also worked to raise funds for people who had lost their source of livelihood due to the floods. And to prevent the spread of diseases after the floods, Bhoomika Trust provided families with sufficient chlorine tablets to purify the water being used.

However, this was not the first time that they had reached out to people in a disaster-affected zone. In 2014, when heavy floods hit the state of Uttarakhand and earlier, in 2004, when the southern state of Tamil Nadu was affected by a tsunami, Bhoomika Trust worked to assist those affected by the disasters.

Bhoomika Trust was formed in 2001 by P. Jayendra, a noted film director, D. Barath, a software professional,

Sudha Panchapakesan, an employee in a company providing technological equipment, Usha Sarathy, former director of an investment company, and Raju Rajgopal, a former healthcare professional. The NGO was formed in the aftermath of the earthquake in Gujaratto help the victims. “We just acted spontaneously, out of a desire to provide immediate and longterm relief,� says Panchapakesan. The organisation has a team of 6 trustees and 8,000 to 10,000 volunteers from different walks of life, including students, lawyers and IT professionals.

Apart from disaster relief, Bhoomika Trust has undertaken other initiatives as well. One of them is Step One, which focuses on employment opportunities for disabled youths. It is, however, their work in places affected by natural disasters that has gained them the attention of the larger public. Their work during the Uttarakhand floods, similar to what they did in Chennai, was also lauded. To aid families that had lost their belongings during the floods, Bhoomika Trust donated kits that comprised of utensils, groceries and rice and other necessities. The kits were bought in Chennai and shipped by road to Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. Groceries

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kerala backwater bliss

and rice were also sent to villages in need. (While carrying out these operations, Bhoomika Trust partnered with an NGO named Gunj.)

Another notable instance of their contribution was after the Tsunami in Tamil Nadu in 2004. Apart from donating 4,300 ration kits, the NGO financed the construction of 200 homes in Nagapattinam and Villupuram districts. Some of their volunteers offered counselling for those who had been traumatised by the event. Four months after the disaster, around 2,000 tuition centres were established. The aim of these centres was to help children cope with their school work.

More importantly, it kept them occupied in the evenings – a time, Jayendra says, when they feared “that water would suddenly rise up and come towards them.”

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What is the hardest part of their work? Not the part that concerns logistics or raising funds. It is the process of helping people get back to a ‘normal’ life. Jayendra adds, “I hope there are no more disasters. I hope my organisation does not have to work anymore.”

If you like to know more about Bhoomika Trust, please visit their website http://bhoomikatrust.org/ or call P. Jayendra at +91-98400 61183.

visit: www.milesworth.com Milesworth Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd., 39 R M Towers, 108 Chamiers Road, Chennai. Tel: +91-44-24320522 / 24359554 Fax: +91-44-24342668 E-mail: holidays@milesworth.com

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Advertisers Feature Lifespaces, a one stop furniture & interiors makeover studio is from the house of Jayabharatham. We strive to bring your dreams and ideas into reality by providing 360 degree customized solutions in furniture & interiors. Our forte is our workmanship in furniture, interior solutions, customizations, modular kitchens, wardrobes & lofts, divine, outdoor, office, furnishings, home Decor and accessories. This festive season, Lifespaces presents “A Special New Year Offer of Flat 29.5%” on its varied range of products for a limited period with a goodwill gesture.

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JFI group is from the House of "Jayabharatham" was conceived and incepted in September 2013. Lifespaces is the first flagship store from the JFI group which is placed on the commercial hub of OMR, Kanthanchavadi which is the central retail hotspot on OMR. JFI group is ably managed by a qualified team headed

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Soma—a name to reckon with

Soma apart from being a well-known boutique has offered the block-printing community a new lease of life.

Soma was started in 1984, and at that time hand block printers of Rajasthan was a neglected lot. We took it as a challenge and started our mission to bring back the lost glory of wood block prints and gain dignity for heritage crafts community.

Our clothes are well made, people cherish them and pass them on to next generation. Our quilts are super soft and all hand crafted so well that they are used for years. With a bunch a block printed textile multi covers one can transform her/his living space in no time. Most our products are machine washable and the colours are affected in any way. The fact that we have stayed on for more than 30 years itself is a milestone. We now have second generation employees working with us. Block-printing printing training program we had launched some years ago helped spread awareness and add more printers to this close knit community, which was another milestone. Joining hands with like- minded other manufacturers to promote and establish an eco friendly textile park in Jaipur is yet another mile stone.

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An ode to the arts

Dakshin Chitra’s 4- day festival-Utsavam, will feature Carnatic musicians and exponents of various dance and theatre forms from all over India

The arts and culture of South India are rich and diverse. From film to dance to music to sculpture, the arts of South India deliver a sense of ancient forms delivered through timeless vehicles. And binding all of these arts together is the source- our ancient and beautiful temples Today, we experience Carnatic music through Chennai’s famous music season, and at concerts in large venues throughout the year.

The Utsavam at Dakshina Chitra is a 4- day exploration of Carnatic music, dance, theatre and folk arts that brings some of India’s foremost musicians and historians together.

Evening concerts will be held as they might have been in the past – lit by the glow of oil lamps, announced by village parades, and performed in the elegant architecture of traditional south Indian homes.

The Utsavam at Dakshina Chitra is a unique journey into the past – and future – of Carnatic music, and the art forms it influences.

The artists are as follows: Sriram Parasuram, Shantha and VP Dhananjayan, Lakshmi Vishwanathan, Gowri Ramnarayan, S. Sowmya, Savita Narasimhan, Chitra Madhavan, Shriramkumar, Arun Prakash, Mohan Raman, Bragha Bessel, Sreelatha Vinod, Pavithra Srinivasan, Anjana Anand, and many more.

Dates: February 13 to 15 Register now at http://dakshinachitra.net/main/checkot/2

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At Global Adjustments

by Team Culturama

Aim to Serve The India Immersion Centre, The ngo arm of global adjustments, was involved in distributing relief materials to those affected by the recent floods in chennai

Photos: Madhumitha Prasad

Flood Relief Measures

Aim, Aspire, Achieve

The India Immersion Centre (IIC), the NGO wing of Global Adjustments, carried out relief work in the aftermath of the Chennai floods and made donations in the form of necessities. Five hundred aluminium buckets were donated to slum women, while food supplies, toiletries and other necessary items were given to school students of some corporation schools and their families. In addition, Usha Ramakrishnan, Director of IIC, donated biscuit packets to HIV-infected students in a school in Red Hills. A mention also has to be made of the volunteers who worked at the sites where a large number of people had food delivered.

The India Immersion Centre will be holding a Lifeskills Workshop – an initiative to help equip young girls from the lower economic strata with the necessary tools to succeed in the workplace. Interview skills, etiquette, stress management and teamwork will be a part of the syllabus. The programme will run from January 26 to 30. If you would like to sponsor the students’ registration fees or the materials used in the course, please contact Usha Ramakrishnan, Director of IIC, at the email/number given below.

In another initiative, 500 sets of examination pads and other stationary items were donated to students of a government-run girls school. Many of the stationary supplies in the schools had been damaged in the school due to the floods.

The India Immersion Centre welcomes donations from individuals and corporations – the money will be used to provide schools and colleges with necessary equipment, fund workshops and arrange for study materials. For more information, please email Usha Ramakrishnan, Director of IIC, at usha@globaladjustmemts.com or call her at +91-98405 20394.

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Sneak Peek culturama YOUR CULTURAL GATEWAY TO INDIA

February 2016

Culturama's February 2016 issue is a smorgasbord of delights. Here are some of the key features of our next issue: 3 Cities & a Hot Air Balloon: Ever wished you could fly like a bird, and see the sights of the world from above? You can fulfil that wish at least in part by flying over Agra, Goa or Jaipur in a hot air balloon!

Ten for the Road: The land of famed warrior dynasties also lays claim to a peace-loving community. If there is a vast desert on one side, there are wildlife sanctuaries too. This segment presents the essence of Rajasthan in a nutshell.

A Legacy in Stone and Water: Elements of practical physics and aesthetic architecture come together in India’s stepwells.

Built as storage and irrigation tanks mainly to cope with seasonal fluctuations in water availability, they represent one of the key elements of India – how beauty is an intrinsic of everything.

There is much more to look forward to – keep a lookout for the February issue of Culturama.

Write to culturama@globaladjustments.com to subscribe for your copy.

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Dakshin’s Culinary Treats

Dakshin will offer a host of gastronomic delights from all the four Southern states

An icon of Chennai’s culinary landscape, Dakshin restaurant at Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park presents a slice of South Indian cuisine, with a focus on authentic recipes.

The experience of dining at this renowned culinary destination beings from the time you enter the templeinspired doors. Live music performances and a traditional service sequence create a mesmerizing experience.

The gastronomic journey at Dakshin traverses the length and breadth of the four Southern states, highlighting the various aspects of the diverse cuisines: the subtle blend of condiments from Kerala coexist with the spicy Tamil Nadu curries, just as the fiery chillies of Andhra Pradesh complement the hint of sweetness of Karnataka. Every meal begins with chutneys — coconut, ginger, tamarind, tomato and the chutney of the day. You’ll also be given crumbly jaggery and a dot of golden-yellow butter to complement the Iyer’s trolley of goodies.

In a continuous endeavour to delve deeper into the authenticity of the cuisines of the region, Dakshin presents ‘Kanara Jevan’, giving gourmands the fresh and zestful taste of 'bedgi' chillies, coconut, vinegar and curry leaves in a range of vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes.

Inspired by the cuisines of Mangalore, Coorg, Udipi and Kundapur, this menu is specially crafted by the culinary team of Dakshin and will be showcased from January 8 to 17.

Celebrating the harvest festival, the special ‘Pongalo-Pongal’ thali on January 15 is a toast to the spirit of the New Year. So, come partake in what we believe continues to be history in making.

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4 Chennai Property Thiruvanmiyur Exclusive Gated community • Awesome sea-views! Large garden area • 3 bedrooms, all en-suite • Open-plan kitchen, dining and living area • 20 minutes to American International School • Pets welcome

Annanagar Independent House • 3, 000 sq.ft independent house • 5 Bedrooms , fully furnished • 2 car parks, 1 covered and 1 open

Thoraipakkam Prime Apartment • 2,300 sq. ft apartment on the 12th floor • 2 balconies , 1 sea- facing and 1 terrace -garden facing • 2 car parks, 1 covered and 1 open

ECR Independent villa for rent • 4,000 sq.ft in 3 grounds • 4 Bedrooms • Western -style open kitchen, dining and living area • Landscaped garden, pool and sit out patio • 100% generator back-up

ECR- Kanathur Independent house • 6 Bedrooms, independent house in ECR • Swimming pool and garden • Expatriate preferred

For more properties, call Global Adjustments at +91-44-24617902/+91-72999 12605, or e-mail: realty@globaladjustments.com Please note that any changes to the information above are done at the property owner’s sole discretion. Global Adjustments assumes no responsibility for such changes.

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Licensed to post without prepayment under WPP No. TN/PMG(CCR)/WPP-268/2016-18. Date of Publication:1st of every month.