Spiceroute December 14 by Maxposure Media Group India Pvt Ltd

The inflight magazine

Volume VIII | Issue XII |

December 2014

28 52 94

the trendsetter SpiceJet setting new trends in Indian aviation

feel the sunshine Escape the chill and plan a perfect winter getaway

Xâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mas temptations

jan

feb

mar

apr

may

june

the year we changed indian aviation

Bite into a variety of Christmas goodies

www.spiceroutemag.com

December 2014

seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greetings

so here we are, the last month of the year we changed indian aviation, a year where we broke the mould, a year where we celebrated, surprised, cheered, brought joy and colour into the lives of our customers; gave many more the chance to fly for the first time ever. as we look ahead to yet another year filled with fun, excitement and amazements, we promise to continue to set new trends, with all our heart!

to know more, turn to page 28.

jul

aug sep

oct

nov dec

The inflight magazine

Volume VIII | Issue XII |

December 2014

28 52 94

the trendsetter SpiceJet setting new trends in Indian aviation

feel the sunshine Escape the chill and plan a perfect winter getaway

Xâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mas temptations

jan

feb

mar

apr

may

june

the year we changed indian aviation

Bite into a variety of Christmas goodies

www.spiceroutemag.com

December 2014

seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greetings

to know more, turn to page 28.

jul

aug sep

oct

nov dec

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Fabulous Furniture, FurnitureSoft Furnishings Furniture

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FOR BUSINESS EXECUTIVES AND LEISURE TRAVELERS

Browse and Buy on: www.lalcointeriors.com

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from the coo’s desk

Dear SpiceJet customer, Season’s Greetings! Another year draws to a close. The year 2014 may well be remembered as the year SpiceJet changed Indian aviation by adding colour, passion, fun, music, style, excitement, and of course low fares for the benefit of the travelling public. It was the year where for the first time, an Indian airline painted photos of their own crew on the body of the aircraft, in recognition of their contributions – I am referring, of course, to our newest Boeing 737-800, ‘Red Chili’. It was the year SpiceJet re-branded itself and emerged as a genuine low-fare airline, an airline that is true to the adage that flying empty seats is a crime, an airline that is dedicated to serving its customers With All Our Hearts. Thanks to the ‘SpiceJet Effect’, hundreds of thousands of Indians were able to fly for the first time. Birthdays, anniversaries, and festivals were celebrated on board. Special needs children who could only earlier dream of flying were given the opportunity to fly. The outdated ban on mobile phone usage, even

in flight mode, was lifted. Flying became less boring, more fun again. Flying on weekends became even more fun thanks to our casual and colourful weekend uniform, which has been a huge hit. And for the first time in years, air fares were lower than train fares, even bus fares, if you were prepared to book early. The resulting demand stimulation from low fares has benefitted not just travellers but the entire travel ecosystem and the larger economy as well, thanks to the ‘multiplier effect’, where every rupee spent on air travel results in 12 rupees being pumped into the larger economy. Airports, hotels, and travel agents have especially benefitted from this. Airports saw a 28% increase in the number of passengers in Sept 2014 relative to Sept 2013. Each of these passengers pays airports a fixed fee, even if the airline fare itself is just one rupee. This has created windfall gains for airports and the travel ecosystem. However, unfortunately in the travel ecosystem, the ones that drive the market – the airlines – often end up benefitting the least. The need of

the hour for the industry is to take a step back and see what can be done to take out unnecessary structural costs. Reduction in fuel prices is a great start, given aviation fuel prices in India are 40-60% higher than global levels. Reduction in taxes on ATF will be another huge step forward. And of course reduction in airport fees will be extremely positive not just for airlines, but for passengers and airports themselves as they too would benefit from further demand stimulation. As the year draws to a close, I want to also extend my apologies to all those who have been impacted by our recent schedule changes. As we enter the final stages of our turnaround effort, we have been forced to take some tough decisions relating to our network and fleet that has resulted in some disruptions. This is temporary and we will soon be back to full strength again. We thank you for your patience, support, and understanding in the meantime. The stronger SpiceJet that will emerge from this will only be even more positive for the industry and for travellers, and will ensure that healthy free market competition and low fares for those willing to book early will remain here to stay. Thank you for flying SpiceJet and here’s wishing you a wonderful, loving, and joyous festive season and a fantastic 2015!

Sanjiv Kapoor Chief Operating Officer

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Spiceroute MAGAZINE. Printed AND PUBLISHED BY VIKAS JOHARI ON BEHALF OF MAXPOSURE MEDIA GROUP (INDIA) PVT. LTD. (MMGipl) for spicejet ltd. AND PUBLISHED AT MMGipl, Unit No F2b ( Second Floor), Mira Corporate Suites, Plot No . 1 & 2, Ishwar Nagar, Mathura Road, New Delhi -110065, india. Spiceroute MAGAZINE is published monthly. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE WRITING, ARTWORK AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHY CONTAINED HEREIN MAY NOT BE USED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MMGipl. MMGipl / spicejet DOES NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE OF UNSOLICITED PRODUCTS, MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, ARTWORK, TRANSPARENCIES OR OTHER MATERIALS. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or SpiceJet. All efforts have been made while compiling the content of this magazine, but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising there from. MMGipl / spicejet DOES NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR SERVICES OR PRODUCTS ADVERTISED HEREIN. FOR INQUIRIES | MMGipl TEL: +91.11.43011111, www.Spicejet.com, www. maxposure.in CIN: U22229DL2006PTC152087

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update Hot dates Travel buzz

tete-a-tete

explore 14 18

48 hours in Bengaluru 42 Winter getaways

Kozhikode

Celebrity tigers

Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma 72

78 Rajkumar Karan Singh 80 Saina Nehwal

Kerala 130

Contents

Cover Photographs: Manpreet Singh Hair & Makeup: Monsoon Salon Xâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mas Decorations: Kriti Creations

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Alstone International

Branch Offices:

2E/7 Jhandewalan Ext. New Delhi-55 E: info@alstoneindia.com • www.alstoneindia.com Toll Free No. 1800-1233123 • SMS ACP TO 56161

Bangalore • Chennai • Delhi • Hyderabad • Indore • Kochi • Kolkatta • Lucknow • Noida • Patna • Pune • Ranchi

concern

indulge

potpourri

Helping lives 124

Secrets of garlic

Wedding traditions

Launch pad

Xâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mas temptations

Technology

Festive flavour

Online bakeries

100

Films

Fly happily

108

Man Booker Prize

Healthy lunch

112

Predictions

Xâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mas for kids

116

Book review

100

124

Spotlight

138 142 150 154 158 162 166 170

138

130

cover story The trendsetter

inside spicejet

SpiceJet spotlight

A day in the life Music mantra In-flight meal combo SME traveller Social media Life beyond the skies Group booking Stars of SpiceJet SpiceJet fleet

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

177 178 182 184 188 191 192 198 200 206

Letters from

SpiceJet customers Serving with all their heart

My elderly parents recently travelled with my wife from Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam and the way your staff responded to my parents’ needs is simply superb. I am grateful to both ground staff and cabin crew for their compassion and service. My parents were sceptical initially, but were delighted with the experience. Keep it up! Sreerama Krovvidi

warm service

SpiceJet has taken an altogether new path to keep their passengers satisfied. I had yet another nice experience while travelling from BLR-DEL on Nov 14. It was Children's Day and I believe that SpiceJet was the only airline to realise and celebrate it. I would really like to appreciate Narender (lead crew) with Anshu, Meeta and Sudhanshu for giving us all the warmth in their services. They are doing a great job. Appreciate their service. Madhur Miglani

letter month

unforgettable moment of the Recently, I travelled from Mangalore to Bengaluru and my 7-month-old baby was thrilled to see the crew in their new weekend uniform, and she was happy with your ‘With all our heart’ flyer, so thought to capture this moment, and say thank you on my daughter’s behalf.

Samriddh Mangotra

Breaking Barriers Having worked in the aviation industry for 20+ years, it was great observing your team at the Bagdogra airport. I arrived early, so I got a chance to observe the security and customer services checkin team. They are young, enthusiastic and carry things out in spirit with your tagline. Also the new casual uniform for the in-flight crew is pleasing to the eyes. It sends a friendly message, breaks barriers and gives a striking look to your crew. Hats off to whoever designed it. Your team at Bagdogra is doing a great job. I'm sure with such positive changes, your airline will go places in future. Ashok Bathija

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Excellent performance This is to appreciate the outstanding performance of your Station Manager Dubai-Sharjah, Debasish Choudhury. I was travelling from Sharjah to Pune in October and there was a heavy rush at the check-in counters. Debasish not only escorted passengers, he also helped them check-in. His dedication and involvement prove that he is your true brand ambassador who honours the basic culture and ethos of the service industry. Col Naveen Jha new horizons Dear Mr Kapoor, Recently, my secretary booked on the Delhi-Indore sector. In the last few months, I had heard so much about the airline. The cabin crew was nicely dressed (Jaya and Somdatta), and I really liked the new weekend attire. It is fresh and different. Seats were nice, good legroom and the flight was on time too. Then read your editorial in the in-flight magazine - nice to learn about your kids and your concern for all parents. It is touching. Keep up the good work.

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HOT DATES Divine Goddess

ROMANCE WITH NATURE

At Open Palm Court Gallery, India Habitat Center, New Delhi From December 1-6, 2014 A solo art exhibition by Ritu Gupta, this series is devoted to the glorification of Goddess. Her paintings demonstrate the influence of the traditional art & culture in a style that is very much her own.

At Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Center, New Delhi From December 7-10, 2014 The solo exhibition of Surya Prakash’s art showcases his intimacy with the elements of nature. It is in the planning of these varied elements where his art stands distinctly apart from other contemporary painters. His sense of visual and intelligent observations is commendable.

The Public Eye At Thrust Auditorium, Bhartendu Natya Akademi, Lucknow On December 20-21, 2014 Based on Peter Shaffer’s play of the same name, this British comedy in Urdu hails from theatre virtuoso Raj Bisaria’s Theatre Arts Workshop (TAW, since 1966), directed by Ashish Tiwari.

Rakhi ‘The thread of Love’ by Purnam

Prashanti At Visual Art Gallery, India Habitat Center, New Delhi From December 11-18, 2014 A solo show by artist Pushpa Bagrodia and curated by Uma Nair, the series of about 50 paintings delve deep into nature’s rhythms with watercolours that span small, medium and large formats. These works have their origin in a series of perspective studies of flowers and plants.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

pleating the silk Art Gallery, IIC Annexe, 40, Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi On December 15-20, 2014 The exhibition encapsulates 40 years of costumes of dancer Geeta Chandran. This exhibition was conceptualised and curated by designer Sandhya Raman and her Desmania Foundation. Through mannequins, photographs and costume displays, PLEATING THE SILK looks at the evolution of Bharatanatyam costumes over the past half century.

At Eros Hotel, New Delhi On December 16, 2014 This platform exposes exhibitors to an unlimited number of buyers they would not meet otherwise. The exhibition will showcase Itna Drama By Saira Fashion - Amritsar, Vinita Designer Wear from Delhi, etc.

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Hong Kong Pulse 3D Light Show From December 17-29, 2014 At Open Piazza, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui Enjoy some spectacular moments at the harbour front in Hong Kong in the form of a 3D light show with exciting audio-visual effects that demonstrates a festive ambiance.

Hagoita-Ichi

In Tokyo From December 17 – 19, 2014 The Hagoita-Ichi (Battledore Fair) is an annual fair held in its precincts at the end of the year. Near the Hondo or main hall of Senso-ji Temple, some 50 open-air stalls selling hagoita (battledores), shuttlecocks, kites and other New Year decorations stand huddled together, and numerous people gather here.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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The Wedding List Mecca At N-10, GK 1 Market, New Delhi From December 18-31, 2014 The exhibition will showcase an exquisite hand crafted sterling silver and silver plated creations which emote an understanding of the tenderness of the occasion, which pays tribute to the beautiful synergy between marriage and silver, in the sacred wedding check list. Designed especially for the special wedding purposes, the products are of endearing quality.

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what’s new

New Travel app by MOT

The new mobile travel planning app launched by India’s Ministry of Tourism suggests to ‘Be a traveler, not a tourist’. The Android version of the official Incredible India trip planning app, Tripigator, allows visitors to create itineraries tailored to their individual preferences, with tools including built-in maps and geo-location. Based on the ministry’s tripigator.com website, the application works by asking basic inputs such as timeline, budget, area of interest (adventure, romantic, nature etc.) and destinations of user’s choice. The in-built technology then aggregates the information from a range of online sources to create a series of personal travel itinerary options with live pricing. Users can also then connect with their social media accounts and share the itineraries with their travel companions.

Free Wi-Fi trumps all

new gems of Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced 12 hidden gems that tourists must not miss when they are in the kingdom, as part of its new ‘Discover Thainess’ campaign, which aims to emphasise the priceless treasures of the country – the people, the culture and society. There are 77 provinces in Thailand, which are assigned into five regions: North, Northeast, East, Central, and South. Each province contains unique cultural, historical and natural attractions. Among them, 10 major destinations (Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Samui, Hat Yai, and Phang-nga) are currently drawing a number of tourists from across the world. The 12 irresistible destinations comprise two or three provinces each from the five regions of Thailand.

From November 15, 2014, the Taj Group introduced complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity for residential guests across its 125 hotels around the globe. A first-ever all brand-inclusive initiative in India, guests at any of the Taj Group of hotels – The Taj, Vivanta by Taj, Gateway Hotels and Ginger will now be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi connectivity for the duration of their stay on up to 3 devices as soon as they check-in to the hotel.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Vegetarians’ Delight

delhi ncr's newest getaway

The city bustle of NCR gets a fresh relief with the launch of India’s first Gateway branded resort near Damdama lake, Gurgaon. Spread over 20 acres, this urban sanctuary offers a serene feel of the greens in the Aravali Hills and a variety of fun activities like zorbing, rock climbing, spider web, etc. Besides contemporary Oriental and Continental flavours, the resort kitchen tenders authentic Haryanvi cuisine at the beautifully crafted restaurants, Buzz, Sian and lounge bar Swirl. A boardroom and a conference hall complete the package for those too pressed for time, yet willing to escape the concrete jungles for work. It is a perfect destination for those who want a relaxed weekend, mix business with a holiday, or are just looking for a rebonding vacation with family.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Delhi now has its own sliver of Marwar in the posh locales of Defence Colony, with the launch of Kathputli, a vegetarian restaurant, on November 1, 2014. singer Mame Khan Manganiyar brought the rustic Rajasthani music alive at the launch with his troop of folk artistes. The delectable treats on offer are handpicked from an authentic Marwari platter, and served on silver thalis, imparting a royal feel. The interiors are a mix of modern and traditional, with staff serving in traditional Rajasthani costumes. Underscored dishes are daal baati choorma, saboot mirch pakoda, gutta curry, khandvi, marwari kadhi, etc. the food is prepared in ghee and is without even a hint of garlic or onions.

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Dubai Tram woos travellers

The Dubai Tram kicked off its operations in November this year. This is said to be the first tram outside Europe powered by ground electric cables extending throughout the tramway and one that uses the technology of platform screen doors. The first and second phases of tram stretch for 14.6 km along Safouh Street, and the entire network covers 17 stations. The tram is expected to serve about 27,000 riders at the start of operations in 2014 and is anticipated to hit about 66,000 by 2020. Currently, there are 11 trams and 14 more will be added at a later stage.

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New safety app for travellers

A smartphone app, iWitness, has been recently introduced to enhance the safety of travellers across 146 countries. Compatible on iOS and Android mobile devices, it helps to prevent attacks and safeguard the evidence of any untoward incident. Users can set the region and the app automatically connects to the emergency numbers of the area. After downloading the app, users have to just touch to record whenever they are walking alone or feel they are in an uncomfortable situation. The clips are then uploaded to a secure cloud server, and are not saved on the phone.

Jazz up your weekends

If you are landing in Delhi on a Friday evening and wondering where to hit the floor, then A State of Music (ASOM) in Radisson Blu, Dwarka is probably a destination apt for you to make your weekend memorable. Spread over 7,000 sq ft, the vibrant atmosphere is addictive and big LED screens add to the mood. Enjoy tapping your feet to ‘ASOM Arena’ that features the best Electronic Dance Music (EDM) with fast-paced commercial numbers on Fridays. If you love bands, then hit the floor on Saturdays when renowned artists play live and unplugged. Its one of the main attractions is the DJs who come from across the world to groove one and all. The VIP lounge of 1,200 sq ft open terrace is definitely a catch. That is not all, the food here is equally December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

appealing, especially the starters that go with the best of drinks that are available here, thanks to the mixology experts. The prawn platter is a must-try, and there is a massive vegetarian menu to choose from.

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Winter Safaris

Taj Hotels Resort & Palaces has reopened its Indian safari camps for the winter season in Madhya Pradesh. Taj Safaris in association with andBeyond offer a series of tailor-made wildlife activities in the nearby national parks and forests, namely Bandhavgarh National Park, Pench National Park, Panna National Park and Kanha National Park. These four national parks form ‘tiger circuit’ of Madhya Pradesh. Accompanied by trained naturalists, guests at the safari camps will have the opportunity to undertake night walks, to catch a glimpse of the native wildlife, including tigers, wild elephants, leopards, hyenas, porcupines, jackals and civet cats. 24

Re-live the culture and tradition of Chennai

Celebrate the music and dance season with Taj Coromandel’s exclusive offer to add a special touch to the Margazhi Music and Dance season in Chennai. During this celebration, more than 1,500 musicians and dancers from across the world come together in Chennai to pay tribute to India’s treasured cultural legacy. This customised experience includes exclusive passes to a music concert or dance recital, an indulgent south Indian meal at the iconic Southern Spice while engaging in an enriching conversation with a renowned musician and dancer about the rich history of this festival. Duration: December 15, 2014 – January 15, 2015 December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Top visa-free countries for Indians

There are more than 50 countries that welcome Indians with a visa-on-arrival. Thailand, Laos, Macau and Maldives in Asia; Mauritius, Egypt and Tanzania in Africa; Jamaica in North America and Fiji in Oceania region are some of the countries that offer Indians a visa-on-arrival. So this holiday season, explore the world.

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The trendsetter 28

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Evolving consistently by bringing new initiatives to the fore, SpiceJet is setting new trends in the Indian aviation space. Offering a comfortable flight experience along with warm hospitality, SpiceJet is determined to provide a memorable travel to its customers. Here is a round-up of the key highlights of 2014 that have made SpiceJet a preferred airline.

n November 2013, a new management team took charge and infused a fresh breath of life into brand SpiceJet. Driven by SOCCH (Safe, On-time, Clean, Courteous, Hassle-free), every member in the organisation started working towards a single goal - to make SpiceJet a customer-centric brand that people love. Today, while air travel has become a necessity, the entire journey is slowly becoming mechanical. But SpiceJet, with its new approach, has brought about a fresh perspective to air travel. From the time you log on to its website, to boarding the aircraft, till reaching your destination, SpiceJet ensures that the journey becomes a memorable experience. In the year 2014, with each passing day, SpiceJet continued to surprise people with its vibrant charisma and distinguished itself from the league. A newness in its outlook added freshness to the brand. Travellers started connecting with the airline in a

friendly manner, like never before. Those who flew once came back again and everyone started sharing their experiences.

Sculpting a brand

While SOCCH became the guiding principle for the airline, a new

expression - With all our heart - was crafted to reach out to its fliers. This expression became a manifestation of SpiceJetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose as a brand. It became the core of the organisation in delivering quality service with a human touch. And to achieve this, every

Giving more reasons to fly

In April, SpiceJet launched a lean and improved network to enhance connectivity between metro cities, and offer more day return options. The airline also launched a new

destination Bangkok to widen its international network. All this coupled with an aggressive pricing strategy made many people realise their dream of flying.

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personal touch Surprising fliers with a birthday card (onboard) if they happen to travel SpiceJet on their

experience the difference with significantly more legroom premium seats on other airlines

spicemax seats with extra legroom

actual shot of spicemax seats in our Boeing 737-800 aircraft

special day, or the gesture of sharing Diwali greeting cards highlights other ‘With all our heart’ moments. celebrating womanhood AN ALL-WOMEN CREW AND PILOT TEAM OPERATED A FLIGHT ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY, EMPHASISING THE AIRLINE'S BELIEF IN WOMeN POWER.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

product, promotion and service started reflecting the customercentric approach of the airline. A plethora of new age products were launched during the year. To offer its fliers complete travel solutions, SpiceJet introduced MySpiceTrip – a search friendly online travel portal that offers unlimited choices, unbiased expert advice and unbeatable prices. Another product SpiceFlex offers bundled fare that entitles consumers to a range of benefits including complimentary meal, priority checkin, preferred seat and change fee waiver. An ideal option for frequent travellers and business executives, it offers unparalleled comfort and convenience. To upgrade the consumer experience to premium economy, SpiceMax was launched to offer seats with significantly more legroom and priority check-in. To make this extra space, the airline reconfigured its Boeing 737 fleet such that the first five rows offer fliers extra leg space at just a nominal premium. Reinstating the philosophy of SOCCH, SpiceJet, for the first time

in Indian aviation, launched the ‘On Time Guarantee’ programme that compensates fliers in case of any delays beyond a particular time period. In addition, the airline also launched additional innovative services like Bag-Out-First and Pre-booking Excess Baggage that can be used while booking tickets on www.spicejet.com. The signature ‘Hot Meals’ by SpiceJet has also undergone continuous improvements over

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32 the last one year. The airline has partnered with the best-in-class - TajSATS and Cafe Coffee Day, to offer an onboard cafe like meal service. It also encourages fliers to pre-book meals while booking their tickets to ensure that they get served first and also get more choices. With these continuous enhancements, SpiceJet today offers the best onboard meal service in Indian skies. Further, understanding the

The bright and colourful ensemble broke the monotony of formal dressing. travel needs of specific consumer segments, SpiceJet also launched SME Traveller (for small and medium businesses) and Group Booking Tool for people travelling in a group of 10 and above.

not just a flight, it's An experience

The new age travel is not only about a product or a service but creating memorable experiences. Introducing the weekend uniform for cabin crew in July was one such step in this direction. The bright and colourful ensemble broke the monotony of formal dressing associated with weekdays. The crew in vibrant saffron and red kurtis (for women) and black polo t-shirts (for

Recognising people

To celebrate the spirit and dedication of its employees, SpiceJet did a special livery for its new Boeing 737 (Red Chilli) featuring two captains and four cabin crew pictures on the sides of the aircraft. This is the first time ever in India when an airline introduced a special livery featuring its people on the aircraft. December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Left: SpiceJet employees performing during Diwali activity at Delhi airport

men) and smart denims caught the travellers’ eye. This new initiative caught the media attention and generated a lot of positive chatter across the Internet and social media platforms. To add to this visual treat, the new sky interior coupled with red and saffron headrests offers a fresh cabin look and perfect ambiance for fliers. In addition, the soft rock

Proactive approach of SpiceJet defines the real essence of being ‘customer-oriented’. music played during boarding and de-boarding offers a musical delight. SpiceJet is perhaps the only

airline that brings festivals to life; starting with Christmas last year where the SpiceJet crew onboard wore Santa hats, to Holi where they danced and spread the festive spirit inflight. Even during Durga Puja, flights to and from Kolkata had the crew wearing traditional Bengali sarees and inflight music playing dhak tunes to celebrate the festival. On Diwali came another surprise as the employees put up a live ‘Mariachi-style’ performance of popular Bollywood songs at Delhi and Bengaluru airports.

Being responsible and responsive

Right: SpiceJet crew wearing traditional Bengali saree on the occasion of Durga Puja

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

The proactive approach of a company defines the real essence of being ‘customer-oriented’. SpiceJet’s COO, Sanjiv Kapoor, gives personal attention to customer experience. He floated the concept of CustomerFirst at SpiceJet and many other initiatives that added a personalised dimension to the brand. All efforts are in-line with the brand’s new purpose – With all our heart. SpiceJet has always been a front

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Left: Taking children for an experience of a lifetime.

runner in contributing to the cause of society at large. In February, SpiceJet flew 20 children from Chennai to Madurai to bring smile on their faces. It also arranged a special flight to give differently-abled kids an experience of a lifetime. Keeping a firm foot forward, SpiceJet amplified the relief work in Jammu & Kashmir after the devastating floods led to loss of lives and property in the state. SpiceJet employees stepped forward to extend a helping hand by contributing generously in cash and kind. Special teams were flown in to assist the rescue operations, relief

Right: SpiceJet employees unloading relief material for Jammu and Kashmir flood victims at Srinagar airport.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Following the philosophy of SOCCH, the airline ensures cleanliness at its workplace across all airports. material was flown free of cost, and customers in need were extended all possible help at the Srinagar airport. SpiceJet has also adopted the cause of a Garbage Free India. Following the philosophy of

SOCCH, the airline not only ensures cleanliness at its workplace across all airports, it also participates in initiatives that promise a cleaner, greener and healthier India.

Conclusion

SpiceJet has set out to re-write the aviation norms in India. By providing affordable air tickets and price stimulation strategies, the airline is taking the aviation industry in a positive direction. The number of passengers travelling by air grew by 28 per cent in September 2014 relative to September 2013, benefiting both consumers and the economy at large. Research has shown that for every dollar spent on air travel, 12 dollars are pumped into the economy, thanks to the ‘multiplier effect’. The pioneering steps by SpiceJet have taken aviation in India a step forward. So when people appreciate and smile back at SpiceJet, it feels like a victory. SpiceJet aims to continue setting up newer milestones in 2015 by winning more and more hearts the SpiceJet way, and living up to its core ‘With all our heart’. (With inputs from Sidharth Grover and Daksh Sood of SpiceJet.)

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The team is all set to start the shoot

cover unplugged Here are the snapshots of december cover shoot where excited employees of SpiceJet, across all departments, revel in the festive mood and put their best foot forward.

Getting a final dab of makeup before the shoot

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Other team members await their turn with the makeup artists

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Uniform being made ready for the perfect click

Colours of SG uniform match the perfect Christmas look

Team members pose happily with X'mas decorations

Taking time out to catch up on things back at work

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Final adjustments being made before the shoot

Everyone comes together to call it a day!

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days in a city

48 hours in

Bengaluru

Steer past the stereotypical titles of the city, Bengaluru has more to offer than just IT, gardens and watering holes. W O R D S | G a n e sh V

he IT industry and the pubs that Bengaluru is known for are highly incongruous with the humble origins of this glitzy metropolis. Historians believe that the area on which this city stands today was probably inhabited even during the Stone Age and Iron Age. Much later, a succession of dynasties such as

the Hoysalas and Talakadu Gangas occupied Bengaluru, before giving way to Tipu Sultan and subsequently, the British.

Here’s a two day plan for you to sample some of what the city has to offer, and it will make you return soon for a second helping!

For the British, this was one of their important cantonments. From being a ‘pensioner’s paradise’ in the ‘70s and 80s’, Bengaluru has now morphed into a multi-ethnic centre of commerce and education SpiceJet offers daily flights to Bengaluru from cities across india, such as pune, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi, Mumbai & Srinagar. For details log on to www.spicejet.com

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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city delights Satiate your hunger Mavalli Tiffin Rooms: A renowned name in the city, MTR is synonymous with delicious South Indian fare. Located on Lalbagh Road, this place is a must visit. Matteo: Situated on Church Street, this cafe offers a delightful space for the young crowd to catch up over steaming coffee and delectable desserts. Ants Cafe: Offering a retreat like no other, this cafe in Indiranagar has a comforting ambiance where customers can spend time armed with a hot bowl of pasta and a good book. 44

must-visit spots Cubbon Park: Spread over 120 hectares of lush lawns, it is named after a former British commissioner. Wonderla Amusement Park: Perfect place to spend with family, there is something for everyone. From water rides to adrenaline-pumping thrill rides, do take note of the dress code implemented by park authorities. Lalbagh Botanical Garden: Sprawling over 240 acres of land, guided tours are available here.

DAY ONE

9:00 am: Breakfast at Koshy’s

When in Bengaluru, do as the Brits did. Have a breakfast that harks back to the time when the Burra Sahibs and their ladies used to pick up knife and fork, dressed in their best. The crowd at Koshy’s today is very modern, but the building, décor and food all retain an old-world air. The Brits seem to have donated their stiff upper lip to the waiters here, but if you ignore that and focus on the sausages, cutlets, omelettes and ‘full English’ breakfast, you will feel justifiably happy. Koshy’s is on St. Mark’s Road. 10.30 am: Tipu Sultan’s Fort

and Summer Palace

This is a gem hiding in plain view. Summer Palace is situated bang in the middle of the city - next to the City Market - yet most Bangaloreans themselves don’t know of its location. Its teak pillars and frescoes make for an interesting study. The ruins of Tipu’s fort lie close by. 12:30 pm: Commercial Street One of the oldest and most talkedabout markets in Bengaluru, December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Gorge on the delicious food available in the city, and do not forget to sample the biryani Commercial Street is a good place to buy clothes, shoes, jewellery and furnishings at reasonable prices. Bargain hard. 1:30 pm: Lunch at Mathsya An all-vegetarian affair, here the food is memorable, and served graciously and generously. While they have an excellent a la carte menu, the better choice would be their buffet, a wide and interesting spread that varies from day to day. Mathsya is situated on Church Street.

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Do not miss St. Mark’s Cathedral A shade over two centuries old, this church has some excellent Roman arches, woodwork and ornate carvings. And large dollops of peace. The Cathedral is on MG Road, opposite Cubbon Park.

Nrityagram: A commune situated about 30 km outside Bangalore, Nrityagram is a dance school which follows the gurukul tradition. Founded by the late dancer Protima Bedi, it is situated amidst beautiful surroundings in Hesaraghatta. Nandi Hills: If you are in the mood for a quick getaway to the hills, Nandi Hills is a good bet. Just 65 km from Bangalore, Nandi Hills makes for an easy day trip. Try to watch the sunrise or sunset from there. Flea markets aka Santhes: Bengaluru has quite a few exciting flea markets like the Sunday Soul Santhe and the Lil Flea. Ask a local friend or your hotel to help you find one, Or, check the internet.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

The outer facade of the Rangoli Metro Art Center.

3:00 PM: Browse through

old bookstores

Time was when the Church Street MG Road - Brigade Road district used to be dotted with bookstores. Most of them have vanished, which is why you should dive into at least one of these three stores. Each of them offers a wide and eclectic range of books from crime thrillers to medieval art to classical literature. It helps that the store owners are book lovers who can have an intelligent conversation with you, should you be so inclined. 5:00 PM: Rangoli Metro Art

Center

Situated right next to MG Road Metro station, it was built as a part of the restoration of MG Road boulevard. It is fast becoming a hub for activities related to culture, photography and art. From photo exhibitions (including those of sepia-tinted photos of the old city) and painting exhibitions to multi-media installations and Drum Jams (where a random crowd assembles and starts drumming

Various activities are held at the Rangoli Metro Art Center, such as story telling sessions, workshops & photography shows together), the Rangoli Art Center throbs with energy. 6:30 PM: St. Andrew’s

Church

This 150-year-old church is a fine example of Gothic architecture. Spend a couple of hours taking in the architecture, the stunning stained glass work and flowers in the compound. 8:30 PM: Dinner at Hyderabad Biryani House

There are a lot of pretenders, but the one we are talking about is located in Victoria Layout, near Richmond Road. The pale blue building is unpretentious but the biryani served (including the vegetarian version) is out of this world. The kebabs and biryanis are perfectly spiced and

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Extreme left: Browse through the many bookstores in the city Left: A view of UB City

cooked, without an overdose of oil. And the mirchi ka salan which is served along with the biryani must rank among the best in India. 8:00 AM: Breakfast at

DAY New Krishna Bhavan TWO (NKB) Start the day with breakfast at one of the best restaurants for South Indian food in Bengaluru. Located on Sampige Road in Malleshwaram, it is diagonally opposite the Mantri Square Mall. Tuck into crisp vadas, soft Kotte Kadubus and fragrant rava khichdi, before you wash them down with superb filter coffee. This simple eatery is extremely popular with the locals, and has every reason to be so.

The city has a pleasant climate, sensational food joints and stunning gardens 10:00 am: Karnataka Chithrakala Parishath A premier centre for arts, this complex on Kumara Krupa Road near the Golf Course houses a good collection of traditional Mysore paintings, leather puppets and sculptures. Some of the paintings of the famed Russian painter Svetoslav Roerich are also kept here. On most days you are likely to find an exhibition, a workshop and a performance of folk art in progress here.

Fast Facts

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

•

Bengaluru has a history of over 400 years.

•

The city was renamed as Bengaluru in 2006.

•

The secret to Bengaluru’s

1:00 pm: Lunch at ‘13th

Floor’

Enjoy your meal on the terrace of this roof-top restaurant on the 13th floor of Barton Centre on MG Road. The hawk’s-eye view of central Bengaluru is a unique and perfect accompaniment to lunch. 3:00 pm: UB City UB City is the grandest place for leisure and entertainment in the heart of Bengaluru. It has a mall housing luxury brands, a performance arena, spas, restaurants and watering holes. A great place for retail therapy and a drink. 5:00 pm: Metro train ride Hop on the Metro for a jaunty ride. The 7 km stretch from MG Road to Bayyapanahalli runs on

enviable climate is that it is draped over the Deccan Plateau at an altitude of 949 mt (3,113 ft) above sea level, which gives it possibly the best climate among all the cities in India.

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Capital of Karnataka, Bengaluru is the fifth largest city in India, and nicknamed 'Garden City' due to the presence of many gardens and parks an elevated track and gives you a good view of the city’s roads and buildings. You will see the Trinity Church, lush lawns of the armyowned Ranjitsinhji Institute, the temples of Ulsoor and the periphery of Indira Nagar.

Left: An exterior view of St. Andrew's Church Below: Namma Metro of the city

7:00 pm: Take part in a play

or a concert

If you are in the mood for a play, head to Ranga Shankara in JP Nagar, a pre-eminent venue for plays in the city. It stages a wide repertoire of excellent plays in different languages. To attend a concert, the Chowdiah Memorial Hall in Vyalikaval would probably be your best bet. Check the listings in the day’s newspaper or ask your hotel for help. 9:30 pm: Dinner at Thindi

Beedi

The people who named this place Thindi Beedi couldn’t have chosen a more apt name, because this is actually a street full of food carts and small stand-up eateries. In Kannada, Thindi Beedi means Food Street.

Bengaluru’s ode to street food wakes up at about 5:30 pm every day and is in action until way past midnight. Here, you will get roasted corn on the cob and sweet corn, bondas and bajjis of different kinds, regional specialties like the Davangere Benne

Dosa, Neer Dosa and Akki Roti, pav bhaji and vada pav. Chase them down with desserts like gulkhand, holige (puran poli), falooda, kulfi and ice cream. Thindi Beedi is situated in VV Puram, very close to Sajjan Rao Circle. Don’t miss this experience.

flashback Present-day Bengaluru was founded by Kempe Gowda, a feudal ruler under the Vijayanagara Empire in the 1500s. His successor

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

built four watchtowers, which today are situated at Lal Bagh, Usloor Lake, Kempambudhi Tank and Mekhri Circle.

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Soak up the sun 52

This winter, ditch the woollens and grab the shorts, dab on some sunscreen and head to the sunny spots in India. W ords | n e e lam si n gh

ith the drop in temperature, winter is already at the door and is going to stay. If sipping hot coffee in a cosy corner of your home bundled in layers of clothes is not appealing, then it's time to start planning a warmweather getaway.

If you love being in sun then fly away, somewhere sunny like Port Blair, somewhere hot like Jaipur, or somewhere with beautiful beaches like Goa

Jaipur

The pink city beckons tourists with a magnificent display of its royal heritage in its impressive forts and grand palaces. Known for its warm hospitality and with a plethora of handicrafts to shop for, Jaipur is an ideal destination to visit during the winter season.

SpiceJet has daily flights connecting Jaipur to delhi. for more details log on to www.spicejet.com

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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discover more Jaipur Literature Festival 2015

The 8th edition of the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival is set to bring some of the greatest thinkers and writers to the Pink City for five days of literary debates and discussions. The festival will see Nobel Laureate Sir V S Naipaul, 2013 Man Booker Prize Winner Eleanor Catton, acclaimed novelist Hanif Kureishi and celebrated American travel writer Paul Theroux take centrestage along with some of India’s leading authors, including prominent Hindi poet Kedarnath Singh, 2014’s Man Booker Prize nominee Neel Mukherjee, best-selling novelist Amish Tripathi and celebrated author and translator Arshia Sattar, as well as internationally loved German children’s author Cornelia Funke. When: January 21-25, 2015 Where: Diggi Palace, Sawai Ram Singh Road, Jaipur

Left: City Palace Below: Hawa Mahal

City Palace Located at the old city area in Jaipur, the palace provides glimpses of the royal family of Jaipur. The complex showcases the finest blends of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In its museum, on display are the royal costumes, old Indian weapons and an art gallery that has a well preserved painted ceiling on which the original semi-precious stones still retain their lustre. Hawa Mahal Originally constructed to provide adequate vantage position behind stone carved mesh-like screens, where the palace women would watch the royal processions passing through the bazaar, the Palace of Winds is the most remarkably designed monument in Jaipur. It now has a museum and the collections include paintings, coins, handicrafts and sculptures. Amber Fort Located at a distance of 11 km from Jaipur, on Delhi-Jaipur highway, the fort is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India. Set amidst the hills and overlooking the Maota Lake, the dazzling beauty of this palace has attracted many film-makers. From Mughal-e-Azam to Veer, to Bol

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Hawa Mahal is the most remarkably designed monument in Jaipur Bacchan, many films and songs have used this fort as their backdrop. Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Jalmahal, Jantar Mantar and Birla Planetarium are some other tourist places to visit in Jaipur. Shopping Galore • For Jaipuri jutti, visit Ramganj Bazar • For tie and dye textiles visit Kishanpol Bazar • For lac bangles and other products, visit Tripolia Bazar • For block printing, hand-made paper and blue pottery, visit Sanganer village

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Extreme Left: Candolim Beach Left: Church of St. Francis of Assisi

Goa

Be it the beaches or sumptuous food, Goa has plenty to offer for everyone!

Candolim Beach The white sandy Candolim beach offers various water-sports activities, such as parasailing, water-skiing, wind surfing and above all, fishing in a peaceful and quiet environment. Aguada Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1912, is the greatest attraction of Candolim Beach. Churches of Old Goa There are many forts and churches in Old Goa that are worth a visit. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is one of the first churches to be built in Goa, in 1541. Portuguese built the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in 1661. Basilica of Bom Jesus is

The markets near Baga and Calungate beach offer quirky trinkets and knick-knacks

tourists an opportunity to experience rural Goa. Some popular spice farms like Savoi Plantation, Pascol Spice village and Sahakari Spice farm are the major attractions.

Goa's most famous Jesuit church, and the first minor basilica in India.

Nightlife Goa is well-known for its hip-nhappening nightlife, where both locals and tourists party all night long. Pubs and bars throng with swollen crowds tipsy on the rhythmic atmosphere. Tito’s on Baga beach, Cafe Mambo, a few doors down and Cohiba near Sinquerim offer the perfect party ambiance.

Heritage Tourism Located in the Bicholim town of North Goa, Arvalem Caves or the ‘Pandava Caves’ are ancient rock cut caves dating back to 6th century CE. Arvalem Waterfalls, around 9 km from Bicholim, North Goa, is also located at Arvalem. With water falling headlong from a height of 70 mt, it provides a breathtaking view. Spice Plantation Spice plantation in Goa provides

SpiceJet connects Goa to eight destinations, namely Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Kochi, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

Goa Carnival Goa Carnival is an eagerly awaited festival of Goa which is usually held for 3 to 4 days. During the days and nights of the Goa Carnival, the streets come alive with colours, lively processions, floats, the strumming of guitars, graceful dances and non-stop festivity. Date: February 14-17, 2015

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Viewing of rare corals and underwater marine life through glass bottom boats is a lifetime experience Where to shop Head to Wednesday market at Anjuna Beach for a huge assortment of goods and the Friday Market at Mapusa, the most happening beach of Goa. Cashew nuts are available across Goa. Do visit Ingo's Saturday Night Market in Arpora. Live bands play from a stage inside Baga Saturday night market.

Port Blair

Covered with dense green forest, high mountains and long coastline with wide roads and new buildings, Port Blair is an amazing tourist destination. The best time for tourists to visit Port Blair is from October to May. It's also a good time to see exotic and rare bird species on Chiriya Tapu, a biological park, 25 km from Port Blair. Places to Visit Surrounded by attractive lush forest and rugged coastline, Port Blair has various unique places to visit. Cellular Jail Located at Port Blair, today this National Memorial is a place of pilgrimage and draws everyone down memory lane to the years of freedom struggle. The jail, completed

in the year 1906, acquired the name ‘Cellular' because it was entirely made up of individual cells for solitary confinement. The Sound and Light show in the Cellular Jail narrates the saga of the Indian freedom struggle. Marine Park The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor is at a distance of 29 km from Port Blair. Made up of open sea, creeks and 15 small and large islands, it is one of the best marine parks. Viewing of rare corals and underwater marine life through glass bottom boats, scuba diving and snorkelling are a lifetime experience for anyone. Do Not Miss • Ross island is less than a sq km

•

island and is a popular tourist spot with remnants of the Victorian British era. It has many old British buildings in ruins. Corbyn’s Cove attracts tourists for its soft sandy beach with coconut palms. It is an ideal spot for swimming, scuba diving and boating, and also for watching the sunset. Enjoy the unique sea walking experience with Sea Link Adventure's Sea Walk, located on the North Bay Island.

SpiceJet connects Port Blair to four destinations, namely Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Madurai.

tourism Fest Island Tourism Festival in Port Blair is one of the major and most famous festivals of Port Blair. Celebrated in the month of December or January with lots of passion and joy, this festival continues for 15 days and attracts a large number of travellers.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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City of Spices

A city that has etched its name in history due to the legendary spice route, Kozhikode has much to offer even today. W ords | ram y a J S D ' R o z ario

breezy coastal city in northern Kerala, Kozhikode imparts an indelible impression on every traveller that makes his/her way here. Also known as Kozhikode, the third largest city in Kerala is a melting pot of culture and communities from across India and even neighbouring countries.

From a bird’s eye view, the landscape is sublime. The undulating mounds of green, coupled with the blue Arabian sea; the coastal region is verdurous and charming

Spice trade

The state of Kerala is renowned for its yield of spices, and Kozhikode is an important port city along the spice route. Back in 1498, Portuguese trader and explorer, Vasco da Gama opened a trading doorway when along with his fleet, he arrived at Panthalayani Kollam, a natural port near Kozhikode, after

SpiceJet has daily flights connecting kozhikode to Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. for more details log on to www.spicejet.com

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Heritage walk: The best way to truly understand a city is to put on walking shoes and head out into the bustle of the region. To make the most of such a situation, K Mohan, a member of the Kozhikode Regional Chapter, INTACH, offers his services as a guide. Armed with fantastic stories of the past, the walk seems less of a history session, and more of a storytelling one. And as you walk by the old godowns and buildings, stand at the seashore, stare at the famous Beach Hotel, his stories come alive in the mind’s eye, and one is easily swept away to the past. Antique stores: The district of Vatakara houses a small hub of antique stores. Some of these stores are so famous, that old wooden frames of beds, almirahs, wardrobes, curios, spoonshaped door knobs, metal bird cages are sold at hefty prices. Antique Gallery at Kodhi bazaar has a few old pianos on display in the front and is filled with imitation antique items, it is a treasure trove for many.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Left: An aerial view of the city Below: Outer facade of Mother of God Church

briefly touching Kappad beach. There is even a small monolith a little way off the beach marking the historic moment.

Rich heritage

The cultural and historical aspect of any city is reflected in the architecture and monumental heritage of that region. And Kozhikode has exquisite and beautiful places of worship. Be it temples, churches or mosques, they symbolise the varied communities that now reside here. Built by Zamorin (ruler) in the 14th century, Tali Temple showcases one of the finest examples of medieval Kerala temple architecture. Offering a calm environment, it is a sanctuary for many to rest and reflect in silence. Located on SM Street, there is a quaint Parsi Anjuman Baug, a fire temple. Another must-visit spot would be the Mother of God Church, believed to have been completed in 1513. A heritage site indeed, the dome of this church replicates that of Rome basilica. It was built by the Portuguese in the European Gothic style and is a landmark visible from the sea. A port town in the Kozhikode district, boats are built at the Beypore Port even today. Uru, wooden boats from the ancient times, were built first for the Arabs and later were used by

Get your feet wet and sandy, stare out into the Arabian Sea and soak up the sun the thriving Gujarati merchants here. An ancient art, the artisans do not refer to any guidebook or blueprints while building the boats; each person knows his job and they measure according to their sensibilities.

Malabar cuisine

Kozhikode has excellent access to fresh seafood, vegetables, varieties of rice, abundance of spices and condiments, among others. As you walk through some of the narrow streets in Kozhikode’s Kuttichira district, the small wooden shops seem to tell a tale of their own. Store fronts have glass jars lined up in front-filled with vinegar and cut fruits like mango,

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Left: An interior view of CVN KalariNadakav

pineapple, pears, etc. With the advent of the British, French, Arabs, Chinese, the local cuisine has imbibed many facets, and stands out from the rest of India. Says Maleeha Raghaviah from the Kozhikode Regional Chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), “The banana chips and black halwa have for long been assigned the Kozhikodan brand name. The Arabs who came to trade here are said to have carried mounds of the halwa back, eaten to maintain the stamina during the long seafaring journey.” She also adds that the rice used in the biryani is an aromatic, shorter variety. One can even try the regional Moplah cuisine served at Gad, the restaurant at The Gateway Hotel Kozhikode. There has also been an increase of bakeries and cafe joints, where

cooks from British cantonments picked up the nuances of baking and later started their own enterprises. Places like Mampalli Bakery in Tellicherry, established in the later half of the 19th century, sells delicious cakes and breads. Even the Paragon Bakery and French Bakery offer a slice of the past. New age cafes, such as the Downtown Cafe on PT Usha Road, offer the new generation a place to gather and feast on delicious coffee, shakes, burgers and more.

Ayurveda retreat

When in Kerala, getting an Ayurvedic massage or treatment is a must. Head to The Gateway Hotel Kozhikode that offers quality treatments and programmes of varying periods. The hotel accommodates patients who visit the award-winning Ayurvedic

therapy centre. There are four suites, with one named after Vasco da Gama. This property imbibed the local culture and is heavily influenced by the Malabar architecture.

Indian martial art

CVN Kalari - Nadakav is a well known centre for Kalarippayatu, a form of Indian martial art. These kalaris (schools) follow the gurukul system. As you enter the bright orange room, it instills a sense of power and energy. As a ritual, before performing any exercise, students pray to both the gods and their gurus. This centre even conducts workshops and demonstrations, and performances are staged across the world. A divine city, Kozhikode has much to offer. Come, drown yourself in the splendour of the Malabar coast.

shark tale It may seem a bit odd to suggest this, but a quick trip to the main fish market, early in the morning, would offer quite a unique experience. Tip-toeing around the bulky crates of fish, one is gifted with the sight of massive ray fish, baby hammerhead sharks, among other varieties, eels, tuna and more.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Celebrity Tigers

Tiger population has radically dwindled in India and protection projects are essential to safeguard these beautiful beasts. W ords a n d photos | Navi n M R ah e ja

harger…Sita…Machli… T-17…B-2…Khali…Did anybody say Bamboo Ram? These are not mere names. A tiger lover would instantly recognise the faces behind these names - because these are some of the notable celebrity tigers of India. By celebrity tigers, I mean tigers who gained immense popularity and stardom during their lifetime, both in India and abroad.

Like humans, all tigers are equal , but some happen to be more equal than others! This is not law of nature but a projection of our own whims, fancies & actual encounters that we place a few on a pedestal

Lest anyone misunderstands me, let me clarify that I consider all tigers to be equally beautiful, charming and unique. In fact, because of the frightening pace with which we have been losing tigers to poachers, any tiger roaming free in the forests of India is as precious to me as the other. But to paraphrase William Shakespeare, some tigers have greatness thrust upon them. This

According to the wildlife protection society of india, despite all problems, india still holds the best chance for saving the tiger in the wild. there are still areas with relatively large tiger populations and extensive tracts of protected habitat December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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inside corbett In Corbett, for about two years, Khali of Bijrani zone became talk of the town. A huge tiger, Khali, named after the popular wrestler, acquired immense fame solely due to his size. I am told Yeda Anna of Tadoba Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, another exceptionally huge tiger, has become equally popular. Many of my friends claim Yeda Anna is the biggest tiger they have ever seen.

Coming back to Corbett National Park, there is one tiger here which is particularly special to me. I almost struck a personal bond with it; or this is what I fancy. The tiger is Bhola of the Khinnanauli range. Often, I would come across Bhola in the middle of the jungle road connecting Khinnanauli and Dhikala, oblivious to the Gypsies and constant clicking of DSLRs around him. It was an unusual trait not found in the tigers here. Because of his friendly disposition, Bhola won many friends and well wishers.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Rajasthan Government released a postage stamp in honour of Machli- a first for any tiger could be because of numerous factors. Most likely, it will be a particular tiger’s behavioral attributes which endears it to the masses. Take Charger, for instance. The very name for a tiger would imply a big striped cat which would come rushing to you straight as an arrow. The Charger of Bandhavgarh, indeed, lived up to its fearsome reputation; and as long as it lived to rule the exquisite national park of Madhya Pradesh, it drew fans from all over the world. It is also perhaps the only tiger whose name has been formally etched for posterity. The place where this magnificent tiger was buried after death is popular in Bandhavgarh as the 'Charger Point’. To be fair to Charger, despite its vicious mock attacks which were sufficiently powerful to jolt weak hearts, this tiger never injured a single human being. Barring a strange streak of regularly charging at tourists’ Gypsies, Charger remained a perfect gentleman till its dying day.

gem of ranthambore

Machli of Ranthambore is arguably the only living legend among the free tigers. Recently, Rajasthan Government released a postage stamp in honour of Machli- a first for any tiger, and it shows why she is a real gem. For over 17 years now, Machli has been a delight of wildlifers and photographers. A well-behaved lady who never throws tantrums at tourists, Machli’s fan-club would not have grown all that big but for one special incident in her life. At the turn of the new millennium, when Ranthambore was reeling under one of the worst droughts in history,

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Places like Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh boast of ‘easy tiger sightings’

Machli picked up a fight with a crocodile. Apparently the crock tried to attack one of her cubs, and this infuriated the mother. The ensuing battle between the tigress and the crocodile - never heard of or recorded before or since - went on for over an hour. Machli won, but in the process lost three of her canines. Certainly, one must beware of an angry mother’s wrath! For over a decade now, I have been regularly watching and photographing Machli. Her grace never ceases to amaze me; no trip of mine to Ranthambore becomes wholesome without spotting Machli. Sadly, she is well past her prime and is likely to close her eyes forever any time soon. When she crosses the river for the happy hunting grounds, Ranthambore will not remain the same anymore.

machli's daughter

There is - or rather was, till the last season - another tiger of Ranthambore which deserves a special mention. I am referring to T-17, Machli’s daughter. For three years, T-17 occupied the prime Rajbagh area of Ranthambore. Just like her mother, she never disappointed shutter-bugs. While

aiming my camera at her, I would often chuckle to myself, "Now here comes the model on the ramp!’’ Somehow, she sensed she was the prima-donna. Her sudden death has created a vacuum in Ranthambore, which I am afraid will be hard to fill. Machli’s second daughter, T-18, was recently relocated to Sariska. Renamed ST-2, she’s a huge draw in the grasslands and valleys of Sariska. By the way, Sariska never had a celebrity tiger; and from the reports I am getting about this place, ST-2 may just fill the bill. I know my regular readers are itching with the question - what about Corbett National Park, my favourite wildlife destination in India? The answer is not simple. The fact remains that a tiger attains celebrity status when it’s seen and

appreciated by too many people, and it’s not easy to spot a tiger in the Corbett National Park. What you don’t see, you don’t notice. On the other hand, places like Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh boast of ‘easy tiger sightings’. These are perfect breeding grounds for celebrity tigers. There are two tigers I am mentioning in the end, because they do not require any introduction. The legendary Sita and B2 of Bandhavgarh. More wildlife documentaries have been made on these two tigers than on any other in India. Of the two, I had several memorable encounters with B2, and his death last year saddened me immensely. To know more about B2 and other article on this subject, log on to www. rahejagroup.org

The writer is the CMD of Raheja Developers. For other published stories and films on wildlife that have run on National Geographic channel, Doordarshan National channel and Doordarshan (India), please log on to www.rahejagroup.org

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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A spiritual

symphony

A humble demeanour is a reflection of the meditative state one experiences while listening to Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma play.

W ords | raja n y pradha n

hough his musical journey was long and challenging, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, one of the most legendary classical musicians of India, calls it the most fulfilling and spiritual one. A highly respected and accomplished musician, Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma gave a new dimension to Indian classical music when he brought Santoor, which was mainly considered an accompanying instrument, to the forefront. Panditji talks to us about his journey, Kashmir, Bollywood music and more.

A highly respected and accomplished musician, Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma gave a new dimension to Indian Classical Music when he brought Santoor to the forefront W ords | R aja n y P radha n

To establish oneself as a musician requires a lot of hard work and patience. How was it for you? It has been challenging but interesting and I have no complaints whatsoever. My musical journey began at the age of five when I started learning vocals from my mother Uma Dutt Sharma, a renowned vocalist of Jammu from Banaras Gharana. I also started learning Tabla at the same time. It was at the age of 13 that my father decided to train me in Santoor. Earlier, Santoor was played along with traditional Kashmiri Sufi music and nobody thought of introducing it on an Indian classical platform. It was a big challenge

Santoor is an ancient instrument of India. The original name of this instrument was Shata-tantri Veena, which in Sanskrit means a Veena of 100 Strings

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Fast facts Favourite holiday destination Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir Favourite singers Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi, Asha Bhonsle, Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey. They all have their own distinct voice and style of singing. Favourite actor Dilip kumar

Favourite food I love to try different kinds of cuisines. In non-vegetarian, I love Kashmiri food and in vegetarian, I’m very fond of Rajasthani and South Indian cuisines. In Karnataka, one can find different kinds of dosas. I equally enjoy eating Italian, Mexican and Vietnamese food. Whenever I’m travelling, I make it a point to try the country’s local cuisines.

Panditji reintroduced the santoor as a complete classical instrument as many musicians and people from the industry thought the instrument was not fit to be played solo as an Indian classical instrument as it had its own limitations. It took me about 10 to 12 years to give a distinct character to the instrument and develop my own style of playing. I did few modifications with the instrument to make it at par with any other classical instrument. Without any frustration and thinking about success or failure, I kept pressing forward on my path. How did Bollywood enter your career path? I encountered films in 1955 when director V Shantaram called me to play Santoor in the epic movie Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje. For the first time ever, the Santoor was played as background music in a movie. After that, I started travelling from

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

my hometown, Jammu & Kashmir, to Mumbai on a regular basis and started staging live performances and recording for films. I was studying in college and learning music at that time. It was in 1960 that I decided to shift to Mumbai. My father wanted me to take up a ‘9 to 5’ job in Kashmir, and I was completely against it. I had an argument with him after which I left home for Mumbai. The period of struggle continued for the next seven to eight years. In Mumbai, I worked with renowned music directors of that time like Jaidev, Khayyam, Madan Mohan, O P Nayyar and many more. Simultaneously, I started playing in classical concerts. In 1968, I went on my first musical tour abroad with Sitar maestro Pt Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha. During the tour, I even taught Santoor to few students in Los Angeles. I have been travelling across the globe ever since, and today Santoor has a large fan following. Along with Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, I even composed music for movies like Chandni, Silsila, Lamhe and Darr,

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don’t understand the technicalities but they try to feel it. And I think that is all one should do when going for a concert; one should just get immersed in the music and forget the technicalities. I find good audience in students as well. Once, I did an experiment as I was playing in a university. I asked the audience to close their eyes and focus on the sound, and not the Santoor. Later they told me they felt calm and relaxed from within. The only difference that I can point out is that, abroad, people do not walk in or out while the show is in progress. which became mega hits and are remembered by all till date.

What childhood memories do you have of Kashmir? I have very fond memories of Jammu & Kashmir. Surrounded by nature, I recall seeing the mountain of Vaishno Devi from my home. I remember sitting by the riverside, listening to the sound of flowing water and shepherds singing folk songs. Once, en route to Amarnath along with 20 fellow travellers, we stopped at a natural lake called Sheshnag. It was a full moon night and the shadow of snow was falling on the lake, and I started playing Santoor there. That particular moment was magical and such an out-of-this-world experience for me, that I still close my eyes at times and relive it again and again.

I have very fond memories of Jammu & Kashmir, where I remember sitting by the river and listening to shepherds singing folk songs What difference do you feel when you play in India and abroad? Music is a universal language. I have listeners in all the six continents and I don’t find any difference anywhere, whether it’s Australia, North America, Europe or Asia. I have just come back from a Paris tour where 99 per cent of the listeners were French. In Paris, they even have a restaurant called Santoor and just 60 years back, Santoor was not even known to anyone. Though they

Any plans to compose music for movies again? Hariji and I, both are very content with what we are doing at the moment. Our priority has always been Indian classical music. Even when we were composing music for movies, there came a time when we had so much work that we had to cancel our concerts in order to complete our movie projects. That is when we decided to shift our focus completely to live concerts and started saying no to film projects. What you enjoy doing most when you are not playing? I love to spend time with my grandchildren and teach my students. I don’t charge anything from my disciples as I still follow the ancient Guru-Shishya tradition. Teaching my students gives me immense happiness and a sense of satisfaction.

pandit shiv kumar sharma's favourite destination is jammu & kashmir, of which he has fond memories. SpiceJet offers daily flights to jammu from delhi, hyderabad and srinagar. also, daily flights connect srinagar to ahmedabad, amritsar, chandigarh, delhi, jammu, mumbai and bengaluru. December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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smashing success Saina Nehwal, India's Badminton ace, has travelled the world for her tournaments. Spiceroute catches up with her to take some quick travelling tips. W ords | G arima v e rma

Your suitcase carries? My outfits for the matches, followed by a pair of tracksuit, sweaters/jerkins and few casual wear. Neccessary items like medicines, pain relief cream and first aid items are a must.

Five things you never travel without? Passport, visa papers, money, cell phone and laptop are my regular companions, with multi-switch chargers. Your favourite food? When it comes to my workout, I prefer bananas in the morning before practice. I am not fussy when it comes to vegetables, but I also like chicken, especially Peri Peri Chicken. Veg/ nonveg cheese sandwich is my go-to option with a hot cup of cappuccino.

Do you like watching movies on the flight? I like watching movies in the flight, but I invariably fall asleep after the first one hour or so. What movies do you carry with yourself? I am more of a Bollywood fan, and carry a few CDs of the latest releases. But my all-time favourites are Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge and Chak de India. I am not a big fan of English films. Do you prefer reading books? I have read a few books that were given to me as gifts and I have a good collection at home. However, I seldom have been able to complete any. Till a few years back, I would read comic books. I try to stay away from novels.

Saina made her International Debut in 2003. Apart from other awards, she won Arjuna Award in 2009, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2010 and Padma Shri in 2010. She won gold medal in 2010 commonwealth games and Bronze in 2012 London olympics December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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king and his horse A globetrotter, professional Polo player and owner of Jodhpur's Ranbanka Palace Hotel, Rajkumar Karan Vijay Singh loves travelling. Know more about him...

Things you cannot do without while travelling The initial years on the polo circuit were filled with adventurous travel and we often had to pitch our tent in cities or on the edge of the jungle. We lived for months alongside our horses surrounded only by wilderness on all sides. Once you’ve travelled that way there is nothing you cannot do without. But first aid items are a must.

Your favourite destination in India Nothing beats Rajasthan during winters. From horseback safaris to lakeside farms, from observing wildlife to cultural galas; there is a mix of culture & luxury.

Things you do when waiting for your flight I use this time to unwind. You may find me shopping if the mood takes me but mostly I prefer to be at the lounge entering holiday mode. Preferred inflight entertainment I am old school and still love my paperbacks or hard covers. However, an inflight magazine or a good movie could work equally well for me.

The kind of traveller you are I always prefer a good safari holiday. I love to know about the history and culture of a destination.

SpiceJet offers daily flights to the cities of udaipur and jaipur in rajasthan from delhi. For more details log on to www.spicejet.com December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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The healthiest herb 82

Garlic

Popularly known as the stinking rose, Garlic is a herb best known as a flavouring agent for food. W ords | N e e lam S i n gh

arlic was introduced in various regions throughout the globe by migrating cultural tribes and explorers. By 6th century BC, garlic was known in both India and China, the former country using it for therapeutic purposes. Over the years, garlic has been used as a medicine to prevent or treat a wide range of diseases and conditions.

Known for both its culinary and medicinal properties, garlic has gained popularity over the last few years, since researchers have been scientifically validating its health benefits

Garlic is a plant in the Allium (onion) family, closely related to onions, shallots and leeks. It grows in many parts of the world and is a popular ingredient in cooking due to its strong smell and delicious taste.

Historical references

The word garlic comes from Old English 'garleac' meaning ‘spear

Each SpiceJet aircraft has been named after a particular spice. In this issue, we bring you the history and usage of garlic

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Benefits Garlic produces a chemical called allicin. This is what seems to make garlic work for certain conditions. Allicin also makes garlic smell. Garlic strengthens the immune system and helps to fight chest infections, cough and congestion. In winters, it boosts the immune system, warding off cold and flu. Garlic is used for many conditions related to the heart and blood system.

Garlic is also effective in slowing the development of atherosclerosis and seems to be able to modestly reduce blood pressure. Garlic oil is used to treat fungal infections, warts, and corns. Garlic may help improve iron metabolism. some scientists have suggested that it might prevent food poisoning. There is some evidence that fresh garlic, but not aged garlic, can kill certain bacteria such as E. coli, antibioticresistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enteritidis in the lab.

leek’. Dating back over 6,000 years, it is native to Central Asia, and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a seasoning in Asia, Africa and Europe. Garlic is one of the oldest cultivated plants and has been grown for over 5,000 years. Ancient Egyptians seem to have been the first to cultivate this plant that played an important role in their culture. Garlic was not only bestowed with sacred qualities and placed in the tomb of Pharaohs, but it was given to slaves that built the Pyramids to increase their strength. China, South Korea, India, Spain and the United States are among the top commercial producers of garlic.

healthy use

Chopping or crushing stimulates the enzymatic process that converts the phytonutrient alliin into allicin, a

core compound Allicin, one of garlic's most highly valued sulphur compounds, stays intact for only 2-16 hours at room temperature when it is present in purified (extracted) form. But when it's still inside the crushed garlic, allicin will stay viable for 2-1/2 days.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Americans consume over 250 mn pounds of garlic annually compound to which many of garlic's health benefits are attributed. For maximum allicin production, wait for at least 5 minutes before eating or cooking the garlic. Also observe this 5-minute ‘time out’ period before adding any high acidic ingredient to the garlic (like lemon juice). According to a research, microwaving or boiling garlic in whole clove form deactivates its enzymes. Thus, chopping or crushing cloves prior to heating is always recommended. Many of its health benefits (like anti-cancer properties) are preserved if the whole cloves are crushed and allowed to sit for 10 minutes prior to cooking.

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Curious Wedding

Traditions

Exploring a variety of interesting traditions associated with weddings in India and the world... W ords | S iddharth M J oshi

rass is always greener on the other side of the fence. It is an oft quoted philosophy in the context of marriage. More so are the traditions that encapsulate a wedding ceremony, of course green being a colour of curiosity rather than attraction, in this case.

Matrimony has been the longest lasting social practice, prevalent across civilised & tribal sections of the world, and exhibits unique rituals

And in most cultures, the most elaborate too. We know the seven circumambulations (saat phere), qubool hai or the I dos, but in stock lies more interesting stuff than just these. So, this wedding season we bring to you a few select bizarre customs that surround this beautiful rite.

“One tradition is that when one of us gets married, we have fragrant oils and pretty bottles at the bachelorette party. Everyone puts a drop in a bottle and makes a wish for the bride - Jennifer Aniston, actress December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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know The Tradition Decoding WesternTraditions 1. The bride always stands towards the left of the groom. This tradition goes back into time when the Anglo-Saxon groom had to protect his bride from wouldbe kidnappers, so she was made to stand on the left, leaving his sword-arm free. The best warrior of the tribe stood by the groom’s side, hence started the trend of a ‘best man’.

2. The ‘veil’ is an important part of a wedding attire. It gained its functional popularity in order to prevent the groom from seeing his bride until the ceremony, mostly in the times of arranged marriages, so that he would not flee at the altar. 3. The bride and groom's side sit on opposite sides of the aisle. In older times, fathers would offer their daughters as peace offerings to warring tribes, so the families were made to sit on opposite sides to avoid any bloodshed.

Beat ’em Up

In Korea, right after the wedding ceremony is performed and the feast is over, the groom undergoes a special treatment. He is obviously the man of the day, and his friends make sure he doesn’t forget the feeling too soon. So, they take his shoes and socks off, tie his feet with a rope or a belt and beat them to their heart’s content with a cane or dried yellow corvina (a fish).

Target & Shoot

The men of Yugur culture in China venture into a dare that every man only wishes to undertake later in his marriage: shoot arrows at their bride. However, it is much milder than it sounds and the arrows have no arrowheads. Three arrows are shot in all and once the game is over, the groom collects those arrows and breaks them, ensuring an eternal love life together.

Smash and Shatter

It’s otherwise a commonly rumoured sight after few years of marriage, but couples in some parts of Germany begin their journey of togetherness with a ritual called Polterabend. December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Guests bring bride and groom new dishes as gifts, and the newlyweds smash each one of them making a lot of noise. The noise, supposedly, wards off evil spirits, and ensures a lucky life ahead.

Guests bring bride and groom new dishes as gifts, and the newlyweds smash each one of them making a lot of noise Sob Story

We have seen brides cry their eyes out at wedding farewells from their parents’ house. But among the Tujia people of China, it is customary for a bride to cry for an hour every day starting from one month before her wedding. Following this, after 10 days her mother also joins in, then her grandmother, followed by all the womenfolk in the family. Thus, all women crying together in different tones is considered to be an expression of joy.

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Crying Out Loud 90

A French tradition, Charivari, involves a noisy, annoying serenade by friends and family members of the newlyweds. After the wedding, they all gather outside the bride and groom’s house and make a lot of noise by singing and banging on pots and pans in order to create cacophony, following which the couple invite them inside as a gesture of ‘thanks’ for coming. They have a small celebration with food and drinks post the ear-shattering display. This is still practiced by the Cajun people in the US.

Eat ‘n’ Eat

The usual trend is to join slimming and toning sessions as a preparation for

Ransom Shoes

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In Scotland, the bride is doused and thrown into foul substances as filthy as dead fish, spoiled food, etc. weddings. But women in Mauritania, a North African state, start preparing for their weddings years before the ceremony, in just the opposite way. In a custom called Leblouh, girls between the age group 5-15 years are sent to ‘fat farms’ in order to put on weight. They intake four times the calories an adult body builder takes each day. The idea is to develop stomach rolls and overlapping thighs, which are considered to indicate that

In India, young girls related to the bride hide the unattended shoes of the groom, as a prank, during the wedding ceremony. The shoes are then offered back to him after the rituals are complete, but in exchange of a handsome

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her husband is wealthy enough to keep her satisfied.

Paint Her Black

One of the strangest pre-wedding rituals is observed in Scotland, where the bride is doused and thrown into foul substances as filthy as dead fish, spoiled food, eggs, milk and even black paint. Finally, she is taken for a night of drinking. Reminiscent of Holi at some parts in India and a distorted version of the haldi ritual, this humiliation of a Scottish bride is believed to ensure that she can handle any situation and problem, even marriage. Sure, the shoes being stolen doesn’t hurt so much anymore, does it?

ransom. This tradition originated in Punjab but has now been adapted the country over. Traditionally, the ransom used to be gold trinkets but now they have been conveniently replaced by hard cash.

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Christmas

Temptations

It may not be yule log or gingerbread cookies, but sweets such as kulkuls & neuries are part of the X'mas celebrations in India. W ords | M i n i R ib e iro

hristmas is a time for feasting with family and friends. Come December and most Catholic households get busy preparing sweets for the celebrations.

The top five Christmas sweets in India are kulkuls, milk cream, neuries, marzipan and plum cake

A typical platter of Goan Christmas sweets includes, kulkuls or kormolas (semolina based sweet dough), perad (guava cheese), dodol (sticky flour and coconut delicacy), the intricate multi-layered bebinca,

In Goa, while Sorpotel, a spicy vinegary meat stew of Portuguese origin, may be centre stage at a Christmas meal, no Christmas is complete without the customary platter of sweets December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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neuris (deep fried coconut stuffed dumplings) and chana doce (gram flour fudge) and walnut drops. Most of these sweets are tedious to prepare and must be made several days or weeks in advance. Cakes too are an important part of the platter. Baath, a rich and moist semolina cake, the two-coloured marble cake and mixed fruit cake are part of the feast. It is, in fact, a practice where the entire family gets involved in making these sweets. The process begins almost three weeks to a month before Christmas. Doughs are kneaded, followed by frying and baking, and then the sweets are meticulously cooled and cut into pieces. Each family member takes upon them a different task. It

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is the spirit of participation by the entire family that makes this process unique and enjoyable.

sweet indulgence

If Goa is known for its plethora of Christmas sweets, in Mumbai too, the East Indians are equally passionate about their sweets. They too have kulkuls, jujubs, neuries and marzipans. But their marzipans are usually made of cashew nuts and not almonds. Also, a rich fruit cake is an absolute must. The key differentiator is, that while Goan sweets have a distinct Portuguese influence, the East Indian ones are inspired by the British. The dough for the Goan kulkuls is folded into quadrangles to give them a unique shape, thus called

Did You Know ? • Before frying Christmas sweets like kulkuls and neuries, a small piece of the dough is shaped in • the form of a cross and fried, for blessings and good luck. • Neuries made during Christmas • are similar to the Karanjis or December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Kormolas. In Mangalore and Kerala, the dough is rolled onto a fork or a comb to give it a ridged effect. Milk cream is made using a mould whereas marzipans are hand-moulded into shape of fruits and flowers according to personal preferences. These are further made attractive by adding appealing food colours and embellishments like silver balls, leaves and are thus, the first to disappear from a tray of sweets. Chef Paul Kinny, Director Culinary, Palladium Hotel Mumbai, adds, “Traditionally, since most East Indians were either farmers or fisher folk living along the coast, we tend to see an abundance of coconut and rice being used in different sweets.

gujiya made in different parts of India during festivals like Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali. Kulkuls are called keediyos, literally meaning worms, because of their appearance. Bebinca (Goan sweet) takes almost 8 hours to prepare.

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try it at home! Milk Cream

Recipe by Chef Paul Kinny, Director Culinary, Palladium Hotel, Mumbai Ingredients Milk 1 litre Broken cashews 200 gms/ 1 cup Icing sugar 200 gms/ 1 cup Vanilla essence 1 tsp Butter 20 gms/ 2 tbsp Method 1. Boil the milk and allow it to reduce on slow flame for about 1 hour. Keep stirring constantly.

2. Finely powder the broken cashew nuts in a food processor and ensure there are no lumps. 3. Add sugar, powdered cashew nuts, vanilla essence and butter, and mix them thoroughly. 4. Keep stirring till it is well incorporated and the mixture leaves the sides of the pan. 5. Put the mixture in rubber moulds if you’d like a variety of shapes. 6. Remove from the moulds once cool.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

The other common ingredients are flour, sugar, milk, cashew nuts, almonds, butter, eggs, jaggery and dates. During Christmas, East Indians love to make and eat a variety of sweets. Some of the more popular ones are the Fruit Cake, Marzipan, Milk Cream, Nevries with different fillings, Doughnuts, Kordial, Thali Sweet, Boros, Date Rolls.” Interestingly, jaggery, coconut in some form, refined flour or maida, eggs and cashewnuts are the typical ingredients for most of these sweets across all regions. Yet, each region has its own distinct sweets.

southern delights

The ingredients in Kerala maybe somewhat similar, but the end product is completely different. In Kerala, the favourite Christmas sweet is nei-appam (a dark brown traditional Kerala sweet made with jaggery, rice flour and coconut milk) and each household prepares it or at least procures it. The kulkuls of Goa too are made here, but are called cheeda and are extremely popular. Mangloreans are proud of their neuris and coconut macaroons which are painstakingly prepared every Christmas. But it is their Aritha Laddu or Rice Laddus, and Guliyos that sets them apart from the others.

The entire family generally gets involved in the making of Christmas sweets Again, rice, jaggery and coconut are the predominant ingredients in this preparation too. Flavoured with coconut and cardamom, kulkuls made of semolina are common as well. Flower-shaped Rose or Rosette cookies are also a highlight as these are visually attractive. Flower shaped moulds are dipped into the batter and then lowered gently into the oil, to retain the shape and flavour. Apart from sweets, savoury items like pathekas made with green nandarkai bananas and sankarpallis are a part of the kuswar in the Mangalore region. Given the hectic schedules and busy lifestyles, many have given up the practice of preparing the Christmas kuswar at home and opt for ready-made items from bakeries instead. Whether homemade or packaged, on Christmas day, the kuswar is served artistically, on a huge platter and is distributed among friends, neighbours and relatives. After all, there can be no Christmas without gorging on sweets.

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dr ling over online

bakeries

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With online shopping sending Indian customers in a tizzy, digital bakeries too are having a field day. W ords | ram y a J S D ' R o z ario

one are the days when one visited bakeries early in the morning to get one’s daily dose of fresh bread, cakes and biscuits. Now, as the e-retail industry has taken hold of India, online bakeries too are making their presence felt. No more does one have to wait in line outside bakeries, or even gingerly carry home cakes; today, these can be purchased at the mere click of a button, from an exhaustive bank of websites offering the latest in the enticing baking world.

The concept of subscription commerce, that some enterprises now follow here, is a trend that has captured western markets Unlocking Pandora’s Box In a unique initiative, Bake Box pioneered India’s first cake club that delivers high quality cakes, cookies and an assortment of

baked goodies from home bakers across Delhi & NCR. Launched in August 2012, Jennifer Duthie, Wolf Patrick and Samira Khandelwal joined hands to found this creative initiative. Informs Samira, “The beauty of Bake Box is that we solve two problems - for our customers, we provide an easy method to try out new ‘cakes and bakers’ without having to leave home. And we also offer bakers a route to market to a highly engaged customer base. It's win-win situation at its tastiest!”

Online bakeries have turned into a great opportunity for home-makers to utilise their cooking and entrepreneurial skills and put it to a delicious use

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Dog-i-licious

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If adults today indulge, then their pooches are now not far away. Offering tasty, nutritious, wholesome treats for dogs, Delhi-based Nikki Kapoor has recently launched an online bakery for dogs, ‘Doggie Barkery’. Inspired from the number of dog bakeries in California, Nikki found the paucity of the same here. Now, with Bark On, she offers pet parents numerous options such as Sultana’s Garden Fresh Delight (vegetarian, carrot flavoured); Pepper’s Crunchy Oats (vegetarian, gluten free), Zulu’s Meaty Bites (non-veg, meat flavour), Shereshah’s Peanut Butter Oinks (non-veg, peanut butter and pork flavour) and a few others. They also have three cakes: Banana Cinnamon, Red Velvet and Apple Peanut Butter which can also be made in doggie cupcakes or pup cakes. Their products are priced between `349 and `499 for half a kg, and `599 and `849 for 1 kg. A small home-based venture, Bark On is committed to making sure that the furry pooches receive nutritious food. Made without any additives or preservatives and using only human grade ingredients, the treats are sure to get their tails wagging.

The concept of paying for a box of baked food that the customer cannot choose is quite unique in India, and something that intrigues every customer till they receive their box. Adds Samira, “We were inspired by the concept of subscription commerce (sCom), which is a trend taking western markets by storm. The idea for Bake Box emerged at a brainstorming session with young college students in the city.” So at a fixed price of `850, one can enjoy a box full of baked surprises, or even gift a loved one! However, there might be a few differently priced boxes in a year. Bake Box started with a Facebook and a web page. Today, they are active on multiple platforms like Twitter and Instagram. However, they feel that this, in no way, is exhaustive, and they are planning on extending their reach within social media to other platforms as well.

Fusion Delicacies

Online bakeries offer a great opportunity for home-makers December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

An online-only presence offers more flexibility to utilise their cooking and entrepreneurial skills and put it to a delicious use. Kolkatabased Ganache is one such family enterprise, where the family members work as a team. Specialising in fusion desserts and traditional sweets with a twist,Ganache combines two very different conventional desserts to create a completely new one. Some of these include, Macaroon Tarts, Fruit Burgers, and Jasmine & Coconut Barfi. The Almond Cake is quite popular, made purely of almonds, and is unlike other cakes whose main ingredient is flour. Ganache was a long-time dream of mother-daughter duo, Anurama and Vatushi Moondra, that took shape in November 2012. The former has a knack for baking, which her daughter too shares. Assisting Anurama are her

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other children, Vashita, who looks after the marketing and website development and Prithvi, who looks after the documentation of all the items. All aspects of finance and business development are seen to by her husband, Sanjay Moondra. Some of their popular items include the Cookie Sandwich, assorted varieties of paan, including liquid and jelly paan and assorted thematic cakes.

Truffle Muffle

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Drishti Anand, at the age of 23, is probably the youngest entrepreneur handling an online bakery. While in college, Drishti would often bake for her friends. With her innate skill garnering quite an attention, she did a cake decoration course soon after her college and started Truffle Muffle two and a half years ago. Truffle Muffle attracted so many orders that she had to leave her teaching job to pursue her passion. With a notice period of seven days, customers can order via the phone, email, text and even WhatsApp. Offering designer cakes, cupcakes, dessert jars and tea cakes in various flavours, Truffle Muffle takes only bulk orders. “Delhi has been very receptive towards Truffle Muffle,” says Drishti. Residing in Noida, almost 70% of her orders are from Delhi. “Awareness among people is increasing day-by-day, and all they seek is ‘something new’.”

Demand for high quality artisan food is on the rise Yum Crumb

Born of the efforts of Nidhi, an engineer by qualification, and Namita Dandekar a Communications postgraduate, who shared a common workplace and a passion for baking, Yum Crumb is another online bakery garnering rave reviews in Pune. Their initial product portfolio consisted only of cupcakes. However, now they offer customised and theme-based cakes and cupcakes, cookies, brownies, tarts, shot glass desserts,

delicious baked hampers Offering 100% vegetarian luxury baked goods in Delhi, sisters Gayatri and Anushka Kakkar’s Divin-e-licious was launched in 2008. They specialise in premium quality cupcakes, cakes, desserts,

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

cheesecakes and even savoury tarts. The Red Velvet Cake is their number one item. Cupcakes are `1,000 per dozen and cakes are priced at `1,200 per kg onwards.

American-style Baked Treats

When Michelle Pike Kalsi’s family moved to Delhi from the US, they were missing traditional, American-style baked goods. And what better way than to enjoy, but start baking them on your own. Thus, slowly the word spread, and Michelle’s home-made American style goodies grabbed attention. As word started spreading, they were swamped with phone calls seeking their delicious baked

chocolates, brownies, dessert jars, etc. Maestro Amjad Ali Khan shared the wonderful news of the arrival of his grandsons with personalised birth announcement hampers from them.

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stuff. That’s how Georgia Dakota Foods was born, named after her grandmother. Says Michelle, “All of our goodies are made with fresh, natural ingredients and no preservatives. Our loaf cakes and muffins are great for healthy snacking as they are made with honey, yogurt and whole wheat flour. We have goodies such as Belgian Chocolate Chip Cookies or Zingy Fresh Ginger Cake.” She further adds, “I find that the Indian palate is very sophisticated. Many understand the nuances of American baked goods. Thus, we only use imported Belgian Chocolate that is hugely popular with expats and Indians alike.” Delivery is free in South Delhi for orders above `1,000.

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Chocolate is hugely popular with expats and Indians alike Online vs Brick-n-mortar Being an online-only entity is not easy, and the lack of brick and mortar shops may deter the sales of these bakeries. Says Samira

Protein Bake Shop Rashi Chowdhary, a nutritionist, offers nutritionally balanced Chocolate Stacks, Paleo Chocolate Cake, Almond Butter, Chia+ Flaxseed slices, Peanut Butter slices, etc. This is an effort to rid people’s beliefs that low fat dairy products,

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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regarding the pros and cons of such an enterprise, “Our phone doesn’t stop ringing and the emails keep on coming indicating that the Delhi’s cake-a-holics have embraced our style of getting these creative home bakers to their dining tables.” For others, it provides a flexibility unlike physical stores. Adds Michelle, “We love being online because it gives us the flexibility to bake as per the needs of our customers. And because we are not funding our own shop, we can focus on our product.” On the other hand, Namita and Drishti feel that Indian customers are yet to wholly understand the concept of an online bakery. For Anurama, working at home versus a shop gives a more personal touch to everything that they do.

low calorie food items are good for their bodies. Also, people with metabolic syndrome like Type 2 diabetes, pcod, insulin resistance, etc., can turn to them, since the total carbs are below 10 gm. The price ranges from `400 – 600.

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+91 9321292899 9663555199 9663961199 9900995720

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fly happily...

We bring to you some general tips for a safe and happy journey in the air. Wishing you and your neighbours a bon voyage... W ords | S iddharth M J oshi

ith air travel becoming more convenient and affordable, it is slowly replacing other modes of transportation. However, with the journey taking place in a closed cabin in the air, thousands of feet above the ground, there are a few customary traditions that are expected to be followed by fliers, for practical reasons.

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Following a little word of advice will ensure a delightful flying experience for you and your co-travellers. Here are some easy guidelines for a perfect flight, once you board the aircraft, and you are absolutely good to go Sharing the Space

The plane, seemingly limited on space, can offer ample room both to you and the people sitting around, by few minor tweak-ups. Sharing it with your co-passengers, by minding your elbow, will work wonders

For a hassle-free journey, select your preferences while booking your ticket — priority check-in, pre-booking meals etc. SpiceJet also offers consumers the same convenience under the 'Manage my Booking' section on its website December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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keep in mind

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Peek-a-Boo A journey by air does more than just save a lot of precious time. It also gives you an outstanding view of the world below. That’s why window seats are the fastest to be taken by passengers. But if you are one of those who either did not get one, or did not think of it as a big deal at the time of booking, it’s alright, let it go. The original seat owner might not appreciate your encroachment over his body while trying to take a peek out of their window. Also, it is the courteous responsibility of the window passenger to lower the blinds if the neighbour requests so. The luggage story Boarding a flight starts primarily with the sifting of luggage. It’s important to take care of how and where you carry it. Always carry it in front as you walk down the aisle, and not sideways banging it on other people. Ensure you keep it in the overhead compartment closest to your seat.

for that harmony that’ll make the journey pleasant. Always try to share the armrest with your neighbour and keep your belongings like a handbag, magazine or jacket to your side. It will make enough space for all.

opt for flight mode

As soon as you buckle up your seat belt, make sure that you turn your mobile devices on airplane mode. And don't worry, you can still make the most of your mobile phone by listening to music or playing games.

Walking onboard

Long-haul flights can sometimes make you feel stiff. Therefore, it becomes important to take a stroll and stay active to boost your blood circulation. But what's important is choosing the right time to leave your seat for a stroll down the aisle, stretch your muscles, or go to the washroom. Be attentive and pick the least disruptive time to head to the washroom, when neither your neighbours nor the cabin crew are disturbed. Choosing to wander around when meals are being served may cause some discomfort to others. December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

The cabin crew is there to serve you with their sincere service Be cooperative

Cabin crew put their best foot forward to serve you with all sincerity. Reciprocate their good manners. It's our moral responsibility to use the callbutton judiciously, and use it only in case of very important circumstances. Respect and reciprocate the crew on board and be rest assured that you'll get the best service. With these simple and salient points in mind, you will ensure a smooth and safe flying experience for yourself and your co-passengers. Happy flying!

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Chuck the junk

What did you have for lunch today? How about yesterday, or this past weekend? What are you craving to have right now? W ords | R ita dat e

hances are that many of you itemised one meal from a restaurant or local canteen. There are an unprecedented number of us eating food outside the home. Our stomachs are being filled at eateries, cafes, office canteens, and roadside stalls, but what are we eating and more importantly, are we being nourished?

Fast food has became a large part of our diet. The temptation to eat fast food is just too overwhelming, especially with busy working women and shrinking household help.

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Slick ads making you believe that a family that has soup for dinner, or noodles for breakfast is cool and healthy doesn’t help either. Food companies won’t tell you what is really in their products and what effect it will have on your body. It has been proven that humans are addicted to a combination of foods high in fats, sugar and salt and this keeps us eating more junk food. The multinational food chains are secretly happy about this.

Nutritionist Rita Date wrote What’s for Lunch to draw attention to the diminishing quality of our Indian diets. junk and processed food have penetrated India with their large advertising and promotion spends, affecting the country's health. she delves into how the nation’s eating patterns have changed in the past 20 years December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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The myth Have you noticed the popularity of olive oil in recent years? The Indian branded edible oil market is 15,000 crores and growing. However, Olive oil is not good for our Indian way of cooking --- we use high heat which olive oil does not tolerate. There is another grade, Pomace olive oil, that is meant for high heat cooking. This product, however, is banned in most European countries.

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Olive pomace oil often contains harmful components known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) like benzopyrene which research has shown to be highly carcinogenic. This substance is the result of the incomplete combustion of the fats in olives. Spain has the most strict laws about olive oil quality and they banned pomace olive oil in 2001, many other countries followed. Also pomace oil is being marketed as reusable up to 3 times. This is ludicrous as well as dangerous. So in short, don’t be fooled by companies selling you olive pomace oil. Use your native oil for cooking and use virgin olive oil for sautéing vegetables, good quality extra virgin olive oil, for salads and marinades.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Where is the problem?

Breakfast is always acclaimed as the most important meal of the day, but it is lunch where more calories are consumed. This meal is often eaten outside the home and even if it is homemade, it may lack in overall nutrition. The traditional Indian thali is a healthy balance of the nutrients required, but eating a full thali of pulses, dals, curds, vegetables, and salads is not possible for office-goers and students. The nutritional balance is shortchanged. For example, a tiffin consisting of chapatti and sabji lacks protein, the very nutrient you need for muscle development and to feel full. A tiffin of curd-rice and pickle has no vegetables which provides fibre and anti-oxidants. To make things worse, evening snacks and heavy dinners compensate for this lack of nutrients and satiety. Late dinners often cause acidity, heartburn, and obesity, making a filling healthy lunch even more essential.

What is nutritious?

A nutritious homemade lunch can be the answer to many of these problems. There are six classes of nutrients, namely carbohydrates,

Late dinners often cause acidity, heartburn and obesity, making a healthy lunch more essential proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. The first three are micronutrients and yield the energy that the body uses to fuel its various activities. Carbohydrates are the major energy source and an essential part of diet-about 60 per cent of your calories should come from carbs. Proteins form a vital part of most body structures such as skin, nails, tendons, ligaments, organs, bones, teeth and muscles. Fats play an important role in storing the necessary energy for the healthy functioning of the body. In contrast, micronutrients such as vitamins, mineral and water do not yield energy but perform maintenance and repair. With urban obesity averaging at 25%, India is poised to be the diabetes capital of the world. Obesity and related health problems have decreased the life expectancy. The only way to take back our health is to eat balanced home-cooked meals.

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Santa is coming 116

Christmas brings with it the joys of winter, gifts, cakes and wines, and making merry till the sun shines. W ords | P allavi S i n gh

hillips Brooks, an American Episcopal clergyman and author said, "The earth has grown old with its burden of care, but at Christmas it always is young, the heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair, and its soul full of music breaks the air, when the song of angels is sung". The celebrations around Christmas were always a part of my life, be it in school or in college and the learnings were immense.

The moment we spell the word Christmas, the mind automatically conjures an image of Mother Mary embracing the infant Jesus, Christmas carols renting the evening air, and the aroma of rum cakes filtering out of chimneys

The stories of Jesus Christ, apostles, angels and saints, filled my heart with the spirit of love, sacrifice & charity.

Bake a cake

What would Christmas be without freshly baked cakes. Making a shooting star celebration cake would be a good idea. For a stunning Christmas centrepiece, this cake is perfect. Get the kids to help out making the stars and celebrate

In general, bells are celebratory in nature. the Ringing of bells also signifies a major event. Originally, it was thought that bells had the ability to scare away evil spirits. They have been used to signify the start of spring December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Get your kids to help you in baking the cake and preparing its decorations in style. You can follow the given recipe. Ingredients: 1 kg ready-to-roll icing 280 gm icing sugar, plus extra for rolling out 20 cm round cake with marzipan Gold edible lustre Red food colouring paste 1 egg white

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How to make: 1. Knead 700 gm of the icing until smooth. Dust work surface with icing sugar, then roll icing into a circle 5 mm thick and 40cm wide. Brush cake with cool, boiled water. Roll icing over the rolling pin, then place onto the marzipan, smoothing any folds. Cut away any excess, then use a glass to smooth sides of the cake. 2. Knead the trimmings with the remaining 300 gm icing and roll out to 5 mm thick. Using an 8 cm star cutter and cut one large star. Roll the rest of the icing a little thinner, then cut out 20 stars with a small cutter. Lift stars onto greaseproof paper and leave overnight. Once dry, mix some of the gold lustre with a drop of water then paint the large star and half the small stars gold. Leave to dry for 30 mins.

3. Squash trimmings together and colour with the red colouring paste. For the star’s tail, shape half the icing into a rectangle and roll out to a long strip about 3 mm thick. Cut a length, 40 cm long and 10 cm wide at one end, tapering to about 5 cm wide. Cut a ‘V’ in the wide end. Cover with cling film, then roll the rest into a 20 cm circle. Cut a scroll shape, ensuring one end is the same width as the thinner end of the first piece. 4. Brush the sides of the cake with water, then wrap the tail around. Lift the scroll shaped piece onto the cake, dampening underneath so it sticks, and join the scroll and tail ends together. Brush away excess icing sugar with a damp brush and leave to dry. Roll a

walnut-size ball of icing and put on top of the cake where the tail ends. 5. Beat the egg white with the icing sugar to make a smooth paste. Spoon into an icing bag fitted with a fine writing nozzle. Use this to stick the large star onto the ball of icing and the small stars to the tail, and to pipe graduated dots to decorate. Leave to dry.

Make decorative candles

Candles are an essential part of a Christmas decor. Kids can make decorative candles for the festival. Not only does it help to channelise their energy and talents, it is a good way to stay connected with the culture and heritage aspect of any festival besides developing familial bonds. Children can, for

ribbon picture card Making Christmas cards for friends and family is a great excuse to sit down with your children for a craft session. You need: * A blank card * Decorative paper, glue * Fancy ribbon

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

How to make: * Cut a piece of ribbon with a complete picture. Cut a piece of paper slightly larger than the ribbon, using decorating scissors if you like. * Glue the paper to the card and the ribbon on top of the paper.

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x'mas tree decor Within every family, there’s something special about the ritual of decorating the Christmas tree. Here are few basic steps to create a beautiful Christmas tree. Step 1: Setting up the tree Place your tree in a tree stand on a towel to protect the floor from any spills. If you are using the artificial ones, spread the leaves and branches carefully. Step 2: Tree skirt and lights Drape a piece of fabric around the base of the Christmas tree, ensuring that the stand is covered. Starting from the top, begin to wrap your lights around the tree, weaving them through the branches. 120

Step 3: Hanging the ornaments Hang your favourite ornaments first, showcasing them towards the front of the tree. Hang the rest of your Christmas ornaments, starting with the large ones and then filling in the holes with the small ones. Step 4: Tree topper and gifts Add a star or an angel on top of the tree and scatter wrapped Christmas gifts around the base of the tree.

example, enjoy creating a drawing pin decorative candle. Let's see how. You need: * Drawing (push) pins * Plain candle How to make: * Decorate your candle by pressing in the pins. You can use pins with coloured heads or even silver and gold if you like. Note: Please be aware that if you use plastic coated drawing pins, then it would be for decorative purposes only and should not be lit. If you use metal drawing pins you could light the candle with care, although you should never leave the candle unattended. Brightly lit candles can be a sight to behold.

Craft a Snowman

An adorable snowman craft is a perfect Christmas or winter craft for kids of all ages - although younger children may need help and supervision. You need: * A 6cm polystyrene ball December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

* A 4cm polystyrene ball * A baby sock * Circle stickers * Pipe cleaner (chenille stems) * Scrap of orange craft foam * Card for base * Glue How to make: * Cut out a circle of card. Glue the larger ball onto the card and the smaller ball on top. * Make the hat by cutting through the sock at the heel. Tie the cut end with a small piece of yarn and slip the ankle cuff over the head. * Cut diagonally across the remainder of the sock from the cut edge to the toe, then open it out so you have a strip of fabric. Tie this around the snowman as a scarf. * Add stickers as eyes, mouth and buttons and stick on a scrap of foam as a carrot nose. * To make the arms, cut the pipe cleaner into three pieces. Cut one of the pieces in half again. * Twist one of the smaller pieces around a longer piece to make the hand. Push the arm into the snowman. Repeat with the other arm. Now, put your snowman on display.

1800 200 7575

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Helping Lives

A global group of volunteers is working with an aim to provide medical relief to victims of war, disasters & disease outbreaks.

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ithout proper diagnosis and treatment, my son could not have been saved. I know that. To watch him play with other children of the village is the biggest joy of my life, says Sakuntala Devi, mother of 3-year-old Sonu from Bihar. This is just one of the many stories of impact that Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) have to tell from India and across the world.

Sonu, was treated for kala azar or ‘black fever’which is transmitted by the sand fly. Bihar has one of the highest incidences of kala azar in the world. MSF provides free diagnosis and treatment for patients in Vaishali district and has so far treated over 12,000 people effectively

How it started?

Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers medical assistance and emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, exclusion from healthcare and natural disasters. It works in more than 65 countries and helps people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters or exclusion from healthcare.

In emergencies and their aftermath, MSF rehabilitates and runs hospitals and clinics, performs surgeries, battles epidemics, carries out vaccination campaigns, operates feeding centres for malnourished children and offers mental healthcare December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Patients wait outside the MSF clinic in Moreh, a town that borders Myanmar. The MSF clinic is regularly visited by HIV & TB patients from Myanmar.

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The organisation was founded in 1971 in France by a group of doctors and journalists in the wake of war and famine in Biafra in Africa. Their aim was to establish an independent organisation that focusses on delivering emergency medicine aid quickly, effectively and impartially. MSF was created with the belief that all people should have access to healthcare regardless of gender, race, religion, creed or political affiliation, and that people’s medical needs outweigh respect for national boundaries. Today, MSF employs more than 30,000 people across the world. Since its founding, MSF has treated over a 100 million patients – with over 9 million outpatient

MSF was created with the belief that all people should have access to healthcare consultations being carried out in 2013 alone.

How and Where MSF Works

While MSF does sometimes work in collaboration with the governments, it does not take any financial help from the State or Central governments. About 90% of funding comes from individual and private donors across the world and this helps it stay independent which is one of its core principles.

Over the years, MSF has received many prestigious awards in recognition of its medical humanitarian work. In 1999, MSF received the Nobel Peace Prize and earlier, in 1996, it was awarded the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development. In 2012, J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding and in 2013 World Community Excellence Award were given to the organisation.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

“On my first assignment with MSF in Darfur, I took care of a patient who had a ruptured ectopic pregnancy which leads to heavy internal bleeding. Without wasting time, I decided to operate on her otherwise we could have lost her. She pulled through and was discharged 10 days later,” says Chandrika Rao, an MSF surgeon. The experience mentioned above is just one of the many illustrations of the tough conditions in which the medical volunteers chose to work to reach out to those most in need of medical assistance. Currently, its medical staff is treating populations who do not have access to healthcare or affected by war, epidemics, natural or man-made

Amazing

ASSAM

A picture-perfect state With five National Parks, two of which are designated World Natural Heritage Sites, and 20 Sanctuaries, Assam is a blessed land for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. More than 750 large tea gardens, many with adjoining golf courses. Come, play golf in one of 22 golf courses. Relax in splendid heritage bungalows amidst lush greenery, along with a hot cup of tea.

Office of the Director of Tourism, Station Road, Guwahati -781001, Phone No : 0361-2547102 (0) 0361-2542748. Email Id : directortourism1@gmail,com ; Website : www.assamtourism.gov.in

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positive change In 2012, MSF has also launched an awareness campaign with the slogan 'Who Cares?'. The multi-city campaign is aimed at introducing the organisation to Indians as well as engaging them in discussions around important public health topics such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malnutrition and access to affordable medicines. So far, the campaign consisting of an interactive audio-visual exhibition has travelled to different venues in New Delhi and will be soon travelling to Mumbai.

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MSF has managed a Kala Azar diagnosis and treatment project in Vaishali district since 2007, and has treated more than 12,000 patients free-ofcharge within government facilities.

disasters across 70 countries in the world. Since March 2014, MSF continues to be the front-runner in battling the worst ever ebola outbreak that has killed over 4,500 people and affected over 9,000 people so far in West Africa.

Work in India

Dr Kalyani being sprayed after exiting the high risk zone

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

"The only time I feel visible and cared for is when I am at this clinic. At all other times, I feel invisible,” says Mallamma (name changed for confidentiality), one of the patients at MSF’s mobile clinic in Pusuguppa, located on the TelanganaChhattisgarh border. This one statement encompasses the ongoing reality of access to healthcare in many regions in India. In India, MSF has been working since 1999 and has provided medical treatment to thousands of patients in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Manipur and Telangana. MSF teams are providing basic healthcare to people in villages through weekly mobile clinics in southern Chhattisgarh, and those living in displacement camps on

In India, MSF has been working since 1999 and has provided medical treatment to thousands of patients the Telangana side of the border. A mother and child health programme offers ante-natal care, immunisation and nutritional support for pregnant women and children in Bijapur and Chhattisgarh. Apart from providing treatment for kala azar in Bihar, MSF teams also provide treatment for children with severe acute malnutrition through a communitybased programme in Darbhanga district. In MSF’s clinic in Mumbai, patients co-infected with HIV and Hepatitis B or C, or Drug Resistant-TB (DR-TB) are offered outpatient care. Similarly, in Manipur, where the prevalence of adult HIV infections is the highest in the country, MSF offers HIV and TB care in three clinics in Churanchandpur and Chandel districts. In Jammu and Kashmir, MSF provides mental health support in five fixed locations in Srinagar and Baramulla districts.

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southern

beauty

From lush hillscapes to sandy beaches, from quaint backwaters to the undulating topography of Western Ghats the southern state of Kerala has it all.

P hotographs | girish maso n

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December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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chinese fishing nets at fort cochin have become a popular tourist attraction.

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1. houseboat at alapuzzha 2. backwaters of alleppey 3. the cream-coloured Santa cruz basilica towers over the coconut trees in fort kochi. it is one of the eight basilicas in india.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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SpiceJet offers convenient connections to the cities of thiruvananthapuram, kochi & kozhikode in kerala. For details log on to www.spicejet.com

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1 1. rolling landscape of munnar provides the perfect environment for tea plantations 2. The brackish backwaters of kerala offer immense opportunities for tourism

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

savvygroup.in

2, 2.5 & 3 BHK sports Living ApArtments

Bookings open

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Ace your trip if travelling to munnar, do pack some light woollens. do not forget to carry umbrellas or raincoats. ensure you pack in a camera, for kerala is picturesque

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1. A temple festival in kerala, thrissur pooram is celebrated in the malayalam calendar month of 'medam'. drummers at work, beating the 'chenda', among other festivities 2. kathakali dancer in midst of his performance 3. elephants from across the state are gathered for the festival. the festival drapes thrissur with colour, mirth and fireworks

3 December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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When the bells ring... December is the time when the joy of Christmas is in the air, along with music festivals, hot air balloon festival and more. W ords | P allavi S i n gh

Sunburn Festival

Goa - the land of sun, sea and sand, becomes a veritable paradise for music and party lovers this month as it plays host to one of the biggest electronic music festivals in India. International artistes from across the world perform here, from all genres of music, be it house to bass and drums. A three-day celebration of music, it offers brilliant music to groove to, while also providing the participants with scrumptious fare, excellent entertainment, and a tremendous shopping experience. This year's festival will witness performances by celebrated dance artistes like Alive, Afrojack, Alex miles, Bay Beat, Boombaba and many more. The crowd's favourite musicians including Above & Beyond, Jalebee Cartel, and Shaan are also expected to perform at Sunburn this season. However, one has to be 18 years or above to be a part this festival and kids are not allowed.

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When: December 27 - 29 Where: Candolim Beach, Goa SpiceJet connects Goa to 8 destinations, namely Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Kochi, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

Karnataka Tourism is organising a month-long Hot Air Ballooning Festival. This will take place across Mysore, Hampi and Bidar, where several enthusiasts will participate. When: December 2014 to January 2015, Where: Karnataka December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Konark Festival, Odisha

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Rann Utsav, Kutch Rann Utsav is a cultural extravaganza that is held at various locations within Kutch in Gujarat. Organised by the Gujarat Tourism Department, this fair showcases the traditional art forms of India. Held annually during the full moon period in winters, the Rann Utsav includes cultural and folk dances, music, craftsmanship, carnival processions, pageantry, etc. Enjoying the shades of full moon with folk music and dance forms in chilling winters is an enchanting experience.

Rann Utsav is a unique opportunity for people around the world to visit Kutch and experience the true flavour of this beautiful arid region. Experience the joy of living in tents, evening bonfires, watching artisans at work and enjoy going for camel safaris. Utilise the opportunity to visit the museum and the royal cenotaphs of Bhuj, the beaches and palaces of Mandvi, and the craft villages of Banni.

The Sun Temple in Konark is a world heritage monument and every year in December, it serves as a backdrop to the scintillating Konark Festival, a grand event showcasing the different traditional dance forms of India. As part of the festival, talented dancers and their troupes descend on Konark to display their skill and mastery over ageold dance forms ranging from the classic Bharatanatyam, graceful Odissi and Manipuri, to the expressive Kathakali and Sattriya dance styles amongst others. The first day of the event this year will see Odissi performance by Madhavi Mudgal & Group and Kuchipudi dance recital by Guru Raja Radha Reddy. A jugalbandi of painting and music will also be held daily. A crafts mela is also organised alongside, so that visitors can meet the master craftsmen of the region. This festival is one of the biggest dance festivals held in India. Planning a visit to Konark in December would be worth its while, if the rich cultural heritage of India fascinates you. When: December 1-5 Where: Konark, Odisha

When: Dec 14 to March 18 Where: Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

SpiceJet offers daily flights to Ahmedabad and Surat in Gujarat, and Indore and Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh from major metro cities in India.

Tansen Music Festival Indian classical music lovers will get to treat themselves to the rich musical genius of participating musicians with the Tansen Samaroh being held in Madhya Pradesh this month. Regarded as one of the oldest music festivals of India, the Samaroh is a tribute to Tansen, the great musician of Akbar’s court,

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

who was known as one of the navratnas or nine gems of the court. Supported by the State Government, the day and night music festival, held for a four-day period, is indeed a feast for the senses. When: December Where: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

Everyday

13,08,894 copies

It Pays to Advertise in Dinakaran

Published from twelve centres including Mumbai and Delhi  First Tamil daily to cross the one million mark  All pages printed in colour  Winner of the ILNA award for the Best Tamil Daily  Ideal choice for innovative ads 

Circulation : 13,08,894 copies as per ABC January–June 2014 Chennai: 2,91,648 Coimbatore: 1,70,586 Madurai: 1,50,538 Nagercoil: 39,146 Salem: 1,34,481 Trichy: 1,73,712 Tirunelveli: 1,03,680 Vellore: 82,493 Puducherry: 84,090 Bangalore: 53,720 Mumbai: 20,803 Delhi: 3,997

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HOT Picks

Splurge on these lifestyle essentials Travel Diaries

Fusion Beats from the house of 109°F unveils ‘Travel Diaries’ that captures the essence of Bohemia by the way of a Folk Tale. This travel tale inspires a high-winter trend that combines the keen sense of adventure with a renewed fascination for the great outdoors. Price: `999/- onwards Available at: www.fusionbeats.in

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Odour killing Spray SEITZ India unveiled a first of its kind odour removing spray- Eins Odosorb, exclusively for the Indian consumers. A revolutionary product that attacks the source of the toughest odours and within no time has the air smelling fresh, Eins Odorsorb is best suited for odours like toilet, car seat covers, carpets, wardrobe, shoes, socks, etc. Price: 100 ml-`90, 500 ml- `275 Availability: www.einsclean.comﾧ & across all leading retail stores Travel in style

Baroque brings to you stylish yet functional duffle bags, passport cases and travel sets in their own inimitable style to make your travel stress free. Curated with hand-selected leather, the compact Voyager is a roomy duffle bag available in three earthy colours. The Recce travel set and En Avion in vibrant orange and bright blue colour are the perfect way to carry your passport, boarding pass, currency credit cards and other essential documents. Price: `2,500 onwards Available at: www.baroque.in

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Bridal beauty

Hema S Kothari unveils an exquisite bridal jewellery collection ‘Bejewelled’, crafted in diamonds, Burmese rubies and gemstones. The items are designed both with contemporary and elegant taste, capturing the significance of Indian culture in vibrant tones. Each piece is made to reflect the charming persona of such a glorious moment. The most vital aspect of the jewellery is that it is made to live forever. Price: On request Available at: 201-B Sukh Sagar, Hughes Road, Chowpatty, Mumbai

What’s inside

For a complete overhaul of your abode, IDUS brings stylish and trendy international brands together. So whether it is an exquisite metal wall art from USA, plush Italian leather sofas from Italy or luxurious office furnishings and home accessories perfect for a classy affluent feel, IDUS is just the ideal destination. Price: On request Available at: IDUS, Industrial Area, Kirti Nagar, New Delhi

exotic christmas gifts

This X'mas, VKC Nuts bring a delightful collection of exotic berries and raisins with their recently unveiled Nutraj Exotics. The Nutraj boxes make for an ideal healthy gifting option. Beyond gifting, this range also serves as a delectable ingredient to make your scrumptious Christmas desserts. Price: `85 per box of 100 gm Availabile at: Leading retail stores in India & www.nutraj.com

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Work your heart out

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Columbia Sportswear Company, a global leader in active outdoor apparel, footwear and accessories, introduces PED, Performance Enhanced Down - a patent-pending construction technique that creates a 'down jacket on steroids'. The jackets from Turbo Down collection are designed to keep the user warm in extremely cold weather. The TurboDown jackets are available in attractive colours including red, blue, pink, orange and black. Price: `10,999 onwards Available at: Select Citywalk, Saket, Delhi and Phoenix Market City, Bengaluru East, Mahadevpura.

personal care

SoulTree® has come up with certified natural beauty & personal care products crafted from natural ingredients, and are free from any harm causing chemicals. It signifies an emergence of a safe and holistic goodness era that has come up with a novel offering for the Single Female Traveller. It comprises a tender face wash, a nourishing moisturiser, an antioxidant rich under eye cream made from the goodness of Aloe, Tulsi & Green Tea and a Viola lip balm made from organic ghee and 7 organic oils.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Contemporary jewellery by Mirari

Reflecting the thoughts and innovations, the Topical Treat by Mirari is an exclusive assortment of modern day classic knots to suit the exclusive needs of today’s woman with an international taste. These jewellery pieces reflect the era of a cutting edge contemporary designer wear. Available at: www.mirari.com/shop

Leather goodness

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The V Renaissance, a bespoke luxury brand, has come up with a new range of leather jackets. The trench coats and jackets are made of 100% Italian leather and give an option of personalised lining, where one can have photographs of their choice printed on the silk lining inside of their garment. Customisation of design, size, length, colour, leather type, leather style, accessories, trimmings, buttons, belt, collar, lining and pockets are also available. Price: `80,000 onwards Availabile at: info@ thevrenaissance.com

Skincare nutrition

Herbalife launched its newest skincare line, Herbalife SKIN, in India. Herbalife SKIN products have been formulated with an optimum blend of Vitamin B3 and antioxidant Vitamins C and E, and Aloe Vera to get softer, smoother, more radiant skin and to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Created to replenish and rejuvenate the skin with fast results, Herbalife SKIN will add the much-needed glow. Price: `1,424 onwards For more info visit www.herbalife.co.in

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Watch for men

Versace V-RACE watch comes this year with a black steel bracelet underlining its virile, sporty mood. In the all-black version with golden details, the V-Race GMT Alarm is bold and aggressive; in yellow gold it becomes precious and distinctive; while in stainless steel with a black and white dial, it takes on a basic and essential look. Price: On request

Statement accessories

Eristona.com is the ultimate destination for tasteful and chic jewellery pieces. It gives you a way to ring in the New Year in style with their Christmas - New Year’s collection. The collection showcases intricate colours and stylish patterns in earrings, necklaces and bracelets. It showcases the adaptability of pearls and colourful stones to highlight the vigour of happy times. Price: `1,000 onwards Availabile at: www.eristona. com

Classy shoes for Men Designed for the confident man, Fortune from Liberty offers classy and slick designs for men shoes. Available in several designs, like high ankle, perforated, knitted and with neon soles, Fortune presents a great variety to choose from for corporate meetings, evening with friends and parties. Price: `2,499 onwards Available at: Select Liberty Revolutions and Liberty Exclusive Showrooms, www.libertyshoesonline. com.

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D©2661114

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Luxury handbags for women

V Renaissance has come up with its new range of women handbags and luggage bags. Known for customisation of design, size, length, colour, leather type, leather style, accessories, trimmings and lining, these classic bags are made of finest Italian Calf leather. Their special features include comfortable shoulder handles, classic V design, hand crafted. Price starts from Rs 52000/Write to info@thevrenaissance.comﾧ

New winter care range

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To help you combat the winter season and keep your skin supple and nourished, Blossom Kochhar Beauty Products launched its latest winter care range comprising of Cocoa Butter and Vanilla Body Cream, Honey and Shea Butter Hand and Body Lotion, Aloe Vera Cold Cream and Almond Nourishing Cream. Price: on request For more info visit aromamagic.com

Festive collection

The Great Eastern Home presents a perfect pick for the festive season with its exclusive and exceptional range of Pewter Collection. Each piece in this collection is sophisticated, inimitable and one of its kind. The high quality Pewter products at The Great Eastern Home are 100 percent lead-free. They are non-toxic and easy to care for. Price on Request Available at The Great Eastern Home at Byculla,and Vikhroli (W), Mumbai December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Accessories from Numero Uno

Numero Uno - one of the first Indian denim brands offers a complete range of casual wear, innerwear, shoes and accessories. For the upcoming winter season, it has come up with their new collection of accessories (shoes & belts) apart from trendy and comfortable denims. Price: Belt from Rs. 849 onwards Shoes, from Rs 2999 onwards Available at all company outlets

Beautiful stainless steel containers

Arttd’inox is a pioneer in lifestyle stainless steel products. It has recently introduced some of the most beautiful and functional stainless steel storage cans in various shapes and sizes. These containers are extremely contemporary and stylish and are more hygienic than plastic containers. Availability: Defence Colony, New Delhi; Golf Course Road, Gurgaon, Mumbai and Bengaluru

Winter Headwear Collection

Ayesha accessories has launched its new headwear collection ranging from bright and burning tones of orange, yellow and red. Wear them to add an air of mystery while taking a stroll during the day. This ideal accessory also help to finish off an outfit. Price: Rs 898 Available at: Ayesha Accessories store across the city or order online on Jabong and Myntra

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速

THE GMAT速 EXAM IN INDIA

Apply to over 200 programs in India with your GMAT score ISB Mohali

IMI New Delhi IMT Ghaziabad BITS Pilani BIMTECH Greater Noida Amity Business School Noida IIM Lucknow IIM Rohtak IIM Udaipur

IIM Shillong

IIM Ranchi IIM Ahmedabad MICA Ahmedabad

IIM Calcutta XLRI Jamshedpur

IIM Indore IMT Nagpur

XIM Bhubaneswar

SPJain Mumbai NMIMS Mumbai K.J. Somaiya Mumbai

GITAM Vishakapatnam ISB Hyderabad Woxsen School of Business ICFAI IBS Hyderabad IMT Hyderabad GIM Goa IIM Bangalore TAPMI Manipal MYRA Mysore Great Lakes Chennai VIT University Vellore PSGIM Coimbatore

To view the complete list of programs that accept GMAT scores, visit mba.com/gmat-india

IIM Trichy

Map not to scale

facebook.com/OfficialGMAT

pagalguy.com/u/OfficialGMAT

shiksha.com/author/OfficialGMAT

twitter.com/OfficialGMAT

youtube.com/OfficialGMAT

forum.testfunda.com/ members/theofficialgmat

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Get each of

these Phones

Why drool over those expensive phones when you can get these six SMARTPHONES at a cheaper price! 01

` 6,999

` 6,000

` 6,999

150 04

` 2,000

` 14,000

1. Moto E

3. Xiaomi Redmi

5. htc desire 516 dual sim

2. Spice Dream One

4. intex cloud fx

6. Sony xperia t3

Though on paper it doesn’t boast of lightening fast specs, we’ll give it the points for the brand equity. Android One boasts of a unified Android experience. Must have if you’re an Android fan boy.

With specs better than any other budget Android phone, this is definitely a compelling buy. Come on - you are getting a smartphone at this price point, worth a try at least.

HTC’s build quality, add-ons and dual sim feature make this a smart buy. For the stated specs and the price point, nothing beats this baby! We've already got ours.

did you know? it is said that In a day, a person spends an average of 2.7 hours to socialise on his or her smartphone. this is one-third of the time spent on sleeping and twice more than on eating December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

` 26,000

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A fitness band

or a free App?

Is a fitness band or a free app more effective in hauling ourselves out of bed and onto the jogging tracks? Read on to know more... WHAT IS IT?

WORTH IT?

Doesn’t eat up the battery. Automatically pauses when you stop running.

Lets you listen to music via Pandora, Soundcloud, but only on phones with Android 4.4.

Emphasises on running, so it’s not for everyone. Tortoise icon looks like it’s mocking you.

walk logger

The trip function logs the last stretch walked. Unlike the rest, you can manually reset it.

Big time battery hogger. Despite switching it off, it ‘woke up’ when it sensed movement.

It’s free, so worth a try. Just remember to carry a battery pack for when you run out of juice.

moves

It can tell when you walk, cycle or drive without you having to tell it. UI is simple and clutter free.

Tells you the all time record, but doesn’t set automated targets, which would have been nice.

Fun app for those getting into running. Higher battery usage when tracking location.

sony smartband

Knows the difference between walking and running. Still works when not connected to phone.

Took 3 apps to make it run on a non-Sony Android. Still need to wear a watch since it can’t tell the time.

Nice way to analyse how you spend your day and where you’ve been. Doesn’t cost the world.

garmin vivofit

Doesn’t need charging for one year. Move bar on top tells how long you haven’t walked/run.

Not backlit. Difficult to view in low light and nearly impossible in the dark.

Can be used standalone, without a phone, but just too expensive for our liking.

Free app that works in the background and logs how much you walked through the day. Gives you free medals too. One of the most downloaded free pedometer app. Tracks your jogging, walking, cycling and driving route.

The ‘life logging’ wrist band and knows when you run or play games on your phone. `5,990 Counts the number of steps you take and calories you burn. Oh and it also tells the time. `9,990 December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

WE DON’T

runtastic

Your personal trainer on your phone. Get ready to be cursed at by a cold sounding woman every time you go for your morning run.

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WE LIKE

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Films releasing in DECEMBER

Bollywood

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Release Date: December 5, 2014 Cast: Martin Sheen, Kal Penn, Rajpal Yadav, Mischa Barton Director: Ravi Kumar

A Prayer For Rain A film many have been waiting for, Bhopal: A Prayer For Rain is slated as a historicaldrama film focussing on the Bhopal Gas tragedy that took place in the night of December 2, 1984. Negligence of safety standards led to leakage of dangerous gases, and this lethal mix of gas cloud killed many in the region of the pesticide plant. It follows the point of view of a common man, Rajpal Yadav, who portrays the character of Dilip, a rickshaw driver, who manages to get a job at the plant. Kal Penn portrays the role of an Indian journalist, while Mischa Barton is a foreign journalist. Watch out for Rajpal Yadav's portrayal of a troubled common man, who is mostly known for his comic roles.

Other Releases

Action Jackson Release Date: December 5, 2014 Cast: Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha, Yaami Gautam, Kunaal Roy Kapur Director: Prabhu Deva Take It Easy Release Date: December 5, 2014 Cast: Vikram Gokhale, Dipannita Sharma, Raj Zutshi, Joy Sengupta Director: Sunil Prem Vyasi PK Release Date: December 19, 2014 Cast: Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani Director: Rajkumar Hirani

Information has been sourced from Bollywood Hungama site

top 10 movie ticket booking websites 1. BookMyShow 2. Inox Movies 3. Ticketnew 4. TicketPlease 5. PVR Cinemas

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

6. Big Cinemas 7. Cinemax 8. EasyMovies 9. Ticket4U 10. Kyazoonga

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Films releasing in DECEMBER

Hollywood Other Releases

Exodus: Gods and Kings Release Date: December 12, 2014 Cast: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley, Aaron Paul Director: Ridley Scott

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Release Date: December 19, 2014 Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Stephen Fry, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving Director: Peter Jackson The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Peter Jackson is back in action leaving the audience spellbound with the epic fantasy film, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. This will be the third and final film in the adaptation of ‘The Hobbit’ by J R R

Tolkien. ‘An Unexpected Journey’ and ‘The Desolation of Smaug’ preceded this film. Martin Freeman reprises the role of Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo, along with Thorin Oakenshield and the Dwarves must face the wrath of Smaug, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch.

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb Release Date: December 19, 2014 Cast: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Ben Kingsley Director: Shawn Levy http://www.bollymoviereviewz. com/2013/05/upcoming-hollywood-movies-2013-release.html

top 10 websites to watch movies 1. YouTube movies 2. IMDb 3. Crackle 4. Los Movies 5. Topmovies

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

6. FreeFullMovies 7. Film.FM 8. B Movies 9. JustClickToWatch 10. Hulu Tv

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Miracles of

Sandhiya Mehhta Numerologist and Vastu consultant

NUMEROLOGY

Sandhiya Mehhta received the ‘Asia Pacific award’ for outstanding achievements and services to the nation by Prime minister of Nepal in october 2014

As predicted by her in 2007, Modiji took over sweeping the country and Bjp becomes the supreme power in politics. Sandhiya Mehhta is a world known ace Numerologist and Vastu consultant with ultimate knowledge and wisdom in her subject that no one has matched. She has not only studied Numerology thoroughly but also researched and developed further to expand its reach to each and every human soul and guide them to their enchanting dreams and make them come alive. She has been guiding and helping people for more than two decades and her charisma and enthusiasm in the field has won her awards like, The Nari Ratna Award, Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini award, ‘ISHMA honour for excelelence in astro science, 4P Brand, ‘Mahila Shiromani Award’, “global Indian leaders excellence award, titled ‘The Indian Nostradamus’ etc. As a globally recognized brand in her field she believes in connecting with normal individuals who struggle in their daily lives and look for a motivation. Numerology was first recognized as a predictive occult science to give out more Nume accurate predictions to the specifics of numbers; when you involve a number in an answer it changes everything. For example knowing that you might get your lucky break in the coming years is a little vague; what if we could calculate as and when which year is closer to your fortune that provides you your break. The moment you know this year could be life changing; you will be prepared for it; give in more energy to it, work harder and triple the rewards, which you were getting. Numerology has to be understood as a tool to understand yourself and evaluate about your personality. Many people don’t see it this way they just want a name change done and then seek the world from it. However let me clarify any name change, mantra’s, fasting, spelling changes cannot guarantee you results. “To a person who seeks success, my system of numerological calculations will bring success, happiness and prosperity. And to those who are already successful it will bring sustainability, positive reinforcements, further success and an introduce to a new and higher perspective and lifestyle.” Numerology is 100% connected with our businesses and our career’s. The combined energies of your date of birth, ruling number, destiny number and missing energies decide about your business and career, whether you flourish, do moderately or achieve immense height’s its all a calculated play in which your efforts also do play a part. Sometimes the missing energies that is connected with a strong planet or power, might pull you back and thus create a stonewall in your future. Her methods “I do not just give predictions and sit as a numerologist, I communicate, consult and empower your energies for a better life”. Every thing around us has its pros and cons; so do we. Whether we like it or not but we accept our strengths and face our weakness & work on them. That is my prime rule that I combine with numerology and it gives me a tool for each one of us to sustain our strengths positively and work on our weaknesses to make them stronger and turn into a positive trait. Every individual has a certain number’s blessing and misses some numbers from their fate. This study of missing numbers in your birth graph helps me to determine what are the strong energies that I can see in you and uplift the missing energies to suit to your dreams and ambitions. By way of using self improvement and certain other tools and remedies that I have developed over a period of time we can uplift the missing energies and get a little extra boost that your fortune needed. 4 & 8 the deadly duo Her findings show that 70% in this world are born with the number 4 & 8. We all know them much well as rahu and ketu in our language but the effects of these numbers should never be underestimated. We connect them usually to disappointment’s delays and sorrows. But they also have the power to give you more than they take in the end. A person with 4 & 8 can take benefits from numerology & understand which years of his life are turning out to gain positive forces from these numbers. As per that they con channelize their energy and make the most of those years, which if not

for prior knowledge he would have skipped or not worked hard in. As per her findings 4 & 8 are the best fit for each other in a marriage as well. They compliment each other and understand each other’s personality better. Numerological calculations would be a great guide to help two individuals to understand each other in a better way. Having been born with a 4 & 8 is also a blessing in disguise; it teaches you lessons in life and makes you a stronger person. To know more about yourself you should go for a consultation and use those feedbacks in your daily life. Numbers such as 1,9,5 & 3 struggling through success In the troubles of 4 & 8 these numbers go unnoticed and people with these numbers think they are safe or they are powerful but that’s hardly the case. Individually every number has its massive merits but if it doesn’t get the support of your fadic/destiny number it cannot do much for you. 1, 9, 5 & 3 are very powerful numbers and should get magnanimous success as per individual calculations, but if you are still struggling and have faced certain problems you should try and understand your state of energies and de tangle the web to create a free way for your future. Success through numerology I have received a wide array of people; rich, poor, strong headed, confused, lacked motivation, power hungry, talented but egoists etc. I have consulted with all sorts of people possible to classify and have provided them with my predictions and solutions later on, 99.99% of them have received tremendous results and you can read up the testimonials, they are heart moving when you realize that people can be so grateful. I just show them the path; its their path; their work that takes them to the peak of their lives. ‘Buddha wasn’t enlightened, he was just aware.’ Even an old man or a young child they all can reap the benefit of the knowledge numerology and I can provide to them. Results There is a Buddhist saying, ‘you yourself must strive; the Buddha’s just point the way.” There are no criteria to evaluate what the results of the remedies are; I just believe in helping who believe in the power of universe. If you believe in yourself and the universe let me just show you a direction, you yourself will lead on the right path and achieve the results within no desired time. I have received tremendous positive feedbacks to have faith in the universe myself. “I am not god; I just understand my field of work and use it to help people, guide them and provide them with some efficient ways to be happy, peaceful, ever-glorious and a good part of our society & I continue to achieve results with all my clients.“- Sandhiya Mehhta For any further personalized details about yourself or your family, guidelines, numerological analysis of yourself feel free to write in or call up on the following:

SANDHIYA MEHHTA

Mumbai office: +91 – 9819921673, +91 9769071673, 022-26371670, 71. Delhi office: +91-9654483695 Email: contact.yellowsoul@gmail.com Head office: MUMBAI, Andheri west. Twitter handle: @SandhiyaMehta Facebook: sandhiya.mehhta Website: www.yellowsoul.in

(Follow me for daily predictions) Twitter handle: @SandhiyaMehta

Facebook: sandhiya.mehhta

NOTE: We really appreciate your interest in this article and look further to hear from you. Please let someone else read this article after you and kindly do not tear of the page. You can take a note of the contact details and feel free to communicate.

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Man Booker Prize

feat. India

Indian themes are among favourites in different categories of World Literature. Almost every long-list of the coveted Booker Prize features them... W ords | S iddharth M J oshi

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ne of the richest and the most prestigious literary awards in the world, The Man Booker Prize, has expanded its scope and reach by including all nations of the world, sans reservation, under its wing. Till last year, only Commonwealth and ex-Commonwealth countries contested for the coveted prize, but last September, the prerequisite was shunned and this year’s long list included two American authors. In the wake of this fact, it is a matter of pride that the ‘Indian theme’ has neither lost its glimmer nor is intimidated by this expansion. We list the most impressionistic books on theme-India that compelled the judges to take them seriously.

1. The Lives of Others, Neel Mukherjee (Shortlisted 2014)

Set in the 1960s Bengal, the book chronicles and nuances the issues of desire, power, poverty, rivalry, oppression and rebellion, through the story of three generations of the Ghosh family, living under one roof.

2. Narcopolis, Jeet Thayil (Shortlisted 2012)

The book explores the dark side of glamorous Mumbai, hidden behind the clouds of opium, and seen from within the slums and gutters of the city. The story ventures into a psychedelic journey, yet remains tethered to hard-reality.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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3. Sea of Poppies, Amitav Ghosh (Shortlisted 2008)

4. The White Tiger, Aravind Adiga (Winner 2008)

This ruthlessly researched book of East Indian history, bound by a complex story, is set around the Opium Wars, and sails on a voyage on a former slave ship, Ibis. It is a post-colonial retelling of the colonial transportation of slaves from Indian shores.

It is a dark humorous reflection of the class struggle in India, narrated not by an empathetic outsider, but by just another Indian ‘colossal underclass’, in the format of a letter addressed to the Chinese Premier.

5. The Inheritance of Loss, Kiran Desai (Winner 2006)

Fashioned as a complex, time-defying diaspora novel, the book plays with the theme of migration with the historic backdrop of the Gorkhaland movement. It upholds the effects of postcolonialism and the sense of loss of identity.

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7. God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy (Winner 1997)

The book is a patchwork of flashbacks that weaves a story in the backdrop of diverse themes such as politics, cultural tensions, forbidden love and social discrimination.

9. Midnight’s Children, Salman Rushdie (Winner 1981)

A textbook illustration of post-colonial literature and magical realism, the book has even won ‘Booker of Bookers’ in 1993 that commemorated the award’s 25th anniversary. It is the story of a boy whose birth coincides with that of India, told in an amazing style. December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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6. Life of Pi, Yann Martel (Winner 2002)

The story of an Indian teenager boy who survives 227 days on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. It explores themes of spirituality and faith, an expression of mystical awareness beyond the limits of reason.

8. Such a Long Journey, Rohinton Mistry (Shortlisted 1991)

Satirical, melodramatic and exhilarating, the book is set in the time of political turmoil in India at its Eastern front. A Parsi perspective sets the well-crafted story apart.

10. Heat and Dust, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala (Winner 1975)

The book is a classic intertwining of an outsider and insider view of India wrapped around a beautiful love story. It is a deceptively simple narrative touching upon the rustic Indian culture.

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Forecast for December 2014 B y D r . P r e m K u mar S harma

Aries

Spending time with family will prove most fulfilling and entertaining. A perfect understanding with partner will make for a happy relationship, especially for the newlyweds. Subordinates can cause unnecessary problems at work, so keep things under your control. Elders will find ways to keep themselves healthy and fit. Good Luck Tip: Place some yellow flowers or candles in the west area to increase optimism and cheerfulness.

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Taurus

Some more avenues for earning promise to open up. Don’t try anything new that you are not confident of on the academic front, as it can spoil your performance. Office politics may not allow you to proceed with your ideas. Induction of better qualified people can threaten the position of some on the professional front. A spat on the social front cannot be ruled out. Good Luck Tip: Any painting with orange base in the dining area is considered auspicious.

Leo

Virgo

Good Luck Tip: Mend a hole in a pocket – be it your pants, wallet or purse.

Good Luck Tip: Hang a mirror above your stove in the kitchen. It will double the wealth producing capabilities.

Sagittarius

Good Luck Tip: If you own a business; keep your furniture in shades of brown. It symbolises stability and permanence.

You may need to keep a close tab on expenditure to save for something important. Don’t underestimate your rivals at work. You may try to accomplish much on the domestic front, but interruptions may affect your efforts. Implementing changes on the home front may not seem easy. Don’t take up any property issue as stars appear unfavourable.

You will be able to handle a challenge competently on the financial front. Good networking is likely to help you. Getting the expected outcome on the academic front will boost your morale. Those wanting to unwind will find the home atmosphere most conducive. Be upfront with lover about your past.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Gemini

A lukewarm response can be expected from someone you have a soft corner for. Some may have to share a trip with strangers and not be able to enjoy it fully. A difference of opinion may pit you against spouse. At work, a revised deadline may put you under pressure. Difficulties may be faced in returning a loan. Good Luck Tip: Close toilet lids and shower curtains to conceal water outlets, and keep energy and money from getting drained.

Cancer

A favourable month for those looking for love or life partner. A chance of acquiring property appears bright for those looking for one. Family appears supportive. A smooth month at work is foreseen as everything goes according to plans. You may derive satisfaction from your performance on the academic front. Good Luck Tip: Place three coins in a red envelope and keep it on your computer desk. It will help you fetch more business.

Libra

Scorpio

Good Luck Tip: Place a bowl near your main gate and drop a penny each time you move out.

Good Luck Tip: Turn on your stove daily for minimum 10 minutes. It is believed that the energy and warmth yields prosperity.

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Good Luck Tip: To counter the ‘no communication’ zone in the bedroom between couples; draw four waves with black colour parallel to each other horizontally and close the chit and hang it at your bed sides.

Good Luck Tip: Avoid too much of red & pink in your bedroom, but small items in this colour helps you remain associated with love, affection and joy.

Good Luck Tip: Those in the creative field should use more of blues in their surroundings, as it helps counteract stress.

This is the time which would require most of your efforts. Stiff competition at work threatens to push you into the background, if you don’t pull up your socks. Parent or a family elder can berate you by comparing with others. You may not be forgiven by lover for something you have said or done. Health needs care.

The ability to act as a business negotiator may make you indispensable. Strong performance on the academic front is indicated. You derive much pleasure from socially meeting and interacting with people. Be strict when it comes to spending.

Promising opportunities may come to those wanting to switch jobs. Money can pose problems, if you are not judicious in your spending. Your efforts may not be good enough for your romantic relationship. Problems are foreseen for those undertaking a long journey. This is the time for spiritual awakening for some.

Rich rewards will only be possible if you have your nose to the grindstone on the academic front. You can take the initiative of resolving a family dispute amicably, as your role as a peacemaker will be welcomed by all. Those dealing in property will need to be careful and not take things on face value.

Financially, this month may prove lucky for you. You are likely to fare well on the academic front. Your efforts on the home front will be lauded. Chances of finding an expensive item, lost sometime back, look bright. Those eating outside can compromise their health, if they don’t find an alternative soon.

Initial reluctance to go on a journey is likely to turn into excitement. You will need to be strict with a youngster on the social front. Oversights and careless mistakes threaten to dictate your performance on the academic front. Difficulties are set to multiply at work and may even put a question mark on your competence.

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Cards on the table In 2015, chart a better life with the help of the latest book on Tarot that includes monthly predictions for every Zodiac sign. W ords | R am y a J S D ' ro z ario

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rom a mere pack of playing cards used in Europe, Tarot cards have taken on a mystical aspect, used by mediums to predict with the help of their psychic powers. Karmel Nair, a renowned tarot card reader, psychic and life counsellor, recently published her book, Your Tarot Predictions for 2015. In this book, she provides an exhaustive month-by-month predictions for every Zodiac sign. Karmel says, “Tarot cards provide an accuracy level of 80%. The remaining 20% of the power to affect/change the future rests in the

Traditionally taught by an elderly lady in Mulund, it took Karmel constant practice to gain expertise over a period of time. She extols the fact that when you give freely, you get back more hands of the individual. Tarot cards show the way, but the responsibility of working towards or away from

the prediction must be taken care of by the individual.” Also trained as a psychotherapist, Karmel offers confidence-building and counselling sessions. “This has proved as a double-edged sword for me as it helps me to advice my clients in the best way possible,” she adds. Many often visit her to vent their innermost feelings, fears, emotions and thoughts. Through her book, she offers interesting insights in each Zodiac sign as well as interpreting one's future through the tarot spreads.

Karmel Nair, a former media professional, was a successful RJ with leading radio stations. When the world of tarot opened up to her, her life changed completely. From being a part of tv shows as a tarot card expert, and attaining fame, she has counselled people from all walks of life. She also has a Master's degree in Psychotherapy December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Interesting reads Play it My Way

The most awaited autobiography of the Cricket Legend, Sachin Tendulkar, narrates his remarkable story, from how he started playing in the by-lanes of Mumbai to his first Test match, to his 100th international century capped by the emotional adieu to the cricket pitch. It provides a fascinating insight into Sachin’s personal life. Do not miss interesting incidents related to the green room. Authors: Sachin Tendulkar and Boria Majumdar Publication: Hodder & Stoughton Price: `899

Your dreams are mine now

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A powerful love story, the novel is set against the backdrop of dominant campus politics. Rupali, a smalltown girl who is an idealist, takes admission in Delhi University. During the elections, her firm stand against some wrong doings irritates student leaders. Arun, a Delhi boy, is gradually drawn to her. A scandal brings them together but their priorities are different. Author: Ravinder Singh Publication: Penguin Metro Reads Price: `175

People Who Meet People: Interviews With The Stars

If interviewing is an art form, Swapan Banerjee is a master. This portmanteau of interactions features a wide range of 49 personalities from the fields of writing, music, cinema, dance and painting, and many more. The writer’s style of questioning is what makes this a compulsive read. The introduction of the book is by Ruskin Bond. Author: Swapan K Banerjee Publication: Tranquebar Press Price: `699

Malice

A bestselling author, Kunihiko Hidaka is murdered in his home, hours before he was to leave for Canada. His body is discovered by his wife and childhood friend, both of whom have seemingly tight alibis. But all is not what seems on the surface, and police detective Kaga is entrusted with the job to hunt down the killer. Japanese author, Keigo spins a simple storyline into one that is dark and menancing, with surprise twists and plots that are easy to miss. It delves into the darker shades of human emotions, and the hidden source of malice. Author: Keigo Higashino Publication: Hachette India Price: `350

wEBSITES TO BUY BOOKS Homeshop18, Indiabookstore, infibeam, snapdeal, Flipkart, Amazon, crossword, etc.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

spotlight

A true PR professional

ith over 25 years of rich professional experience, Shabnam Asthana has carved a niche today as a reputed communication expert. She is associated with leading business schools in India, USA and Switzerland as guest/visiting faculty. The first Indian to be invited as a speaker at the prestigious PRSSA International Conference in San Francisco, California (USA) in 2012, she is also the Director Global Operations PR & Marketing of a popular TV channel in the USA - IND TV USA. Her firm, Empowered Solutions, offers a wide gamut of services spanning Image Management, Corporate Reputation Management, Corporate Relations (External and Internal), Crisis Communication & Management, Media Relations, Editorial Services, Management Consultancy, Technical consultancy, Events and communication support across various platforms. She has received many accolades and awards during her career and the most prestigious one being the National Award in PR 2012 (PRCI).

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Gorgeous gardens & landscapes

nique Trees Pvt. Ltd., was founded by entrepreneur R Ramdev in 2010 with a vision to provide an exotic collection of trees from across the world, along with other elements to compliment landscape designs. A first-of-its-kind venture in India, it is headquartered in Hyderabad. Spread across 500 acres, Unique Trees is home to imported grownup trees of diverse varieties from the US, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Thailand, Australia, etc. The collection includes a rare variety of fully grown trees in the nursery ranging between 6-30 ft and up to 800-years-old. Equipped with the necessary logistic systems and technology to transport and plant these trees, they cater to customers like hotels, club houses, public gardens and farm houses, urban bungalows, golf courses, etc. December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Telanganaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich diversity beckons

he newest state in India beckons tourists to discover the unexplored land of Telangana. Blessed with a rich treasure trove of history, lush nature, fine cuisine and shopping, Telangana has indelible cultural marks left through the history of time, making it a land that presents visitors with an incredible choice of things to do, see and experience. Wander in Hyderabad Offering both conventional and unconventional places to visit, Hyderabad is on the list of every visitor. The city is home to Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first state-of-the-art convention centre, decadent monuments, delectable Nizami cuisine and unrivalled shopping experiences. One can visit Falaknuma Palace that is a mix of Renaissance architecture, featuring Baroque style, French charm and art deco sensibilities with a true blue touch of the Mughals. The Golconda Fort also deems a visit with its 13th century fort where precious stones like diamonds and rubies are embedded in the walls. Quick getaways Those who want to escape the bustle of Hyderabad can head out to explore the aweinspiring temples and breathtaking treks alongside majestic waterfalls. The Kolanupaka Jain Temple offers a sight to behold as the idol of Lord Mahavira is carved from a single piece of jade. The temple houses idols of the three Jain Tirthankaras; Lord Rishabha, Lord Neminath and Lord Mahavira. The Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanamkonda has a star-shaped shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya that signifies the triad of deities. Its perforated stone screens, meticulously designed pillars and rock cut elephants, are a testament to the brilliance of Kakatiya architecture. Set amidst the thick forest hills, Laknavaram lake is a sweet water body that spreads across 10,000 acres, and is dotted with 17 islands. Sammakka Sarakka Jatara, a world-famous tribal fest that occurs once every two years, is hosted close by.

CMY

spotlight

come back to life with cd party shirts

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ise from within and come face-to-face with a being who knows no boundaries as you put on a new life. Merge yet emerge at every do. Calm your beating heart as it feels what was once unimaginable. Let an enigmatic feeling settle on your skin that comes to you from eras lost in time and space. Unravel the mystery of weightlessness that surrounds you as you don a breeze such as this. Offer up a silent prayer from the deepest recesses of your heart to the curator of this sensation. The collection focusses on optical prints, graphic patterns and embroideries, bright or masculine prints. The colour palette of the collection includes Blueberry, Burgundy, Canyon, Citric, Army green, Butter, Camel, Black forest and Chickoo. Shop online at www.cdshirts.com or walk in to The Charagh Din Store at 64, Wodehouse Road, Colaba, Mumbai -400 005.

entering india

alter Knoll, a premium luxury German furniture brand, in order to strengthen its presence in India, has appointed Alpana Kirloskar as their brand ambassador for India. Walter Knoll is known for creating classic pieces and icons of the avant-garde has expansion plans in India, which include setting up of a experiential store in Delhi. Its new range of Jaan and Yuuto uses the space in all directions – 360°. Elegant upholstered beds, freely positioned in a room, complemented by boards, upholstered benches, small tables and escritoires – just as useful as they are special. The timeless form, exceptional comfort and the outstanding design are few of the characteristics of this collection.

don't lose sleep over balding issues

Fireplace collection by One and Only

ne & Only, Legendary Furniture launches its latest collection of fireplaces that are made of solid logs of teak wood. Intricately handcarved to create these masterpieces, the exterior mantelpiece is normally made of granite, onyx or marble, etc. To add magnificence to the fireplace, intricate carving is done on the crown. The hearth is made of bricks, tiles, marble or granite to make it heat resistant. There are fire containers that produce real fire by using special oil meant for the purpose. For more details log on to oneandonly.co.in December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

air transplantation is a surgical procedure used for the correction of androgenic alopecia (AGA), cicatricial (scarring) alopecia, or any form of permanent hair loss in both men and women. In hair transplantation, newly created tiny grafts of 'permanent' hair are distributed artistically over the balding scalp according to a carefully planned pattern. They quickly take root and, after a short resting period of four to six months, grow – and keep on growing for the rest of your life. Dr Soni is an internationally accredited hair transplant surgeon who has more than 1000 successful hair transplant in his credit. He is the Director of Medispa laser and cosmetic surgery centre. Currently Medispa has its presence in Delhi, Jaipur, the UK & UAE.

spotlight

A sore shoulder can be serious

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houlder joint complex is a combination of several joints that combine with tendons and muscles to allow a wide range of motion in the arm — from scratching your back to throwing a jawline. Any problem in the shoulder joint complex can be disturbing. The pain may be temporary or continuous and require medical diagnosis and treatment. Most common shoulder problems fall into four major categories: Tendon/bursal problems, Instability, Arthritis and Capsule problems Bursa, a fluid filled sac, acts as a cushion between the bones and the muscles. Excessive use of shoulder leads to inflammation of this sac. Tendon is a chord like structure that connects the muscle to bone. The inflammation of this chord can happen acutely after a strenuous workout or after acute calcium deposits or chronic tendinitis due to overuse, wear and tear, which can

Dr Banarji BH Consultant – Orthopaedics, Sakra World Hospital rupture after a small injury. Shoulder Instability can occur when head of the arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket due to sudden injury. If the ligaments and capsule around the shoulder is loose or torn, dislocation will happen frequently. Repeated episodes of such dislocations can be

Grab that arm candy!

nternational handbag brand, Waterlily LA recently opened its flagship store at Galaxy Mall, Gurgaon. The event was marked by a live performance by the blues and pop singer Tanya Nambiar. The store is slated to regularly host music events, where new and established female artistes will be featured. A spacious store, the featured styles have been personally curated by the creative head, Deepti Bassi. The theme for Fall Winter 2014 is 'Wanderlust'. With this store, the brand marks a new phase as they look at establishing a retail presence in India, offering products inspired by global and vintage themes. Speaking on the occasion, she says, “Waterlily LA signifies the inner beauty of a modern woman. We want to bring new choices and options for the urban women. There are very few options available in this section and

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

we felt that we should explore this segment in India.” Waterlily LA is a brand enfused with a sense of beauty, feminity and discovery for the customers. As a

harmful to surrounding structures and may lead to arthritis, if not treated. Arthritis, also called wear and tear of the shoulder joint, can be due to several causes such as old age, untreated muscle tendon tears, instability, old sepsis or inflammation in the joint. A completely arthritic joint is the most painful condition and will require a joint replacement surgery. Stiff shoulder (Frozen shoulder/ Adhesive capsulitis) can be caused by injury, surgery, any inflammation in and around the joint, arthritis, or any malignancy surrounding the shoulder joint. This issue is generally resolved with medications and rehabilitation, but some may need a keyhole surgery to release the tight covering of the joint. Pain in the shoulder should not be taken lightly until and unless declared normal by your doctor, as every pain in the body has a cause and a solution.

part of their global journeys and inspirations, this season's theme WANDERLUST brings forward a sense of freedom, romance and adventure, all things which make life wonderful.

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spicejet celebrates children's day on board

here is nothing more beautiful than a child’s beaming face. Thus, on the occasion of Children’s Day on November 14, SpiceJet, in a heartfelt gesture to spread cheers among its younger patrons on board, organised a unique painting competition for children. Kids were asked to draw their SpiceJet journey and they could participate between November 1415. Every child on board was provided with a set of crayons and a special SpiceJet Children’s Day card. The drawings were subsequently uploaded on SpiceJet’s Facebook/Twitter handles, #SGchildrensday. The winner received two complimentary return tickets. SpiceJet received an overwhelming response for this three-day event.

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inside SpiceJEt

a day in

the life

This month we decided to shadow Parbathi Bai, a Sr. Customer Service Executive at the Bengaluru base.

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Parbathi's day starts early as she gets her son ready for school.

After finishing all the household chores, Parbathi gets ready for the day ahead.

Once ready, she drops her son to his school bus stop.

She starts to prepare breakfast for the family, followed by other household duties.

Always upbeat when it comes to work, Parbathi bids her in-laws goodbye as she leaves for the airport.

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Once at work, she attends a briefing session with other team members, taking an update on the day's proceedings and handover of various responsibilities.

Juggling between things that form a part of her duty, she keeps an eye on the arrival terminal.

Always in touch with customers, Parbathi works at both the reservation desk as well as check-in counters from time to time.

Attending to passengers at the boarding gates, she checks the boarding passes and guides them towards the aircraft.

Taking a quick break from work, Parbathi enjoys lunch with her colleagues.

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Towards the end of her duty, Parbathi completes all the necessary documentation work.

In touch with her colleagues over the walkie-talkie, Parbathi does a last round of check before heading home.

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It's time to sign out for the day.

Once home, she quickly changes into the role of a homemaker and heads to the nearby grocery store to buy essential items.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

While doing preparations for dinner, Parbathi shares a light moment with her mother-in-law.

Parbathi enjoys the evening with her son and helps him to learn new things.

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music on board

This December, join the festive spirit with our selection of Christmas classics and other popular soft rock numbers. Paul McCartney Wonderful Christmastime

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This 1979 number by McCartney is among the most popular Christmas songs around. It was covered by several top artistes like Amy Grant, Hilary Duff and even Jump5 in a remixed version. Paul himself re-recorded it in 2013 with the A Capella group, Straight No Chaser. Crosby, Stills, and Nash Just a song before I go This folk rock song released in 1977 ended up being the band’s highest climbing hit. A straight ballad with mostly acoustic textures anchored by two electric guitars, it was covered by Chateau Beach and Russ Kunkel in Rivage. Eva Cassidy Silent Night

A classic Christmas carol, it was originally composed by Austrian Franz Xaver Gruber in 1818. Eva Cassidy’s English version is as delightful and serene as the original. There are about 140 versions of this song in different languages. December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

John Lennon Happy Xmas Written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, it was released in 1971. Some of its cover versions were also released by other artists including Andy Williams in 1990 and Neil Diamond in 1992. Foreigner I Want To Know What Love Is

A 1984 power ballad sung by British-American rock band, Foreigner, is one of the biggest hits till date. Wynonna Judd’s version of this cover was later featured in the Brazilian soap opera, Senhora do Destino, in 2014. The Eagles – Live Millennium Concert Please Come Home for Christmas This Christmas song, originally released in 1960 by Charles Brown, has been redone by Eagles and Bon Jovi besides others. It is one of the rare gigs that exhibits a blues style of mix in the singing of Eagles. Eagles One of these nights This 1975 number is one of the most fluid songs from the Eagles’ kitty and it helped the album to become number one. Don Henley’s voice gives it a soulful direction. It is also Glenn Frey’s favourite Eagles’ record.

Rod Stewart Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Rod Stewart’s 2012 version of this beautiful song adds a jazzy dimension to it, accentuated by his husky voice. It was originally sung by Judy Garland in the 1944 musical, Meet Me in St. Louis. Children’s Choir We Wish you a Merry Christmas Another classical Christmas carol from the 16th century, this is one of the most popular songs among kids. It is often the last song the carolers sing, wishing all good tidings and happy spirits at Christmas time.

Eurythmics Winter Wonderland

This is a widely popular 1934 winter song, treated as a Christmastime pop standard. It has been recorded by over 200 different artists, including Bob Dylan, The Carpenters, Michael Bolton, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Dolly Parton, Kenny G and Eurythmics. Debbie Gibson Sleigh Ride

Pink Floyd It’s What We Do

This instrumental piece, written by Gilmour and Wright, is from the latest album of Pink Floyd, The Endless River, released in 2014. The song reflects the band’s well preserved psychedelic and progressive feel since the 70s.

This famous orchestral piece was composed by Leroy Anderson in 1948 and recorded next year by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra. Gibson’s version was featured in 1992 in the album A Very Special Christmas.

Peter Sarstedt Where Do You Go To My Lovely (Original studio version) Written and performed by Peter Sarstedt, the Pink Floyd song was released On Noodle Street in 1969. It has a faux Another instrumental gig European waltz tune from Pink Floyd’s latest and appeared in the film album The Endless River The Darjeeling Limited. in 2014, One Noodle Bengali singer, Anjan Street is reminiscent of Dutta, recorded a Bengali their older pieces but with version of the song in quicker percussions. the 90s.

Gerry Rafferty Baker Street Written and sung by Scottish singer Gerry Rafferty in 1978, it was re-sung by the dance group, Undercover in 1992 and also Foo Fighters in 1998. Slash of Guns N’ Roses cited this song as an inspiration on his guitar solo in Sweet Child O’ Mine. Cliff Richard Mistletoe and Wine This song was released as a single by Cliff Richard in 1988 with altered lyrics, a deviation from Jeremy Paul’s original. This became his 12th UK number one single, and stayed in that position for four weeks. USA for Africa We Are The World This charity single was originally recorded by USA for Africa in 1985, and was written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson. Produced by Quincy Jones, some of the soloists were Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Ray Charles, among a host of other artists. Eagles Witchy Woman

This 1972 single is the only one from the album to feature Don Henley on lead vocals. It’s also one of the first songs that he wrote for Eagles. It has featured in an episode of the popular sitcom Seinfeld.

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Exciting in-flight

meal combos

Customers have more reasons to cheer, as SpiceJet now offers all meals as combos.

othing can be more delightful than a delicious and wholesome in-flight meal after a long tiring day of travel. SpiceJet recently announced a refreshed menu with all meals served as combos on all their flights.

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Hot meals, breakfast meals or hot snacks will now be served with accompaniments such as an eggless brownie or flavoured yoghurt, and a fruit juice, ensuring you get the perfect mix of sweet and savoury up in the sky. To ensure you fight your in-flight hunger, SpiceJet offers the facility of pre-booking meals. Pre-booking offers a host of benefits: you ensure that your meal of choice is served, you are served before normal sale of refreshments begin, and you get to choose from more variety on online menu. Pre-booking is available up to 6 hours before departure, and hot meals are available on all Boeing flights over one hour duration.

The menu has been carefully picked in order to suit different tastebuds across india. Also we have a robust assortment of packed consumables to choose from. This makes it a comprehensive menu among airlines in India. December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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hot breakfast

Start your day with a superb breakfast. Dig into the super delicious vegetable upma, onion vada and sambar.

hot meal

Another delicious non-veg breakfast option is a wholesome serving of chicken keema, aloo paratha and aloo tikki.

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hot snacks

When hunger comes crawling, one just cannot ingnore it. So try the hot paneer or chicken kathi rolls served with delicious chutney. This is also served as a combo meal. Try the chicken or paneer tikka that is usually served warm with a veg puff and chutney.

combo meals

Combo meals are served hot, accompanied with a fruit juice and flavoured yogurt. Hot meals served during lunch and dinner are served with brownie and juice.

kiddy meal

A meal perfect for children, the kids meal includes a vegetable mini burger, cookies, fruit juice and potato sticks.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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booking now easy

for sme travellers

SpiceJet offers innovative travel solutions for the 'SME Traveller’. Read on for a step-by-step insight into the process.

Step by step guide to booking SME tool: Step 1

SMEs who wish to register with SpiceJet must first log on to spiceJet.com, click on SME Traveller and register.

Step 2

On completing the registration formalities, an email with login ID and password will be sent to the registered email id. With these, registered SMEs can start booking tickets through SME Traveller. SMEs can either nominate and preregister employees by uploading employee profiles or get them registered as a part of the booking process.

Step 3 You are ready to book on SME Traveller. Login with your account information with the Login ID and password, and take advantage of the benefits under this programme.

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programme benefits •

Upto 10% discount for SMEs

• •

Complimentary web check-in Flexibility in rescheduling and cancellations The points to be redeemed will get converted into usable cash post travel. These points can then be used for the next travel for the same pax and be adjusted against the base fare only.

•

spicejet offers its new 'sme traveller' solution to firms with up-to 50 travelling passenger strength

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

FlySpiceJet What a spicy travel. Best wishes to Sun network. Beautiful takeoff & smart landing by SpiceJet. Good passenger service. Flew with SpiceJet today. The new category, SpiceMax is really cool. Ample leg space. Stretched my legs but still enough space left. @Ankit Khandelwal Weekend uniform for the cabin crew is a smart move by SpiceJet. It motivates them to work happily on weekends and it's refreshing for passengers too. @RaviKorukonda

Impressed with my first SpiceJet experience. Way better than other airlines.

@mnshanbhag

Impressive before time arrival folks.

It has been a great experience travelling with SpiceJet last week on the Delhi - Dubai @siddharthaalam sector. Service at each touchpoint was excellent. SpiceJet concludes a memorable @Shashi_ Goa trip with friends - 'Dil Chahta SCLG Hai' playing in the aircraft. @akhileshkabra

I love SpiceJet because of its wonderful team, co-operation, initiative in resolving queries at the earliest. @romildhingra

Flew with SpiceJet - listening to Bollywood music at 9 am via the aircraft system. Pretty cool. @Angadluthra

SpiceJet's customer service is the best among LCCs in India. Loved flying with SG this month. @ GreyCollarGuy Stepped in a SpiceJet carrier after a while and was pleasantly surprised by vibrant uniform, impeccable grooming and soft music. Great going! @tanutewari

@flyspicejet

Mohamed Sadham Spicejet is the Brand of India... With All Our Heart! Amarjeet Sinha Only airline with new ideas and innovations. Happy Diwali! Amit Vats This October, I was travelling from Delhi to Mumbai for Diwali. I was unwell, but SpiceJet managed to put a smile on my face. Had such a nice and comforting flight. Saily Jog I would like to thank you for extending commendable customer service and resolving the issue within few minutes for the mistake I did while booking the tickets online. My loyalty for SpiceJet will be for life. Amit Gandotra My first flying experience was with SpiceJet and I will never forget this experience. Thanks SpiceJet! Charan Patnaik One of the best domestic airlines. Equbal Bappon Nice weekend outfit... Harmik Singh

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Life beyond the skies

Life as a cabin crew is challenging, but Kanchan Mulchandani accepts all, and balances her career and life with ease.

he weather in Hyderabad is relaxing. As the evening sun rays filter through the curtains, Kanchan Mulchandani is woken up by the ringtone of her phone. It’s a call of duty. The Rostering Department informs her about the next day schedule which is going to be a four-sector flight commencing at 1245 hours and ending at 2230 hours.

Fighting sleep in her eyes, she then plans out the remaining hours before heading out for work. 192

Tracing her journey Born in Nashik, Kanchan grew up with her parents and two elder sisters. She fondly recalls the fun-filled moments of love and the smell of her mother’s dal and bhindi dishes along with other Maharashtrian delicacies. When she was just 13, fate struck and within a period of one year, she lost her mother in a car accident and then, her father who suffered a heart attack. The three young girls were left to fend for themselves. With her sisters getting married, Kanchan started working early with Reliance Communications as a Customer Service Executive whilst pursuing her senior secondary education. By this time, the family had relocated to Pune. She decided to pursue graduation. To sustain her studies, she joined WNS Call Centre where she picked up skills on interaction, understanding customers’ needs and addressing them effectively. She further honed her skills by joining Tata Consultancy Services, where she worked for two years reaching out to people, gauging their reactions, answering their queries and acquired new skills. As life would have it, she appeared for

kanchan completed her training in 2011, and within six months, she became proficient at boeing aircraft. she received training on the q400 bombardier and became a cabin crew in-charge in two years. December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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diva of the sky

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iF TIME PERMITS, Before leaving for work, she LOVES cookING lunch for all flatmates. Her bag carries essentials, including spare uniform, her Quick Reference Handbook, makeup kit, etc. After reaching The airport, she transforms into a diva of the skies. As part of her work, Kanchan also undergoes regular checks and audits by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation Officials, her base officials, by in-flight and SpiceJet management, and the ‘Check Crew’. She attends periodic training sessions held at SpiceJet’s Training Academy in Gurgaon, which she always manages to turn into a reunion of sorts with other cabin crew operating from different bases.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

an interview with SpiceJet and was selected. On November 10, 2011, Kanchan walked out of SpiceJet Training Academy with wings firmly affixed to her name tag, and eyes bright and focussed to be the best cabin crew. She reported to Hyderabad base from where her flying career started. Being proficient at working with a Boeing aircraft within six months of her joining SpiceJet, the Inflight Department recommended her training on other aircraft type, the Q400 Bombardier. In two years, she was flying as Cabin Crew In-charge.

A fun-filled evening

She lives with two other flatmates in Hyderabad. Over freshly brewed tea, she plans the evening ahead. By the time her best buddy, Priya, lands from her flight, phone calls are made to finalise plans. Flatmates raid her wardrobe and clothes, and even shoes for the night (she has a crazy collection of almost 70 pairs). Kanchan loves driving her car and heads to her favourite hangout Spoil, a nightclub in the swanky Jubilee Hills area. She enjoys dancing with her friends Priya, Mukti and Shilpa. After calories being burnt, they go to Ohri’s for a dinner. Being a vegetarian, she likes north Indian fare and Italian food and indulges in cooking when at home. A gregarious personality that she is, Kanchan

One can often find Kanchan talking gently with her colleagues – nurturing and advising like a true friend. has loads of friends not only from SpiceJet and other airlines, but from all walks of life.

A people’s person

Kanchan enjoys being with kids onboard, perhaps because she misses Palash and Yashika, her nephew and niece, respectively, who inspire to keep the child alive within her. Trained to handle medical emergencies, Kanchan takes care of nicks, cuts and bruises, pains and sprains and even tends to offer relationship advice for the heartbreak and life lessons to her younger colleagues. One can often find her talking gently with her colleagues – nurturing and advising like a true friend. She also makes layovers (spending a rest period in another city) enjoyable for herself by indulging in shopping, hitting Mumbai markets for watches, costume jewellery and accessories, and Kolkata for clothes. Life as a cabin crew is glamorous but not easy. Yet she is confident of emerging on her own.

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New 360o

group booking tool Experience the joy of travelling in a group with SpiceJet’s new group booking tool that offers end-to-end solutions.

piceJet is the first airline in India to introduce an online tool that provides an automated end-to-end solution for group travellers. Individuals and corporates who wish to travel in groups, and even travel agents who deal in group bookings, can register with SpiceJet’s Group Traveller. From requesting for quotes to managing dashboards, it is a DIY (do-it-yourself) tool from SpiceJet. The experience of travelling in a group is one-of-a-kind, and it is true when they say - the more, the merrier.

For easy booking, follow the steps below: 198

1. Registration process: Once you enter your agency details, submit the form. An email is sent to the registered email id for validation. Once this is done, the airline staff will get in touch regarding further verification. Post this, the email logins will be provided. 2. Adhoc group request: Enter the various details of your trip, such as one-way, round trip or multi-city, details of departure, baggage and meal preference, and select your flight. Mention the number of passengers. The airline will revert regarding various flight possibilities, and you can click on them for more details. 3. Update names: Once you reach the payment confirmation page, click on the ‘submit passenger’ button. Select the request for which you would like to make the payment. Once you have reviewed your option, upload passenger information, or add them manually. 4. Print e-ticket: Click on ‘Get Booking’ menu and choose the specific request for which you want an e-ticket. Click on print. You can even resize the group by clicking on the ‘Request’ button and ‘Request Group Resize’ submenu. Once all the details are added, the airline will get in touch.

Benefits:

Get prompt response to all your group queries.

End to End automation: From requesting for quotes to entering passengers' names, you can now do everything by yourself. Dashboard: View and manage all your group bookings. Easy usage (Short & Crisp booking flow) Accepts all forms of payment – CC/DC/IB.

from requesting for quotes to managing dashboards, It is a do-it-yourself tool giving you the freedom to book according to your convenience. December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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STARS OF SpiceJet Airport services Uma Devi Delhi Base Internal feedback: Uma is excellent when it comes to customer interaction. She has done a great job in explaining the benefits and privileges of SpiceMax seats and other product to all passengers. Experience with SpiceJet: Ever since I joined, the journey has been an exciting one. Whenever I interact with passengers, be it behind the desk, checking them in or at the time of boarding, it feels nice to greet them in uniform and help them with whatever they need.

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Sangeeta Trakroo Jammu Base Customer feedback: I am thankful for the service extended by Sangeeta Trakroo while I boarded the flight. She was very helpful and courteous at the checkin counters too. With such excellent customer service and commitment, I will fly again with SpiceJet. Internal feedback: Sangeeta is an extremely focussed, customer-centric, dedicated and good team player. She has been appreciated by passengers because of her helping nature and commitment shown by her. She is always available whenever requirement arises. In addition to this, she is taking care of HR functions of the station. Experience with SpiceJet: It is now nearly 8 years that I have been a part of the SpiceJet family, and this gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction. Keeping in mind the qualities of SOCCH principle, it motivates me to meet new people and boost my dedication every day. I offer my services ‘with all our heart’ and believe in motivation, coordination and commitment.

December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Shrungesh Dave Ahmedabad Base Customer feedback: An honest and co-operative employee, I am fully satisfied and impressed by his services and positive attitude. Internal feedback: A very hardworking, disciplined, sincere and dedicated staff of the organisation, he zealously participates in all activities with a very positive customer-centric approach. Experience with SpiceJet: It’s been more than two years that I have been working here, and the journey so far has been fun and successful. It has brought a lot of positive change in me both professionally and personally.

Raveesha Kukreja Delhi Base Internal feedback: Raveesha has been performing exceptionally well at check-in counters and has contributed a lot in raising revenue, while performing the core function of check-in. She carries a pleasant personality and receives passengers with a beaming smile. Experience with SpiceJet: My career path took a fantastic turn the day I joined SpiceJet, and the experience till date has transformed my application skills and helped developed my personality. Every day presents a new challenge and the opportunity to learn something new.

Bobby Thomas Bengaluru Base Customer feedback: Bobby was appreciated by a family that travelled from Guwahati to Bengaluru. He assisted them in retrieving their hand baggage that got misplaced and contained precious items belonging to the family. Internal feedback: Bobby is an excellent team contributor with dedicated focus towards customer service. Experience with SpiceJet: Till date, I have learned a lot from this company and would like to deliver more with my performance. The company provides a healthy working atmosphere and I am grateful to my team.

Arpita Das Agartala Base Customer feedback: Arpita’s attitude towards children at the airport is quite impressive, and this is quite evident as all kids adore her immensely. Internal feedback: Appreciation from APM for best BMA staff of Agartala. Experience with SpiceJet: Ever since I joined the SpiceJet family, I have found the meaning of my existence in the ever-changing world of aviation. Till date, I have come across many amazing experiences only due to SpiceJet. Finally, I have got my identity as ‘SpiceJet Arpita’, and this is an honour for me. Sharon Misquitta Mumbai Base Internal feedback: Sharon is an extremely hard working and dedicated employee, and it is great to have her in the SpiceJet family. Experience with SpiceJet: It has been almost two and a half years that I have been with SpiceJet. I have got immense opportunities to learn in various sectors. The work atmosphere is very friendly and motivating. Kakoli Das Guwahati Base Customer feedback: Kakoli was appreciated while assisting a passenger in a wheelchair who was travelling to Chennai. The passenger was impressed by her as she was very cooperative and helpful. Internal feedback: A process driven and a customercentric staff, she has received appreciation from a passenger who was not keeping well. Kakoli ensured that the necessary permissions were obtained from Airport Authority of India for entry of the ambulance from city-side to airside to maintain a pleasant passage for the passenger. Experience with SpiceJet: The journey of eight years with SpiceJet began on June 20, 2006. SpiceJet has given me an opportunity to work with a team where all the members are very cooperative and helpful. So, my whole experience with SpiceJet is wonderful and amazing. I feel that a coordinated teamwork can provide quality services to our passengers.

Neelam Verma Dharamshala Base Customer feedback: I am grateful for the thoughtfulness and service I have experienced on multiple SpiceJet flights during my stay in India. Staff members like Neelam at the Dharamshala Airport exemplify these standards and bring a smile on the face of a traveller. Internal feedback: Neelam has been appreciated for her exceptional customercentric approach, polite attitude and caring nature. She has a zeal to perform all allocations and takes interest in all activities. She is forthcoming and ensures the task at hand is completed before the timeline ends. Excellent in grooming, she looks after the admin at her station. We are proud to have such a young, energetic and thoughtful team member with us. Experience with SpiceJet: I joined the organisation in June 2013, and since the first day I have been enjoying my work and constantly learning new things. I am proud of being a part of the SpiceJet team as it helped me to develop my key personality traits and grow professionally as well as personally. I like interacting with people. Here, I get an opportunity to interact with people from different cultures and regions, which I like the most. I am passionate about customer service. Athira Krishna A Bengaluru Base Internal feedback: Athira has excellent leadership qualities and has a very positive attitude while facing all challenges. She performs her duties brilliantly. Experience with SpiceJet: It has been almost four years with the SpiceJet family and I love each day that I spent here. The energy level and team work is what I like most. I am grateful to all who have contributed towards my career growth.

Swati Saklani Dehradun Base Customer feedback: Swati is a cheerful member of SpiceJet, and she is exceptionally helpful and caring towards all. Internal feedback: She is a very hardworking person, who is positive by nature and always smiling. Experience with SpiceJet: It is a nice experience working with SpiceJet. I have learned a lot during my tenure here, for ‘Whatever we do, we do it with all our heart’.

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December 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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The inflight magazine

Volume VIII | Issue XII |

December 2014

28 52 94

the trendsetter SpiceJet setting new trends in Indian aviation

feel the sunshine Escape the chill and plan a perfect winter getaway

Xâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mas temptations

jan

feb

mar

apr

may

june

the year we changed indian aviation

Bite into a variety of Christmas goodies

www.spiceroutemag.com

December 2014

seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greetings

to know more, turn to page 28.

jul

aug sep

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nov dec