The inflight magazine
Volume IX | Issue I | January 2015
www.spiceroutemag.com
28 62 58 66
mumbai mania A citythe Feel with energy magnetic of the ‘maximum city’ of India energy
creative invites A revolutionary trend Join the revolution in in invitations invitations personalised
winter magic Stay warm this winter with seasonal dishes
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SpiceJet wishes you a very Happy New Year
Sanjiv Kapoor Chief Operating Officer
Kaneswaran Avili Chief Commercial Officer
G P Gupta Chief Procurement Officer
Kirankumar Koteshwar Sr. VP - Finance and Acting CFO
Kamal Hingorani Sr. VP - Inflight Services & Customer Experience
Shilpa Bhatia Sr. VP - Sales and Distribution
Col. (Retd.) Sudip Mukerjee VP - Ground Ops and Inflight Services
Ashok Gopinath VP - Engineering & Maintenance
Sandeep Varma Sr. VP - Flight Operations
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48 hours in Mumbai 28
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Dubai
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Jabalpur
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Nesting birds
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Contents
Goa
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January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
tete-a-tete
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William Dalrymple
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28 The inflighT magazine
Volume IX | Issue I | January 2015
28 62 58 66
mumbai mania a citythe feel with energy magnetic of the ‘maximum city’ of india energy
creative invites a revolutionary Join the revolution trend in personalised in invitations invitations
winter magic Stay warm this winter with seasonal dishes
www.spiceroutemag.com
46 52
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
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Spreading awareness 90
Secrets of Turmeric
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Creative invites
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Launch pad
Winter delights
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Films
Delhi bistros
70
Predictions
Travel light
76
Technology
Foot fetish
80
Book review
86
Spotlight
Kids’ day out
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Festive flavour
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cover story To new beginnings!
inside spicejet
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SpiceJet spotlight
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A day in the life Music mantra Group booking Social media SME traveller Stars of SpiceJet SpiceJet fleet
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Letters from
SpiceJet customers outstanding flying experience
letter month
I am Mrs Sanath Jayasuriya, and it is my pleasure to state that I experienced a great flying experience with SpiceJet on October of the 10, 2014 when I was travelling from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Madurai and then to Hyderabad. Being a former flight attendant, I am well aware of how strenuous and hectic a short flight operation can be for all those involved, both on ground and in air. But your cabin crew really impressed me with the highest standards of service. I would like to mention Aavennet (cabin crew) for his outstanding performance. He was a true professional. He had a positive personality, was friendly with customers and maintained a sincere smile at all times. I particularly remember the safety briefing he gave me by the emergency hatch, and he was clear, precise and factual. It was the first time I was flying to Hyderabad, and Aavennet went that extra mile in suggesting various sightseeing options and places to dine there. As a passenger, and a tourist in India, he gave me the impression of being a great brand ambassador of your company as well as of India. The staff was well groomed and on-time performance, on all sectors, was impressive. I wish SpiceJet the very best and as a satisfied flier, I will always recommend your airline for a great flying experience. Sandra Jayasuriya
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helpful staff spreading positivity We are really I have been travelling across the SpiceJet thankful to Miss network since quite some time, and I wanted Shikha who helped to appreciate the way the flight cabin assistant us for nearly two hours to solve incharge, Poonam went about her work on our problem and the flight from Mangalore to Bengaluru on made our trip a November 23, 2014. She was absolutely really pleasant and thorough in her announcements and did not comfortable one. even need to refer to a manual. She went about We all bless her success in future. guiding her colleagues very meticulously, and Dr Jayashree, she exuded a lot of positive energy, which made Dr Susheelamma, the passengers feel good. and Dr Janardhan I felt nice being on this aircraft and wanted to thank her and the team for doing such a great job. I also want to compliment the thought process on the weekend uniform. It’s brilliant and makes you feel relaxed on a weekend. Please keep the good work going. Jaideep Singh
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
compassionate crew I would like to place on record that Ms. Varsha, a customer executive at Hyderabad airport, is an asset to your organisation. My flight was delayed, and yet she was very polite while dealing with other passengers. I found her to be very professional, and saw that she maintained her composure in every situation. She was defending your organisation to the fullest. PB Yeshwanthkha
delightful experience This is to express gratitude to your ground staff team at Muscat airport. The cabin crew offered warm service and transformed an ordinary journey into sheer delight for my family, including my wife, a toddler and an infant. This clearly shows how your organisation offers rich values and truly takes care of its customers. Thank you once again, and I expect more such delightful experiences. Kishore Khubchandani
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HOT DATES Asmayavali /Untimely Calendar At National Gallery of Modern Art, From Dec 18, 2014 - Feb 8, 2015 This solo show is an extended conversation around the concepts of time and the untimely. The exhibition showcases more than 50 works in a range of media video, installations, mixed media assemblages, sound, photography, print and sculpture.
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Mamallapuram Dance Festival
Kochi-Muziris Biennale From Dec 12, 2014 - Mar 29, 2015 In Kochi, Kerala A Biennale contemporary art exhibition, spread over 11 venues, it provides a platform to 95 artists from 30 countries. It has sitespecific installations and artworks created from a variety of mediums including film, painting, sculpture, new media and performance art.
The Swami Haridas-Tansen Sangeet-Nritya Mahotsav
Goa Lokotsav 2015 At Kala Academy, Panjim, Goa From January 9-18, 2015 This folk festival provides a platform for traditional artisans from different parts of India and Goa to display and sell their wares. Around 600 craftsmen and 300 performing artists are expected to participate in the festival.
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
In Mamallapuram, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu From Dec 27, 2014 - Jan 26, 2015 The open air India Dance Festival is held against a background of rock sculptures in the beach town of Mamallapuram, just south of Chennai. It runs for a month and showcases a range of classical and folk dances from all over India.
Hampi Festival In Hampi, Karnataka From January 9-11, 2015 Dance, drama, music, puppet shows, fireworks, and spectacular processions, all take place against the ruins of Hampi at this lively festival. The idea behind the festival is to recreate the grandeur of the time when Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagar, one of the greatest Hindu kingdoms in India's history.
At Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi From January 9-11, 2015 The Mahotsav has been an enchanting event for classical dance and music lovers in Delhi for over 12 years. The main purpose of the event is to uphold and showcase the age-old art-forms promoted by the major Indian gharanas of classical music and performing arts.
Toh-shiya
India on Canvas At British High Commissioner’s residence, New Delhi On January 15, 2015 India On Canvas is a unique endeavour by KHUSHII, a nongovernmental organisation, to bring some of the most eminent personalities, together with some of the greatest names in the art fraternity, to jointly produce canvases that are auctioned for Khushii.
FIn Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City On January 18, 2015 Experience the spirit of Japanese archery where archers compete in the 120-mt long Sanjusangen-do Temple. A contest of archers firing arrows at targets 60 m away for which a high level of expertise is required. As this event marks the first shooting of arrows in the New Year, it is also called ‘New Year archery’.
CMS Vatavaran In Raipur, Chattisgarh From January 15-18, 2015 CMS Vatavaran is an environment and wildlife film festival which promotes environmental and wildlife concerns. Film screenings, forums, workshops, wildlife safari, among others are generally organised during the festival.
The Zinfandel Experience (ZAP)
Kayu At Chattarpur, New Delhi From January 17-31, 2015 From the mysterious interiors of exotic Bali, a beautiful range of furniture in wood and stone, qualify for artefacts and unusual home decor objects, aesthetically appealing to a soul born out of passion for rustic chic. The simple, uncluttered yet rich, one-of-a-kind pieces have imbibed the soul of local Indonesian artisans and in that celebrate design, art and culture, auguring an endearing sensibility.
In San Francisco, USA From January 29-31, 2015 With three days of wine tasting, featuring a diverse selection of wines from renowned producers and emerging wineries, this one-of-akind gathering is America’s ultimate celebration of all things Zinfandel. The event highlights winemaking techniques and historic connections that celebrate Zinfandel’s native taste and value.
COLOuRS OF THE WORLD At India Art Fair, New Delhi From Jan 29 - Feb 2, 2015 At India Art Fair, the Bruno Art Group from Israel presents a selection of its most outstanding artists in the exhibition titled 'Colours of the World'. The language of colours binds the exhibiting artists and at the same time, each of them uses colour in a distinctly individual way. The artists used colours to depict narrations from life, atmosphere through figures and shapes of art.
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PM Modi promoting Northeast
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In his monthly radio address 'Man Ki Baat', Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the northeast has a lot of potential and described his recent visit to the region as a ‘heart warming’ experience. He went on to equate the region with the Taj Mahal and said the northeast region is as good as Dubai and Singapore. This region consists of 'Seven Sister' states, i.e., Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, which are known for their great ethnic and religious diversity.
Preserving Elephant Corridor
World Land Trust (WTL) in association with the Wildlife Trust of India works to raise funds and help save critically important ‘Elephant Corridors’ throughout the country. To protect the world's most biologically important and threatened habitats acre by acre, WLT has decided to fund purchase of alternate land for the Pannod villagers of Uttarakhand to move, in order to create the Chilkiya-Kota elephant corridor in Uttarakhand. The corridor will connect Corbett Tiger Reserve and Ramnagar forest division, home to the highest density of tigers in the world, harbouring around 8% of India's entire Bengal Tiger population.
A Gallery for street art
Street Art Gallery in Dubai offers spray-painted works, about 100 pieces on show, with exhibitions changing at least once a month. The aim behind setting this gallery is to help the locals understand that street art is not about degradation, and that there are many different styles in street art. The gallery recently curated a January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
special exhibition to complEment the holy month of Ramadan. Street art is the term for an art form that has found itself moved from the very edges of society, a subversive and anonymous act of public disobedience, to the heart of the mainstream. The days of graffiti as a rebellion are long gone, now it’s a career.
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Restored statue of Pharaoh unveiled in egypt
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A massive statue of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, which was toppled in an earthquake some 3,000 years ago, has risen again. The 50-tonne and 13-mt (42 foot) statue was unveiled in December 2015, at the ancient city of Luxor, Egypt, restored to its former grandeur due to the hard work of Egyptian and German archaeologists. Consisting of 89 large pieces and numerous small fragments and reassembled since November, the monolith weighs 110 tonnes. It is considered as one of the highest standing effigies of an Egyptian king in striding attitude. The statue was re-erected at the northern gate of the king’s funerary temple on the west bank of the Nile. The temple is already famous for its 3,400-year-old Memnon colossi – twin statues of Amenhotep III, which are 21 metres tall and show the pharaoh seated. Located more than 600 km (370 miles) from Cairo, Luxor is divided by the Nile into two areas, commonly referred to as the East and West Bank. The West Bank is home to some of Egypt's most prized ancient temples and monuments.
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MOT to launch ‘Know your India’ initiative
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Mahesh Sharma revealed that the government wants youth and children to see hidden gems across India before they head abroad for holidaying, and for this the ministry is planning to launch ‘Bharat Ko Jaano’ (Know Your India) drive soon. “India is an unexplored treasure hunt, so if energies are channelised in the right direction, we will have more Indians waiting to explore the unknown destinations in India," he said. He believes that regular trips to domestic places that add knowledge about our history and culture will benefit if introduced in school curriculum.
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Exploring Belgium in PK
Bruges, 'the Venice of the North', a splendid medieval art city in Flanders, Belgium, is one of the main locations of the famous Bollywood film Peekay (PK), the first Indian feature film to be shot in the city. The Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma and Sushant Singh Rajput starrer Peekay (PK) filmed some major landmarks of Bruges like the Market Square and Belfry, Howest Campus SintJorisstraat, the Beguinage (an architectural complex that used to housed semimonastic community of religious women called Beguines), plus several streets and canals. The sequences shot in Bruges also feature a lilting romantic song ‘Chaar Kadam’ that beautifully captures some of the great landmarks of the town. 18
Indian travellers looking for ‘White Christmas’
A global Christmas survey conducted by Hotels. com reveals some interesting facts about travellers' preference this winter. Around 46 per cent of Indian travellers and 32 per cent of APAC travellers would travel for the reason of experiencing Christmas in other parts of the world, while 62 per cent of Indian travellers would pick a hotel that offers a traditional yuletide experience. Less than 10 per cent of travellers would like to avoid the Christmas fuss by travelling somewhere else. The results are a clear indication of the evolving Indian traveller who wants to travel to experience more of the trappings of a traditional Christmas. January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
India's first 'Wave Atlas'
The National Institute of Ocean Technology has published India's first 'Wave Atlas' for the coast which will help design marine structure and serve as a major resource point to protect beaches and coastal environment in the country. The atlas is a reference for basic wave related information like wave height, wave approach and period in the public domain that are not readily available.
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beginnings! 20
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
As the New Year unfolds, we replenish our hopes and desires with promises and renewed vigour. Read on how SpiceJet employees forsee the year 2015...
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very new year brings with it new hopes and aspirations. While welcoming 2015, SpiceJet employees gear up to make this New Year their very own. Their resolutions and aspirations reflect how they want to usher a positive change in both their professional and personal lives. In keeping with the unwavering commitment of SpiceJet to provide an experiential journey to its customers, at airport and in the aircraft, the team is determined to offer services that go beyond customer expectations. Ready to address the challenges of an increasinglycompetitive domestic market and to better meet the needs of fliers, the airline is streamlining its operations to emerge as a strong brand in 2015. To reinforce these efforts, SpiceJet employees have all come together and in this year, they aim to consistently deliver high quality service.
A New Horizon
In order to take the brand SpiceJet to new heights in 2015, Preeti Chikkara believes that their website has to be more user-friendly with
The year 2015 is going to be a period of rapid growth and fulfillment for SpiceJet, and ushering in the future of air travel. Preeti Chikkara Business Analyst, IT
resolution 2015 To explore the beauty of nature
new innovations and changes. She shares, "Today, IT has become a core component of nearly all processes. To perfectly foresee advances and growth for all new projects, we have to automate the manual processes to produce more value for the business. It can be achieved by providing excellent services aligning closely with business goals.� As a business analyst, she maintains that issues should be identified, tracked, reported and resolved promptly.
Rahul Garg feels proud that SpiceJet has turned the dream of the growing middle class to fly into a reality by guiding them through the sky. Rahul further states that the aviation world has high hopes in 2015 as the fall in fuel prices
There exists a large untapped potential for growth in the Indian aviation industry and with the extraordinary and consistent standards of our service, SpiceJet will definitely remain in the reckoning. Rahul Garg Acting Airport Manager Airport Services, Kangra Airport
resolution 2015 To remain fit by going to the gym, doing yoga and take a trip to Europe
"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will always want to return." Leonardo da Vinci
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and upturn in the economy could benefit the company, and also the consumers with lower travel cost. While talking about his department’s role in the airlines’ growth, he explains, “We, as SpiceJet Airport Services team, are committed to provide excellent standards of services, daily performance, passenger and airline safety, and environmental & corporate responsibility. Also, by ensuring delightful and smooth dealing with people as a frontline team and better coordination and communication with other departments help us in on-time departures and quick turnarounds between flights. Rahul supports clean India campaign and rehabilitation of senior citizens.
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Completing a successful stint of five years with SpiceJet, Esha Gurung has immense faith in the organisation and wants to see the
I have served, I am serving and I will continue to serve SpiceJet with all my heart.
Esha Gurung Sr. CSE, Airport Services, Bagdogra
resolution 2015 To get settled
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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airline as a frontrunner in Indian aviation. Continuing to contribute her 100 per cent to keep her valuable customers happy, she looks forward to an increase in the airline’s international connectivity.
He believes that being in sales, it becomes important to make the brand visible by reaching out to all, for example, travel agents, corporates, etc., and to make more revenue on each and every flight.
S. Ramakrishna Reddy feels good to be associated with one of the popular brands of the country, SpiceJet. He has witnessed the brand growing and setting the benchmark for the travel industry, and wishes the airline to go stronger in the years to come.
Anisha Sharma believes that 2015 will bring a lot of new opportunities for her as well as for SpiceJet. She hopes the airline will achieve new milestones in the aviation industry amidst existing as well as new competitors.
In 2015, I am looking forward to work on more innovative product ideas and also to liaise with various departments. S. Ramakrishna Reddy DGM - Sales, South India, Chennai
resolution 2015 To contribute to charitable institutions
Being in the HR department, it will be my priority to keep the staff motivated, as proactive employees contribute directly to efficient customer service all the time. Anisha Sharma Senior Executive, HR
resolution 2015 Re-enforcement of the ‘C’ (Courteous) of our operational mantra SOCCH
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As a proud employee, she says, “I will strengthen and enhance my professional knowledge and take on more responsibilities to contribute to the success of SpiceJet.” For Pavandeep Bhasin, flying has always been a passion and SpiceJet has given him the perfect platform. With each passing year, his passion and spirit have become stronger day-by-day. “From a Cabin Crew to a Cabin Crew In-Charge, to a Check Crew and now a Crew Performance
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The year 2015 will be full of opportunities. Pavandeep Bhasin Crew Performance Officer, IFSD
resolution 2015 To earn three stripes on my shoulder
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Officer, my journey with SpiceJet has always seen an upwind,” shares Pavandeep.
where everyone rocks, be it inflight music, colleagues or the management.
For Aarti Karachiwala, life as a Cabin Crew in SpiceJet is challenging, but amazing as well. She got the opportunity to learn a lot and appreciates the fact that she is working in an organisation
Molly Arora, Assistant Manager Finance, joined SpiceJet eight years ago and with each passing year, she has grown immensely with work she does and the knowledge she has gained. Looking forward to earn more responsibilities, new tasks and projects, she welcomes the New Year with a positive attitude and new ideas
In 2015, I hope SpiceJet adds more colours in the skies as always and will spread its wings by adding new destinations in its route map. Aarti Karachiwala Cabin Crew
resolution 2015 To visit new places with SpiceJet flights
I am quite hopeful that 2015 will bring me many new tasks, projects and learning within my department. Molly Arora Asst. Manager - Finance
resolution 2015 To maintain a positive attitude
The guiding factors
SOCCH (Safe, on-time, Clean, Courteous, Hassle-free) is the mantra that binds the organisation together to achieve a common goal - to make SpiceJet a customer-centric brand. 'With all our heart' is another expression crafted to reach out to its fliers, which became a manifestation of SpiceJet’s purpose as a brand. January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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for her team, department and organisation. She believes that if we think positive, God listens to our prayers and give us the best.
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For Pooja Dua, the year 2015 is going to be a year with lots of possibilities. According to her, SpiceJet will continue to strive for excellence by constantly innovating and setting the future of aviation trends. She opines, “Without doubt, aviation innovation will combine mobility with social networks as they play an important role in building relationships, brand management and reputation, and of course, selling.”
Convergence will be the key for success in 2015. Social, mobile, and cloud technologies have empowered customers to educate themselves before making a purchase. Pooja Dua, Manager, Digital Marketing
resolution 2015 To enjoy sky diving, bungee jumping, scuba diving, hill climbing and experience Tour de France.
In the new year, Gareema Kumar wishes to see SpiceJet on a roll touching the sky even higher. She likes being a part of an airline that works towards providing its customers with the very best of services.
As a pilot, in 2015, I want to see our aircraft flying more people to various destinations.
resolution 2015 To take my culinary skills to the next level a fusion of Bengali and Kerala cuisines.
Gareema Kumar, First officer
resolution 2015 To remain fit and devote more time to reading and writing. For Anil Koshy, Senior AnalystRevenue Management, New Year means new energy and excitement. In 2015, he plans to get more people
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
to realise their dream of flying through effective pricing, and at the same time strategise better to maximise company’s revenue. Also, he hopes to visit Vietnam, Cambodia and Bali.
With such positive and heartening thoughts of its employees, it is sure that in 2015, SpiceJet will continue to create new avenues for its employees and customers, enriching their lives so they weave unique and memorable experiences with this much-loved airline. (With inputs from Team SpiceJet.)
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48 hours in mumbai
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A cosmopolitan city, a concrete jungle, a city that never sleeps - Mumbai is all this and much more! W O R D S | D e n c y M athew
W
ith one of the most vivacious populace in the country, Mumbai is called ‘maximum city’ for a reason. The city literally moves at less than a breath's pace, and has a magnetic energy that attracts people from all over the country to try their luck and make it big.
Mumbai stretches from north to south, and Mumbaikars call the south region ‘town’ while the northern part constitutes mostly of ‘suburbs’. It is very easy to commute
in Mumbai as public transport in the city is one of the best and safest in the country. However, you have to pardon the chaotic traffic and humid weather when in Mumbai.
So, if you have only 48 hours to spend in this city of dreams, then you better make the maximum of it SpiceJet offers flights to mumbai from cities across india, such as pune, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi, Mumbai & Srinagar. For details, log on to www.spicejet.com
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
fast facts
DAY ONE
10:00 AM: Gateway of India On the first day, I decided to explore the ‘town’ side of Mumbai which boasts of some neo-gothic Victorian buildings, posh bars and a beautiful seafront promenade. My first stop was the most iconic monument of Mumbai, the Gateway of India. Built to commemorate George V and Queen Mary's visit to Mumbai, this compelling structure by the Arabian Sea is a ‘must visit’. Here you will see throngs of tourists clicking selfies and getting instant Polaroid pictures taken of them with the monumental building in the background. If you’re in a particularly extra ‘touristy’ mood, then hop on the Victorian style horse-driven carriages that are available at the Gateway. Also adjoining the gateway is another landmark of Mumbai, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. 11:00 AM: Shopping@Colaba Next stop was the nearby shopping paradise called Colaba Causeway. Wander freely along the road where a plethora of stalls sell gorgeous scarves, shawls, handicrafts, clothes and books along with antique maps and gramophones. This spot is also
Pick up trendy clothes, books, maps & other knick-knacks at Colaba Causeway the best place to pick up souvenirs like fridge magnets and key chains, but remember bargaining is a ‘must’ here. If all the shopping and sightseeing wears you out, then head to Olympia restaurant for some mouthwatering kheemapav, or Brittania & Co restaurant for some Iranian food or chicken shawarma. 1:00 PM: Culture & history For some cultural sightings, I visited Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly known as Prince of Wales Museum) considered as one of the foremost museums in India. Inside, you’ll find an immense collection of artifacts and exhibits about Indian culture and history such as Hindu deity sculptures, stuffed animals, Maratha weaponry and more than 2,000 pieces of paintings. After the museum, I also made some photostops at other iconic monuments of Mumbai that included the Chhatrapati
Mumbai is said to have been built on seven islands that were part of portuguese territories. through land reclamation projects, these islands were merged over 60 years. Mumbai is known for its Dabbawala network. their efficiency and precision are renowned across the world. Prince charles met them during one of his trips to India and even invited some of them to his wedding to Camilla parker bowles in london, in 2005. Nobel laureate rudyard kipling, author of jungle book and the man who would be king, was born in Mumbai in 1865. in november 1995, the english name bombay was changed formally to mumbai.
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Café Mondegar for amazing continental food and jukebox. keep in mind that the beautiful artwork on the walls have been done by late cartoonist mario miranda Kyani Bakery for bun maska and chai Bandstand for the sheer joy of watching the sunset. it also has a jogging track and a park. Mount Mary Church for its serenity Babulnath Temple for its old rustic feel Juhu Beach for its street food. take a dip in the water or visit the many italian restaurants here that offer fresh seafood dishes Essel World for being India’s largest amusement theme park Shivaji Park for Sachin Tendulkar fans Phoenix Mills for mall shopping Nehru Planetarium for the astronomical shows Jehangir Art Gallery for art lovers. it is located in the fort area of south mumbai Kamala Nehru Park for a nice walk around the well-manicured park gaylord in churchgate for its scrumptious food and baked goodies
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
Shivaji Terminus (locally known as CST). A colonially gothic structure, it is also one of the busiest railway stations in Mumbai. If you’re lucky, you’ll also see the famous dabbawalas of Mumbai entering or leaving the station to deliver more than 2,00,000 lunch boxes containing home-cooked food to offices. 3:00 PM: Mani Bhavan For a slice of history, I stopped over at Mani Bhavan which was Mahatma Gandhi's home in Mumbai between 1917-1934. The house has turned into an inspiring museum containing exhibits chronicling his life, photographs, posters, slogans and various other exhibits, including the iconic spinning wheel. This place truly takes you back in time to pre-independence period and also educates you about the journey of India’s independence. 5:00 PM: Indulge at Chowpatty Beach
I head out to Chowpatty Beach next to satisfy my Mumbai street food cravings. You can choose from a number of stalls located along the beach that offer everything Mumbai is famous for like sevpuri, panipuri, vadapav and also different kinds of dosas. Do remember to gulp down
Satiate your street food cravings at Chowpatty Beach some refreshing lime soda or savour a gola (ice popsicle) after your food. If you’re not so keen on street food, then cross over to the New Yorker restaurant or try the kheer at Crystal restaurant or the chilli ice-cream at Bachelors. 6:30: PM: Bliss at Marine
Drive
After a long day of sightseeing, cool off at Marine Drive, one of the few places in Mumbai that reveal its stunning coastline. This is also a place where Mumbaikars take a brisk evening walk, or couples and friends meet and line up along the promenade. At night, the promenade arches into a semicircle of shimmering lights creating a sight that is called the ‘Queen's necklace’. Sitting at Marine Drive, I enjoyed my ‘cutting chai’ and watched the hustle-bustle of a city known always to be on its toes. Marine Drive is the ideal antidote for sore legs and also a great place to watch the sun go down and hear the waves crash against the concrete stones.
SITE ADDRESS: Pacifica Companies, Near SRR Engineeting Collage, Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR), Padur, Chennai-603103 Contact: +91 99628 48141, +91 89396 38254 Corporate Headquarters: 311, Iscon Mall, Above Star India Bazaar, Ahmedabad-380015 Contact: +91-79-4002 7783 | FAX: +91-79-4002 7786
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Marine Drive is a great antidote for sore legs and to watch the sunset
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8:00 PM: Leopold Cafe For dinner I visited Leopold Café, a restaurant frequented by expats, tourists and locals on Colaba Causeway. The restaurant has a menu heavily influenced by continental cuisine, but also serves Chinese and Indian dishes. Ensure you reach early to book yourself a table as it is one of those places in Mumbai that gets crowded very soon. If you are stuck with no table here, then take a cab ride to Café Universal. A quaint restaurant dominated by a wooden set-up replicating European cafes, this place serves some mouthwatering burgers. 10:00 AM: For luck &
DAY blessings TWO On the second day, I decided to
visit the famous Siddhivinayak Temple of Mumbai. This is one place where you can rub shoulders with the rich and famous, poor and needy, actors and politicians; all at the same time. This temple is so famous that even actors often come here to seek god’s blessings before a movie release. The
Left: Exterior view of Haji Ali Dargah
central statue in the temple is of Lord Ganesha while the inner roof of the sanctum is plated with gold. If you want to avoid standing in the long queues then make sure you start your day early. 11:25 AM: Haji Ali Dargah Continuing my religious quest, I headed next to Haji Ali Dargah. This mosque seems to float in the sea making it a unique landmark in Mumbai. Visited by people of all religions, this mosque is perpetually crowded with hordes of devotees. The complex houses the tomb of saint Haji Ali Shah and a mosque. The angelic ‘whiteness’ of the mosque and the minarets are symbols of Mughal influenced architecture.
crawford market A good way to shop like the locals would be to head to Crawford Market. Housed in a historic colonial market, upon entry one is awarded with splendid sights of local fresh produce, vegetables, January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
1:00 PM: Quintessential Pav Bhaji
After all those spiritual sightings it was time for some culinary sightings, for which I headed to Sardar Pav Bhaji. As the name suggests, it is famous for its mouth-watering pav bhajis, but it arguably serves the most generously buttered and delicious pav bhaji in Mumbai. So if you’re health conscious, it would serve better to provide prior instructions to the waiters here. 2:00 PM: I soon needed a sit down visual tour of Mumbai after all the buttering up, so I decided to go on a Bollywood tour. I zipped through the engineering marvel known as Bandra Worli Sea Link. Moving along Mumbai’s coastline, this roughly 6 km-long bridge offers
fruits, etc. An entire section is home to pets, such as dogs of various breeds, tortoises, fish, birds of various kinds, and more. Observe the hamsters and guinea pigs at work in their cages.
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Left: A glittering view of Mumbai's celebrated coastline
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a scenic view of Mumbai’s ever expanding landscape consisting of modern skyscrapers and glassed commercial buildings. The ride on the bridge concluded at Bandra – considered Bollywood’s hometown as all the top Bollywood and cricket superstars (Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan & Sachin Tendulkar) reside here. I was given a tour ride by my taxi driver, who happily became my guide. 5:00 PM: Splurge at Linking Road
Linking road was my next stop and is considered as Mumbai’s shopping mecca. From shoes to clothes, purses to jewellery, there isn’t any item that won’t fit your shopping bag. Frequented mostly by people who love street shopping, Linking Road has a long line of stalls selling only shoes.
Arguably the pulse of India, Mumbai has a charm & character that is unmatched 7:30 PM: Confectionary goodness
All the shopping and bargaining activated my hunger pangs again, so I visited Theobroma, a patisserie famous for its brownies. While here, I also tried their amazing cupcakes and blueberry cheesecake. 9:00 PM: The Big Nasty To complete the two-day fiesta with relish, I decided to go to The Big Nasty. A pub/night club, this is one of the places to head out to when you want to drown away all your blues. Not too intimidating with a night clubbish décor and
lighting, this place has a good mix of bar stools, sofas and concrete benches. Burgers are the specialty of this place, but it’s the relaxed vibe along with a nice cocktail that I enjoyed here. One may also spot people literally jumping on the seats and shaking a leg to the beat of the music. Watching the laughter and spirit of Mumbaikars cheering to another day in their life made my heart grow fonder towards this city, where people truly live king-size. Arguably the pulse of India, Mumbai is as fast-paced as Singapore, as crowded as New York City and as modern yet conservative as Dubai. The city definitely has a charm and character that is unmatched. As I leave the city after my 48 hour stint, the only song playing in my mind is - Aye Dil Hai Mushkil Jeena Yahan…Zara Hat Ke Zara Bach Ke, Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan.
kala ghoda arts festival This arts festival is held in Kala Ghoda area of south Mumbai. Organised annually, it offers much vibrancy, drama, street
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
stalls, fashion, films, workshops, visual and performing arts, literature and much more. Date: February 7-15
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A city of
dreams 36
As Dubai’s skyline transforms beyond imagination, we take a peek at its rich heritage, whilst savouring the modern delights. W ords | R am y a J S D ' R o z ario
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he cityscape of Dubai is forever changing. There is not one moment when time comes to a standstill in this remarkable Emirate in the Middle East. From low lying houses to impressive skyscrapers, traditional souqs to glittering malls, Dubai has loads to offer tourists and locals.
A tourist-friendly city, visitors in Dubai can opt for a dhow river cruise or marvel at the city's architecture atop Burj Khalifa. You name it, and they’ve got it!
‘Ask and you shall receive’ this Biblical phrase rings true in the Emirate as Dubai is capable of satiating people’s wildest of dreams. Packed with migrants from world over, millions have made Dubai their home. This truly mesmerising jewel of the Middle East is a stunning city, perfectly blending breathtaking
SpiceJet offers daily flights to Dubai from ahmedabad, delhi, kochi, madurai and mumbai, in India. For more info, log on to www.spicejet.com January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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Fast facts The crime rate in Dubai is so low, it is considered one of the safest city in the world.
Extreme left: Outer facade of Dubai Museum; Left: Spices on display at the souq; Below: Baklava
Residents of Dubai do not need to pay personal income tax. No wonder, it is a city of dreams. In 1963, oil had been discovered in Dubai, but today, it accounts for just a small portion of Dubai’s revenues. Tourism and trading contribute a major chunk to their economy.
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Dubai Mall is the largest shopping centre in the world with over 1,000 shops. There is a mosque within every 1.5 km. In 1973, Dirham became the official unit of currency in Dubai. The Emirate is said to be one of the fastest developing city in the world. With a reputation for artificial islands, currently, the World Islands are in development. An archipelago of small islands, they are in the shape of the world map. It is reported that Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher was presented with an island by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on the occasion of his final Grand Prix, in Brazil.
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
skyscrapers and traditional buildings, merging Islamic art with the jagged geometry of modern marvels.
Looking back
Situated on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is a part of six other Emirates that form the United Arab Emirates. Originally a small fishing town in the 1800s, Dubai was taken over by the Bani Yas tribe led by the Maktoum family, and the Emirate is still passed on from grandfather to grandson, or brother to brother. Dubai’s economy prospered after 1894 when Sheikh Maktoum Bin Hasher Al Maktoum gave tax exemption to foreign traders. The city’s exports were pearls, shells and dried fish. Imports included dates from Basra, rice, sugar, pepper and cereals from India, wood and cane from East Africa. The historic Al Fahidi Fort has been turned into Dubai Museum, and it contains a wealth of displays and exhibits. In the southwest tower, visitors are guided through history accompanied with pictures, videos, digital displays and informative text. Visitors can learn about the daily lives of the bedouins, pearl divers,
fishermen, vendors in the market, etc. Tip: The museum houses a gift shop, but it is always cheaper to pick souvenirs at the souq.
Shoppers’ paradise
The traditional souqs of Dubai conjure an image straight out of Aladdin or Prince of Persia with the open air markets brimming with people. Gear up to get pushed and shoved, but here you can get a mean bargain. The small shops have their ware displayed outside to beckon shoppers from afar. With the heady aroma of spices in the air, one can purchase herbal tea concoctions, handmade bags, gorgeous lamps, shoes, and so much more. The gold souk has more than 350 retailers offering exquisite designs of every style and pattern. To see shop windows packed with the glittering gold is indeed a sight to behold. Dubai is truly a mecca for shoppers with many tourists flocking to the Emirate to lighten their wallets with a big smile on their faces. The Mall of the Emirates, on Sheikh Zayed Road, even has a ski slope inside where one can enjoy the feel of snow and the sport, whilst it may be a
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Do try the delicious Turkish delights, baklava, dates, basbousa & sherbet
blistering 50 degree Celsius outside! Tip: Many sellers on the road offer cheap ripoffs of luxury bags. Be careful for often these shops are set up deep in bylanes of the markets.
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Star-studded luxury
A hot bed for the hospitality industry, Dubai has numerous hotels to fit every budget. The iconic Burj Al Arab is loosely termed as the world’s only 7-star hotel, oozing with opulence and grandeur. Visitors cannot enter the hotel without a prior reservation at any of its restaurants. Its structure replicates the sail of a ship and the hotel is based on an artificial island. It reportedly cost US$ 650 million to build it, and has 60 floors and 18 elevators. Among other hotel groups, Crown Plaza Dubai Festival City offers a host of facilities for tourists and business travellers alike. The
area is close to the airport, and the hotel group has under its wings, Al Badia Golf Club, an events centre, InterContinental hotel and a vast variety of f&b options. Says Bruce Ryde, Director Brand Management InterContinental, Crowne Plaza & Hotel Indigo AMEA, "At our properties in Dubai, we offer fast, fresh and healthy food options for our guests to stay energised and balanced to perform at their best. With our set brand standards we ensure consistency is delivered across the globe. Head to Zaytoun to savour the Mediterranean delights, Belgian Beer Cafe for draught beer and hardy finger food or Mazar, a lobby lounge that offers sweeping view of the Dubai creek with the Burj Khalifa piercing the sky. Developed by the Al-Futtaim Group, Dubai Festival City also houses a mall making it a
one-stop-destination, especially for business travellers. James Koratzopoulos, Area General Manager, InterContinental Hotels Group, Dubai Festival City adds, "The wonderful thing about InterContinental Hotels Group Dubai Festival City is that although it is a cluster of 4 properties, each has its own identity and attracting its own set of market segment.
Food galore
Dubai, being a world city, offers cuisines from even the remotest of countries and regions. One can truly experience luxury with every bite. Be it Mongolion cuisine, uber chic French cuisine, Spanish, Southeast Asian, the choices are endless. Sample the delicate Turkish delights, dates filled with dry fruits, baklava - worthy of a heart attack, basbousa - a semolina sweet cake or the traditional sherbet; the food available here is bound to send a food connoisseur into a tizzy. Tip: They say it is cheaper to eat out in Dubai than to cook in. This city of dreams attracts people from across the world. The mix of nationalities, personalities, cuisines, culture and traditions makes Dubai a global city.
Dubai Shopping Festival What better way to herald the New Year than to kickstart it with a bout of shopping at Dubai Shopping Festival! Starting from January 1 till February 1, this will be the 20th anniversary. From international concerts, musicals and shows, to sports and fashion events, Dubai Shopping Festival caters to every age segment. January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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Raw beauty of
Jabalpur
Experience the magnetic charm of Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh that is loaded with a rich history and numerous tourist spots. W ords a n d p hoto g ra p hs | K h u rsheed D i n shaw
D
uring the 12th century, Jabalpur was the capital of the Gond rulers. The city has also seen the reign of the Kalchuri Dynasty, Marathas and the British. There are quite a few tourist attractions within the city or a couple of kilometres from it.
The city possesses gifted natural scenic beauty of hills, waterfalls, rivers, etc., surrounded by a number of historical monuments and sites
The five most popular tiger reserves of central India are in approachable distance from Jabalpur. World renowned tiger reserves like Kanha, Bandhavgarh & Pench National Parks are most suitably visited via Jabalpur.
SpiceJet has flights connecting Jabalpur to Delhi and mumbai. for more details, log on to www.spicejet.com
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
more facts The ghat known as Tilwara is where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed. This ghat was also the venue of the open session of Tripuri Congress in 1939. Oarsmen take the family members of those who wish to immerse the ashes of their loved ones in the depths of the Narmada and bring them back.
Right: The cable car ride offers a stunning view of the Dhuandhar waterfall
Boating delights
Perhaps the most famous is the boat ride on river Narmada between marble rocks. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride at Bedaghat, interspersed with a lively commentary in Hindi. These rocks are over 105 ft in height and change colour from dull off-white to stark white. Natural shapes of the rocks fuel one’s imagination to include a hermit deep in meditation, a tortoise or an upturned car. Another add on during the boat ride is to see expert children jumping from these rocks into the river Narmada and swiming right up to the boat. On the ghat before one begins the boat ride, these young swimmers also retrieve coins tossed into the river. During monsoons, boating at Bedaghat comes to a halt as the water level is high. During this time, a walking path serves as a substitute to view the marble rocks. For three days in a month, i.e., on a full moon night, a day prior and a day post, one can also experience boating at night when the reflection of gleaming marble rocks bathed in the moonlight and the shimmering river is a sight to be seen. A famous song of the Bollywood film Asoka was shot here. In 1961, a song of another film Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai was also shot at
The beauty of Dhuadhar falls is further enhanced by the formation of a rainbow over them Bhedaghat. The song featured Raj Kapoor and Padmini. Another movie, Pran Jaye per Vachan Na Jaye, also used Bhedaghat as its location.
Joy ride
Apart from boating, another must experience at Bedaghat is the cable car ride where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Dhuandhar waterfall. Dhuadhar means ‘fall of mist’, due to the fog and mist created as the water plunges downwards. So powerful is the plunge that its roar is heard even from a distance. The beauty of these gushing falls is further enhanced by the formation of a rainbow over them. Here the Narmada leaves its wide bed and falls 30 feet. The falls, with the breaking of the high volume of water at the crest, present a rare sight of nature. At the end of the ride, one can enjoy the view of the falls for as much time as one fancies while sipping hot tea. For those who like to walk close to the falls, there is also a walking pathway on one side of these falls.
Don’t miss the handmade soapstone artefacts that are made and sold at Bedaghat. Kalim Khan is one of the artists who learnt from his parents, who were also soapstone artists. The primary raw material, i.e., soapstone is sourced from a village called Shri Dham in the form of huge pieces. Once bought, the artist cuts and chisels them using tools made of iron. No tracing of the design is done. The design is as per the artist’s imagination and creativity. The smallest and simplest to make is a nameplate measuring 2 inches. Heart, flower and guitar shaped artefacts are also made. A one feet nameplate is the biggest artifact that can be made here.
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Extreme left: A view of the toy train in the Dumna Nature Reserve; Left: Balance rock
Point to Note: Every day, maintenance work is carried out for an hour before the cable cars are opened to visitors.
Nature walk 44
The Dumna Nature Reserve is an eco-tourism site and one can take a leisurely walk here on the demarcated nature trail in the evenings. Children love the geese and rabbits at the entrance of the reserve, along with a ride on the toy train. We were told that there are more than 1,000 deer here that roam freely. In the morning and evening, one can see a herd of 30-40 deer cross the nature trail frequently. Cycles are readily available for hire inside the park. Madan Mahal Fort is architecturally brilliant as it has been built atop a huge rock. It was built by Raja Madan Shah who was a Gond ruler in 1116. One has to
Take a leisurely walk along the nature trail at Dumna Nature Reserve walk about a kilometre on steep steps to reach the fort. There used to be a baoli or well in front of the fort and stables which are now in ruins. There is a room inside the fort where Rani Durgavati, mother of Raja Madan Shah, stayed. She eventually died fighting the Mughals.
Interesting fact
Enroute the fort, one can stop to see the ‘balance rock’ where one rock is balanced on top of another, quite precariously. There used to be two such rocks. About a decade ago, an earthquake in this area caused one rock to slip and fall. This rock can be
seen even today fallen nearby. The one that remained is now heralded as the balance rock.
Temple tales
At the Tripur Sundari Mandir, when devotees make a wish, they tie coconuts with a red cloth and once their wish is fulfilled, they come back, untie the cloth, and put the coconut in the havan kund at home. Tripur Sundari Devi is the kuldevi (guardian of the clan) of King Karan from the Kalchuri Dynasty. Legend says that the idol of the goddess was lying here face down during the Kalchuri Period. The king and his army would come for hideouts and would dig trenches to hide in. During one such dig, they found the idol which suddenly became straight, and has been worshipped ever since. The idol is three faced with Maha Kali, Mahalakshmi and Maha Saraswati.
did you know? The game of snooker has its origins here in the city in the officers' mess in 1875, when Neville Chamberlain of the Devonshire Regiment put another coloured ball on the billiard table. He did this to provide a variation to the game which was then known as black pool.
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
DIABETIC FOOT CURE NOW AVAILABLE IN INDIA
Treat neuropathy, sensory losses, & poor balance with Anodyne® Therapy! Burning, tingling, shooting, throbbing diabetic foot pain can make life difficult. If this sounds like you, treatment with Anodyne® Therapy, a new product from the USA may help. The word "Anodyne" means pain relief. Anodyne® Therapy Systems emit infrared light at a wavelength of 890 nm, resulting in increased circulation and pain relief. • Improve blood flow • Reduce stinging, burning foot pain • Improve wound healing • Reduce pain medication usage This treatment is drug-free, and can easily be delivered during an office visit. Fifteen studies have been published in peer reviewed journals demonstrating the effectiveness of Anodyne® Therapy for symptoms of neuropathy, restless leg syndromme and for non healing wounds. Drug treatment typically masks the cause of pain, but Anodyne® Therapy gets to the cause of the problem - resulting in true relief. Furthermore, this treatment improves the dangerous loss of sensation that many diabetic patients experience for which there is no known drug treatment. Anodyne® Therapy products are newly available in India, and are directly imported from the USA. Contact Anodyne Therapy Eqpt Pvt Limited at 91-80-23494345, or visit anodynetherapy.in for more information on how to obtain treatment with Anodyne® Threrapy.
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Holey Wonder
Certain species of birds nest in tree cavities that are natural or excavated by them. Read on for some fascinating insights. W ords | B R iN D A g ill
T
he sun beats down, the humidity saps our energy, the air is still, the morning bird calls have faded away and the forest around us also seems stupefied by the heat. But the narrow beaten trail meandering through dense vegetation that Thattekkad is famous for, is inviting and irresistible. And as we walk deeper into the forest, a steady tapping catches our attention.
All eyes turn towards a Greater Flameback Woodpecker, absorbed in rapidly tapping its beak on a tree trunk with tiny wood chips flying out. In the mid-afternoon heat, we could only marvel at its tenacity
Tree Cavity Nests
Watching the woodpecker engrossed in crafting a cavity was mesmerising for its industry, and knowing the behaviour is a magnificent product of evolution that has led certain species of birds to nest in tree cavities. The relatively small bird tops the list of cavity nesters, along with barbet as the two excavate their own nests. Yet birders who have scanned trees in forests across India have spotted
SpiceJet has regular flights to and from Delhi, the nearest destination to visit Corbett National Park. to visit the northeast, Spicejet offers flights to Guwahati and Bagdogra January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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protecting birds India’s Northeast, being blessed with thick old forests, is rich in birdlife and is noted for its population of different hornbill species. In parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, hornbills have traditionally been hunted for their feathers and bills/casques for use in traditional headgear/ adornment, and hornbill meat has been consumed.
In cavity nests, the chicks have better chances of staying concealed longer
Pic by Binoy Babu
Artificial feathers and wood/fiberglass beaks are being used in traditional adornment, which has helped reduce the hunting of hornbills.
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
some species of hornbills, parakeets, starlings, mynas, robins, owls and ducks nesting in tree cavities. Since these birds are not equipped to excavate their own nests, they opt for nesting in cavities that naturally occur or do the next best thing - step into a nest cavity vacated by an industrious woodpecker or barbet! Woodpeckers and barbets can excavate nest cavities due to the shape of their beaks - woodpeckers have stout chisel-like beaks, while barbets have conical beaks. Yet they succeed in digging as they keep the beak open when knocking on wood, and opt for softer wood. Woodpeckers excavate new cavities each year and sometimes more than one each year. Busy at work for hours stretching over weeks, they create marvelous round cavities at a safe height, a comfortable width and height to enter, and deep enough for the female to lay eggs and for the chicks to live in till they are old enough to fly! Hornbills and parakeets
Pic by Rohit Batra
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In a heartening move, communities, state bodies and non-governmental organisations have come together to initiate programmes to protect hornbills from being hunted and losing their precious habitat.
may increase the size of a natural or excavated tree cavity by pecking or biting its edges with their beaks. And as good cavities are in short supply, birds often fight over them!
Home Advantage
Cavity nests, compared with twig nests made in branches, offer birds the advantage of having their eggs and young ones protected from the elements and predators. The chicks have better chances of staying concealed longer. Tree cavities offer ducklings safety from rising water levels; there are reports of mature ducklings tumbling out of a tree cavity and trailing their parent to the water. In some cases when the tree is leaning over water, they simply fall straight into the water from their nest cavity and start
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paddling! Further, food is never far for birds nesting in tree cavities. Woodpeckers feed on insects and larvae on or under barks of trees by tapping on tree trunks, and hornbills, who relish figs and often nest in large fig bearing trees. Different bird species frequent various tree species for excavating cavities. “Corbett National Park, home to sal trees, is a great place to spot woodpeckers looking for insects under the flaking barks of these trees, and also excavating nest cavities in them,” says birder Mandar Khadilar. He adds that on each annual visit to Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, in the past five years, their group of birders spotted a pair of Rufous Necked Hornbills nesting in the same tree cavity!
Getting Comfortable
There is a quiet buzz once nest cavities are excavated or taken over. To get the interiors all comfortable (for the female bird who will spend time there, as well as to provide the eggs and chicks), the nest is invariably lined with different materials from wood chips to feathers. “The Collared Falconets, that are small falcons and birds of prey, use existing nest cavities and
Pic by Rohit Batra
As hornbills largely subsist on fruits, trees are paramount for their existence
do not make their own. Though only the size of bulbuls, they can hunt small birds and line their nests with feathers and bones of their prey!” says Mandar. The most unique development takes place in a hornbill’s nest. During the breeding season, both the male and female choose a nest site and then the female settles inside the nest. In the course of her reproductive cycle, the female hornbill sheds her feathers and lines the nest with them! She seals herself in the nest with her droppings, leaving a small opening that camouflages the nest and offers just enough space for the male to feed her through the slit! Once the chicks are born, the female breaks through the nest and both parents feed the chicks. In case the male dies during the
breeding period, the female in the cavity probably also dies being left inside without food and so do the eggs/chicks.
Preserving Trees
From the nocturnal Indian scops owls that spend the day in a tree cavity to large noisy hornbills whose female members live ‘holed up’ in tree cavities for weeks; trees play an important role in preserving bird life. Thick and old trees are paramount for birds like the Great Indian Hornbill (between 37-51 inches in length); since these birds are large, they typically nest high in trees; large natural cavities at a height are present only in large old trees. Further, as hornbills largely subsist on fruits, trees are paramount for their existence and survival.
Treasure those trees Interestingly, many trees grow from seeds that pass through the digestive system of hornbills or are spat out by them. Thus, the existence of both the trees and bird species are dependent on each other. The forest loses both the bird and particular fruiting tree species.
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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The wandering
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William Dalrymple, in a chat with Spiceroute, talks about the literature fest, celluloid adaptation of his book, and more...
W ords | S iddharth M J oshi
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illiam Dalrymple is a well known name among not just the literary circles of the world, but also among history enthusiasts, art connoisseurs and expeditionists. He has nine books on history and travel to his name, and has written and presented several documentaries on TV and radio.
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In 2006, he co-founded the Jaipur Literature Festival that is now the largest free literary festival in the world. We got a chance to speak to him. Here are the excerpts Jaipur Literature Festival has become the largest free literary fest in the world over a short period. How does it feel? Yes, it has. We have a quarter of a million people coming every year for this festival. The most miraculous sight is at the railway station in Jaipur, where people are seen coming from different parts of India, as far as Assam and Tamil Nadu. That’s when you realise the scale of what you’re doing. What is the theme of the festival this year? Themes emerge accidently when we get together. While we have themes that govern the programme, the main motive is to bring people who have won a Booker or the Pulitzer prize
"Books are the carriers of civilisation. Without books, history is silent, literature dumb, science crippled, thought and speculation at a standstill." Barbara Tuchman, American historian January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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Fast facts
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The love affair between James Achilles Kirkpatrick and Khairun-Nissa in The White Mughals, is being made into a movie. There’s a script now, and everything is moving ahead. We’ve got to raise the finance. I got slightly bullied into selling it to a young American I’d never met. He said he was doing some fantasy project which turned out to be Game of Thrones. Frank Doelger, the producer has moved from being on the periphery to one of the world’s most successful producers now, so things are looking good. To do this properly one would need armies and elephants, huge numbers of people and glittering palaces and these things don’t come cheap. This is something on the scale of Lord of the Rings or Jodha Akbar, so it needs good finances. I dont’t have a direct part to play in the project. I am just cheering it on from the sidelines.
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
or other writers of contemporary relevance. This year, we’re putting our hope in poetry. We have some serious poets coming for the festival. Art history is another one of our themes this year. We’re also looking at classics, Sanskrit classics, Sophocles, and why the ancient classics still matter. Most of your work is very academic and scholarly in nature. Do you miss the excitement of your younger years when you travelled extensively in the midst of danger and adventure? I wouldn’t say I am an academic writer at all. My work is scholarly but it is aimed at general reading. When you’re researching on manuscripts and books in libraries, it is an incredibly didactic and exciting work. When you’re on the trail of a big story in the library, it has its own momentum tracking the lost sources and trying to make sense of the missing pieces of a story. I never felt as excited ever than chasing down the end of my book, The White Mughals. It’s a story of a true love affair that took place between a British resident in Hyderabad and a girl called Khairun-Nissa. Four years into the book I
For my birthday, I am going to take my family to Iran and show them the Caspian Sea didn’t have an ending, I didn’t know what happened to Khair-un-Nissa. I knew that Kirkpatrick had died and I knew the tragedy of his story. It was only few months before finishing the manuscript that I found out what happened to Khair-un-Nissa through archival trolling and eventually got to the end. But certainly for myself, I still travel a lot. And now, I have kids old enough to come with me. For example, our family half-term holiday this October was to Afghanistan, to Bamian, and I took the whole family to go and see the 1,000 caves around the famously destroyed Buddha statues. So, I still do a lot of travelling and a lot of war reporting. I couldn’t do it much when my kids were small and it wouldn’t be very responsible. For my 50th birthday, which takes place next year, I am going to take my family to Iran and show them the Caspian sea.
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Home is both here and in London. We have a house in London and an identity there. So, it’s nice to travel two worlds. It’s common for Indians to have a house in New Jersey and a house or family in India. It’s a little unusual though, since I’ve moved from West to East, rather than from East to West which is the dominant migration of our day (chuckles).
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Would you like to be remembered as a travel writer or a historian? I’d like to remembered as a writer. As a writer you have the freedom to write whatever comes to you. So when I have an idea for a travel book, as I suppose I had with Nine Lives, then I can set off again on the road. That was followed by Return of a King which involved a lot of travel in Afghanistan, but also a lot of archival work. The two of them go together, as when I was in Afghanistan I was looking for the Afghan sources for my story and that took me to a lot of out of the way and dangerous places. So I keep that side of my life still going. Have you ever thought of venturing into ancient Indian history? I have and I’ve been doing a lot of work this year on Ajanta. A lot of my
I am interested in the early Buddhist period, from the 1st to 6th century travelling this year has been based on Buddhist journeys in a sense. I’ve been looking at Ajanta, Ellora, Pitalkhora, all those great caves in southern India, and then Bamian. I am very interested in the early Buddhist period, from the 1st century to the 6th century, so I can imagine something in ancient history at some point in time. Other than that, I am a great Mahabharata fan. I’ve read and written a lot about it. Is India home? I am lucky like many people these days to have more than one home.
What have your favourite reads of this year been? One of the pleasures of running the Jaipur Lit Fest is that you can invite your favourite musicians and your favourite reads of the year. And I have been lucky enough to be able to do both. In the music stage, I’ve invited few of my favourite bands, Dub Colossus, Transglobal Underground and the Midivel Punditz. In terms of books, I’ve enjoyed reading non fiction in particular. There’s an extraordinary book called The Making of the Middle Sea by Cyprian Broodbank. He’s coming this year. He turns archaeology into beautiful prose. In fiction, I liked Dipti Kapoor’s A Bad Character. Which films would you mention as your favourites? Any Hindi films? Well, the ones that come to my mind right now are Monsoon Wedding and The Constant Gardener. I am not a fan of Indian cinema as much as I am of Indian literature. However, in the previous year my favourite has been Haider, particularly the first half of the film.
Love for food I am a great 'foodie'. I am lucky enough to be living in a farm where we are self sufficient in vegetables and meat. We grow our own vegetables and have our own goats. I don’t have to buy a single vegetable between September and April. In Indian cuisine, I love Mughlai but I love South Indian too; it’s great for breakfast.
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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Golden Spice of Life
Considered one of the culinary essentials in the kitchen, the virtues of turmeric as a super spice are legendary. W ords | M adh u lika D ash
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n the entire cornucopia of medicinal herbs, if there is one spice that continues to be used as a culinary essential and as a healing herb, it has to be Turmeric. Known since 4,000 years, the use of this yellow spice (also known as haldi or Indian saffron) has been as much as a flavouring agent and pickling spice as for treating fever, stomach infection, healing wounds and beautification. It is also every homemaker’s secret to a delicious meal. Interestingly, not much has changed today. Haldi still remains the wonder herb in every kitchen
cabinet, one that can effectively treat anything, and is safe enough to give to newborns.
The yellow spice, identified by its vibrant colour and distinct balmy aroma, has outperformed many pharmaceuticals in the treatment of a wide range of chronic, degenerative diseases
What makes this averagelooking spice such a great wonder? Curcumin, a water-soluble phytochemical that gives turmeric its signature golden hue. It is this component that makes it a potent healer against various malignant diseases, including diabetes, allergies, arthritis and Alzheimer’s, to name a few.
The Herbal Legacy
The history of turmeric is legendary. In the Indian Ayurveda system, turmeric is well known to improve digestion, intestinal flora, eliminate
it is a potent healer against allergies, diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease
Each SpiceJet aircraft has been named after a particular spice. In this section, we bring you the history and usage of each of these spices
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Golden Goodness PREVENTS CANCER Turmeric can help prevent prostate cancer, stop the growth of existing prostate cancer and even destroy cancer cells. RELIEVES ARTHRITIS The anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric are great for treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. CONTROLS DIABETES It improves glucose control and increases the effect of medications used for the treatment of diabetes.
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REDUCES CHOLESTEROL LEVEL Regular, doctor-administered consumption of turmeric can help maintain cholesterol levels. IMMUNITY BOOSTER Turmeric’s lipopolysaccharide helps stimulate the body’s immune system through its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. HEALS WOUNDS Turmeric is known to be a natural antiseptic and anti-bacterial agent, and has shown promising results in treating inflammatory skin conditions.
Fresh Turmeric Pickle Ingredients 1 cup fresh turmeric roots (amba haldi) 1/4 cup raw mango, grated 1/2tbsp fenugreek seed
worms, relieve gas, cleanse and strengthen the liver and gall bladder, normalise menstruation, relieve arthritis and swelling. Ancient Hawaiians used it for the prevention and treatment of sinus infections, swimmer’s ear and gastrointestinal ulcers. Turmeric came to the notice of the western/American herbalists in 1870, when chemists discovered turmeric’s orange-yellow root powder turned reddish brown when exposed to alkaline chemicals. It was only in 1920 that turmeric oil began to be used to treat bile and other stomachrelated issues in Germany. It was in 1990 finally when prominent western herbalists, came to acknowledge turmeric as a healer.
1/4tsp asafoetida 1tbsp split mustard seeds (red) 1tbsp red chilli powder 2tsp fennel seeds 1/4 cup refined oil Salt to taste Method Peel off the skin from turmeric roots and cut it into small strips. Heat the oil till smoking point. Then,
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
Versatile Herb
Turmeric is an excellent preservative. Eaten both raw and cooked, turmeric root is more chewy, crunchy and succulent. The fresh root has a somewhat sweet and nutty favour mixed with its bitter taste. Also used as a dye, haldi is an amazing alternative to saffron. It’s also nature’s best skin lightener and cleanser. In the US, turmeric is used for colouring foods, especially mustard, bread-andbutter, pickles, chow-chow relish, butter, meat and cheese. People in Brazil use it to give colour in stews and chicken dishes, and in Portugal, it is used to colour shrimp, chicken and clams dishes. In Spain, turmeric is a substitute for saffron in paella.
set aside and allow it to cool down to a warmer temperature. Now add salt, asafoetida, fennel seeds, split mustard seeds and chilli powder, and temper. Add the grated mango and julienned turmeric to the masala and give it a good stir. Allow it to cool. Store the pickle into a clean, sterilised glass jar. The pickle is ready to eat after 2-3 days, and can stay for a month.
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When personal is
fabulous
This year, as you plan the parties and incessant events, go the extra mile and invite your guests in a unique & personalised style. W ords | ram y a J S D ' R o z ario
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he doorbell rings, the postman drops off a letter, sealed in style, a tiny airplane hides the seam, your curiosity is piqued, you open it... it’s a boarding pass! A uniquely crafted, customised wedding invite, the boarding pass is a sure headturner, ensuring guests have so much more to expect on D-Day.
There is an unknown revolution in India, one that pushes past the norm, with individuals adding their own characteristics to the many invites they send out
Quirk is the key
When Delhi-based Vineeta Grover decided to design her own engagement and wedding cards, little did she know that it would soon turn into a unique enterprise of her own, helping other brides, grooms and party planners with customised invitations. Says Vineeta, “My friends liked the cards
Ditch those typical wedding motifs, fonts and patterns, and embrace a different outlook. add some interesting graphic elements, stylised fonts, unusual colours, uncommon paper textures, unique concept and fabrics, and it will do the trick January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
One-of-a-kind Natalie Mankani, founder of Sketch - the design studio, notices that clients are now more broadminded in their approach. A small team of stimulated and creative individuals, they prefer not to follow trends but cull out an interesting idea based on the brief provided by the client.
so much that I started thinking of taking my passion to another level. And with other friends asking me to make their wedding cards, I started Po Tweet in 2012.” Through her toils, she has worked on numerous briefs, giving them creative titles and showcasing her work on her Facebook page. A sure shot hit with its customers, ‘perfect match’ invitations were designed like a typical Indian matchbox, replicating the colour scheme, match striking strips, manufacturing & contact details, and price at the back. The box slides out like a real one too, and holds the caricatures of the bride and groom, cocktail and wedding invites. What spread generally with word of mouth, her FB page brought-in many clients. “I approximately take 2-3 weeks in coming up with the idea and designing it, followed by changes and
The idea comes from the couple's story; a point that makes it different from others suggestions made by the client. Once it is finalised, it takes a week to print,” Vineeta informs. Essentially a one-woman show, Vineeta is the ideator, copywriter, art director and designer. For her, the quirk in the card is the idea that comes from the couple’s story or that one point that makes their love story different from others.
Party all night
While studying consumer design trends in London, Dhwani Doshi realised that Theme Parties & Personalisation in Graphic Design would soon be the next big thing
Says Natalie, “Each project is completely different from the next, even if we are working on dozens of projects simultaneously in a month because we treat it that way. We let the project evolve organically and always stay true to the client and our design aesthetic. Striking, effective and memorable is what we want to aim for.” The designs are mostly hand painted or drawn digitally, making them highly exclusive.
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in India post 2008. The Party Store, launched in 2008, dabbles in party invitation cards, gift tags, love notes, stationery gift sets, customised sketching paper, theme floor stickers, posters, theme playing cards, calendars and so much more. “We have had some quirky things crafted such as mega size invitations, sending live gold fish as invites and hangover kits for afterparties,” says Dhwani. For inspiration, she keeps a close eye on the fashion industry in New York, London and Paris. “In 2015, our studio will focus on invites in the audio visual space and actual invites in 3D or 3D printing,” she adds.
Action reaction
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Wedding cards get the same treatment as an ad; one needs to crack the big idea Creative genius
Ranjani Ramesh had always been attracted towards simple designs that hold layers of meaning. And when she designed her own wedding card, she was overwhelmed by the positive responses from family and friends. With this also came a few requests from her circle to design their wedding cards, logos, etc., and soon she realised how many were breaking out from the
Vineeta Grover of Po Tweet says a client’s reaction is priceless. “I generally courier the drafts to their houses, so I don't see their reaction at first glance, but I have had people calling me and screaming with glee. One girl came to my house to collect the
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conventional mindset of designs. Based on a character she adored since childhood, she founded Pink Whistle Man as a funky and clever brand that resonates with every audience. Her invites vary from a broadsheet newspaper complete with customised crossword puzzles, advertisements to Sita’s swayamvara as a cartoon strip and a variety of personalised articles and photographs. Says Ranjani, “It is important for me to not dilute the initial vision that I set out on, which is to make every design hold a special place in my client’s heart.” However, plagiarism is often a challenge she faces. For her, the trick to crack the client brief is to think of themes
cards and after seeing them she started crying out of happiness. It's a very mixed feeling. It's the first step of your wedding, so it actually starts sinking in when you see the card, and to have such a cool, personalised card makes it even more special.”
that people can relate to in their everyday lives and keep it simple.
Strings of beauty
Hugely inspired by Meerabai and her instrument called the ektara, Kanika Gupta, Creative Director of Team iktaara always had this name stuck in her head since college. Indulging in invites, wedding cards, corporate events, birthday parties and giveaways, Kanika believes in creating something that has both utility and value for money. The team prefers to create something that has a longer shelf life, such as a card that can be converted into a storage box or a game that can be stored easily, while working towards an interactive invite.
Look within
Pranshu Maheshwari founded Inneriver - Design and Creative Solutions in 2010, offering personalised and professional invites. When a close friend was getting married, Pranshu designed a unique card for his cocktail party that drew rave reviews by all present, including HNIs. Since then, there was no looking back. The name of the company focusses on the river flowing inside
For some, the invitations must offer more utility with longer shelf life everyone’s heart, explains Pranshu. “We plunge into people’s heart and create a piece of art. With the help of our skills, expertise and knowledge, we produce a masterpiece that is unforgettable. It’s only through our unique ‘Deep-Dive’ formula that we’re able to create ideas that are well thought out.” They even have a readymade retail collection that is garnering quite a fan following. Adds Pranshu, “The invites suit buyers who are in a hurry. They are much cheaper and can be bought off-the-shelf without any order limit.” Be it a theme party, wedding, product launch or corporate event, the needs are endless, where quality, innovation and eye for detail are sought. And, as necessity is the mother of all inventions, so are the numerous design enterprises coming up, offering customers products that are truly one-of-a-kind, bringing a smile to both senders and receivers.
mysore magic Friends turned business partners, Sneha Baliga and Monika Gugliya cofounded Kalāyug Art & Design Studio in Mysore. They offer unique insight and creativity to invites, churning out quirky wedding invites, favour gifts, or save-the-date wedding invitations. Adds Sneha, "As couples have started to get more involved in their weddings, everyone has a story to tell. Most of the times, there are separate invitations for every ceremony, giving us the chance to use many different ideas." Weddings are the biggest events in this country, and people are willing to spend time and attention to detail and money, she adds. From FIFA related invites to those with cute drawings, everyone loves to experiment. "A wedding invitation is like the first look at the wedding itself. We try to bring in the personalities of the groom and bride into the invitation and try and set the tone/ theme of the wedding. Since we usually do the personal wedding invites only, we have more freedom to be unconventional with their execution."
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Quintessentially
winter
Every region in India celebrates winter with certain dishes that are best enjoyed in this season. W ords | M i n i R ibeiro
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inter is all about relishing food and giving in to those hunger pangs. To keep ourselves warm, most of us tuck into certain dishes guilt-free in the winter season. After all, these extra calories are required to remain warm and most of these boost our immunity.
Heat-generating food items are dry ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, pepper and root vegetables, which help maintain body temperature
These are thus integrated in the ground or whole form into the foods eaten in this season to keep us warm and protected.
North Indian fare
Every region in India boasts of its winter favourites. Eating seasonal produce is key and that is exactly
Top five immunity boosting ingredients for winter: Turmeric or haldi, Fenugreek or methi, Ginger or adrak, Asofoetida or hing, Sweet potato or shakarkand
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
what North Indians do. Sarson ka saag abounds during winter and thus, inadvertently becomes the staple diet of the people in this region. Served with home-made ghee or dollops of white butter, it is eaten with makki di roti. One can enjoy this at each meal in winter as it is rich in vitamins and minerals. Corporate Chef Ravi Saxena from Dhaba by Claridges, New Delhi, adds, “The most popular winter foods of North India are fresh leafy green vegetables like sarson ka saag, bathua and fresh methi. Seasonal vegetables like green peas and red carrots too must be enjoyed. Fresh green vegetables are very high in nutrients that are good for the body and are rich in vitamins. Hot soups specially paya ka shorbha made
Seasonal vegetables are very high in nutrients, and are rich in vitamins from mutton bones is a perfect appetiser for cold winters. Other popular dishes are gajar matar ki sabzi, methi aloo and hot tawa parathas stuffed with fresh greens.” Again, a meal in North India in winter is incomplete till the famous gajrela or gajar ka halwa with oodles of mawa and dry fruits is not served as dessert.
Spicy Undhiyu of Gujarat You cannot visit Gujarat in winter and not savour Oondhiyo or
Undhiyu, the traditional winter delicacy of this region. Meant to lend warmth to the body, this dish is essentially a melee of seasonal vegetables like papadi, tuar dana, lilua that are abundantly available in this season. The papdi lends a sweetish taste to the dish, while brinjals, yam, tuar dana have their own distinct flavours that further enhance the taste of the dish. It is finally topped with methi muthiyas made of fenugreek thereby adding the characteristic crunch. Served with piping hot puris, it is the ultimate treat in Surti cuisine. It is laborious to prepare as the vegetables are mixed with spices and ideally left overnight. That is what imparts the traditional spicy
five popular winter snacks • Moong dal vadas • Pakoras/ fried snacks • Chicken rolls • roasted Groundnuts • Methi Muthia
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Try it at home! Gond Ka Halwa
Recipe by Chef Manpreet Singh Malik, Fairmont Jaipur Ingredients Gond 100 gm Almonds 100 gm Pistachio 100 gm Ginger Powder 10 gm Wheat Flour 100 gm Clarified Butter 200 gm Sugar 120 gm Black Pepper 10 gm Powder
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Method 1. Take clarified butter in a pan and add in 100 gm Gond in it. Fry it and remove. Keep it aside. Add 100 gm almonds and 100 gm pistachio in the same clarified butter and fry it. Keep the fried dry fruits aside. 2. Toast the wheat flour until butter leaves the ladle, and add the fried dry fruits and Gond. Put sugar in a pan along with water, reduce it, until it becomes a syrup. 3. Add this sugar syrup in the wheat flour. Add the mixture in the same clarified butter which was used for frying and add the rest of the ingredients. 4. Mix it well and serve hot.
flavour to it as the vegetables absorb the spices.
Sweet and savoury fare in Rajasthan
Bajra or pearl millet is yet another popular winter feature in Rajasthan. Rich in protein and fibre, it is a preferred ingredient for many dishes this season. Bajre ki khichdi with its creamy consistency, mild flavours and nutritive value, is the ubiquitous winter dish. Bajre ka raab and bajre ki roti are other typical preparations. Bajre ka raab is a drink made with curd, bajra, ginger, ghee and green chillies. It is usually consumed hot in winter. And it is not savoury dishes alone that are eaten in winter. Chef Manpreet Singh Malik of Fairmont Jaipur adds that Gond ka Halwa is also a characteristic winter dish of Rajasthan. “Eaten all over Rajasthan in winters, the main ingredient used in this dish is edible gum from the tree. This has a lot of protein and calories. It is served as a dessert and in some parts, it is eaten as a meal also,” he quips.
Mustard oil laden Bengali cuisine
West Bengal has its own share of green leafy vegetables that people savour in January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
Kolkata's dry, spicy mutton dish is cooked over slow fire, and is a regional favourite winter. Sorsheshak or mustard leaves and mulo shak or radish leaves are used liberally in most preparations. Sometimes, several varieties of green leafy vegetables are mixed to prepare one dish. Kosha Mangsho or a dry mutton dish prepared in mustard oil is another regional favourite. The mutton is sauteed over slow fire for several hours, along with ground and whole spices and it is these spices and mustard oil that generate heat to keep the body warm. Who can miss the sweets in Bengal, regardless of the season? Fortunately, Kolkata boasts of special sweets for winter too. Made with the earthy flavoured new jaggery or nolen gur, there are options like notun gurer sandesh, pithe and choshir payesh to choose from. So, no matter which region of India you visit this winter, make sure you relish the traditional seasonal fare that turbo charges your system and enables you to remain free of winter ailments.
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Soul stirring
food 70
This winter, tickle your tastebuds with a few summery notes of revitalised world cuisines at some fantastic bistros in Delhi. W ords | ram y a J S d ' ro z ario
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hai red curry, ramen, galangal, lemongrass, slurpy noodles, sticky rice, etc. We’ve all been there, done that. It’s time to try something new, something different, something twisted just right to tantalise your sensory perceptions.
Dive into the gastronomic world of German, French, Californian, Caribbean or even an all-out American cuisine this season
Bon Apetit
Present in the Delhi restaurant scene since July 2013, Le Bistro du Parc has been winning hearts with every meal. Nestled in the heart of Moolchand Market in Defence Colony, the bright yellow letters beckon those wanting to warm their souls.
winter dispels the blazing heat that delhi is famous for and a great excuse to dine out with family and friends. dig into warm and delicious gastronomic inventions, meaty delights and slurp on comforting broths January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
Headed by Naina de BoisJuzan, Le Bistro du Parc (LBDP) promotes the unique concept of ‘Bistronomie’, a combination of classic French gastronomy and friendly neighbourhood bistro. Says Naina, “Unlike pure gastronomy, ‘bistronomie’ prides itself on accessibility. It’s about showcasing the pre-eminence of contemporary French cuisine without any of the pretension that is so often associated with it. It’s about making that which is refined - a little friendlier and more personal." Offering simple and classic French dishes, the chef ensures that the cuisine is not diluted and retains every bit of its ‘French’ heritage. Serving the luscious chicken liver parfait, snapper with ratatouille vegetables or even cheese gratin, the plating is beyond expectations. The restaurant offers a set menu for lunch through the weekdays.
At Zu Tisch, sink into the vintage-styled bistro and old-world charm Akin to French bistros, the menu is displayed on a large blackboard that gives the chef freedom to change the offerings as and when he pleases, and in keeping with the seasonal options. With seating over two floors, the tables draped in white linen are set quite close and diners may have to mind their elbows.
Continental Drift
Pegging itself as a German bistro bar, Zu Tisch has been earning rave reviews ever since it opened in GK (I) M Block market. The onefloor venue offers a hearty meal to those who venture in, coupled with
great music and a rustic wooden decor. With the aim of providing a casual dining place, Zu Tisch offers more than just German cuisine, borrowing some dishes from fellow European countries. Says Mayank Yadav, co-owner of Zu Tisch, “We define ourselves as a bistro where we wanted to keep a diverse menu which had something for everyone - ranging from the diverse German delicacies to the more generic offerings.” Away from the bustle of Delhi, one feels easily at home here in the vintage-styled bistro. The seating is a mix of lounge, table and bar stools, with an old world flooring and wooden groin vaults, which give a typical German cottage feel that will surely get you to sink in, relax and take-in the vibe. Classic German dishes like schnitzels such as Wiener Schnitzel
No more fusion Naina de Bois-Juzan from Le Bistro du Parc does not want fusion in her restaurant, and wants to serve authentic French cuisine as much as possible. “We are not Indianising our cuisine in any way. As a matter of fact, we don’t even have chilli flakes in our kitchen. But we do have the French equivalent which is Piment d'espelette!”
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Fine dine a passe Rumbar’s co-owner Pio Coffrant shares his thoughts on the changing restaurant scenario in Delhi.
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“Fine dine is a very ‘Indian’ expression that does not carry much meaning, does not guarantee good food and carries an image of being a bit stiff and stuffy. The restaurant crowd is much younger these days, some well travelled, and they are looking for places with a more relaxed feel and look, where you can eat well and find a pleasant atmosphere.” In the West, some ‘bistros’ have become leading culinary experimental places where young chefs are not afraid to experiment with food, sometimes with great success, he explains.
Wall art
The wall illustrations at Rumbar are linked to its tropical theme. On the restaurant side, the forest & birds illustrated on the walls bring a cheerful and pleasant feel to the ambience, taking you to a faraway, imaginary place. Similarly, on the bar side, Pio wanted to blend music and an imaginary island feel together. Hence, the foot prints, dancers behind the stage, and wavering palm trees.
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Today, people like to explore different cuisines & flavours Mit Pommes Frites to massive burgers, falafel-inspired open sandwiches, lasagne, pizza and even gnocchi, the menu is vast and varied. Do try Zwiebel Ringe, a glorious basket of beer battered onion rings that are light and crispy, along with a dollop of garlic mayonnaise. The bar menu is adequately stocked with the choicest of German brews and cocktails. Interestingly, this bistro-pub is the product of three young IITians who pooled their resources to follow their passion. Mayank, Eshaan and Pulkit gave shape to Zu Tisch as a trendy up-market hangout destination.
Bootleggers & Prohibition
Located in Hauz Khas Village, Moonshine Cafe & Bar offers a wide range of delicacies perfect to relax and unwind with friends or family. Inspired from the famous 1920s American watering holes, the bar recreates an underground pub mood and caters to a wide variety of tastes.
Adds Kabeer Marwaha, co-owner of Moonshine Cafe & Bar, “Although Moonshine Café & Bar reflects American culture and its prohibition era, it believes in offering a wide variety of cuisines to its guests. Our chef has specially curated the entire menu to cater to each palate depending upon people’s choice and mood. We understand the pulse of today’s people who like exploring different cuisines, which is why we have not restricted our menu.” Nibble on Cheese & Jalapeno Croquettes, Moonshine Sliders, Panko Crusted Dahi Kebabs, Lamb Quesadillas, Stuffed Tandoori Mushroom and Mezze platters or bar snacks such as Grilled Aubergine, Haloumi and Pesto Sliders and Nachos loaded with Jalapenos and Chorizo.
Tropical Fiesta
A quaint Caribbean retreat in the heart of India’s capital, Rumbar provides a quick escape for Delhiites into the land of Rum, Rumba, Cuban and French Creole cuisine. Set on the first floor, the venue is split into two, with live music bands entertaining the diners in one. The other half provides a small seating area, with even the balcony housing
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small circular tables and chairs overlooking the main lane in Hauz Khas Village. Large French windows, that are wooden and painted in distressed blue, lead out into the balcony, acting as a terrific statement piece. The walls are painted in pastel shades with delicate birds, trees and colourful leaves. “The bar area aims to bring together different influences by playing host to a melange of musical events varying from Indian to international artists such as Solo Indien, Latin Jam Trio, Delhi Sultanate, and Veronica Nunes,” says Pio Coffrant, owner. Do try the absolute lip-smacking Saffron Risotto cooked with white wine and peppered with sundried tomatoes and capers, or the Gazpacho, a traditional cold Spanish soup. The dessert menu will bring a smile to many with its glorious Churros that vanish with a puff of sugar dust with every bite, Baba au Rhum, a classic Angel cake soaked
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California cuisine is modern European cuisine with a twist in rhum and a modern dessert burger fashioned out of fruits. Sip heavenly Rum Punch, ruminate over Empanadas and enjoy the lilting exotic music, Rumbar is THE bistro to visit. Owned and managed by two French gentlemen passionate about Creole food and music, Rumbar is a labour of love based on their experiences.
Sunny California
A smart product of three friends, The Hungry Monkey is delighting diners across the city. Overlooking the lush greenery of Deer Park in Safdurjung Enclave, the outlet serves delectable California Cuisine (not to be mistaken with American Cuisine),
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that is essentially modern European cuisine with a fusion twist from other cuisines around the world such as Japanese, Indian, etc., and also heavily influenced by local produce. Talking about The Hungry Monkey, co-founders Sameer Kohli and Rohan Gupta, add, “It is chefdriven cooking which is ‘dish-centric’ as opposed to being ‘genre centric’. Our food focusses on a global palate combined with fresh produce and a fusion of flavours.” Thus, they have tied up with farms like Farm Love and The Green Bean, ensuring that the produce and ingredients used are fresh, organic and procured locally. With a sublime offering of blissfully different and downright delicious food, restaurants in Delhi are going to extreme lengths to offer diners wholesome and organic meals. The honesty and beauty of the spread attached to each venue, keeps customers coming back for more.
flying brunch The brunch at The Hungry Monkey is quite unique in its offerings. On Sundays, The Flying Brunch makes its appearance with a variety of dishes. The antipasti is served on the bar floor, but the ‘flying’ dishes are passed around by the servers. Do
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try the various concoctions of the Bloody Mary, where one even has a fried bacon instead of a celery stick. The food here is comforting, and the Grilled Pork Sausage with chunky rosemary potato and croutons need special mention.
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Smart Packing 76
Packing is an art, unique to every traveller but by packing smart, it is possible to get everything you need in your bag. W ords | n eelam si n g h
I
t is always best to travel light. If your bag feels heavy while you are carrying it out of your house, then you probably have too much stuff or you haven’t packed the right way. While carrying less cargo certainly has its benefits, even the most seasoned travellers agonise over how to limit excess baggage. A good traveller is judged by the fact how light she or he travels. You can’t travel heavy and happy. It requires practicality, carefully choosing what items to pack and strategically organising them into one compact carry-on.
Smart packing is not all about saving money or time, it's also about changing the way you travel, your entire travel lifestyle. Pack too much and you end up disorganised and burdened with heavy bags. With the right packing tips, you will be independent to move the way you want
Packing essentials
Keep your ID proof, money and credit cards in a security pouch. Keep some small currency in your pocket for little purchases (rather than pulling out everything each time). Carry photocopies of your ID, visas, and credit cards with you but in a separate compartment from the real ones (the idea being that if you lose one, you still have the other). Copies can also be scanned and kept on a USB thumb drive (possibly encrypted). Tip: Consider 'buddy packing', where your travel partner keeps your important photocopies and you keep theirs.
SpiceJet allows free checked-in baggage allowance of 15 kg per passenger. for all domestic bookings, from EX-IXJ and SXR free checked-in baggage allowance is 22 kg per passenger per flight. SpiceJet also allows the complimentary cabin bag in addition to small personal items, like an overcoat or umbrella January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
shovana narayan One of the most celebrated artiste of Kathak, Padmashree Shovna Narayan is a storehouse of talent. She considers herself a light traveller... know why? Her Travel essentials "If it’s a professional dance tour, then my costume, makeup, dance jewellery, ghunghuroos, musical instruments, travelling iron and my dance diary are a MUST. In addition, I always make sure that I have my cellphones with multi-country plug and few reading books with me. In case it is an extended tour, then my laptop too."
Roll it up
Rolling clothes instead of folding them will save tons of baggage space. This works well with pants, skirts and sports shirts. Lay the item face down, fold back the sleeves and then roll from the bottom up. All rolled items should be placed at the bottom of the bag, with formal items arranged neatly and tightly on top. Stack the bulkiest items, such as pants and sweaters, into the corners of your bag to distribute weight evenly, and then compile rolled items at the centre. Empty spaces in a suitcase will cause the clothes to shift around and wrinkle faster. Tip: Roll tightly, if done carefully you can cut the space your clothes take up by half. This method resists wrinkling too.
Fold clothes together
In order to keep your formalwear wrinkle-free, the best bet is folding rather than rolling. Take two or more garments, and lay half of one pair on top of the other. Fold the one on the bottom over the pair on the top. Then take the other and fold it on the top. This gives each pair some cushion where you've folded it, so it's less likely to crease or wrinkle in the folds.
Shoes
Packing shoes can always be a challenge, particularly for women who travel with heels. A good approach
is to pack socks and other small garments into the shoes, which will save space and help the shoes to keep shape. If you're packing shoes (in addition to those you're wearing), use shoe bags to keep dust away from the rest of your belongings.
Pack toiletries right
Pack your dry toiletries in one pouch, and your liquid & gel toiletries in another. Keep your lotion, sunglasses, ear plugs, lipstick, toothbrush, comb, any special medicines and necessary items in the top of your bag or in a separate hand bag.
Don't waste space
From the outer pockets to the space at the bottom of your case beside the handle tubing, there are lots of crevices in bags for tucking extra belongings. Opt for packing items into soft containers rather than rigid ones to avoid dead spaces between.
My packing Tip: "While travelling, one should not pack cotton sarees that require good starch, hence, silk or semisilk sarees that are light and convenient should be taken along."
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foot fetish
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With the onset of winter, foot troubles aggravate during this season. Curb further complications by knowing what to do and what not to do. Read on for some expert foot care tips...
W
inter weather is cold and damp, so it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure that your feet stay warm and dry. Due to cold, our blood circulation slows down in winters and we start to feel lazy, which results in feeling tired quickly.
Winter season can be specially hazardous, considering threats like numbness and decreased circulation. Taking care of your feet is important to your overall health
Inspect your feet every day
It is important to inspect your feet daily. Look carefully at all the pressure areas of your feet and between your toes. Inspect for any breaks in the skin, discharge, changes in colour, blisters, corns or calluses.
whether it is winter or summer, water is important for your body. the Skin needs to be moisturised inside and out to stay healthy, So keep a fluent water intake for body’s moisture
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pamper them Soak your feet in a small tub filled with warm water. Add few drops of essential oils to the water: peppermint will cool down hot, aching feet; tea tree is antibacterial and antifungal and will help to treat any nasty fungal infections while rosemary oil will help to warm cold feet and aid circulation. Soaking your feet in warm water for 10 minutes softens the skin and the rough patches. rub the heels with a soft pumice stone and remove the dead skin.
Keep your feet clean and dry
Use a foot scrub to stimulate circulation and leave your feet feeling and looking soft and smooth. Always use a moisturiser on your feet after a bath or shower. For super soft feet, once a week at bed time, apply moisturiser, cover with some cotton socks and wear overnight.
Wearing boots and thick socks may keep your feet warm and toasty in the winter, but it can also cause them to sweat a lot. Damp feet get cold more easily and are prone to bacterial infections. Keep your feet clean and dry by applying foot powder in your socks, treating yourself to footbaths throughout the season, and drying your feet thoroughly after each footbath.
Use cotton and wool socks During winters, always wear socks with natural fabrics like cotton and wool instead of synthetic blends. Wool wicks moisture away from the skin and keeps your feet dry. On the other hand, socks made of synthetic materials can cause your feet to get sweaty and smelly. Excess moisture can also cause the skin to cool down more quickly and potentially lead to frostbite.
Wear comfortable boots
Wear boots that fit comfortably and aren’t too tight. Tight footwear can decrease blood flow making it harder
Always wear socks with natural fabrics like cotton & wool to keep your feet warm. Since our feet get stiff in winters, uncomfortable shoes will make our feet feel tired quickly, making our feet ache in no time. Give your feet a rest every other day or so and wear flat, comfortable shoes. Squashing them into tight, sky-high heels may look stylish, but bunions and corns won’t.
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Nail care
Untrimmed or infected toenails are a frequent cause of infections and ulcers. You can soak your feet first to soften the nails and then cut them straight across. If you have trouble trimming your nails, get professional help. Nails that are thick, crumbly, or discoloured may need professional care. Thickened, fungal nails should be filed down.
Moisturise your feet
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Dry heat from blowers, like in the car, the heater blasting at your feet, can make dryness worse and lead to problems. During the winter months, it is advisable to use an extra emollient moisturiser on the feet. Keeping the feet moisturised prevents cracked heels and fissures that are painful and are prone to infections. Avoid moisturising between toes since added moisture encourages bacterial and fungal skin infections.
It is advisable to use emollient moisturiser on the feet during winter season
Keep the blood flowing
Don’t burn your feet!
Since winter makes us doubly lazy, the blood flow to our feet decreases. Avoid this by putting your feet up whenever you are sitting. One can also wiggle the toes for 5 minutes, two to three times a day, and move one's ankles up and down and side to side. Also, ensure that you do not cross your legs for a long period of time. Avoid wearing exceptionally tight socks, elastic or rubber bands around your legs.
During this season, be careful when using heated foot massagers, heat pads and hot water bottles. You may burn yourself without knowing. Be careful when using electric blankets, hot soaks or warming your feet on a radiator. When indulging in a foot bath, always check water temperature with your elbow before you soak your feet. When it comes to looking after your feet it doesn’t matter what time
footcare tips • Keep nails trimmed • Use good footcream • remove rough skin gently
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of year it is. You should be taking care of your feet all year round to ensure that they are always in their tip-top condition. In winters you just need to be a little more aware of dry skin, but a good slather of foot cream regularly should help with this. If you want your feet to be happy, then you need to treat them right.
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Pregnant women need shoes with broad heels, arch support and good shock absorbency visit a podiatric physician regularly
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sunshine and togetherness When winter comes, it's time to get together, pack food, games and all the paraphernalia, and step out to spend a day in the sun. W ords | Palla v i S i n g h
T
he word 'picnic' conjures an image of a day full of fun, food and fun-filled games and activities. I still remember as a child the mere mention of the word 'picnic' made our eyes gleam with excitement. Those were the days when television and gadgets hadn’t caught on the imagination of the children like today. As children who grew up in the 70s and 80s, entertainment used to be a visit to
Eating outdoors is special for kids, but packing up the food and having it outside in the park has its own charm. A get together is the perfect way to explore the outdoors with the entire family and friends
the cinema (at the discretion of the parents), to the clubs for a cultural or musical evening, or a weekend visit to the city zoo, participating in Durga Puja festivities, watching Ramleela during Dussehra, or an occasional visit to the circus or local fairs. However, the fun of going on a picnic was altogether different. A picnic requires planning the perfect spot, deciding the menu, working out the mode of transport to be taken, collecting the items
A picnic idea that will pique the interest of both the adults and children, is to prepare a barbeque this winter. opt for meat or cottage cheese, spear some mushrooms & bell peppers and baste them generously with the marinade January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
pizza muffins Portion: 6 Muffins Preparation Time: 30 mins Ingredients Whole wheat flour - 1/2 cup All purpose flour - 1/2 cup Salt - 1 tsp Red chili flakes - 1/2 tsp Dried basil - 1/2 tsp Baking powder - 1 1/2 tsp Garlic powder - 1/2 tsp 1 onion chopped and sautéed 1 egg Milk - 1/2 cup Cheese - 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 1/4 cup Tomato Basil sauce - 1 tblsp + 6 tsp Olives chopped - 1/4 cup that would be used for playing various games, etc. New Year is considered to be a favourable time for picnics. Being winter season, the weather is just fine to indulge in a variety of food, play games out in the sun, skip, sing, dance, in short, have fun. Earlier, the games that one mostly played during a picnic visit was Tambola, Frisbee, Ludo, Chess, Carrom, Chinese Checkers, Ring Ball (a round small rubber ball that two players were supposed to hold without dropping when thrown at each other), and so much more. It was a common sight to see picnickers playing antakshari while travelling to the picnic spot.
Bond better
Picnics are a great way to bond, stay healthy and fall in love with a new place. Remember ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. The best part about going to a picnic is the fact that it is a great way to bond with family members, friends and relatives. Caught in the humdrum of daily activities, one does not get a chance to connect with relatives. However, a day’s outing together helps each one to understand the
other person better, be it our cousins or even our grandparents, uncles and aunts. It helps to teach the meaning of interpersonal relationships, caring, sharing and connecting better.
Healthy you
Picnics help children to learn the significance of outdoor play. It was important then and it is important even now. Years have passed, changes have set in, electronic gadgets, computers, PS2, PS3 and X-Box games have started to dominate a child’s world. However, all of us would agree that playing out in the sun helps children get sunshine, some Vitamin D3, and also helps to refresh both the mind and body. Not only kids, but even adults stand to benefit from a day out in the sun. Indulging in sports or games as part of the activities helps release chemicals called endorphins, which trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. For example, the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as ‘euphoric’. That feeling, known as a ‘runner's high’, can be accompanied by a positive and energising outlook on life.
For the Topping Mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup Olives - 1/4 cup sliced Method Chop the onion fine and saute in a tiny bit of olive oil and keep aside. In a mixing bowl measure out all the dry ingredients - flours, baking powder, seasonings, salt. Keep aside. In a glass, break the egg, measure out the oil and milk and Pizza sauce and mix in the cheese. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix quickly. In a muffin lined tray, drop one tablespoon of the mix into each case, followed by a teaspoon of the tomato basil sauce. Drop another tsp of the mix to seal the muffins. Top each muffin with mozzarella cheese and sliced olives. Bake for 20 minutes till a skewer comes out clean. Eat hot, while using the pizza sauce as a dip. Courtesy: Del Monte Foods
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Left: A still of the popular film 'The Sound of Music', wherein the characters can be seen enjoying a picnic
Food, food and food!
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When we talk of picnics how can the topic of food be left behind? The most exciting part of going to a picnic is to relish a host of delicacies. Picnic baskets have always attracted a lot of attention for their variety and goodies. For example, homemade chips, cakes, popcorns, muffins, pulao, and juices, sweets and a whole lot of sweets/ chocolates and munchies for one and all. Today, the names may have changed, but the level of fun generated still holds true.
Discovering places
Picnics are fun not only for the sake of food and games, it also gives everyone a chance to learn about a place better. Whenever we go out for a picnic, the entire group tries to see and discover the place in a way that we all learn about the place better. It could be a river spot, a
waterfall, or a park, every place has its own charm. Plus the excitement of having scrumptious delights in the open can be highly satisfying and satiating.
Favourite picnic spots in India's top cities
Mumbai Hanging garden and Kamala Nehru Park at Malabar Hill in South Mumbai, Elephanta Island, 10 km east of Mumbai, Alibaug, 110 kms south of Mumbai, Matheran, around 100 km east of Mumbai, Lonavala. Delhi India Gate lawns, Damdama lake, around 53 km from Delhi, Surajkund, about 8 km from Delhi, Garden of Five Senses near Mehrauli Heritage Area, Millennium Park. Bengaluru Muthathi, a small village on
the bank of Kaveri, 80 km from Bengaluru; Muthyala Maduvu (Pearl Valley), 45 km from Bengaluru; Ramohalli, 28 km from Bengaluru; Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary; Shivanasamudra – Gaganachukki; Bharachukki waterfalls. Chennai Vandalur, 40 km from Chennai, MGM Dizee World, 26 km from Chennai, Sadras, 70 km from Chennai, Mahabalipuram. Kolkata Botanical Garden, Howrah, Victoria Memorial, Maidan, Diamond Harbour, Nalban.
SpiceJet connects the above mentioned cities with daily flights to many other destinations in India.
add some fruit punch A delicious way to stay hydrated while on a picnic is to arm yourselves with fruit drinks of various flavours such as orange, pineapple, green apple, or even mixed fruits. Children are bound to love slurping on fruit drinks when out in the open.
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
Add some more fun by mixing the drinks in a bowl or jug, adding a dash of tabasco sauce, rock salt, chaat masala, oodles of fresh lemon juice, and any other ingredient you wish. Pour into cute glasses and dress them with mini paper umbrellas!
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Spreading awareness
Headed by the cricket legend Kapil Dev, KHUSHII works for the upliftment of poor and destitute communities in India.
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rom the last seven years, KHUSHII (Kinship for Humanitarian Social & Holistic Intervention) has been working tirelessly to grow and expand its scope of activities in the fields of education, healthcare, livelihood training, micro-finance and environment in order to reach out and affect as many lives as possible.
In a way, this organisation touches the lives of over 10,000 people and helps them discover alternatives leading to their socioeconomic independence, self-sustainability and better health
"Approximately 400 million Indian citizens are below the age of 18, making it the world's largest child population. A staggering number of these children go through childhood with their basic needs unmet. Around 63 per cent of Indian children go to bed hungry, 53 per cent suffer from chronic malnutrition, 20 million Indian children live on the streets, 60
In 2003, a group of like-minded people with a common vision of a stronger nation gathered to discuss a charitable venture and thus, KHUSHII was born
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million are deprived of education, and 85 million children have never been immunised." (Source: UNICEF & NSOE)
Challenges
“Identifying the right objective, gathering funds to carry forward those objectives and creating a support group of well meaning members were the main challenges initially," shares Vivek Khushlani, President, KHUSHII. "Communicating and promoting a cause for the greater good is always a challenge. But it has been 11 years now and KHUSHII has sustained itself on its own. When people see you doing good and results are there in front of you, then support and
faith comes on its own. Overall, it has been a very humbling and gratifying journey, and learning experience of a lifetime,” he adds.
Innovative fundraising
Understanding the necessity and effectiveness of sustainable and self-generative methods, KHUSHII started working through similar mechanisms. They did not give themselves an option of governmental funding. Realising the
numerous non-profit organisations coming up daily, the group decided not to pile another organisation's existence onto the government. Instead, they identified with a concept of creating unique fundraising and involving the society. Started by luminaries from distinct fields, the brains behind KHUSHII recognised the need for sustainable processes that would ensure continuous social and financial sustenance for its projects. The first step was in the form of a fundraiser 'Score with a Smile', a charity cricket match with elements of music, dance and fashion roped in. This initiative has given the much needed encouragement to keep the organisation focussed, and moving slow yet steady in its efforts.
Early days
In 2003, the group adopted Neemrana, a historical place near Alwar and started health camps and vocational training classes there. It also supported an orphanage and an old age home under its 'Dada Dadi' programme. In 2005, the group expanded its reach and integrated a 12-point Programme for Community Development, establishment of Placement Cell – Drishti, Tsunami Rehabilitation Campaign, constructed 100 homes at Tharangampadi, Nagapattam and extended its support to 31 children at Bahai School, Sikkim. In 2006, Shikshaantra, remedial education
Seeking support "I want more and more people to come forward and join KHUSHII, and contribute towards its cause of education. I would like to see ‘KHUSHII’ on the face of every child in India." - Kapil Dev, Chairman, KHUSHII
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Success Story
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Jitender Pandey heralds one of the success stories of KHUSHII Swatantra Shikshaantra. The 18-year-old boy has always been a very serious and obedient child since the day he joined Shikshaantra. He lives in Devli with his family in a rented house. His father, KS Pandey, is a Finishing In-charge in a garment export company who earns around Rs 10,000 per month. His mother Sarita Pandey is a homemaker. He has an elder brother who is pursuing graduation in Economics (Hons), and a younger sister who is studying in Class XII. Since April 2, 2009, he has been associated with KHUSHII. He scored CPGA-9 in Class X and 91 per cent in Class XII in 2013. He is now pursuing a four-year Chartered Accountancy course under the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Jitender has passed his Integrated Professional Competency Test (IPCC exam), both groups, and at present, he has been undergoing his internship with BMR Advisors for three years.
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There has been a change in the attitude of parents towards girl child education centre was established in Delhi. Along with it, awareness generation activities – Health, Hygiene, Sanitation, RCH & Education were also started by them. In 2008, they started Pan India project – World Action Forum (WAF) and extended its support to Salaam Bombay Trust. Impact of KHUSHII Swatantra Shikshaantra Remedial Educare Programme • Academic performance of children has improved remarkably • The community has become aware of the importance of education • Substantial change in the attitude of parents towards girl child education • Rate of dropout in government school has decreased • Nutritious mid-day meal • They have become more responsible towards their community “The journey was not all that easy, we stumbled and did face numerous challenges throughout, but with support from each other, we did not let our hopes and aspirations crumble. Having run projects across states and in diverse areas of concern, today we stand confident in taking bigger and bolder steps,” recalls
Vivek. Currently, KHUSHII stands with dual identities, one of KHUSHII with which it started and evolved, and two of World Action Forum (WAF), in aiding other credible social setups.
Current scenario
“There are 2,050 children with us in our own schools, and in a few other schools which KHUSHII has adopted as they were not able to sustain themselves. We aim to have 5,000 children under KHUSHII’s umbrella by 2016. The new board is young and dynamic, and has great plans for future,” informs Vivek. Under World Action Forum, KHUSHII and numerous other member NGOs, funding agencies and corporate entities work handin-hand in nine well defined mandates of - Agriculture & Rural Development; Art, Culture & Sports; Disability; Education; Employabilty & Skill Development; Environment; Healthcare; Senior Citizen Assist; and Social Entrepreneurship. Established 12 years ago, KHUSHII is proud of the impact it has made on communities via interventions in education, health and hygiene and gender equality. It continues to grow and expand its flagship initiative, Shikshaantra, that aims at remedial education for the less privileged to make them independent and contributing members of society.
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glimpses of
Goa
Magnificent beaches, moonlight cruises, delectable fresh seafood, shimmering stars, invigorating treks, majestic churches, Goa is a delightful place for a tourist. There is much more to Goa than just beaches and sea. Put your best foot forward to discover the unexplored parts of Goa.
Photo g ra p hs | balraj sah n i
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January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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Basically a fishing village, Coco Beach is a very quiet beach, situated among a large number of palm trees. Most of the beach shacks on Coco beach offer a boat trip round the bay, popularly known as 'Dolphin spotting trip'.
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1 1. It is impossible to imagine the landscape of Goan beaches without fishermen and fishing boats. 2. The Arabian Sea is home to over 100 species of fish, including barramundi, barracuda, salmon, groper, red snapper, etc. 3. Church of Cavelossim is dedicated to the Holy Cross. Established as a chapel in 1763, it was elevated to a church in 1948. 4. Located on the Goa-Karnataka-Maharashtra border, Chorla ghat is a tropical forest with many waterfalls around the area.
4 January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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SpiceJet offers convenient connections from major metro cities to goa. For details log on to www.spicejet.com
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1. a beautiful little cove, Vagator Beach is fringed by palms and cliffs, and is famous for two fresh water springs in the region. 2. Known as the ‘Queen of Beaches’, Calangute beach offers the ultimate beach experience, along with a lot of water sport activities. 3. Reis Magos lighthouse highlights the Portuguese style of architecture and offers a spectacular view of Mandovi estuary. 4. Experience a real fishing adventure by joining the local fishermen. 5. Water sports such as parasailng, water scooter, banana ride and bumper ride are offered on every beach in Goa. January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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Fact known as ‘Pearl of the Orient’, this sun-kissed state was liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961. Even today, the traces of Portuguese influences left over from a 500-year occupation is evident in the Goan culture. It became the 25th State of India in 1987. 1. Reis Magos church is visible from River Mandovi as a stunningly beautiful monument. built in 1555, This magnificent church is famous for its annual feast held on January 6 and is dedicated to the Three Wise Men.
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2. Enjoy a lovely cruise down the river Mandovi, moving past Adil Shah's Summer Palace towards Reis Magos Fort from where you get a view of the Grand Fort Aguada, majestic Cabo – the Governor's Palace, Miramar Beach and the glorious sun set.
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2 January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
Sandhiya Mehhta Numerologist and Vastu consultant
Sandhiya Mehhta received the ‘Asia Pacific award’ for outstanding achievements and services to the nation by Prime Minister of Nepal in October 2014.
The nation changed as it was supposed to, Modi Wave predictions have come true. 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, Rastriya Rattan Award, 4P Brand, Mahila Shiromani Award, Global Indian Leaders Excellence Award, titled ‘The Indian Nostradamus’ etc. “A bright star has its own energy; but to light up a lamp in the dark is much more powerful,” and with that motto she leads her life and helps all sorts of individuals. Numerology is a science of accuracy, the first predictive occult science. In ancient times people used stars as a numerical reference to count things and plan their lives. Today when we have all the knowledge, we don’t need stars, we just need a number and then study it accordingly. A number changes things, it tells you a precise year that your life is turning, and allows you to prepare for it. Knowledge is simple, but to plan for the future is upon you, and if you do this well numerology will help you tremendously to grow, rise and shine. 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.” Her methods “I do not just give predictions and sit as a numerologist, I communicate, consult and empower your energies for a better life”. To see a hurdle as a problem is foolish, but to learn the path and use a different course is wise. I work with an aim of guiding people to sustain and grow their positive energies and to work on their weaknesses, make them stronger and positive for a future course. We all are blessed by positive energies, just not all. So to recognize what is missing, and to uplift it is my strength as a Numerologist. 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 these 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 these 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 know them as rahu-ketu & 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 can 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. It is a blessing in disguise; it teaches you lessons in life and makes you a stronger person, and to find a partner with the same number will be the best marriage
Numbers such as 1,9,5 & 3 struggling through success 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. How does numerology help me: Numerology is the only work of occult science which deals in numbers directly, and so one does get to work with the closest association of our daily lives. Our age, finances, the turnaround years, the lucky dates, months. Once you have your detailed consultation, one can then plan his life. ‘To have the knowledge is the supreme power you will ever receive, and numerology will give you the knowledge about “Yourself ”.’ Overseas but curious: “I have many clients overseas who are so attached to me and have a faith in my system. One can just learn about themselves, understand his life in a much better way, no matter where you reside, what faith you belong to or what are your inhibitions, you should never deny yourself the knowledge of your own self ” Results There is a Buddhist saying, ‘you yourself must strive; the Buddha 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 HO: Mumbai: 022-26371670, 71, +91 – 9819921673, +91 9769071673, Delhi: +91-9654483695 Email: contact.yellowsoul@gmail.com Website: www.yellowsoul.in
For daily predictions follow:
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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Ringing in the New year
The New Year brings with it a bouquet of celebrations in and around India. There's a lot to see and do during this month. W ords | Palla v i S i n g h
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66th republic day
Though India became a free nation on August 15, 1947, it declared itself a Sovereign, Democratic and Republic state with the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. Since then, 26th of January was recognised as the Republic Day of India. To mark the occasion, a grand parade is held in New Delhi and the event starts with India's prime
minister laying a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, to remember soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country. On this day, ceremonious parades take place at the Rajpath. India's president takes the military salute during the parade. School children also participate in the parade by dancing and singing patriotic songs. The parade concludes with a ‘fly past’ by the Indian Air Force, which involves
fighter planes flying past the dais, symbolically saluting the president. These leave trails of smoke in the colours of the Indian flag. When: January 26 Where: All over India SpiceJet offers daily flights connecting Delhi to Ahmedabad and other major metro cities.
International Kite Festival attracts kite flyers from many different countries. In addition to kite flying, there's aerial acrobats, kite painting competitions, and kite making workshops. When: January 7-15, 2015; Where: Ahmedabad January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
Pongal
Lohri Lohri celebrates the arrival of the New Year. Traditional singing and dancing, accompanied with a sumptuous feast and bonfire sets up the mood for nonstop celebrations. This festival is believed to burn all the moments of sadness and brings warmth of happiness and love. It marks the end of the harvest season in northern India, and is characterised by the worship of fire. The main rituals during Lohri festival include chanting prayers in front of
the fire for abundant crops and taking parikramas (three rounds of the pious fire) while throwing peanuts and sweets in the sacred fire. After this ritual, prasad is distributed that includes sweets like gur, gazak and revdi, peanuts, popcorn and puffed rice. The first Lohri of a bride or a newborn baby is considered extremely important in India.
Pongal is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in south India and is a thanksgiving for the plentiful harvest received. People clean and decorate their homes with flowers and rangoli (kolam) and buy new clothes. This is when farmers bring newly harvested rice home and feed their cattle a rice dish called Pongal, from where the festival got its name, and is dedicated to Lord Surya. Pongal is also celebrated as Tamil Nadu’s New Year Day. It also coincides with Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival celebrated in northern and other parts of India. In other regions, it is known as Lohri, Bihu, Hadaga, and Poki. The first day of the Pongal festival, Bhogi Pongal, is dedicated to the worship of the rain God Indra. The second day of the festival, called Surya Pongal, is devoted to the Sun God. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is a day dedicated to cattle and other animals. The final day of the Pongal festival, which is traditionally known as Kannum Pongal, is the day when families relax, visit each other and have lunch with friends and family. When: January 15 Where: Karnataka & Tamil Nadu
When: January 13 Where: Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, parts of Himachal Pradesh
SpiceJet offers extensive flights to the major cities in south India, as well as Chandigarh and Delhi, among other destinations in the north. Kolkata is also well connected to various cities in India and Bangkok.
Basant Panchami/Saraswati Puja Basant Panchami is a popular festival in North India which heralds the arrival of the spring season. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped by students and teachers on the day in northern and eastern parts of India. Children place their books & stationery at the feet of the deity, seeking her blessings.
Pujas are held either at home, or in small communities, and later the prasad or bhog is distributed among one and all. When: January 25 Where: All over India
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HOT Picks
Splurge on these lifestyle essentials Crew Messenger Bags
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Made of the highest quality materials, these bags are available in many fresh colours, and feature some of the coolest print designs. Its parts click, stick and zip, allowing you to (re) customise the bag. It is made out of superstrong & weatherproof truck tarpaulin, ensuring it will last forever. Price: `4999/Available at: www.grinbrands. comﾧ
Leather Accessories for men
Corneliani presents its AW 2014 range of leather accessories like wallets, iPad covers, iPhone cases, card holders, and more in calfskin leather, for the modern day man. With these urban chic accessories, Corneliani hits the right combination of elegance and style, for today's stylish man. Price: On request Available at: Corneliani Boutiques in Delhi, Mumbai & Bengaluru
For Beautiful, Voluminous Hair
Moroccanoil volumising mousse transforms lifeless locks into full-bodied, natural-looking styles with lift and movement. Specially designed for fine to medium textured hair, its weightless formula provides flexible control without any sticky residue, flaking or buildup. Price: On request Available at: Fine salons or visit at www.moroccanoil.com January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
Marvels by Mirari
Mirari unveils the most dramatic collection of jewellery, the statement earrings, boasting uniqueness & exclusivity and gives that royal and luxurious look. These embellished baubles are an ideal combination of modernity and traditionalism. The diamonds, rubies, sapphires and pearls, ruling the collection, make it a whole gallery of precious and royal jewellery. Price: On request Available at: www. mirari.com
EXQUISITE COLLECTION
The ‘Bold and Beautiful’ range by Varuna D Jani, renowned jewellery designer and adornologist, comprises of a beguiling collection of Bold Gemstone Jewellery. The collection has a wide range of earrings, cuff bracelets and flamboyant earrings accented in the finest quality of precious stones, diamonds, gold and white gold. Price: On request Visit www.varunadjani.com
Maui Jim’s Winter Collection
World’s renowned polarised sunglasses maker Maui Jim offers a trendy and versatile collection in Black and Brown frames for winter wear collection. Maui Jim sunglasses have been awarded the Seal of Recommendation from The Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective UV filter for the eyes and surrounding skin. Price: `12,300 onwards Available at: Leading optical stores
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Evening Classics
Evening gowns, the pinnacle of lofty occasions, are the recent flare of glamour added to the exquisite wardrobe of Trendy Divva. Associated with a glamour quotient, these outfits are quoted with opulent shades of green, blue, deliciously spread hot pink, the royal combination of red and gold. From fine laces to dazzling sequins, the collection has it all. Price Range: `4,995 onwards Available: www.trendydivva. com
True Wanderer Bike Packs
Wrangler presents its latest range of True Wanderer Bike Packs - City Series that come with 3D Mesh Cushions at the back which give excellent ventilation and better airflow. With a coated water resistant fabric, the easily adjustable shoulder strap makes it adjustable to any back length and also has an easily reachable Mobile pouch on the strap. Price: `2,500/- onwards Visit www.wrangler.in to locate a store near you.
India’s first Instant and Portable Heat Pouch
Pantheon PharmChem launches, for the very first time in India. ‘Warmee’ an innovative handy self-heating pouch to keep the winter chills at bay! It is a pocket-friendly pouch that keeps the user extremely warm and comfortable. The user feels the warmth being generated in less than 15 minutes which helps keep them warm and cozy for straight 8 hours Price: `30 for the smaller pack and `50 for the regular pack.
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Party perfect
Dried cranberry delights
Evening dresses
Del Monte offers luscious, juicy and plum Cranberries and Apricots for consumers to munch on the go. The dry fruits are highly recommended in winters for their health benefits. The Vitamin C-rich berries are among the top sources of this antioxidant and dietary fibres. Price: `40 for 40 gm, `160 for 130 gm Available at: Leading super markets across India
Sleep in comfort
Spring Air, a premium mattresses and pillows manufacturer in the US since 1926, introduces in India the ‘His and Hers’ Mattress. It is a part of the Spring Air Back Supporter mattress series that offers a combination of exceptional back support and pressure-relieving comfort. Contouring to your unique body shape again due to their individual coil construction, each His and Her’s mattress range responds to the pressure applied when you lie on it. Price: `30,699-42,599 Available at: Visit www.springair. in for details
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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Stylish watches
Fastrack introduces a whole new collection of chunky, stylish watches with a design language that is seamless, futuristic and minimalistic. A casual silicon strapped watch with LCD display and a time keeping function that includes month, day and week displays as well as hours, minutes, and seconds displays. There is a dual time option, analogue – digital display, EL backlight, daily alarm and snooze option. Price: `3,295 Available at: All Fastrack stores across India
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Give your party wardrobe a twist with Hidesign’s party collection bags. Shine on with stunning Hidesign clutches and small bags made in bold colours with metal fittings. Carry the chic beak coloured Silvana clutch for a formal dinner party or add the glamour to your look with the snake leather Ayana wristlet. Every piece makes a fantastic fashion statement. Price: `1,995-6,495 Available at: All Hidesign stores across India This party season, choose from Giovani’s range of elegant evening dresses and tunics in classic Italian taste and stand out in the crowd. Soft laces with intricate detailing in shades of red, white and black are used to create a range of elegant and classy dresses. There are also statement pieces in animal & floral prints in organza, jacquard and even leather. Price: `1,399-4,999 Available at: Leading stores in India
Versatile smartphone
Gionee ELIFE S5.1 offers a stunning design, and is their slimmest phone till date. With a metallic frame and glass body and donning a 5.1mm thickness, it packs a 4.8" AMOLED display of 1280 * 720 pixels resolution and runs on the 1.7GHz Octa Core processor supported by 1GB of RAM together with 16GB of built in storage. Price: `18,999 Available at: Select stores in India
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Films releasing in JANUARY
Bollywood
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Release Date: January 23, 2015 Cast: Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Danny Denzongpa, Kay Kay Menon, Tapsee Pannu Director: Neeraj Pandey
Baby Pegged as an Indian espionage film, it has quite a glittering star cast. The film is based on the premise of how a country is always under the threat of terrorist organisations, and how the public is actually unaware of this. And it is because of the due diligence of the men in uniform that the common man is able to sleep peacefully at night. Akshay Kumar plays the character, Ajay, who is in a special team selected to be part of a covert Counter Intelligence Unit. Ajay uncovers a major threat, and thus the plot develops, detailing how an evil mastermind is spreading terror across the world. The film has been shot in some astounding locations such as Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Kathmandu, Oman and India.
Other Releases
Tevar Release Date: January 9, 2015 Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Manoj Bajpayee, Shruti Hasan Director: Amit Ravindernath Sharma
Alone Release Date: January 16, 2015 Cast: Karan Singh Grover, Bipasha Basu, Zakir Hussain Director: Bhushan Patel Jai Jawaan Jai Kisaan Release Date: January 23, 2015 Cast: Jatin Khurana, Om Puri, Prem Chopra, Rati Agnihotri Director: Milan Ajmera 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
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
6. Big Cinemas 7. Cinemax 8. EasyMovies 9. Ticket4U 10. Kyazoonga
Films releasing in january
Hollywood Other Releases
Taken 3 Release Date: January 9, 2015 Cast: Liam Neeson, Forest Whitaker, Famke Janssen, Maggie Grace, Dougray Scott, Sam Spruell, Leland Orser Director: Olivier Megaton Foxcatcher Release Date: January 9, 2015 Cast: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, Vanessa Redgrave Director: Bennett Miller
Release Date: January 2, 2015 Cast: Phoebe Fox, Jeremy Irvine, Helen McCrory, Adrian Rawlins, Ned Dennehy Director: Tom Harper Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death Featuring in a theatre near you, the Woman in Black is back with vengeance. The film is set in the period of World War II when London was in the midst of the air raids. Eve, the female protagonist, is stuck
with a group of school kids in the city. They are soon evacuated to the English countryside, in a bid to offer safety. The group is made to stay in Eel Marsh House. Slowly, the teacher realises how the children start behaving differently, and how she must face the demons in the estate.
Blackhat Release Date: January 16, 2015 Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tang Wei, Viola Davis, Leehom Wang Director: Michael Mann 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
6. FreeFullMovies 7. Film.FM 8. B Movies 9. JustClickToWatch 10. Hulu Tv
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Forecast for january 2015 B y D r . Prem K u mar S harma
Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Good Luck Tip: Place a small black stone, such as onyx or tourmaline in your work area. This will help in ‘holding down’ the money.
Good Luck Tip: Place fresh red and yellow flowers mixed in a bowl on the right hand side of your work desk. It stimulates financial growth.
Good Luck Tip: Illuminate dark corners in your work area. It will generate positive energy and produce more wealth.
Good Luck Tip: Hang a small, faceted crystal ball or set a piece of clear quartz crystal at a kitchen window; it boosts the money generating potential.
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
Good Luck Tip: Create a balance of all 5 elements in your kitchen, as it improves metabolism and encourages prosperity.
Good Luck Tip: Combine the colours - red, yellow, white, black and green in your office area as it helps in establishing balance and improves your earning ability.
Good Luck Tip: Hang a mirror above your desk so that when you are seated, the entrance to your work area is reflected in it.
Good Luck Tip: If you are in the need to multiply your finances; carry a small crystal in your purse with you daily.
Sagittarius
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces
Good Luck Tip: Place a quartz crystal on your computer or beside the phone. These enhance whatever they are in contact with, and thus can open lines of communication for you.
Good Luck Tip: Put an egg shaped object in your office. This helps you attract new business opportunities.
Good Luck Tip: Place a piece of amethyst on your desk or computer. It will help you cope with stress or tight deadlines.
Good Luck Tip: Place a vase of yellow flowers in the kitchen as they symbolise blossoming and encourage prosperity.
Your working conditions are likely to improve. Someone’s guidance will do you a lot of good. Previous investments will help in financing your pet project. Those using public transport will need to be a bit more careful.
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It may be difficult to cope up with the load at work. There are many who may misunderstand you on the social front, so be more communicative. Permanent solution may have to be found for a vehicle giving problems. You are not in the best financial situation to make a major purchase. Not taking precautionary measures may aggravate a medical issue.
There is something exciting happening on the social front of which you will soon become a part. Mutual attraction between you and a co-worker can translate into a budding romance. A decision on the property front will be in your favour. Keep some more options ready in a negotiation.
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
There is no point in getting too involved on the social or family front at the cost of your profession. Prioritise and work accordingly. Someone at work may try to put you under pressure, but you will succeed in countering it. Adopting a fitness programme is possible for some.
An excellent opportunity for matrimonial alliance is likely for the eligible. Some of you may plan a getaway away from city bustle. Purchasing a plot or flat is possible for those interested. Do with full interest whatever comes your way at work to avoid mistakes.
Love is likely to get rediscovered on the marital front through your efforts. You are likely to go out of the way to meet someone you have not met in years. You may neglect to comply with the directions of a senior regarding work, but you will manage to justify it. Financial front will remain stable under your watchful eye.
You have the potential, but something keeps you from realising it. This is soon going to change but may require willingness on your part. You may feel reluctant to invest the limited money you have at this point in time. Travelling with friends is possible and will be fun.
Things move favourably on the professional front. Someone at office may help you in completing a task. Commission agents are likely to get assured returns from a deal. An outing can be planned with lover. A sightseeing tour is possible for some. Settling in a new house is indicated for some.
Your premises may be used to organise a party or a function. Eating right will help you steer clear of digestive ailments. Someone may upset you at work by not agreeing to your proposal. Mounting bills may cause mental worry on the financial front. A minor problem with a neighbour can escalate if you are not careful.
This is your lucky month when whatever you do turns out excellent. Your enthusiasm may make you the boss' favourite. Adding to your existing earnings will help strengthen the financial front. A medical problem you were worried about will get healed.
A windfall can be expected in a current venture. Good profits are likely to accrue from a side business. Your overbearing attitude at work may not be tolerated by superiors. Something said in jest on the social front may hurt spouse or a family member. You may not be in the right frame of mind to negotiate a deal.
You may be required to make adjustments with someone who has recently joined work. Those hoping for immediate gains from an investment can be disappointed, but good returns are assured. You may find yourself hard pressed for time to attend a social function. Busy schedules will make it difficult to manage a romantic outing.
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women in Aviation 1906 first 1908 Became the
E. Lillian Todd
woman to help design and build aircraft
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Madame Therese is the first woman to fly an airplane solo Peltier
1929 1910 1943 Baroness Raymonde de Laroche
women make up more than 30% of the work force in aviation industry
Florence Lowe Barnes
becomes first woman to stunt pilot in motion picture hell's Angels
2001 Polly Vacher
becomes the first woman to fly around the world in a small plane Courtesy: Daily infographics
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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style it up!
Tired of your OS’ boring design? Try these Android only launchers to rock your home screen. Yandex shell
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Offers a lot of customisation options, but not nearly as much as Nova. The central theme is the carousel, which lets you add upto 19 home screens! Put app shortcuts on all of them and you don’t ever have to enter the app drawer again. There are built-in widgets like news, weather, notes and calendar so you don’t have to download separate apps. Another useful feature is the control panel on one of the home screens for easier access to frequently accessed settings. Size: 24MB (varies with device) Current version: 2.31 OS: Varies with device
Nova launcher
When it comes to customisation, Nova launcher is among the best. You can control everything from the number of home screens to the grid of icons you want. Pick and choose the animations and even the shape and colour of the dock at the bottom of the home screen. And if you happen to own one of those real large phablets, you can even set the launcher
With everyone sporting a smartphone, it is getting difficult to stand out among the crowd. these android only launchers offer brilliant customisation, making other users green with envy January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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to have a forced landscape layout to use it like a tablet. It goes a step ahead and lets you associate gestures to actions like opening an app, or viewing recent apps. Nova launcher also lets you import settings from another launcher if you have more than one installed on your phone. Size: 4.3 MB Current version: 3.2 OS: Android 4.0 and up
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Google Now
Don’t think of this as a launcher, rather a personal assistant. It’s available on devices with Android 4.1 and upwards, so most recent phones will be compatible. It’s also the closest you’ll get to a stock Android experience if you don’t own a Nexus or a Motorola device. From the home screen swipe
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
TÊte-À-tÊte
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concern
potpourri
right and you enter the Google Now where you can search the web with 'Ok Google' which now recognises the Indian accent. It’s also smart enough to read your mail and remind you of meetings and bill payments, take you back to where you parked your car and navigate home. And depending on your web searches, it will show you news stories to read. Size: 12 MB Current version: 1.1.0.1167994 OS: Android 4.1 and up
Go Launcher
Remember how you could change the phone’s ‘theme’ before smartphones existed? The Go Launcher lets you live the good old days with no less than 10k themes available for download. These can completely change the look and feel of the device with everything from Pink Rocket to Flame Skull. Another useful feature is the Go Panel, where recently used apps can be accessed. It too boasts of gestures control, has various transitions when you swipe across the screen and lets you change the size of the icons to your taste. It
also has an inbuilt cache cleaner to kill background apps that slow the phone down. Size: 11.7 MB Current version: 5.09 (Varies with device) OS: Varies with device
Yahoo Aviate
If clean and simple is your style the Aviate may be the one for you. Like Google Now, it too is designed to make your life easier. Once installed, it will automatically categorise your apps into various collections like photography, news, utilities, which reminds us of the Nokia X interface. Aviate is actually helpful when you enter ‘Spaces’ where you can choose between Moving, Listening and Work settings. If, for example, you choose listening, it will show you apps that you need for your music needs, and in work you can choose to setup an event or send emails. And just like Google Now, it neatly integrates Google’s native apps like Calendar and Google Maps. Size: 11.7 MB Current version: 2.1.4.2 OS: Android 2.3.3 and up
update
Cover story
explore
TÊte-À-tÊte
indulge
concern
potpourri
Interesting reads Happily Murdered
A typical ‘whodunit’ mystery novel, the story takes off when the daughter-in-law of the influential Mehta family dies under strange circumstances the very day after her wedding. The police are certain that a family member is involved, and everyone, right from the adulterous husband, to the in-laws, jealous friend and love struck ex-fiance are suspects. Author: Rasleen Syal Publication: Srishti Publishers and Distributors Price: `195
Letters from an Indian Summer
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13 Steps to Bloody Good Luck
A remarkable story of love that brings together an Indian photographer Arjun Bedi and French artist Genevieve Casta. As the tale unwinds, Arjun and Genevieve are set amidst exotic locations that will pique the interest of any travel buff. The reader travels from Pune to Kathmandu, Paris, Istanbul and Varanasi, where slowly their secrets unravel. Author: Siddharth Dasgupta Publication: Fingerprint Publishing Price: `250
Killing Ashish Karve
A local businessman is found dead in his car and there is a list of suspects. A murder mystery, the novel follows the adventures and exploits of a police inspector and his assistant. Providing the minutest detail, that helps to build the plot, the author seems to be a good observer of people and situations. A well written novel, it has a very interesting plot. Author: Salil Desai Publisher: Fingerprint Publishing Price: `199
This book is all about the eternal mystery of the universe that why some people are more lucky and some are not. With the help of some interesting and inspiring real-life incidents, the book outlines a clear cut route to create one’s own luck and fulfill one’s true destiny. Written in a simple narrative style, the book provides a whole new insight into how people can work towards being lucky, or attract good luck or train themselves to be lucky. Author: Ashwin Sanghi Publisher: Westland Ltd Price: `100
wEBSITES TO BUY BOOKS Homeshop18, Indiabookstore, infibeam, snapdeal, Flipkart, Amazon, crossword, etc.
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
spotlight
Beat the chill with Bonjour socks
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ocks are to winter what pedicures are to summer. Winter is setting in and it’s time to get rid of your monotonous pair of socks and refurbish your wardrobe with warm and voguish socks. Add a special touch of style and grace to your winter clothing, thereby enhancing your fashion statement. Considering this, Bonjour, the number one player in socks which has been keeping millions of feet happy with their exhaustive range, now presents impeccable winter collection of socks for men and women. Keep your feet warm with an accomplished range of woolen socks that are a blend of wool and lycra, and these are very soft and comfortable. Keeping the high quality as the precedence, the yarns are treated for shrink resistance, anti-pilling and moth resistance. A very important
investment of the season, this collection comes in argyles along with some motif designs for both men and ladies. Available in warm shades like black, grey, maroon, navy and brown, these socks are priced at `290 per pair. The range is available at Bonjour's exclusive stores in Sector 18 Noida, City Centre Mall, Rohini, Aditya City Centre Mall, Indirapuram and at more than 8000 leading Hosiery and garment stores across India. One can also shop online at www.bonjourretail.com . RK Jain, MD of Bonjour says, “With our years of expertise in the domain of Socks, we are able to present a qualitative spectrum of socks. Our winter collection exhibit style and premium quality, and this range has seen two decades of sale which has been consistently growing for its warmth and comfortability.”
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ILEX bags
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he brand ILEX was born in 1993, out of a compelling passion for leather craft. One of the select British brands for luxury leather bags and accessories, each individual product here is the result of fine craftsmanship, attention to detail, and an eye for beauty and sophistication of natural leather. The ‘Grace’ shoulder bag adds oodles of grace and attitude with its soft nappa leather. Price: `18,790
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
Integrated Storage Solutions
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wift retrieval is as important as optimum space utilisation and safe storage. Understanding the changing needs of customers has enabled Kompress India to evolve into a fully integrated storage, warehousing and material-handling solutions provider. With an impressive track record of over 25 years, Kompress India is today India’s leading provider of integrated, end-to-end solutions that are efficient and lead to flexibility, scalability, value edition and cost saving for its customers. Steady investment in technology and constant endeavour to upgrade its systems has enabled Kompress to offer a wide range of storage, ware-housing and material-handling solutions to customers across the industry spectrum. These dynamic solutions can also be customised to match specific customer needs.
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spotlight
Neeru’s first international store in Dubai
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n December 2014, Neeru’s opened its first international store in Dubai. Located in Meena Bazaar market, the store was launched by the brand ambassador, Karisma Kapoor. The entire street was choc-a-block and celebrity RJ of Dubai, Malavika entertained the crowds before the launch.
Founder’s Day celebrated at The Sagar School
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he 15th Founder’s Day of The Sagar School was celebrated with style and flair on December 6, 2014. Sanjay Jain, the Additional Solicitor General of India was the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour was David Vigar, an educationist from the United Kingdom. The theme of the cultural programme was ‘Navrasa’ that provided a taste of Western and classical music, songs, mythological lores, Shakespearean drama, lullabies, and more. Selected students and teachers were awarded for their performance and work.
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
with all our Heart
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inside SpiceJEt
a day in
the life
This month we decided to shadow Shobhit Goel, an Asst. Planning Manager in the engineering & maintenance dept., in Delhi.
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1. S hobhit starts his day by staying abreast with the news.
2. The perfect antidote to a
cold morning for Shobhit is to enjoy a hot cup of tea with his wife.
3. The couple braces the winter 4
chill for an early morning run.
4. S hobhit works out with his wife after warming up.
5. Shobhit prefers to buy some fresh fruits while returning from the park.
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6. Once he's ready for office, Shobhit has a wholesome breakfast. 7. Shobhit is set for a busy day ahead. 8. Once in office, Shobhit checks his emails while planning his agenda for the day.
9. Discussing the various enginnering issues with his team members, working on their solutions and going through the day's tasks.
10. As his work largely focusses on planning the maintenance of the 10
aircraft, he goes through the paperwork submitted by his team members.
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11. S hobhit enjoys lunch with his colleagues.
12. He is seen conducting a training session for technical officers and planning engineers.
13. In a discussion with his
colleague, Shobhit also mentors his team towards meeting the targets.
14. Taking a short break from work, Shobhit treats his colleagues to a musical session.
15. Sharing a light moment
with his team members.
16. In the evening, Shobhit unwinds by playing his guitar, while his wife prepares dinner.
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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music on board
This January, as we mark a new year we continue to play the music which suits the season. Paul McCartney Wonderful Christmastime
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.
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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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.
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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: 134
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. January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
FlySpiceJet I have always depended on SpiceJet and may you come around this tough situation. Ramesh Iyer
SpiceJet is a great airline. Hope that good things happen with it soon. All my best wishes to you and your team. :)
I got a call from the service desk and my ticket was already confirmed on another flight. That was quick. Thanks! Siddu Zalaki
@mukeshkorudu Thank you SpiceJet for helping me with my queries. Great service. @aakash_goyal SpiceJet is my favourite airline, and I want you to get out of this uncertain situation soon. #WithAllMyHeart @MuazzamSyed All the best. Undoubtedly, SpiceJet has brought smiles to many passengers. I believe that the happy journey will continue.
True customers will always believe in SpiceJet. I will always believe in you. I can trust that you guys will never let us down. I am a fan and a loyal customer of SpiceJet. Akshay Sambamoorthy Everything will be fine and you will be spicy again. It’s just a matter of time! God bless you. Ejang Kiri Tisso
Hard times do not stay for very long. Soon a shining sun will rise for SpiceJet. Gajendra Rawat I had got a message that my flight dated December 2, 2014, from Delhi to Srinagar, has been changed with a revised departure time of 02:15 pm due to operational reasons. Thank you so much for providing such a quick update. Best service provider. Ishfaq Ahamad
I will stay by you guys even in tough times. I have had some good previous experiences and your team has been awesome. All the best. Mihir Nanavati
Merry Christmas to the entire SpiceJet team. Really happy to know that you guys are back on track. God bless. Wish you a prosperous year ahead. Cheers! Ramesh Iyer
@sameerdixit16 I loved flying with SpiceJet from Mumbai to Delhi and back. Awesome crew, awesome food and awesome flight. Way to go. @g2segal Nice food, good and cooperative staff, and a clean aircraft. Ups and downs do take place but don't worry, we are with you. @romildhingra
I took a few trips with SpiceJet last week. The ground staff and crew were at their very best. It was a good experience. @mathewspsam I recently travelled by SpiceJet on the Delhi-Goa-Delhi route. It was a hassle-free and memorable journey. I will always fly with this airline. @sabya_fms
@flyspicejet
SpiceJet has proven to be a good airline service provider. You guys will get through this situation. All the best! @anupam85thakur Good going SpiceJet! Looking forward to seeing you again in full operation. I will always support you. @CWOmanoj
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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
Step 3
SMEs who wish to register with SpiceJet must first log on to spiceJet.com, click on SME Traveller and register.
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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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.
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
inside SpiceJEt
STARS OF SpiceJet inflight services
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Anshu Shukla Delhi Base Customer feedback: Recently I travelled with SpiceJet from Chennai to Delhi on November 22, 2014, and I would like to heartily recommend Anshu Shukla for her friendly and lovely service throughout the flight. Experience with SpiceJet: It’s been almost two years that I have been working with SpiceJet, and I am trying my level best to perform well by offering good service and hospitality to the passengers. I always try to make them feel comfortable and delightful without any inconvenience in the cabin. I feel proud when I am appreciated by passengers for my work. Passion for my duty has always been a great motivator and pushed me to work harder. With all my heart, I would like to thank SpiceJet for giving me the opportunity to bring a smile on a passenger's face.
Jaya Shaw Mumbai Base Customer feedback: I recently travelled with SpiceJet from Kolkata to Bengaluru, and I was amazed by the level of service and warmth given by your cabin crew member, Jaya Shaw. I also want to express my appreciation to the entire crew of SG-521. Experience with SpiceJet: It is indeed a very delightful experience working with SpiceJet. My dream of serving people has finally come true. I thank the airline, management and my esteemed co-workers 'with all my heart' for giving me this opportunity and recognising my efforts.
Priya Pandey Mumbai Base Customer feedback: I was travelling with SpiceJet from Delhi to Aurangabad in July 2014. It was an amazing experience for me as the cabin crew was very nice and soft spoken. I was welcomed well, shown my seat and also helped with my luggage by Priya Pandey. She was very helpful and kind in answering all my queries. It was a very good experience, right from takeoff to landlng. I would specifically like to thank Priya for making the flight a memorable one. Experience with SpiceJet: I want to heartily express my gratitude for being recognised as a part of such a fantastic team. I consider the SpiceJet family as my second home and look forward to serving passengers to the best of my ability. I am truly delighted and happy that I am doing justice to my job.
Kanchan Mulchandani Hyderabad Base Customer feedback: I would like to thank SpiceJet for making my travel experience a comfortable one. I travel with SpiceJet almost every week, and me being a tall person (6'3"), I find it extremely difficult to adjust in any regular airline seats. I was flying from Hyderabad to Chennai one early morning in November and Kanchan Mulchandani noticed my difficulty and offered a seat with more leg room. She even took care of transferring my bags. I truly appreciate such service. Experience with SpiceJet: I joined SpiceJet in 2011, and since then I have been enjoying every moment of my job. Every day I get to learn something new and I am proud of being a part of SpiceJet. I am grateful to my managment team who always encourages and appreciates my work.
Chandani Puri Delhi Base Customer feedback: I was travelling from Delhi to Chennai in November 2014. When I entered the aircraft, I found Chandani Puri helping an elderly passenger to get comfortable on the flight, as it was his first time, and it warmed my heart. The crew offered him complimentary food before he could take his medicine. This made the flight experience a memorable one. Experience with SpiceJet: I am grateful towards my management and passengers, and it is because of their support that I am here. I am motivated to work even harder and proud to be a part of SpiceJet.
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
Somoshree roy Kolkata Base Customer feedback: I would like to convey my deepest appreciation for the work done by cabin crew, Roshni Alex and Somoshree Roy, on my flight on November 30. When a lady passenger started to feeling unwell, Somoshree was by her side and quickly called for medical help. Somoshree offered assistance even when we hit a bit of turbulence. Really commendable conduct. Experience with SpiceJet: I joined SpiceJet in 2010, and since then it has become like a family to me. I love every moment of flying. With some of the best people in the industry working here, I always get to learn new skills. Everyone here is extremely helpful and my colleagues always support me.
Vaishali Gupta Delhi Base Customer feedback: During my travel from Pune to Ahmedabad on November 9, 2014, I was not feeling in the best of my health. I requested a fruit drink from the cabin crew member, Vaishali Gupta, which she provided almost immediately. In addition, she followed up enquiring about my condition throughout the journey and told me to feel free to ask for any help. I found Vaishali very kind, hospitable and courteous. While I am sure these professional traits will take her miles in her career, I wish SpiceJet the very best. Experience with SpiceJet: I would like to express my gratitude and regards to SpiceJet for appreciating my work and services with the company. It really helped me to boost my moral support and motivation. I am extremely grateful to my mentors for guiding me in everything and for their unstinted support. I would like to thank SpiceJet ‘with all my heart’ for recognising my work.
Roshni Alex Delhi base Customer feedback: I would like to convey my deepest appreciation for the work done by a crew member on a SpiceJet flight when I was travelling on November 30, 2014. Roshni Alex was one of the employees involved in helping me. Right after taking off from Bengaluru to Delhi, a lady passenger started to feel unwell. Roshni was quick on her feet and reached the spot in a flash, along with another cabin crew member, and was talking to the passenger while taking her pulse. She figured that the lady had a low pulse and was feeling breathless. She quickly called for medical help. The doctors asked for some coffee to be arranged and a blanket to cover the lady. All this was arranged very swiftly. Roshni held the lady's hand throughout the entire process. She did so even when we hit a bit of turbulence. This kind of conduct is commendable. I think Roshni personifies your tagline ‘With all our heart’, because she did her job with all her heart indeed. Experience with SpiceJet: SpiceJet has not only provided me a platform to showcase my knowledge and put my skills to test, but has also helped me to improve and imbibe a lot in my personal and professional path. I would like to thank SpiceJet ‘with all my heart’ for the past three years that have been full of nurturing and looking forward to a steady personal growth. Zelma Barretto Mumbai Base Customer feedback: My elderly parents, aged 84 and 81, recently travelled with my wife from Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam, and the way your staff responded to my parents’ needs was simply superb. I just wanted to thank your cabin crew member, Zelma, for her compassion and warm service. My parents were sceptical before the travel, but later, they were delighted with the overall experience. To summarise, you truly lived up to to your slogan ‘Whatever We Do, We Do It With All Our Heart’. Great going. Experience with SpiceJet: When you are appreciated by passengers, the feeling cannot be put into words. I would like to thank all the passengers who spent valuable time to put their SpiceJet experience into words. I am feeling excited that we, as a team, are adhering to the Indian culture of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ and making the journey safe and comfortable for our passengers.
Lavi Baliyan Delhi Base Customer feedback: I was travelling with SpiceJet from Indore to Delhi on November 24, 2014 and it was a really good experience. Right from boarding to interacting with staff members, who were always smiling and helpful, it was a wonderful experience for me to fly with your airline. I would specially like to thank Lavi Baliyan for helping me onboard, and recommending a delicious snack to me, which I ended up liking a lot. She was extremely professional and polite while carrying on with her responsibilities. Experience with SpiceJet: I have been a proud member of SpiceJet since the last 4.5 years. I love this job which is exciting and I am enjoying every minute of it. My journey has been a learning experience, and it helped me to expand my skill base. Here I got an opportunity to learn about people, places and customer service. SpiceJet gave me immense exposure to learn and a wide platform to perform.
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inside SpiceJEt
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with all our
Heart
SpiceJet crew ensures that they provide exceptional service onboard. The crew adds a personal touch to their service, going beyond the expectations of the customers.
January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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January 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com
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