40 The Healthy Equation of Food and Fitness: Chrono-Nutrition
50 Through the Mind of the Doorman of India Summer Hydration Revealed 44
58 Beneath the Waves: Florida Keys’ Underwater Music Fest
Brew’s new spotlight is on art and culture that embarks on the essence of the magazine.
Let’s dive into this theme - “Culture and Living” for an amusing ride and diverse content.
A MOTHER’S HAPPY HEART
THE ULTIMATE GOAL
Sahana Subramanya
The Ultimate Guide to Show Gratitude to your mother:
Juggling work, be it for a professional or a full-time mother, motherhood can sometimes be challenging. By constantly weighing in on the tiredness and the happiness of spending time with your kids, the latter weighs heavier every time. This week, the wire felt especially thin.
Just as you have a monster deadline looming in, and have to prepare for it, your child decides it to be the perfect time to unleash his or her inner hurricane, with an outburst. More often, you have an amazing mom stepping in, offering to hold the fort while you finish your task at work.
Now, it so happens that, just as you step out to work, your mommy guilt usually gnaws at you, and unfortunately, it happens every time you leave your mother to tend to your children’s wrath. But when you rush back to pick them up from your mother’s place (shockingly still standing tall), you are surprisingly met with a giant grin. With your mother’s face lit up and glowing, recounting all their stories throughout the day, there can be nothing more but to wish her the best, always.
These instances are examples of how mothers are superheroes with invisible capes. Recently, the world celebrated Mother’s Day, surprising and flooding them with different gifts, making mothers feel extra special throughout the day. The efforts children take to ensure she feels their love can indeed feel like a daunting and a difficult task – however, a mood filled with excitement, and love, but also full of potential pitfalls.
Here’s a carefully curated catalogue for all you gifting addicts, and the not-so-eager ones. This catalogue will give you light on some ideas and directives to conquer your mother’s heart and put a smile on her face.
Thank Your Mom, Choose A Gift:
Before dwelling on the details, take a moment to contemplate your mom’s unique charisma, taste and preference. Is she yearning for relaxation,
mind-bending stimulation, or a stint at adventure? Let us look into some ideas on this:
• For The Fit Yoga Mom, pamper her with a luxurious spa holiday escape, ranging from a subscription box for organic bath products, to a comfy resort villa stay with a robe and slippers for the ultimate royal feel.
• For the Creative Nymph Mom, awaken her artistic side, and enrol her in a pottery class, a guided painting workshop, or a beautiful new sketchbook and art supplies at a diy art cafe.
• For The Adventure Ninja Mom, kickstart a weekend getaway to a secluded, scenic location, surprise her with concert tickets for her favourite music artist, or gift her new gear for the upcoming outdoor escapade.
Gone are the days for materials, the era of gifting experience is here:
While a beautiful, flowery bouquet or a box of chocolate-coated strawberries are splendid gestures, creating experiences will surely create memories for a lifetime:
• The Simple Gift of Time for your mother, is something anyone can give, irrespective of the differences. You can plan a day trip exploring a less-discovered town nearby, take her for a picnic in a park or a forest thicket, or dedicate an entire day with your mother reminiscing and catching up on lost thoughts meant to share from a long time.
• The Gift of Learning: Sign her up for a baking class that she has been dreaming of taking, a Yoga learning app subscription, or tickets to an antique shop exhibit that piques her interest, or be it a ravenous shopping spree of her favourite attire.
• The Gift of Rest: Bring your mother some sparkling wine, her favourite book to read, and her favourite meal, all to her bed. Meanwhile, ensure the other family members pitch in, to help with tasks she might not have time for – cleaning the house, organising a long pending closet, running errands, or simply the daily chores.
The Power of Personalized gifting:
Take a gift, of any of your mother’s liking, and elevate it a step further by adding a personal touch:
Handmade with Love: If you’re an artistic person inclined to create crafty goodies, make a personalised handmade card using dried flowers, calligraphy writing and sparkles, with a touching message for her from you, or a piece of jewellery with her name engraved on it, or a framed collage of memories from your childhood spent with her.
Memories in a package: Curate a box filled with photos, trinkets, and notes with handwritten messages expressing love and gratitude, and about the special moments you’ve shared.
The Gift of You: Write a heartfelt letter expressing your love and appreciation for all a mother does.
Gifting on a Budget:
Gifting your mother out of love does not necessarily break your bank balance. Here are some economical ideas for you, if you follow simplicity
DIY cooking Kit: Put together a basket full of readymade items for instance, A Rasam mix, a variety of readymade pasta sauces, or a packet of biryani mix etc to reduce kitchen time for your mother, when she has other important errands to look into.
Plan a full filled Movie Night: Choose your mother’s favourite genre in movies, prepare a tub of popcorn, order in dinner and create a cosy atmosphere for the night with your family.
Sow a seed, plant a Memory: Plant a beautiful flowery plant or a small fruit tree, which your mother loves,
together in your garden, so that every time she looks at the flower or the fruit, she has a flood of pleasant memories of you and your family.
Gifts that Return the Gratitude towards
Society:
Come up with a charitable element by thinking of ways, according to your capacity as your way of gift-giving:
Donate to the deserving, in her Name: Donate to a noble cause, that your mother cares about, for instance, an animal shelter, an old age community or a hospice organisation.
Volunteer for a cause, together: Spend a day volunteering at a local government school, a community kitchen or an animal shelter, giving back to the community and also connecting to society, in turn connecting with your mother by creating memories.
Support Local Talent: Purchase a unique, personalised hand-crafted gift from a local craft mela or an artist, bringing your mother closer to her childhood art and designs, and also an encouragement for small business owners to flourish.
A small bonus tip for you, for a unique experience, you may consider creating a family scavenger hunt around the house or in your neighbourhood, leading your mother to multiple small, thoughtful gifts throughout the game. Ensuring your mother is the highlight of the game throughout.
Every Mother holds a unique space in our lives. They’re the forever-standing pillars of our existence, who support our dreams and hold our hands through life’s whirlwinds. Their love, an endless flow of hot springs in a cold life, is a constant source of strength and comfort.
While a single day can’t engulf the entirety of her love and gratitude, Mother’s Day is a beautiful reminder to celebrate the extraordinary women who shaped us into this strong individual we have turned out to be. A loveable and thoughtful gift, big or small, is a means to express your gratitude. It’s about creating happiness, through a memory that validates the strongest bond between mother and her children. So go ahead, hunt for that perfect gift, and pour your love on your mom, she deserves it. At the end of it all, the tinge of sparkle in her eyes is your ultimate goal.
THE IRONIC BIRTH OF AFRO-LATIN MUSIC
Music always carried the power to pierce through all the darkness within. A tangled brain at the end of the day often seeks good rhythms to rewire. Such a genre of music that carried resilience and creativity and brought peace over chaos was Afro-Latin Music. It is a genre that pulsates with catchy rhythms and vibrant energy capturing the hearts of millions, regardless of culture and language, making them groove every time the beat transcends ears, soothing the mind and grooving the body. However, the origin of Afro-Latin is deeply ironic, shackled with chains. The rhythms of freedom originated from the brutal chains of slavery.
The Transatlantic Trade: The Movement of Birth to Afro-Latin Music
The slave trade forcibly brought Africans to America, putting them in unimaginable hardships and cruel conditions. A battered mind always pursues art for solace, finding healing in creativity amidst the chaos. So did the Africans.
Despite all the hardships and cruelty they faced throughout the day, they brought a rich medley of their cultural music and dance. Their expression, solidarity, and resistance in the face
of oppression. The music, melodies, and instruments soon started catching ears blending with European influences present in Latin America. This musical fusion gave birth to the unique Afro-Latin Music symbolising the pain, hopes, and spirits of its creators.
The Evolution & Influence of The Genre
The Afro-Latin Music over centuries evolved, absorbing and merging with diverse cultures, influencing millions. Salsa evolved in Cuba when traditional African Drumming merged with
Spanish Guitar, which in the current times is the talk of every town. The music, groove, and beats often set people loose, humming and moving with the music.
Bachata, recognized for its emotive & intense music and danceable beats, originated in The Dominican Republic. It consists of a combination of European (mainly Spanish) Taino and African music elements showing the musical diversity of Dominican people.
Merengue, another Dominican Republic-originated Afro-Latin
music form, became very popular throughout Latin America. The European string instruments (later replaced with Accordion), fused with Güira and African Tambora formed an unskippable beat to which the whole of Latin America grooved and slowly started travelling the world.
Samba, the music incorporated with Brazilian culture emerged as a rhythmic dance & music style in Brazil. An Afro-Brazilian tradition, Samba is Brazil’s most important cultural phenomenon. How often have people heard of Samba and started visualising the music and steps?
It’s party time! Let’s travel to the Caribbean now. Zouk, meaning party or a festival, is represented by fast and catchy melodies. It involves the fusion of lyrics typically in French Creole and the beats of African instruments, just to love and celebrate with Zouk song and dance form.
Rumba, the Afro-Cuban music, was brought by enslaved Africans to Cuba. A mix of Spanish music and African essence, once it reaches the ears, has the power to influence the body and make it groove to its dance steps. How ironic it is that the music and dance forms that contain the power
to free the body, mind, and soul were originally the melodies of freedom sung by the enslaved and oppressed. These were the people who had nothing but music to hold the beads of harmony in a single thread.
From Rafa Pabón to Celia Cruz: Top Afro-Latin Songs to Discover
“Cali Pachanguero” by Grupo Niche - A respect and tribute to Colombia’s capital of Salsa played a very crucial role in spawning a generation of musicians and singers. One of the most celebrated songs in Colombia.
The timeless romance of “Bésame Mucho”~ meaning “Kiss Me A Lot” was written by Consuelo Velasquez and is a spectrum of emotions making listeners lose themselves in the music.
Tito Puente and his orchestra wrote “Oye Cómo Va, Mi Ritmo” ~ meaning ‘Listen how it goes, my rhythm”. Included in the Latin Germany Hall of Fame in 2001 Oye Cómo Va represents the incorporation and hybridity of Latin Music and Dance in the US.
Well now quite indulged in Afro-Latin, some of the most famous songs include “Quimbara” ~ Celia Cruz, Joe Arroyo ~ “Rebelión”, “Negra Presuntuosa”~Susana Baca, and the list is neverending. Pages will fall short of describing the essence of this music genre.
Influence in India: How Afro-Latin is Gaining Popularity in the Subcontinent
The essence, the charisma, and the allure of AfroLatin music have now found a new home. In recent years, the popularity of these songs can be observed in the Indian subcontinent. The enthusiasm to get loose in the rhythm of Salsa, Rumba, Bachata, and
more has made social events in the country more lively and happening. Indian musicians and singers are now bringing the elements of Afro and Latin with a twist of Indian harmonies, tuning them together to give the genre a life in the country.
From dance studios to musical and social events, the Indian embracement of Afro and Latin is a stamp to its universal appeal and relevance. Well, if reading and writing about the music can be such an appealing treat to the mind, just think about actually listening and grooving into it.
The Afro-Latin music continues to captivate and still surprise the music lovers all over the world and shows no prospects of fading. The slaves of that time had written the verses of freedom for the generation to come. Although we are not shackled with chains, the emotional and mental ropes of slavery in the present times have made people oppressed by themselves.
The global influence is a sign that this genre has the power to unite and uplift the human spirit. Moving forward, let’s celebrate the musical and hide in the legacy of the rhythms.
How fit is being fit? Can you lift 100 pounds? Can you run for a mile without breaking a sweat, or at least bend backward with ease? Are these criteria enough to define the unit of fitness or is there a deeper dimension to consider? With the wealth of knowledge at our fingertips, this society is awakening to the crucial significance of mental well-being. We are finally coming to an understanding that being just physically fit is not enough to lead a happy and healthy life.
Santhosini Appiah
Health is a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the lacuna of disease or illness. Contrary to the conventional notion that solely focused on bodily wellness, prioritizing mental well-being is indispensable for overall fitness and vitality. Practicing the habit of having a healthy mind is paramount to being fit, healthy, and happy.
In recent times, individuals are increasingly seeking avenues to enhance and prioritize their mental health. Let us explore some of such alternative approaches and pave the way for a truly healthy world.
Being kind for a healthy mind:
It takes courage to be kind, and a lot more grit to be kind to yourself. The first step towards a healthy mind is indeed a miracle that manifests by just being kind.
Acknowledging our mental state, whether there’s a concern or not, marks the initial hurdle to overcome. To say is easy, but to implement is harder than you think.
Steps to follow:
• Being grateful to others for their timely help is a great character to build in oneself as gratitude helps you see what is there instead of focusing on what isn’t.
• Spending quality time with your friends and sharing your concerns while listening to theirs can bring forth a good bonding experience.
• Offering to help someone you know for a simple task even if they have not asked you for it, and completing the task brings about a sense of contentment which is sparsely found when done by yourself.
• Volunteering for community work may sound like a huge step but when done in small amounts it helps to know you help.
• Offering help to someone unknown to you simply by lending them a hand by carrying a small bag for them or fetching a small item from the store for those who can’t help bring a smile to your face.
• Letting go of your past and forgiving yourself for the things you regret can be a great way to show kindness towards yourself.
The Effect of Kindness:
• Brings forth a sense of reward and thereby boosts a happy mood.
• Fosters connection amongst your peers and creates a positive environment.
• Reduces stress as a sense of contentment is established.
• Promotes gratitude for further such acts of kindness.
• Humbles one down very much.
Love yourself better than anybody else can:
Self-love is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining mental health. By practicing selflove, you cultivate a healthier relationship with yourself, which in turn positively impacts all aspects of your life. Embrace the journey of self-love and witness the transformative effects it can have on your mental well-being.
How to practice self-love:
• Acknowledge your worth by practicing positive affirmations regularly. Write down your positives and accomplishments and work on your strengths every day.
• Spend time with yourself and reflect on the qualities you possess that make you unique. Start writing a journal and reflect on your achievements and best qualities.
• Set Healthy boundaries with your relationships is a must as you need to learn to say no when it is needed.
• Value your time and protect it by prioritizing your time and energy to people who nourish your soul and not drain it.
• When you love and value yourself, you set the standard for how others should treat you. This leads to healthier, more respectful relationships and reduces the likelihood of toxic interactions.
Effects of Self-love:
• Practicing self-love increases self-esteem and boosts confidence.
• It nurtures a positive self-image and as you appreciate your worth, you will take up new challenges with more determination.
• Practicing self-love helps to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting a more balanced and relaxed state of mind.
• A positive relationship with yourself allows for greater mental clarity and focus.
Practice the art of mindfulness:
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings while engaging with them without any judgements. Studies have proved that mindfulness helps deal with stress, anxiety, and depression.
How to practice mindfulness:
• Mindful breathing can be practiced as a form of meditation as all that needs to be done is simply concentrate on our breathing along with the rise and fall of our chest. This helps to clear our minds and gives us a relaxed feeling.
• Slowly notice the things we do in our daily life like the food we eat, its texture, smell and taste, the path we take for walks, the wind against our skin, etc.
• Carefully watch your thoughts. This will help you notice that every thought contributes to your overall emotion.
How it helps:
• Things that were previously taken for granted will be taken into a new perspective.
• Mindfulness helps us rein in our thoughts and control the direction of their flow. Thereby improving our emotional wellbeing.
Learning a new skill:
For those of you who procrastinate learning a new skill pointing out the insufficiency of time, you might change your mind when you see the benefits being just not a skill in your life. The process of learning a new skill helps to connect with new people, builds a sense of purpose and boosts self-esteem and confidence.
Here are a few ways you can learn a new skill:
• Identify your simple passions and choose a skill that interests you.
• Try taking a new responsibility at work, start slow and learn as you go.
• Work on any DIY projects from the comfort of your home like painting a cupboard or repairing an old bike.
• Sign up for a course of your interest either online or offline like a practical skill or an eccentric one.
Benefits of Learning a new skill:
• Creates a distraction from your daily routine, stress and anxiety.
• Mastering new skills gives a sense of achievement and boosts self-esteem.
• Learning new skills can serve as a coping mechanism during challenging times. It provides a constructive outlet for emotions and helps build resilience against stress and adversity.
Connecting with people via an activity:
Building a healthy relationship with your peers is an important aspect in your mental well-being. They provide emotional support and build a sense of belonging. The activity can be anything from a hobby or a physical sport, based on your choice.
Here are a few steps on how to connect:
• Choose a friend you are currently comfortable with and search for one common factor with them, it can be a
TV show or even a game. Scheduling time to pursue this hobby can create a good connection.
• Join any physical activity class like aerobics or yoga and make sure you go regularly. Sweating along with a set of people who enjoy it like you will create a sense of belonging.
• Join a cycling group or a walking group and set a realistic goal to achieve. This will motivate you further to connect with the people to achieve the goal.
Benefits:
• Setting and achieving goals related to your new skill gives your life a sense of direction and purpose. This can enhance overall life satisfaction and mental wellbeing.
• Promotes social connections with like-minded people and helps build relationships.
• Improved mood and well-being.
Improving mental well-being is a slow process and maintaining it can be challenging. It’s okay to seek support and make adjustments along the way. By recognizing mental well-being as a fundamental human right and investing in initiatives that promote it, we can build healthier, more resilient communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. When you take care of your own needs and pursue what truly matters to you, you experience a deeper sense of fulfilment. Let us create a future where mental wellness will have as much weight as physical wellness in the definition of fitness.
Sahana Subramanya
The Advent of Cave Painting Progression
Picture what it was like, at the far end of a prehistoric cave, where darkness loomed inside, the flickering torch sticks made out of a piece of wood, tree sap and fire lit by striking stones, illuminating the walls like a gallery. The cave walls adorned with flaming reds, bright yellows, and ebony blacks depict a bygone era – a world consisting of swarming hordes of fearsome animals like the large predators, bison, mammoths, and the artistic hand crayons and natural paint extracts. These cave paintings, however, tarnished by the rigorous course of changing millennia, tell important stories from the beginning of time, offering a wide-angle glimpse into the living conditions and life forms that existed, evolved and went extinct. Their evolution, which took place gradually, passing millennia, showcases art not only as a form of record but also the potential rise of language as a means to communicate.
When Artistic Expression took Command
The primaeval strokes of artistic expression date back far beyond than deciphered. Some current discoveries in Indonesia confirm the dawn of cave paintings at a shocking 45,500 years back, contradicting the laurels the Europeans have claimed since a few tens of thousands of years ago.
The early works ever recorded often contained rough strokes, geometrical shapes and lines and dots. Initially, they drew my hand using pieces of charcoal, or ash. The favourite recurring across most continents was the simple use
of hand stencils, proven to be highly effective in analysing ancient art for details.
Because of this, many theories originated, proving their purpose, ranging from marking to determine the pack size, or population density, to rituals connected to the circle of life, or figuring out the very reason for existence. Perhaps this was how the concept of signature came into existence.
Gradually in time, cave art transformed for the better, transitioning from simpler strokes and patterns to more in-depth forms of art such as drawing humans,
animals and naturally occurring phenomena like trees, mountains, the sun and the moon, of animals, etc. The concept of an object form, perception and running images was discovered in Chauvet and some parts of Lascaux and other regions surrounding them and is estimated to be between 16,000 and 37,000 years old.
The various still paintings found on the walls of these caves had intricate details like different colours used in an image, indicating the depiction of furs being differentiated from other parts of the bodies in old paintings like bison, horses, antelopes and mammoths with a sense of life and dynamic sense.
The Looming Light into Caverns and Crevices: Why Did They Choose Caves?
It is surprising to think why our ancestors chose caves for art and paintings, Despite the darkness looming throughout the caves and the inaccessible caverns. It was because of a combination of multiple factors such as protection from climatic conditions and away from predation. Additionally, another important factor is the setup of the caverns with the acoustics itself. The space inside the cave amplified different kinds of sounds, creating a more wholesome experience while they huddled together to conduct rituals or storytelling for entertainment.
The Neuro Connection in a Twist Towards Civilization
From a more scientific point of view, Neuroscience offers another dimension towards the perspective on cave painting altogether. Studies have shown the act of bringing imagination to life in the form of art, activates reward centres in the brain, leading to feelings of achievement leading to pleasure and satisfaction. Even if the theories of why it came into existence is not clear, the Neuro connection theory heavily supports it. Furthermore, research on mirror neurons suggests that observing and creating art can activate the brain regions that are involved in bringing it from the imagination to the walls of the caves.
Earthy Materials from Nature - The Ancestors’ Palette to Choose from
Our ancestors’ whole life was so rudimentary that hunting, gathering and food and protection were the only main aspects of survival, art was more of a luxury to them. The materials that were gathered were sophisticated beyond comprehension. The colours painted on walls and murals were made of pigments naturally derived from earthy minerals like iron compounds such as ochre (yellow and red), hematite (red), and manganese dioxide (black).
These compounds were primarily ground into powder and then mixed with animal fat or plant binders such as vegetable extracts or plant saps to create a durable paint mixture that could last long enough for them to pass their knowledge and experience to future generations. Since the advent of using tools for fire, slowly it was easy for them to modify tools according to their necessity. And tools used for application were likely plain and simple, as the paint brushes were made from animal fur or bird feathers, or even crushed twigs and sticks to bring out the concept of bristles and then dipped in pigment to paint.
The thought of the sole intent behind these artworks is still subject to questionable debate. One compelling theory is that by depicting scenarios such as the hunting of animals on cave walls, hunters may have a strong belief system of their superiority over the animals and that they have the upper hand of being the predator rather than being prey.
Such a notion may have arrived when they had exclusive access to some of the deepest caves, often difficult to access by other creatures, lending credence to this theory. Here we see it as a deliberate act, a magical, ritualistic practice of performance separating this sacred activity from their mundane lifestyle of hunting and gathering alone. Other theories suggest another possibility which lies in the area of the origin of storytelling and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the other. The cave paintings may have served as a way for early human settlements to document their current state of the world, concerning the weather conditions, environmental changes such as floods or famines, and natural aspects such as figures of trees, rivers and rock formations in general.
Scenarios from their everyday lives also included sharing experiences in the form of stories on successful hunts, encounters with fearsome beasts, and the fascination towards any changes in the celestial phenomena. The addition of capturing human figures to an extent, albeit rare, may further support this notion.
The
Incipient Minds: A Bridge to Modernity
The evolution of cave art resonates with a period of significant sensory development in early humans. The progression from simple to complex imagery suggests the newly acquired capability for abstract thought, reasoning on the surrounding factors, and longterm planning and taking simple decisions– all becoming milestones eof modern human complexity of the mind. These artworks may bridge the gap between the sole concerns of survival and the emergence of thought processes.
The Origin of the Concept of Language
The link between cave paintings and the emergence of language is rather an intriguing concept. While there is less proof of the exact relationship,
some learned men and researchers comprehended that cave art could have been a precursor to initial forms such as symbolic communication. The concept of depicting humans, animals and other objects might have paved the way to develop a set of symbols that combined to form scenarios, eventually leading to the origin of spoken language.
The progressive placement of paintings within caves, from drawing figures to connecting them to create scenarios, for the symbols later, suggest an early form of storytelling, a forerunner towards existing modern-day languages.
Facts and Evidence to Comprehend:
The International Style Theory
The widespread similarity in the patterns used in motifs and various techniques used in cave paintings
across vast geographical distributions have resulted in the contemplation of the “International Style” theory. This theory suggests that early humans, from various geographical separations, may have shared similar, if not the exact cultural practices and beliefs which were reflected in their art forms across the globe.
This theory paves the way for the possibilities of diverse interactions between populations of different groups or through the journey of migration, where these art forms and their artistic traditions were shared. This may have been the origin of socialising skills with different communities.
The Chauvet Cave and the “Dawn of Cinema” Theory
Chauvet Cave located in France, was discovered in 1994 and holds a special
spot in the realm of cave art. The paintings in there, which are estimated to date back to about 38,000 years old, are remarkably well-preserved and display a complex use of new perspectives with the use of light. Some of the paintings are positioned to solely exploit natural light glistening through cracks and onto the cave walls, notably creating a dynamic interaction between light and shadow.
This tempted researchers to propose the “Dawn of Cinema” theory, suggesting that Homo sapiens may have discovered the potential for creating illusions of moving images in their sequential paintings.
Hallucinogens and the Altered States of Consciousness
The use of hallucinogenic plants, mainly fungi in some prehistoric and ancient
cultures are well documented to this day. Here, the question arises whether these substances were factors influencing the creation of cave paintings. Some research scholars believe that some inscriptions of unusual animals or celestial geometric patterns could be the experiences of ancestors painting under the influence of hallucinogens. However, factually there is negligible concrete evidence to support this theory, and hence has remained a bleak theory till now.
Advanced
Technology Unveiling the Advent of Modernization
Modern technology and new tools are a blessing in disguise for understanding cave art. One such method is the Carbon dating technique widely used, which allows a precise age determination. 3D scanning is another set of techniques to create detailed virtual replicas of
these ancient artworks so that they can be analysed by art stalwarts in understanding cave paintings, enabling them to analyse details invisible to the naked eye and gain a deeper perspective for the artistic skill and mindset of our ancestors.
A Perspective Window into the Stone Age Cave Paintings
Cave paintings are not just ancient and prehistoric doodle creations. They are a testimony to the origin of time, ingenuity, raw imagination, and a shift from the prototype cognitive skills to the complex thinking abilities of our early ancestors. Also offers a glimpse into a world where art, cultural practices and rituals, and survival are intricately intertwined. These interlay of various art forms and stories have laid the foundation for the rich tapestry of human culture and its continual evolution.
Rekha Padiki
Haven’t we all fantasized about that dreamland, that picture perfect land of green and blue, a land that looks straight out of a fairytale, a land beaming with mountains and streams all around. A land looking so fresh that you don’t believe it’s real. But guess what, that dream just translated into reality! Located amidst the splendid range of mountains and pristine lakes is this canvas like town, Interlaken, in our childhood fantasy, Switzerland. Located between two lakes, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is a heaven transformed on earth. The freshness, the tranquility, the quiet, the snow-capped mountains, and streams offer a breathtaking scenic beauty. Serenity in a place!
A popular Hill town, Interlaken, has some of the awe-inspiring scenic locations which are hard to miss! A heaven for hikers and an adventurers’ paradise, this town has something to offer to everyone, its age old train ride which runs along many tunnels and mountainous terrains make it a scene of unparalleled natural beauty. Although a popular tourist destination, this town still has its nativity intact and friendly locals always ready to lend a helping hand sets this town apart and makes for a warm and welcoming vacation destination.
Exploring Interlaken can be a fascinating experience and one that will remain with you for the rest of your life. Home to many hidden pristine towns and villages waiting to be explored. Here are a few places that you would not want to miss:
Harder Kulm - A heaven for hikers, this mountain has an incredible panoramic view of the 3 major peaks- The Eiger, The Monch, The Jungfraujoch from the top. One could also take a funicular ride which is more than a 100 years old while enjoying the scenic landscape as well as the view of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. At 1,322 m above the sea level, Harder Kulm has an overwhelming view and is a perfect spot for photographs. The sunset here is another attraction no one wants to miss. Imagine watching the sun go down at that altitude…magnificent! Dining at this exclusive location is a whole new satisfying experience filling not just your stomach but your heart too. It is just a 10-minute train ride to Interlaken transporting the tourists into a whole new realm.
Jungfraujoch - At 4,158 m, this is one of the main summits of the Bernese Alps. It is Europe’s highest point surrounded by glaciers and eternal snow. Transporting the tourists into the alpine wonderland of ice, Jungfraujoch has Europe’s highest railway station. Can you even imagine this! A railway station at an elevation of 3,463 m (11,362 ft) above the sea level, a marvel in itself! Jungfraujoch has been listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site for its stunning beauty. It is a maiden glacier saddle connecting the alpinesJungfraujoch and The Monch. While you are at this peak, you could visit The Sphinx Observation Deck, The Ice Palace, The Snow Park and the best part of all, the Lindt Swiss Chocolate heaven
Sphinx Observatory - One of the world’s highest observatories, is located at an altitude of 3,571m above the sea level. The observatory is named after the Sphinx, a rocky summit on which it is located, serving as a solar spectrometer. It plays a key role in many scientific experiments.
Ice Palace - “Frozen in time “, this phrase is taken to the next level here. Carved in ice are the sculptures of bears, penguins, huskies, igloos. The ice palace is a series of tunnels and walking through them is a whole new experience in itself.
Snow Park, an adventure attraction of the Jungfraujoch peak where one can ski, snowboard, zipline , or just snowtub… each experience is unique in itself.
Lauterbrunnen - A splendid glacial valley with numerous mesmerizing waterfalls (72 to be precise) makes it a must visit. This astoundingly beautiful village fills one’s heart with its spectacular beauty and tranquility. While exploring this blissful quiet village one wishes the time just stopped. Among many of its waterfalls, Staubbach falls is the most visited. Hiking or walking along is the best way to create wonderful memories of this village. One other thing you could do while you are here is to take the cogwheel railway ride, connecting Lauterbrunnen to Wengen, a car-free town. This ride is under 15 minutes and the train gains nearly 500 vertical meters. During the ride, the panoramic view of the valley is simply out of the world, the waterfalls, the alps around it look magnificent.
Lake Thun – An alpine lake in the Bernese Oberland region with its turquoise blue water makes it a spectacular view. The cruise sail on this lake is enchanting like in a fairytale! Lake Thun is a paradise for the water sport enthusiasts- surfing, sailing, swimming, paddling, wakeboarding and many more. With castles along the shore, and mountains as the backdrop, Lake Thun makes one appreciate the picturesque wonder.
St. Beatus Caves – One of the most popular destinations along the shores of Lake Thun are these caves. Nature made over millions of years, the legend says that St. Beatus chose these caves for his hermitage after he captured a menacing dragon to help the locals and free them from the fear of the beast. These caves stretch over 12 kilometers under the ground, but a stretch of only 1 km is open for the tourists. These caves are well lit, easily accessible and they effortlessly transport you into another world. The stalactite and stalagmite formations in this limestone cave are guaranteed to stun you.
Hot air balloon ride: Hold your breath for you will be flying over the most captivating mountain ranges. Discover the dense forests, alpine meadows and the glaciers as you soar in the sky. This 2 hour journey will become the most unforgettable adventure experience for you. Once aboard this ride, you are guaranteed a 360 degree panoramic view of sheer quiet and bliss.
Hiking: With over 70 safe marked trails, Interlaken is a hiker’s dream! Enjoying the mesmerizing beauty, breathing fresh air as you hike alongside the stunning view, it is sure to be etched in your memory for a lifetime. Hikes to The Rugen, The Harder Kulm, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald are just a few among the famous trails. Make sure to check the weather before you start the hike, it is imperative. And what else would you need – make sure to pack energy food, lots and lots of water and of course you need a good pair of hiking shoes. Having said that, once you reach the top no one can resist an Instagram worthy picture! And, so, yes your phone or a camera is necessary too!
No itinerary to the alps is complete without adventure sports, and if you are a thrill seeker,Interlaken is just the place for you. Listed here are just a few of the many outdoor activities.
Paragliding: Enjoy the bird’s eye view of this spectacular alpine town overlooking the stupendous mountains and the lush green landscapes. The view of this green and blue sure will be etched in your memory for a long time. This activity is accompanied by a trained instructor, so if you don’t know how to fly, do not worry, the instructor knows! Just float away!
Skydiving: Experience the adrenaline rush with this exhilarating activity. The panorama of the town from up above in the sky is simply unparalleled. Take a helicopter ride and enjoy the eagle’s view of the alps from above, and once you reach 14,000 ft get ready to jump. With the backdrop of the mountain trio, The Eiger, The Monch and The Jungfraujoch, the pristine waterfalls and lakes make one appreciate nature like never before. This activity is always accompanied by a super trained professional, so do not worry, enjoy the view and just spread your wings!
The list of adventure activities and places to visit seem like never ending and in all honesty I am running out of adjectives to describe this marvel of a place! Well, God just outdid himself! This alpine town is extremely popular among both adventure seekers and leisure tourists alike. Ideally visiting Interlaken between the months of June and August is recommended as it is the summer and the temperatures are extremely pleasant and the timing stands perfect for outdoor activities and nature walks. Getting to Interlaken is pretty much easy. A train ride from the capital city Bern airport takes about an hour and a half and a 45 minute ride by road. One could reach Interlaken via Zurich airport as well – just hop on a train!
CHRONO NUTRITION
Ever woken up all grumpy and groggy after the late-night Netflix and Samosa binge? Or, picture this, body filled with high energy levels, pumped up, excited to hit those weights in the gym, but as soon the time arrives, your energy tumbles, leaving you bland and exhausted. Contrarily, if you sleep after an early dinner, and get a proper amount of sleep, your body feels energized, ready to burn some calories without feeling deprived. Let’s grasp the science behind it:
Our body has a natural 24-hour rhythm (the circadian clock), disrupted by improper diet and uneven sleep cycles. The key reasons for this rhythm misalignment are the modern-day delicacies savored at unusual hours of the day, and lack of even a basic exercise. Well, ChronoNutrition, the buzzing word in the world of wellness, synchronizes this rhythm, suggesting what to eat in a day and in what proportions. Not diving into the technical jargon of the term, Chrono-nutrition tells you that not only what to eat, but when to eat also matters. Syncing the meals with the circadian clock, taking high to low proportions at appropriate times, thus leaving no room for misalignment, and setting the proper tone.
Day’s right commencement: The Breakfast
The day’s start should be protein-rich with healthy fats. Instead of pounding over those heavy parathas with simmering butter on top, opt for scrambled eggs or poha (flattened rice), topping up with nuts, and a glass of milk. This will be a perfect balance to fuel your body and kick start your morning, maintaining the energy levels. As an Indian culinary craver, the best example for morning breakfast can be “Paneer stuffed moong dal (green gram
beans) cheela”. The protein content in the beans and paneer with the amount of healthy dietary fats is sufficient for the morning hustles.
A Feast called The Lunch
As the day progresses, the body’s metabolism rises to its peak and requires heavier meal portions containing complex carbohydrates and protein like white rice or chapatti with lentils and vegetables (roasted, cooked, or boiled), and a bowl full of salad to add some fiber. You can also add some curd for a dip of healthy fat to your meal. Often energy levels start dipping as the day progresses after noon, thus a lunch feast full of rich nutrients will help the body cope with the dipping levels and maintain the energy level throughout the day.
An example of a healthy noon meal can be Urad dal (the infamous black dal) with white rice, any seasonal vegetable, and a bowl of curd and salad on the side. The black dal is one of the best sources of natural protein and paired with carbs of rice with dietary fat and fiber, the meal is a perfect blend of taste with nutrition and covers every aspect of an awesome lunch meal.
Early to Dinner, Early to Bed
The most interesting part of the entire Chrono-nutrition plan is to solve the dinner dilemma. Now the day and the day’s work are over and you crave a pile of food to fill you up neck high. But here is what the change is, the natural body rhythm continues to go down as the night ascends, thus feasting on too much food can cause an imbalance to the rhythmic pattern. The body needs at least 2 to 3 hours to digest all that has been consumed before you
If non-veg options are not for you, try vegetable proteins (red beans, lentils, etc.). A personal recommendation will be boiled rajma (red beans) with roasted vegetables. Light, healthy, and easy to digest. The bedtime should be early, and not just after dinner. Digestion takes time, and that is why early dinner is of utmost importance to dive into bed early, and the next day the same routine follows.
The equation’s other half: Exercise
All work and no play – A dull person in the making. Chrono is not just about what’s on your platter, or when and what to eat, it’s just one half. To balance the other half, a proper workout comes into play. A regular physical activity, which you enjoy and can hold on to. It can be running, cycling, yoga, weight training, anything. Find a suitable time, and stick to it. Choose a goal, either fat loss, muscle gain, or just being more fit. For fat loss, opt for lightweight training sessions with cardio sessions to burn those extra calories. For muscle building, go with intense weight training with a little bit of cardio. Eat accordingly, following the Chrono pattern.
Keep in mind
Chrono-nutrition is not a recipe book that needs to be followed exactly as instructed. Everyone has a different body type; thus the same plan won’t be effective for everyone. Experiment with routines and find the best for you. Don’t make it a to-do list of everyday chores, make it your lifestyle, then instead of a burden to be followed daily, it becomes a necessity, a happier journey of healthy delicacies, fitness, and a good night’s nap.
Disclaimer:
The article is for information purposes only. This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare expert before any significant change in your diet or exercise routine.
Ah, one can imagine summertime in Chennai - where you are more parched than usual, with the temperature rising, and so does the need for an extra refreshing drink. Our energy levels drop way below, leaving many of us with less to no appetite for food and struggling to stay recharged. We’ve all heard more than once in our lives to keep ourselves hydrated.
Our bodies tend to lose more water through sweat and if we don’t keep up, dehydration happens. And it wouldn’t be surprising to feel tired most of the time, along with our skin begging for moisture. But don’t sweat it!
Vaishnavi M R
We’re revealing some underrated tips to get through this heatwave with hydrating foods and drinks to help you not lose your cool, even when it is scorching outside. Grab a chilled coconut water or snack on juicy watermelon slices.
We have got a list going on to keep you hydrated and your energy levels up. Also, let’s not neglect skincare! With simple tips, you can keep your skin radiating, despite the summer heat. So next time you’re feeling the heat in Chennai, remember the hacks we are about to tell you. Chennai summer hits different, doesn’t it? Step outside and bam! Hot air slaps you (but way sweatier). That breezy linen
kurta you picked out this morning? Forget it. By the bus stop, you’re already craving cold filter coffee or a tender coconut to cool you down and you miss your air conditioner already. And suddenly, everything’s in slow motion - your body is already drained out and you probably forgot to carry your water bottle.
Yeah, that’s dehydration talking. But hey, chin up! With a few smart choices, we can totally beat this heat and keep that summer glow all season long! We’re talking about underrated drinks and longforgotten summer food that your grandma would know, like Rice Kanji.
Neer: A Fancy Twist on Coconut Water
Summer Food & Drinks to take this summer:
Neer Moru: Not The Average Buttermilk
Forget the fancy, store-bought summer drinks. Every Tamilnadu household has its drink for scorching summer days - Neer Moru, their special buttermilk. It’s very easy to make: Just mix some water with buttermilk, then add a little sizzle with mustard seeds and curry leaves. A tiny bit of chopped green chilli and ginger gives it a refreshing kick, and asafoetida adds a touch of depth. It’s the perfect way to cool down after breakfast and get a healthy dose of probiotics at the same time.
Fancy restaurants in Chennai like Dakshin and Raintree have been serving up a refreshing classic drink for years - they call it Neer. Here’s the best part: Making Neer is ridiculously easy. Just grab your favourite glass of tender coconut water, add a touch of honey for sweetness, and a squeeze of lime. That’s it! In just two steps, you’ve got a cool, delicious drink that’s perfect for beating the Chennai heat.
Kosumalli: Beat the Heat with a Crunchy Bite
Panagam: The Sweet & Easy Energy Booster
Need a quick and refreshing drink after a long day? Look no further than Panagam, a traditional Chennai drink made with just three ingredients! This super simple recipe involves dissolving jaggery in water - some folks even leave it overnight for effortless prep. Once dissolved, strain the mixture to remove any impurities. Now comes the fun part: Add a dash of dry ginger and a squeeze of lemon. Also, did you know that Jaggery is the reason behind the instant kick you’d feel after drinking this? It is a natural source of iron that helps replenish lost energy.
Kosumalli should be your summer salad. It packs a refreshing crunch with grated carrots and cool cucumber, all tossed with tiny yellow lentils (moong dal) that have soaked for just 30 minutes. A sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lime add the perfect finishing touches. The best part? Kosumalli takes minutes to make and is bursting with vitamins, making it a delicious and healthy way to beat the heat.
Rice Kanji: Leftover Rice
Chennai heat got you down? Don’t toss out that leftover rice! Rice Kanji, a traditional breakfast in Tamil Nadu, makes your leftovers useful and ideal for summer. Simply soak leftover rice in water overnight. The next morning, mash it up and stir in some curd and salt for a creamy treat. Add a sprinkle of chopped onions for an extra bite. Rice Kanji is more than just tasty; it’s a powerhouse for gut health and hydration - perfect for keeping you cool and energised. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to avoid food waste! So next time you have leftover rice, forget about reheating and make a bowl of refreshing Rice Kanji.
Forget glowing from highlighter, these quick summer recipes offer another benefit: glowing skin! The probiotics in Neer Moru and Rice Kanji aid in digestion, which can reflect positively on your complexion. Panagam’s natural source of iron helps deliver oxygen to your skin cells, promoting a healthy radiance.
Kosumalli’s vitamin-rich ingredients nourish your skin from within, while the cooling cucumber helps reduce puffiness. Even Neer, with its lime and coconut water, provides electrolytes and antioxidants that contribute to a healthy, hydrated glow. Embrace these traditional recipes. Your taste buds will be happy, your body will be thanking you, and your skin will be like, “Woah, what’s your secret?”
We sure have heard this - you are what you eat. That greasy pizza might not be your skin’s best friend. Our skin reflects what’s happening inside. Sugary drinks and processed foods, often summertime indulgences, can trigger inflammation, leading to breakouts and acne. The intense heat can also deplete your skin’s natural moisture, leaving it dull and dehydrated. The good news is, you don’t need to go overboard to find ingredients for your skincare. It is right in your food! And with that in mind, you can also have a simple but underrated skincare day at home using ingredients you might already have.
We have quick tips you can use for your skin for your daily routine. These tips have been around since ancient times.
Quick Tips for Skin:
Oil Baths
South Indians swear by coconut, sesame, or mustard oil massages followed by a gentle scrub with a loofah (natural sponge) to remove dead skin cells. It’s a luxurious way to keep your skin soft and summer-ready.
Coconut Oil
From head to toe, coconut oil is your skin’s ultimate summer BFF. Moisturise dry skin, soothe sunburn, and even treat minor wounds - all with a jar of this natural oil!
Turmeric Powder
This isn’t just for curries! Turmeric can help fight acne and leave your skin with a healthy glow. Try a face mask made with turmeric and honey for a natural radiance boost.
Aloe Plant
The plant, aloe vera, is a must-have for summer skin. Its cooling and soothing properties are perfect for calming irritation and sunburn. Keep a pot of aloe vera on hand for instant relief.
Nalpamaradi Thailam
This Ayurvedic oil is packed with natural ingredients like turmeric and sandalwood for an even skin tone and reducing tan. It is traditionally used to massage your face and body. Plus, the natural oils keep your skin hydrated during summer.
So ditch the store-bought drinks and greasy snacks. Use these refreshing summer recipes and skin tips. Not only will you be staying hydrated, but your taste buds and your skin will thank you for it. Remember, a healthy glow comes from within - and with these traditional recipes, you’ve got summer on lock!
| Wool & Rabbit | ALICE FOR HER
Shamshad
THROUGH THE MIND OF THE DOORMAN OF INDIA
Lekhashree Natarajan
There is a saying that, “Eyes are the windows to the soul”, but to one person inspiration came in the form of doors. Every closed door that he passed by, piqued his interest to imagine the lives that lay beyond them. What started as a small fascination later on became his passion and career into painting intricate half open doors with a little peek into tales that beheld them. Santhana Krishnan is now an internationally acclaimed artist whose lively doors have reached the homes of many celebrities from Sachin Tendulkar to Kamal Hassan. He is proud to have picked a muse which has a different tale every time he picks up his brush. Let us hear more from the man of many doors himself.
How and when did you start painting doors? And what was the reason behind it?
From my school days, I discovered I was not very academic, but would love to show my talent in drawing competitions. My father also encouraged me into this path by buying me magazines like Reader’s digest and The Hindu, which published art work of students. I used to cut them up and made a journal for my inspiration. In the year 2015, my picture was printed in the same magazine which brought me immense pride and pleasure.
While I was pursuing my undergraduate at Kumbakonam Arts college, I used to gaze into a lot of doors enroute to my college and be in awe at the way they looked in the morning versus evening. The light falling on the doors at dawn and dusk gave them varied perspectives. This led me into painting one such door with every miniscule detail on it including the door number which was 15/12 and hung in a gallery show.
One of the visitors to the show, living in the States, saw my painting and was shocked to find his own childhood home door hanging on the wall. He brought his family and talked animatedly about his old home, sharing stories of his childhood to his kids. Witnessing that moment of pure joy inspired me to choose doors as my muse. That made me realise that my works are not mere paintings but a connection to the lost world of many.
What are the prominent figures and details that you include in your doors?
I try to include every minute detail that I happen to see on a door. Details like door numbers, polio drop chalk mark, Eb service number can generally be seen on my door paintings. In the half open side, I include Thulasithara, copper and brass vessels, copper water boilers for bathing which could usually be seen in the houses of those days.
Sometimes, I even customize the detailing in the painting according to the buyer’s wishes. For example, one of my customers asked for a painting which included an old green vespa that was usually parked in front of the door of their old house and a sewing machine which his mother used, and I delivered the same.
I never include human images in my art, only those of birds and landscapes, the backyard or the opposite end of the house from where the next street could be seen.
Sometimes my paintings sport an old movie poster with theatre and show details on it like in the old days. This brings back nostalgic memories for many. One such door with the poster of “Dil wale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge” was loved and bought by the director of the movie himself, Karan Johar.
What does the “Door” signify in your artwork?
A door is a mere peek into the lives of the people inside and conceals abundant cultural wealth. We live a life where we use doors for everything. I feel that doors are not just the hard wood that protects a house or room but can be anything from a pen cap that closes a pen to our eyelids that protect our eyes. Door is so significant that from our birth till death, a door is a necessity. “There is no life without a door.” In my life, I have done 12 solo shows, a 100 group shows and travelled over 57 countries and I witnessed all those doors that paved the way for my future.
Your doors possess vibrant colours. Any specific reason behind it?
I feel colours give a jolt of freshness and joy in our ordinary life. The modern doors which are usually in shades of brown and black, bring a feeling of dullness. Every city has a different popular choice of colour for its doors. For example, Madurai has prominent greens, Tirunelveli has blue hued doors and chettinad houses are filled with yellow colours. These vibrant colours tell their own stories of origin and weave a tale for the onlookers. My muse is not just the doors of my hometown but of every different city. I take it up as my passion to visit different cities and create paintings inspired by the doors in the location. One time, the president of Mauritius, who was of Indian origin, loved my Bhojpuri styled door and bought it on the spot as it was from his hometown and brought so many memories for him. These instances make me want to explore more and create more such paintings.
How did you feel when you realised they are not just a work of art but a connection to many and contain different stories?
This question reminds me of a time when common villagers who knew me would ask why would anyone buy a painting of old doors. Well, these paintings brought back a nostalgic feeling and a chance to remember their innocent days. Listening to the stories of the customers who buy my paintings has to be one of the main reasons I paint them. It brings me immense happiness and I feel like I received an award every time I witness such emotionally joyful moments. In one show, a senior person blessed me since my painting reminded him of his 130 years old house which was demolished long back. I live and breathe for such moments. Nowadays my paintings are customised and bought as wedding gifts.
Your door adorns many popular personalities’ homes today. How do you feel about it?
Yes, my door paintings can be seen hung at many popular personalities’ homes. Some of them being Sachin Tendulkar, Karan Johar, Amitabh Bachchan, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Mani Ratnam and Kamal Hassan. When I know that my work of art is appreciated so much by so many people in different industries it brings me immense joy. When I was in my freshman year of college, some of my paintings were hung at Chitrakala Gallery, Bangalore. The Personal Assistant of the Biocon company chairperson visited me and asked to buy every painting of the door in the gallery. I agreed and discussed delivering the paintings on the last day of show to them. When I shared the news to my brother, he was astonished and informed me that – Kiran Mazamdur Shaw was the richest woman in India. I was humbled at that moment knowing what brought life into my living, brought happiness to those of such class too. After I met with her and came to know she truly loved them, I realised art can touch everyone no matter their profession.
7. What’s the theme of your doors? Or is the ‘door’ the theme?
Yes, the door is my muse and theme. However, the way it is portrayed varies in every painting. As I said before, the door encompasses so many hidden meanings in them and when it brings joy and happiness to hundreds of my customers, I think it was wise of me to choose the ‘door.’ I have painted different kinds of doors from different cities of India.
I also include glass panels which can be seen above the doors which sometimes portray Gods and Goddesses. I am not a very religious person but I believe these doors represent our culture and heritage. My paintings include a peek into the backyard of the house or a mountain in the background or agricultural lands. These represent our Indian culture. ICCR Delhi selected me and a few others and the Indian embassy sent us with our work to Vietnam since my work represented Indian culture.
8. What you do is unique and out of the box. How do you manage to stay determined to be devoted to it?
My paintings are not a décor piece. People connect to it and interact for hours exchanging nostalgic stories with each other. These old-style doors are vanishing due to modernization. Just the way old Ilayaraja Tamil songs bring back sweet memories, my paintings do too. The detailing in my paintings like the poster of the old Hindi movie “Bobby” opens up a well of emotions and memories in my clients who live abroad and out of touch
from their childhood. I am blessed to have chosen this as my profession. Every time I make a new painting, I look forward to it. This feeling will never fade in me and I think that is what makes me stay devoted to this art. My muse has always been a door but the way I make it an art piece is always different, first it was watercolours, then oil paint, then acrylic. Nowadays, I am making doors of 6-7 feet height with locks and details. This is my new 3D art. My name is saved as “The Doorman” in many phones and I love that like a superhero I am here to bring back precious memories to everyone.
9.Tell us something about the House you are building.
The famous Anandha Vigadan magazine wrote how when a person finds success, they move their location from the small town they come from to a bigger city or capital, but Santhana Krishnan has moved back to his hometown after becoming internationally acclaimed. I wanted to construct a home that looks just like my paintings. So I have added bright yellow colours and intricately designed doors, a big pond with steps, a garden full of flower plants and fruit trees and also innumerable art pieces. I want this place to be a homestay for every artist who visits Kumbakonam.
This beautiful interview ended with an intellectually nourishing quote saying “Ravi Varma Painted Goddess Lakshmi and Brought her to life for her devotees. Life is indeed all these little moments.” Follow “Kadavu@39” and check his house pictures on Instagram.
Every summer, the clear waters of the Florida Keys come alive with a different kind of symphony. Beneath the waves, amidst the vibrant coral reefs and curious marine life, divers and snorkelers experience the enchanting melodies of the Underwater Music Festival. This one-of-a-kind event blends environmental awareness with musical celebration, creating an unforgettable experience that highlights the importance of marine conservation.
Chiranjivi Penumala
Roots and Intent
The Underwater Music Festival was first held in 1984 by Bill Becker, founder of the event and co-founder of radio station WWUS 104.1 FM. The festival takes place at Looe Key Reef, part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, located about six miles south of Big Pine Key. The primary goal of the festival is to raise awareness about the delicate ecosystem of the coral reefs and promote the conservation efforts necessary to preserve these natural wonders.
The Festival Experience
Each year, usually on the Saturday following Independence Day, hundreds of divers and snorkelers gather at Looe Key Reef to participate in this submerged musical extravaganza. The event features local musicians and pre-recorded music transmitted underwater via special speakers suspended beneath boats.The playlist includes a mix of marinethemed songs, from classics like the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” to popular tunes like the theme from “The Little Mermaid.”
Participants don creative costumes, often inspired by sea creatures, adding a whimsical touch to the event. Underwater, the surreal combination of music and marine life creates a dreamlike atmosphere. Coral formations serve as the stage, while schools of colourful fish dance to the rhythm, and divers sway to the ethereal tunes.
Instruments and Performances
One of the highlights of the festival is the use of unique underwater musical instruments. Specially
designed for this event, these instruments include “air guitars,” conch shell horns, and other imaginative creations that can be played underwater. While the music is pre-recorded for the most part, the visual performances by divers playing these instruments add an engaging and entertaining element to the festival.
Environmental Impact and Education
While the festival is undoubtedly a fun and entertaining event, its underlying message is one of
conservation and education. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which hosts the festival, is home to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.
This reef system is under threat from climate change, pollution, and other human activities. The Underwater Music Festival aims to inspire participants and spectators to become advocates for the ocean. Informational booths, educational materials, and presentations by marine biologists are part of the festival, offering insights into the
challenges facing coral reefs and ways to protect them. The festival also promotes responsible diving and snorkelling practices to minimize human impact on the delicate reef ecosystem.
Community and Tourism
The Underwater Music Festival has grown into a cornerstone event for the local community in the Florida Keys, drawing visitors from across the globe. This influx of tourists provides a substantial boost to the local economy, benefiting a wide range of businesses.
Economic Impact:
1. Hotels and Accommodations: The festival period sees a significant increase in occupancy rates at hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals throughout the Keys. Many visitors plan their stay around the festival, booking rooms well in advance. This surge in tourism not only fills hotels but also leads to extended stays as visitors explore other attractions in the area.
2. Restaurants and Dining: Local restaurants and eateries experience a notable uptick in business. Festival goers seek out dining options ranging from casual beachside cafes to fine dining establishments. This increased patronage helps to boost revenues for local food and beverage providers, contributing to the overall economic health of the community.
3. Tour Operators and Recreational Services: The demand for recreational activities such as diving, snorkelling, boating, and eco-tours rises during the festival. Tour operators offer special packages and excursions tailored to festival participants, enhancing their overall experience. This not only supports local businesses but also provides employment opportunities for residents.
Community and Social Impact:
1. Sense of Community: The festival fosters a strong sense of community among residents and visitors. Locals take pride in hosting such a unique event, and many volunteer their time and resources to ensure its success. This collective effort strengthens community bonds and promotes a shared sense of identity centered around the preservation of their natural environment.
2. Cultural Exchange: Visitors from diverse backgrounds bring with them different perspectives and cultures, enriching the local community. This cultural exchange creates a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, encouraging mutual understanding and appreciation.
3. Environmental Stewardship: The festival’s core message of marine conservation resonates with both locals and visitors. Educational initiatives and awareness campaigns conducted during the festival emphasize the importance of protecting the coral reefs and marine life. This shared responsibility fosters a community united in their commitment to environmental stewardship, inspiring ongoing conservation efforts beyond the festival.
4. Local Art and Music Scene: The festival also shines a spotlight on the local art and music scene. Local musicians and artists are featured prominently, giving them a platform to showcase their talents to a broader audience. This exposure can lead to increased opportunities for local artists and contributes to the cultural vibrancy of the Florida Keys.
The Underwater Music Festival is more than just a unique musical event; it is a celebration of the ocean and a call to action for its conservation. By combining the universal language of music with the beauty of the underwater world, the festival creates a powerful and memorable experience that resonates with all who participate. As the melodies drift through the water and the coral reefs sway in harmony, the festival reminds us of the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems and the importance of protecting them for future generations.
