Can You Spot the Ghost? Whispers of Hauntings in Kolkata’s Heritage Buildings

Kolkata, the City of Joy, holds more than just bustling markets and vibrant festivals. Its labyrinthine lanes, whispering echoes of Mughal grandeur, French flourishes, British decrees, and Dutch whispers, harbor tales of a different kind – chilling encounters with the past. So, fasten your ghost-hunting belts, for we’re about to delve into the city’s most spine-tingling haunts. The National Library India’s largest library, the National Library, houses not just forgotten poems and lost manuscripts but tales of a restless spirit. Lady Metcalfe, they say, glides through the corridors, searching for something lost. Witnesses speak of an unsettling feeling of being watched, sending shivers down their spines. Adding to the intrigue is a recently discovered hidden chamber, rumored to have served as a torture chamber during the British Raj. Tragic accidents during renovations only fuel the chilling whispers echoing in the hallowed halls. Putulbari or House of Dolls With its name, “House of Dolls,” chills are almost guaranteed. This dilapidated mansion holds a dark secret. The upper floors, forbidden to visitors even in daylight, are supposedly haunted by the vengeful spirits of courtesans mistreated by wealthy landlords. Eerie wails and hysterical laughter, echoing from unseen corners, fuel the legends. Whether truth or mere rumors, the sight of the building alone is enough to set imaginations racing. The Royal Calcutta Turf Club Legend says, “Willam Saheb ka Sada Ghora,” a white stallion named Pride, beloved by Englishman George Williams. Driven by obsession, the owner pushed Pride beyond his limits. A lost derby and a broken spirit led to the horse’s demise on the very track. On moonlit Saturdays, onlookers swear they see Pride’s spectral form racing across the deserted course, an eerie reminder of the past. Writer’s Building Housing administrative offices, the Writer’s Building holds a mysterious reputation. After sunset, the place becomes eerily silent, with many rooms sealed for decades. The whispers claim these unused rooms are haunted, echoing with disembodied laughter, screams, and whispers. Investigations offer no explanation, leaving the place shrouded in an unsettling quiet, broken only by the chilling tales of the unseen. Hastings House Now, the Institute of Education for Women, Hastings House carries the legacy of Warren Hastings, a former British Governor General. Students claim to see a white man on horseback, believed to be Hastings’ ghost. Others speak of a boy’s spirit haunting the football field. Whether figments of imagination or remnants of the past, these spooky stories add to the building’s enigmatic aura. .

yourplatform

Food

Dare to Devour? India’s Most Bizarre Culinary Adventures

India, the land of fragrant curries, melt-in-your-mouth kebabs, and rich biryanis, offers a feast for the senses. But venture beyond the familiar, and you’ll discover a culinary underworld where bamboo shoots take the spotlight, rotten potatoes reign supreme, and even cannabis finds its way into festive fritters. Intrigued, yet slightly horrified? Join us on a whirlwind tour of bizarre delicacies that might tempt your adventurous spirit (or turn your stomach). Phan Pyut: Where Rotten Reigns: Forget farm-to-table freshness! In Mizoram, “Phan Pyut” elevates potatoes to a whole new level of decomposition. These humble spuds are left to gracefully rot in the earth, acquiring a unique earthy aroma and flavor before being spiced up into a side dish or main course. Sounds off-putting? Maybe, but for locals, it’s a cherished tradition. Onion Halwa: Sweet Surrender or Savory Shock?: The mere mention of “halwa” conjures images of creamy sweetness. But in Uttar Pradesh, a caramelized concoction starring caramelized onions challenges your taste buds’ expectations. The secret lies in slow-cooking onions in ghee, milk, and sugar, transforming them into a surprisingly delightful (and surprisingly onion-less) dessert. Dare to be surprised? Bhaang Pakoda: A High On Tradition: Move over, regular pakoras! Rajasthan’s Holi celebrations take a flavorful turn with the inclusion of cannabis leaves in these crispy fritters. Don’t worry. It’s not just about getting tipsy. These pakoras hold a long history in religious celebrations and are believed to possess medicinal properties. So, enjoy the cultural significance and a subtle buzz with every bite. Khorisa: Bamboo Shoots Take Root: Bamboo isn’t just for baskets and furniture in Northeast India. Here, the edible Bambusa Balcooa (an edible bamboo variation) finds its way onto dinner plates as “Khorisa.” Young bamboo shoots are chopped, fermented, and transformed into pickles or curries, or even enjoyed solo. This versatile plant isn’t just delicious but also boasts potential health benefits like preventing heart disease and cancer. Benami Kheer: The Garlic You Never Saw Coming: This Awadhi royal kheer holds a secret ingredient to raise eyebrows – garlic. Yes, you read that right! The slivered almonds mask the blanched garlic, which gives the creamy sweetness a distinctive savory touch. This dish is a fantastic example of the culinary genius of Indian cuisine; it shows how conventional flavors can be transformed into something unique and delicious. These are just a glimpse into the fascinating world of bizarre Indian food. Each dish tells a story of tradition, resourcefulness, and a unique connection to the land. So, if you’re an adventurous eater seeking new culinary experiences, India awaits with its hidden gems. Have a delicious journey!

yourplatform

Fashion

Not Just Sarees & Kohl: Debunking Bengali Beauty Myths!

Ah, the Bengali woman. Draped in the Korial sarees, eyes smudged with kohl, and long flowing hair decorated with fragrant jasmine – an image of timeless beauty, right? Well, not really! Bengali beauty is a sonorous mosaic interwoven with threads of richness far more elaborate than we often think of. So, it’s time to debunk some myths and celebrate Bengali beauty’s multifaceted, dynamic essence. Myth #1: Sarees are the only outfit! Let’s be honest; the sarees are an inevitable part of Bengali culture. But it’s not the only outfit in Bengali women’s sartorial arsenal. There is more to it. From slaying in fusion wear that blends tradition with modern trends to acing the power suit, they wear diverse silhouettes confidently to express themselves. Myth #2: Dusky skin is the epitome of Bengali beauty! While this harmful myth, unfortunately, plagues many cultures, Bengali beauty shines in all shades. Whether it’s the sun-kissed glow of a rural woman who works in the farmland or the alabaster elegance of an urban woman in a bustling corporate life, they never fail to radiate the inherent grace and resilience that defines the spirit of Bengal. Myth #3: Heavy kohl-rimmed eyes are a must! Get over monotonous kohl! Bengali women don’t just smudge. They sculpt, shimmer, and slay with their eye makeup. From bewitching “fishbowl” eyes whispering tradition to bold, modern lines screaming individualism, their lids are a canvas of self-expression. What makes it more attractive? Smizing! Yes, the twinkle in mischief-filled eyes that can smile without uttering a word. Myth #4: Curves are the essence of Bengali beauty! Forget the curves; Bengali beauty is a kaleidoscope that shatters the narrow definition of physical perfection. The fiery intellect sparks witty debates, the soulful depth that resonates in Rabindra Sangeet’s melodies, and the tenacious spirit that dances through generations. It’s the glint in their eyes during an adda, the roar in their voice for justice, and the warmth that unfolds like a sari, embracing their rich heritage. Myth #5: Long, wavy hair represents Bengali beauty! Move over, Rapunzel! Bengali beauty blossoms in its variousness, embracing hair in all its glorious textures and styles. From the short, chic bobs and voluminous curls to playful braids and jazzy colors, Bengali women rewrite the rules, proving that beauty shines through, not just from the length or wave of their hair. Conclusion Bengali beauty isn’t just skin deep; it’s an orchestra of resilience, wit, and a soul that shines brighter than any ornament. So, let’s look beyond the limited lens and learn the true essence of Bengali beauty. It is a lovely mishmash of diverse expressions, each as unique and enchanting as the women who embody them. Remember, Bengali beauty is bold, multifaceted, and ever-evolving.

yourplatform

Entertainment

From Temple to Theater: Classical Dance Reimagined for the 21st Century!

For Indians, any variation of classical dance is more than just entertainment – it’s a heartbeat, a living legacy. These mesmerizing art forms are believed to have their sacred beginnings in ancient temples pirouetted through history. However, over the years, classical dances started to shed their spiritual roots. They adapted and evolved to vibrant and diverse art forms thriving in the 21st century to fascinate global audiences. Intrigued? Wondering how did it happen? Join us on a rhythmic journey as we explore this transformation in brief. The Sacred Origins: Where Marble met MudrasClose your eyes. Imagine incense wisping through the air, bells reverberating against a sun-warmed stone. In this heavenly symphony, graceful mudras unfold countless untold stories, weaving together the threads of tradition and art. Classical dance was much more than dance. In the yesteryears, it was a form of devotion, storytelling, and prayer inscribed in every motion. From Ritual to Spectacle: The Theatrical Evolution of Classical Dance Fast forward to the present day, classical dance is no longer an art form that was once restricted to the sanctum sanctorum. It embraces the extensive world of theater. Those same mythological tales are now exploding onto stages with spectacular costumes, rhythmic footwork, surround sound, and mesmerizing choreography that could make your heart skip a beat. Innovation meets Tradition: The 21st Century Revival! The story takes an unexpected turn, though! No matter how much progress the world makes towards modernity, classical dances will not be left behind. Here, we enter the 21st-century revival, a spectacular exhibit of inventiveness where tradition meets innovation. Instead of being shackled by tradition, classical dancers nowadays are trailblazers. These artists are fusing conventional and contemporary techniques to make things intriguing without disrupting their originality. Besides the epic narratives of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, many new love, longing, and liberation themes are composed and performed to expand the limits of creative expression. Whether through fusion projects with global artists or social media dance challenges that go viral, classical dances have adopted the dynamic spectrum of human emotion with grace and gusto. They have discovered new ways to enthrall viewers of all ages. Who knew that technology could resonate with an art form that has been around for centuries? Dancing into the Future Although Indian classical dances have undergone many changes over the years and will continue to do so, they retain their core spirit. They have transitioned from ancient temples’ sacred precincts to modern theaters’ glittering lights, mirroring the enduring power of tradition, innovation, and the human spirit. So, let’s applaud, sway to the tabla’s rhythm, and dance into the future, one classy step at a time.

yourplatform

Food

Petha Paradise & Pickle Pastimes: A Veggie’s Agra Adventure

Dear foodies, many of you might find it unbelievable! While the Taj Mahal steals the spotlight, Agra is equally unbeatable with its vibrant culinary scene. Ditch the meat stereotypes; it’s a haven for delicious vegetarian delights! Yes, you heard it right. Forget the “oh dear, nothing for me” woes. Agra’s hidden gems offer an explosion of delectable vegetarian adventures, from bustling street stalls overflowing with aromatic jalebis to cozy cafes serving yummy paneer tikkas. If you are open to exploring beyond the marble walls to unlock Agra’s vegetarian secrets, Come with us on a mouthwatering journey! Your heart will do a celebratory bhangra after every delightful veggie experience waiting around every corner of this heritage city. Petha: The Sweet Soul of Agra Let’s kick off our journey with Agras specialty. Petha. The classic variation of these sweets is translucent cubes of winter melon. But the modern market has infused them with various flavors, from rich saffron and refreshing paan to zesty lemon. We bet once you savor Agra’s Petha, resisting may prove challenging! Pickle Paradise: A Tangy Affair Agra’s food culture offers more than desserts! Explore the array of tangy pickles that enhance every meal. The variety of pickles in this city, ranging from mango and chilies to lime and carrot, is not mouthwatering but diverse. You can visit local markets, like the busy Kinari Bazaar, where vendors showcase their pickle jars, each promising to elevate your dining experience, reflecting the city’s rich culinary tradition. Veggie Ventures: Exploring Agra’s Culinary GemsAgra’s neither just Taj-tastic nor limited to Petha and pickles! Dig into veggie nirvana! From the tasty chaat of Sadar Bazaar to the melt-in-your-mouth paneer tikka, its vibrant streets offer a feast for vegetarian palates. Who could miss the finest parathas doused in mouth-tingling chutneys that are to be found in this city? Hot Bedai, a traditional breakfast meal with curd and spicy potato gravy, is another one-of-a-kind food. The locals rave about its delicious balance of sweet and sour flavors. Equally relishing, enjoy a tête-à-tête over a cup of chai served with piping hot samosas on a cold evening. Cooling down with a creamy lassi under the midday sun is bliss during scorching summer. Conclusion: A Culinary OdysseySo, the next time you’re in Agra, make sure to do more than just admire the Taj Mahal. Explore the vegetarian scene and savor all the delicious flavors and dishes. You’ll find a veggie adventure at every turn.

yourplatform

Automobile

Can Your Car Read Your Mind? The Mind-Blowing Capabilities of Connected Cars!

Just think of a scenario where you are going on a road trip down the highway. But this time, you are not fiddling with the radio or glancing at your phone. Because your car intuitively understands your mood and acts accordingly. Whether playing your favorite tracks or suggesting a nearby eatery, it always meets all your needs. If it sounds like science fiction, buckle up because the capabilities of connected cars might just blow your mind (without actually reading it). Basic AM/FM radios and manual locks are now a thing of the past. Cars today are turning into cool gadgets on wheels, packed with techy bits like sensors, software, and internet connectivity. These features make them feel more like giant smartphones you can drive. Connected cars always collect and share data to analyze your driving habits and preferences. So, what else can these mind-reading machines do? Here’s a sneak peek: Of course, with great power comes great responsibility (and, let’s be honest, some worries). Data privacy is a primary concern here. Who can see details on where you’ve been and how often you’ve driven? What if it got into the wrong hands or was used for targeted advertising? Automakers and regulators are tackling these issues as the number of connected cars increases, However, let’s not get bogged down by worries. Connected cars offer exciting possibilities: safer, smoother trips and even entertainment. Your vehicle may not be psychic yet, but it’s learning, potentially becoming your AI copilot on a thrilling ride into the future of transportation.

yourplatform

Design Lifestyle

Progress? Questioning the Unforeseen Impacts of New Solutions

There are many instances when a new thing arrives, and everyone exclaims, “Wow, this will save the environment while the practice continues!” But a week later, it’s revealed that it’s more harmful than the classic method. In our drive for progress, many instances like this have arisen. Here are some of them down below: Farming’s Backfire: Pesticides and Their Hidden Costs One of the most prominent examples of this happening is in the farming industry. Chemical pesticides were manufactured to kill pests and, as a result, give the farmer a bigger yield. But of course, the harmful chemicals would be mixed in our food and soil. As a result, food poisoning got on the rise, food started to cause cancer, and soil became unusable. Nicotine-less E-cigarettes That Brought More Issues to the Table You know this article would only be complete if it mentioned this monster. Vapes were made to counteract the main issues with traditional cigarettes – how addictive the nicotine in them made them. As a result, they made fully electronic, nonaddictive cigarettes that would save the environment at the same time. What no one would have predicted is that it became popular among high schoolers. Not to mention, the vapes were still as addictive. As a result, there was a surge of kids addicted to intoxicants; doesn’t that sound lovely? Thankfully, it’s been banned almost everywhere in the globe. Good riddance. Social Media’s Mixed Bag Social Media is the worst and yet the most prominent of them all. Social media was made with the incentive that it would use the power of the World Wide Web to connect anyone, regardless of how far they lived. Of course, the issues it brought upon with it weren’t just the excessive screentime (which is an issue, by the way), but the excessive amount of bending stories and misinformation. What was made to keep us together has further driven us apart. Navigating Complexity: Seeing Ahead and Adjusting So, how do we tread this maze of consequences? Of course, we need to be open to different viewpoints. Consulting diverse voices and thinking about the impact can reveal things that wouldn’t come up without them. Being flexible prevents stuff from going south. By recognizing and addressing these effects, we can aim for actual progress instead of creating a thousand new problems.

yourplatform

Automobile

From Stock to Stunner: DIY Projects to Transform Your Ride

Ever feel like your car is just another face in the crowd on the road? Does driving something ordinary not match your bold spirit? Well, now you can make your vehicle as one-of-a-kind as you are! You can change your stock sedan into a showstopper with some imagination, hard work, and do-it-yourself skills. Even if wrenches aren’t your thing, many modifications don’t require mechanical expertise. Hence, whether you are a longtime gearhead or just starting out, you have what it takes to customize your car into a unique reflection of your style. Just roll up your sleeves and get creative – soon, you’ll be cruising in a set of wheels as stunning and stand-out as you are! Exterior Enhancements: Here are a few DIY projects to give your car a stylish modification: Interior Overhaul: Here are some DIY projects to make all the difference in your driving experience: Roll up your sleeves, grab your toolbox, and get ready to turn heads on the road with your custom-built masterpiece!

yourplatform

Food

Budget Bites, Big Taste: Delicious Dinners Without Breaking the Bank

We’ve all wanted to make a meal that didn’t rip a hole through our pockets, but we realize that we don’t live in a world where chicken costs 60 bucks anymore. But there’s still hope. You can make mouthwatering delicacies in new ways and save your paper. Here is a guide to cooking a budget-friendly dinner without sacrificing taste. 1. Affordable Proteins: Proteins are essential for a diet, but protein options are expensive. They open up opportunities for newer, tastier flavors and don’t burn a hole through your pocket. Buy chicken thighs, drumsticks, heck, look for plant-based options like tofu, beans, or lentils. 2. Seasonal and Local Produce: Fresh fruits and veggies are a budget-friendly part of every meal and are already on every plate. Choosing seasonal and local produce can further lower the price. They’re also comparably more flavourful as they tend to be natural. So, visit a local farmers market and do some budget shopping. 3. One-Pot Wonders: Instead of spending the time and effort using multiple pots and pans to cook your meal, why not one? Whether it’s a nice curry, a soup, or a casserole, these one-pot dishes save money and the time you’d take to scrub all the dishes. By letting all the flavors blend in a pot, you can make a satisfying and filling meal minus the expensive components. 4. DIY Spice Blends: You may have seen this one coming – the primary weapon, if not the star of the show in every meal, spices. Spices elevate the taste without elevating the grocery bill. Instead of buying pre-made branded spices, try making your own! Invest in some essential spices and experiment with combinations until you find one that just hits the spot. 5. Batch Cooking and Freezing: Rather than cooking one small portion that will last your lunch, buy bulk ingredients for a lesser cost and make food that would last you a week or a month by making a larger portion and freezing it in batches. It’s a time-efficient and cost-effective way to ensure there’s always a dinner waiting to be microwaved in your fridge. In conclusion, you need intelligent shopping, creative cooking, and strategic planning for all your palates to craft a budget-friendly meal plan. You can savor a mouthwatering meal without the end-of-day financial issues. Additionally, try methods like batch cooking and one-pot cooking. Eventually, you can discover that a big taste can be done with a small budget.

yourplatform

Design Lifestyle

Cancel Culture: Friend or Foe? Decoding Confusion GenZ Lingo

GenZ is a new era of social activists, where you can be anyone, be anything, and be anywhere. And to ensure this stays up, GenZers tend to corner you out for “being sussy” (or saying something irrational or stupid online.) As a result, another phenomenon is rising among all the “silly-posting” (a genre of memes involving cats) that gets anyone scratching their heads: cancel culture. Is it a blade of justice or a digital mob with pitchforks and torches? Aight, let’s just put away all the “boomer” and “millennial” labels for a sec. Cancel culture is not focused on a generational divide; it’s accountability in the age of social media. Remember when, like, a celebrity had a “side chick” (an affair) that would end up in a tabloid, but it wouldn’t haunt you for the rest of your career? That’s not the case today. Today, a single discriminatory slur you said ten years ago on Twitter could get your entire life taken down, and that’s the beginning of being canceled. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about “throwing shade” (subtle criticism) or “dragging” someone online (a more intense form of criticism). Instead, there are more significant consequences for harmful acts “swept under the rug.” Say, the #MeToo movement, where feminism was preached to hold powerful men accountable for sexual misconduct. Was it an example of cancel culture or just a long overdue reckoning? Now, the “oof” moment: Cancel culture is hasty and messy. It can lead to quick and untrue judgments, hivemind swarms, and even silencing of diverse viewpoints. Think about it; think about all the celebs that canceled; it doesn’t sound cool now. So, the main question arises: how do we tread the land of canceling? Let’s spill the “tea” (truth) today. Remember, cancel culture is difficult, so only jump on the bandwagon if you know about it. It’s best to understand the terminology and its nuances. Stay woke, stay informed, but stay kind. Stay safe out there.

Blog Post