Merry Tips For A Christmas-Themed Bedroom Makeover!

The holiday season is the perfect time to give your bedroom a facelift. Let us add a little warmth and festivity vibe to your personal space. Here are some spectacular interior decoration ideas that can transform the appearance of any space. Pick Wintery White Or Dreamy Green The primary color scheme for Christmas is red, green, and white, which is known for its wintery whiteness, glaring greens, and blazing redness. You have the option to choose white, ivory, or pale green paint for your bedroom walls for a bright look. Use the color scheme as a guide when picking out your bedsheets for the bedroom and the window drapes. Choose chic and subtle designs for your bedsheets that should go with the festive vibes. Cherries or reindeer-printed sheets would be a good choice. Pick on some elegant and modest flannel sheets with stripes. Add A Little Sparkle With Fairy Lamps. To add a lovely glam to your bedroom, use different fairy lights. The oldest tradition is using fairy lights and handmade mason jar lamps for Christmas decoration. The string lights can enhance the festive vibes and elevate the appearance and ambiance of your bedroom. Adorn The Doors And Windows With Colorful Ribbons. Deck your room with charming and shining Christmas decorations. You can use Christmas garlands, wreaths, stickers, and stars. Use a golden-coloured flower vase and arrange some pinecones or evergreen leaves. Decorative bouquets made of dried flowers and leaves look lovely draped over doorways, windows, and walls. The bedroom door and nightstands can be adorned with red ribbon bows. You can embellish the bedside tables and bedroom door with red ribbon bows. Handmade white paper snowflakes and paper lamps will spice up the look. Use A Cute, Little Christmas Tree. We can’t think about Christmas without a Christmas tree, Right? Put up a small Christmas tree in your bedroom and adorn it with sparkling embellishments and string lights. It can create a beautiful appearance especially when the string lights sparkle at night. As Christmas is a winter festival, how about choosing a wintery ambiance? Choose a white floor carpet made of fur cloth. You can choose a snow-blanketed Christmas tree and frosty green foliage to complete the look. The Elegance Of Christmas- Themed Cushion Covers Velvet pillows in shades of green or cream can add a touch of Christmas vibe to any bedroom. Cushion covers can be customized with Christmas tree prints or festive wishes. Use small and cute-looking ones to elevate the look. Use An Advent Calendar The empty walls of your bedroom can be adorned with handmade paper crafts inspired by the holiday season. Another idea is adding an Advent calendar. The calendar can be decorated with numbered envelopes, coloured balls, Christmas figurines, or cute gift boxes. Inside the gift boxes, you can store small trinkets or chocolates. Use these exclusive tips to redesign your bedroom this holiday season. Bring the warmth and good vibes of the festival into your room and your thoughts. Sending happy holiday wishes to you!

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Culture and Heritage

5 December Festivals that Highlight Global Cultural Identities

December is the month of cultural significance, where different cultures celebrate vibrant festivals to mark the end of the year. These festivals are celebrations that showcase varying ethnic identities, reminding us about the stories that help bind humanity together. Here, we will go over a few festivals exclusively celebrated in December that are the part of the world’s cultural history. Christmas (December 25) December 25 marks the heavenly birth of Jesus Christ. People around the globe celebrate Christmas and honour the birth of Jesus Christ. That day, the whole world celebrates the festival with joy and enthusiasm. A special prayer will be held in church, and houses will be decorated with lights. The specialities include joyful songs, celebrations, delectable feasts, and colourful presents. Family get-togethers also take place around this period. Christmas is celebrated differently in every nation. Saturnalia (December 17 – 23) Saturnalia is a Roman Pegan festival that takes place around the middle of December. This is an agricultural festival dedicated to the god Saturn. According to ancient Roman culture, God Saturn is considered the god of agriculture and time. The usual duration of this festivity is one week. The customs of Saturnalia are very much associated with Christmas rituals. It will be a holiday season in Rome during that time. Lights, flowers, and wreaths adorn Roman homes. They indulge in activities like singing, gambling, feasting, socializing, and exchanging gifts. Cerei, a wax paper candle representing light, is a typical present at this festival. Signillaria, little terracotta sculptures representing human sacrifice, are exchanged on the last day of the celebration. Sounds interesting, isn’t it? Las Posadas (December 16 -24) Las Posadas, which means ‘the inn” in English, is a Mexican celebration associated with Christmas festivities. This festival is traditionally celebrated from December 16 to December 24. This festival is a 9-night celebration which reminds the search of Mary and Joseph to find the inn or lodging for the baby Jesus Christ. As this is a festival of gathering, everyone in the family, including friends and relatives, form a procession guided by an angel. This represents the act of finding the stable. They enjoy the occasion with prayer, feasts, music, laughter, and delicious food. Hanukkah The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, also called the “festival of lights,” lasts eight days in the winter. It falls in December, and the date varies yearly according to the lunar system. This festival marks the victory of the first recorded struggle for religious liberty. It is believed that once the Jewish people regained their place of worship, they wanted to purify that temple with burning oil. But the quantity of oil that remained with them was less, which was only enough for a single day. But, miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days. It is customary to light candles as a reminder of this event. Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1) Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday event celebrated in African-American heritage. It is a week-long festival celebrated annually from December 26 to January 1. The non-religious celebration honours the harvest, community, family, and cultural history. This festival involves different rituals. A variety of ceremonies are observed throughout this event. Each day, participants light one candle, representing one of seven guiding principles. Unity, self-determination, purpose, creativity, faith, collective work, and economic cooperation are the seven principles. Did you find this story interesting? If yes, please subscribe for more.

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Trends

GO GREEN

Go green by following our simple, sustainable and
eco-friendly living room decor ideas

Technology

PICK THE PERFECT WASHING MACHINE LIKE A PRO!

Follow our tips for shopping for the perfect washing machine

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Trends

COME HOME TO HAPPY MEMORIES

A look at some of the best eco-friendly homestays in Madhya Pradesh

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News - Indian Railways Rail News

Train Travel Goes Seamless: IRCTC and Ola Join Forces for Easy Cab Booking

In a move aimed at making train travel more convenient, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has partnered with ride-hailing platform Ola. This collaboration enables passengers to seamlessly book cabs directly from the IRCTC Rail Connect app and website, eliminating the hassle of finding transportation upon arrival at their destination. This initiative, initially launched as a six-month pilot project, offers passengers a one-stop platform for managing their entire travel journey. From booking train tickets and ordering meals to securing reliable cab transport, the IRCTC app now caters to passengers’ needs throughout their trip. The integration provides access to Ola’s extensive network of cabs, ranging from budget-friendly hatchbacks to premium sedans. Passengers can choose their preferred vehicle type and book rides in advance, ensuring a smooth transition from train to their final destination. Additionally, the partnership promises competitive fares and transparent pricing, further enhancing the travel experience. Commenting on the collaboration, an IRCTC spokesperson stated, “We are excited to partner with Ola to offer our passengers a comprehensive travel solution. This integration will significantly improve first-mile and last-mile connectivity, making train travel even more convenient and enjoyable.” Ola representatives echoed the sentiment, highlighting their commitment to providing seamless transportation options. “We are delighted to collaborate with IRCTC and contribute to a smoother travel experience for millions of train passengers. This partnership leverages our robust network and technology to offer passengers reliable and affordable cab services right at their fingertips.” The IRCTC-Ola partnership has been met with positive reactions from passengers, who appreciate the added convenience and efficiency it brings. By streamlining the post-train travel experience, this collaboration has the potential to significantly boost ridership and enhance the overall image of Indian Railways. With its focus on improving passenger comfort and accessibility, the IRCTC-Ola partnership marks a significant step forward in the modernization of India’s railway network. This collaboration sets a promising precedent for future initiatives aimed at making train travel not just efficient, but also a truly enjoyable experience for everyone.

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Food

Celebrate Christmas with a Pair of Exotic International Delicacies!

Merry Christmas is almost here, with its magical vibes and joyful jingles! The world is getting ready to embrace the year-ending festive spirit. In every household, this is the time of celebrations. Beautiful Christmas trees and colourful twinkling stars adorn the house, reminding us of the divine birth of Jesus Christ. It is also the time of gatherings, warmth and delights, and the delicious aroma of festive dishes. People around the world love to celebrate Christmas by adapting their own traditions. A scrumptious festive feast is an unavoidable part of Christmas. Here are two mouth-watering recipes for your Christmas feast. Mexican Tamales- The Tasty Delight Wrapped In Corn Husks Tamales are a traditional Christmas recipe from Mesoamerica and a popular dish from Mexican culture and traditions. There are some exciting stories about the origin of this dish. This dish is believed to be the creation of divine hands and is always offered to gods during special occasions as part of their sacred rituals. Since this dish is highly nutritious and easily portable, it was the go-to meal for travellers during long expeditions. As per Mexican tradition, tamales are served as a special dish during the Christmas feast. Ingredients 3 ½ cups of Masa harina (dry corn flour) 1 Cup oil ( Traditional recipes use lard or animal fat instead of oil) 1 Teaspoon Baking powder 3 Cups of water or broth 1 tsp Cumin Few Dried corn husks For Filling 4 pounds Broiler chicken Garlic pods 3 medium onions – chopped Salt Water Chilli powder Pepper powder Method Soak the dried corn husks in cold water for 2 hours. This helps to soften the corn husks. After the chicken pieces are cooked, the stock should be removed and kept aside. Place a pan on the stove and heat the oil. Add crushed garlic pods, chopped onion, some salt, and then the shredded chicken. Saute well. Add chilli powder and pepper powder and mix well. Add water or retained stock to the chicken mixture and cook until the mixture becomes thick. To make the dough, beat the vegetable oil in a glass bowl until it becomes fluffy. Add dried corn flour to the oil in small portions. You can also add the reserved chicken stock in small amounts. Add salt, baking powder and cumin. Beat well. Put a small portion of the dough in a glass of cold water to check the proper consistency. If the dough is floating, it shows that the consistency is correct. Drain the corn husks and pat them dry using a clean cloth. Now place three tablespoons of the dough in the middle of the husk and spread it. Place one tablespoon of the chicken filling on it, and fold the husk gently over the filling, overlapping slightly. To secure it from spilling, you can tie it with a thread. Place a steamer filled with water on the stove; once the water starts boiling, place the tamales inside the steamer and allow them to cook for almost 45 minutes to one hour. Tasty, aromatic Mexican tamales are ready to serve. Pavlova- Add the vibe of sweetness to your year-ending party Did you know that the delightful dessert called Pavlova, which hails from New Zealand, actually got its name from the talented Russian ballerina Anna Matveyevna Pavlova? There is an interesting story behind the origin of Pavlova. Once, a chef of the Willington Hotel in New Zealand happened to watch Anna Matveyevna Pavlova’s live performance. The beauty and charm of the dancer carried him away. Inspired by the performance, the chef created this new dessert. There is also a story that this dessert originated in Australia. It is easy to make this wonderful dessert. Here is the recipe. Ingredients 300 grams of egg white 500 grams of castor sugar Icing sugar for decoration 500 grams of fresh cream Chopped fruits and berries for topping Method You must preheat the oven to 100 degrees for a few minutes. Get ready with a baking pan and greased paper. Beat the egg white until it becomes fluffy. Add 100 grams of sugar slowly to the egg white. Slowly add the remaining sugar and continue whisking. Replace the mixture in the baking pan and sprinkle the icing sugar on top. Bake for 2 hours. Now you get a crispy, sweet item called meringue. Keep the meringue aside and let it cool. Whip fresh cream by adding the icing sugar. Spread the sugar-cream mixture over the meringue once it has cooled. Top up with fresh berries and fruits to decorate it. The deliciously sweet Pavlova is prepared for consumption.

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Entertainment

Mesmerizing Cultural Performances To Cap Off The Year 2023

The month of December brings a feeling of enthusiasm and anticipation for the new year ahead. This is the month of special entertainment, parties and vacation trips. A dazzling variety of cultural activities and concerts are scheduled to take place at various locations. Numerous entertainment alternatives abound, ranging from exquisite classical concerts to Bollywood extravaganzas. Bharat Kalachar and Agraharam 34th Margazhi Mahotsav at Chennai This December, India’s South Indian state, Chennai, is all set to welcome artists from all over the globe. The Margazhi Mahotsav is an annual celebration held in December and January. This grand festival showcases a kaleidoscope of traditional music, dance, and art forms that draws artists and enthusiasts from across the globe. The city resonates with the melodious notes of Carnatic music, vibrant dance performances, and artistic expressions that reflect the cultural richness of South India. Bharat Klachar’s 34th Margazhi festival will be held at YGP Auditorium, TProad, Chennai, this year. Famous artists from all over India perform throughout the month-long event. This will be an unforgettable entertainment packed with performances ranging from Classical dance, Instrumental music, Karnatic concerns, dance dramas, etc. The program starts on Dec 16, 2023 and ends on Jan 15, 2024 The Margazhi Mahotsavam in Chennai is a beautiful celebration of our rich cultural heritage. Tickets are available for booking online and offline. Venue: YGP Auditorium, TP Road, Chennai Date: Dec 16, 2023 – Jan 15, 2024 Lucky Ali – Mumbai Live Performance December awaits a mesmerizing musical journey with legendary musician Lucky Ali at Nesco Goregaon, Mumbai. It is going to be his first-ever indoor live music concert. On his Instagram page, he recently announced his upcoming live music concert, which will be held in Mumbai on Dec 24, 2023. Lucky Ali, renowned for his famous music tracks, entered the Hindi music arena in 1990. He became popular with his debut song ‘O, Sanam…”. Tickets are available on various online portals. Venue: Nesco Goregaon, Mumbai. Date: Dec 24, 2023 Stand-Up Comedy Shows In Bangalore Bengauru’s stand-up comedy venues are more than places for gatherings; but they are the platforms that showcase the uproaring spirits and vibes of people in the city. Famous comedy clubs like ‘ The Humming Tree’, ‘That Comedy Club’, etc are always keen to nourish the upcoming talents through their comedy tales that reflect the city’s notions. The city’s famous comedy clubs are set to be alive with loud laughter and spirit throughout this December. Those interested in attending can do so by purchasing tickets online. Mahabalipuram Dance Festival in Tamilnadu The serene shores of Mahabalipuram will play host to a variety of dance forms of Tamilnadu. Mahabalipuram Dance Festival is a famous cultural program held in Mahabalipuram which is annually organized by the government of Tamilnadu. It is a 20-day festival starting from Dec 20, 2023 to Jan 12, 2024. This festival features Tamilnadu’s traditional folk art and classical dance genres yearly. Date : Dec 25, 2023 to Jan 15, 2024.

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Fashion

Manish Malhotra’s New Indo-Western Uniforms For Air India – New Chapter In Aviation History

Sarees have been always the trendsetters of the Indian fashion industry for decades. Renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra has recently dabbled in a unique saree draping style. Air India, the prestigious airline company, has showcased new, trendy uniforms for their pilots and cabin crews exclusively designed by Manish Malhotra. Air India’s new cabin crew couture completely harmonizes with the brand’s style, aesthetic, and unique identity. Formerly known as Tata Airlines, India’s first national airline, Air India, is deeply committed to staying true to its heritage. That is why they have incorporated Sarees, an emblem of Indian pride in fashion, as the uniform for their flight attendants. The elegant ways the air hostesses draped the sarees always got admiration among people. Air India unveiled the revamped uniform design last week, staying true to its precious traditions while incorporating contemporary elements. According to their chief executive officer and managing director, it is a part of their rebranding strategy. The goal of this rebranding effort is to give the brand a fresh look and position it more prominently in the market. Manish Malhotra has gone for a bold and unconventional look with a modern saree pantsuit for the female cabin and cockpit crews, combining bold colors with innovative styling techniques. A modern saree pantsuit is created by pairing the pants with a simple saree blouse, which is layered with a jacket, and the complete look is finished with a draped dupatta or fabric. Three classic hues, red, aubergine, and gold, are used for the outfits. The cockpit crews and the pilots will wear a deep black double-breasted suit with pants incorporating the Vista logo. The new uniforms have been thoughtfully developed to address the concerns of staff members by ensuring they are comfortable and travel-friendly. These outfits provide much flexibility in movements, especially for female cabin crews. The female cabin crews will accessorize the uniform with black-burgundy block-heel shoes and pearl earrings. The male uniform goes well with black brogues. Air India’s crew uniforms have always been on the list of most fascinating elements in aviation history. Now, they have metamorphosed into a brand-new fashion trend. According to Manish Malhotra, they have put in a lot of research before creating this design. However, the final products are the ones that elevate the designer’s wardrobe to the next level. The Indo-Western saree pantsuits that Air India has introduced as a fresh fashion statement highlight how our presentation choices are vibrant, individual, and free-spirited. Like this article? Please subscribe for more such stories.

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Technology

5 Tech-Infused Strategies to Accomplish Your New Year Resolutions!

Have you made any resolutions for the coming year? The new year starts with a blank page; many of us are waiting to fill those pages with our goals, dreams, and resolutions. Resolving is relatively easy, but sticking to it throughout the year requires effort and patience. You may commonly lose interest or enthusiasm in between, and most goals will remain unaccomplished. Naturally, you may need to remember your resolutions due to the demands of your busy lifestyle. But there is no need to bother about that because modern technology provides a solution to help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions. With some basic tech recommendations, you can easily resolve this issue. Achieving consistency through technological support is very easy and simple today. Let Your Resolutions Be Your Phone’s Screen Saver Are you keeping a journal for documenting your day-to-day tasks and goals? Or, do you just jot things down and then forget about them? Here is an easy tip for such people. You only have to snap a photo of the notes with your phone and hold it up as your screen saver. The list will be a constant reminder of your objectives whenever you open your phone screen. Social Media And Fitness Trackers We all have health and fitness objectives like joining a gym, getting some exercise, eating healthily, etc. Tech markets offer fitness trackers and smartwatches that help you configure alerts and notifications. You can use social media for in-depth awareness and coaching about such topics. There are YouTube videos available on every topic. You can even depend on meditation and wellness applications, too. Use Task Manager To Prioritize Important Works. Task management tools can help you track the progress of your tasks. They allow you to set reminders and notifications, which help you prioritize your duties and fulfil them accordingly. As a result, you save a lot of time and can work on other incomplete tasks. Using Google Calendar would be a good idea to establish regular reminders. You must always be practical and focused when setting objectives. Use A Screen Lock System Do you often find yourself mindlessly perusing social media and losing track of time? Habits such as these contribute to procrastinating your tasks. A high-quality screen locker will help you to stop squandering time unnecessarily. Decluttering Manager Have you included decluttering as a top priority in your to-do list? Attempting to complete all tasks at a time is overwhelming. Organizing apps can help you with this. You can find simple instructions on how to do ‘one-room-at-a-time decluttering chores’ through these apps. The task duration and start and end timings are customizable. Organizing your home and getting rid of unwanted items is relatively easy now. Achieving your goals through consistent effort is not a difficult task when you have a lot of technological aids. So get ready to welcome the new year with a bang! Like this article? Please subscribe to read more such stories.

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