0 Diversity is healthy. Here, everything is special. Depending on the region of the nation we are in, everything from the language to the cuisine to the culture to the clothing varies. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that our methods of worship alter in accordance with the many traditions and rituals that give each location its own unique flavour. Even while the message being sent via worship may be the same, our method of conveying it has a whole distinct taste. Navratri in Tamil Nadu Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswathi are worshiped in these religious days. Kolu is an integral part of the Navratri in Tamil Nadu. Kolu is display of a staircase of nine stairs, displaying the nine nights of Navratri. The stairs are decorated with beautiful idols of gods and goddesses and dolls mostly made of wood, clay or marble. They are light with fancy lights and flowers to make it more splendid. These dolls have been inherited from our ancestors. Friends, family and neighbours are invited and bangles, saree, jewellery and other gifts are exchanged. Nine different sundals are made in these nine days and offered to the God and given to people who are invited home. Vedic chants and devotional songs are sung by women also followed by Bharatanatyam performed by kids. Navratri in Andhra Pradesh The devotees of Andhra Pradesh observe Bathukamma Panduga and goddess Maha Gauri, the goddess who speaks to femininity, throughout the nine days of Navratri. Women do a pooja and create flower stacks in the traditional manner over these joyful days using local blooms. This stack is then let in the lake or other water body during the conclusion of Navratri days. Navratri in Karnataka Navratri is celebrated as Dasara in Karnataka, celebrating the victory of Lord Rama, over 10- headed demon king Ravana. The name is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘dasha’ and ‘hara’ meaning ten’ and ‘defeat’ respectively. Symbolizing the victory of good over evil king Ravana who abducted Rama’s wife Sita. Mysore city has a tradition of celebrating Dusara in the same manner as celebrated back in 1610 during the Vijayanagar dynasty. Yakshagana and dramas from Puranas are enacted on Navratri nights in different parts of the city. Mysore palace is lit with thousands of lights during the festival. Numerous religious and cultural performances take place in front of the palace. Procession of Goddess Chamundeshwari placed on the golden top on the elephant is the prime attraction followed by procession of dance groups, decorated elephants, horses, camels, music bands. Dasara exhibition holding stalls selling various handicrafts and artifacts is also held in the ground opposite to the palace. Navratri in Kerala The Durga Puja is regarded as a symbol of education in Kerala and transcends all forms of religion. The event, Vidhya-Aarambham, which literally translates to “education beginning,” commemorates the day when every kid in the state of Kerala began receiving formal instruction. The final three days of Durga Puja are when the biggest festivities take place. All coursework and employment requiring any form of expertise are stopped before to the Poojavaipu. For puja, books and tools are placed in front of Sarasvati, the goddess. Offerings include fruits, pounded rice, roasted paddy, jaggery, etc. The Sarasvati pooja is conducted the next day in the morning and the evening. On the Vijayadashami holiday It is known as Puja Eduppu and involves returning the tools and books from the room. Any kind of learning officially starts on this day. On sand or rice, teachers have their students write the letters. People thank their professors with presents and ask for blessings. Concerts including dance and music are also held all around the state. Navratri in Northern states Navratri in West Bengal Durga Puja is the main annual festival of the Bengalis and celebrated in Odisha, Assam, Tripura and Jharkhand. Durga Puja observes the victory of Durga over Mahishasura. Pandals and life-size statues of Goddess Durga are installed, worshiped and celebrated. Dressed in traditional attire. Evening prayers are offered and special dance (dhunuchi naach) is performed. Durga puja is so incomplete without wearing colourful clothes and dancing to dhaak beaks, munching delicious bhogs and going on Pandal hopping. Navratri in Maharashtra Navratri celebration Navratri as the ‘New beginning’ and buy property and initiate new business. Ghatasthapana is a ritual on the first day of Navratri were a small bed of mud is placed in pot and grains are allowed of sprout. Pujas are offered to the pot and various rituals are performed. Kali puja is performed int the first two days, followed by Lakshmi puja for the next three days and Saraswathi puja for the last four days. Ghat puja is performed on the nineth day. Vijayadashami is on the 10th day of Navratri, were men collect Apta tree leaves called ‘sona’ meaning gold. They visit their neighbour and families and exchange it and get blessings. Garba raas and Dandita nights are so much fun and a must have ritual in Maharastra. Navratri in Punjab For the first seven days of the Navratri festival, the majority of Punjabis fast. In the majority of Punjabi cities, gatherings known as Jagrans take place when worshippers gather to sing hymns. Fasts are broken on the last day by inviting nine local young girls who have been recognised with tokens of appreciation. These nine females are said to be the nine various Maa Shakti avatars that they represent. Navratri in Gujarat Gujarat has a distinctive manner of commemorating Navaratri and it is this variation of the festivities that has influenced modern society. To honour Durga and her nine various incarnations, devotees conduct a nine-day fast. Women who are fasting commit their prayers to an earthen pot that is lighted with diyas every night (candles). The garbo pot, which symbolises the source of life, and the shakti light (power). In Gujarat, the traditional dance known as garba raas is done by both men and women in front of a Durga statue called

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Food

Best of Indian cuisine

0 Indian cuisine is so vast and brings in a huge variety of peculiar dishes from its diverse culture, traditions, geographical location, people and their taste. Samosa Samosas are deep-fried or baked pastries with a crisp surface that are stuffed with a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, peas, or minced meat and onions along with the masala. Chutneys made from tamarind and mint are often served with them. Depending on the location, they may vary in size, shape, and fillings, but they always have the same fundamental characteristics. The Mughals introduced the samosa to India as well, but it is now well known as a popular Indian dish due to its significance and popularity there. Butter chicken Taking the best of the most popular Indian food originated from Punjab, this dish is one of the best representations of Indian cuisine–no surprise that Western audiences adore it! Kasthuri methi, Kashmiri Lal mirchi, ginger garlic paste and a few other spices are combined to make the sauce thick, creamy consistency. This is then marinated for several hours with the chicken to really bring out the flavour. After that, it’s a quick trip to the tandoor and tossed in a mild curry, it combines onions, butter and cream or khoa traditionally in a velvety smooth tomato sauce with chicken chunks. You may eat this meal with rice, naan, or even roti. Biryani Every region of India is renowned for its particular kind of biryani. Biryani has become associated with Indians and their cuisine despite the fact that the Mughals introduced it to India from Persia because of how widely Indians consume it and how it has changed through time. Hyderabad in Telangana and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh both provide the renowned Biryani dish. It is a rice meal with a variety of meat, eggs, and veggies that may be added. Saffron, rice, meat, and veggies are cooked separately, mixed, and then cooked slowly in the oven to produce this delectable dish. Usually, basmati rice is utilized. Biryani stands out as sharper than other dishes due to the quantity of spices used to bring out the fire in the dish. Tandoori chicken It cooks up juicy and really delicious—a fantastic meal for a main dinner. Yogurt is mixed with spices including turmeric, cardamom, coriander, fresh ginger, garlic, red chili, and lime juice before being applied on the meat. It is roasted in a tandoor clay oven after that. Once it has absorbed the heat of the tandoor and formed its delectable crimson, seasoned skin, it is next roasted and blackened. Tandoori chicken may also be prepared on a standard barbeque grill if you want to try it at home. Dal makhani Northern Indians love Punjab’s Daal Makhani, a meal that is quite famous there. It has also made its way further south due to its delectable flavour and taste. Whole black lentils and kidney beans are used to make Daal Makhani, which is also garnished with white butter and cream. Most often, this meal is consumed with hot rice or steamed rotis or naans, both of which are popular Indian dishes. It has a lot of calories and is also quite filling. It’s a fantastic vegetarian substitute for butter chicken. Lentils cooked gradually and served hot with tomato puree and butter. Enjoy the flavourful Dal Makhni by eating it with Roti or Naan. Masala Dosai Dosas are South Indians favourite breakfast, dinner and also snack. Dosas are South Indians favourite breakfast, dinner and also snack Dosas are often served as a side dish to a curry supper, hot and dipped in a variety of chutneys. Dosas may, however, also be filled with vegetables and consumed as a snack (popular as street food in India). As an instance, potatoes that have been spiced up are used to make masala dosa. Dosa, which originated in the South of India, has made its way not only to North India but also to the rest of the world’s culinary map. A fermented batter of rice and “urad,” or the black lentils, is used to make this crisp pancake. Usually, a variety of chutneys and sambar are given with it. It is also prepared in a wide variety of variations like Masala Dosa,Ghee Dosa, Uthappam, Rava Dosa, Pesarattu, paneer stuffed dosa, cheese dosa and chocolate Dosa.’ Rajma Chawal That demonstrates how crucial this component is to Indian cooking. Rajma is a mostly native Indian legume that has been prepared in the purest of Indian fashions. The rajma, which has merely been seasoned to highlight the nuttiness of the dry beans, is the star of this comfort food. If you serve the dish with a bowl of hot, steamed rice, you really don’t need anything else to finish the meal. Add some butter to the mixture to sate Indian appetites. However, foreigners wouldn’t mind if there wasn’t such a thick creaminess. Rogan Rosh Rogan josh is a flavourful lamb dish with a deep crimson hue that is cooked with chilli peppers. It is presently a dish connected to Kashmir, the most northern area of India, and is said to have Persian origins. After being browned, the meat is gently simmered in a rich sauce made of garlic, onions, ginger, chilli pepper, and other spices. The fact that Rogan Josh is a standard dish in British restaurants should also be emphasised. Rich Indian meat curry called Rogan josh is a classic Indian meal. Crimson lamb gets its fiery red appeal from the best dried red chiles from Kashmir, as the name suggests. Even though it is creamy and spicy like the majority of rich Indian curries, rogan josh is one of the most well-known Indian dishes worldwide. Chat Undoubtedly, Chaats are one of the favourite Indian dishes. Chaat is a street cuisine snack with northern Indian origins. Chaat, which meaning “to lick,” is mouth-wateringly wonderful. There are many different kinds of chaat, but they always include veggies, chutney, and a basis of starch (such a samosa or puffed rice).

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Technology

No time to cook, then Nosh can do it for you

0 There are various substitutes to the classic ways of preparing food at home, thanks to the technological advancement brought it. Imagine coming back home from work to the aroma of freshly cooked home-made food, despite being away from family. Sounds incredible, but is still possible with an app-driven autonomous cooking robot called Nosh. No time to cook – Urban problems have urban solutions Euphotic Labs developed Nosh. Nosh is a new category product in the market which combines AI, food sciences and robotics. Nosh focuses on millions of Indians living abroad who crave delicious home-made food. Nosh is India’s first custom-made automated cooking machine. This robot can cook about 200 dishes ranging from Matar Panner, Kadai panner, Chicken curry, Fish curry, Carrot Halwa, Biryani to potato fry. How it works – To prepare the recipe put the ingredients in the specified box for spices, oil and water along with the vegetables and other necessary ingredients and select the recipe that has to be cooked. Magic happens after this, the recipe gets cooked without any human assistance, and tastes exactly like home-made food. Sounds incredible right, indeed Nosh is one of its creations. You can get it for Rs. 50,000 or pre-order it for Rs. 40,000 in their site to get it in India. Also, with Nosh people can plan their meals, order groceries in the app from the list and cook any disk with just one touch, one can also track calories and customise dishes and create new recipes.

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Food

Any time snacks – healthy snacks to munch anytime, anywhere

0 It is very natural for you to feel hungry and crave for something delicious and treat your taste buds, but at the same time it is important to know what you eat. Not always only fried and sugary foods are yummy, we can definitely find healthy alternatives to stay fit and also satisfy your cravings. These healthy snacks keep you energetic and also happy during the day. Healthy snacks to munch anytime, anywhere Dry roasted nuts and seeds Fruit or veggie salad Vegetable grilled sandwich Sprout bhel Whole wheat Khakhra Roasted nuts and seeds Nuts are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, energy and packed with antioxidants. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts and seeds are good source of nutrients and energy. Nuts convert ‘bad cholesterol’ into ‘good cholesterol’ in the blood. Almonds, cashew, pistachios, walnut, peanuts, hazelnut are the commonly available ones and good to be consumed in raw state also or can be dry fried and seasoned with salt and spices. There are a variety of seeds like flax seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds are also other healthy options to look into. Dry-roasted nuts are better in taste and slightly richer in calories. Fruit salad and veggie salad Fruits and vegetables are great source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. They contain vitamins A, C and E, and also contain magnesium, zinc, phosphorous along with folic acid. Having salads regularly increases the level or powerful antioxidants in your blood. Choose your salad base – green leaf lettuce, butter lettuce, spinach or any other greens, add fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, bell peppers, broccoli or corn. You can add some more crunch by adding carrots, apples, red onions or toasted nuts. You can dress it with some home-made salad dressing. Vegetable grilled wheat bread sandwich The rich fibre content helps to maintain weight when consumed in right proportion. It also has vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates which keeps you full. Consuming whole wheat bread reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal cancer, hypertension and diabetes. Adding on nutrient rich crunchy vegetables are a good source of vitamins A, B1 and C and top it with little seasoning and grill it. It is appetizing and healthy right! Sprout bhel Sprouting increase the nutritional value of food and makes it best and healthy alternative to calorie-rich food. Wash and soak any gram of your choice in water overnight and wrap it in a piece of cloth for it to sprout, and you can use it boiled or directly. Mix finely chopped onions, tomatoes, raw mango, coriander, green chilies, sprouted grams and peanuts. Toss it with some salt, chili powder, chat masala and lemon juice and enjoy this super delicious snack. Whole wheat Khakhra Khakhras are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and iron when prepared with whole wheat grain or any other fiber rich gluten free flour. They are low-calorie healthy snack as they are baked and not fried. Khakhra sandwich sounds even more delicious; stack some thin slices of onion, tomatoes, boiled potato, cucumber, and some sweet and spicy chutney, top it with some seasoning, and cover it with another khakhra on top and enjoy this delicious snack. Enjoy these easily accessible and healthy alternatives to satisfy your food cravings.

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Health & Wellness

Explore the new-yoga with puppies

0 Yoga sessions are always calming and mind-full. It is more soothing and gleeful with puppies stretching around. That is exactly what Pawga does! A few pet lovers met after a few years after college and came up with India’s first yoga session with puppies around and called it “Pawga”. With the love for animals and also their passion to help these cute Indies be adopted, they came up with the idea of doing yoga with puppies. The main agenda is to adopt Indian puppies by conducting paid yoga sessions. Being regular volunteers at Blue Cross of India (BCI), they wanted to find a forever home for the Indies. Being inspired by the thought of pet yoga sessions in London and wanted to introduce them in India. They tied with BCI and had their first free session in 2020, where they wanted to see the reaction of the puppies and also the comfort of the participants who turned up. The yoga sessions are held twice a month in various pet-friendly places for an hour. The entry fee may vary from 1000 to 1200 rupees, and a portion of it goes to the BCI for the welfare of the animals. It is therapeutic for both the puppies and the participants when these puppies come and lie down on your lap and lick your toes as you stretch during the session. It is a great initiative to find a forever home for these cute little pups. It’s refreshing to play or simply spend time with animals, especially these adorable little pups wagging their tails and curling up in cosy corners or on your lap. It helps to calm down and it is good for the animals, as these puppies hardly get to interact with humans. The puppies can be adopted on the same day, or you can go back to convince your family and adopt them later as well. The adoption process includes a few simple formalities and you can go home with your little friend waging their tail. With queries from cities like Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai they are planning to expand and conduct sessions soon.

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Travel

Hidden places to explore in Chennai – Explore the unexplored

0 Chennai is known for its very own leisure places viz., Marina Beach, Guindy National Park, Semmozhi Poonga, Chennai Lighthouse, Madras War Cemetery, etc., In addition to these places there are few other hidden and unexplored places in the Chennai. Hidden lake Located a Kilometer away from Chennai International Airport, Hidden Lake is such a beauty to visit within the city limits. Abounded quarries led to the creation of this majestic place. A short trek in the Thirusullam hills takes you to the lake. Of course, it is a hidden gem for the Chennaiites who have been never got to see such an overview. Broken Bridge Beautiful things needn’t always be perfect, they can also be broken, just like this Broken Bridge which connected Santhome Beach to Elliot’s beach. The Broken Bridge collapsed in 1977 and was never reconstructed and ended up becoming an eye- catching site. It is a bliss to watch the Sunrise and Sunset with your loved ones from this point. Thirusullam Hills Located right behind the Thirusullam Railway station is easily accessible by road. This mountain region being the tallest hills gives a breath-taking view of the hidden lake and also the airport, especially when it is lit. There is Murugan temple – temple to the Hindu Lord Muruga. On the other side of the hill is a Church. Furthermore, there is a mosque on top of the hill. It is a thrill filled ride and gives an amazing view of the city.