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2024’s Food Trends: 4 Indian Food Trends to Stay, Fleet, and Fade Away!

Chefs predict that one of the biggest culinary shifts of the coming year will be an enormous spike in solitary eating. We expect solo eating to become increasingly popular in an era where the enchantment of online relationships enthralls people. In response to this pattern, restaurants are modifying their food offerings to include tiny and medium-sized dishes, which not only makes dining by yourself more practical but also incredibly gratifying.  Toast to 2024 with de-alcoholized wine—this is a period of health-conscious food options, culinary explorations, and the emergence of an abundance of Indian micro-cuisines. There will be reduced food waste, ethical kitchens, and fascinating feasts. Let’s examine some food patterns! Baking will change significantly as a result of adopting the “healthy eating” trend and adding beneficial components such as yogurt, olive oil, millet, and other items to loaves and other kinds of baked goods. This movement not only responds to the growing consumer need for more nutritious foods but it also makes it easier to combine standard baking techniques with distinctive aromas. Initially, allergies and sensitivities were the culprits, but as mentioned earlier, it’s mainly about irritation and shedding pounds now. Thus, everybody nowadays frequently chooses a diet devoid of gluten. For instance, avoiding bread on the table or travelling are just examples of ways that people are adopting new habits, and it is believed that these are the leading trends that will flourish and may fade away in the coming years. Along with the emergence of Korean restaurants, hawkers offering Korean cuisine and beverages have appeared around the nation. This pattern is anticipated to surge even more in 2024, with ramen receiving special attention. Organic veggies that contain no pesticides, hormone-free chicken, and natural seafood and meat are all highly coveted, particularly abroad. This pattern is mostly limited to some renowned cities in India. Reputable eateries are highlighting this in their food options, saying things like the eggs are organic, not contaminated with pesticides, and come from a nearby egg producer.  The changing fashions will flow naturally into the larger story of vegetarianism and sustainability. Choosing food with an all-encompassing viewpoint is one of the current trends that will keep growing. Hence, these four trends are the most promising trends for 2024 as we start an exciting year full of culinary adventures. 

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17 Ooty Resorts for Couples on their Honeymoon

Are you a newly married couple? A honeymoon is the most-awaited phase of a couple’s life to crank old-school romance up a notch. In India, couples are deeply fascinated by hill stations or beach destinations where they can spend solitary time. Therefore, if you and your partner belong to this category, choosing Ooty as your honeymoon destination is the premium choice. These are the 17 Ooty resorts for couples to choose from for a pleasant honeymoon. Treebo Trend Skydale Inn and Suites with Mountain View This Ooty honeymoon retreat is a classy resort in Ooty, which is located only 2.8 kilometers away from Ooty Lake. The hotel’s suites provide modern amenities like TVs, Wi-Fi, closets, and private bathrooms. Here, visitors can benefit from a 24-hour personal desk. You are welcome to enjoy the hotel’s no-charge buffet and vegetarian meals. Savoy – IHCL SeleQtions An overnight stay at Savoy IHCL SeleQtions is meant for the sophisticated traveller who cherishes the comforts of home. The tea plantation and six acres of grounds encircle a 190-year-old imperial building. Indulge in the cottage-style suites with their own patios and old fireplaces. After hiking, fishing, or self-healing in Jiva, the resort’s spa, you may round out the day’s activities by gathering around the communal campfire. Maple View Resort Nestling in the vicinity of the immaculate Ooty Lake, Maple View Resort is one of the best Ooty resorts for couples. The accommodation here brags its newly constructed comfy and warm cottages for guests. Every room is well-decorated and fully furnished with a balcony, Wi-Fi, a seating zone, and a satellite flat-screen TV. Moreover, Maple View Resort has a complimentary private parking zone and a lawn within the property. Couples who travel to Ooty can plan a luxurious stay in Maple View. La Blooms Resort Couples who are planning for a comfortable stay at Ooty, this is one of the best Ooty resorts. Every room provides a magnificent view of Ooty’s valley and hills. Being one of the most luxurious Ooty resorts for couples, La Blooms provides its guests with a tranquil haven from the hustle bustle of city life. Regarding its ambience, La Blooms offers contemporary facilities and top-rated hospitality, which makes the resort extraordinary.  Sterling Ooty – Fern Hill In Ooty, this resort is considered as the best resort for newlyweds. Nestled atop the Nilgiri Hills at an elevation of 2240 meters, the hotel offers satellite TV and cable TV with a flat-screen and dining areas in every suite. The property extends over a 7-acre area. The best entertainment opportunities, including table tennis, badminton, campfire evenings, and parties, are provided to its visitors by Sterling Ooty Fern Hill. Sterling Ooty Elk Hill It’s well-known for its tranquil and placid background, which allows you to feel the charm of peaceful surroundings. Situated at 2240 meters above sea level, Sterling Ooty Elk Hill is one of the luxurious Ooty resorts for couples. The well-furnished rooms of this hotel offer panoramic views of the Ooty Valley. This is also one of the leading resorts featuring free parking and a restaurant. The Byke Sunshine Grand Ooty This luxurious resort in Ooty boasts grand and clean rooms with a top-notch town view. Here, you will obtain a private balcony and spa therapy. You will also get assistance at the 24-hour front desk for anything. This honeymooner resort in Ooty provides free Wi-Fi, free parking, breakfast, a bar lounge, a wake-up service, room service, and a business centre. If you choose this resort for your stay in Ooty, the famous attractions adjacent to the resort are the Government Botanical Garden, Upper Bhavani Lake, Tea Museum, and Government Rose Garden. The Grange Hotel It’s one of the luxurious yet heritage Ooty resorts for couples built in 1860. Much recognised as the Glanton Hall, this hotel was used as a music hall by the former owner, Mr. Misquith, who devised outstanding music from the past. Carrying a remarkable significance, every corner of this hotel has a fantastic story to tell. FabEscape St. Clouds It is located near Ooty Lake and is among the most romantic honeymoon accommodations in Ooty. The resort takes great pride in its cosy accommodations. You may enjoy a garden view from every room in this facility. For visitors who can drive, complimentary secure parking is another amenity. United 21 – Paradise The feeling of being far from home can be obtained at the magnificent crystal cottages of United 21 – Paradise Hotel, one of the top-class Ooty resorts for couples. Situated beautifully amidst the tea-strewn Nilgiris, the panoramic views of Ooty will enchant you during your stay at this gorgeous hotel. The major highlights of this resort are duplex architecture, private cottages, best-in-class services, and a tranquil retreat.  Sinclairs Retreat Considered to be one of the remarkable Ooty resorts for couples and lodged at a height of 8000 ft., your stay at this resort will perfect every moment spent on your honeymoon. With the breathtaking views of the Nilgiri mountains on one side and the rising eucalyptus trees on the other, let the clouds be your mate during a stay amid nature’s lap. Some of the best highlights of this resort are an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant, a peaceful environment, and a Spanish bar.   Kluney Manor Kluney Manor builds an illustration for you with its endless verdant grass, quaint cottages, a heartwarming fireplace, and the surrounding natural beauty. This is one of the best Ooty resorts for couples and was built by Captain Macpherson in 1852. Kluney Manor is a luxurious retreat where couples can indulge in isolation despite being in the centre of the city. Accord Highland Ooty One of the best Ooty resorts for couples is Accord Highland, providing enchanting views of the Nilgiri mountains. Rooms here are fully furnished with extraordinary decor, cable/satellite TV, a tea/coffee maker, and a minibar. This 5-star property assures an elegant and comfy stay for every guest. Some innovative features of this property are the Game Center, Fun Zone, and Fitness Hub. Fortune Retreats If

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These 12 Office Interior Design Ideas Generate the Highest Productivity

A workplace needs an appealing and thoughtful design to build an environment where the employee’s mind can be productive and devoted. Employees’ second home is their company; therefore, the office interior design ideas should be less distracting and fully functional. There have been numerous developments in office design, where interior designers bring innovative remodelling and trends to office interiors. Every year, we have witnessed the latest interior design patterns, identical to the ever-growing corporate culture. But how many of those actually work? To help you out, I’ve put together a list of the top interior design ideas to facilitate a positive work culture. So, are you ready to boost your employees’ productivity? Say yes and start reading. Table of Contents: Seamless Integration Of Simplicity And Perfection The office interior design ideas are about obtaining and maintaining the equilibrium of simplicity and perfection! Boosting an office space’s security and comfort can easily be obtainable by fundamentally aligning furniture with an amalgamation of an imaginative touch. Nevertheless, there’s a slender line between going overboard and balancing everything.  Brand-new office spaces demonstrate how they utilise the commercial interior to establish its tone, complying with minimal designs and a colour scheme representing their brand. Biophilic Designs Biophilic designs are an alluring prospect for employees who spend extra time indoors as they bring nature into the office ecosystem. This is one of the leading office interior design ideas involving greenery, boosting natural light, organic patterns, and natural elements. Living walls, courtyards, green roofs, and nature-oriented arts and crafts are some top-notch biophilic elements being added to the workspaces. Research demonstrates that biophilic office designs increase creativity, productivity, and employee contentment. Comfy Corners: Merging Office Spaces with Home-Based Touches Adding home-like touches to office interior designs creates a welcoming, warm environment that fosters employee well-being. Top-notch elements, such as comfy lounge areas with personal decor, comfortable furnishings, and the addition of greenery, induce a sense of home, motivating employees to engage in their work thoroughly. Such thoughtful office interior design ideas nurture a sense of belonging and sustain a positive office culture where everyone works comfortably.   Use Community Tables Do you have constrained space? If yes, community tables might be precisely what you need to boost employee’s productivity! These are mainly shared desks, which promote a collaborative workplace where employees can work in groups. Such workspaces are highly desirable in the tech industry as several programmers work closely to solve an issue. Moreover, these cost-efficient office interior design ideas can impact productivity and boost collaboration. Add Ergonomic Furniture Employers must prioritise employee health and solace by investing in ergonomic furniture. Supportive chairs, adjustable desks, and adequate lighting contribute to a productive and healthier work ecosystem. Therefore, you may build dedicated collaborative areas with projectors, whiteboards, and comfy seating. Such zones are ideal for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and group project discussions, fostering a teamwork culture. Glass Partitions For An Open Layout Glass partitions are one of the best office interior design ideas as they boost openness and transparency. They allow natural light to flow freely throughout the office while sustaining privacy whenever required.  Glass offers a contemporary, expansive, and professional approach, mainly when merged with minimalist future and muted colour schemes. Working with a professional interior designer can aid you in choosing the best materials and layouts to accomplish this luxurious impression without losing privacy. Test With The Shapes While sorting out interiors for workspaces, the choice of shapes and materials is vast. Therefore, you may consider including circular ensembles or strips throughout one primary wall that could assist in setting the company’s tone. Moreover, you may consider incorporating tiny elements that look like a gorgeous office environment to work peacefully. You may add wooden planks as isolated desks for an enhanced visual charm. Make Wayfinding Hassle-Free By Going With The Flow Gone are the days when offices were crammed for the employees working there. Messy and cluttered strategies make it cumbersome for employers to tackle staff frequently getting lost in featureless, long corridors. Here come open floor plans, one of the most beneficial office interior design ideas for finding your way around. Additionally, adding top-notch design elements that assist with wayfinding has minimised stress and made office navigation straightforward and highly intuitive.  Bring Greenery To The Office Some lush greeneries, natural building materials, or a touch of natural elements result in a positive sensation in the workplace. You may adorn your office interiors with green plants, which are well-known to boost productivity while maximising your space’s charm. The oxygen-rich air from keeping houseplants is just as important as their visual appeal. Stress at work? Don’t worry about it again! Art Pieces and Sculptures Art and crafts play a significant role in maximising corporate spaces. Therefore, curating a vast collection of sculptures, artwork, or installations can make your office space look sophisticated and different. Such items leave an unforgettable effect on employees and customers, offering an artistic and cultural dimension to the office environment. Minimalist sculptures, paintings, and photography collections can boost charm while complementing the whole design. Along with artwork and sculptures, considering the office’s acoustics is vital. Noise pollution is a significant distraction and hampers productivity. Hence, acoustic panels or sound-absorbing elements can be added to the office design to minimise noise pollution and build a focused, calmer workspace.  Statement Light Fixtures Lighting is crucial in luxury office interior designs. Fascinating pendant lights or well-placed chandeliers can improve any space’s charm, making it look highly polished and welcoming. Therefore, you need to select appropriate lighting fixtures that not only boost the office environment but also showcase the company’s individuality. Adding statement lighting is one of the best office interior design ideas,ranging from sleek LED designs to sculptural lights that maximise the most ordinary areas to professional levels. Add Natural Lighting Using natural light isn’t always possible. But if you can, you should, as natural light is incomparable and well-known for elevating office interior design ideas. Humans desire natural light, and adding this

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Nature’s Harmony in Bloom: Exploring the Art of Japanese Ikebana

Decorative flower arrangements illuminate people’s aesthetic preferences, customs, and cultural values. Culturally significant floral designs reveal aspects of symbolism, exquisite workmanship, and a mirror of nature’s marvels. Various cultures have their own unique ways of depicting flowers in art. Ikebana of Japan Ikebana is a minimalistic Japanese flower arrangement that is closely connected with traditions. The origin of this art dates back to several centuries. The word ‘Ikebana’ means arranging flowers. In ancient times, people in Japan followed the custom of erecting flowers and plants and placing them into a beautiful bouquet. Ikebana is one of the three classical Japanese refinements ( Kodo, Chado, Ikebana). Connection With  Nature Ikebana connects nature, time, and space. More than a simple flower arrangement, Ikebana teaches us the value of life. Life is precious, and we should live it to the fullest, as Ikebana tells us.  Symbolism  The most important rule of Ikebana is the natural appearance. This means the whole arrangement should represent a tree or plant seen in nature. Flowers play a significant function and can generate moods, much as the stems indicate three major lines. They are selected based on their inherent colours and shapes. The chrysanthemum represents the sun, the camellia represents longevity and happiness, and the iris represents heroism.  The Arrangement  Go for a stroll around the neighbourhood. Look around you; do you hear the elements communicating with you? There are beautiful flowers. Observe them and understand what emotions they evoke inside you. Let your feelings dictate your choice. Pick out some lovely blossoms, healthy leaves, and firm stems. No need to seek for perfection here. Ikebana is an art that finds beauty in imperfections! Take a shallow container filled partially with water. Trim and arrange the stems, leaves and flowers in such a way that they give natural and pleasing feelings. To arrange the stems in the correct position, you have to use a round-shaped object called a kenzan, a pincushion used to arrange the stems. Everything about Ikebana, from the lines to the motifs, is typically asymmetrical. Add accents and flora to represent the theme and the design’s beauty and harmony.   

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Introducing ‘Bhashini’ – Digital India’s First Language Translation Application 

 The distinctive cultural diversity of India has always been evident, and the country’s linguistic diversity is no exception. Our nation is home to a variety of languages. But when it comes to communications, we all may face some barriers due to this diversity. The Digital India Bhashini Division(DIBD), a part of the Digital India Corporation, created ‘Bhashini’ as a linguistic tool to facilitate the easy communication of Indian languages.    Our hon. Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi introduced the official app of Bhashini at Kashi Tamil Sangamam, which was held in Varanasi in December 2013.  India’s AI-powered Linguistic Platform Bhashini is an AI-powered language-translation tool that has been exceptionally curated to translate all Indian languages into the user’s mother tongue. At the 2022 Digital India Week, which was held in Gujarat, the prime minister unveiled a new initiative named “Digital India Bhashini” to ensure that all Indian languages have easy access to the internet and digital services.   It is fantastic to use digital services and the internet in one’s native language. The AI-based language translation application,’ Bhashini’, is compatible with both Android and iOS devices and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. With the help of this program, we can break down language barriers and build a community of digital contributors. Bhasha Daan – A Great Way To Contribute And Be Part Of Our Development Chain Bhashini presents ‘Bhasha daan’, an initiative that allows everyone to contribute to this mission and become a part of it. They welcome individual contributors who can contribute anonymously to enrich the database and support this AI model training. Transcription, voice recording, translation, and image labelling are the possible contributions.  How Can You Benefit From This? Aside from these, Bhashini’s primary goal is to provide a user-friendly and technologically advanced platform that allows students to learn in their own languages. The Bhashini app is a great tool that can enhance the distribution of digital content, and it also helps you learn other languages. Consequently, it inspires startup companies to create innovative applications using the resources.  So far, many people have benefited from it. A user can use the Bhashini app for four purposes. This facilitates communication by giving users a forum to engage with individuals who are not fluent in their native language. It also allows users to convert voice to text and translate any Indian language to their mother tongue. The ability to create a voiceover from text is another helpful feature.  

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The Future of Luxury is Sustainable: How Concierge Services are Going Green

Are you a person who gives equal importance to quality and sustainability? But you may wonder how these two components can provide such a high-end experience when combined. Usually, when we hear the word ‘sustainability’, we tend to brand it in less flashy categories. However, modern bespoke concierge services have a lovely blend of both, providing the luxury experience you deserve. They follow ethical outsourcing of eco-friendly materials. Without allowing any environmental hazards, they present pure artisanal craftsmanship throughout their services. Nowadays, you can get bespoke concierge luxury services in almost all fields without compromising the quality.  Home Designing Numerous architecture and design companies are giving priority to eco-friendly homes these days. You can get guidance from such firms and make the perfect choices by focusing on sustainable materials for the exterior and interior. With these design companies’ assistance, you can choose passive designs, prioritising houses with temperature control. Mud houses, renewable energy systems, etc, are some examples of eco-friendly choices for your home. In addition to being a safe option, they also add a touch of class and style to the house.  Bespoke Travel Experiences Many travel agencies focus on responsible tourism services as their customers are more interested in eco-friendly travel options. They provide itineraries that are close to customer preferences while remembering the importance of sustainable choices like eco-friendly accommodations and food. Without compromising the luxury aspect, customers can enjoy a sustainable forest safari or cultural getaway with the help of such services.  Bespoke Fashion  The ever-changing fashion industry is always on trend, bringing new concepts and elegance to the forefront. What are your thoughts about high-end, eco-friendly fashion? Get in touch with a luxury fashion atelier that focuses on sustainable fashion trends crafted with eco-friendly clothing such as cotton, hemp, jute, and bamboo, which are outsourced from morally sound suppliers. To reflect your style without losing the charm, clients can work closely with such designers and understand more about their supply chain and design methods.  An Eco-Friendly Chef Service It is quite a royal experience to enjoy plant-based cuisine prepared by a personal chef in the comfort of your home! Culinary services tailored to your requirements are available to help you with this. There are trained, personalised chefs who come to your home and create a menu based on your choices. They source local or regional ingredients to prepare the dishes and follow sustainable materials and practices for preserving and serving the food items.  Sustainable, Personalised Beauty Services Many premium brands sell cruelty-free and vegan products for makeup and grooming. With eco-friendly skincare treatments and makeup applications, these services enhance beauty while minimising environmental impact. Sustainable spas and beauty salons often follow recycling, composting, and energy-saving practices. You can get proper guidance and suggestions that align with your values, and skincare needs from an experienced beauty therapist.

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Discover These IRCTC Tour Packages & Visit The Best Of India!

India is the land of the majestic Himalayas, with beautiful temples, breathtaking architecture, lively cityscapes, and tranquil beaches. For a travel enthusiast, there is much more to explore in this wonderland of cultural diversity. Most of the visitors are drawn to mountain and beach destinations in India. If you are looking for a cost-effective or luxurious way to explore more places this summer vacation, IRCTC will be a great choice. Generally, IRCTC tour packages include everything from travel fare and accommodation to food and sightseeing. If you visit IRCTC websites, travellers can explore different itineraries and choose as per their interests and budget. All around India, they provide exciting vacation packages.  The Bharat Gaurav Train Services  ‘Bharat Gaurav Trains’ are theme-based train services offered by the Indian Railways. This service lets you book tour packages that cover your expenditures, including hotel, meals, sightseeing guides, and more. These trains provide a/c and non-a/c compartments, pantry cars and CCTV cameras. Deluxe A/C Tourist Train  This is a luxury train with fully air-conditioned coaches. The train has a modern kitchen, two rail-restaurants, washrooms and cubicles, foot massagers, electronic safes, and CCTV camera facilities.  Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train In association with the IRCTC, the government of Karnataka has introduced a tourist train exclusively for visiting spiritual destinations such as Ayodhya, Kashi, Prayag, and Gaya. This train is equipped with a/c compartments, a modern pantry, and other facilities.  Jain Yatra By Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train The nine-day Jain pilgrimage service is a new offering from the IRCTC for anybody curious about Jain philosophy and associated traditions. The package includes lodging, traditional Jain cuisine, and bus tickets.  Buddhist Train Circuits Are you curious to explore the legendary life of Lord Buddha and the origin of Buddhism? Then, plan your vacation with IRCTC’s Buddha Express. This tour package takes you through all the places related to Lord Buddha, Delhi, Bodh Gaya, Khushi Nagar, Lumbini, Agra, Varanasi, Sravasti, Rajgir, and Nalanda. Amenities exclusive to the premium train include a mini-library, restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, and more.  Maharaja Express Prepare to be pampered like a king or queen by reserving a cabin on the Maharaja Express, India’s most opulent train. This train offers four different itineraries that cover ten fascinating destinations. Luxury coaches with suits and private kitchens with celebrity chefs elevate the pride of your journey. The Maharaja Express, widely recognised as one of the world’s most luxurious trains, has received several honours and commendations. Golden Chariot  Are you dreaming of your holidays in the heart and soul of South India? Then, you can consider booking a package with Golden Chariot to experience the luxurious South Indian culture. Golden Chariot offers three travel circuits, including destinations like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Kerala.  Image Source:  https://blog.goldenchariot.org/

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Elayada – A South Indian Traditional Sweet Delight Wrapped In Banana Leaves!

Foods served in banana leaves are often regarded as most nutritious. When considering the benefits of using banana leaves instead of plates, we can surely say that they are naturally available and the most eco-friendly choice. Studies indicate that banana leaves have certain antimicrobial properties, which aid in preserving food items without contamination, in contrast to synthetic packaging materials. Moreover, food items wrapped in banana leaves are more flavorful since the leaves can elevate the overall taste.  Exploring the culinary traditions using banana leaves reveals their importance, which spans various cultures, especially in tropical regions such as South India and Southern Asia. The most common cooking method involves wrapping the food item in banana leaves and either steaming or grilling it, which enhances the taste of the food item with a distinct aroma and flavour. Here is a delectable recipe prepared using banana leaves.  Elayada or Elayappam Elayada, also known as Elayappam, is a traditional South Indian sweet recipe. In many South Indian temples, this food item is offered to the god and served as ”prasad”. Additionally, this dish is prepared as a customary practice during traditional festivals in South India. Let us explore the basic recipe of Elayada. Ingredients Rice flour – 1 cup Jaggery powder – ½ cup Grated coconut – 1 cup Cardamom powder- 1 tsp Dry ginger powder – ½ tsp Salt – a pinch Banana leaves  Water Wash the banana leaves, remove the middle stem, and cut them into square pieces. Mix the rice flour with water and make a batter without any lumps. Heat the pieces of banana leaves over the flame to make them soft and pliable.  Heat a bowl with a thick bottom and add very little water (about ¼ cup). Mix the powdered jaggery and allow it to melt. Let it boil until you get thick jaggery syrup. Mix grated coconut, cardamom, and dry ginger powder. Combine all the ingredients thoroughly until a thick mixture with no water content forms.  Place two tablespoons of the prepared rice batter onto the leaf. Spread it evenly to create a thin layer. Place the coconut jaggery filling in the centre of the rice batter. Wrap the banana leaf carefully to prevent any spillage of the ingredients. Bring the water to a boil in the steamer, then steam the wrapped elayada for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the cooked elayada from the steamer and unwrap it. Experience the delightful fragrance of cooked rice, jaggery, cardamom, and the aroma of steamed banana leaf that enhances the dish’s flavour. Use poha (flattened rice) and jaggery mix, banana, jackfruit, and jaggery mix as alternative fillings instead of coconut jaggery mix.

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Go On A Shopping Spree To Explore Agra’s Vibrant Markets (Beyond The Taj Mahal)!

The Taj Mahal’s reputation as a symbol of love may be what draws visitors, but there’s so much more to experience in and around this world-famous attraction. There are vibrant street shopping avenues for indulging in the city’s shopping culture. Located amidst the Taj Mahal’s astonishing beauty and Agra’s bustling streets, numerous shopping avenues attract visitors by selling everything from antiques to contemporary trinkets. Below are some of the best shopping avenues in and around Taj Mahal. Taj Ganj Market Located outside of the Taj Mahal complex, the Taj Ganj Market is a busy place in the city which is always alive with vendors and visitors. This market offers a wide range of products, like handicrafts, jewellery, miniature marble replicas of the Taj Mahal, and a range of souvenirs. You can experience a colourful shopping experience at this place.  Kinari Market Kinari Market is one of the top markets that sells products related to fashion and handicrafts. You will be amazed to see the wide variety of products, such as fabrics, marble embellishments, fabric designing, rugs, and leather items.  Shoe Market This busiest area in the city is located at Hing Ki Mandi. The footwear business is quite well-known in Agra. This shoe market is the favourite place of wholesalers and retailers, as they can get a good deal here. You can explore a vast collection of shoe designs available for purchase at this place. Subhash Emporium You get top-notch quality marble items, handicrafts, and souvenirs from Subhash Emporium near the Taj Mahal complex. This government-aided emporium promotes ‘Prachinkari in marble’ (inlay art). Here, you can purchase high-quality textiles and jewellery, too.  Raj Ki Mandi This busiest market is situated in the Lohamandi region. Raj Ki Mandi Market provides an excellent shopping experience within your budget. You can buy many items, like fabrics, household items, cooking aids, books, jewellery, home decor, etc, at an affordable cost. The market is always crowded, but the best time to visit here is in the evenings.   Shah Market  For those who love smartphones, this place is a perfect choice. Located near Agra Fort, Shah Market offers an excellent shopping experience. You can get leather items, jewellery and smartphones from almost all famous brands. You can find shops selling used phones, too.  Agra Marble Emporium Visit the Agra Marble Emporium if you love marble stuff. This place has a beautiful collection of marble items, including statues, decorative items, and tabletops showcasing elaborate inlay works. U.P Handicrafts Development Center The U.P Handicraft Development Center is located near the Taj Mahal. This government-supported handicraft shop sells authentic handicraft items from Uttar Pradesh. Handloom textiles, pottery, and other traditional items are available here directly from artisans. 

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Beyond the Gold: A Journey Through Amritsar’s Most Sacred Site – ‘Harmandir Sahib’

Amritsar, a city in the Indian state of Punjab, is home to the magnificent Golden Temple, a gurudwara highly admired nationwide. This most sacred place of Sikh worship is also known as ‘Harmandir Sahib’, which means the Abode of God. Here, we reveal some fascinating facts about this temple which will amuse you.  The Temple Of Gold The temple was renovated and bestowed with a golden sheen by Maharaja Ranjith Singh, the ‘Lion of Punjab’. The temple’s exterior is adorned with about 750 grams of pure gold, lending it an awe-inspiring appearance, particularly when illuminated at night.  The Fusion Of Breathtaking Architectural Marvels The Golden Temple is the best example that highlights the inclusive nature of Sikhism. By closely examining the temple architecture, you can see glimpses of Indian and Islamic architectural styles. The intricate marble works, inlaid carvings, arches, and frescoes are real examples of the artistic marvels of Indian craftsmanship. The Pool Of Nectar The Golden Temple is located in the middle of a man-made lake called the ‘Amrit Sarovar’ or the ‘Pool Of Nectar’. The idea of building this water tank was first proposed in the 16th century by Guru Ram Das. It is a rectangular water tank with an area of 150 meters by 150 meters. Equality, unity and purity – the Amrit Sarovar symbolizes these three qualities as per Sikhism. The water in this sarovar is believed to have healing properties, and devotees bathe in this holy water to rejuvenate their souls.  Guru Ka Langar Guru Ka Langar, the community kitchen in Golden Temple, is the temple’s most distinctive feature. There is no charge for the meals prepared in this kitchen. There is no big or small; regardless of caste, religion, nationality, or societal status, everyone can come and alleviate their hunger pangs. It is heard that even the Mughal king Akhbar once came and enjoyed a meal with ordinary people in this Langar. There are no workers or special cooks for the preparation of food items. Men, women, and children volunteer to cook, serve, and clean as a service to mankind. Daily, this most extensive community kitchen in the world supposedly feeds over 100,000 people! The Door Of All To highlight the inclusive nature and universal existence of the Sikh philosophy, the temple is built with four open doors on the four sides, known as the Door of All, which welcome people from all parts and stages of life.  Akhand Path The temple premises is always filled with positive vibrations. The sacred verses from the holy scripture of Sikhism,- Guru Granth Sahib, are continuously chanted at the temple premises by the devotees. It is also known as ‘Akhand Path’ (uninterrupted reading).  This exquisite spiritual site of Sikhism attracts millions of visitors worldwide with its stupefying architectural marvels, heartwarming hospitality, and abundance of positivity. People come to pay their respect, seek spiritual solace, and experience the serenity and sanctity of this revered place.

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