The festival of Diwali is not just a time of feasting, fireworks, and family gatherings. It is also a time when the most delicious and mouthwatering dishes are prepared and served. We delve into the origins of some of the most popular Diwali dishes.
Indian cuisine has managed to make use of literally every part of the Banana tree. May it be the wise old recipe of a Kidney stone cure – Banana Stem stew/soup, or the modern adaptation of halwas – Banana leaf halwa that has made people question reality, the Banana tree is packed with large health benefits and an even larger versatility in the Indian cuisine! One such adaptation of the Banana flower is a creamy, spicy and lip smacking chutney that just makes every tiffin better. This recipe takes about 15 mins to make, and is extremely easy and basic, that even an amateur cook can make it. Loving such mouth watering recipes? Follow for more! What you’ll need: ● 100g of Banana Flower● 2 tbsp Oil.● 100g Onion.● 3 Garlic Pods● Red Chilli powder to taste● Lemon sized Tamarind● 50g Tomato● Salt as Required.● Mustard Seeds● Asafoetida How to make it: ● Remove and separate the petals from the bracts as we’ll only need the petals for this recipe.● Clean and dry out the petals and add to a hot pan with oil, onion, garlic, tamarind, and tomatoes and the spices and cook until soft.● Once everything is completely cooked, let it cool before blending into a fine paste.● Temper this delicious South Indian delicacy with some mustard seeds and curry leaves and serve with soft, fluffy idlis or crispy, crunchy dosas! Note: It is very common to add urad dhal to the mix and cook along with the other ingredients before blending for that extra creamy texture. Some recipes mention the addition of the banana flower’s core that is cut, cooked and blended with the other ingredients, but can be avoided if not preferred.
We live in an era, where innocent people are shamed, bullied and trash talked for seeking help from professionals for wanting to have better mental health. Somewhere along the line, we, as a society, forget that individuals who need mental health support, but are bullied and neglected or ignored, are the ones causing major damages to the very same society. Being fit and healthy physically is not just the only criteria to call a person healthy. The mental aspect of a human plays a crucial role in moulding their lives and that of the ones around them. Just like how excess water kills a cactus, excessive stress, anger, sadness and pressure results in fatal scenarios for the victim. It is high time that we recognise the importance and need of a healthy mental state of a human. Because we reap what we sow, and sowing unhealthy mental practices and unattended mental illness into our society is simply going to result in a society that doesn’t accept kindness or empathy and grows vulnerable without a social bond. Here are some tips to ensure that your mental health and peace are unharmed by the hardships of life. Share and spread mental health awareness into your circle and help become a part of a healthier and safer society! Start to appreciate and thank more Appreciating and being thankful for what we have at hand is one of the first steps towards attaining mental peace. By thanking and appreciating even the tiniest acts in your household, workplace or even your local community/society, you not only make someone’s day better, but also start realising how complex our lives are and how interdependent we are with one another. The habit of being thankful and appreciating the efforts is a constant reminder that we’re all equals, effectively reducing a major part of your everyday fights/ arguments. When overstimulated, take a step back Sure, not all of us have a smooth sail throughout our day. We have our ups and downs and at times, even hit rock bottom. Even though this rock bottom keeps redefining its depth every time an issue pops up in your life, it is important to remember that there is a rainbow around every corner, and no matter how bad your day is, it will end soon, and you will get your peaceful me-time to de-stress and relax. Keeping this in mind, remember to take a step back whenever you’re feeling overstimulated by strong feelings and emotions like anger or sadness. If you feel like your anger is shooting through the roof, it is time for you to take a deep breath and reassess the situation before you say or do anything you might regret in the future. If you find it hard to relax yourself or take a step back when you’re angry, try drinking a glass of water. Since humans can either swallow or breathe at a time, you will be forced to take a decent interval between your breathing patterns, and ultimately relax a little before you proceed further with your argument. Keep reaffirming positive phrases A boat doesn’t sink unless there’s water inside it. Remember this the next time when you’re in self-doubt. You are what you feed your thoughts. Your thoughts are extremely capable and can shape your present and future. So try and avoid self-hatred phrases and remember to reaffirm positivity. Even if the whole world keeps looking down on you, you still have yourself to climb up the ladder. Right from birth till death, you are the only person who is going to be with you, and actually know what you’re going through. Others can empathise and sympathise all they can wany, but no one can actually and truly know what you’re going through, so don’t be so hard on yourself and seek out help if you need it. Nobody can define the threshold and tolerance limits for your mental health. If you feel like you need external support to make your mental health better, get that help immediately.
When I was young, my mom used to bless me with a wealthy health and a healthy wealth every time I started something new. This phrase has always puzzled me, as I was more used to hearing blessings to have a wealthy and healthy life, but never once heard the phrase “Wealthy health and a Healthy wealth”. So what does this phrase mean? Is it important to have a wealthy health and a healthy wealth? If so, how do we enforce the concept of a wealthy health into our daily lives? To answer all these questions, we first need to understand what ‘Health’ is. Health is the overall fitment of an individual with respect to their well-being, soundness of mind and body. It’s a state of living that every individual must thread their routine into. May it be having a balanced diet, an ample number of hours dedicated towards physical fitness, and ensuring that your mental stability and wellness is monitored and looked after. Being healthy doesn’t imply eating more vegetables, fruits, smoothies and salads and avoiding heavy processed junk food. A healthy individual needs a good, balanced and nourishing diet, a good workout routine or a physically engaging activity session and most importantly, having the ability to smoothen the ups and downs of your mental state. It is equally important for any individual, irrespective of their gender and sexuality, to have to pay attention to what they eat, how much they’re working out, heal their mental scars and safeguard oneself from any potential hazard that could hurt your mental wellness, and to be spiritually awake to build faith and belief of greater good and be able to travel beyond the ups and downs that life throws at you. Once you master the art of such balanced health, you are in a state of wealthy health, which, along the way, would lead you into gaining a healthy wealth that you can expand, protect, save and reinvest in. So, the next time you think about becoming a well-off individual with a serene retirement, take the vital steps to keep your health wealthy to keep your wealth healthy! Here are a few tips to keep a well-rounded and balanced health, or as my mom would call it, a wealthy health. Follow for more such health and wellness related content to understand the need and importance of being a healthy person! Empty a glass of water on an empty stomach – A lot of studies have revealed that drinking a glass of water on an empty stomach has adverse benefits like aiding digestion, rehydration from your long sleep, flushing out the toxins, and even clear out your skin! Workout first, scroll later – Scientists strongly advise to not start your day by scrolling through your phone. Just like how staying off your phone at least an hour before sleep is important for your brain activity, similarly, engaging with your phone right from the start of your day can have its own impacts on your brain activity. It is believed that the posts, news, information and interactions that you experience via your mobile phone right from when you wake up sets your mood for the day and has a risk of slowing down your comprehensive thinking for the day. Breathe fresh air, not smoke – Humans are known to breathe at least 20,000 times in a day. In the 24 hours we get, it is mandatory for every individual to get at least 20 mins of fresh air in a green location like a park or a lake. This is crucial for the physical and mental health of every human, and when compared to indoors, the air that we breathe outdoors, typically in places like parks are known to give out additional energy and boost us when low, or calm us when we’re tensed up. Watch your habits – Even our smallest of habits can have substantial impact on our bodies and minds, like an everyday cigarette can cut down years from your lifetime, or how your unhealthy eating desires and cravings that you give in to can be slowly rotting you from the inside. Learn to thank and be kind – Being a kind and charitable person not only helps you get a sense of satisfaction that you’re doing something good with your incomes and revenues, but also a content feeling that you’re giving back to the society that has raised you. Along with this, you learn to thank every individual’s efforts, time, and emotions when you do small acts of kindness regardless of the credit that you might or might not receive. Remember, you too, are a part of the society, and this means that what you sow into your society will be harvested years into the future by your own generations. So spread gratitude, love, equality, and most importantly, kindness and compassion in your society, so that you can inspire a whole generation to be a better human.
Ruling for over 1,300 years, the Chola Dynasty is the longest and largest dynasty in the world. Devoting towards Lord Shiva with an impeccable loyalty to their throne and justice, the Cholas had a reign that thrived in foreign trade, military, arts, science, architecture, farming and political prowess. Almost every face of the great Chola empire was sculpted to perfection and subject to futuristic thinking, constant upgradation, out of the box thinking and a thirst to learn new ways to make their dynasty better. While discussing the Heritage of India, one can never miss the rich and diverse socio-cultural bindings of the Chola empire, particularly the everlasting architectural wonders that were built at least a thousand years ago! In this ongoing series, we look at the flabbergasting Cholan architectural wonders that have become the statement of India with its deep rooted cultural heritage and the fact that these aspects have made India stand out in the international crowd. Follow for more such interesting contents that celebrate the cultural heritage of India! Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Temple, Pudukottai One of the oldest temples ever to be constructed by the Cholas, this hidden, yet magnificent UNESCO Heritage temple was built around 1,160 years ago around 862 CE (Common Era, aka AD). This temple, just like the other Chola temples, is devoted to Lord Shiva, and was overlooked by the ancestor of the great king Raja Raja Chola, Vijayalaya Chola. This architectural wonder is one of the earliest and first mountain cave temples carved out by the Cholas, standing tall on top of the rocky hills of Narthamalai, Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu. Constructed by what the modern architects call ‘Built-On Architecture’ in the Dravidian style of construction on a rock-cut method. The process of Built-On Architecture may sound simple and easy, and even similar to the times when we, as kids, stacked stray rocks on top of each other, except, Vijayalaya Chola used this method of stacking to make an intricately detailed and carved temple by stacking rocks on top of each other on top of a rocky hill! The wonders and mysteries of the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram simply do not stop there. The carvings and detailings of the temple tells the stories of how scientifically and technologically advanced the Cholas were even in the early stages, where sculptures and carvings of genetically modified animals were discovered. The sculptures of a creature called ‘Yaali’ can be seen here. What makes this creature different from the others? The word Yaali is, in fact, a combination of the words ‘Yaanai’ (Elephant) and ‘Puli’(Tiger), in Tamil. In simple terms, the Yaali was believed to be a genetic modification of an Elephant and a Tiger. This stands as a living legend of the practice of genetic modification and DNA alteration in the ancient India, as almost 3-5 different types of Yaali can be seen here, like Simha Yaali, the Lion faced Yaali and Neer Yaali, a water-based Yaali that had the face of a human! The construct of the temple is also a mystery, as the main gopuram with the garbagraham inside is circular from the top and is continued down to maintain a cylindrical shape in the garbagraham. Typically in Dravidian style temples, the garbagraham is a square, and such cylindrical main chambers are quite rare in Hinduism. Although there are a large number of allegations that this mysterious, yet majestic temple was built by one of the forefathers of the Pallava Dynasty, the Mutharaiyar Kings from the Mutharaiyar Dynasty, but later renovated and reconstructed around by the Chola king Vijayalaya Cholan. This, however, is certainly a controversial discussion with strong arguments towards the former and latter theories since there is no concrete evidence to who actually built this brilliant masterpiece that still stands tall after almost 1,160 mighty years, setting aside all the differences and theories.
Our world is full of majestic mysteries that baffle us every now and then with its wonders and outworldly elements and facets. The Sky is vast enough to cover this large blue sphere and puts on the most brilliant show this month by acting as a screen, giving us the front row seats to the vividly bewitching astronomical events! Astronomical events are phenomena that occur in Space due to various elements like the gravitational pull of a planet that pulls space objects like rogue rocks into its orbit, painting the sky with bright meteor showers every once in a while. Such events can be observed from Earth with the help of Telescopes and sometimes, these magnificent events are visible to the naked eye! Astronomical events like Eclipses, Meteor Showers, Super Moon, Blue Moon, Equinoxes, Planetary alignments, Asteroids, Comets and etcetera can be predicted with accuracy and are eagerly awaited to be witnessed. Here are some of the most awaited Astronomical events of August 2023 that are visible to the naked eye and can be witnessed in India without any equipment like Telescopes! Perseid Meteor Shower The Perseid Meteor Showers, commonly known as the ‘Shooting Star’, happen every year around 11th and 13th of August. This astronomical wonder is caused by the Earth orbiting near the leftover debris of the long lost Comet Swift – Tuttle, and can be witnessed only once in a year to the naked eye. Lunar Occultation of Antares Lunar Occultation refers to the phenomena when the Moon appears to have moved in front of another celestial being, like a Planet, Asteroid or a Star. The word ‘Antares’ simply refers to a bright star on the Scorpion constellation. On August 24th this year, the Moon gets aligned with three bright Morning Planets, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn, and is visible before sunrise to the naked eye. Blue Moon The term ‘Blue Moon’, unlike the common misconception of the Moon being blue in colour, is quite a rare event that happens at least once in 2-3 years, although this frequency can vary. The Blue Moon simply means the second full moon that occurs within a single calendar month. Loving such breathtaking astronomical events? Follow to know more on such upcoming astronomical events!
TEXT: B. GUGANESAN, CHIEF PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER A major revamp is being carried out at the stations of Southern Railway. This falls in line with the ongoing initiative of Indian Railways to consistently improve its stations, envisioning long-term progress. Southern Railway has pinpointed 90 of its stations to be enhanced under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme(ABSS). The primary objective of this scheme is to create comprehensive Master Plans for these stations. The implementation of these Master Plans will then aim at significant upgradation of the facilities at these train stations. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the Southern Railway division plans to renovate a total of 90 railway stations. Each of its six divisions is tasked with the overhaul of 15 stations. In the fiscal year 2022- 23, consultancy contracts worth Rs 13.88 crores were awarded to facilitate this renovation.The tasks under these contracts comprise creating a comprehensive blueprint that plans the station’s advance on a long-term basis, in a planned manner, incorporating a forward-looking vision. These master plans, prepared by the appointed consultant, have been authorized by the railway administration for all the stations involved in the revamping project. Following the blueprint, tasks to be accomplished under Phase-I of the scheme were identified. Contractors have been awarded work for 35 stations based on these plans, even as the process of finalizing tenders for the remaining stations is about to conclude.Generous funding of Rs 934 crores has been allocated to this ambitious renovation project in the fiscal year 2023-24 This massive overhaul work under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is part of an effort to modernize railway infrastructure and enhance the overall railway travel experience, and is progressing at a brisk pace SANCTIONED WORKS UNDER THE AMRIT BHARAT STATION SCHEME IN SOUTHERN RAILWAY DIVISION NO OF WORKS SANCTIONED COST (IN CRORES)CHENNAI 44 251.91SALEM 22 150.47PALAKKAD 26 195.54THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 15 108.00TIRUCHCHIRAPPALLI 22 123.47MADURAI 19 104.56TOTAL 148 934.00 Key Features The Amrit Bharat Station initiative is designed to roll out new amenities for passengers, enhance and upgrade the current ones. As part of the Phase-I advancement, under the Amrit Bharat Scheme, specific enhancements are being planned for the selected 90 Southern Railway stations for example Foot Over Bridges (12 m wide FOBs are planned at 13 Nos. of stations Escalators and Lifts (2 Nos. of Escalators & 48 Nos. of lifts sanctioned at various stations across SR) Improvements to circulating area Two/four wheeler parking Landscaping / Horticulture Integrated Passenger Information System Signages Improvements to Platforms & Platform shelters SS benches, Taps & Wash basins Better illumination & Power supply arrangements CCTV Measures taken for fast tracking the work Guidelines have been issued to Gati Shakti units regarding drawings, detailing and timelines for completion of each workThe progress of ABSS work will be monitored by DRMs and reviewed by GM regularly
GOLCONDA FORT, HYDERABAD Situated in Telangana, the Golconda Fort stands as a testament to the grandeur of the region’s Qutb Shahi dynasty. Renowned for its acoustic architecture, the fort’s Fateh Darwaza (Victory Gate) astonishes visitors with its ability to transmit sound waves over a considerable distance. Additionally, the fort’s sprawling complex houses ancient palaces, intricate gardens, and the world-famous Kohinoor diamond, once among its prized treasures. AGRA FORT, AGRA Famed for its association with the iconic Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort holds immense historical importance.Constructed by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases a blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. Boasting of captivating palaces, sprawling gardens, and the famous Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), the fort provides a glimpse into the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. CHAMPANER-PAVAGADHARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK, GUJARAT A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Champaner- Pavagadh Archaeological Park encompasses a cluster of archaeological remains representing a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. Located in Gujarat, this expansive complex boasts the formidable Pavagadh Fort, reached via a thrilling ropeway ride. The fort complex includes ancient palaces, mosques, and stepwells, providing insights into the rich history and grandeur of Gujarat’s mediaeval past. KANGRA FORT, HIMACHAL PRADESH Located in the picturesque Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, the Kangra Fort enjoys a storied past dating back over a millennium. This massive fort complex, featuring several gates and fortifications, bears testimony to the architectural prowess of the Katoch dynasty. Ravaged by numerous invasions, the fort now hosts a museum, showcasing an array of historical artefacts and relics. CHITTORGARH FORT, CHITTORGARH Transcending time and legends, the Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan boasts a rich heritage brimming with tales of valour and sacrifice. This colossal fort spans over 700 acres and is home to magnificent palaces, temples, and towers. The fort’s most iconic structure, Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory), symbolises the undefeated spirit of Chittorgarh. The fort’s impressive architecture and panoramic views offer visitors an immersive glimpse into Rajasthan’s glorious past. India’s iconic forts not only exemplify architectural brilliance but also serve as living remnants of the nation’s captivating history. From the opulence of the Mughals to the valor of Rajputana, each fort encapsulates a unique narrative from India’s past. Exploring these time-honoured monuments offers visitors an enriching journey into the grandeur and heritage of our vibrant nation.
TEXT: ANAND NICHANI, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MAGNIFLEX INDIA Sleep is a vital part of our lives, and it is important to make sure that we have a comfortable sleeping environment to promote good rest. A good mattress is a crucial element of that environment. However, shopping for a mattress can be an overwhelming experience as there are so many options available on the market. Being aware of what to search for can greatly simplify the process. In this article, we will discuss ten things that you should keep in mind while shopping for a mattress to ensure that you make an informed decision. Support: The support provided by the mattress is the most important factor to consider. A mattress that provides proper support for your body will help you avoid back pain and discomfort. Look for a mattress that supports the natural curves of your body and keeps your spine in alignment. Weight-induced memory foam mattresses are the best for support. Comfort: Comfort is subjective and varies from person to person. Preferences for mattresses vary from person to person, with some individuals favour firmer mattresses and others prefer softer ones. It is important to test out different mattresses to find the one that feels most comfortable to you. Always try out a full mattress to ascertain the comfort you need. Investing in a comfortable mattress can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health, as well as your quality of life. Size: The size of the mattress is another important consideration. Make sure you choose a size that fits your sleeping needs. If you sleep alone, a twin or full-size mattress may be enough. If you sleep with a partner, a queen- or king-size mattress is recommended. Durability: A good-quality mattress should last for at least 7–10 years. Look for a mattress made with high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting. Good quality pure open-cell foam or weight-induced memory foam mattresses last long. Motion transfer: If you share a bed with a partner, it is important to consider the motion transfer of the mattress. Choosing a mattress with good motion isolation will prevent youfrom feeling your partner’s movements during the night. Memory foam mattresses are known to isolate motion transfer. Temperature regulation: If you tend to sleep hot, look for a mattress with cooling technology that will help regulate your body temperature and keep you cool throughout the night. Today, new Gel infused foam mattresses are available in the market, which tend to keep your body cool while sleeping. Allergies: If you have allergies, consider a mattress made with hypoallergenic materials that will prevent theaccumulation of allergens such as dust mites, mould, and mildew. Look for certifications like Oeko Tex which guarantee the absence of toxic chemicals from your mattresses, also ones treated for anti-bacterial, and anti- fungal are a safe bet. Brand reputation: Research the brand and read customer reviews to make sure you choose a reputable and reliable brand that offers high-quality mattresses. Today, there are genuine international brands available which adhere to globalquality standards like Oeko Tex, ACA, GOTS certified and are produced using the best technology. Warranty and return policy: Make sure you understand the warranty and return policy before you make a purchase. A good warranty will give you peace of mind and protect you from any defects or issues with the mattress. Also, it is important to keep relevant documentation to handle potential claims or returns. Price: The price of a mattress can vary greatly depending on the brand and the quality of materials used. Set a budget for yourself and look for a mattress that offers the best value for your money. Remember, the mattress is a long- term investment in your health and well-being, don’t compromise on them. It’s also the most used furniture in your home in terms of hours of usage daily. In conclusion, choosing the right mattress is crucial to ensuring a good night’s sleep and promoting overall health and well-being. Searching for the right mattress can be an intimidating experience. While shopping, it is important to consider factors such as support, comfort, size, durability, motion transfer, temperature regulation, allergies, brand reputation, warranty and return policy, and price. If you keep these factors in mind and tryout various mattresses, you can make a well-informed choice and purchase a mattress that not only suits your particular needs and preferences but also prioritizes your health by investing in the appropriate mattress. P
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