Gulzar Remembers Culture & Values of Old Delhi

Yesterday evening brought something special for the old lanes of Delhi 6. The esteemed newspaper Hindustan Times’ month long campaign to save Shahjahanabad met with a beautiful conclusion in the form of a musical concert titled “Dilli-6 Revisiting Shahjahanabad at Town Hall, Chandni Chowk. From very well-known poet, lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar to sufi singer Lalima to popular duo Nazami Brothers, all made this event a big hit with their poetry and lovely singing. While veteran Gulzar shared his fond memories of Dilli-6 and his experience of seeing Mahatma Gandhi for the first time near the Sis Ganj Gurudwara, Nazami Brothers sang many big hits including “Dama Dum Mast Kalandar”. Let’s take a view of this musical journey through these pictures:

     Sufi singer Lalima performed and rocked the audience with her impactful singing

      Veteran poet, lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar remembering the Old Delhi’s culture and values

      

      When Gulzar stood up and shared his favourite “nazams” of Mirza Ghalib 

             Nazami Brothers ended the event with their powerful “qawwalis”

Can 'Nimbu-Mirchi' Save You From Evil Eyes?

India has a wide range of cultural beliefs and traditions that are carried generation to generation. We also have the quick remedies for all ailments, like how to expel fear, common cold & cough problems and frighten evil spirits. The evil eye warder also known as ‘Nazar Battu’ is used to keep houses, offices and businesses safe from all the evil spirits. This Battu or the ‘Nimbu-Mirchi  Totka’ as it is called, traditionally has ‘seven mirchis’ (chilies) and ‘one nimbu’ (lemon) to protect your house from all the bad spirits.

What does ‘Nimbu-Mirchi’ mean for you? A cultural belief, a superstition or nothing! But for most of the people, it is still more than a belief and simply an act to divert mis-happenings. In my neighborhood, an auntie was also the stern believer of ‘Nimbu-Mirchi’ and its positive effects. But one day something happened that changed her way of seeing it completely.

Every Saturday, a guy used to come to dangle a set of ‘Nimbu-Mirchi’ on the main door of my auntie’s house. Few days back, auntie was told by another lady that the ‘Nimbu-Mirchi’ guy is cheating on her as he takes more money from the auntie than her. Moreover that guy took money from auntie’s husband in her absence and later he also took money from auntie at the end of the month. She was upset with his dishonesty and decided to take his class. And then on next Saturday, he came. Auntie chided him badly. But instead of accepting his mistake, he misbehaved and left the place by saying not to come again. And he disappeared for the next 2 weeks. In the meanwhile, auntie got to know that he didn’t even come to another lady’s home to dangle the ‘Nimbu-Mirchi’. Now she got confused that why he stopped coming even at their home.

Finally on third Saturday, he came and started apologizing for his cheating and misconduct. He also agreed to charge the same from her and not to repeat any mistake again. This sudden change made auntie perplexed. Then she saw him injured and unable to walk properly. When she inquired, he told her that after that day’s ruckus, when he was going back to his work by his bicycle, he met with an accident. His bicycle got damaged completely and he too got injured in that accident. It took him two weeks to recover. Since then he was repenting on what he did.

A bicycle full of at least hundred sets of ‘Nimbu-Mirchi’ couldn’t save his owner from the accident. Well, it’s always your deeds that makes you or breaks you. Anything done with a bad intention can never bring good luck, wealth and peace. Goodness and honesty are the only ‘totkas’ that can invite happiness and luck. Else can only bring bad luck sooner or later. So it is always righty said that do good and leave everything on God. He will surely save you from all evils. 

How to Rock with Black in Summers

Girls, if Black is the lead hero in your wardrobe even in the blazing summer heat, then don’t worry, you’re just like me! I too love to go all Black wherever and whenever it’s possible. But hello wait, if you think that Black is not the colour for summers and it just plays a guest role in your springy ensemble, then let me tell how to play with this bold and very elegant colour to jazz up your summer look. Here are the 6 easy ways to include this darkest hue into your attire and appearance:-

1. Eyeliner- Putting a fuller-thicker layer of “kajal” into your eyes is a strict no-no in summers! That will surely help you in winning an intellect look but it’s not apt for summers. A Black eyeliner is something that will go well with all your springy dresses. It can be subdued for office, with a thin line close to the lashes, or as glam as you want for clubbing. You can also enhance your lower lids with a thin layer of kohl pencil for an instant smoky look or leave the lower lids bare to make your eyes appear wider.

2. Skirt- Be it short, long or knee length, a Black skirt in summers will always leave everyone stunned.  Team it up with your floral shirts, sleeveless tees or crop tops to create an instant magic. When selecting your Black summer skirt, keep the material light and airy. Complete your overall look with a pair of cool flats or sexy heels.

3. Leggings- A list of Black fashion staples would be lacking without a pair of Black leggings. Every girl should have it in her closet. It’s not just a layer to wear underneath a long tunic or dress, it’s more than that! This versatile piece of clothing is perfect for all your summers’ outfits. Team it up with your long shirts or short dresses for a fresh and casual look. This amazing creation will also save your legs from the scorching heat of summers and tanning.

4. Sling Bag- When it’s summer, it should be sling! Black bags will always be ‘in’ because they match well with literally everything. Remember a sling bag will set you free. No need to hold anything in your hands and roam around freely in summers. Try a small, clutch-sized handbag but for a night out. Make sure you add a solid black bag in your collection.

5. Footwear- Whether you’re into flats, bellarinas, flip-flops, peep-toes, wedges or stilettos, the colour Black is reliable enough to carry with any outfit. For casual outing, choose flats or ballerinas and for party/official look, put your best foot forward with heels. Black colour will blend well with all of your attires.

6. Jewelry- Black jewelry makes a great statement when paired with almost anything to everything. For a classy look, add a collar necklace comprised of black stones to a white or cream coloured blouse or a dress. Black stones make great earrings, as well, and can be dressy enough to wear with your Black dress for clubbing.

So, keep these suggestions in your mind to rock with Black as your wardrobe staple in summers. Don’t forget to stick to Black for a chic head-to-toe look and spice up your summers’ style. 

Indian Women Inspiring the Nation

It took long but the typical roles, responsibilities and habits of Indian women have been metamorphosed completely and creatively. They are walking hand in hand with men and in fact there is no such field where India women have not been able to make their mark. Today’s Indian woman is not only a daughter; she is also a social activist. She is not just a mother, but also a traveler. She isn't merely a homemaker but an entrepreneur too! She is not even scared of entering into the world's most challenging and creative fields. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, here is the list of my 5 favourite self-made Indian women who not only earned the name, fame, honors in their respective fields but also received the respect for their contribution for the welfare of the other Indian women.

Photo Courtesy : Google

Laxmi-  Her life is an inspiration for many. India’s daughter, an acid attack survivor- Lakshmi is now a campaigner with Stop Acid Attacks and a TV host. Laxmi is the director of a NGO named Chhanv Foundation that is relentlessly working for the survivors of acid attacks in India. Recently Laxmi got International Women of Courage Honor by US First Lady Michelle Obama. She was also chosen as the NDTV Indian of the Year.

In 2005, Laxmi was attacked by a man with acid. Since then her life got changed completely, turned into a complete hell. But with her courage, will and perseverance, she crossed all the hurdles, fought the battles and came out as a true winner. 

Started working as a campaign coordinator, Lakshmi has now became a voice of the survivors of Acid Attacks across the world. Not only this brave girl has earned respect from all over the world but also the multiple awards for her work to control the sale of acid and to rehabilitate the survivors of acid attacks. Little she cares about her looks and now enjoys her stance as a strong woman.

Photo Courtesy: Google

Rakhi Birla- Notoriously known as a dirty field, Indian politics has always been a tough profession for women. But still many came, survived and even ruled the game of power. After digging into the recent past of Indian politics, her inspiring candor and achievements made me to mention the new-age politician Rakhi Birla. Since beginning, this young politician minded her own business and with her hard-work, she has now made a strong stand for herself in politics.

The Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) candidate from Mangolpuri, Delhi, Rakhi recently won the Vidhan Sabha elections by a good margin. In last time's Delhi polls, she also grabbed victory for her party. She is still a staunch member of party and working dedicatedly for the welfare of women and other important social issues.

Hailed from a family involved into social causes, Rakhi was the cabinet minister of Women & Child, Social Welfare and Languages in Delhi Government from Dec 28 2013 to Feb 14 2014. Before stepping into politics, the girl has also worked as a reporter. From her efforts, this young politician helped a lot to turn the negative response of Delhi voters into positive for her party. After facing toughest voter questions, she survived and managed to create a win-win situation for her party. Making her own stand and surviving so amazingly in politics is simply an achievement in itself.

Photo Courtesy: Google

Shalu Sharma- Women of intellectual India have also stepped into blogging profession. Both in terms of acknowledgment as well as making money, they are doing well with this creative turf. Out of the lot, one is Shalu Shrama who named herself many achievements for her relentless tryst in travelling. 

Born and raised in Patna, Shalu is the founder of a popular travel blog called shalusharma.com -a guide to India, she writes about different travel destinations in India. With being a homemaker with children, she is also a writer, explorer, adventurer and a thinker. She is involved into a lot of outdoors activities, site seeing, travelling in and out of India. 

Shalu Sharma is also the creator of the social networking site of Bihar titled youbihar.com. Her love for Bihar has compelled to make her think. Analyze the state of Bihar!  And create her first website on Bihar. Today it is one of the biggest social networking sites of Bihar with over 12,000 members and still rising. Pursue your passion so passionately after marriage in India is really a Herculean task for a woman but with her unstoppable spirit, Shalu made her own way to success.

Photo Courtesy: Google

Meenu Vadera- With the changing mindset of India, women are also trying their hands in different work areas for the welfare of their fellow Indian women. They have now new ideas, thoughts and business. A lady of substance, strength and brains, Meenu Vadera started Sakha, a cab service run by women for women, to offer safe cab and chauffeur services to women in Delhi by training women from marginalized communities as drivers.

A graduate from London School of Economics with an MSc in Social Policy & Planning, Meenu Vadera is working for women’s rights and development for a long time now. She has, over the years written and published articles on women’s rights in various magazines and books. Now her project Sakha is providing Delhi women an option of safe cab service and also enabling women to live a life of dignity and socio-economic freedom.

Sakha project is also helping women to come out from their home, abusive relationships and miserable conditions. It wants women to break their financial and emotional dependence on men. Showing women, especially those from unprivileged backgrounds, that there is another respectful and better way to live! Undoubtedly this by the women, of the women and for the women, Sakha organization of Meenu Vadera is incredible from all ways.  

Photo Courtesy: Google

Kangana Ranaut-   2014 saw many women of Bollywood enjoying on cloud nine including Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, Rani Mukherjee, Ekta Kapoor but as correctly said by Kareena Kapoor, it was the year of actor Kangana Ranaut. 

Those who neither loved her nor did they ever pay attention to her hate page, have changed their mind finally after seeing her awe-struck performance in ‘Queen’. It has coerced them to put Kangana at a dais, so high, simply worth kudos! After bagging many accolades for ‘Queen’ including the best compliments from bigwigs like Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, Deepika, Kangana has now in her kitty, an end number of offers from big production houses, banners and brands. 

Right from a 'small town girl' status, to a ‘loser in love’ jinx, to a regular fashion faux committer, to fading celeb allegations, such statements by paparazzi and critics trailed the actress almost at each step. But with her impudence and strong determination, the actress swam against a raging storm, survived all the odds and now, has left her contemporaries far behind. On the basis of her choices and power-packed acts in movies like ‘Gangster’, ‘Woh Lamhe’, ‘Tanu Weds Manu’, ‘Fashion’, ‘Queen', Kangana has entered into the list of top Bollywood heroines. 

Not just she has raised the bar so high for other actresses of her league; she has become the new Hero of the industry that too sans any godfather. With riding so high, reaching almost at the pinnacle, I still believe Kangana has a long way to go and she is here to stay, survive & shine like a star!

Holi Festival 2015 - Dilli Haat INA

What would you call an evening just ahead of Holi which showed you the true forms of the festival being played by the Gods in earlier times! An absolute magic, a sheer bliss, a real paradise, an utter delight and what not- everything at once. Yesterday i.e. March 5 in Dilli Haat-INA was one such evening in the form of Holi festival 2015 organized by Iskcon temple and Sahitya Kala Parishad. This cultural show took everyone out there back in the old lanes of Vrindavan, Mathura, Brij, Barsane by showing the traditional styles of playing Holi. Catch a glimpse of this visual treat through my lens.

                                                 The main entrance of Dilli Haat- INA

Lord Krishna in the guise of peacock showing his love to Radha

Lord Krishna, his devotees and Radha dancing in the guise of peacock 

Lord Krishna and Radha in a divine union

Lord Krishna, his devotees and Radha playing Holi of Flowers

Holi of Flowers

Radha dancing on the tunes of Lord Krishna's flute 

Audience enjoying the show

                                       Lathmar Holi- Another traditional style of playing Holi

                 Lord Krishna's devotees playing Lathmar Holi

                                  Lord Krishna's devotees playing with flowers

Lord Krishna and Radha locked in love

                           Lord Krishna, his devotees and Radha

                       A band performance concluded this beautiful evening

Do Good & Good Will Follow You!

Like any other kid, I too was fond of listening stories during my childhood but travel tales were my favourites. And this is why I have a strong, a very deep inclination towards travelling as it unfolds a whole new world of interesting travel stories. Travel comes with many great opportunities. With a chance to explore new places, to meet new people, to experience new cultures & values, to learn new languages & dialects and to enjoy local delicacies, travelling provides another exciting prospect to eavesdrop to the unsaid, unheard, unknown anecdotes of those who inspire deeply but being left overlooked by society. During my visit to Ekling Ji temple of Udaipur in December 2014, I met this old lady who runs a free drinking water counter just outside the temple's entrance gate for localiites, visitors and travelers from morning to night. I found her working alone there. After a little chat, a localiite sitting next to the lady disclosed few things about her.

This old lady is almost in her late 80s or 90s. Filling the water buckets to serving water to dish-washing, she does it all alone. Generally at free drinking water counters, we drop a few coins as a token of gratitude. But hers has no money involved in it. She never asks for even a single penny. She does it as she finds solace, happiness, contentment in serving thirsty people. "Do good and cast it into the river" is her mantra of life. She believes that she is here on earth for a special purpose and that purpose is to serve mankind without any thought of profit or loss, and old age, her physical ailments, any disease, or anything cannot stop her following her true calling. Whenever somebody asks something to her, all she does is a sweet smile as she can't speak and listen much due to her old age. She cannot even see and walk properly. Though she can rest but her sentiment to serve people doesn't let her do so. Her selfless act to serve people is her ultimate strength. Compelled to say that I was overwhelmed by her genuine goodness, her real emotions and her invincible spirit! The love she was putting into serving, into giving was commendable.

Although I have seen many people running these kinds of free drinking water counters but this one truly is different where an act of social service is totally selfless, where the joy of feeding thirsty people is much bigger than the pains of her own life and where there is still an utter belief in good "karmas". She has proved that age can never be a hurdle in doing something good, something positive, something out of your reach; age is an issue of mind over matter, if you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

Well, it's believed that feeding water to a thirsty person is not an extra-ordinary do; it becomes large enough to wipe out all the sins of a very sinful person. Go on, spread smiles, love all and never leave the next chance to do something good. As true happiness is giving it away. Always remember that famous quote of our great Mother Teresa- "If you can't feed a hundred people then feed just one." So do good & good will come to you for sure!

My 5 Favourite Cities to Travel

If you are crazy about something and always think about that, it means you are in love with that something! Well friends I am all crazy about travel, travel photography, travel stories and everything that belongs to and comes with travel. Yes I’m in love with travel. So here’s my top 5 favourite cities where i traveled and would love to revisit! Let’s have a peek-a-boo..

Jaipur- The capital city of the Indian state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is one of the most vibrant, colourful and happening cities of India. The city is famous for its rich art, craft & culture, amazing forts & palaces, beautiful mountains & lakes and more than that for its eventful past and glorious history. And during the Jaipur Literature Festival, the city also attracts a huge mob of intellectuals, writers, bloggers, photographers, artists and traveler. You can see the famous Jal Mahal of Jaipur below in the picture. 

Nainital- A very popular hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake and surrounded by lovely mountains. This shot was taken from the Naini Peak of Nainital. 

Kathmandu- Best known as the gateway to tourism in Nepal, Kathmandu is the capital and largest municipality of the country. Kathmandu is the core of Nepal’s largest urban agglomeration and also the hub of the country’s economy. In 2013, the city was ranked 3rd among the top 10 travel destinations on the rise in the world by TripAdvisor, and ranked first in Asia. This shot was taken from the Swayambhunath. You can see the city below.

Jammu- The winter capital of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu is situated on the banks of Tawi river. Tourism is the largest industry in Jammu as in the rest of the state. It is also a focal point for the pilgrims going to Vaishno Devi and Kashmir valley. A view of Vaishno Devi Katra, Jammu is being captured by me in this picture. 

Udaipur- Often called the “Venice of the East”, and also the “City of Lakes”, Udaipur is the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar in the former Rajputana Agency. The city is a municipal corporation and the administrative headquarters of the Udaipur district in Rajasthan of India. Apart from its eventful history, rich craft & culture, and scenic beauty, the city is also famous for its Rajput-era palaces. The Fateh Sagar Lake of Udaipur looks more beautiful when the sun goes down. Look at the sunset below!