Spiceroute November 2012

Volume Vl Issue XI November 2012

www.spiceroutemag.com

The inflight magazine of SpiceJet

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L e C o r b u s i e r’ s

Chandigarh History rich

Srinagar

Be surprised

BY Hubli

GROUP

Dazzling Amritsar

Star studded diwali

Soaring

high Dear SpiceJetters, I take this opportunity to wish all SpiceJet passengers a very happy festive season. We are all set to add many more exciting destinations, making it possible for all our passengers to travel to cities which have so far not been well connected. SpiceJet will very soon start direct flights from Bengaluru to Belgaum, the fourth largest city in Karnataka. We have also added direct flights from Mumbai to Srinagar and Amritsar.

You will soon experience our newly acquired state-of-the-art 737 –800 Boeing with Sky Interiors known for its spaciousness, extra luggage space and fuel efficiency. It is a pleasure to share with you that we have recently bagged the prestigious India’s International Low Cost Carrier of the Year Award from Travel Agents Association Of India (TAAI).

Meanwhile, Spiceroute, our monthly inflight magazine, has added another feather to its cap by bagging the prestigious Association of Business Communicators of India (ABCI) Award.

The magazine won an award in the ‘Best Feature’ category. This issue, the cover story brings in the Diwali flavour from across the country, especially from cities like Amritsar and Varanasi. It also shares interesting Diwali anecdotes by leading sports and cinema personalities. Read on to find more about Chandigarh, Hubli and Old Delhi as we bring a fresh perspective of these cities. An interview with Saina Nehwal and a story on what our little ones can do on Children’s Day makes for an interesting read.

Do feel free to drop in your suggestions and queries at custrelations@spicejet.com.

Kalanithi Maran Chairman

GROUP

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COO & Publisher: Vikas Johari CEO & Managing Director: Prakash Johari CFO: Kuldip Singh Editor: Florina Soren Information: info@maxposure.in Submissions: editor@maxposure.in Advertising: sales@maxposure.in Accounts: accounts@maxposure.in Careers: hr@maxposure.in E-mail: spiceroute@maxposure.in

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Spiceroute MAGAZINE. Printed AND PUBLISHED BY VIKAS JOHARI ON BEHALF OF MAXPOSURE MEDIA GROUP (INDIA) PVT. LTD. (MMGipl) for spicejet ltd. AND PUBLISHED AT MMGipl, Unit No F2b ( Second Floor), Mira Corporate Suites, Plot No . 1 & 2, Ishwar Nagar, Mathura Road, New Delhi -110065, india. Spiceroute MAGAZINE is published monthly.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE WRITING, ARTWORK AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHY CONTAINED HEREIN MAY NOT BE USED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MMGipl. MMGipl DOES NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE OF UNSOLICITED PRODUCTS, MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, ARTWORK, TRANSPARENCIES OR OTHER MATERIALS. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or SpiceJet. All efforts have been made while compiling the content of this magazine, but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising there from. MMGipl DOES NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR SERVICES OR PRODUCTS ADVERTISED HEREIN. FOR INQUIRIES | MMGipl TEL: +91.11.43011111, www.Spicejet.com, www. maxposure.in

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November 2012 4 www.spiceroutemag.com

Contents 12 HOT DATES November happenings across SpiceJet network

Cover story 22

star lit diwali Celebs and their ways of celebrating Diwali

32 City guide 48 hours in chennai Two-day affair with the southern beauty

38 Quick getaway planned beauty Know more about Chandigarh

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stroll of honour History comes alive at Daulatabad Fort

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humble hubli Heritage strewn region of Hubli-Dharwad

54 Theme holiday PAST PERFECT IN OLD DELHI True blue flavours of the walled city

NOVEMBER 2012 60

tiger tales Life of a tiger in Ranthambore Volume Vl Issue XI November 2012

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www.spiceroutemag.com

less travelled kashmir Kashmir: Spreading fragrance of history

The inflight magazine of SpiceJet

70 Festive Flavour festive occasions Join in the festivities this November

80 Spice trail

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HISTORY RICH

SRINAGAR

BE SURPRISED

BY HUBLI

royal herb Sweet flavourful aroma of Kesar

DAZZLING

L E C O R B U S I E R’ S

CHANDIGARH

AMRITSAR

STAR STUDDED DIWALI

84 Gourmet delight

Cover: DANDAPANI

snack it up Spice up your Diwali with salted desserts

SpiceJet now offers over 150 connections on its existing network For details log on to www.spicejet.com

November 2012 6 www.spiceroutemag.com

Contents

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grilling glory Of grilled veggies and barbequed meat

travel buzz

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GADGETS

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dollop of health Stay healthy with superfoods

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100 In conversation

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FilmS

Smashing saina Saina Nehwal and her take on badminton

BOOKS

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Games

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breathlessly musical Shankar Mahadevan on life and music

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ZOOM IN

108 Glam world

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Zip Zap Zoom Mean machines for the festive season

Predictions

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SPICEJET DESTINATIONS

114 Well-being path to fitness Walk and talk for complete well-being

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186

SPICEJET ROUTE MAP

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Fleet Guide

naturally healing clothes Ayurvastra, clothes infused with herbal dyes

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126 Culture canvas

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The toy story World of handmade folk toys

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SPICEJET SCHEDULE SPICEJET OFFICES

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SPICE BITES

Tales of valour Riveting melodies sung by Powadas

136 Good Samaritans spreading light Helping many blind students

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of grit & Glamour Homecoming of a woman sarpanch

154 Kids’ corner go artistic Fun things to do this Children’s Day

SpiceJet now offers over 150 connections on its existing network For details log on to www.spicejet.com November 2012 8 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice mail

Letters from the

SpiceJet family Great service I must congratulate SpiceJet for having efficient and helpful staff at the check-in counters and also onboard. The overall cabin ambience is superb which made my journey wonderful.

Flying high I am a frequent flyer of SpiceJet. Whilst travelling by your airline, I always get support and cooperation from the staff at all levels. The aircraft is extremely well kept at all times. Keep up the good work.

Helpful staff It is a privilege travelling by SpiceJet. The kind of service the airline offers to all its passengers is commendable. The ground staff helps in smooth check-in procedures for everybody.

S Balamurugan Chennai

VKP Guwahati

Rishabh Lekhi Bengaluru

November 2012 10 www.spiceroutemag.com

HOT DATES

3 love for literature Calling all literature lovers from Mumbai to participate in Mumbai LitFest.The festival, now considered one of India’s two best literary festivals, with over 100 participants, 30 of them from overseas.

National Centre for the Performing Arts, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai.

25 musical extravaganza SaMaPa, the prestigious music academy of the Great Music Legend Pandit Bhajan Sopori, presents the 8thAnnual festival – ‘SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan 2012’, the top most music festival of Delhi and one of the most prestigious festivals of the country. This year the festival features more than 50 performers, with exceptional excellence at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi on November 24 & 25.

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culture affair Music aficianados from Chennai! Here’s your chance to witness the beautiful live in concert by vocalist Rahul Narayanan and Mrudangam player R Ramkumar. The event will be held at Narada Gana Sabha, #314, TTK Road, Alwarpet, Chennai.

classic theatre The Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival 2012 is back, and is now in its ninth year. This year, the theme of the fest celebrates one of the greatest playwrights of all time - William Shakespeare. So, gear up for two weeks of non-stop theatre at Ranga Shankara, 36/2 8th Cross II Phase, JP Nagar, Bengaluru.

November 2012 12 www.spiceroutemag.com

NOVEMBER

27 fashion parade Come November and all roads in Jaipur will be directed to Sitapura where FICCI is organizing a grand textile exhibition called Vastra. The exhibition will address the latest trends and design in the fields. At Export Promotion Industrial Park, Sitapura.

17 story telling All you Delhiites, come out and be a part of the Kahaani Festival that evolves from the storyteller’s tales through puppetry, poetry, music, written and oral traditions of all kinds.

At Zorba, 166, MG Road, Sultanpur, Near Sultanpur Metro Station, New Delhi.

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children's day fun Hyderabad is opening up a new idea for children and that is of Kids Brunch.

Organised by Ohri’s Hotel Baseraa Inn, the kid’s brunch is held at Pickles, the coffee shop, with eventful happenings for children like the grand party. At Old Gandhi Medical College, Basheerbagh, Hyderabad.

rock and rolla Rock Riders Season III, the annual music property of Harley-Davidson India is all set to rock the stage in Bengaluru. Raising the decibel to the next level, Swedish Metal band WOLF will play alongside iconic Indian rock bands like Albatros, Light Years, Solder and Frank Got The Funk at Clarks Exotica, Bengaluru.

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Travel buzz

News from all around

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constantin jurcut

Benjamin Earwicker

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1. World Travel Market in London this year

2. India and New Zealand strengthen aviation ties

World Travel Market ( WTM), the leading global event for the travel fraternity worldwide, is back with all its vibrancy and galore. To be held in London from November 5-8, WTM this year highlights a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to UK and International travel professionals. The four-day business-tobusiness event presents a unique opportunity for the whole global travel trade to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business under one roof. India Tourism along with other state tourism boards like Kerala Tourism and Rajasthan Tourism will also present their key offerings at the WTM.

Collaboration between New Zealand and India in the aviation sector is set to grow as both the nations signed an arrangement to support increased training and technical cooperation between the two countries in civil aviation.

The signing of agreement was witnessed by visiting New Zealand government minister for Economic Development, Steven Joyce and Ajit Singh, Minister of Civil Aviation. As a world-leader in innovative aviation technology, New Zealand is already working in India in infrastructure development, pilot training, and engine maintenance and repair.

November 2012 14 www.spiceroutemag.com

3 3. Indo-German Mela comes to Delhi Come November and all roads in Delhi will lead to the Indo-German Urban Mela, which will be held for 9 days at the Indraprastha Millenium Park in Delhi. Each pavillion at the mela features a dynamic selection of interactive presentations, conferences and cultural performances hosted by German corporations and organisations. The Humayun’s Tomb will serve as a scenic backdrop for 16 exquisite multi-purpose pavilions that form the much anticipated Indo-German Urban Mela. Cultural highlights at the Indo-German Urban Mela include BLOT! & Jahcoozi concert apart from other interesting activities.

Travel buzz

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5 4. Kerala initiates impact studies on 5 destinations Reiterating its commitment to preserve the environment and the carrying capacity of some of the most popular destinations in the state, Kerala Tourism has launched an impact study of five destinations in the state with a view to initiating corrective measures. “We are committed to preserve the environment in its natural state. We are worried about the carrying capacity of some of the destinations.

Hence we have launched the detailed assessment of popular tourist destinations like Kovalam, Kumarakam, Fort Kochi, Thekkady and Munnar,’’ Suman Billa, tourism secretary said. Pointing out that sustainable tourism and responsible tourism would be the thrust areas for Kerala, Rani George, director, Kerala Tourism said the state would focus on its niche products. “Ayurveda, adventure tourism and MICE will be the products the state would promote in a big way,” she added.

5. Diwali sparklers in Singapore

6. Japan woos India tourists

Witness an exciting time in Singapore as the local Indian community celebrates good over evil and gives thanks to the Hindu gods. There will be a magnificent street-light up surrounded by cultural performances, a heritage exhibition, symbolic processions, as well as a food and drink festival. During this period, the Indian community in Singapore, including expatriates, migrants and visitors, will come together to celebrate Diwali. To mark the celebration of Diwali, Little India on Serangoon Road is transformed into a fairyland with an explosion of vibrant, colourful lights and elaborate street decorations and arches. This truly mesmerising cultural event will include the month-long street light up at the Kinta Road car park. A host of other events like a heritage exhibition, festive village, countdown concert and Utsav street parade will take place during the festive period. The event is free for everyone.

Japan and India are all set to forge close ties especially in tourism between the two countries. Dia Mirza, popular Bollywood actress was in Delhi to promote Japan tourism in India at an event organised by the Japan Tourism Agency ( JTA), Japan National Tourism Organization ( JNTO) and the Embassy of Japan.

The event was part of an ongoing series of events held to commemorate the 60th year of diplomatic relations between India and Japan in 2012. The event also featured spectacular performances by traditional dancers from Morioka and Sendai regions of Tohoku in Northern Japan, a region often referred to as a “treasure chest” of folk arts. The centuriesold folk music and dance tradition survived the ferocious earthquake and tsunami of 3/11.

The region is now on the road to recovery and efforts are being made to continuously revive tourism in affected areas.

November 2012 16 www.spiceroutemag.com

Travel buzz

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7. Enjoy Ragasthan in Rajasthan This November, the vibrant state of Rajasthan will host country’s first global music, arts and cultural festival called Ragasthan, where you can camp, enjoy open air movie screenings, hot air balloon rides in the midst of the expansive Thar desert. From the big boys of the Indian rock scene like Parikrama and Advaita to international artists to local Rajasthani acts such as kalbeliya, ghoomar are just some of the names that will lend their voices to the landscape. Ragasthan is one occasion where one can duneboard, shop at the nomad market, BBQ, take a camel safari, sand surf, even watch movies while lying down on a mattress under the open sky. Endorsed and supported by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations and Ministry of Culture, Ragasthan has taken the first step forward in ensuring a solidly backed and holistic festival. Get going to Kanoi Dunes in Jaisalmer, from November 16-18, 2012.

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8. Adorn premium lifestyle in Vijayawada

9. Award for Spiceroute Spiceroute magazine has won an award in the ‘Best Feature’ category by the Association of Business Communicators of India. The monthly magazine of SpiceJet airline is well appreciated for its content and look. Read by passengers flying across SpiceJet’s 42 domestic and international destination, the magazine provides interesting read on travel and lifestyle article.

November 2012 18 www.spiceroutemag.com

In the midst of nature’s beauty Club Continental is a premium lifestyle club located in the heart of Vijayawada. An offering of the Agri Gold Group, the Club Continental is planned and designed to give the twin cities of Guntur and Vijayawada the ultimate experience of luxury. Aimed at the crème de la crème of these cities, the affluent rich who can hob-nob and cut some good business deals here, the Club offers families great facilities, entertainment and amenities that will make it a talking point in the city. Designed along European lines, every little facet of the club, exudes class and king-sized living.

Travel buzz

10. Guwahati’s own music fest This November, if you are planning a visit to Guwahati there are chances that you will be welcomed with high musical notes as the city will host the second edition of Guwahati International Musical Festival, to be held from November 23-25. Organized by the Eastern Beats Music Society in collaboration with the North East Zone Cultural Centre, the three-day music festival will feature over 20 top musical artistes from across 5 different nations. The diversity in the music festival is simply amazing, from folk to rock, ghazal to jazz, GIMF has it all. While Ghazal maestro Harish Khan from Afghanistan will perform on the inaugural day, a slew of workshops and performances have been lined up across the three days. Clio Kaberelias from Greece, musical prodigies Rishii Chowdhury and Samyami Chowdhury from UK, are among the few visiting musicians.

The final day of the festival will culminate with the riveting performance of the great Bickram Ghosh.

11. Howard Johnson chain of hotels in India, soon

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Wyndham Hotels & Unique global Group join hands to introduce Howard Johnson chain of hotels in India. These hotels will target the cost conscious leisure as well as business traveller in key cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, Frank Trampert Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Wyndham Hotel Group said, “It is this demand that drives us to launch the international Howard Johnson chain of hotels in India with the first one planned in Bangalore in 2013.”

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12. Sea eagle, an eco cruise on the Mandovi To create awareness about Goa’s maritime history, culture and lifestyle of river dependent communities amongst guests as well as the Goan populace through its tours and trips, the Sea Eagle Navigation has brought The Sea Eagle. It is a custom-built 35 ft craft designed for sea and river cruises with a classic white and blue colour combination inspired by the elegance of White bellied sea eagle after whom it’s named. Capable of offering an exciting adventure of slicing through high sea waves and white foam at full zip and also provide pleasure to silently cruise through the calm backwaters, the Sea Eagle is a class apart of its own. The Sea Eagle offers a practically vibration-less cruise and thus gives as steady platform for wildlife photography that abounds in the backwaters. With her canopyless and low gunnwell design to give birders a 360-degree view of birdlife as well as the horizon from the deck, this is a dream cruise for those who want to spend time in the unexplored Goan backwaters of today.

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13. An ode to Indian languages The second edition of the Indian Languages’ Festival – Samanvay 2012 will begin from 2nd Nov in the heart of Delhi. This three day festival, which started last year, will revolve around its earthy theme - Gaon – Kasba – Sheher: Boli-Bani – Bhasha. Curated by two young literature enthusiasts Satyanand Nirupam and Giriraj Kirado, this festival is an initiative of India Habitat Centre in partnership with Delhi Press and Pratilipi Books. This year too the languages festival will witness a large participation of eminent Indian literary figures discussing around eight themes spread across two and a half days and try to present the enriching shades of different Indian languages. An added attraction will be the book exhibitions put up by various publishers. Amongst the cultural performances, the evening of day one will see Ugana re, a staging of Maithili poet Vidyapati’s compositions by Kathak Guru Padamshri Shovana Narayan. Audience will be presented with Gulzar Ahmad Ganie’s performance of Kashmiri Sufiana kalam. The event will also witness presence of acclaimed literary figures like Ashok Vajpeyi, K. Satchidanandan, Sitanshu Yashaschandra, Arjun Deo Charan, Arun Kamal, Alok Rai, Gillian Wright among others.

November 2012 20 www.spiceroutemag.com

PHOTO: DANDAPANI

Cover story

November 2012 22 www.spiceroutemag.com

Star lit

Diwali

The festival of lights is celebrated across the nation with equal gaiety and Amritsar, SpiceJet’s new destination can be a rather great experience.

WOR D S

| U d i ta

Jhunjhunwa l a

T

here are numerous ways to celebrate Diwali (the festival of lights) in India. Lights, decorations, sweet preparations and exchanging gifts are some of the key activities during the country’s most vibrant festival. The markets can be seen teeming with people

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buying gifts for friends and family and the streets lined with strings of lights and decorations. Market places in every city adorn a colourful blanket as people purchase vibrant orange marigolds from piles of blooms on the ground.

Cover story

On Diwali, people make colourful rangolis in front of their houses to welcome goddess Lakshmi

cherished moments of your life to have a slice of Pink City’s version of Diwali. You can explore the highly embellished markets to find at least 2,000 different varieties of earthen lamps in the form of deities, birds and animals. Each year, a contest is held to award the best-decorated market here. Amritsar and Delhi are also worth a visit with the Golden temple all lit up and the many national monuments illuminated with neon lights in the respective cities.

Down south, the industrial town of Virudhunagar near Madurai, is known to provide the logistics support to the fireworks that take place all over the country! About 90 per cent of India’s fireworks solutions, which are mainly showcased on Diwali, come from the factories of Sivakasi. ‘Shyama Puja’ or ‘Kali Puja’ is Kolkata’s answer to Diwali. A day prior to the puja, huge pandals, little candles, diyas, and small-decorated electric bulbs, light up the ‘city of joy’. On the day of the puja, firecrackers cover the sky displaying a fascinating array of fireworks.

For our celebrities too, Diwali means some shopping, family time and enjoying the indulgences that define this festival – new clothes, sweets, and firecrackers. Here is how some of them celebrate the festival:

Sushil Kumar, wrestler

On the occasion of Diwali, people gather around the ghats of Varanasi and light thousands of diyas Once the shopping is done, it’s time for the family celebration across the country. But, of late, people are ready to leave their home boundaries to experience the different flavour of Diwali festivities offered by neighbouring states and make their festival a memorable one.

Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in her various forms in different states. For instance, in Varanasi - the holy city of India - its 50 odd ghats are illuminated with thousands of diyas (earthen lamps) transforming the proverbial ‘city of lights’ into mesmerizing reality on Diwali evening. It could also be one of the November 2012 24 www.spiceroutemag.com

I make sure I spend every Diwali with my family – my parents, brothers and my wife. For all of us Diwali is a time to get together and celebrate as a family. Also I love how the city comes alive with lights during this festive season. Every Diwali I count my blessings, how lucky I am to have such an amazing family and of course God has been very kind to me in every way.

Cover story

Yaami Gautam, model & actor This year I am looking forward to being with my family in Chandigarh, but that can happen only if I am through with my shooting in Tamil Nadu. Chandigarh is very bright during Diwali, just like it was when I was a kid, with oil lamps, noise, new clothes and sweets. That’s the only time of the year when I don’t mind traffic. I love everything about Diwali; the preparation, shopping, buying gifts, making sweets and getting excited about all the gifts that you get.

Though the noise pollution disturbs me. If I am not home, and away somewhere, then I do Lakshmi puja and light a candle or diya and offer sweets.

Minissha Lamba, actor

PHOTO: SHARAD GUPTA

When I was a kid, I used to start celebrating Diwali a month in advance. I would go to the market with my dad and buy lots of crackers.

Also, I just can’t forget how eagerly I used to wait for the vacations. I still miss that excitement. However, now that I am grown up, I like celebrating a noiseless Diwali, as I don’t like crackers. We will have a brightly lit evening followed by a lavish dinner with family.

As I was traveling all through the year with friends, this Diwali I would love to be my family and celebrate at home. We also perform the traditional Lakshmi puja each year, religiously.

November 2012 26 www.spiceroutemag.com

Cover story

Sameera Reddy, actor

Gauhar Khan, TV actor

ASHWIN SANGHI, author

Diwali is one of my most favourite festivals. It’s the festival of lights and marks the beginning of many auspicious rituals in Hinduism. However, some people use this festival to create a lot of noise and air pollution, and that’s something I don’t support. This is one festival where I give into my cravings and indulge in sweets. I always look forward to the card parties and family gatherings. Apart from all the fun and frolic, the Lakshmi puja is a ritual that is followed in the Reddy household.

I have quite a few fond memories of Diwali like great get-togethers with friends and family.

We don’t believe in spending too much money on crackers, hence I usually go to my friends’ place and have a safe and fun filled Diwali with them. I also love all the sweets that are made during this festival. This Diwali I am shifting to my new place and I hope I finish everything before Diwali. As I am Muslim, we don’t really celebrate at our home, but I like to help my friends for Diwali preparations. Also I like to dress up in Indian clothes to celebrate with my Hindu friends.

As a writer I spend my days in the pursuit of Saraswati. During Diwali, I don my business cap and worship Lakshmi. Diwali tends to be hectic because of visits and assorted pujas at office and home. I also remember old times when our extended family would meet for Diwali in Jodhpur, my family’s ancestral home. I cannot forget the incredible times that we spent with our huge families and children. And every Diwali, I firmly resolve not to over indulge only to realize that history has repeated itself, much like the recurring theme in my books.

November 2012 28 www.spiceroutemag.com

Cover story

Special aarti on Diwali at Varanasi

Vijender Singh, boxer Diwali is always a special occasion. It is a festival of togetherness and for me it is about being together with my close friends and family. This year, Diwali puja will be with my family followed by an evening of celebration with close friends and family. After all the celebration I might go off to Kerala with my wife Archana.

Shradha Kapoor, actor As kids, Diwali meant fun time with cousins, friends and lots of crackers of course, but the best moments were when we’d watch the fireworks display on the beach against the backdrop of the sea from my living room window, as I live right on Juhu Beach in Mumbai. They were always spectacular and we’d all be wide-eyed. This year I will try to spend time with my family, but I am in the middle of filming Aashiqui 2 so it maybe tough. But we all will definitely get together for puja and dinner. The food and sweets at my grandfather’s house are always something to look forward to.

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City guide

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in chennai

48 Hours

Kitschy film posters, plastic water pots in a queue, the overpowering aroma of filter coffee, these are endearing images of Madras or Chennai as it is called now.

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Day One 8:00 AM Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop Start your first day in the city with a hearty breakfast at the Murugan Idli shop situated in the T Nagar area of Chennai. The shop has many branches around town. This is the place to have fluffy idlis with a spread of chutneys.

Try their sweet pongal, vadais, masala dosa

and onion oothappam. Finish your breakfast with a dose of typical ‘filter coffee’ to give you a caffeine high!

11:00 AM Heritage Walk Take a heritage walk with Story trails (www. storytrails.in), a company specialising in themed tours of the city. Do the ‘British 33

blueprints’- a walk through the Indo-Sarcenic architecture of Chennai with its Gothic arches, minarets and stained glass domes all coming together in a pastiche of splendour. Get a glimpse of local history at the Senate House, visit the red sandstone High Court - a maze of spires and towers in the heart of one of the most crowded parts of George Town. It is said to be the second largest judicial building after

City guide

SpiceJet flies to Chennai.

See schedule, page 190.

legendary silk sarees. Round up your shopping with a south Indian lunch at Saravana Bhavan.

Try a typical thali with poriyal, koottu, sambar, rasam, buttermilk and appams.

4:00 PM Spiritual high

Clockwise from above: A vegetarian thali served at one of the many restaurants in Chennai; Bird’s eye view of Chennai city; Kapeeleshwar Temple in Mylapore

the London Courts. There is a grand central cupola – once the first lighthouse of Chennai on the premises, exquisite stained glass and intricate windows shaped like jharokas. Follow it with a ‘Steeples chase’ walk through the atmospheric churches of Chennai ranging from the historic St Mary’s Church inside the Fort St George (where Robert Clive got married) to

the Armenian Church constructed in 1772, one of the oldest in the city, built by the Armenian community here.

Visit Kapaleeswarar Temple, a Shiva temple in Mylapore, from where this city actually started and walk the streets around, crowded with Brahmin priests, flower sellers and fruit vendors. The narrow lanes around the temple (called the Mada Streets) sell paraphernalia of pooja items as well as handicrafts. Check out the quaint shops selling herbal remedies and beauty products as well as Giri traders selling spiritual and religious items ranging from religious music to prayer beads and kumkum.

2:30 pM Retail therapy

7:00 PM Thali dinner

Head to Pondy Bazaar, the hub of street shopping in Chennai with its own lively ambience. Walk though the flower market and pavement shops filled with knick knacks from clothes and footwear to hair accessories, the famous Ratna stores with stainless steel vessels and head to iconic Nalli Silks for those

Have dinner at Vrindavan Multi Cusine restaurant in Mylapore. Situated inside the New Woodlands Hotel in the heart of the city, this has a typical South Indian ambience with paintings of Lord Krishna in various poses. An ordinary thali costs `160 and a lavish Maharaja Thali is priced at `225. You can also try their

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Chinese and Continental dishes like spicy corn on toast (`120).

San Thome Basilica in Chennai

DAY TWO 9:00 aM Culture Vulture Take a drive on the picturesque East coast road and visit Dakshinachitra. Situated some 25 kms away from the city, Dakshinachitra is spread on 10 acres of land overlooking the Bay of Bengal.

Heritage houses from all over South India have been dismantled and re- located here along with folk performances and demonstrations of crafts like glass blowing and basket weaving.

On the way back visit the Crocodile bank, which was the first breeding centre in Asia for crocodiles. It was started by the herpetologist Romulus Whitaker and his wife Zai Whitaker to protect the dwindling crocodile population.

The park is also home to an approved snake venom extraction centre, try and catch the daily venom extraction show for the public.

12:00 pM South Madras Head to South Madras, which has a completely different ‘feel’, and start with the sprawling headquarters of the Theosophical society, a universal Movement, which has a 270 acres wooded property and a gargantuan banyan tree. This is located at the mouth of the estuary of the Adyar river and has wonderful variety of birds! The Elliots Beach close by is smaller than the Marina, but a popular hang-out with the yuppie youth and it is sprinkled with shops and eateries with a very festive air.

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Have lunch at Eden in Besant Nagar, one of Chennai’s best vegetarian restaurants.

Have their garden style vegetarian bake with broccoli, carrots and mushrooms baked with a cheese sauce or try their vegetable Shashlikmarinated grilled vegetables served on a bed of garlic flavoured rice.

4:00 PM Life on the beach Spend time in Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, with a host of statues of Indian leaders and figures from history lining it. The beach itself is a mesmerizing melee of Sundal (a snack made of chickpeas) sellers and Chilli bajji stalls, ice cream carts and people dressed in their finery.

An impressive row of old Heritage buildings line the stretch opposite the Beach, the most notable being the white building of the Police Headquarters.

8:00 PM Udipi dinner On your last evening in the city, head to Matsya, one of the oldest and best Udipi restaurants in the city, situated on the Halls Road in the Egmore area of the city. Try their specialities like rasa vadai, Mangalore bondas and crisp butter dosai. They also have a special Udipi Thali. The best thing about this restaurant is that it’s open till 2 AM!

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Quick getaway

Planned

beauty

Modern India’s youngest city, Chandigarh doubles up as the architectural mecca

by Le Corbusier, the architect designer of India’s very first planned urban space.

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ommissioned by Pandit Nehru as a symbol of India’s growing confidence in the 1950s, Chandigarh (capital of Punjab and Haryana) lies snuggled up against the Shivalik November 2012 38 www.spiceroutemag.com

foot hills. It is the proverbial gateway to the Himalayas, even as broad, tree-bordered boulevards evoke visions of European capitals.

The well-defined sectors, speckled with

The companies that advertise in Dinakaran would form the who’s who of the Indian industry

 Average ABC certifed daily circulation of a whopping 12,43,284 copies  IRS certified readership of 49.99 lakhs  Published from eight centres in Tamilnadu  Also published from Pondy, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi  Winner of Best Tamil Daily award from ILNA  All pages printed in colour  Weekend supplements that are colourful as well as informative If you have still not started advertising in Dinakaran, call or sms 98400 22729 now or email to advtdinakaran@gmail.com

D nakaran The only widely circulated Tamil Daily in India

Quick getaway

SpiceJet flies to Chandigarh.

See schedule, page 190.

verdure and neat houses, have understandably bestowed it with the affectionate moniker ‘City Beautiful’. The grid plan is unlike any other Indian city, boasting a Leisure Valley, a swathe of green along an 8 km-long rivulet running across the city’s length. Designed minus the Sector 13 as per Western superstition, the number plays a significant role as location finder.

Garden cit y Taking Chandigarh Tourism’s double-decker bus tour is an excellent way to experience the city. I recommend it especially for first-time visitors, and those short on time, as you will be able to visit all the top attractions within three and a half hours. The twice-a-day tour starts from Hotel Shivalik, Sector 17. Visit www.chandigarhtourism.gov.in for practical information. A one-of- its-kind open-art museum fashioned entirely out of building waste, the Rock Garden created by Nek Chand remains Chandigarh’s top crowd-puller. Many a time I have found the self-taught artist, now

an octogenarian, strolling around his ‘garden’ and its many pavilions replete with armies of humans, bridges and waterfalls. Each visit to Corbusier’s magnum opus, the Capitol Complex, housing the Secretariat, Assembly Hall, High Court, and the Open Hand, a sculptured symbol of Chandigarh’s aspirations, leaves me as open-mouthed as my first. The city plan was based on Corbusier’s module of a man, and the Complex was the ‘head’, while the rest of the city was stretched along the body.

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Clockwise from top: A family at Rock Garden; Here at Rock Garden you will see artificial waterfalls and an array of blooming flowers

Students and lovers of his architectural style continue to visit Chandigarh to pay homage to him. Equally, and unfailing in amazing is the treasure-trove at Le Corbusier Centre, home to rare pictures, models and documents related to the Chandigarh Capital Project. Established in the master architect’s office, it serves as a laboratory of archival and resource materials to better conserve the city’s heritage. A souvenir shop offers books, porcelain souvenirs and sundry items for sale.

Of which, metal coasters shaped like manholes depicting the original layout of sectors, remains my favourite!

The Leisure Valley, an eight km-long linear park sculpted along an eroded seasonal rivulet runs through the city. Divided into various themed gardens, it includes the Rose Garden,

Quick getaway

Clockwise from left: A folk dancer from Haryana; Sector 17 market is the most popular one in Chandigarh; Trace migratory birds at the Sukhna Lake

Hemmed in by a golf course and the Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake is the most evocative image from my student days in Chandigarh.

Created by damming a seasonal rivulet flowing down through the Shivaliks, a number of water sports are enjoyed here throughout the year.

A promenade on its edges is one of the most popular evening getaways for Chandigarhwallahs. A preferred habitat for migratory birds like the Siberian duck, crane and stork, of late, the lake has had many a dry spell.

Of malls and kiosks

considered Asia’s largest. The Fitness Trails in the vast undulating space is immensely popular with walkers, joggers and yoga enthusiasts.

Somewhere close Kasauli: A drive up to this British hill station is a must Sanawar School: On way to Kasauli, after a little detour this is a school with an enviable pass-out list Chail: The summer capital of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, Chail is great for day-tripping.

Cinema-lovers and practitioners of retail therapy will want for nothing as Chandigarh has caught up with the malls race with multiscreens airing the latest from the world of celluloid. Culinary enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice, too. If, like me, cheesy stuff rocks your boat, Chandigarh’s original bakery chain, Oven Fresh, is what you’re looking for when taste-buds beckon. With outlets in Sectors 17, 26 and 35, their signature grilled sandwiches and baked samosas are incredible. Gopal Sweets, Sector 35, is the answer to your sweet tooth! Their street-level section is mithai heaven while the upper level offers a large array of Indian and Chinese fast-food, snacks and chaat. Swagath, the popular chain offering Mangalorean, Chettinad and Malabar cuisine has also carved a firm niche for itself in Sector 26. For Continental and Mediterranean flavours you would do best by Bistro Flamme Bois and Café Nomad, both located in Sector 7.

The administration-run Tagore theatre regularly conjures up events of a cultural temper. A host of activities including art and literary workshops and theatres fests are held around the year. To know the latest, please visit www.chandigarhtourism.gov.in for their annual events calendar.

Shopper’s paradise No one leaves Chandigarh without visiting Sector 17, which is the heart of Chandigarh’s commercial activity with pedestrian concourses edged by shops, branded stores, cafes and restaurants. Trees, benches and November 2012 42 www.spiceroutemag.com

sculptures speckle the central plaza buzzing with shoppers, vendors, office-goers and street artists. The place wears a very festive, carnival-like look through the winter months.

To recover from your shopping expedition, do try out the vegetarian fast-food at Sindhi Sweets, an immensely popular restaurant with shoppers and office-goers alike. Hot Millions Salad Bar, another name synonymous with hearty portions, is a must- try, too.

Shastri Market Commonly called the ‘Rehri’ Market, as vendors once hawked their wares from wheeled carts. It is vibrant marketplace today with over 300 booths offering irresistible deals at every step.

From innerwear to material, ready-to-go furnishings, denims, and women’s apparel, this is definitely the most inexpensive shopping place in the city.

Traveller’s Fact File

✓ How to reach: The Chandigarh city

is situated quite close to the airport, just a 20 minute drive.

✓ Where to Stay: JW Marriott is

Chandigarh’s first five star hotel situated in the heart of the city.

Quick getaway

Stroll of honour Though tired by the uphill climb, a sight atop the Daulatabad Fort is rewarding to say the least.

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bout 16 Km from Aurangabad, en route to the famous Ellora caves, the first glimpses of towering ancient rampart walls are visible. The climb to Daulatabad, a medieval fortress, snakes around a high pyramid of a hill that dominates the landscape. The 12th century Daulatabad Fort, built by the Yadava general Raja Bhillamraj on the Deogiri hill, is surrounded by heavy fortressing on all sides.

This citadel was impenetrable by any of its enemies of that time. In 1308 A.D, the Sultans of Delhi challenged the fort’s invincible walls, and the Yadavas were driven out.

Another interesting piece of history attached to Daulatabad is the little town had acquired the status of the capital of India November 2012 44 www.spiceroutemag.com

Quick getaway

when Mohammad bin Tughlak moved here from Delhi. He, however, changed his mind years later and returned to Delhi along with his harried staff now twice subjected to untold discomfort. The old citadel came crumbling though when Tughlak took over and tried to give the fort a new lease of life on the hills.

The outer walls stretch out 8 Km. These heavy stoned walls can be seen from the highway and many a tourist stops to admire formidable monument.

Grand entry Well, for this climb we were reinforced too with walking sticks, backpacks stuffed with food and water, wide-brimmed hats, umbrellas, sunglasses and torches. The grand entrance with the huge wooden doors, had several inner

walls with heavy iron gates to withstand the force of enemy war elephants to knock them down, but the doors have reasonably survived the ravages of time. The gradual climb at this point didn’t seem tough at all as we entered an open area with niches along the inner ramparts, to see an array of canons of different shapes and sizes made of solid iron.

The Mendha Canon, a marvel in how ammunition was used in ancient times, is still lying there loose, in all its mammoth metal splendour. After a quick look at all the canons we slowly made up the slope that led us into the enclosure of a large tank, and further up, a temple called the Bharat Mata just across which we walked past the imposing earthy needle like tower of the Chand Minar, the pillar of victory.

During the span of 761 years the fort has seen the highs and lows of as many as eight kingdoms

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Not many seemed inquisitive to check out the Minar and its galleries, but the grand entrance to this had remnants of glazed blue tiles from Turkey. I trudged on beyond the Minar and noticed the steps were now steeper and higher.

There were many palaces built in one clearing higher up, while the Baradari an octagonal palace built during the reigns of Shahjahan, still holds its ground whose white upper structure can be seen from far and wide. It’s empty now but for the brave who make it to the top and squat around for a picnic bite.

The Daulatabad Fort is unique in its terrain, as it’s the only path up. As one climbs higher, it leads to different facets of the fort, as it now slowly begins to unravel its mystery and remind one of the somber events of what took

Bottom: The minaret can be seen before the climb begins; Inset: The grand entrance to the fort

SpiceJet flies to Aurangabad.

See schedule, page 190.

Right: The view is truely magnificent from atop the fort; Above: After a fair climb up, stop by the moat that is green in colour

place at the fort when enemies ventured in.

The guides rightly point out that a combination of a ground level cum hill level fort is very rare in India. The base rests high on a huge outcrop of solid granite craftily smoothed out vertically all around to make clambering up externally by marauding armies almost impossible. My, by now, laboured climb brought me to a moat, half way up to the top. This moat had a reasonable amount of water, but green with algae and littered with plastic. There is another moat at the base of the fort, now bereft of water.

A clearing along the midway moat offers a superb view of the surrounding terrain. The dark passages, just after the bridge, are narrow twisting tunnels hewn out of rock with many steps to climb, with ingenious secret traps Traveller’s Fact File

✓ How to reach: Daulatabad is situated close to Aurangabad at a distance of 35 km.

✓ Where to Stay: Aurangabad has a

host of decent hotels where you can choose to stay.

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above,to pour boiling oil, burning sand and other gory methods to thwart enemies from gaining access.

I was fully disoriented going through the passage and that too so narrow and slippery as these dark passages zigzagged to enter the citadel! Simply amazing, as I have never before walked in pitch darkness, my torch also partly to blame because it was not fully charged.

However, there was welcome sunlight at the end of this tunnel. Now the Baradari at the top was another long slow climb away.

Start the trek to Daulatabad Fort early morning when there is less crowd. All around the fort, inside the citadel, from temples, to step wells, ruined palaces, museum at the Chand Minar, canons at various points, royal hamams, an ancient bridge across the moat, bring on the myriads of character to Daulatabad Fort. Take your own time to see the fort, soak in history, as during the span of 761 years the fort has seen the highs and lows of as many as 8 kingdoms, from the Hindu rulers, Marathas, Sultans, Mughals, the Nizams, even saints and travelers stayed here. With each one of them leaving their mark, its fair to cover this invincible Fort thoroughly for a day.

Quick getaway

Humble Hubli

Flanked between the ancient sculptural wonders of Hampi and Badami, Hubli will leave you surprised with its rich heritage.

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n one side it has architectural wonders and on other the verdant Dandeli tiger reserve.

Still Hubli is capable of catching your eye.

This massive land expanse in Karnataka has this habit of throwing up pleasant surprises,

M a y a b h u sha n

especially when you least expect them. Take Hubli for example. Chances are, you might not even give it a second glance. Most guidebooks tell you that Hubli is a hub of commerce and industry. And its twin town of Dharwad (the November 2012 50 www.spiceroutemag.com

region is referred to as Hubli-Dharwad) is one of the most economically prosperous regions in Karnataka, north of Bengaluru. All this may sound like a brisk walk in the park for a business traveller, but for a tourist? Here’s the

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Quick getaway

SpiceJet flies to Hubli. See schedule, page 190.

element of surprise we were talking about.

There’s more to Hubli than what you think.

Enveloping heritage For a place which has developed a reputation as a centre for commerce and industry, Hubli has a delicate meaning ‘a flowering creeper’ and boasts of a beautiful assortment of 19th century churches, ancient temples which date back to several hundred years and dotted with picturesque lakes, which perhaps watered the flowering creepers, the city was once known for. It comes as no wonder that the rich and fertile lands of Hubli over the years, have seen several military suitors fighting for its control over hundreds of years. She was that attractive.

While it was the Vijayanagara Empire that Hubli really found its feet, the ancient Chalukyas, Maratha king Shivaji, the British, the Adilshah, Moguls as well as Hyder Ali vied for her. And all the rulers, which pitched camp in Hubli, left behind their cultural marks on this historically vibrant piece of land. Now a landlocked district of Karnataka, Hubli is wedged between the districts of Belgaum to the north, Uttar Kannad to the west, Haveri to the South and Gadag to the east.

Take the Chandramouleshwara temple, a beautiful carved stone structure, which was built in circa 12th century by the Chalukya rulers, would even give the Hampi temples a complex. With its exquisite carvings and stone masonry work, it is known for two massive Shivlingas as well as a beautiful and rare carved representation of Ganesha in a dancing pose. Fringing the large temple complex is the famous Unkal lake, where weekends see picnickers having a whale of a time regularly.

Fresh signs of renovation have not only added a sense of beauty to the environs around the lake, but also a practicality in terms of things to Traveller’s Fact File

✓ How to reach: The distance from the airport to the heart of Hubli city is 8 kms.

✓ Where to Stay:Hubli has a host of decent hotels where you can choose to stay according to your budget.

do for the visitor. A spectacular statue of Swami Vivekananda beckons right in the middle of a nearly 100 year-old lake.

Beautiful offerings It is sites like the Unkal lake, Nrupatunga Betta, Gayatri Tapovan, Kittur Chennamma Park, the Indira Glass House garden, which are the green lungs of this bustling township. A fountain which responds to music at the Indira Glass House garden and a toy train only adds to the fun quotient of the outing for families.

If you are here on business and would like to jog a bit in the mornings, Nrupatunga Betta is the place for you. Located on hillocks, you could jog up and get an excellent birdseye view of city. Then there’s Asar, an edifice built by Mohammad Shah in the 1600s. The erstwhile court once had the pride of being home to two precious hair strands from the beard of the Prophet, making it an important destination for pilgrims in the region. The British influence has also left an indelible cultural mark on Hubli’s landscape in form of the several 19th century and early 20th century churches, which are major tourist attraction for the unique architectural and visual relief, which they offer.

Legendary footprints Hubli’s contribution to the field of classical music in India is immense. This was the place where music maestro late Bhimsen Joshi first November 2012 52 www.spiceroutemag.com

Top: The historical remnants of Badami are situated close to Hubli; Above: Chandramouleshwara temple

started picking up the fine nuances of classical music from the great Sawai Gandharva at the crumbling Railway Institute building in Hubli. Padma Vibhushan Gangubai Hangal and Mallikarjun Mansur were other musical maestros who grew up in this relatively small township and put it on the classical music map.

The city’s landscape, which is also known for its agricultural might in growing groundnuts and cotton. With summers blazing hot, the season of winter is an ideal time for a visit to Hubli, which has pleasant climate from October to March.

Theme holiday

Past perfect in

Old Delhi Shahjahanabad, the wondrous capital that Shah Jahan built in 1638 is the

hyphen between the past and the present. Explore Old Delhi at its glorious best.

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e left behind the broad tree-lined boulevards of New Delhi, its soaring flyovers and sleek Metro to slip into the secret alleys of Old Delhi. Here pulses the capital’s eternal soul, its heart beat, we exulted, as we trundled around in a cycle rickshaw to see the sights.

Old Delhi embraced us with waves of unbridled energy, and the colour and chaos typical of India in transition; a country caught mid-leap between a storied past and a frenetic present.

As we explored the tangled spaghetti-like streets and by-lanes of Old Delhi, we gazed at it all from the superior elevation of our rickshaw.

Our rickshawallah, who had the air of a local pirate, doubled up as a guide and pointed out the sights as we lurched along.

On the rewind Local buses almost grazed past our fragile contraption. Conductors stood in the doorway of the overburdened vehicles sipping tea as other kamikaze rickshaw drivers tooted past, weaving in and out of the traffic which included carts pulled by burly bulls. Sloe-eyed cows lumbered down the streets, uncaring, concerned only with their own unique time table. The tiny lanes were lined with havelis where backpackers in shorts strode alongside shy Indian brides, faces half covered with the corners of their saris, and burkha-clad women who glanced from behind eye slits.

We wanted to burrow deep into this old part of the city, and turn the pages like a history book. So we ducked into the vast courtyard of the Jama Masjid which can accommodate up to 25,000 devotees, and let the peace and awesome proportions of the edifice envelop us. The floor was cold under November 2012 54 www.spiceroutemag.com

Theme holiday

SpiceJet flies to Delhi. See schedule, page 190.

our feet. Knots of tourists gazed in awe at the red sandstone edifice whose two 120-ft high minarets and bulbous dome wove patterns against a gun-metal grey sky. People snoozed in the hospitable corridors and on the steps that led up to the mosque while some solo travellers sat and perused well-thumbed Lonely Planet guide books. One could imagine how this awesome space must reverberate at the time of the azaan; the devotion of the believers floating like a thick cloud over the last of Emperor Shah Jahan’s major architectural projects.

We left the mosque to be virtually sucked into swirling eddies of colour – vendors of bangles, saris, marigolds and fireworks jostled for space while a man who was stirring a huge pan of fragrant seviyan urged us to try some of the concoction. Unlike the precints of the Jama Masjid, outside there was commercialism, haphazard and overlaid with a sense of urgency. Historic India and the 21st century locked in an eternal clinch!

And then we stumbled on a gory sight – bloodletting! Men and women, legs bound with tape, stood in the sun, waiting their turn.

A brawny gentleman with a large cowboy-style hat sat with a sheaf of lethal looking blades.

As each patient revealed his ailment, he made crucial cuts on the foot or arm. According to Unani tradition, by drawing out ‘bad blood’, numerous diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and cardiac problems can be cured. Mohaamed Iqbal had learnt the technique from his father, Hakim M. Ghyas. The two had learnt the procedure from an Imam and perform their daily ‘miracles’ for free (all the patients whom we spoke to reported partial or complete relief.)

Multiple shades To the west lay Chawri Bazaar a-gleam with copper and brass icons and to the south Churiwali Galli, the lane of bangle sellers, wound into the distance. Soon we were wallowing in the multi-sensory experience of Chandni Chowk, the street that runs from the Red Fort to Fatehpuri Masjid. Here where the yellow façade of the British era Town Hall, the gold domes of the Sisganj Gurudwara, St James Church, the oldest in Delhi, a Hindu November 2012 56 www.spiceroutemag.com

Clockwise from above: The best way to see Old Delhi is by taking a rickshaw ride; A roadside kitchen sorting vegetables for dinner; Darbar Hall at the Red Fort

temple and a Jain one rubbed shoulders like old friends, we stumbled on a string of the most vibrant atmospheric markets in the world.

The spice market (the largest in Asia) where the collective aroma of spices, ginger and other

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Clockwise from right: A family having a relaxed time at the lawns of Red Fort; Red sandstone facade of Red Fort dictates history; Old Delhi Railway Station catering to tourists and wayfarers

strutted around like drag queens! We ducked into Parathewale Galli where in four cramped stalls (at one time there were 16), one can get parathas of amazing variety. There were multilayered tomato, aloo, mulli, paneer, gajar, mewa, rabri, and kaju parathas and many more. These were deep-fried and then slapped into large thalis in which there were small mounds of sabzi and pickles. Further away, we stumbled on Old famous jalebiwala, whose kadai had not come off the stove for decades testifying to the popularity of the sizzling hot jalebis fried in desi ghee and spiked with sweet syrup.

herbs enveloped us while the textures and colours were almost like an abstract painting.

Our obliging rickshawwallah pedalled past sari and jewellery stores that glittered in the gathering dusk. There women stroked the merchandise with bemused expressions while pot-bellied salesmen enthusiastically draped the gorgeous fabrics on themselves and

As dusk muted the hum of an unquiet city and gathered it into its arms as a mother would a tired child, we made one last stop at the Red Fort whose majestic battlements rise from manicured lawns. The fort glowed red in the setting sun’s warm parting; bats screeched from under the domes and flew down the long corridors. Here was the Diwani-Am and there, the Diwan-i-Khas where the bejewelled Peacock Throne had once rested to be subsequently whisked away by the Persian plunderer Nadir Shah.

The Red Fort built by the great Mughal Shah Jahan also presided over the death of

Delhi dazzle Old Delhi area starts at the end of Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, at Delhi Gate.

The best way to explore this neighbourhood is on foot or by cycle rickshaw.

For more info contact Delhi Tourism at tourism@ delhitourism.gov. indelhitourism.gov.in

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the Mughal Empire and the ignoble exile to Rangoon of its last poet-king Bahdur Shah Zafar. The Sound and Light show though a trifle passĂŠ brought history alive, and gilded it into an absorbing narrative.

As we left the fort after the show, the ghosts of the past came a-calling. We felt their chilled breath on our cheeks and thought we heard the sound of girlish laughter swirling around in the hamam area; the tinkle of wine being poured into goblets in the king’s private chamber, of shairies being recited with poetic intensity by the court versifier. Yes, in Old Delhi, centuries past do not lie moth-balled in dank monuments but they unfurl in narrow lanes and historic corridors. The lines between the past and present are so blurred that one sees everything through the prism of history.

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tales

Tiger

Navin M. Raheja pays a touching tribute to T36, one of the most graceful tigers to straddle the hills and grasslands of Ranthambore National Park.

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ven when the sweat started blurring the lenses, I refused to put the binocular down.

The September sun in Ranthambore National Park can be quite unforgiving. But to lose sight of T36, that too after four days of intense search outside the periphery of Ranthambore, was an unacceptable proposition. So I let the sweat-bath continue.

I remember the day vividly, September 20, 2008. I also remember October 18, 2010,

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equally well, but with lot more sadness. This was the day T36 completed his circle of life and returned to the happy hunting grounds of his forefathers.

To me, T36 would always remain an unsung hero. One of the most graceful tigers to straddle the hills and grasslands of Ranthambore, he was, however, never a photographer’s delight. No television channel ever made a documentary on him, nor was

November 2012 60 www.spiceroutemag.com

his pictorial laid out in any magazine or newspaper. He simply wasn’t considered hot enough!

But that will never take away the immense, almost immeasurable, charm of T36. For three years, right from his birth to death and the turbulence he suffered inbetween, T36 would hold me spell-bound, and therefore, I feel his life-story deserves a few words. It is not a happy story, but it’s a story

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which T36 scripted and lived out in the spirit of a true tiger.

an unsecured loan granted to the denizens of a forest, and is usually taken back as swiftly.

For starters, T36 was an extremely shy tiger (one reason why he could never become a celebrity tiger). Difficult to spot, he would bolt at the slightest hint of human presence.

There was a reason for this odd behaviour, a striking contrast from the normally camerafriendly tigers of Ranthambore. Born to Guda sometime in January 2008, T36 and his sister opened their eyes to the chilly but friendly forest of Ranthambore. The Guda area of the park - after which the mother was named harboured sufficient shelter and prey animals for a family of three tigers to live happily.

On September 1, 2008, T36 got the shock of his young life. In one stroke of bad luck, the gods snatched away peace and comfort from T36, and hurled him down the path of almost daily battle for survival. On the fateful day, T36’s mother died. Rather, she was killed by another tigress while defending her territory and her cubs. The forest authorities at Ranthambore, aware that the mother-less cubs were hiding somewhere in the rocky terrain, launched a massive search-and-rescue operation.

For eight months, Ranthambore granted peaceful existence to the family. It was during this period that T36 imbibed some of the hunting skills from his mother - skills which would save his life in the dreadful years ahead. But as any tiger would tell you, peace in the forest is often temporary. Meant to be savoured as long as it lasts, peace is

Three days later, T36 and his sister were found in dense undergrowth. They had probably not eaten anything for 10 days, and might not have survived the ordeal for long. “Now what?� asked the authorities to themselves. Faced with two grown-up cubs that had not yet carved out their territories or had established hunting techniques, it was a tough question to answer. Such were the

Above: The wildlife enthusiast, Navin M Raheja behind the lens; Left: Ranthambore in Rajasthan is home to a decent tiger population

state of affairs that an ad-hoc forest controlroom and headquarter was set up in the area

by Forest Ranger Daulat Singh Shekhawat so that he along with his staff can keep a constant watch on the cubs. Finally, after enough deliberation, the senior officials of Ranthambore decided to let mother nature decide the fate of the duo.

On September 10, Shekhawat took upon himself the task to radio collar T36 and he was radio-collared and taken to Sawai Mansingh sanctuary, bordering Ranthambore. The fact that the sanctuary had few resident tigers and males of Ranthambore used it mainly as a passage-way would make it suitable for T36 to establish his domain there.

For months thereafter, whenever I could manage to find some time from my busy schedule as CMD of Raheja Developers, I, along with my trusted friend M.D. Parashar, would scout Sawai Mansingh sanctuary, always on the lookout for T36. He crossed our paths several times, and each encounter is deeply etched in my memory. From day one of his forced freedom, T36 started displaying reckless behaviour. Within weeks he acquired the reputation of a cattle-lifter.

This trait gained him immediate dislike of a

November 2012 62 www.spiceroutemag.com

Theme holiday

SpiceJet flies to Jaipur.

See schedule, page 190.

Left to Right: Life and times of T36 - T36 is here seen as a cub; Time when he was released in the Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary in 2009; T36’s life comes to an end

large number of villages dotted alongside the boundary of Ranthambore. Naturally, it also made the authorities jumpy, for now they had to keep a sharper eye on the young tiger.

On March 21, 2009, matters came to a head. A few days before, T36 had taken shelter in a field behind Oberoi Hotel. He had not made a kill for several days. A desperate and foolish step it was, but hungry T36 took it anyway by attacking a human being. It happened at Karvoda village, and the woman T36 thought would be a nice meal was bleeding profusely when we reached Karvoda.

Two days later, T36 attacked and injured a forest official, Mohan Lal. The same day, the forest authorities, now really in a panic-mode, tranquilised the errant tiger and took him to Falaudi forest range near Ghazipur, some 40 km away from Ranthambore National Park. It was at Falaudi that I had some of the most memorable encounters with T36. It was clear he was coming out on his own, and

had started pursuing natural prey like chital, sambhar and wild boar.

I would often meet T36 on narrow jungle by-lanes in early mornings. Initially, as was his habit, he would take cover the moment he spotted Parashar’s Gypsy. At times, we spotted him quenching his thirst at a water-hole.

Over time, he started accepting my presence - or this is what I thought. Had I managed to connect with T36 in some unknown manner? Who knows? But his behaviour was showing far less hostility to me than before. I found myself privileged. By June 2010, I had managed to establish what may be called a rough connect with T36. One afternoon, with temperature soaring to 45 degree Celsius, I saw T36 approaching a water-hole. We were some 50 feet away, but he took no note of us and jumped headlong into the pool. For next 30 minutes, as T36 continued his battle with the mercury, I found myself engrossed in gazing at his superb form. Time lost all sense of meaning. Suddenly, the unforgettable words of American curator John Seidensticker came to mind: “The tiger lives in a world of sunlight and shadow/Always secretive, never devious/Always a killer, never a murderer/ Solitary, never alone/For it is an irreplaceable November 2012 64 www.spiceroutemag.com

link/In the process and the wholeness of life.’’

Seidensticker might well have been speaking of T36. Things were going along rather fine for T36 at this stage, I must say. Now approaching his third birthday, he had effectively made Falaudi his home-turf. The skirmishes with villagers and cattle-lifting had become a thing of the past. T36, it seemed, had finally learnt to balance freedom with responsibility. “He is now ready for a mate,”’ a beaming Parashar told me in the first week of October, 2010.

When Parashar called me up on the afternoon of October 22, I picked the cell-phone with a smile. So finally, T36 has emerged on his own. He must have had a successful mating, I told myself. But within seconds, my hope lay shattered. T36, I was informed, had been killed by another male tiger in a territorial fight. Parashar gave me the details of the deadly fight, but I was not hearing the words. I was elsewhere, in a secluded patch of Falaudi, watching T36 as he ambled majestically towards me.

The writer is a wildlife enthusiast and photographer, and the Chairman & MD of Raheja Developers Ltd.

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Less travelled

Kashmir

Srinagar and Kashmir is much more than the Mughal gardens and Dal lake. We bring you places dipped in history which still lie unexplored.

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very destination acquires its own tourist treadmill and Kashmir is no different.

Touristic clichĂŠs are a wonderful thing in most cases, when you are pressed for time, a quick drive through all of them, and you can safely tick the boxes. While it would be rather eccentric to miss out on quintessential Srinagar via Mughal gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, shopping in Lal Chowk, it does add another dimension to go off into the wild yonder and discover your secret spaces. Here are some of mine.

Unexplored treasures Burzahama is just outside Srinagar city limits, to the east. The best (or worst, depending on your point of view) part is that there is no habitation around, certainly no shopping and entertainment. It is the hallowed precincts November 2012 66 www.spiceroutemag.com

SpiceJet flies to Srinagar.

See schedule, page 190.

Clockwise from above: The ruins of Burzahama date back to 2,375 BC; The Sun Temple in Martand gives a beautiful view of the valley; The temple in Pandrethan is of the oldest ones in Srinagar

of the most ancient site in the Valley, dating back to 2,375 BC. Burzahama is slated to remain an eternal mystery. Who were the Nagas or snake worshippers who inhabited this place? Are they the same people who have been mentioned in the Nilamata Purana (the ancient written recorded history of Kashmir)?

What, if any, is the significance of similar tools as those excavated in Burzahama, found in Tibet and parts of Northern China? Was there trade between the two countries at that time in the distant past? Were there indeed two geographical countries as there are now? You won’t get any answers, but you will get plenty of questions in that still silence.

It is believed, the first religion in Kashmir was Buddhism. When Hiuen Tsang visited Kashmir in AD 631, he was astonished at the number of stupas and viharas in the region.

Sadly, none of them exist, because according to historian Robert E Fisher, “the later Hindu kings reportedly plundered those sites and carried off limestone blocks to build their own temples”. What does remain of all of Kashmir’s Buddhist past are the ruins of Parihaspora. In this case too, they are no more than impressive plinths with enormous staircases and mounds of rubble.

Unfolding history There are many Hindu temples all over Kashmir, all being constructed in the style that has come to be known as ‘lantern’. The best maintained, in Pandrethan, near the Army 67

controlled area in Srinagar, is out of bounds to the aimless wanderer. However, there are lots more. One, built in the 7th century, is Mamleshwar in Pahalgam. It has been ‘maintained’ by the ASI, which is, to say the ancient, rough-hewn blocks of limestone have been covered by a brand new roof. The garden view is wonderful and the two (Muslim) ASI employees who officiate as pujaris imbue this ancient temple with the syncretism for which Kashmir was famed.

The temple with the finest view in the entire Valley has to be the Sun Temple at Martand. Situated atop a low hill, it overlooks miles and miles of countryside, so whichever time of the year you visit, there will be a different set of colours to bewitch you. While all of Kashmir’s other temples are said to be a continuation of its Buddhist style of architecture, the Sun Temple looks remarkably Greek because of the columns and Cambodian in the combination of strength with grace.

By 1320, the first Muslim king ruled Kashmir,

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and a century later came the golden period of Kashmiri history. In a relatively short span of time, limestone architecture was completely overtaken by brick and wood. All those centuries later, traces of both remain stubbornly, even in private houses: the plinth is always made of limestone blocks to a height of two or three feet, and the rest is made with brick. The wealthy favour wooden artistry on their ceilings that is called khatamband and is seen in no other part of the country besides Kashmir. You can see khatamband in many houseboats and shrines.

the banks of the Dal and promptly named it Naseem Bagh or the Garden of Breezes. It is the most unique of all Kashmir’s gardens, all the others being planned in the char-bagh fashion. Now part of the Regional Engineering College complex, it is like others of Kashmir’s lesser known attractions.

A few centuries of wooden architecture (sadly, the best have caught fire and are not in existence any more) and the Mughal emperors annexed Kashmir as part of their empire.

It really does require the perspective of an outsider to bring out the best in a destination.

Each of the Mughal emperors contributed to the architecture and landscape of the Valley.

Emperor Akbar planted 1,200 chinar trees on

While the vast majority of the supposedly 777 Mughal gardens that existed in the heyday of the Mughals long gone, there are only two that survive outside Srinagar. Nur Jehan planned the one at Achabal, recently restored (and extremely professionally too) by INTACH. The other is on the far side of Manasbal Lake and is called Jharoka Bagh. Forlorn and hardly visited, even the surroundings are quiet and

Ruins of Parihaspora show how Kashmir has always been a crucible of different faiths November 2012 68 www.spiceroutemag.com

Clockwise from above: Pari Mahal is a beautiful seven terraced garden; Naseem Bagh in autumn looks pristine; Sunset at the Nigeen Lake; The shrine of Akhoon Mulla Shah, situated close to Dal Lake

seldom visited. Should you decide to visit it, you will be rewarded by visual retreat some of the finest chinar trees on the drive from Srinagar to Ganderbal. The last two spots on our list are both devoted to Akhoon Mulla Shah, the Sufi teacher of Prince Dara Shikoh.

The better known is Pari Mahal. More a stepped garden with fabulous of the Dal far below and pavilions where students gathered for teachings. Akhoon Mulla Shah lies buried across the Dal, on the hill where Makhdoom Sahib’s famous shrine is. Just below it, in a forgotten corner, is the gently decaying shrine, visited by pigeons, squirrels and young lads who play cricket in the overgrown garde .

Festive flavour

Festive occasions

It is time to forget work, pack your bags and get going to destinations that are in celebratory mood this festive season.

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Narkasur on Diwali eve In Goa, Diwali is celebrated in a very different way. As the festival of lights approaches, Goans come out in full glory and set the effigies of demon Narkasur ablaze. Accompanied by firecrackers and a chorus of cheering voices, the festivities begin. The night sky takes hold in the creeping advance of dawn that ushers in Diwali, with the first day celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi. Narkasur celebration is unique to Goa. The dispatch of Narkasur effigies in a blaze of fire to usher in Diwali is a tradition and increasingly an event that’s gaining popularity among tourists. While the burning of the Narkasur effigy signifies the triumph of good over evil, taking after the slaying of the demon Narkasura by Lord Krishna. There are competitions organised to select the best Narkasurs from the participating lot, with attractive prizes offered as incentive. The scarier the Narkasur, better are its chances of winning the cash prizes. This is an event that is constant in the lives of people, a fixture in the mindscape of Goa. Naraka Chaturdashi is widely observed all over India.

Pushkar Fair The Pushkar cattle fair is one of the largest in India and the only one of its kind in the entire world.

During the fair, thousands of people from rural Rajasthan and neighbouring states flock to Pushkar, along with camel and cattle for several days for livestock trading, horse dealings, pilgrimage and to commemorate the religious festival. The small town of Pushkar becomes a cultural hotspot with a mĂŠlange of colourfully dressed devotees, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, traders, comedians, sadhus and tourists. The camel and cattle trading is at its peak during the first half of festival period. During the later half, religious activities dominate the scenario. Devotees take dip in the holy Sarovar lake, as the sacred water is known to bestow salvation. Small handicraft items are the best bargain for buying souvenirs. The camel and horse races have crowds to cheer. Each evening brings live folk performances from Rajasthan, performers delivering live shows. Pushkar fair has its own magic and provides an experience of a lifetime for travellers, an event you just cannot miss.

When: November 20-28 Where: Pushkar, Rajasthan November 2012 70 www.spiceroutemag.com

When: November 12-13 Where:Goa

Festive flavour

Chhath Festival The ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the God of Sun - Surya, Chhath puja, is celebrated to thank Surya for sustaining life and energy on earth. This festival is celebrated in various parts of India like West Bengal, Orissa, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Devotees offer prayers and salutations to the setting sun. Although Chhath puja is celebrated in many parts of India, it is a very important occasion for the state of Bihar.

Biharis celebrate this festival on the sixth day of the lunar month after Diwali each year. The rituals include fasting and chanting prayers on the banks of a sacred waterbody. Devotees take a dip in the waterbody and bring the water to home to prepare the prasad. A huge puja is held on the riverbanks where millions of people gather and offerin flowers and small diyas to the river. The sight of thousand hands

Puri Beach Festival The state of Orrisa is home to several pristine beaches. Out of these, the Puri Beach is the most picturesque and a popular pilgrimage tourist destination. Along this beach, the Puri Beach Festival is held over five days. Come festival season and the popular Puri Beach will transformed into the well-lit colourful venue for the Beach Festival. The festival provides one a chance to explore the nuances of the inhabitants of Puri, Orissa, who display a radical attitude towards changing environs and are yet deeply religious and traditional at heart.

With a backdrop of temples, of which the Lord

Jagannath Temples dominates the skyline, the beach showcases not only Orissa’s but also India’s reservoir of talent.

From cultural events, classical and folk dance performances, sand sculptures, handicrafts and food festivals to rock concerts, DJs, beach parties and fashion shows, Puri Beach Festival has all the ingredients to establish it as an international festival.

When: November 23-29 Where: Swargadwar Beach, Puri, Orissa

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offering arghya (river water) to sun makes up for a delightful scene. On the morning of the final day, devotees visit the banks of the river before sunrise and welcome the sun with folded hands. Sandalwood, rice, sugarcane and various fruits covered usually with saffroncoloured cloth are offered to the Sun God. When: November 17-20 Where: Across India

Festive flavour

Dharamshala International Film Festival The magnificent hamlet of McLeodganj is set to transform itself into a wonderland with film fraternity from across the globe coming here for the first edition for Dharamshala International Film Festival 2012. The festival, to be held from November 1-4, brings contemporary films from all genres and all around. The Film Festival will be a one of its kind curated film festival in India, showcasing finest contemporary

films along with hosting thought evoking master classes and panel discussions for upcoming filmmakers in a culturally vibrant, multi-ethnic setting. The film festival will hold screenings of around 20 contemporary independent films from across the world comprising of documentaries, features and shorts curated from the best of contemporary cinema. Well-known international and Indian contemporary filmmakers like Asif Kapadia,

Jennifer Fox, Karim El Hakim, Alison Klayman, Rajan Khosa, Deepti Naval will be attend the festival, addressing the audience through master classes, panel discussions and expert workshops. The festival will also hold the world premiere of When Hari Got Married, film directed by Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam.

When: November 1-4 Where: Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh With inputs from Anil Purohit Advertorial

Advanced Hair Studio’s new revolution in hair replacement technique advanced, safe and sophisticated procedure performed by renowned doctors.

In one of the most striking technological advancements, Advanced Hair studio, leaders in hair replacement and hair growth industry, today introduced unique Strand-by-Strand Ultimatehair replacement technique in India. Strand by Strand Ultimate is the most

With this development, all those who suffer from hair loss problems can enjoy a worry-free treatment. Strand-byStrand Ultimate is an easy one day procedure and doesn’t involve cuts, scars or stitches.

Speaking about the introduction of the new technique by AHS in India Mr. Sanket Shah, CEO, Advanced Hair Studio said, “As India is a priority market for us we are delighted to introduce an internationally recognized technique for our customers here. Strand by Strand Ultimate is the most

advanced and safest procedure for hair replacement as it doesn’t leave scars or marks on scalp and is just a one day procedure. We are hopeful of a positive response from the Indian market as a one-day visit can bring lifetime happiness.”

Strand-by-Strand Ultimate is an easy one day procedure and doesn’t involve cuts, scars or stitches. With this development, all those who suffer from hair loss problems can enjoy a worry-free treatment.

November 2012 74 www.spiceroutemag.com

AHS already offers two clinical and two cosmetic procedures along with a wide range of products, medications for all hair loss related problems. In clinical hair procedure, AHS offers two treatments – Advanced Laser Therapy treatment and Strand by strand while in cosmetic hair procedure, AHS offers Flashpoints and Strand by strand (Cosmetic).

Launch pad

Shop hopping

Add colour to your Diwali with these beautiful lifestyle products.

Festive occasion

Gifting galore

Glam quotient

This Diwali, Arttd’inox, the stainless steel premium brand, presents an exquisite range of traditional puja thalis. Inspired by the early sacred shrines, the collection has intricately engraved designs with floral and leaf patterns embossed around the rim.

Price: Rs 1,800 onwards Available: All Arttd’inox stores in India

Celebrate your Diwali with Tupperware.

Beverage gets a new colour with Tupperware elegant mood enhancing tumblers called ‘Deluxe Tumblers’. Every sip becomes irresistible with Tupperware Deluxe Tumblers available in bright and appealing colors.

Price: Rs 1,000 onwards Available: Through shopping websites and Tupperware associate

While colour, bling, beads and string are in this season, make a statement with colourful, bold and dramatic footwear from Metro Shoes. With shoes that are perky, funky, multi-coloured and fun, this collection is aptly named the ‘Luau’ Collection!

Price: `990 onwards Available: All Metro Shoes outlets in India

Illuminate your life

Timeless elegance

Subtle luxury

This Diwali, rejoice with Swarovski’s festive collection. In celebration of the festivities, Swarovski will create a magnificent window display at their stores. The key elements of inspiration are the Diya, Rangoli and Ganesha to signify illumination and prosperity.

Price: `18,000 onwards Available: All Swarovski boutiques in India

This festive season, the romantic cities of Paris and Venice are brought to life with the exquisite ‘Cities’ collection from Titan Raga.

Inspired by the magnificent Palais Garnier opera house in Paris, the ‘Opera’ timepiece is nothing short of a master piece.

Price: `9,995 Available: All Titan outlets across India

This festive season, gift your loved ones something they would cherish for long.

Parker has introduced special gift editions of pens, which make for a perfect gift for occasions like Diwali and Bhai dooj. Take your pick from Parker Vector or Parker Insignia.

Price: `300 onwards Available: Shop online at www.luxor.in

November 2012 76 www.spiceroutemag.com

Launch pad

Go festive

Wedding ensemble

Home n living

This season, Hidesign presents a unique collection that highlights how fresh designs play on soft, rich vegetable tanned leathers, adding that much needed glamour to your festive attire. Choose your look from an array of purses and party clutches that go well in the evenings, to large day bags and totes that keep you organized on the move.

Price: `1,795 onwards Available: All Hidesign stores in India

As a timeless companion of the bride, the Makeup Assists from Buck’s draw heavily from their French and English counterparts, where they were first brought to use. With finest genuine leather, soft inside linings and detailed sections for jewellery, cosmetics et al, these serve both the purpose and style rather well.

Price: `5,900 onwards Available: Shop online at www.shop.bucksluxury.com

With celebrations just round the corner, the magic of candles engulfs all. @home, the mega home store introduced their new range of candles which includes variants like floral, scented, floating, gel based candles, tea-light candles, aromatic oil candles and much more.

Price: Rs 299 onwards Available: All @home stores across India

Single port scarless Laparoscopic Surgery surgery is a new advanced technology to further minimize the invasiveness of laparoscopy through a single small incision hidden in the umbilicus: a scar everyone has from birth. The procedure has an obvious cosmetic benefit.

Two decades back the world witnessed a revolution when surgeons started operating through key holes without opening the abdomen. Thus, many surgeries became possible through multiple key holes through which instruments could be introduced to hold, dissect and extract the ailing organ.

I started Laparoscopic Surgery in 1992 and since then I have been experiencing tremendous advancement in this field. Singleport laparoscopic is feasible here in Guwahati in our Hospital.

Early conversion to a standard laparoscopic technique is advised to avoid serious complications.

Single-incision laparoscopic

Some special instruments are needed and at times special ports designed for the purpose are used. Now, Swagat Hospital is equipped with finest and most sophisticated instruments. Of the nearly 16000 endolaparoscopic procedures performed by me, we have also several hundred Single Port Surgeries in recent past to the satisfaction of our patients.

The surgeries that are being performed routinely are

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Advertorial Cholecystectomy, Hernia repair, Emergency abdominal surgeries, Gynaecological surgery and some bariatric procedures.

Here in our Centre the patients always have an option to choose the Single port surgery which may be little more expensive than the normal Laparoscopic Surgery. Our motto is to provide excellent family centered health acare to patients in most homely and healthy environment that meets or exceeds the expectations of those we serve and to collaborate with others in our community to improve the health status of the people here and beyond borders.

Prof Subhash Khanna Email: subhashkhanna@sify.com swagathospital@rediffmail.com

Spice Trail

Royal herb

It looks like a vibrant silk thread and adds a rich flavour to any delicacy. What makes kesar an exotic herb is how it transforms any dish to a royal treat.

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s exotic as it sounds, kesar is the desi name of the popular spice called saffron.

However, what makes it stand out is the silk thread like texture that has a regal feel.

Widely used in Asia and the Middle East, kesar is associated with some of the best delicacies. Hence, one can understand why kesar is believed to be one of the most costly spices across the world and is sold by weight.

Though found in large numbers in South West Asia as well as Greece, statistics reveal November 2012 80 www.spiceroutemag.com

that Iran accounts for the largest share of the world’s produce of kesar.

The very unique essence of kesar is derived from the flower of Crocus sativus and it is more commonly known as the saffron crocus. But not many would know that what really helps the herb to impart a rich golden-yellow hue to dishes and textiles, is its carotenoid dye content. Some people can also imagine kesar as beautiful metallic strips

Project fully approved as per new DCR

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Aumkaar Chembur

Spice Trail

3-4 Cardamom (green elaichi, preferably powdered) 4 fresh cloves 1/2cup of Dry fruits mix (Pista, cashewnut, almonds, raisins) 2 tbsp pure ghee and oil 1 tbsp each turmeric, chilli, pepper powders Method Soak rice for 10 minutes and then drain the extra water. Boil it for 5 minutes making sure that the rice remains hard and does not become sticky.

Because of its rich essence, people also use kesar in different forms to accentuate their beauty

Put oil in the non-stick pan and stir the rice in it after draining all the extra water through a sieve. When it looks a bit brown add the turmeric, chilli, pepper powders to it and let them blend in.

Add two dollops of ghee and stir in the other garnishing ingredients like saffron, cardamom, cloves and the dry fruits.

Keep the preparation covered for 5 minutes over a low flame.

or caramelized honey for that matter that can easily add the exotic natural colouring to food items. Thus the practice of adding kesar to the European, Arab, South and Central Asian, Persian, and Turkish cuisines delicacy has been a traditional practice. Because of the rich essence of kesar many people use it as a part of their beauty regimes too. Specially as an age old ritual in India, drinking kesar milk or making a face pack or body wash out of the same is associated with weddings.

Inspiring creativit y In India many people name their daughters ‘kesar’, after the herb. Many regional poets and song writers have also spun their sagas imagining the beauty of kesar transcending into a sensuous girl. Recently, a popular restaurant by the name of Saffron Bay has opened its door too. Keeping true to its name, as the Mughals were known for their style and splendour, the interiors here has been carefully designed and combined with a modern richness of colours and vintage historical artwork.

Since the herb’s history dates back to

the 7th-century BC, kesar is believed to have unique healing properties and medicinal benefits ever since its origin. For those who trust the goodness of ayurveda and herbal medicines, kesar can actually cure the spread of cancer, uplift one’s mood and also help to control appetite to a great extent.

What is really unique is the fact that more specifically ‘Satiereal’ which is a novel extract of kesar or saffron’s stigma, can actually curb the habit of frequent snacking and enhance satiety through its suggested mood-enhancing effect. Thus, kesar can actually prove to be quite beneficial for those who are looking at weight loss. Also, what is noteworthy is the fact that this herb is believed to have a protective effect on the heart as well as prevent the proliferation of breast cancer cells.

Overall, kesar is rich in antioxidants too that help to fight free radicals that can damage the cells in the body.

Kesar Pulao (Saffron Rice)

Ingredients 1 cup of basmati rice A pinch of kesar soaked in 1/2 cup water November 2012 82 www.spiceroutemag.com

Once you get the royal aroma of Kesar Pulao, get ready to relish this delicacy!

Kesar Pulao is a delicious Indian rice dish

Gourmet delight

Snack it

UP

After all the mithai that you gift and eat during the festive season, salty snacks come as a welcome treat.

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estivals bring in celebrations, renewed energies, and a positive ambience even as it unleashes the free spirit inside us transforming our lives into a melee of collective happiness.

The month of November this year is choca-bloc with festivals pouring in literally. The season that gathers momentum with nine

nights as part of the Navaratri celebrations coinciding with Durga Puja and ending with Dussehra sees a renewed fervour and zest during Diwali, the festival of lights and also the biggest festival of India.

The entrances to the homes are a visual November 2012 84 www.spiceroutemag.com

delight what with beautiful and colourful swastiks making their presence felt in a big way even as Marigold flowers form beautiful arches on the doorway and the interiors.

For the kids, it's a time to wear new clothes, light firecrackers, break free and just have fun. Indulging in sweets or mithais is a norm

Gourmet delight

among Indians during the festive season. But I certainly feel that adding some salty desserts to your gourmet delicacies will add to the fun.

I bet you'll agree. We bring you recipes that will add that extra zing to your menu.

For short crust Ingredients 50 gms Salted Butter 100 gms Icing sugar 150 gms Flour

Whisk all the above ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add strawberry compote to it, pour the mix in a pie shell and bake in a preheated oven at 140 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or till done.

STRAWBERRY COCONUT AMRETTO PIE

Method For the short crust, cream the butter and sugar together. Add egg and continue creaming till the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

The short crust should be crisp and done completely.

Ingredients 75 gms Coconut powder 50 gms Almond powder 210 gms Grain sugar 145 gms Egg whites 50 gms Strawberry compote 5 gms Salt

Spread the strawberry compote properly on top of the pie after cooling it properly.

Fold in the flour to the creamed mix and keep the dough in refrigerator for at least an hour.

Cut the pie and serve.

Roll the dough, cut it and line the pie shell.

Sweet and Salty Cookies

Diwali is the time to wear new clothes, light firecrackers, gorge on sweets and just have some fun

Ingredients 1 (18-ounce) Refrigerated sugar cookie dough package 1 cup Coarsely crushed pretzels Method Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Shape cookie dough into 1-inch balls.

Place crushed pretzels in a shallow dish. Roll the dough balls in crushed pretzels, coating completely.

Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets and bake 12 to 14 minutes, or until golden.

To keep these interesting, try using crushed chocolate-covered pretzels instead of plain pretzels.

Recipe courtesy: Chef Yash Mathur, Pastry Chef, Courtyard by Marriott, Gurgaon

Top: Serve sweet and salted cookies to your guests this Diwali; Left: Strawberry coconut amretto pie has a delicate taste

November 2012 86 www.spiceroutemag.com

Gourmet delight

Grilling glory

Festivity is in the air! Celebrate the festive occasions by organising a barbeque party and serving delectable grilled delicacies.

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ith the year drawing to a close, and festivities ringing on a high note, November is the perfect month for everybody to get into the party mode. Herald the festive season and nippy evenings by organising a lavish barbeque November 2012 88 www.spiceroutemag.com

party at home. The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;not so party typesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; people like me prefer partying at home to the fancy restaurants and hotels. Partying at home means you could serve your guests what you like to cook and give them a chance to shower

Gourmet delight

Set the grill counter with meat, sauces, spices, oils and veggies along with skewers while they wait for their favourite cuts of meat to come fresh off of the grill. Have a rather relaxed glass of mocktail and eat delectable barbequed food, which we promise is the best in the world. A barbecue is the perfect way to celebrate, or just hang out while enjoying some good food and the beautiful weather.

All you need is good raw material, raw meat or veggies whatever suits your palate, free flowing drinks, good music and loved ones. A typical barbecue party can be organized outdoors or on a back patio or the pool area. These days, people even have a special theme for the barbecue party. Add even more fun to your barbecues this festive season with ideas and themes to spice up your party. If you want to throw the best family barbeque party, you will have to do lot of juggling between kitchen and the patio. But the real fun begins on the day of the party. you with compliments. Or else, you can opt for BBQ parties where your guests can help you cook on the grill as you chat and enjoy the party with them.

Grill time

Top: Cheese burger patty is perfect for veg lovers; Middle & Bottom: Barbequed seafood and fish fillets highlight the flavours

For many, partying at home is the most preferred idea and why not! Partying around Diwali is a great mood enhancer. And all major restaurants join the festivities by organizing lavish parties and campaigns at beefed up rates. With fine dining and multi cuisine restaurants mushrooming everywhere, we Indians are used to exotic flavours from different parts of the world. And as Diwali is an interesting occasion for a nice gettogether with friends and family. Hosting a family barbecue can be a lot of fun. Call all your friends and gather around the backyard grill over appetizers, conversation and drinks November 2012 90 www.spiceroutemag.com

The weather is pleasant so you could actually do so many things alongside the party like call a nail art guy who would make sure all ladies are having a gala time. Or a child tattoo artist for children will keep the kids busy as you have hearty conversations. This November if you want to have a great time outdoors, throw a BBQ party where everyone gets a shot at the grilling glory.

Juicy flavours To begin with, manicure your lawn or the patio where a barbeque grill would be set up. Organise the tables and cover them with bright tablecloths. Flower bouquets and pinwheels in bright colours go very well with the festive theme. Decorate the party area with paper lanterns all around. Coming up with succulent barbecued chicken breasts or

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Gourmet delight

tender kebabs is not an easy task. Many people don’t have an idea on how to go about grilling a perfect barbequed chicken or mutton at home. Before you attempt grilling at home, make sure you acquire information on how to prepare the marination and sauces and garnishes.

Set the grill counter with all the raw meat, cuts of your choice, sauces, spices, oils and veggies along with clean skewers. You can even have seafood, burgers, veg cutlets, kebabs or whatever your enjoy. For your vegetarian guests you can dole up paneer, potatoes or corn. Grilled food need a dash of lemon juice so make sure you have enough lemon wedges ready. Apart from grilled dishes, you can even have some fresh salads and finger foods like small quiches.

Make the do even more interesting with music and games. Depending on the time and space you have, you can organize games like musical chair, tambola or even antakshari.

Prizes can include gift baskets, concert tickets, gift vouchers or even sweets and chocolates, depending on your budget. No matter how bland the authentic version of an international barbeque cuisine may be, when it comes to India - ‘the land of spices’, it’s got to titillate the taste buds. So, taking a cue from it, you can even create your own spices to sprinkle over the sizzling hot barbecued snacks. We

bring you some nice barbeque options, which will make your guests, want more.

Skewer onto bamboo sticks that have been soaked in water for about 10 minutes.

Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

Grill on medium high heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side, until juices run clear.

Ingredients 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon olive oil or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil juice of one lime 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 -2 teaspoon sriracha chili-garlic sauce red pepper flakes, to taste 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced 1 lb skinless boneless chicken breast ( for kabobs cut into large chunks) salt (optional) Method In a small bowl, combine soy sauce through the cilantro. Mix thoroughly.

Cut the chicken into large chunks and marinate for at least 30 minutes - 1 hour.

For convenience place the chunks in a small ziplock bag, pour in the marinade and squeeze out the air.

Massage the marinade around the chunks to coat. Remove the chunks from the marinade and lightly season kabobs with salt, if desired.

November 2012 92 www.spiceroutemag.com

Serve it hot and steaming.

Grilled mango and cheese quesadillas Ingredients: 2 flour tortilla 3 tbsp brie or camembert cheese, softened 1 mango, sliced thin mango

Method Grease and pre-heat an indoor grill, outdoor barbecue or grill pan or sautee pan to medium-low heat.

Spread a layer of cheese on one flour tortilla and arrange the mango slices on top.

Place second flour tortilla on top and gently press down to seal.

Sautee or grill quesadillas just until tortillas are lightly crisped and cheese is lightly melted and warmed through.

Left: Crisp paneer patties on the grill; Bottom: Juicy chicken drumsticks

Gourmet delight

Dollop of

health S

Prioritise your health this festive season. Adopt a healthy lifestyle by adding superfoods to your diet.

uperfoods is a term that is fast becoming popular with every passing day. And no, we are not talking about a brand of mayonnaise. So what really are superfoods? Is this something that Superman eats or shares with other superheroes? Funnily enough, superfoods November 2012 94 www.spiceroutemag.com

might just make you something akin to Superman. So make them a part of your daily diet. You might still not be able to fly or do some supernatural act. But superfoods can actually help you stay super healthy and in a super tasty way!

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Gourmet delight

Colostrum or the milk given by a cow within 8-hours of the birth of its calf, is high in anti-ageing properties Loaded with qualities Often a term used to describe food with high phytonutrient content, which confers health benefits as a result, these readily available food items are called superfoods for their qualities to help in lowering blood cholesterol, risk of heart diseases and many other ailments. And what’s more, superfoods can assure a healthy, disease-free life.

In India, nutritionists and medical practitioners are urging people to maintain a healthy lifestyle by propagating the concept of superfoods. We came across the wonderful and yummy concept at a hotel where the chef introduced us to superfoods, which was as

fitness mantra

delicious as it was healthy. “In India it is not tough to include a little bit of superfoods in your diet on a regular basis,” claims the chef.

Wondering how? Well, it’s simply because onion and garlic, the two most widely used vegetables in India, have immense health benefits. And unlike other things, combining these two superfoods gives a multiplying effect rather than a merely additional benefit.

For instance, for a fortifying breakfast, you can have an omelette with broccoli and cheese wrapped into it. Eggs, broccoli and cheese are all superfoods. Add multigrain bread with strawberry preserve to it, a glass of carrot and beetroot juice to drink with and voila, you have a super breakfast ready!

Health bonanza

Include one cereal that is complex carbohydrate, one protein element and a fruit.

Superfoods though have come into effect only recently, the concept however is not that new.

Maca, for example, grown in the high Andes Mountains of Peru is packed with vitamins, minerals, proteins, tannins, alkaloids and other phytochemicals. This was the superfood of the Incas. Maca is the powdered root of the Lepidium Meyenii plant, known for its ability to support healthy energy levels, consumed for thousands of years by the Incas.

Include workout in your everyday routine

And it wasn’t just the Incas. The ancient secret to anti-ageing actually does lie in

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

November 2012 96 www.spiceroutemag.com

Clockwise from above: Garlic prevents certain types of cancers; Tomatoes are rich in lycopine; Soy is a great source of protein

India’s sacred animal - Cow! Colostrum, or the milk that’s given by a cow within 8-hours of the birth of its calf, is high in anti-ageing properties. This is one superfood, which is tough to acquire but can help not only in keeping one young but also build the immune system.

However, not all superfoods are that tough to acquire. Simple things grown in your own little kitchen patch or terrace garden can also be as healthy as Colostrum. Broccoli, onion, garlic, green beans, carrots, spinach, honey, soy, tomatoes and squash are all very good sources of antioxidants and phytonutrients and thus make very good superfoods.

Gourmet delight

Expert advice

Top to bottom: Honey can be eaten everyday as a substitute to sugar; Green vegetables are rich in iron; Tea is known to improve health

According to celebrity health guru and owner of her own chain of fitness academy, Leena Mogre, the right diet constitutes 80 per cent of staying fit and healthy. The other 20 per cent of course comes from the correct form of work out. “If one is having a proper diet, the superfoods anyways get included in it. Like greens, pulses and curd. Our ancestors used to eat these things on a regular basis, right food at the right time. That’s why they were always healthier than us,” Leena feels. But diets, says Leena should always be according to one’s lifestyle. If a person has a desk job, his/her diet would definitely differ from the one who is always on the move.

Apples for example are also rich in phytonutrients. So is tea and oily fish. Add these regular foods to your diet daily to improve your health. In addition to the super diet, practicing meditation or some other form of yoga or exercise for half an hour a day, can make your life much beautiful, trust us.

So, while the world’s biggest fast food chains come up with newer burgers and fries, here’s a few words of wisdom – stick to what your mother dishes out for you, its not only tastier, its healthier as well. Dose on the health and cosmetic benefits, do not neglect on what is available right under our noses or in our refrigerators.

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November 2012 98 www.spiceroutemag.com

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In conversation

Smashing Saina

Winning an Olympic medal does not mean resting time for Saina Nehwal.

Read on to know about her goals and off the court action.

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orld number 3, Padma Shri and Khel Ratna awardee, Saina Nehwal has brought new hope to the game of badminton in India. For this star player life is all about rigorous training, strict diet sans parties or sleepovers.

However, there is no room for

S or e n

regret but only looking ahead.

She shares more about her game and life.

Though it has been months now, can you tell us what was your immediate reaction after winning November 2012 100 www.spiceroutemag.com

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In conversation

the Olympic medal?

I was elated that I won an Olympic medal as nobody had done it in badminton from our country so far. I was very very happy and emotional after that

know saina My badminton kit has 10-12 racquets, 4 boxes of shuttles, a skipping rope & towels Favourite cities Hyderabad for its history, Singapore for shopping Non-badminton interests Sketching, reading, music, Bollywood movies, films, gadgets Favourite apps Fruit Ninja, Angry Birds, Sumo wrestling, Tennis and Talking Tom

After the much awaited Olympics medal, what is your next goal?

Now, my focus is on playing even better in the coming tournaments and perform consistently and win many more medals for India.

How has life changed after this mega win, both professionally and personally?

The Olympic win has made me even more popular and it is very gratifying. I just feel very good.

Who is Saina Nehwal outside the badminton court; what are the things you like doing when you are not playing?

Well, outside the badminton court, I am a ‘Simple’ Indian girl, you can also call me ‘girl next door’. When I have time, which is very rare - I like to watch Hindi

movies, little bit of television and listen to hindi songs. I love fiddling around with gadgets too.

What do you do to unwind yourself after a big match?

Nothing actually, maybe relax a little and then I start with my practice sessions for the coming tournaments.

At this moment of time do you consider any particular player as your main opponent/ somebody you enjoy defeating time and again?

I found Wang Yihan the most formidable player to be defeated and I will do it.

What do you have to say about the awareness of badminton as a game in our country?

Badminton is slowly but surely gaining momentum among youngsters. India will soon be recognised as a sports country where so many sports are getting popular and badminton is definitely one of them.

November 2012 102 www.spiceroutemag.com

Do you think enough children/ youngsters are taking up playing badminton as a profession?

Yes, they are, but it needs lot of dedication, hardwork and parental support.

What kind of a traveller are you; one who goes with a must see list or one who would like to just relax?

So far I have mostly travelled for my tournaments. I have been to many interesting cities across the world, but my schedule is packed with practice sessions and tournaments.

Any particular Indian destination that you have been wanting to visit for long?

There is so much to see in India and it is very difficult to pin point one particular destination.

What is the latest book/movie that you have seen lately?

I just saw Barfi a couple of days back and I loved it.

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In conversation

Breathlessly musical Having hit the limelight with his very successful album ‘Breathless’, Mahadevan has been giving us one hit after another.

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hankar Mahadevan is not just an exemplary singer but also an ace composer of the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio. Having given musical hits like those in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Teri Bin Laden and Chittagong among many others, the next few months will bring his latest offerings. Having won the National Award both as a singer and music director, Mahadevan breathes and lives ‘music’.

Tell us what do you have in the offing for your fans?

Well, the coming months have quite a few movies with my music like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Nikhil Advani’s D Day and Karan Johar’s movie based on Chetan Bhagat’s 3 States, One by Two. The music of the just released Chittagong

|

Bindu

Gopal

Rao

and Delhi Safari, a 3D animation movie too are refreshing.

to make it my career I was very clear that it was ‘now or never’.

Tell us about your transition from a tech job to music?

It was a very natural shift as I was always a musician with music in my genes. Coming from a south Indian family, education was always an important part of our culture and so I completed my engineering degree and worked for eight months after that. But I knew my core competence was always music and when I decided

Your partnership with Ehsaan and Loy has worked wonders. How do you maintain the success?

Meeting Ehsaan and Loy was more like an extension of my work in the advertising industry as they were also working in the same space. I think God has a way of connecting people and we respected each other’s work and decided to work together to compose music. Our first

I come across budding talent with great voices on music reality shows

November 2012 104 www.spiceroutemag.com

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Tell us about the Shankar Mahadevan Academy.

It’s a year and half old and is one of its kind online music academy that delves into every aspect of music. It offers tutorials and virtual vocal courses in Carnatic and Hindustani classical music, religious chanting, Indian folk music and Bollywood all from the comfort of your home. It is a

great opportunity for someone who wants to learn music and has no time for it. It’s a huge project and my partner, Sridhar and I are working on developing a practical curriculum. The response has been great and we have students from 29 countries across 42 time zones using it.

After running an online music academy, you are also part of a digital talent hunt. How exciting is this the virtual world of music?

This is something I am really proud of considering that there is a whole new parallel virtual world where people use the Internet extensively for exploring music. A music company recently organised an online talent hunt which received over six lakh callers and over 90,000 entries.

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In conversation

Favourite holidays Maldives would top the list because of its scenic beauty.

London and New York for you can simply step out and roam around the entire day and not know how time flew by.

I try going out on a holiday with my family to an international destination once a year.

and we are in the process of selecting for the second round.

Even the finale will not be televised but we will have a live video streaming online and then announce the winner.

How has music changed with the use of technology in recent times?

Technology and music have married each other just like so many other fields. I am in favour of technology that is used in the right way. Not, for instance, to modify a singer’s voice.

How was your experience as a judge on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa? I think being part of such shows exposes you to a different world, since we are so associated with the performance aspect of music.

Also you get to meet incredible talent. This is a show that started 18 years back when American Idol had not even started. As a musician we get to hear new voices and have used at least 20 singers from reality shows in our songs. And I must not deny that the money is really good.

How do you balance roles of being an ace composer and a great singer?

I think you have to be a bit of a schizophrenic to do both.

As a composer it is important to detach yourself from the song once it’s ready and only choose a singer whose vocals will best match the song. Also when we teach songs to our singers, I make sure that they are absolutely comfortable and are able to add their own character to a song which will define it going forward.

You do so many things at the same time, how do you choose projects?

I think it should excite you on a script level first and then it should motivate you to be associated with the making over the next several months.

You should want to be part of the whole association.

Your son is also making his debut as a composer. How do you feel?

I feel very proud and happy that he is doing well but I will not say that he is the next big thing. To do well in music it is important to invest in knowledge and practice relentlessly and gain respect for your work. I have never pressurised him to get into it and he has done it on his own merit and choice.

and songs?

Actually, it’s hard to pick favourites since all our singers are so dear to us and each have their original identity. Be it Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghosal, Shaan or KK, each has their own charm and it’s a privilege and honour to work with them. Likewise it’s hard to pick a song as a favourite, simply because it has topped the charts.

Some really good songs in an album never get heard because only few songs become popular at a given time.

Do you like travelling, and which are your favourite destinations?

Travelling is part of my profession and I do enjoy it. Some of the places that I really like visiting are New York, Dubai, Singapore,

Who are your favourite singers November 2012 106 www.spiceroutemag.com

Kerala and Goa. Very often we perform on weekends and if our families are with us we extend our stay and explore the cities.

There are so many fabulous travel memories but once we took a chopper ride in New Zealand that landed straight on a glacier which is distinctly memorable till now.

With so many awards in your kitty, what is it that you cherish most?

Honestly speaking awards make you feel good, you enjoy the moment and it kind of recharges your battery and reassures you, but really it does not make you any different. To me my greatest reward is when ordinary people come up to me at an airport lounge or while waiting for a taxi and say nice things about the songs we created.

Glam world

Zip Zap Zoom

Once again it is this time of the year when most of us decide to get hold of a new set of wheels. So sit back, read on and pick your ride for the season.

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he automobile industry in India is upbeat with new cars and better technology. Green versions and CNG range all spells a new era of driving fun at the wheels. The choices are plenty; from entry level SUVs to sedans and interesting hatchbacks, getting behind the wheels have got all the more exciting.

November 2012 108 www.spiceroutemag.com

Glam world

Entry level Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 The country’s best selling car, the Alto, has been redesigned and is all set to to roll out in style. With the likes of the Hyundai Eon adding oodles of style to the entry-level hatchback segment, Maruti Suzuki had but no choice than to come up with this stylish and nifty piece of design. The mileage figures claimed by the ARAI is 22.7 kpl which is much higher than the 19.73 kpl for its previous version. At its heart, the Alto 800 gets the F8D engine, which is the same as in the previous model, but with some major tweaks. The 796cc, three-cylinder, 12-valve engine manages to stay within the emission limits but without compromising on performance, driveability or fuel efficiency. The Alto 800 has been priced very competitively and has a starting price of `2.44 lakh.

Brio churns out 65 kW power at 6000 rpm and a manages a peak torque of 109 Nm at 4600 rpm

Honda Brio Amongst all the new entry cars out there, the Brio is not just one of the latest models but also a brand new machine. It’s not a refresh or an upgrade, but a totally new set of wheels in its first generation avatar in our country.

Honda, which so far had been known for its mid-segment vehicles has breached the territory of cars like the i10 and the Ritz with its Brio hatchback. This nifty little car looks

quite compact from the outside but is big on space and also has a long list of features.

Another thing which might swing your decision in Honda’s favour is that at present dealers are also giving some sweet deals on this car. Powered by a 1.2-litre motor with four cylinders, the Brio churns out 65 kW power at 6000 rpm and a manages a peak torque of 109 Nm at 4600 rpm. It’s base model has an

November 2012 110 www.spiceroutemag.com

ex-showroom price of `4,05,00 and goes up to `5,23,000 for the top variant.

Chevrolet Sail Chevrolet has been doing all the right things since the launch of Beat a couple of years back.

And now to replace the ageing Aveo UV-A hatchback, Chevy has an ace of a care up its sleeve. The Sail hatchback, which was unveiled

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campus of Madhya Pradesh approved by AICTE, PCI & NCTE New Delhi, offering 26 courses for graduation, diploma and postgraduation programs.

The PGOI also has the credit of being the first technical campus of Madhya Pradesh “It is our well-designed training programmes powered by excellent quality of teaching that have made enabled students efficiently harness job opportunities in major companies, says Preeti Patel laying stress on transfer of technical skills to students. Many students are on top positions in multinational companies.

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Enabling academic climate helps students to harness their innate capabilities and they guide themselves to tread the path of success. Regular seminars and

We focus on Quality Education and Vision building - Mrs Preeti Patel, Chairperson, Patel Group of Institutions

workshops on a variety of subjects related to curriculum are designed to improve knowledge resource of students.

Experts judged the academic performance of the PGOI and found it excellent. The academic facilities that help improve access to knowledge are well placed and maintained. They are at par with those at IITs, NITs and IIMs. The concentration is on enhancing practical knowledge. The PGOI has tie-up with IBM, Professional Tutorials, Ambiance and Pathfinder for grooming the students.

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Glam world

at this year’s Auto Expo will most likely come with a 1.2-litre, 80 PS petrol engine that runs their entry level hatch, Beat. As this will help them is cutting down on excise duty, we can expect it to have an interesting price tag. And due to its premium size it will also put it in the league of cars like the Honda Jazz, Hyundai i20 and the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Ritz.

SEDaN Renault Scala Platform sharing between companies has kind of become a norm in the Indian automobile industry and the Scala is a product that has been born out of the sale formula. Based on Nissan Sunny, this car from the French carmaker is its first shot at the segment which is ruled by Honda City and Hyundai Verna.

Unlike the other two, which have been on our roads for quite a while, the Scala presents a totally new look and thus manages to stand out amid stiff competition. The Scala has both a petrol and an diesel variant. The petrol version has a 1.3 litre engine capable of producing power of 99 ps at 6000 rpm and a torque of 134 Nm at 4000 rpm. It’s frugal 1461 cc diesel engine has a max power of 86 ps at 3750 rpm and a peak torque of 200 Nm at 2000 rpm.

Scala’s price range starts from `6.99 lakhs for the petrol and goes up till `9.57 lakh for the top end diesel variant.

Hyundai Elantra A few years back when Hyundai had launched the Elantra everyone swooned over its looks.

Though it was a damn good machine, somehow its sales figures didn’t really go off the charts.

But now all that is set to change. With the new Elantra, Hyundai has come up with its fluidic design concept which gives the car a very global appeal. Not only does it look good it also gives you a wonderful drive experience.

The top variant gives you features like ESP, six airbags, powered and ventilated seats, dualzone air-conditioning, audio control for rear seat passengers, cruise control and even heated mirrors. Under its hood you get a 126bhp 1.6-litre diesel and a 146bhp 1.8 petrol mill.

Across models, it is priced between `12.51`15.85 lakhs.

SUV Mahindra Quanto Mahindra has been long known for their SUV making capabilities. Their vehicles might not have the finesse of a German made off-roader, but give them any kind of terrain and they

November 2012 112 www.spiceroutemag.com

will tackle those with ease. In fact, if you notice most of vehicles you find in the upper reaches of the Himalayas or in the arid deserts of Rajasthan would be a Scorpio or a Bolero.

And now, with the Quanto, Mahindra has once again come with a vehicle that’s not only value for money but also delivers what it promises.

It has a peppy 1.5 litre engine which spits out 73.5 kW of power and a peak torque of 240 Nm. Priced at `5.99 lakhs for the entry level model, it goes up to `7.57 lakh for the top variant.

SsangYong Rexton Big, brash and bold. That’s how you explain what the Rexton looks like. Mahindra acquired the Korean car manufacturer SsangYong in March last year and now are all set to launch their first high-end SUV, the Rexton in India.

This massive machine is being manufactured at the Mahindra plant at Chakan in Pune and will be be launched in a phased manner all over India. Last year with the launch of the XUV500, Mahindra did gather a foothold in the premium SUV segment and the Rexton will only help them in further strengthening and expanding their market share in the high-end SUV market.

The Rexton has a starting price tag of `17.67 lakh and comes with a 2.7-litre, 5-cylinder, CRDI engine. It will be sold through the existing Mahindra dealerships and will come with a 2-years or 100,000kms warranty.

Well being

Path to

fitness

‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ is passé, walking is the latest health mantra.

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Urban India is falling back on physical activities leading to the stressed out lifestyle and health concerns. With virtually no time left to regain our mental and physical fitness in a dawn-to-dusk racy schedule of our daily lives, a simple walk comes to be a handy relaxing tool than rushing to fitness centres for lifting those weights and painful squats! Walk when you talk says one of the television commercial.

The mantra is simple and absolutely helpful. If you’ve been thinking how and when to walk, here’s a round up of 10 reasons why walking is a great exercise for people from all walks of life.

Walkathon mania If weight loss is on your mind, walking at a steady pace of 6-7 km per hour for 30 to 45 minutes a day has proven to be an excellent fat burner. Stick to it for five days a week, along with a healthy diet and welcome change is visible in your weight. A good speed of walking should take you 10 minutes to cover a kilometre. However, the speed may

Walking strengthens bones as movements exert pressure on bigger muscles leading to maximum blood circulation November 2012 114 www.spiceroutemag.com

Well being

If you have joined a gym, make sure you seek advice from the fitness trainer before starting any exercise

vary with different age groups especially the senior citizens.

But what matters most in walking is your stride, says wellness expert Santosh Kumar. “If your stride is 100 per cent, you increase it to 120 per cent to get to that extra mile! The gains of walking are visible very soon if you have a faster stride and move your hands in sync with your steps,” says Kumar who runs his own fitness center in the national capital and has trained celebs like Akshay Kumar and Naveen Jindal among many others.

Walking is a well-known exercise to reduce blood pressure, improve blood circulation and all round cardiovascular functions. “A brisk walk with swinging hands is the best bet for diabetics and patients with hypertension and lung disorders,” informs Kumar, adding it increases stamina and also improves muscle strength and endurance.

Understanding the roles that family history and fitness play in chronic diseases is critically important and studies have showed that brisk walking for 150 minutes per week can provide a huge health benefit, particularly to people predisposed to hypertension because of their family history. With his brief stint in Indian Army, Kumar reveals that he finds walking as a better exercise substitute to jogging or running, quite opposite to the common belief.

“I was in Army till 2004 and there we used to jog in mornings and evenings but whole day we had to walk which perfectly maintained our physical fitness. Nonetheless, walking is easier on your knees and joints than running and it leads to fewer injuries.”

muscles leading to maximum blood circulation.

It increases bone density and slows down bone loss in the legs. Also, walking plays a pivotal role in preventing Type 2 diabetes. Studies show that walking for up to 150 minutes per week can reduce the risk of diabetes, which is why doctors highly recommend it to anyone who has a history of diabetes in their family.

Walk your way to health No doubt walking is good for bones and is a great way of strengthening your bones as the movements exert more pressure on our bigger

Walking for 150 minutes per week can provide a huge health benefit for people predisposed to hypertension and diabetes November 2012 116 www.spiceroutemag.com

Sedentary lifestyle and fatigued senses can easily be rejuvenated through a walk. A nice morning walk is a great stress buster and boosts your mental health. Experts suggest linking up with a ‘walking buddy’ as commitment to meet a friend for that walk won’t let you give it a skip whereas if you are planning to walk on your own, it is often easier to make excuses and put it off.

Well being

Good posture counts Not many of us know that when we walk, our body releases a chemical serotonin, the natural feel good chemical besides producing endorphins, often called as happy hormones.

Unlike strenuous sessions at gyms, people feel on a natural high at the end of a walking session. Kumar advises that when taking a step let the heel land first on the ground. And as you take the movement from heel towards the ball of the foot, try to make a slight rolling

motion inwards. This will help to give you a faster stride. This technique of walking can burn just as many calories as jogging.

Nowadays, there are such devices in the market that are made to monitor your steps.

You just have to tie them to your waistline and count the steps per walking session.

Maintaining your posture also makes a huge contribution in obtaining the maximum benefits from walking.

The wellness expert recommends walking tall and holding the ribcage up and stomach muscles can help you immensely. This lowimpact exercise also targets your spine, legs and hips. Power-walking is keeping a brisk pace at moderate to high intensity which can burn the same amount of calories as jogging or running or any other weight/inch loss indoor exercise do. You can even tie lightweights to your limbs while doing power walking for helping with weight loss, says Kumar. A major benefit of walking especially for people who

fitness mantra Walking for up to 150 minutes per week can reduce the risk of diabetes Walking at a steady pace for 45 minutes a day is excellent for weight loss A nice morning walk is a great stress buster

have to keep standing for long hours like those in teaching profession is that it helps to drain the lower legs of excess fluid and can help prevent varicose veins through the pumping action of the calf muscles.

Regular walking promotes increased supply of oxygen ridding the body of the waste products in the tissues. It’s free! Unlike most other forms of exercise available, all walking requires is a pair of good walking shoes. You don’t need expensive equipment or a trainer to do this. But don’t forget to give your feet a gentle massage at the end of a long walk.

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neuropathies, restless leg syndrome, and nonhealing ulcers.

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This wavelength of light stimulates the release of a Nitric Oxide, a naturally occurring chemical in the body. This release of nitric oxide in the microvasculature improves circulation and nerve function, effectively reducing pain and improving healing. The patient feels no pain with treatment, and there are no known negative side effects or drug interactions.

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Fifteen studies published in international medical journals involving over 5,000 patients support the efficacy of the Anodyne® Therapy System (MIRE™) and the outcomes related to the treatment of diabetic and peripheral

While these products do not cure diabetes

November 2012 118 www.spiceroutemag.com

or the complications associated with it, they address the burning, stinging and numbing sensations felt by those affected; and simultaneously reduce the risk of the development of foot and lower leg ulcers.

For more information about Anodyne Therapy products in India, call 91 80 23494345 or visit www.anodynetherapy.in

Well being

Naturally

healing clothes

Techniques handed down over the centuries from generation to generation in a family of weavers in Kerala are being popularised as Ayurvastra.

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ow’s a sprig of holy basil, a handful of aromatic spices or a cluster of rose or shoe flower petals going to help you go stress-free, fresh and totally energized? Or cure a specific ailment like arthritis, rheumatism, depression, skin-ailments, insomnia or even diabetes?

‘Clothes make the man’ says not just the common idiom but also Ayurvastra, a system

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where what you wear could heal you. In Kerala, the cradle of the holistic system of Ayurveda, where nature conspires with ancient wisdom to treat the cause rather than the symptoms of a disease, there is even a season devoted to rejuvenation. Now, there is a revival of more ancient knowledge where your well-being could be in your control by what you wear.

November 2012 120 www.spiceroutemag.com

Ancient know-how You could possibly throw away that pot of messy lotions and simply switch over to turmeric cloth, or holy basil cloth or any of the seventy variations of herbal-dye-infused textile suited to your skin or body type, produced at this not-for-profit society, The Handloom Weavers Development Society, at Thumbod,

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Well being

The Ayurvastra fabric is not limited to cottons; there is jute, silk, wool, linen, flax and even coir, which can be treated under Ayurvastra

Clockwise from above: Turmeric is extensively used in Ayurvastra; The healing fabric is used to make different clothes; People in Ayurvastra fabric

Healing naturally near the weaver’s town of Balaramapuram, at the outskirts of Trivandrum.

Dyed fabric is certainly not a novelty, but when the cloth is home-woven from certified organic cotton, dyed in infusions of potent plant extracts, and the dye is not washed off at the first contact with liquids but held fast by a secret formula handed down in confidence, the product becomes a unique item. The first look at how the cloth itself is born and treated into Ayurvastra is an interesting insight.

The cotton collected for the weave is genuine organic cotton and collected from various authentic sources across India, like Gujarat and Tirupur. This is woven into cloth lengths and then starts the purification process. People who are familiar with traditional life in bygone eras will know the importance given to cow urine in the Indian systems of medicine. It’s one ingredient used in the preparation of medicines in Ayurveda too.

Ayurvastra starts off with bleaching the yarn, using an herbal concoction in which cow’s November 2012 122 www.spiceroutemag.com

urine forms a major part. And again it’s not just any cow, but a cow fed with organic food, ensuring the absence of any chemical in its body processes. It’s then treated with the best antiseptic available on the earth, direct sunlight, which thankfully is in plenty in this little tropical state. The next step is a dip in a natural adhesive created with herbal formula; this could involve aloe vera, and camphor, among some 50 other herbs.

This is the technique that’s held in confidence. It’s a family secret handed down the centuries in the Kuzhivila family of Thumbod village. Then the cloth goes into what is an herbal infusion of a number of ingredients predominantly flavoured by the wellness component intended to create a certain effect. Like, turmeric tinged length or a sandal smelling piece. Now it’s left to season, or for the gum to act so that the colour and bouquet remains fast. The seasoning period involves a three-day drying and a fortnight

Well being

long settling time, in the shade. The cloth is washed again and seasoned for another fortnight. The Ayurvastra is now born. And its perfectly eco-friendly, non-polluting and free from any trace of chemicals.

Ayurvastra for the newborns improves and sustains the natural immunity a baby is born with

T ypes of Ayurvastra There are two types of fabric produced under the Ayurvastra principles. One is the wellness cloth, which you can choose and made into dresses of your choice according to the skin type. You could simply choose a fabric type for its cooling effect on your skin, like the sandal cloth. Or perhaps cloths that will help you sleep better, or help not aggravate a minor benign skin condition.

Wearing the second type of Ayurvastra actually caters to the need of a person suffering from a specific ailment. Like, when you have a

diagnosed condition of arthritis, rheumatism, depression, or a skin condition like psoriasis or specific allergies, or even diabetes, there are precise prescriptions on which Ayurvastra clothing could help you feel better. For example, there are five different types of clothing for the various diabetic conditions, and for people suffering from skin cancer or undergoing chemotherapy, there are Ayurvastra options to make you cope better with the trauma and feel cooler. Another specific item created is clothing for the newborn. The Ayurvastra prescriptions for the newbornâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Clockwise from bottom: Ayurvastra treates the fabric in herbal concoction; Organic clothing; Essential oils and herbs are used to make Ayurvastra

dress involves fabrics which are aimed at improving and sustaining the natural immunity a baby is born with. The advice is to use only such fibre for at least a fortnight after the baby is born, as against the chemical and artificial fibre we use on baby skin these days.

Of colour and herbs In India when we think yellow, it has to be turmeric. Ayurvastra has turmeric dyed cloth with a lovely soft yellow shade. Similarly the indigo shade, a popular one, is a dye extracted from the precious neela amari plant, famous for its use in anti-venom serums. The holy basil plant or tulsi is another popular herb used in Ayurvastra. There are around 100 varieties of holy basil in India, and the natural dull green shade of the extract is also the shade of the Tulsi cloth. Then there is the ubiquitous neem plant, well-known for their medicinal quality which is another of the Ayurvastra herbs.

In fact, the colour is not what one should choose Ayurvastra for, but the requirement of your body and mind to attain and maintain wellness. The basic shades available are green, blue, yellow, black and red. There are no artificial ingredients used to enhance shades in Ayurvastra.

Clothes and more The Ayurvastra fabric is not limited to cottons.

There is jute, silk, wool, linen, flax, and even coir, which can be treated under Ayurvastra.

And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just your dress, but also your bedding, bed linen, chappals, mats, rugs, towels, carpets and much more of life-style stuff that can be adopted into a healthy way of Ayurvastra.

For a generation that has started going back to the basics, health is wealth. And health is not just about what you eat, but what your wear too. And Ayurvastra clothes, could promote wellness, by simply letting the skin absorb the herbal extracts of the Ayurvastra clothes as one sweats. It sure looks a cool thing!

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Culture canvas

The

toy

story

Loved by all, folk toys have been and are still dolling up our lives.

WORDS | N itika Bajpayee P h o t os | D i l i p b a n e r j e e

T

he word ‘toy’ takes each one of us to our childhood days. During the hot summer afternoons, like all children, I too was restricted within the periphery of my house. My grandmother would safeguard my presence at home in the sweltering summer afternoons.

Grandparents always pacify children with some or the other stories and fairytales. During those hot and humid days since none of my friends were out to play, my most cherished toys kept me entertained. The good old childhood days remind me of some of my first virtual friends – toys. Coming in all shapes and sizes, colourful toys are every child’s friends.

also increase in their lives. A newborn is welcomed by colourful jhunjhunas. With time, dolls, kitchen sets, doctor sets, piggy banks, miniature cars, toy planes, electric bikes, become a child’s favourites. Brands like Fisher Price, Funskool, Mattle are busy adding newer varieties of toys to attract children. Barbie dolls were a rage during my childhood days.

But today’s generation has much more on offer than a simple Barbie doll and an ordinary kitchen set.

They have Xboxes, PSPs, PS3s and many such gaming consoles with latest games. As attractive these toys and games are, they are taking away the charm of our simple small but equally exciting traditional toys.

As children grow and mature the number of toys

Beautiful friends

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The plastic and metal toys,

Culture canvas

Clockwise from far left: Craftsman busy making wooden toys; A Kondapalli toy from Andhra Pradesh; Kondapalli dolls dance and sway their face and hands; A clay toy from northeast India

Clay toys Clay is perhaps the only material that is found in abundance in all parts of the country. Since, India is a tropical country, there is no dearth of material. Made all over the country through the use of moulds, clay toys are made by aptly kneading the clay. The properly kneaded clay is pressed into the moulds. Moulds depicting the hands, feet and head are made, and joined together to come out with a figure â&#x20AC;&#x201C; animals, dolls, birds etc.

Handmade toys made not only from clay, but also from various other materials like paper, wood, bamboo and cloth which are sold in cities, attract our younger ones. These are the newer versions of toys. In India, the most ancient toys, discovered by archaeologists, date back to the Indus Valley Civilization, between 2500 and 1700 BC. The toy industry first flourished during the early days of the Indus Valley Civilization when the craftsmen manufactured beautiful toys and artifacts for the children. As civilizations changed, man harnessed the nature of toys according to his needs. Remote controlled cars replaced wooden farm carts while clay miniatures of birds and animals were replaced by high-end dolls.

Children from villages, different ethnicities and backgrounds still rely on what we call folk toys. The traditionally

indigenous hand-made toys still catch fancy of kids living in rural and semi urban set up. Not much is written and heard about handmade toys. Through the efforts of NGOs like Dastkaar, toys designed by rural artists and craftsmen are displayed at various cultural fairs. And the trend to buy the folk flavoured toys is now catching up in the country.

Today, folk toys are not just used as an item of play for children. These are for various other purposes, and gifting is one of them. People gift the colourful handmade toys to their friends or choose to put them as a showpiece. Wooden idols of Ganesha, Laughing Buddha and wooden horses are some of the most common showpieces you would find at any of your friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

place. The traditional handicraft industry displays the lively traditions of the state that are portrayed through the wonderful creations of the village craftsmen.

Handmade terracotta dolls, wooden carts, cloth puppets, are now doing well in the market. The conventional handicraft industry from all across the country reflects the rich cultural tradition of each of the Indian states. Celebrating the vibrant and dynamic artistic skills, folk toys are work of imaginative creations. Handmade toys made not only from clay, but also from various other materials like paper, wood, bamboo and cloth. We bring you types of folk toys that are famous in the rural set ups. Must invest small amount of your money in these and they will beautify your house and life.

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These earthen toys are strengthened by baking them in the sun or fire kilns. These toys are then painted with different colours. These clay toys are generally sold at the folk fairs and festivals. Clay dolls from Rajasthan are dolled up in ghaghra cholis, ornaments and traditional jewellery. Each region has different types of clay toys. The ones from Gujarat, Chattisgarh

Culture canvas

Clay dolls from Rajasthan are dolled up in ghaghra cholis, ornaments and traditional jewellery or Bengal depict the culture and traditions of the state they hail from.

Wooden toys

Toy world Paper toys like kites, balloons, pin wheels, lanterns, flowers and wall hangings are some of the favourites of the Indian children.

Mainly made from metals like bronze and brass, metal toys are comparatively heavier than their paper and cloth counterparts.

Miniature pots and pans, bullock carts, animals and idols of gods and goddesses are some of the most popular items.

You must have noticed wooden horses, cows, or monkeys at local folk hubs like Dilli Haat. Rural carpenters, who specialise in toy making, craft these beautiful wooden toys out. Making a wooden toy is a tedious process which starts from sketching the toy figure on a piece of wood.

The sketch is cast by a pencil.

After sketching, the figure is chiselled out from the wooden piece using small working instruments. The raw figure is further chiselled to give a perfect shape. Finer instruments and a lot of handwork goes into casting out a wooden toy. Made from mainly lighter forms of wood like walnut, sandal, rose wood or ebony, the toys are then painted. The craftsmen artistically paint every part of the body of a toy, which

come in forms of animals, human faces and miniature statues of gods. Wooden dolls from Bengal, animals from Gujarat and birds from the southern parts of the country are most famous in the country. During the famous Puri Rath Yatra, small wooden figurines of lord Jagannath are sold all across Orrisa.

Cloth Toys When you talk about cloth toys, I simply adore puppets. Made from waste and worn out pieces of cloth, these toys have an unusual charm. The process of making cloth toys is simple, they are first washed in soda, and then coloured in different shades of attractive colours â&#x20AC;&#x201C; red, blue, green. The toy artist would then draw the required figure on the coloured cloth. Usually, the procedure is done on a large sheet of coloured cloth, so that the material is not wasted. The drawn figure â&#x20AC;&#x201C; hands, legs, head, is cut out and stitched.

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Saw dust is then filled in the hollow parts of the cloth, till the desired shape is formed. With the process, all details of the toy get prominence. Fine quality of cloth toys come from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat.

Some toys catch our affection while some are these days placed in cabinets.

Culture canvas

Tales of

valour

Singing tales of valour about the times of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Peshwas, Powadas transport you to the era gone by.

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owada, like many other performing arts, instill the rich character of Maharashtra into its rhythms and leaves the audience spellbound. Powadas are sung in verse with a variety of metres, the rhythm, tonality and the rich content make these a powerful and evocative form of narrative that can stir public sentiment and action. The first mention of the word powada came in Dynaneshwari, the Marathi commentary on Bhagwad Gita by saint Dnyaneshwar and was translated as, ‘in war and battle the songs written on your deeds of valour are powada’. This mention clearly depicts that the performing art of powada has been around for at least 750 years.

Historical songs Maharashtra’s first acknowledged Shahir, a revered prefix much like a professional degree among powada singers, Adyan Das wrote and sang in praise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj when he defeated Afzal Khan’s army. Since then, powadas have taken the form of a mix of narrative and musical structure and belong to the genre November 2012 132 www.spiceroutemag.com

Culture canvas

where Gautam Buddha is praised followed by Shahiri.

Powada highlights three main moods or better called as ras, these are veer ras, shingar ras and bhakti ras. Veer ras powadas were those sung by Adyan Das and till today involve powadas describing deeds of bravery of kings. Apart from Maharashtra, veer ras stories are also sung in Punjab and Rajasthan. The solo performance powada singers perform shahiri with a tuntuna in their hand and a song on their lips. They are known as Dangat Shahirs and their art is known as Dangti Shahiri.

Their speciality is that they go to an audience member, get a little information on them and compose a powada on the spot.

Powada is a powerful medium of informing the youth about our rich cultural heritage of folk arts. Among these, roughly out of a 100, almost 90 are on the heroics of Shivaji Maharaj as a mark of love and respect for him. As the rulers changed so did the trend of powadas started with Shivajiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s powadas. Eventually came the rule of the Peshwas during which powadas continued to flourish as wars were fought and victory achieved. Towards the end of the Peshwa era, powadas lost prominence as a performing art while shringar ras with Lavni gained importance.

The next period saw patriotic fervour as freedom fighters like Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak inspired powada singers to dedicate their art for the nation and not just for Maharashtra. Tilak

wanted to inspire Indians all over the country and awaken them to the concept of Swaraj via this folk art. Post Independence, the next phase involved the movement for independent Maharashtra.

Shahirs like Annabhau Sathe, Amar Sheikh, Gavankar, Jangam Swami, Atamaram Patil and Kishen Rao Hinge played a crucial role during this period.

performance was a Barahbandi with a salwar below. On the head either a pagdi or pheta was worn.

With time along with the salwar, the jhabba was also introduced.

On the waist, shaila or the waistband is tied. The poetic recital of powadas is accompanied by the rhythmic exposition of instruments like the daf and tuntuna. Dholki, harmonium, dimri and tard or manjiri were the late additions. Apart from a teeka on their forehead, the only jewellery piece worn by Shahirs is a necklace made of cowrie shells. The significance of this jewellery piece is a bit devotional.

Shahirs are known to be Bhavani Mata devotees and among the Goddessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jewellery, cowries are considered the most important.

As times changed, audience interest changed and accordingly short powadas of upto 10 minutes started getting composed.

Powada topics cover a wide plethora of subjects and include the tales of freedom fighters, completion of 150 years of the 1857 mutiny, swadeshi movement, the liberation of Hyderabad and on social issues such as female feticide and HIV/AIDS.

Traditionally, only men would sing powada but with evolving times, even women powada singers or Shahiras have also joined in.

Powada singers perform barefoot.

A character from history via powada is brought to life. Powadas take inspiration from history and present it to the younger generation. Where else can both connect musically

Soulful renditions

Far left: A Shahir singing powada; Bottom: Powadas are also sung by women attired in traditional wear

The first known official costume worn during a powada

Gesture of patriotism Ambedkar Shahiriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s was the next phase. Traditionally, powadas organise a sequence that starts with Gann, where Lord Ganpati is remembered, followed by naman where the various sections of society are paid respect and then the powada. In Ambedkar Shahiri, first there is Bhim Vandana November 2012 134 www.spiceroutemag.com

Good samaritans

Spreading light Candles sold by the Blind Association illuminate many houses during Diwali, what is soul stirring is that the people making them can never see its light.

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s you enter the campus of The Blind Relief Association in the heart of Delhi, action strikes you. You will find children working on the computers, some are seen busy making paper bags while others playing around. If you miss the board at the entry gate, there is not much to give away their visually impaired state.

As the festive season approaches, all road leads to the Association gate as their Diwali mela is a must-attend event for many. This week-long event held annually a week before Diwali helps the Association in gaining some revenue and at the same time the world outside gets to see the wonderful products that inmates make at the November 2012 136 www.spiceroutemag.com

centre. The lovely candles and diyas made here are popular among one and all. What is striking is their wide variety, from small swastik diyas to the latest candles in long bamboo stand, they are a must buy for Diwali. As per P C Mehta, Dy. executive secretary, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Association every year puts up stalls selling

Good samaritans

Clockwise from left: Colourful diyas made by blind people; A faculty member playing chess; Terracotta lanterns made at the centre

candles, diyas, paper items besides few other products and we make a sale of `80-90 lakhs.

This helps us in funding many of our internal costs. There are 200 other stalls which also participate from across the country.â&#x20AC;? The 200 NGOs and organisations that participate in the fair are given free stalls and in return it gives a wider perspective to the Diwali mela with a wide variety of quality products which visitors get to buy from the Blind Association Diwali mela.

in the society. The residential school here is in no way different from any normal school in term of courses and extra curriculum activities.

As I entered the computer section, I was amazed to see so many students working on the computer, while some were completing their assignment, others were surfing the Net. The only difference, they had the audio track guiding them through all their activities.

The Craft section had young students making beautiful bags; they had their own way of

Making a change

Started way back in 1944, the Blind Association imparts education to blind students from all over India

Having started way back in 1944, the Association imparts education to many blind students from across the country besides providing various vocational courses. The residential school here looks after every need of the students till they find a strong footing

November 2012 138 www.spiceroutemag.com

measuring the size and making each gift bag a perfect piece in itself. The instructor, who has been teaching the students, says they master the art very fast and after few days of guidance they can make bags and gift tags without any assistance. A 19-year-old volunteer from Yemen, Sala who has been helping in the craft sections is amazed at the dexterity these students show while making their products. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are so self-sufficient, once they learn the art â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they do not need any help from anybody and what is

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Good samaritans

surprising is that they are pretty quick at their work too.” Sala is in India doing her Bachelors in Social Work and says being part of the Association has opened a completely different world for her and she would continue helping here as long as she can.

The candle making activity which has become synonymous with the Association itself

High points Upcoming Sports Meet Some of our students are working as principals in various respectable colleges Near 100% placement in all training courses

`80-90 lakh sale of own products during Diwali mela

has many people working here with the help of few visually abled volunteers helping the inmates in this section. It was heart-wrenching to see such wonderful and colourful candles being made by people who will never be able to see the glow of these candles. However, what is amazing is to see how these candles and diyas have become an integral part of Delhi’s Diwali. The centre does maximum sales during the mela, however, candles are made here throughout the year. Since it is all hand-made it takes a long time to produce the said numbers as the demand for these candles are huge. It is amazing to see how they have been innovating with the designs and style of these candles.

While the basic candles are produce in all sizes and colours, there are many superbly designed diya stands and candles. Very competitively priced, these diyas are perhaps the best way to bring happiness into the lives of those making these wonderful pieces.

Left: Bamboo candle stand made by blind children; Bottom: Students at the centre also make mobile pouches and other things

Success stories Keeping in mind the changing times, the curriculum and courses have been tailored in such a way so that the students passing out from here find a place in the job market outside. Courses like call centre training, IT training and massage training have helped the students in a big way. Mehta says, “We aim at providing the right education to our students and help them be self dependent.

They should have equal opportunity and their lives should not be any different from other individual. We feel very proud to reveal that today students who have passed out from our school are lectures, principals and teachers in various colleges. One of our students also joined Microsoft at a monthly salary of `1 lakh.”

Neelu, who has been with the Association for the last 16 years says, life is no different here, the students all work very hard and also have fun. They play games and there are few like Rajpal who are gadget freaks.

There are some who can sing well and some who are pranksters, so overall it has been a very gratifying experience being with these special friends. Action and activities do not stop at the centre, once the Diwali mela is over, preparations for the national level Sports Meet for the disabled will start in full swing.

This is the largest sports event for the visually impaired and participants from across the country will come to be a part of the meet.

One milestone after another, the Blind Association with it wonderful students have been making successful inroads in the world outside.

November 2012 140 www.spiceroutemag.com

Good samaritans

Of grit & glamour Chhavi Rajawat set an example for many of us when she left a flourishing career to get back to her roots and pull her native village Soda out of darkness.

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ne look at Chhavi Rajawat and one can hardly say that she’s the sarpanch of one of the most backward villages in India – Soda.

Young, articulate, well-educated and one with a vision – Chhavi, an MBA graduate, shattered all myths when she quit a flourishing career to return back to her native village. Soda, situated

60 kms from the city of Jaipur falls in the Tonk district, which is home to more than 12 lakh people. The district has an average literacy rate of 53 per cent, lower than the national average of 59.5 per cent but Chhavi is determined to change that through e-education, one of the easiest ways to pull the village out of illiteracy.

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Back to the roots Taking up a challenge is not everyone’s cup of tea. But for Chhavi, goals and aspirations never end and the quest for life goes on.

Chhavi did her schooling from Rishi Valley School (Andhra Pradesh) and Mayo College (Ajmer), and attended Lady Shri Ram College

Good samaritans

Chhavi strongly believes that computerisation will lift the veil of illiteracy from her village at the University of Delhi. She left a successful corporate job to uplift the village she was born in. Ask her why and she says, “The villagers. It was their idea, their dream and their desire. They chose me because of the faith they have in my family. They got my grandfather unanimously elected as Sarpanch post his retirement from the Army back in 1975. Between my grandfather and me there’s a gap of 20 years which saw many others in the village become sarpanch. They have great trust in our family and that is the reason they were keen to bring me in. ” More than 90 per cent of the educated and skilled people live in cities and become a part of a rat race. And out of that 90 per cent educated 20 per cent of the village people are settle abroad. They forget the very fact that our country needs them. Chhavi is out of those 10 per cent educated people who give up their comforts and glamorous city lives and work for the welfare of rural India. At this point of time, the people of Soda not only appreciate her but also feel proud of her. Now Chhavi resides in Soda itself and takes all the crucial responsibilities for the improvement of the system which a village sarpanch should undertake.

Time for change

To serve her village, Chhavi Rajawat left her job and comforts

Chhavi never really thought of following her grandfather Brig. Raghubir Singh’s footsteps.

She says the decision was a very sudden one.

“I agreed because I had been visiting my village since my childhood and, noticed that in spite of funding for rural development having increased over the years, the situation in my village was only getting worse. The village has been my home and I thought if I, did not do something November 2012 144 www.spiceroutemag.com

to improve the condition, how could I possibly expect and outsider to come and do so. My purpose, given the education, is just to be a bridging agent - between the village and the government as well as the non-government sectors,” says she adding, “My vision is to uplift and develop my village in totality thereby creating a model village, the development works of which could be replicated in other parts of rural India.” Chhavi’s journey has been quite challenging so far. Getting funds sanctioned through the district headquarters have been rather slow and, receiving support from outside is also very difficult. However, she says that when the support does come through (and now it has slowly started to) it is extremely satisfying to see the change it brings to the lives of the villagers.

Credited as the changing face of India, Chhavi also represented India at the UN poverty summit recently. She feels that computerisation will lift the veil of illiteracy from her village. “The youth in the village is mostly unemployed, as they couldn’t complete their higher education due to absence of any college nearby. We want to change that with e-education,” says Chhavi. After taking over as sarpanch, she also launched a website, www. soda-india.in, where she regularly posts about funds allocated for projects such as a village bank, community centre for weddings and cataract surgery for the needy.

She leaves a message for the youth of India, “Don’t run away from your roots because that is your foundation and the nation’s foundation too. If you want to make a difference, you have got to start at the bottom.”

Gadget guru

Gifts galore

This festive season, you can choose from these gadgets to make for a perfect Diwali gift.

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Philips HP8315 Hair Straightener This dual voltage, ceramic plated flat hair iron is an ideal travel mate for those wanting tidy tresses. It features fast-heating, extra broad plates that makes working with thick hair much easier. The 360-degree swivel cord saves you a lot of energy and effort as it prevents the wire from tangling.

Specs: Dual-voltage, ceramic plates, 1.8 metre cord, 30-second heat-up, auto-shut off, lock feature for easy storage, 2-year warranty.

Price: `1,650

Micromax Infinit y Tablet This tablet is a good value for money offering those who do not want to spend a lot yet want the fourth screen in their lives. Apart from a decent build, standard hardware feature at this price point, the tablet offers a well established countrywide service network. It scores over other budget tablets by coming preloaded with educational and entertainment content.

Specs: 7-inch touch screen, 4GB internal memory, expandable 32GB via DSD 2.0 MP rear camera, 0.3 mp front camera, 3G dongle, WiFi, 4000mAh battery, 2 pre- loaded movies.

Price: `6,699

Nikon Binoculars If you are an outdoor person who likes wildlife and adventure, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll know how useful a pair of binoculars can be. Nikon gives you plenty of options. A 8x to 12x magnification is suitable for most people.

Specs: Various magnifications, ED glass, dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating and advanced multilayer coating.

Price: `3,750 onwards

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Gadget guru

Sony Xperia Tipo If you are looking for a sturdy, fairly well built Android 4.0 touchscreen phone that does not make a hole in your pocket, this is a good buy.

The smartphone performs well and boasts a good battery life for a full screen phone. It comes bundled with a nifty data management solution to identify data usage. It also has preloaded applications like Bollywood Hungama and Dainik Jagran.

Specs 3.2-inch scratch-resistant mineral glass display, Android 4.0, Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 32 GB expandable storage, Price Rs. 9,999 (Dual SIM model: Rs.10,449)

Braun Silk Epil 5 5280 Epilator A dry epilator, the 5280 is an ergonomically designed device that it easy to hold and operate. It has 40 tweezers blades to swiftly remove the maximum possible amount of hair in every stroke. With two speed settings, the device allows for gentle removal of smaller hair while the faster notch is for thicker follicles.

Specs: 40-tweezer epilator, 2 speed settings, corded, ergonomic hold and soft lift Price: `4,199

PEBs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Future of Construction Industry cost of construction.

PEBs are green as their features include energy conservation, rainwater collection & conservation and are comfortable work places due to suitable insulation.

There is more to construction than just bricks and mortar. Though legacy construction has a strong foundation, it is also weighed down by the ever looming threat of higher time and cost factors. But with Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB), everything is under your control. A PEB is the nimble, fleet footed future of construction. With a shorter time cycle, you not only save on the time, but also the

Though its origin can be traced back to 1960â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, its potential has been realised only during the recent years. This was mainly due to the development in technology, which helped in detailed computer-aided design and better customisation. Plant Buildings form a substantial part of the project cost and consume a large chunk of the development time. They further weigh down businesses due to cost and time overruns.

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Advertorial Phenix, a subsidiary of M&B Engineering Ltd., and part of the M&B Group, is a future-ready steel construction provider, specialising in PEBs. Leveraging the core competencies of the M&B group in the construction business and drawing upon the expertise of global knowledge partner like Atlas Ward International, UK. Phenix is an emerging leader in the Indian steel construction industry.

With an unmitigated zeal to redefine and give a new dimension to the construction and infrastructure industries, Phenix has adopted advanced international technology coupled with sound inherent engineering practices to set new benchmarks in Pre-Engineered Steel Building industry. Phenix prides itself on its efforts to create breakthroughs in terms of quality and speed.certified organisation and its PEBs meet with all the regulated, locally and internationally observed codes of design & construction set by BIS, AWS, MBMA and AISC.

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Silver screen

Films releasing in

November Upcoming Bollywood caper

Jab Tak Hai Jaan It is dubbed as the most anticipated movie of the year.

Bollywood’s original king of romance veteran director late Yash Chopra’s last adieu to the cinema lovers. Featuring unusual pair of Shahrukh Khan and Katrina Kaif along with Anushka Sharma and award winning pairing of music composer AR Rehman and Gulzar will surely create some magic onscreen. Set in army background Shahrukh Khan plays an army man in bomb squad team whereas Katrina and Anushka play his love interest. Watch this movie for pure love and eternal romance.

BOLLYWOOD

Son of Sardaar Release date: Nov 13 Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan Director: Ashwani Dhir

Talaash Release date: Nov 30 Cast: Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor Director: Reema Kagati

Ishkq in paris Release date: Nov 2 Cast: Preity Zinta, Rhehan Malliek, Isabelle Adjani, Salman Khan, Shekhar Kapur Director: Prem Raj

Release date : Nov 13 Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma Director: Yash Chopra Upcoming Hollywood caper

Holly wood

Skyfall Girls, all set to drool as James Bond is back again to save the world from the evil. Though this time he has to prove his loyality to his own people. Daniel Craig is back the third time as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in ‘Skyfall’. Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

The T wilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 Release Date: Nov 23 Cast: Kristen Stewart,Robert Pattinson Director: Bill Condon

The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn Release Date: Nov 11 Cast: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis and Daniel Craig Director: Steven Spielberg

Release Date: Nov 01 Cast: Naomie Harris,Daniel Craig Director: Sam Mendes

November 2012 150 www.spiceroutemag.com

by arun kumar

Book shelf

Interesting reads 31 There are 31 days in March to go for the close of the financial year. What can happen in a month? Ravi Shastry, a middle-level executive in ‘Imperial Bank’, is to find out.

Ravi runs a tight ship and delivers results, his team looks up to him, his wife loves him, and his boss respects his choices. March looks like it’s going to be the merriest month of the year. But within a week, the bank’s Brazil operations are shut down, the US subsidiary is in a mess and soon the global restructuring wave pounds the Indian ops – Ravi and his team. His wife is also under professional and personal pressure; a former girlfriend and now rival, a manipulative HR manager and others are turning hostile; even Internal Audit is after him. 31 gives you a ringside view of the thirty-one most combative days in Ravi’s dramatically altered life.

Author: Upendra Namburi Publication House: Westland Price: `250 sethji Sethji is the head of the ABSP, a crucial coalition partner in the government. Shrewd, ruthless and an inveterate fighter, he is a man who refuses to play by any moral codes or lose a single battle. Easing his way is Amrita, his ravishing and aloof daughter-in-law who guards her own secrets. But when two of the country’s most powerful men team up to challenge Sethji, the wily old politican has to fight the deadliest battle of his life – a battle in which he must stake everything. The one person he is forced to trust is Amrita, a woman who gives nothing away, not even to Sethji. Exposing the dark, venal heart of Indian politics, Sethji is a powerful novel about ambition, greed and above all trust. Gripping, and absolutely unputdownable, this is De at her dazzling best.

Author: Shobhaa De Publication House: Penguin Price: `250 sexy @ sixty Life before the sixties is an endless racetrack; you’ve your blinkers on and all you are expected to do is race, with time for little else. Life after the sixties—now, that’s something else! It’s a jogger’s track, if you will; a leisurely stroll. This book is a celebration of this wondrous phase of life. It contains enough ammunition, in terms of helpful tips on diet, exercise and staying positive. There is a fight plan in the book that focuses on easy suggestions for tackling common conditions such as hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, menopause, osteoporosis and arthritis. The book is endorsed by Padmashree Hema Malini.

Author: Namita Jain Published by: Westland Price: `200

November 2012 152 www.spiceroutemag.com

Rammohun Roy

by Amiya P. Sen; Penguin Viking; Price: `450 Lovetorn by Kavita Daswani; Penguin Young Adult; Price: `199 Just Married, Please Excuse by Yashodhara Lal; HarperCollins; Price: `199 Astray by Emma Donoghue, Picador Literary Fiction, Price: `599 The Masala Murder

by Madhumita Bhattacharyya, Pan Fiction, Price: `250 The Shadow Throne by Aroon Raman; Pan Macmillan India; Price: `250

by nitika bajpayee

Kids corner

Go artistic

Calling all you children to celebrate the Children’s Day and Diwali by letting your creativity flourish. This month, indulge in some fun activities.

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hildren’s Day is round the corner and festive season is at its peak, perfect timing to do something creative. Festivals are every child’s favourite because occasions as big as Diwali cuts them off from routine school days and parents indulge kids with sweets, new clothes and crackers. Children also get

November 2012 154 www.spiceroutemag.com

to spend time with their friends and family.

While most of them look forward to the festive occasions, some children dread they will not have anything to pass their time. Come November 14 and all the schools and education institutes will gear up to celebrate Children’s Day. On this day, schools across the country

Clockwise from far left: Kids can easily make diyas, paint different sized pots, make photo frames and even hand paint T-shirts and gift these to their friends

as shown in the picture. Leave half-an-inch space from all the sides and glue four sticks on the base to make the upper layer of the frame.

Slide the photograph through the gap. Take a thick wire or a string to make a loop. Stick the two ends of the loop at the back of the frame.

You can now hang your photo frame. You can draw a variety of patterns on the side of your photo frame with the help of crayons. You can gift these beautiful and eco-friendly photo frames to your friends as Diwali gift.

Painted T-shirts

organise special programs to celebrate the birthday of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, country’s first Prime Minister. The day marks the special love that Pt Nehru had for children; hence his birthday is celebrated as Children’s Day. A lot is on the to-do-list of children who make plans with their friends and plan to have a blast during the vacation. The idea of having a blast can sometime daunt parents, who fret at the thought of children being around, without having anything concrete to do. This month, India will celebrate and pray for the health and happiness for all our country’s children.

This Children’s Day, spend some time with your children and foster the relationship bond.

There are many activities you can do with your children and fill up their mood on this special day dedicated to them. By choosing a host of interesting activities, you could give children a platform to indulge in fun activities and learn while they have fun. We bring you some options that will make Children’s Day memorable for the children as well as parents.

Make diyas for Diwali This Diwali, make diyas for your friends, teachers and cousins. A Diwali diya is a small lamp that is lit especially at Diwali. Diyas are typically made of clay with ghee or oil used as the fuel and cotton wool as the wick. You can make your own diya with your friends for Diwali with material you would probably have at home. You will need self hardening clay in terracotta tones, tea light candle, glitter glue, sequins and poster paints. Along with friends make a pinch pot and candle holder out of the clay with a flat bottom. With a hole large enough for a candle to fit inside, you can cast the clay in to different designs using your imagination. Once the clay is dry, use the glitter glue to embellish the candle holders and place sequines in different patterns.

Photo frame Make sure our favourite person stays by our side every time. Frame their photographs in a fun way. Collect around 15 ice cream sticks. For the base of the frame, stick the ice cream sticks

Schools across the country organise special programs to celebrate the birthday of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru 155

You will need one plain T-shirt. Put some paint on your hands and make impressions on the T-shirt. If you have siblings then you can them to put their fingerprints too. Everybody writes their name under their impression. You can also write slogans like ‘hugs for grandma’, ‘three cheers for my mom’, ‘you are the best daddy/mommy/sister’ etc. You can also take some leaves and print them on to the T-shirt and write slogans like ‘save the earth’, ‘happy diwali’, ‘world’s best brother or sister’. When you will gift these pretty T-shirts to your cousins as a Diwali gift rest assured you will bring smile to their faces.

Kids corner

Top: Children performing traditional dance at Bal Sangam; Middle: Kids making rangoli designs on paper; Bottom: We wish every child a very happy Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day

Draw rangolis Mix diwali festivities with Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day and draw different rangolis at home. Rangoli like we all know is a decorative art from the country. On auspicious occasions, Indians draw rangolis on the ground in front of the entrance of their houses. The main purpose of drawing rangoli is to bring good luck and invoke and welcome Hindu gods and goddesses. On Diwali, rangolis are drawn in almost every household. The details in rangoli decorations can include lotus flowers, mango leaves, geometric shapes, or other elaborate designs made of rice flour, coloured sand, or even flower petals. Children can help their mothers draw rangolis by outlining the design patterns with flowers and dry colours. Kids can also decorate the rangoli with glitter, coloured rice and place the self-made diyas. Another way for kids is to draw a rangoli design in white chalk on cardboard.

Attend NSD Bal Sangam On the occasion of Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, Delhi has a special gift dedicated to all the children of the city. National School of Drama organises Bal Sangam, the cultural mela, which intends to entertain children through different folk performances. Celebrate the joy of being a child by taking your children to the NSD complex at Mandi House in New Delhi and witness children from 15 states performing to the tunes of folk music. Organised by Theatre in Education (TIE) Sanskar Rang Toli of National School of Drama, the week long festival brings together children from across the country to participate and perform traditional folk art forms with an objective of preserving the cultural heritage of the country.

Take them to Bal Sangam and they could see children performing various classical and folk dances like chhau dance and kaalbelia; puppetry and even magic shows. Just imagine, cultural perfomances by the children for the children amidst colourful activities, all await your kids at the lawns of NSD at Bahawalpur House.

November 2012 156 www.spiceroutemag.com

Games

Mind teasers

by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

Unscramble these six Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form six ordinary words.

SURAES

Find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/jumble

ATBNET

Answer :

TRGUET

BATTEN SPOOKY ANYONE ASSURE ACIDIC GUTTER Magellan probably imagined himself circling the globe for years before he finally —

©2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

NOVEMBER 20, 2011

YAOENN

Solutions GOT AROUND TO IT

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

OSYPOK Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon.

PRINT YOUR ANSWER IN THE CIRCLES BELOW

CIAICD

Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon.

PRINT YOUR ANSWER IN THE CIRCLES BELOW

CIAICD OSYPOK ATBNET TRGUET ©2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

NOVEMBER 20, 2011

SURAES

GOT AROUND TO IT

Find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/jumble

Answer : BATTEN SPOOKY ANYONE ASSURE ACIDIC GUTTER Magellan probably imagined himself circling the globe for years before he finally —

YAOENN

Unscramble these six Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form six ordinary words.

by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

Find the difference

November 2012 158 www.spiceroutemag.com

Launch pad

Shop hopping

Surprise your kids with these products, especially for them.

Kids carnival

Dressing in st yle

Angry birds

Titan eye plus has launched Dash eyewear collection, especially designed for kids. The collection miniaturizes some of the successful styles in the adultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range with hints of quirky childish streaks thrown in.

Biba Girls, has launched its Autumn Winter festive collection for young girls aged between 2 to 12 years. Ranging from smart kurtas to vibrant ghagra-cholis the collection looks stunning on every child.

Bata India has now introduced a new collection of Angry Birds merchandise, offering school shoes, casual shoes and accessories for children and teenagers. The designs created are trendy, comfortable.

Price: `750 onwards Available: All Titan Eye Plus stores across the country.

Price: `499 onwards Available: All Biba store across the country.

Price: `299 onwards Available: All Bata showrooms across India.

Zoom in

Dreamy Dehradun Nestled amidst rolling hills, a large number of renowned institutes dot Dehradun. Its proximity to some exciting summer refuges like Mussoorie, Chakrata, Dhanaulti and Rishikesh makes it a perfect getaway destination.

WOR D S

|

S r i n at h

G .M

Indian Military Academy November 2012 162 www.spiceroutemag.com

P H OTO G R A P H Y

|

M A R IN E

MUKHERJEE

163

Zoom in

4

November 2012 164 www.spiceroutemag.com

1

2

1. A biker resting on his climb up to Mussoorie from Dehradun.

2. Mindrolling Monastery situated in Clement town area.

3. Step farming along the hill slopes of Dehradun.

4. River Rafting at the Ganges.

3

165

Zoom in

4 1

2

1. Old lady with interesting company.

2. Football trophies lined up.

3. Forest Research Institute in Dehradun.

4. University of Petroleum & Energy Studies.

3

November 2012 166 www.spiceroutemag.com

Predictions

Astrological Predictions for November 2012 By

Dr. Prem Kumar Sharma

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

Romance brightens your life this month. Health requires preventive care. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get unnerved on suffering from minor stress as it can be tackled. For some, mid of the month can get hectic. There are indications that your patience and analytical skills would work to your advantage.

Luck Tip Carry three I-Ching coins with red thread in wallet.

Optimistic attitude and positive thinking helps you benefit on all the fronts. Travel or an outing with the beloved or family members is on the cards. For some there are chances that overconfidence might come in the way of professional success.

Luck Tip Keep the bathroom door closed at all times to kick off the negativity.

Good communication skills coupled with positive attitude brighten your chances at work. It is high time you make the full use of your hidden talent. Although there are no signs of facing any health problems, yet there is no harm in sticking to the regular exercise regimen.

Luck Tip: Keep a rooster at the back of your seat at office.

Sound health enables you to enjoy life even more beautifully. Things at health front are likely to remain fine throughout the month. Those ailing can greatly benefit by trying alternate therapies like Reiki. Professionally, you will get opportunity to exhibit your hidden talent.

Luck Tip Replace lone images with pictures of happy couples in your house.

Leo

Virgo

Libra

SCORPIO

You would be able to channelize your positive energies to fight out the mental enemies. Eye or ear problems may irritate some of you. Mind your tongue as your words might hurt someone you love. You are likely to get promising opportunities at work.

Luck Tip Keep the television out of the bedroom, try unwinding by reading romantic novels.

A good and promising start enlightens your spirits. Overall, the month calls for a bit of strenuous activities that consume most of your time and attention. Let some discouraging results not dishearten you at work. Those planning to change the job are likely to receive positive results.

Luck Tip: Placing goldfish inside the home will activate good luck.

Good health and a sound mind help you sail through challenges.

Be a little cautious for the back pain. Regular workouts would be highly beneficial. Love life remains smooth only if you stop the taking interferences from third parties.

Singles might fall in love.

Luck Tip: Bring good luck and wealth with a tabletop fountain on your desk, living room or kitchen.

Your cheerfulness helps you maintain a robust health. It is also an opportune time to enhance mental toughness. Love life needs some cautious approach. At work, your communication skills help you make an edge over others.

Luck Tip Keep your front door attractive and conspicuous. Front door can enhance your health and wealth if properly modified.

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

If you are planning to start fitness regime, make sure you continue to follow a nutritious diet and enjoy recreational activities in order to avoid relapsing. Life promises some personal romantic encounters. Professionally, you will feel confident.

Luck Tip To ensure harmony at work, put an amethyst gem tree on your desk.

Stars indicate some testing times in your love life. And suggest that you use your words with care. It is better to develop mutual trust and keep faith on each other to enjoy a lovely relationship. For some there are also chances that a callous attitude could harm you.

Luck Tip Display a three-legged toad for wealth luck next to your desk at workplace.

Good health is on the cards for you this month as your mind becomes receptive to positive emotions like love, hope and faith to benefit yourself. At professional front, you could face unexpected problems. Students are likely to face a tough competition.

Luck Tip Place a healthy small plant in the Southeast corner of your desk.

Stars promise a good jumpstart for those who are stepping in to start their career. Your efforts will not go in vain and you will feel more energized to face the challenges.

Strictly avoid self-medication because that could complicate the problem.

Luck Tip: Arrange your bed so that it has enough space to walk on either side.

November 2012 168 www.spiceroutemag.com

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Advertorial

Agarwal Packers celebrates Silver Jubilee

Span garment, catching the chain reaction

25 years ago in 1986 a young and hardworking entrepreneur, Sri Dayanand Agarwal made a humble venture into Goods transport business with a single Truck ,under the name “Agarwal Tempo Transport”. Prior to starting his own business, Sri Agarwal had worked with Economic Transport Organisation in different capacities and had gained vast experience in the transport field.

Spearheading the success in women’s ethnic wear, Today, Span leads the race and leaves lasting impression with its strong brand value, and recall in trade as well amongst its customers. With supplying to more than 2000 retail outlets and has strategic brand presence in Future Group, Reliance & Lifestyle Group under Brand name of “Span Ethnic” & the brand enjoys strong presence in the major cities across the country. With over 3 decades of immense capabilities in designing and manufacturing of high quality ethnic wear, the company aims at becoming one of the top brand in Women’s Ethnic clothing manufacturing capacity of more than 1,00,000 garments per month. Span has always believed in giving its customers value for

Today, after long years of struggle and success, Sri Dayanand Agarwal presides over the well known DRS Group with diversified

interest in Education sector besides the core business of logistic services. The logistics brand of DRS group -- “Agarwal Packers and Movers” has created a name for itself in the household relocation segment and is a synonym for Trust and Quality service. The company has help shift over 10 lakh homes and continue to add to the list of satisfied customers day after day.

Agarwal Packers and Movers –DRS Group is one of the largest operator in the domestic organized home relocwation business in India. This division of the company has achieved a strong consumer recall and strong Brand Equity among the retail consumers in India.

November 2012 170 www.spiceroutemag.com

money in terms of quality and designs with its exquisite range of women wear.

The company has roped in the plans to open 100 more outlets across the country within a span of two years, which will be a significant and lateral move forward for the leader.

Advertorial

November 2012 172 www.spiceroutemag.com

Destinations

Destinations Agartala

Ahmedabad

AMRITSAR

Aurangabad

Airport: The Singerbhil Airport is located about 12 km away from the city centre. Taxis are easily available from outside the airport.

Airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport is 15 km from the city centre.

Airport: Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport is an international airport, located 11 km from the city.

Airport: Aurangabad Airport is located at a distance of 10 km from the city centre.

Must See: In the heart of the city of Agartala lies the Ujjayanta Palace, the royal house carved and sculpted in Indo-Greek style.

Must See: Kankaria is an artificial lake that dates back to the time of Sultans. The lake has become a crowd puller in recent times.

Must Stay: Ginger Agartala on Airport Road offers convenient accommodation and services.

Must Stay: Experience a stay with all possible contemporary and plush comforts at The Gateway Hotel Ummed Ahmedabad.

Bagdogra

Bangalore

Must See: Jallianwala Bagh is reminiscent of the Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freedom struggle and is well known historical site in Amritsar.

Must See: The dark tunnels, passages, archways at the Daulatabad fort, 13 kms away from Aurangabad, speak of its history.

Must Stay: Enjoy your stay in the spiritual city of Amritsar at Ista Amritsar.

Must Stay: Hotel Vits is a luxurious business class hotel, located on the Railway Station Road.

Bhopal

Calicut

Airport: Bagdogra Airport serves the towns of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Gangtok. Take a bus or private/ shared taxi to these regions.

Airport: Bengaluru International Airport is located 40 km from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business district. Taxis, Volvo buses are easily available from the Must See: There are several tourist airport. activities that you can engage in Must See: Ulsoor lake is spread over a huge area and dates back to Darjeeling, Dooars and Siliguri. the time of Kempe Gowda I and II. Must Stay: Situated on the Bihar

Airport: The Raja Bhoj International airport is located in Bairagarh, 15 kms from the city.

Airport: Calicut International Airport is located at a distance 25 km from the city centre. Taxis are easily available.

More in Bagdogra, Marinas Motel Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel offers a great stay option with finely Residency Road is a perfect stay furnished rooms. option.

at the Jehan Numa Palace Hotel in the upscale Shamla Hills area in the city.

Must See: Bhimbetka, located about 50 kms from Bhopal, is home Must See: Krishna Menon Museum to ancient rock shelters, which is dedicated to diplomat V.K. house amazing cave paintings.

Krishna Menon, where his personal belongings are exhibited.

Must Stay: Revel in royal luxury

November 2012 174 www.spiceroutemag.com

Must Stay: Relax at the Gateway Hotel, situated on the beach road in Calicut.

Destinations

CHANDIGARH

Chennai

Airport: Chandigarh Airport is located at a distance of 8 km from the city centre. Taxis are easily available.

Airport: Chennai International Airport: Coimbatore Airport in Airport is 7 km from the city centre. Peelamedu is 13 km away from the Taxis are easily available. city. Taxis are available.

Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport is Sri Lankaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only International airport.

Must See: Marina Beach is a 12 kms stretch of pristine beach, the second longest in the world.

Must Stay: Her Name is Ming is the Eastern fine diniung restaurant at The President Hotel and Towers, Chennai. Here, traditional cuisines are given cheeky avatars by adventurous chefs.

Must See: An exciting journey to the centre of a dense forest, brings you to the magnificent Kovai Kuttralam waterfalls, about 37 kms.

Must See: Gangaramaya Temple is not only a place of worship for Buddhists, but also a centre for learning about the religion.

Must Stay: Thematic interiors, spacious rooms makes The Residency a major landmark on the Avinashi Road.

Must Stay: When you are in Colombo, choose to stay at The Gateway Hotel Airport Garden, the best hotel near the airport.

DEHRADUN

Delhi

Dubai

Goa

Airport: Jolly Grant Airport is located some 30 km from the city centre. Taxis are easily available from the airport.

Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport is located 20 km from the city centre. Pre-paid and radio taxis are easily available.

Airport: Dubai International Airport is a major aviation hub in the Middle East, and is the main airport of Dubai.

Airport: Dabolim Airport in Vasco is 30 kms from Panaji, Goaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital.

Taxis are available.

Must See: Situated 8 km from the city centre, Guchchu Pani is a beautiful picnic spot.

Must See: The Purana Qila is an old fort or rather the remains of the 16th Century Shergarh. Try boating or visit the zoo here.

Must See: While in Dubai, check out the Jumeirah Beach a famous beach resort just 15 km from central Dubai.

Must Stay: At a convenient distance from the airport and NH8, Lebua New Delhi is a fine 5-star hotel situated in the Dwarka area.

Must Stay: Atlantis The Palm is a luxury resort is located on Palm Island. The Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina Mall are about 6.5 km away.

Must See: Sukhna Lake is an artificial reservoir and a famous recreational spot.

Must Stay: Experience a stay with all possible contemporary comforts at the JW Marriott Chandigarh, a plush five star hotel.

Must Stay: Madhuban Hotel is a beautiful hotel with aesthetically designed rooms featuring modern amenities and culinary delights for all its guests.

Coimbatore

November 2012 176 www.spiceroutemag.com

Colombo

Must See: Sri Mangeshi Temple in the Priol area is a beautiful temple situated amidst natural surroundings is revered by Hindus.

Must Stay: Bid farewell to your blues and relax at the White Pearl Suites situated near the Baga Beach in Goa. The hotel offers great view of the beach and the sea.

Destinations

Guwahati

Hyderabad

Airport: Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is 25 km from the city.

Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport is 25 km from the city.

Airport is located at a distance of 8 kms from the city.

Must See: Mecca Masjid is a

Must See: Assam State Museum operated by the Assam government is located near Dighalipukhuri tank.

heritage mosque in the old city of Hyderabad, close to the historic landmark of Chowmahalla Palace.

Must See: Rajwada is a remarkable mansion that sings the glory of the heritage of Indore.

Must Stay: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Banjara Hills offers 155 modern rooms with the finest world class facilities.

MUST Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel, located in the heart of Indoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business hub is ideal for the discerning business traveller.

Must Stay: Located in Madhab Nagar, Khanapara, Greenwood Resorts offers a relaxing retreat.

Indore

Jabalpur Airport: Jabalpur Airport, also known as Dumna Airport is 11 km from the city centre. Pre-paid taxi services are available.

Must See: Situated 25 km from Jabalpur are the mesmerizing Dhuandhar water falls, which call for a visit for sure.

Must Stay: Kalchuri Residency is a plush 3 star hotel.

Jaipur

Jammu

KABUL

Airport: Sanganer Airport is 13 km from the city centre. Pre-paid taxis are available.

Airport: Satwari Airport is 8 km from the city of Jammu. Pre-paid taxis are easily available.

Must See: Hawa Mahal is a beautiful historical monument, situated near Johari Bazaar. The surrounding area is great for shopping.

Must See: Amar Mahal looks like a French Chateau. It is now turned in to a hotel and houses rich collections of paintings.

Airport: Kabul International Airport, also known as Khwaja Rawash Airport is located 16 km from the city centre.

Must Stay: Gateway Hotel Ramgarh Lodge, Jaipur offers a royal experience.

Must Stay: Located on the banks of river Tawi, Fortune Inn Rivera is a cosy retreat, perfect for a business stay.

November 2012 178 www.spiceroutemag.com

Must See: Built in the late 19th century, Bagh-e Bala is preserved and the area around the palace has turned into a large park.

Must Stay: Make your stay memorable by choosing to stay at Kabul Intercontinental Hotel.

Destinations

Kathmandu

Kochi

Kolkata

Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport located in Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal. Taxis are easily available.

Airport: Cochin International Airport is situated just 30 kms from the city centre. Taxis are easily available.

Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is 20 km from Kolkata city.

Pre-paid taxis are easily available.

Must See: In the heart of the Kathmandu valley lies Darbar Square, an ancient square strewn with palaces and temples.

Must See: Fort Kochi is a small village located near the large city of Kochi. Fort Kochi is all about untouched picturesque beaches.

Must See: The Marble Palace at Chorbagan is now a museum, home to precious art by Rubens and Sir Joshua Reynolds.

Must Stay: In the heart of Diplomatic Enclave and Durbar Marg stands Hotel Shangri-La.

Must Stay: Relive the past at Cochin Heritage Home, located just next to the Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House in Fort Kochi area of the city.

Must Stay: Chrome Hotel on AJC Bose Road offers relaxing in the tech-savvy interiors.

Madurai

Mangalore

Mumbai

Airport: Madurai Airport is located about 10 km from the city centre. Taxis are available.

Airport: The Mangalore International Airport is about 20 kms from the city centre.

Must See: Sri Meenakshi Temple is one of the most popular temples in the city that is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati.

Must See: About 15 kms away from Mangalore city is the Pilikula Nisragadham, a beautiful lake with boating facility.

Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is 30 km from downtown Mumbai. It is advisable to take pre-paid taxis.

Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai offers high standards in accommodation.

Must Stay: Elegance and luxury go hand in hand at Gateway Hotel Old Port Road.

November 2012 180 www.spiceroutemag.com

Must See: Take a walk in upscale south Mumbai.Visit Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Church Gate or Colaba Causeway.

Must Stay: Luxurious home away from home is the plush Novotel Juhu Beach.

Destinations

Port Blair

Pune

Rajahmundry

Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, is located 2 km from the city centre. Taxis are easily available.

Airport: Pune International Airport is situated at a distance of 10 km from main city. Pre-paid taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available.

Airport: The Rajahmundry airport is located in Madhurapudi, 18 kms north of the city.

Must See: Cellular Jail, a revered shrine dedicated to Indian freedom fighters, is situated at Aberdeen near Port Blair.

Must See: Saras Baug is a major landmark and has a Ganesh Temple. The place is a famous recreational site in the city.

Must Stay: Try your hand at snorkelling and deep sea diving at at the Kaala Pani Resort.

Must Stay: Relax in the lap of luxury at the Four Points By Sheraton, a five star hotel.

Must Stay: Simple, elegant and cosy rooms is what you can be sure of at Akanksha Inn which is one of the best hotels in this city.

Srinagar

Surat

Tirupati

Airport: Srinagar International Airport is situated some 12 kms from the city centre.

Airport: Surat Airport is located in Magdala is around 11 km southwest from the city centre.

Airport: Tirupati Airport is situated at a distance of 14 kms from the Tirupati city.

Must See: Hazrat Bal in Srinagar on the left bank of Dal Lake is a well known shrine where a hair strand of Prophet Mohammed is treasured.

Must See: Sardar V Patel Museum and Planetorium represents the rich history and eclectic ethnic mix of Surat.

Must See: The holy temple Sri Venkateswara is considered one of the holiest temple.

Must Stay: Offering panoramic view of the Dal Lake, Vivanta By Taj is a contemporary hotel.

Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel Athwalines offers plush accomodation with latest amenities

November 2012 182 www.spiceroutemag.com

Must See: Sir Arthur Cotton Museum and the barrage at Dowlaiswaram gives some interesting insights on history.

ust Stay: Having served some prominent M personalities, Hotel Bliss serves its guests all the comforts and food options.

Destinations

Trichy

Trivandrum

Tuticorin

Airport: Tiruchirapalli Airport or Trichy Airport is located 5 km from the city centre.

Airport: The Trivandrum Airport is located at quite a central location.

Airport: Tuticorin Airport is a domestic airport located 16.9 km. Taxis are easily available.

Must See: The landmark of the Trichy town is the Rockfort temple, a beautiful structure perched atop a hillock.

Must See: The interactive Kerala Museum, opposite the Napier museum, is the first of its kind, with the touch screen terminals.

Must See: Palayamkottai road arewa surrounds the Lord Bhagam Priyal temple, Lord Shiva and Lord Perumal temples, WGC road.

Must Stay: Situated on the Mc Donald’s Road, Breeze Residency is one of Trichy’s premier hotel.

Must Stay: Former home of Royal British Officers, Mascot Hotel is now a heritage hotel, offering luxurious stay and amenities.

Must Stay: Poppys Hotel Tuticorin offers a home-away-from-home experience with services and rooms.

Varanasi

Vijayawada

Vizag

Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is 18 km from the city. Taxi and auto-rickshaw services are easily available.

Airport: Vijayawada Airport is located in Gannavaram, just 20 kms from the city centre.

Airport: Visakhapatnam Airport is located about 7 km from the city centre.

Must See: Mogalarajapuram caves near Vijayawada are among the 3 cave temples known for the magnificent carving of the Ardhanarishwar.

Must See: Kambalakonda is a wonderful nature reserve, about 20-25 minutes’ away from Vizag.

Must See: Take a boat ride at the Dasawamedh Ghat to enjoy the divine ambience of Varanasi to the fullest.

Must Stay: Offering comfortable stay, Clarks Varansi is one of the best options in the city.

Must Stay: Expect world class amenities and a wonderful experience at Fortune Murali Park.

November 2012 184 www.spiceroutemag.com

Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel, situated on the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam is a comfortable hotel in Vizag.

Routemap

November 2012 186 www.spiceroutemag.com

187

Spice schedule

Destination

Agartala Bangalore (Via-CCU-BOM) Bangalore (Via-CCU-HYD) Guwahati Hyderabad (Via-CCU) Kolkata Kolkata Mumbai (Via-CCU) Ahmedabad Bangalore Bangalore (Via-BOM) Chennai Chennai (Via-BOM) Chennai (Via-HYD) Kochi (Via-BLR) Coimbatore (Via-MAA) Delhi Delhi Goa Goa Guwahati (Via-BOM-BLR-CCU) Hyderabad Jaipur Jaipur Kolkata (Via-BOM-BLR) Kolkata (Via-DEL) Mumbai Mumbai Portblair (Via-HYD, MAA) AMRITSAR Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via - BOM-STV) Mumbai Srinagar Surat (Via - BOM) Aurangabad Delhi Hyderabad Bagdogra Chennai (Via-CCU) Delhi Delhi (Via-GAU) Guwahati Kolkata Bangalore Agartala (Via-BOM-CCU) Agartala (Via-HYD-CCU)

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-874 SG-872 SG-873 SG-872 SG-872 SG-874 SG-874

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1630 1540 1300 1540 1540 1630 1630

2250 2115 1400 1925 1645 1725 2045

SG-285 SG-528 SG-281 SG-206 SG-917 SG-285 SG-281 SG-104 SG-106 SG-137 SG-137 SG-528 SG-917 SG-138 SG-138 SG-528 SG-104 SG-528 SG-206 SG-917

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,6 7 Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,6 7 Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7

1440 0555 0550 1905 0610 1440 0550 0700 0945 1150 1410 0555 0610 1610 1820 0555 0700 0555 1905 0610

1640 0920 0810 2305 0940 1815 0950 0830 1125 1330 1540 1405 0755 1725 1935 1220 1115 0655 2010 1225

SG-2323 SG-2114 SG-152 SG-152 SG-151 SG-152

Daily Daily 1,3,5 1,3,5 1,3,5 1,3,5

0825 1555 1550 1550 1250 1550

0940 1720 2205 1810 1325 1935

SG-162 SG-1047

Daily Daily

0855 0850

1050 1010

SG-324 SG-885 SG-881 SG-881 SG-324

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1525 1040 1400 1400 1525

1855 1250 1820 1500 1625

SG-873 SG-871

Daily Daily

0615 1010

1220 1510

Destination

Ahmedabad Ahmedabad (Via-BOM) Calicut Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via-VGA-RJA) Chennai (Via-VGA-RJA) Kochi Coimbatore Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Gawahati (Via-BOM-CCU-IXA) Guwahati (Via-CCU) Hubli Hyderabad Hyderabad Jaipur (Via-PNQ) Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-BOM) Kolkata (Via-HYD) Madurai Mangalore (Via-BOM) Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Pune Pune Pune Rajahmundary (Via-VGA) Srinagar (Via-DEL) Trivandrum (Via-MAA) Tuticorin (Via-MAA) Vijayawada Vizag Bhopal Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-IDR) Indore Calicut Bangalore Chennai Chennai Hyderabad

flight no.

freq

November 2012 190 www.spiceroutemag.com

arrival

SG-286 SG-529 SG-3253 SG-3004 SG-1083 SG-3307 SG-3002 SG-3303 SG-3303 SG-285 SG-1081 SG-502 SG-224 SG-229 SG-216 SG-873 SG-528 SG-1084 SG-871 SG-1088 SG-342 SG-528 SG-524 SG-873 SG-871 SG-3302 SG-344 SG-873 SG-344 SG-529 SG-342 SG-228 SG-228 SG-3303 SG-224 SG-3307 SG-1083 SG-3303 SG-1144

Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 2,6 Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,6 7 Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily

2030 1940 1400 0905 1435 1845 2140 1030 1030 1720 1225 0635 0845 1600 2015 0615 0955 1950 1010 2220 0555 0955 1940 0615 1010 0725 1015 0615 1015 1940 0555 2200 2200 1030 0845 1845 1435 1030 0820

2230 2300 1505 1025 1520 1945 2230 1400 1325 1815 1310 0925 1125 1845 2305 1400 1405 2045 1110 2325 0935 1220 2215 1100 1345 0835 1400 0745 1155 2125 0725 2325 2330 1230 1350 2140 1650 1140 1000

SG-1053 SG-1063 SG-1063

1,3,5,7 2,4,6 2,4,6

2050 1950 1950

2245 2245 2025

SG-3254 SG-3252 SG-3252 SG-1074

1,3,4,5,7 2,6 1,3,4,5,7 Daily

1220 1230 1530 1255

1330 1405 1655 1440

SpiceJet now offers over 150 connections on its existing network For details log on to www.spicejet.com

dep

Destination

Mumbai Chandigarh Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via - BOM-STV) Mumbai Srinagar Surat (Via - BOM) Chennai Ahmedabad Ahmedabad (Via-BOM) Ahmedabad (Via-HYD) Bagdogra (Via-CCU) Bangalore Bangalore Bangalore Bangalore Bangalore (Via-RJA-VGA) Bangalore (Via-RJA-VGA) Calicut Kochi Kochi Coimbatore Coimbatore Coimbatore Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-BOM-AMD) Delhi (Via-PNQ) Goa Guwahati (Via-CCU) Hubli (Via-BLR) Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Jaipur (Via-HYD) Jammu (Via-HYD-JAI) Kolkata Kolkata Madurai Madurai Madurai Mangalore Mumbai

flight no.

freq

dep

Destination

arrival

SG-276

Daily

1410

1605

SG-2112 SG-2116 SG-152 SG-152 SG-151 SG-152

Daily Daily 2,4,6,7 2,4,6,7 2,4,6,7 2,4,6,7

0835 1920 1600 1600 1240 1600

0940 2020 2205 1810 1325 1935

SG-282 SG-106 SG-916 SG-323 SG-3301 SG-3013 SG-1084 SG-3148 SG-3304 SG-3304 SG-3251 SG-3241 SG-277 SG-266 SG-281 SG-283 SG-312 SG-304 SG-306 SG-308 SG-106 SG-208 SG-1011 SG-321 SG-1084 SG-912 SG-1261 SG-1012 SG-916 SG-1265 SG-912 SG-912 SG-321 SG-323 SG-291 SG-305 SG-303 SG-3231 SG-106

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily 2,6 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily

1150 0535 2000 1105 0615 0740 1835 2015 1350 1430 1030 0545 1525 0610 0845 1915 0705 1140 1655 1945 0535 0450 1410 0520 1835 0710 1055 1920 2000 2120 0710 0710 0520 1105 0830 1335 1710 1330 0535

1410 0915 2310 1455 0705 0845 1930 2120 1825 1825 1155 0705 1650 0710 0950 2015 0935 1425 1935 2235 1125 0905 1615 0925 2045 0815 1210 2035 2100 2255 1045 1250 0745 1315 0930 1430 1810 1510 0730

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Mumbai Mumbai Portblair Pune Rajahmundary Rajahmundary Trichy Trivandrum Trivandrum Tuticorin Tuticorin Vijayawada (Via-RJA)

SG-273 SG-296 SG-917 SG-208 SG-3304 SG-3304 SG-3163 SG-3271 SG-3307 SG-3291 SG-1083 SG-3304

Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily 2,6 1,3,4,5,7 124567 Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 2,6

0930 2010 1020 0450 1350 1430 1730 0555 2005 0910 1540 1350

1110 2155 1225 0630 1555 1555 1835 0810 2140 1035 1650 1645

Vijayawada (Via-RJA) Vizag

SG-3304 SG-3277

1,3,4,5,7 Daily

1430 1710

1645 1900

SG-282 SG-1082 SG-273 SG-282 SG-284 SG-264 SG-234 SG-234 SG-264 SG-273

Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1020 1330 0740 1020 2045 1510 1030 1030 1510 0740

1410 1415 0830 1120 2140 1955 1430 1150 1655 1110

SG-2334 SG-2325

Daily Daily

1120 1620

1225 1715

SG-206 SG-148 SG-2321 SG-2113 SG-151 SG-161 SG-881 SG-885 SG-501 SG-223 SG-209 SG-509 SG-2111 SG-2115 SG-151 SG-301 SG-305 SG-303 SG-309

Daily Daily Daily Daily 135 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 2,4,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily

1705 1945 0640 1415 0605 0635 1115 0555 0700 1215 1655 2040 0710 1755 0605 0630 1010 1350 1910

1835 2120 0805 1535 1220 0825 1325 0955 0940 1500 1940 2325 0815 1900 1210 0915 1300 1640 2150

Coimbatore Ahmedabad (Via-MAA) Bangalore Chennai Chennai Chennai Delhi (Via-BOM) Delhi (Via-HYD) Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai (Via-MAA) dehradun Delhi Delhi delhi Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Amritsar Amritsar Amritsar (Via - STV - BOM) Aurangabad Bagdogra Bagdogra (Via-GAU) Bangalore Bangalore Bangalore Bangalore Chandigarh Chandigarh Chandigarh (Via - STV - BOM) Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai

191

Spice schedule

Destination

Chennai (Via-AMD-BOM) Chennai (Via-PNQ) Kochi (Via-BOM) Kochi (Via-BOM) Kochi (Via-HYD) Kochi (Via-PNQ) Coimbatore (Via-CJB) Coimbatore (Via-DEL) Coimbatore (VIA-HYD) Dehradun Dehradun Goa Goa Goa Goa Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati (Via-IXB) Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Indore Jabalpur Jaipur Jammu Jammu Jammu Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Madurai (Via-MAA) Madurai (Via-MAA) Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai (Via - STV) Mumbai (Via-AMD) Mumbai (Via-JAI) Mumbai (Via-JLR) Pune Pune Srinagar Srinagar (Via - STV-BOM-ATQ) Srinagar (Via - STV-BOM-IXC) Srinagar (Via-IXJ)

flight no.

SG-206 SG-219 SG-131 SG-103 SG-231 SG-217 SG-211 SG-109 SG-233 SG-2328 SG-2223 SG-261 SG-253 SG-255 SG-257 SG-885 SG-893 SG-881 SG-211 SG-231 SG-233 SG-221 SG-239 SG-2326 SG-2441 SG-133 SG-853 SG-851 SG-857 SG-104 SG-607 SG-605 SG-305 SG-303 SG-131 SG-109 SG-103 SG-852 SG-119 SG-894 SG-151 SG-206 SG-133 SG-2441 SG-217 SG-219 SG-224 SG-151 SG-151 SG-851

freq

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 6 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily 1,3,5 2,4,6,7 Daily

dep

1705 2025 0555 1155 0740 0840 0600 1010 1345 1010 1505 0850 1045 1455 1715 0555 1520 1115 0600 0740 1345 1510 1940 1735 0810 0715 0730 0850 1430 0910 2035 1420 1010 1350 0555 1010 1155 1510 1740 2125 0605 1705 0715 0810 0840 2025 1220 0605 0605 0850

For bookings, please call our 24-hour SpiceJet call centre at 1800 180 3333/987 180 3333 or visit our website at www.spicejet.com

Destination

arrival

2305 0040 1035 1700 1150 1310 1000 1440 1740 1100 1600 1110 1310 1720 1945 0820 1745 1500 0810 0950 1550 1725 2145 1910 0950 0800 0900 1010 1550 1115 2250 1620 1430 1810 0740 1215 1410 1720 1940 2325 0920 2010 1025 1205 1045 2230 1350 1325 1325 1115

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Surat Varanasi Varanasi

SG-151 SG-116 SG-114

Daily Daily Daily

0605 0935 1340

0755 1100 1505

Varanasi Vizag (Via-HYD)

SG-127 SG-221

Daily Daily

1745 1510

1910 1850

GOA Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Chennai Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-MAA) Jaipur (Via-AMD) Jaipur (Via-AMD) Kolkata (Via-BOM)

SG-138 SG-138 SG-1012 SG-262 SG-254 SG-256 SG-258 SG-1072 SG-1012 SG-138 SG-138 SG-804

1,2,3,4,5,6 7 Daily 6 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,6 7 Daily

1400 1610 1640 1145 1340 1750 2015 1415 1640 1400 1610 1650

1540 1750 1840 1415 1610 2015 2245 1545 2035 1725 1935 2135

Mumbai Mumbai

SG-247 SG-804

Daily Daily

1330 1650

1440 1800

SG-874 SG-529 SG-885 SG-529 SG-874 SG-322 SG-881 SG-894 SG-885 SG-525 SG-529 SG-322 SG-874 SG-529 SG-894 SG-874 SG-525

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1445 1435 0855 1435 1445 1900 1535 1815 0855 0955 1435 1900 1445 1435 1815 1445 0955

1545 2300 0955 1910 2250 2315 1820 2050 1250 1105 1545 2010 1725 2125 2325 2045 1335

SG-1088 SG-1088

Daily Daily

2105 2105

2200 2325

SG-871 SG-916 SG-1046 SG-1031 SG-872 SG-1063 SG-1053 SG-1073

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 2,4,6 1,3,5,7 Daily

1140 2135 0720 0650 2015 1735 1735 1040

1510 2310 0830 0755 2115 1930 2030 1230

Guwahati Agartala Ahmedabad (Via-CCU-BLR-BOM) Bagdogra Bangalore (Via-CCU) Bangalore (Via-IXA-CCU-BOM) Chennai (Via-CCU) Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-IXB) Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-IXA) Mumbai (Via-CCU-BLR) Mumbai (Via-DEL) Mumbai (Via-IXA-CCU) Portblair (Via-CCU) Hubli Bangalore Hyderabad (Via-BLR) Hyderabad Agartala (Via-CCU) Ahmedabad Aurangabad Bangalore Bangalore Bhopal Bhopal (Via-IDR) Calicut

Note Schedule subject to change and regulatory authority approvals.

1- Mon, 2-Tue, 3-Wed, 4-Thu, 5-Fri, 6-Sat, 7-Sun.

November 2012 192 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule

Destination

Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Kochi Kochi Coimbatore Coimbatore Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Goa Goa (VIA-MAA) Indore Indore (Via-BHO) Jaipur Jammu (Via-JAI) Kolkata Madurai Mangalore Mumbai Portblair (Via-MAA) Pune Rajahmundary Tirupathi Tirupathi Varanasi (Via-DEL) Vijayawada Vijayawada Vizag Vizag Indore Bhopal Delhi Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-BHO) JABALPUR Delhi Mumbai Jaipur Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Bangalore (Via-PNQ) Bangalore (Via-PNQ) Chennai (Via-HYD) Delhi Goa (Via-AMD) Goa (Via-AMD)

flight no.

freq

dep

SG-1262 SG-917 SG-1011 SG-913 SG-1264 SG-231 SG-1051 SG-211 SG-233 SG-116 SG-226 SG-234 SG-108 SG-1071 SG-1011 SG-1053 SG-1063 SG-912 SG-912 SG-871 SG-3313 SG-1023 SG-402 SG-917 SG-1022 SG-1061 SG-1041 SG-1048 SG-116 SG-1001 SG-1003 SG-401 SG-221

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5,7 2,4,6 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

0600 0830 1230 1815 2105 1020 1845 0840 1625 0645 1030 1220 1435 1225 1230 1735 1735 0845 0845 1140 0950 0940 2130 0830 2030 0935 0620 1700 0645 0705 1610 0715 1755

0720 0940 1350 1915 2240 1150 2035 1000 1740 0840 1250 1430 1645 1355 1615 1930 2025 1045 1250 1345 1150 1115 2315 1225 2200 1040 0735 1825 1100 0800 1705 0820 1850

SG-1053 SG-2226 SG-1063 SG-1053

1,3,5,7 Daily 2,4,6 1,3,5,7

1950 1955 2050 1950

2030 2145 2245 2245

SG-2442 SG-2441

Daily Daily

1445 1010

1625 1205

SG-137 SG-137 SG-345 SG-345 SG-913 SG-218 SG-137 SG-137

1,2,3,4,5,6 7 7 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,6 7

1005 1220 2115 2120 1515 2040 1005 1220

1120 1340 0055 0040 1915 2130 1330 1540

Destination

arrival

Hyderabad Jammu Mumbai Pune Pune

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-913 SG-912 SG-133 SG-345 SG-345

Daily Daily Daily 7 1,2,3,4,5,6

1515 1120 0830 2115 2120

1715 1250 1025 2255 2250

SG-913 SG-854 SG-852 SG-858 SG-913 SG-913 SG-852 SG-851

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1320 0930 1310 1625 1320 1320 1310 1040

1915 1050 1425 1740 1715 1445 1720 1115

SG-286 SG-286 SG-3242 SG-278 SG-112 SG-214 SG-118 SG-108 SG-108 SG-1052 SG-112 SG-118 SG-214

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7

1900 1900 0735 1725 1120 1400 1830 1235 1235 2100 1120 1830 1400

2230 2000 0850 1845 1620 1835 2315 1645 1400 2255 1320 2040 1555

SG-873 SG-871 SG-529 SG-323 SG-523 SG-529 SG-874 SG-872 SG-324 SG-322 SG-608 SG-255 SG-803 SG-255 SG-321 SG-528 SG-883 SG-873 SG-872 SG-803

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1130 1415 1645 1355 0715 1645 1800 1720 1655 2045 0720 1155 0805 1155 0815 1250 1635 1130 1720 0805

1220 1510 2300 1455 0935 1910 2250 2115 1855 2315 0950 1410 1300 1720 0925 1405 1755 1400 1925 1120

Jammu Chennai (Via-JAI - HYD) Delhi Delhi Delhi Hyderabad (Via-JAI) Jaipur Mumbai (Via-DEL) Srinagar Kochi Ahmedabad (Via - BLR) Bangalore Chennai Chennai Delhi (Via-BOM) Delhi (Via-PNQ) Delhi (Via- BOM) Delhi (Via-HYD) Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai Pune Kolkata Agartala Agartala Ahmedabad (Via-BLR-BOM) Bagdogra Bangalore Bangalore Bangalore (Via-BOM) Bangalore (Via-HYD) Chennai Chennai Delhi Delhi Goa (Via-BOM) Goa (Via-DEL) Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati (Via-IXA) Hyderabad Mumbai

November 2012 194 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule

Destination

flight no.

freq

dep

Mumbai Mumbai (Via-BLR)

SG-874 SG-529

Daily Daily

1800 1645

2045 2125

Portblair Chennai (Via-DEL-PNQ) Delhi Pune (Via-DEL)

SG-525 SG-219 SG-219 SG-219

Daily Daily Daily Daily

1135 1710 1710 1710

1335 0040 1940 2225

SG-3303 SG-304 SG-306 SG-296 SG-3303 SG-3303 SG-304 SG-306 SG-3317 SG-296 SG-3303 SG-3303

Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily 1,3,4,5,7 2,6 Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily

0855 1000 1500 1840 0855 0855 1000 1500 1645 1840 0855 0855

1005 1055 1605 1940 1400 1325 1425 1935 1835 2155 1230 1140

SG-341 SG-3232 SG-1024 SG-341 SG-152

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1515 1135 1530 1515 1645

1910 1305 1705 1645 1810

SG-873 SG-106 SG-529 SG-151 SG-528 SG-341 SG-874 SG-275 SG-151 SG-291 SG-274 SG-206 SG-131 SG-103 SG-109 SG-851 SG-114 SG-112 SG-264 SG-136 SG-118 SG-106 SG-218 SG-2441

Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5 Daily Daily Daily Daily 2,4,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

0815 0810 2200 1000 0735 1730 2120 1145 1000 0605 1645 2100 0835 1450 1250 0550 1055 1415 1745 2015 2110 0810 1810 1230

1220 0915 2300 1220 0920 1910 2250 1330 1210 0755 1840 2305 1035 1700 1440 0755 1255 1620 1955 2220 2315 1125 2130 1625

Madurai Bangalore Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via-BLR-VGA-RJA) Chennai ( Via-BLR-VGA-RJA) Delhi ( Via-MAA) Delhi ( Via-MAA) Hyderabad Mumbai ( Via-MAA) Rajahmundary ( Via-BLR-VGA) Vijayawada ( Via-BLR) Mangalore Bangalore (Via-BOM) Chennai Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Agartala (Via-CCU) Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Amritsar Bangalore Bangalore Bangalore Calicut Chandigarh Chennai Chennai Chennai Kochi Kochi Coimbatore Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-AMD) Delhi (Via-JAI) Delhi (Via-JLR)

Destination

arrival

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Delhi (Via-STV) Goa Goa Guwahati (Via-BLR-CCU) Guwahati (Via-CCU-IXA) Hyderabad Jabalpur Jaipur Jammu (Via-DEL) Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-BLR) Madurai (Via-MAA) Mangalore Srinagar (Via - ATQ) Srinagar (Via - IXC) Srinagar (Via-DEL IXJ)

SG-152 SG-803 SG-248 SG-528 SG-873 SG-401 SG-2442 SG-218 SG-851 SG-873 SG-804 SG-528 SG-291 SG-344 SG-151 SG-151 SG-851

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5 2,4,6,7 Daily

1850 1200 1515 0735 0815 0515 1230 1810 0550 0815 1855 0735 0605 1230 1000 1000 0550

2205 1300 1620 1405 1400 0635 1425 2010 1010 1100 2135 1220 0930 1400 1325 1325 1115

Surat Varanasi (Via-DEL) Vizag (Via-HYD)

SG-152 SG-114 SG-401

Daily Daily Daily

1850 1055 0515

1935 1505 0820

SG-272 SG-883 SG-883

1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily

1255 1405 1405

1455 1755 1600

SG-227 SG-345 SG-345 SG-219 SG-217 SG-208 SG-214 SG-1025 SG-342

Daily 1,2,3,4,5,6 7 Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7 Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily

0645 2320 2325 2300 1115 0700 1625 2220 0755

0815 0040 0055 0040 1310 0905 1835 2340 0935

SG-3304 SG-3303 SG-3303 SG-1062 SG-3304

Daily 1,3,4,5,7 2,6 Daily Daily

1615 1250 1250 1100 1615

1825 1400 1325 1155 1645

Amritsar

SG-152

1,3,5

1445

1520

Bangalore (Via-DEL) Chandigarh Delhi Delhi (Via - ATQ-BOM-STV) Delhi (Via - IXC-BOM-STV) Delhi (Via-IXJ) Jammu Mumbai (Via - ATQ)

SG-209 SG-152 SG-209 SG-152 SG-152 SG-852 SG-852 SG-152

Daily 2,4,6,7 Daily 1,3,5 2,4,6,7 Daily Daily 1,3,5

1435 1445 1435 1445 1445 1155 1155 1445

1940 1530 1605 2205 2205 1425 1240 1810

Port Blair Chennai Guwahati (Via-CCU) Kolkata Pune Bangalore Bangalore Bangalore Chennai Kochi Delhi Delhi Hyderabad Jaipur Rajahmundry Bangalore (Via-VGA) Chennai Chennai Hyderabad Vijayawada Srinagar

November 2012 196 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule

Destination

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Mumbai (Via - IXC) Mumbai (Via-IXJ-DEL) Surat (Via - ATQ-BOM) Surat (Via - IXC-BOM) Surat Amritsar (Via - BOM) Chandigarh (Via - BOM) Delhi Mumbai Srinagar (Via - BOM-ATQ) Srinagar (Via - BOM-IXC) Tirupati Hyderabad Hyderabad Pune (Via- HYD) Trichy Bangalore (VIA-Chennai) Chennai Trivandrum Chennai Chennai Tuticorin Bangalore (Via-MAA) Chennai Chennai

SG-152 SG-852 SG-152 SG-152

2,4,6,7 Daily 1,3,5 2,4,6,7

1445 1155 1445 1445

1810 1720 1935 1935

SG-151 SG-151 SG-152 SG-151 SG-151 SG-151

1,3,5 2,4,6,7 Daily Daily 1,3,5 2,4,6,7

0835 0835 2005 0835 0835 0835

1220 1210 2205 0920 1325 1325

SG-1042 SG-1022 SG-1022

Daily Daily Daily

0755 1850 1850

0905 2010 2200

SG-3148 SG-3148

1,2,4,5,6,7 1,2,4,5,6,7

1855 1855

2120 1955

SG-3272 SG-3308

Daily Daily

0830 2200

0955 2345

SG-1084 SG-3292 SG-1084

1,3,4,5,7 Daily 1,3,4,5,7

1710 1055 1710

1930 1220 1815

Hubli (Via-MAA,BLR)

SG-1084

1,3,4,5,7

1710

2045

SG-233 SG-233 SG-119 SG-128 SG-233 SG-119

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1130 1130 1535 1940 1130 1535

1740 1250 1655 2100 1550 1940

SG-3304 SG-3303 SG-3303 SG-1002 SG-1004 SG-3303

Daily 1,3,4,5,7 2,6 Daily Daily Daily

1705 1200 1200 0820 1725 1200

1825 1400 1325 0915 1820 1230

SG-1077 SG-1077 SG-3278 SG-226

1,3,4,5,6,7 2 Daily Daily

1020 1020 1920 0850

1205 1125 2100 1250

Varanasi Coimbatore (Via-DEL,HYD) Delhi Delhi Delhi Hyderabad (Via-DEL) Mumbai (Via-DEL) Vijayawada Bangalore Chennai (Via-RJA) Chennai (Via-RJA) Hyderabad Hyderabad Rajahmundary Vizag Bangalore Bangalore Chennai Delhi (Via-HYD)

Destination

Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai (Via-HYD)

flight no.

SG-226 SG-402 SG-402

freq

Daily Daily Daily

dep

0850 1930 1930

arrival

1000 2050 2315

INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE Destination

Chennai Colombo Colombo Colombo Chennai Chennai Madurai Madurai Delhi Dubai Kabul Kathmandu Kathmandu Kathmandu DUBAI Delhi Mumbai KABUL Delhi Kathmandu Delhi Delhi Madurai Colombo Colombo Mumbai Dubai

flight no.

freq

arrival

SG-3101 SG-3101

1,2,4,5,6,7 3

1250 1540

1440 1735

SG-3102 SG-3102 SG-3316 SG-3316

1,2,4,5,6,7 3 3 1,2,4,5,6,7

1530 1825 1420 1435

1705 1940 1520 1535

SG-011 SG-021 SG-041 SG-045 SG-045

Daily 2,4,6 1,3,5,7 Daily Daily

0950 0920 0840 1540 1550

1140 1020 1040 1740 1740

SG-012 SG-014

Daily Daily

2330 1250

0355 1710

SG-022

2,4,6

1120

1420

SG-042 SG-046

1,3,5,7 Daily

1140 1840

1315 2010

SG-3314 SG-3314

3 1,2,4,5,6,7

1230 1245

1330 1345

SG-013

Daily

2100

2225

• SpiceJet flies to 38 domestic destinations covering the north, south, east and west of India. Whether you are flying for business, visiting friends or planning a holiday, SpiceJet is the smart way to travel. • SpiceJet now flies to 4 international destinations.

November 2012 198 www.spiceroutemag.com

dep

STARK.Tvm.5831

Spice offices

SpiceJet Offices Corporate Office SpiceJet Limited, 319 Udyog Vihar, Phase - IV, Gurgaon 122 016, Haryana Tel: +91 124 3913939 Fax: +91 124 3913844 Customer Services Vice President: Shraboni Mitra, Customer Services E-mail: shraboni.mitra@spicejet.com, custrelations@spicejet.com Reservations Toll Free: 1-800-180-3333 and 987-180-3333 Regional Heads North & Central India and Nepal: Mr. Rahul Bhatkoti email: rahul.bhatkoti@spicejet.com Delhi T1 & T3 and Nepal: Mr. Nelash Godara email: nelash.godara@spicejet.com East Mitali Borgohain email: mitali.b@spicejet.com West Rahul Bhakoti email: rahul.bhakoti@spicejet.com Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Mr. Pankaj Handa email: pankaj.handa@spicejet.com Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Sri Lanka Mr. R. Ranjeev email: r.ranjeev@spicejet.com Agartala Station Incharge: Avishek Kar Address: Spicejet Ltd., C.A. Agartala Airport, Agartala - 799009 (Tripura) Email: avishek.kar@spicejet.com Ahmedabad Station Manager: Johnson George Address: Spicejet Ltd., SVP International Airport, Ahmedabad - 380003 (Gujarat) Email: johnson.george@spicejet.com Amritsar Station Incharge: Deepak Anand Address: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar-143101 (Punjab) Email: deepak.anand@spicejet.com Aurangabad Station Incharge: Keshav Moktali Address: Spicejet Ltd., New ATS Complex, Jalana Road, Aurangabad Airport, Aurangabad (Maharashtra) Email: keshav.moktali@spicejet.com Bagdogra Station Incharge: Saurav Raj Thapa Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Bagdogra, Siliguri-734421 (West Bengal)

Email: saurav.thapa@spicejet.com Bangalore Station Incharge: Vivek Godbole Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bangalore International Airport, Devenhalli, Bengaluru - 560300 (Karnataka) Email: vivek.godbole@spicejet.com Bhopal Station Incharge: Faraz Siddiqui Address: Spicejet Ltd., Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) Email: Faraz.Siddiqui@spicejet.com Calicut Station Incharge:Sajith kannoth Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Calicut International Airport, Malapuram â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 673647 (Kerala) Email: sajith@spicejet.com Chandigarh Station Incharge: Manmeet Singh Barham Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Airport, Chandigarh â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16003 Email: manmeet.barham@spicejet.com Chennai Station Incharge: Gavin Jeffries Address: Spicejet Ltd., Kamraj International Airport, Chennai (Tamil Nadu) Email: gavin.jeffries@spicejet.com Coimbatore Station Manager: R. Ranjeev Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Coimbatore - 641014 (Tamil Nadu) Email: r.ranjeev@spicejet.com Colombo Station Manager: Rajesh Kumar Singh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bandarnaike International Airport, Colombo (Sri Lanka) Email: rajesh.singh@spicejet.com Dehradun Station Incharge: Manish Pandey Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, Uttarakhand Email: manish.pandey@spicejet.com Dubai Station Manager: J. Venkatramakrishnan Address: Spicejet Ltd., Dubai International Airport, Departure level-Terminal 1, UAE Email: j.venkat@spicejet.com Goa Station Manager: Vrushiket Bhise Address: Spicejet Ltd., Goa International Airport, Dabolim-403801 (Goa) Email: vrushiket.bhise@spicejet.com Guwahati Station Manager: Debasish Choudhury Address: Spicejet Ltd., Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (Assam) Email: debasish.choudhury@spicejet.com Hyderabad Station Manager: Raghunath Singh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad (Andhra Pradesh)

Email: raghunath.singh@spicejet.com Hubli Station Manager: Mahavir Gaur Address: Hubli airport, Gokul Road. Hubli 580 030 (Karnataka) Email: mahavir.gaur@spicejet.com Indore Station Incharge: Pavitra Shukla Address: Spicejet Ltd., DABH Airport, Indore (Madhya Pradesh) Email: pavitra.shukla@spicejet.com Jabalpur Station Incharge: Jaimin Premasawala Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jabalpur Airport, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh Email: jaimin.premasawala@spicejet.com Jammu Station Manager: Deepak Koul Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jammu Airport,Civil Enclave Jammu (J&K) Email: deepak.koul@spicejet.com Jaipur Station Manager: Brijendra Sinsinwar Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Civil Airport Sanganer, Jaipur (Rajasthan) Email: brijendra.sinsinwar@spicejet.com Kathmandu Station Officer: Sagar Gurung Address: Spicejet Ltd., Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (Nepal) Email: sagar.gurung@spicejet.com Kochi Station Manager: Shamon P.S Address: Spicejet Ltd., Cochin International Airport Limited, Kochi (Kerala) Email: shamon@spicejet.com Kolkata Station Manager: Sagarnath Das Address: Spicejet Ltd., NSCBI Airport, Kolkata - 700052 (West Bengal) Email: sagarnath.das@spicejet.com Madurai Station Manager: Balaji Ramanan Address: Spicejet Ltd., Madurai Airport, Madurai - 625022 (Tamil Nadu) Email: balaji.ramanan@spicejet.com Mangalore Station Incharge: C.M.Biddappa Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bajpe Airport, Mangalore (Karnataka) Email: biddappa@spicejet.com Mumbai Station Manager: Naved Patel Address: Spicejet Ltd., Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai (Maharashtra) Email: naved.patel@spicejet.com New Delhi Station Manager: Nelash Godara Address: Terminal 1D, IGI Airport, Palam (Delhi) Email: nelash.godara@spicejet.com

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Port Blair Station Incharge: Arun M Address: Spicejet Ltd., Veer Sawarkar International Airport, Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) Email: arun.m@spicejet.com Pune Station Manager: Adil Palia Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Enclave Pune Airport, Lohegaon, Pune - 411032 (Maharashtra) Email: adil.palia@spicejet.com Rajahmundry Station Incharge: Amit Naraian Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Rajahmundry Airport, Madhurapudi (Andhra Pradesh) Email: amit.naraian@spicejet.com Srinagar Station Manager: Irfan Hussain Kanth Address: Spicejet Ltd., Srinagar Airport, Srinagar (J&K) Email: irfan.kanth@spicejet.com Surat Station Incharge: Harin Rajguru Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Surat Airport, Surat (Gujarat) Email: harin.rajguru@spicejet.com Tirupati Station Incharge: N Nagaraju Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Tirupati-517520 (Andhra Pradesh) Email: n.nagaraju@spicejet.com Trichy Station Incharge: C.N.Kishore Address: Spicejet Ltd., Tiruchirapalli Airport, Tiruchirapalli - 620007 (Tamil Nadu) Email: cn.kishore@spicejet.com Trivandrum Station Incharge: A.C.Ratheesh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Trivandrum International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram - 695008 (Kerala) Email: ratheesh.ac@spicejet.com Tuticorin Station Incharge: R. Raajeev Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Tuticorin-628103 (Tamil Nadu) Email: r.rajeev@spicejet.com Varanasi Station Manager: Rajul Srivastava Address: Spicejet Ltd., L.B.S. Airport, Babatpur, Varanasi - 221006 (Uttar Pradesh) Email: rajul.srivastava@spicejet.com Vijayawada Station Incharge: Devendra Sunkara Address: Spicejet Ltd., Vijayawada Airport, Gannavaram - 521102 (Andhra Pradesh) Email: devendra.sunkara@spicejet.com Vizag Station Manager: Attanur Prasad Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Visakhapatnam Airport, Visakhapatnam - 530009 (Andhra Pradesh) Email: attanur.prasad@spicejet.com

Spice bites

November 2012 204 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice bites

November 2012 206 www.spiceroutemag.com