Trujetter November-December 2017

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TRUJET MAGAZINE

FOR INFLIGHT READ ONLY

Volume 2 Issue 6 Nov-Dec 2017

Tribal Tales

Explore the culture and heritage of Indian Tribes

EDITORIAL

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Soaring New Heights beauty of Tamil Nadu, flip through the Culture Curry pages to know about the ravishing terrain of the Nilgiris.

Dig into the history and explore the contemporary trends of sarees from southern India in fashion pages and know more about the humanoid robots that could be knocking at your door in the near future in our technology section. Savour the Malnad cuisine which is heavily influenced by the fruits and vegetables available in the rich forests of Western ghats. ear Trujetter,

Greetings and a warm welcome aboard!

Trujet is constantly strengthening its network and the airline now connects Vidyanagar providing easiest connectivity to Hampi, Hospet, Bellary from Hyderabad. It also now connects Mysore to Chennai and Hyderabad.

In the cover story of the Nov-Dec issue of the magazine, meet the unique tribes inhabiting the suburban parts of southern Indian states. Enjoy a short trip to Chennai or explore the unspoiled and quiet town of Rameshwaram in the getaway features. If you wish to explore the picturesque

Scan this QR code from your smartphone and click on the URL to visit us

You can also embark on a cultural trip and know about the Buddhist Trail in Andhra Pradesh. The Face2Face section tells you how Aditi Rao Hydari has been adding heft and nuance to the films. As you sit and relax in the seats, immerse yourself in the beauty of flowers and catch a glimpse of Bathukamma, a unique floral festival of Telangana in the photo feature section of the magazine.

All this and much more will surely keep you occupied while you travel with us.

Happy travelling!

Sudha Reddy, Group Director, Trujet Airlines

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ON THE

COVER

The tribes in India represent an element in Indian society which is integrated with the cultural mosaic of our civilisation.

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What’s Inside?

Volume 2 Issue 6 Nov-Dec 2017

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18 6-39

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DISCOVER Around the World | 6 Events/ News/ Festivals/ Films Snapshot | 16 Majestic Artwork City Guide | 18 Chennai Lead Story | 24 Tribal Trail Getaway | 30 Rameshwaram Travel | 34 Buddhist Trail in Andhra Pradesh

40-55

CULTURE CURRY

24

Travel | 40 Blue Mountains Cuisine | 46 Malnad Cuisine Trends | 50 Sarees Technology | 54 Humanoid Robots

56-57

FACE2FACE Aditi Rao Hydari

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58-63

INSTA CLICK

68-69

TRUJET WORLD

Bathukamma

Schedule / Route map

Nov-Dec 2017

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DISCOVER

AROUND THE WORLD

2

Save the date

EXHIBITIONS

6

DANCE

DRAMA

FOOD

EVENTS

1

2

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THE MUMBAI LITFEST

ECHOES OF EARTH

SERENDIPITY ARTS FESTIVAL

CHENNAI MUSIC FESTIVAL

The city of Mumbai will play host to engaging and insightful conversations.

The four-day literary extravaganza will have over 100 authors and thinkers. The line-up includes award-winning novelist, biographer and critic Dame Margaret Drabble and Catharine MacKinnon, feminist scholar, lawyer, educator and activist, Devdutt Pattanaik and others.

It is a celebration of the environment and eco-conscious people.

The entire festival is largely produced using upcycled & recycled concepts which present themselves as large stages and installations.

The two days of the festival will see workshops on wellness and green lifestyle. It is a convergence of music, arts and culture.

The festival brings together visual, performing and culinary arts. Curated by a panel of artists and institutional figures, this second edition will feature over 70 art projects including 40 projects that are commissioned specifically for the festival.

It will expand across seven discipline of arts including photography, crafts, visual arts, theatre, music and culinary arts.

Popularly called the Madras Music Season, the festival offers a plethora of traditional south Indian Carnatic music, dance, and other arts. The event consists of over 1,000 performances along with music-related seminars, discussions and demonstrations.

Titles and awards are bestowed on the participating artistes.

When: November 16-19, 2017 Where: Mumbai

When: November 18-19, 2017 Where: Bengaluru

When: December 15-22, 2017 Where: Goa

When: Mid-Dec to Mid-Jan Where: Chennai

Nov-Dec 2017

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AROUND THE WORLD

News updates INDIA’S FIRST EXPRESS SECURITY CHECK FACILITY AT HYDERABAD GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) has become the first airport in India to provide ‘Express Security Check’ facility at the entry gate of the terminal. This will serve as preembarkation security check facility for domestic passengers travelling without any check-in baggage.

The domestic passengers can now enter express security check counters immediately after printing their boarding pass from the self-service kiosks at fore court area outside the terminal building. This will help them head straight towards the boarding area.

Almost 40 per cent passengers at the Hyderabad airport travel without any checked-in baggage, thus this facility helps them clear the security check with minimum hassle by reducing the waiting time.

WHATSAPP TO HELP CLEAN BEACHES OF GOA The instant messaging mobile application is going to help Goa Tourism Department in their plans to clean the beaches of the state. The people will soon be able to ‘WhatsApp’ images of the garbage and filth on the beaches to the Tourism Department for prompt clean up.

The people can inform the department by sending their WhatsApp location along with the images of the piled up waste on a number which will be announced by the department soon.

Under the scheme, the designated contractor is supposed to take corrective measures within 24 hours of the complaint. The facility will be available on all major beaches in Goa.

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ENJOY HOMESTAY FACILITIES IN RURAL ANDHRA PRADESH With a plan to boost rural tourism, the tourism department of Andhra Pradesh has planned to establish homestays in off-beat destination of Andhra Pradesh.The department has identified 37 villages in 13 districts of AP which have the scope for tourism development. The first phase of this initiative called Project Sanskriti was launched on September 27 on the occasion of World Tourism Day. The homestays will give tourist a chance to interact with the local folks of the region and get a first-hand experience of tradition and culture of the place. Not just this, tourists can now try their hands at various folk art forms of the villages like leather puppetry making, the art of Kalamkari, etc.

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NEW RELEASES

Cine magic MOVIE OF THE MONTH THACKERAY It is an action-thriller written and directed by Raja Huli fame Guru Deshpande and produced by MN Kumar under MNK Movies banner while V Sridhar scored music for this movie. Prajwal will play the character that will have a grey shade. He is also undergoing a makeover for the film. Ravichandran, is playing an important role of a godfather to Prajwal.

Release date: December 8, 2017

OTHER RELE ASES

GARUDA VEGA

*Release dates are subject to change

10 Sep-Oct May-June 2017 2017

November 3, 2017 Director: Praveen Sattaru Cast: Dr. Rajasekhar, Sunny Leone, Shraddha Das, Adith Arun

DHRUVA NATCHATHIRAM November 11, 2017 Director: Gautham Menon Cast: Vikram, Rithu

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BOOK REVIEWS

Fiction

Reading list THE MUSK AND OTHER STORIES

By: Arupa Patangia Kalita Publisher: Niyogi Books Price: `395 The book is an eclectic mix of short stories and a novella that sheds light on some of the burning issues that reverberate through the Assam Valley. The book pushes one to reflect upon the current political situation of Assam. While going to light an earthen lamp in Mineswar’s paddy field for Kati Bihu, the royal princess stood still. The field leaned against the hill, the paddy stalks swayed with their heads bent—heavy with the milky-white liquid which hardened into grains of rice when mature. Everything had taken on a golden hue in the setting rays of the sun. All of a sudden, darkness descended on the field, as if the hill had hastily grabbed the sun and hidden it in its lap. In the darkening sky, a flock of herons were flying towards the hills. Were they going looking for the sun?

12 Nov-Dec 2017

SATAN’S ANGELS

By: Sandeep Das Publisher: Blue Rose Publishers Price: `199

Fiction

The book takes you on a journey of greed, brilliance, sleaze, murder, debt, progress from the greatest profession of them all - management consulting! The cohort of 2011 is keen on succeeding at The Firm that showers its members with the best of opportunities, the best of luxury and unbelievable sum of money. However, behind the good life, lies an ugly truth. What he doesn’t realise is that nearly a dozen management consultants who have been handpicked before have paid with their lives working for them. Will he survive the game in which every mistake is fatal or will he be on his way to become a partner?

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AROUND THE WORLD

Celebrations...

When

When

December 25, 2017

December 2, 2017

Where

Where

Tamil Nadu

Pan India

KARTHIGAI DEEPAM Also called Annamalai Deepam, the festival is believed to be an extension of Diwali.

The families practice the trend of doubling the number of lamps every day from the day of Diwali till the festival day of Karthigai Deepam. The festivities begin with the flag hoisting on the Uttradam day and continues for nine days. Like Diwali, there is a practice of cleaning and decorating one’s home with illuminations and multi-hued kolams or rangoli. Other festivities include processions, street and home decoration, home-made fireworks and feasts.

When

December 15 – 17, 2017

Where Andhra Pradesh

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LUMBINI FESTIVAL Celebrated every year for three days, the festival is a perfect representation of Buddhist culture.

The artisans exhibit artistic paintings, sculptures and other artwork. These paintings and sculptures usually resemble those that existed during the Buddhist era. On the day of the festival, theatre presentations reflecting the Buddhist culture are also performed. The festival traces the ancient history of Buddhist heritage.

CHRISTMAS The annual festival celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The family affair involves exchange of gifts and parties. The local stores, markets and malls are draped in multicoloured fairy lights, paper streamers and flowers. Some families put up Christmas trees with a lot of decorations and ornaments. The food includes a versatile collection of goodies such as cardamom and cashew macaroons, fruit cakes, plum puddings, etc.

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SNAPSHOT

Majestic

Artwork

Celebrations in South India are synonymous with elephants.

They are a part of the grand parades with decorated backs, trunks and tusks. The beauty of colourfully decorated elephants during the festivities is an intriguing sight to look at. The participating elephants are adorned with jewellery and their bodies are painted with motifs. The symbol of royalty and majesty in the Indian Culture has various mythical legends associated with it.

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CITY GUIDE

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Chennai A Soulful city

India’s fourth largest city and an important centre for industry and film, Chennai is a place of invisible charm. A fast-paced metropolitan city in South India, it is situated in the Southeast of the Coromandal coast of the Bay of Bengal.

Words: MIA GANDHI

C

hennai boasts of a historically rich lineage along with modern infrastructure. It has been the fortress of many dynasties of South India in the past. The history of Chennai is filled with the stories of colonial times, and it has served as a battle ground for the colonial forces of the French and the British as well as the Mysore kingdom.

The city of Chennai served as a major naval port during the 18th century and became the capital of the presidency of Madras postindependence.

Being a major centre of culture, administration and trade in South India, the city carries the legacy of rich cultural heritage imbibed in its fine arts, music and dance forms, people and cuisines. It is the main centre of Tamil culture and represents the different elements of the highest variety of the Dravidian civilisation.

It is also home to diverse industries such as automobile, pharmaceutical and healthcare, Information Technology and hardware manufacturing.

Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, Chennai also hosts some of the serene sea beaches.

Trujet offers direct services from Chennai to Cuddapah.

Log on to www.trujet.com for further details.

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CITY GUIDE

Sounds of

History

Revisit the glorious past of the city through historical monuments

Government Museum

Above: Fort St George is the first English fortress in India, founded in 1644

Fort St. George First establishment of the British in India, the fort holds great historical importance and is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is divided into two sections: St. Mary’s Church and the Fort Museum. St. Mary’s Church enjoys the status of being one of the oldest surviving churches built by the British in India as well as the oldest Anglican Church in all of India. The church is famously known as the ‘Westminster Abbey of the East’.

Fort St. George Museum houses the relics of the British personnel who inhabited this

fort. Today, the fort museum showcases a host of artefacts such as coins, medals, paintings, letters, etc, belonging to the colonial period. There is a banquet hall in the premises of the fort, called Wellesley House, named after Richard Wellesley, former Governor-General of India. There is a 14.5 ft tall statue of Lord Cornwallis in front of the museum, which is an art masterpiece. It was brought to India from Britain on a ship. It is carved with a scene depicting Tipu Sultan, his two sons and the East India Company officials.

Also known as Egmore Museum, it is the second oldest museum in India and the largest museum in South Asia that is also rich in archaeological and numismatic collection. It has the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe. The Museum comprises of six buildings and 46 galleries.

Many of the buildings situated within the Government Museum are over 100 years old. The main items of this museum which are enthralling and captivating are the world notable Amravati figures, Thanjavur armoury, South Indian bronze & copper plates, the inscriptions engraved on the stones, artefacts from the Megaliths of Adichanallur, the Dowleshwaram hoard of gold coins of Raja Raja I and Kulothunga I. The public library of the museum, also known as Connemara Public Library, bears a 200 feet tower.

AMAZING FACTS The earlier name of the city, Madras is believed to be originated from Madrasapattinam, a fishing village located north of the St. George Fort.

The Tidel Park of the capital city is the largest IT Park in Asia; it also houses the head offices of leading software companies.

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A walk through the

coastline

Enjoy the fresh sea breeze at the magnificent beaches of Chennai

Marina Beach The beach runs from near Fort St. George in the north to Foreshore Estate in the south, making it the longest natural urban beach in the country and one of the world’s longest beaches. With a white sandy shore that looks as though it is extending to infinity, the landscape of Marina Beach is a mesmerising and serene sight to behold. The beach is a breeding ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles.

It has statues of heroes from the Tamil culture such as Anna and MGR. Watching the sun rise upwards into the sky or even disappear into the ocean from the beach, is an awe-striking and enchanting experience.

Mahabalipuram beaches The entire coastline of Mahabalipuram is dotted with

Above: A panaromic view of the Marina beach in Chennai; Below: The Mahabalipuram beach is mesmerising to look at

lovely beaches. The historical monuments are positioned in very close proximity to these beaches. The exquisite sculptures of rock cut temples that adorn the interiors of these temples are very admirable.

A visit to the beaches in Mahabalipuram gives you the rare opportunity to enjoy the azure waters of the sea, the yellow sands or the magnificent monuments like the Shore Temples and the Rathas.

Thiruvanmiyur The one-kilometre stretch of Thiruvanmiyur Beach extends along the scenic East Coast Road (ECR) leading to Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) and Puducherry (Pondicherry). Here, the Beach Walkers’ Promenade is a must-visit. Less populated with clean golden sands and clean sea waters the beach is popular for beautiful sunrises and boat rides.

Trujet offers direct services from Chennai to Nov-Dec 2017 21 Mysuru.

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CITY GUIDE

Art and Culture Tracing the evolution of Tamil Nadu’s cultural traditions

Left: A Heritage village: Dakshina Chitra; Right: Work of artists at The Cholamandal Centre for Contemporary Art

Cholamandal Artists’ Village India’s largest self-supporting artists’ village and one of the most successful in Asia, this beautiful village is truly a magnum opus of contemporary art. The Cholamandal Centre for Contemporary Art has a ‘Museum of the Madras Movement’, which displays works of prominent artists of the movement. The centre has two commercial galleries, ‘Labernum’ and ‘Indigo’, an art book store and a craft shop. It is surrounded by treeshaded sand which sport an international sculpture garden, displaying sculptures made by visiting artists from across India and the world through the decades. It nurtured artists such as P.S. Nandan, Haridasan, S. Nanda Gopal, Vasudev, K.

22 Nov-Dec 2017

Jayapala Panicker, Gopinath, Senathipathy, M.V. Devan and Richard Jesudas.

has a collection of 18 authentic historical houses with contextual exhibitions in each house.

Dakshina Chitra

Bharatnatayam

Dakshina Chitra, meaning ‘a picture of the south’, is a heritage village where the lifestyle of South Indians is displayed based on their states. An exciting cross-cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts and performing arts of South India, the main mission of Dakshina Chitra is to exhibit, promote and preserve aspects of the broader, more inclusive cultures of the states and to bring these arts to the public in a participative, enjoyable and engaging way. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, it is located at Muttukadu, 25 km south of Central Chennai, on the East Coast Road to Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu. It

Bharatanatyam, a pre-eminent Indian classical dance form is regarded as mother of many other Indian classical dance forms. Conventionally, a solo dance performed only by women, it initiated in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu and eventually flourished in South India.

Theoretical base of this form traces back to ‘Natya Shastra’, the ancient Sanskrit Hindu text on the performing arts. Some imminent Bharatanatyam artists include Mrinalini Sarabhai, her daughter Mallika Sarabhai, Padma Subramanyam, Alarmel Valli, and Yamini Krishnamurthy among others.

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LOVE FOR THE GAME Cricket is the popular sport in Chennai and was started as a result of the foundation of the Madras Cricket Club in 1846. The MA Chidambaram Stadium, in Chepauk, was set up in 1916 and is among the oldest stadiums in the country. The first ever match of the Ranji Trophy was held on November 4, 1934 between Madras and Mysore at Chepauk.

Know the

City

TRADITIONAL FOOD Idiyappam is a traditional dish consisting of rice flour pressed into noodle form and then steamed. It is generally served with egg, potato, fish or meat curry. Try eating it with a spicy curry as it makes for a great combo.

AUTO HUB It is also known as the Detroit of India because of its automobile industry which produces more than 40% of the auto parts and motor vehicles in India. Being a major port city, it is a prime location for export-import of automobiles and car parts. Thus, numerous manufacturers prefer to set up factories close to this automobile hub, cutting down on their transportation costs, while foreign brands often import certain parts, and thus prefer Chennai as a centre.

Chennai was originally called Madras from Madras Pattinam during Nayakar’s rule. It was a fishing village situated to the north of the present Fort St George.

CINEMA Chennai is the base for the large Tamil movie industry (Kollywood) in the locality of Kodambakkam where most of the movie studios are located. The industry makes about 100 Tamil movies a year, and its film soundtracks dominate the music scene in the city. Tamil Cinema is the second biggest revenue generating movie industry in India only after Bollywood. Tamil movies and personalities are followed worldwide. Some of most technologically advanced movie studios of India are located in Chennai.

Trujet offers direct services from Chennai to Nov-Dec 2017 23 Vijayawada.

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LEAD STORY

Tracing

Tribes Across South India

Largely unaffected by the modern world, they’re very simple and often curious people, who have retained their rituals and customs. Meet these unique tribes inhabiting the suburban parts of southern Indian states.

Words: SHIBAJI ROYCHOUDHURY

I

t is a known fact that India is an amalgamation of several cultures and multiple faiths, but it also has, along with Africa, the largest tribal population in the world. Every nook and cranny of this country boasts of hosting a variety of truly diverse, colourful and indigenous people with fascinating lineage. The traditional and cultural distinction of each tribal community has made them distinguishable from each other and their traditions and heritage add colour and variation to the Indian culture as a whole.

24 Nov-Dec 2017

There are a total of 533 indigenous tribes that make up for more than 80 million tribals and accumulates into 10 per cent of India’s population.

Most of these tribes inhabit destinations that are pristine and picturesque and away from the hustle-bustle of the city life. If you look closely into the southern states of India, there are many such unique tribes inhabiting the suburban parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Goa. Here are five such tribes, each from a state of southern India:

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LEAD STORY

Kurumba Tribe, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu Settled in the mid-ranges of the Nilgiris, the Kurumba Tribe have called this region home for centuries. They are believed to be the descendants of the 7th century Pallava Dynasty and hence are one of the earliest known inhabitants of the Western Ghats, who were known to be engaged

in the collection and gathering of forest produce, mainly wild honey and wax. The members of this community are short, have dark skin and protruding foreheads.

The tribe is rich in culture and has talented artists and musicians. The village priests not only perform rituals but also

create beautiful works of art for the temple. Their traditional music includes a unique sound created by blowing into a bamboo pipe, called Kolu. They also use drums which they call Tambette.

Confined to the forest area – the foothills of the Nilgiri plateau, the Kurumbas are traditionally hunters and gatherers. Even today, a lot of them prefer living in caves and rock shelters instead of concrete houses.

Although, over the years, some of them have built huts in small hamlets interspersed with garden patches.

QUICK FACTS

While Kurumba men are hunters, cultivators and gatherers, Kurumba women are traditionally body tattooists.

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Halakki Tribe, Karnataka Inhabited in northern Karnataka’s picturesque Ankola town, the Halakki Vokkaligaru, a forest tribe, is popular for their exotic culture and melodious singing style. Spread across scores of hamlets in Uttara Kannada district, about 470 km from Bengaluru, the women of this tribe are famous for writing poetry, sonnets and composing songs about their daily lives. They also

WOMEN OF THIS TRIBE ARE FAMOUS FOR WRITING POETRY, SONNETS AND COMPOSING SONGS ABOUT THEIR DAILY LIVES

adorn themselves with beads and necklaces, heavy nose rings and distinctive attire.

The tribe makes its livelihood by farming paddy and other seasonal crops. It also has several seasonal occupations like fishing in ponds, rivers, lakes and collecting forest produces, such as firewood, herbs for natural remedies (Ayurveda) and dry leaves for rolling beedis.

QUICK FACTS Interestingly, the Halakki tribe has a gender ratio of 2:1 women to men unlike the general consensus in India wherein the male population is always higher. The women in this community are worshipped and considered a descendant of the tribe’s mythological goddess or deity, Tulasi Katti.

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Koya Tribe, Andhra Pradesh

QUICK FACTS There are many endogamous subdivisions among the Koyas of Bhadrachalam agency, such as Racha Koya, Lingadari Koya, Kammara Koya and Arithi Koya. Each group is vocationally specialised having a separate judiciary system which ensures group endogamy.

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They are one of the only multilingual and multi-racial tribes living in India. The Koyas are one of the major peasant tribes of Andhra Pradesh who also call themselves as ‘Koithur’. The region that this tribe inhabits include the Indravati, Godavari, Sabari, Sileru rivers and the dense forest area of Eastern

Ghats, covering parts of Bastar, Koraput, Warangal, Khammam, Karimnagar and the east and west Godavari districts. They speak a blended language called ‘Koyi’ which is similar to Telegu.

The origins of this tribe dates back to pre-historic times. The Koyas believe that

life originated from water, and the friction between the fourteen seas resulted in the emergence of moss, toads, fish and saints. And God was the last saint. An interesting Koya tradition is to consume a beverage called ‘Ippa Sara’ which helps them to unwind and relax after a hard day’s work.

AN INTERESTING KOYA TRADITION IS TO CONSUME A BEVERAGE CALLED ‘IPPA SARA’ WHICH HELPS THEM TO UNWIND AND RELAX AFTER A HARD DAY’S WORK Trujet connects Rajahmundry with Hyderabad.

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Chenchu Tribe

Telangana

in deities such as Lord Eshwara (Lingamayya for the Chenchus).

The Chenchu marriage is known as ‘Pelli’ and is performed by elders from the ‘Uttaluri’, the superior clan within the tribe. One of the members of this clan presides over the marriage as the priest or ‘Kularaju’. Those who attend the wedding collaborate to construct a hut for the newly married couple as their wedding gift.

Images are for representation only

Chenchus are a particularly rigid tribal group, their hamlets or Pentas dot the Nallamala forest range across four to five districts in Telangana. They are inveterate forest dwellers, who have, over centuries, steadfastly refused to move out of their woods regardless of the perils of such life. While a lot of tribes in southern India worship mother nature, this tribe however believes

QUICK FACTS

Gowda Tribe, Goa They may be a primitive tribe, but the Gowdas were always progressive. They have a matriarchal society and it is women of the tribe who do the decision making in economic, social and political matters.

Although, they were originally Hindu, a lot of them converted to Christianity during the Portuguese

reign over Goa. However, they practice both religions equally.

For instance, a lot of the Hindu Gowda, don’t cremate their loved ones, instead bury them like in Christianity.

The tribe inhabits most of the rural parts of Goa. They are also strict about marriage and preserving their bloodlines.

The laws of the tribe forbids members from marrying outside of their community.

These fascinating tribes, although very much in contact with the new world have taken steps towards development and prosperity but at the same time ensured that they kept their traditions and their roots intact.

Some Chenchus have continued to specialise in collecting forest products for sale to non-tribal people.

The Gowda laws permit women to inherit her husband’s property on his death.

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GETAWAY

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aking the shape of a conch lies the island of Rameshwaram, on one end of the longest rail and the road bridge constructed over the sea. Regarded as one of the holy places of the Hindus, the island town is famous for its temples with intricately designed pillars on either side. Rameshwaram means ‘Lord of Rama’ in Sanskrit and it is from here that Lord Rama had built the bridge to Sri Lanka to rescue his wife, Sita from the King of Lanka.

Ramanathswamy Temple The legend has it that Rameshwaram was the place where Lord Rama sought penance for having killed Ravana. To absolve his sins, Lord Rama decided to worship Shiva by installing a lingam and asked Hanuman to bring it from the Himalayas. Since it took longer for Hanuman to bring it, Sita built the lingam with sand and it is believed that the same

Serene & Sacred Separated by the Pamban channel from Sri Lanka, the unspoiled and quiet town of Rameshwaram is one of the most sought-after pilgrim destinations in South India.

Words: HEMA GUHA

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is still present in the shrine of the Ramanathswamy Temple.

The temple has 22 teerthams or wells symbolising the arrows in Rama’s quiver. It is said that one has to take bath with the water drawn from all the 22 wells before reaching the main deity to offer prayers. The pillars in the lengthy corridors of the temple have exquisite sculptures carved on them and the ceilings have colourful paintings. The folk-styled dwarapalakas

sculpted on the entrance of the main sanctum sanctorum are a symbol of impressive architecture.

The temple is famous for its long corridors with systematically arranged pillars. The corridors run between huge colonnades mounted on huge platforms.

The third corridor is the longest in the world with 1,212 pillars.

The temple also boasts of a collossal Nandi. The ancient shrine had thatched roof and the

masonry structure was built by Parakrama Bahu of Sri Lanka.

The shrines of Ramanathaswamy and his consort goddess Parvathavardhini are separated by a corridor.

Kothandaramaswamy Temple There are many small temples in and around Rameshwaram which can be visited within two hours. Most of the temples are associated with the story of

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GETAWAY

Corridors and sculptured pillars of Rameshwaram temple

LORD RAMA CROWNED VIBHISHANA AS THE KING OF THE LANKA AFTER SLAYING RAVANA AT KOTHANDARAMASWAMY TEMPLE Ramayana. One of the temples is the Kothandaramaswamy Temple where Ravana’s brother Vibhishan is believed to have met Lord Rama to surrender himself. This is also the place where Lord Rama crowned Vibhishana as the king of the Lanka after slaying Ravana.

The story is also depicted through paintings across the walls of the shrine.

This temple is built on a raised level in soft pastel colours. Carved with captivating paintings representing the instances from Hindu sacred text Ramayana, the walls of the temple are an example of astonishing architecture. The history of the temple is also depicted on the temple walls.

Images of Goddess Sita, Lord Rama, Lord Lakshmana, Lord Hanuman and Vibhishana can be seen at the temple.

A visit to Dhanushkodi From the temple town, the submerged town of Dhanushkodi is not far away. Situated 20kms

from Rameshwaram, it is a busy port town and special permission has to be taken from the coast guards and navy for visiting this place.

Only a handful of villagers live at their own risk and peril as the corporation no longer maintains this town. Only jeeps are allowed on this terrain, guides take you to this place and you are given some hours to roam around the ghost city admiring the ruins and spend some time collecting pebbles and corals on the beautiful beach. People also perform ceremonies for their ancestors on the seaside. By evening high tide sets in and water floods the entire beach. The Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal meet forming the shape of a bow and arrow and hence the name Dhanushkodi.

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FUN FACTS

Satchi Hanuman temple situated 3 km away from Ramanathswamy Temple is the place where Hanuman had presented the proof of having met Sita by showing the ring to Ram.

Floating stones that were used to build the ‘Ram setu’ from Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka are kept at Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple.

Gandamadana Parvatham is the imprint of Lord Rama’s feet on a Chakra (wheel) found in this shrine. It is placed at the highest point on the island almost 2 km from Rameshwaram.

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In the town, you’ll come across some fishermen living in thatched huts near the sea and women selling conched shells. The ruins of the town are a favourite place for shooting films. Dhanushkodi is linked to Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. Earlier, citizens from erstwhile Ceylon used to take jetty services to come to Rameshwaram, watch famous Tamil movies and return by the evening.

Pamban bridge which used to connect Rameshwaram to the rest of Tamil Nadu also got severely damaged during the cyclone which has now been rebuilt using more advanced techniques. By evening one has to return to the city as tourists are not allowed to stay in Dhanushkodi once high tide sets in.

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Exploring

Buddhism in Andhra Pradesh

Buddhist sites of importance in Andhra Pradesh continue to remain unknown to much of the world. With close to 150 Buddhist heritage and pilgrimage sites present in the state, let’s explore these archeological gems which had a profound influence on the region during ancient times.

Words & Images: RASHMI GOPAL RAO

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hile one would normally associate Buddhist pilgrimage sites with Sarnath, Kushinagar or Bodh Gaya, history reveals that Buddhism flourished in several parts of India since its origin in the 5th century BC. A visit to the southern state of Andhra Pradesh reveals an extremely significant and deep-rooted Buddhist influence. There are several such Buddhist heritage sites in the state and new sites are being discovered constantly with the latest one being unearthed in the Guntur district. The Buddhist site at Putlagudem discovered

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this year dates back to the 1st century AD. These fascinating sites are not only of historical and archaeological importance but are also symbols of the profound influence the religion had on the state during the ancient times.

History of Buddhism in Andhra Pradesh There are several theories that suggest that Lord Buddha himself visited Andhra Pradesh when he gave the first Kalachakra tantra initiation and teachings at Amaravati during the reign of King Suchandra. Buddhism in the state is also traced to the famous emperor Ashoka and several relics found here date to

the Ashokan era. However, the religion and its practices thrived in a big way under the dynasty of the Satavahanas who rose to power shortly after Ashoka’s death. By the first century AD, these rulers who were Brahmanical Hindus of Dravidian origin, had consolidated their power over regions of Krishna and Godavari, the present-day Andhra Pradesh with Dhanyakataka as their capital. Known to be one of the greatest supporters of the Buddhist community, they advocated the practise of the religion which is believed to have flourished in the all three forms, i.e. Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana in the state.

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It was at this time that the tradition of building stupas passed on from the North of the Vindhyas and spread to the southern parts of the peninsula.

With tremendous patronage from rich mercantile communities, numerous stupas were built that were more or less similar but with minor architectural variances like the addition of projecting platforms at the base.

Amaravati, a town close to the capital Dhanyakataka became a key centre of Buddhism. Apart from Amaravati, there are several other towns in the state that show evidence of a distinct influence of Buddhism and several relics in the form of stupas, chaitya and viharas unearthed here.

WITH A WHOPPING DIAMETER OF ABOUT 50 METRES, MAHACHAITYA IS ONE OF THE LARGEST STUPAS IN THE COUNTRY. THIS STUNNING RELIC, WHOSE FOUNDATION IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN LAID BY MAHADEVA BIKSHU, HAS A HISTORY OF ABOUT 1700 YEARS Mahachaitya of Amaravati: a great trans Vindhyan centre of Buddhism

Arguably the most famous Buddhist site in the state, Amaravati is located in Guntur district on the banks of the Krishna River. It is synonymous with the magnificent Buddhist monument or the Mahachaitya.

This stunning relic, whose

foundation is believed to have been laid by Mahadeva Bikshu, an emissary of emperor Ashoka has a history of about 1700 years. With a whopping diameter of about 50 meters, it is one of the largest stupas of the country.

While the initial construction was plain and modest, several ornamental modifications were carried out subsequently under rich patronage from several Trujet offers direct flight between Rajahmundry Nov-Dec 2017 35 and Hyderabad.

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OTHER BUDDHIST SITES IN ANDHRA PRADESH Chandavaram: Situated in Prakasam district, this place is said to have been used by Buddhist monks as a resting halt when travelling from the north to down south. A double terraced MahaStupa located on a hillock is the prominent relic here.

Kesanapalli: Situated in Guntur district, the place houses some significant stupa and vihara remains.

Nelakondapalli: A magnificent stupa that is the second largest in the state after that of Amaravati built on a wheel pattern has been unearthed here.

Tirumalagiri: Situated about 110 km from Hyderabad, it has several limestone sculptured panels depicting Dharma Chakra and Bodhi tree housed in a monastic complex.

Dupadu: Situated on the Kurnool-Vijayawada highway, it has elaborate limestone panels depicting stupa motifs.

Alluru: The Krishna district has a large stupa excavated in 1926. Inscriptions reveal the presence of a large vihara here.

Penuganchiprolu: A holy pilgrimage centre for both Buddhists and Hindus, this town is located about 220 km from Hyderabad. It has several relics in the form of coins from the Satavahana period and limestone sculptured stupa slabs.

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Facing page: The Dhyana Buddha; Above: Sculpture on the walls of Dhyana Buddha Statue; Amravati Maha Stupa

dynasties like Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Chalukyas, Pallavas etc. The stupa has a welldefined dome and a distinct circumambulatory path that is about four meters wide.The entire structure was known to have been adorned by ornate sculptures, carved railings, ayaka pillars, friezes, coping stones and other coverings. The main elements of the Amravati sculptures were scenes from Buddha’s life, Jataka tales and other religious and secular depictions. The mahachaitya was a great seat of worship and received attention from prominent saints like Acharya Nagarjuna.

The mahachaitya in its present form is plain and devoid of all sculptural artefacts, most of which are displayed as exhibits

in the Amravati museum as well as the museums of New Delhi, Chennai and even London.

Insightful museums

The city of Amaravati has two museums, one simply called the Amravati Museum that houses several statues, relics, artefacts and objects related to Buddhism.

Prominent amongst these are the stupa slabs depicting the Dharma chakra, pillar fragments, inscribed pillars and life size sculptures of Lord Buddha. There are also several pots, beads, ornaments, terracotta figurines and limestone sculptures depicting the life and times of the Buddhism in that age. The highlight of the museum is the model of the “Purnakumbha”, a prominent Buddhist relic casket in the centre.

The Amaravati Heritage Centre and Museum located close to the bus stand in the city is an eye opener into the origin, history and evolution of Buddhism in the state. Starting with the details on the life of Gautama Buddha and spread of Buddhism in the state, the museum is a treasure house of information on the various Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh.

It is also a revelation into the various schools of art associated with Buddhism and has some invaluable details on the Amravati style of sculpting, paintings and art. There are several statues, torsos and pada (feet) of Lord Buddha in addition to intricate slabs depicting Samkhapala and Sibi Jataka.

In line with the rich heritage of Buddhism in the city and with

Trujet offers twice daily direct flights between Hyderabad and Tirupati.

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FUN FACTS

The British Museum at London and the Government Museum at Chennai Egmore host the Amaravati Gallery, from where the artistic view of olden Amaravati is clearly visible.

Relics at Amravati museum

In the year 2006, a Buddhist ritual called the 30th Kalachakra Festival was also held in this region to denote its connection to Buddhism. His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV came here for performing Kalachakra.

The world famous Kohinoor diamond came from the ‘Kollur mines’. The village is a part of Amaravati, the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

a view to promote tourism, the government has completed the Dhyana Buddha Project which houses a stellar 125 feet statue of Buddha in a meditative pose along with a museum like hall that is replete with several detailed Buddhist sculptures including depictions of the four noble truths, eight-fold path and important scenes from the life of Buddha.

Ghantasala A quaint almost nondescript town 11 km east of river Krishna and 60 km away from

Vijayawada is Ghantasala which is a rare yet significant Buddhist site. The massive stupa made completely of bricks measuring 112 feet in diameter and 23 feet in height is the key attraction of the town. Uniquely designed it has the carvings of all 12 zodiac constellations and is believed to have been covered by close to 47 intricately carved slabs.

These relics were discovered in this trading town as recently as the later part of the 19 th and early 20 th century. With a serene statue of Buddha and ample greenery including a Bodhi tree, it is a place that exudes tranquillity.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) museum here has several exhibits in the form of limestone sculptures,

pillars, pillar fragments and stupa slabs.

Undavalli Caves One of the finest examples of rock cut architecture, these are a set of cave temples located about 6 km from Vijayawada.

While the main shrine of the temple is Vishnu in the form of Anantapadmanabha, it is believed that the caves were used as rest houses by Buddhist monks. There are several sculptures and figurines associated with Buddhism on the first floor whose design and structure also resembles a Buddhist monastery or ‘vihara’.

The caves were converted to a Hindu temple replete with Hindu shrines after the decline of Buddhism close to the 15th century.

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ARCHITECTURE

Goa’s Portugal Connection Rondevu with the sea, early morning mist, tiny boats of fishermen, the ships sailing in the sea, and boldly-hued houses are all synonymous with the tiny emerald land of Goa. The place is blessed with nature and many other treasures to make for a memorable experience.

Words: DR. ADITI SHARMA

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hen you see yourself surrounded

by Arabian Sea in the west, Sahydari mountains in the east, Portuguese architecture and dressing and flavours of kokum, you know you are in Goa. The state is a perfect blend of ancient city with Portuguese architecture and contemporary shacks at the beach and a plenty of multi-cuisine restaurants. If you are a foodie, Goa has everything from smoky flavours to finger-licking Burmese and other international cuisines.

Mesmerising Architecture The State was colonised by the Portuguese from 16th century to mid-20th century and thus one can see their influence in everything from architecture to dressing and culture. When you visit Goa, the churches, forts, mansions and the traditional dresses testify the diversity of culture in the state.

Various churches in Goa built by the Portuguese exhibit Baroque style of architecture.

The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception has Baroque façade and is European in style while the Basilica de Bom Jesus is a combination of Corinthian, Doric, Ionic, and composite styles. The Gothic elements in the architecture are visible in the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine. The motifs in the Church of Francis Assisi tell the tale of Portuguese Manuelin style.

The carvings and patterns of doors and windows of mansions not only exhibit Baroque style but are a wonderful example of a style that we normally refer to as Indo-Portuguese. A visit to the Braganza house in Chandor will surely bring to life this style of architecture.

The Goan houses are known for their red tiles and bright colours. The use of colours like blue and yellow is typical to houses where Portuguese resided. Apart from the buildings, the Goa Carnival is a reminder of the diversity of the State. The festival reminds the vibrant history of Goa and its Portugal connection.

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B

eauteous

lue Mountains

Ravishing terrain with the bluish hue caused by the kurunji flowers is home to magnificent hills, serene valleys and fascinating waterfalls.

Words: MANJULIKA PRAMOD

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he grassy undulating hills with narrow valleys and swamps are counted among the 400 natural wonders of the world by geographers. Spread across the border of three states, the Nilgiris (Neelmalai in Tamil) is blessed with one of the most beautiful terrains. Though the mountain range is part of the Western Ghats, it relishes its identity from the rare purplish blue flowers of Neelakurinji that envelopes the Anamalai, Nilgiris and Palni hills. If a local says that he or she has seen three seasons of kurinji, one can easily guess their age to be more than 36 years because the spectacular carpet of these pale purple flowers blossom

occurs only once in 12 years. Due to this unique diversity, this region is recognised as India’s first biosphere.

The beatific Nilgiri district that resides in these mountain ranges is made up of steep hills, picturesque landscape, rolling tea estates, fantastically narrow valleys, numerous rivers, waterfalls and rivulets. During your visit to the romantic hilltop, the toughest choice is to pick a favourite station to descend as the Nilgiris has a galore of reasons to excite the traveller in you.

Queen of the Hills, Udagamandalam (Ooty) The mountains, floating clouds, valleys, rolling tea plantations, misty mornings, cascading

Pykara falls, the famous botanical gardens, highest peak Doddabetta (2,623 m), abundance of scenic charms and a heritage that lives through the British-styled houses make Ooty unique and special.

Being the capital of Nilgiris district, Udagamandalam or Udhagai always tops the charts for those who travel to Tamil Nadu for the first time. As the region is part of a fragile ecosystem, Ooty is home to myriad of plant species, giving way to some of the most beautiful gardens and parks on its slopes.

St Stephen’s Church is the oldest church while St Thomas Church commands a compelling view of the Ooty Lake. Speaking of lakes, this British hill station also boasts of Pykara lake, Emerald Lake and Porthimund Lake.

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CULTURE CURRY

FUN FACTS

The Nilgiri mountain range is located at the junction of three states - Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala and part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

The next flowering season of Neelakurinji is expected in 2018.

The Government Rose Garden, situated on the slopes of the Elk Hill in Vijayanagaram of Ooty claims to have one of the largest collection of roses in India.

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The credit for discovering Ooty goes to John Sullivan, the then collector of Coimbatore.

He built a house up in the mountains called Stone House, which is famously known as the first bungalow of Ooty, now converted into a government museum that is worth a visit.

The 169-year-old Ooty Hunt Club, the only hunt club of Asia is the most exciting place to trace the history of hunting days in India. Arts College, Post Office, Nilgiris District Library, Breeks School, Adam’s Statue, Rajbhavan, Fern Hill Palace, Lawley Institute are some of the other colonial buildings which add to the historical significance of the Nilgiris.

The sister Town of Ooty, Coonoor If you have been looking for a laid back holiday in the hills that are far from the maddening crowds of the city, Coonoor could be a

beautiful bet. It is clean, calm, absolutely uncluttered with colourful houses and layered landscape. Not only it enjoys the status of being the second largest hill station in Southern India after Ooty, it also enjoys a fascination among the bird lovers. Some of the best and rare species of birds can be spotted here.

With the peace of tea gardens, comfort of colonial buildings cum homestays and proximity to the rich bio-diverse universe of the Nilgiris, Coonoor is alluring in its own sweet way. A walk around the Sim’s park and a drive to Dolphin’s nose should definitely be on the list.

The glorious past and a disciplined present, Wellington

Endowed with a plethora of striking charms and salubrious climate, Wellington is home to the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) of India. This self-contained military cantonment, 14km from Ooty is one of the most photogenic places to settle down and enjoy the finer things of life. Blessed with scenic views of mountains, floating clouds, terraced tea gardens and colonial aura, Wellington enjoys a gorgeous setting. The effort that is made to keep it immaturely clean and disciplined enhances its beauty many a times.

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Left: Lush green tea estate; Right: Manekshaw Bridge, Wellington

The first bridge that transfers one from Coonoor to Wellington is the Black Bridge.

The historic bridge of the area now called Manekshaw Bridge is named after Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of field marshal. The people from triservices have known Wellington for decades and some of these places like Gymkhana Club, the golf course, Wellington Lake, Madras Regimental Center and DSSC canteen are part and parcel of its existence.

(8000ft) is the highest peak of Nilgiri mountain range, Lovedale at 7200ft over mean sea level, happens to be one of the highest settlement.

The town was founded by the Britishers in 1812 to escape from the heat of the plains below. Lovedale is sure to bring to life the old-world charm through colonial flavour of cottages, bungalows and gothic church. Lawrence School, established in 1858 is one of the prestigious residential schools of India and pride of this region.

The lovely neighbourhood, Lovedale

Mountains of the Kotas, Kotagiri

There is something magical and unpretentious about this peaceful place and that is it instantly soothes the city-worn soul. Boasting of some stunning vistas and being an all-weather destination, this is one of the most idyllic and quaint places in the Nilgiris. While Dodabetta

This is definitely one of the best kept secrets of Nilgiris.

Surrounded by dense Shola forests and lush green tea estates, Kotagiri gets its name from the Kota tribes. 33 km southeast of Ooty, this quaint and traditional town is known for its mild and temperate

climate, is one of the best in the world. Kotagiri is the smallest and oldest hill station of the South which the British officials chose to build their cottages to beat the scorching heat. The carefully cultivated tea gardens have their own stories to tell.

Kotagiri happens to be the first place around this region where coffee and tea were planted on experimental basis.

The verdant vegetation, cool mountain air, the floating clouds, close-to-the-elements experience makes Kotagiri a place of sheer beauty. One can do morning drive from Coonor or Wellington and spend the day exploring some of the nearby attractions like Kodanad View Point, Catherine Waterfalls, Elk Falls, Sullivan Museum. The adventure lovers can opt for treks and may choose from the three, Kotagiri–Kodanad, Kotagiri–St Catherine Falls and Kotagiri– Longwood Shola.

Did You Know?

Slender Loris found in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve have large ears and pointed snout. It is found in dense forests as well as open jungles. It spends most of its life on trees travelling along the top of branches with slow and precise movements.

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CULTURE CURRY

FAITH

An Ode to

Sanctity Located about 400 km away from the holy land of Tirumala (Tirupathi), the Sri Bhoosameta Venkateswara Swamy Vari Devalayam in Dokiparru is meant to replicate the spiritual bliss of the former with the presence of a galaxy of holy deities.

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SEVAS ■ Suprabatha ■ Archana

Seva

– Ashtrotharams

■ Kunkumarchana ■ Sahasranamarchana ■ Abhishekamu ■ Unjala

Seva

■ Pullangi

Seva

■ Pushpalankaranam ■ Swarna

Pushpalankaranam

■ Vahana

Puja

■ Visesha

Kalyanostavam

■ Samuhika ■ Nitya

Kalyanotsavam

Gothranamarchana

■ Nitya

Gothra Saharanamarchana

■ Ears

Piercing

■ Namakaranam ■ Aksharabyasam ■ Annaprasanna ■ Tulabaram ■ Special

Alankaranam

■ Visesha

Alankaranam on Festival Days

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he architectural marvel is set to stand agelessly as a grandeur representation of divine blessing and protection.

The imposing structure sprawls over tens of acres and echoes the harmony of the holy sanctum of Lord Venkateswara.

In May 2015, the management of Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL), with the initiation of the managing director and the chairman, has built a temple in Dokiparru village (Andhra Pradesh) dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and his consort Bhudevi, known as Sri Bhoosameta Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vari Devalayam.

PV Krishna Reddy and his consort Sudha Reddy are the Vyavastapaka Dharmakartalu.

The Mahaprathishta is performed by 108 vykhanasagamoktha maha pandits from various areas including the holy place of Thirupathi.

The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu; Vice President of India, Venkaiah Naidu and several other VIPs participated in Mahaprathishta which was witnessed by approximately one lakh people. The temple administration had made arrangements for water, butter milk packets and non-stop lunch and dinner for all devotees. A separate medical camp was organised to take care of immediate medical requirements with a professional team of doctors with high security arrangements for the devotees who visited the temple from various parts of the country.

Trujet offers easy connectivity between Tirupati and Nov-Dec 2017 45 Aurangabad.

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CUISINE

The Magic of

Malnad cuisine

Heavily influenced by the fruits and vegetables available in the rich forests of Western Ghats, Malnad cuisine is comparatively less spicier and oily than other Southern cuisines.

Words: MINI RIBEIRO

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banana leaf with menthya saasve, nool puttu, kayi kadubu, akki roti may seem at first glance like any regular South Indian meal, but it is not. A combination of Mangalorean and Kodava food, this is typically Malnad cuisine, characterised by less oil, freshly ground masalas and fresh local ingredients.

Malnad or Malenaadu, is a region located in the Sahayadri hills of Karnataka where the river Tunga flows through. The cuisine thrives on local fruits and vegetables and thus, ingredients like tender bamboo shoots, colocasia leaves, turmeric leaves, raw jackfruit, jaggery and rice found here, are intrinsic to the cuisine.

Dishes from Local Ingredients Steaming is the favoured method of cooking in Malenaadu. More often than not, there is minimal use of oils in Malnad cuisine.

Some of the major dishes of this cuisine are the midigayi pickle (small raw mango), sandige, avalakki (beaten rice), and talipittu (akki rotti made of rice flour).

Chef Yogen Datta, Executive Chef at ITC Gardenia Bengaluru adds, “The region uses the

abundant natural resources in its cuisine which is reflected in a good mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Kadubu ( a kind of steamed rice modak) of various kinds, Anabe, Kori kal saaru, Kesuvina Gantu made with colocasia leaves, are some of the typical dishes of this cuisine.�

Malnad cuisine uses some off-beat ingredients like kalule (tender bamboo stems), akki alubu (tiny mushroom that grows with paddy), Malali menu (a fish that is the size of your fingernail), gaddhe yedi (soft shell crabs), chigli (red ants), kesa (colocasia leaf) and jackfruit seeds.

Whether summer or winter, Thambuli, a preparation of curd with ginger, along with coconut, cumin seeds, green chilli paste and salt is eaten at all meals to aid digestion. A typical one is prepared using ajwain leaves called doddapatre thambuli. While Tambuli, prepared from fruits and forest plants is consumed during the summer to keep the body cool, Kashaya is a beverage that keeps the body warm during monsoons.

Trujet offers easy connectivity from Bellary to Aurangabad.

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CULTURE CURRY

CUISINE

Tambuli keeps your body cool and this can be served with rice, roti or any rice bath

Chakke Paladya is a curry which is prepared using fully grown raw jack fruit flesh and is generally eaten with hot rice. No meal in Malnad is complete without the traditional sour, sweet, spicy, tangy, and salty preparation- menthya saasve. It is a side dish relished with rotis.

Pathrode or patrode is a tasty snack prepared using rice and colocasia leaves, which is slightly different than other parts of Karnataka. These leaves are also used to prepare a dry vegetable called kesa.

Non-vegetarian dishes are few and eaten as well in this

region. Pandi Curry or pork in a spicy and sour gravy made from Kachampuli, a black vinegar is popular. This vinegar made from the black kokum fruit, lends it a unique flavour characteristic of Malnad. This legendary dish is however a direct result of the influence of Kodagu cuisine of Coorg.

Chicken and mutton dishes too are eaten by non-vegetarians, but pork is most-preferred. Nati koli sukka, anjal fish, chicken ghee roast, mamsa fry, are common.

Kaima Unde or mutton keema curry and thalai mamsa or a lamb preparation are two typical

favourites and generally eaten with a crisp thin roti called ‘kori roti’ or steamed sannas made from red rice. These are dishes borrowed from Mangalorean cuisine.

Interestingly, chutneys and pickles are important parts of a meal in this region. Made from local vegetables and fruits, Halasinakai Chutney, Brinjal Chutney (badnekayi chutney) or pickles like Amtekaayi Uppina kaayi, Nallikai (Amla) Uppina kaayi, are the popular ones.

Rice is Nice Rice is the staple diet and is used in many forms - powdered,

Did You Know?

Mavinakayi Gojju is a savoury curry made from a wild mango that grows in the Malnad region Trujet offers easy connectivity from Bellary to Goa.

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Chitranna or lemon rice are staple for lunch

flattened and boiled. A typical day in a Malnad household begins with eating Gojju Avalakki, made with flattened rice for breakfast. This rice is first ground in a mixer, then soaked in water with a little bit of tamarind.

Sambar powder is added to the mixture. The mixture is drained of water and then seasoned with mustard, curry leaves and peanut. It is usually eaten with chutney.

Unde kadubu or pundi gatti, basically steamed rice dumplings made from parboiled rice, is another popular breakfast recipe.

Nool Puttu or idyiappam, a steamed delicacy, is often eaten at breakfast too with either sweetened coconut milk or a spicy gravy.

Rotis are eaten at as well, but are, in fact, made from rice and are like pancakes. Akki roti is made from rice flour but with the addition of few spices, onions

UNDE KADUBU OR PUNDI GATTI, BASICALLY STEAMED RICE DUMPLINGS MADE FROM PARBOILED RICE IS A POPULAR BREAKFAST and salt, which lends a unique savoury taste.

Kadubu or steamed rice dumplings are a must in every meal but come in variations.

Some prefer adding grated coconut, coriander leaves and cumin seeds to the mix, while others do not. Kara kadubu is made using rice, dal, coconut and spices and sihi or kayi kadubu is a sweet version made with coconut and jaggery. The sweet ones are often served with ghee and are similar to modaks.

Chitranna or lemon rice made without onions is immensely popular here especially for lunch.

Desserts Gasgase Payasa , a poppy seeds kheer, seeme akki payasa and kobbari barfi or coconut barfi, are the most popular sweet dishes here.

Expectedly, coconut, rice and jaggery, abundant in this region are made use of in the sweets.

Some people even like to eat a sihi kadubu after a meal, as it is sweet.

Simple food prepared with local ingredients characterises the cuisine of Malnad and yet to spice it up, some dishes are borrowed from neighbouring cuisines of Kodava and Mangaluru.

AMAZING FACTS

Brahmi or thimare or ondelaga thambuli is prepared using brahmi leaves, coconut and curd. It is served as the first course in a multi course meal.

Trujet will soon launch flights from Bellary to Nov-Dec 2017 49 Bengaluru.

CULTURE CURRY

TRENDS

It’s a

Wrap!

The gorgeous traditional drapes have been a women’s favourite attire and the land of Southern India has no dearth of these weaves. Draping magic and elegance in their own unique way, the traditional sarees from Kanjeevaram to Kasavu have an exciting tale to tell. Let us dig into the history and explore the contemporary trends of these sarees from southern India.

Words: KRITIKA DHAWAN

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Kanjeevaram Sarees, Tamil Nadu The magnificent creation of dyed silk yarn twisted with gold or silver when draped for an occasion is perfect for a camera click. Kanjeevaram silk sarees unflur the story of fine craftsmanship of weavers residing in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The weavers begin weaving memories on their looms by preparing and twisting the thread and then dying and drying it in the sun. The most attractive feature of the saree is the heavily contrasted border and pallu.

Surprisingly, the border, the body and the pallu of the sari are created separately by the weaver and later interlocked in an extremely tight joint.

Kanchipuram, also known as the temple city, was built by the Pallavas and has a long history with the art of weaving. The rulers who were worshippers of Lord Shiva were known to wear a white cotton veshti. Later, the Cholas built many temples in Kanchipuram for worshipping Lord Vishnu. The ceremonies under their rule required grand robes and hence, came the brightly coloured silk sarees with border embellished with gold. These sarees are made with the technique of korvai. Around the 13th century, Vijayangar Kings started ruling the city and King Krishna Deva Raya commissioned the creation of wedding and other ceremonial sarees for women of the palace.

Two weaving communities — the Devangas and the Saligars gave Tamil Nadu its traditional drape called Kanjeevaram.

The sarees are adorned with motifs and designs related to temples of the city. The drape will mesmerise you with the mango motif from the Ekambareshwarar temple and motifs of flowers, vines, animals, birds and yalis on the walls and pillars of the various temples. The weave brings to life the mythical creatures, the lion, yalis and hamsam (swan) carved on the walls and pillars of the temple.

The body of the saree features vintage patterns like malli moggu or the jasmine bud design, coin butta, mango or paisley. Some of the special designs include the veldhari representing the spear of Lord Murugan; neli, a type of finger ring; the different kind of multi-

coloured checks from kottadi or small zari checks to papli or larger checks.

Among many communities, Kanjeevaram sarees are a must-have during weddings.

Some believe that muhurtham saree with double row border signifies auspiciousness. The muthu kattam checks, resembling evenly spaced pearls, signify harmonious relationship between the bride and groom.

The bollywood actresses seem to be in love with the traditional drape of Tamil Nadu.

From Rekha’s famous silk saree collection to Deepika Padukone’s ravishing look in the film Chennai Express and Dia Mirza’s classy look in an all black Kanjeevaram, these sarees are a treat!

FUN FACTS Accidental Husband is one of the few Hollywood movies that saw Kanjeevaram sarees on the big screen.

A pre-independence era movie called Kanchivaram in Tamil, on the life of a silk weaver in the town of Kanchipuram was released in 2008.

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CULTURE CURRY

TRENDS

Gadwal Sarees, Telangana A perfect blend of cotton and silk is what we call the Gadwal sarees.

If you are looking for something which is easy to drape and yet look classy, Gadwal sarees are a great bet. The sarees hail from the town of Gadwal in Telangana which has a long history of handlooms. This attire from Gadwal is known for its zari work and kuttu borders.

The body of the saree is made of unbleached cotton and borders are of tussar or mulberry silk.

Some weavers also weave pure silk Gadwal sarees.

Locally known as Kupadam, the variant of the Gadwal saree has a contrasting border and the pallu portion is woven by implementing three shuttle techniques. The body is woven in either plain or dyed mulberry silk. The cotton body is designed with a variety of different eye-catching motifs. The weaving style of the borders is called Kumbam. The well-crafted Kuttu borders are the result of the art of

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joining the borders and pallu of the saree after they have been woven.

The silk for the border is sourced from Bengaluru and the gold for the zari comes from Surat.

Originally worn during pujas and other celebrations, the sarees today are a wonderful gifting option as it is light-weight. The surprising part is the saree can be folded down to the size of a matchbox. An exciting mix of two fabrics and zari embroidery, the sarees were earlier only available in earthly tones. With inclusion of dyeing, the handloom took to multitude of colours.

Just like Kanjeevaram, the motifs of Gadwal saree draw an inspiration from the architecture of religious places. The motifs of mango and peacock are also known to lift the traditional essence of the saree. However, with evolving fashion trends, geometric shapes and checks have also found a place on the saree.

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Kasavu Sarees, Kerala KASAVU HAS 4,500 THREADS WHICH ARE COUNTED

BY WEAVERS TO MAKE SURE THE LENGTH AND BREADTH OF ALL THE SAREES REMAIN THE SAME

Remember Sonam Kapoor in offwhite saree with golden border from the film Aisha? These traditional sarees worn by Malayalee women are called Kasavu sarees. Defining the beauty of God’s own country, the tale of Kasavu sarees began when Maharaja Balaramavarma and his chief minister Ummini Thampi brought about the revolution of handloom industry. Balaramapuram, a town near Thiruvananthapuram is the hub of these sarees.

Kasavu traces its history to the traditional costume Mundum

Neriyathum. The saree has as many as 4,500 threads which are counted by weavers to make sure the length and breadth of all the sarees remain the same. The fragile threads are woven into the fabric using the throw-shuttle pit looms and is later soaked in water to soften the threads. The gold zari, also known as kasavu kara, is added to the soaked fabric. The weaving of traditional drape normally takes fifteen hours and approximately five to six days. The special design inspired from nature are punched on the saree using the wooden seal.

Today, designer blouses according to the latest fashion trend have replaced the regular Kasavu blouses. Though perfect for all occasions, Onam is the best time to admire the beauty of the drape.

From Asin to Kangana Ranaut and Deepika Padukone in the film Chennai Express, the golden zari border over the left shoulder has rendered a sophisticated look.

Did You Know?

Raja Ravi Verma, the Indian painter, depicts the Kasavu in elaborate detail—particularly in his depiction of Shakuntala. The style of drape he featured is called the ‘nivi drape’, which features a pleated lower half and the pallu draped over the left shoulder.

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CULTURE CURRY

TECHNOLOGY

Robots Humanoid

At Your Service

Whether you want help with cooking, cleaning or even dating, there’s a droid for the job. Here are a handful of home assistants who would love to serve you.

Words: SHIBAJI ROYCHOUDHURY

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or decades, we have witnessed robots assisting humans in science fiction movies.

From C3PO and R2D2 helping Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars movies to the adorable droid Wall-E cleaning up a futuristic and dystopian earth, humanoid robots have been beloved characters in films. Never before did it seem like a possibility to own one of them in the real world. But today, science fiction has become science fact and you can own these home assistants that can talk to you, control your electronics and even help out with the chores.

Here are three such humanoid robots that could be knocking at your door in the near future.

Pepper This one is probably the closest thing we’ve got to C3PO; a humanoid robot developed and unveiled in 2015 by Japan-based SoftBank Group. The robot travels on wheels with a camera and sensor attached to its head, a touchscreen on its chest and independent, articulated arms. It is further equipped with a highly complex cloud-backed voice recognition engine capable of identifying not only speech but also inflections, tonality and subtle variations in the human voice. Much like the humanoid robots in movies, Pepper has the ability to learn from its interactions as the 25 sensors and the camera in its head provide comprehensive information about the ambience and environment of the situation, mood and mental state of the human it is interacting with. Priced at 198,000 Yen (`1,06,000 approximately), Pepper is capable of holding conversations, reading emotions and entertaining you. However, it is yet to be available in India and you can only import it from Japan for now.

ASUS Zenbo This new-age robot by Taiwanese technology company, ASUS is extremely useful for basic duties like operating your household electronics and alerting the owner of any mishap. It is a particularly good companion for the elderly in the family. In addition to talking to them and keeping them company it’ll also alert carers in case of any accidents. Priced at $599, it costs about the same as your smartphone. This robot can drive itself around the house using multiple cameras to keep it from bumping into the walls. It has a touch screen face which allows it to emote while it uses the inbuilt speakers and microphones to respond to queries and voice commands.

Romeo Made out of plastic and metal, Romeo was first introduced in 2009 by a collaboration of

French and European laboratories and institutions. After several modifications, this 143cm humanoid robot has been updated to perform a number of household activities. From having an intense discussion (factual only), working in the kitchen to taking out the trash, Romeo is a dot-it-all home assistant. The best thing about this robot is that you can customise it to perform duties or for specific roles to suit your convenience.

Even with four fingers, the robot can grasp objects, manipulate and feel objects of whatever form.

Romeo’s physical platform was entirely assembled by SoftBank Robotics. There have been two versions, as was planned during the initial drawing-up of the project, with improvements to his spinal column, design, battery and solidity. It is also an exceptional machine for ageing individuals, especially the ones who have trouble walking.

HONOURABLE MENTION

Jibo

The “world’s first social robot”, Jibo is a small, tabletop bot available for $749. Though it is fixed to the spot and only about 30cm tall, but it is still quite useful. The head and body rotate independently, which gives it a bit of life. It can talk and emote using its screen, and it has cameras and microphones to keep the kids entertained, take family portraits and keep older people on track via reminders.

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FACE2FACE

INTERVIEW

Dainty &

Lovely

Born in Hyderabad, from two royal lineages, that of Sir Akbar Hydari and J. Rameshwar Rao, the erstwhile Raja of Wanaparthy, Aditi Rao Hydari has been adding heft and nuance to Indian Cinema.

Words: SHILLPI A SINGH

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trained Bharatnatyam dancer, Aditi Rao Hydari made her debut with the lead role of a devdasi, a temple dancer of the 19th century, in Sharada Ramanathan’s Sringaram: Dance of Love. The story that revolved around themes of feminism did the rounds of the several film festival circuit, receiving worldwide appreciation, winning three National Awards Best Cinematography, Best Music Direction, and Best Choreography, and also bagged critical acclaim before it hit the theatres in 2007.

Ten years later, Aditi repeated the feat and stole the show with the titular role of Bhoomi in Omung Kumar-directed film.

Role call Aditi had a double role in Sringaram; she was seen as a young classical dancer Varshini and her mother Madhura, a devadasi, in the film set in the pre-Independence era. Her vulnerable looks, dancing prowess, and eyes that speak more than words caught the attention of film goers and critics alike. Her latest release Bhoomi revolved around a father-daughter relationship in all its hues. Her character had a stammering problem and to prepare for her role, Aditi attended several workshops to perfect the speech disorder so that it looks natural as if she had grown up with it. Talking about her role, Aditi says, “We wanted Bhoomi to be a relatable character, and so we decided to go without any make-up and an imperfect speech.

Bhoomi, like every girl, needed to accept her imperfections and celebrate her uniqueness.”

Toast of the town She landed in Hindi films with a supporting role of Rama Bua, a

meek, sari-clad, older but unmarried woman in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Delhi 6. The actor went to feature in films like Yeh Saali Zindagi, London Paris New York, Rockstar, Guddu Rangeela, Murder 3, Boss, Wazir, Khoobsurat, The Legend of Michael Mishra, and Fitoor. In some films, she had a cameo, in some, she played the female lead and in a few others, she was the supporting cast. Aditi

I LOVE SINGING, AND IT WAS WONDERFUL TO BE SHARING THE STAGE WITH RAHMAN SIR. WHAT MORE COULD I ASK FOR

Kumar, Amit Sadh, Arunoday Singh, among many others. But working with Sanjay Dutt in his comeback film is what she remembers with utmost fondness. “Bhoomi was his comeback film, but playing the titular role was special for me too,” she quips.

Singin’ star “Since I’m a dancer, I love to sing and dance for myself,” she says with a childlike innocence. The actor’s social media accounts are filled with videos that explain her passion for singing. She recently made her singing debut with none other than AR Rahman at IIFA Rocks on the eve of the IIFA Awards 2017 in New York. “I love singing, and it was wonderful to be sharing the stage with Rahman sir. What more could I ask for,” she gushes.

As Aditi took the microphone to sing, music maestro lent support by playing the piano.

Fashionably speaking has been fortunate enough to have had the privilege of working with many National Award-winning filmmakers including Mani Ratnam in Kaatru Veliyidai in Tamil, and Ranjith in Prajapathi in Malayalam.

But in the seven years that she has been here in Bollywood, she wasn’t ever thought of as an actor who could carry a strong role on her shoulders till Bhoomi happened. “I was surprised at the offer and also excited to be a part of the project that hinges around my character. I found the story very powerful and relevant. I had no reason to refuse the part.”

Starry dreams In her decade-long career in the film industry, the actor has shared screen space with the likes of Mammootty, Karthi, Farhan Akhtar, Ali Zafar, Randeep Hooda, Akshay

The actor was recently named in Grazia’s 100 Most Influential People in Fashion for her sartorial choices that make heads turn in awe and appreciation. The 30-year-old actor compliments her quintessential girl-next-door look with anything and everything that she wears, be it sporting a designer label or carrying an ethnic wear or a casual chic; she undoubtedly tops the list of the best-dressed celebs. And she calls herself “effortless in terms of fashion and beauty.” Her red carpet looks are always a hit, and she manages to score a perfect ten on the fashion meter.

What makes her appearances special and a talk of the town is her knack to mix and match the traditional with casual and that too with aplomb, and that makes her a fashion lovers’ delight in all her avatars.

AMAZING FACTS ■

■

■

■

■

■

Aditi is the disciple of acclaimed dancer Leela Samson.

The actress is a pet lover. Not just cats or dogs but animals like cheetah and python are also her favourite.

Kiran Rao Khan is Aditi’s maternal first cousin.

She debuted her singing career by lending her voice to the movie London Paris New York.

She will again team up with Sudhir Mishra in the political thriller Aur Devdas that has her playing the role of Chandramukhi.

Her upcoming release is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati.

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INSTA CLICK

Riot of Colours

PHOTO FEATURE

Bathukamma is made to represent a pyramid with seven layers of different flowers. The flowers that bloom in this season are used for Bathukamma, and are of different colours, variety, fragrance and shapes. The riot of colours can be attributed to Gunugu, Ganneru and Kashirathnam in red, Beera, Chitti Chamanthi, and Thangedu in yellow, Gaddi Poolu, Kanakambaralu, and Banthi in orange, Challagutti, Malle, Lilly, and Pattukuchhu in white, Gulabi and Chandrakantha in pink, among many others.

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Floored by

Flowers

Bathukamma is a unique floral festival celebrated mostly by women and young girls in Telangana during Navarathri. During these nine days, women worship the life-giver, Bathukamma, and seek her blessings for prosperity. Three elements that form a staple part of the festivities are colours, flowers and water. Men in the house gather flowers and women create Bathukamma as a beautiful flower stack, using different seasonal flowers in seven concentric layers, to resemble a temple gopuram. The goddess is made of flowers, and created every year, which signifies both life and eternity in its colours as well as impermanence. It is immersed in the local water body on Ashwayuja Ashtami.

Images: CHANDRASEKHAR SINGH M Text: SHILLPI A SINGH

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INSTA CLICK

PHOTO FEATURE

Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana has 9 flights connecting different sectors daily.

Festive Fervour

For those who are tired of shopping or collecting different varieties of flowers for the preparation of a traditional Bathukamma, or those who do not know how to make one, can buy a readymade one.

The cost of a readymade Bathukamma depends on the number of flower layers and ranges from `200 and `2,500.

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Intriguing Design The arrangement of seasonal flowers in the shape of a temple gopuram requires a deft handling of different shapes, hues, and varieties of flowers and an aesthetic sense to make a Bathukamma look nothing but an exquisite piece of art.

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INSTA CLICK

PHOTO FEATURE

Soulful Scent Preparing a Bathukamma is an art. The layers of the flower are arranged in the shape of a pyramid with a lotus or pumpkin flower on top of the stack along with Gouramma (a symbolic idol of Gowri made of turmeric). The lotus flower used in Bathukamma represents prosperity.

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Floral Frenzy Flowers are arranged in seven concentric circles to form a pyramid on a round steel or brass plate with a small edge. A ‘Vistharaku’ or a plate made of leaves is placed on the steel or brass plate. A layer of pumpkin leaves is spread over the ‘Vistharaku’, over which a layer of Thangedu, tiny yellow flowers with green buds and leaves and long stems, is placed and on top of it, Gunugu flowers are arranged radially. The subsequent layers/rows are arranged with Banthi and Chamanthi. On the top of the layer, a pumpkin flower or lotus is placed.

Finally, the loose ends of the two threads are drawn up and tied at the top to hold the Bathukamma in position.

Variety of Hues The marketplace is abuzz with flower, sellers and buyers during this time of the year. A seller sits with a heap of flower called Gunugu, the common name for Silver Cock’s comb or Celosia agrentea.

Like other flowers used in preparing Bathukamma, this too has unique medicinal values.

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TRUJET WORLD

NEWS

In style

1 2 1. Flawless Skin

OZONE Intenso Hydrate Cocoa Body Polishing Treatment is based on Ayurvedic concept of harmony and balance. It is enriched with a combination of cocoa with 100% organicherbal actives to moisturise, nourish and detoxify skin.

Price: On request Available at: Major online retailers

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2. Therapeutic Skincare

RAS Luxury Oils is a treasuretrove of pure and natural essences and blends that elevate your radiant inner beauty and awaken your mind, body and soul. It offers products with only natural, plant based ingredients for better efficacy.

Price: On request Available at: Amazon, Nykka and Etsy

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3 4 6 5 3. High-street Fashion

Maui Jim launches its latest range Kumu. The sunglasses come with a lightweight and flexible frame. The eight-base frame and additional lens coverage provide consumers with superior protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

Price: ` 18,490 Available at: www.mauijim.com

4. Rustic Decor

The Whiteteak Company has wide variety of candle stands in wood, crsytal, glass, brass and metal. A set of 10 candle holders in the perfect formation to start a good evening. Set them up and light them.

Price: ` 6,950 Available at: www.whiteteak. com

5. Party Tinsels

The collection by shazé is a mélange of ear studs, dazzling danglers, big chandelier earrings and classy cocktail rings perfectly infused with cubic zirconia stones.

Price: ` 1,990 onwards Available at: www.shaze.in

6. Flaunt your Choice

Alberto Torresi presents its latest collection of boots for adventure lovers. Crafted in pure leather, the collection features a massive variety of ankle-length boots for men in classic winter hues like black, brown and dark brown.

Price: ` 1,595 onwards Available at: www. albertotorresi.com

Nov-Dec 2017

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PREDICTION

TAROT

TAROT PREDICTIONS N O V E M B E R - D E C E M B E R

2 0 1 7

ARIES - TEN OF SWORDS

TAURUS - ACE OF PENTACLES

LIBRA - TWO OF WANDS

A creative adventure suggested by a friend could provide the fulfillment you require. Don’t let the past dampen your enthusiasm for life. You can pursue higher education or switch careers.

You may be on the receiving end of a promotion, salary increase or unexpected finance. It’s also a good time to make investments. You may receive a special gift or earn one through a lottery.

You may get success at many different levels. A promotion is on the cards. Take care of your health and try yoga for peace. It is a good time to focus on health and to follow a fitness regime.

Lucky Days: Friday and Monday Lucky Colours: Pink and White

Lucky Days: Friday and Monday Lucky Colours: Pink and White

Lucky days: Wednesday and Friday Lucky colours: Red and Green

AQUARIUS - NINE OF CUPS

GEMINI - EIGHT OF CUPS

CANCER - FIVE OF PENTACLES

Good fortune follows you as your past efforts shall be rewarded.

Family will be loving, friendships deepening and a good phase for those in creative pursuits. Sit back and enjoy this phase and allow yourself to be happy.

You feel the need to move on as what once interested you has lost its charm. These changes will surely bring the benefits you desire. A relocation or some change in your career or relationship is on the cards.

You may be extra focussed upon what you don’t have. It’s high time to reassess your thoughts, the words you use and your inner belief system. It’s also a time to care for your physical and mental health.

Lucky days: Monday and Tuesday Lucky colours: Silver and Red

Lucky Days: Friday and Sunday Lucky colours: Green and Orange

Lucky Days: Saturday and Sunday Lucky Colours: Black and Orange

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VIRGO - KNIGHT OF WANDS

SCORPIO - SEVEN OF CUPS

SAGGITARIUS - QUEEN OF PENTACLES

A significant situation may require your undivided attention. You need to be enthusiastic and self-assured to achieve your goals in business and career. The energy of Knight of Wands will bring the momentum you need to launch your dreams and goals.

You will reap the rewards of your past endeavours. Don’t let your mind go wandering into the realms of self-delusion. Towards the end of the month there may be many paths and opportunities, be pragmatic in your approach and take wise decisions.

Your family and close friends are important. On the work front some issues may crop up, so take time to consider and make right decisions.

Creative people can benefit and for those in business, a good time to invest in new ventures.

Lucky days: Thursday and Friday Lucky Colours: Yellow and Pink

Lucky Days: Wednesday and Friday Lucky colours: Green and Pink

Lucky days: Friday and Sunday Lucky colours: Green and Light Orange

CAPRICORN - EIGHT OF WANDS

LEO - TWO OF WANDS

PIECES - SEVEN OF SWORDS

Beware of some of the things that can block your path, it’s time to take charge of the situation and act . Assert yourself and stand up for your convictions. For students, opportunities arise to study, giving you new skills and ideas that will be needed in the future.

Your acts have positive energy and as you move forward, you will surely be rewarded. In case you are unsure or insecure, don’t panic because help is at hand. Keep flowing in the direction you are in as the parallel wands suggest partnership and this can help work-life balance.

Don’t let others take your power, hold your ground and don’t back down.

There’s strength in adversity, and you’ve got what it takes, so stand up for your convictions. Stay alert and vigilant, others may envy what you possess.

There’s always new hope to see beyond your fears.

Lucky Days: Tuesday and Thursday Lucky Colours: Maroon and Yellow

Lucky days: Tuesday and Sunday Lucky colours: Red and Orange

Lucky days: Wednesday and Thursday Lucky colours: Sea blue and Yellow

B H U VA N A SHRIDHAR

Tarot Reader & Crystal Healer

Bhuvana Shridhar is an Online Tarot Reader and Numerologist. bhuvanashridhar@gmail.com; www.tarotcosmic.com

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NEWS

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