UNLTD. PEOPLE | FOOD | CULTURE | ENTERTAINMENT
October 16, 2014
SHANIWAR PETH
Wadas , Shopping & Food
10
ENTERTAINMENT Tips to Throw a Memorable Card Party at Home this Diwali!
DIWALI LIGHTS & LIFE
PLUS
InstaPune | Scor’d | Pune Express | Photo Feature | #ActPune
COVER STORY
EDITOR’S NOTE It’s festival time! Happiness is in the air. Celebrations are the order of the day. India’s biggest festival is around the corner and we can’t be more excited. To add to your celebrations, we’re happy to share the details about what Diwali is all about and also some insightful stuff about the ‘faral’ that is one of the cornerstones of the festival! More importantly, though, I want to appeal to all of you to take cognisance of the fact that while Diwali is a time to celebrate, it’s unfortunately also a time when nature suffers. Pollution peaks across India during Diwali and adds to an already clogged cityscape. A sincere appeal: Please, don’t burst crackers.
“ I want to appeal to all of you to take cognisance of the fact that while Diwali is a time to celebrate, it’s unfortunately also a time when nature suffers.”
Can we make this a clean Diwali? Let’s make it beautiful with lights and family and food. Why make a racket? And litter? It’s possible. Let’s give it a try? Happy (clean) Diwali!
@adityakuber
Contact: hello@puneunltd.com
Aditya Kuber
Editor-in-Chief Aditya Kuber
Editors Veethi Telang Apeksha Bhagchandani
Contributors Sharan Garcha Parmeet Kohli Radhika Sharma Protima Tiwary Amruta Ghate Richa Satpute
Design
Prasanta Kundu Maddy Kulkarni Sanjali Manekar
Marketing Anish Sohoni Rekha Achtani
Publisher
Media Sphere Communications Pvt. Ltd. www.mediasphere.co.in facebook.com/Puneunltd
Cover Photo: kenkrevarun Used under Creative Commons License
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IN THIS ISSUE
October 16, 2014
LIVE
06 Diwali
PUNE EXPRESS
Favourites
10
#ACTPUNE
12
Santulan
Creating a Balance
ENTERTAINMENT
12 SEE
07
INSTAPUNE
28
10 Tips to Throw a Memorable Card Party at Home this Diwali!
30 Shaniwar
SPECIAL FEATURE
Capturing the soul of Pune on Instagram
Peth
Wadas, Shopping & Food
PHOTO FEATURE Showcasing awesome work of Puneri shutterbugs
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30
16
16 Diwali: Lights & COVER STORY
Life
8 Diwali Facts you Probably didn’t Know 4 Hidden Gems of Diwali Faraal 10 things you could do differently to make this diwali memorable Pledge a Green and #CleanDiwaliCampaign
PLAY
15 35
SCOR’D
Reviewing all you can watch, read and eat in Pune.
EVENTS These are set to rock Pune for the next 2 weeks.
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08 EAT
08 The Modern Diwali Gift Box FOOD
Aah, Diwali. The festival of lights brings forth with it plenty of fireworks, new clothes, distant relatives, some awesome ghar ka khaana and of course, a truckload of sweets! From Shankarpalas to Mysore Pak, the humble Diwali mithai has constantly been re-invented each year with newer and bolder flavors and the modernising of tradition has taken its shape. So, if you are looking to be a little hatke this festive season, the modern Diwali gift box is right up your alley!
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PUNE EXPRESS
Diwali Favourites Diwali is coming and we couldn’t be more enthusiastic about it! All of us, at Pune Unltd., agree that it’s our favourite time of the year and each of us have various reasons to love the festival so much. We asked a few Punekars what their favourite part about this auspicious season is. Here’s what they had to say!
Atul Kapri
Aditi Rao
Parmeet Sodhi
Student/Model
IT Professional
My extended family comes down from Mumbai and Amritsar. Grandparents, cousins etc. Although I see them 2-3 times a year, spending time with them during Diwali is my absolute favourite and what I love most about the festival. We’re a close knit bunch and it’s always a pleasure to bond over the festivities.
For me it has got to be the food. My mother is a fabulous cook and she prepares special dishes all through the Diwali week. I look forward to the aroma every evening. My friends like coming over and it’s so much fun to spend time with the family and friends while festivities are in the air. It’s a special time for all of us.
Sulagna Mukherjee
Mauli Banerjee
Kavita Morey
Graphic Designer
Social Media Professional
Student
Shopping! That’s what I love the most! I recently moved to Pune and absolutely love the malls and street shopping here. I can’t go home this year so my family is coming down so we can celebrate Diwali together. I can’t wait to go shopping with my sister. We’re going to have such a ball!
What I love most about this time of the year is all the lights across the city. I really like looking at the lanterns in balconies, the fairy lights on the streets etc. Everything looks so pretty! It kind of feels like we’re all being blessed, you know what I mean? Everyone looks so happy!
Interior Designer I hope this doesn’t sound weird but, a few days before Diwali the weather starts to change and you can start to smell smoke from the firecrackers. That combination is just wonderful! I’m not saying all that pollution is good; I actually don’t burst crackers myself but still, it’s a nice and warm feeling; like something good’s about to happen!
A group of 4-5 families take a trip together and it’s beyond fun! We rarely celebrate Diwali at home. I even carry little divas with me wherever we go. Everyone applies for a couple of days of extra leaves months in advance and we’re off. The bunch involves relatives, family friends and sometimes, by be sties tag along too. It’s a lovely few days!
We would love to know your views on the topic.
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Independence Day long weekend is round the corner. Are you scrambling to put together your travel plans? We present you four quick alternatives to replace your travel agents and expensive hotels! To make the most of your vacation, explore these different options according to your budget, time frame and other parameters. INSTAPUNE
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FOOD
THE MODERN DIWALI GIFT BOX Aah, Diwali. The festival of lights brings forth with it plenty of fireworks, new clothes, distant relatives, some awesome ghar ka khaana and of course, a truckload of sweets! From Shankarpalas to Mysore Pak, the humble Diwali mithai has constantly been re-invented each year with newer and bolder flavors and the modernising of tradition has taken its shape. So, if you are looking to be a little hatke this festive season, the modern Diwali gift box is right up your alley! Radhika Sharma
Photo: Ginny Used under Creative Commons License
Cupcakes Bite-sized food at its best. Cupcakes make for excellent gifts as they are appealing to look at, come in pretty much all humanly possible flavors and are just so darn good! We recommend you try out the Dark Velvet Cupcake at Forennte, Koregaon Park, the Mojito Cupcake at Love Sugar Dough and the Red Velvet at Pink Butter, Shivaji Nagar. Get those gift boxes packing!
Macaroons A charming alternative to the Kajukatli and Badam Halva (basically any almond treat), the Macaroon is a French sweet meringue made with almonds and comes in plenty of colours! These little semi cakes, texture-wise, are crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Courtesy its rainbow color availability, they attract kids and adults like flies to a light bulb! Try the coffee and chocolate macaroons at Le Plasir Patisserie & Bistro at Deccan Gymkhana and you’ll be in for quite a treat. Don’t forget to pack extra for the family! Photo: Sunny Ripert Used under Creative Commons License
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Photo: Michelle G Used under Creative Commons License
Donuts Spruce up your morning Diwali coffee with some donuts for company! This fried confectionary has no reason to make you unhappy during Diwali because come on, who doesn’t like fried sweets? Try them plain, with jelly, chocolate or cinnamon; you can have quite a stomach-full. We highly recommend the oversized chocolate donuts at Café PeterDonuts in Aundh and Deccan Gymkhana.
Gulkand Cheesecake
Photo: chotda Used under Creative Commons License
For a foodie, festivals are pretty much the best excuse to let go of all dietary restrictions and step into sweet mode, full throttle! Ladoos have always been my favorite and although nothing can ever replace them, starting the Diwali dessert fest with a Gulkand Cheese Cake is no less satisfying. Patented by the guys at Krustys on Kothrud (now also in Koregaon Park), this cheesecake is light, biscuity and not too sweet – just right. The gulkand brings in an unusual flavour and could sit in with the rest of your festive sweets easily.
Chocolate Barfi The Barfi is a sweet meant for any occasion but Diwali gives it an extra cool festive dressing with some modern twists. Originally made from cashews, almonds, walnut and even just plain sugar/flour barfis; add some chocolate to it and it becomes a public hit! Try the ones at Parijat Mithai in Viman Nagar or any Chitale Bandhu Mithai store and find yourself going in for that second bite..
Chocolate Gift Boxes Last but definitely not the least, the ever-versatile chocolate is probably the best ‘mithai’ to have and gift this Diwali! So, make sure you splurge on Celebrations from Cadburys and don’t forget to visit your local baker for some homemade choco-bites. All the glory of eating and have none of the boring stuff like packing to do with these readymade options!
Photo: Austin Kirk Used under Creative Commons License
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May this Diwali bring you and your loved ones luck, happiness and good fortune. But most of all, may all paths lead to sweet and ‘mithaiville’ and may all your foodie wishes come true. Happy Diwali folks!
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#ACTPUNE
SANTULAN CREATING A BALANCE Sharan Garcha Santulan is a Pune-based NGO and de-addiction centre that helps addicts recover from their habits and finds them sources of employment while infusing self-confidence in individuals. I caught up with Dwijen Smart, one of the founding members to know more about the centre and the various initiatives taken up by them. Santulan, the de-addiction centre was founded on 11th June 2011 by six recovering addicts when they realised that there is no protocol in place to help them beyond detoxification camps. “I wanted to do something for fellows like me and start an initiative that will benefit addicts and also their families. Refusing to indulge in self-pity, we have started an initiative to de-addict and rehabilitate addicts like us to join the mainstream. Also, I needed an opportunity to cater to what addicts need; as in cases when an addicts’ relapse rate is extremely high. And, the recovery rate is only about 3%. So this was a step towards catering to the remaining 97% of the addict population who cannot afford to spend Rs. 15,000 every time they have a relapse. Also, the families of the addicts may not always be able to provide the support
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they deserve” Says Dwijen Smart, who is not only one of the founding members of the centre, but also a former multiple-substance addict who has been clean for the past 19 years. “We began our journey of Santulan by organising a detoxification camp for 15 days for about 20 people. When we got people to sign up we got an overwhelming response of over 30 people! And we treated them free of charge with the help of professionals. After the 15 days, a few of them came and asked us, ‘Now that the 15 days are over what we will do? We may go back to our old ways again! Can we not have a permanent solution for this?’ This is what got us thinking and we decided that we will not only have to create a place where the addicts will have a shelter to call their home but also to get the rehabilitation they need. It has been noticed that despite addicts’ desire to free themselves of their addiction, there are many who cannot afford the expenses that entail joining a professional de-addiction centre in cities, leading to perpetuation of abuse and self-pity. That is why we felt the need for free
#ACTPUNE
detoxification and de-addiction camps which has evoked a good response Those seeking help to de-addict themselves at Santulan are provided a platform to earn a livelihood in a socially acceptable environment. As addicts tend to lose their self esteem in the whole process, we organise programs and workshops for them to regain their self esteem and utilise the man power we have according to their skills. Finding acceptable means to sustain and support themselves was the big challenge, which we have been able to meet with help from like-minded, well meaning individuals and bodies.
fully runs a catering service that provides lunch and dinner dabbas around Gokhale Nagar, managed by my wife, Shilpa. The service is on the lines of the famous Dabbawalas in Mumbai and involves ferrying lunch boxes to office-goers, in the process generating a support system, income and acceptance. This could be the first such initiative by the de-addicted activists who have roped in those suffering from drug addiction to free them from abuse and raise their self-esteem with a vocational outlet as they simultaneously undergo therapy by professional psychiatrists.
We decided to adopt a three-pronged approach - make a directory of all the details and skill-sets of addicts who come to us; train them in tailoring, mechanic work and catering; and help them become independent by finding them work. Santulan now success-
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The centre is selling diyas for Diwali painted by the addicts. Two diyas cost a mere Rs. 15. Your contribution for this will not only help them financially but also help boost their confidence and motivate them to continue to do better. Light up your houses with diyas this Diwali and bring smiles to the faces of recovering addicts!
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ENTERTAINMENT
10
Tips to Throw a Memorable Card Party at Home this Diwali! Radhika Sharma
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Photo: Tom Page Used under Creative Commons License
ENTERTAINMENT The tradition of playing cards on Diwali is not just a way of modernising tradition, but has a bit of a legendary flavour to it. It’s believed that on Diwali day, goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva and she declared that whosoever gambled on this festive night would prosper throughout the ensuing year! Rummy, teen patti, poker, glitter, booze and food; the cornerstones of any great taash night! Here are 10 tips to throw an awesome card party that is the highlight of the year and everyone’s envy…
Plan at least 2 weeks in advance. Get those invites ready! At this point of time, all you have to do is fix the date, time, venue (which house is getting trashed!) and the theme of the party. Whether you want to go Bollywood, traditions of various communities, best TV actors, fairytale charactersmake sure you pick an easy theme for Diwali and nothing too strenuous on the costumes front as all your guests would want to flaunt their best new threads and the party theme should not bar them from doing so! As for the invite, go chic digital and head over to either evite.com or smilebox.com and design some cool email invites. Send them out at least 2 weeks in advance and make sure the RSVP option is included in the email!
Go online and get a poker set. And an extra card pack from your nearest medical store. Yes, you can use leftover change as chips, but it’s a bit of a headache to collect, sort and assign them to the bank! So get online and get yourself a poker set. Easy to maintain and reusable, give your guests a total professional feel with the poker chips! Don’t forget to pick up an extra set of cards in case of booze spillage!
Decoration and mood lighting. Selfies must be perfect. Depending on your theme, go totally out on the deco and glitz it up! Check out Party Hunterz in Koregaon Park for some banners and hats! Also remember, these parties are selfie backgrounds and they must be perfect. For that glitzy mood lighting, get a few old beer or wine bottles and put some tiny Diwali fairy lights in them and place everywhere. Guaranteed to give a homely party vibe to the house!
Desi cocktails and vodka panipuri. YUM! Daaru is the air that you must shine in. Make sure your cocktails are tasty and lethal at the same time! Sure the Uncles can have their regular whiskey paani, but give the
Photo: Ernesto Used under Creative Commons License
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ENTERTAINMENT
Photo: Peter Megyeri Used under Creative Commons License
guests some modern cocktails; a desi twist i.e a Vodka Shikanji or a Jamuntini or a Jaljeera cocktail! Also, designate one corner in your kitchen for a boozy centerpiece of sorts like a Vodka Pani Puri. Throw in some lemon, ginger, Pani Puri masala, salt, water and vodka in a large bowl and keep an open bag of puris next to it. Alternative to the traditional water cooler gossip station!
Create a special private Facebook group for the exclusive photos! Great parties and social media go hand in hand. Make sure you make a private group for the party pics to be uploaded with a special hashtag to go with it! Do not forget to keep the settings to private unless you are ok with public appearance in drunken pics!
Download a poker spreadsheet. Keeping track of the games and bankroll can be hectic. Ease your problems with the help of a pre-designed spreadsheet specifically made for parties and tournaments on homepokergames.com. This way settling it up (or not! hehehe) at the end of the party can be peaceful without any cheating and yelling matches!
Have a Diwali gift potluck for the children. Diwali is the one time that families come together! So, while the adults are having fun, why should the kids be left out? Get every one of the guests to come up with a small gift
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per family and do a sort of secret-diwali-santa for the kids! Arrange some small games for them and the winners get to pick the prizes!
Even the non-players wanna party! Chances are, not all of your guests are card players but love you enough to come to your party anyway! Let them not be left behind in all the fun; make sure the non-players are entertained with games of Taboo, Uno, Pictionary etc. Or better still, set up beer pong!
Dhinchak music is a must. Party time=Bollywood Mixes. Whatever said and done, EDM and stuff is all that, but nothing sets the mood at a card party like Hindi gaane! Make sure you have a couple of compilations downloaded and sorted into different playlists at least a week prior to the party!
And finally, keep radio cabs and driver numbers handy. Drinking and driving is just not cool and it’s just a bad way to end a good party night! So make sure you have all the radio cabs (in Pune: T cabs, Genie cabs, Meru, Uber) and some drivers for getting the guests back home. Be a responsible host. And there you have it! May luck shine upon you. Have a happy and prosperous Diwali folks!
SCOR’D
Film
Haider
A masterpiece!
Film Bang
Bang
Hrithik is the film’s eye candy and the rest is Meh.
Book
Half Girlfriend by Chetan Bhagat
A light read!
Book
Stellar Signs by Manjiri Prabhu
The desi Agatha Christie’s tale of mystery and romance’
Restaurant: Alfresco
at Four Points by Sherton, Viman Nagar
Restaurant
Good ambience, so so Food.
Authentic flavours and great ambience!
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Infinity at Post 91, Baner
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COVER STORY
DIWALI: Lights & Life
Richa Satpute
8 Diwali Facts you Probably didn’t Know 4 Hidden Gems of Diwali Faraal 10 things you could do differently to make this diwali memorable Pledge a Green and #CleanDiwaliCampaign
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Photo: Abhijit Chendvankar Used under Creative Commons License
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COVER STORY
8 Diwali Facts you Probably didn’t Know That Diwali is a universal festival, is a given. It has to be admitted, that each one of us approaches Diwali in different ways. For some it is a much needed break from work and for others, a party time replete with showcasing their new acquisitions, shopping and finding out who gifted whom what. For kids it is a holiday time with most of the parenting rules thrown out the window. But, there are some interesting facts about Diwali which will astonish you. Some of these you may have been too embarrassed to ask. Brush up on these before it is time to say Happy Diwali!
Why do we worship only Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali? Lakshmi Puja is performed on the following day of Amavasya, the new moon night. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi’s destroyer form is active on this day and she will wander the earth in search of the cleanest house to destroy negative energies and offer blessings of fortune and prosperity.
Photo: Natesh Ramasamy Used under Creative Commons License
Why do we gamble during Diwali? It is believed that, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva on this day. Elated with her win, she announced that whoever gambled on Diwali night would mint wealth throughout the year. Then onwards, this game that has been bestowed with a boon and became a part of Diwali festivities. Since Goddess Lakshmi is an incarnation of Parvati, she visits earth to bestow pecuniary benefits on anyone found gambling.
What exactly is Narka Chaturdashi? Narka Chaturdashi, or Chhoti Diwali marks the death of demon Karkasura. Who slaid him and why? Our very own Lord Krishna, because Narkasura had imprisoned thousands of daughters of saints and Gods in his harem. But why do we celebrate his death? His mother, Bhumi, declared that this day should be a day of festivities not mourning, so there you go!
Photo: Geoff Parsons Used under Creative Commons License
Photo: San Sharma Used under Creative Commons License
COVER STORY Why do we wake up before dawn and burst crackers on Narka Chaturdashi? The slaying of Narkasura also symbolises driving away wickedness and negative energies out of your home. Waking up at dawn, followed by a fragrant oil massage by the matriarch of the family and then bathing is believed to cleanse your system and your surroundings on the first prahar (first unit of time). Photo: Psowrirajan s This is followed by crushing the fruit karat outside Used under Creative Commons License your house, which symbolises Narkasura. There is no historical or scientific explanation for why people burst crackers at dawn. So it’s safe to assume it is only for fun!
Why do people keep a small broom in the prayer house during Diwali? It is a popular belief that Goddess Lakshmi likes cleanliness, and she will visit the cleanest house first. This is also the reason why the broom is worshipped on this day.
Cleaning the house only for Diwali – Why? Office chi sutti for gharachi safai? While the majority of us are busy pataoing our maids to clean houses in the pre-Diwali days, there are house cleaning services that claim double business! Even painting jobs are generally undertaken during this time. Well, there is a very simple explanation for this. As mentioned earlier, Goddess Lakshmi enters only the cleanest and the brightest homes, thus the whole show. Notice how our lives revolve around the coming and going of Goddess Lakshmi? We are prepared to do anything to please her, even if it is only symbolic.
Photo: Andrew Gray Used under Creative Commons License
Do thieves worship Goddess Kali on Diwali? The second day of diwali, Choti Diwali, is also known as Kali Choudas for some; a day for thieves to worship Goddess Kali in hopes that the Hindu deity will protect them from the police. Astonished? A number of eastern states in India follow this custom.
Earning your money and keeping it safe?
Photo: Vinoth Chandar Used under Creative Commons License
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Along a similar vein, Hindu families will worship the deity Kuber, God of wealth, on Dhanatrayodashi, popularly known as Dhanteras, which is signified by dry coriander seeds and jaggery (dhane ani gool). Lord Kuber guides individuals who are not good at saving money even though they may have no problems earning it.
COVER STORY
4 Hidden Gems of Diwali Faraal With Diwali just around the corner, we decided to dig some of the best kept secrets of Diwali faraal. There are some delicacies that are you don’t find being regularly dished out. With faraal being majorly ordered from the Chitale’s and Kaka Hawlai’s these days, some of the little known but absolutely scrumptious delicacies are becoming extinct. Of course, some households still make these faraal items but you won’t find them freely available commercially. So let us see what we got!
Kadboli is a fried savoury dish made from five kinds of ground grains. Light, crunchy and extremely khamanga (crisp, crunchy and with a roasted flavour), it is a perfect snack for a Diwali morning with your chai. Some make a chakli out of the same batter. You may find it available commercially if you visit the Chitale store on Tilak Road.
Saandhan is a Konkani sweet dish made with jackfruit pulp, rice sooji and coconut milk all steamed together. It is fluffy, soft and very aromatic. Tastes best with a dollop of ghee on top. Although originally from the Konkan region, it has found place in many Koknastha households’ Diwali menu. It isn’t available in any mithai store, so you will have to make your own.
Anaarse, a round, crisp and sweet snack is one of the tastiest faraal made from rice flour and khus khus seeds that lend it a lace like texture. It is crisp, yet melts in your mouth the moment you pop one in. Although easily available commercially, it doesn’t compare to the homemade ones. Touted as one of the trickiest snack to prepare, a miscalculation of even 10 grams can throw this snack astray.
Pakatle Chirote, a light and paper thin sweet snack is India’s answer to short pastry. With crisp layers covering the outside, the inside is soft and moist with cardamom-flavoured paak (liquid sugar mixture). The chirotes available commercially are sadly not dipped into paak but are simply sprinkled with some powdered sugar, making them a poor representative of the original dish.
Photo: ANG SHERPA Used under Creative Commons License
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COVER STORY
10 things you could do differently to make this diwali memorable This Diwali, Something Fresh! Here’s to a New Beginning It is the week before Diwali and you can’t stop planning the million things you want to do! Some of it may have to do with shopping, meeting old and new friends, family get-togethers, taash parties and keeping the traditions alive to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into your home. Diwali also presents a license to gorge guilt-free on ubiquitous mithais, unlimited boozing (err..maybe not for everyone) and stepping out in your best ethnic finery that you so painstakingly put together. What’s not to like about Diwali, right? It does fill you with new hopes, new beginnings, the joy of giving and basically lots of fun. While you were busy prepping for a memorable Diwali, we were busy putting together some thoughtful and fun things you could do to make this Diwali different and memorable than the rest.
Make this Diwali count for the underprivileged Millions of lights will dot the city’s landscape and the sky will glow with colourful shards of fireworks. Yet, in some households, the only fire you will see is the fire of hunger in empty bellies. You only have to step out to seldom visited alleys and corners of the city. Try looking under the University flyover, near the Swargate bus depot or in the by-lanes of Kondhwa. You will see how Diwali can’t mean celebrations or fun for people who can neither avail favours from any NGO nor depend upon the family income for anything other than filling their stomachs. To experience the most memorable Diwali, you must witness the depths of darkness and do something to make a difference. It could be anything at all. From something as small as a mithai packet or some crackers for the kids, to a bigger commitment, whatever you do, your Diwali will be one of happiest till date.
Be a tech-savvy Gifter with Diwali Apps Think beyond the usual gifting options this Diwali. The market is buzzing with cool Diwali apps. Just like your unique friends and family, there is a perfect app to suit their needs. It may need a little homework on your part, but imagine the look on everyone’s faces when you stroll in empty handed for a party or a get-together while everyone else is laden with gifts. Thankfully gifting apps is quite easy, thanks to Google Play Gift Cards.
Photo: Satish Viswanath Used under Creative Commons License
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COVER STORYare some apps you may find interesting to gift: Here Diwali Greetings by iRobotz for the eternal King/Queen of forwards As annoying as unwanted forwarded messages are, do understand that gifting is not about you. It is about what the receiver of gifts likes and your preferences be damned. So, if you have a forwards junkie in your midst, this is the perfect app to gift. It lets the user compile a list of contacts on his device and forward messages that can be replicated across Watsapp, Twitter, Facebook and email. It is a free app, but it’s the thought that counts, right?
WiFi File Explorer PRO (INR 55) for the unofficial cameraman Remember the umpteen times your unofficial cameraman has had to transfer images from one device to another, and all for your viewing pleasure? Well this app allows him to transfer images in any format from/to any device without having to worry about the drivers and formats, as long as there is a browser and a Wifi. Say Cheese!
Greenify Donation (INR 100) Everybody is tired of mobile batteries running out all the time. What with mobile phones turning into virtually anything that you’d want. Greenify automatically hibernates apps running in the background and also keeps annoying apps that use up too much battery life under control. The app is actually free, but if you make the INR 100 payment, you get an advanced version where system processes are also hibernated. Try the free version to see for yourself.
Runtastic PRO (INR300) We all have fitness junkies in our midst. The greatest app you could gift someone like this is Runtastic PRO. It helps keep tab on the heart rate, elevation, distance, exercise goals, water level in the body, voice coaching, power songs, phew! Just writing all that feels like a workout!
Baby Monitor 3G (INR 239) This one takes the cake for me. And anyone with a baby in the house will thank you till her babies grow up and have their own babies. It lets you turn two phones or tablets into a video and audio device. One device stays around the baby, and the other one with you. Watch your baby, talk to her, hear her talk back to you and get vibration alerts whenever the baby cries anywhere as long as you have a 3G or a Wifi connection. Go about your chores at home without worrying about the little one!
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COVER STORY Shop intelligently; don’t fall for fake discounts The recent Flipkart fiasco has taught us a lot of lessons. Firstly, don’t be taken in by the promise of impossible discounts. Everybody has to make money, the seller, the hosting website and even the courier company. So, beyond a certain degree, take everything with a pinch of salt. Secondly, research your products well before buying. In the online world it is very easy to search for specific products and compare their prices online. A single seller supplies his wares to multiple websites, who may price it differently. Thirdly, look out for the small print. Things like no returns, no exchange, no return pickups and no refunds cause a lot of angst later. Fourthly, learn to monitor price trends of things you want to buy, long before the festive discounts come in. It shouldn’t be surprising if you find that a T-shirt costing INR 1050 is suddenly at INR 1500 with a 30% discount. Do your math; it is still selling at INR 1050.
Making your own Faraal It is all very nice to hover around your mother when she is preparing faraal, waiting to dig into it the moment it’s on the serving dish. But have you considered putting your cooking skills to use and surprising everyone with a new take on traditional faraal? It could be something as simple as shankarpaale (a sweet nankhatai-like delicacy). You could make different shapes or even change into a savoury dish. The options are innumerable. Needless to say, your proud mother will in turn hover around you instructing you on how to prepare the batter just so, or mixing one of her secret ingredients to make it special. Not only would you have learnt something new, but there is a great chance that you will pass it onto your children someday with the same pride your mother feels now. Plus, it’s a great way of bonding with your family on this special occasion!
Stop re-gifting gifts Got an unwelcome gift last Diwali? The same old kurta pyjama or a box of mithais? You’re not alone. More than half the gifts people receive during festivals are duds. Some keep them because they don’t want to upset the giver while some re-gift it to the other side of the family. Congratulations! You got rid of the dud but created a vicious circle of re-gifting if you didn’t take the care to know the receiver’s choices and preferences.
Here are some innovative ways of disposing off your dud gifts. Returning: If you have the receipt, consider returning it for something you like.
Donating: Pack up the bad gifts and donate them to NGOs and charities. That way someone will actually be happy to receive the gift and find it of value. Swapping: A slightly new concept, but works really well if you have a group of practical people to participate. Arrange for a swapping party after Diwali and swap the gifts you don’t like. If this doesn’t work, simply give them away to whomever will take it. Cash: For this Diwali, take a simpler way out. Ask for (and give) cash and do away with
gifting completely!
COVER STORY Host a fun afternoon mehendi party Afternoons tend to get a little boring during Diwali. Rev up things by inviting your friends over for a fun Mehendi party. Silence anyone who says mehendi is only for wedding parties. Sit out in the sun, bring out some tea, snacks or sherbats and click lots of mehendi selfies. Or should we say ‘mehendifies’? Bad jargon? Maybe. But a great idea!
Plant Saplings We know that Diwali leaves behind a trail of smoke, smog and gunpowder in the air. So, this year, instead of letting the responsibility of cleaning the atmosphere falling solely on trees, plant a sapling in your society premises and make Diwali memorable. If you have children in the family, involve them in the planting process. The awe and wonder on their faces will be equal to the glee and enjoyment they experience when bursting crackers. In fact the act of actually planting a sapling is the exact opposite of bursting firecrackers. One pollutes, the other cleans!
Take a holiday The first time I went on a family holiday during Diwali, I was really young. But, the trip to Jaipur still remains sketched in my memory because we did something entirely different from what we usually did during Diwali. The internet is abound with options for top Diwali destinations. It is a wonderful way to make your Diwali stand out and have fun with the family.
Save electricity with traditional diyas rather than bulbs The lighting of traditional diyas symbolises the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. It is also said that Goddess Lakshmi finds her way into your home with the help of these diyas. So, make this Diwali special by lighting only diyas in the true spirit of Diwali. Refrain from using bulbs at all and add a stroke of social and traditional cause to your Diwali. Not only will you save on electricity costs, but also help your city in the electricity crisis. Yes, every household counts. It is a drop in the ocean, but still…
Involve your non-Hindu friends in Diwali celebrations How many of us have lusted over Gosht Biryanis and Sheer Khurma during Eid celebrations? Christmas brings memories of turkey stuffings, pies and Christmas pudding you had at your Christian friend’s place ages ago. There is no doubt that food brings people closer. So, make a new family this Diwali, invite your non-Hindu friends over for faraal and show them you appreciate the special people and the joy they bring into your life.
Photo: Praful Schroff Used under Creative Commons License
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COVER STORY
Pledge a Green and #CleanDiwaliCampaign When my grandmother described how Diwali was celebrated in her times, it was a surprise for me. Diwali was mainly centred on food and meeting relatives. Shopping for new clothes, drawing rangoli and lighting earthen diyas followed a close second, but these activities were mainly for the young ones. Seems quite tame than what we have now, isn’t it? Of course, one would have to discount the technological advancement and the changes it has brought in the way we shop, connect and entertain. But that still wouldn’t explain where firecrackers came from because they were definitely not a part of traditional Diwali celebrations. The only evidence of exclusive use of fireworks (noiseless) was for Kings and Queens on special occasions. Which brings us to the question, what made this practice so popular notwithstanding its detrimental effects on the environment? It’s simple really; firecrackers are popular because they are fun. But, let us look at the cost at which we buy this fun every Diwali, shall we?
Photo: vijay chennupati Used under Creative Commons License
Photo: Subharnab Majumdar Used under Creative Commons License
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COVER STORY Noise Pollution: Highly traumatic, especially to the elderly, ailing, pets, street animals and birds even. Babies and children find it disturbing too. In serious cases, it can cause damage to the ear and impair hearing.
Environmental Pollution Firecrackers contain toxic chemicals like copper, zinc, lead and magnesium that are released into the air and never get dissolved. This means that they stay on in the air that we breathe, mix with rain and pollute our soil, get readily absorbed by plants but are stored in their fruits or leaves, which are consumed by us or by animals that we eat. So, we’re probably eating the firecrackers we bought last year.
Littering Firecrackers produce a lot of litter in the form of paper, chemical waste, metal wires and toxic colours. Paper is biodegradable, the rest is not. We all know what happens next.
Hazard to Pedestrians and Traffic Certain people get a kick out of startling pedestrians and two-wheelers by ambushing them with crackers in the middle of streets. Must be fun for them but it could cost someone’s life. Not so much fun if that happens, but doesn’t look like they care.
Child Exploitation Few of us realise that firecrackers are made by very young children amounting to child labour. Since the substances being handled are extremely toxic, many of these children get sick and die in their early teenage years.
How to celebrate a green Diwali, without cutting down on your fun! Use LED lights instead of bulbs to light up your house If you love firecrackers, go for an open bonfire and invite your friends and family. At least you have the “fire” if not the “cracker”
High Cost Not much that can be done about this because people splurge on firecrackers willingly, but the total worth of firecrackers made in the country in 2013 was INR 2500 crore, at the manufacturing end and INR 5000 crore at the retail end. Some food for thought.
Make rangoli with rice powder, turmeric and red chilli powder instead of synthetic colors
Eventually, it is not just about avoiding firecrackers. It is about having great fun this Diwali and being content in the knowledge that you haven’t harmed your environment. Are you ready to make few changes this Diwali?
Skip the wrapping paper on gifts this Diwali and save a tree.
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If you plan to paint your home, go for eco-friendly paint
Gift books, saplings or even exotic seeds.
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PHOTO FEATURE
All Photos: Parmeet Kohli
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Shaniwar Peth Wadas, Shopping & Food Parmeet Kohli Whenever I skirt around the majestic Shaniwar Wada, to perpetually lose my way in the chaotic lanes of Pune’s Peths, I’m reminded of a night some years ago when I stood outside its gate – student with empty pockets and eyes full of hope. Witness to so many Maratha kings of old and their darbars, the Wada was spectacularly lit up with hordes of people rushing in to experience Ghulam Ali and his magical voice at this most beautiful of
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locations. I did eventually manage to get in, by means I’m not too proud of, and was part of the audience left enthralled at the Ghazal maestro’s voice, which coupled with the lights falling on the Wada’s palatial walls, formed part of a surreal experience. Now, as I walk through the massive Delhi gate of the Wada, dotted with spikes to fend off elephants from knocking it down, and pay the princely entry fee of five
SPECIAL FEATURE rupees, I cannot help but wonder about the history these walls have soaked in and the great events they have been privy to when the Maratha empire was at its zenith. Build by the Peshwas in the eighteenth century; Shaniwar Wada has four other smaller gates and the remnants of important buildings like the Thorlya Rayancha Diwankhana (Court hall of the eldest royal, Bajirao-I), Naachacha Diwankhana (Dance Hall), and the Juna Arsa Mahal (Old Mirror Hall). The main building was a seven-storey structure and according to a plaque installed by the Archaeological Survey of India, the spire of the Alandi Temple could be seen from the uppermost terrace of this building! That the Peshwas did not zip around the city in pollution-spewing cars contributed to that I’m certain. Inside, the Wada is quite well maintained, clean and an oasis of calm in the busy hustle-bustle of central
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Pune. The courtyard is lined with fragments of stone pillars which stood tall in the era of the Peshwas and has some beautiful trees, under which couples can be spotted catching some time together. Bajirao and Mastani would approve I reckon. Climb up the steep flight of stone stairs of the building just inside the Delhi gate and you’ll see some beautifully carved wooden pillars and panoramas of the Shaniwar Wada courtyard on one side and the busy streets of Shaniwar Peth on the other. As you walk out of the Delhi gate to Shaniwar Peth, a small chowpatty greets you with its chaats, and juices. Difficult to not indulge after the long walk in the Wada! Earlier known as Murujabad or Murtuzabad, Shaniwar Peth got its current name under the rule of the Peshwas and is a heady mix of old and new. I spotted a couple of ajjis (grandmothers) lazing on a porch inside a beau-
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SPECIAL FEATURE tiful wada with an old, dilapidated wooden door. As I was considering pointing my camera at them, an elderly gentleman tapped my shoulder and told me to photograph the name of the wada, which was proudly displayed on a board outside the main door - Niranjan Mahal. He introduced himself as Amit Kulkarni, a resident and part owner of the wada I was so intrigued by, and happened to be an formal local cricketer of some renown! To my delight he offered to show me around the Wada, all the time letting me into its delightful and precious history. Niranjan Mahal, also known as the Parasnis Wada, was built using stone and original teak wood around 300 years ago in the Peshwa era. Don’t let the relatively small size of the doors confuse you, most of these wadas are huge inside! An unused, covered up well, beautiful longstanding trees, a very minimalist private temple, exquisite designs on old wooden pillars and doors, and several families living in such proximity, the walk through Niranjan Mahal was like a walk into the past. Mr. Kulkarni told me how the charm of these wadas and the whole concept of close-community-living is now dying since owners are opting to construct buildings in their place. Niranjan Mahal too has seen some reconstruction with
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a few floors added to the usual horizontal structure of wadas, which in Mr. Kulkarni’s opinion dilutes the culture and way of life. Adjoining Niranjan Mahal is a Shiva temple called Amruteshwar. This temple too, like most old structures in Shaniwar Peth, was built by the Peshwas and has a beautiful spire that can be spotted from a distance. The temple paints a picture of peace and does not seem to get a lot of visitors. The Omkareshwar temple, which is a short walk away along the Mutha, on the other hand, sees a constant stream of devotees. Constructed in 1738 by Bajirao Peshwa, the Omkareshwar temple houses a linga from the Narmada River and has little temples dedicated to the gods Ganesh, Vithoba, Shani, Maruti and Bhavani Devi. Arvind Gaade, who is a priest at the Omkareshwar temple, told me that his family has been with the temple since 1864 and he is the fifth generation of priests serving the temple! The temple complex is spacious and serene and I spotted a few students from MMCC, lost in their books, who told me they often come to the temple to study. Shaniwar Peth has a lot of other small temples, some of them private, like the 185-yearold Kashi Isheshwar temple which gets its name from
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the Someshwar and Isheshwar shivlings it houses. Old and new blend harmoniously in Shaniwar Peth as these beautiful temples and wadas coexist with a sprawling offset and screen-printing industry. Every second shop is an offset and screen-printing shop serving the printing needs of the whole city. Shaniwar Peth is also Pune’s primary wedding card hub and on any given day you will spot families moving from one store to another deciding on that perfect wedding card. It isn’t Diwali yet and you need firecrackers? No problem. Shaniwar Peth is where you need to head to as it has several shops selling firecrackers all year round.
you want to head to after having your fill of wada pavs. An amrutulya so typical of Pune it serves a killer sweet concoction of a chaha. Nothing like a hot cup of chaha and I’m sure the Shaniwar ‘Pethis’ who throng to Narmadeshwar Bhuvan for their chaha fix would agree. Shaniwar Peth, with its eclectic mix of old and new, of temples and businesses, of wadas packed with history and chaotic streets packed with vehicles is so Puneri in character. And, the essence of the Peshwas still lingers in its lanes.
If all the shopping makes you hungry, head to this unnamed wada pav stall just beside the famous Agarwal cards. It isn’t too difficult to find owing to the maddening crowd that it attracts. Run by a small family, this stall starts frying wadas at around 7 pm and sells out in a couple of hours. Every wada pav is booked before it is made! Soft, creamy, melt-in-mouth batata wadas sandwiched in a pav sans any chutney and only accompanied by fried and salted green chillies. I suggest you skip the pav and just bite into the hot and steaming wadas. Food that warms the soul! I’d go as far as to rate it above the famous JJ Garden wada pav! Om Narmedashwar Bhuvan is where
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EVENTS Whiptongue and Janux WHIPTONGUE (Looney Moon Records) from Brazil and JANUX (Third Eye Records, Mechanik Records) are teaming up for a night of top class music and the trance dance experience. Whiptongue is one of the main artists from the Italian Label LOONEY MOON RECORDS and has October played around Europe, India, South Africa, USA and Brazil. Janux is a powerful Dj who can read any situation and play the perfect vibe for that space & time. Catch them live at Blue Frog
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When: Friday, 17th October
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Jumble Market
October
In collaboration with Poona Club a Jumble Market will be held. There is Beer, Wine, Shopping, Music, Food and much more.
Where: Blue Frog , Ishanya Mall, Arcade 6, Opp. Golf Course, Off Airport Road, Yerwada, Pune
When: 18th - 19th October
Time: 9 pm onwards
Time: 11 am- 10pm
Where: Poona Club, Camp, Pune Contact: 9545454355, 9881237575
Kiva Festive Flea
17 Diwali Mela
October
IWC Baner Hills is organising a fundraising Diwali Mela with various stalls of decorative items, clothes, games, food, lucky draw and so much more. Join in for a funfilled family day! When: Friday, 17th October Where: Mauli gardens, near Baner petrol pump, Bane Time: 1-9 pm
19 October
With festivities in the air, along comes the urge to shop & with that urge comes the need to buy niche celebratory items that could make the perfect gift or a prized possession! KIVA Effingut Brewerkz will be hosting “THE KIVA FESTIVE FLEA”! Witness a limited number of stalls providing the best possible items suited to cater to your festive requirements - right from jewellery, handicrafts lamps/diyas, curios, paintings etc. and a photo booth! Be part of the event and stand a chance to be featured in Creme Magazine! When: Sunday, 19th October Where: Effingut Brewerkz, Lane No 6, Koregaon Park, Pune. Time: 3pm onwards!
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EVENTS
One Minute Theatre A Minute - that’s IT!!
17 October
In this fun activity, participants flex their dialogue-writing muscle. They have to write a one-act play that takes a minute to act out, but somewhat longer to craft! The characters (maybe three, at most) act out a short story or an anecdote. The condition is that there must be a beginning and an end. When: Sunday, 19th October Where: Pagdandi - Books Chai Cafe, Shop No.6, Regent Plaza, Baner Pashan Link Road, Behind Symantec, Baner, Pune. Time: 4-5:30 pm
Community Storytelling Circle
26 October
The session will be facilitated by Dola Dasgupta. Storytelling is one way to also get people together in physical spaces, for a while at least, by enticing them away from the virtual world that so strongly dominates our lives in these modern times! There will be storytelling and she will introduce the possibility of starting a community storytelling sacred circle to the gathering. When: Sunday, 26th October Where: Pagdandi - Books Chai Cafe, Shop No.6, Regent Plaza, Baner Pashan Link Road, Behind Symantec, Baner, Pune. Time: 4:30 pm
31 October
Halloween Costume Party!
Diwali Heritage Walk
22 October
This Diwali, start the day with a walk through the old city. Explore the magnificent past of Punya Nagari through its heritage sites, gorge on some authentic Puneri snacks and shop in bazaars full of Diwali artifacts. Join The Western Routes as they go capturing the colours of this city as it prepares for the festivities. When: Wednesday, 22 October Where: Shaniwar Wada Time: 8:45 am
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The Cultural Centre invites you to join Barnens Hus (The Children’s House) for a costume Halloween party for the whole family. People of all age groups are welcome. Those under the age of 6 will need a parent to accompany them. Trick and treat each booth before playing games, doing activities, and learning crafts. When: Friday, 31st October Where: Barnens Hus (The Children’s House), Prelocate, Plot No. 20, Survey no 90/2/B and 90/3/B, Behind Bharat Gas, Koregaon Park Annexe, Mundhwa, Pune. Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm Fee: Rs. 150 per child/Rs. 250 for those over 12 yrs. Registration: Please send an email to tcc@prelocate. com with your name, your child/ren’s name, your child/ren’s age and mobile number. Contcat Elisa: 7709113678