Will, 61 Independence Day escorts us to Peace?

Samridhi Bhatnagar

So, finally we have completed 61 years of our independence. This is a day when we are more patriotic then other days, we all love our country, its culture, tradition, religion but still we lack in many things. Although we believe in oneness and unity, but still we are not one. We are comprised with several religions then also we are not unanimous. This is a democratic country but still we are not able to find a single person, who really thinks for social-welfare. In spite they think of their wellbeing. In real words our country situation is pathetic. On every 15 August our national leader gives good lecture that please to our ears but it still don't solve our problem.

Every state has some or the other problem, if we talk about heavenly place which is now a days hell, the Jammu & Kashmir situation for land, that has not embellished the daily life of J &K but also other states too. The two-hour chakka jam called by VHP over the Amarnath land, rowed long queues of vehicles in Delhi. Train movement along the Delhi-Jaipur (with blockades near Rewari ) and Delhi- Jammu route was also severely affected by the agitation . At least 30 trains arrived late in the capital after being held up by protesters at different places in UP, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra and Punjab. Purushottam Express (18 hours late) and Jhelum Express (9 hours) were among the worst affected.

On other side, in Noida four persons were killed and 50 others injured, including 15 policemen, in police firing and clashes after farmers agitating for adequate compensation for their acquired land in Greater Noida turned violent. Reports said the fourth victim was a policeman but there was no official confirmation on this.The farmers were demanding enhanced compensation for their land acquired in 2003 and 2005 by the Uttar Pradesh government on the lines of those acquired in 2008. Officials said the crowd turned violent and pelted stones at policemen.Security personnel resorted to lathicharge and lobbed teargas shells to rein in the mob, SSP Noida R K Chaturvedi told PTI.

As the violence continued, police opened fire in which about 50 people were injured. "Four persons were killed in the incident. But we have no information about any casualty on our side," Chaturvedi said.At least 15 police personnel, including Chaturvedi, were injured in the stone pelting, District Magistrate Greater Noida S K Sharma said. Inspector General (Meerut) Gyan Singh claimed that some protestors were carrying illegal firearms. "If they had not opened fire, police would have remained calm. They were stopped at various places but they overpowered us. They were really aggressive, keen to fight," he said.Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal blamed the local administration for the incident, saying it mishandled the situation.

The question arise, what should be done to avoid all these interruption that avoid free flow of daily life. The statement given by the leaders can change the face of our country.

A country where Abhinav Bindra kind of personality is raising our head with pride on the other side all these political leaders are leaving us ashamed. Let's hope that this Independence Day will bring peace in our country and enhance the unity amongst the Indian citizens.

हवा में तैरती मौत

समृद्धि भटनागर

विमान-यात्रा भी अब जोखिमपूर्ण होती जा रही है। पिछले दिनों इंदिरा गांधी अंतर्राष्ट्रीय हवाई अड्डे पर हुई हवाई घटना ने लोगों को सोचने पर मजबूर कर दिया है कि क्या हवाई यात्रा सुरक्षित है?

इस भागती दौड़ती जिंदगी में, अपने कीमती समय को बचाने के लिए विमान से यात्रा करना आम होता जा रहा है। परंतु सवाल उठता है कि जिसे आप सुविधा का माध्यम मानते हैं उसमें आप कितने सुरक्षित हैं? बात जुलाई के अंतिम सप्ताह की है। जेट एयरवे”ा का एक विमान, जिसमें केंद्रीय मंत्री शरद पवार भी यात्रा कर रहे थे, अपनी उड़ान भरने के बाद 5000 मीटर की ऊंचाई पर पहुंचते ही वापस दिल्ली हवाई अड्डे पर लौटा दिया गया। क्यों? इसलिए कि इतनी ऊंचाई पर पहुंचने के बाद अचानक पाया गया कि विमान का पिछला दरवाजा ठीक से बंद नहीं था। यानी, एक बड़ा हादसा होने से बचा लिया गया। हाल ही में इंदिरा गांधी इंटरनेशनल एयरपोर्ट पर हुई एक और हवाई घटना दिल्ली से माॅरीशस जाने वाली फ्रलाईट एमके 745 में हुई जब विमान उड़ने के लिए रनवे पर चल रहा था और अचानक सामने एक चिड़िया आई जिसके कारण पायलट ने ब्रेक लगा दिया। ब्रेक लगाने पर विमान के पिछले हिस्से में नीचे की तरपफ धुआं निकलने लगा और आग लग गई। विमान में सवार यात्रियों को तत्काल नीचे उतार लिया गया। विमान में 241 यात्री सवार थे और उनके लिए यह मंजर एक ऐसा कड़वा सच था जिसे अपनी पूरी जिंदगी में शायद ही भुला पाएं। सवार यात्रियों को मोटेल में ठहराया गया और अगले ही दिन एक स्पशेल फ्रलाइट से भेजा गया। पर तकनीकी खराबी के कारण यात्रियों को एक बार पिफर परेशानी का सामना करना पड़ा। 241 यात्रियों में से काफी यात्राी ऐसे थे जो अपने हनीमून, बिजनेस वगैरह के सिलसिले में जा रहे थे। एक ऐसी गर्भवती महिला यात्राी भी थी जो अकेली सफर कर रही थी और उन्हें इस पूरे हादसे में काफी परेशानी का सामना करना पड़ा। वह इस हादसे के दौरान अपने बच्चे के लिए भगवान से सलामती की दुआ मांगती रही। उनका कहना है कि उन्होंने सपने में भी नहीं सोचा था कि उन्हें यह दिन देखना पड़ेगा। सवाल फिर से यात्रियों की सुरक्षा को और सरकार की लापरवाही को लेकर खड़ा होता है कि जब ऐसे मामले आम हैं तो कोई एहतियात क्यों नहीं बरती जा रही है? कहीं पक्षी के टकराने के कारण तो कहीं तकनीकी खराबी के कारण यात्रियों की जान जोखिम में ही रहती है। डायरेक्टरेट जनरल आॅपफ सिविल ऐविएशन ;डीजीसीएद्ध ने भी अपनी जांच में सापफ कहा है कि यह एक बड़ा हादसा है और ऐसे हादसों से बचने के लिए एहतियात बरतनी चाहिए। जहां डीजीसीए एहतियात बरतने के लिए विचार कर रही है, वहीं दिल्ली इंटरनेशनल एयरपोर्ट लिमिटेड सारे आरोपों को गलत बताते हुए कहती है कि ऐसे हादसों को टालने के लिए इंटरनेशनल स्टैंडर्ड प्रोसीजर अपनाए गए हैं। अगर ऐसी एहतियात बरती जा रही है तो फिर बार-बार ऐसे हादसे सामने क्यों आते हैं? डाॅ. एके मल्होत्रा, वाइल्ड लाइपफ एक्सपर्ट ने समस्या की जड़ से अवगत कराते हुए बताया कि एयरपोर्ट के पास एक मुख्य बाजार है जहां मीट की दुकानें हैं जो जानवरों का मांस वगैरह पीछे फेंकती है। अपने खाने और रहने की खोज के कारण चिड़ियों का वहां जमावड़ा रहता है और इसी कारण ऐसे हादसे अपना आकार लेते हैं। अगर सरकार इस कूड़े-कचरे को वहां से नहीं हटाएगी तब तक सरकार चाहे जितनी भी एहतियात बरत ले, इसका समाधान नहीं हो सकेगा और ऐसे कई मामलों के सामने आने के आसार बरकरार रहेंगे। लेकिन ऐसे बयानों के बाद ऐसा प्रतीत होता है कि हर कोई अपनी गलती और राय एक-दूसरे पर थोपने पर आमादा है, जबकि जरूरत समस्या के समाधान की है। यात्राी जो अपनी सुविधा के लिए पैसे खर्च करने के बावजूद निश्चिंत होकर यात्रा नहीं कर पा रहे हैं, सवाल इनकी सुरक्षा का खड़ा होता है। इस हादसे के बाद सिपर्फ माॅरीशस की फ्रलाईट में सवार यात्राी ही नहीं, बल्कि आम जनता भी हवाई यात्रा में अपने आपको महफूज नहीं समझ पा रही है। देखने वाली बात यह है कि सरकार किस तरीके से यात्रियों को विश्वास दिलाएगी कि अब वे लोग विमान यात्रा में पूरी तरह से सुरक्षित हैं।

The Imperial -the saga of a Victorian Architecture

Delhi, one of the most majestic cities in India, is known for its heritage, culture and history. The Imperial, located in the heart of Delhi- Connaught place, is one of the finest and well-known hotels in Asia, which have heritage value. Imperial has lots of traces in terms of pre independence era.


Conceptualized by Blomfield in 1934, The Imperial is a fine confluence of rich historical past and a glossy international appeal. Set in 8 acres of immaculate gardens in the heart of city, the hotel was inaugurated by Lord Willingdon in 1936. Lady Willingdon christened it “The Imperial”. While Blomfield designed the Hotel with a unique blend of Victorian, old colonial and playful dosage of informal art deco, the Lady had taken keen interest in interior designing of hotel. Two Italian marble shops were bought out; to compliment the look, Persian rugs and arty deco were brought in. Lady Willingdon even conferred the lion insignia upon the hotel.
Silver tea service, tableware from London, Italian marble floor, Burma teak furniture, original Daniells and Frasers on the walls, a vision of undulating green laws, turbaned waiters in red, all creating aura of an early 19th century in English Manor. The essence of jasmine oil, which is imported from France, spreads through the hotel and they are kept in all the public areas of the hotel in fummers.
Every corner of Imperial has a history behind it, Imperial is classified in to different sections as Dining, Residence, Banquets and meeting and Relaxation.

Dining: Each restaurant is based on a particular theme and has a story to tell.
The Spice Route: The place is a non-smoking restaurant, which is indeed a celebration of life and is rated as one of the top ten restaurants in the world by Conde Nast Traveler for its exclusive designs as they reflect the journey from the Malabar Coast in Kerela through Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia to Thailand and Vietnam. Spice Route took seven years for coming into existence, as it was painted completely by hands with vegetable and flower dyes which were brought by mural painters from a temple of Kerela. Restaurant is designed on the principle of Feng Shui and is divided into nine different sections as Knowledge, Artha, kama, Moksha, Help and Support, Creativity, Relationship, Fate & Fortune and Wealth section. Each section of this restaurant presents a journey of life.

The Spice Route boasts a menu that enmeshes the taste buds of a seasoned food connoisseur as Kerela Style (stir-fried with coconut, curry leaves and black tamarind, prawns), Tom Yum Kun which is famous Thai soup, Kung Nang Phad Khing (stir-fried lobster with ginger and Thai black mushrooms, served in the shell), Kaeng Kheow Waan Kai (Chicken in Thai green curry with pea and cherry aubergines), Phad Phak (Chefs special stir-fried baby spinach with black mushrooms, flavored with soya bean paste). The menu crafted in The Spice Route is artistically presented so as to maintain special effect on guests.

1911: The making of this place has an interesting story behind it. 1911 was the year when Delhi was crowned as the Capital of India by King George V. To solemnize this event, this place has been named- 1911. This place has a dining area, a bar and a lounge.

Patiala Peg: Patiala Peg is undoubtedly, one of the most popular bars in the Capital City of New Delhi. A 29 cover bar, patiala Peg lives up to its name, which indicates larger measures of pegs, and serves 75 ml shots instead of the usual 60 ml. The Bar commemorates an exciting tent pegging encounter that took place in the early 1900 between the Viceroy’s team and the team of the Maharaja of Patiala. The book in the glass case lists the names of all the bartenders of London who were first issued a license by the Queen. With an inspiring list of spirits, Cognacs, aperitifs, liqueur, after-dinner drinks and coffees, Patiala Peg is, indeed, living it up in large measures, bold and big!

Daniells Tavern: Daniells name is kept on the name of popular painter William Daniell and Thomas, they were the two painters who arrived in India in 19th century and they were very much fascinated by Indian culture and it was uncle-nephew team who painted pictures and therefore restaurant is named on them, restaurant have collection of Daniells original paintings.

La Baguette: An exceptional pastry shop La Baguette presents exclusive range of chocolate, pastries, gateaux, breads patisseries, sunrise and tea time eats, bakers of baguette has been trained by world famous Michelin star chefs like chef Gerard de Tomasi and Chef Jean Luc Vila.
Imperial plays a vital role in promoting different cultures by organizing “Chef Brigade” where high profile chefs from all over the world visit Imperial and promote their relevant dishes. Recently Imperial had Japanese and French promotion where internationally Known Chefs like Chef Masatomo Hayakawa, Chef Entice Crippa and Chef Joe Barza participated.
Recently Chef Veena Arora, consultant and Chef de Cuisine-The Imperial, was awarded “Lady Chef of the year 2007” by PHD Chamber in collaboration with Indian Culinary Associations.


Royal Ballroom: The only authentic ballroom remaining in India with spring floor that reduces noise level, is in The Imperial. In the presence of Lord Willingdon the first grand Ball was held.

Residential: Hotel occupies 231 rooms and 43 suites. All rooms are equipped with all the modern facilities such as marble baths, tea/coffee maker, private bar with refrigerator, 30 inch TV, channels including different language as French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Korean, Electronic in–room safe etc, Porthault linen used in rooms, specially imported from France, Fragonard and Bvlgari amenities used as toiletries. Hotel provides room message facility. The Imperial has undergone a major renovation and restoration, as there were rooms, which were very old. They were converted into art deco rooms, which have traces of ancient but are very modern. Interior design has worked on the brief to restore the hotel to its original glory, subtly incorporating technology and modern facilities in rooms. Room presents Victorian and old colonial look. For its royal look, the hotel has astonishing atmosphere, total privacy and serenity.


Relaxation: Imperial has spa treatments for its extinguished guests. A swimming pool is situated in the shade of the delightful hotel garden. For fitness freaks, there is a well-equipped fitness centre. Imperial also pampers its guests, as it has the facility of beauty parlours, ayurveda centre, assisted yoga sessions and barbershop.
Other Services: Imperial is well known for its special services and provide magnificent satisfaction to its guest, as Staff members proudly display the ethos of traditional Indian Hospitality embodied in the phrase “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God). Imperial provides special services for International travelers, business travelers, handicapped guests and also for children. Lady travelers are given exclusive care, as rooms provided to them are as per their preference, all telephonic calls are screened and identity of the guest is not revealed. Imperial has wide selection of foreign newspapers and magazine available in the Book Shop only for its guests. Money exchange facility is available on premise. Imperial records like and dislikes of guests and regularly updated for use, every time guest visit the hotel. Customized security arrangements are provided in the case of high profile personalities. Well-trained staff takes care of every minute need of guests and make them very comfortable. Many great personalities like Queen of Netherland, King of Morocco, Rock star Sting, James Cameron, Frederick Forsyth and Kate Winslet stay only in Imperial.
With all its history it is not just a hotel but also a museum with rare and original collection. Imperial also showcases different form of art in every corner of hotel. The hotel has wide collection of paintings, lithographs, sculptures and intricately painted murals of 18th and 19th century and hotel displays a priceless art collection of the “British Art of India”. Imperial is a Destination!

Famous Celebrities Comments
Good Hotel, People and Service - Mr. Richard Parson - Chairman and CEO Time Warner
2) I congratulate you on the high standards of service and the excellence of details, which reflect the diverse status of The Imperial.
- Honorable Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman-The Peninsula Hotels
3) Adored the suite and silver chairs and the special porthault sheets and the soft pillows,
and the beautiful pashminas, gorgeous presents and the candle and the scents, what a spoiling homecoming to one of my favorite hotels in the world. - Victoria Mather - Travel Editor, Vanity Fair
4) Thanks for your wonderful hospitality and a memorable
time in this great capital city - Mr. David Kornberg -Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry for the year 2006.
5) To the wonderful staff of the Imperial Hotel, what a beautiful time I have had staying at your hotel. I felt like I was at home, it was much more comfortable with so many nice people than the INTERNATIONAL Space Centre. I felt like I was a part   of the world here as I had the opportunity to meet so many from all over the world. - Sunita Williams NASA Astronaut.

Spectacular Deer

Deer are often seen playing pranks in groups and enjoy every moment of life. Their compact body, long powerful legs, deciduous tined antlers, bulging eyes and short head, make them one of the most beautiful creatures on this earth. They have excellent swimming skills, good night vision and the ability to sense danger

Deer is a ruminant mammal which belongs to the Cervidae family, classified into 34 species which are widely distributed all over world. According to Chinese, deer is a symbol for longevity which means long and prosperous life.

As deer prefers different types of vegetation for food and climate, its all species are not found at one place. Some people attribute deer beauty to its being vegetarian. It eats grass, fruits, shrubs, soft twigs and fresh leaves. Due to its liking for the vegetarian food deer plays an important role in nature balance as it keeps control on the growth of grass and other trees by eating them.
Deer antlers are strong and it has sharp smelling, sensing and sighting ability. The antlers are made of solid bones and shed after regular intervals and then regrow. Deer have large funnel ears which make them hear voice effectively.
India is home to various species of deer like chital, hog deer, barasingha, Indian sambar and India muntjac. All these species could be seen in Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand), Ranthambhore National Park (Rajasthan), Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh), Dudhwa (Assam) and Bandhavgarh National Park (Assam). Let us know about these varieties.


Chital or Spotted Deer

Chital lives in thickly forested area, scrub jungles and in places where large herbs grow. Their colour lies between rusty red to dark brown. One can easily recognize chital by spotting white spots on its body which are its characteristic feature. It has a short erect tail. The average height of its stag is 85-90 cm. Chital is considered a socializing deer specie and is found in groups most of the time. An extremely nervous animal, chital lives for 20-30 years. Chital feed on every type of vegetation but their favorite food is grass.

Hog Deer

Hogs is often compared with pig as both have common physique - short legs and muscular body with brown colour. They have medium tail and antlers with just three tines. The average height of a hog is between 110-115 cm. Hogs do not have rutting call. Hogs have lowest density in India and are found in forest, grasslands and clearing. Hog generally emerge during darkness. Hog deer feeds on leaves and grass and they have very subtle sagacity of smell, sight and sound.
Barasingha Deer
Barasingha is named so in India because of its twelve tined antlers. It is one of the most beautiful deer with bulging eyes, high legs, tined antlers, broad ears and compact body with a height of 130 cm. Their antlers appear shiner and lighter. Barasingha loves to be in water. It has a sharp sense of smelling danger and barks loudly seeing danger. It lives for almost 20 years.

Indian Sambar Deer

This deer specie lives in marshy land and wooded area. A unique thing about sambar is that they have grandest antlers amongst all deer species. Standing to a height of 135-150 cm, sambar have orange spots on their body . They feed on grass, leaves and various wild fruits, and often move in large groups. They are of shy nature and love swimming. That is why they can be seen in water most of the time. Their life ranges between 16 and 20 years.

Indian Muntjac

One of the oldest known deer species, Muntjac are known as "barking deer" because they bark loudly when sensing danger. Muntjac are hostile towards each other and they fight ferociously with antlers. Physically they are small in size, with white patches on body and red-brown furs. However, their colour varies from deep brown to yellow or grayish brown with creamy or whitish markings on body. Their diet includes shrubs, grass and shoots and they live for 19 years.

Valuable Deer

A living deer is great sight to watch but even after its death, it serves to beautify human beings. In many areas people use deer for food, clothing and transportation. Things made from its skin (like shoes, gloves, clothes etc) and antlers (like buttons, knife handles and weapons) are very costly and much is demand. Deer organs are also used for making medicines and perfumes.

Extinction Threat

Unfortunately the population of this beautiful creature is declining fast as they are hunted and killed by the greedy. A survey has found that deer are facing various threats like habitat loss which is mainly due to clearing of plants and shrubberies on which they feed and take shelter. Fencing of large area also shrinks their food accessibility. Besides, heaving plastics, construction debris, chemicals, broken glass and sharp objects in deer parks can injure deer. To save deer species from extinction, deer parks have been set up. Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, those hunting deer would be punished and fined.
Under this law, film actor Salman Khan has been sentenced for shooting two blackbull deer (chinkara) in Jodhpur in September 1998. Salman has appealed against the sentence and the case is still.

The Bishnoi community of Rajasthan is taking special care of deer animals which they , consider as the manifestation of divinity. The Bishnois even on seeing the herds of deer eating standing crop never chase deer away. If a deer get wounded by stray dog then the Bishnoi ladies nurse the fawn. Deer are often seen sauntering in the fields of Bishnois or taking a nap in the placid afternoon sun.

The Zest of Indian Festivities

Let come the Shravan month and the festivity is on its height. It arrives with lots of festivals and with that comes the celebration. The Shravan Somvars, Independence Day, Rakshabandhan, Krishna Janmashtami and lot many more festivals are there to augment the Indian mood of festivity

Beauty of India lies in its culture, tradition and also in its various festivals. It is next to impossible to imagine an Indian life without festivals. Every religion has its festival and the rituals of the festival add the spark in them. Festival means happiness, celebration, delicious dishes, new clothes and much more to the people.

So, its celebration time, as the very special, August - the monsoon month - has arrived. Everyone enjoys the thunder shower of rain and worship their god for getting peace in life and try to make future path smooth. Each part of India has some festivals and therefore reason to celebrate the life at it’s fullest.

The Holy Month Shiva

Every day of week in August (Shravan) is fully devoted to Lord Shiva and followers keep fast on Mondays (Somvar). It is celebrated as a special day in Shiva temples where the idol is bathed with milk and water constantly - day and night. The devotees meditate by offering Bel leaves and flowers and fast till sunset eating only vegetables and fruits. The deep burns 24 hours continuously in the temples signifying the eternal prayers of devotees ascending to heaven. A fable is popular that girls, who are on fast on Shravan Somvars, get husbands of their choice.

The Snake Festival
Nagapanchami is a festival that is dedicated to the snake-god. It occurs on the fifth day (panchami) of the fortnight as is evident from its name. It is celebrated with great fervor especially in the rural areas of North India. On Nagapanchami, Hindus worship the Naag (cobra). Women and children visit snake-pits and worship the snakes residing there by performing Aarti and offering milk and honey. Nagapanchami occurs at the beginning of the harvest season. Worshipping a slithering reptile whose mere sight makes our flesh creep would appear strange and curious to a person from another part of the globe, unfamiliar with Hindu customs.

Paryushan Parva
Paryushan Parva is an annual religious festival of the Jains. Considered as a most auspicious and sacred festival, it is observed to deepen the awareness as a physical being in combination with spiritual observations. In Jainism, fasting is considered as a spiritual activity that purifies ones souls, improves morality and spiritual power, increases knowledge and strengthens relationships. It is celebrated with fasting, reading of scriptures, observing silence etc. preferably under the guidance of monks in temples. Strict fasting where one has to completely abstain from food and even water is observed for a week or more. Depending upon one's capability, complete fasting spans between 8-31 days. Religious and spiritual discourses are held where tales of Lord Mahavira are narrated.

Independence Day
"Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge... At the stroke of midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom," Jawaharlal Nehru spoke on the eve of India’s independence in 1947.

The day comes on 15th of August when we rejoice our freedom and pay collective homage to all those people who have sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom. The day is celebrated in a mood of national pride and joy - no rituals, just festivities. On this day our Prime Minister sets the mood by hosting the national flag and addressing the nation from the rampart of the Red Fort in Delhi. This is accompanied by a march-past of the armed and police forces. Similar ceremonies are held in all the state capitals. The Prime Minister addresses and the march-past are relayed live on national television. Television channels treat their audience with patriotic films and songs. Cultural programmes featuring classical music and dance performances by top artistes are organized at several places.

The Celebration of Fraternal Love
Raksha Bandhan is mentioned in our epics as a festival of Gods. It is said that Yamuna, the sister of Yama, the lord of Death used to tie rakhi to her brother on every Shravan Purnima. Yama was so impressed by the occasion that he declared that who ever got a Rakhi tied from his sister would become immortal. From that day onwards sisters tie rakhi to their brothers wishing them a long life and brothers bestow their blessings by promising to take care of their sisters through thick and thin. Now it has become a tradition. Sisters tie the rakhi on the wrist of their brothers and offer them sweets and in return they are given various types of gifts – in kind and cash.

The Birth of Krishna
Janmashtami is celebrated every year on the 8th day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksh); in the Hindu month of bhadon. The festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Krishna is the eighth and most important incarnation of Vishnu. Janmashtami is actually celebrated twice, the occasions coinciding with Krishna's birth in captivity in Mathura, and the discovery of the newborn Krishna in Nand and Yashoda's house in Gokul. This tale is fondly remembered on the day of Janmashtami as temples and homes are lit up on this joyous occasion. Especially cities like Mumbai, Agra, Mathura and Vrindavan come alive during the festival. Dandiyas and Raas Leelas (dance dramas) enact incidents from Krishna’s life amidst much pomp and show. People fast till midnight, the time of Krishna’s birth.

Parsi New Year
'Pateti and Khordad Sal' is a Parsi new year's day. Pateti is a festival of the Parsis and it is celebrated on the eve of New Year of the Zoroastrian calendar. On Pateti, the Parsis visit the fire temple or agiyary. The agiyary is called as a fire temple because the sacred fire which was brought from Iran once upon a time and it is always kept burning in the temple by the high priest. The Parsis worship Ahura Mazda, symbolized by fire. The word Pateti is derived from Pazend Patet, meaning 'repentance'. The Zoroastrian tenets are based on the three ideals of good thoughts, good words and good deeds. Six days later, Khordad Sal is celebrated as the birthday of Prophet Zoroaster.

This is not just the end but the beginning of the celebration, the festive mood has just started and it will go to the end of November. Indians are blessed as these festivals offer an opportunity to improve our relationship with our near and dear ones, and they also remind about the traditions and culture that we belong to. These celebrations make us realize about our ancestor’s presence and their blessings on us.

Sedating Sandalwood

Sweet, exotic and woody - Sandalwood is the most predominant incense used in the world. Its smell not only treats one’s nose but also soothes mind. Since ages people use it for beautifying, treating and perfuming themselves


Our grandmas always used to share the secrets of their sparkling beauty and about the natural aids they apply for skin related problems. In their list we remember sandalwood (chandan) was the first thing which they trust the most for beautifying them. Sandalwood is extremely valuable in skincare and is full of benefits for all skin types.

Sandalwood is remarked as Indian Ayurvedic remedy for skin. It has an immediate effect of rejuvenating and energizing the person who smells it. The usual sensation of anyone who inhales sandalwood smell deeply, would feel a sense of being enriched, a sense of well being and fullness of life. Being a wood with a heavenly smell, it is extensively used in cosmetic and soap manufacturing. The beauty-conscious Indian women used to rub their bodies with a sandal and turmeric paste for a blemish-free skin much before the western cosmetic industry made inroads into India. In many parts of the country, brides still have their ritual bath with sandalwood paste.

Sandalwood (Chandan) is synonymous with India's rich culture and tradition. This valuable traditional product is still in use for beauty treatment and as a perfume. “In terms of healing properties, there are other products, like Neem and Tulsi, which also have powerful healing benefits, especially in skin problems. However, as far as fragrance is concerned, sandalwood is the leading product. In fact, sandalwood oil is used as a fixative in the most expensive perfumes of the world,” says beauty expert Shahnaz Husain.

Destresses the Nerves
Sandalwood has the capacity to cleanse and condition the skin, leaving it moisturized, free of germs and it also protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Science and tradition has also shown that sandalwood helps to soothe and calm down the stressed nerves. It is used as an astringent which helps in tightening up the skin and gives a fresh look. In India, two varieties of sandalwood are used for skin treatment. The white sandal is used for make-up and skin care and the red sandal is widely used for its medicinal values and skin care abilities.

Sandalwood oil was used traditionally by herbalists to treat skin diseases, acne, dysentery, gonorrhea, and a number of other conditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, sandalwood oil is considered an excellent sedating agent. “It has also been proved that sandalwood oil significantly support cellular repair and rejuvenation both internally and topically by fighting free radical activity, reducing inflammation. It even supports healthy blood flow, while helping to prevent and reverse damage to genetic material,” says Ayurvedic expert, Dr Anand Mohan Garg. This truly holistic approach will reverse many signs of aging, turn off the genes that cause wrinkles and rejuvenate the glow on our skin. It also imparts a glow to face if a few drops of sandalwood oil are added in cream and face packs.

Cleansing Substitute
Oily skin and blemishes are common, especially amongst teenagers. Sandalwood oil is a unique and natural cleansing alternative with properties like antidepressant, antipyretic, a coolant, and antibacterial as well as an ideal ingredient for aromatherapy. Being an essential oil, sandalwood oil has the unique ability to penetrate the skin pores better as compared to non-essential oils, which helps in regulating oil secretions while maintaining hygiene, thereby promoting a balanced skin profile. An ancient Indian remedy for prevention of sunstroke is a glass of cold milk scented with a drop of sandalwood oil. This drink is also supposed to prevent boils and other skin ailments caused, according to the Indian school of medicine.

Sandalwood oil, added to the body massage oils, gives a perfect balance. In fact, the use of essential oils is part of Aromatherapy. In Aromatherapy, massage is an important form of treatment. The fragrance of certain ingredients plays a very important role. Sandalwood is one such ingredient. The fragrance can have the power to alter a person’s mood or mental state. It is used in treatments, as it has a calming effect on the nerves and helps in inducing relaxation and reducing stress. In massage, it also helps to relieve fatigue and muscular tension, bringing about relaxation. Massage has greater efficacy, because the oil is absorbed more efficiently by the skin during massage.

The sandalwood oil is an Ayurvedic medicine and it helps in curing the problems like acne, chapped hands, dry cracked feet, dry skin, itchy skin, nail problems, razor bumps, rosacea, skin rashes, splitting or torn cuticles, stretch marks, wrinkles etc. Now treat all your problems with Sandalwood oil and impart glow to your face as it will help in regulating oil secretions while maintaining hygiene, thereby promoting a balanced skin profile and relieves itching and irritation.

Experience the difference

Sandalwood & turmeric
For treating pimples, make a paste with 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder and 1 teaspoon of turmeric. Add one teaspoon of water to make the paste, and apply to pimples before bed as a night-time treatment. Add a small piece of camphor to the recipe for an added cooling effect. Your pimples will vanish without a scar within a very short period.

Sandalwood & Rosewater
Sandalwood powder combined with rosewater can be used as a mask to treat acne. Combine 2 teaspoons of sandalwood with enough rosewater to make a spreadable mixture. Spread it evenly on your face and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes. This is also a pleasantly cooling treatment for acne on the chest and back.


Sandalwood & Almond
Mix 5 tablespoons of coconut oil with 2 teaspoons of almond oil. Add 4 teaspoons of sandalwood powder and apply the mixture to the overexposed areas. This sandalwood tone oil will keep your skin complexion even. It will also remove the suntan and will stimulate a fairer complexion.

Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood oil can be used for massage and as a moisturizer. Sandalwood's cooling effect soothes the skin. If your skin suffers hot and itchy symptoms, try sandalwood oil to cool them off. To make your own, add sandalwood powder to your favorite oil and let it sit overnight before use.

Be Careful
While buying products, one should not compromise on quality and go for products of reputed companies. In many products, sandalwood may be used only for its fragrance. In skin or hair care products, sandalwood is used along with other extracts and oils.

By Samridhi Bhatnagar