For a glittering Diwali

With Diwali round the corner, preparations are on in full swing and one don’t want to be left behind. Here is a guide on how to partake in the festivities

Diwali, the festival of lights, is round the corner and the city is gearing up for it in a big way. Shopping is on the minds of everyone and shoppers have their hands full. For all those who want to be a part of the festive season, here is a list of options: 

Bring in the festive decor

For Diwali, the festivities must begin at home. To start with, do away with unwanted clutter and decorate your home well to usher in the festive spirit. Add a dash of red, green and white to your interiors this season. The brighter the shades the better. Make a splash of colours by simply painting a single wall in a bold colour. Pop in bright coloured cushions, throw pillows and rugs in the living room. Similarly, trees and stars are simply irresistible and a star-lit home is a sight to behold. Invest in good Diwali trees and light up your home this Diwali.

Don your festive best
Festivals are just another reason for shopping for new clothes. Diwali, being a traditional festival, go for modern yet traditional designs and bright colours. Chirpy cheerful colours like bright red, orange, maroon and gold are the perfect colours for celebration. Make a bold statement in trendy outfits. Accessorise to suit your attire but be careful not to overdo it.

Exchange of gifts and sweets
Diwali is incomplete without sweets and savouries. For those with a sweet tooth, there are mouth-watering fruit cakes, etc., to choose from. One can even try making simple sweets at home. What’s more, have fun sharing or gifting them to your friends and neighbours. 

Running short of ideas for gifts? A box of sweets or chocolates, dry fruits and nuts are ideal gifts for Diwali and is available today in neatly wrapped gift hampers and packets. If you are looking for traditional gift options, there are petite figurines of Lord Ganesha, attractive diyas and a variety of Diwali decoratives to adorn your home. Gift them to your loved ones and cherish those moments forever.

Any festival, especially ones like Diwali, is a time for calling on your relatives and friends. While it gives a chance to make merry and have fun, it is also a time of sharing. Gift a goody bag of sweets or dry fruits to the less fortunate and bring a smile on their faces. Usher in the festive mood and light up your lives as well as theirs.

Wedding Wows

Chingamasam (Onam month) is also a time for weddings. The mandapam is set for trendy nuptials. Weddings have gone for a complete makeover today with extravagant celebrations, sumptuous feasting and never ending after parties that last for days on end

The month of Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar is considered as the most auspicious month for weddings. Gone are the days when Malayali weddings were a solemn family affair, restricted to rituals and traditions alone. With time, it has transformed to a trendy and glamorous one, with a lavish display of affluence and luxury.

Why Kerala

Kerala, with its coconut palm lined stretches of quiet beaches and serene backwaters, is a hotspot and virgin wedding destination. According to Bobby, director, Wedding Factory, Keralites are great hosts and people choose God’s own country for its excellent hospitality. “Besides, our natural beauty is untouched and just too beautiful to be captured,” he adds. No wonder, weddings in Kerala have become much more structured and organised with wedding planners having a main say in the realm of things. 

Trendy themes

Themes play a huge role in weddings today – from the wedding trousseau to the stage/hall décor, flower, lighting, everything is theme based. While some choose a subtle theme, others prefer the splendour of a royal wedding. Be it any caste or custom, people today go for a particular colour theme or themed event.

When it comes to colour themes, couples today have their own ideas. “Gone are the days of classic white, ivory theme and reddish orange combinations. Like nude makeup, people today prefer subtle colours, like aqua blue, lime green and other pastel shades, which are a hit in weddings,” says Shana Selvam, director, Wedding Factory. Besides, in flower-specific themes, red roses are now passe. The trend is for expensive orchids, lilies and even imported tulips! 

Similarly, wedding photography and videography form an important part of the wedding package these days. “The buzzword today in weddings is candid moments. People prefer candid clicks and videos to the conventional pictures and traditional posing. A trailer video to the wedding, a 5-7 min video on wedding highlights and helicams are also a trend in weddings these days,” says Ruben Bijy Thomas, candid wedding photographer, Magic Motion Media. Another ‘in’ thing is the pre-wedding photo shoots which often get converted into wedding movies.

Glam it up

Wedding dresses have also changed over the years. They insist on dress codes for theme based parties trying to involve the guests as much as possible in their celebrations. Choices are aplenty from Manish Malhotra wedding attire to Sabyasachi Mukherjee party wear. “It is not just the couples, but the entire family goes into a theme based dressing.

For weddings during onam season, the onam theme of white and gold colour is in demand. The simple kasavu sari has gone for a makeover with heavily worked blouses to give it a bridal look. While Hindus prefer that, Muslims prefer heavily worked lehengas with heavy jewellery for their D-day,” says Reshma Binu, owner, Mannath. From lavish spreads to elaborate wedding grandeur, the new-age Malayali is leaving no stone unturned to make his/her wedding a memorable affair.

The fish saga

The fish is a wonderful creation of God. It forms an integral part of the Kerala palate and its presence in the Kerala cuisine is impossible to ignore. The transformation it takes when it reaches different districts of Kerala is remarkable. It blends well with natural fruits and herbs in the hands of a holiday maker. It's steamed in a bamboo shoot in the hands of a tribal cook. 

Similarly, the use of coconut in fish preparation makes all the difference in fish curries. Red tamarind is used in Malabar while the central region uses the black tamarind (kodampuli). Another distinctive feature is the flavour of cumin, which is present in the Malabar curry form. Meenchatti, an earthern ware vessel, used to prepare the fish curry adds that special flavour to Kerala fish curry.

Fish is the most delicate meat and it deteriorates faster than other proteins due to the water content and moisture in it. It is important to ensure good hygiene while handling fish, such as the quality of water and ice, and use of stainless steel equipment that can be easily cleaned.

Eating healthy
Fish is one of the healthiest food not just in monsoon but throughout the year. Health experts vouch for the fact that fish is low in fat, high in protein and an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. The recommended daily amount of omega 3 fatty acids from fish is 200-600mg. And remember, the best source of omega 3 fatty acids is fish and not fish oil capsules.

While Malayalis love their fish deep fried, other healthy ways to enjoy fish include baked, poached, grilled and steamed. It has been proved that people who consume fish regularly have a lower incidence of depression and may help diabetic people manage their blood sugar levels better. Therefore, eating one or two servings of fish weekly can reduce the risk of a range of diseases, from childhood asthma to prostate cancer.

Methods of cooking fish
Healthy ways to cook fish include:

•  Baking - make shallow cuts along the top of the fish. Put into a greased dish and cover with foil. Flavor with herbs, lemon juice and olive oil. Bake at around 180°C and baste frequently.
• Shallow frying - dry and flour the fish. Place a small amount of oil or butter in the pan. Fry the fish at a medium heat.
• Grilling - cut slashes into whole fish to help the heat penetrate the flesh. Place fish on a preheated grill. Baste frequently.
• Poaching - not suitable for flaky varieties. Place fish in gently simmering stock. Whole fish should be placed in a pan of cold stock, which is then slowly brought up to a gentle simmer.
• Steaming - put fish in a steamer or on a plate over a saucepan containing gently boiling water. Cover.

Fish curry varieties:
1. Pollichathu: Fish marinated with flavoured masala wrapped in plantain leaf and broiled. 
2. Pattichathu: Fish cooked with black tamarind, curry leaves, red chillies (either chilly hot or very mild), best when matured for 2 days in the meen chatti in which it is cooked.
3. Mappas: A fish preparation with mild spices and first extract of coconut milk, slightly thick gravy.
4. Piralan: Fish prepared with mild spices has the thick creamy coating of first extract of coconut milk.
5. Peera: Fish cooked into dry dishes using plenty of grated coconut.

Types of fish cuts 
• Fillet - the boneless flank of the fish.
• Dressed - with head and fins (entrails, scales and gills are removed).
• Steak - cross-sections taken from a dressed fish.
• Gutted - whole fish with entrails removed.
Chill kill is a process pioneered by the Japanese, where in the live fish is put in ice and killed. They bring down the temperature below +4 degrees and this prevents deterioration of the fish for longer periods. Also the fish is kept away from sunlight which causes enzyme action to accelerate thereby deteriorating the fish faster. Chill kill also contributes to better flavour of the fish, as flavours of the fish are released only after 6 hours of fish being killed in ice.

5 ugly but delicious fishes to eat this monsoon
a) Indian Halibut ( malayalam name Aayirampalli)
b) Sole fish ( Manthal)
c) Indian monk fish ( Orathal)
d) Leather Jacket ( udupuoori)
e) Lung fish ( Varaal)

(With inputs from Faraz Javeed, CEO, Wild Fish)

Save Energy, Save the Earth

The International Energy Day reminds us of the need to conserve and preserve the natural sources energy in a bid to protect the environment

We live in an environment which is fast degrading and degenerating with each passing day. Climate changes and global warming due to deforestation and pollution is taking a toll on mankind, reminding us of our duty to sustain the green environment around us. It is important to conserve the greenery around us which in turn affects the nature.

There are many ways to promote green concept. Environmentalist Tony Thomas, based in Palakkad, believes in maximum utilisation of energy like natural air and natural light. “The basic energy conservation must begin with the sun. The solar energy, if not converted to food for plants, will self-convert to heat energy, which in turn will lead to global warming,” he says.

Swear by solar power
Switching to solar power is a great way to preserve energy, as solar energy not only benefits individual owners, but also benefit environment as well. Sunlight, or solar energy, can be used directly for heating and lighting homes and other buildings, for generating electricity, and for hot water heating, solar cooling, and various other commercial and industrial uses.

The advantages of using solar power are many as there is no pollution and is a natural source of energy. The solar cells are long lasting, easy to install and low maintenance is required. Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) swears by sustainable energy and completely operates on solar power. The solar power plant installed at the airport uses 46,150 solar panels laid across 45 acres producing 50,000 to 60,000 units of electricity per day to be consumed for all the operational functions of the airport.

Green Energy
Today most schools and colleges are strongly advocating the need to conserve energy and protect the environment. Simple steps like, reducing the use of vehicles, putting off lights and AC, when not in use, creating a green space at home and workspace, and so on need to be taught at home so as to drive the energy saving concept in children. 
When it comes to energy conservation, always remember the 3 R’s - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. The three R’s of the environment help conserve the natural resources and save energy. Inculcating eco-friendly habits like saving natural sources of energy like water and electricity could make a difference to the earth. 

Lighting
When it comes to lighting, LED and CFL lights have revolutionised the lighting industry and is extremely energy efficient. It is not only long lasting and durable but uses less electricity making it more efficient and very cost effective compared to ordinary bulbs and tube lights. Most households have turned to LED lighting today.

However, people lack awareness and have no vision for posterity. “Creating awareness among the government and educated in the society is the key. Apart from cutting down on illuminations, we should turn to energy saving appliances and conventional methods of energy usage to save our planet for our children. ,” feels Ranitta Mariam, Kochi based school teacher.

Tom Allen rightly said, ‘Energy conservation is the foundation of energy independence.’ Let us begin with individual contributions to conserve natural energy. It is never too late for a new beginning. 

Joy of motherhood

Motherhood is a choice, an enriching experience of a lifetime. This Mother’s Day, let us salute the most remarkable creations of God to mankind

A mother is the ultimate embodiment of selfless love and supreme sacrifice. It is a calling to create and nurture a new life. The greatest joy of a woman is when she becomes a mother. It is important to know there is nothing called a perfect mother but it is the mother’s instincts that one follows instinctively. The physical, psychological, and emotional changes a mother undergoes are unique and transforms her forever.

The road to motherhood is not easy. Being a mother requires a lot of strength and the process of going into labour and delivering a baby requires a woman to have faith and vanquish fear. Malini Menon, councellor, explains. “Most mothers are so tuned to their child’s needs; their lives revolve around their children so much that often, they tend to ignore self. But mothers develop a sense of physical and mental strength out of nowhere. They develop a sense of responsibility and maturity when dealing with their children. And one of the best things that a woman can wear is her confidence.”

The emotional connect

From the time an embryo is formed in the womb of a woman, she is on the road to motherhood and develops a strong emotional connection with the baby growing inside them. Love is a very powerful emotion and becoming a mother increases a woman's ability to love by many folds.

Motherhood is demanding, no doubt. It takes up a lot of your time and energy, leaving you drained by the end of the day. At the same time, it is deeply gratifying and enriching too. Kannur based Dr Shiney Roshan says, “A mother instinctively knows that she is a special creation because she alone has been given the power to bring forth another human life. The very thought strengthens her character, and builds confidence, faith and love.” 

Kochi based Aswathy Vipin, a first-time mother feels she has become more responsible and committed after the birth of her daughter. “My life revolves around her completely and I gave up my career for my child. Every day is a new learning and I cherish every moment spent with my child,” she says.  

Role of hormones 

A new mother’s body is flooded with pregnancy-related hormones, say doctors. These tend to add a lovely glow to the skin, which make her appear radiant and fresh. The quality of her hair also improves, and hair fall reduces due to these hormones, say experts. Cosmetologist Dr Jaishree Manchanda says, "A woman's blood flow changes during pregnancy. This increased blood flow happens in order to help nourish the growing baby, but by a happy accident, it can make a woman look gorgeous and radiant too. So, once a woman is pregnant, her skin glows with an unmistakable radiance."

Motherhood and beauty

Pregnancy and child rearing takes a toll on the mother’s physical appearance. Most mothers battle with weight gain issues and find it tough to lose their baby fat and skin pigmentation. At times, stretch marks can leave permanent changes in the skin. Mothers should never neglect herself and need to take care of themselves. Ensure to eat healthy and exercise well. 

Hair:

Have a healthy diet that is rich in antioxidants to strengthen the roots of your hair.

Acne:

The best natural ingredients to deal with this are aloe vera and eucalyptus.

Dark circles and puffy eyes:

Sleep for seven to eight hours, eat healthy and stay hydrated.

Skin:

Eat a lot of green leafy vegetables. Use cocoa butter, almond or olive oil on skin to avoid stretch marks.

Your kitchen, your space

Doing up your kitchen and home this festive season? From modular kitchen boutiques to designer furniture, retailers are all set to woo its customers with trendy designs and decor

Homes are a reflection of one’s own self as it reflects the taste, style and personality of its owner. Adding the finishing touches to the interiors of a home can be quite daunting. Design and aesthetics, therefore, play a key role in the décor of a home.
Interestingly, technology integration in home furniture is a trend today and is seen to be moving in good volumes. The key is in the details and the prime importance in any kitchen design is to get the geometry of the space right along with the function, flow, scale, proportion and balance. According to Jain Varghese, proprietor, Casa Modular and Interiors, a stylish, well-organized kitchen is the way to go. A good example of this is the trend in modular kitchens. “It is compact, hassle-free, and all items are within reach. Moreover, it is easier to re-design it unlike a wooden or steel kitchen,” says Varghese.

Traditionally, Indian homes look for functionality. Hence, today we see a combination of functionality and aesthetics that are playing a key role, and products which have the combination of these, move faster. “Another very basic and common measure of functionality is the kitchen triangle that connects between preparation, cooking and cleaning areas. It should be kept minimum and not exceed 20 feet to ensure comfort as well as save time,” says Kochi based interior designer, Smitha Naik, of SNSofDESIGN.

Types of kitchen designs:
 The single line kitchen: This is the simplest kitchen, also called galley kitchen in a narrow space. It gives an efficient and streamlined appearance as all the storage units and appliances are installed besides one another along the wall. 
 The two-line kitchen: Also called double galley kitchen, this is wider version of a single galley kitchen, where facing walls forms the kitchen. The distance between the two galleys must be sufficient enough, such that it does not bump into equipment on the other side while working.
 Island kitchen: One way of having an uncluttered kitchen is by opting for a kitchen island which serves as an additional workspace in the scullery.  This kitchen is practical in rooms where space is plentiful.
 The L shaped kitchen:  The main advantage of an L-shape kitchen is that, it makes space available for eating area or other family activities. It provides place for more than one person, working in the kitchen at the same time.
 U-shaped kitchen: The U-shape kitchen offers the most efficient and effective design solutions. Abundant storage space is available with cabinets all around the room. Storage is not a problem with sufficient space for appliances and cupboard.

Intelligent design of storage
Naik believes design of storage in itself has to be creative as based on technical aspects. She stresses the need for good storages space and a good floor space in an ideal kitchen for any Indian home. That includes, kitchen cabinets, steel racks, overhead storage, as well as accessories.

In any kitchen, food storage is very important and dictates its own storage requirement. Avoid storing vegetables too close to an oven or a hob. Most of cutlery must be stored below worktop. Drawers are still the best storage option for cutlery. 

Accessories have dual functions to perform- utility and decor. The designer accessories available for the kitchen, makes the kitchen the focal point of the home. Wired accessories are becoming increasingly popular in the kitchen.
Different styles of storage can break the monotony of a long cupboard area. Crockery, cutlery and glassware are stored at overhead storage unit. Moreover, cabinets and shutters are crucial and play an important role in deciding the looks of your kitchen. 

These small thoughts and ideas will help make each day more productive. Remember, a happy home starts with a well-designed kitchen.

Day of love

Let’s begin this love day on a healthy note with fitness, fun and a positive mind

Another Valentine’s Day is here. A special day to spend quality time with your loved ones and express your love to them. Lovers and partners are looking for unique ways to celebrate this day of love. Gone are the days when Valentine’s Day was all about gifting your loved ones with red roses, cards, candle light dinners, teddy bears and chocolates. Living healthy is the in thing now. After all, what is life if not in good health? Here are some healthy ways to celebrate and usher in the V-Day.

Fun with Fitness
A healthy body is the key to a positive frame of mind. There are many ways to combine fitness and fun too.  Make workout fun by hitting the gym together. If you not a gym person, go for a run or jog together and make it a routine. Swimming can be another healthy option to maintain fitness. Dance especially zumba is the in thing now. If none of these excite you, join a yoga or dance class together and enjoy staying fit. Even self-defence classes like kickboxing or karate is good for a positive mind.

Healthy eating
Once you are into fitness, a healthy diet naturally plays an important role. 
If you are eating out, pick a restaurant that offers a variety of cuisines to choose healthy options. Go for grilled/steamed food over fried food options and whole grains over refined foods. Indulge in healthy cooking as well. Make salads a part of your daily diet. Eating small portion at regular intervals and on time, taking your dinner by 8pm, avoiding over eating, and ensuring a healthy breakfast are some of the ways to stay healthy.

Gifting healthy
What is V-day with a thoughtful gift for your loved ones? A refreshing spa treatment can be very relaxing and rejuvenating at the same time. One can also gift coupons of beauty treatments at their favourite parlour. It will not only make them look good but feel good as well. A year at a fitness centre or zumba class can also be a gift option to stay healthy and happy.

Jai Hind!

Indulge in activities that can still the spirit of patriotism this R-Day 

Another Republic Day is here. India prepares to celebrate its 66th Republic Day, with spectacular celebrations across the country, from the grand parade in New Delhi to flag hoisting in schools and colleges. 

Cmdr. P J George, who retired from the Navy and settled in Kochi, vividly recollects watching the R-day parade live at Rajpath, while residing in New Delhi more than a decade ago. “It was a proud moment to watch the live parade, colourful display of tableau from different states, and military show of strength by the Indian army, navy and air force and finally Beating the Retreat ceremony. I took my children along to watch the parade and ensured that patriotism was not confined to the television sets,” reminisces George.

However, today it has been reduced to a national holiday and nothing more. Few people even know the significance of that day. “How many people are aware that the Constitution of India came into force on this day in 1950,” asks Kurian Mathai, retired banker in Kochi. “The current generation holds no patriotic feelings, whatsoever, it is only in pen and paper. One can only feel the same during an Indo-Pak cricket or hockey match,” says Mathai, who plans to join his Walker’s Club mates in cleaning the Changampuzha Park at Edappally on R-day.

62 year old Sunny Eapen echoes the same sentiments. “It was gratifying to watch the Republic Day parade on television as a community in those days. To this day, I continue to watch it ceremoniously year after year and urge my grandchildren to do the same,” says Eapen. 

It is true that celebrations are not as it used to be decades ago and the level of patriotism for the country has changed drastically. But residents of apartments and resident associations across the city are doing their bit this R-day. While some are on a cleaning spree, others have a host of activities lined up. “As residents of Federal Park, we have the flag hoisting at the apartment in the morning, followed by a talk on the Indian Constitution. We will also be announcing various benevolent projects for the year to help the needy,” says George Koshy, secretary, Federal Park.

But let us do our bit to instil the spirit of patriotism this R-Day. Sing aloud the National Anthem proudly, watch a patriotic film together with family, go on a cleanliness drive and tidy up the surroundings around you, feeling proud to be an Indian all the way!

Battling Diabetes

Healthy living is the theme for this year’s World Diabetes Day

14 November is commemorated as World Diabetes Day every year to raise awareness and control the dangers of this dreaded disease. According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 371 million people in the world have diabetes and that one out of every two people with diabetes doesn’t even know they have it. This is a cause of serious concern as more people are not aware of the disease and are living with it.

Dr Jothydev Kesavadev, Chairman and Chief Diabetologist, Jothydev's Diabetes Research Center, Thiruvananthapuram, believes that a diabetic needs to accept the situation and develop a positive and holistic approach to it. “He should be empowered to be part of a bigger team consisting of the doctor, counsellor, dietician and the family support, which is equally important,” says Kesavadev.

According to Dr Tom Babu, Medical Director & Consultant Endocrinologist, Silverline Hospital, Kochi, healthy living through proper diet and exercise is more effective in managing diabetes than some of the best medication available for diabetes. With this year’s focus on practising healthy living, here are a few things that diabetic people should keep in mind for better control of diabetes.

A healthy diet 
It is important to begin your day with a healthy breakfast, considered the most important meal of the day. Include plenty of proteins and whole grains for breakfast in the form of eggs, fruits, cereals, whole grain bread, skimmed milk and good unsaturated fat like peanut butter or cashew butter and plenty of yogurt. A good breakfast gives you the energy to continue through the day, while keeping the blood sugar levels under control, preventing weight gain and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Regular health checks 
When it comes to treatment of diabetes, the duration of the disease and the age of the patient are of pivotal importance. Apart from monitoring the blood sugar or blood glucose, a diabetic patient needs to carry out kidney function test, liver function test and thyroid function test besides checking the lipid profile, urine microalbumin once a year. 

To conclude, diabetes is a lifestyle ailment and awareness and educating young is the key to the problem. Simple lifestyle measures are effective in preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight, enjoying physical activity at least half an hour for 5 days a week and consuming a healthy diet by reducing intake of sugar, fats and increasing fibre. 

Nostalgic Kochi

Kochi spells pride and nostalgia for many who live here and away from this beautiful city

A famous dialogue from a popular Malayalam movie goes thus: Kochi pazhaya Kochi alla, meaning, Kochi is not the same old Kochi anymore. True, the commercial capital of Kerala, with its elite cosmopolitan crowd and growing infrastructural development, has transformed so much over the years and is almost unrecognisable now. 

But for many who live here or away from the city, it’s a nostalgic feeling. Be it the Marine Drive walkway, historic Fort Kochi, Broadway, there is a sense of belonging that attracts people to return to this place. What is it about the place that brings a smile, a sense of pride to each Kochiite?  

If Thara loves Kochi for its vibrant nature, P D Joseph recalls his good old days of frequenting the Indian Coffee House and Bharat café at Broadway. Kochi is native to many a migrant population like the Kutch Muslims, Marwaris, Gujaratis, Anglo-Indians, Tamilians and Jews who have lived here all their life. As someone born and brought in Kochi all her life, Krishna, currently based in Delhi, misses the warmth of the people, the incessant rains, the little food joints at every nook and corner of the bustling city, the long walks on the streets of Fort Kochi, the crazy traffic and most importantly, the feeling of friends and family. 

Needless to say, Kochi has something in store for all who live and belong here, something to call ‘Ente Kochi’ or my Kochi.

Khadi in vogue

This Gandhi Jayanthi, let us don the traditional khadi that spells patriotism and comfort

Khadi has always been synonymous with Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation. This hand-woven cloth, which is defined by the effort that goes into its creation, often stands for patriotism, self-reliance and emancipation. It is no wonder that the prime minister, Narendra Modi himself went all out to promote khadi in 2014, bringing it back in fashion.

And that’s not all. Fashion designers swear by it, youngsters sport it and foreigners love to explore it. The hand-spun cloth has evolved considerably -- from its modest origins, the versatile fabric is now taking up numerable forms, even gracing the ramps and catwalks. Khadi now comes in more than 30 colours, and is no longer called the almond-coloured fabric. In addition, you have kurtas, trousers, shirts, pants, t-shirts, dresses and jackets.

Khadi kurta is very popular with youngsters. “Donning a kurta with a pair of jeans is not only comfortable but looks very smart,” says Mathews Jose, who switched to Khadi fabric recently. For Sneha Lakshmi, khadi looks chic as well as elegant. Khadi not only comes cheap but is skin-friendly as well. Variety in design and colour spoil us with choices,” says Lakshmi.

The sale of Khadi fabric has nearly doubled after the Government of Kerala campaign in 2007-08 to promote khadi. “The overall sales have shot up from 54 crores in 2007 to 120 crores by 2015. Around 50 per cent of the  sale of Khadi fabric happens during Onam,” says Suresh Babu, Director, Marketing, Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board.

Apart from Khadi fabric, other Village Industries products include wooden and metal handicrafts, soap, footwear, bags and food items like pickles, snacks, oil and honey are also in demand these days. There are about 200 Khadi board outlets across Kerala today and these products are gaining wider acceptance.

Fort Kochi: A heritage haven

There is something in store for every visitor to this tiny island. A walk through the streets of Fort Kochi is a mesmerising experience, a perfect blend of the past with the present

A melting pot of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English culture and architecture, Fort Kochi boasts of an intriguing history, making it a perfect haven for natives and tourists alike. Its population is a good mix of Anglo Indians, Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Jews. Different communities such as the Gujaratis, Kutchis, Punjabis, Konkanis and so on, have made Fort Kochi their homeland and have been living here for decades. 

“The government of Kerala is implementing projects for the comprehensive development of tourism in Fort Kochi. Infrastructure improvement including the development of parks, beautification of roads and walkways, children’s park, parade ground and so on is part of it to make the place a favourite spot of tourists,” says S Suhas, Sub Collector, who is also the secretary, Ernakulam District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC).

The sheer beauty of the decade old town speaks for itself. The tress are old, mighty and well-maintained, a rarity for the city dwellers. St Francis Church, also called the Vasco da Gama church, the oldest European church in India is in Fort Kochi. A walk by the Fort Kochi beach looking at the vast endless ocean is the best way to unwind after a tiring day. 

For Priyadarsini Deepak, Fort Kochi is truly a heritage heaven and her soul lies there. “A drive to Fort Kochi is an unforgettable experience. The stillness and calmness of the place encompasses you. Walking through its clean streets amongst the heritage monuments and age old buildings is like walking into the past. The decade old churches, especially the Santa Cruz Basilica and St Francis church stands majestic and magnificent even today,” says the 40 year old lawyer, who has been born and brought up in Fort Kochi.

Every nook and corner of this land is soaked in history and the specimens of the past are still alive, offering something amusing to every person landing here. 

What to see: Chinese fishing nets, the synagogue, Jew Town, Fort Immanuel, David Hall, Vasco-da Gama square, Bastion Bungalow, Santa Cruz Basilica, parade ground, Maritime Museum and the Indo-Portuguese Museum.

What to do: A stroll on the beach, walk through the historic streets, shopping for artefacts, cycling, journey on a jankar, a rejuvenating massage at the Ayurveda centres 

What to eat: Sea food specials, traditional Kerala cuisine, north Indian dishes…. Do not miss the speciality restaurants and cafes.

 

Canada calling

Canada is increasingly becoming a favoured overseas study destination for numerous Indian students

Kerala, the state with the highest literacy in the country is on a change mode with many students seeking opportunities overseas to pursue their higher education. Popular colleges across India have a tie-up with foreign universities and business schools, leading to an increase in the flow of students seeking foreign education.

There are many advantages of studying abroad. Unlike in India, overseas educational system focuses on research and innovation. Apart from quality education and international exposure, scholarship programs offered for Indian students in many European countries are an added attraction.

Canada beckons

Among the European countries, Canada is currently one of the most popular destinations for international students. Job opportunities, permanent residency prospects, migration possibilities are some of the major attractions for students wanting to migrate to Canada for higher studies. And what is more, Canada encourages its international students to stay back and work in the country. 

Experts believe that Canadian qualifications are valued around the world. Students can also apply for paid internships while studying in Canada which will help them to earn while they learn. Affordable education compared to other English speaking countries, safe environments, work permit for 3 years after graduation and eligibility to apply for immigration are added attractions.

Top universities in Canada

Canada is home to a number of well-established reputed universities and colleges that offer a variety of courses for international students. Ranked as the seventh most popular country for higher education, top universities include McGill University, University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta, Université De Montréal, McMaster University, the University of Waterloo, Western University, the University of Calgary, and Queen’s University, among others.

To conclude, the highly applied nature of Canadian education programs, strong growing economy and stay back facilities to explore job opportunities make Canada a favoured destination for international students.

SALAAM KALAM

Thoughts of late President APJ Abdul Kalam are dear as the entire nation pays homage to the People's President on his first death anniversary

It’s been exactly a year since APJ Abdul Kalam, popularly known as the The ‘Missile Man’ left us.  A simple man with an indomitable spirit and never-say-die attitude, Dr Kalam was a teacher, scientist, author, poet, apart from being the 11th President of India. Most educational institutions across the country celebrated the birth anniversary of the 'missile man' on 15 October last year by organising blood donation camps, seminars, conferences and planted saplings in memory of the President.

Here are some trivia about the ‘People’s President’:

Favourite books:

1. Lights from Many Lamps containing the writings of various authors.

2. Thirukural by famous Tamil poet, Thiruvalluvar

3. Man the Unknown by Nobel laureate Alexis Carrel.

Favourite food:

A man of simple tastes, Kalam was a vegetarian and his favourite food was his mother Ashiyamma's home-cooked food of rice and sambar with coconut chutney.

Kalam’s 5 takes:

On the power of dreams

Dreams are not those which comes while we are sleeping, but dreams are those when u don't sleep before fulfilling them

On the importance of learning

Learning gives creativity, Creativity leads to thinking, Thinking provides knowledge, Knowledge makes you great.

On winning people

It is very easy to defeat someone, but it is very hard to win someone.

On our aim for India 

The country doesn't deserve anything less than success from us. Let us aim for success.

On taking responsibility

Be active! Take on responsibility! Work for the things you believe in. If you do not, you are surrendering your fate to others 

(Kalam’s poetic tribute to his mother)

I still remember the day when I was ten,

Sleeping on your lap to the envy of my elder brothers and sisters.

It was full moon night, my world only you knew Mother!, My Mother!

When at midnight, I woke with tears falling on my knee

You knew the pain of your child, My Mother.

Your caring hands, tenderly removing the pain

Your love, your care, your faith gave me strength,

To face the world without fear and with His strength.

We will meet again on the great Judgement Day. My Mother!  

Eid Mubarak!

Eid, popularly known as Eid-ul-Fitr, is a festival observed by the Muslim community to celebrate the conclusion of the month of fasting

Ramzan is the time for fasting or keeping roza, as there is a promise of salvation for those who fast during this month. 

Eid-ul-Fitr literally means 'festival of breaking the fast'. Like other festivals observed by the Muslim community, this festival symbolizes faith. The festival is celebrated based on an Islamic belief by following the form of social practice. 
Fasting is one of the duties which has to be performed by a devout Muslim, just as he has to offer prayers, do charity, read the Koran and undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca. Ramzan is the time when he is able to perform all these acts. Ramzan, the month of fasting, symbolizes a lot practices and beliefs of the community. It is not merely restraining oneself from having food but also to abstain from all kinds of evil and unlawful practices in Islam.

Even as the layman is aware of the sehri and Iftars, which are meals before sunrise and after sunset respectively, there is a strict regimen of prayers too that is to be followed. A roza cannot be complete without offering prayers or namaaz five times during the day. Many Muslims also try to read the entire Koran during this period. The term 'roza' us an Arabic word means abstinence. The month long fasting ends with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr that symbolizes a reward for their fasting. 

Charity forms a very significant part of Islam, and so the Eid which falls at the end of this holy month is called Id-ul Fitr, fitr meaning charity. It is also believed that any good deed done during this period is seventy times more blessed than when performed otherwise. 

Soon after the namaz was over, people hug each other and wish "Eid Mubarak", exchange gifts and enjoy special dishes, particularly 'sewai' and different varieties of biryani and kebabs. Devout Muslim families also offer food to the poor and needy outside the mosques. Special prayers were offered at various mosques and religious centres and alms were given to the needy. Eid-ul-Fitr that marks the end of the Islamic month of Ramzan and is celebrated with much fervour.

Moreover, ahead the festival, the markets are filled with fascinating items in the shopping list for Eid. Fancy and food items mostly dominate the festival and as the festival approaches excitement to celebrate gains momentum not only with Muslims but also with shopkeepers and traders doing a brisk business. 
The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr is no-doubt perks up the spirit inherent in all the festivity. The significance of this festival is also interpreted as a good time to bring people together in harmony and gratitude.

Kerala beckons

A trip down the backwaters of Kerala is a sublime and rewarding experience that one must never miss in a lifetime

Kerala, with its placid beaches, lush greenery and pristine backwaters has always been irresistible. There are numerous resorts along the backwaters of Kerala that offer tourists an enchanting experience of God’s own country. 

What is it about Kerala that attract tourists from across the country and abroad? A P Anil Kumar, minister for Tourism, himself vouches for the fact that backwaters holds the best experience for tourists coming to Kerala. Backwaters have been immensely promoted by the Kerala Government and although the state is quite new to the tourism sector, it has a lot of natural bounty to showcase in terms of its beaches, greenery, hill stations, backwaters and so on.

Besides, the backwaters offer the visitors a host of activities like bird watching, sight seeing, relaxation and mouth-watering cuisines. He is sure that the backwaters will continue to be the best experience for tourists coming to Kerala. “Through constantly reinventing its products, exploring new ideas and mediums for marketing, Kerala Tourism attracts people from across the world and retain its unique positioning among global tourist destinations,” he says. 

According to P M Ali Asgar Pasha, managing director, KTDC, backwater tourism is the most promoted aspect of tourism by the government and Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).  Backwaters is a natural phenomenon that is unique to Kerala alone and has a huge potential to attract tourists both domestic and foreign to the tropical paradise,” says Pasha.

Houseboat experience

The backwaters of Kerala is best experienced on a houseboat or a kettuvallam. A cruise on a houseboat along the backwaters of Kerala is an unforgettable experience and should never be missed. For Asa Abraham, head, PR and communications, Kumarakom Lake Resort, houseboats are a major attraction of Kerala’s backwaters. “It is exclusive, of excellent quality and a unique experience in itself, attracting people from within the state, as well as other parts of the country and abroad,” says Abraham. 

The backwaters of Kerala is best experienced on a cruise down Vembanad lake in Kumarakom. In fact, Kerala tourism first implemented its Responsible Tourism project at Kumarakom incorporating the local people. While there, a visit to the bird sanctuary is a must for tourists as well as a boat ride on Vembanad lake. Kumarakom village has got a rich expanse of mangrove forests, paddy fields and coconut groves. 

“Be it a one day cruise on a small houseboat or an overnight stay in a fully air-conditioned luxury houseboats, it is the ultimate experience of a lifetime,” says Noida based IT professional Aditya, who plans to visit Kerala soon with his family. While most backwater resorts offer sunset cruise to its tourists along the backwaters, some even offer a canal cruise along the inner canals of Kumarakom. 

It therefore comes as no surprise that the print campaign of Kerala Tourism titled, “The Great Backwaters", that presents the state's famous water bodies as a single destination won the ITB-Berlin's Golden City Gate Gold Award in Germany last year.

The future looks bright for Kerala tourism as it continues to charm people from across the world. The latest figures show that while the domestic tourist arrivals have grown to 1.17 crores with increase of 7.6% over last year, international tourist arrivals have grown from 8.58 lakh tourists to 9.23 lakhs. And the total income generated by the industry grew to 24885 crores, showing an increase of 12.11%. So, what are you waiting for? The backwaters beckon you. Come and experience it!

For an avid traveller

Here are a few travel tips to remember while on a trip to Kerala

Kerala is undoubtedly an ideal place for a holiday with your family. Its natural beauty, pleasant climate and the various places of interest will make for a wonderful stay here. The following tips need to be kept in mind while holidaying in Kerala:

What to wear - Kerala has a tropical climate and so it is warm throughout the year with the exception of the monsoons. Wear light cottons during your visit to Kerala. Since there are several beaches and lakes here, you might as well come all prepared with your swimming gear. 

Must-have's - Do not forget to bring your sunglasses, hats, umbrellas and sunscreen lotion. Generally speaking you must include cotton outfits, sunglasses, hats, mosquito repellent cream/lotion, shoes/ light sandals, moisturising lotion and sun-block lotion mandatory, while planning your trip.

Accommodation - Plan your trip well in advance. Make your bookings in time and choose a hotel that suits you as well as your budget. As soon as you arrive here, your needs will be taken care of by the hotel you are staying in. Home stays are a good option if you want to experience the traditional Kerala lifestyle. Ask the hotel staff for information about the places you wish to see. Ask for a guide who can show you around. 

Water – Carry a bottle of mineral water with you at all times. Do ensure that the seal is not tampered with when buying mineral water bottles. Do not drink water from public taps or road-side vendors. If you feel like having a juice, please have it from a hygienic restaurant than from a road-side shack.

Skin care - Apply heavier moisturiser a day before you are going to travel. This will help in maintaining hydration in your skin before you are exposed to dehydrating effects of cabin pressure or air conditioner effects. Similarly,  If you can carry just a single skin care item from home, go for your cleanser as change in cleansers can abrupt skin's acid balance and results in breakout. Carry a hand sanitizer with you and use it generously as a hand sanitizer could you save you from getting stomach ailments.

Course connect

Pratibha Jain gives a snapshot at some new-age certificate courses that students can pursue for a career

Certificate courses focus on training students in a specific skill area. They give learners from all age groups an opportunity to experiment and follow their hobbies beyond traditional curricula. Online and distance-learning programmes have further increased access to learning different skills taught by experts from across the globe. Here are a few new-age courses that students can pursue. 

Spa therapy and spa management:
Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC)/ (International Therapy Examination Council) ITEC certifications in international spa therapy are offered by specialised centres like the Ananda Spa Institute in Hyderabad, Oriental Spa Centre in Jaipur, Annabel Spa Institute in Kochi, Kerala Ayurveda Academy in Aluva (Kerala) and the Jindal Centre in Bangalore, among others. The course is designed to train students in Ayurvedic methods of healing mental and physical ailments, pressure point massage and deep tissue healing designed to create an overall feeling of wellness.

Beauty, hairstyling and skincare:
Experts in this field offer training in haircare and skincare, beauty therapy, hairstyling, cosmetology, hair treatment, make-up, etc. A number of well-known cosmetics companies run centres for training aspirants. Additionally, the National Vocational Training Institute for Women, through its centres in Noida, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Jaipur, Vadodara and Allahabad, offers certified courses in haircare and skincare.

Nutrition and dietetics:
A certificate course in this stream involves the understanding of the nutritive value of different foods, developing diet plans to improve health, fitness and controlling disease, etc. The Institute of Home Economics and Lady Irwin College in Delhi; SNDT Women’s University, Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition and Sophia College for Women in Mumbai; St John’s Research Institute, Bangalore; Public Health Foundation of India; and IGNOU, through study centres across Gujarat, Mumbai, Rajasthan and Hyderabad, offer certifications in nutrition and dietetics.

Gardening, landscape design, horticulture and plant tissue culture: 
The State Institute of Vocational Education and Board of Intermediate Education, Hyderabad; and Dr BN College of Architecture, Pune, offer short courses in gardening, garden design, garden development and maintenance. The Institute of Horticulture Technology offers a range of courses covering different aspects of horticulture. Horticulture courses provide practical training in composting, mulching, vermiculture, seeding, irrigation, greenhouse management and cultivation of vegetables and high-value crops in controlled environments. Bharati Vidyapeeth and Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University offer courses in gardening and landscape designing.

Cake decoration: Institutes such as Cakekraft in Mumbai, Sugarcraft India in different cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, etc and the Culinary and Cake Decorating School in Delhi offer training in baking and decorating cakes. 

Radio jockeying:
A course in radio jockeying and broadcast management develops one’s capabilities to host a talk show on the radio. The course focuses on voice modulation, diction, wit, humour and alertness to deliver the script while playing music and engaging with the audience via the telephone, email, social media and SMS. Radio City School of Broadcasting and Xavier Institute of Communications in Mumbai; Indian Institute of Mass Communication and Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi; the Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA) and the Institute of Radio Jockeying in Chandigarh offer courses in this field. 

(The author is a career counsellor based in Mumbai)