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May 1, 2019 Events and Festivals, International

International Dance Day: How Dancing is good for your health

We all know very well that physical fitness and activities is of paramount importance for our health. Moreover, if you are one of them who love fun and to mingle with people, and want have your life full of excitement, then dancing is a wonderful activity for you.

Dancing in our culture is considered as a form of art that has been in existence through centuries with people of all ages, abilities and cultures. The Indian culture is enriched with the richness of various dance forms, and the benefits of the art form has been realized in our culture since long.

It is why every year International Dance Day is observed worldwide to celebrate dance, revel its universality across all barriers of humankind and bring people together under one common language – the language of dance. The observance of this day is an effort to convey people the value of togetherness with one single art that is celebrated around the world in various forms.

There are many wonderful reasons why you should dance. Perhaps it won’t be wrong if we say that dancing is the best way to engage in physical activity or exercise, without even knowing and all because you are engaged with its fun quotient. Dance is actually a full package of fun, learning, skill building and exercise with the intensions of having fun.

Let’s understand in details, how it is health boost to mankind and overall wellbeing, both physically and mentally as well:

It helps burn calories: Just a normal freestyle dance movement for about 30 minutes a day for around 3 days a week can calculatively burn as much calories as you would spend almost the same time daily in the gym.

Dance makes you happy: Dancing your way in the favorite tune releases endomorphins, which make you high and exhilarated. It is so engaging that it makes you as if you are walking in the air and makes you happy and overwhelmed.

It helps toning up and build stronger muscles: It helps tine up all the body and even at the focus spots like abdomens and thighs. It also make the muscle grow stronger and stronger muscles aids in fat loss even when you are at rest.

It helps reducing stress and tensions: Dancing is fun, and we could all bring fun in our lives. Having more fun is having more time for yourself and having more time for yourself is reduced stress and tension that we all go through in our lifestyle. Weather single or as a couple or may be in a group, you enjoy every moment and without even knowing that you are deeply involved.

It helps you socialize more: Dance in any form, is a great way to socialize and meet people. Just imagine building a whole new world of social networking with like-minded friends who share the same interest. Particularly for singles, dance is a great way to meet and make new friends and get rid of loneliness.

It makes you more self-confident: When you lean or perform dance, you not only dance with other, you dance in front of a crowd, an audience. This helps you in building up your self-confidence as a performer and as a person. You develop the power to express and stay confident in all aspects of life.

The power of dance is intense and immense. It has the powers to heal, both physiologically and psychologically. The mention of various forms of dance in our past history has highly emphasizes and regarded the benefits of dance and its healing benefits to mankind.

Whatever your reason for choosing to dance, make it a routine in your life and see how it helps you transform your life into a much happier, healthier and enjoyable moments.

The article is authored by famous Dietitian Sheela Seharawat. She is the founder and chief mentor of Diet Clinic Health Care Pvt. Ltd. Also, she is one of the youngest successful entrepreneurs of India.

The Essence of Womanhood

Imagine a household bereft of a woman; imagine your world deprived of one. With international women’s day just having gone by, it’s time to doff one’s hat to the various roles women play.

So, like every year, while International Women’s Day was celebrated worldwide on March 8, having been instituted way back in 1909, the truth is its purpose is as relevant today as even before.

Women everywhere need to be treated as equals no doubt, but there is also a need to be recognised for their strength and achievements.

Balance for better

Every year the campaign theme is a sort of call-to-action, one emphasizing the need to create a more gender-balanced world, one that is proactive on all levels with women’s empowerment, whether pertaining to economic, social or political issues. ‘Balance for better’ is the theme of 2019. Whether the significance of this call is all about civil awareness, women and girl recognition, anti-sexism or anti-discrimination, it is a day that celebrates womanhood globally.

While International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the progress women worldwide have made in different fields, commend and applaud those few who had the foresight and determination of their vision and extraordinary courage, let us not forget that at the epicentre of every unit exists a woman, one who is the driving force behind those wheels of that well-oiled machinery called domestic bliss. The roles she plays in one lifetime as a mother, sister, wife or daughter is cause enough for celebration, but coupled with her juggling abilities to hold down that fort of household responsibilities along with the demands of a workplace, in my books her achievement are way up there!

Imagine a household bereft of a woman, imagine your world deprived of one!

Deprived of Status

While Woman’s Day celebrates women’s history, her emancipation, often highlighting key events, achievements and milestones to raise awareness, promote equal opportunities for her in all walks of life, the sad truth is that often in certain parts of the world and, especially in certain cultures, women are not accredited as being equal with men, thus depriving them of basic rights and status.

There is enough evidence now to support the claim that a gender-diverse workplace does indeed produce real benefits. Studies also show that a gender-diverse workplace is not only good for financial returns, employee engagement, innovation and reducing turnover but most gender-diverse businesses also resonate with a wider customer base. Yet, women are still deprived of the opportunity.

And while we as women raise flags and protestations, seek wider platforms and march the streets demanding equal status from the other half of the population, the question here is should it really be only about gender disparity? Is it then fair to lay all that ire and disproportion blame squarely on men alone?

Are not injustices, inequalities and unfair treatment being met out to women for generations, sadly from their own kind? Think back on all the times when you have been discriminated against and chances are it could well be that dragon-lady a.k.a your boss, a colleague from work or that friend who has hidden agenda; you should well have been mistreated by that daughter-in-law or mother-in-law.

So while we demand equality from the other half of the gender bender in matters of education, employment, inheritance, marriage, politics and recently, in field of religion too, should we not be demanding fairness from our mothers; patience from our mother-in-law, understanding and compassion from our female friends?

The need of the hour is to clean up the imbalances in our own gender-centric homes, with a whole bunch of self-realisation and inward reflection. While we strive to enhance equivalence from the rest of the world, we also need to improve our position “as women amongst women”.

Gender bender

We must consciously strive towards a more complete view of womanhood, gentled with gender infused an understanding of love and respect. Be a woman of worth with your own kind, be the first to appreciate another’s success, the one to applaud the loudest at another’s triumph.

Be the kind of woman that senses a cry for help from another, much before her complete meltdown. The kind of woman who provides support to her tribe and not one that creates divides. Be the type of woman that sets a trend not just by her fashion sense but as a result of her commonsense. Be the kind of woman who is self-sufficient in her own capabilities, achievements and skills but is never shy to ask for help when needed.

Be the woman who succeeds and triumphs after every fall, the kind who fixes another’s crown silently but, most of all, is the kind of woman who sets an example, the kind that someday your daughter may want to emulate.

So while the world celebrated this international woman’s day with a campaign theme of ‘Balance for better’, let us endeavour to make a difference with no gender agendas. Let’s work instead on being women of substance, beautiful inside out, strong in spirit, determined in grit, to be balanced for ourselves with a better understanding of life and a kinder compassion for the world we live in, regardless of being men or women.

~Veera Shroff Sanjana

December 24, 2018 Events and Festivals, Food, International, Recipes

Christmas spirit!

Christmas is undeniably a glorious season, a busy time for most, caught up in the pressures of the season and that special day. But as most festivals, and in the pursuit of happiness, one must retain the true essence that this marvellous day embodies. Finding real joy is not in all that hurrying and scurrying to get more done, but the real joy is to just focus on what’s important.

The true celebration of Christmas should simply reflect love and selflessness taught by the Saviour, born in a stable, cradled in a manger, who came forth to reshape the world, which prevailed in those days and, henceforth, taught mankind that sacrifice and love is above all. The spirit of Christmas should illuminate the picture window of one’s soul; it should throb with every beat of your heart. What we are mistaken about is that Christmas is not just about a day or a mere season, Christmas is about the human spirit, living the truth every moment of every day. While it’s easy to soften our hearts, forgive our enemies, and obey the word, the gospel truth is that like all religions Christianity is also about living this philosophy day in and day out all through our lives.

The complexion of Christmas wears a paint of brotherly love. Joy filled Christmas is not about the gifts you receive or give, nor how lavish the festivities are, but imbibing the gifts of true understanding and compassion, service and friendship, kindness and gentleness.

Somewhere in the recesses of my memory, a simple poem penned by English poet Christina Rossetti always springs forth during this season:

What can I give Him?

Poor as I am?

If I were a Shepherd

I would bring a lamb,

If I were a wise man,

I would do my part,

Yet what can I give Him?

Give my heart.

These are indeed such beautiful words, simple but deep. Something to think upon, something to contemplate!

So, while December brings forth the only Christmas Day in the year, let there be Christmas all through the year in things you do and say. It isn’t about the tinsel and decorations, the tree and gifts; the mince pies or Christmas cake, it’s not about your hearths being warm and your holidays being grand, it’s all about your hearts being warm and your generosity being grand.

It’s all about giving your children the right perspective on the fantasy of Santa and the angels, the miracles and wonders. Cinch in that thought that Christmas is not about you what you buy. It is about what you make, the traditions, memories and bonhomie. A Christmas that holds you, can revive and reshape you. Make this season one for kindling the fire of hospitality in your homes and the genial flame of charity in your hearts.

A merry and joyful Christmas to all!

Cook Yourself a Yummy X’Mas Feast!

Roast Turkey with Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

1 whole Turkey

Butter 100 gm,

Chopped Onion 100 gm,

Chopped Celery 100 gm,

Crumbled sage and thyme 10 gm,

Salt and pepper to taste,

Chopped fresh parsley 10gm,

1 bay leaf,

Garlic minced 10 gm,

Balsamic vinegar to taste,

Sugar 20 gm,

Cranberry 150 gm.

Method– In a skillet melt butter over medium heat. Stir in onions, celery, sage, thyme and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes or until brown. Remove giblets and neck from the turkey cavity, keep for gravy.

Rinse turkey inside out with running water. Stir together with a little of the remaining butter, sage, salt and pepper, rub over turkey, inside and out. Loosely pack stuffing into neck and body cavities, fold over and skewer neck flap closed over stuffing. Tie legs together.

Place turkey, breast side up on a rack in roasting pan. Cover with foil and roast in 325 degrees F oven for about 1.5 hours, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue to roast or 1 ¾ hour, basting every half hour. Keep it aside for carving.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, bring chicken stock turkey neck, giblets, onion and bay leaf to boil. Reduce heat and simmer. While cooked turkey rests, skim excess fat from roasting pan whisk in flour until well combined. Gradually whisk in reserved giblet stock. Bring to boil and cook. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Strain and serve alongside turkey.

For cranberry sauce in a small saucepan, heat oil over medium heat; stir in onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until softened. Put balsamic vinegar, boil for 5 minutes or until reduced. Now mix together cranberries, sugar, salt and pepper. Mix into onion mixture. Bring to boil and cook until cranberries are tender, and sauce is thick.

Gingerbread with jaggery

Ingredients:

100 gm unsalted butter at room temperature,

135 gm jaggery granules or jaggery chopped fine,

45 ml honey,

30 ml water,

1 tsp dried ginger powder,

1 tsp cinnamon powder,

Zest of 1 orange,

1 tsp. baking powder,

½ tsp. baking soda,

2 eggs,

175 gms whole-wheat flour,

Demerara sugar for sprinkling over.

Method: Preheat oven to 180 c. Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly grease 5 mini cake moulds. Place the jaggery, butter, honey and water in a heatproof bowl. Then heat in microwave for a minute, until the butter has melted. Whisk well with a balloon whisk until the jaggery and butter have combined.

Add the ginger powder, pie spice, orange zest, vanilla extract, baking powder and baking soda. Whisk well to mix.

Whisk in the eggs one by one. Now fold in the whole-wheat flour gently.

Ladle into prepared tins, sprinkle over dried orange crystals. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes until risen and light golden brown. Use a tester to check if done.

Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes and then gently loosen sides to demould. Serve warm as it is or with a drizzle of unsweetened whipped cream.

Gluten-free Christmas cake

Ingredients

300 gm pre- soaked Christmas dry fruit with orange and lemon zest,

200 ml jaggery syrup,

150 gms almond flour,

100 gms grated apple,

175 gms butter,

4 medium eggs.

Method– Preheat the oven to 140 degrees. Put the remaining ingredients except for the flour in a large bowl. Beat with a hand-held electric mixer until well combined. Fold the almond flour well.

Grease a deep 23 cm round tin or 20 cm square cake tin with butter. Line with a double layer of baking paper and grease the paper. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin. Level the top.

Bake for about 2 hours until firm to the touch and a skewer pushed into the middle comes out clean. Leave the cake to cool in the tin.

When the cake has cooled, remove the baking powder, pierce the top in several places with a skewer, then pour over a little brandy. Remove cake from the tin but wrap it with baking powder, then wrap with foil. Then store in a cool place to mature.

Decorate the cake with Glace fruit, marzipan or ready-to-use icing.

Yule log

Ingredients–

Dark chocolate 100 gm

Fresh Cream 50 gm,

Whipped Cream 70 gms,

Nutella 100 gms,

Milk 1 litre,

Milkmaid 500 gms,

Curd 500 gms,

Castor sugar for dusting,

Maida 150 gms,

Baking powder 70 gms,

Baking soda 30 gms,

Cocoa powder 150 gms,

Oil 50 ml

Method– Prepare the log sponge by mixing milk, Milkmaid, curd, sugar. Add all dry items in the mixture and oil at the end. By heating cream and dark chocolate and make the ganache. Now add whipped cream and Nutella into the ganache and assemble in a log shape, serve in plate and dust icing sugar (castor sugar).

Recipes courtesy – Executive Sous Chef Lokesh Jarodia of Novotel Imagica Khopoli and Executive Chef Gopal Jha of Grand Mercure Bangalore.

October 29, 2018 Events and Festivals, International

Halloween

What is Halloween?

Well, it is just around the corner on the 31^st October. It is a yearly celebration observed across the globe, the eve of Western Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day. It is time to remember the dead, saints (hallows), martyrs and all the departed believers. It is said that Halloween dates back to about 1745.

means hallowed evening or holy evening. Around the world, on this day, the Christians attend church services, light candles on the graves of the dead. Contemporary Halloween activities include trick –or-treating, attending costume parties, decorating, carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns, lightening bonfires, apple bobbing and divination games, playing pranks, visiting haunted attractions, scary stories being told and watching horror films. On All Hallows’ Eve, there is self-denial from meat, giving rise to a variety of vegetarian foods associated with this day.

Costumes and jewellery

Halloween costumes are conventionally exhibited after supernatural figures such as vampires, monsters, ghosts, skeletons, witches, and devils. Halloween being around the corner, we often plan out our costumes for the costume parties.

Halloween sale Use code SPOOKY

Food:

If there is a costume party for Halloween, how can we not have food. So, here are DIY HALLOWEEN TREATS!

You may like to read Halloween Tricks and treats

Halloween Movies to watch:

With the costumes and food set for the Halloween, here is a list of movies/series to watch for Halloween

The exorcist

and many more, which is your favourite Halloween movie?

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Category: International