Sizzle This Summer of 2024: Must-Have Wardrobe Apparel
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Sizzle This Summer of 2024: Must-Have Wardrobe Apparel

Get ready to turn up the heat this summer with our curated collection of sizzling outfits.  As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, it’s time to refresh your wardrobe with breezy essentials that effortlessly blend style and comfort. Whether you’re lounging by the poolside, hitting the beach with friends, or enjoying a rooftop soirée under the stars, our handpicked selection promises to elevate your summer wardrobe to new heights of chic. From vibrant prints to laid-back classics, we’ve got everything you need to make this summer your most stylish yet. So, let’s dive in and discover the hottest trends and coolest pieces to keep you looking and feeling fabulous all season! Jack & Jones Unveils Summer Spring 2024 Collection Get ready for an exhilarating voyage into the realm of style as JACK & JONES, the pioneering trendsetter, proudly introduces its highly anticipated Summer Spring 2024 collection. This season, the brand presents a tapestry of four distinct collection drops, each a unique chapter in the vibrant narrative of contemporary fashion. Step into the Unmatched MixTape Edition, a transcendent collection that goes beyond fashion norms. It’s not just a collection; it’s an anthem of self-expression, akin to crafting the ultimate mixtape. Selected Homme launches Spring/Summer 2024 Collection Selected Homme launches its Spring Summer 2024 collection, “Coastal Affair”, inspired by the carefree spirit and refined allure, embodying a fusion of relaxed elegance and contemporary flair. Drawing inspiration from the iconic film “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” the Coastal Affair collection seamlessly blends the classic 60s style with contemporary sensibilities. From effortless tailored silhouettes to playfully patterned shorts, each piece exudes the essence of summer sophistication. At the heart of the collection lies a vibrant colour palette, echoing the hues of the Italian coastal towns.     For more products, Visit: www.selectedhomme.in Shine In Soch’s New Spring Summer Collection 2024 India’s leading evening and occasion wear brand, Soch, has launched its latest Spring Summer Collection 2024. This new collection features an array of fabrics and styles promising to elevate your summer wardrobe with unique ethnic flair.  This collection is a curated palette of themes, including Indigo Hues, Schiffli Chic, Kota Couture, Ivory Elegance, Breezy Threads, and Vivid Blooms. Each collection promises a fresh perspective on ethnic wear,  designed to cater to modern wardrobe essentials for the present-day woman. A thoughtful range of sarees, churidar sets, dresses, kurtas, kaftans, and lehengas complement the designs from Soch in addition to this carefully curated collection. With this comprehensive collection, Soch continues to be the one-stop destination for every woman’s ethnic and contemporary fashion needs. To stay abreast of the latest offers, visit the official website, www.soch.com T-Shirt By Beyours For Every Occasion: Level Up Your Look The world of T-shirts for men is a treasure trove of options, catering to both comfort and style. From the classic crewneck to the innovative triblend, each T-shirt type brings its own unique flair. Let’s explore these options by Beyours, the brainchild of Nilesh Karnani and Ashish Baheti, focusing on how they combine comfort, style, and suitability for different occasions. The Waffle T-shirt, with its distinct grid-like pattern, offers a perfect blend of style and comfort. The Core t-shirts reign supreme in the realm of T-shirt comfort and style.   For more products, visit: https://www.beyours.in/pages/tshirts Summer Essentials By Forever New Forever New’s Summer Essentials offer a perfect blend of style and comfort for the warmer months. From breezy dresses to versatile accessories, this collection has everything you need to stay cool and fashionable all summer. With lightweight fabrics, vibrant prints, and on-trend designs, Forever New ensures you’re ready for any summer adventure, whether it’s a beach getaway or a casual day out with friends.   To buy more outfits and collections, visit https://www.forevernew.co.in/ Lee® Launches New Denim Collection For Women Iconic denim brand Lee® announced the launch of “Denim Beyond Definition”, a signature collection for women that redefines denim elegance. Specially crafted by India’s leading couturier Suneet Varma in collaboration with Ace Turtle, the exclusive licensee of Lee in India, this eclectic collection is part of Lee’s strategy to offer a fashion-forward and lifestyle-centric denim experience to its customers. The collection marks the first time Lee is experimenting with bold styles for its Indian customers. It features captivating elements like gold foil prints, plaid patterns, and metallic riveting.   For more information, please visit www.lee.in. Summer Workout Outfits For Both Men and Women Jockey’s Women’s Active  Bra, StayDry Treatment, is coupled with the additional evaporation properties of the material to ensure one remains dry throughout the day. Men’s half-sleeve t-shirts are staples of any workout wardrobe; they are made from innovative smart fabric that’s perfect for an active lifestyle. They are comfortable to wear, ensure quick moisture-wicking, and come with unique anti-microbial properties.       Prabhubhakti Launches Its First Physical Store In a significant stride towards blending spirituality with contemporary fashion, PrabhuBhakti, a pioneering D2C startup specialising in Devotion and Style, has proudly announced the opening of its first physical store. Located in the heart of Ayodhya, directly in front of the revered Ram Mandir, this strategic initiative marks a milestone for the brand in connecting with its audience through a tangible retail presence.   Mac Duggal Enters India With His Couture Line Celebrated American couture designer Mac Duggal enters India with his couture line for Spring/Summer ‘24. The Spring Summer ‘24 collection is an extensive collection based on the idea of contemporary day-to-evening dressing and easy, free-flowing silhouettes. The collection epitomises a fusion of regal embroidery, daring cutouts, modern bold colours, and traditional jewelled details, all native to India. Each piece exudes an air of elegance and sophistication, marrying the rich heritage of Indian craftsmanship with contemporary sensibilities. OG&Co’s Sustainable Luxury Fashion Extravaganza Prepare to make a statement this summer with OG&Co’s latest collection, which elegantly blends luxury and sustainability. For women, OG&Co presents the OG Tranquil Maroon Cargo Set and the OG Tranquil Beige Cargo Set. These stunning ensembles are crafted from the finest hemp, bamboo, and

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Mumbai April Magic: The Coolest Events To Add In Your Calendar
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Mumbai April Magic: The Coolest Events To Add In Your Calendar

Ready to dive into the vibrant world of events in Mumbai? From cultural celebrations to cutting-edge concerts, Mumbai offers a kaleidoscope of experiences for every taste and interest. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking some weekend fun, Mumbai has something special in store for you. In this listicle, we’ve curated a diverse selection of events happening in the city, ensuring that you stay in the loop with the latest happenings. So, grab your calendar and get ready to mark down these unmissable Mumbai moments! Gudhi Bhojanam By Coast & Bloom   Spring is more than a season; it is a feeling of rebirth, a promise of renewal. A new beginning that is celebrated across the country as Gudi Padwa, Bihu, Baisakhi, Vishu, and Ugadi, among others, is each imbued with traditions and rituals that honour nature and its bounty. At Dadar, Coast & Bloom invites you to pay a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of spring with Gudhi Bhojanam – a spring special that celebrates the season with flavours from across cultures. When: 9th April, 2024 Time: 11 am onwards Where: Coast & Bloom,Shivaji Park, Mumbai For registration, contact: ‪+91 9137019345 “Kozara & Kanpai” Pairing Menu At Taki Taki   Get ready to embark on a delightful culinary adventure as Taki Taki, Lower Parel, unveils a special pairing menu to celebrate the Sakura Festival. This exquisite collaboration between Chef Bobby Recto and Head Mixologist Bensan Varghese promises an unforgettable symphony of flavors, where meticulously crafted cocktails perfectly complement Chef Bobby’s exquisite Japanese creations. Address: Taki Taki, Lower Parel, Mumbai When: March 25th Onwards Timings: Mon-Fri 12:00pm – 01:00am Sat-Sun 12:00pm – 01:00am Taftoon Powai Launches New Menu   Explore Taftoon’s newly curated menu, painstakingly designed to reveal lesser-known regional dishes from India and inspired by the historic Grand Trunk Road that runs from Kabul to Chittagong. With a legacy rooted in families serving royal households, three expert chefs have curated a culinary journey that celebrates the diverse tapestry of traditional Indian flavours. Where: Taftoon Restaurant, Powai, Mumbai Time: 12:00 noon to 11:30 pm For reservation, call: 096194 93100 Indulge in Summer Delights at Tango Tamari As the Summer Season unfolds, relish these dishes with Tango Tamari with their summer finds that capture the essence of Summer. Curated to showcase an interesting fusion of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, these dishes promise an exquisite culinary adventure packed with vibrant and refreshing delicacies. From refreshing salads bursting with seasonal flavours to enticing seafood marvels, each dish is curated to offer an explosion of flavour. Where: Hotel Kings International, 5, Juhu Tara Rd For reservation, call: 98200 26746 SOYA CHAAPS Has Now Arrived In Your Neighbourhood Mumbai’s most delectable SOYA CHAAPS has now arrived in your neighbourhood! SADAKCHAAP opens its 10th outlet in SOBO! SOBO residents and visitors can now embark on a delightful journey through North Indian street food flavors. Sadak Chaap’s menu boasts a mouthwatering selection, featuring melt-in-your-mouth starters like Haryali Chaap, the fiery Brra Chaap, and the ever-popular Crispy Chaap Fingers. Where: Dr A R Rangnekar Marg, Chowpatty, Grand Road, Greater Mumbai For reservation, call: +91 89888 97111  

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Beat the Heat: Refreshing Mango Recipes For A Perfect Summer
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Beat the Heat: Refreshing Mango Recipes For A Perfect Summer

This summer, beat the heat with some delicious mango recipes. Let your inner chef come alive and try on the most enticing recipes of mango for your taste buds. Check out the list for more. Mango Recipes For Summer: Aam Pora Gin Ingredients: 45 ml GIG 1 medium-sized raw mango 6-7 fresh mint leaves ⅓ cup sugar ½ tsp. roasted cumin powder ½ tsp. black pepper powder 1 tsp. black salt few ice cubes 2 cups chilled water Process: 1. Rinse and pat dry the mango. 2. Roast the mango directly on the stove until it’s charred and tender. 3. Allow it to cool down, then remove the skin and scrape the pulp out. 4. In a blender, combine the mango pulp, mint leaves, sugar, cumin powder, black salt, and black pepper. 5. Blend the mixture until it’s smooth. 6. Transfer the blend to a bowl and mix it with some chilled water. 7. Take a shaker, add 45 ml of GIG, 90 ml of the blend, and some ice. 8. Shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds. 9. Transfer the drink into a cocktail glass of your choice and garnish with fresh mint leaves.   Cold Set Mango Cheesecake Ingredients: Biscuit Base: Sweet Butter Biscuits: 200g Unsalted Butter: 30g Cheesecake Batter: Cream Cheese: 250g Heavy Cream: 150g Powdered Sugar: 60g White Chocolate (Melted): 100g Fresh Mango Pulp: 150g Gelatin Powder: 1 Tablespoon + 50ml Water Method: Biscuit Base: Crush the biscuits and mix with melted butter. Press the mixture into a cake pan or serving dish of your choice.Place in the fridge to set and harden. Cheesecake Batter: Using a hand-held electric beater, smooth the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Add the heavy cream and continue beating until the mixture is smooth. Combine the melted white chocolate with the mango pulp. Immediately add the mango mixture to the cream cheese mixture and mix thoroughly until smooth. Gelatin: Mix the gelatin powder with water and place in the fridge to bloom and hydrate for about 10 minutes. Remove it from the fridge and melt the mixture in the microwave. Combine the melted gelatin with the cheesecake batter and mix well until smooth. Assembly: Pour the cheesecake batter on top of the butter biscuit base. Place in the freezer for about 5-6 hours until set. Slice into squares or triangles and serve chilled, or enjoy directly with a spoon.   Raw Mango Pakora Ingredients: For Mango Chutney: – 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced – 1/2 cup sugar – 1/4 cup water – 1 tsp grated ginger – 1/2 tsp red chili powder – 1/4 tsp ground cumin – Salt to taste For Pakoras: – 1 cup chickpea flour (besan) – 1/4 cup rice flour – 1/2 tsp baking soda – 1/2 tsp turmeric powder – 1 tsp red chili powder – 1/2 tsp garam masala – Salt to taste – 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed) – Oil for frying Instructions: Prepare Mango Chutney: In a saucepan, combine diced mango, sugar, water, grated ginger, red chili powder, ground cumin, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mango softens and the mixture thickens, about 15-20 minutes. Let it cool. Prepare Pakora Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine chickpea flour, rice flour, baking soda, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.Gradually add water and whisk until you have a smooth batter with a thick consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon. Heat oil for frying in a deep frying pan or kadhai over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the mango chutney into the pakora batter and gently fold them in until coated. Using a spoon or your hands, carefully drop small portions of the pakora batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the pakoras until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove them using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve the Mango Chutney Pakoras hot with your favorite chutney or dipping sauce. Mango Coconut Panacotta Ingredients: – 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced – 1 Can Coconut Cream Milk – 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste) – 1 tsp Mango Essance – 1/4 cup Cold Water – Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional) Instructions: 1. In a blender, puree the diced mangoes until smooth. Set aside. 2. In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. 3. Once the coconut milk mixture is warm, add the mango puree and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary. 4. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatine over the cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften. 5. After the gelatine has softened, heat it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until it is completely dissolved. 6. Pour the dissolved gelatine into the mango coconut mixture and stir until well incorporated. 7. Divide the mixture evenly among serving glasses or molds. 8. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set. 9. Once set, garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving if desired. Enjoy your delicious mango coconut panna cotta!   Disclaimer: A third party provided the content of this article, which is only for informational purposes. theStyle.World assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.

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Want Some Refreshing Coffee Delivered To Your Door Step Every Day?
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Want Some Refreshing Coffee Delivered To Your Door Step Every Day?

Want Some Refreshing Coffee Delivered To Your Door Step Every Day? Are you a coffee lover who just cannot process a day without some delicious coffee? Here’s a perfect place that offers delivery to your doorstep with many coffee options including iced coffee, filter coffee or even vegan coffee. Slay Coffee is a coffee delivery service which is currently delivering coffee across Koramangala, Indiranagar, Bellandur, HSR, and Whitefield area. The company offers single-origin Arabica beans that are roasted a few days prior and ground and brewed once the order is placed. Their menu has some crowd-pleasers including Madras Mud (classic filter coffee) – the piping hot coffee, iced coffee (with ice cream!) – a perfect coffee dessert for a summer day. They also have Coffee Tonic, a combination of fizz caffeine, which is perfect for a hot day out in the sun.   You can also try the Death Wish Coffee which has nearly five times more coffee per ounce than your regular coffee. Or if you are a fitness freak, try their Protein Coffee which is perfect after a workout. They are active on all major food delivery apps. You can also order from their website.   They also customise the strength of your coffee according to your taste by changing the ratio of sugar, milk and coffee. You can get some almond milk coffee if you’re a vegan.  

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Check out this authentic Bengali Bookstore
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Check out this authentic Bengali Bookstore

Check out this authentic Bengali Bookstore Are you a bookworm dying to unearth some authentic Bengali literary works in Bengaluru? Boithek aka Puthibabu in Indiranagar has you covered. Boithek has been nothing less than a delight for hardcore book lovers, who are passionate about Bengali literature. This small one-floor bookshop has recently changed its name to Puthibabu and holds a huge collection of Bengali flavoured writings. This small store has a rare collection of books that you won’t find on the internet, including Sanchayita by Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray novels and books such as Bakul Kotha and Pratham Pratisruti. They also have some new titles from the popular Kolkata publishing group – Gangchil Publishers, and some Bengali magazines including Sharadiya Kishore Bharati and Saanda. They are not restricted to the Bengali literature collection. They also have an entire cabinet filled with Aanand Mela and Galpo Sankhya. They host poetry meetups and intimate musical evenings by Bengali musicians which act as a perfect opportunity for you to meet Bengali musicians like Sri Somnath Chattopadhyay. They also have a small snack pot inside the store where you can fish out some authentic Bengali Chaats like Alu Kabli and more if you need a snack, in between your readings. Where: Boithek, 14th Main Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore.

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Chitrakala Parishath – Art, Craft, Handlooms and Lifestyle Exhibition
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Chitrakala Parishath – Art, Craft, Handlooms and Lifestyle Exhibition

Chitrakala Parishath – Art, Craft, Handlooms and Lifestyle Exhibition Chitrakala Parishath conducted Artisans Bazaar – a grant flea market for artisans across India. Artisans Bazaar included everything from the rare contemporary form of arts and crafts, clothing, to jewellery, home décor, furniture, handicraft products from the exhibitor all across India. The market was filled with amazing craft works including Bhagalpuri Sarees and Dress Materials, Handloom lifestyle products, paintings and much more. One of the central attraction in Artisan Bazaar was the Channapatna Toys. Channapatna toys are a particular form of wooden toys that are manufactured in the town of Channapatna/Gombegala nagara (town of toys). Pattachitra style painting was also one of the main attraction in Chitrakala Parishath. These paintings are one of the oldest and popular art forms of Odisha. The Tanjore paintings, the most popular forms of classical South Indian Paintings stole the show. The paintings are characterized by rich and vivid colors, iconic composition, glittering gold foils overlaid on delicate but extensive gesso work and inlay of glass beads and pieces or very rarely precious and semi-precious gems.  The craft of making leather puppets was also one of the main attraction at the exhibition at Chitrakala Parishath. The craft originated in Andhra Pradesh and locally known as Tholu-bommalata, meaning “The Dance of Leather Puppets,” an art form of shadow play that reached its pinnacle during the rule of Vijayanagara Empire.

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Commercial Street — A Shopper’s Ultimate Destination
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Commercial Street — A Shopper’s Ultimate Destination

Commercial Street — A Shopper’s Ultimate Destination Just like the Oxford Street of London and Orchid street of Singapore, Commercial Street is Bangalore’s shopaholic haven. An entire lane distanced more than 1km and has everything from fancy stores to the branded store to footpath stalls to street food. What’s fun and confusing at the same time about this lane is that there are so many more sub-lanes connecting to the main lane, or what we locally call gullies.   ABOUT Commercial Street has continued to be the busiest lane since the time it started. Despite being chaotic due to the overcrowding and noise, one somehow manages to find what they’re looking for, in these lanes. Nobody returns home in the disappointment of not having found what they want. If you’re someone who’s always on the run and has no time to dedicate for shopping, you can walk on these lanes and pick out your outfit, get it altered instantly, find matching jewellery, accessories and footwear, in just about 2 hours or even lesser depending on your pace. There’s not a thing you won’t find here, they’ve got your beauty and skin care covered, too. Oh, they’ve also got stores that sell imported candies, snacks and makeup products.   STREET LIFE The gullies here hustle more than the Main Street. You have separate lanes for each of your needs like — jewellery lane, where you get small stores that sell real jewellery, and pierce your ears, too, with gunshot technology. Also you have a different lane for the fake jewellery. Then again we have a lane dedicated only for dress materials, fabrics and threads. You can immediately see the contrast here — street food versus restaurant food. You have mongers who sell fruits and chaats on the roadside, as well as restaurants like Woody’s, fast food stores like KFC and Burger King, sweet store like Anand, and small bites like Frankie. You can walk all day on this street and not get tired. It’s so convenient to buy food, fuel your tummy quickly and get back to the grind. What’s fascinating about this place is it’s street vendors, every now and then you’ll find them alluring the crowd with something intriguing like the transparent balloon with lights that we’ve been seeing on streets lately. You can find any type of fashion jewellery here, be it ethnic jhumkas or vibrant tassel earrings. Commercial Street is known for its variety in jewellery collection. Any time you see some accessories making noise online, you know where to find them — the lanes of Commercial Street. They have such a vast display of jewellery that you’ll not be able to get over them and move on forward to the next store. Although the stalls are small, it doesn’t stop your mind from wandering.   EXCLUSIVE STORE PICKS There are a lot of branded stores one can find here at Commercial Street such as Allen Solly, Chumbak, Westside, Soles, etc., which could be found in malls, too. But there are certain stores that can only be found in the beautiful lanes of Commercial Street. Let’s take a look at them!   1. The Silver stores Krishnaiah Chetty & Sons and Silver Jewelry are two exclusive silver sales stores here that you will not find elsewhere. CKC sells everything and anything in its silver medal, but Silver Jewelry, the store, is focused on fashion jewelry made out of silver metal.     2. The Fabric stores  Do you urgently need a certain kind of fabric in less quantity? Or you need some fancy fabric? In that case, Commercial Street is your calling. There is a wide range of stores to pick from like mentioned earlier, a whole street is dedicated for fabrics. You can go there to find regular fabrics such as poplin, cotton, polyester, etc., but if you need fancy materials for lehengas, gowns or party wear, you can check out the very reputed Mysore Saree Udyog and Sterling House. These two stores not only sell fabrics but also sell ready to wear garments.   3. The Art stores Certain stores here are dedicated to art and handicrafts. Two such stores are the Mecca Life Style and Asiatic Arts and Crafts. Each piece here is so beautiful that it makes you forget about the noisy world outside the store.     4. The fancy stores Commercial Street is never short on stores that have outfits to make you go crazy. Any lane you walk into there is always a store that will immediately catch your attention and you’ll not be able to pass by without paying a visit to the store. You get occasion wears as well as party wears in these kinds of stores. The outfits are sure to make everyone think you’re a diva.     5. Best of best Certain stores stand out more than the others. Vashi’s house of jeans is a store for all you denim lovers out there. You can get all kinds of jeans here, in any fit you would like to have it — super skinny, boyfriend, straight cut, etc. Hi-Street Mall and Mahaveer Mall are the twin malls that have the most exciting stores. You can buy any kind of shampoos, cosmetics, snacks and chocolates, reasonably priced kurtas, designer home linen (Prachi’s designer home linen), western clothes (Mischief), imported scents, etc. You have so many tailor stores here that stitch and alter your garments in less than an hour.   IN AND AROUND COMMERCIAL STREET Safina Plaza A two storied building that has some of the best exhibitions in town. Drop by here in the weekend to have a gala time. You can find one or the other exhibition here on all days. Their displays typically include sarees, handicrafts, bedspreads, etc.   Shivaji Nagar This place is the best one in Bengaluru to find almost everything you find in Commercial Street for a lesser price. There are so many pet stores here that will not give you

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The Coorg Dress Code
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The Coorg Dress Code

India has a great variety of people living who follow multitudes of cultures in each and every state. Let’s decode one of the such regions in Karnataka: Coorg and the traditional dressing followed by the proud Coorge people. Kodava Costume of Coorg India is a very distinctive nation compared to other nation. We are a country rich in our history, culture, religious values and diversity. There are 22 officially spoken languages in India. People in India comprises of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains and many more with their own religious values and culture. Along with all the versatile spots in India, a cradle of nature lies in the Western Ghats of Karnataka called as ‘Coorg‘ or ‘Kodagu’ which is also called as the Scotland of India. The enticement of this place lies in the beautiful fusion of history, culture, essence of nature, luxury and great food. On the upper edge of the list of this amorous gateways of Coorg is undoubtedly the costumes of Coorge people, also known as ‘The Kodava Costume’ where ‘Kodava’ denotes the community as well as the language of Kodagu. The ‘Kodava costume’ for men is called ‘Kupya’ which is a collar less half sleeve knee length jacket secured at waist with a maroon sash with gold embroidery called as ‘Chela’ and a knife is tucked into the ‘Chela’ that is referred to as ‘a peechekatti’ which represents their culture. The Kupya is worn on a full sleeve white shirt. When it comes to Kodava women, their costume stand apart and is popular across the globe for its unique draping style. The Saree is pleated at the back and the ‘pallu’ is also tucked in a different way by pinning it over the shoulder and letting the rest to fall loosely at the back. The Saree is worn with an elbow length or full sleeve blouse. Along with the Saree, Coorge women wear a piece of cloth on their head which is similar to the saree known as ‘the vastra’, and the adorn themselves with gold beaded jewelry to add on to the beautiful attire. The description of their costume is enough for one to know how distinctive their culture is. Their attire is not just unique but also appealing and highly representative of Coorg culture. By : Heena

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Rajasthani Handicrafts: A tapestry of Heritage   
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Rajasthani Handicrafts: A tapestry of Heritage   

Rajasthan, a state in the heart of India, is known for its vivid colours, extensive history, and a wide variety of handcrafted goods that honour the region’s rich cultural legacy. The craftsmen of Rajasthan have perfected their craft over many generations, keeping traditional methods while incorporating modern ideas, to produce anything from magnificent pottery to intricate handwoven textiles and captivating jewellery. This article delves into the rich and varied realm of Rajasthani arts and crafts, examining their various forms, areas of expertise, and origins.  Let’s take a peek at Rajasthan’s rich artistic legacy, where craftspeople work to conserve ancient customs while adding modern elements. Rajasthani Textiles:  Rajasthan is well-known for its lavish textiles, which feature an array of hues and designs. The state is well-known for its age-old Bandhani tie-and-dye is an age-old method for drawing elaborate patterns on fabric. Before the cloth is submerged in dye, little sections of it are tied with threads. The sections that are tied off from the dye create unique patterns such as stripes, waves, and dots. Bandhani fabrics are highly valued due to their rich colours and elaborate patterns.Block printing is another well-known textile art technique. Using intricately carved wooden blocks, cities like Jaipur and Bagru produce beautiful designs. Beautiful motifs and designs are created by artisans as they painstakingly carve complex patterns onto wooden blocks, which are soaked in dye and pressed onto fabric. Renowned for their elegance and skill, Maheshwari and Kota Doria sarees are embellished with intricate zari work and delicate patterns.  Pottery:  For many years, Rajasthan’s cultural legacy has been deeply rooted in pottery. The area is home to a diverse range of pottery types, including the earthy-hued terracotta pottery of Bikaner and Pokhran and the blue pottery of Jaipur, which is distinguished by its unique azure hues and Persian designs.It is composed of gum, multani mitti (Fuller’s earth), powdered glass, and quartz powder. The distinctive blue colour of the clay is achieved by artisans hand-painting it with cobalt oxide after shaping it into a variety of shapes, such as bowls, vases, and tiles. Craftspeople with great skill shape clay into a variety of objects, such as vases, pots, and décor, and they frequently adorn them with elaborate patterns and vivid hues.  Rajasthani Jewellery:  Rajasthan’s jewellery showcases the creative sophistication and imperial heritage of the state. The “Pink City,” Jaipur, is home to a plethora of magnificent jewellery, and its vibrant markets feature a dizzying choice of both traditional and modern styles. Two well-known jewellery-making traditions in Rajasthan are Kundan and Meenakari, which are distinguished by their elaborate enamelling and gemstone settings. Rajasthan’s jewellery, which ranges from elaborately carved bangles and rings to elaborate necklaces and earrings, is a monument to the talent and inventiveness of its craftspeople.  Leather Embossing:  Another traditional craft that is popular in Rajasthan is leather embossing. Jodhpur is especially well-known for its leather products, which include shoes, belts, and purses with elaborate embroidery. Expert craftspeople tan, dye, and hand-tool leather using traditional methods to produce goods that combine practicality and visual appeal. The exquisite designs and superior craftsmanship of Rajasthan’s leather items have won them recognition on a national and worldwide scale. Puppet show:  In Rajasthani culture, puppetry is highly valued, and puppet shows are a common way to share stories and have fun. The centuries-old Kathputli puppetry tradition in the state is characterised by vibrant wooden puppets dressed in ornate costumes. With humour and talent, puppeteers captivate audiences by deftly manipulating the puppets to enact stories from mythology, folklore, and everyday life. Rajasthan’s handicrafts bear witness to the state’s illustrious cultural past and the adept workmanship of its craftspeople. Every kind of art, from jewellery and puppetry to textiles and ceramics, captures the distinct customs, culture, and spirit of the place. Rajasthan’s arts and crafts are a source of pride and inspiration as the state embraces modernization while maintaining its cultural traditions. Their beauty and timeless appeal never fail to fascinate visitors. Content by : Samanvitha Rao 

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Heeramandi – A Hidden Chapter in British Raj History
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Heeramandi – A Hidden Chapter in British Raj History

Heeramandi is the name that we are all hearing on the internet. Thanks to the director of grandeur, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the name has been uncovered after many, many years. The series will air on Netflix from May 1st. It is a period-based series based on the real situation that occurred during the time of British Raj. It has been a misconception that this place was always the red-light area, which was known to be the central area of Lahore (then placed in ancient India under the British Raj). According to the documented history, the place bears Hira Singh’s name, the prime minister of the Sikh Kingdom of Lahore. After the invasion of Ahmed Shah Abdali, many captured women were dumped in the areas as prostitutes. The area gradually changed from being a grain market to something else. Hidden Story of Heeramandi Now the question arises: why is this place away from the history notes or any mentions in of the Indian factual documents? The name of this place was the one used all across the nation before and during the British Raj in India. The area, which was once known as Heeramandi, is among the most well-liked parts of Pakistan’s walled city of Lahore. The region gained notoriety in the 15th and 16th centuries as a major grain market and as the centre of undivided India’s tawaif (courtesan) culture. Tawaifs were never prostitutes; rather, they were the epitomes of learned music and dance forms and they were very well educated as well. Tawaifs were the only sect of women who were allowed to walk among the major leagues of men and were very powerful politically and economically. The most amazing part was that the women of this place played a major role in supporting the freedom fighters during the struggle for independence against the British Raj. Women from Uzbekistan and Afghanistan were “introduced” to the region during the Mughal era, and courtesans were connected to dancing, singing, and other forms of culture. Later, the area became a centre of culture when ladies from the Indian subcontinent began travelling here to perform Kathak for the Mughals. Known by many as Shahi Mohalla or the Royal neighbourhood, the area was originally developed as a residential area for royal court attendants due to its proximity to the Lahore fort. However, courtesans quickly moved in. It appears like any other ordinary marketplace during the day, offering food, juttis, musical instruments, etc., but at night it transforms into something entirely different. The women captured by the troops of Abdali were from surrounding regions and they were put up in Heeramandi. The area of Heeramandi became the major business area, and Heeramandi saw a further rampant rise during the British Raj. The unfortunate aspect of the Mughal era’s downfall was that foreign invasions ruined the imperial palace’s courtesan house. Prostitution increased as a result of this.  But when the partition was announced and the then-India was divided into two countries—India and Pakistan—but the Diamond Market was set to be one of the worst-affected regions. Women staying in the brothels in the region fled to India before the lines separating the countries were drawn, and the ones who stayed were exploited under the guise of the unrest in both regions.  Series filled with the diamonds of industry: The series is a star-studded venture. Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chaddha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Sharmin Segal feature in The Diamond Bazaar. According to the official series summary, “A young heir caught in the crosshairs of a power battle in Heeramandi chooses love over succession, upending the status quo.” The last link preserving the art of tawaifs (courtesans) is tested in pre-independence India against a developing liberation movement. The 14-year filmmaker’s passion project, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, is hailed as an epic tale of love, power, retribution, and freedom. produced by Prerna Singh and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, with Moin Beg credited with the idea

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