Last minute Festive Elegance With Asha Gautam
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Last minute Festive Elegance With Asha Gautam

As the festive season illuminates our hearts and homes, Asha Gautam invites you to embark on a journey through tradition and modern elegance with their exquisite saree collection. This year, let your celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, and Diwali sparkle with the timeless beauty of Indian textiles, reimagined for today’s festive spirit. AG’s collection is a vibrant tapestry of India’s rich heritage, where tradition meets innovation. Imagine draping yourself in the luxurious embrace of Rangkaat Paithani, the regal allure of Paithani applique on Banarasi and organza, or the unparalleled opulence of Kanjivaram silks. Each saree is not just a garment but a work of art, woven with stories of dedication, joy, and intricate craftsmanship. “Festive occasions are a time for celebrating tradition and embracing beauty,” says Founder Gautam Gupta. And indeed, the collection captures the very soul of the season, bringing together the vivid patterns of Bandhani, the ethereal touch of tissue Banarasi, and the graceful flow of Georgettes. Each piece whispers tales of heritage yet sings with the vibrancy of contemporary design. This festive season, let Asha Gautam be your muse. Adorn yourself in creations that are as joyful and unique as the celebrations themselves. Every saree in this collection is a testament to the artistry and passion of our artisans, crafted to make your moments unforgettable. Join us in celebrating tradition, beauty, and the spirit of the season. Discover the collection that promises to make your festive wardrobe truly exceptional! Price: INR 97,000 /- onwards  Available at:  Offline Store: Asha Gautam, M-8, second floor, Greater Kailash-1, New Delhi, 110048 https://g.co/kgs/HxNkrCi Digital Footprints:  Website: https://www.ashagautam.com/gg-about IG: https://www.instagram.com/ggofficial.18/

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Different Types Of Modaks To Make This Ganesh Chaturthi
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Different Types Of Modaks To Make This Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is about devotion, celebrations, and, of course, some delectable food. Modak must stand high on that list, as among the many offerings to Lord Ganesha, this sweet treat is believed to reside in a special place in the deity’s heart. That’s one general requirement for the festival since it’s said to be a favourite of Ganesha. Although the traditional steamed Modak is well-loved, there certainly are other varieties to make a decent attempt to diversify your offerings this time around. Here are some popular and unique types of Modaks to prepare. Ukadiche Modak (Steamed Modak) This is the centuries-old, traditional practice by which Modaks are cooked. They are tender rice flour dumplings stuffed with a sweet pool of grated coconut and jaggery flavoured with cardamom. The dough is prepared by boiling water with a pinch of salt and a few drops of oil, into which rice flour is added and mixed until it forms a smooth dough. The filling has to be prepared by sautéing grated coconut with jaggery until it melts and blends with the coconut. The dough is placed in small cups, filled up with the coconut mixture, and then steamed. This Modak is spongy, soft, and just melts in your mouth; it is a classic preparation for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Fried Modak Fried Modak is a nice contrast to the steamed version of Modak. The outer covering is made from whole wheat flour or refined flour, and the inner preparation is like the above—coconut with jaggery, just like Ukadiche Modak. But rolled-out dough is filled and then deep-fried to a golden brown. This makes a crunchier, slightly crispy Modak with a longer shelf life so it can be eaten over a couple of days. Deep-frying lends a rich texture with a slightly altered taste, and therefore, it is a preferred choice for a little bite in the crunch.  Chocolate Modak This has the richness of chocolate along with the Modak shape in the traditional sense. Biscuits crumbled can be mixed with cocoa powder, condensed milk, and butter to make the dough, and finally, it can be made into the Modak shape. The filling may consist of dry fruits, nuts, or even some chocolate chips. This recipe holds a special place for kids and sweet lovers. It’s the new thing for the festival, quite in the flavour of the original Modak. Mawa Modak This is also popularly known as Khoya Modak and is made with khoya or mawa, the milk solids. The khoya is lightly browned after it has been sautéed and mixed with sugar, cardamom, and dry fruit. After the mixture has cooled down, it is kneaded nicely and properly to shape into modaks. This is a rich, moist, and extremely textural Modak, a sumptuous presentation for a celebratory spread. The nuttiness of the roasted mawa has a lot of sugar-laced in it, with crunch thrown in by garnishing with dry fruits—it is a triumph. Coconut-Rose Modak Rose Modak is a tasty, delectable dish made by blending coconut, condensed milk, beet juice and rose syrup into a dough and steamed in modak moulds. Rose Modak is a must-try for Ganesh Chaturthi and special occasions; it is very healthy compared to the packed junk foods. Rose Modak is a delicious combination of coconut and rose flavour in the shape of modak. These dainty modaks are so simple to assemble; you are going to want to try variations of this recipe during this festive season. Paneer Modak Modak is known to be a favourite food of Lord Ganesh (Indian god), especially on his birthday (Ganesh Chaturthi). Millions of Indians across the world shower him not only with holy chantings and street parades but also his favourite food items. People make so many traditional and fusion varieties of modakams at home during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival and Malai Modak is one of the traditional modak dish. They can be stored for 4-5 days if you store them in the refrigerator. Sesame Seeds Modak Til modak are a nice variation to the traditional modak. It is easy to make with 4 ingredients. Believe it or not, it tastes just like chikki but the texture is soft. Use the dark-colored jaggery (desi gur), which is semi-melted and sticky. It becomes hard during the winter months. Powdered jaggery will not work in this recipe. Grease the modak mould using ghee and start shaping. Keep the mould close, start stuffing and press tightly from the bottom hole. Smooth out the bottom surface, open and unmold carefully. Paan Modak An inseparable part of Indian culinary culture and tradition, Betel leaf or paan, has a history spanning over 5000 years. Right from Indian mythology to Ayurveda, paan has not only ruled the Indian food culture but has also travelled across the globe to get aptly applauded. It is also seen as a sign of respect and a token of love. betel leaf is closely tied to the part and parcel of Indian culture. Delectable Precious Pan Modak is crafted with the masala of betel leaves, loaded with dry fruits, and a chisel of honey to furnish you with an experience like no other. Chocolava Modak Let me ask you: Do you like Chocolate? Do you like melted Chocolate ?? Do you like centre-filled, oozing chocolate? Well then here is something yummy and super easy. Coconut Modak A Naralachi Modak or Naralacha Modak, is one filled with fresh or desiccated coconut. This version is relatively easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. The mixture should be sautéed with jaggery until the mixture thickens and then shaped into Modaks. This Modak is chewy in texture and has an enriching flavour of coconut, making it refreshing and satiating. Dry Fruit Modak Dry Fruit Modak is a healthy and delectable option where plenty of fruits such as almonds, cashew nuts, pistachios, and raisins are all put together to make Modaks. The natural sweetness of the dates goes with the rich feel of dry fruits, making this

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Top Ganesh Temples You Must Visit In India
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Top Ganesh Temples You Must Visit In India

Ganesh Chaturthi is among the most enthusiastically celebrated festivals in India for the Lord of Beginnings and Remover of Obstacles. This has been a very special way for the devotees of Ganesh to visit a lot of temples at this auspicious time. Here are some of the best Ganesh temples in India that one must check out, each being exclusive for its history, architectural grandeur, and spiritual importance. Top Ganesh Temples: Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai One of the most famous Ganpati temples in India, the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai is venerated for fulfilling wishes. The foundation of this temple was in 1801, which has drawn millions of devotees to this famed site from film stars to politicians because the deity in the temple is unique compared to the other idols—right-tilted trunks, which are supposed to be more powerful and strict.  Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune The Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is placed in the heart of Pune and stands to be a symbol of devotion and community spirit. The temple existed for more than 100 years and was established by a rich sweet maker and was famous for the grand celebrations arranged periodically for Ganesa Chaturthi. The idol is heavily decorated with gold ornaments, and a consequent crowd will be there when the temple celebrates the festival. Ganpatipule Temple, Maharashtra The unique Ganpatipule Temple is standing along the Konkan coast and uniquely is home to an idol of Lord Ganesha that is monolithic in construction and found naturally. The features exist in a ‘Swayambhu’ form of idol. In a crevice positioned on the west, the deity faces this direction. The serenity of the surroundings with the sea on one side and hills on the other make the ideal backdrop against the temple’s ambiance for devotees. Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, Andhra Pradesh In the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple has a self-manifested idol of Lord Ganesha, which emerged from a well on that site. Do you know what? The idol grows in size, as per the fable, from the day it was found. Its history dates back to the 11th century when it is believed to be a “kshetra palaka,” having the deity act as the arbitrator of the disputes. The temple has a considerable devotee following and attracts huge numbers of devotees during the annual festival of Brahmotsavam. Shree Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon The Shree Mahaganapati Temple is at Ranjangaon, part of the Ashtavinayak circuit, and it is one of the most important places of worship for followers of Lord Ganesh in the state of Maharashtra. It is said that this is the place where Lord Shiva prayed to Lord Ganesha before fighting the demon Tripurasura. He is called Mahaganapati, and it is a mighty form of Lord Ganesha, ten-trunked and twenty-armed. Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Trichy This presides at the top of Rockfort Hill in Trichy of Tamil Nadu and gives a breathtaking view of the city. Steeped in legend is this temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Believed to be the place from where Lord Ganesha fled after setting up the idol of Ranganathaswamy in Srirangam, the climb to the temple is 400 steps, hence the climb of devotion and adoration. Karpaka Vinayakar Temple, Tamil Nadu Karpaka Vinayakar Temple is one of India’s oldest Ganesha temples, located in Pillayarpatti, Tamil Nadu. It is more than 1,600 years old. The idol of the temple stands solitary, cut out of a single piece of stone. The trunk of the idol is unusually bent to the right, and it is said to be the lord who grants all wishes—hence Karpaka Vinayakar in Tamil being the wish-fulfilling Ganesha. Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Pondicherry This temple is located in the French colonial settlement area of Pondicherry. Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a temple dedicated to the god of spirit and painted in a distinct French white and dusky yellow. Having survived history long before the French invasion and still serving as a potent place of worship for devotees from in and around the region, the temple is unparalleled in its features. Decorated Ganesha murti in the temple and blessing devotees with an elephant are all key attractions.  Kurudamalla Temple, Karnataka Situated in the Kolar district of Karnataka, the Kurudumale Temple has been a historical and spiritual jewel since time unknown. The temple is devoted to Lord Ganesha and comprises a huge 13.5-foot idol of the lord, carved out from a single rock. The present temple, dated very ancient, is said to have been built by the Cholas and renovated later by the Vijayanagara kings. Conclusion Spread all across the different regions of India, Ganesh temples are more than just religious spots; they are a culture replete with tradition and spiritual beliefs. These visits to the temples are ones where spiritual fulfillment and cultural experiences work as two sides of a coin, more so at the time of Ganesh Chaturthi. Whether you look forward to blessings and peace, or you just love to see the rich heritage of India, these temples are a must-visit.

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Best Ways To Decorate Your Ganapati At Home
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Best Ways To Decorate Your Ganapati At Home

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most celebrated festivals across India. It is a time for enjoyment, devotion, and full-on colorful celebrations. When it comes to the real practice of bringing Ganapati Bappa home, it’s not about religion but a platform that showcases one’s creativity with magnificent decorations in the form of dedication. Be you a pro in decoration or a fresher in it, here are some great ideas to make your decoration for the Ganapati in your home even more beautiful this Ganesh Chaturthi 2024. Floral Decorations: Traditional Enchantment of Ganapati No festival is complete without flowers, and Ganesh Chaturthi is no exception. Traditional floral decorations will not only add color to the occasion but also infuse a certain freshness that comes automatically with the fragrance of flowers. As far as flowers are concerned, you can never go wrong with marigolds, roses, jasmine, and lotus. You can use the flowers to make garlands, floral rangoli, or even decorate the idol like this, in a string of garlands as seen here: Eco-Friendly Decorations Since most of the followers have gone green, most of the devotees prefer eco-friendly decorations. For your Ganapati decorations, use biodegradable materials such as clay, jute, and paper. Instead of plastic flowers, you can use real or paper flowers. One can even creatively make use of recycled material in making garlands, lanterns, and even the idol’s throne, or singhasan. Theme-Based Decorations The Ganapati decoration has an underlying theme that will be brought to the entire setup for cohesiveness and increased appeal to the eyes. Some popular themes that people normally go for are: Theme with Peacock: It calls back an era gone by, with peacock feathers and the color royal blue and green, which brings a royal touch. You could even have the backdrop designed like the feather of a peacock. Ethnic Theme: A proper ethnic decoration will consist of elements from the various Indian cultures such as Rajasthani puppets, Madhubani, and Kerala’s traditional lamp. Forest: A forest with green plants, and artificial trees, along with animal figurines, all symbolize the forest and tell about the nearness of Lord Ganesha to nature. Light Effects The right lighting changes the entire ambiance of your Ganapati decoration. Use traditional diyas, fairy lights, and LED lamps to bring out different parts of the decoration to its best form. You can have ayahs lighted around the idol to set an enlightened divine glow, or you can have string lightsayahsate figures around your backdrop. Creative Use of Drapes This can be used in Ganapati decoration to toss a bit of modernity. Dress up the idol with silk or cotton saris, dupattas, or even curtains. Multilayer the different materials in contrast with colors to give depth and richness to this setting. You can have drapes from the top that cover the idol, or it can be a decorative feature on the throne. Personal Touches Add a few personalized touches to make this Ganapati celebration special. Similarly, you could engage in making a few decorations, such as paper lanterns, diyas, painted pots, and other decorations, out of handmade goodies. Involving a child and family members in making this will be fun and involving. You can put pictures of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration that happened in the past, the family members, or rather build a memory wall as part of the decoration. Not only would it make the place personal, but also gives a feeling of continuity of a tradition. Accept Technology Go for the old setup, mixing in some technology to give a contemporary feel to your Ganapati decoration. You can have projectors to display Lord Ganesha or, on best viewing, play some visuals of the devotional songs in the backdrop. Smart lights can be used to change colors according to the music playing or aarti songs. Conclusion The organization of a live stream of the celebration gives a chance for those willing to celebrate together with their loved ones, who are far from them. It is linked with the joyful expression of devotion, creativity, and tradition in making a beautiful and truly meaningful small or large Ganapati decoration at home for Ganapati Bappa this Ganesh Chaturthi. In essence, it should be instilled with enormous love and devotion toward the deities you host. Happy decorating!

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