Don't be a Drag, be a Queen

It is an unfortunate fact that even now, in our country, the birth of a boy is cause for elation while the arrival of a girl leads to disappointment. However, times are gradually changing and an increasing number of people are warming up to the idea of having a girl child.

I have seen a drastic change in my own village Sateli, a small village in Sawantwadi which was once upon a time male dominated. Today, more than half of the population of this village is of girls. People here are educating them, supporting them and seeing them equal to boys.

Lets wait and watch substantial steps they take to commemorate the birth of the girl and how this gives a new birth to this village.

Visit to 'Mini-Paradise': Sawantwadi

Travelling leaves me speechless and then turns me into a story teller

My recent visit to Sateli my home town at Sawantwadi, Sindhudurg district flattered me with mesmerizing journey worth remembering. In my every visit my home town leaves me speechless with immense memories, innocent and loving people, green fields, homemade food, wonderful coconut trees and lots more.

It all started with the long Ganpati weekend. All 5 days I was lost in my feelings over there. The silence and serenity left me completely lost in the surroundings.

I have purposely clicked few images to share the magic of this beautiful paradise here. One should visit this paradise to experience the joy of peace. Those 5 days made me live my life without any limitations.

Visit to this magical place place means living with food, people and nature

Ram Niwas, Sateli

What can be more peaceful than your home town. It is the only place where you can breath fresh air without any hassles

traditional rangoli

Hope to be away from day to day hassles and spend blissful mornings and every second with nature at a peaceful destination

Meeting new people, knowing them and exploring new things have always been the best thing to do in life

My experiment with Modaks for the arrival of Lord Ganesha

Celebrations for the ten-day long Hindu festival, Ganesh Chaturthi with begin on Friday 25th August. The newsfeeds are already dominated by users sharing their excitement around the festive occasion by sharing pictures of traditional idols, dhols and the most delicious modaks.

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi may be loved for one million reasons, but is even more loved for the sumptuous festival food. And no Ganesha puja is ever complete without the site of sinfully delicious Modaks as Prasad. 

Steamed/ Ukadiche Modaks - the most popular Maharashtrian delicacy prepared on Ganesh Chaturthi 

Fried Modaks

These are actual pictures - Modaks cooked and clicked by Manjusha Morgaonkar

Nauvari/ 9-yard Saree Showcases Rich Heritage

Maharashtrian's rich traditional Nauvari saree this Ganesh Chaturthi can be an add on to your style statement or for one time gaga looks

People across India are completely immersed in the festive mood of Ganesh Chaturthi. They have already on the streets shopping for Lord Ganesha in their homes and pandals. Especially in Maharashtra, this auspicious occasion is celebrated on a large scale with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm. 

You will see most of the Marathi women dressed in their traditional attires, popularly known as ‘Nauvari’. Finely dressed in their traditional sarees along with some attractive gold ornaments, these women celebrate the festival of their favorite god with fervor and devotion.

Nauvari Tradition

It is worth to see these womens beauty in Nauvari (nine yard) which has a history of its own. It is said that the women started wearing this attire during Maratha's rule, as it looks like the trousers. 

Woman during Maratha Rule

It is referred to as Akanda Vastra, which means it doesn't need any other attire to support it. In fact, this attire holds utmost importance as women across different walks of life have worn it. It is not just worn at religious and cultural events, but women have fought wars in the past and still work in farmlands wearing this.

Jijabai

Savitribai Phule

Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi

Fishermen Women

Nauvari Today

Today people are the blend of traditionality and modernity. No doubt they have adopted international trends but still appreciate and grasp their culture and tradition occasionally.

Now-a-days you get ready made stitched nauvari which is readily available in any saree store. There are variety of styles introduced in the market like brahmani, peshwai, saahi mastani and lots more. 

 Shahi Mastani/ Peshwai

Brahmani

You can try for any of these styles with traditonal maharashtrian ornaments this ganesh chaturthi festival. This will be an add on to your style statement or for one time gaga looks. 

Simple steps to get this traditional Maharashtrian look

1. Spot a saree store: Look for any saree store in your town to get ready made stitched nauvari saree

2. Choose your style: go for brahmani, peshwai or mastani style nauvari

3. Choose your color: Ideally green, yellow, red and purple goes well with nauvari

4. Style your blouse: blouse designs for nauvari are always simple. A typical deep round neck with the khun/ khand checked design blouse - an asbsolutely beautiful brocade. Rich as silk, soft as satin, with the coolness and comfort of cotton. you can also go for any plain colour with paithani border or border similar to saree border.

5. Jewellery: Get maharashtrian golden thusi or pearl thusi, lakshmi haar, maala, raani haar, kolhapuri saaj, nath.  

6. Chandrakor: dont forget chandrakor on your forehead

Marathi Actress Mrunal Kulkarni

Keep on, Keep on, Shining

A perfect yellow for a bright sunny day

Slowly falling in love with yellow, I don’t know why but I sometimes feel like the color makes me feel bubbly. This crape one piece has added an additional sunshine to my look paired with brown belt and brown ankle covered footwear. 

Glasses: Mac V | Dress: AND | Sandals: Inc 5 | Location: Bangalore