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by Aarti Singh Nikhita Gandhi construes her journey 2 November 2022 COVER STORIES Advertisement Advertisement In an exclusive interview with L’utopia, the “MAHARANI” of Indian pop, Nikhita Gandhi decodes her journey from learning and working with A R Rahman to Naach Meri Rani and then Maharani. Talking about the legend, A R Rahman, Nikhita added how creative he is with developing songs right from scratch. “AR sir is probably the most interesting and vastly talented person I’ve ever met. You can never be bored around him! He is constantly trying new things and learning and adapting and moulding his craft. It’s so inspiring! I’ve sat in on some sessions when he was composing a song from scratch, it was pretty incredible to watch his process. He is unbelievably quick with the DAW and production and it’s a treat to see the magic happen!” It is pretty clear that Nikhita herself is insanely creative when it comes to her songs. Take Maharani for instance. She further explained what this song portrays for her and what was the inspiration behind it. “MAHARANI celebrates women in the most breezy and effortless way. That’s what really resonated for me with this composition. I always wanted to do a song about women that didn’t necessarily have to stand up for women or sound like a “cause” and instead simply uplifts women in a cool casual POP way! That’s probably what I love the most about this record, it’s suave and fun and still can be meaningful.” There’s so much that goes behind every song. Each and every song is unique and has a distinct thought behind it along with a story. Such was the case with Maharani as well. “I was visiting my friends in LA after my India Tour ended in July this year, and of course these friends happen to be pretty epic musicians. I don’t think they need an introduction but Shankar Tucker and Vidya Vox were hosting us and so of course we got into the studio and they played us some of their music. Ironically this was a song that Shankar wanted to play me because they didn’t want to release the track and felt I might connect with it more. It was instant love for me. I told him it’s a great song and that I’d love to finish it! So, when I got back to India, I rewrote the lyrics in Hindi and changed it to mean what being a Queen to me is. And this song was born! The best thing about completing this whole process was the video shoot, because as it turns out Shankar and Vids were in India in September for a show and so I thought it would be perfect to have them cameo in the video while they were in town! The whole thing sort of just fell into place and that’s what I love about the journey of each song.” While talking about the direction of the music industry, Nikhita shared how on-screen representation helps an artist become more known and emerge fully. “I’m excited to see the music industry stand on its feet. Where a singer or composer is famous for his/her work and not an unknown entity in a film where the audience only identifies with the actors in it. I would love to see more of that. I think if Badshah can feature in his song, in a film then it’s only a matter of time that we see more and more artists represent their identity on screen as well! This is where the audience will truly identify with their artist and true fans will emerge!” She previously pointed out how the music scene is in an unsure yet exciting space. Elaborating that she added how we can see a lot of trial and error. “Like I mentioned a little earlier about not knowing what’s working, it definitely puts music investors in a complicated spot but makes the answer really easy for musicians- do what you do best, not what’s working; cause what’s working also may not work for you (lol). That may sound confusing but basically the best formula is no formula and just making music from the heart! Syncing on film artist’s music in films is also happening these days in India like the west which I think is amazing! A lot of credit for that goes to the Punjabi industry who have truly revolutionized certain perceptions of the non-film artist.” Further talking about the potential for musicians to grow in all the industries, Nikhita disclosed how she thinks that there is so much one can do especially now that the independent scene is also getting its own space and followers. “We see a rise in the hip hop scene and singer-songwriter space and honestly the power is with the people. I think anyone who spends a little time understanding how streaming and music distribution works, can figure out their music career and find their voice. I recently visited the inauguration of the new batch of a music school and interacted with the freshers. I was really delighted to see that a lot of them were not simply enamoured by the well sold image of the frontman but had serious aspirations- some wanted to be producers, some sound engineers and so on. I was happy to see that the youth knows what it wants and is intelligent enough to find its path!” Music has definitely gotten a boost due to the onslaught of social media. She pointed out how remarkable it really is. “It’s kind of amazing how in the most algorithmic and calculatable phases of humanity with apps and data, music is still so ineffable. A common phrase I’ve been hearing these days is “kuch bhi chal raha hai” (anything/everything is getting famous) or “we don’t know what works” which means no real formula can be applied to music and what really connects with people. One great thing about social media is that you are directly in touch with the world, a person sitting in Iceland can be a fan of a new artist emerging from a small town in Madhya Pradesh. What really blows my mind though is that not knowing what works- it’s sort of a testament to the fact that music will always be a very personal and wonderous experience and each listener will always interpret the same song differently- that is a timeless truth!” Nikhita feels that not just social media but live shows are also a great way to share creative space with the world, especially her fans and something that she absolutely loves. “What’s there not to love really? Being on stage is so exhilarating! It’s that weirdly gratifying mixture of nervousness and thrill and happiness like being on a rollercoaster, but better! On stage you get to share energies with your audience which I think is a very beautiful experience. It can many times be therapeutic and one of the purest forms of joy! In the India Tour I did early this year, there was a moment when I was singing my original Bura Na Mano Yaara and the audience was singing along, they knew the words that I had written, by creation. It felt so amazing I don’t think I could describe it.” She feels that her roots and values have been something that helped her grow as a person and as an artist. “I’m blessed with the most incredible parents. I don’t think anyone could ask for a better mother and father. Each day I try to be more like them and that’s what takes me forward. They are so hardworking and caring and giving and I think I could go on and on about them, but the truth is one thing they’ve always told me to stay grounded and humble and not change for anything.” On a bona fide note, she shared how although there have been challenges along the way, she likes to look at them as learning curves and puzzles that she gets to figure out. “The music industry like most artistic fields can be pretty volatile and some days can have way more clarity than others so it’s important to constantly self-actualise. Though a Bollywood and film music singer I’ve also parallelly been an indie artist trying to release her own songs and having to do everything from producing to shooting my own videos to editing them and it can all be very overwhelming. But I like to look at things in a good light and try to turn the obstacles into fun new things I get to learn. That’s pretty much how I started using music production DAWs and editing softwares, cause as they say, necessity is the mother of invention! It also helps when you genuinely enjoy doing all of it!” She feels that there’s always going to be conflicting advice and problems- dress glamorously, dress differently; charge more, charge less; be picky about your songs, don’t be picky and be accessible— there’s always all kinds of advice but at the end of the day you listen to that voice inside of you, and always ALWAYS do only what feels right. The ‘MAHARANI’ singer is also huge on body positivity and inclusiveness. “It really makes me happy to see that such conversations have begun and are normalised topics now. I remember growing up an insecure chubby girl who would always feel the need to overcompensate her size with her personality. I would feel that boys saw me as a friend and not a potential girlfriend because I wasn’t skinny, and would look at my thin friends and want a body like theirs. As I grew older, I realised how unidimensionally I was thinking and that all body types are sexy and beautiful and have their own charm. What were my “thunder thighs” or “fat legs” and how they became the hottest thing about me. It’s strange how far a little bit of self-confidence can take someone and I’m sure a lot of body insecure girls and boys must have had it worse. I’m so glad though that things have changed over the years but I think overall the media and TV still, by large, represents beauty standards in the old school way. We’ve just scratched the surface. But every step counts and I feel so happy to associate with a magazine that resonates with body positivity and puts a smile on the face of my younger self and hopefully many other kids too!” Lastly, Nikhita shared how like MAHARANI, she hopes to see more of her singles and self-composed releases also do as well as her film playback music. “That truly is one of my personal goals and visions. I want MAHARANI to be playing next to Naach Meri Rani and all my music to be loved equally! And for now, I have tonnes of more music coming your way that I can’t wait to share with the world” SEARCH Karishma Kotak Playing Her Innings In Fashion, Sports And Fitness COVER STORIES Musings With Maryam Zolghadr COVER STORIES Madhura Naik talks about the Life of an Actress COVER STORIES Kavya Thapar And Her Versatile Acting Career That Cuts Across Regional Lines COVER STORIES Ahsaas Channa Talks About Her Mother Being The Inspiration Behind Her Career COVER STORIES POPULAR POSTS Advertisement By Anushka Sharma Dialogues That Never Disappoint With Actor Saqib Ayub 4 April 2024 COVER STORIES by Anjali Educate, Empower, Excel: Priyanka Chahar Choudhary's Inspirational Overture 15 November 2023 COVER STORIES by Akshra Khandelwal Purab Kohli’s Cinematic Expedition Through Films, Travel And Self-Expression 22 September 2023 COVER STORIES by Aparajita Jaiswal Exploring The Path Of Aspiring Actors And Producers: Insights From Anil Singh Chandel 6 September 2023 COVER STORIES RELATED POSTS Advertisement

by Akash Khatri 5 Healthy Habits To Start Right Now 1 December 2020 LIFESTYLE Advertisement We often ignore our body both physically and mentally in our 20s when we need to lay the foundation to stay well in the future. Knowing yourself ,your body, its needs and clarifying various myths about weight and obesity could be miraculous! Hence, 5 healthy habits to start now ( even if you’re at any age level of your life because better late than never!) are: Weigh yourself often Irrespective of the mean and worrying about it, just weigh yourself anywhere or buy a machine yourself. Make yourself thorough with the concept of BMI and muscle mass and know that the latter could increase your weight even more so it’s harmful in no way rather increases your strength and tones your body. Learn to cook This way you won’t only save your money but will save your dependency on street or restaurant food. Food we tend to eat now a days can satisfy our taste buds but are malicious to our body. Cooking yourself will help you to keep oil, spices etc in check and also preserving the nutrients of food you consume just in right amount. Live an active life This is very important. I’m sure you listen to this every now and then but living an active and disciplined life doesn’t only keeps you fit but it provides immense positivity inside. Cutting out on Sugar Not only sugar but every processed food should be kept atleast in check if you’re someone who loves food and if you’re just a fitness freak you can totally cut out sugar, you can also find its alternatives or start consuming goods without it. Find a job you love Think of it as a bonus point , additionally I didn’t mention this article is only gonna be about physical fitness, did I? Mental health is as important or could be more especially in today’s time when we are all susceptible to this and there’s an unequivocal environment about it. I won’t dig deep into the reasons but if you’re in your 20s then we know what’s a thing which has got ahold of our lives right now and thus finding a job you love, making a career out of it is of prime importance. This won’t only keep you motivated but you’ll also be passionate about it. With this, I will conclude here saying that I’ve seen, experienced and hence know how much fruitful these points could be if implemented effectively but at the end you’re at your own charge so good luck! SEARCH Countdown To History: Omega Unveils Paris 2024 Olympics Countdown Clock And Special Edition Timepiece LIFESTYLE Juggling Law And Fashion: The Inspirational Journey Of Riddhi Nahata, A Multifaceted Influencer LIFESTYLE Join Shruti Yogi On Her Enchanting Journey From Kumkum Bhagya To Wanderlust Saga LIFESTYLE Personal Growth And Relatability: Ishita Khanna's Key To Influencer Success LIFESTYLE 6 Disadvantages Of Being Pretty LIFESTYLE POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement By Anushka Sharma Unveiling the Myth: Does Pretty Privilege Truly Exist 17 April 2024 LIFESTYLE By Anushka Sharma How Do Some People Not Get Acne No Matter What 15 April 2024 LIFESTYLE By Anushka Sharma Kate Middleton’s Story Has Only Gotten Worse With Time 18 March 2024 LIFESTYLE By Rini Pathak The Skill Of Ageing Gracefully: Secrets From The Land Of Longevity 17 March 2024 LIFESTYLE RELATED POSTS Advertisement

By Rini Pathak A Glance In The Kshitij’23: A Euphoric Escapade 26 January 2024 SOCIETY Advertisement Advertisement Like any other educational institution, Mithibai College of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India hosted its Annual International Cultural display from 16 th January to 19 th January, 2024. The extravaganza left an ineradicable mark and was seen setting new high standards for other college festivals. The exciting event took place at two prominent locations, the lively Mithibai College Campus and the majestic JVPD Grounds . Throughout the course of four days, Mithibai Kshtitij featured an astounding assortment of creative skills in various departments such as Business Events, Gaming & Sports, Informal, Photography, Creatives and Fine Arts, Literary arts, and Performing Arts. Mithibai Kshitij also carried on its tradition by being the only collegiate festival to organize Para Events —events for the specially abled children. The fest was graced by numerous distinguished judges including Naitik Nagda , Hormuz Ragina, Prashant Samtani , Dixita Patel , Sajid Samji , Shahid Mallya , Lalita Soni, Ace, Tanveer Ghazi, Bhavesh Kaware , X1X Crew , and many more who provided guidance to the participants. During various episodes of the Kshitij show, famous celebrities such as Ayush Mehra , Viraj Ghelani , Shaan and Amruta Khanvilkar appeared on stage and were seen striking up humorous conversations and delighting the audience with their savvy humor. The ensemble of “Jab Mila Tu,” which includes Pratick Sehejpal , Mohsin Khan , Eisha Singh and Alisha Chopra were seen promoting their latest project. Again, as Manushi Chhillar promoted her upcoming movie, Operation Valentine , the entire audience’s gaze stood captivated. Apart from all these celebrities, renowned singer, Jonita Gandhi was spotted enjoying the event along with the students while promoting her song, “Love Like That” . The competition, energy, and strategy-filled days came to an end on a high note as Mithibai Kshitij presented an incredible lineup of Pronite artists, featuring the crowd’s favorite Indie band, The Yellow Diary , the formidable Amit Trivedi , and the soul-stirring musical duo, Sachin-Jigar , for ground-breaking, inspirational performances. Once again setting the standard, Mithibai Kshitij has grown to become one of Mumbai’s biggest college festivals, winning admirers from all across the nation. Kshitij’ 23: A Euphoric Escape continues to be imagined in the memories of all those who contributed to its eventual enormous success. Thus there exists no doubt in the fact that Mithibai Kshitij was, is and shall continue to be the talk of the town with its exclusivity and brilliance in organizing college festivals. “The Tassel Is Worth The Hassle” SEARCH Women Empowerment A mere concept or a real Concern SOCIETY Looking Through The Excellence Of ‘Jaali’ Architecture SOCIETY Why the Gender Pay Gap is Wide and Disturbing SOCIETY Festival of Stones SOCIETY The Pygmalion Effect SOCIETY POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement By Rini Pathak A Glance In The Kshitij’23: A Euphoric Escapade 26 January 2024 SOCIETY By Rini Pathak Mithibai Kshitij: Epitome Of Diverse Social Cause Empowerment 24 January 2024 SOCIETY By Rini Pathak Breaking Barrier And Redefining Inclusivity Conduct Of Para Events: Shaping Of A Better Future By Mithibai Kshitij 19 January 2024 SOCIETY by Mudita Bagla Divorce - Not A Big Deal 24 January 2023 SOCIETY RELATED POSTS

IIT Bombay Feeling Blue - Set the Mood Indigo 12 December 2022 LIFESTYLE Advertisement The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, is the leading technical institution of the country. It has an incredible legacy and is known for producing industry leaders in each and every field. Mood Indigo, is the annual college cultural festival of IIT Bombay and is known as the Asia’s Largest College Cultural Festival. It is a 51 year old legacy that continues to grow and reach new heights. It is the dedication and devotion of the students that makes Mood Indigo a trendsetter. Mood Indigo is ready to bring the spirits up high with enlightening talks, enticing competitions, and adrenaline pumping concerts for its 52nd edition. After three years of patience, we have finally receded back to normalcy, and so has Mood Indigo, this time in its true colour and form. With numerous events aligned for us, the wait is finally coming to an end. The four-day festival is set to take place from the 27th to 30th December 2022. An unending list of international legends like MAGIC, Mike Portnoy, Porcupine Tree, Simple Plan, Sander Van Doorn have performed at the fest. To keep the tradition of bringing down artists from around the globe to India alive, this year the New York pop-rock band American Authors will perform at Mood Indigo on 29th December. Mood Indigo touches the soul of everyone and anyone that associates with it and provides you with a chance to celebrate all the things that create pirouetting bursts of euphoria. The best part? Mood Indigo is completely free for all college students! All you need is a College ID and a MI number, which you can get by registering at my.moodi.org . So pack your bags and grab your friends to experience four days filled with love, laughter, wonder, and joy that waits for you and which, you will surely cherish forever. #iitbombay #moodindigo SEARCH Countdown To History: Omega Unveils Paris 2024 Olympics Countdown Clock And Special Edition Timepiece LIFESTYLE Juggling Law And Fashion: The Inspirational Journey Of Riddhi Nahata, A Multifaceted Influencer LIFESTYLE Join Shruti Yogi On Her Enchanting Journey From Kumkum Bhagya To Wanderlust Saga LIFESTYLE Personal Growth And Relatability: Ishita Khanna's Key To Influencer Success LIFESTYLE 6 Disadvantages Of Being Pretty LIFESTYLE POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement By Anushka Sharma Unveiling the Myth: Does Pretty Privilege Truly Exist 17 April 2024 LIFESTYLE By Anushka Sharma How Do Some People Not Get Acne No Matter What 15 April 2024 LIFESTYLE By Anushka Sharma Kate Middleton’s Story Has Only Gotten Worse With Time 18 March 2024 LIFESTYLE By Rini Pathak The Skill Of Ageing Gracefully: Secrets From The Land Of Longevity 17 March 2024 LIFESTYLE RELATED POSTS Advertisement

by Naisargi Devdher Spring Of Glitz & Glam 27 August 2022 COVER STORIES Advertisement Advertisement In the midst of monsoon receiving a cup of hot tea is like reviving life on every corner of your stick nerves. Well, that’s exactly what Soniya Bansal seems to be presently grooving warmer than the cosy cover of your winter bed. From candidly being vocal about late teens and being surrounded by artists to her FASHION CUTS , it seems to be welcoming a new season of her in this article !!! From getting termed as an outsider to being recognised as a ‘Pageant’ the journey is filled with boundaries that need to be crossed over, these takes her through variety of experiences. “Experiences are not just to be categorized as really exuberating or bitter to face. I don’t actually take all of it very personally overloading it on my bosom, as it depends on how audience perceives a woman’s aura and character to be. Anyways, it’s now that I fathom the truth in various manners. Being a fresher, the experiences, however, were horridly cold as only response to inquiries made was meeting up people from various groups on being suggested to running doors for work. That’s the major difference today when I have work no one actually suggests meeting up rather they just walk up to my door with work in hand!” From engaging in moves to modelling for path breaking magazines and finally grooving the media for her very particular sense of fashion, she has blazed all the roles. Being a woman there are several words said directly or non-verbal language indicated to showcase certain level of discrimination, all of which are setbacks for an artist and that woman in particular. To which she simply smirked and nodded, continuing to express, “Being completely honest not just being a woman but a self-born star in this industries, I have faced several such questions and allegations that made me lose self-esteem and majorly I wanted to quit the industry. It was then when I realised that whatever field it be, the domination of pre-existing groups is extremely common. Then why should I digress from a field that I am already excelling in because certain mass number that doesn’t want to alter their perceptions! So I decide to move on with it.” Laughing over all of the jokes she gracefully said, “Knowledge is the key to every action of your life. Thus education is must.” In continuation she added, “I perused Master of Arts in Psychology, giving me liberty to understand people around observing artists around simply driving the motivating force within to act and become a model. There were no definite plans; it was just that I finally found what I am born for!!” The firm belief that she has in evolution of ideas from childhood to adulthood simplifies life when she exclaims, “It’s not necessary that all that we aspire to become as a child falls in our way like flowers in the path of Buddha! Those aspirations are going to change and we should welcome all our might because we do it for our personal profits!!!” Finding this thought queer and willing to converse about the numerous shifts it always wonderful to exaggerate the way she simply juggles between work life and personal life. To comment on which she put across the thought, “When I am active with my closed ones, I have the ability to survive a sinking ship. If one isn’t active in her personal life then how will she be active in her professional life? That’s the basic necessity to kick-off a career in an industry like ours. If one doesn’t have brain power then the other aspects just seem foggier than snow ranged mountains leading to vision and thoughts of self that aren’t visible clearly to people, they start despising you completely ending up in a cycle of regrets!” Mentioning about family, the society at large agrees that, nepotism to say has a magnanimous role in the industry. Soniya on the other hand, stands staunch in the industry today, neither has she had any Godfathers in the industry nor does she have any family member reaching the industry. In these circumstances in her accordance, there is always a need to have someone surrounding a fresher to support. The need arises from the past events of her life. She never had anyone to guide her way through to what acts to perform or work to look for, she had no option other than to work however talking about this day she knows the alternatives with all ends due to the life events, mistakes as well the success that she has achieved. Thus reinforcing, “The industry of films and theatre is an extremely difficult one to survive in!” However, only a fighter can survive through when one keeps struggling even when she has projects in hand because the fate can never be trusted, she might end up with zero projects one morning unknown of where to begin from or sometimes just clueless of audience’s approval of the work performed. The audience, however is a judge to everything, they also are variable deciders of schemas of body images that an industry portrays. Soniya, a fitness enthusiast elaborated on complete essence of work outs. “Due to work loads and several shifts, I do skip gyms for a day or certainly for a week if nothing progresses well, however, the moment I resume the sessions of muscle enhancers, I assure myself of stretching my limits to the farthest extent possible to cover up what I missed out on. This is also what makes me mentally fit as I am not worried about my health or overcoming injuries in general. As they say ‘A FIT BODY TRACES A FIT MIND’!! However, there is no assumed connection of body image and acting skills. For me at least, any person can act without having to worry about people body shaming him. That’s exactly what makes differences in tackling the negative outburst of audience. I believe in tackling such negative outbursts on meeting the critic rather than just a distinct criticiser who I probably would never even meet because that man sitting in some random corner of another city has no clue regarding my life. Particularly that is why for me, fashion is something that is classic and unique to me but also at the same time comfortable for me rather than revealing attire wore to impress the audience largely.” The simplicity with which she spoke about all of it is very similar to the simplicity with which she enacts a character. These characters have different underlying psyche, to acquire a role of those, she never utilises any substance that might justify the character however impact her negatively. Thus for her all roes hold equal importance and never does she take back the role with her. This congruence of her with the work life makes the reader flabbergast over so much about her choices and inspirations. “For me one actor I admire the most and always will is Shah Rukh Khan .” One might imagine what she carries along since childhood if she admires the legend Badshah since 90s’. No eye tear can be as magical as her innocent and honest words when she narrates, “I remember my dad explain me ‘BE WHOEVER YOU WISH TO, BUT NEVER LIE OR HURT ANYONE IN THE PROCESS OF BECOMING WHOEVER!!” Being humane none can resist but ask her to inspire youth being a role model not only because of her work and performances but also because of her intellect and temperament. “You know the youth needs to understand that Deepika Padukone has done critically acclaimed films to reach a state of worthiness and so has Ranveer Singh . He goes bare clothes for a shoot doesn’t actually mean the follower too should for gaining fame. That’s not how it works. Walk and act according to the situation. That makes them what they are. It will be the same for you too!” “EVEN DISNEY CAN’T RESIST THE CHARM OF FLOWER. HOW COULD ANYONE RESIST SONIYA’s SPRING!” SEARCH Karishma Kotak Playing Her Innings In Fashion, Sports And Fitness COVER STORIES Musings With Maryam Zolghadr COVER STORIES Madhura Naik talks about the Life of an Actress COVER STORIES Kavya Thapar And Her Versatile Acting Career That Cuts Across Regional Lines COVER STORIES Ahsaas Channa Talks About Her Mother Being The Inspiration Behind Her Career COVER STORIES POPULAR POSTS Advertisement By Anushka Sharma Dialogues That Never Disappoint With Actor Saqib Ayub 4 April 2024 COVER STORIES by Anjali Educate, Empower, Excel: Priyanka Chahar Choudhary's Inspirational Overture 15 November 2023 COVER STORIES by Akshra Khandelwal Purab Kohli’s Cinematic Expedition Through Films, Travel And Self-Expression 22 September 2023 COVER STORIES by Aparajita Jaiswal Exploring The Path Of Aspiring Actors And Producers: Insights From Anil Singh Chandel 6 September 2023 COVER STORIES RELATED POSTS Advertisement

by Aparajita Jaiswal Ahsaas Channa Talks About Her Mother Being The Inspiration Behind Her Career 3 March 2022 Advertisement Advertisement In a candid interview with Manya Vadehra, Ahsaas Channa (actor) talks about acting in movies, television, and digital web shows. From Jugaadistan to shooting for Hostel days season 3, she gives us some worth noting down “deets” from her upcoming projects. She is a passionate actor and believer. Ahsaas Channa was born and brought up in Mumbai. She started her career as a child actor in films such as Vaastu Shastra and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, where she stepped into male roles. “I was three years old and I was a very active child. Anytime there was any scene playing on TV, I used to remember all the lines, and for a three-year-old to remember all the lines was kind of weird and it catches a lot of eyes. So, my mom noticed this, and she realized that I might do well if I start acting and she put me for auditions. I had auditioned for Vaastu Shastra, which was my first film, and for the part, they had wanted a boy because the whole film was about this boy, but they really liked my audition. So, the director requested my mom, you know, if it’s okay for me to play a boy. And at first, my mom was not very (convinced) and she had many reservations but eventually said that I was too young and she saw no problems” says Ahsaas. The film performed exceedingly well and Ahsaas was given several opportunities including advertisements. Ahsaas added “I think when I was around seven years old, my mom realized that this is it, this should stop, and I should start acting like a girl. That’s when I did Phoonk. This was my debut film as a girl.” In her acting journey, Ahsaas received several television roles such as Oye Jassie (Disney) and MTV Fanaah. “Television was great. It was a whole different experience. Honestly, I never wanted to do TV as much but at that time, I did not want to leave acting because I was studying, and a lot of things were there. So, I always made sure I did cameos on TV shows, or a Disney show that doesn’t take much time, just like a few months where they shoot all the episodes together. So, I tried to do that as much. Even in Fanaah, I had a cameo with a lead role. I think TV really teaches you a lot as an actor because there’s a lot happening. I think doing TV is the best if you don’t go to an acting school. So, I got to learn a lot from TV. I got to understand axis and lighting, professionalism, and all these things” says Ahsaas as she explains how television acting played an important and significant role in her career span. Digitally run web shows have become a new and revolutionary trend in today’s world. It has brought about novel concepts, story angles, and acting methodologies. When asked for an opinion about OTT and its difference from films and television, here is what Ahsaas had to say- “I’ve realized that there is literally no difference because everybody is doing the same thing everywhere, be it on TV or on OTT. We are all trying to tell a story and acting and becoming characters. The only difference, maybe, would be the time period; how long it takes us to shoot a web series or a TV series. I think TV takes longer, it binds you for a year or more and web series is like a month or two months at max. As it is rightly said, behind every successful person, is an inspiring story or person. For Ahsaas Channa, it is her mother. “She’s the reason I’m an actor today. She’s taught me everything. I never went to an acting school, she groomed me and worked on my craft with me. She’s also an actress and I’ve seen her act and work hard. So, she’s always been my inspiration.” While talking about her experience, Ahsaas also reveals some positives and negatives of being in the spotlight in show business. “One thing that we always need to look out for is that there are a lot of people running in the same race. They are trying to achieve exactly what you are achieving. So, the moment you lose yourself and become a little lazy, you can be taken for granted and somebody else is going to overtake. For an actor, I think there are many good things. My favourite thing is that I get to do things that I wouldn’t be able to do in real life, for example, I’ve never ever studied medical. But through Kota Factory, I was a medical student. So, an actor gets to do different kinds of things that they wouldn’t do in real life. Play different characters, be in different situations and get different kinds of experiences. I’ve never been to a hostel, but I’ve done two shows that are based on hostels. I got to live the hostel life through these shows. So, I think this is the best part of being an actor.” Ahsaas “goes with the flow” when it comes to preparing for a role. She says “I read the script a lot of times before I’m on the floor. Also, I read scenes with the writers and the directors and get their feedback”. Ahsaas does not follow a particular method to prepare for a role. She explains by giving an example- “In Jugaadistan, I’m a journalism student. I don’t know anything about journalism. I just started watching a lot of interviews, I read a bit about journalism and journalists. But that’s all. That’s the max I do. I feel like if I prepare too much then things become very mechanical.” Throwing light into her upcoming projects, here’s what she has to say about them- “ Jugaadistan is set in the college universe. The universe that I’ve already explored. But it’s still very different because we’ve tried to explore a very dark side of college and university. While it is a lot of fun, we are still exploring friendships, relationships, jugaads, and a college fest in the show. There’s a brilliant ensemble here as well and everybody has a story of their own. I’ve always wanted to work with Akarsh Khurana and when I got an offer for this, this was the first thing that caught my eye, that Akarsh is directing the show.” Ahsaas also gave details about Hostel Days season and two more upcoming projects. Ahsaas Channa is a hard worker and believes that one should not take things for granted but keep working, believe in oneself and make the most out of the opportunities one gets in life. #AhsaasChannatalksabouthermotherbeingtheinspirationbehindhercareer #actor #jugaadistan #AhssasChanna #Fashion #play #lutopia #magazine #LutopiaMagazine #actress #lionsgateplay #Bollywoodactress #lionsgate #jugaadistan SEARCH Karishma Kotak Playing Her Innings In Fashion, Sports And Fitness COVER STORIES Musings With Maryam Zolghadr COVER STORIES Madhura Naik talks about the Life of an Actress COVER STORIES Kavya Thapar And Her Versatile Acting Career That Cuts Across Regional Lines COVER STORIES Ahsaas Channa Talks About Her Mother Being The Inspiration Behind Her Career COVER STORIES POPULAR POSTS Advertisement By Anushka Sharma Dialogues That Never Disappoint With Actor Saqib Ayub 4 April 2024 COVER STORIES by Anjali Educate, Empower, Excel: Priyanka Chahar Choudhary's Inspirational Overture 15 November 2023 COVER STORIES by Akshra Khandelwal Purab Kohli’s Cinematic Expedition Through Films, Travel And Self-Expression 22 September 2023 COVER STORIES by Aparajita Jaiswal Exploring The Path Of Aspiring Actors And Producers: Insights From Anil Singh Chandel 6 September 2023 COVER STORIES RELATED POSTS Advertisement

by Aishwarya Is Fragrance in Skincare of Concern: Decoded 3 November 2022 FASHION Advertisement Advertisement Fragrances play a huge role in our day-to-day life. They are an important aspect of our life. Often we human beings associate a certain person, food, incident or event, with the fragrance that reminds us of them. They play the role of making us feel nostalgic and associate with the source even more. While we all love a good fragrance, some people seem to have problems with perfume being in skin care. Though unfortunately, there isn’t a clear answer to whether fragrance in skincare is bad or not, still there is a lot of controversies surrounding it. A nice-smelling face mask seems like a perfect match for your me-time routine, but for some, it's the worst thing to do for their skin. The fragrance has become controversial in recent years, and the credit goes to YouTube videos, Subreddit threads, and many other social media platforms. According to a study, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that fragrance is one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis , which affects roughly 1% of the population. As you can see, the number is quite nominal. So whether your skin could suffer some irritation due to scented skincare or not, is subjective and complex. On top of that, there isn’t a particular way to find out whether your skin will get irritated or not. There isn’t a single or particular symptom to find out the risk, which makes it difficult for you to decide, whether to use scented skincare or not. There are two types of fragrances, that can be used in your skincare; synthetic and natural. Your basic instinct would be to opt for natural fragrances. But is natural always better than chemicals? According to the experts, not really. Let us first understand what synthetic fragrances are. Synthetic fragrances are the ones, that are created in the lab. Furthermore, synthetic fragrances can be either fully synthetic or semi-synthetic. Semi-synthetics are the ones that are partially created and the rest is natural. Many brands choose synthetic fragrances for their products, as it lasts longer than natural fragrances. Generally, the natural scent has a shelf life of around one to two years, while synthetic fragrances has a shelf life of five years. Natural fragrances are derived from a natural source, like lavender or rose. They aren’t created by humans, so they are available in just one form; all-natural. The only problem with natural fragrances is their shelf life, rather than that it serves its purpose. Now, that being said, even natural essential oils can cause severe skin irritation. So, before you get into investigating the concerns of fragrances in skincare, look for the products that work best for you. Not everyone is allergic to fragrances and you need to know that skincare is subjective. While it is important for us to know what’s there in our skincare. We should also know, how a certain product reacts to our skin. Applying a little bit of the product to the back of your ear can be a great way to start. Fragrances are harmful to some people, but it isn’t toxic chemical you need to be worried about. With that being said, always do what your skin needs. According to a study, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that fragrance is one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis , which affects roughly 1% of the population. #Skincare #Fragrances #UnscentedSkincare #Fragrancefree #Controversy #SkinTalk #SkinFacts SEARCH The Rich Heritage of Indian Handloom FASHION Fashion In The 19th Century FASHION Colour Psychology in Fashion: Explained FASHION The Influence Of Kanye West On Fashion FASHION K-Pop Fashion And Its Impact On Global Wardrobe FASHION POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement By Anushka Sharma These Fashion Trends Are Literally Scary For Your Health 1 April 2024 FASHION By Anushka Sharma India Is Finally Having A Major Fashion Moment 23 March 2024 FASHION By Anushka Sharma Fashion Trends: What's Hot In 2024 22 March 2024 FASHION By Anushka Sharma Is Africa The Next World Leader In Fashion 20 March 2024 FASHION RELATED POSTS

By Rini Pathak The Queen Of The Unconventional Pantless Trend: Kristen Stewart 16 March 2024 FASHION Advertisement Advertisement Pulling off the ultimate boss babe avatar, looks like Kristen Stewart has mastered the latest pantless trend. The Twilight alum’s clothing is dominated by corpcore, and it shows. During her trip to New York for the film’s marketing, Love Lies Bleeding, the actress showcased her daring side by joining the micro shorts craze exactly one week after she made her red carpet debut at the Los Angeles premiere of the film, only sporting a cut-out high-leg backless leotard and tights that took the no pants trend to heights of next level. Her all-black outfit of the day from Brunello Cucinelli, an Italian premium label, including a nude collared shirt with one button closed and the others open. A carefree mood emanated from the rolled sleeves and side pocket. Peeking out from underneath was a neutral-toned Victoria’s Secret bralette. The crocheted beige panties with brown borders were the true focal point of the ensemble. Kristen put all her trust in that tiny outfit. Her sole accessories were silver statement rings and brown-tinted sunglasses, and her elegant avatar was completed with a black quilted Gucci purse. Wearing two distinct styles of micro shorts in a single day; it certainly seems like she is currently competing with Kendall Jenner to be the unofficial style icon. Later on the very same day, Kristen did make a little alteration to her appearance by wearing maroon loafers with tassels instead of heels, buttoning all but the top few buttons on her shirt, and putting her disheveled hair up in a messy updo. A complete change of clothes happened later in the same day. Kristen wore a black t-shirt with side panels and lace sleeves this time. It had a high neck. The top also had a white collar, and the chest was adorned with a tiny white Chanel insignia. Kristen accessorized it with the same maroon shoes from earlier in the day, black leg warmers bearing the Chanel logo, and high-waist black sports style micro shorts with a white trim. She wore black Ray-Ban wayfarers instead of red-tinted geometric sunglasses, and her hair was done in an updo with a wet effect. Tara Swennen, Kristen’s stylist, was responsible for both of her fits. She is also the person behind her risqué leotard appearance. Tara’s styling of these ensembles reads almost as a critique on current fashion trends. The majority of people don’t feel comfortable wearing pantless suits, skimpy clothing, or open-collared shirts on a daily basis. However, seeing Stewart’s lingerie so prominently displayed serves as a reminder that, despite their celebrity status, celebrities also have physical concerns. Essentially, Kristen Stewart’s style selections are a reflection of her unshakable sincerity and defiance of social norms. Regardless of whether she’s walking the red carpet or hitting the streets, Stewart’s sense of style continues to be a tribute to uniqueness, personal expression, and the ability of fashion to change lives. True style has no borders, as Kristen Stewart consistently pushes boundaries and defies expectations. SEARCH The Rich Heritage of Indian Handloom FASHION Fashion In The 19th Century FASHION Colour Psychology in Fashion: Explained FASHION The Influence Of Kanye West On Fashion FASHION K-Pop Fashion And Its Impact On Global Wardrobe FASHION POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement By Anushka Sharma These Fashion Trends Are Literally Scary For Your Health 1 April 2024 FASHION By Anushka Sharma India Is Finally Having A Major Fashion Moment 23 March 2024 FASHION By Anushka Sharma Fashion Trends: What's Hot In 2024 22 March 2024 FASHION By Anushka Sharma Is Africa The Next World Leader In Fashion 20 March 2024 FASHION RELATED POSTS

by Akshay T S From Damaged To Radiant: A Hair-Care Solution That Transforms Your Destiny 7 July 2023 LIFESTYLE Advertisement Fine or thick, curly or straight, glam or color, there is thankfully a vast realm of essential hair care products to leave any hair type with good care. Eliminating the tricky endeavor of sorting through and discovering the right products for you makes all the difference. With a firm belief that caring is a rewarding experience, The Magic Dots is revolutionizing the hair care industry with its luxury hair care products. Like any beauty care, hair maintenance is strictly personal. However, in this day and age of pollution and environmental stressors, many of us encounter additional hair care issues which need effective care and treatment. From dryness to damage and hair loss to scalp issues, most hair issues can indeed be prevented or minimized with proper hair care practices. Tackling these problems was what led to the inception of The Magic Dots. Formulated exclusively for discerning lovers of luxury hair care, this holy-grail hair-care brand is the result of the combined expertise of trichologists and a commitment to making high-performance hair care accessible to all. With a wide range of hair care essentials, The Magic Dots mood-boosting, confidence-evoking hairdo products make hair care easy with its shampoos, hair masks, serums, oils, and hair care kit. The clean and transformative products harness the power of science and nature, adhering to the highest standards in the ever-evolving hair-care market. Why does it matter? Echoing the motto of improving hair health through natural ways. The Magic Dots use Plant-Driven natural ingredients for remedying damage. With the inculcation of nature and science to transform and improve hair quality. The brand uses exceptional botanical extracts that add to the efficacy of hair care products. How is it different? If you're wondering what differentiates The Magic Dots from the many brands out there? It is solely the brand's commitment to producing affordable, clean, and safe hair care products. Empowering individuals to address hair health with ease and confidence. The Magic Dots address specific hair concerns with unparalleled accuracy. What to look for? Casting its magic over the masses, The Magic Dot presents their most recent and popular hair care essentials: The Honey Infused Deep Hydration Kit . Formulated with Manuka Honey, Moroccan Argan Oil, and Hyaluronic Acid. The kit targets and adds definition and strength to dull, dry, and damaged hair. Holding beauty, science, and nature in high esteem, The Magic Dot embraces authenticity in all forms. Designed to deliver high performance with affordability. It is committed to ascending to greater heights in the cosmetics realm. SEARCH Countdown To History: Omega Unveils Paris 2024 Olympics Countdown Clock And Special Edition Timepiece LIFESTYLE Juggling Law And Fashion: The Inspirational Journey Of Riddhi Nahata, A Multifaceted Influencer LIFESTYLE Join Shruti Yogi On Her Enchanting Journey From Kumkum Bhagya To Wanderlust Saga LIFESTYLE Personal Growth And Relatability: Ishita Khanna's Key To Influencer Success LIFESTYLE 6 Disadvantages Of Being Pretty LIFESTYLE POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement By Anushka Sharma Unveiling the Myth: Does Pretty Privilege Truly Exist 17 April 2024 LIFESTYLE By Anushka Sharma How Do Some People Not Get Acne No Matter What 15 April 2024 LIFESTYLE By Anushka Sharma Kate Middleton’s Story Has Only Gotten Worse With Time 18 March 2024 LIFESTYLE By Rini Pathak The Skill Of Ageing Gracefully: Secrets From The Land Of Longevity 17 March 2024 LIFESTYLE RELATED POSTS Advertisement

by Anushka Sharma In Conversation And More With Payal Ghosh 11 March 2023 COVER STORIES Advertisement Advertisement Accompanied with a vivacious personality and an appealing charm, Payal Ghosh is a class apart indeed. In a candid take on her life’s trajectory with us, we uncovered a lot that lies under the layers. Speaking of when she got her first break, she said, “I was just 17 when I got my first opportunity. I wasn't even out of college yet, I just went to accompany a friend to an audition and I got a movie Prayanam directed by a National Award winning director Mr. Yeleti. It was a fantastic experience.” Getting an opportunity at the age of 17 is definitely a God’s given bliss! Speaking of how she would describe her experience working in the South as well as Bollywood, she talks to us about how different the overall outlook is. She states, “They both are different. Down south they do a lot of pre-production work. This is not to say that Bollywood doesn't, but it's more abundant there. The shoots are also wrapped sooner down south. Bollywood is a different ballgame. The audience is wide and you are critiqued for everything that you do. As we unfurled a few topics on which one of her works is closest to her heart, she tells us that she cannot choose or pick a single project! “All of them. I can't differentiate between them. They are like my babies. I’ve worked so much that no work is big or less for me, I loved all my work and every artist should love every work of theirs.” Art is all about nourishing a metaphorical baby that feeds off your talent, after all! Speaking of her upcoming projects, she states, “One of them is Red which is completed with Krishna. It's a thriller. I have started working on "Shaque the doubt" which is also a thriller. The shooting commences in London soon. I’ve many more projects coming up to surprise the Audience and my fans.” When we asked Payal about this one piece of advice for the girls who are keen to join the industry, she tells us, “Be bold, be yourself and don't take the shortcut route. If you work hard enough for your dreams you'll surely make it. There is enough room for talent. Believe in yourself.” However, acting isn’t all that she’s known for. Payal has some slick sense of dressing as well. When asked about her fashion mantra, she tells us the key to knowing it all: Being yourself in whatever you wear, with confidence and happiness, only to never go wrong with it! As the conversation divulged into the topics of mental health, she has a rather interesting take on the entire subject. She states, “Do start with a goal for your mental health content. ... Do use credible sources. ... Do include the details on how to get in touch with professional help. ... Don't limit people's identities to their mental health.” Speaking of her views on body positivity, she tells us, “All body types are beautiful and deserve acceptance. Body positivity is guided by the understanding that feeling positive and accepting of appearance can improve mental health, reduce the risk of eating disorders, and allow someone to function at their best. Needless to say, this interview with Payal Ghosh was indeed a refreshing take on life, Bollywood and perspectives in general. SEARCH Karishma Kotak Playing Her Innings In Fashion, Sports And Fitness COVER STORIES Musings With Maryam Zolghadr COVER STORIES Madhura Naik talks about the Life of an Actress COVER STORIES Kavya Thapar And Her Versatile Acting Career That Cuts Across Regional Lines COVER STORIES Ahsaas Channa Talks About Her Mother Being The Inspiration Behind Her Career COVER STORIES POPULAR POSTS Advertisement By Anushka Sharma Dialogues That Never Disappoint With Actor Saqib Ayub 4 April 2024 COVER STORIES by Anjali Educate, Empower, Excel: Priyanka Chahar Choudhary's Inspirational Overture 15 November 2023 COVER STORIES by Akshra Khandelwal Purab Kohli’s Cinematic Expedition Through Films, Travel And Self-Expression 22 September 2023 COVER STORIES by Aparajita Jaiswal Exploring The Path Of Aspiring Actors And Producers: Insights From Anil Singh Chandel 6 September 2023 COVER STORIES RELATED POSTS Advertisement

by Priti Sharma Life Changing Trips Everyone Should Experience At Least Once 15 February 2023 TRAVEL Advertisement Advertisement A vacation is usually an excellent idea. It's never a terrible thing to switch up your surroundings and put work aside for a few days, no matter where you're going. However bizarre it may sound, becoming bored when on vacation is possible. I'll give you an illustration: You're not taking full benefit of travel if your yearly vacation involves going to the same little beach town every summer, where you stay in the same lodgings and dine at the same eateries. It's good to return to a location that seems familiar, but discovering new things is one of the most delicate parts of traveling. It's a chance to venture beyond your comfort zone and experience sights, sounds, and tastes that are unavailable to you at home. If you're ready to try something different the next time you go OOO, let us give you some ideas. We've put up a list of 11 amazing journeys that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. You can cross these off your bucket list when you go on your next journey. 1. Hike in a National Park One of the finest ways to see the natural beauty that can be found right here in the United States is to visit a national park. It's hardly surprising that tourists from all over the world flock to these locations given the abundance of animals, magnificent natural features, and unrivaled stargazing. Make it a point to visit at least one (but ideally many!) of the 63 national parks that are dispersed around the nation during your lifetime. The Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone, and Glacier are just a handful of the amazing places that should be on your bucket list. 2. Visit Paris Romance, creativity, fashion, and cuisine. Although Paris sells them throughout the year, the Salon du Chocolat is when they are highlighted. The top chocolatiers, confectioners, and cocoa specialists in the world celebrate unique flavors and innovations every fall. Paris is usually an excellent option because of its iconic architecture, world-class museums, and delectable cuisine, to name a few. It's a city that everyone must see at least once. Visit Paris for the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre; stay for the city's quaint sidewalk cafés, outdoor markets, and stunning parks. 3. Head to a Tropical Beach Nothing screams leisure like sprawling out on a beach with a fruity cocktail in your hand and the crystal blue sea out in front of you. A leisurely trip to the tropics can be exactly what you need if you're used to holidays that are jam-packed with activities. With places like Hawaii, Tahiti, the Maldives, or of countless Caribbean islands, you can't go wrong. 4. Experience an African Safari The experience of viewing lions, giraffes, and elephants in their natural habitats is incomparable to visiting a zoo. One of those once-in-a-lifetime events that you must actually experience is an African safari. You will experience incredible animals and scenery that you won't find anywhere else on the globe while being led by a local expert. Start your vacation in one of the top-rated safari locations, such as Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, or South Africa. 5. Take a Tour of Italy It is impossible to choose just one Italy location to check off your bucket list because of the country's diverse landscapes and rich history, including Rome, Tuscany, and the sparkling Almafi Coast. The greatest way to experience it is as a complete. Italy's train system, fortunately, makes it simple to travel the whole length of the nation. 6. See the Big Apple Nothing compares to New York City. It serves as the famous backdrop for several films and TV series and serves as a representation of a great deal of American culture. Of course, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge are all must-see features, but what will make you fall in love with New York is its different neighborhoods, indie eateries, and hidden-gem boutiques. 7. Spot the Northern Lights A little price to pay for some wind and snow is the chance to view the Northern Lights, which involves enduring Arctic conditions. The stunning light show may be seen in places like northern Canada, Alaska, Iceland, Finland, and Norway, despite the fact that the phenomenon is notoriously hard to spot. 8. Road Trip Across the Country Even though flying is frequently the more convenient choice, a road vacation includes travel as a component of the experience. It provides you the chance to eat quickly in quaint rural towns or take photographs at tacky roadside sights en route to your destination. Additionally, you never know when you'll find a fantastic location that wasn't on your schedule. Therefore, inflate your tires, pack the car, and don't forget to bring a tonne of goodies. 9. Visit One of the Seven World Wonders The seven wonders must be included on each traveler's bucket list. Any one of these wonders is certainly worth the trek across the globe; they are among the most amazing human-built buildings ever made. Choose from the Taj Mahal, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the Colosseum, Chichén Itzá, Christ the Redeemer, Machu Picchu, and Chichén Itzá. 10. Explore Australia Australia is a place that is genuinely unique. It has famous landmarks like the Great Barrier Reef and the Sydney Opera House, as well as a broad range of animals that are unique to this continent (think kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies). Australia provides an experience for everyone, with everything from humming cities and sandy beaches to deep jungles and alpine summits. 11. Eat Your Way Through Southeast Asia Southeast Asia, which includes nations like Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, is unquestionably a culinary lover's dream. The area offers so many mouthwatering delicacies that it would be hard to sample them all, and it boasts some of the greatest street cuisines on the whole globe. In addition, the region is rather affordable for travel (and very well-liked among backpackers! ), making it possible to see several nations in one journey. What's next on your travel list? With so many places worth traveling to, it can be hard to narrow down your top spots to visit. Sometimes what draws us to a place are the well-known sights, delectable cuisine, and luxurious hotels, and other times it's the bragging rights that come with seeing every continent, nation, or state. Whatever your reason, we've compiled a list of 11 extraordinary journeys that include once-in-a-lifetime encounters and renowned sites that are unique to each location. What then qualifies a vacation as really transformative? One thing is certain, though: After reading this list of iconic road trips and African safaris, you'll be itching to start planning your next big journey. SEARCH 7 Abandoned Cities In India And Abroad That Are Too Beautiful To Be Forgotten TRAVEL Blue Lagoon – Iceland TRAVEL Palm Islands TRAVEL WORLD PEACE DOME TRAVEL Blood Falls In Antarctica: Explained TRAVEL POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement By Anushka Sharma Lakshadweep Is A Heaven In Disguise And Here Is Why 3 April 2024 TRAVEL By Anushka Sharma If Uzbekistan Isn’t On Your Travel List, Here Is Exactly Why It Should Be 21 March 2024 TRAVEL By Anushka Sharma The Fashion Capitals Of Asia: Exploring Style Beyond Borders 19 March 2024 TRAVEL By Anushka Sharma The Best Countries You Should Visit With A Budget Of Less Than A Lakh Rupees 3 March 2024 TRAVEL RELATED POSTS

by Neha Pande Festival of Stones 27 July 2020 SOCIETY Advertisement Advertisement Bagwal also known as DevidhuraFair is celebrated at Maa Varahi Devi Temple in Devidhura located at a distance of 45km from Lohaghat in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand. Devidhura also marks the tri-junction of Almora, Pithoragarh and Nainital districts and is famous for its rich cultural fair that is celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm. This fair is celebrated every year during Rakshabandhan that falls on the full moon day of the month of Shravan. Thousands of people from Uttarakhand and Nepal come to visit this grand fair. Bagwal is celebrated by dividing four different groups, collectively known as ‘Khams’. The four groups are four different tribes – Gharwal Kham, Chamyal Kham, Lamgriha Kham and Valig Kham. The fair starts out with the worship of Goddess Varahi, after the worship Prasad is distributed and this is when everything gets a bit tricky. The members of each Kham position themselves on the four corners of the field of the temple and the priest commences the festival with the sound of the ‘shankh’/shell. Bagwal is no normal festival with just worship and joy but here the Khams are fighters who carry sticks, stones and a farra/shield for the fight. These fighters throw stones at one another while at the same time protecting themselves with the shield. It does not matter how wounded or injured they get, the fight does not stop till the priest concludes the fight with the sound of the ‘shankh’. While the fight is going on the rest of the attendees cheer their teams with fight drums, folk songs and folk dances. After the fight all the injured are treated with ‘bichchu grass’ ie. Urtica Dioca. The Myth behind the Bagwal festival:- According to the myth, there once was a tradition of sacrificing a man (Narbali) from the Kham each year to Goddess Varahi. On one such year, it was the turn of this old woman to sacrifice her grandson, with a heavy heart and mind full of devotion she prepared her grandson for the sacrifice. This touched the Goddess’s heart and she spared his life under the condition that an equal amount of blood should be offered to her. Since that day, Bagwal fair is celebrated by the people where the members of each Kham throw stones at each other in order to draw sacrificial blood for Goddess Varahi. Reason for taking this Cultural Fair :- The main reason I choose to write upon Bagwal cultural fair is because my hometown is in Uttarakhand and I also wanted to address the issue of ‘Bali’/Sacrifice. Sacrificing animals as well as people have been going on in our religion as well as many other religions since the dawn of time; from Mayan, Pagan, Hinduism, Muslim etc. Sacrifice or ‘Bali’ in Hindu religion has its own significance, it is symbolic of getting rid of 6 evil forces/enemies ie. Kama– Lust Krodha – Anger Lobha–Greed Mada– Pride Moha – Attachments Matsarya – Jealousy By the sacrificial festival of Bagwal the basic idea of sacrificing men or animals was stopped yet the sacrificial blood was spilled by the act of fighting and throwing stones at each other. Our culture and heritage is one of the oldest; yet, I wanted to showcase some of the flaws in it which have changed and evolved but are still there. In August 2019, 100 men got injured under 10 minutes while celebrating Bagwal in Champwant district, Uttarakhand on Thursday. Even though the human sacrifice was stopped yet, hundreds of people got injured which is not a small thing. This is just one small case, there are many more cases tied up to this festival. Even though there is a high court ban on the use of stones during the festival yet the locals seem to sneak in with stones while outsmarting the authorities.Even a lot of local authorities encourage this practice instead of putting a stop on it. I personally believe that the concept behind ‘Bali’ is not bad because every Dussehra we burn Ravan as a sign of victory of good over evil, just like that ‘Bali’ is the concept of sacrificing 6 evils to the goddess yet the literal concept of ‘Bali’ ie. To sacrifice a living breathing creature or to injure one another is completely wrong. God didn’t make us to harm each other therefore the literal concept of ‘Bali’ should be condemned just like the literal practice of Bagwal should be put to an end. The ideology, unlike the festival, should carry on and pass on from generation to generation. Bagwal is a beautiful festival from Kumaon, Uttarakhand which should be celebrated with joy and enthusiasm, without harming each other as the concept of Bagwal is beautiful just like the myth. Bagwal is the story of love and sacrifice therefore it should be practiced with love and sacrifice of our inner demons instead of throwing stones towards each other to draw out blood as a symbol. The festival is a perfect blend of folk songs, folk dances and folklores. And just like Bagwal our country has hundreds of festivals and practices with a beautiful story but an unlikely tragic execution. #MohaAttachments #Myth #6evilforcesenemiesie #Devidhurafair #Tribal #Regionalfestival #IndianMyths #Indianfestival #MaaVarahiDeviTemple #Bagwalfestival #MatsaryaJealousy #Champawatdistrict #KrodhaAnger #Shravan #Sacrifice #Culturalfair #Lohaghat #IndianRitual #Uttarakhand #LobhaGreed #MaaVarahi #KamaLust #Rituals #Bali #Khams #MadaPride #Rakshabandhan SEARCH Women Empowerment A mere concept or a real Concern SOCIETY Looking Through The Excellence Of ‘Jaali’ Architecture SOCIETY Why the Gender Pay Gap is Wide and Disturbing SOCIETY Festival of Stones SOCIETY The Pygmalion Effect SOCIETY POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement By Rini Pathak A Glance In The Kshitij’23: A Euphoric Escapade 26 January 2024 SOCIETY By Rini Pathak Mithibai Kshitij: Epitome Of Diverse Social Cause Empowerment 24 January 2024 SOCIETY By Rini Pathak Breaking Barrier And Redefining Inclusivity Conduct Of Para Events: Shaping Of A Better Future By Mithibai Kshitij 19 January 2024 SOCIETY by Mudita Bagla Divorce - Not A Big Deal 24 January 2023 SOCIETY RELATED POSTS