Christmas Day Eve 2016 | Four Fun Things To Do

Merry tune of “Jingle bells” echoing along the streets hark us back in Christmas mood. Seeing the town swathed in twinkling lights, beaded garlands, and aroma of plum puddings and roasted nuts educes our fondness for traditions. The pomp and gaiety of Christmas gives a perfect chance to indulge oneself in goodies, cookies, and festivities.

To make sure, you face not a single dull moment on the day, we have jotted down the few things to do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:

Feasting:

The city has become a host to endless craving tables with the restaurants and hotels throwing their own Christmas themed brunch, lunch, and dinner.

• Try Winter Jingle Menu by Fio Cookhouse
• Christmas Carnival at DLF Promenade is a total treat. (They have towering Christmas tree of 25ft.!)
• Sakley’s Mountain Cafe is not ready to go short on their Christmas Menu
• Feast at All American Diner, India Habitat Centre while enjoying some Jazz

Merrymaking:

The merriest time is when the Santa showers you with gifts you fancy and the contests & fun sessions arranged across the metropolis are wholeheartedly granting this wish.

• Attend Christmas Party at Gymboree for the splash of art and colours for the kids
• Explore the city and its periphery on this festive weekend by taking part in Heritage Walks.
• Plan a staycation with your near and dear ones around Delhi NCR

Carolling:

The celebration of the returning light is incomplete without the exchange of rich music, so Delhi serves you up with the finest carol performances for the masses.

• Attend Midnight Mass at Sacred Heart or Cathedral Church of Redemption (Wait post 12 to get your share of cake!)
• Participate in a Musical Afternoon at Lodi Gardens 3-5pm. (Prepare your Christmas carols before you go!)
• Jump in the Street Carols in Connaught Place

Also, Hauz Khas Village, Saket, and Gurgaon will be throwing innumerable musical gatherings at this time.

Wassailing:

The holiday’s pagan roots are suitably acknowledged in the tradition of ‘wassailing’ where the people go door to door sharing a loving bowl of food, drinks, and good wishes. Add more meaning to it by being someone’s Santa.

• Participate in the volunteering programs for deprived groups.
• Donate a plateful of TLC to organisations working for the cause.

Now you know ‘Where to Go’ and ‘What to Do’ this Christmas. Buckle up to share the smiles and laughter around!

The North East Festival 2016 At IGNCA, New Delhi

When Delhi delved into the North-East! 

The splendid jewels of Manipur, the delightful dance of Assam, intricately handcrafted fabrics of Nagaland and scrumptious Sikkim spread created a euphoric stir at the IGNCA, New Delhi during the North East Festival 2016. The three-day festival commenced on Friday, 5’Nov to exhibit the rich art, culture and heritage of the distinct but equally unexplored region.

The festival showcased a vast variety of hand loomed Eri, Tassar, Muga silk fabrics, Mekhla chadars, hand-woven jackets, traditional wrap around skirts etc. One could experience an odyssey of colours and creative art.

Ethnic folk dances like Bardwisikhla from Bodoland which is celebrated to welcome the goddess of wind and water created an environment of ecstasy as it mingled with refreshingly invigorating beats. The festival also displayed some of the most celebrated martial arts of India like Kalaripayattu from Kerala and Gatka from Punjab.
The three-day festival was organised to connect cultures, reduce gaps and celebrate the awe-inspiring spirit of the North-eastern region and people. The festival served as a perfect opportunity to immerse in the incredible diversity of the North-East!

• Rachit Sharma

Diwali Shopping At Dastkar Bazaar | Diwali Mela In 2016 | Festival

Lights will guide you to Dastkar Bazaar, which is all festooned with the finest of craftworks around the theme, ‘Festival of Lights’ to brighten the lives of people. Ceramics, Trinkets, Decorative Items, Home Furnishing, Handicrafts, Ethnic Garb, and Souvenirs displayed in the carnival are manicured and mortised by the talented crafts groups from across 29 states of India to dish up the contemporary taste without compromising on time-honoured grace. Looking at them, one cannot help but sing the praises of the artistry innate in rustic cloisters of our country.

It was great getting to know the passionate artisans, who have contributed some of the most exquisite craft, one has rarely spotted. India Heritage Desk tried to bring forth their beauty and appeal in few megapixels.

 Diwali Mela In Delhi 2016 | festival | Events

Check out!

These Sanjhi Art Tree Life Lamps are laboured with love by Adhya Crafts. They feature a tree in stencil-like precision that appears complete, no matter what side you are seeing them from.

Also, cull out the prettiest lanterns, diyas and candleholders…

These earthly and refined Ceramics and Pottery Items are chiseled by the outstanding ceramic artists from Khurja, a tiny city in Uttar Pradesh. The lead-free pieces of art including a coffee mug, planter, soap dispenser or vase are a perfect choice to dazzle the homes.

The range of Soaps, Cleansers, Masks, Mists and Foot Soaks by Spa Veda  are made with completely pure and organic extracts. These assure a gentle kiss of nature for that glowing skin.

The Hand-woven Tussar Silk, Matka Silk, Jamdani, South Cotton, Zari Garments, along with Crochet, Stone, Silver, Beads, & Boho Jewellery, exhibit the elegance incarnate in the hands of our artisans. From the designs, motif, texture, and feel, everything about them are on point.

The Home Furnishing stacked by Sasha Association for Craft Producers in this year’s Dastkar Bazaar is just the thing to glam up the homes in Diwali season. It is elaborately hand-stitched by the rural women of Bengal.

Or you can go green this Diwali with these endearing Coconut Shell Creations and Decorative Items…

The vibrant spirit of festival is incomplete without the sweet exchange of gifts, and the bazaar has some tempting Gifting Options ranging from Statues, Paper Mache Items, Stationary, etc.

Art is the essence of our country, and artisans, the entity who strive year by year to put something exclusive to the global palate and leave the spectators flabbergasted. Kudos to them! With such talent and pace, in no time soon we will witness the handicraft sector of India as an economic mainstream in the competitive world.

Without paying hefty, one can infuse stately elegance to their homes and lives. The gates of Dastkar Bazaar are open to public view till 26^th October 2016. Do not stay aloof from this beautiful art!

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Music of Maharashtra

From centuries, Music has been a string that connects together communities, and forges & evolves their unique identity. The exquisite beats and sounds in any genre of music spawn the unique sensations that manifest themselves into different reactions. It can be a potion to soothe the tumultuous mind, or an envoy of love in the soundless tides. Music can be deeply human and at the same time, deeply cultural as well, for – like languages – there are many forms of music.  They are often recreated and restructured for different society, region, and religion. So, how the state of Maharashtra could remain stripped of it?

Apart from the holy people and colorful traditions, since 12th to 18th century AD the state belongs to a rich tradition of folk songs, poetry, and music, which are:

• Natya Sangeet: Belonging to a legacy of almost 200-year-old tradition, it is a semi-classical musical form that looks a lot like a Musical Opera in the western tradition. Its influx made music accessible to the common man, which was formerly the cartel of crowned heads. The themes ranged from romance, religion, bravery to Marathi legends. The consideration to raga and theatrical elements grabs the interest of the addressees. 

• Powada: Emerged in late 17th century, it is Marathi poetry written in the ballad style. It was a popular entertainment source for the village folks. It started with the narration of a thrilling episode of Shivaji assassinating his foe Afzal Khan, and other historical events. Shahirs aka Powada singerslater formed a guild called Gondhalis. The resonant singing and histrionic acting are the quintessence of it. 

• Tamasha: During Peshwa period of Maratha Empire in the 18th century, this theatrical entertainment form came into being. Its amusing music and dance energized the spirits of the locals. The music draws its influence from many Indian art forms and traditions such as Kaveli, Ghazals, Kirtan, Lavani, Dashavatara, Kathak, etc. Performed in two styles i.e. Dholki Bhaari and Sangeet Baari, this form was generally associated with traveling theater groups called Kolkata. Loud humor and suggestive lyrics are its soul. 
  

• Keertan: Dawn of Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra under the headship of Saint Poets like Dnyaneshwar, amdev, Tukaram, Jani and Soyara has given rise to this devotional form of music. It believed in the fusion of Bhakti (devotion) with Jnana (knowledge) for oneness with the God. Sung in solo and group, Keertan is generally practiced in 3 traditions i.e. Naradiya Keertan, Waarkari Keertan, and Ramdasi Keertan. Unfussy rustic feel, utter frankness, and self-revelation are its innate qualities. 

• Community Songs: Bhaleri is uncommon tunes particular to a society that lightens the mood of farmers at work, or, people in a social gathering. Town ladies croon Owi at daybreak to narrate the tales of mother’s or spouse’s home. Palane, a lullaby is quite common to put infants to sleep. Also, the unique songs are played at the halad and ghana ceremonies in marriage by Suvasinis. The simple tunes linger in minds for long. 

• Instrumental Music: Sweet sounds of the world famous musical instrument, Sitar found its origin in the ‘town of music’, Miraj from Sangli district of Maharashtra. Besides, the trumpet-like instrument, Tutari is played in the convention of palkhi in Maharashtra to exhibit the royal arrival or the message of triumph loudly. Owing to its flexibility, Tutari is viewed as a political symbol nowadays.

Music Festivals like Banganga Festival, Pune Festival, Latur Festival, Ellora Festival, Sangeet Shankar Darbaar, organized annually are a sight to catch. Besides, this prevents our traditional art forms from waning out.

Durga Puja : Celebration of World Peace

Being a melting pot to multifarious cultures, Delhi has made it bliss for the Bengalis and non Bengalis by hosting a glimmering array of Durga Puja under the same sky. The organisers have introduced the innovative themes and designs of pandals to amplify the merriment.

One of them is Maitri Mandir Durga Puja Samiti in Safdurjung area of South Delhi, which has dabbled the opulence of Palais Garnier – the famous Opera House of France. The stunning Neoclassical structure, in colour scheme of red, gold and off white, is put up in a month in the budget of whopping 40 lac INR. The massive idol of Goddess Durga is intricately fabricated from the clay by award-winning sculptor Pradip Rudra Pal from Kolkata. The cascading staircases in oval shaped hall let the people gaze upon fellow devotees, while the golden roof and chandeliers keep the attendees transfixed.

During dawn hours, the melodious sounds of Bhajans and homas serenade the ambiance. Rest of the day, magic of dandiya, contests and live gigs takes over. The seven-membered troop of Dhakis (percussionists) lead by Gokul Das, and Bengali folk crooner Aarko Mukherjee are the major highlights from the festivities.

Without the mention of food, Durga Puja festivities are incomplete. The committee unfailing filled the appetite of devotees by churning out the delicacies of Indian, Mughlai and Bengali flavors in the vast number of stalls.

In Durga Puja, we celebrate  the victory of Maa Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. On the same note, the Opera House theme epitomises respite from every evil force in the world in the times when bombing, attacks, death and terrorism have become a common talk, believes Debashish Saha, the general secretary.

Also, it is a beautiful commemoration of the golden jubilee of Maitri Mandir Puja Committee.

Natak: Theatrical Art of Maharashtra

India’s extensive and rich tradition of theatre dates back to at least 5000 years. The earliest form of the theatre emerged in India was in Sanskrit. It began after the development of Greek and Roman theatre and before the development of theatre in other parts of Asia. The origin of Indian theatre is closely related to ancient rituals and seasonal festivities of the country. Bharat Muni’s Natya Shastra is the earliest and most elaborate piece on dramaturgy written anywhere in the world which holds numerous combined and codified traditions of Dance, Mime and Drama that describes classifications of dramatic acts. No other book of ancient times contains such a thorough study on drama. It is addressed to the playwright, the director and the actor because to Bharat Muni these three were inseparable in the creation of drama.

 Marathi theatre

It is the theatrical art in Marathi language, originating in the Maharashtrian province, and elsewhere with Marathi Diaspora. Beginning in the middle of the 19th century the Marathi theatre was dominated by the playwrights who enriched the stage for about half the century with excellent musical plays known as ‘Sangeet Natak - The Musical Drama’, ‘Tamasha- Plays Featuring Folk Dance’ and ‘Powada- Drama In The Ballad Form’.

In Maharashtra the theatrical activity began in 1843 with Vishnudas Bhave's “Sanglikar Natak Mandali”, which was influenced by the English plays. Vishnudas was an extremely gifted scholar - playwright, director and able organizer. He began staging plays with narrations in verse, the stories of which rooted from Sanskrit mythology and religious literature. Songs and music were the strengths of Bhave's dramas. In 1868, Vinayak Kirti entered the Marathi Theatre with his historical drama "MADHAVRAO PESHWA" which had absolutely no songs or musical recitals; instead the whole drama was acted with dialogues which were totally in prose. Here the Marathi drama branches off in two directions - Prose Plays and Verse Plays. The Marathi Theatre now began its un-interrupted march. This success of the theatrical arts paved way for commercial repertories in Marathi theatre, and subsequently the formation of numerous Natak Companies.

The forward march of the Marathi Theatre, be it professional and non-professional, has been ever progressive and full of constant social and aesthetic awareness. These heights have been scaled due to the glorious efforts of many highly learned playwrights and talented artists. It is difficult to narrate its past in a few words. The share of Marathi Theatre in the development of Indian Theatre has been not only unique but a source of valued inspiration for theatrical arts in other Indian languages. Thus Marathi Theatre has etched a golden chapter in the history of Indian Theatre.

Many outstanding playwrights like Mama Warerkar, Acharya Atre, Vasant Kanetkar, Vidyadhar Gokhale, M. G. Rangnekar, Madhusudan Kalelkar, Shirwadkar and the renowned modernist Vijay Tendulkar, were triumphant in raising the standards of the post-independence Marathi Theatre. And some later playwrights who, with their innovative thoughts tried to give a new dimension to the Marathi Theatre include Jaywant Dalvi, Vinayak Janardhan Keertane, Mahesh Elkunchwar, Prabhodh Thackeray, S.N Navare, Satish Alekar, G.P. Deshpande, Datta Bhagat, Ram Ganesh Gadkari, and Vishnu Das Bhave.

Even today it continues to have marked a presence in the state of Maharashtra with a loyal audience support, when most theatre in other parts of India has had tough time facing the onslaught of cinema and television. The sole reason this art form is still alive today is just because of good writers, innovative directors and an appreciative audience. The craze for theatre and the eagerness to experiment with its content remains untouched. As in Maharashtra it is a tradition and neither the audience nor the playwrights ever look at it as just a medium of entertainment.

Dhwani: Re-establishing the Cult of Kathak

Few people have their heads in the clouds, while there are few who foresee the potential of dreams and put their heart and soul to accomplish them. In 1984 Vaswati Misra, an exponent of Kathak, choreographer, and teacher embarked on the journey to re-establish the cult of Kathak and take it back to its glorious pedestal.

Kathak for her was never a fling but eternal devotion. The sight of her elder sister, Saswati performing Kathak, triggered in her the desire to learn and explore the art form. The bond became stronger when she met and married, Krishna Mohan Misra, the eldest son of Kathak maestro Pandit Shambhu Maharaj and cousin of Pandit Birju Maharaj.

She combined her passion for performance and education to set up an Arts Education Centre, Pandit Shambhu Maharaj Kathak Academy as the educational wing of Dhwani. Receiving recognition from the Government of India, in the form of a salary grant she was finally able to maintain a repertory on a permanent basis.

Idea:

To ensure that the Indian Performing Arts reach the grassroots level, which is bereaved of the acknowledgment it should have received long ago. Also, she implemented a planned methodology of teaching to alleviate the distress of students who are expected to erase what’s taught earlier and start afresh with the change of Guru. Her choreography based upon ‘dance grammar’ and ‘improvisation’ presents an extremely traditional form of dance in new and exciting ways.

Eligibility:

Everybody, irrespective of age, experience, preference or background, is welcome to enrol for General and Certificate Courses of Kathak and Hindustani Classical Music. Also, there are vocational and arts education programs for the less privileged. Live music is an added USP for classical dancers.

Essence:

Dhwani doesn’t pressurize the students by setting benchmarks, but encourage them to follow their love for dance and work hard to achieve their destination without surrendering to fate. It involves the students and parents alike so that they feel equal passion for arts. Ultimately, the dots get connected and alas! We get a prodigy of artistes.

Being able to make a change and introduce the plurality of culture to our own children will be the accomplishment for the institute.

Situated at Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi

Rejoice this Festive Season with Savour of Maharashtra

The divine existence of Lord Ganesha in the form of idols and sculptures is celebrated throughout India, especially in Maharashtra to mark the birthday ofShiva and Parvati’s son Ganesha, fondly referred as Bappa.

The ten-day fiesta which generally falls in the month of August & September is incomplete without Modak, a traditional Maharashtrian sweet made of jaggery, flour and coconut which has an interesting story in the Padma Purana regarding why Ganesha loves Modak.

Once the Devas offered Shiva and Parvati a divine Modak as they believed that the one who will eat the Modak will become knowledgeable in all scriptures, science and arts. Knowing this Goddess Parvati wanted to present that Modak to her sons, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. As they were not ready to share it, Parvati decided that the one who will prove the true meaning of sincerity and devotion will get the tempting sweet. On hearing this, LordKartikeya immediately landed on his vehicle and started visiting all the spiritual places, but Ganesha went around Shiva and Parvati and said that no amount of offering is equal to the devotion of one’s parents. Impressed by his answer, Goddess Parvati presented the Modak to Lord Ganesha. This is believed to be the reason for Lord Ganesha’s love for Modak and that is why it is widely offered to Bappa in the form of Prasad.

With the changing taste of today’s generation new flavoured Modaks have been introduced in the market like Dark Chocolate Modak, Dry fruit Modak, Paneer Modak, Coconut Modak, Motichoor Modak, Kesar Modak, Malai Modak, Baklava Modak, Fried Modak among many others. Other than Modak,Nivagrya is another dish which is specially prepared during the Utsav. Nivagryas are prepared from the leftover flour dough that was made for the Modakcasing. These are less savoury, steamed dumplings mixed with cumin seed powder, green chilly paste, salt, and other flavourings, which are eaten with peanut oil and are quite a delicacy.

On this auspicious celebration, each and every household of Maharashtra prepares traditional food items as most of the Marathi people are big time foodies and firmly believe that the ingredients used in their platter should be rich and spicy.

Listed below are the 5 most popular Maharashtrian dishes to look out for this festive season.

• Puran Poli– It is a popular Maharashtrian sweet dish made of jaggery, dal, flour & ghee and often prepared on festivals & celebrations.
• Thalipeeth– Another famous dish from Maharashtra made of millet flour, rice flour, split Bengal gram flour, sorghum flour, split black gram flour and coriander seeds & is generally served with fresh home made butter or ghee.
• Solkadhi– This curry is prevalent in Konkan region and Goa and is made of coconut milk and kokum. It has nutritional values and is also considered to be an anecdote for acidity.
• Pithale– This dish comes from rural Maharashtra. Chickpeas flour, onion, garlic cloves, green chillies are the basic ingredients of this curry.
• Bharli Vangi– Another famous curry dish, stuffed brinjals which are commonly known as bharli vangi in Maharashtra is served with roti or rice.

Ganesh Chaturthi is not only a wonderful time for devotees of Ganesha but also for the food lovers. Being the most prominent festival in Maharashtra, worshiping Ganeshji in Vinayaka Chaturthi brings good luck and success along with mouth-watering delightful dishes for which the whole country awaits for.

IndiaHeritageDesk - Indian Arts & Culture | ONE PURPOSE | ONE TREND | ONE UMBRELLA | MY WAY OF LIFE

ONE PURPOSE | ONE TREND | ONE UMBRELLA | MY WAY OF LIFE IndiaHeritageDesk - Indian Arts & Culture

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India Heritage Desk

Objectives Of Catalyst For Change

Exploring the cultural diversity and the rich heritage of India, India Heritage Desk (IHD) aims at integrating Indian art and culture by bridging the gap between artistes and like-minded people and also initiating campaigns that inspire people to participate and reconnect with their cultural roots. The key focus area is to cross-pollinate and integrate as much human resource, uplifting Indian Culture, Heritage, Arts and Craft from the bottom of pyramid. A vision in this line will enhance alternate skill sets and vocational studies, therefore increasing the GDP of India.

Conceived and created by its Founder | CEO , Minaakshi S.Dass and headquartered on Janpath| New Delhi,  India Heritage Desk is a unique organization in the field of Indian Culture, Heritage, Arts and Craft , offering a bouquet of complete Media  Communication and end to end Marketing Solutions services which include public relations, festival curation & management, Traditional Media ,Digital Marketing ,Artiste Management Services. Advisory Services, Consultancy, Video and Audio Production services.

Who do we aim to engage

• The Youth of India
• Rural Demography
• Urban Demography
• Educational Institutions.
• Art lovers and Enthusiasts from all walks and age groups.
• Cultural organizations and institutes.
• Autonomous government bodies.
• Event organizers.
• Cottage, Small, Medium and Large Enterprises.
• General Public
• Inbound tourists
• Local Tourists
• Heritage Sites

Our company is designed in such a way that at the touch of a button, everything around traditions and heritage of India will be accessible to the viewer on their hand held devices.

After the success from gaining a fully organic audience, and establishing our brand image in a short span of 11 months , IHD has already become a path-breaking initiative. The amalgamation of all types of artistes under one roof is now picking up at a steady pace with IHD slowly becoming  ‘THE AGENT OF CHANGE’ in the basic fabric on India.

The Management Team of India Heritage Desk is completely focussed on re-engineering the business processes in the Indian Arts and Heritage work thus becoming pioneers in a fully automated , latest and the best business practices with excellence in quality in all its core areas. Our focus is to create a profitable Social Enterprise so that a  major part of our profits will go towards building and funding a variety of Indian Performing, Folk and Applied Artistes, Arts,Organizers , Knowledge Building and a host of other activities related to these fields.

Please do visit our website and let us know how you can collaborate with us Anything small, medium or big attempt will help in re-building the Society and Communities in a value added and sensitive way.

Services :

• Social Media Promotion
• Traditional Media & PR Services
• Artist Profiling
• Event Facilitation And Curation
• Event Coverage
• Event Videography And Still Photography
• Media Services Including AV's
• Trailers / Teasers
• Short Films
• Documentaries