Tech corner

Tech corner

Here’s our round-up of the latest gadgets that are a perfect addition to your shopping listMeeting Owl 4+This advanced all-in-one video/audio conferencing device comes with 4K UHD 360° video. The…
The weight of being a woman

The weight of being a woman

Sankar has the flare to write with a note of breathlessness. For instance, “It was becoming a pattern... It was exhausting to lie awake every night, hearing the unnerving footsteps…
A Forest of Enchantment

A Forest of Enchantment

Inspiration in the woodsThe collection features embellished couture pieces such as gowns, jackets, corsets, and lace dresses. Staying true to the theme, each ensemble celebrates the many moods of nature…
Décor drama

Décor drama

The collection consists of modular furniture that includes made-to-order bar stools, side trolleys, and display cabinets; barware like glasses, ice buckets, coasters, and a bar tool set; serve ware such…
Beauty and the brushes

Beauty and the brushes

Modern BlushThis makeup trend will continue its reign in 2025. Apart from pink, natural red and burgundy tints as well as fall-inspired brown (yes, brown) will see us reinvent a…
Prevention is better than sure

Prevention is better than sure

A heritage of wellnessIndia’s rich tradition of holistic health practices offers valuable lessons for the modern era. Age-old practices like Ayurveda and Yoga are experi- encing a renaissance as people…
Decoding freedom

Decoding freedom

We like to be free, but our liking to be free is part of our bondage. Our bondage and inner prison are built through our likes and dislikes, and this…
Flavours of Fusion

Flavours of Fusion

Celebrated for his seamless blend of French culinary techniques with Indian flavours, renowned Chef Priyam Chatterjee recently unveiled a nine course whisky-paired menu in Bengaluru, redefining the landscape of contemporary…
Water and wellness

Water and wellness

Are there any conditions where water intake plays a key role?Increased fluid intake has a special role in preventing or reducing the severity of certain types of kidney diseases. Patients…
Eating with eyes wide shut

Eating with eyes wide shut

Twenty-four-year-old Sheena Tripathi (name changed on request) had long outgrown her childhood habit of sleepwalking. However, when she shifted to a new city after a job change and began sharing…
Purifying the mind to banish ego

Purifying the mind to banish ego

Who is here?” God asked.“It is I, Mr Paul,” came the response.“Go away,” God replied.After some time, God asked, “Who is here?”“It is Thou,” Paul replied.“Enter,” answered God.Ego, along with…
Face it, fat is on the move

Face it, fat is on the move

Beauty and fashion content creator Alina Hasan Rizvi was pleasantly surprised to hear a friend talk about facial fat grafting. She visited a dermatologist to ask about vanishing her unseemly…
Canvas and cuisine

Canvas and cuisine

Damien Hirst’s Cherry Blossom prints greet you as soon as you step out of the elevator. Inside, works by Sameer Kulavoor, Takashi Murakami, and Jennifer Guidi grace the walls while…
Logging off life but living on

Logging off life but living on

Imagine attending a funeral where the person who has died speaks directly to you, answering your questions and sharing memories. This happened at the funeral of Marina Smith, a Holocaust…
What’s in A name?

What’s in A name?

In my childhood, I always wondered why the chole that we made at home was called ‘Pindi chole’ in restaurants. It was the usual, smaller-sized Kabuli chana in a spice…
By the book

By the book

The ten are Jawaharlal Nehru, B R Ambedkar, Jaipal Singh Munda, Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, Dakshayani Velayudhan, Hasrat Mohani, K M Munshi, Hansa Mehta, G Durgabai, and James Joy Mohan Nichols…
Listen to Your Gut

Listen to Your Gut

BENGALURU: Ever wondered how digestion happens in the body? The food we eat transverse through four tubes – the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and finally through the large intestine which…
Sankara’s farewell to mother

Sankara’s farewell to mother

In Sringeri, one day, Acharya had a premonition that the end of his mother was close. Hence, he quickly left Sringeri for Kalady along with Citsukha, his childhood friend. On…
Living in the moment

Living in the moment

A man loved his late wife, who, in turn, loved animals. He lived with his little team in a small town and put in a lot of effort to create…
Stepping up for the Punjab

Stepping up for the Punjab

In Pune, she trained under Yogini Gandhi of the Lucknow gharana for almost 17 years until 2013. She then moved to Delhi and trained under Munna Shukla until he passed…
River sutra of hidden hierarchies

River sutra of hidden hierarchies

English philosopher Herbert Spencer’s theory of evolution, popularised by Charles Darwin argues survival of the fittest, thereby leading to a natural process of selection and extinction. This theory often applies…
Finding purpose, reclaiming power

Finding purpose, reclaiming power

Shifting Mindsets: Taking Small, Intentional StepsStepping back into a place of power doesn’t demand massive overhauls—it’s about small, meaningful changes that build momentum. Start by keeping tiny promises to yourself,…
Vintage watch manual

Vintage watch manual

The Vintage Watch Buying Guide● Is the watch signed? The company logo should be visible on the crown, dial, and movement. Replacements of the parts diminish the value of the…
All that Jazz

All that Jazz

In 2013, Zian Bhamgara, stage name Zian B, had just returned from studying jazz vocals in Germany and the Netherlands, under Sabine Kühlich, head of vocals at Conservatorium Maastricht. She…
Power to rise above loss

Power to rise above loss

Children, some people say, “We lead an ethical life. We do not betray or harm anyone. We don’t steal either. We live happily, content with what we have. We don’t…
Sax and the city

Sax and the city

It’s three in the afternoon at the iconic French Quarter of New Orleans in the US. The city’s oldest neighbourhood is a vibrant hub of food and music. The narrow…
Denwa Backwater Escape: Wild and high

Denwa Backwater Escape: Wild and high

Tucked away from the well-worn tourist paths of Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha and Bandhavgarh lies Satpura’s hidden gem—the Denwa Backwater Escape. While the three-hour journey from Bhopal airport might test your…
Product review: Top to Toe

Product review: Top to Toe

I recently discovered The Natural Wash range, and I was quite impressed by the products I used. I’m always a little biased towards good body washes, and the Cranberry Cream…
It’s a bling thing

It’s a bling thing

It’s a kicky run in rich colours, classic twists and cool, chic pendants, drop earrings and charming bracelets. Jewellery designer Tiara Dhody, founder of Treasures by Tiara, brings in a…
Pack Your Bags

Pack Your Bags

The creative directors at label Satya Paul have brought a travel-ready collection for those who get itchy feet. Named ‘Pleasure Gardens’, it takes one on a flight of fantasy with…
The sun and stars of inside living

The sun and stars of inside living

LeoLeos are known for their vibrant personalities, captivating charm, and passion for everything bold and beautiful. “A mirror embellished with golden accents truly reflects their vibrant essence, adding an element…
More than just history

More than just history

About midway through her book The Other Mohan in Britain’s Indian Ocean Empire, Amrita Shah mentions litigation in South Africa in the last decade of the 1800s. A prominent Indian…
The ambiguous world of Murakami

The ambiguous world of Murakami

Right from the start, the constant revocation of the memory of the young girl by her ‘lithe young body’, ‘big breasts...swing back and forth when you ran’ can remind readers…
Where myth meets reality

Where myth meets reality

A little further on, Dhanushkodi, the ghost town, holds its own poignant allure to the tourist. The ruins of a church, remnants of a railway station and a sunken temple…
Making of a nation

Making of a nation

On June 3, 1947, Lord Mountbatten announced that India would get freedom in August 1947. Congress had six weeks to convince 565 kingdoms to agree to accede to India. Princely…
Mocha mousse magic

Mocha mousse magic

As we inch closer to 2025, the much-awaited announcement by the Pantone Colour Institute is out; ‘Mocha Mousse’ (Pantone 17-1230) is the colour of 2025. This is the first time…
Talented Mr Palekar

Talented Mr Palekar

Amol Palekar dedicates his memoir to ‘those who believe in the power of resistance’. Looking at the man through the viewfinder that this book provides, one sees a quiet, determined…
The secret to fulfillment

The secret to fulfillment

Life without purpose is like a body without a soul. Isn’t it true? So, what is the purpose of our life? This question has been a matter of contemplation for…
Holding fort in the happiest country

Holding fort in the happiest country

Marc Dujardin, in his study, From Living to Propelling Monument, writes: “Contrary to most medieval castles in Europe that are relatively dead monuments and literally ‘empty’ places, Bhutanese (dzongs) are…
A New Year, a new style guide

A New Year, a new style guide

Fashion is cyclical and trends are often short-lived. This year saw a resurgence of quiet luxury with a focus on investment in key pieces. The souvenir bombers were replaced by…
Cycle of abuse

Cycle of abuse

What would you do if the perfect life you built was threatened by the very past you wanted to run away from? Would you succumb to it or fight back…
Transforming trigunas

Transforming trigunas

There are three gunas: Satvaguna, Rajoguna and Tamoguna. Satvaguna refers to a samskara that is pure and works towards purity. For example, the very thought or samskara that inspires you to study…
Hits and misses

Hits and misses

The six-year-old brand that has successfully built a loyal following in Delhi-NCR, is not scared of charting a new course. Its recent outings in Gurugram and Khan Market, prove as…
The corrosive power of pride

The corrosive power of pride

Much has been written about the immanent evil of pride in human personality. We have heard numerous lectures and videos, and read thousands of textual passages deprecating the evil of pride.…
Market on the sands

Market on the sands

Soaking in the sights, sounds and smells of the food markets of Galle, a charming European-style city in southern Sri Lanka, is immersive. The Rathgama Wella Fish Market sprawled along…
New health resolutions for 2025

New health resolutions for 2025

1. Rising before sunrise will surely give you more calm, peaceful, and productive mornings. In addition, positive thoughts in the early morning set a rhythm that carries forward the day…
Awaken non-violence within

Awaken non-violence within

Children, non-violence is the highest dharma. Whether one is leading a spiritual or worldly life, one must try not to hurt any living being. The waves of pain arising from…
The time to love is now

The time to love is now

Could we spend the evening near that lotus pond today? It will be a great nostalgic experience sitting beside it and recalling our beautiful courtship days,” Seva asks hesitatingly, unsure…
Roots of insufficiency

Roots of insufficiency

Lift yourself by yourself, but don’t condemn yourself. You are your friend, and you are your enemy. ~ Bhagavad Gita Where are your roots pointing—upwards or downwards? The peepal tree, also…
How obesity causes kidney ailments

How obesity causes kidney ailments

Kidney transplant outcomesObesity complicates outcomes in patients with advanced CKD who require transplantation. Post-transplant survival rates are poorer in obese individuals, underscoring the need for maintaining a healthy weight.Kidney stonesObesity…
The many sides of Boris Johnson

The many sides of Boris Johnson

It’s in the copious details during his mayoral stint that you first come across his numerous swipes, at not just rivals but former colleagues within the government. There is almost…
The blend of rich and resplendent

The blend of rich and resplendent

It’s a staggering choice. Over a 100 chunky chokers, dainty pendants, stackable rings and bracelets spin a golden sheen as part of the elegant, lightweight travel-jewellery for the modern bride.…
Coffee, Coorg and avocado

Coffee, Coorg and avocado

The journey from Bengaluru to Coorg is for photo albums. You are likely to spot elephants and other animals if you get lucky. The travel time of seven hours takes…
Brew a cup of beauty

Brew a cup of beauty

A new trend is brewing in the world of wellness—beauty teas. Beyond traditional skincare routines, these herbal infusions promise benefits like clearer skin, enhanced collagen production, a radiant glow, and…
The power of silence

The power of silence

In today’s fast-paced world, silence is often overlooked. Yet, it holds profound spiritual and psychological power. Silence is not just the absence of sound but an intentional pause that allows…
Paying it forward

Paying it forward

Even just one sincere smile can create a chain reaction of kindness that reaches across whole communities. Children, a sweet smile on the face is an outward expression of the…
Train smarter, not harder

Train smarter, not harder

Imagine harnessing the power of a full-strength workout with just half the effort. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training, a cutting-edge fitness technique, is rewriting the rules of strength and recovery.…
A lot can happen over coffee

A lot can happen over coffee

In the opening scene of La La Land (2016), a Los Angeles highway is transformed into a stage—drivers leap from their cars, twirling and singing in an unexpected burst of…
Glow, glowworm

Glow, glowworm

If you’re constantly seeking ways to maintain your skin’s glow, clarity, and perfection—then you’re in for a treat. Let’s face it—navigating the world of skincare can often feel overwhelming with…
Origins of Nath Tradition

Origins of Nath Tradition

Many people know that the current chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, belongs to the Nath tradition. The Nath tradition originated in Medieval India from the older Siddha tradition, which…
Movement of moods

Movement of moods

Everyone is solely responsible for their misery. My misery is my own creation as much as yours is your own. This realisation liberates us from the anguish we feel when…
A rare find that enchants

A rare find that enchants

A reviewer’s life is not without its rewards. For once in a blue moon a book comes along that possibly wouldn’t be a first pick in a bookstore but reveals…
Shimmering on the Silk Route

Shimmering on the Silk Route

For travelphiles who grew up on a steady diet of Silk Route lore, perhaps the most famous trading route in history evokes the romance of adventure. While Uzbekistan gets the…
Recipes of the heart and home

Recipes of the heart and home

Ask him about his favourite local Omani dish and he promptly says, “Shuwa, a slow cooked Omani goat or lamb dish. Its slow-cooked tenderness reminds me of Indian slow-cooking traditions.…
All that sunscreen is gold

All that sunscreen is gold

If you’ve been using sunscreen and feel it isn’t working well for your skin, chances are you have grabbed a purchase that contains ingredients that trigger your sensitivities. “Some people…
A rosy affair

A rosy affair

A rose by any other name is supposed to smell as sweet. It holds true for this cosy café in South Delhi. Run by a mother-daughter team, the Rose café…
Painting a cityscape

Painting a cityscape

A city with a Nizami hangover, a burgeoning tech and pharma hub, and the go-to place for India’s best biryani—Hyderabad is all this and more. Dinesh C Sharma’s Beyond Biryani:…
Grand return of cardigan

Grand return of cardigan

Granny-core is here to stay. See the cardigan posts inundating our IG feed and you’d believe it. Once synonymous with society ladies who lunch, the classic cardigan emerges as winter’s…
The weight of insecurity

The weight of insecurity

Today’s human life has become quite complicated—thanks to the multifarious inventions of modern technology. Machines of different types and functions developed by scientific pursuits of contemporary times have made human…
High on past, mixing with present

High on past, mixing with present

Sixteen33’s menu takes celebrating local to an even more microscopic level. For instance, the Ranwar extols the fact that over four centuries ago, this tiny village was surrounded by paddy…
Of plot, passion and persistence

Of plot, passion and persistence

Samantha Harvey’s Booker-win reinstates the importance of experimentation in fiction that defies conventional forms. The plotless narrative shouldered by imaginative thought and planetary concerns of six astronauts, makes Orbital a…
Of porcelain, dhows

Of porcelain, dhows

Two school children are running in a narrow alley of Lamu Old Town in Kenya. They cross a house whose walls are made with coral stone and timber sourced from…
The great bottled hoax

The great bottled hoax

The Hidden Risks: What’s Lurking in Our Water?The implications of consuming demineralised water extend beyond mere hydration. A recent Israeli study conducted by the Taub Center has raised concerns about…
What is evil?

What is evil?

In Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas, Lord Shiva narrates the story of Sri Rama to Parvati. Parvati asks him why Sri Rama took avatar. Lord Shiva says: Asura maari thapahin suranh rakhahin nij…
Up above the world so high

Up above the world so high

It is just 7 pm but feels like midnight. That’s how dark it is at Nakshatra Mahasabha, an astronomy and stargazing camping site, seven kilometres away from Jageshwar in Almora,…
No sugar, please

No sugar, please

Ayurveda had identified very early that diabetes is not simply a disease of rising sugar levels. It is an issue associated with the metabolism of visceral fat. But for sure,…
A friendly dragon

A friendly dragon

CHENNAI: A global biggie in the electric vehicle industry, BYD crossed a production milestone of 90 lakh new energy vehicles — electric and hybrid — last month. And, according to…
The true state of being

The true state of being

How do we increase our ‘state of being’? The Bhagavad Gita highlights three key aspects for this: Ananda Lahari (waves of joy), Prema Lahari (waves of love), and Soundarya Lahari (waves of beauty). We should approach this understanding with ananda, or joy. If we do…
A journey through time & love

A journey through time & love

NEW DELHI: Aishwarya Jha has captivated readers and critics alike with her debut novel, The Scent of Fallen Stars, earning her the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Sahitya Samman. The novel, a…
Mindful Fashion

Mindful Fashion

How does Cinnabar preserve and celebrate Chanderi handloom?Chanderi weaving is a generational craft and, for many families, their primary source of income. The only way to sustain these age-old traditions…
Prostate Playbook

Prostate Playbook

Hormonal HealthBalanced testosterone levels contribute to prostate health. Elevated dihydrotestosterone levels are associated with prostate enlargement, so maintaining hormonal health can help prevent complications. Natural methods to support hormone levels…