The Divine Ganga Aarti at Varanasi-A visual treat

The Divine Ganga Aarti at Varanasi

The Ganga Aarti is a devotional ritual that is usually made in the form of a lit lamp,in the  Ganges River, a small diya or lamp with flowers is  floated down the river. The offering is made to the Goddess Ganga,goddess of the holiest river in India.

The Aarti begins by lighting up the multi-tiered ceremonial brass lamps and a well-synchronised and rhythmic chanting of the holy mantras. Some of the priests blow the conch shells to sanctify the atmosphere, other priests begin waving the incense sticks to worship Mother Ganga.

The Ganga Aarti takes place daily at 6:30 PM post sundown in summer and 7:00 PM in winters for about 45 minutes. It is organised at the Dashashwamedh ghat, one of the holiest of all ghats in Varanasi. An announcement at 7:00 PM takes place to inform the attendees about the commencement of aarti.

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Relationships : Nourish and Nurture yourself in new ways

Evolution can be messy as it happens when we are forced to respond to the changes in our external environment.It also stretches us to a new, improved versions of ourselves,if we let it.

So remember to ride the waves of change carefully and develop a sense of trust-in yourself and also in the future.

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Be brave enough to change your inner world.

 The stories we tell ourselves matter.Choose the positive ones!



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Cauliflower Curry without Garlic and Onion-Vrat/Fasting special

 Cauliflower Curry without  onion and garlic :

 Shravan is an auspicious month for Hindus and this month is dedicated to the worship of lord Shiva.It is believed that Shravan month is a good time to meditate and pray to lord Shiva.Many people refrain from eating onion and garlic during this time as these are considered to be Tamsik in nature as per Ayurveda.

This cauliflower curry is cooked without onions and garlic and can be eaten during vrat or fasts.I have used roasted  whole spices and made a nice powder from it.You can store this powder in an air tight jar and use whenever you want to make any recipe without onions and garlic.Use dry ginger powder(Saunth) if you do not want to use the powder immediately.
Try this delicious curry during this holy month of Shravan or any Vrat and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Ingredients:
For Masala Powder
Cumin seeds-2 teaspoons
Coriander seeds-2 teaspoons
Black pepper corns-3-4
Dry Red chillies-2
Cloves-3-4
Green Cardamom-1
Cinnamon-1 big stick
Bay leaves-2
Dry ginger powder(Saunth) -2 teaspoons

For the Curry
Cumin seeds-1 teaspoon
Tomatoes-2 medium sized,diced
Cauliflower-1
Potatoes-2 medium sized
Oil-3 teaspoons
Turmeric powder-1 teaspoon
Green coriander leaves-2 teaspoons,finely chopped
Water-2.5 cups
Salt to taste

Method:
-To make the masala powder,put all the ingredients mentioned in the ingredients for masala in a mixer jar and grind to make a smooth powder.
-Cut the cauliflower and potatoes into medium size.Dice the tomatoes.
-Take a pan and put 1 teaspoon of oil and separately fry the potatoes and cauliflower.Add a pinch of salt while frying the cauliflower.Saute the potatoes and cauliflower for 3-4 minutes each till they are half cooked.
-In the same pan add 2 teaspoons of oil and let it heat.Add the cumin seeds and let it splutter.Add the diced tomatoes and saute for 2-3 minutes.
-Now add the masala powder,cauliflower and potatoes and mix well.
-Add salt and turmeric powder and cook for 2 minutes.
-Add 2 cups of water and mix well.Cover the pan with a lid and cook for another 4-5 minutes on medium flame till the vegetables and properly done.
-Remove from fire and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
-Serve hot with puris or pulao.

Healthy French Fries with 3 Magic Spice Mix

Healthy French Fries with 3 different Magic Spice Mix

Potato snacks is loved by kids as well as adults. French fries is my tween's favourite snack box recipe.Over the years, I have come up with my version of French fries with a slight twist.

The masala or the spice mix sprinkled on the fries gives it a different taste and I also add a secret healthy ingredient to the potatoes to give that extra crunch.

I am sharing  3 types of masala or spice mix and you can sprinkle them on the fries according to your taste.

Ingredients :

potatoes - 8  large

Oil- for frying

Rice flour-4 teaspoons

Magic Spice mix 1

Kala namak/rock salt,chilli powder, amchur powder  mixed.

Magic Spice Mix 2

Peri-peri spice powder

Magic Spice mix 3

Oregano,chilli flakes and a little bit of salt mixed

Method:

-wash the potatoes throughly under running water and dry them with a help of a cotton towel.

-peel the potatoes and dip them in a large vessel filled with cold water.

-take one potato and cut it into thick long sticks and dip the in the same water filled vessel.

-Repeat this with the rest of the potatoes.

-wash the potatoes again by changing the water 2 - 3 times. This is done to remove the  excess starch in the potatoes.

-dry the cut potato sticks under the fan and pat a clean cotton cloth on the potatoes.

-now, add the rice flour and gently coat the potatoes with it.

-heat a heavy bottom iron pan and pour oil into the pan. Your gas should be on medium flame.

-Add the potato sticks into hot oil and  fry till the potatoes slightly change colour.

-place a tissue paper on a plate and keep the fried sticks on it.

-similarly, fry the rest of the potatoes.

-Sprinkle the magic spice mix of your choice and serve it hot with tomato ketchup.

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Colour your hair Black Naturally!

Colour your hair Black Naturally! 

Yes, you read it right! Cover your greys and colour your hair black naturally.

We all are aware of the harmful side effects of the chemicals that not only damage our hair,cause itching,hair fall but also cause many serious illness like cancer.

There are many herbal and ayurvedic beauty saloons in India which claim to use all natural products when it comes to hair colour but we aren't sure of the quality of the products used by them.

8 years back when I wanted to colour my hair, I tried a very reputed brand in the market and after using it for a year or so I was diagnosed with a serious life threatening illness.After a treatment for nearly 8 months I decided to completely change my lifestyle and started looking for natural and ecologically sustainable products for my skin care.

I did have a lot of grey hair and I wanted my hair to look black and natural.I started reading some books on Ayurveda and also read a few blogs on how to colour your hair naturally.

Finally, I was lucky to find a wonder ingredient from Mother Nature. That was indigo powder.

Indigo powder is also known as blue gold. The powder is obtained by grinding the leaves of the plant indigofera.It is one of the oldest dye that was extensively used in textile industries.

Now you must be wondering if indigo powder can actually colour your hair black. Yes, it is possible only if you follow certain steps.

Today I will share all the steps necessary to colour your hair black naturally.

I guarantee that if you follow all the steps properly, this colour will last for 1month.

I strongly recommend that you use all organic products as they are pure and unadulterated.

You can easily but them online.

So let's get started with the magical formula to colour your hair black :)

There are 2 main steps which need to be followed. Step 1 is preparing the henna pack and applying it and step 2 is preparing the indigo pack and applying it.

Few important points to note are :

#The henna pack should be prepared the day before applying.Make the henna pack at night and apply it the next morning.

#Both the steps should be done on

the same day.

#Make sure you wash your hair properly the day before applying these packs so that your hair is clean, oil free and you get the best results.

 Step1

HENNA PACK:

Things needed :

1)organic henna (mehndi) powder-5 tablespoons

(you can increase or decrease the no of tablespoons according to the length of your hair)

2)amla powder(optional)-2teaspoons

3)tea leaves -2.5 teaspoons

4)small cast iron pan-it gives black colour to the henna pack.

5)water-2cups

6)strainer

7)mustard oil/coconut oil - 2.5teaspoons

Steps to make the henna pack:

-heat a pan or kadhai and add the water and let it simmer.

-add the tea leaves and amla powder and allow the mixture to boil on medium flame for 15-20minutes. Keep stirring occasionally.

-after 15-20 minutes turn off the gas and allow the mixer to cool a bit.

-strain this mixture into the cast iron pan.

-now add the Mehndi powder and mustard oil and mix properly with the help of a spoon.

-cover the pan with a heavy lid and allow this paste to sit for atleast 8-10 hrs.

- best is to prepare it the night before application.

How to apply  henna pack:

-before applying make sure that your hair is properly washed and dry.

-mix the henna pack with a spoon and wear gloves.

-start by partitioning your hair and take little hair using one hand and with other hand take a little henna pack and apply it from the root of your hair to the tip.

-gently wrap that portion of the hair where you applied the pack and pull it to the crown of your head.

-similarly take little more hair and apply the paste and repeat the steps till you have applied the pack on the head.

-wear a head cap and cover this henna pack for atleast 1.5 hrs.

-after1.5 to 2 hours wash the henna pack with cold or warm water. Do not use a shampoo to rinse hair.

-take a towel and wrap it around your hair.

Step 2:

INDIGO PACK:

Things needed :

-Indigo powder-6 tablespoons

-Warm water-to take a thick paste

-salt-a pinch

How to apply the indigo pack:

-your hair should be wet while applying this pack.

-heat little water about  1 cup in a pan and ensure the water is just warm.

-add the indigo powder and a pinch of salt to a clean glass bowl and pour little water into the bowl with the help of a spoon.

-add water little by little  so that you get a nice thick paste.

-let this pack rest ony for 5 minutes and then start applying it.Do not keep the indigo pack for more than 5 minutes.

-now again wear the gloves and apply the indigo pack just as you applied the henna pack in step 1.

-cover your head with   a head cap and make sure you don't  leave the indigo pack open.

-keep this pack for 1-1.5hrs.

-wash your hair with cold or warm water and don't use shampoo.

-let it dry and you will notice that your hair looks black and lustrous.

-You should was your hair only after 48hrs by using a shampoo.

Note:while  applying the pack, cover your clothes by putting a towel over your shoulders.

Remove jewellery while applying the packs.

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Anti-Dandruff Herbal Hair Oil

Anti-dandruff herbal hair oil:

Dandruff is a condition which affects people of all age groups.Itchy scalp and flakiness are the common signs of dandruff.

While there are several over the counter products available to treat dandruff which are definitely effective but they contain harmful chemicals which sometimes cause other side effects like hair-fall and dry scalp condition.

Taking proper care of the scalp is therefore essential and this includes natural herbs that are mild yet nourishing for the scalp and hair.

I'm going to share a time tested home remedy which I have been using for years.

The hair oil is made with some spices and leaves that are readily available in your kitchen.

Ingredients :

Coconut oil - 2cups (use cooking coconut oil, preferably a good organic brand)

Curry leaves -15-20 nos. Washed and dried under fan( don't sun dry them)

Fenugreek seeds(methi Dana) - 15-20 nos.

Nigella seeds(kalonji) - 1/4 teaspoon

Neem leaves(optional)- 15-20nos.

Strainer

A piece of clean cotton cloth

Steps to make the Anti-dandruff hair oil :

-take a heavy bottom iron pan and heat it on low flame.

-pour the coconut oil and the curry leaves and Neem leaves and stir them for a minute.

-add the rest of the ingredients and keep stirring the oil till the curry leaves and Neem leaves are crunchy.You can take a leaf out carefully and crush it with your hands, if it crumbles then the oil is ready.

-allow the oil to cool completely  and take a clean sterilized glass jar and place the strainer on this jar and on the strainer,put the cotton clothe.

-now, slowly pour the oil into the strainer with the help of a table spoon.

-close the lid of the jar and you Anti-dandruff herbal hair oil is ready for use.

This oil has a beautiful aroma and it has all the goodness of coconut oil and all the anti bacterial properties of curry leaves and Neem leaves and the spices.

 Use it twice a week for good results.

Before applying the oil,make sure you gently heat it because warm oil massage not only improves circulation, it also relaxes you and helps in good sleep.

Best time to apply is at night before going to bed. Wear a head cap so that the pillow cover is not soiled.

Apply it to your scalp and hair and massage for atleast 10-15 minutes. Wash your hair the next day with a mild herbal shampoo.

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