NEW YEAR GIVEAWAY

Hello my friends.............
At first Merry Christmas to all of you! I'm going to give you a surprise!! Can you guess, what is in the box?

The wait is over! Here I'm presenting the last and most worthy GIVEAWAY of the year!!!!!!!

I'm giving away a mustard-yellow Georgette saree ; all over hand-worked!

Check the T&C and go for it! (Y) :)

1. Like the Facebook page  From The Kitchen Of an Indian Homemaker
2. Like and share the post about this GIVEAWAY in FB. Tag 10 of your friends with the shared post (Share daily for extra points).
3. Join this blog 'Glimpses of India with Koyeli' in Networked Blogs.
4. Join the blog 'From the Kitchen of an Indian Homemaker' in Networked Blogs.  http://koyelichakraborty.blogspot.com/2013/08/from-kitchen-of-indian-homemaker.html?spref=fb
5. Follow both blogs with GFC (Google Friend Connect, showing on the top at right side of both blogs).
6. Follow in the Twitter. https://twitter.com/KoyeliC. Tweet this blog-post (tweet daily for extra points).
7.  Comment below, after completing all the steps!

 Note:
1. Winner will be chosen by a random draw.
2. The Giveaway period: 26th December - 25th January.
3. This Giveaway is valid only in India.
4. Participants are requested to follow the T&C properly; this time, we will be very strict to chose the winner!

ALL THE BEST!

Diva Journals: Maybelline Xmas Giveaway

 Friends, my co-blogger Priyanka has completed 300th blog post and she is sharing her success with all of us by a awesome giveaway! Join her and win Maybelline Hampers! Good Luck!

"Diva Journals: Maybelline Xmas Giveaway: Hi Everyone, This is my 300th blog post.I am so happy that I have hit the mark,its so special to me.Thank you all for your continued su..."

A Wonder in the World of Paper-products\\\\

Going down memory lane, I can still remember my schooldays when there were not so many options for Notebooks or writing materials. In a half yearly exam, I got very poor marks in History. When my mother asked me the reason; I answered ‘I don’t like the History notebook & that is why, not wrote down the notes in the class! What reasoning! I was then just 8 years old! Now being older & wiser, I can understand that “notebooks” play a very important role for growing interest in studies.

Some days before, one of my co-bloggers posted a blog about a Paper Product; I read the blog and the products forced me to contact them to write a review! They very quickly sent me 4 of them and when I got them in my hand! I felt that, had I got these products in my childhood days, I would have topped in the History exam!

The products speak for themselves & as such no review is needed! But, I can’t help sharing with you the details why and how I just fell in love with Matrikas.

Matrikas is the brand of Srinivas Fine Arts print (P) Ltd; founded by Srinivas Group. Matrikas presents a wide range of paper products which includes Diaries, Notebooks, Journals, Office stationary and Social stationary. I got four of them – 

1. 'Heal the Planet' Notebook (Ring Book A5 -Design C)

2. Vivekananda Teresa Journal

3. Cube Works Diary

4. Subject Note Book        

'Heal the Planet' Notebook

This ring book has a very attractive look with waterproof covers. It is very user-friendly, as it has wire to wire binding. The papers are very smooth and fairy-white that forced one to write something in it! It has four pages in starting for important info that is very useful to write important contact details or anything you like. The hard cover of notebook has a safety closure with an elastic band. It is for to hold the notebook cover closed and to save notes or chits in inside, when it is not in use.

One more unique thing, I have found in it, that a pocket inside the back covers of it. It’s like an envelope that can carries some important piece of papers. It’s really an innovative touch for a notebook.

Vivekananda Journal

This is a personalized Journal with a beautiful cover that shown Swami Vivekanada. From there six collection, I have chosen this personality as I am a great fan of him. When I have received it, I just spellbound to see the beautiful, silk-smooth cover and its illustrations! Starting with an auspicious “Ohm”, the pages are so good and smooth to write.

The journal had four sections - Important Notes, Your Action Plan, Organize Your Schedule and Optimize Your Lists. It is really a wonderful and useful journal and the best thing I found in it that a well written short biography of Swamiji in front and the pages end with a precious quote of Swamiji.

Cube Works Diary

It is a not normal diary; it is a Compact Coral Green Planner with very smooth hardcore cover. The size of this journal is so compact and handy and easy to carry. It has very fine papers called “Hi-Brite Maplitho Paper. It’s a really good choice for those, who like to write anything, anywhere.

Subject Note Book

It is an A4 sized hardbound notebook called “Toss & Turn”; which is divided into six parts and is an ultimate choice for students to write important notes at one place that helps during exams. 

The white tint colored single ruled 288 pages with so much impressive qualities and apt for Xerox or some other use. 

Each Product of MatrikaS is of excellent quality; they just have changed my all thinking about paper-products. 

The Prices of the four Products:

1. 'Heal The Planet' Notebook: Rs. 222/-

2. Vivekananda Teresa Journal: Rs. 215

3. Cube Works Diary: Rs. 360/-

4. Subject Note Book: Rs. 277/-    

You can find in various outlets of Matrikas Diaries, Journal, Note Book at http://www.matrikas.co.in/

You also can buy the products now at Flipkart, Amazone and Snapdeal here: http://www.snapdeal.com/brand/matrikas/stationery-basic-supplies

A healthy child makes a happy home

“A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on.”  ― Carl Sandburg

Every child is a gift from the God; a blessing for a family. If you consider a family as a garden, children are the flowers; increasing the beauty of it! A child always ties up a family together as well as makes a home happy. When a child births, so many dreams created around him/her. 

I remember my childhood today, and find my mom, seated after my bed when I was so much ill at the age of six. She was almost crying and all in our family was in pain. I am the youngest child in our family, so if I got ill, all the family became sad. My mother was always running behind me with glass of milk or plate of lunch or spoon of Chyawanprash etc. The list was very long, which I rejected to eat! Those days, it was so disgusting to eat any healthy food; I always hide here and there to save myself to eat! But now, when I’m at my Mom’s age; can understand why she nagged with me! Actually, she wanted to make me healthy and smile for sake of love, motherhood and family!

 

We are going through the festival season of Diwali. This is the time of changing season hot to cold! Summer is just leave the space and winter is coming very soon! And, this is also festive time for all the diseases! If we take some precaution for our children, our home will be safe and happy in Diwali and after

Exercise as a family:   

Regular activity can benefit kids. To get children into a lifelong fitness habit, exercise with them. Let them play in the dirt; dirt makes them grow. Exposure to dirt and other microbes make our immune systems stronger.

Serve more fruits and vegetables:

Foods that boost the body's immune system can offer a lot of healthy options for those who wish to be more conscious in what they take in. Be sure they are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables which are fresh and good quality.  Carrots, green beans, oranges, strawberries- they all contain such immunity-boosting phytonutrients as vitamin C and more. Try to get your child to eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day.

Boosts sleep time.  

Studies of adults show that sleep deprivation can make you more susceptible to illness by reducing natural killer cells, immune-system weapons that attack microbes and cancer cells. The same holds true for children. Children in day care are particularly at risk for sleep deprivation because all the activity can make it difficult for them to nap. A newborn may need up to 18 hours of crib time a day, toddlers require 12 to 13 hours, and preschoolers need about 10 hours. 

Make strong immunity system with herbs: 

Avoid overusing antibiotics unless necessary. Ayurveda was well known in ancient India. For many critical diseases, Ayurveda is continued in modern days too. One can use for their child, holy basil, garlic, Ginger; which help to enhance your natural defense power. These natural herbs and spices can also boost your child's immunity. If the herbs are not available, you can purchase Ayurvedik products like Dabur Chyawanprash , not anti-biotic.

One think, that I see nowadays and feel pity for children, want to share here. Today, growing numbers of kids are over-scheduled and participate in six or seven after-school activities per week! The mother becomes a chauffeur and the children are never home at the same time. This is not a recipe for a happy family.  Create your own after-school activities as a family. For example, take your kids rollerblading, bike riding, or swimming after school as a family or play various indoor game at home together.

Lastly, the main thing is awareness. We must have to aware about our children to make them healthy and strong; because – only a healthy child can makes a home happy!

This post is a part of Happy Hours activity by Indiblogger in connection with Dabur chyawanprash. https://www.liveveda.com/daburchyawanprash/

DESTINATION INDIA

Hello friends! Before I start 'Destination India' in a new format, I want to review the places, which I have already shared with you. So, in the first 4 posts, I will discuss about Rajasthann, one of the most beautiful destination in India!

Rajasthan(PART-I)

Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was founded on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. The city has been named after him.

There are so many places in Jaipur to visit; like - Hawa Mahal; Jal Mahal; Nahargarh Fort;  Jaigarh Fort; City Palace;  State Museum of Rajasthan or Albert Hall; Moti Doongri; Amber Fort.
See more:



How to go:
Jaipur is 260 km from Delhi and 240 km from Agra and forms the golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. 

Air:  The Jaipur International Airport is called Sanganer Airport. There are domestic flight connections to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Udaipur and several other places. There are international flights from Jaipur to Dubai and Muscat. 


Train:  Train connections are from Delhi, Agra,  Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, etc. 
Road: A convenient mode of travel to Jaipur is by road. Regular bus service of AC and Deluxe Coaches are available.  
   
Transportation: Locally roadways city buses and private buses are available, cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws are also there, Radio and prepaid taxies are also available.



Accommodations: There are so many Hotels in Jaipur in all economy type.


If you want to stay in RTDC Hotel, then go to ‘Gangaur’. The Hotel Situated in the heart of the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur; the hotel has beautifully designed and furnished rooms at moderate tariff. The hotel has all the modern amenities and a choice of Superior A.C./ A.C. rooms. RTDC has two more hotels in Jaipur – Hotel Swagatam and Hotel Teej. They also the same in quality and facilities. 

You can stay in another RTDC Hotel; Jheel Tourist Village.The hotel is an ideal place for picnic spot and family stay. You get an interesting choice between air conditioned rooms or huts. There are modern amenities adding to your comfort. The restaurant serves a variety of cuisines giving you a delightful choice. They have added attractive feature for the guests is camping facility for the caravan travelers !

If you want to live a heritage life for some days; then go to the Umaid Bhawan Heritage House Hotel. It’s a beautiful tranquil hotel with a Kingly atmosphere!

The Raj Palace; Fortune Select Metropolitan; Hotel Jaipur Palace; Hotel Paradise; Hotel Mansingh – are some of well known hotels in Jaipur.

 

 

Festivals of India in the Month of August

Jhapan Mela

Friends, in my blog, I told you various stories about so many festivals of almost every region of India. Today, I’m going to share with you about a unique festival of West Bengal; where I live. 

Goddes Mansha

West Bengal is famous for its rich cultural heritage and the uniqueness of its traditions. There is a festival here for every season and every occasion. Jhapan is one of the most unique festivals celebrated in West Bengal. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Mansha, believed to be the daughter of Lord Shiva, who is also considered to be the Goddess of Snakes. The western part of the state, especially Vishnupur in Bankura distict of West Bengal, celebrates this day with great enthusiasms.

Jhapan festival, which is largely of tribal origin, is celebrated in the month of Shravan (mid-August). People worship Goddess Mansha in this season, for good rainfall and enhancement of the fertility of their land. As West Bengal has an agro-based economy, the tradition is being carried out for a long time here. This celebration is considered to be auspicious for the coming harvest season. 

It is believed that fair was first organized in 17th century in order to welcome King Bir Hambir Malla on his triumphant return after the battle but the trend is still practiced and celebrated with immense pleasure and joy in Vishnupur. 

Jhapan means a stage set up to exhibit tricks with snakes. And that's exactly what happens at the Jhapan Mela. The festival is celebrated with local fairs and other festivities, like stage shows of local plays and snake shows by local snake charmers, called Jhampanias. Spectacular and amazing performances of snake charmers with live snakes are the major attraction of the fair. They display tricks and astonishing acts with the live, poisonous snakes on decorated open platforms. Snake Charmers bring live venomous snakes of different species in decorated cane made baskets for stunning performances like Cobras, pythons, vipers, rat snakes, kraits and flying snakes. Some of snack charmers are kissing their snacks!

Image Courtesy: https://www.google.co.in/search?q=jhapan+mela&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=wD_8U5T8Ic