|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Young Sarangi virtuoso casts a spell
Playing the
Policewala It’s now
Giftawali Share of the booty Happy B’day Shah Rukh! Film & FASHION
Sale time
at Panchkula Cracking Divali
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
Lighting up the GLOBE Garlands of lights, marigold flowers, delicious sweets and jubilation all round is now a global phenomenon with Indians scattered all over. The Indian community has been celebrating Divali in New York City for about two decades, but this year saw some added sparkle with the City Council recently passed a bill suspending alternate side parking on Divali. The Indian Community Activities Tokyo celebrated a grand Divali get-together in Tokyo on October 30.There is more news yet. For the first time, mouth-watering Indian sweets, made in China, like ‘kaju katli’ and ‘boondi ladoo’ will be available for the fast-growing Indian community in China during Divali. On October 16, Trafalgar Square was transformed with magical light displays, floating lanterns and a huge model of the elephant Ganesh, as Divali celebrations returned to the square courtesy of the Mayor. The grandest celebration as always is in Leicester that is home for nearly one lakh Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. Down south in Johannesburg, traffic came to a standstill on South Africa’s busiest freeway as a celebration related to Divali in the heart of the city’s cultural hub attracted more than 10,000 persons in October 24. Diaspora Divali has certainly come of
age and Nirupama Dutt and Kuldip
Dhiman get three city girls who live in homes away from home to
tell us of their festive celebrations in London, New York and down under
in Sydney. |
||||||
|
At home with friends and cards
In New York the holiday is much muted and everyone tries to fit it in with their work. There is a Divali mela held annually in Manhattan, but it is unable to recreate the magic and radiance of Divali back home. Soon after moving here, I began hosting a Divali party at my place every year to celebrate this glorious festival of lights with all my friends. It’s an evening of fun and revelry. My home gets filled with joyous laughter. Since Divali is all about lights, sparkle and flashing silks, I request my guests to go all out to maximize their glamour quotient. I create the festive atmosphere with candles, diyas, rangolis and music. After dinner, the teen-patti session begins. Prior to the game, the hour-long discussion over the game rules is the most entertaining. Each person passionately tries to convince they know the rules best. Sandeep brings his investment mergers and acquisitions experience to the table, even though what’s waiting to be acquired on the table are just quarters and dimes and Kirtee applies his corporate law theories to the complexities of the game. |
||||||
|
Never again to Trafalgar
Half a kilogramme of ladoos and two scented candles; this is how I remember my first Divali in London. The next year, my husband—a second generation Asian who appreciates the American Halloween tricks and treats more than he understands the festival of lights— made more of an effort after he failed to excite me the first time. So off we trotted along to Trafalgar Square in London, dressed suitably in Indian costumes and the rarely used gold jewellery, to the promise of magical light displays and genuine Bollywood-style entertainment. And there in the midst of London’s most famous square were a row of lights; on a few stages scattered around the Square were dance performances and crooners belting out the latest Hindi film music. The whole event felt too contrived, too false; and because such celebrations are largely in response to maintaining cordial race relations, it felt too insincere. This year Kabir Bedi is reported to have made an appearance, alongside a huge model of Ganesh, to observe the festivities. Yes, Divali has already been celebrated in London.
|
||||||
|
With candles and cakes
Although we miss home and our country here in Australia, let me tell you, all festivals are celebrated here with the same fervour as back home. This year since Divali is on Tuesday, mid week, it will be a quiet affair at home, but we will be celebrating Divali on the weekend, that is on November 5. We will perform the pooja and light candles. Fireworks are not allowed here, only birthday cake sparkles, which kids enjoy. There will also be a disco and dance party where we will enjoy food and dance after a short pooja. We have paid $100 as a family ticket to be the part of the party. In Sydney, local Indian groups like AHIA (Australian Hindu Indian Association) organised a Divali mela on a grand scale on October 23 at the Olympic stadium. My husband Gurmeet is organising a teen-patti session for his friends where they wine, dine and gamble. And don’t miss this, they are also calling a dancer! We look forward to Indian festivals. My kids also get Divali gifts. For us, Divali is Christmas.
|
||||||
|
Young Sarangi virtuoso casts a spell Representing the seventh generation of Dhaulpur’s great musical legacy and having allegiance to Gwalior gharana, Fakruddin has cultivated an innovative style of his own, by blending tradition and modernity. Unlike his ancestors who had been performing as accompanists only to vocal artists on Saranagi, Fakruddin ventured to give only solo performances on Sarangi. He proved his credentials during his solo Sarangi recital on the concluding day of the Chandigarh Sangeet Sammelan just before the performance by maestros Rajan Mishra and Sajan Mishra. Sharing his voyage to recognition, Fakruddin reminisces old childhood days when his friends played and loitered as he used to concentrate on ‘riyaz’ under the care of his great grand father, Ustad Budha Khan and later Ustad Rafua Khan at Dhaulpur. Adulations flowed in abundance after every performance in the region. While just in his teens, Fakruddin was honored with the ‘Vashisht Nagrik samman’ of Dhaulpur district- not once but thrice in 1996, 1998 and 1999. Winning the first prize at Harvallabh Sangeet sammelan as a teenager brought him recognition in classical music circles. Ten years study scholarship from CCRI, HRD ministry and Rotary club Delhi were a testimony to his brilliance as a musician of rare caliber and commitment. Having won laurels at the top Indian classical music festivals including Swami Haridas Sangeet Sammelan Mumbai and Vribdaban, Harvallabh Jallandhar, Sangeet Natak Sur Utsav Delhi, Pracheen Kala Kendra and Chandigarh Sangeet Sammelan ,young Fakruddin had regaled the foreign audience too. Being the youngest participant and performing on the intricate complex instrument at the Agha Khan music festival in Kenya and Norway in 2004, Fakruddin remained in focus. The same year he performed at the Concert Hall at Singapore which won him a concert tour to USA. “The experience to accompany the world renowned Chalo player, Yoyoma at the Lincoln Centre Kanegi Hall New York was a celestial experience which still rejuvenates me,” says Fakruddin. “Being credited with performances at the high profile venues, holding A grade of All India Radio and Doordarshan has not gone to my head but inspired me to struggle more to popularize the most melodious instrument ‘Sarangi’ worldwide,” reiterates the young maestro. |
||||||
|
Gold Rush Gold coins with Brit royalty of yore gain popularity as Divali gifts. Rahul Das reports the festive trends from Ambala The images of King Edward, King George and Queen Elizabeth stamped on gold sovereigns and silver coins are the popular choices as gifts for Divali.
Gold and silver are considered “the gift” for this season. Jewellers of Ambala are doing brisk business. According to an estimate, the demand for such gifts nearly doubles just before Divali. Sudhir Windlas, member of the Sarafa Association, Ambala Cantt, says: “Gold sovereigns and silver coins are at top of the list of favourite gift items. “Besides gold guineas, silver items like glasses, bowls, tray, tea set, lemon set and figurines of Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha are selling like hot cakes,” he says. He says lightweight gold and silver ornaments from Mumbai, Rajkot, Kolhapur and Chennai are also in demand. “The demand for these ornaments continue even after Divali as the marriage season follows,” he adds. The demand for gold and silver soar about a fortnight before Divali. The jewellers in Ambala receive customers from a number of places in the region, including Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Yamuna Nagar, Shimla, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Kaithal and beyond. The gold sovereigns, better known as guineas, that weighs about eight gms,are available at a price ranging between Rs 5,400 to Rs 5,600. The gold sovereigns have images of King Edward, King George and Queen Elizabeth. Similarly, silver coins in different denominations are available with the jewellers. The silver coins too have images of King Edward, King George and Queen Elizabeth. Coins with images of Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha are also available. An interesting piece of history comes along with these coins. It was during the British Raj, silver coins had been minted with the images of King Edward, King George and Queen Elizabeth. Although the value of these silver coins is equivalent to the amount of silver in it, it is the additional historical value that makes these gifts interesting. The old silver coins have gone out of circulation. But these new ones, embossed with the same images as those on the old ones, can give the nostalgic feeling of the past. The coins are available at different prices depending upon the purity of the silver.
|
||||||
|
Playing the Policewala
The show ‘Kohinoor’ is aired from Monday to Thursday between 10 pm to 10:30 pm. Kuljeet Randhawa, Ankur Nayyar and Amit Sadh lead the star cast of this crime thriller revolving around the precious stone and the myth that surrounds it. Ajinkya Doe has an interesting character. He plays inspector Shinde who investigates the murder mystery. “I love doing this character. It’s a powerful one. I have accepted the serial ‘Kohinoor’ because the banner Cinevistaas and Sahara One are like family to me. I play Satyajit Shinde, an honest and straight forward cop”, says Ajinkya Deo. Ajinkya Deo is Maharastrian and his character Inspector Satyajit Shinde has a typical Marathi flavour. But before you brand him as the policewala, Ajinkya Deo who plays the interesting character points out that though he is the tough cop, he is a man with a good heart. He is happy with his present status in the television world. At present, he is busy in ‘Kohinoor’. He’s open to good roles that come his way. — Dharam Pal
|
||||||
|
It’s
now Giftawali It is always the upper crust that lot of extra disposable income who set the trend. This year besides the Swiss and Belgiun chocolates and cakes the concentration is on imported wines, which are being offered in exciting packaging in baskets with almonds and cashews around them. Crystal has become a thing of past. It is now the handcrafted or hand painted glass for the people who have class and eye for such exclusive stuff. The cost of such stuff starts from Rs 1,000 and goes up to Rs 3,500. It is no longer just exchanging a box of sweets among the lower middle class as well. They are also caught in this rat race of outdoing each other. A lot of gifts are recycled which are usually the items that the family can not use and are passed on the lesser useful contacts. God’s chosen ones, who have influential positions, whether in government or private sector, get the best of everything. Depending upon their usefulness it can be either a Saturn watch or a trendy piece of diamond jewellery. On an average, a middle class family’s budget on Divali gifts is between Rs 10,000 and Rs 40,000. Thanks to the opening of world trade, the face of the Indian market has changed. Our Divali now comes with irresistible firang black berry cakes, breads and wines, scotches, cookies, chocolates.
|
||||||
|
Share of the booty The critics of Divali shopping mince no words in castigating the rich for indulging in unabashed consumerism - a process, which in their eyes, gives a raw deal to the poor. They seem to conveniently forget the huge boost to the economy and multiple jobs for the needy generated by the oft-blasted consumerism. “I believe that one must spend wholeheartedly on Divali as it has a trickle-down effect on the poor. There is no use hoarding money and festivals like these are an opportunity to put such money into economic mainstream,” says Sant Lal Gupta, Assistant Manager, Tata Motors, who has especially come on a spending spree to the city from Lucknow. The Multi National Corporations are often criticised, rather accused of seducing the “oh-so-innocent” middle class into the spending orgy, more so on Divali. But the question here is should they shut shop and turn a boisterous festival into a solemn occasion? Ramesh Rohtas, a Kishangarh boy says: “For a rural man of modest means like me, Divali brings a windfall. I get many short-term jobs which pay me quite handsomely.” Ramesh, who comes to the defence of the unbridled consumerism, says: “If those who have the cash do not spend, how will we get jobs and improve our lives.” Anil Jit Singh, a taxi service owner, agrees to this and is all elated at this show of wealth. He has made a neat Rs 30,000 in the past three days riding on the Divali wave. Any suggestion of toning down the wealth display and curbs on spending, provokes his scorn. Statistics shows businesses zoom by at least 30 per cent during Divali, bringing an employment increase of 25 per cent and enabling hitherto-deprived sections to have their share of the pie. It is not about the MNCs’ only. From small-toy industries to balloon sellers, from fancy lights to not-so-fancy diya makers witness a splendid growth during Divali.
|
||||||
|
Happy B’day Shah Rukh!
On Family: Just like every other son, I always wanted to be like my dad. He was a Pathan, tall, handsome, light eyes and of a calm nature. I have acquired my sense of humour from my father. My sister is five years older than me and stays with me. She is a post-graduate L.Lb and a trained psychologist. My family is more important than my films. On Religion: It is important for my kids to know about religion. My children are taught that Allah and Ishwar are one. We celebrate all the festivals, including Christmas. In fact, for my production company, I had also performed a Lakshmi Puja. On Himself: My face is different for the world. It never shows any expressions of disappointment, anger, sick, frustration when I am with my fans. My face will always have a smile when I meet my fans who love me so much. An Actor, a Star: I act for myself as I love to act, I love to entertain people. All that goes behind acting; washing, shaving, dressing…all that I do it for myself. It is said that your best qualities sometimes become your hurdles. And sometimes I have been through the same situation. I am spontaneous and fast and hence my acting is also equally fast. I share a special relationship with the audiences – what they think and want, I understand it way before then they realize it. I have done lot of things without rehearsals and have gone wrong many a times. But at this stage if I look at myself as an ACTOR, I feel I am lacking in many things; but as a Superstar, I feel I am perfect. On Rules: I hate talking on the phone while at home. I never go out for any restaurant launches as I hate to be photographed while eating. On Stage Shows: For me, stage shows are fun. I simply love doing them. It feels that I can talk to 20,000 people at the same time directly in an open ground. And its all the more exciting, when you don’t know that how the show will be and, whether it will be successful or not.
|
|
Film & FASHION
The tumultuous relationship between Jude Law and Sienna Miller hit another bump when they reportedly had a fight over actress Salma
Hayek. According to the New York Post, Law and Miller had agreed to meet for a makeup lunch at his hotel in Paris. But it soon turned into a screaming fight when Miller confronted Law about Hayek. Miller was reportedly tipped off about Law and Hayek spending intimate time together in Paris.
A witness said, “Sienna was screaming as she flew into the room but Jude appeared completely calm and nonchalant. She was clearly very upset.” The suave Law was able to calm Miller down and pilot her into the elevator and up to his room.
—IANS Clooney searching for ‘Ms Perfect’! If good looks and money could have bought love, then actor George Clooney may have had plenty of it, but despite having women drooling all over him, true love still evades the handsome star.
Even though the 44-year-old actor is considered a very good marriage and a parent material, his search for the right woman still continues.
“I haven’t lost hope. My friends Angelina Jolie and Brad are very much in love. Maybe it’s time for me to find the woman of my life, too,” The Mirror quoted one of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor as saying.
“I realise I am the last person who can judge my tastes. I have failed badly with women,” he added.—
ANI Britney tells hubby not to sing Kevin Federline’s efforts to launch a pop career have reportedly been “greeted with hurtful laughter from his superstar wife, Britney Spears,” who has advised him not to build up his hopes in the field of singing.
Spears was reportedly highly unimpressed after listening to her husband’s first recordings, which he had brought home to play for his wife, and gave him harsh advice of not taking it up as a career.
Meanwhile, Britney is said to be upset that Kevin is not spending enough time helping her with their baby son, Sean Preston, because of which their marriage is also rumored of going through some patches.
— ANI Brooke Shields is pregnant Brooke Shields is thrilled to be pregnant with her second child.
The baby is due in the spring, her publicist, Alan Eichorn, has confirmed.
Shields, who gave birth to daughter Rowan Francis in 2003, is married to writer-producer Chris
Henchy. “I’m thrilled, we’re thrilled,” the 40-year-old actress said in an interview.
— AP Mahesh Bhatt shooting in Seoul Bollywood filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has commenced filming his latest project ‘’Gangster: A Love Story in Korea’’, starring Emran Hashmi in the lead role, in Seoul which provides an idyllic realm of cosmopolitan culture and traditions to the visitors.
Bhatt said, “We are delighted to be the first to be shooting in Seoul, particularly because the South Korean film industry has become a formidable force in the entertainment arena.”
— UNI
|
|
Dazzle this
Divali Let your blouse go berserk! Get awesome by draping yourself in embellished sarees with those sleek little things that spell sheer magic-Backless cholis, spaghettis, fitted bustiers, sleeveless tops and strappy blouses. Sure shot attention-grabbers!
|
|
|
Cracking the
Crackers “I am going to buy lots of fireworks on this Divali. I love anaars, phuljahris and pathaks. But I set off crackers in the supervision of my father,” says Karan Bansal of Sector 22. “Without crackers Divali is no more entertaining. If I do not burst fireworks I will not enjoy the festival,” says Simranpal Singh of Zirakpur. “I would burst lots of fireworks on Divali but this time I will buy few crackers, because this time I use my money for buying clothes,” says Dheeraj. “I am no more interested in setting off crackers. I think it is sheer wastage of money and I want to help the poor children by avoiding fireworks and buying them some sweets and clothes,” says Sakshi.
|
|
|
Sale time at Panchkula
Well, that’s the market of Sector 7, Panchkula. This have-it-all market is especially decked up this
Divali-offering trappings to tempt even the most astute of shoppers. While the pooja items galore at Archies Gallery, Empire stores, Classic emporium and Saran Traders etc, there’s no dearth of gift items in this extravaganza. Whether it’s that artificial jewellery, clothes and footwear for the Autumn, handicrafts, crockery, silver ware or even packed dry fruit boxes, baskets with assorted biscuits, chocolates and fruit juices. And while you enjoy a stroll here, admiring the sheer variety of gifts displayed, Chaman Sweets, Shiv
Mishthan, Bikaner Sweets, Nand, So Fine and Singh Sons are eager to pamper your palates with delicious sweets,
samosas, pao bhajis, bhaturas, pakoras, dosas and what not!And guess what,the best part is that everything being offered is not really tough on the pocket.Perhaps,that’s what we call Divali
Dhoom! Yasmin Dutta
|
|
|
Cracking Divali When Divali comes, can crackers be far behind? The boom of crackers resounds and reverberates long and loud on the festival of lights. If the ritual of lighting of lamps is a centuries-old tradition, then crackers and fireworks seem to have made Divali their own. Divali, somehow, seems rocking with more Dhoom as the crackers start going off when the evening light starts mingling with darkness of the night. But crackers are not as much fun if they go wrong. Even otherwise, they can be a source of pollution. Perhaps, that’s one reason why most of the Patialavis are not so keen on crackers. Let’s find out — Dr Gurcharan Singh, Theatre Director For me this is not an occasion or situation to celebrate after the happenings in Jammu and Kashmir. I definitely am not celebrating Divali this year. As for crackers, there are other ways to express your happiness. They amount to sheer wastage of money, which can be better utilized for so many other causes. Dr Ravinder Singh, I think their use should be regulated and a separate area should be demarcated for it. People can enjoy them as fireworks are spectacular sight to watch. It should be an organized show like in developed countries. Then they are safe, spectacular, they are let off by professionals while the public can enjoy them. The cities can have a one-hour show. In our country right now they are used haphazardly, which can pose a danger to users as well as others around. Speaking for myself, I gave up the practice when I burnt my hand. Dr Sunita
Dhir, Crackers and fireworks make for a great spectacle but they can be equally harmful. One has to be very careful while bursting them as they can result in injuries. I think you should only do it if rally fond of them otherwise just sit and watch them being let off. For me the rituals and the traditions are more important as they make it a festival for me. I, for one, am not for crackers. Malvinder Singh, Yes, my family and me use crackers and fireworks at Divali. I am particularly fond of fireworks, phuljharis and anars. Of course, their use can always be dangerous. But I am for restricting their use rather than putting a complete stop on it. Divali is a festival of lights but we have mistakenly made it so that it seems incomplete without crackers. They have traces of toxic compounds, so people shouldn’t go overboard regarding use of crackers. G.S. Saini, No, I am not for the use of crackers or fireworks. In fact, they shouldn’t be used, as they can be dangerous, particularly for children. They are also a waste of money as there is nothing constructive about them. I don’t use them and I don’t intend to start now.
|
|
|
Health and Fitness Start the day the starchy way! A breakfast consisting of cereal with milk and high-fibre bread is a good way to start the day. People who regularly eat breakfast are slimmer and healthier. — Dr Rashmi Garg is senior consultant, Fortis, Mohali.
|
|
What the cards say today...
 |
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
‘Bade miyan so bade miyan, chhote miyan subhaan Allah…’ remains the spontaneous comment of the audience, whenever the immaculate recital on Sarangi by young Fakruddin eclipses the performance of his father, an acclaimed harmonium specialist, Ustad Mehmood Dhaulpuri, as they share the stage in various concerts..jpg)
Ajinkya Deo, son of famous actor Ramesh Deo, got instant recognition with Ravi Rai’s serial ‘Sailaab’. Flooded with offers, Ajinkya went on to act in ‘Aan’ which made him a household name. At present, he’s seen in Sahara One thriller ‘Kohinoor’ by Cine vistaas. “The thriller promises thrills and emotions interwoven with mystery, says Ajinkya who is excited about his cop act. The audience recognises me as a cop because I have been playing the inspector quite often.”.jpg)
Naya
Kya Hai? This is the favourite phrase of every customer. Divali is the
time when new products are introduced to mark the change from the old. The
newspapers take out extra pullout to manage the inflow of advertisements
and make their readers aware of every possible discount, scheme available
in the market. The concentration on exchange of gifts is so much that we
can re-christen our festival of lights - Divali to “Giftawali”. It is
time to flaunt if you have it. .jpg)
Shah Rukh’s early memories about Mumbai: He says, “One day I was very angry and was standing out side Oberoi’s and told myself I would buy Mumbai …. , but it just turned out to be the other way round Mumbai bought me over. I am thankful to this city and I think it is the best in the world”..jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
The grand evening is slowly crawling nearer to you. Soon, the festivity would begin, setting the poojas and parties in full swing. The Champagne bottles would be fizzed over the fun and bonhomie. However, the evening isn’t only about getting high on music, wine and friendship. It’s also about lighting up this special night. Not just with diyas and candles alone, but also with your sparkling dress. Here are a few cues—.jpg)
Earthen
diyas, clay temples and idols having a lavish display . Floating candles, bright paintings, Fengshui items, clothes, jewellery and crockery forming a riot of colours. And of course, the latest entrants, including Cakes, chocolates and Kurkure packs, competing with those comfortingly traditional mithai gift packs..jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
ARIES : New projects or business ventures will have positive outcomes. Spend quality time with loved ones. You need to work on improving your financial health. Lucky number: 1, Lucky colour: White. 
LIBRA : Don't make impulsive decisions as you may miss out on important details. You could be the centre of attention and this will boost your confidence. Lucky number: 14, Lucky colour: White. 
TAURUS : You may be unable to focus on things at work. If you need to make an important decision, take time to mull over your options. Lucky number:12, Lucky colour: Crimson. 
SCORPIO : Work will be hectic and there could be new ventures in the offing. Love can go through some tense moments if you don't take time out for your partner. Lucky number: 10, Lucky colour: Purple. 
GEMINI : You may be unable to focus on complicated tasks. If certain issues in important relationships are bothering you, talk to the people concerned. Lucky number:18, Lucky colour: Burgundy. 
SAGITTARIUS : You could be in a restless and irritable mood and loved ones may bear the brunt of your temper. Romance could lead to some happy moments. Lucky number: 11, Lucky colour: Royal blue. 
CANCER : There will be pressure at work leading to tense moments. Single people could meet someone special whose name would start with the alphabet A or B. Lucky number: 20, Lucky colour: cherry. 
CAPRICORN : Work could be stressful and you need to be innovative and be on your feet in order to avoid delays. Single people could meet someone special. Lucky number: 7, Lucky colour: Brick Red. 
LEO : You could be very enthusiastic about certain developments at work or in your personal life and are determined to make the most of every opportunity. Focus on health. Lucky number: 10, Lucky colour: White. 
AQUARIUS : Be discreet about your plans if there is some resistance to your ideas. Single people could be headed for disappointment if they don't check out their future partners. Lucky number: 10, Lucky colour: Crimson. 
VIRGO : Certain issues about your romantic relationship may be on your mind and you need to discuss these issues honestly with your partner. Lucky number: 13, Lucky colour: Magenta. 
PISCES: Your workplace is filled with strange energies today. People seem more than a little bit out of sync at times. You may have to pay attention to their personal problems. Lucky number: 15, Lucky colour: Black.