CHANDIGARH INDEX

 





Photo: Vinay MalikSaal(am) Namaste
Year 2005 brought loads of cheer and colour to the cityscape.
Chetna Keer Banerjee captures some of the action, with a filmi twist

If ‘Bunty aur Babli’ scorched the big screen and ‘oye bubbly’ was hot on the small screen, there was fizz and froth in the city’s air too. There was bounty unlimited as wine festivals got flowing at various hotels and the Chandigarh Wine Club get-together got uncorked at Chimney Heights, on the city’s outskirts. The spirits of the hip crowd also bubbled with excitement as the lounge bar Athena opened at Fun Republic.

Destination 2006
Not just the city residents, tycoons from all over the region are raring to lose their blues in discothèques, nightclubs and hotels across the city on the New Year Eve, says Saurabh Malik
For so many tycoons living life in the boom towns of the region, free-flowing golden elixir in dance `n’ dine parties with blazing infernos warming up their spirits is just not enough to hold them back on the New Year Eve.

Moviemad 2005
Anandita Gupta

As the New Year crawls in, triggering off an explosion of feverish festivity, the memories of 2005 are fading into insignificance. But then, there are some memories that never die. They remain forever, safely tucked away in some crook or corner of our reminiscence. And so, as the year comes to a close, we get some movie buffs to open the closets of their cherished film memories.

Bookworms 2005
Parbina Rashid

Here is a tribe who still believes in the wisdom of words. It’s hard to believe that this lot would rather spend their spare time with a plain old book rather than taking the easy way out, which we normally do, grab hold of the remote and let ourselves drift along the glittering world of TV.

Stars head for sunny shores
A slew of Bollywood actors, filmmakers and musicians are heading for Goa to ring in the New Year. But there are exceptions like Rahul Bose who prefers to spend his time in tsunami-affected areas. Here’s what they say about their New Year celebration plans. Rahul Bose: “It’s been a year since the tsunami. I’m in Andaman Nicobar for Christmas and the New Year to relive the trauma, to understand that such situations aren’t a one-off thing. They can happen any time again. We need to be more prepared.

Do it right
Cool music and belly dancers are not enough to hold you back at one place. Blazing inferno swaying in all directions as if dancing to the thumping beats of music flowing along with rich drinks is not enough to hold you back at one place. For, you simply love to hop on and off your car rushing towards 2006. Well, folks, here is a complete party hoppers guide compiled just for you to enjoy one bash after another without sticking to one place.






 

 

Saal(am) Namaste
Year 2005 brought loads of cheer and colour to the cityscape. Chetna Keer Banerjee captures some of the action, with a filmi twist

If ‘Bunty aur Babli’ scorched the big screen and ‘oye bubbly’ was hot on the small screen, there was fizz and froth in the city’s air too. There was bounty unlimited as wine festivals got flowing at various hotels and the Chandigarh Wine Club get-together got uncorked at Chimney Heights, on the city’s outskirts. The spirits of the hip crowd also bubbled with excitement as the lounge bar Athena opened at Fun Republic. This gave them another place to take a swig, swing and sing, ‘Bar, bar dekho.’

While Athena raised the Bar on enjoyment, the new Café-17 in a leading hotel had a lot brewing too. The situation was so fluid that a Chai Bar could be the next big thing.

Yo! entry

 There was plenty cooking on the food front. It was ‘Enter the dragon’, with a slice of the Big Apple, as Yo! China brought a cuisine that was Chinese, but style that was American. Its USP—-(oriental) flavour at the speed of fast food—-made it a case of chopsticks chasing the clock. 

Adding to the Oriental fare was the Taj’s Chinese restaurant Black Lotus, giving the moneyed class more Manchurian to munch.

If momos were biting into the burger’s market slice, a new specialty restaurant made pasta give pizza a run for its money. Pomodoro, the Italian restaurant at The Piccadilly, dished out not only flavour but also fragrance with its in-house herb garden.

From Swagath to Al Kareem and Mongolian menus to live cooking, there was fresh fare on the gourmet’s platter. Yet there was a hunger for more specialty cuisines. Say, Lip-smacking Lebanese. Or Just Japanese. Ummm, some food for thought.

The Rising

The tricity showed promise of Rising on the fashion map of the country with the inauguration of the mega $ 1.2 million fashion technology park (FTP) and a Business School of Fashion (BSF).

After the UBS (University Business School), the BSF became the second B-school in the city. It has been designed for another kind of rising. The rising hemlines of Indian fashion. Set to add fashionocrats to this city of bureaucrats and technocrats, the new school got hope rising among those in need of suit-able talent.

And the FTP meant a new (ad)dress not only for fashion gurus like J.J. Vallaya or Rana Gill, but for all those who can cut a long story too short or spin a new yarn.

Dharam masala

 The never-ending star trek from Bollywood and Tollywood spelt good news for the Indian Idle too. For, many a city youth bunked classes to ‘Just Chill’ watching Katrina Kaif. Or got ready, not for college, but for a glimpse of Mahima Choudhry or Sameera Reddy.

With the Great Tinsel Town Tour wrapping up with Garam Dharam & Co, City Beautiful’s shooting ranges got more taste of movie masala.

The cityscape’s reel potential turned into real opportunity as land for a Film City was earmarked and CITCO set up a Bollywood facilitation cell. And with a conclave in Mumbai discussing cinematic tourism in Chandigarh, the script for its new role as a shoot-at-site destination was almost written.

Shaadi No 1

Theatre buffs got plenty of comic relief. Even as the curtain went up on plays good and bad, comedy was the flavour of the season. The stage was set for the Great City Laughter Challenge. And the Theme No 1 was the ‘Comedy of Errors’ called shaadi.

For, if Poonam Dhillon came looking for ‘My Perfect Husband’, Rati Agnihotri pleaded, ‘Please Divorce me Darling’. And Mandira Bedi and Samir Soni felt marriage was about “Anything but Love”.

Anant Mahadevan, Ayesha Jhulka and Divya Dutta (e)spoused the theme ‘Mujhe Rang De’, while Jitendra Mittal’s ‘Salim Sherwani ki Shaadi’ wowed with its tale of wedding vows. As English and vernacular theatre both were winners in this laughathon, it showed that a laugh riot can be sparked by any language.

Salwar mein twist

 The czars and czarinas of couture not only gave the city’s fashionistas a peek into stylized salwars and seem-less saris, they even floored them with carpet-inspired prêt lines.

If the creation by Rocky S rocked the ramp, Suneet Varma not only brought new designs but also memories of the famous ‘Babli lift’. Tarun Tahilani’s collection inspired from West Asian Killim carpets made the rug-ged look arrive on the catwalk. From the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour to the Fashion Knowledge Forum, though the robes showcased couldn’t have made it to the commoners’ wardrobes, all’s well that ends (with) Wendell. Even as the style gurus left their stamp and went, some signature stores like Satya Paul came to stay.

Aashiq Banaya Aapne

This year, the craze for Harry Potter peaked as his sixth book was launched at the peak of summer. But this was a literary romance that was powered a lot by purchasing power and prestige value. As children and adults went berserk procuring ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ for a princely sum, it was clearly an instance of ‘Harry met Salary’.

Proclaiming ownership of the latest Potter title became a fashion statement at kitty parties. Being first with the latest Potter facts enabled many among reading-challenged glitterati to pose as the literati.

As for the city’s real book lovers, barring the stray book exhibition, book launch or visits by authors like Nigel Collett, Shiv Khera or John Keay, there wasn’t really anything new in English writing to write home about.

Destination 2006

Not just the city residents, tycoons from all over the region are raring to lose their blues in discothèques, nightclubs and hotels across the city on the New Year Eve, says Saurabh Malik

Photo: Manoj MahananFor so many tycoons living life in the boom towns of the region, free-flowing golden elixir in dance `n’ dine parties with blazing infernos warming up their spirits is just not enough to hold them back on the New Year Eve.

Raring to cut footloose on the thumping beats of reverberating music in discotheques and hotels with dance floors illuminated by cheerful laser lights, they are driving all the way to Chandigarh “from all over” in perfectly polished semi-limousines on December 31.

Having doubts? Well, listen to what Nagina Singh of Taj has to say. In hospitably business for quite some time, she asserts, “Celebrating crowd from all over the region, including Himachal Pradesh, is zipping down the fast track of merriment all the way to Chandigarh for celebrating the big evening”. Gee! Sounds interesting.

Smiling, Nagina adds: “In fact, the partying pack has already made reservations for rejoicing the rise of a New Year from the ashes of old…. The best part of the crowd is from the region’s industrial hub — Ludhiana. No doubt about it.”

Explaining the trend, Nagina says, “The revelers in this part of the region always had the potential to spend on quality entertainment. But there were hardly any options available to them until a few years ago. No wonder, they had to drive down all the way to Delhi for the occasion, in style”.

Quite true, if you have pockets with oozing out money. In any case, the effect of the partying clique’s enthusiasm is there for all to see. Some of the perpetually vacant rooms in city hotels and lodges have already been booked. “They will soon be littered with luggage as captains of industries check in a few hours before the programmes commence,” says Dinesh Goyal of lodge in Sector 22.

Passing on the reservation register, he whispers, “You may find it hard to believe, but barons not just from Ludhiana, but also from Bathinda, Patiala and Abohar are arriving in the city along with their families cars and tourist buses”.

Some guys have all the time and money in the world. Interrupting the free flow of your thoughts, Goyal asserts, “For them, out of the ordinary arrangements have been made at special rates. In fact, the rooms have been spruced up especially for the occasion”. All the best and happy partying for the eve that comes after 365 days.

Moviemad 2005
Anandita Gupta


SIMPLY SIZZLING: A still from Parineeta, the favourite flick of many arty souls

As the New Year crawls in, triggering off an explosion of feverish festivity, the memories of 2005 are fading into insignificance. But then, there are some memories that never die. They remain forever, safely tucked away in some crook or corner of our reminiscence. And so, as the year comes to a close, we get some movie buffs to open the closets of their cherished film memories.

Watching the trade figures of flicks that hit the theatres in 2005 very very closely, one feels that the year didn’t churn out anything classic. Though Bollywood pretty much produced the same number of films in 2005, the loss has been of 400 crores against last year’s 300 crores. Many movies proved to be nothing but duds. This hasn’t, however, dampened our movie buffs a wee bit. Lets delve deep in their hearts to dig out their fave flicks.

Gursevak Mann
Gursevak Mann

Indu Bala
Indu Bala

Diwan Manna
Diwan Manna

Kamal Tewari
Kamal Tewari

Heroes ka jaadu chal gaya

Uum yes…the moment of reckoning has come. And as peep into more and more hearts, we find people saying goodbye to the ravishing Tinsel town damsels. No more swooning over lovely ladies. For, the metro-sexual man has arrived. Salman Khan, the naughty boy of Bollywood, in spite all controversies, remains the heartthrob of females. Then, there was Imran Hashmi who sizzled on screen. Harbhajan Mann can’t help that winsome smile as he talks about Sallu Bhai, “Salman looked great in ‘No Entry’ and ‘Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya’ and I loved the movies.”

Laughter and forgetting

What most people gobbled this year was the huge doses of comedy. ‘No Entry’ and ‘Maine Pyar Kyon Kiya’ made the box office go ka-ching. But, the most successful film of the year was the Yash Chopra production ‘Bunty aur Babli’, followed closely by comic caper ‘No Entry’. Bunty and Bubly did better overseas. Laughs movie-lover Indu Bala, an English professor at GCG, Sector 11, “So many people have identified with ‘Banti aur Babli’ and I loved it for the preppy song Kajrare. No wonder the colour of the movie was splashed on the country streets as ‘Banti aur Babli’ bags, necklaces and kurtis.”

Betaaj Badshah beats all!

The 63-year-old mega star is going great guns. The year 2005 saw him striking Gold at the box-office. His name featured in the credits of 10 films, out of which ‘Bunti aur Babli’, ‘Sarkaar’ and ‘Black’ were super hits.“ Amit ji was amazing in Black.” Adds Prof. Indu, “I’m a Bhansali fan and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. The presentation of reality in it literally made me shudder.” And when father was rocking, could son Abhishek be far behind? He made the yuppie crowd swoon to the beats of ‘Kajrare kajrare’ (though pa Bachchan was leagues ahead here too). Plus, he’s scored brownie points by appearing in Bluff master at the year’s fag end.

Arty delights

Sleeper hits, off beat things sizzled too. The best liked flicks were ‘Iqbal’, ‘Black’ and Madhur bhandarkar’s ‘Page 3’ which completed a Silver Jubilee but also won national awards. Says artist Diwan Manna, “Parineeta was an unbeatable period movie. A complete film without any formula.” Adds Gursewak Mann, “Though the theme of Black moved me, I also enjoyed Parineeta that showed the Calcutta’s culture so well.” “Raincoat was amazing for it’s simplicity,” adds Kamal Tiwari.

So folks, what’s your fave? Go down the memory lane and find out!

Bookworms 2005
Parbina Rashid

Prof Shelly Walia at his home turf

Joanna

Prof Rana Nayar

Neel Kamal Puri

BOOKER’S DEN: (clockwise) Prof Shelly Walia at his home turf, Neel Kamal Puri, Prof Rana Nayar and Joanna . —  Photos by Vinay Malik and Parvesh Chauhan

Here is a tribe who still believes in the wisdom of words. It’s hard to believe that this lot would rather spend their spare time with a plain old book rather than taking the easy way out, which we normally do, grab hold of the remote and let ourselves drift along the glittering world of TV.

It’s also difficult to generalise the reason for their obsession. But listen to this book lover. For an introvert like him, books provided an escape route for him during his childhood. It became companionship during his adulthood and before he realised it books became his need. A need that is not just intellectual but also emotional and spiritual.

So they devour books. Anything, which hits the bookstores, finds a place in their bookshelves too, if not their hearts. Tribune Lifestyle takes a look around to find out which were the books that found favour with our own book devotees.

Prof Rana Nayar, who teaches English literature at Panjab University, by his own admission, writes more than he reads. But ask him which was the most memorable book he read this year, the list is more than you can handle.

“The best book I read this year was ‘Being Indian’ by Pavan K. Verma. Then there was this book by Nandita Roy called ‘The Waste Land: Making of Grassroots Leaders’, which I found fascinating though it was not literary,” he tells us.

There are others. One was Mirza Abu Taleb’s Travels, a travelogue, which was translated by Charles Stewart in 1812 but recently edited by Mushirul Hassan and also ‘Prophets Facing backward: Post Modernism, Science & Hindu Nationalism’ by Meera Nanda.

As we move on we meet Prof Shelly Walia, known for his voracious reading habits. “The book I liked this year was ‘Multitude’ by Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri, a confrontational and though- provoking book against unilaterlism,” says Prof Walia. This is one book he has been waiting for after he read ‘Empire’ by the same authors a couple of years back. ‘Multitude’ is the sequel to ‘Empire’. “The first book was powerful that there was a few writers came out with another book called ‘Debating Empire’, we were informed.

Next we meet Neel Kamal Puri, whose debut book ‘ The Patiala Quartet’ is about to be released. “I read Tarun Tejpal’s ‘Alchemy of Desire’, Amratya Sen’s ‘Argumentative Indian’ and Rupa Bajwa’s ‘Saree shop’, says this writer who teaches Functional English at GCG-11. She liked ‘Saree Shop’ the best for the flow of her writing and also the style of narration. ‘Alchemy of Desire’ was a complete no-no for her.

Meet Joanna, who is working as the co-ordinator at an art gallery. “Reading is as important as eating and sleeping to me,” says this bookworm, who reads right from Mills and Boons to Patricia Cornwell to Robin Cook and Stephen King. “My most favourite books which I read this year were ‘State of Fear’ by Michael Critcheon and ‘Hour Glass’ by David Baldacci.

So before you push this article to the back of your mind and pick up the remote once again, here is a list of few must read books:

Non-fiction

  • Two Lives’ by Vikram Seth
  • The Tropics and The Travelling Gaze: India, Landscape and Science 1800-1856’ by David Arnold
  • Delhi: A Thousand Years of Building’ by Lucy Peck
  • Triumph of Will Sonia Gandhi’ by Yusuf Ansari
  • I Too Had A Dream’ by Verghese Kurien

Fiction

  • The Manticore’s Secret’ by Samit Basu
  • Patna Roughcut’ by Siddharth Chowdhury
  • The Other Side of Me’ by Sidney Sheldon
  • False Impression’ by Jeffrey Archer
  • A Million Little Pieces’ by James Frey

Stars head for sunny shores

Deepti NavalA slew of Bollywood actors, filmmakers and musicians are heading for Goa to ring in the New Year. But there are exceptions like Rahul Bose who prefers to spend his time in tsunami-affected areas.

Here’s what they say about their New Year celebration plans. Rahul Bose: “It’s been a year since the tsunami. I’m in Andaman Nicobar for Christmas and the New Year to relive the trauma, to understand that such situations aren’t a one-off thing. They can happen any time again. We need to be more prepared.

“I want to see how much progress has been made with the relief operations.

For me, that’s the most comforting way of celebrating the year-end. I don’t know why everyone heads for Goa on New Year eve. It just gets so crowded.

Sameera ReddyI’m not a crowd person. I’m not even a party person. I like solitude even on new year eve.” Deepti Naval: “I’ll be in Madh Island...Bringing in the new year in my new home, spending time with my mom who’s coming from New York. Friends are welcome to drop in. We’ll hang out on Ketan and Deepa Mehta’s terrace in the same building till we ring in the New Year.” Karan Johar: “Goa, of course! Where else? It’s almost tradition. Isn’t that where everyone heads? I’m tempted to say I’m going elsewhere this New Year. But that would be just fooling myself. No matter how hard I try to change my plans, it’s always Goa for me. I badly need a break after the long and gruelling spell of ‘Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna’. This is my chance.” Ekta Kapoor: “I’ll be in Goa with friends, but only for two days. I don’t have time for a longer break. If I did I might’ve thought of some other place.” Mahesh Bhatt: “I won’t be going anywhere. I’ll be in Mumbai working. For me Jan 1, 2006, will just be another day.” Vipul Shah: “My wife and I will be in Mumbai only. We’ll be partying only till about 1 pm on New Year’s Eve. We want to welcome 2006 in our home.

I’ll get up early, do a small puja, work till late afternoon. Then in the evening we’ll host a party at home for family and friends.” Sammir Dattani: “Usually I spend the new year with my family and friends.

But this time I’m shooting for Mani Shankar’s film in Hyderabad. And I’m not complaining! To be finally so busy that I don’t even get a holiday at year-end is a blessing. I’ll probably celebrate with Mani and my co-stars Om Puri and Sushant Singh.” Sameera Reddy: “I’m flying off to Greece for two days. I’m spending New Year with my sister Meghana who lives there. It’s hectic. But I had promised her that I’d be there. And I like to keep my promises.” Priyanka Chopra: “I’ll be out of the country with some close friends. I’ve been working hard, and I need a break.” Smriti Irani: “I’ll be at home with my family.

Urmila Matondkar

That’s where I always am on New Year’s Eve.” Victor Bannerjee: “I’m basically a man of nature. I’ll be in Kasauli worshipping the Himalayas. Isn’t that where we are all ultimately bound?” Urmila Matondkar: “Goa...where else? Isn’t that where all of us are supposed to head? I’ve had a pretty hectic schedule lately, and I really need this break. I’m really looking forward to my year-end holiday.” Shabana Azmi: “Happily, in my own saga home. I’ve been shooting for J.P. Dutta’s ‘Umrao Jaan’ in Jaipur...Have been away from Mumbai for too long...I’ll be happy to get back home to spend New Year’s Eve.” Jadu (husband Javed Akhtar) isn’t a party animal either. But my brother Baba Azmi and bhabhi Tanvi will be going to attend Aamir Khan’s wedding. I don’t know Farhan and Zoya Akhtar’s plans. So I suppose it’ll be just my mother, Jadu and me at home. And yes, close friends will surely drop in.” Subhash Ghai: “I go to visit Sai Baba in Shirdi every year on Dec 31, and that shall remain unchanged. I want to offer prayers so I can be a better human being and a better filmmaker. I also pray for my well-wishers.” Adnan Sami: “I’ll be in Bangkok for the New Year celebrating with family and friends. And yes, my lady love will also accompany me.” Anupam Kher: “My new year will be quiet as always. For me the New Year is as special as any other day. I never take the time given to me by God for granted. By saying this I’m not trying to be different. But that’s how I feel.” Vidya Balan: “I’m a complete home bird. Will be at home with my parents for the New Year. That according to me is the best way to celebrate.” Madhur Bhandarkar: “Me and my wife will be visiting Tirupati-Balaji for the new year. I haven’t found the time to visit one of my favourite holy spots for five years. It’s been a satisfying year for me and I want to thank god for it. So I’m taking a few days off from my shooting of ‘Corporate’ to do so.” K.K. Menon: “My wife and I like to take an impromptu decision on what to do for the new year. We’ll probably be celebrating in Mumbai only. But that’s something we’ll decide only when the time comes.” Konkona Sen: “I’ll be at Naseeruddin Shah’s farmhouse. The film in which he directs me is complete. And we’ll have a wrap-up party. Really looking forward to it.” Sohail Khan: “Goa...like every year. My bachcha and me love the sun and surfing. Basically he’s gone on his father. We’re both beach bums.” — IANS

Do it right

Cool music and belly dancers are not enough to hold you back at one place. Blazing inferno swaying in all directions as if dancing to the thumping beats of music flowing along with rich drinks is not enough to hold you back at one place. For, you simply love to hop on and off your car rushing towards 2006. Well, folks, here is a complete party hoppers guide compiled just for you to enjoy one bash after another without sticking to one place.

First of all, remember to carry the invites, lest you are not allowed to enter the world of excitement on the New Year’s Eve. If you plan to include nightclubs and discotheques in your list of places-to-be-at on December 31, seek the company of girls. For, most parties are strictly for couples. In case you have the invites, you will find a lot many maidens looking for entry without passes. Just stand in front of the venue for about 10 minutes. The girls will approach you, without fail. Take them along. Friendship of convenience, you can call it.

You see New Year Eve parties normally pick momentum after 9 pm. As such, you cannot proceed in one direction, go to another, twirl around the dance floor, and come back in less than three hours.

So use your vote. Keep in mind the venue you wish to boogie before the New Year arrives and plan accordingly. Start from one direction and reach the party you wish to enjoy at least an hour before the big moment. You should stick to one drink. Don’t have scotch at one party and rum at another. Blending drinks will only give you headache, if nothing more. Beer is safer. Better still, save drinks for the final bash. Till then, act teetotaler. It’s not a bad idea. In the end, stay at a party as long as you like. You are not obliged to be there forever as it is your day and so have your way. — SM

TAROT TALK — 2006
What the cards say...
P. KHURRANA peeps into your future 

ARIES : “ The Prince of Wands” comes riding with a promise of a solution in a difficult situation in 2006. The year shows hard work but with certain progress in your career and business. There will not be any sudden gains and you will have to remain content with the slow rate of growth. Do not get lured by quick profit schemes for these will result in a financial setback. The months you need to watch out for such temptations are May/June and October. Try to work independently even though the progress appear slow. The employed will benefit by sticking to their current jobs and not seek a change. The married will face occasional fights and quarrels but there is no reason which will slowly make them drift apart. Most of you may have tendency to put on weight, and it seems you will certainly add a couple of extra kilos. You need to take care of health especially during the months July, September and December. The year takes you much closer to your goals. Romantic Months : March & July. Donation on Birthday : 5 Kg Rice at place of worship Mantra : Aum Ang Angarkaye Nameh: Lucky days: Monday & Friday  LIBRA : “The Queen of Cups” clouds your vision with emotions. You have the space to be creative, poetic and artistic. This year, there will not be any sudden gains and you will have to remain content with the slow rate of growth. Do not get lured by quick profit schemes for these will result in a financial setback. Major changes around the month of September will make your life even more comfortable as far as your job or work is concerned. Your health will be generally good and you will feel fit and sprightly. A strong romantic involvement around the latter half of this year may lead to a more lasting relationship in future. Students will have a busy year ahead and they will succeed in their activities may it be studies or sports. The period after August onwards is rather profitable for business and profession when you will find yourself much in demand. Those working in smaller towns will move in the pursuit of their dreams with an assured future. Chances of unbalanced monetary commitments are possible in September, October and December. Romantic Months : June, September. Donation on Birthday : Donate Sugar & Rice 1 ¼ Kg each at place of worship. Mantra : Aum Shu Shukraye Nameh: Lucky days: Monday, Saturday
TAURUS : TAURUS :” The Wheel of fortune” infuses exalted influence on love and romantic relationships. You start the year mixing business with pleasure and despite important developments on the relationship front; you really can’t take your eyes off the ball career wise. Your domestic situation or financial pressures may be influencing your desire to know where you stand. Some of you will find the demands of kids difficult at times, especially with so much good activity appearing to pass you by. With Mars turning retrograde after 15 th September, it could bring some confusion and uncertainty. This may be because of the financial opportunities coming your way or because of a big change or personal transformation that can’t be rushed because of the significant changes involved. Take short journeys during in May or October. Multifarious activities can be tiring so try to focus on priorities. Romantic Months : June & September. Donation on Birthday : Donate 1 ¼ Kg. Mustered Oil on your birthday at religious place. Mantra : Aum Ke Ketvey Nameh Lucky days: Sunday & Friday SCORPIO:  “ Five of pentacles” takes you through variety of experiences in 2006. You will scale greater heights in your career and achieve financial affluence. Those who may have put on weight and are keen to get back into shape will achieve excellent results. Home and personal life is happy and you will make it a point to spend most of your time at home with family and loved ones. May- July, September and October are a bit troublesome when you could complain of a backache or some of you may develop minor problem in the liver, or kidney. Youngsters are going to get entangled in an affair of the heart, which their elder will not approve. The months you need to watch out for few temptations are February, July and September. Romantic Months : March, July & October. Donation on Birthday :Donate 1 ¼ Kg Gur at religious place on your birthday. Mantra : Aum Ang Angarkaye Nameh.Lucky days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 
GEMINI : “ The Hanged Man” gives you eternal wisdom and many opportunities for personal growth. During 2006, you are less likely to tolerate being confined in any way – mentally, emotionally, or physically. Freedom could become something of major importance to you. Those of you in a long-term relationship may begin a positive new phase, while others may decide that the restrictions being encountered merit a complete break in the relationship. A Taurean is moody but caring. Long distance travel, legal matters and educational pursuits are all positively accented during June to November. Career wise, June onwards there will be an overall improvement which will bring growth prospect & progress but with hurdles. Money matters and family issues could hold back issues till the end of the year. January, April , August and September will be favourable for love matters while February, March, May, December could be difficult. Marriage matters will be happy till 30th May. Romantic Months : January, July & September. Donation on Birthday: Donate green cloth to poor lady on your birthday. Mantra :Aum Bu Budhaye Nameh: Lucky days:Tuesday & Thursday  SAGITTARIUS : “ The King of Cups” infuses you intelligence honour and maturity in 2006. The months January, July and September will bring a stroke of good luck. Home and family life will go through a difficult period in June July. Those desirous to pursue higher education overseas are certain to get admissions to prestigious universities abroad. Financial situation will be not only satisfactory, but you will register surplus growth. The employed may consider setting up their own enterprise. Health would be a matter of concern, and preventive medication should not be ignored at any cost. The months of February, April, September and November will be important for starting something new. Romantic Months : January, October, December. Donation on Birthday : Donate 1 ¼ Ky Channa Dal on your birthday at religious place. Mantra : Aum Bra Brashpate Name. Lucky days: Wednesday, Saturday
CANCER : Your own card “ The Moon” brings a Karmic situation to the fore as you face emotional strength in January and February. Fortune smiles on you in 2006 as the resources are now available to make those big changes in your life happen. Financially, you are in a very good year. Issues of health, problems with people that you work with, or responsibilities that interfere with your personal plans can all be very frustrating. A close family member has answers for you. Learn to share and let others help where they can. Gains from partners or associates benefit you in early February. Changes suggested in late April can bear fruit in November. September and October brings good financial or career related news and this will make a big difference to you by December. Avoid investments in new businesses in the months of June, September and December. Loans and new debts should be avoided after 15 th October. Romantic Months : March & October. Donation on Birthday : Donate 5 Kg Sugar at religious place on your birthday. Mantra : Aum Cha Chandraye Nameh: Lucky days: Tuesday & Saturday CAPRICORN : “ Two of Wands” leads to actualisation of personal and professional plans. This year promises to be an excellent for financial gains and career growth. Few new opportunities bring new confidence and enthusiasm into you. Proper time and efforts would be essential to reap career goals. Do not be highly outspoken and reveal your future plans to others. Unexpected gains could be through speculation, put you into a very comfortable position. You will spend lavishly not only on your self but also on your family members and friends. Youngsters will get to know someone very interesting an exciting romance is predicted between 15 th July to 27 th September. Students from August onwards you are assured smooth sailing and with a little bit of effort you will achieve wonderful results in exams and sports competitions. Your health will be good and you will be full of vitality throughout this year. Romantic Months : July, August, October. Donation on Birthday : Donate 2 ¼ Ky Saboot Mah at place of worship. Mantra : Aum Sha Shanichraye Nameh. Lucky days: Thursday, Friday
LEO : “The Temperance” card implies balance between heart and the mind. You learn self-control and patience. The year 2006 is certainty of positive changes in life. Consider another’s wishes and desires and share your resources with them. This will head off a potentially damaging conflict and you will see that you will benefit greatly from this exercise in sharing. Romance takes a back seat in February, June, July. Early February brings a pleasant surprise as another lifts some major responsibilities from you. April brings overtures from others regarding financial assistance. Helping out now may offset the potential problems with long-term goals that will come up in July. September is a bonus month for you personally, but big changes are in the wind. December brings ideas and a resurrection of an old project of plan. The year end restores balance in your life enabling you to have the kind of life you want now instead of having to wait some years for this to happen. Romantic Months : February, March & September. Donation on Birthday : Donate 1 ¼ Kg wheat on your birthday. Mantra : Aum Su Surauye Nameh. Lucky days: Wednesday & Friday AQUARIUS : “ Three of Wands” representing Brahma, Vishnu “ Trinity” brings success in 2006. A powerful year to see big positive changes in your life-style, if you can find the right person or learn to share. An influential Taurean person offers emotional support through hell and high water. Financial clashes are likely with future plans and different ideas are the focus of the conflict. A meeting with or contact with someone in the month of March – April at a place which is quite exotic or far away gives you the support you need to fulfill your dreams. A fortunate occurrence in September will give you much to work within November. The year ends with you finding renewed balance and harmony in your relationships. Romantic Months: March, May, December. Donation on Birthday: Donate Sugar, ghee, white cloth on your birthday. Mantra : Aum Ke Katye Nameh. Lucky days: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
VIRGO : “ The World” is a symbol of complete learning and perfection. You will usher in the New Year with great hope and enthusiasm especially after having achieved remarkable results in your education and career. Even financially the first couple of months will see you spend heavily in maintaining your contracts and in fulfilling your obligations. A major part of your profit will get diverted to operational activities and perhaps in expansion work. There may be some unforeseen pay offs that could put heavy strain on your savings but these are occupational necessities that have to be fulfilled. The employed will do well but may go through a period of uncertainty more due to major changes within their organisation. Some of you may have to seek another job around June- July that will come along through the agency of a senior. Ego conflicts and fixed ideas should not be encouraged in love & personal relationship. Romantic Months : January, March, October. Donation on Birthday : Donate 1 ¼ Kg Moongi Saboot at place of worship on your birthday. Mantra : Aum Bu Budhaye Nameh. Lucky days: Wednesday, Sunday PISCES: “ The Hermit” blesses you with divine inspiration and uncanny insight as you make major professional and personal decisions in 2006. The beginning of the year sees you signing fresh contracts, or starting a new job, which has the potential to grow rapidly during the next couple of months. You will make substantial gains around March and during May/June, but thereafter, a slide decline in income or profits is foreseen. The married will travel frequently in the company of their mate and beloved, to their favourite holiday resort. The months March April see a slight health problem for your mate who could cause lot of anxiety to you and to your family. Some of you may continue to stay overseas even after having completed your education, and take up lucrative jobs. Those of you who are keen on losing weight will achieve remarkable results by following a regimen of light physical exercise and dietary control. Romantic Months : November, December. Donation on Birthday : Donate Black articles like cloth, blanket on your birthday. Mantra : Aum Sha Shanichraye Nameh. Lucky days: Friday, Saturday




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