Divine art
Innovation is the name of the game this Diwali. Instead of boring atta or cumbersome rice powder, rangoli-makers are trying out materials like marble dust and acrylic colours 
This is the time of the year when any of us can unleash our latent creative talent and become an artist. With the floor as canvas and anything colourful for medium, nothing can go wrong. At least that’s what we thought until we heard a colleague narrating her harrowing story of making a rangoli using flour instead of rice power and got it all stuck to the floor, much to the annoyance of her maid. Her disaster provoked a good laugh but it made us think too – how about talking to experts in this field and learn about this art form. After all, we don’t want to keep rubbing the floor after Diwali to get rid of all the muck!

Photo: Pradeep Tewari

Subalakshmi flaunts her rangoli

Sky is the limit
It’s business with pleasure for Gul Panag, who is in the city to promote Tata Sky and celebrate Diwali with her family
I have always endeavored to be different. I don’t like to do anything just because everybody else is doing it,” declares Gul Panag. And we couldn’t agree more. After all, her profile supports her statement. 

FAMILY TIME: Gul Panag shares happy moments with her family members. 

Diwali dhamaka
Say no to crackers and celebrate the Festival of Lights with candles, diyas and loads of goodies…
Have you taken a vow to celebrate smoke free, eco friendly Diwali? We just thought of reminding you the same in case you haven’t. Come on, it’s high time. And if you are still wondering as to what would make up for the fun of crackers, here is what some city people have to suggest. Madhuri Thakur, student: In my childhood, the only reason I enjoyed Diwali was because of crackers. It used to be fun igniting one and then running away from it.

Side Lanes
A Diwali message
The recent, pre-Diwali, 160 th year celebration at Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, tossed up crackers of different hues and decibles. Cottonians homed in from across the world. Participants describe it as memorable, for it evoked nostalgic memories and renewed old friendships. Most of us, who read about it and watched from the outside, were envious.

Fair & square 
Everything is set for Chandigarh national Crafts Mela at Kalagram
The repositories of folklore cultural traditions and skilled craftsmanship, handed down by one generation to the next, chronicle the natural reflection of any community and always give profound aesthetic satisfaction when watched alive. Though City Beautiful has many incredible firsts to its credit, but the ensuing first-ever Chandigarh National Crafts Mela being held at Kalagram from October 24 to November 2, will certainly add a new dimension to its cultural revitalisation.” claimed Ram Niwas, Home Secretary at Kalagram here on Thursday.

Gold rush

Bring Lady Luck into your homes this Dhantaras by buying ‘Being Human Pure Gold Coins’ from Gitanjali Jewels-9, Panchkula! To celebrate the day, Gitanjali Jewels and Salman Khan have introduced the unique concept to symbolise the pleasure of gifting. As a part of an exclusive offer there is a 30 per cent discount on making charges of the 22 kt hallmarked gold brand Maya. —TNS

 

Hand crafted The Orissa Handicraft Fair at Lajpat Rai Bhavan-15, organised by Kulamani Creative Handicraft Co-op Society has a variety of handloom and handicraft items. Lifestyle Photo: S. Chandan