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Invitation To Join Eco Habitat Club


Dear Citizen, We at Habitat Times invite you to join our 'Eco Habitat Club' in the Whatsapp as well as FB 'Eco Habitat Club' group. 

The aim is to keep spreading awareness, one friend at a time and create a network of like minded people. If each one of us promise to ourselves to do our 'Little Bit' for the environment in any small way , we shall be paving our way forward to a Sustainable Habitat. We need not go out of our way to do something 'Huge' , but taking 'Small Steps' everyday will surely help our immediate habitat.There is no restriction of location for joining our group.


The link of the Whatsapp group is " Eco Habitat Club ". Please click on this link to Join .

The FB Group link is https://www.facebook.com/groups/583832218671771/  . Please Click To Join.


You can also join our 'Physical Club' by sending your intent on the 'Enquiry Form' on the website page or Mail us at 'Habitat.Times@gmail.com' and we will contact you with details when the Club starts rolling. 

We are presently functioning from CR Park, Alaknanda, GK-1 , GK-2 and surrounding areas of South Delhi.


Best Wishes
Team Habitat Times

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Shubho Mahalaya From Habitat Times

Rupang Dehi, Jayang Dehi, Yasho Dehi, Dvisho Jahi!!

The countdown is drawing to a close! “Pitri Paksha” or “Shradh” the time of mourning for the forefathers or the previous 14 generations, comes to a close and “Devi Paksha” or the auspicious time of Maa Durga commences. “Maha alaya” or the “Great Homecoming”. On this day, as the legend goes, Maa Durga commences her journey from Mount Kailash, the abode of her husband, Lord Shiva to Mother Earth, her parental abode where she will reside for 4 days from Maha Sasthi to Maha Navami. This day, people also remember their forefathers from previous 14 generations and offer them “tarpan” or offerings to appease them and prepare the earth to welcome Maa Durga.

On this day, the ceremony of “Chakshudaan” is followed wherein , the idols of Maa Durga are bestowed with the all important and life giving “eyes”. Following which, most of the big daddies of the celebrations, carry their respective idols to their Puja Pandals for the final touches before the grand inauguration on Maha Sasthi!

Mahalaya, the collective musical hymns praising the beauty, power and aura of the supreme Spriitual energy that symobilises the eternal endless, formless and seamless of the universe,  that is encompassed in Durga and Argala Strotras, was broadcasted over the radio in 1930s. Later on, the hymns and songs were recorded and played on the day of Mahalaya. Legendary narrator, Birendra Krishna Bhadra's voice was used to narrate hymns and legends around Goddess Durga's descend to earth. The whole composition was set to tune by legendary composer Pankaj Mullick and presented by 30 most popular radio artists of that time.

This composition is surpassed years and generations and is still most enthusiastically and symbolically listened to, by Bengalis across the world in the wee hours of Mahalaya every year without exception. Initially, broadcasted by All India Radio till the last 10 odd years, and most proudly tuned in by every Bengali, the composition is now widely and easily available on the internet in all its authenticity and better engineered sound to align the GenX and millennials listening abilities!! However, it remains to be seen whether it can still be heard on the almost extinct radio!

The vibrant sarees and crisp dhotis are patiently waiting in the closets of the impatient Bengali, to be flaunted from Maha Sasthi till the melancholic Maha Navami! The daily prasad and bhog will vie to tantalise the taste buds of the foodie Bengali for the eventful 4 days which will see the kitchens rendered defunct and the discerning Bengali ear will listen to a plethora of musical programs and give its expert opinion on each performance!

Here’s looking forward to a happening Durga Puja 2017!
Habitat Times wishes all readers a very Happy, peaceful and enjoyable Durga Puja!

Do visit Chittaranjan Park for an exhilarating Puja experience...

By Jaya Ray ( Habitat.Times@gmail.com)
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Chittaranjan Park Durga Puja, A Must Visit

  Maa Aaschen, Come And Be A Part Of Our Celebrations And   Enjoy The Puja Fervour...



With Durga Puja round the corner, there is no better time to visit this throbbing hub of South Delhi, where you can pay homage to the goddess as well as to Bengali cuisine. This year, Durga Puja is from 26th September to 30th September and bamboo structures for marquees are already visible in various parks and community centres. C R Park has the highest concentration of Durga Pujas, and the area transforms into a carnival zone during these 5 days.

Crowded roads lit up with rows of bulbs, the sounds of dhak and resonating chants, the smell of incense burning in dhunachis, people dancing away in a state of trance – pujo fervour is not limited to Bengalis alone. From all over the city, all sections of people come to visit the CR Park celebrations and go ‘pandal hopping’, tasting food and enjoying various cultural festivals and buying exotic stuff . 

Maa Durga (the warrior Goddess), the epitome of righteousness and endearment, is the most loved female deity of Hindus all over India and other countries of the world as well. Every year, grand celebrations are observed in the honor of Mother Goddess, on the day of Durga Puja or Durgotsav during Sharad Navratri. Durga Puja ends on the tenth day of Sharad Navratri. This day is also known by other names such as Dussehra and Vijayadashami.

As per our scriptures, Maa Durga is the source of all the energies. Her nine manifestations are worshiped during the nine days of Sharad Navratri, and the complete form of Shakti, Goddess Maa Durga is worshiped on the tenth day of Sharad Navratri for attaining immense peace and happiness. The nine manifestations of Maa Durga are Kali , Bhavani, Bhagwati, Gauri, Ambika, Lalita, etc. Maa Durga is considered as the representation of feminine power.

So, welcome one and all, be a part of our celebrations and enjoy the Puja fervour with a delightfully transformed colony with whirlwind of colors, textures, aromas and culinary pleasures as the entire area comes alive with the sounds of children’s laughter, elderly gossips, trance-inducing religious hymns and gyrating beats of drums. Welcome to CR Park Durga Puja, 2017.

By Anindita Roy (Habitat.Times@gmail.com))

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Bhoger Khichudi- The Life Of The Durga Puja

Food Designer Anuradha Mukherjee Shares Her Recipe For 'Bhoger Khichudi'...


Anuradha Mukherjee, a passionate cook, mother of two grown up children (not to forget the overgrown child,Mr. Mukherjee), believes that aroma of any food can take you back to exactly where you had it, and with whom, years ago. 

The urge to recreate that same food and subsequently, the memories attached, with her own twist has brought her amidst you.

Anuradha says, "My journey of cooking began with the aromas of our cooks making simple meals in my grandfather's home. Later people in my life, from my mother, aunts, friend's mothers to my mother-in-law, everyone contibuted a lot to my style of cooking. My priority is to share with you the healthier versions of our age old recipes infused with today's shortcuts. In today's day and date, time is too important to spend an entire day in the kitchen. I provide a homemaker's view to enjoy cooking,  partying, shopping and most importantly a very organised way of life through my recipes". 

Here Anuradha shares with the readers of 'Habitat Times', the recipe for 'Bhoger Khichudi'... 


"The word bhog means offering and what could be more fitting for this delicious Bengali dish than to be offered to the Goddess herself! The traditional Khichdi also stands as a much favoured food during the Rainy season, especially when accompanied by Pakoras (Indian Fritters). As the Durga Puja approaches, here is my take on the much sought after Bhoger Khichudi".

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Rice (washed and soaked for 1 hr)                                    1 cup
Yellow Moong Dal (dry roasted and soaked for 1 hr)       1 cup
Potatoes (cut into quarters)                                               4 medium
Cauliflower florets (Medium sized)                                  8-10
Green Peas (Fresh or Frozen)                                            1/2 cup
Tomatoes (Finely Chopped)                                               2 large
Coriander Powder                                                                 2 tsps
Turmeric Powder                                                                  1 tsp
Cumin Powder                                                                       1 tsp
Garam Masala Powder                                                         1 tsp
Red Chilli Powder                                                                 1 tsp
Grated Ginger                                                                        1 tsp
Cumin Seeds                                                                          2 tsps
Asafoetida (Hing)                                                                 a pinch
Whole Red Chilli                                                                   1
Bay Leaf                                                                                  1
Cinnamon Stick                                                                     1 small
Ghee or Clarified Butter                                                      2 tbsps
Water                                                                                      8 cups
Grated Coconut                                                                    2 tbsps
Salt                                                                                          to taste

Procedure:


  1. Peel the potatoes, cut them into quarters, soak them in water, otherwise they turned dark.
  2. Cut the Cauliflower florets and deep fry them till they turn brown in hot oil. Keep them aside.
  3. Put one tbsp ghee in a pressure cooker and turn the flame on high.
  4. When the ghee gets hot, add 1 tsp cumin seeds, a pinch of asafoetida, a bay leaf and a cinnamon stick.
  5. Add potatoes and peas to it. Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder and red chilli powder and fry till all the spices come together. Now, add tomatoes and salt.
  6. Fry till oil separates from the sides. Add soaked rice and dal (lentil) after draining the water. Fry nicely.
  7. Add Garam Masala Powder, 1 tbsp of Grated Coconut and fry.
  8. Add water and stir, mixing everything.
  9. Put the lid on and let it cook till two whistles. Turn the flame off and let it rest. As soon as the stream dissipates, open the pressure cooker, stir and add the cauliflowers.
  10. Let it cook for a while till the cauliflower gets coated in the Khichdi.
Most Indian dishes, usually fancy rice dishes and almost all daals are garnished using a form of tempering usually called Bagaar in Hindi or  Phoron in  Bengali. This can be done in this dish as follows.

Take a small pan, add ghee to it, followed by cumin seeds, red chilli powder and let it crackle. Add this to the Khichdi. Decorate it with freshly grated coconut and coriander leaves and a chilli. Enjoy...

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Impact Of Plywood On The Environment

There are two kinds of environmental impacts created by plywood industries. They are the offsite and onsite impacts. When the impact is the area where the manufacturing takes place, it is called onsite impact. The impact caused associated with timber harvesting, which is used as the source in plywood industry is the offsite impact.

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AstroSeer Tanuj Lalchandani

An ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga, Tanuj believes that destruction paves way for a new beginning. After every bad event, one needs to pick the pieces and start afresh. 

Tanuj says , “I was one of the naughtiest child in my school. It was a common belief among my teachers that I would amount to nothing. Yes, I wasn’t the best at studies but life had something else in store for me.” 

His enthralling journey took him to an off-beaten path. His fascination with the mystical and spiritual world of astrology started at the tender age of 14. At an age, when other children were trying to live the life that every teenager dreams of, he was full of desire to satisfy his insatiable urge to know the unknown. He began to study under his Guru, Mr. Subhash Chand Gupta, who helped in refining his raw talent. With a lot of passion and dedication, he started putting his predictions to test on relatives and fellow classmates at St. George’s School, Alaknanda. The joy he derived from an accurate prediction surpassed the one after getting an A+ (well, I never got one, says Tanuj with a twinkle in his eyes).

To quench the insatiable thirst for knowledge and spirituality, Tanuj started reading the Shiv Mahapurana at the age of 14 and has read it 16 times till date. He then started with Bhagvad Gita (in Hindi and Sanskrit and  moved on to Durga Saptashati. These scriptures have helped him discover many arrays of wisdom.

At the age of 32, people come and discuss their life problems with him. Part astrologer, part therapist, his work is to help people understand the intricacies of their life and find solutions to their problems. Astrology provides guidance. It can’t alter the path of life but may lessen the negative impacts of the problems life has in store for you. He has been through a low phase as well but his belief in God and spirituality guided him and helped him channel his energy in the right direction. “In fact, that low phase has made me stronger. So assuming that astrology ensures all is rosy is a fallacy”, he says.

He strives to help his clients in every possible way. The remedies suggested by him are usually simple which often involve donating certain items to poor and needy people as well as to animals. Visiting spiritual places is also an essential part of the remedies. Using the super charged yantras, one can reduce negativity and increase positive vibrations. The ancient art of Vaastu Shastra is his forte. He wishes to forge lasting relationships with his clients. His clientele has helped him reach where he is today. “Their belief in my work, makes me want to work harder and with renewed enthusiasm”, he says.

Today Tanuj feels fortunate to have been able to realise most of his dreams. He always dreamt of building a temple. At the age of 22, God blessed him with an opportunity to serve Him and Shri Tatkaleshwar Gauri Mahadev Mandir was started in Tonk, Rajasthan. The temple has now expanded to include Triveni Navgraha Shani Dham. Next, he wishes to start an ambulance service to connect small villages to the city hospitals. Hope this dream will also turn into reality soon.

Habitat Times wishes Tanuj “All The Best” in all his future endeavours.

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Explore The Beauty Of Natural Gemstones With Designer Chetna Kumar


From before recorded history, Natural beads have been used as both ornament and as currency. The earliest known use was in France approximately 38,000 years ago.

By Natural Beads, we mean beads made from semi-precious gem-stones, which are excavated from mother Earth. These are not synthetic plastic stones which many jewellers use in artificial jewellery. Gemstone beads are natural and organic.

Jewellery Designer Chetna Kumar uses natural Gemstones and beads which are not colour dyed plastic beads. The beads she uses are totally organic and natural, made from naturally excavated gem stones. 


Says, Designer Chetna Kumar, “Whenever I explored the sprawling markets of Jaipur jewellery, it always crossed my mind why this magnificence was not shared more with the world. With a plethora of gemstones and semi-precious stones, Jaipur is the heart of Indian jewellery. It was not long before I decided to use my passion and interest for designing for the introduction of these little beauties to the rest of the country, in any form that was desired. Whether it is a heavy set of beaded necklace or a subtle pendant with light work, everything can be fashioned into something beautiful and exclusive. After all, why should originality suffer in the showrooms of big cities? The biggest advantage of jewellery designing is that every customer can play a part in the designing of their jewellery. I provide custom-made pieces to people just how they like it. This ensures that they get what they're looking for without any compromises and there is no chance of someone else owning the same piece. 

Designing is not just a procedure for me, it is passion that comes alive with intricate designs and dainty patterns. And when worn with love, it stands out every single time. 

Come, explore Jaipur with me, get interwoven in its classical patterns of colours and joi de vivre.”


by Anindita Roy  (habitat.times@gmail.com)

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Environmental Design

Environmental design is the process of addressing surrounding environmental parameters when devising plans, programs, policies, buildings, or products. Classical prudent design may have always considered environmental factors; however, the environmental movement beginning in the 1940s has made the concept more explicit.

Environmental design can also refer to the applied arts and sciences dealing with creating the human-designed environment. These fields include architecture, geography, urban planning, landscape architecture, and interior design. Environmental design can also encompass interdisciplinary areas such as historical preservation and lighting design. In terms of a larger scope, environmental design has implications for the industrial design of products: innovative automobiles, wind-electricity generators, solar-electric equipment, and other kinds of equipment could serve as examples. Currently, the term has expanded to apply to ecological and sustainability issues.
Click here to Join Online Organic Gardening Classes
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Welcome To Puja Mela 2017

The Puja Fever Has Caught On…!!!!


Whenever one passes by Market no 1 of CR Park, two things catch the eye – one is the buzzing eateries dotting the main road which is one of the most striking landmarks of the colony, the other is now, the tall exhibition structure that has been erected for the now famed Saree Exhibition of CR Park, an annual runaway – hit event before the mammoth Durga Puja celebrations. The exhibition is housed within the premises of Chittaranjan Park Bangiya Samaj premises, very close to Market no 1.

Weavers and retailers alike, from across the country and even across the border (read Bangladesh), make a bee line for the biggest stalls at the venue, six months in advance, to book to most conspicuous space to display their attractions. A stunning range of variety, price and quality makes up for the fabric of the exhibition. From Bhagalpuri silks, to Sambhalpuri cottons to Madhya Pradesh Tussars to Bangladesh Dhakais, all fight for the attention of the discerning Bengali shopper. Having said Bengali shopper, the exhibition is an equally attractive destination for non – Bengali Saree aficionados, who are passionate about draping the six yards in all its avatars!

The month long exhibition also showcases menswear, traditional kids wear, dress materials, home décor and utilities making it a one stop shop to quench the shopping thirst of the splurging Bengali Babus during this time!

This year, the exhibition kicks off on 4th September and winds up by 24th September, 2 days before Puja celebrations commences.
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Meet The Designer - Shalini Saluja Of Indie Cotton Route

Hello Friends,

I am Shalini Saluja from Indie Cotton Route and I am sharing the story of my journey into the world of fashion design.


I completed my Electronics Engg. and worked as an applications Engg. in IIGM to train export houses on the CAD & CAM systems in 1993-94 . Here , I was sponsored to a course in Fashion Design from Pearl Academy of Fashion to help me understand the clientele better.

Soon after I had to quit my job because I had a small daughter to take care of. Hence, I started a small clothing business from my house. It was then that I traveled to different parts of India to work closely with the weavers and craftsmen. I could see the value in our homemade textiles and techniques which did not have a wider reach due to lack of contemporary  and stylish designs.

The market was flooded with uncomfortable synthetic flashy clothes which the growing conscious independent urban population could not relate to.

So 4 years back I started my company Indie Cotton Route which worked closely with the Artisans to create designs which had an international appeal , provided a customised experience of the Indian textiles and fabrics which were eco friendly and sustained the ecosystem. 








Many of my existing clients who believed in my work for the past 15 to 20 years also saw an opportunity and approached me to to set up studios in their house through which they could earn an identity and money at the same time contribute to the craftsmen and the ecosystem.

Do visit my website ‘Indie Cotton Route’ to view the whole range of our cotton products specially handcrafted with love and care.


You may also drop in at my studio by fixing an appointment with me through ‘Indie Cotton Route’.



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Write A Guest Post

Guest Contributor Queries Answered...

Tips For Guest Contributors

  1. Please write in the “you” voice as much as possible, then support your advice with personal experience or stories.
  2. Posts should be written in blog style, with short paragraphs, numbered lists, bullets.
  3. Including a few sub-headings will be much appreciated.
  4. Only one space between sentences, please! 
  5. Absolutely no sms/whatsapp lingo to be used!
  6. If the post you want to submit is in the nature of personal advertisement for your services and products it will be chargeable @ Rs 1200/- to Rs 3500/- per post depending on the length and number of pictures included in the post.(All inclusive with social media sharing from our end)

How should I submit my post?

Please submit your post as a Word document mailed to Habitat.Times@gmail.com


How long should the posts be?

Aim for 500-800 words. Short posts of 300-450 words are also acceptable.


Should I write a headline? 

That’d be great! We reserve the right to tweak it for SEO, style or just to make it more attention-grabbing.


Will you edit my post?

Yes, if required we’ll edit for content and clarity, doing our best to preserve your voice. 


Can I repost my submission on my blog?

No. If we run your post on The Habitat Times, we retain the rights to that content. We don’t allow republishing on your own blog or any other website. (Did you know reposting content can hurt SEO traffic results for everyone involved? We try to keep it tidy around here.)


Are you definitely going to publish my piece?

We reserve the right to not publish your post if we decide it’s not a strong fit for The Habitat Times. You are then free to publish it elsewhere.


Should I include a photo?

Yes, a photo speaks a thousand words. Please include a high definition original photograph .You may pick a photo from the net , but please make sure it is not copyrighted.


What should I do after I submit my post?

We will send you a link to your post once it is published. However, please check the website to see if your post has been published. If it is a current topic , we will publish immediately. If not, we will reserve it for future publication. We also hope you’ll share your post on social media!

We look forward to your original contributions!

Please include a short 2-3 line Bio, your email id and your FB profile(optional) with your posts.
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Why I Love September

  September is a month like no other, the heavy rainy days slowly recede to give way to the ‘Sharad Ritu’ which heralds the beginning of the festive season. There is a festive smell in the air and I wait with a nostalgic feelings for the coming comfort of cosy October and November. Now that the heat of the summer and humidity of the rainy season slowly say good-bye, the sky will slowly clear and be full of white fluffy clouds. The autumn blooms of many flowers will begin to bud as we all await the arrival of ‘Ma Durga’. 

The autumnal equinox, which marks the beginning of fall in the northern hemisphere and spring in the southern hemisphere, occurs at the midpoint of Sharad Ritu. On this date, the day and night last exactly the same amount of time.

The two Hindu months of Ashwin and Kartik fall during this season. It is the festival time in India, with the most important Hindu festivals occurring, among them Navaratri, Vijayadashami and Sharad Purnima.

During school days, this was the time for our 2nd terminal exams, which finished just before ‘Durga Puja’ and the autumn break would commence. It was the most delightful time of the year with the lovely weather of the festive season. As my Birthday also falls mostly amidst the Durga Puja, it was a doubly euphoric time for me. The Mahalaya song, which is now freely available on CDs, YouTube etc. was once to be heard  on radio only. We would wait for the Mahalaya Day as it marks the beginning of Durga Puja. 

The Euphoria of September still continues and my heart leaps with joy thinking of the coming festive season. Although in Delhi we do not see the Kaash phool or Catkins (phragmite grass flowers) which are symbolic of Autumn season (SHOROT KAAL) in Bengal, the blooming of harsingar (shiuli in Bengali) and its sweet smell do make the festive season fragrant.

So come, the beautiful people of Habitat , let’s celebrate September. We hope to take you to a journey through our eyes, of events & places and introduce some charming people from the neighbourhood to you.

By Anindita Roy ( Habitat.Time@gmail.com)


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Home Decor Designer Moumita Saha

Meet The Young Designer ...

Moumita Saha, loves to make creative home decor products such as gel candles, cup cake candles, decorative candles. She also makes antique jewelry, home made beauty products, cards , gift items and many more. 


She started her start-up in the name of 'Delight Decor' where you can find custom designed home decor products. 

Apart from this Moumita also loves to write small poems for kids which has been published in Chitra magazine, kolkata. 

Originally, a HR(IT recruiter) of Acuminous Software she is a multi-talented person with a gift of creativity.

Do visit our exhibition and check out her beautiful products.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1918791891666099



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CREATIVE CAREERS IN ART ARCITECTURE AND DESIGN

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