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Krishibhoomi

This Facebook Community Is Bringing Organic Produce Right to Your Table.

“Initially, the yield from organic farming may be low owing to field conversion. Pest attacks may be frequent. But if one understands how to go about it properly, it can be done more economically than that done using fertilizers.

By now we are reasonably sure that everyone knows what the advantages of consuming organic produce are. Various educational institutions have also started teaching students at a very early age about the different health and environmental benefits of organic produce.

However, things are taking a more realistic turn thanks to the new realities of social media, when groups like Krishibhoomi move from the virtual space to an actual physical presence.

Krishibhoomi is a Facebook group with a member base of more than 1.5 lakh people from across the country. With a growing demand for organic produce, group members have started an organic vegetable sale every Sunday at L-43, LIC Lane, Pattom, in Thiruvananthapuram from 8.30 a.m.

Veggies for sale include yam, yam stem, amaranthus, pumpkin and its leaves, other types of leaves, plantain stem, colocasia stem, raw plantain, chilies, long-podded cowpea, Mysore cheera, tapioca, curry leaves, and moringa leaves, as reported in The Hindu.

The group members also claim their produce is priced very reasonably. “Initially, the yield from organic farming may be low owing to field conversion. Pest attacks may be frequent.”

“But if one understands how to go about it properly, it can be done more economically than that done using fertilizers. One can get good produce and quantity too. Here, we are selling produce at market rates, and at times even lower than that,” they say.
One of the USP’s of the group is the elimination of middlemen.

This enables those who are the producers to directly sell their produce.

The Facebook group has many members who are organic producers and farmers. These members in a bid to encourage more people to start organic farming are extremely forthcoming in clearing doubts on the forum. 

For more details on the group visit their Facebook page Krishibhoomi here.


Photo Source: Krishibhoomi Facebook page


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Phool Walon Ki Sair

The Phool Walon ki Sair is a festival which is celebrated in the capital city of Delhi in India. Phool Walon ki Sair is a festival or a colorful procession of the flower sellers. In this festival, the Hindus and the Muslims participate with equal enthusiasm. The Phool Walon ki Sair festival is celebrated by everybody in Mehrauli in south Delhi.

It is a week long festival and a unique phenomena when Hindus and Muslims together offer the floral chaadar and pankha at the Dargah of Khwaja Bakhtiar 'Kaaki' in Mehrauli and floral pankha and chhatra (canopy) is offered at the ancient temple of Devi Yogmaya, also, in Mehrauli. The pankha has become a symbol of communal harmony and national integration.

The Festival is being being celebrated since the Mughal period (1812). This year it was celebrated from 30th October to 4th November 2017.


Description of Phool Walon ki Sair:


The Festival of Phool Walon ki Sair in Delhi was started in the 19th Century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar Shah II. The festival, however, became popular during the reign of Bahadur Shah Zafar. Shah Zafar was chosen to be the next emperor by the British. But Queen Mumtaz Mahal wanted to make her son Mirza Jehangir to sit on the throne. But later on, Mirza was sent in deported to Allahabad. His mother Mumtaz then took an oath that she would make a contribution of a four-poster flower bed at the sacred shrine of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki at Mehrauli if her son was permitted to return. When Mirza was at last allowed to return, and rightfully given the throne, according to the promise, a beautiful flower canopy was created to which the flower sellers added an intricate flower pankha at their own cost. This was carried in a procession to the saint’s tomb.

During the Delhi Phool Walon ki Sair, floral tributes are offered at the dargah of the Saint. On the occasion of the grand festival of Phool Walon ki Sair, huge pankhas made of palm leaves decorated with shiny flecks and flowers are offered. Performances of Kathak dances and Quawalis also take place. Fire dancers lead a large procession across the streets carrying flower pankhas. The cultural program of the Festival of Phool Walon ki Sair is held at the Jahaz Mahal.

The Phool Walon ki Sair Festival in Delhi is a festival of joviality and merriment. The festival is celebrated every year in the months of October-November.



Phool Walon ki Sair Phool Walon ki Sair Phool Walon ki Sair Phool Walon ki Sair Phool Walon ki Sair

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Online Organic Gardening Classes

Learn from the World’s Top Organic Growing Experts

The organic growers and permaculture workshops you always wanted to attend are now coming to you.It doesn’t matter where you live. Sign up for a course and start from anywhere in the world.You can take courses at any time of the day or night. It’s totally up to you.You can move as fast or as slow as you like through the courses. You set the pace.

This course teaches the principles and foundations of sustainable garden design. (Click on this Link to learn about organic gardening)

What is an organic garden?


An organic garden is grown and maintained using only natural fertilizers, fungicides and pesticides. No chemical are used whatsoever. Organic gardening also considers the earth and the environment. One should strive to replenish and nourish the soil.

What are the benefits of planting an organic garden?

* the food is fresher and tastes better

* it is better for the environment

* it is healthy and does not contain harmful chemicals

* it is cheaper than buying organic produce from your local market

What is compost tea and how does it benefit my organic garden?

* Compost tea is organic plant food

* It is made from steeping aged compost in water

* Fights off a number of plant diseases including molds, wilts and blights

* It is a great way to control insect infiltration

* Creates healthier plant environment by helping to grow beneficial bacteria in the soil

* diluted compost tea can be used as a foliar spray If you plan on purchasing compost be sure it isn’t too new. If the compost is too fresh it can burn the plants.

What are some great natural pesticidal and fungicidal recipes?

* Garlic & Onions – crush the garlic and onions and mix with vegetable oil. Works great as a fungicide, and it kills soft body insects * Hot Peppers – mixed with the garlic spray, it does a great job keeping rabbits away. It also kills soft body insects with the strength of the acidity

* Canola or Vegetable Oil – Pesticide must be diluted heavily with water or it will burn the plants (3/4 cup/gal H2O)

* Alcohol – Pesticide must be drastically diluted with water (1-3 Tbls /gal H2O)

* Apple Cider Vinegar – works as a mild fungicide and fertilizer (1-2 Tbls/gal H20)

* Corn Meal – works as an anti-fungal when put in compost tea

* Compost Teas – mild fungicide and helps control diseases

* Cloves – works as a repellent for flying insects (4-5 Tbls ground cloves/gal H2O)

* Mild Dish Soap – can paralyze insects on direct contact. Partners with compost teas by creating a sticky surface (1-2 cups/gal H2O

Some facts about organic gardening that you may find beneficial:


* Organic farming involves using insects in order to keep away other insects and pests. Lady bugs in the early spring for example will help you to get rid of spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, white flies e.t.c

* Plant disease can also be easily eliminated if you use organic products such as Eco oil, this will help you to keep insects at bay and get rid of those annoying bugs.

* Studies have also shown that pesticides can be very harmful to young children and can lead to long term health problems in both children and adults.


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Towards A Crackerless Deepawali

Delhi did have an almost cracker free Diwali!

Until the evening of Diwali, it didnt look like it was Diwali, it was so quiet all around! As is the case with most Delhiites, they love breaking rules, one almost thought that the Supreme Court had won this time!!! But the end was, as always, a no brainer! Some blatant rule breakers managed to smuggle in crackers from NCR and nearby areas to show their might of money and mindlessness towards the environment.

Having said that, the other segment of the law abiding citizens took consolation in the fact that, they sky next day looked less smoggy and grey. However, the media had more bad news- although the sky was comparatively clearer, the pollution level was equally bad. Hence the buck again stops here-

1. Do we Indians have the awareness, compassion and care for our environment?
2. Do we always need to be warned and caned to follow rules?
3. Do we not have the maturity to realise our responsibilities? If no, then what examples are we setting for the next generations?
4. Are we prepared to accept the fact that just like we are not bothered about our environment, so will our next gen behave in the same irrational and care-a-damn way? In that scenario, how safe will their lives be, when we will cease to exist?

Come to think of it, our next generation is far more considerate, thinking, capable of change and pro active towards our environment. They are quietly working in various ways to awaken their sleeping previous generation towards the urgent call of nature. Green Diwali March, Environment consciousness painting exhibitions are some eye- catching and impactful movements they are using to drive home the point.

As a mute spectator to such blantancies and possible scary outcomes, I keep thinking, when will we awaken to the loud call of our bleeding environment, like the rest of the world? 

Are we able to answer ourselves? If yes, then I am relieved. If no, then no one, not even God can save us!

Quote Swami Vivekananda- "Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached!" Its not yet too late to follow Swamiji!

Buck up Delhi! Buck up India!

by Jaya Ray(rayjaya72@gmail.com; Habitat.Times@gmail.com)



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The Many Legends Of Deepawali

It is since ancient times that Diwali has been celebrated. It is not easy to say now what really was the reason  behind its origin. Different people believe different events to be the cause behind this festival. Here are ten mythical and historical reasons that are possibly behind the Diwali (Deepavali) celebrations.



The most well known story behind Diwali is in the Ramayana, the great Hindu epic. According to Ramayana, Rama, the prince of Ayodhya was ordered by his father, King Dasharatha, to go away from his country and come back after living in the forest for fourteen years. So Rama went on exile with his devoted wife Sita and faithful brother, Lakshmana. When Ravana, the demon king of Lanka abducted Sita and took her away to his island kingdom of Lanka, Rama fought against and killed Ravana. He rescued Sita and returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years. The people of Ayodhya were very happy to hear of their beloved prince's homecoming. To celebrate Rama's return to Ayodhya, they lit up their houses with earthen lamps (diyas), burst crackers and decorated the entire city in the grandest manner.

This is believed to have started the tradition of Diwali. Year after year this homecoming of Lord Rama is commemorated on Diwali with lights, fireworks, bursting of crackers and merriment. The festival gets its name Deepawali, or Diwali, from the rows (avali) of lamps (deepa) that the people of Ayodhya lit to welcome their King.

Another well known story related to Diwali history is narrated in the other Hindu epic, 'Mahabharata'. Mahabharata reveals to us how the five royal brothers, the Pandavas, suffered a defeat in the hands of their brothers, the Kauravas, in a game of dice (gambling). As a rule imposed on them, the Pandavas had to serve a term of 13 years in exile. When the period was over, they returned to their birthplace Hastinapura on 'Kartik Amavashya' (the new moon day of the Kartik month). The five Pandava brothers, their mother and their wife Draupadi were honest, kind, gentle and caring in their ways and were loved by all their subjects. To celebrate the joyous occassion of their return to Hastinapura and to welcome back the Pandavas, the common people illuminated their state by lighting bright earthen lamps everywhere. The tradition is believed to have been kept alive through the festival of Diwali, which many believe, is held in remembrance of the Pandava brothers' homecoming.

It is also believed that on this very Diwali day, the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi rose up from the ocean. The Hindu scriptures tell us that long long ago both Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) were mortal. They had to die sometime or other, like us. But they wanted to live forever. So they churned the ocean to seek Amrita, the nectar of immortality (an event mentioned in the Hindu scriptures as "Samudra-manthan"), during which many divine objects came up. Prime among these was Goddess Lakshmi, the daughter of the king of the milky ocean, who arose on the new moon day (amaavasyaa) of the Kartik month. That very night, Lord Vishnu married her. Brilliant lamps were illuminated and placed in rows to mark this holy occassion. This event is supposed to have given rise to an annual celebration at the same time each year. Even today, Hindus celebrate the birth of the goddess Lakshmi and her marriage to Lord Vishnu on Diwali and seek her blessings for the coming year.

The origin of Diwali also refers to the stories narrated in the Hindu Puranas, the primary source of Hindu religious texts. According to the Bhagavata Purana (the most sacred Hindu text), it was on a Kartik day that Lord Vishnu, took on the form of a dwarf (Vaman-avtaara) and defeated King Bali. Bali, or rather King Mahabali, was a powerful demon king who ruled the earth. Once Bali got a boon from Lord Brahma that made him unconquerable. Even gods failed to defeat him in battles. Although a wise and good king otherwise, Mahabali was cruel to the Devas (gods). Finding no way to defeat Bali, the Devas went to Lord Vishnu and insisted him to find a way to stop Bali. Lord Vishnu made a plan. He disguised himself as a short Brahmin and approached Bali for some charity. A large-hearted king, Mahabali tried to help the Brahmin. But the whole thing was a trick by Lord Vishnu and ultimately the King had to give up all his kingship and wealth. Diwali celebrates this defeating of Mahabali by Lord Vishnu.

The Bhagavata Purana also tells us about Narakasura, an evil demon king who somehow got great powers and conquered both the heavens and earth. Narakasura was very cruel and was a terrible ruler. It is believed that Lord Vishnu killed Narakasura on the day before Diwali and rescued many women whom the demon had locked in his palace. The people of heaven and earth were greatly relieved to have got freedom from the hands of the terrible Narakasura. They celebrated the occassion with much grandeur, a tradition that is believed to be alive through the annual observance of Diwali.

According to another legend, long ago after the gods lost in a battle with the demons, Goddess Kali took birth from the forehead of Goddess Durga to save heaven and earth from the growing cruelty of the demons. After killing all the devils, Kali lost her control and started killing anyone who came her way which stopped only when Lord Shiva intervened. You all must have seen the well-known picture of Ma Kali, with her tongue hanging out? That actually depicts the moment when she steps on Lord Shiva and stops in horror and repentance. This memorable event has been commemorated ever since by celebrating Kali Puja, which is observed in several parts of India in about the same time as Diwali.

Historically it is believed that on a Diwali day in 56 BC King Vikramaditya, the legendary Hindu king of India famed for his wisdom, bravery and large-heartedness, was crowned and declared to be a king. This was marked by a grand celebration by the citizens of Vikramaditya's kingdom celebrated the coronation of their king by lighting up small earthen lamps and that custom still prevails. Many people and even some historians say that this event gave rise to the annual observance of Diwali.
Diwali also marks the sacred occasion when on a new moon day of Kartik (Diwali day) Swami Dayananda Saraswati, one of the greatest reformers of Hinduism attained his nirvana (enlightenment) and became 'Maharshi' Dayananda, meaning the great sage Dayananda. In 1875, Maharshi Dayananda founded the Arya Samaj, "Society of Nobles", a Hindu reform movement to purify Hinduism of the many evils it became associated with at that era. Every Diwali, this great reformer is remembered by Hindus all over India.

For Jains, Diwali commemorates the enlightenment of Vardhamana Mahavira(the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankaras of the Jains and the founder of modern Jainism) which is said to have occurred on Oct. 15, 527 B.C. This is one more reason to engage in Diwali celebrations for pious Jains and other than the purpose of commemoration, the festival stands for the celebration of the emancipation of human spirit from earthly desires.

For Sikhs, Diwali holds a special significance for it was on a Diwali day that the third Sikh Guru Amar Das institutionalized the festival of lights as an occasion when all Sikhs would gather to receive the Gurus blessings. It was also on a Diwali day in 1619 that their sixth religious leader, Guru Hargobind Ji, who was held by the Mughal Emperor Jahengir in the Gwalior fort, was freed from imprisonment along with 52 Hindu Kings (political prisoners) whom he had arranged to be released as well. And it was also on the same auspicious occasion of Diwali when the foundation stone of the Golden Temple at Amritsar was laid in 1577.


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Fire And Ice, An Exhibition By DPS International, Gurgaon

The future generations will make this world – I have the conviction and confidence not to say “break”! And that was amply displayed by a stunning exhibition of exceptional works of art conceived, created and curated by the young tots of DPS International School, Gurgaon, at Select City Walk Mall foyer on 11th October 2017.

The exhibition depicted the children’s pain and concern for their environment & surroundings.  From traffic snarls to mobile addictions, from non – adherence to traffic rules to being careless on the roads while crossing, from road rage to drunken driving – they had captured every aspect of today’s disturbed world in spectacular proportions and depicted them in the most striking manner eliciting the requisite alarm and worry in the viewers’ minds, and sufficient food to think through to rectify oneself. The purpose of the school to conceive of such a thought provoking concept was well served!

 Each painting was created using acrylic, poster and oil colours using the most innovative mediums such as leather sheets, paper cutting instruments, scalpels and several other instruments. The children however worked with the sharp instruments under close supervision of their teachers, to ensure no child was injured.

The flawless finishes of the paintings were arrived at by the students themselves, each of whom have a precise and discerning eye for detail, that was commendable.

Each child was supremely confident about his/her concept and rattled off the thought behind the painting complete with the detailed process, mediums used and the use of colours for each segment of the painting.

Habitat Times heartily congratulates each child, teacher and the entire school to present such a commendable concept through colours and brushes, firing the minds of the viewers immensely!
Keep up the great work!!

By Jaya Ray ( rayjaya72@gmail.com)
Photo Credits : Anindita Roy ( Anindita1110@gmail.com)
Habitat.Times@gmail.com






























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The Unsaid- An Art Exhibition...

Delhi is hosting the First India-Bahrain Arts Exchange 'The Unsaid' by ArtBAB supported by Tamkeen at the Bikaner House, New Delhi.

This unique exhibition will host 18 exceptionally talented Bahraini artists who are coming to India to showcase their innovative artworks and foster a connect between creative enthusiasts from both countries.


"Art reflects cultural evolution and progress of a nation" says Rouble Nagi, Founder of Rouble Nagi Art Foundation. Being an art connoisseur, curator and collector, Nagi is delighted about "The Unsaid" a collective exhibition of 18 Bahraini Artistes which opens to public on 10th & 11th Oct, 2017 at the Bikaner House , New Delhi.


"The beauty about ArtBAB is that its a reflection of what Bahrain is" says Kanika Subberwal, Fair and Program Director of ArtBaB. Subberwal is hugely excited for this first ever India-Bahrain Art Exchange which was premiered at New Delhi on 9th October, 2017 at the Bikaner House.

Anindita Roy (habitat.times@gmail.com)






http://www.habitattimes.com/p/featured-events_22.html (IKAT SHOW AT BIKANER HOUSE)

Habitat Times is a venture focusing on spreading consciousness about a sustainable , future worthy, livable habitat. Connect with us at EcoHabitat.Times@gmail.com


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Aasche Bochor Aabar Hobey

Chittaranjan Park Strives For An Environment Friendly Durga Puja...

As the pulsating beats of the dhaki mellows down, a melancholic air descends onto the colony which was throbbing with myriad sounds, teaming with people and the familiar frangrance of “Dhuno”, the smell that typifies Durga Puja, “Durga Pujor gondho” – Puja is over for this year, we await next year i.e. “Asche bochor abar hobe”. The Bangali goes into a depression for a day or two, after 4 days of non stop festivities- more like a 4 day long non stop party! Puja in the morning and evenings are focussed towards gorging on multi cuisine fare, pandal hopping and endless adda (gossiping). Slowly life limps back to normalcy and the Bangali’s numb mind slowly comes back to regular regime!Odd as it may sound, but this is the actual scenario that grips Bengalis at this time of the year! 😊

In a first of its kind in Delhi/NCR, devotees visiting Navapalli Puja or more popularly known as Pocket 40 Puja in CR Park, were greeted with a stunning 50 meter long street art (Alpona in Bengali). Created by a motley group of 25 amateur designers and artists including children over a span of 2 consecutive nights and about 10 gruelling hours of hard work , the work of art has gone viral globally across all social media platforms, reaching even New York, London, Australia and Canada to all overseas Bengali population.

The concern for the environment has gone a step further this year, where in several Durga idols across Delhi/NCR have been created with natural clay, colours and decorated with hand made materials such as jute, gamcha (the quintessential Bengali towel made of cotton threads), bio – degradable thermocol, paints and jewellery and sarees made of clay. The result was evident during the immersion ceremony. Ashok Nagar of Faridabad district, has created the entire pandal and idol decoration with Jute and the Gamcha!!

B Block Puja and Pocket 52 Puja committees immerse their idols in the ground itself as a pioneer in preserving river Yamuna and lessening even 1% of the load on the river. That’s another interesting story. Maa Durga is driven around by B Block volunteers before she is led to the Immersion pit in the ground.  Then she is given a ceremonial farewell with complete religious chanting of mantras and shouts of “Asche bochor abar hobe”. The whole process takes about 3 hours . The area is cordoned off as soon as the ceremony is over. However, in Pocket 52, Maa simply climbs down from her dias and is given a fond farewell in gigantic tubs made of iron. Surprisingly in both the places, the idols melt away within 24 hours, proving the fact about the material being used to make the idols.
Pocket 52 idol has bagged the 1st prize in the Best Idol catergory and K block has bagged 2 awards in Best Pandal and 3rd Best Idol categories.

Armed with many firsts, CR Park is soon becoming a pioneer in organising eco- friendly and innovative Pujas and next year plans to have even more visually creative, pathbreaking and unique concepts to enamour and entice the discerning and artistic Prabashi Bangali (outside Bengal Bangali!)

Asche Bochor Abar Hobe! See you next year folks with more news on Durga Puja. Bolo Bolo Durga Mai Ki Jai!!

By Jaya Ray (ray.jaya72@gmail.com)
Picture & Video Credits Anindita Roy (Anindita1110@gmail.com)
Song by Jaya Ray










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