Shubho Nobo Barsho!

In the pre-dawn darkness, long before the sun was scheduled to rise – at 5:56 am – devotees had started gathering on the lawns of Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir. Everyone stood in orderly lines facing east. It was Nabo Barsho – 15^th April, Bengali New Year’s Day. We were waiting to catch the first auspicious glimpse of the Sun God, the giver of Life and ruling deity of our oldest scripture, the Rig Veda. We held palm leaf bowls with rose petals, til and Ganga jal, which we would offer the God as soon as he made his appearance through the verdant tree tops that surround the temple. Since there remained a good half hour before sun rise, we listened to a rendition of Tagore’s “Aguner Parashmani”, about the light that touches  our vision and dispels the darkness. 

The Chief functionaries welcomed all devotees who numbered in the hundreds by now. A priest recited verses from the Rig Veda, in praise of that most ancient of worshiped beings – the Sun, who was about to appear before us in its everyday , glorious form. Is there anything more breath-taking than that first sight of the newly risen sun? We raised our flowers to him and prayed for a serene, peaceful and happy New Year.

At the end of the prayers, the palm-leaf bowls were collected for orderly disposal – the lawn remained pristine, except for the thousand or so devotees embracing each other with New Year greetings.

And the Bengali year 1425 had begun.

May it bring happiness, good health and peace to all our neighbours.

By Chitra Sarkar ,J Block CR Park, New Delhi

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Spring and Summer Playing Hide And Seek

The back to back weather progression is getting surprising every year. Seasons seem to merge into each other almost seamlessly, in the same breath. By the time we begin to savor one season, almost immediately, the next bounces in front of us, as if telling us- ah, enough now, look at me, here I come! The exit of winter and the impatience of Spring to arrive and then, the quick exit of spring with the onset of summer, also happened the same way this year.

However, the sweet and cool mornings and the extremely pleasant evenings still tell us that spring is reluctant to leave us! It has not allowed summer to beat down upon Delhi as yet! Summer is restlessly edging its way in, with warm afternoons, giving off warning signs that this time, its going to stay long and become unbearably hot! So beware people!

All around, trees have merrily shed their old and dead leaves and have welcomed with outstretched branches, tender, green and shy leaves which are busy befriending the myriad flowers resplendent in their riot of colours, adding dashes of colors to the trees and the bright sky. Equally bright and colorful butterflies are making the most of this weather and time, to suck in as much nector as possible. Birds of astonishing sizes and colours are sighted all around the green trees, busy making their nests. Evenings see them driving us happily crazy with their incessant and chirpy cacophany, which has so much become a rarity in today’s times. The animal world is busy with “make hay while the sun shines”, creating its store of food and shelter, before the off springs arrive!

Lots of lessons to learn from the animal world and the green world.- to realise how important it is for us - supposedly the more intelligent animal, to conserve and preserve our environment and ecosystem for a secure co-habitation of all species on this planet - and stop the mindless destruction that human beings are doing to nature on a daily basis.

Time to turn the tide with immediate urgency – to save our planet before its too late! Lot of species are becoming extinct due to the immense change in the climate and ecosystem. Time to stop and think!

Lets save our rivers and water bodies, reduce carbon footprint, plant more trees and recycle waste. Lets keep reminding ourselves how critical this time is to restore nature for peaceful co-existences of all species.

Lets recycle, restore and recover!

by Jaya Ray ( ray.jaya72@gmail.com)

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‘NATURAL AND ORGANIC' IS THE BUZZ WORD IN DELHI AND NCR

NCR RESIDENTS  GROWING THEIR OWN ORGANIC VEGETABLES AT BACKYARD OR BALCONIES

The growing awareness about health and wellness ,eating natural and organic food is becoming essential part of our lifestyle. The ‘Organic ‘ has become a buzzword among residents of National Capital Region in last couple of years.

“Despite urban space constraints cultivating a garden for pesticide-free vegetables and fruit may seem like a far-fetched idea. But now  growing and owning an organic kitchen garden is actually utterly becoming achievable and house wives are growing organic vegetables and herbs in back yard, balconies and even bath tubs” said Ms Bella Gupta, Secretary, All India Kitchen Garden Association,(AIKGA)  an all India apex body  having branches all over India .

“The process of growing organic vegetables and herbs is  cost-effective, and low-maintenance. The only requirements are a lot of patience and perseverance. You do not need much space , one can use windowsill to grow some vegetables. One of the biggest requirements to grow fruits and veggies is sunlight, something the city is amply blessed with.” said Ms Gupta.

“Recycle and reuse at the outset, you don’t need to invest in fancy or earthen pots. You can even make use of plastic bottles, buckets and bathtubs to grow vegetables. Take a medium sized bathtub; fill it with soil and home compost to grow cabbages, cauliflowers, capsicums, radish and onions. Start with what you have. There’s no need to buy earthworms or any other stuff. Simply convert your kitchen waste into resource,” said Ms Gupta.

“One can source the seeds for as cheap as Rs 10 from any of the nurseries in the city, Always go for open pollinated seeds, not hybrid. You can start by growing basic vegetables like basil (tulsi), mint leaves (pudina), kadi pata, chillies, lemon grass and different varieties of spinach. “They are one of the simplest to grow. Since they don’t require too much sunlight the plant can be kept in a living room or placed near the window, Once you are well-versed with simple plants, graduate to growing cabbage, cauliflower, capsicum, radish, onions and tomatoes.” She added.

“The demand for organic is huge especially in the younger generation, which means people are taking ownership of what they eat and where their produce comes from and that’s very important. It’s the 25-40 age group that’s driving the change,” Ms Gupta Said.

“Consumer demand for locally produced, natural foods and organic products is no longer just a trend. There is a paradigm shift towards produce that boosts health and wellness”. She added.

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Organic Sarees For The Saree Lovers

Life has taken a decisive turn towards everything organic today- so why should sarees be left behind? Yes, the organic saree has captured the discerning saree lover and wearer globally. A revolution of sorts is fast taking over the global Indian woman.

What is the difference between an Organic Saree and an Inorganic Saree? 

Lets define organic first- Anything that is made through the natural process without using any chemicals, pesticides or any artificial component is called organic.

Hence, an organic saree is a saree that is made using natural raw materials and dyes. These dyes and raw materials are grown using organic production methods and which have a low impact on environment without the use of toxic pesticides or synthetic fertilizers! As a result the saree is 100% naturally woven without any harm done to the environment or to the wearer.

The organic saree is fast becoming a great production option being adopted by weavers. Weavers are being encouraged by designers as well as wearers to churn out more natural fabrics and sarees. Albeit, a tad expensive, these sarees project a different look altogether from their chemically produced cousins. The fabrics also do not cause any skin irritation ang give off a very sophisticated, elegant and stylish look to the wearer!

Organic sarees have garnered a huge international market apart from taking the Indian market by storm. Handloom institutions such as Co- Optex have been holding regular exhibition cum sale events across the country to promote the organic saree as well as encourage more and more weavers to switch to organic weaving.

A wide range from fabrics ranging from cotton, to tussar to silk, this plethora of unique fabrics is a pleasant sight to the eye due to their sombre and earthy toned colours that juxtapose so beautifully with the myriad patterns and designs of the well -made sarees.

This passion of keeping alive the grand old tradition of weaving sarees in the authentic hand - weaving machines, has been upheld by several entrepreneurs who are leaving no stone unturned to revive and continue this precious Indian art.

Another step towards environment and art consciousness! Amen!

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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Today , 20th March Is World Sparrow Day ..Where Have The Sparrows Gone?

House Sparrow, The State Bird Of Delhi, Has Been Driven Away By Pigeons ?

Has anyone seen a sparrow of late? I have not! And I am not surprised !! 

Our homes and the surrounding environment are infested with rock pigeons! Pigeon feeding is the latest fad which apparently wards off all evils and failures from our lives! How incredulous can we be! Where have our common sense and education gone? Are we now supposed to feed pigeons to make or break our careers and education? No marks are given to efforts or hard work – all credits go to the rock pigeons! Should I laugh or cry or get angry? I am going through all the three emotions now thinking, is this how progressive society functions!

Anyway, coming back to the sparrow- the whole infestation of pigeons has driven the demure, chirpy and cute sparrow away from the neighbourhood and our houses. We had studied in our childhood that sparrows live in the houses- on the balconies, roofs, cornices, hence are called house sparrows. However, I suppose the term has changed or has become extinct since it is no longer used. So, are we a witness to another species going extinct? If so, then it is very sad.

I fondly remember the sparrow coming and sitting on the window sill of my bedroom when I used to study with the window open. The high-pitched chirping would take my attention away from my books and I would look up to see how exactly the sparrow would chirp. I would slowly inch closer to it, in a vain attempt to catch it – but as always it would be faster than me and would immediately fly away as soon as I would reach the window. I would try and look into the trees to find out the sparrow's nest, but alas, could never see it! My wish to make it my pet, always remained a wish!

Summer holidays would mean waking up to the incessant chirping of the sparrows sitting on the big lemon tree in the garden overlooking my bedroom. I would get angry at the birds then – why did they wake me up so soon! I could have slept some more! Waking up would mean going back to morning study, which I would hate – that too in summer holidays! How insensitive can teachers be! I would have preferred chasing the sparrows in my garden, befriending them and bringing them into my room secretly, without my mother knowing what I brought in!

But now, my ears crave to listen to the pleasant chirpings which do not seem audible any more! My son has never seen a sparrow. I tell him stories about our childhood and show him pictures of what a sparrow looked like. He looks at the photos and tells me that these birds look very cute..and listens to my stories with amazement. His generation has never chased birds in the garden - it doesnt know the simple pleasures of seeing a bird stting on the window sill and observing its mannerisms, the swift as lightening movements and quick pecking of food from the grounds.

But I still hope against hope that the sparrow will not die such an early death and will be around for some more time. I still hope I will be able to sight it sometime…and hear the chirp once…before it leaves the face of the earth.

I sincerely hope that, the Delhi Government would take some measures to save its ‘State Bird’ from extinction!!

By Jaya Ray (rayjaya72@gmail.com) 9871718921

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Exam time- the time to put to test – knowledge, resilience, patience and perseverance

So..that time of the year is here…frenzied preparations, frayed nerves and fervent prayers! Exam time- the time to put to test – knowledge, resilience, patience and perseverance. Parents and students are up upon themselves to gear up for the most critical time of the year. This year marks the revival of 10^th Board exams after 10 years of semester based study and exams.  To ensure a stress free exam time, let us encourage all parents and students to do the following:

1.      Meditate for 5 minutes any time of the day. Locate a soothing sound and focus on that sound for 5 minutes with eyes closed. This simple exercise will help improve concentration power and focusing abilities.

2.      Think positively and do positive discussions with the students. Avoid negative and degrading comments.

3.      Have home cooked and light food to enable good digestion. Avoid outside and oily food. A healthy body will help activate the healthy hormones and required to activate the brain cells.

4.      Exercise a little bit everyday to ensure sufficient oxygen good blood circulation to have enough energy for the study times.

5.      Indulge in your hobbies and interests for a while everyday to feel refreshed and rejuvenated to continue with your studies with renewed concentration.

6.     Talk positive and maintain a healthy discussion and environment in the house- avoid negativity, pessimism and discouragement like the plague!!

Happy Examinations!!

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Clean Air For Delhi

“Clean air for Delhi campaign to be re-launched and  developed into a peoples’ movement across the country”, said Dr. Harsh Vardhan.

Minister seeks NGO's help to make 'do good deeds' campaign a success.

After the success of the just concluded  ‘Clean Air for Delhi’ campaign , Union Ministry of Science and Technology plans to relaunch it in Delhi . The program was jointly launched with Delhi government to find a permanent solution to the problem of pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region.

“The continuous efforts will be made to develop the Clean Air for Delhi Campaign into a peoples’ movement across the National Capital Region (NCR ) and  country,”said  Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan while inaugurating a Two day ‘Food and Nutrition show’ orgnaised by All India Kitchen Garden Association (AIKGA) on 24th & 25th February.

“This “Clean Air For Delhi ‘will be relaunched in Delhi and Campaign will be replicated in about 100 non-attainment cities and  efforts will be made  were made during the Campaign to raise the levels of public awareness through radio and other communication tools. “Dr Vardhan said.

"Ministry has also launched 'Do Green Goods Campaign' to save environment and generate awareness among public. a Dr Harsh Vardhan app has also been launched for joining people for the campaign. New Delhi will also host the World Environment day on June 5 to the world leaders" he said  

He also urged people to grow more trees and plants and lauded work being done by ALL India Kitchen Garden Association  

" More than 12,000 varieties plants, vegetables and fruits spread in 21 sections including landscaping, pots and containers, ornamental plants, trey gardens , bottle gardens, cut fruits, vegetables and flower arrangements  are on display during the two day show. There are also be herbal plants, roses, hanging plants and potted plants on display" said Mrs Bella Gupta, Secretary, All India Kitchen Garden Association (AIKGA) .

“ The main theme of the show this year is ‘ The  Kitchen Garden’ as several factors are involved in planting a vegetable garden. As much work goes into planning as it does into the actual growing of the vegetables. Choosing a spot, preparing your soil, and deciding on which vegetables all have to happen prior to the actual process of planting.” these all parts will be taught and displayed for visitors” said Ms Gupta.

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All India Kitchen Garden Show

Delhi's Biggest Two Day Fruit, Vegetable And Flower Show To Begin On February  24 & 25, 2018..

The Show To Focus On  Kitchen Garden Nurturing.

More Than 12,000 Plant,Fruit And Vegetable Varieties Will Be On Display..

BSF IG Administration Alok Kumar To Be Chief Guest

Delhi's biggest two day fruit, vegetable and flower Show is being organised by All India Kitchen Garden Association (AIKGA) and will open on February 24 , 2018 at Gulmohar Park Club . Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Environment, Forests and Climate Change- Government of India likely to  inaugurate . Inspector General Boarder Security Force  (BSF) Alok Humar to be guest of honour.

The All India Kitchen Garden Association, an all India body had completed its 50 years  last year in May 2017.

" More than 12,000 varieties plants, vegetables and fruits spread in 21 sections including landscaping, pots and containers, ornamental plants, trey gardens , bottle gardens, cut fruits, vegetables and flower arrangements  will be on display during the two day show. There will also be herbal plants, roses, hanging plants and potted plants on display" said Mrs Bella Gupta, Secretary, All India Kitchen Garden Association (AIKGA) .

 “ The main theme of the show this year is ‘ The  Kitchen Garden’ as Several factors are involved in planting a vegetable garden. As much work goes into planning as it does into the actual growing of the vegetables. Choosing a spot, preparing your soil, and deciding on which vegetables all have to happen prior to the actual process of planting.” these all parts will be taught and displayed for visitors” said Ms Bella Gupta.

 “It has to be emphasized during the show that this is not only a FLOWER Show but mainly Vegetable and Fruit also for Members of the public who are keen to grow organic food and thereby contribute to a greener and cleaner environment.” she said.

" Apart from members of the AIKGA , the other participants will include  Government organisations including  Delhi Government,  DDA, MCD and PWD. The theme of the show this year is "Colour and Aroma"  Grafted and non-grafted cacti, aromatic plants and herbs, decorative dahlias, vegetable carving and floral human, animal and bird arrangements will be on display", Mrs Gupta said.

" Major highlight of the Fruit, vegetable and flower show ill be focus on food preservation and nutrition, number of  competitions have been organised for its visitors. These include arranging cut flowers into a beautiful bouquet to hanging basket competition to a tray-landscape of bonsai, nutrition recipe contest the options are many," said Bella Gupta.

                                         

Contact Bella Gupta 9810021628/26532495

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Vivan Sundaram's 50 Year Retrospective

Vice President of India Mr Venkaiah Naidu visited Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) on 14th February 2018, to support the landmark exhibition ‘Vivan Sundaram: Step inside and you are no longer a stranger’, A Retrospective: Fifty Years, which opened on 8th February 2018.

Ms Roshini Nadar, Executive Director and the CEO of HCL, Mr Shiv Nadar, Founder and Chairman of HCL, and Shiv Nadar foundation leadership, were accompanied by the students of the Shiv Nadar Foundation institutions to warmly welcome the honorable Mr Naidu to the museum.

Speaking about the importance of Indian arts heritage and the evolution of contemporary art across the country, Mr Naidu congratulated the museum’s founders for their innovative public programmes and exhibitions, which he said have made “significant contributions to arts and culture across the country and internationally, that support nation-building”. He also said that the museum's founder Kiran Nadar was a “key individual in the activation of South Asian arts”.

Ms Roshni Nadar speaking on behalf of the museum and the Shiv Nadar Foundation, talked about KNMA’s history and development over the last eight years, instigated by Mrs Nadar who opened the space in 2010, to share her art collection with the public, “I was also acutely aware of the existing dearth of institutional spaces for the public, and wanted to bring visibility to modern and contemporary art from India and the subcontinent, and share the incredibly diverse talent of our artists”, says Mrs Kiran Nadar about the museum.

KNMA works on bringing art into the public sphere by activating art appreciation and nurturing a museum-going culture in the capital.

KNMA aspires to become a place for confluence, through its curatorial initiative and exhibitions, school and college workshops, art appreciation discourses, symposiums and public programs. It is focused on bridging the gap between art and the public.

Mr Naidu, acknowledged KNMA’s vision of bringing important Indian artists to the public via innovative exhibitions, publications, educational, and public programmes, and described his great pleasure in experiencing the rare and extraordinary works of one of India’s highly celebrated and influential artists, Vivan Sundaram, whose 50 year retrospective, Vivan Sundaram—Step inside and you are no longer a stranger, will be on display at the museum until June 30 2018.

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Mahashivratri - The Discovery Of Shiva

Shiva – the Adiyogi

Shiv Ratri

A 24 hour long puja dedicated to Lord Shiva marks Maha Shivratri. The festival marks the 14^th day (Chaturdashi) of the Magha month (Jan-Feb). The day marks introspective fast, puja, yoga and self restraint, non – injury to others and the discovery of Shiva – the inner strength in one self, overcoming ignorance of the self and the world. The day is marked by devotees offering puja with fruits, Bel – patta (leaves of wood apple tree), sweets and a concoction of milk, honey, curd, Ganges water (ganga jal) and ghee which is poured over the Shivling along with chanting of “Om Namah Shivay”. Devotees keep an all – night vigil with prayers or “jagaran”, because it is the night to overcome ignorance and darkness of the mind and heart. The festival is essentially to remind us of our inner strength, i.e. Shiva is inside us, Shiva is our inner strength and ability to overcome all negativity and evil from our hearts and mind. It’s a night of contemplation, when we are brought to the moment of interval between destruction and regeneration, when growth erupts out of decay, to unite with the supreme self.

Shiva in the Tandav form

Mahashivratri also marks diverse and stunning dance festivals dedicated to the Lord whose dance form of Tandav “or the cosmic and ecstatic dance of destruction” is also worshipped today. Lord Shiva is also depicted as the “Nataraj” or the King of Dance”.

Major Hindu temples such as at Konark, Khajuraho, Pattadakal, Modhera and Chidambaram conduct historic dance festivals to mark the day.  This event is called Natyanjali, literally "worship through dance", at the Chidambaram temple which is famous for its sculpture depicting all dance mudras in the ancient Hindu text of performance arts called Natya Shastra. 

Mahashivratri is celebrated outside India in Nepal, Mauritius and the Indo- Caribbean region.

Maha Shivratri celebrations at Kali Mandir, CR Park

The dazzling sun shone down on the vibrant and verdant grounds of Kali Mandir. The sprawling  and well manicured front lawns of the complex were bursting with a profusion of colours from more than 100 varieties of Dahlias, chrysanthemums, calendulas, marigold and carnations! Flowers pots were neatly arranged to begin the Annual Flower Show, past of the Maha Shivratri celebrations.

Elaborate and well organised puja proceedings had started from the wee hours of the morning with devotees making a bee line for the Shiv Mandir, waiting patiently to enter the sanctum sanctorum to offer devoutly, a mixture of Ganges water (ganga jal), honey, curd, milk and ghee along with Bel (wood apple) fruits, leaves, sweets and 5 varieties of fruits. Pushpanjali followed with the purohit chanting invocations of the eternal Adiyogi. Prasad was offered to each devotee after the pushpanjali. Puja had however commensed from 10.45 pm the previous night, keeping in view the tradition of offering puja during 4 prahars (each prahar is approx 3 hours long), all night.


The Flower show commenced from 11 am onwards and more than 100 flower pots vied with each other to attract the attention of the judges with their splendid colours, sizes and shapes. In the evening, the entire complex was glowing with 1000 light strings.

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