Month: August 2019

Recipe of Bhindi ‘Ambil Khatta’ from Western Odisha, by Food Blogger Priyanka Panda

Published by Samyama

Our guest contributor today is a 25-year-old food blogger Priyanka Panda from Sambalpur, Odisha. She runs a food blog on Instagram called ‘Treasure of Food’, to help spread her Odia culture through culinary experiences and recipes. With us today, she shares her favourite comfort food called Ambil. She has grown up eating this delicious bhindi (okra) and curd-based recipe. This dish is particularly famous in Western Odisha. There are more than a hundred versions of ‘Ambil Khatta’! Today, we are going to cook Priyanka’s personal favourite version which is made with Bhindi or Bhendi (okra), ‘Bhendi Ambil Khatta’. “This dish does require a bit of attention to get the taste and consistency right but my grandma has helped me perfect it, so i’ll be sharing all the added tips as well.” ~ Priyanka. Ingredients: (serves 4, prep time – 10 minutes) 8-10 pieces of Bhindis or okras 2-3 tomatoes – diced 1/2 a cup of curd 2-3 tbsp of besan or chickpea flour 1/2 tsp turmeric 1/4 tsp red chilli powder 2 tbsp of vegetable …

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Unwind With Nature in the Hills of Sohra, Meghalaya

Published by Kumti

Summer is almost ending and most of the monsoon rain has ceased. This means that the perfect season for travel has begun and our readers are certainly giving us vacation feels with their social media posts! The great weather makes for the perfect time to get away from the hustle and bustle for a trip!  Khliehshnong Village located on the way to Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya. One of our readers, Angule Mero from Nagaland, recently went on a small trip to Sohra, a small town in Meghalaya, only a few kilometres away from Shillong. Also known as Cherrapunji, this is one of the wettest places on earth. It is truly a paradise with its scenic natural landscapes, clean and pristine surroundings, and warm people. From adventurous activities to quiet spots to relax, this place has got everything. The place is dotted with waterfalls and offers opportunities for trekking, zip-lining, and exploring caves. It has also got some beautiful resorts and homestays that will make your time there even better. Pack and hit the road!  Happy adventures!

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“I Always Knew That I’d Work in The Fashion Industry”— Stylist Rishan Shabong from Shillong, Meghalaya

Published by Temsulong

Many of us have different childhood fantasies and dreams that slowly fade as we grow older. We pick up more practical dreams along the way. However, for Rishan Shabong—a stylist and fashion enthusiast from Shillong—working in the fashion industry has always been the dream. And now, he is setting new standards for men’s style and breaking traditional barriers!  Join us as we discuss how he is making waves in the fashion industry as a stylist, dabbling in various other areas of fashion including design, modelling and is also an influencer. Hello Rishan, lovely to have you here. Tell us about yourself! Hey there! My name is Rishan Skhem Shabong, I’m 25-years-old and I am currently based in Bengaluru. I was born and raised in a beautiful town called Shillong! Since I was a young boy, I have always been the black sheep in the family. I guess my affinity to the creative arts distinguished me from the rest. I have always been an avid follower of fashion and always wanted to be in the fashion …

#FACES | The Vibrant Spirit of The Sikh Hola Mohalla Festival in Punjab by Gursimran Singh

Published by Samyama

“Hola Mohalla, also called Hola, is a Sikh festival which falls in the month of March (usually). Celebrated widely around the world, it was started by the tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, as a gathering of Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles on the day following the festival of Holi. Even today it reminds the people of valour and defence preparedness. On this three-day festival, mock battles are held followed by music and poetry competitions. The Nihang Singhs (armed Sikh warriors – members of the Sikh army that was founded by Guru Govind Singh) carry on the martial tradition with mock battles and displays of swordsmanship and horse riding. They perform daring feats, such as Gatka (mock encounters), tent pegging, bareback horse riding and standing erect on two speeding horses. The festival takes place in the city of Ananadpur Sahib in Rupnagar (Ropar), it usually stretches out to a week as everyone loves to camp out and fully immerse themselves in the palpable energy. The event concludes on the day of Hola Mohalla (third …

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#RECIPE | Traditional Naga Delicacy, Pork Innards, by Lilia Jimomi

Published by Temsulong

Pork innards hold a cherished place in Naga cuisine, enjoyed for their rich flavors and unique cooking methods worldwide. Today, we’re excited to bring you an authentic Naga-style preparation of this local favorite. Join us as Lilia Jimomi, hailing from Dimapur, generously shares her family’s treasured recipe for pork innards. It’s a delectable choice for those special weekend dinners! Lilia reminisces, “In our childhood, the anticipation of special occasions meant one thing: the arrival of freshly reared pork for our family. It became a cherished ritual to prepare the pork innards or pork blood as a prelude to the main feast. This moment was truly exceptional as we relished our favorite part of the pig—the innards, never sourced from the market.” Now we have all grown up, are married, and have our own families. So many things have changed except our love for pork innards— the special family meal before the main feast at home. There are many ways to cook the innards. And I’m glad to be sharing one of my favorite recipes with …

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A Summer Getaway in the Hills — Sungratsu Village, Mokokchung, Nagaland

Published by Kumti

Hello folks! We found an interesting getaway for folks looking for some rustic adventure – in some faraway village in the mountains! Today we are at Sungratsu village in Mokokchung district, Nagaland. Nestled in the hills of Mokokchung, this place is known for its beautiful landscapes, warm people, and traditional handicrafts.  Blue sky and the distant mountains of Sungratsu Village Nagaland. Sungratsu village is located in the Asetkong Range of Mokokchung* district, Nagaland. It is famous for making anishi/moyasu (dried yam leaf cakes) — a stable spice used in Ao Naga cuisines {*Mokochung is the home district of the Ao Naga tribe}. It is about 20 to 30-minute drive from Mokokchung town. Make sure you don’t doze off on the way as the ride to the village offers some breathtaking views adorned by scenic landscapes and lovely seasonal flowers. Flowers in full bloom in Sungratsu Village, Nagaland More flowers from Sungratsu, Nagaland Red beans fresh from Sungratsu’s farms What makes the place even more special are the warm and welcoming locals. Once you take the …

Meet Rachel Lopez of ‘The Greater Bombay’ – an Instagram Account that Curates Quirky Ceiling Designs Inside Taxis

Published by Samyama

While most people go about their day in a flurry, forgetting to ‘stop and smell the roses’, Rachel Lopez is one observant journalist with a heart inclined towards the arts! Everywhere she goes, she ‘looks up’ — especially when she takes a taxi! A journalist based out of Mumbai, Rachel started a personal project called ‘The Greater Bombay’ where she takes photos of the quirky ceilings of taxis. This project has made thousands notice another side of Mumbai! Her collection of photos is ever-expanding with some crazy ceiling designs, from Gabbar Singh to strawberries! We caught up with her to chat about her project and more. Tap on the link in bio and below!  Hello! Rachel, we are happy to have you! Please tell our readers a bit about yourself. My name is Rachel Lopez, I’m 37-years-old and I’m a journalist with the Hindustan Times. I have been in Mumbai for all of my life and today I use this familiarity for my work.  At Hindustan Times, I cover features, edit, do a weekly column …

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Meet Arunachal Pradesh’s Upcoming Indie Musician — Taba Chake

Published by Temsulong

“Just a small town boy who took the midnight train going anywhere” — these lines from an old rock song seem like an apt description for our featured artist today, Taba Chake. A hidden gem among the myriad of artists in India, Taba is an indie singer and songwriter based in Mumbai. Being from Arunachal Pradesh, he not only makes music in Hindi and English but also in Nyishi, his mother tongue.  His music is refreshing, carefully crafted and somehow addictive. While on his tour, Taba was able to sit down to chat with us about life and what motivates him to keep creating music.  Read on! Hello Taba, please introduce yourself to our readers! Hello readers, I’m Taba Chake and I’m 26-years-old. I’m an average guy from a small town called Doimukh in Arunachal Pradesh. I’m someone who believes in hard work and God’s will. Currently based in Mumbai, I have been traveling, stayed in many places — all in search of music within. What sparked your interest in music? I think this all …

‘Books Are Our Favorite Companions’ – Malvika and Mallika, Founders Of ‘The Reading Twins’ From Mumbai

Published by Samyama

Hailing from Mumbai, twins Malvika and Mallika Mahidhar, share a great passion for reading and writing. Malvika is a teacher, while Mallika is pursuing law and the two also run their passion project called ‘The Reading Twins’. Their blog is a personal journal of everything they read and also a heaven for book lovers. Growing up in a house full of books, they’ve been reading books all their lives. Reading is their primary place of comfort. Grab a cup of coffee as we have an intriguing conversation with these two fascinating women! Hello, Malvika and Mallika! We are excited to have you. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Malvika: I am Malvika. I’m currently a faculty member at a design college in Mumbai. I’m also a writer and am currently working on my first manuscript! Apart from that, I am a self-taught watercolor and acrylic artist.   Mallika: I am Mallika, a reader and a lawyer who loves postcards, clouds and cats. What inspired you two to start your own book blog? We always wanted …

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Crafting Her Own Future — A Jewellery Maker and Owner of LS Jewellery, Lusano Sophie from Kohima

Published by Temsulong

Stepping away from conventional careers, Lusano from Kohima took up an independent step and started her own venture. She launched her line of accessories, LS Jewellery. Inspired by handmade jewellery making, Lusano began experimenting with pieces, which led her to start her brand.  LS Jewellery features “elegant, feminine and minimalist designs that caters to people of varying tastes,” as she puts it. It’s versatile, chic and everything your wardrobe needs right now! Find out more about the story of this young and inspiring entrepreneur as we chat with her.  LS Jewellery is handmade and crafted by Lusano herself. Hello Lusano, tell us about yourself and what you’ve been up to recently! My name is Lusano Sophie. I just graduated with Economics Honors from Shillong. Besides my jewellery collection, I love reading and want to start a venture related to books. I’m working on it, so be on the lookout. Tell us about your venture LS Jewellery. What is the story behind this start up? I always loved collecting jewellery although I didn’t really wear them …