Monday 28 November 2011

Dazzling Christmas :: Holiday Decor Inspiration


Holidays !.....Yippee....
Yes, you got me right. I'm leaving for India  next week.
So, this Christmas post is coming up a little early.



 This tiny, sunny, tropical island of Singapore is all set to enjoy the festive season.
It is all about feel merry and bright.












To enhance the festive mood 
I LOVE to create 
a little surprise and drama.






....and the fun is in to put things together,
beautiful candles, colourful Christmas ornaments,
flowers and plants,
cookies and cakes.
Isn't it delightful ?






Are you ready for the dazzle?
What is your style??...
Vintage, Mid-Century, Country, Modern...?
Let me know...:)



All pictures are photographed by me. Please, do not reuse them in any form without my written permission. Thanks.

Friday 25 November 2011

Magazine Feature : Fatehpur Sikri


While I was enjoying exclusive luxury, complete relaxation and a splendid time-out at the sunshine beaches of  Indonesia my article got published on  Prismma, India's finest Design and Lifestyle Magazine. Check out the article here.

Here,  a glimpse of the article :


Fatehpur Sikri:
The Mughal Sandstone Splendour


Far from the din and bustle of India's capital, New Delhi, yet close at hand in between the Delhi-Agra route, lies Fatehpur Sikri, a city that was once India's Capital for a brief period, but now bears a desolate and haunted look, yet testifies the architectural genius of the Mughal dynasty, which went on to produce more wonders like the Taj Mahal many years later.

The imperial city of the Mughal dynasty Fatehpur Sikri (The City of Victory) was built by the greatest Mughal Emperor Akbar at the beginning of 1570's. It was built in honour of the Sufi Saint Shaikh Salim Chisti, who lived in a cavern on the ridge at Sikri village about 40 kilometres from Agra and foretold the birth of the emperor's son (the future Jahangir), who was named Prince Salim after the Saint.

















The Masterpiece of Mughal Architecture








Akbar experimented both with architecture and art and built this city expressing his ideals and vision. Sikri was the first planned city of the Mughals, and leaves proof of innovative town planning through its efficient drainage and water-supply system. The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri has a definite all-India character and embodies the noble ideals and the tolerant bent of Akbar's mind. 















Khawabagh-Akbar's private bedrooms


The city monuments exude the prolific and versatile Indo-Muslim composite style. These red sandstone monuments are one of the finest masterpieces of Mughal Architecture and is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site.















The fascinating haunted city

Jama Masjid (Jami Masjid) or The Friday Mosque:






Jama Masjid

Buland Darwaza :














The Red Stone Splendour

The Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chishti :


















The white marble serpentine brackets at the Dargah










Jami Masjid, The Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chishti and the vast courtyard

Diwan-i-Khas:
























Natural light coming through the Jaali work window....Diwan-I-Khas








Anup Talao:
















 Anup Talao, Diwan-I-Khas and Panch Mahal



Panch Mahal:

















Panch Mahal pavilion




The Astrologer's Seat:













Palace of Jodha Bai :








Infront of Jodha Bai Palace




Inside Jodha Bai's Palace


Birbal's Palace :











Fatehpur Sikri was Akbar's capital for only around fifteen years. Within fifteen years of the city's foundation, the lake that was the natural source of water for this city, fell short of providing water to the growing population in this region. Besides, there were constant disturbances from the North Western frontier. All these made Akbar abandon Fatehpur Sikri and he chose Lahore as his new capital to fight against the Afghan tribes. This city since then has been bearing a desolate look as if waiting for its inhabitants to return some day. 












Text and Photographs by Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee.
















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Saturday 12 November 2011

Pictures of Silence

                  
" One's destination is never a place,
but a new way of seeing things"

~ Henry Miller

  




 Yes, 'WE' are travelling...






Please, excuse my long silence here....
as I am soaking in the beauty of mother nature...again :)

...and yes, missing your inspirational blogs,
as always !

See you soon...










All pictures are photographed by me. Please, do not reuse them in any form without my written permission. Thanks.



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Sunday 30 October 2011

Glimpses of Diwali :: Festive decor inspiration



 'Diwali Jhalak'...Glimpses of Diwali...
from my humble nest...:)


 All darkness is far away,
  illuminate your soul,
as light is on its way...






Moments...Moments
'Memories of Moments'...celebrated together
with family and friends,
joy and happiness
in abundance.








'The Festival of Lights'...
and Diwali design inspirations 
with flowers and flowers...
 candles and 'diyas'...






 Bright sparkles of contentment
May lights triumph over darkness.











Diwali ki dhero shubhkamnaye!!
Shubh Deepavali !!!








May the beauty of this festive season
illuminates our spirits,
the merriment of this divine festival may surround us forever...



...And A Very Happy Halloween to you all !!





All pictures are photographed by me. Please, do not reuse these in any form without my written permission. Thanks.







Sunday 23 October 2011

A Very Happy and Prosperous Dhanteras...Wishes for a joyous Diwali :)

 Today
is the auspicious day of  'Dhanteras' ...
when all the small earthen 'diyas'  are lit up
and beautiful 'rangolis' are drawn at the entry way...
 to welcome Goddess 'Lakshmi'
The Goddess of wealth.



On 'Dhanteras'
'Lakshmi' puja  is performed with full devotion
to ensure  prosperity, 
and to drive away the shadows of evil spirits.
People buy gold or silver
or any other kinds of metal
as a sign of wealth or good luck :)












'Dhanteras'  or 'Dhan Trayodashi'
 is the very first day 
of the five-days-long 'Diwali' festival,
 ' The Festival of Lights'...




'Dhan' means wealth and 'Tera' is thirteenth.
Dhanteras falls on 
the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of 'Krishna paksha' (dark fortnight)
in the 'Hindu' month of 'Kartik' (October/November).

A Very Happy Dhanteras
glowing with peace, joy and prosperity.



Dhanteras Ki Hardik Subhkamnayee...




Enjoy this  auspicious day 
with gusto and enthusiasm...
Shubh Dhanteras 
and 
A Very Happy Diwali to you all :)









Wishes for a joyous Diwali and a Happy New Year with plenty of Peace and Prosperity !!!







All pictures are photographed by me. Please, do not reuse them in any form without my written permission. Thanks.

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Flavour of Diwali....A letter from Singapore...:)

 While  I am busy writing this emotional post
living in a faraway land,
back home in India
the picture must be something like this:


All the small  clay lamps are lit up by now;
the yellow of the Marigold, 
the red of  the 'Kum-kum',
the pink of the Lotus,
the garlands, sequins 
'puja thalis' and 'rangolis',
are all painting beautifully
the dazzling images of Diwali, The Festival of Lights.



















The word 'Diwali'  originates from the Sanskrit word 'Deepavali'
which means 'Rows of Lights' !
 The auspicious 'Ammavaasa'
in the month of 'Kartik',
the glittering 'diyas' and lanterns,
and the beautiful fireworks and sound of crackers
announces the arrival of the most vibrant festival of my country.

   


While my humble nest is slowly getting the makeover 
for 'The Festival of Joy and Happiness'
the lady of the house
is now deeply missing
the magical flavour of her motherland.

When the whole world is soaking in
the warm autumn colours...
happy yellow, bright orange 
burnt red and gold...
then comes 'Diwali',
our very own 'Autumn Festival'!


Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama
after his 14 years of exile...
this is The Festival of Home Coming
Yes, happy home coming.



Yes, for me Diwali means India.
To be precise, it is Delhi,
the gorgeous capital city 
which is ever enthusiastic
in celebrating life.







Beautiful autumn in Northern India,
 fragrant, crisp air,
people dressed in vibrant colours,
a festive mood everywhere,
'pujas' in temples,
flowers and garlands,
Marigold and Lotus,
'Haldi' and 'Kum-kum',
long queues in front of 'mithai' (sweet) shops,
fairs and exhibitions in every nook and corner,
and dazzling fireworks in display ;
Yes, I can keep going on and on...

To add, special offerings made to Goddess 'Lakshmi',
The Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity.
  
This is the festival
to drive away the shadows of evil,
to enlighten the inner soul,
to express the warm Indian hospitality.










 This is another gorgeous 'Diwali'
in this little tropical island.
I am off to prepare some sweets for family and friends
(what is Diwali without homemade sweets)..
Please do not forget to share your thoughts on
what is your plan for this Diwali.


This is a pre-Diwali design post. For more inspirations, stay tuned.

Wish You All A Very Happy Diwali 
and Dhanteras !!!




All pictures are photographed by me. Please, do not reuse them in any form without my written permission. Thanks.



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