Last year, during the lockdown, every second person was either whipping a Dalgona or baking cake. Even a novice like me donned the chef hat and took up baking cakes, cookies, and tossing noodles. I also learned that No dish is unhealthy. The ingredients you employ to create it render the meal healthy or unhealthy. The choice lies with us!  Fibre is integral for digestive health: A couple of months passed, and we truly enjoyed learning new recipes and trying them out. After some time, I felt my belly protruding and energy levels dropping. It rang an alarm! My nutrient and fibre-deprived bo ..read more

I am sure every mom out there would agree with me when I say, “Kids always need something new to explore and play with.” Before the pandemic hit us, we could take the kids to the park, in the society gardens, malls, markets, play areas, or to the friend’s houses for a change. But now our scope is restricted within the boundaries of home. We have to bring the whole world inside and create new spaces for the kids every other day. Toys, blocks, creative kits and books are the easiest ways to manage the kid’s boredom. But for kids, change is the only constant. After playing a couple of times with ..read more

This pandemic has caused a lot of uncertainty when it comes to children’s education. On the one hand, parents of teenagers are uncertain about their future. And, on the other hand, parents of toddlers are skeptical about enrolling their child in a pre-school. My sister’s son just turned 2.5 years old; she is in a predicament! She is not quite sure if online classes are the answer to her worries. She is under the impression that her son will not miss out on any education, for he is too young at the moment! She could not be more wrong! As an experienced mommy, I know for a fact that early educat ..read more

Remember a year back when the lockdown was just implemented and everyone started working from home? How all the ladies went crazy like zombies! I, myself remember grumbling, I don’t have the freedom to sit and have coffee at peace. I don’t have the freedom to even take a peaceful nap… Just when I bend down to sit on the couch, the universe starts conspiring against it. And before my bumps hit the cushion, my son shouts, “ Mumma potty!! Mumma bhook!! mumma…slippers? Mumma…Where are my toys? Where is the charger? Where is my purple teddy (that was discarded a year back)? “ #FacePalm  After ..read more

Paakhi quickly read the Paigam ‘ I heard your mom saying that you are not keeping well. In all these months, we have never talked. But your first sight was intoxicating. I have observed you, admired you and even dreamt of you ever since then. Your smile healed my soul and gave it a purpose for life. Oblivious of your feelings I am writing to you because I love you deeply. In your absence I am dying a hundred deaths every second. If you love me too please reply and I will find a way out.’ Paakhi reached out to the soot in angeethi and using a wet stick she wrote, ‘I don’t know what love is. But ..read more

“Paakhi… Come quickly else we will miss the bus.” Paakhi’s mother called out to her. A few miles away from Palampur, Paakhi lived in a kacha ghar in a secluded corner of the village, reserved for dalits. In the plight to escape the discrimination from humans, Paakhi sought solace under shade of the pine trees and the bright sky.  Every year she looked forward to escaping to Palampur in search of a breath of fresh air and some solace. Wearing a faded and stained kurta pyjama, Paakhi ran towards her mom while tucking the dupatta on her sides. In the bus, she pounced on the window seat and p ..read more

The greens and blues of the valley were risen to a new and vibrant glow by the sunrise. The spiral road was surrounded by pine trees on one side and tea gardens on the other. The first rays of the sun illuminated the snow clad mountains and few kuccha and wooden houses embellished the picturesque scenery. Pratap has been opening his hazel eyes to this scenic beauty every morning, since his birth. Palampur, a small pahadi town nestled in Kangra district has been home for Pratap’s family for generations. His father was the care taker of the Daranga tea estate and as far as his memory goes, Prata ..read more

In India jewellery is not just a piece of ornament to enhance one’s beauty. It is a part of the Indian tradition and culture aka ‘Riti Riwaz’. In the Indian culture jewellery plays a symbolic role especially after women’s marriage and most of it is associated with good health and well-being of the husband and his family. One such tradition that is popular in Hindu and Muslim communities alike is wearing a toe ring or bichiya after marriage. This tradition dates back to the vedic times and generation after generation women have been told that if married women don’t wear bichiya then it can adve ..read more

I was born in a very traditional family and lead a very sheltered and protected life till 24 years of age. All my time was spent in studies or helping my mom with household chores. By the time I finished my post-graduation my parents found a suitable match for me. Soon I married Alok and travelled to Delhi, miles away from my parents. Anyone who saw us believed that our relationship was painted in love and care. Once I had gone to the supermarket when a salesman bumped into me. Deliberately or accidentally, I am not sure! But Alok just blew up when he saw it. One angry stare at the salesman ..read more

I was born in a very traditional family and lead a very sheltered and protected life till 24 years of age. All my time was spent in studies or helping my mom with household chores. By the time I finished my post-graduation my parents found a suitable match for me. Soon I married Alok and travelled to Delhi, miles away from my parents. Anyone who saw us believed that our relationship was painted in love and care. Once I had gone to the supermarket when a salesman bumped into me. Deliberately or accidentally, I am not sure! But Alok just blew up when he saw it. One angry stare at the salesman an ..read more