Jaipur Junction - 10 things to do in Pink City

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you say - JAIPUR…?

Jaipur… well… Pink City? Think more… Culture? Art? History? Colors? Yes… now you are moving in right direction… Jaipur is full of colors. You step out in the streets, and your eyes instantly meet a feast of colors! The markets are full of irresistible clothes and jewellery… Yes, the ethnic jewellery! It’s like a revisit to the traditional India that we all hear about or read in textbooks. It will leave you mesmerized and let you breathe… Unlike big cities, where life is lived in a haste, Jaipur provides you a calm aura. It like to move at ease. Nobody is in a hurry, Jaipurwalas believe that life should be enjoyed and they make sure that it is reflected throughout the city. The cuisine, the clothes, the way they speak, all of it has a grace and charm of its own that will surely leave a lasting impression on you. The apnapan of Jaipur is hard to ignore and that is why, today I take you through the lanes of this beautiful city. Here are 10 things that you just can’t miss to indulge in while on a trip to Jaipur.

1. Treat yourself to some Delicacies: Jaipur maybe known for a lot of things but the food stands out among all its specialties. It’s a paradise for food lovers. This time when you visit Jaipur, take out time to explore some of the popular joints here - Nand Gol Gappe Wala, located in Raja Park, offers hands down the best economical and hygienic gol gappes in the city. Julie Furniture Bhel Puri Wala will leave you claiming that you have had the best bhel puri ever! Sampat’s kachori is yet another thing to look out for… Banna Ji Coffee Shop, located aside Mr. Beans at 22 Godam, is definitely a great coffee shop and a nice hangout spot with just the best ambiance. Jaipur aaye aur paan na khaaye!! Don’t even think of missing this out… you dare not call yourself a fan of paan if you haven't heard the name of Anu Mobile Paan Bhandar. Initially run in a Maruti Van, with time and efforts this joint earned a big name for itself, big enough to supply Jaipuriya paan for Saifeena’s wedding. Winters and ice creams… sounds like crazy! Saras Parlour offers the best ice cream for you to gorge on… And the list goes on and on… C’mon… Get, set, and eat…

    2.   Click-o-Mania: Photography lovers get your shutters ready… and click, click, click. The best thing to do in Jaipur is to wake up early in the morning and go on a photo-walk… The view from Nahargarh Fort at 6 in the morning is breath-taking and you can’t afford to let it go. You can rope in some of your friends and experience the calmness of the city. The Jaipurwalas are never in a rush, so the city stays peaceful till late morning hours…. In a nutshell, the ideal time to explore the city is 6-10 in the morning. An evening can be well spent at Birla Mandir.

     3.  The Royal Appeal: The list goes bigger and better here… Jaipur is the Royal City full of majestic Palaces and Forts that sing of its timeless glory. Amber Fort, City Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Rambagh Palace, Sheesh Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Samodh Palace, Nahargarh Fort, Jantar Mantar observatory… and so on. The city has been an eyewitness to the days of galore, when legends and sagas were sung in traditional folk songs for the beautiful queens and princesses. Jaipur is a mysterious land of snake charmers, enigmatic royal safaris, vivid colors and festivities!

     4.   Cultural Treat: Jaipur epitomizes the adventurous spirit of Rajputana. In spite of growing into a busy metropolis, it has managed to retain its character and rich cultural heritage. It has carried forth with it the traditions of yesteryear… Jaipur thus is a beautiful fusion of age old values and modernity. The music and dance reflects the culture of the city most aptly. Rajasthani music is so appealing to the senses that the listener can’t stop his/her feet from swaying to the beats. The iktara is used to play soothing tunes and the famous dance forms include ghoomer and kalbelia. Mehndi too plays an important role at times of celebration. Kite flying tradition of the city seems to be undying too. The language of Jaipurwalas is a very soft spoken language and can win hearts of other people. Learning the language and engaging in dialogues with local people is one way to have fun.

    5.   Puppet Shows: Jaipur’s most popular form of folk entertainment and traditional occupation is the Puppet Shows. The art of puppetry is practiced by a community of agricultural laborers of Rajasthan, known as the Bhats. No village fair, no religious festival and no social gathering in Jaipur can be complete without these shows. The puppets are also known as kathputlis, where kath is wood and putli is doll. These puppets are readily available in markets of Jaipur and form a wonderful gift. The puppeteers use the strings to move the puppets around the stage. A lot of interesting short stories are narrated through these puppets, making it a thorough learning experience. The pair of Moomal-Mahendra, Dhola-Maru and other legendary pairs are still popular with the general and local folk in Jaipur. Such shows can be seen at Nahargarh Fort, Hawa Mahal, and many more places in Jaipur.

       6.   Bike Racing: I know what you are thinking!! Jaipur and Bikes? How’s that even possible… but then Jaipur is a blend of both the worlds. As much as its cultural roots are strong, it has embraced the modern source of entertainment too. There are various clubs and organizations taking this forward. SAAHAS (Society for Adventure Awareness Humanity & Automobile Sports) is dedicated to promote motor sports and is on the way to develop Jaipur, Rajasthan as the most popular International destination for Motor Racing by regularly organizing variety of Motor Sport Events which provide a platform to Amateur Motor Racing Enthusiasts. SAAHAS also offers proper guidance to the youngsters who are passionate for Adventure on Wheels. This organization is registered under Rajasthan Society Registration Act, 1958 & is affiliated member of The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India.

      7.   The Safaris: Completely drenched in extravagance, the city offers camel, horse, and elephant

safaris. Camel Safari is arranged by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC). Camel rides in Jaipur city attract large number of tourist every year. In ancient times, the elephant was used as a Royal Vehicle for the Kings. One can enjoy the heritage trip of the Pink City on these elephants and get a feel of royalty, especially while visiting Amber Fort. During Holi festival, an elephant festival is also held every year in Jaipur. A game of Polo is the main highlight of the program. The horses were earlier used by the Rajputs and Royal families of Rajasthan in battle fields and for hunting. Nowadays, one can enjoy horse riding during Jaipur Tour. For security reasons, tamed camels, elephants, and horses are used for the ride. These safaris will add to your memories of the city and give it a tinge of adventure.

   8. The colorful markets: Did you say shopping? I can see that smile across your face broadening! For the shopaholics, Jaipur is a perfect destination. The markets in Jaipur are full of hand-looms and trinkets. The multi-hued dresses add to the color and vividness of the markets. The bangles are a sure shot buy. You can take a lot of good stuff for family and friends. The bazaar offers a wide range of ethnic jewellery, handicrafts, textiles, the mirror work on clothes and other items, the colorful dupattas, precious gemstones, the pottery, and the leather goods. The Johri Bazaar is most famous for inexpensive gold and silver jewellery, the Bapu Bazaar offers crafts and home décor items. Also, you can find camel leather bags near Hawa Mahal. 

   9.  The Literature Hub: The city of palaces date literature and it is magical. Jaipur attracts the lovers of literature from all around the globe every year. The Jaipur Literature Festival is widely known and hundreds of people visit the historic Diggi Palace Hotel to attend it. Authors from India and abroad address the various sessions that consist of readings, discussions, and questions and answers segment. One can catch up with these authors, buy their books, and get them signed too. In addition, drink the Pushkari chai, eat the Diggipuri and slurp on the molten choco lava. Live music performances are also staged in the evenings.

10.   Of hot air balloons and the metros: The city is also acknowledged for its hot air balloon rides. As you sail over the Pink City, the beauty of the historical monuments, placidlake and the never-ending stretch of golden sand will surely leave you in a trance. Please mind the gap, there may be short delays in the journey, please do not sit on the floor, beware of pickpockets inside the train, male passengers are advised not to sit on the seats reserved for ladies, please do not obstruct the automatic doors; doing this is a punishable offense… Oh! By the way Jaipur City is now enjoying metro rides too. Do I need to say more?

You can also visit chowki dhani for a mini Rajasthan’s experience and can taste the traditional food items like daal, baati, choorma. And by the time you will relax in the afternoon, you will find yourself crooning to - Shaam Gulabi, Sehar Gulabi, Dopaher gulabi, hai gulabi ye sheher. Main bhi gulabi, tu hai gulabi, Din bhi gulabi, hai gulabi ye keher… The city will make you fall in love with the aura!

 For more pics - click here! 

My Awesome 'ASUS' Experience...

I have been following ASUS updates regularly off late and when I heard about the launch of the new smart phone Zenfone 2, I immediately browsed through the sites to take a sneak peek into all its features. And what I saw, left me spellbound.

"A marvel of beauty and power, in the palm of your hand!"

The 5 things that were the first to grab my interest included the sleek design, screen size, camera quality, battery life, and the fast processor. Everything about the phone seemed bigger, brighter, and beautiful.

Image Source: http://www.asus.com/Phones/ZenFone_2_ZE551ML/

1) I was appalled by the luxurious ultra-thin design which is available in 5 different colors - Glacier Grey, Osmium Black, Glamour Red, Ceramic White, and Sheer Gold. The phone simply looks stunning and has a dual SIM capacity. With a 5.5 inch HD display and a resolution of 1080x1920 pixels, the phone has got to keep you hooked. 

2) The 4GB RAM and a 2.3 GHz quad-core processor ensure three times faster performance and an incredible gaming experience. I no longer have to worry about multi-tasking with ASUS Zenfone 2 in my hand. I can play games, videos, do a faster web browsing, chat, and send emails alongside.

3) I loved the camera quality. I could simply not ask for more. I am aware of the quality that ASUS offers in all its phones and thus I have no doubts that the 13 megapixel rear camera will be my ultimate companion. As a selfie addict, I am pretty sure I will not be disappointed as it has a 5 megapixel front camera too. High resolution pictures with zero shutter lag will ensure that I don't miss any moment to be captured. Its many features include the low light mode that can capture up to 400% brighter photos at night, or in low-light scenes, without the need of a flash. To add to my delight, Zenfone 2’s real tone flash ensures warm skin tones and accurate color.

Image Source: http://www.asus.com/Phones/ZenFone_2_ZE551ML/

4) I want my phone near me right from the early hours of the day to the wee hours of the night. Sometimes, I end up writing my blog posts on my phone, browse sites, send and receive emails, play games, click pictures, chat on whatsapp, and update on facebook all alongside. All this multi-tasking requires a bigger battery capacity. ASUS Zenfone 2 has a battery capacity of 3000 mAh. Also, the device supports ASUS-exclusive technology that charges devices much faster than traditional speeds. With Zenfone 2, this means the phone's battery will be juiced up to 60% in no more than 39 minutes. So, I can be connected with my world 24/7 without any hindrance.

5) Zenfone 2 is as tough a phone as it could be in terms of its strength. With Corning Gorilla Glass 3, it provides a fearless working experience even in tough conditions. Its amazing endurance will never let you down and lesser chances of its breaking down. 

All these reasons and many more are bound to redefine my smart phone experience with ASUS Zenfone 2 and turn it into totally awesome. #CantWait4Zenfone2 and the wait is going to be over soon as the phone is officially launching on 23rd April 2015 at Delhi in a mega event.

City Guide: Garden of Five Senses

The Garden of Five Senses is a breath taking and enamoring experience. It is not just a park - it is a celebration of aesthetic expression and appreciation, a seamless dialogue between the creations of man and nature that invites interaction and exploration. It is an ideal ground to realize the twin objectives of the need for a public leisure space as well as awakening of human sensitivity to the environment.

It is an intricate blend of nature’s bounty and subtle human creation. Amidst the concrete jungle and the hustle and bustle of the city, the garden of five senses comes across as a welcome breath of fresh air and serene quietude. True to the imagery suggested by its name and with its beautiful, lush green landscapes, the garden of five senses stimulates all the five senses in an evocative bouquet that awakens the mind to the beauty of life and invokes a grateful prayer for the gift of touch, sight, sound, smell and taste.

Visitors are encouraged to touch the rocks and displays, the fragrance of flower for the nose, the landscape appeals to the eyes - the sight, the ceramic bells and the water falls create a soothing sound - pleasing to the ear and the food courts serve a variety of cuisines - to please the tongue. Thus, justifying its nomenclature - Garden of Five Senses!

The garden is located at Said-ul-Aizab village, close to the Mehrauli heritage area in New Delhi. The garden is built on a large expanse of land, 20 acres to be precise. It was inaugurated in February 2003 by Chief Minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit, coinciding with the beginning of the 16th garden festival which is showcasing seasonal flowers, hanging baskets and animal figures sculpted from the plants.

The garden is a visual treat, esp. for the photographers. The geometric arrangement of plants, the meandering pathways and lotus pools with beds of green leaves covering clear waters and with pink lotuses peeping out every now and then transporting a person straight to heaven. A brief walk in the garden serves as a great stress reliever. Stainless steel birds mounted on slate -clad pillars soar indignantly in the air, as if, trying to welcome the visitors.

Nestled among the natural slope of the site is the amphi-theatre with blocks of sandstone serving as seating. At the rear of the garden is an open exhibition area for displaying art and holding workshops. Pools of water lilies, bamboo courts and herb gardens are some of the other attractions. The garden is a wonderland for children and adults alike, who are virtually starved of this bountiful nature’s gift.

The mountainous landscapes and rocks strewn in every here and there give a casual trekking experience. Majestic rocks stand silhouetted against the sky; others lie strewn upon the ground in an alluring display of nature’s sculptural genius.

The garden festivals theme this year is Decorative Accents in Landscaping. A competition will be held in 24 classes consisting over 175 sections. There will also be competitions in Dahlia varieties, display sections, the tray garden class and nursery stalls. Such similar competitions and shows would be held every year.

To add more interest, are the toy solar cars imported from Taiwan for use in the amusement section of the Garden of Five Senses. Each solar car cost Rs 60,000 each.

During the garden festival, free battery bus rides up to the garden would be available from Qutab Minar and the deputy commissioner’s office near Anupam Apartments in Saket.

An integral part of the garden is the solar Park set up with the assistance of the Ministry of Non-conventional Renewable Energy sources. The aim is to promote awareness of renewable source of energy. A 20KW solar power plant is installed to meet the requirement of the park.

A pocket full of colours.

Click the way to success!

Are you one of those people who are known for always snapping pictures at the parties, hangouts, or who enjoys capturing various shades of life through a lens? A creative eye with visual imagination is the basic trait required in a photographer. Do you think you have that quality in you? If yes, then what’s stopping you from a career that has your interest inculcated in it as well as decent money?

Since the invention of the photography, those working in the medium have made an impact on society, offering a way to document anything imaginable, from everyday life to moments in history to the marvels of science and medicine. A wide variety of career paths are open to photographers. But the competition here is high too.

To succeed as a professional photographer, you’ll need sharp technical skills, innate creativity, imagination, and the ability to stay on top of new technologies. You'll also need to understand the culture, common practices, and requirements of your area of specialization.

The main areas of specialization for professional photographers are:

• Architectural
• Commercial
• Editorial
• Fashion
• Fine Art
• Movie Still
• Nature/Environmental
• Medical/Scientific
• Photo Journalism
• Underwater/Marine
• Sports
• Wedding/Portrait

Architectural - Architectural photographers are among the most technically skilled of all photographers. Knowledge of the view camera and a thorough understanding of lighting, exposure, and film and digital imaging are requirements to excel at this profession. You’ll also need a superb portfolio, knowledge of architecture and interior design, and the ability to work on location. Consider working as an assistant to a successful architectural photographer to learn the tools of this trade.

Commercial - Commercial photographers usually specialize in advertising and corporate assignments. Subjects may range from common consumer products to elaborate scenes with models to industrial sites. The commercial photographer must understand lighting, film, and digital and analog cameras, and must have the ability to multitask and work well with clients and models in the studio and on location.

Editorial - Editorial outlets abound for photographers, from local newspapers to glossy magazines with huge circulations. Editorial photographers work on story assignments, usually pairing with the writer of the story.  You may travel with the writer, or independently.  Editorial photographers work on human interest, culinary, travel, and all general interest stories. They travel to unusual places and need to be ready for anything, sometimes working for long periods of time away from their home base. A good portfolio, an interest in culture and current events, patience, and the ability to work as a team player are requirements to make it as an editorial photographer.

Fashion - Photography is one of the most important elements of the fashion world. Who better to show off a new design or clothing line than a talented photographer? Fashion photography is hard work, requiring a lot of international travel and long hours. Sounds good to you? Having an excellent portfolio is important for getting an assignment. You’ll need a distinct style and the ability to imbue your photographs with it to make it as a fashion photographer. Consider working with a photo agency to promote your talents and get your work seen. 

Fine Art - Fine art photographers generally present their photographic images as finished prints for sale. Fine art photography ranges from images of landscapes to surrealistic patterns to everything in between. The artist generally sells his or her work through local or online galleries, at art shows, and from their own studios and websites.  Successful fine art photographers also use reps to promote their work.

Medical/Scientific - Photographers that work in the medical or scientific communities work in research labs, hospitals, and healthcare facilities—and in the field.  They use tools such as cameras, microscopes, video cameras, and specialized equipment designed to capture biomedical images. Specialties include ophthalmic photography, forensic biomedical photography, photomicrography, and dental photography. Since medical photographers frequently work with patients, physicians, and researchers, good people skills are necessary.

Movie Stills - Movie still photographers, work on movie sets, capturing both behind-the-scenes images and photos of the scenes being shot. These images are used for movie promotion, record shots, and other applications. The best way to get into photographing movie stills is to have an outstanding portfolio showing people and their interaction, along with a great personality and the ability to be flexible in your work habits. Think about volunteering to learn the business.

Nature/Environmental - The nature or environmental photographer usually works on location, and may work in conjunction with a researcher, newspaper, or magazine. Knowledge of the natural world is a must for photographers choosing this path, and can include a background in zoology, botany, or other earth and natural sciences. Great patience is required, as well as a love for travel.

Photojournalism - Photojournalists make many of the photographs you see on a daily basis in newspapers, in magazines, and on news and current-events websites. This career can be a rewarding one, and it requires not only photography skills, but also the negotiating skills, knowledge of different cultures, and physical and mental strength. Photojournalists frequently travel and may be away for extended periods of time covering conflicts or working on assignments. The National Press Photographers Association has a national mentoring program for students, which offers an excellent way to work and learn from a professional photojournalist.

Sports - The sports photographer records sporting events as they happen, and must have lightning-fast reflexes, superb timing, knowledge of the sport, and great technical skill with a variety of cameras. Some sports photographers specialize in only one sport, while others photograph many different sports. They travel extensively, work nights and weekends, and typically endure extremes of weather. Sports photographers generally own their camera gear, and work for several magazines or newspapers.

Underwater/Marine - The underwater photographer not only needs excellent technical skills in photography but also must be certified as a diver who can work comfortably in a marine environment. Diving, swimming, and underwater safety skills, combined with a thorough knowledge of marine life, the ocean, and boating, are requirements for this career. Underwater photographers often shoot images for stock photography.

Wedding/Portrait - The wedding or portrait photographer usually works out of a studio, but frequently shoots on location with clients. Capturing the big day for a bride and groom is a daunting responsibility. Wedding photographers need top-notch equipment and the technical knowledge to make it work. Photojournalistic wedding photography has become quite popular, and this is an area you may choose to specialize in. Making portraits of people and families requires great patience, as well as creative flair.

You should and understand that being a successful professional photographer requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and a little bit of luck. The advice I hear most often is don’t bother trying, do it as a hobby. But everyone has a camera these days, and almost anyone can take a solid photo. Put almost any DSLR on auto and point it at something interesting and you’ll probably have a pretty good photo. How do you compete with a million people doing that, especially the ones calling themselves a professional photographer?

Being a professional photographer is really about three things – being very professional, working hard every day, and offering something unique.

Follow these steps if you are serious about your career in photography:

1.      Follow good business practices: Have a professional logo, website, etc.

2.      Actively market yourself

3.      Stop trying to please everyone: Master in only 1-2 areas of specialization.

4.      Click everyday: Practice makes a photographer perfect!

5.      Make sure you have a Plan B: Always keep back-ups of all your pictures.

6.      Be humble, not arrogant: Your photograph might be perfect but you have to re-click if your client wants that!

7.      Call yourself a photographer: Take pride in your skill.

I understand that as an artist you probably detest the thought of having to run a business. Marketing and promoting yourself makes you want to puke. And acting professional when you just want to create art makes your head hurt. I don’t know many artists who enjoy this stuff. But guess what? All the successful ones do it anyway.

Like any successful business, being a professional photographer will require you to spend as much time on the business side of things as the artistic.

Do you act like a professional? Are you working your ass off? Are you differentiating yourself from other photographers?

Event India helps such talent and introduces them to the corporate world. Don't forget to give your feedbacks!

You left me enchanted!

That day was a fairy tale,
You made my heart sail.
You took me to paradise,
You kept looking in my eyes.

Yes, it was a fairy tale,
Hope this love prevail.
I closed my eyes,
Ready for the surprise.



Deep down in my heart,
I was painting a unique art.
Your stares, made me smile,
You made every moment worthwhile.

Made me feel like a princess,
A butterfly free to breath.
It was a wonderful day,
When you took my heart away.

Gave me feelings that were new to me,
I silently asked you, "Will you marry me?"
We dined, we celebrated,
My wait had finally ended.

I sneaked out to be with you,
And it turned out to be just Perfect!
All illusion and reality was getting mixed,
Faster than the wind, I was so transfixed.

A magic spell was casted on us,
You took away all my distress.
We had wine, we were so drunk,
With you, I was so full of spunk.

You took me by hand,

Before I could comprehend.
We roamed on the streets, so carefree,
I was on a romantic spree.

In a café, you told me I looked pretty,
When in reality, I was looking a mess!
You were the prince,
I was just your damsel in distress.



And then you kissed me,
I felt so complete.
You smiled at me,
The world seemed beautiful.

Time slowed down for a while,
You gave me such a cute smile.

Everyone around looked at us in awe,
"Oh they look perfect together!"

You gave me a box to open,
Inside was the sweetest gift.
Chocolates, jewels, and something more,
You told me to explore!

I looked at the mirror,
Trying to get the drift.
And you remarked,
I could not think of a better gift.

I was still confused, thinking hard,
And then you made me see.
"I gifted you a beautiful princess,
The one you can see in the mirror!"

You left me enchanted,
Made me lose control.
Held me tightly, and I felt comfortable,
And my love story had just begun!

My Jaipur Diary - When the City of Palaces 'dated' Literature!

Journey through pictures :)