Cover Story
Destination Kochi : Why Kochi Should Be Your Next Investment Destination
Kochi is among the most happening cities in India right now. We explore to find out what’s really happening.
How would you like waking up in a home that has the serene backwaters flowing next to it or how about a corner office that gives a view of the majestic seas every time you look out through the glass windows? Now how would you like it if they came in a package of two? Ok, the place we were talking about is no other than our very own beautiful city. Perhaps, we the people of Kochi are taking this beautiful city a little too granted at times. Kochi has historically been something of melting a pot of cultures. The Chinese, the Jews, the Portuguese, the Dutch, the British have all been here at some point in time lending a flavor of theirs to the indigenous Malayali culture to create something that is uniquely Kochi; something that reminds one of all those travelers yet somehow distinctly different from all of them. The synagogues, the churches, the old trading towns, the imperial palaces all hold a treasure of history, stories, myth in their bosoms. Kochi is an explorer’s dream. But that’s only one side of Kochi, there is exhilarating, exciting flip-side to it; the swanky urban side, the side that makes you go,” Kochi pazhaya Kochi alla.”The best of modern amenities, world class malls, cosy cafes and cool hangouts; the new side of Kochi can give any other city in the country a run for its money.
Did You Know?
Kochi is ranked 164th among the emerging cities in the world, mind you the entire world? It is among the most vibrant tier-2 cities in the country and is one of the most affluent ones according to a recent report published by National Institute of Urban Affairs. Extremely well connected, you can fly into it, drive in or even better, sail into it through its mega port and then carry on through the backwaters that flow through it. While the city is getting bigger and better, we look at four mega projects that shall give Kochi the final push, taking it to dizzying heights of economic prosperity.
“Kochi has what it takes to be a world-class city. It’s bolstered with the IT sector, Infopark’s expansion, and the advent of Smart City. With the improvements in the logistics of ITCT (International Container Transshipment Terminal), infrastructure of the LNG Terminal, investments in the Petrochemical industry and modernization of the refinery industry (BPCL), Kochi has the vision to transform. With the Metro coming too, Kochi will be the next best investment destination.” Paul Raj President, CREDAI Kochi
Life in a Metro : KOMET
Amanda Burden, a renowned architect once said, “A city has to take the long view, the view for the common good.” Imagine this; you park your vehicle at Kaloor at a well-managed parking area, walk a few paces and take a seat. It’s just been a quarter of an hour,and you suddenly hear an announcement saying it’s the Aluva Station. You are at your destination, in 15 minutes flat! Well, just omit the ‘imagine’ word in the previous sentence, because this is how the reality of Kochi is going be, soon. The soon to be inaugurated metro, laid over a distance of 26 km all the way from Aluva to Thripunithura, with an extension to Kakanad and Infopark, is going to change your lives in many ways. For one, you shall be less grumpy; all the things that can drive you crazy, you give them all a miss: the honking auto `chettanmars’, the over-enthusiastic bikers, the sometimes pitiable condition of our roads, all of it. And, what’s more, all your journeys shall take half the time it presently takes. If the thought of saving time on your journeys makes you rub your hands in glee, wait till we tell you what else the KMRL (the metro folks) have up their sleeve. The tie-up that they had with Axis Bank for the access cards means you are not fishing for change at the ticket counter. A single swish of the card will do the trick. If you think that’s one more card on your already stuffed wallet, we have good news; the metro card will also double up as a transaction card for your bank (now you know why they brought Axis Bank onboard.)
Commute with UMTA
Well the metro folks also thought that it would be unfair to the people of Kochi to give just trains, so guess what they did; they create a body called UMTA that focuses on the development of the transport system of Kochi, holistically. So what plans do the UMTA have? Many actually; they plan to make Kochi make something of a commuter’s haven.Look at one of their plans; 78 air-conditioned ferries would be introduced in Greater Kochi in a phased out manner in the coming few years. How cool is that? Ah! Some bright, sunny days ahead for Kochi.
Not your average park: Infopark
Infopark celebrated its 10th birthday in December last year, and it had big birthday plans. The major part of the plan read EXPANSION. With the first phase of Infopark already taken, the work on the second phase was in full flow then, and now it is all ready to go live. Built on an area of 160 acres on the banks of Kadamprayar River, the second phase of Infopark already has IT firms queuing up. On completion,It will have a built up space of more than 8 million square feet taking the total built up an area to an astounding 16 million square feet. And, what’s more, the second phase is attracting some of the biggest names in the industry, as the Australian-based IT giant Cognizant who has already sealed a deal for a mega campus in the Infopark. The Bangalore-based construction behemoth, Brigade group, has also built its iconic World Trade Centre in Infopark and had it inaugurated recently. Infopark has also accomplished the feat of getting IIM-K to set up its first satellite campus within its premises.
Building a smarter city : Smart City
After all the initial hiccups, Smart City is ready to get into action. What is Smart City after all? It’s an IT special Economic Zone that is being built in the Kakkanad area in Kochi. So how smart is smart city? Incredibly smart, actually. What else would you call a project that would generate close to 90,000 jobs and a revenue of a few billions on completion? Jointly built by the Kerala government and TECOM, a UAE-based investors group (who knows the competence and capability of Keralites better than the Arabs), Smart City pitches Kerala firmly on the IT map of the country. The first phase of the Smart city that has a total built up area of 650,000 sq ft and a floor space of more than 100,000 sq ft is almost ready and is soon expected to go up and running. Smart City is expected to bring in a flurry of IT professionals from all over the country adding more color to the demographics of the already vibrant Kochi.
With the two major IT parks taking shape brilliantly, it brings in a scope of an exclusive IT corridor at Kakkanad. This sounds like the next best thing that could happen to the already throbbing economy of Kochi. Well, it could also mean the end to the good old Bangalore dream of every engineering kid in Kerala. Instead, we shall have the Kochi dream!
“Kochi is one of the front-runner cities in India,which has the potential to advance into a strong region for software development. Infopark has attracted over a 3,000 crore valued investment and it targets to bring in another 2,500 crore through the development of our 2nd phase; which will generate over a lakh of IT employments in the city.” Hrishikesh Nair CEO, Infopark
The petrobucks : LNG Terminal
LNG Terminal Pushing aside its South-Asian competitors, the LNG Terminal in Kochi is emerging as the favorite bunker outlet. The tax rates being one of the lowest is one reason for this and so as the geographical position of the terminal. The customer feedback on the on the quality and the pricing of bunkers sourced from Kochi have also been very encouraging. The volume of container movement has increased considerably in the last one year and is expected to rise by 30 percent in the next one year.
Giving it the bird’s eye view, Kochi seems to be growing in leaps and bounds transforming itself into a city of dreams.If you are not in Kochi yet, we think you should be looking for reasons to get here.
Cover Story
Starlit Wedding – Diya Krishna
Actor Krishna Kumar’s daughter, Diya Krishna, a popular social media influencer, recently married Ashwin Ganesan, a software engineer, after a long-term relationship. The couple celebrated their special day with a beautiful ceremony at a luxurious hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. Diya’s family, including her siblings Ahaana, Ishani, and Hansika, along with her parents Sindhu Krishna and Krishna Kumar, looked radiant in coordinated light pink ensembles. The wedding was an intimate gathering, attended by close family and friends. Here are all the details of their magical day.
Haldi
For the Haldi ceremony, Diya and Ashwin were spotted in coordinated white outfits by Santini. The look was beautifully elevated with a pop of color from Diya’s pink dupatta and stunning floral jewellery by Florita Florals, adding a fresh, vibrant touch to the celebration.
Diya’s Outfit : Santinni
Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni
MakeUp : Amala Brahmanandan
Jewellery : Florita Floral
Event Planner : Grand Oyster
Photography : Abhijith SK
Location : Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa
Mehendi
Diya looked effortlessly chic in a vibrant multi-colored skirt set by Mahek Designs for the Mehendi celebration. Ashwin complemented her perfectly with a multi-hued jacket by Santini, completing their joyful and lively Mehendi look.
Diya’s Outfit : MAHEK DESIGNS
Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni
Mehandi : MISHMA KAMAL
Event Planner : Grand Oyster
Photography : Abhijith SK
Sangeeth
Diya and Ashwin absolutely rocked their Sangeet in stunning black outfits by Santini, exuding elegance and style as they celebrated the night in perfect sync!
Diya’s Outfit : Santinni
Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni
Jewellery : Atelier by Regal Jewellers
MakeUp : Laxmi Venugopal
Event Planner : Grand Oyster, Decor Lab Events
DJ : TONIQ SQUAD
Photography : Abhijith SK
Wedding
For the wedding, Diya truly dazzled in a polished pastel-themed saree designed by the talented M Loft by Joel. Styled in a manner reminiscent of Bollywood star Alia Bhatt’s iconic fashion sense, the saree was a vision of beauty, adorned with elegant detailing, intricate embroidery, and flowing glamour, imparting a regal charm to her bridal look.
Diya’s Outfit : M LOFT
Aswin’s Outfit : M LOFT
Jewellery : Atelier by Regal Jewellers, Regal Jewellers
MakeUp : Laxmi Venugopal
Draping : Aamee Hafsa Nazar
Event Planner : Grand Oyster, Decor Lab Events
Garlands : Black Gold Flowers
Photography : Abhijith SK
Wedding Second Look
For her second wedding look, Diya embraced a simple yet elegant white Kerala traditional set mundu, perfectly complemented by traditional jewelry from Bhima. Ashwin matched the aesthetic, dressed in a silk shirt and mundu by M Loft, creating a timeless and graceful duo.
Aswin’s Outfit : M LOFT
Jewellery : Bhima
MakeUp : Laxmi Venugopal
Draping : Aamee Hafsa Nazar
Event Planner : Grand Oyster, Decor Lab Events
Photography : Abhijith SK
Reception
At the Delhi reception, Diya stunned in a maroon saree, perfectly capturing the elegance of a newlywed. The North Indian-style chooda added a beautiful touch to her look. Ashwin complemented her effortlessly, looking sharp in a sleek black suit by Santinni.
Diya’s Outfit : Shazara Design Studio
Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni
Cover Story
Onam Elegance: Decoding the Traditional and Modern Looks of M-Town Celebs
Onam, the grand harvest festival of Kerala, is a celebration of tradition, culture, and elegance. Each year, Malayalam movie celebrities embrace the essence of the festival by donning a mix of timeless traditional outfits and contemporary styles that reflect their unique flair. From graceful sarees to classic set mundus, the stars bring out the best of Kerala’s sartorial heritage. In this lookbook, we decode the standout fashion moments from your favorite M-Town celebs, showcasing how they beautifully combine tradition with modern elegance to make a statement this Onam season.
Anushree
Anushree looked stunning in a double-colored set mundu from Naithu by Sruthi Prasanth, beautifully accessorized with exquisite jewels from Malabar Gold and Diamonds. Her look was perfectly complemented by flawless makeup by Sajith & Sujith.
Mahima Nambiar
Mahima Nambiar looks stunning in T & M Signature’s Onam collection, “Thumbayum Thulasiyum.” Her festive look is perfectly complemented by exquisite jewelry from MOD Signature. Styled by Jobina Vincent, the ensemble is further enhanced with flawless makeup and hair by Pinky Visal, creating a captivating Onam look.
Ahaana Krishna
Ahaana Krishna exudes her signature charm with a simple yet effortlessly stylish look for this Onam in Black Set Mundu. Staying true to her unique “Ahaana style,” her minimalistic makeup and elegant hair were beautifully crafted by Amala Brahmanandan, perfectly complementing her festive vibe.
The Sukumaran Family
The Sukumaran family radiates elegance in their traditional Onam attire. Indrajith and Prithviraj opted for timeless simplicity, donning classic white shirts paired with mundus, while Mallika Sukumaran exudes a proud motherly grace in a beautiful, classic Kerala saree, perfectly capturing the spirit of the festival.
Shilpa Bala
Shilpa Bala looks stunning and stylish in a white and orange traditional salwar by Kalaakari, exuding festive charm. The look, styled by Rashmi Muraleedharan, is perfectly complemented by elegant jewelry from Pure Allure. Her radiant makeup and hair, done by Sanaah, complete this beautiful Onam ensemble.
Anikha Surenderan
Draped in the stunning ‘Nila’ saree by Anusha Reji, Anikha Surendran mesmerizes with her grace and style. Styled to perfection by Mehaka Kalarikkal, her look is elevated by exquisite jewelry from Goldencup Bridal Rental Jewellery. With flawless makeup and hair by Ashif Marakkar. Anikha’s Onam look is truly captivating.
Nikhila Vimal
Like a muse straight from Raja Ravi Varma’s timeless canvas, Nikhila Vimal exudes ethereal charm in a stunning Pen Kalamkari Kanchipuram saree by The Saffron House. Styled by Smiji, her look is further elevated by flawless makeup and hair by Femy Antony
Dulquer Salman
Dulquer Salmaan looks ravishing in a classic white kurta set, effortlessly blending tradition with chic style. His Onam look radiates simplicity and elegance, making a timeless fashion statement for the festive season.
Pearly Maany
Pearly Maany looks stunning in a saree from T & M Signature’s Onam collection, “Thumbayum Thulasiyum.” Her elegant look is perfectly complemented by exquisite jewelry from MOD Signature Jewellery, with flawless makeup and hair by Touch by SiRe. The saree draping, beautifully done by Krishnapriya P V, completes Pearly’s enchanting festive ensemble.
Arya Babu
Arya graces this Onam in a pure Kerala handloom set saree by Kanchivaram.in, embodying the true essence of tradition and festivity. Styled by Sabari Nath, her look is beautifully complemented by elegant jewelry from Gemforher, with flawless makeup and hair crafted by Manju Michael’s Salon. Arya’s ensemble is a perfect reflection of timeless Onam elegance.
Navya Nair
Navya stuns in her Onam look, wearing a beautiful outfit by Jugalbandhi. Her flawless makeup and hair, crafted by Sijan Joseph, enhance the festive charm. Adorned with exquisite jewelry from R. Giri Pai Jewellery, the look is captured to perfection by Black Lenzio, making Navya a vision of elegance this Onam.
Priya Prakash Varrier
Priya Prakash Varrier looks gorgeous and modern in a stunning saree by Mloft. Styled by Asaniya Nazrin, her look is flawlessly complemented by makeup and hair crafted by Unni, making her stand out with a perfect blend of traditional elegance and contemporary chic.
Aparna Balamurali
Aparna Balamurali looks traditionally beautiful in a Kerala saree by R O U K A by Sreejith Jeevan. Styled by Rashmi Muraleedharan, her look is complemented with flawless makeup and hair by Sruthi Sai. The ensemble is completed with exquisite jewelry from Nakshathra Gold and Diamonds, making Aparna’s Onam look timeless and elegant.
Amala Paul & Family
Amala Paul’s family Onam picture is an absolute dream, with the family dressed in stunning red and white outfits. Amala shines in an elegant ensemble by Made by Milan, while Jagat looks dapper in his outfit from House of Messcal. Styled by Sapna Fathima Kajha, the look is further enhanced by flawless makeup and hair by Sajith & Sujith, and exquisite jewelry from Cressida Signature Jewels. Together, they capture the perfect festive spirit in this beautiful Onam portrait.
Rajisha Vijayan
Rajisha looks stunning in a leaf-printed saree by ALDA Designer, effortlessly blending tradition with a modern twist. Styled by Amritha Lakshmi, her look is perfectly complemented by makeup and hair by Laxmi Venugopal. The ensemble is enhanced with elegant jewelry from TT Devassy Jewellery, and the draping, beautifully done by Exotic Makeover’s Elizabeth Shinitha, completes this mesmerizing Onam look.
Miya
Miya embraces the spirit of Onam in a pure Kerala handloom Kasavu saree by Kanchivaram.in, radiating traditional elegance. Styled by Sabari Nath, her look is beautifully complemented by makeup and hair by Sijan Joseph. The ensemble is further enhanced with exquisite jewelry from Mayoora Jewelry Designs, and the saree draping, skillfully done by Krishnapriya P V, completes this timeless Onam look.
Cover Story
Sarees of India : Punjab’s Phulkari
The traditional Punjabi art form ‘Phulkari,’ derived from the terms ‘phul’ and ‘kari,’ meaning flower and effort, is thought to have begun in Punjab in the 15th century by Punjabi women. Bright and bright textile art uses needlework and the most basic designs to create a fascinating, appealing, and ornamented result. Phulkari work is reported to be mentioned in Heer Ranjha’s Waris Shah love romance. References to this needlework tradition can also be found in the Vedic period. Women’s phulkari chadar, dupattas, sarees and other veil garments were traditionally exchanged as bridal gifts or heirlooms.
The inspiration for the Phulkari motifs would originate from their imaginations based on their surroundings, nature, animals, birds, gardens, or even a mother-daughter conversation. Marigolds, jasmine, peacock, and mustard flowers were frequently used as a means of expressing their feelings, inventiveness, and expressiveness.
Because Phulkari is made out of symmetrical designs, the craftsmen and women must count the amount of stitches on each side before proceeding, making Phulkari a time-consuming method. However, as time passed, people moved on to new techniques, and in addition to coarse khaddar fabrics, silk, georgette, chiffon, and normal cotton began to be used. Darning stitch- the most significant stitch- was used to border the khaddar in the past. Other stitches like herringbone, buttonhole, and running stitch were also utilized. These stitches were employed to make a unique motif or as a border.
The use of colors is extremely important in Phulkari art. Traditionally, just four hues were utilized, each with its unique meaning. For example, white is appropriate for elderly women and widows, red is appropriate for young girls and brides-to-be, and blue, black, and dark tones are appropriate for everyday use. Red was the most commonly used color to express enthusiasm, followed by orange for vitality and green for fertility.
In India, there is not just one sort of Phulkari, but numerous. What distinguishes one Phulkari from another is the darn stitching process, which is done on the reverse or wrong side of the fabric, which makes this handcraft unique. Here are some of the most popular Phulkari designs.
Bagh– A design in which horizontal, vertical, or diagonal stitching cover the entire fabric surface.
Chhamas – Chhamas fabric has mirrors stitched or woven onto it with yellow, grey, or blue threads.
Neelak– Neelak patterns have a black or red backdrop with bright yellow or red embroidery on top. For a distinct shining texture, the design is combined with metal or copper threads.
Chope– Chope is traditionally done in yellow and red threads and involves embroidering on both sides of the fabric. This embroidery is made out of a series of triangles or a step-ladder pattern.
There used to be 52 different types of Phulkaris, but that number has since been reduced to only a few. The states that use the Phulkari traditional art and needlework the most are Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
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