People
Odisha’s Festival ‘Raja’ Honours Womanhood and Celebrates Menstruation
This is one of a kind festival in India which rips apart and challenges the taboo around ‘impure’ menstrual blood. In a country where it is common to dismiss women from social life when they are menstruating, Odisha stands Out!
Text Credits: Shibul Pavithran
A long time after social media and news channels erupted regarding Sabarimala Temple’s long held tradition of barring women of Menstruating Age from entering the temple due to the consideration of them being ‘impure’. Here comes a punching revelation that is contradictory to the orthodoxy beliefs and pious standards in our country which often goes parallel with patriarchy: Raja or Raja Parba, a festival from Odisha which celebrates the biological cycle of women that many consider as a taboo. Pronounced as raw-jaw, it is derived from the word Rajaswala which means menstruating women. It is a three day long festival celebrating menstratuation and women hood, and is celebrated at the beginning of the solar month of Mithuna, during the begining of monsoons.
According to the popular myth, It is believed that the mother goddess Earth, or the divine wife of Lord Vishnu, undergoes menstruation for 3 days every year, and those 3 days are celebrated by women and girls by taking a break from work, wearing new clothes, playing games together and generally enjoying themselves. During these three days, agricultural activities is forbidden and unmarried girls in the countryside are feted. As girls avoid cooking during the festivities, their commonest pastime is to take turns on swings hanging from tree branches.
Source: Youtube
The first day of the ceremony is called Pahili Rajo, the second day is Mithuna Sankranti, and the third is Bhu Daaha or Basi Raja. Each day signifies a different phase of celebration with the second day signifying Mithuna, the solar month. The festival, which started as a tribal practice, has now gained importance in many parts of Odisha. Even though the festival has undergone a lot of changes over time, it still revolves around respecting and celebrating women irrespectively.
Bollywood movies like Phullu and Padman have tried to bring about a little change in people’s perception about menstruation but still we have a long way to go. Hopefully festivals like Raja and other local initiatives bring the much needed enlightenment in our Indian society and someday we accept that menstruation is part of a biological process and not a curse; Menstruation is a part of life cycle and part of reproduction process, it signifies fertility.
Spotlight
Ahaana Krishna’s Dreamy Bridal Look
Without a question, Ahaana Krishna is the queen of aesthetics. She has returned with yet another stunning and captivating bridal portrait. The image was uploaded the day before on her Instagram and was immediately loved by the public. Let’s look into the details of this stunning photo shoot.
Ahaana wore a stunning saree from Indra Designs’ “Enchanting collections” to complete the enchanted appearance. The saree was exquisitely woven in opulent English garden designs, including three-dimensional embellishments created by House of Indra artisans. The saree was draped perfectly by saree stylist Daira.
Devi Sreenath, the creative director of Indra Designs, styled the entire ensemble. The exquisite bouquet by Droplet Bouquets complimented the entire bridal ensemble.
Ahaana opted for a classic appearance with her accessories. DC Jewellers provided the exquisitely crafted gems. Various pearls and gemstones set in intricate designs make up the ornaments. It complements the outfit’s hues beautifully.
Amrin Khan, her makeup artist, opted for a delicate and dreamy appearance, keeping the makeup simple. The photographs were taken by Twelvef Moments
Cover Story
Insta – Glam : Best Fashion from Aparna Thomas
Instagram has developed into a busy runway in the fast-paced world of fashion, where influencers like Aparna Thomas showcase their own looks, creating trends and motivating millions of others. Aparna Thomas has enthralled audiences with her varied and imaginative ensembles thanks to her outstanding taste and passion for fashion. Let’s delve into some of her best fashion looks that have left a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts around the globe.
Effortless Glamour
Aparna Thomas looks sophisticated and alluring in this beautiful rainbow saree by Fitting Room Couture, styled by talented Sabarinath. Her look as completed by jewels from Pure Allure
Shimmer Glam
How to add a touch of glamour to any occasion without sacrificing comfort or style, just add some Shimmer. Aparna looks gorgeous in the stunning golden sequined flared dress by D’Roz for Christmas theme shoot.
Chic Style
Aparna looks casual chic with urban sophistication with her street style look in this green dress by Urbanic
Regal Beauty
Aparna is a natural at stealing the show; she looks magnificent in her exquisite blue saree that Sabarinath styled. The saree comes from Luxurion World.
Mythical Magic
Aparna looks stunning in an embellished saree by T & M Signature thanks to her excellent sense of style. The blouse features soft and elegant hues with delicate foliate motifs and elaborate crisscross patterns. The MOD Signature jewels completed the entire look.
Architecture
5 Sustainable Interior Design Trends to Embrace in 2024
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, it’s no surprise that eco-friendly practices are making their way into the realm of interior design. In 2024, we can expect to see a surge in sustainable interior design trends that not only enhance the beauty of our living spaces but also minimise our environmental footprint. From repurposed materials to energy-efficient solutions, here are five sustainable interior design trends to embrace this year.
Upcycled Furniture:
One of the most prominent sustainable interior design trends of 2024 is the use of upcycled furniture. Instead of buying new pieces, consider giving old furniture a new lease on life by refurbishing or repurposing them. From reclaimed wood tables to refurbished chairs, upcycled furniture adds character and charm to your space while reducing waste and conserving resources.
Biophilic Design:
Biophilic design, which emphasizes a connection to nature, continues to gain popularity in 2024. Integrating natural elements such as plants, natural light, and organic materials into your interior design not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes well-being and sustainability. Consider incorporating living walls, indoor gardens, and sustainable wood finishes to bring the outdoors inside and create a healthier living environment.
Energy-Efficient Lighting:
With a growing focus on energy conservation, energy-efficient lighting solutions are becoming a staple in sustainable interior design. LED lights, in particular, consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, reducing both energy consumption and maintenance costs. Additionally, consider incorporating natural light sources such as skylights and large windows to maximize daylight and minimize the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Sustainable Textiles:
When it comes to upholstery and soft furnishings, opting for sustainable textiles is key to reducing environmental impact. Look for fabrics made from organic or recycled materials, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or recycled polyester. These materials not only reduce the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides but also minimize waste and support eco-friendly production practices. Additionally, consider investing in durable, high-quality textiles that stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Smart Home Technology:
In 2024, smart home technology continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions for sustainable living. From smart thermostats that optimize energy usage to home automation systems that control lighting and appliances, these technologies can help reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency in your home. Additionally, smart home devices such as occupancy sensors and smart meters provide valuable insights into your energy usage, empowering you to make informed decisions about resource management and conservation.
As we strive to create more sustainable living environments, embracing these five interior design trends can help reduce our environmental impact while creating beautiful and functional spaces. Whether you’re upcycling old furniture, incorporating natural elements, or investing in energy-efficient technologies, every sustainable choice contributes to a greener future for generations to come. So let’s embrace these trends and make sustainability a cornerstone of our interior design practices in 2024 and beyond.
-
Entertainment3 months ago
The Stunning looks from Bhagya Suresh’s Wedding
-
Fashion3 months ago
Most Discussed Ajrakh Saree of Alia Bhatt
-
Entertainment3 months ago
The Most Stylish Guests of Bhagya Suresh Reception
-
Entertainment4 months ago
Everything about the Ira Khan wedding that is out of the norm
-
Entertainment3 months ago
Bridal Bliss : All Bridal Looks of Swasika Vijay
-
Entertainment3 months ago
All About The Dreamy Pre Wedding Invite Of Anant Ambani & Radhika Merchant
-
Fashion3 months ago
Major Denim Trends You Need To Know in 2024
-
Entertainment4 months ago
Best Looks from Golden Globes 2024