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A Walk Through The Cultural Heritage Of Konkani With Ramesh Pai

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Images from: Sahapedia.org

In a talk organised by Sahapedia, Ramesh Pai, a well-known Konkani writer threw light on the diverse culture and rich history of the Konkani community

Text credits: Lakshmi Priya 

Tracing back to the precarious escape from the Portuguese at Goa, the hardships suffered by the Konkani community, who originated from the Konkan coast of south-western India is agonising. But amidst these disastrous stories, this ethno-linguistic community is known for its rich cultural heritage.

With a sonorous mix of traditions and folk arts, the cultural wealth of the community is tremendous and unique in every aspect. Payyanur Ramesh Pai, a Konkani litterateur, an expert on Konkani culture as well as the former chairman of Kerala Konkani Sahitya Akademy took a walk through the history and culture of the Konkani community last week at an Abhimukham, a talk conducted by Sahapedia, an online encyclopedia of Indian arts and culture.

The catastrophic journey of the Konkanis began during the disappearance of River Saraswati, after which the community scattered across the country. They went on to settle in regions like Kashmir, Kutch, and Goa. When the Portuguese began their tyranny in Goa, the Konkanis had to face various consequences. The Konkani language was banned, making it the first language to be outlawed in history, conversion to Christianity was forced and in case of their declining numbers, cruel punishments were enforced. “Konkani is the first Indian language in which the Bible got translated into. Then, the Portuguese brought missionaries and built seminaries. But things did not end there and the Portuguese dictated that the Konkani people would have to become Christians if they had to live there,” said Ramesh. “When some converted to Christianity, others refused and they were meted with severe punishment. This was when they escaped their land and migrated to the coastal areas of Kerala like Purakkad, Kollam, Kodungallur.”

Throwing light on to the settlement of Konkanis in Kerala, Ramesh said that when the people of the community requested the Zamorin of Calicut to allow them to settle there, he refused as he was in good terms with the Portuguese. Later, they migrated to Kochi after the ruler of Kochi allowed them to stay at the four borders of the canal. In Kochi, they majorly settled at the outskirts of the city – Mattancherry and Cherlai. “Both Mattachery and Cherlai got their names through Konkanis as earlier Mattancherry was known as ‘Mattavan Cherry’, which means the street or slum lived by refugees,” said Ramesh.

He also spoke about the need of preserving the Konkani language which is on the edge of decline. Due to the influence of the local areas where the communities settled, the language has lost its authenticity and has taken words from the languages spoken by the locals. The dialect differs according to the region they settled, making it a bilingual language. “Unfortunately, little efforts are being made to save the language from extinction. UNESCO has even declared Konkani language as an endangered one. Only this language can retain our culture, values, and ethos, ” he pointed out. The speaker made the talk even more illuminating by screening some of the traditional and age-old folk arts of the community like Fugdi, Kunbi, and many more.

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The L’Oréal Paris Show at Paris Fashion Week 2024

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The L’Oréal Paris runway at Paris Fashion Week 2024 was a captivating spectacle, celebrating women’s empowerment, inclusion, and sisterhood under the theme “Walk Your Worth.” A star-studded lineup of global icons brought glamour to the stage.

Kendall Jenner stole the spotlight in a bold red mesh asymmetric dress, paired with a vibrant lip and striking bleach blonde hair. Alia Bhatt, making her much-anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week, dazzled in a metallic silver bustier and black off-shoulder jumpsuit. Eva Longoria mesmerized in a sheer organza gown with a daring high slit, dripping in diamonds.

Other standout moments included Cara Delevingne rocking a red silk trench coat and high-waisted hot pants, while Jane Fonda exuded elegance in a shimmering silver trench, styled with metallic trainers. The event also featured appearances from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Heidi Klum, and Simone Ashley, each bringing their unique flair to the runway.

Kendal Jenner

Eva Longaria

Aishwarya Rai

Anitta

Viola Davis and Simone Ashley

Jane Fonda

Heidi Klum

Andie MacDowell

Cara Delevingne

Belinda Peregrin

Bethenny Frankel

Aja Naomi King

Beatrice Vio

Samadhi Zendejas

Alia Bhatt

Camila Cabello

 

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Love in Simplicity: Aditi and Siddharth’s Ethereal Wedding Day

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When celebrities tie the knot, their weddings are often surrounded by a whirlwind of excitement. Strict ‘no-photo’ policies, tight security, and exclusive press appearances keep much of the event under wraps, but fans always sense when something special is happening. So when we scrolled through Instagram today and stumbled upon the wedding photos of actors Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth, it was a delightful surprise that instantly brought a smile to our faces. Yes, the lovebirds have officially tied the knot, and their dreamy wedding pictures look like something straight out of a fairytale.

The most endearing aspect of Aditi and Siddharth’s wedding is the sheer simplicity that radiates an overwhelming sense of serenity and grace. The bride and groom looked ethereal as they exchanged vows in the presence of their closest loved ones. The pure joy on their faces is simply contagious, making their day of love all the more heartwarming.

Aditi looks breathtakingly beautiful as a bride in her beige Sabyasachi saree, adorned with traditional gold jewelry that perfectly complements the intricate border of her wedding attire. Her handsome groom, Siddharth, keeps it classic in a white kurta pajama. The love between them is undeniable, and seeing the way Siddharth gazes at Aditi will make you wish for someone who looks at you with the same adoration.

We couldn’t be happier for the newlyweds! Here’s to wishing Mrs. and Mr. Adu-Siddhu a lifetime filled with love, joy, and endless happiness.

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Events

The VMA 2024 Red Carpet Looks

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The MTV Video Music Awards red carpet may not have the prestige of events like the Oscars or Cannes, but it has always delivered its own brand of unforgettable fashion drama. For decades, the VMAs have been a playground for bold and daring celebrity looks. Calling the event’s style “unconventional” is putting it mildly, as the red carpet has famously seen everything from sequin nipple pasties to dresses made entirely of meat.

This year was no exception, with stars stepping out in their most provocative ensembles. The 2024 VMAs red carpet featured standout moments like Chappell Roan in custom Y/Project, Anitta in custom Dolce & Gabbana, and Lisa in vintage Mugler. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite fashion moments from the night.

Sabrina Carpenter in archival Bob Mackie and De Beers


Chappell Roan in Y/Project

Taylor Swift in Christian Dior, Stuart Weitzman, and Lorraine Schwartz

Tyla in Area

Megan Thee Stallion

Camila Cabello

Alessandra Ambrosio

Lil Nas X

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom

Tate McRae

The Kid Laroi

Tinashe in Rick Owens

Addison Rae in Miss Claire Sullvian

Margaret Qualley in Chanel and Jack Antonoff

Shawn Mendes

Suki Waterhouse in Dolce & Gabbana

Nicky Rothschild

Paris Hilton

Halle Bailey

Halsey

Anitta

Alejandra Espinoza

Le Sserafim

Laura Whitmore

DJ Khaled

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