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THE RAPID RAJAHS-The Malabar River Festival

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The Malabar River Festival brought international adventurers to Kerala and we discover why.

A bright colored kayak emerged out of the water with an iron willed Mike Dawson in the cockpit. This former Olympian from New Zealand rode towards victory, cutting across the  hitewater in Kodencherry. The third annual Malabar River Festival had made its way to the waters of Kerala, bringing with it a wave of internationally renowned kayakers as well as  egional kayakers from India and Nepal. Inaugurated by Mr. A.P. Anil Kumar, Kerala Minister for Tourism, this is one of the two kayaking competitions held in India annually. The main sponsor of the event was Wildcraft, which hosted the Beginner’s Boat Crossing event and supported several Kerala youth to get into a kayak for the first time and try out their race skills  in the river. Over hundred athletes from twelve countries competed in a variety of races this year, racing for their share of over Rs 7 lakh in prize money. World champions of one of the most prestigious kayaking races in the world, the Adidas Sickline Extreme Kayak World Championship, attended this year, Sam Sutton (NZ) and Joe Morley (UK), apart from Mike Dawson (NZ) who was crowned the ‘Rapid Rajah’ or overall grand prize winner. In the women’s category, UK-based Beth Morgan won the ‘Rapid Rani’. With this region of Kerala rapidly gaining popularity within the international kayaking community, Sam Sutton said, “The rivers, waterfalls and the slides are ideal for professional kayaking, and the greenery is a big plus point for Kerala.” He talked about Kerala as the perfect destination for adventure kayaking. This outdoor sport is attracting more every year. The potential in Kerala is enormous and we see more visitors re-discovering the state.

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The Malabar River Festival and the Ganga Kayak Festival held in Rishikesh are only a few years old, but their swift rise in popularity shows how fast kayaking is catching on in the country. Organized on behalf of Kerala Tourism by Kerala Kayak Academy, Madras Fun Tools and the District Tourism Promotion Council of Calicut, this year’s Malabar River Festival featured more events specifically for beginner and intermediate kayakers and a special category of prizes for the best paddlers from the Indian subcontinent. This emphasis on local, novice paddlers, aimed to encourage more locals to try out this adventure sport. With numerous companies such as Goodwave Adventures out of Bangalore, or Expeditions India out of Rishikesh, now offering beginner’s kayaking lessons, the aim is to encourage more Indians to take up this rapidly growing adventure sport.

Why Kayaking is a great workoutfwd-riverfestival 2

• Great upper body work out for particularly the arms, back, shoulders and chest.
• Increased leg strength and balance
• Builds core strength
• Great cardio work out that decreases fat and increases lean muscle mass
• Reduced risk of wear and tear since it’s a low impact sport. Good news for those recovering from injury.
• Enjoy the outdoors either leisurely or with an intense run.

 

 

 

Text: Ing-Marie Putka     Photos: Amol Pol, Chethan Karanth, Elvin Lonan

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Popular Curtain Fabrics to Consider for Your Home

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When it comes to decorating your home, curtains play a crucial role in shaping both the aesthetic and the functionality of a space. The fabric you choose can dramatically alter the atmosphere, offering anything from opulence to a laid-back vibe. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular curtain fabrics that can elevate the look and feel of your home.

1. Luxurious Velvet

Velvet curtains bring a sense of luxury and elegance. Known for their plush texture and rich appearance, velvet is perfect if you’re looking to add sophistication to a room. They not only provide excellent insulation but also block out light, making them ideal for bedrooms, home theaters, or any space where you want a cozy, private atmosphere.

Best for: Bedrooms, formal living rooms, and home theaters.

2. Airy Sheer

Sheer curtains offer a light, breezy aesthetic that lets natural light filter through. These curtains are made from translucent fabrics like chiffon or voile, creating a delicate and ethereal look. Sheers are perfect for rooms where you want to maintain privacy while still enjoying sunlight, such as living rooms, dining areas, or sunrooms.

Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and sunrooms.

3. Classic Cotton

Cotton is one of the most versatile curtain fabrics, known for its breathable and lightweight properties. Cotton curtains come in a wide variety of patterns and colors, making them easy to fit into any design scheme. They’re also low-maintenance and can be machine washed, which makes them practical for high-traffic areas in your home.

Best for: Bedrooms, kitchens, and casual living spaces.

4. Elegant Silk

For a luxurious and glamorous touch, silk curtains are the go-to fabric. Silk adds a glossy finish and drapes beautifully, exuding elegance and grandeur. However, they require extra care and are better suited for formal spaces. Silk curtains are often lined to protect them from sun damage and to provide additional body and privacy.

Best for: Formal dining rooms, master bedrooms, and sitting rooms.

5. Versatile Linen

Linen curtains offer a natural, textured look that blends well with both contemporary and rustic designs. Linen is a durable fabric that allows light to softly filter through, and it also has excellent temperature-regulating properties. It’s perfect for creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere in any room.

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and spaces with lots of sunlight.

6. Durable Polyester

If you’re looking for an affordable, low-maintenance option, polyester curtains are a great choice. They are resistant to wrinkling, shrinking, and stretching, making them a durable option for everyday use. Polyester curtains are available in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns, giving you plenty of choices to suit your home’s décor.

Best for: High-traffic areas like living rooms, guest rooms, and children’s bedrooms.

7. Chic Satin

Satin curtains are known for their smooth, glossy surface, which reflects light and adds a subtle sheen to any room. They are often used in contemporary and modern designs to bring a sense of refinement and class. Satin works well for rooms that require a touch of glamour without being as heavy as velvet or silk.

Best for: Bedrooms, formal spaces, and accent rooms.

Choosing the right curtain fabric can have a significant impact on your home’s overall design. Whether you prefer the lushness of velvet or the breezy nature of sheer fabrics, the right curtains can create the perfect balance between style and function in your space. Consider the mood you want to create and the practical needs of each room to select the best fabric for your home.

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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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Laapataa Ladies: Kiran Rao’s Social Satire Becomes India’s Official Entry for the 2025 Oscars

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Kiran Rao’s delightful bride-swapping comedy-drama, *Laapataa Ladies*, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced on Monday. FFI Chairman Jahnu Barua revealed that the film was chosen from a pool of 29 contenders. A 13-member jury evaluated 12 Hindi, six Tamil, and four Malayalam films to decide the country’s submission for Best International Feature Film. Among the notable competitors were Animal, Kill, Kalki 2898 AD, Srikanth, Chandu Champion, Joram, Maidaan, Sam Bahadur, Article 370, the National Award-winning Malayalam film Aattam, and Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light.

Expressing her gratitude, Kiran Rao stated, “I am deeply honored and delighted that Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope this film will resonate with audiences worldwide, just as it has in India.”

Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, features a fresh ensemble cast including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Chhaya Kadam, with a standout cameo by veteran actor Ravi Kishan. Released in theaters on March 1, the film garnered praise from critics and audiences alike, steadily gaining momentum through word-of-mouth.

Though it didn’t achieve massive box office numbers, Laapataa Ladies found a growing fanbase following its release on Netflix, where it reached a wider audience. The film, a social satire based on Biplab Goswami’s award-winning story, was brought to life with a screenplay and dialogues by Sneha Desai. It also earned recognition on the international stage, having been screened at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last year.

 

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