2015 nu chelu post (The last post of 2015)

To end this year I decided to post a few of my memorable moments. Enjoy. 

Boh Prem,

Jai Shri Krishna
xxx

Nirnayo (Decisions)

Hello! Kem cho badha?

I haven't written a blog for a bit! It was quite depressing after Garba ended haha. I felt so empty and no purpose to life anymore lol!

Jokes aside, I've had to make some pretty tough life decisions and these past few months have been a bit crazy. Although my life is always at a go!

I'm at the point where I've made another big step but I'm not sure whether I've made the right decision.

I can change my mind if I want to and it's not a problem.

But a lot of things are eating me up about the decision. I will have to sacrifice a lot.

It will be a risk.

Even though I can be a risk taker I have to be extra careful about this. All the signs are telling me to go ahead with the decision but there is something at the back of my mind which is saying no. "Be normal and do what everyone else is doing." But I'm not normal. I've never been normal!

Originally I had so much positive vibes about it and then all of a sudden it went downhill after I had no support. After fighting so much I was drained with negative thoughts and unfortunately some of that has remained.

I'm going to take each day as it comes and comprehend my feelings towards the next few weeks.

I hope you're having a lovely day and that you're smiling. Please send me some positive vibes you lovely people!

Boh Prem,

Jai Shri Krishna

xxx

Kutchi Bharat Sari

There has become a huge demand for Kutch work. (The background of my blog is called Kutchi bharat.) This year the designers have actually concentrated on making A LOT more chanya choli's with Kutchi bharat in them in a modernised style and slowly slowly that Kutch work is becoming a trend on saris. I was trying to find this 2 years ago but nobody was selling them and one day I saw a photo advertisement on Ealing Road last year in a shop called Laadki. I was so close to buying it from them until I realised how rudely they dealt with customers and the price they were selling it for was ridiculous so I didn't end up buying it. I then asked SO many sari shops in Ealing Road, in Southall AND in Leicester to see if they were selling a similar Kutch work sari and people didn't even know what Kutchi bharat meant :| At that time there wasn't a trend, there was only one shop selling it! BUT luckily my mate actually managed to get a similar one for me from the same shop in India at a cheaper price.

Here's a snippet picture of my wonderful Kutchi bharat sari:

Using my creativity

I really wanted to design something for Navratri.

My Mum had an old sari which was so beautifully simple with three powerful colours and could have been worn very simply, but I thought I could convert it to something amazing if I could find a Kutchi bharat border.

So I went on a hunt and found the perfect border. I only wanted the border on the bottom of the actual sari as it would be too overpowering. (Also the border was very expensive because it was so unique.)

The blouse was altered to my size and I wanted the border to be at the bottom of the arms and at the bottom of the back with a string to tie at the top so it holds the blouse in place and prevents it from falling over your shoulder. It's a very simple but yet a creative design!

Boh Prem,

Jai Shri Krishna,

xxx

Navratri Outfits

I don't think I've ever been more ready for Navratri this year.

Here is a sneak peek of some of my gorgeous outfits! 

Every single one is carefully selected by me.

I literally spend a long time trying to find the epic outfit.

Some I have creatively altered, changed and designed.

Here's also a sneak preview of my folk jewellery ;)

Earrings - Jhumka's

Haar- Necklace

Jhanjhara - Anklets

Boh Prem,

Jai Shri Krishna

xxx

The Shard

You won't believe how important it is to research these type of places beforehand otherwise you would be completely lost!

So there are actually 4 main floors of restaurants and bars but one of them is located on the 35th floor and you have to take another elevator to get there. We wanted to check out the three floors 31st, 32nd and 33rd where the main bars are. 

The lift will take you straight to the 32nd floor and you can then decide where you want to go. You just need to keep telling the security guards where you're going. You have to act like you know what you're talking about that's why I thought let me indulge you all with this information so you would all be better prepared.

Atrium Bar

The first bar we went to was at Aqua Shard and it was called the Atrium Bar. The name can get confusing! This area was completely baffling at first. It's very dimly lit and we didn't expect it to be so packed on a Tuesday evening. People are actually fighting for tables. You have to be very sharp eyed and quick in grabbing a table to sit down at- especially when there is a whole group of you as someone will take your seat straight away! 

The service was slow. Not many people are aware of how much the drinks cost and especially if you don't drink alcohol. I checked out the menu beforehand and realised that the cocktails cost over £15 so I knew what to expect. When we finally got served I had to ask how much the soft drinks and mocktails were as some of my friends don't drink alcohol and it wasn't listed on the menu. So they said they could make any type of mocktail we wanted and they costed around £9 and the soft drinks were £3.50. (Hopefully this gives you a rough idea of what the price and atmosphere is like now.)

Shanghai Bar

This was a better bar in terms of space and had a bit of a different layout as it has a Northern Chinese theme. This is located at Hu Tong - just above the Atrium Bar. We were able to mingle around and there were less people at this bar. I also saw that they had private areas where you can close the doors so there is a no disturbance from other people which was quite cool. I'm assuming this was for people who were dining. The drinks were similar priced as the Atrium bar but overall Shanghai had a very different atmosphere compared to Aqua. 

Oblix Bar

This was by far the best bar in The Shard. Excellent service, very spacious, open areas and there were actually plenty of empty seats!!! The bartender was also very friendly. The menu looked so much more appetising than the others (mainly because there were desserts lol and they were at a decent price for £6.50) 

- Flourless chocolate cake, served with vanilla ice cream

- Seasonal fruits

- Summer berry éclair served with lemon yoghurt ice cream 

They actually had 3 non alcoholic drinks on the menu which cost £8.50, and the cocktails cost £12.50 so this was in fact a cheaper menu with a better atmosphere and service. 

Hope this information helps if you ever decide to visit The Shard.

Boh prem

Jai Shri Krishna

xxx

Darji Sammelan 2015

I'm shaking my leg up and down, sitting down on a chair rocking backwards and forwards, my mind is racing with thoughts and I've already got a bad feeling...

The welcome speech is over.

I'm trying to keep calm.

I'm on in a few seconds.

He makes my announcement on the mic in a tone that increases my anxiety.

I climb up the stairs.

I take a deep breath.

I slowly walk on to the stage.

I start.

I look to my right.

It's all going wrong.

Panic.

I get off stage.

I restart.

We nail it.

In the shortest words, those were my feelings of my performance in front of a crowd of over 1700 people but as soon as I got onto the stage I felt like it was mine. I felt so comfortable and happy singing a mantra and a prathna (prayers) on such a big stage. I've never experienced this feeling before but all I knew was that it was right. I was meant to be doing this. It felt like the stage was my best friend. Not just that, but it felt more right because I had my guide on stage with me. The noise of the tabla and the rhythm lost me so much that I was in another world. Then the murli (Indian flute) began playing... It was the most satisfying, soothing sound which absorbed me into the prathna. Every bit of anxiety was killed and only happiness laid within me.

I remembered my Dada (Grandad). I was the closest to him. He was the only member of my Dad's family that had such a musical talent! It's only because of him I was able to reach this platform. Wherever you are, thank you Dada!

Boh Prem,

Jai Shri Krishna

xxx

Darya Kinaare (Seaside)

I have been to Southend about ten zillion times but this time it was different.

I didn't notice this before but the pier isn't ordinary. Until you actually visit it you would think it's just a normal pier. It's actually really long and there is a pier railway. A train runs through the shore to the pier head in the most exquisite way. You get to admire the stunning scenery whilst hearing the sound of locomotive. There is also a pathway next to the train tracks to walk across for 1.34 miles.

But that's not why it caught my attention...

Barefoot, I was enjoying the water in the warm sunshine and the little pebbles were touching my feet. My Dad then told me to look ahead. And I saw. The train was running through the sunset at a slow, gentle speed. The sun was setting. And I was in awe. The moment was soothing and peaceful.

I appreciated the beauty for a few minutes. It made me realise how beautiful creation is.

Attached is a video of my experience which you can appreciate. (You might need to go on a laptop/desktop to see the video) I will never see Southend in the same way again.

Boh Prem

Jai Shri Krishna

xxx

Gulaab nu paani (Rose Water)

I had no idea that this bottle would create such magic for me! I didn't know the effects and the power of rose water until I tried this KTC bottle out. I had only heard from word of mouth that it is very good product for you so I found this on offer at Morrisons for only 50p and thought let me give it a go!

Since I wear contact lenses and I suffer from hayfever my poor eyes are left very sore and the best thing was that within a dab of cotton wool which I applied at the bottom of my eyes...

1) It instantly reduced puffiness

I also tend to get heat spots and...

2) It got rid of little spots and redness

Unfortunately it is a killer when you get one mahoosive spot on your face and it just stays there looking ugly! But by using Rose water...

3) Big spots decreased in size within a day

Since I don't wear foundation and always go for a natural look, from applying it everyday...

4) It gave a glow to my face

AND

5) It smells nice ;)

The best thing about this product is that it is natural with ONLY the essence of rose and purified spring water. So it doesn't have any of that rubbish which some rose water products have. This is why I highly recommend this! Even for you men!

If this still hasn't convinced you check out these websites for more details about rose water:

1) Beauty Tips: http://www.beautyandtips.com/beauty-2/natural-skin-care-9-ways-to-use-rose-water-for-beautiful-skin-benefits-of-rose-water/

2) TOI: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/beauty/Benefits-of-rose-water/articleshow/14024523.cms

3) Huffington Post: http://www.refinery29.com/rosewater-uses?utm_source=huffingtonpost.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pubexchange

(FYI, I didn't read about rose water before testing this product out because I knew that would affect what I thought about my results.)

Boh Prem

Jai Shri Krishna

xxx

Peht Puja (Divine satisfaction of the stomach)

Hello hello!

Today's blog post will be about food henneh!

Indulge

I would really like to recommend a dessert place - Indulge it's located in Pinner/North Harrow. Thanks to my mate I have already been there about 3/4 times and it is full of Asians BUT seriously, their service and crepes are to die for. AND the BESTTTT thing about this place is that they give you PANI (water) STRAIGHT AWAY ON ARRIVAL. That is what I call first class service! I usually order:

A Nutella, coconut and mango crepe (with extra Nutella on top LOL.)

It is extremely satisfying and does not disappoint! On the other hand, there can be a long queue sometimes but that's only because the food is that scrumptious. I have really high expectations for taste and food and so if I'm saying it, believe me!

(made this guy famous lol)

Mumbai Junction

I would again HIGHLY recommend another place in Sudbury called Mumbai Junction which gives authentic Indian food. If you haven't been there you need to get out of your house!!

These dishes are amazing:

Schezwan noodles

Paneer biryani (I tell them to make it especially for me)

Paneer tikka makhani

Saag makai

Chilli cheese naan

Veg manchurian

The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is nice and of course the food is fantastic; very different to your steriotypical Indian restaurant.

Prashad Sweets

One last place I would recommend for Gujarati fast food and if you're in a rush is Prashad on Ealing Road, Wembley. These little bites are worth going there for:

Khaman dhoklas- soft and bouncy with a beautiful green chutney which you won't be able to find elsewhere.

Pani Puri - the masalo of the mix is traditional unlike most places.

Dabeli - again the masalo is uniquely satisfying.

Bhel - to die for. The sev is so crunchy and tasty and the sauce which is mixed within the bhel will probably remind you of India.

Even though I live far from these places, I'm always around these areas, my friends think it's my second home! It's probably because of the authenticity as in my opinion wherever in London you go, the best Indian eating places would only be in certain areas like Wembley/Harrow/Southall. The mark of us.

Kadach badha ne aveh bhook laygi aseh aveh! (Probably everyone is hungry now haha)

Boh Prem

Jai Shri Krishna

xxx

Aavta jataa (Come and go)

Life has become a bit stressful recently...there's a lot of things going on and it doesn't help when your mind isn't strong enough, you're not surrounded by positivity and the people closest to you seem to disappear. But these hurdles always make you better in the end.

It's difficult to get to terms with this but when you do, you will realise that happiness exists! There is a reason as to why people come and go from your life and it's especially hard to see them go because you get so attached to them. You just have to keep reminding yourself everyday that this is just part of life, they came for a reason and that role they played in your life has now been fulfilled so don't get attached each time. Learn from it.

Distance from those people in your life who only talk to you for a specific reason, who don't show the same amount of effort in your friendship, who only want to meet you as an excuse so that it perhaps benefits them business wise; those are not your true friends. Why do you need to have a reason to talk to your friend? Why do you only contact them when you need something? If that's you, I call you an acquaintance and a selfish being.

On a better note, I'd like to thank one person for caring so much for me and helping me with life's obstacles, he knows who he is, you're always there and I can't thank you enough, but thank you.

P.s. I really do love you if you've actually been reading my blogs and you've made it this far...even if you don't like them lol. You deserve a medal! A gold one ;)

(Oh and Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman serial starts tomorrow on Sony TV at 8pm!!!)

Boh prem,

Jai Shri Krishna

Xxx

Mari bhen-pani na lagan (My girl's wedding)

It's really late and its only just hit me that you are now sharing your life with the one you love.

Honestly it's been such an amazing journey so far and it was an honour performing at the Mehndi for you Samera. I never ever have the opportunity to dance which is one of my favourite hobbies so thank you for letting me do this for you...

During the vidaai I realised how difficult it was for everyone to let you go and how difficult it must have been for you...it's probably one of the hardest moments in life where you leave the people who are closest to you and begin the new chapter of your life. I saw it all and I was right there with you.

I didn't really know much about vidaai's as I've never really had many close weddings to attend but I always thought that the vidaai was only for close members of the family to say their goodbyes but I experienced that it was also for the closest of friends too. I think I've been watching too many Bollywood movies! Anyway, I thought maybe it was best that I didn't get in the way as there were many people who wanted to say their goodbyes to you and so I stayed behind even though I wanted to say my last words to you before you left.  And guess what she does...

The last few people were saying their goodbyes and I thought that there wouldn't be a chance to say a goodbye to her now as she was about to leave soon when suddenly instead of focusing on herself she asks for me. "Where's Anupriya?" A sudden rush of warmth and emotions just took me over. I really didn't expect that. We both just literally hugged each other so tight! This is what you call real sisterhood. We've always had some kind of a connection, I just didn't think it would be to this extent and I learnt that throughout this period of time. I just want to emphasise at that time a bride would not be thinking about her friends but she did. That's what makes her so genuine and makes her the best bride I've ever known ;) She thought of other people during her own vidaai and that's why she's so special. I thank God for giving us such a strong bond. I was honestly so happy to be the last person to say goodbye. Save the best till last ;) LOL joke.

I'm so glad everything went smoothly, you're an inspiration and I love you!

The reason why I thought that this post was necessary is so that you all realise that if you have someone special in your life, whether it be a sister/brother or a friend who you consider close, look after your relationship with them. You don't know how blessed you are to have them.

Boh Prem

Jai Shri Krishna

xxx

Hyrdaya (The Heart)

Someone who inspired me is not at the best place at the moment. I can't express how much he affected me, he was like a nightingale when he sang, his voice was so blissfully exceptional. I don't usually tend to be inspired by trending artists as they don't really appeal to me, but there have been two people in my life (including the person I'm talking about) who have come and gone but have really touched my heart. Singing hyms these days is portrayed like a competition when really it is only best when sang to and for God but people fail to understand this and think it is some kind of a performance to the public.

People argue for the mics, start fiddling with the sound system, think they're better than some artists = All politics (not getting into that)

If you can sing, you're blessed. If you can't sing you're still blessed as you have the ability to hear the sweetest sound.

I had a blessed opportunity of singing at a prathna (prayers) on stage for the first time in my life. This was the same day I also had a charity Garba event to attend in the afternoon. So after garbaing the day away with extremely sore feet I quickly rushed with my wonderful Bhabi back to her house walking like a penguin, got changed in 15 minutes and literally ran out the house to go to the prathna. You can imagine how rushed this was! I was then put on stage and sang one of my favourite bhajans called 'Rangaai Jaane Rangamaa" which literally translates as letting yourself be coloured in devotion like RadheShyam. I honestly enjoyed it so much because I sang for God and it touched many hearts.

It shows that when you do something from the heart, something good is always going to come out from it!

P.S.

I thought I'd share something very interesting that someone said about the heart to me and it really made me think. We take our heart and all the other organs in our body for advantage. The heart has such crucial functions that automatically pumps blood for us throughout our bodies which has been oxygenated by the lungs without us having to do anything. Our hearts will keep beating and doing what they have to do and we don't have to do anything! But the day it stops is the day of death. The heart is special. Do something for your heart. Take care of it.

Boh Prem

Jai Shri Krishna

xxx

Saraswatichandra

I HAVE FINALLY FINISHED WATCHING SARASWATICHANDRA (ONLINE!)

Yes I know I'm probably the latest person in the world, but this was a series that I HAD to finish watching. I'm actually quite sad because currently there is no other Indian serial that is aired on television similar to Saraswatichandra. Nothing beats it and I don't think anything else will in the future. If you have no idea what on Earth I'm talking about:

Saraswatichandra was a Gujarati based serial aired on the channel Star Plus, produced by the famous, award winning Sanjay Leela Bhansali who also directed the EPIC film Ram Leela. 

The serial is about Gujarati culture, love, family and relationships and is based on the book written by Govardhanram Madhavaran Tripathi. Obviously it has its modern, technological and ideological twists just like the normal Indian serials which we are all quite familiar with (exaggerated and dramatic sound, repetition of sentences, prolonged storylines and of course the overt use of make-up/costumes/jewellery)

But, the reason why I was so allured into watching this serial was because it related to me in terms of culture, character and personality. Being a Gujarati, it is always exciting to see our culture being portrayed so beautifully as it wasn't often highlighted on television channels, but this show managed to do this very well.

The lead actress Jennifer Winget wore some beautiful chanya cholis (Gujarati style skirt and blouse with a chundri- dupatta) and saris made from Kutchi bharat (a traditional type of embroidery from Kutch, Gujarat) - which is also my background image for the blog. You can only get these types of chanya cholis from India as it is IMPOSSIBLE to find them here. Unfortunately even Ealing Road, Wembley, only have a limited version of these. I have looked everywhere. This is one of the reasons why I need to visit India.

The show also highlighted and gave special importance to Gujarati words, food, festivals such as Garba (a traditional Gujarati form of dance) performed not only at Navratri but also at other events, Holi, which is the festival of colours, Makar Sakranti which is the kite flying festival and Janamashtami, which is the day of Krishna's janam (birth) and many more festivals and traditions! This was an all in one show which was simply magical! It's significant to me because the show became a part of me!

A message to the Indian Television Industry: I would really love to see another show related to Gujarati culture!

On a positive note, they need to stop these exciting advertisements on the new series of Siya Ke Ram on Star Plus and Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman on Sony TV because they look too epic. This is something I cannot wait to watch!

Boh Prem,

Jai Shri Krishna 

xxx

Chokri na jeevan ma pacho jeev ayvo (The girl who lived)

Our journey epicly began through a social network and harshly "ended" through a social network. But this isn't the end. I don't believe in goodbyes. Perhaps in my next janam (life) we will meet again?

I just wanted to say thank you for everything. In these past long years you have taught me so much, given me the best memories, hurt me a million times but nevertheless you gave me the experience of a lifetime. I regret nothing. I actually feel so blessed that you gave me these special moments. You moulded me and made me who I am today and it wouldn't have been possible if we didn't meet.

You decided to close this chapter and leave my life without even having the decency to give me an explanation...(I think I figured out why) I want to wish you the best of luck with your life. You know who you are. If you ever read this I hope you know that you've mentally made me so strong that I am capable of handling anything now.

As for now, I cannot wait to see what further awaits for me!

Boh prem

Jai Shri Krishna

Xxx

Taro che abhar (I thank you)

What do you do after you've woken up?

What do you do after you've gone to the bathroom?

Do you have breakfast?

Do you go on the computer?

Do you start socialising?

Do you start worrying about your day/problems?

STOP....EK (1) MINUTE YAAR.

Have you given time to appreciate your life for a second?

A lot of people make the mistake of not realising this. Every day life is going by so quickly but have you ever stopped to think and appreciate what WONDERS you have in your life?

1) You have a house that you live in. Ever been grateful that you have shelter? You have a home.

2) You have food to eat. Ever appreciated that?

3) You have a family/carers. Ever been thankful you have parents/brothers/sisters? They DO love you (deep down lol)

4) You might even have the best friends ever who do so much for you. Ever thought you're blessed? You really are if you have all these things. 

The biggest thing we tend to forget in our life is to be appreciative and thankful for what God has provided us with. (If you don't believe in God maybe just some appreciation in general?)

The reason why I'm saying this is because I've seen so many people who literally have everything but still they will complain about their life. Of course, we are human at the end of the day. BUT every single person has problems in their lives, to stay miserable and be in a mood all the time is NOT the solution. No matter how adverse the situation is. I can understand people are going through a hard time but the most important thing in your life is that you're breathing. You're living. You're in a house. You have food. You have family members. What is more important than that?

Smile a little. It won't hurt my love. When you smile... others smile.

When you give out negative vibes, the atmosphere turns cloudy. When you spread positivity, sunshine comes out.

Just don't rely on someone to make you happy. You're in control of your life so if you're reading this right now, take charge and make sure you add some positivity in your life. Trust me. Your life will change.

Boh prem

Jai Shri Krishna

xxx

Baalavasta (Childhood)

I was shocked to find 2 tiny little girls melodiously singing the dhun "Jai Radha Madhava" and the Hare Krishna Mantra at the mandir with such ease. What talent! The only Mantra I knew when I was younger was the Gayatri Mantra:

Aum Bhur Bhuvah Svah, 

Tat Savitur Varen-yum, 

Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, 

Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat

(My Dad taught me this and he made me recite the mantra every night!)

The girls really opened my eyes; it made me realise how much knowledge a child can conquer from such a young age. Even when I was about 18 years old I had no idea about the Hanuman Chalisa but then I saw my 8 year old cousin reciting it FULLY with such confidence and I thought to myself, I should know this. She really inspired me. I needed to first understand what the Hanuman Chalisa was about before I could even begin to learn it! But the first time I saw the Hanuman Chalisa written down, my face dropped. 

My reaction: DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG THE HANUMAN CHALISA IS?!

It's quite a normal reaction for a beginner lol and at the time I thought how on earth did she rememeber this all? At first it seemed absolutely impossible for me to learn it but surprisingly I did it. I learnt the Hanuman Chalisa. I practised and practised and one day I actually just recited the Hanuman Chalisa without looking at the words and I was shocked. 

I found that Shivali's Hanuman Chalisa really helped me learn it and I thank her for that! I cannot begin to even explain how useful, powerful and special the Chalisa is to me. When you know, you know! It's better late then never. Till today I sing the Hanuman Chalisa everyday with all my heart and it's the best thing that ever happened to me...

Boh Prem,

Jai Shri Krishna

 xxx