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You must have often seen these beautiful bangles adorning the hands of Bengali women. The white bangle - Shakha- is made of powdered white conch shell with intricate designs. The red bangle is made of polished red coral and is called the pola. These bangles are designed by a group of karigars called the Shankharis who have mastered the art of carving on conch shell for generations. The main conch cutting industry was in Dhaka. But West Bengal too developed in this industry with artisans moving to Kolkata pre and post independence.

According to ancient folklore, seven goddesses blessed a fisherman who could not afford expensive ivory jewellery for his daughter's marriage. Bengal had easy access to corals and conch shells from the vast Bay of Bengal. The fisherman used these natural resources to make bangles for his daughter.

The shakha is brittle - it symbolises the perils that a woman endures to keep the marriage strong. It symbolises purity. The pola stands for fertility and marital bliss. A woman wears a pair of shakha and pola in both hands out of her love for her husband.

In ancient times, the woman used to be taken to the shakhari to choose her shakha and pola. It had to be custom made according to the bride's wrist. The shakhari would help the bride wear the bangles and the bride had to take his blessings. According to the custom, the husband should not see or buy these bangles for the bride. It was considered a bad omen.

With time, working women, mostly ones who work in a corporate set-up, do not wear shakha pola on a regular basis. They only wear these during pujas or any special events. With time the shankharis have also reduced in numbers.

As we struggle today to keep our rich culture and heritage alive, we should also remember these small traditions and customs that make us who we are. Amar Sonar Bangla Ami Tomay bhalobashi.

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Chapter 1: My Shiva: How we met(Continued)

"You know, Nids, I am an average student. I have never won anything. Look at my brother. He has a house filled with trophies from his cricket, basketball and interschool championships. I have none" I told Nidhi when in 12th grade.

"You are not exactly average. You scored a 90% in 10th. It isn't average. It is good" replied Nidhi.

We were waiting in a line to fill up our water bottles. We each were holding 6 bottles to fill.

"Really? Please tell my father that my marks were good. He was disappointed. So was yours with a 94%. We are average. The highest was 99%. We are nowhere close." I said as I uncapped a bottle to fill in front of the drinking water tap.

"I always wanted a hit love story. I wanted to be the hero of my love story. My love story should not be average" I added as I reached out for the second bottle from Nidhi's hand.

"You will. What about that Kunal? I hear he has good grades and he is interested in you" said Nidhi as she passed me the next bottle. A girl at the next tap turned to look as we mentioned Kunal.

"Nidhi, no names, please." I smiled at the girl next to me. She turned her attention back to the heavy task of filling water bottles.

"You know, I want someone like Shiva. I think Lord Shiva was once very much a human, walked the planet like us. He was muscular, he was a passionate lover, a great warrior and possessive with anger issues." I said smiling at Nidhi.

"Yes. You want someone who will Tandav around? Good choice, Parvati!" Nidhi chuckled.

I thought to myself. Tandav was a danceform, Nidhi. Not something to be ashamed about. He carried a tender feminine side along with his machoism. He is perfect.

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"Siwet, we had formed teams. But now that we have a new member, we will have to put her in one of the teams" said Mouni looking at the man beside the pictionary canvas stand.

Siwet Tomar. He was tall and well built. He had a wonderful smile and an even wonderful voice. I was mesmerised. He looked at me as Mouni introduced me, the new member. I smiled sheepishly. He smiled back. And my heart melted.

"Sree, are you any good?" asked Siwet as he placed the pictionary board on the coffee table. He didn't get a reply. I didn't know the question was for me. Though he mentioned my name, I was not used to being called Sree, at least not after school. He looked up at me "Are you good at Pictionary?"

"I have played in school." I said. It came out more like a question. As if, I was asking myself if I am good.

"Okay. You are in Nidhi's team." Siwet said as he winked at Nidhi.

I understood that none of them were really happy to take me in their team. I have played pictionary. I can draw. I draw my own designs. I kept reminding myself as I shifted on the other side of the couch.

And the game began. Nidhi and Siwet took turns in rolling two dice. Nidhi got two sixes and she drew a card from the pile. The timer was set and she started drawing. A line with a circle on top. Then she drew a hand on top with something like a 'Mashal'. I guessed "Statue of Liberty". Nidhi pointed her finger on her nose, a gesture to show that it is right. And we won the round.

The game continued into the night. Our glasses were refilled. Her maid brought a platter of snacks. And we continued playing. I was assured that I am good at this game. But for me, it was fun. I was enjoying myself. It had been a long time since I had fun. I laughed, I smiled, called my opponents losers, 'booing' them whenever the time ran out. And finally our team reached the finish line.

As everyone in the room sat around chatting, I started arranging the board and packing them into the pictionary box. I could hear them chatting. There were names spoken whom I didn't recognise. They were gossiping about a new audition coming up and the candidates of the audition. I understood that most of them in the room were struggling actors, some less struggling as they made quite a name on social media. They had so much in common. They knew the same people. They had similar interests. They had similar hobbies. They were talking about their followers on Instagram. They were reading out cryptic messages they received on personal DMs from fans. They are celebrities. And I was a fish out of water.

I sat there looking at them for some time. Then, I stood up, intending to leave, when I noticed Nidhi in the kitchen. I excused myself from the crowd, still animated, hands up and down as they talked about shoots and auditions. None turned their head as I said "Excuse me". I walked to the kitchen oblivious to everyone in the room.

"Nidhi, do you need any help?" I asked as she arranged the plates on the kitchen counter. I saw Siwet at a distance, chopping onion on a board.

"Yes, please. Can you serve the pulao on all the plates?" requested Nidhi.

I grabbed a small bowl from the shelf and poured pulao in an upside semi-sphere on all the plates. Nidhi filled the matching bowls with sabzi and placed a bowl each on the plate. She added the chopped salad on the side, added a spoon on the plate and carried it to the dining table.

"I heard you are Nidhi's classmate. What do you do for a living?" asked Siwet as he cleaned the board and the knife.

"I have a small boutique in uptown. I am a designer." I replied. Unable to look at him, afraid that if I look directly into his eyes, he will be able to read them.

"I am looking for a place to rent out. Do you know of any such place?"

"I am looking for a tenant to rent out a spare room on the top floor in my apartment. I am running on a tight budget and the money could help" I said. I was sceptical at the possibility of sharing my apartment with a boy. What will my parents say? What will my father say? And how can I stay with Siwet? I can't always ignore looking into his eyes. What if he gets a hint of my racing hearbeat?

He didn't reply. He just looked at me for what appears to be a long time and then walked out to the dining room with two plates in both hands. "Come. Let's have dinner", he said as he walked to the dining room. My heart was still beating irrationally. I took a glass from the shelf, opened the fridge for a bottle of cold water, poured it into the glass and drank the whole glass in a single gulp. No not enough. I uncapped the bottle and drank directly from the bottle now till I finished it. I refilled the bottle and placed it back in the fridge.

As I got better control over my instincts, I followed the loud chattering to the dining room. The only seat available was beside Siwet. I hesitantly walked towards the empty chair. I could hear someone mention "Roadies" and "audition".

Arghhh... It was the same conversation that I walked away from at the parlor. It took me a lifetime to get to the chair. All along my head said "No. This is the beginning of the end. You can't give in now." I heard my head argue "It's just dinner. And be cool. No one will guess a thing. Have dinner, book your auto and go home".

I pulled the chair and as I was about to sit, I stumbled, and me along the chair went back. I was about to fall and hit directly at the back of my head. Just then a hand held the back of the chair and pushed it upright. I turned back and saw Siwet's left hand holding the chair. I smiled "Thank you. It would be a great end to a perfect evening if I had fallen. Thanks."

He looked directly into my eyes. I shivered, blinked my eyes and started eating.

Everyone waved and kissed good night as they left the apartment. The only people left were Nidhi, me and Siwet. Nidhi became busy tidying up the place. I placed my phone on the sofa and stood to help her out.

"No, Sree. It's not much. Have you got your auto yet?" asked Nidhi.

"Not yet. I am waiting for someone to accept. One auto cancelled." I said.

"Siwet, can you drop her tonight? It's not safe in an auto at this time. It's already 1AM." said Nidhi looking at Siwet.

Siwet nodded.

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Chapter 1: My Shiva: How we met

A time came when I thought I should be moving out of my comfortable bed, making a life for myself. I came to Mumbai from Kolkata. I had some savings from the previous startup. I bought a small boutique store in the suburbs. I bought a tiny 2BHK, all investments. I created my page on all social media platforms, hoping to promote it online. I knew I needed enough to survive a year without any profit.

But the expenses were too much for me. I was almost on the verge of calling my parents and telling them "Yes Baba. You were right. I failed again. Can you give me some money?". But I didn't. I pushed myself. Posted a roommate ad on my social media page. I heard the rents in Mumbai were high. The guy who has rented the place next to mine pays 35000 monthly for a similar 2BHK. It would not hurt to make 15000 per month by renting out the spare room.

I was new to the city. The city truly had its charm. Of course it was not Kolkata. But now when I think of it, the only thing that binds me to Kolkata were my people. My parents, my brother, my friends. I had no one in this strange city. One night, as I was scrolling through my timeline on Facebook, I saw Nids. She was my classmate in school. It was a picture of her standing on a clearway at Marine drive while I could see the waves crashing behind her.

A week later I received a reply from Nids. She wrote, "Hi Sree. I am in town. Come by. This is my number. Ping me. Let me share with you my address". My days were busy. But I was free in the evening. Most evenings were spent reading, cooking, chores and more chores. I hadn't met anyone familiar in years. I was excited, but hoped the address was close by. Though trains were an easy transport throughout the city, I was not familiar with trains. I would need a cab or an auto.

Almost immediately, she sent me her address. It was 15km from my apartment. Now, you should know something about women. We have stages of dilemma, especially when you have not dressed up in a while. First, everything should match. If you have not waxed your legs, you can't risk a short dress. If you have a heel you want to wear, you will have to get a bag and dress that matches it. Second, lack of motivation. So much energy goes in trying out clothes with shoes, in changing and changing till you find a perfect one for the occasion, but by then you are exhausted. Third, when you see a woman in her boxy tshirt and jeans, you should know that she could not succeed in getting a match. She wore the most comfortable clothes she could muster at the moment.

But I was motivated. After a year, I was finally meeting a friend, someone familiar. I didn't have to try hard to look good. She was a friend. She had seen me in two pony tails in school. Anything I wear would be better than that. And so I did. I wore my own brand, though my clothes had not yet become my brand. I have hardly sold 100 pieces since I opened my boutique. But it was one of my best. I wore a beige pant, paired it with a white short top, a grey blazer and a rose gold chain neckpiece to match all. I wore my rose gold watch and a brown pump heel. I was ready. I tied my hair in a knot. Applied lipstick blush and eyeliner, I was ready.

I was at the door. She texted that she would be on the 3rd floor. The door of her apartment was intricately designed in wood with a frosted glass panelling on the sides. I heard the door knob click from inside and as it opened, I saw a girl standing at the door. "Yes. Who do you want?" She said. I was startled. I thought I was meeting her alone. But I could clearly see this was a party. There were 10 people inside all seated around a small coffee table.

"Hi! I am Sneha. I am here to meet Nids, sorry Nidhi Sharma. She invited me"

Just then, from behind the door, a head peeped out.

"Hi Sree! Come in. It has been a long time"

She came forward and gave me a tight hug. Yes that's Nidhi, my childhood friend Nids. I remember we often discussed our life plans when we were young. I used to tell her, "Please. If you ever get married, don't invite me. I can't bear to have veg food at a friend's wedding." And sometimes " You know how I want to die? At the age of 80, on the laps of my husband with my forehead lined with sindoor and my grandchildren by my side. I would be smiling to them, a sign that I have lived my life to the fullest." On seeing her after so long all those memories came rushing back.

She took my hand and we entered her parlor. She introduced me to her guests. "Guys, meet Sree. I call her Sree. She is Sneha. She was my best friend in school." I took a place on the sofa. I placed my bag on the side, awkwardly. I was not expecting a bunch of strangers.

"Hi! Would you like a drink?" said one of her friends

"Yes. But I have to work tomorrow. So, I would like a glass of juice, please." But as I said this, I could hear my head telling me "Shut up!"

She chuckled. I wanted a place to dig a hole and bury myself out of embarrassment. Just then Nidhi came to my aid. "Riddhima, stop. She does not drink. Here. This is my favourite mocktail punch. Nothing fancy. Just some soda, fruits and cold drink". She was holding a glass with some transparent drink. I could see slices of pomegranate, apple and lemon beneath.

"Thank you." I took the glass.

"Come on. Give it a try"

I took a sip. It tasted like Sprite with fruits. Not bad.

"Guys, let's play. This is Game Night. We should play. Teams decided yet?" It was a man. He had a long canvas stand in his embrace. He set it down and smiled at his audience. That's when I saw him. My Shiva!

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When your bff is your stylist!! #cheerstobestfriends #alovelyweekend https://www.instagram.com/p/BqnAzjiH7uVfRKIug9TEWPnyTTqGJQkZw6nBGY0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1jrt2ndm6x68j

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It was freezing out there... And I was underdressed for the fall... Anyways, survived and happy!! #khardungla #lehexplosiva (at Khardung La: World's Highest Motorable Pass) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bod1Lbpj03i_NHK0XVlGKfd6_cVLn4UvJXFBPc0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=brgaggla6x05

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No... Not a Feluda story.. But totally inspired... At Hunder Cold Desert #hundersanddunes #nubravalley #lehexplosiva https://www.instagram.com/p/BodzF3ZjqXx_qToE9OAf5zpD_JnEHwMi6bPD2A0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1b0p53l5yt7f0

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A must goodbye outing!! #friendshipgoals #girlsquad #girlsontherun #bff https://www.instagram.com/p/Bodyis4D3iASBxohWLQKq_TCR8OFSNczAR8pag0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=dqpevt0nnsls

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Plaka Anafiotika, Athens | Greece (by Hans Kool)

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My Knight!!

The armour still sparkled under the moonlit sky, broken and rustic! It could not stop the arrows. The people around me were cursing, howling, screaming scornfully. Every word they spoke came like sharp arrows, hitting right at my chest. The armour could not stop the arrows anymore.

I finally wanted help. I had given up. I now needed help. And in the commotion, out of nowhere, like a sudden smoke came My Knight in his shining armour. He bent down, picked me up, hid me in his arms and shouted "Back Off" to the crowd. I could locate my parents, my curious neighbours, my overtly enthusiastic relatives and some of my friends standing in the crowd, with arrows in their hand and sadness in their eyes.

"I said back off", he repeated. I buried my face into his chest wishing secretly to never meet these people again. He rescued me from the crowd. He rescued me and attended my wounds. At times, he hid me from the world, loved me, sang to me and gave me a shelter.

I repaired my armour , made it stronger to face the world again. This time no arrow had the power to hurt me.

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I have to be prepared... The news might come anytime. That he is getting married. I will not lie. It breaks my heart. Tears still roll down on my cheeks as I pen this. I have to be prepared for the worst. The last time we talked, he told me, " You look beautiful. But you can look better." I cried. I asked him " Do you not love the person I am from inside?" And he vehemently ignored my pleading as he said "Listen. If you see a future with me, you need to change for good". If only... strange words... as individuals they just convey unconventional dreams, but when put together, they create magic. If only... if only he said "Yes baby! I am madly deeply and truly in love with you"... if only he said, "Fat or thin... you are mine... choose your size, but you will always fit into my arms"... if only he loved me like I love him... I just feel devastated... I am hurt, sad, broken... I don't want him...But I love him...

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Happy Holi everyone...!!!

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We always long to come back home… Because that is the place where we feel free… A person on his favourite beanie or with his favourite things, is just himself… He need not pretend… He is not pleasing anybody but himself…

If you have not found your zone where you can be yourself… Find it soon… When you are alone, hunched in a corner of a room, sad, just tell yourself that you are not fighting it solo… There are thousands of you who is fighting a similar battle…

If you leave it on the people around you to judge who you are, you are actually inviting more trouble… Instead did you ever try accepting yourself… With your faults, with your boons?? You are unique… You think unique, you have unique talents… People need not understand that, you should… You have to come in harmony with yourself… Accept yourself… Love yourself…

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A Letter to the Dumbness in you

Do you sometimes feel you are not trying enough? I feel it… I always feel I am at the wrong place in the wrong time… I am experimenting… I am trying to find the right choice…I am trying to find the right people… I am trying to find my right away…

People say I talk a lot… But the untold secret is I hardly talk 10% than what I think… I am always observing… Always drafting… I live in this world… Where I can manipulate things, make and break things… A world where I am free…

I am dumb… And I can prove to you why it isn’t a bad word. So, yesterday, when my colleagues engaged themselves in this conversation, I went shut… I was observing. The topic of their conversation might otherwise interest me, but I was engaged in something more interesting or fascinating… I saw a passageway in between two buildings, where it should not have been, and I immediately lost myself in this planet of beautiful thoughts… I made up a story… I saw some workers working on this beautiful workspace and I could guess how it would look when its done… I decided what I should put in which corner of the plot…

So you see I am dumb… Not eligible for participation in a contest where my colleagues are suggesting brilliant tips for content improvement.. I am just a wrong person at the wrong place..

So… You.. Yes you… If you are reading this and you feel it might be applicable in ur life too… Let me assure you… Its absolutely normal.. It is all normal… Its better to accept you are dumb.. Dumb for the place… Things might work out somewhere else if not here…

Regards, Sreetama

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Colorful and extravagant flavors of Pushkar Carnival Pushkar fair or Pushkar ka Mela is an annual carnival in the town of Pushkar, Rajasthan. This festival is one of the largest camel fairs and attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. Tourists also participate in the events and taste the flavors of Rajasthan here. Accommodation in Pushkar is pretty high at the time of event. So, book your stay prior to the event. When is the event? Pushkar mela is celebrated for duration of five days from Kartik ekadashi to Kartik Poornima, the full moon day in the month of Kartik i.e., October to November, according to the Hindu Calendar. This year, Pushkar mela will be held from Saturday 28th Oct- Saturday 4th Nov, 2017. Why is this mela a must visit? Have you come to Rajasthan to become a spectator of the vibrant colors and festivals? Then Pushkar mela is the best place. Camels are dressed for the occasion in the most vibrant attires. In recent years, the fair also have witnessed a cricket match between local Pushkar club and a team of random foreign tourists. Other attractions are the camel race and competitions like matka phod, longest moustache and bridal competition. You would not want to miss Pushkar when it is most alive.

The festival has its own exuberance and vigor. You would not like to miss the live Rajasthani folk performance or the vision of local men and women in their traditional attires. Pushkar accommodations are geared up for receiving maximum tourists at this time of the year. Visit Pushkar mela and experience the time of your life.

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Pratap Park- A modern breeze to the old and glamorous Udaipur

Udaipur- the White City, has always been a city of surprises- grand lake palaces, ghats and parks, all speak of the magnificent Rajputana. To add to this grandeur, Pratap Park now has joined the list of tourist attractions in Udaipur. Here is an elucidation on the new addition- Maharana Pratap Park. Historical Significance Built in the memory of Late Shri Pratap Singh Bhandari, who has been the man behind development of tourism of Udaipur, this park is made on the ground that holds a lot of history. All historic palaces turned resorts in Udaipur city find their significance with the Maharanas of Mewar. The park is built on the southern banks of Pichola Lake that carries four islands having the four most luxurious palace neighborhoods- Jag Niwas(Lake Palace), Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir, and Arsi Vilas. Aesthetic value Pratap Park captures the four magnificent and glorious palace complexes in one panoramic frame. The southern part of Pichola Lake is denser than its northern counterpart. There are two ways to reach this park- one road comes via Mulla Talai. This road is perilous with narrow lanes, while the other is adventurous and easy route from Dudh Talai, through a jungle road. Pratap park is a must visit observatory spot, to experience the beautiful scenic view of the lake and palaces that can be captured in one camera click. Eco friendly ambience The park is equipped with modern eco friendly equipments like solar lights, Indian Lilac fertilizers, recycled cement slurry tiles and local stones. You can come for a walk here in the evenings and experience the wonderful gush of fresh air across your skin. This is the modern touch to the old city of Udaipur. Major attraction The park is built on a 1.377acres land, comprising of an open gymnasium, 250 m acupressure walking track, gardens with mogra flowering and ample parking. This park provides the perfect ambience for tourists, trekkers, travelers and locals. Just few kilometers away from the major accommodations in Udaipur, Pratap Park should be the perfect summer evening destination How significant is it to the locals? Pratap Park will eventually attract tourists, trekkers as well as locals for the fresh ambience and lovely view. This park also lies as a stretch of pride and gives a patriotic feeling to the people of Udaipur. To promote this patriotism in the hearts of locals, the park bears a big I LOVE UDAIPUR along the banks of the lake. Pratap Park will soon become a famous tourist spot. Udaipur, with its grand ambience, has never failed to amaze its tourists. Pratap Park is an infant step taken in implementing a modern touch in the old heart of elegant Udaipur. This is a fresh breeze flowing in the stretches of antiquity of the old city.

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