Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Home Blog Page 43

The Ultimate Travel Guide To Visit India

0
Gateway Of India Mumbai
Gateway Of India Mumbai

India is a South Asian country; it is the seventh-largest country by size and the second largest populated country in the world. Lots of people from around the world visit India for vacations or work purposes. If you are planning to visit India for a vacation, you need a valid passport and tourist visa.

India is a safe country for tourists. There is a very low risk of violent crimes, especially for foreign women. It is also safe to travel the whole of India apart from few areas where tourists generally don’t travel. India also has very convenient and cheap inter-state transport facilities.

Tourists usually worry about where they can exchange currency in India. Currency exchange in India is quite an easy and simple procedure. You can exchange your currency at the airport itself. You can also exchange your currency at any Indian bank or any other bank which is RBI approved.

Details of the Cities That Are Frequently Travelled By Tourists

1. Mumbai: The financial capital of India is not only the most famous city in Maharashtra but is also deemed as the “Bollywood” city. If you are planning to travel to Mumbai there are 4 hidden gems which you should visit for experiencing the real spirit of the city which never sleeps.

  • Gateway Of India
  • Chatrapathi Shivaji Terminus
  • Marine Drive
  • Bandra-Worli Sea Link
bandra

One of the biggest metropolitan cities in India, people visit here from all over the world. There is a large range of hotels right from luxury hotels to budget ones. The most famous and luxurious hotels among them are the Trident and The Taj Mahal Palace hotel. You can try The Ibis, the Resort hotel or the Skyward Inn if you have a smaller budget.

Mumbai street food is quite famous. You can visit Khau Galli, which is a famous street with a lot of street food options and don’t miss out on the ever so famous Pau Bhaji.

2. Goa: Situated on the Western coast of India, it is the smallest state. Goa is famous for its numerous beaches, amazing nightlife, seafood, heritage architecture and different water sports. The top 3 famous places which you can visit in Goa are

  • Calangute Beach
  • Fort Aguada
  • Anjuna Beach

As it is visited by numerous tourists all over the year, there are numerous hotels where you can stay from 5-Star to budget ones, all are available. Vivanta Goa in Panaji and Grand Hyatt Goa are the most famous among all.

Here in Goa, you can try several kinds of seafood and cuisine. You can eat at any restaurant as most of them are usually quite good and hygienic. 

3. Hyderabad: It is known for its rich history and traditions. India finds a lot of tourists visiting the Pearl City Hyderabad as it is known for its historical as well as its modern tourist attractions.

  • Charminar
  • Mecca Masjid
  • Birla Mandir
  • Ramoji Film City

 For the international tourists as well as the domestic travelers Hyderabad is well connected by air. You have a lot of connection flights from the capital city and vice versa to the capital city Delhi.  The Hyd to Delhi flight price is usually quite cheap all around the year apart from some months when there are festivals.

The Ultimate Travel Guide To Visit India

Biriyani is the most famous food in Hyderabad. There are numerous restaurants all around where you can find authentic Biriyani. Fusion 9 is the most famous among them.

In Hyderabad, there are plenty of hotels where you can stay. Anmol International and Asrani International are two very good and budget-friendly hotels you can choose from. 

4. Delhi: The capital of India is the junction of all activities in India and this reflects in its tourism. It is also quite a historically rich city in India. There are many places to visit in Delhi like

  • Qutub Minar
  • Red Fort
  • India Gate
  • Rashtrapati Bhavan
  • Lotus Temple
  • Jama Masjid

As it is the leading tourist destination of India, Delhi has an excess amount of hotels for accommodation. There are many 5-star hotels like Taj, Oberoi, Leela Palace etc. You can choose hotels according to your preference and budget.

Delhi is a place where you can find any kind of cuisine from Punjabi to Bengali. You can try any cuisine you want. From luxury restaurants to street food you can get anything. There is no such particular cuisine for Delhi.

5. Kolkata: “The City Of Joy” is the capital of West Bengal and is the second-largest city of India. Rich in its culture, heritage, and art, Kolkata is beautiful. There are many historical places to visit

  • Victoria Memorial
  • Howrah Bridge
  • Fort William
  • Belur Math
  • Indian Museum

You can find luxurious hotels like ITC Royal Bengal, JW Marriot etc. You can also find budget-friendly hotels and lodges as well.

You shouldn’t forget to try sweets if you are visiting Kolkata. The sweets here are not only famous in India but also all around the world. Misti Doi and Rosogolla are the most famous sweets among them.

6. Jaipur: Also known as Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan. It is known for the Rajputs who ruled for centuries and build a planned city like this in the 17th Century AD. There are many historical places to visit here

  • Amer Fort
  • City Palace
  • Nahargarh Fort
  • Hawa Mahal

As this is a historically rich city you can find many modern hotels and traditional palaces also to stay. Jaipur Haveli is a very unique place to stay.

Hawa Mahal Palace of the Winds, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Hawa Mahal Palace of the Winds, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Here you can find all kinds of dishes but then it is better to try local cuisine where you can try a lot of different traditional foods and deserts. Four Seasons is a very good restaurant where you can taste all the authentic dishes famous in Jaipur.

7. Amritsar: It is the gateway of Punjab, home of the famous Golden Temple and it is also known for the heroic activities of Punjab. Amritsar is filled with lots of temples and Gurudwaras as it is one of the spiritual places of India. It has some famous places to visit

 In Amritsar, you can find all kinds of luxury and budget-friendly. Fairfield by Marriott and Hyatt Regency Amritsar are the most famous among all.

Amritsar is known for its most delicious food in India. Amritsari Fish, Chicken Tikka, Amritsari Kulcha are the most famous foods which you can find anywhere in Amritsar from luxury to roadside restaurants.

Chicken tikka masala
Chicken tikka masala

8. Bangalore: Also known as the Silicon Valley of India is the 3rd largest city of India. It is known for its beautiful gardens, street foods, cafes and pubs. That’s why it was formerly called Garden City. Bangalore is a very modern city and the IT Hub of India, but there are few places which you can visit

  • Bangalore Palace
  • Bannerghatta National Park
  • Cubbon Park
  • Lalbagh   

 In Bangalore there are many famous hotels, among them there is The Oberoi Bengaluru, Taj Bangalore, The Leela Palace and much more. You can find budget-friendly options, but it’s rare as Bangalore is a costly city.

Like all modern cities here also you can find almost all cuisines. There are some top restaurants you can try, some of them are Sue’s Food Place, Cafe Felix, Olive Beach and the list goes on.

9. Lucknow: Capital and largest city of UP, known for their Nawabs, Biriyani and Kebabs. It is known for its tastiest and most authentic Mughal cuisine in India. As it is a very traditional and historical place, there are many historical places you can visit

birgani
  • Bara Imambara
  • Chota Imambara
  • British Residency
  • Rumi Darwaza

As it is a famous tourist place, accommodation is not a worry. You can find both luxurious and budget-friendly hotels. The famous among them are Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt Regency and Novotel. There are much more hotels as well.

10. Ahmedabad: It is one of the most rapidly growing industrial and educational hubs of India and the most important city of Gujarat. The former capital of Gujarat is famous for its food, colorful culture and tourism. The famous places you can visit

  • Sabarmati Riverfront
  • Dada Hari Wav
  • Statue Of Unity

As this is one of the fastest growing cities in India, finding a place to accommodate is not an issue. There are many famous and reputed hotels where you can stay, a few of them are Hyatt Agency, Novotel, Doubletree By Hilton and the list continues.

Here you will mainly find vegetarian foods as Gujrati cuisine is mainly vegetarian like dal, roti, kadhi, rice, buttermilk etc. The top 2 restaurants are Food Inn and Vishalla. You can also find many more too.

All these cities are well connected to each other by air and road. There are international airports in some of the major cities like Hyderabad , Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi etc. There is a great rush of tourists from different parts of the world to these cities and especially to the cities which boast of historical attractions.

This is the ultimate guide you can follow if you want to visit India!. India is a very beautiful and diverse country; you will love it and you should visit this beautiful country atleast once in your lifetime! 

Most Famous Festivals of India

0
Happy Holi - Indian Festival of Colours
Happy Holi - Indian Festival of Colours

India being a diversified country has always been filled with spirited holidays and festivities. There is a continuous flow of celebration in the country, be it in a religious festival or a local celebration.  

These bright, colorful, and cheerful festivals have always been the reason for attracting various tourists and travelers here in our country. There is a story about the history of each of the vibrant festivals which unite people all over the country. 

Some of the most famous festivals of India are Diwali, Durga Puja, Holi, Eid al-Fitr, Ganesh Chaturthi, Onam, and Janmashtami. 

Diwali 

 

Festivals of India
Diwali Festival

Diwali or the festival of lights is a Hindu celebration where it is believed that Goddess Kali comes down on Earth to diminish all the evil present. During this bright and magnificent festival, people happily celebrate the ascendancy of light over darkness. 

Lots of colored and decorated clay lanterns, also known as diyas, are lit in every house. Children along with their families enjoy the day by lighting and burning firecrackers. 

The festival of lights takes place between late October or early November. The whole country gets decorated with colorful diyas. There is light everywhere bringing positivity to people’s minds. People all over the country celebrate this wonderful festival but places like Jaipur, Delhi, and Kolkata add a little apart to it and become the most visited cities.  

Holi 

Holi Moly!
Holi Moly!

It is believed that Holika was killed by Prahlada, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. This destruction is celebrated the day before on a full moon night by burning down a Holika statue. From here the festival name came – Holi

The victory is celebrated grandly with colors as the symbol of the victory of good over evil. This colorful event is celebrated in March. People all over the country rejoice and relish themselves fully in this sparkling and flamboyant festival.  

This glittering and scintillating festival of India attracts lots of people together and spreads happiness and positivity everywhere.  

Durga Puja and Navratri – The Glorious Festivals 

Durga Puja Indian Festival Celebration
Durga Puja Indian Festival Celebration

Durga Puja is one of the largest festivals to take place in the country. Being a five-day celebration, people come together and enjoy to the fullest the victory of Maa Durga over the demon Mahishashur.  

Pandals are created everywhere in Kolkata and other states namely Mumbai. Each neighborhood competes to make the most beautiful and amazing pandal. The festival is celebrated between September and October. The auspicious dates of the festival are decided by referring to the Bengali lunar calendar.  

In the Eastern and Northeastern parts of the country, Durga Puja is known as Navaratri. People there also celebrate the triumph of the spiritual and seraphic Goddess Ma Durga and her children. Unlike Durga Puja, Navratri is celebrated across the whole country. 

Though the mythological story remains the same, the celebration differs where the devotees fast and pray for the protection of their family and their good health.  

The beginning of Navaratri is done by a ritual – Ghatasthapana where the energy of the Goddess is invoked. It is an important period for people to introspect and purify themselves by cleansing the negativity inside.  

The tenth day of Navaratri is known as Dussehra. Also known as Vijayadashami in West Bengal. On this day, the idols are taken out of the pandals and submerged in waters symbolizing the return of Maa Durga to the Kailash mountain with her sons and daughters. 

Onam 

Onam
anurajrv / Pixabay

Onam is a grand harvest festival of Kerala which goes on for four days. It happens between August and September. If anyone visits Kerala during this festival then that person will explore and witness the remarkable and impressive exhibit of the culture and heritage of Kerala. This festival is ceremonialize to celebrate the arrival of the legendary King Mahabali.  

These four days are filled with various cultural events like the elegant and bewitching Kathakali dance, energetic and engrossing boat races, and competitions. The whole of Kerala gets illuminated in these four ceremonial days.  

Every family in Kerala designs a ‘pookalam’ which is decorated with flower petals and rice on the floor at the front door. A large festival feast named Onam Sandhya where dishes are distributed on banana leaves is also organized.  

The most important day of Onam is known as the Thiru Onam and this is the day when all the competitions, boat races, and dances are organized. All together this splendid and resplendent festival spreads positivity, happiness, and warmth.  

Eid 

The family tradition of Eid al-Fitr is to eat ketupat opor or side dishes
The family tradition of Eid al-Fitr is to eat ketupat opor or side dishes

A festival celebrated all over the world by the Islam people. It happens in May every year. Eid is celebrated to mark the end of Ramadan which is a holy month of fasting. As Eid breaks the fast it is celebrated with delicious meals and amazing street foods.  

During this time one will witness many Islamic families in the Chandni Chowk bazaar in Delhi coming out of the Jama Masjid after completing their morning prayers. The streets are filled with mouth-watering delicious street food stores. Everything is arranged from the morning.  

This grand festival starts from the sunset of the night the crescent moon is first sighted. After seeing the moon, the glorious and luxurious celebration starts. People visit friends and families and pray together. Along with finger-licking food and sweets love, warmth, peace, and happiness are spread.  

Pongal – Southern Spring Celebrations  

South Indian food Ven pongal
South Indian food Ven pongal

A grand festival of Tamil Nadu goes on for four days, where people celebrate the end of the second season of harvest along with grand feasts with family and friends. This festival also indicates the coming of the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere and also the returning of the warm seasons.  

It is known that farmers harvest the crops – rice, sugar, and many more which they have been growing throughout the year. They also clean their houses and offer to the Sun God praying for good health and wealth.  

The third and the fourth day of this festival are marked as the celebration of the cows and the birds. On the third day, the cows are beautifully decorated with colorful flowers called marigolds and corn stalks. They are then made to parade the whole village. Food is distributed all over the village for the birds thanking them for assisting the farmers in the harvesting process.  

The travelers and the tourists who visit Tamil Nadu during the mid-January time get the splendid opportunity to witness this huge celebration and also enjoy the special dish called Venpongal.  

Janmashtami 

A very famous festival of the Hindus who grandly celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. They believe that Lord Vishnu reincarnated himself as Lord Krishna and came on the Earth to make people believe in love and hope and diminish the demons and evils that lurked around. It happens either during late August or early September.  

Vrindavan (now in Uttar Pradesh) which was the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood gets all decked up beautifully and gloriously to celebrate this magnificent festival. There is an innumerable number of Radha Krishna temples that are decorated with bright lights and beautiful flowers. Devotional songs and prayers are played and the devotees sing and dance merrily. Lord Krishna devotees from all over the country visit Vrindavan and witness the grand ceremony.  

This is a two-day celebration. On the first day, the devotees fast and bathe Lord Krishna with all their devotion and decorate Him with new clothes and ornaments. The main highlight of this festival is the breaking of the Makhan Handi. People of all the localities make human pyramids to reach the clay pots full of butter which are hung from the tall buildings. This happens on the second day.  

This gorgeous and exquisite festival is celebrated with utmost love, warmth, and devotion spreading the blessings of Lord Krishna everywhere.  

Conclusion 

India is the one country that is full of diversity. People of all religions stay harmoniously and celebrate together. Festivals bring joy, happiness, and well wishes. Every religion has some vibrant festivals to celebrate so from Durga Puja of West Bengal to Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Onam of Kerala, India is always celebrating. There are countless festivals but some of the prominent ones are mentioned. 

What to wear with chunky platform sneakers – Here are some suggestions

0
Sneakers of teenage boys and girls
Sneakers of teenage boys and girls

When it comes to what’s on-trend these days, there is no doubt that clunky platform sneakers have carved out a significant space for themselves in high fashion.

Whether you are walking the streets of Los Angeles, New York City, Paris, or Tokyo, chances are good that you have seen your fair share of chunky sneakers worn by both men and women who love to show up and show out with their fashion.

Balmain, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Gucci, and more all have taken their own stab at the clunky sneaker trend.

If you have one or more of these pairs of high-fashion shoes, here are some great ways to show them off in many different ways.

Keep is casual

One great way to wear a pair of chunky platform sneakers is to dress it down and keep it casual. Whether you’re wearing a pair of jeans, some spandex pants, or something even more comfortable with a graphic tee on top, you will make it clear that these shoes are just another piece of your extensive wardrobe.

Dress it up

Depending on the affair, chunk designer sneakers can also be a great addition to a more dressed-up affair.

Whether you are wearing a colorful dress for a night out or even a full suit to a formal soiree, you can definitely draw attention and look great with a pair of clunky sneakers that definitely cost more than your average stiletto or black formal shoe.

To the gym

While you may want to reserve using your clunky shoes for more important events, you can certainly wear your clunky sneakers to the gym. Or at least, you can wear them with gym clothes.

While these shoes are not necessarily ideal for lots of exercises, they can hold their own during a long walk or even a quick job in the park.

Summer dress

While summer is certainly turning back into fall out there, we still have a few more weeks of warm weather and sun-kissed afternoons. For that reason, if you are planning on heading out in one of your favorite summer dresses, whether it be knee-high or even a little bit shorter to show off those great legs, and pairing it with a pair of your clunky shoes, will look great!

Slacks and button-downs

For the men reading this breakdown, another fantastic option to pair with your clunk shoes is to keep it classy with a nice pair of slacks and a sleek button-down. While this combination of more classic attire and a new-look pair of sneakers may seem like a clash, we can attest that this is definitely a power clash that you will love to show off.

Conclusion

Well there you have it, there are some of the very best ways that anyone can wear their clunky platform sneakers. While these types of sneakers may not be for everyone, those that do wear them truly love them! Now you know how to wear them if you have a pair or plan on getting one anytime soon.

Why Should You Pet a Cat?

0

Though there are numerous people who consider cats as a bad omen, few of them who own felines are well acquainted with the perks and effortlessness involved in petting them. Sometimes, pets turn out to be better companions than humans as they fill the void of love and affection in a desolate individual. Being purry and cuddly, cats are self-sufficient enough to stand out for you towards them without asking for much. Further, petting a cat as your roommate can transform you both, mentally and physically. However, some cats are all cuddly and need your lap every time while others are introverted and crave their own space. In this article we will discuss Why Should You Pet a Cat?

Here are some of the key benefits that come with making a cat, a member of your family:

Act as Stress Busters

Cat
Cat

Your cats might get into your suitcase and provide company to your luggage, or jump into your bathing tub and almirahs. But, they will be there with you after a tiring day. It is scientifically proven that spending time with your cats can result in reducing the level of cortisol, a stress-related hormone in the body. Having animals as pets also makes your depression heal as you can escape the depressive thoughts by the company of your cat. You no longer have to face loneliness as your pet would be there to listen to your rants, and complaints and accompany you with your food. So what are you thinking you must Pet a Cat.

Hygienic

Young cat
Young cat

Unlike other pets who bring dirt into the house and even practice coprophagia, cats are relatively clean and tidy. Cats mostly tend to clean every part of their body on their own as they are quite sophisticated. You just need to clean their ears as they cannot. Dogs might need baths regularly but that is not the case with cats. Moreover, they might refrain from using a filthy litter box or areas that contain litter. To conclude, a pet that prevents mess instead of befouling your home is a blessing.

Ideal for Introverts

Pet a Cat
Play with baby cat

People who do not prefer to attend social events and visiting crowded places are mostly pet lovers. Cats are the ultimate go-to pets for introverts who do not gel well with people and cats, in turn, help them to prevent such people. Further, it is believed that children suffering from autism are more likely to socialize and their bodies might produce more oxytocin that helps in the reduction of repetitive behavior. Felines have an independent nature and are quite outgoing which makes introverts open up to the external world. For introverts pet a cat is must.

Sleepy Heads

Street cat
Street cat

Instead of constant meowing and messing up your stuff, cats look for a cozy place to sleep. They can sleep for hours and still look tired unless they get hold of their favorite dishes or rats. Moreover, they become cuddly when sleepy which is a rare case, especially when you have a cat that likes her own space. Sometimes, they even doze off while sitting and staring at the ceiling. The amount of sleep depends on the energy required by them. Accordingly, they either take a catnap or a comatose. Comatose is the stage when they are fully asleep and no loud music can wake them up. You can get them vaccinated and get their hair trimmed while they doze off completely or else, be ready to get scratched!

Also read

Top 25 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds in the World

Best Dog Breeds for seniors

Dogs: Making Things Better Since Forever

Savage

The cat looks at the camera
The cat looks at the camera

Nobody likes it when someone chases them all the time. Cats do the opposite, they seek their owner’s attention by ignoring them and showcasing attitude by scratching unnecessarily. They have exceptional obsessions like spoiling hair and watching movies with you. The relationship we share with them is the one like those couples who love each other deeply but do not express it. Likewise, cats need your affection and attention intensely but would find fun ways to acquire it. However, if you run after them for cuddles, you are quite likely to get a savage reaction. If you want to see some savage reaction then you must pet a cat.

Entertaining

British shorthair cat wearing a funny costume
British shorthair cat wearing a funny costume

Cats are the epitome of fun memes and videos these days. From pictures to videos, they become the star of your social media. These petite felines attract everyone with their cuteness and puffiness. As soon as you reach home after a tiresome day, they are there to entertain you with weird postures and naughtiness. For most of the part, you will keep finding them in a bucket, shoes, or shopping bags. Surely, you must have had a look at those humorous cat videos while scrolling Instagram and Youtube. We can never get enough of those videos where the cat is being savage. Imagine experiencing the fun when you have one of your own! You enjoy the fun memes you should pet a cat.

Self Sufficient

Cute cat
Cute cat

People living in metropolitan cities prefer to pet a cat over other pets as they are tiny and require relatively lesser space. Kittens can get exposed to dogs and cats easily which can cause regular fights. So, the smaller the house, the better. You do not have to keep looking for it and it’s better if it stays right next to you. Additionally, they are extremely self-sufficient and you can leave your cat for the weekend with food. They might miss you a bit but wouldn’t create a chaotic situation. They would only meow if they get hungry, so make sure you keep sufficient food and water along with their litter pit.

Improve Health

Cute cat watching from her hiding place
Cute cat watching from her hiding place

Felines are known to ameliorate your health both, physically and mentally. Living with a pet for a decent period can help boost your immune system and fight chronic diseases. As aforementioned, they act as stress busters which help in balanced blood pressure and heart rate. Moreover, with a positive impact, cats help in the reduction of depression and anxiety issues. Hence, it improves mental health alongside preventing chronic and heart diseases. In conclusion I must say you must pet a cat.

Easy Homemade Potato Snacks

0
Potato gratin
Potato gratin

Looking for some easy, yummy, and delicious potato snacks? Then here are some of the perfect recipes for you to try. The dishes mentioned here are really very easy. Try them to bring out the chef hidden within you.  

potatoes with sauce
potatoes with sauce

As all of you know that potato is that vegetable or rather that ingredient which makes any dish really yummy and more than that complete. Easily available and one can make an innumerable number of dishes with it.  

Let’s have a look at some easy and awesome recipes.  

Dish Name: Potato Nuggets 

General Information about Potato Nuggets:- 

  • Total time required:- 25 minutes to 30 minutes
  • Preparation time:- 5 minutes to 10 minutes
  • Cooking time:- 20 minutes
  • Cooking level:- Easy
  • Cuisine:- Snacks
  • Course:- Side dish

List of Ingredients required to make Potato Nuggets:- (4 servings)  

  • 2 boiled and grated potatoes
  • ½ tablespoon of ginger and garlic paste
  • ½ tablespoon of chili flakes
  • 3 tablespoons of grated cheddar cheese
  • ½ tablespoon of mixed herbs
  • ¼ teaspoon of crushed pepper
  • Salt as per taste
  • ½ teaspoon of chat masala
  • 2 tablespoons of finely chopped coriander leaves
  • ¼ bread crumbs
  • Oil

For the coating 

  • ¼ cup of cornflour
  • ¼ teaspoon of pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ cup of water

Steps to make Potato Nuggets:

Step 1: 

Put the boiled and grated potato in a medium-sized bowl and then add the dry ingredients one by one. First, add the chili flakes, then, cheddar cheese, mixed herbs, crushed pepper, salt, chat masala, coriander leaves, and the bread crumbs along with the ginger garlic paste. After this mix them properly and continue until the mixture forms a dough and then keep it aside. 

Step 2: 

Now while the dough is sitting, let’s prepare the mixture for the coating. Take ¼ cup of cornflour along with ¼ teaspoon of pepper and salt. Then mix them with ¼ cup of water (you might a bit more water).  

Step 3:

Put some oil in your palm and take some potato mixture in your hand and give it a cylindrical shape nicely. Then put it in the cornflour mixture and after this put it in some bread crumbs (for making the outer layer crispy).

Again dip the coated nugget in the cornflour mixture and then in the bread crumbs (for making the coating proper). Follow this same process for the other nuggets as well.  

Step 4: 

Heat some oil in a pan on medium flame. When the oil gets heated fully put few nuggets and keep stirring them occasionally. After they are medium fried take them out and put them on a plate with tissue paper in order to absorb the excess oil. Fry the others as well. After all of them are fried, fry them all together, again, so that they remain crispy for a longer period of time.  

Step 5: 

Put them on a plate nicely and serve them hot with tomato sauce and salad and enjoy!  

Dish Name: Potato Cheese Balls

Mashed sweet potato and cheese balls
Mashed sweet potato and cheese balls

General Information about Potato Cheese Balls:

  • Total time required:- 30 minutes to 40 minutes
  • Preparation time:- 10 minutes to 15 minutes
  • Cooking time:- 20 minutes to 25 minutes
  • Cooking level:- Easy
  • Cuisine:- Snacks
  • Course:- Side dish

List of Ingredients to make Potato Cheese Balls:- 

  • 3 boiled and mashed potatoes (medium-sized)  
  • ½ cup of cubed mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup chopped onion, capsicum, green chili, coriander
  • ½ tablespoon chili flakes, oregano, or mixed herbs
  • Salt as per taste
  • Oil

For the coating 

  • 2 tablespoons of cornflour
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • A pinch of salt
  • Water  

Steps to make Potato Cheese Balls:

Step 1: 

Take a medium-sized or a big mixing bowl and add the potatoes and mash then. Then mix the mashed potatoes with the onions, capsicums, green chili, coriander, and add the chili flakes, oregano. After this add the salt carefully and form a dough.  

Step 2: 

Keep the cup of mozzarella cheese in front of you and after oiling your palm take some mashed potato mixture. Make a hole in the mixture and put one cube of cheese inside the hole. Then make a proper round shape and keep it aside on another plate.  

Step 3: 

Make the mixture of cornflour, by adding the cornflour, water, and salt according to taste in a small bowl, and mix properly. Then put a plate of bread crumbs as well. Then slowly dip the potato balls in the mixture and coat them with the bread crumbs. Repeat the process for the second time as well so that the coating is done properly. Prepare the other balls like this.  

Step 4: 

Heat some oil in a non-stick frying pan. Keep the oven at medium flame. When the oil gets heated fully put few potato balls and keep stirring them occasionally. After they are medium fried take them out and put them on a plate with tissue paper. Fry the others as well. After all, are fried then fry them all together so that they remain crispy for a long time.

Step 5: 

Put them on a plate nicely and you can garnish them with coriander or grated cheese. Serve them crispy with tomato sauce and salad. 

Also Read

Easy Homemade Chicken Recipes

Key Health Benefits of Quinoa, That Makes It Worth The Nutrition Hype

12 Easy Recipes To Beat The Heat

Top 10 Sprouts Recipes For Breakfast

Dish Name: Crispy Potato Fingers 

Fish finger and french fries or chips with tomato ketchup and ma
Fish finger and french fries or chips with tomato ketchup and ma

General Information about Crispy Potato Fingers:- 

  • Total time required:- 25 minutes to 30 minutes
  • Preparation time:- 5 minutes to 10 minutes
  • Cooking time:- 20 minutes
  • Cooking level:- Easy
  • Cuisine:- Snacks
  • Course:- Side Dish

List of Ingredients to make Crispy Potato Fingers:- 

  • 4 large potatoes ( boiled and mashed)  
  • Water
  • Pepper (According to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon of garlic and onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • ½ teaspoon of chili flakes
  • Finely chopped coriander leaves
  • Bread crumbs
  • Refined or soybean Oil

For the coating 

  • 2 teaspoons of cornflour
  • Dry flour – Maida ( 2 teaspoons)  
  • Salt (according to taste)
  • Water

Steps to make Crispy Potato Fingers:

Step 1: 

In a medium-sized mixing bowl add the potatoes and mash or grate them. After that, add the dry ingredients one by one. Add garlic and onion powder, salt as per taste, chili flakes, coriander leaves, and bread crumbs. Mix them well and prepare a nice and soft mixture. 

Step 2: 

Oil your palm first and then take some of the potato fillings. Make nice finger-like shapes. After this is done you can refrigerate them for about 15 minutes to 20 minutes. This will help in improving the shape of the potato fingers and enhance the texture.

Step 3: 

While the finger is in the refrigerator you can make the cornflour slurry. Also do keep some bread crumbs and maida on two plates aside. In a bowl take little water and 2 teaspoons of cornflour and mix them really well.  

Step 4: 

After 15 minutes take each potato finger and coat them with maida and bread crumbs. Then dip them into the cornflour slurry and keep them on another plate aside. After all the fingers are ready keep them again in the refrigerator for another 10 minutes to 15 minutes before frying them deeply.

Step 5: 

For frying them heat the oil in a pan. When the oil is heated completely then put the fingers gently in the oil, 2 to 3 fingers in batches. After they turn golden brown put them on tissue paper on a plate. The tissue paper will absorb the excess oil.

Step 6: 

Serve them hot and crispy with mayonnaise or tomato sauce and enjoy!  

Bottom Line 

The above-mentioned dishes are extremely easy to make. Follow the steps properly and you will have some delicious and mouth-watering potato dishes in front of you. Make them and eat them together with your family and enjoy. The dishes are the perfect ones for first-time cooks and ideal for snacks, during tea time! So give them a try and explore the hidden cooking talents within you.  

A Man’s Guide to Fragrance: How to Choose and Wear Cologne

0
Handsome man buying fragrances
Handsome man buying fragrances

For us men, practising self-care in the form of our grooming regimen is a crucial part of our daily routine. While focusing primarily on our faces by brushing, cleansing, moisturising, trimming our beards and doing our hair is imperative; there is another equally important step of the tidying-up process that we do not and should not ever think of skipping- sprinkling on a fresh fragrance to start the day. 

A pleasant fragrance selected from among the Best Perfumes for Men emanating from your body not only does the very useful job of masking your body odour or the stench of sweat but also makes an integral part of your personal style. It is quite a powerful way of expressing your individuality, effectively cleansing your aura and also simultaneously charming everyone you are in proximity of. 

To help you expand your collection, here are a few reliable tips on how to choose and wear only the Best Perfumes for Men:

  • Know how different scents work- This is how fragrances actually work: Perfumed oil is mixed with solvents, usually alcohol and water, in different amounts,; ingredients which then slowly evaporate to diffuse the aroma. These are further classified into different categories depending on the percentage of each in the composition.
  1. Eau Fraiche- The terms mean ‘fresh water’ in French, ingredients include mostly water, alcohol and 1-3% of scented oils. It lasts the shortest because of the low concentration of oils and also costs the lowest. 
  2. Eau de Cologne- contains about 2-5% of fragrant oils along with the rest being alcohol and a small amount of water. Most colognes last for about 2-3 hours and leave a faint, woody, musky or vanilla base note. Are perfect for short functions.
  3. Eau de Toilette- 5-15% of scented oils mixed with alcohol, lasts for about 3-3.5 hours and is perfect for all occasions. 
  4. Perfume- The most concentrated one of them all, has about 20-30% content of essential oils. It lasts for upto 8-10 hours and is the costliest of them all. Perfect for day-long occasions.
  • Know what you want- Once you have established which one of the above suits best for you, it’s time to select what scents you like most. Only you will know which fragrances you gravitate more towards, musky, spices, floral or fruity. The Man Company’s Musk EDP for Men and Wild Stone’s Men Edge EDP are some unanimously loved options.
  • Go for mild but long-lasting ones- While it is quite easy to get carried away in the world of scents and go for stronger ones, it is also important to keep this mantra in mind- Mildness is key. A sharp smell can very quickly, instead of gently perking up senses, cloud them, trigger sensitivities or allergies, seem suffocating, come off as offensive and on the whole, have an effect that is the opposite of desire. 
  • Correct Application- This is not common knowledge but where you spray your perfume also makes a huge difference. Fragrances should be applied directly on the skin, in small amounts, in warm or hot areas of your body:
  1. Wrists
  2. Inner elbows
  3. Shoulders
  4. Below the jaw or neck.
  5. Chest

A good cologne matching your persona can boost your morale like nothing else and instantly make you appear infinitely more attractive. It has been scientifically proven that more often than not, your fragrance is the part of your presence that leaves a lasting positive imprint on people’s minds and becomes something they remember you by. So, if you’re someone who has been missing out on all these benefits of fragrances because of a lack of knowledge, now is the right time to change that. Hop onto Myntra and get yourself a few bottles of the Best Perfumes for Men!

For us men, practising self-care in the form of our grooming regimen is a crucial part of our daily routine. While focusing primarily on our faces by brushing, cleansing, moisturising, trimming our beards and doing our hair is imperative; there is another equally important step of the tidying-up process that we do not and should not ever think of skipping- sprinkling on a fresh fragrance to start the day. 

A pleasant fragrance selected from among the Best Perfumes for Men emanating from your body not only does the very useful job of masking your body odour or the stench of sweat but also makes an integral part of your personal style. It is quite a powerful way of expressing your individuality, effectively cleansing your aura and also simultaneously charming everyone you are in proximity of. 

To help you expand your collection, here are a few reliable tips on how to choose and wear only the Best Perfumes for Men:

  • Know how different scents work- This is how fragrances actually work: Perfumed oil is mixed with solvents, usually alcohol and water, in different amounts,; ingredients which then slowly evaporate to diffuse the aroma. These are further classified into different categories depending on the percentage of each in the composition.
  1. Eau Fraiche- The terms mean ‘fresh water’ in French, ingredients include mostly water, alcohol and 1-3% of scented oils. It lasts the shortest because of the low concentration of oils and also costs the lowest. 
  2. Eau de Cologne- contains about 2-5% of fragrant oils along with the rest being alcohol and a small amount of water. Most colognes last for about 2-3 hours and leave a faint, woody, musky or vanilla base note. Are perfect for short functions.
  3. Eau de Toilette- 5-15% of scented oils mixed with alcohol, lasts for about 3-3.5 hours and is perfect for all occasions. 
  4. Perfume- The most concentrated one of them all, has about 20-30% content of essential oils. It lasts for upto 8-10 hours and is the costliest of them all. Perfect for day-long occasions.
  • Know what you want- Once you have established which one of the above suits best for you, it’s time to select what scents you like most. Only you will know which fragrances you gravitate more towards, musky, spices, floral or fruity. The Man Company’s Musk EDP for Men and Wild Stone’s Men Edge EDP are some unanimously loved options.
  • Go for mild but long-lasting ones- While it is quite easy to get carried away in the world of scents and go for stronger ones, it is also important to keep this mantra in mind- Mildness is key. A sharp smell can very quickly, instead of gently perking up senses, cloud them, trigger sensitivities or allergies, seem suffocating, come off as offensive and on the whole, have an effect that is the opposite of desire. 
  • Correct Application- This is not common knowledge but where you spray your perfume also makes a huge difference. Fragrances should be applied directly on the skin, in small amounts, in warm or hot areas of your body:
  1. Wrists
  2. Inner elbows
  3. Shoulders
  4. Below the jaw or neck.
  5. Chest

A good cologne matching your persona can boost your morale like nothing else and instantly make you appear infinitely more attractive. It has been scientifically proven that more often than not, your fragrance is the part of your presence that leaves a lasting positive imprint on people’s minds and becomes something they remember you by. So, if you’re someone who has been missing out on all these benefits of fragrances because of a lack of knowledge, now is the right time to change that. Hop onto Myntra and get yourself a few bottles of the Best Perfumes for Men!

Easy Homemade Chicken Recipes

0
Baked chicken for Thanksgiving. Baked chicken or turkey
Baked chicken for Thanksgiving. Baked chicken or turkey

Are you looking for some easy home made chicken recipes? That is not only easy to cook but also takes less time? Are interested in exploring the hidden chef inside you? Then the dishes listed below are exactly what you are looking for.

All the dishes are extremely easy to prepare and take less than an hour.

Chicken is such an ingredient that can be cooked and enjoyed not only as the main dish but also as a side dish and snacks.

Dish Name: Honey Garlic Chicken 

Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Garlic, Herbs and Spices
Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Honey, Garlic, Herbs and Spices

General Information about Honey Garlic Chicken

  • Total Time Required: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Level: Easy
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Course: Side Dish

List of Ingredients to make Honey Garlic Chicken

  • 6 to 8 chicken thighs (with bone or boneless)
  • Salt (according to taste)
  • Pepper (according to taste)
  • 1½ to 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
  • 6 to 8 crushed cloves garlic
  • ⅓ cup of pure honey
  • ¼ cup of chicken broth (or boiled water)
  • 2 teaspoons of soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of any white vinegar (preferably rice wine vinegar or  apple cider)

Recipes to make Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1.

Take a medium-sized bowl. After washing the chicken properly, season it with salt and pepper according to taste. After that add regarding powder.  Mix it properly and keep the bowl aside.

Step 2.

Take a pan and heat it on medium flame. Sear the chicken thigh fillets. Continue searing until it turns golden brown and is cooked through properly.

Step 3.

After the searing on opposite sides is complete, cover the pan with a lid and continue cooking. Check once every 5 minutes. Drain the excess oil from the pan. Just keep 2 to 3 spoons of the latter in the pan so that it helps in enhancing the rich taste of the sauce.

Step 4.

After the chicken is cooked through to then add the crushed garlic between the chicken. Try on low flame for about 30 seconds. This will give the chicken a light garlic fragrant. 

Step 5.

Now in order to prepare the sauce in the pan add honey, chicken broth, white vinegar,  and finally the soya sauce. 

Step 6.

Increase the heat from lower to higher medium and continue to stir slowly. Continue until the sauce becomes a bit thick. Keep stirring for about 4 to 5 minutes. 

Step 7.

Now, enjoy this amazing Chinese easy-to-make, homemade recipe either with fried rice or jeera rice!

Also Read

Delectable Daliya recipes for a healthy meal

Flavorsome Spinach recipes you will want to try

Tasty and healthy Moong Dal recipes to try out

17 reasons why everyone should switch to veganism

Dish Name: Chicken Clear Soup

chicken soup
chicken soup

General Information about Chicken Clear Soup

  • Total Time Required: 25 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Cooking Level: Easy
  • Cuisine: Continental 
  • Course: Soup / Starter

Ingredients required to make Chicken Clear Soup

  • 300 grams to 400 grams of chicken with bones.
  • ¼ to ⅓ finely chopped onion.
  • 3 to 4 smashed whole garlic cloves.
  • ¼ cup of chopped carrots (small-sized)
  • 1 or 2 bay leaves.
  • 2 springs thyme.
  • 4 cups of water
  • Salt (according to taster)
  • ¼ teaspoon of freshly powdered black pepper.

Instructions to make Chicken Clear Soup

Step 1.

Wash the chicken well with normal temperature water. 

Step 2. 

Now add the chicken to a medium-sized pressure cooker. Add the onion, smashed garlic,  chopped carrot, bay leaves, and the sprigs thyme, one by one (Make sure to follow the quantity according to the list). Let it be on low flame for 30 seconds.

Step 3.

Add the water. Boil the whole content for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4.

Add Salt and Pepper according to taste, stir it a bit. Then close the lid,  and put the pressure cooker on high heat. After 2 to 3 whistles, simmer the heat. Let it cook for another 10 minutes on low flame.

Step 5.

After 10 minutes, turn off the oven and wait till the pressure cooker naturally releases the pressure.

Step 6.

Open the lid and continue stirring.

Step 7 (Optional)

Take 5 tablespoons of the soup water in a bowl and add one teaspoon of cornflour. Mix it well with the help of a fork or a whisk. Mix it with the soup and continue stirring. This will help in adding an extra thickness to the soup and enhance its texture. You might need to add salt again.

Step 8.

After some time strain the soup using a strainer. Take the chicken pieces out and shred them into extremely small pieces and discard the bones. Add the chicken to the soup again.

Step 9.

Garnish with pepper, salt, butter, and finely chopped spring onion greens.

Make sure to serve it hot. You may also serve it with garlic bread or normal toast. 

Dish Name: Crispy Chicken Pakoda or Pakora

Crispy fried chicken nuggets
Crispy fried chicken pokoda

General Information about Crispy Chicken Pakoda or Pakora

  • Total Time Required: 25 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Level: Easy
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Course: Snacks

Ingredients for making Crispy Chicken Pakoda or Pakora

  • 250 grams to 300 grams of chicken (diced in medium cubes)
  • 1 medium crushed onion.
  • 1 to 2 chopped or crushed onions (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste.
  • ¾ to 1 teaspoon of red chili powder (according to taster)
  • ¾ teaspoon of garam masala
  • ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder (optional)
  • Salt (according to taste)
  • 2 sprigs of curry leaves
  • 1 tablespoon of mint leaves 
  • 1 tablespoon of finely chopped coriander leaves.
  • 5 to 6 tablespoons of besan
  • 3 tablespoons of cornflour
  • 1 egg white (whisked)
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons of water (depending on your requirement)
  • Refined oil or Olive oil (for deep frying)

Steps to make Crispy Chicken Pakoda or Pakora

Step 1.

Take a medium-sized bowl and one by one add besan, Cornflour, chili powder,  turmeric powder, garam masala,  and salt according to the measures given. 

Step  2.

Mix it properly and check if you require any amount of salt or Chilli powder. If you do add according to the requirement.

Step 3.

Now add the ginger-garlic paste, smashed onion, curry leaves, coriander leaves, and the green chilies.

Step 4.

Take the small or medium-size diced chicken cubes and add them to the mixing bowl.

Step 5.

Add the egg white and 2 spoons of refined oil and mix well. 

Step 6.

After mixing everything properly add a small amount of water. Just take care that you are not adding excess water as the mixture needs to remain thick. 

Frying the Crispy Chicken Pakoda or Pakora

Step 7.

Heat the oil in a medium-sized pan for deep frying.  

Step 8. 

One by one slide the chicken pieces.

Step 9.

Do not fry many at the same time, and make sure to give each enough space to get fried and cooked properly.

Step 10.

After 2 to 3 minutes flip it over to the other side and wait till both sides turn golden-brown and crisp.

Step 11.

Use an oil strainer to filter the pakoras out of the oil. You can use tissue paper to soak the excess oil from them.

Make sure to serve them hot and enjoy this appetizing snack along with spicy green chutney and masala tea.

Bottom Line

Try these extremely easy and quick recipes at home for yourself and your family. These dishes can be prepared even by an amateur cook with great ease. 

Top 10 Ways to Get Involved in Sports Without Going Pro

0
sports

Around the world, hundreds of thousands of athletes compete in domestic and international leagues. Many rotate from representing their club to competing on national teams in the events like the Olympics. In fact, this year’s Tokyo Olympics saw over 11,500 athletes fly in from around the world in hopes of winning a gold medal.

According to Spanish publication Marca, over 115 million viewers watched the games from around the globe. Clearly, there’s plenty of interest in seeing how the world’s greatest athletes stack up—even if those watching from their couch won’t be going pro in their favorite sport anytime soon. 

Despite razor-thin odds that a sports fan will someday become a professional athlete, that doesn’t stop countless fans from pursuing sports as a hobby. With the advent of mobile technology, there have never been more ways to interact with a favorite sport, team, or athlete.

Ready to try something new, whether related to your favorite sport or in an entirely different lane? Here are the top ten ways to get involved without hiring a personal trainer and attempting to go pro yourself.

Fantasy Leagues & DFS

Fantasy leagues are one of the most common ways for fans to get closer to their favorite league. Traditionally, fantasy leagues run tandem to the real league, letting fans build a fantasy team and see how it performs as live stats from real games are announced.

DFS is a condensed, day-long version of the action. It combines elements of sports betting, as there are payouts for daily contests. Many sportsbooks also offer DFS. For example, one FanDuel sportsbook review highlights the mobile app’s popularity, which also works for their DFS services.

Start a Co-Ed Team

Playing in local leagues can be about developing skills—or it could be about making new friends. In places like the US and Canada, co-ed teams are a popular way for adults to get exercise and spend time with friends. Players are usually at a wide range of skill levels, meaning co-ed leagues are all about building relationships based on a shared sporting interest.

Organize a Fan Club

Unsurprisingly, football has the greatest number of fans and fan clubs than any other sport in the world. Some of these clubs are based on team loyalty, while others are hyper-specific. For example, football club Manchester United has 262 registered support groups in 89 countries.

Starting a fan club, whether virtual or in-person, is a great way to create a unique fan experience. Some groups get together after big games to break down the action, while others might instead create kitschy collectibles, like hand-crocheted puppets of their favorite players.

Top 10 Ways to Get Involved in Sports Without Going Pro

Get Into Collectibles

Recently, the NBA launched its own NFT collectibles called Top Shot. The service lets users buy and trade digital trading cards with top moments from basketball history. Though local fans won’t have the time or technology to do the same, there are plenty of ways to participate with collectorship. 

The easiest way is to keep a lookout for special deals from clubs. Usually, anniversaries or great season records are enough for a special line to come out.

GM Games

Fantasy leagues give sports fans the chance to put themselves into the position of head coaches and team officials. However, some fans prefer to player GM games (General Manager) on mobile devices. Fantasy leagues are bound to live results from a league, but GM games are often simulated. 

Games like Football Manager, Motorship Manager, and Cricket Captain let users slide into the shoes of upper management to lead their team to victory. With a range of modes available, the action never ends.

Attend Live Games

Clearly, sports fans prioritize attending live matches. But for fans of international leagues or mega-popular clubs, finding tickets can be impossible. Many fans instead choose to support a local team from a minor league. Tickets are cheaper, crowds tend to be thinner, and there’s still plenty of excitement to sink their teeth into.

Follow an Athlete or Club

Following a favorite player or club via social media is often one of the most unique ways to get closer to a sport. Many athletes hire publicity groups to curate their feeds, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t heartfelt peeks into the lives of top athletes, which shed light on their lifestyle and priorities.

Another way to get closer to the action is to subscribe to a club’s newsletter. Some clubs will provide exclusive content or offers to subscribers who regularly support them. In some cases, clubs will provide breaking news to their followers first.

Watch a New Sport

This year’s Tokyo Olympics coverage highlighted interest in a new range of sports and breakout stars. For example, new offerings like skateboarding and speed climbing spread across news sites around the world. Meanwhile, classics like track and field and swimming commanded large viewing audiences.

Clearly, there’s curiosity in viewing new or fringe sports. Branching out to watch major events in a new wheelhouse can be a rewarding experience that diversifies a sports fan’s interests.

Try a VR Version

The Nintendo Wii is as close to virtual sports simulations as many will get. Though VR is becoming more popular, accessing headsets and gaming consoles can be costly. However, some stadiums are now providing VR experiences for attendees, which are placed in booths and kiosks around the grounds.

Those who aren’t able to catch live games aren’t out of luck. Some leagues, like the NHL and NBA, provide unique VR experiences on their websites. To dive in, all a viewer needs are VR-ready goggles, whether cardboard or state-of-the-art.

Check out the Classics

Most sports have a long and storied history, and many fans are accustomed to hearing tales from older generations about star players and major wins. Those looking to dive deeper into their favorite team and figure out what all the hype is about can typically access older games online.

At the moment, many leagues (and clubs) are looking to preserve and highlight their histories. As more and more antiquated games and highlight reels are available online, there’s a nearly endless amount of content for fans to uncover.

Why do Women need financial services tailored to their unique profiles?

0
Indian woman
Indian woman

Nowadays, financial services are equally vital as quality education, safe water and healthcare services to aid people grasping advantages of modern economy. In last few decades, the finance sector witnessed significant transformation with substantial innovations, which social change we could hardly thought of in earlier ages trapped by caste conflicts. A few extensionist, social workers, anthropologist and religious missionaries were handful exceptions. The steady transformation of visitor’s profile enabled the embryonic revolution in development finance, further providing a strong platform for social banking.

Recognizing financial inclusion as a powerful tool of the development ecosystem, the bankers initiated visiting rural outskirts on a massive scale to economically empower villagers with soft credit that can be useful to come out of the circle of poverty and debt trap of moneylenders. Having shared a common client pool, both the missionaries and bankers leaned towards exploring villages with notions avoiding the grassroot realities and local dynamics. Though the populist politicians initially terminated this financial revolution, but gradually they understood its critical importance in development ecosystem and also as shield of protection against current economic deadweight.

The Concept & Emergence of Mann Deshi Bank:

With times, a prosperous opportunity in development finance became clearly visible to the third sector organizations. Among the wide array of development activists, Chetna Sinha emerged as a visionary economist by establishing the Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank in Satara of Maharashtra in 1997. This was the first bank by, of and for the rural women in India.

Further in its journey, this bank availed the service of Rekha Kulkarni, the present CEO of the same. Her life too was full of turmoil and rigorous struggle. This was the first kind of thought at its time, which now has a wide network of 2 lakh account holders across 8 branches with all-time credit grant of Rs. 500 crores. This became a very successful model, much-admired by the Harvard Business School and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). She has also delivered lectures on this model bank at the yards of Yale and Harvard.

Initially, both of them faced several challenges in setting up their ideas to the present grandeur. But both were highly determined on their long-term vision and calculated risks. They knew that affordable credit can take low-income households out of poverty cycle to build assets and protect their lives and livelihoods. Alongside, well-designed insurance cover can enable them to be resilient against economic shocks like illness, unemployment or disasters like Covid-19 pandemic.

Why financial services tailored to ‘WOMEN’?

The Mann Deshi bank had a clear vision of providing sustainable, equitable and resilient finance support system. Their ideology was to set up a bank, designed and governed by the poor women exclusively. Recognizing and valuing the specific challenges and concerns unique to women, they crafted specific products customized financial products according to their precise requirements. Acknowledging the prevailing gender inequality and distressed financial journey of women, they provided timely and hassle-free credit to the poor women of Satara through reformist and behavioural approach instead of regular red-tapism. They also developed one unique product, named as wealth card that indicates customer’s net worth or assets.

Way Forward:

Chetna, founder of Mann Deshi bank, devised two novel mantras: firstly, not to provide poor solutions to poor people ever. Secondly, invest in women so that poor rural women can also become a regular part and parcel of financial inclusion like others. The new normal aftermath covid-19 raises questions regarding the unknowns of regaining businesses by its clients and the face of recovery post lockdown. But the utmost hope lies in the determination and resilience of women. Though vulnerabilities and fragilities form a major part of their lives, still every time they proved they can and they cope. Both the banking system and the clients are expected to build back better post covid-19 situation.