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Time of India
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ahmedabad's fragheads indulge in perfumery workshops
Written by: Yashaswi Kochar Perfume-making workshops, which let you recreate the essence of luxury fragrances along with discovering your personal scent profile, are emerging as a favourite weekend activity for Amdavadis. Raveena, who hosts such workshops, says, 'It begins with a concept or mood, followed by experimenting with different notes—top, middle, and base. A strong sense of smell, balanced proportions, and lots of trial and error help us blend the perfect scent. Every perfume we create is a mix of art, science, and personal expression.' These workshops blend science with creativity, and participants are taken on a fragrant journey from the basics before diving into the hands-on process of creating their own scents. Biral, a workshop host, says, 'We start with theory, where I teach about how the essential oils are made, types, distributors and chemicals that we use.' Choose your favourite from a variety of scents 'It's a calming and creative experience' Ayushi Bavishi, a freelance content writer, shares, 'I attended a workshop because I wanted to explore a gentle, skin-safe alternative to regular perfumes. The experience was calming and creative.' The sessions often begin by breaking down the structure of iconic scents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Raveena explains, 'We usually start by recreating second copies of popular perfumes, but crafting your own fragrance is a creative journey.' You can choose workshops based on your interest. Grishma Shah, a workshop host, says, 'We host two kinds of workshops. One is where we teach basic blending, where natural and synthetic ingredients can be used to increase their longevity. The second type is where we teach about creating their own scents through different notes. If you have always wondered how those little bottles of magic are made, perfume-making workshops might just be your new favourite weekend plan.' The notes you select can also reveal your personality. Grishma says, 'If you are mature, you like earthy and woody notes. If you are more joyous, you prefer citrus notes.' 'While it can be overwhelming for beginners, it's fun' For beginners, it's challenging to distinguish between the endless notes of fragrances. Raveena admits, 'With so many notes to explore, it can get overwhelming. But that's also the fun part—training your nose, sharpening your senses, and slowly recognising the unique character of each fragrance.' Newcomers also struggle with ensuring the right proportion of oils and chemicals and mastering the art of blending without overpowering a note. Shiva Singh, a copywriter, shares, 'For me, locking the bottle after pouring the perfume was challenging.' 'Some participants even take it up as a career' For some, the workshops ignite a new passion or even a career. Biral shares, 'A participant I taught three years back is now in the perfume business.' Ayushi adds, 'I started trying out more with fragrance blends at home and curated a few gifts for my friends and family. It made me think about scent as a form of self-expression.' For some, it ended up being their passion. 'I started blending a few drops of bergamot for freshness, cedarwood for structure, and white musk for that soft, skin-like finish. It was all trial and error, but it was a thrilling learning experience. The first time I wore it on my skin and experienced how it opened, warmed up, and settled into a cosy trail, I knew this hobby had turned into a passion,' says Kiratsinh Jadeja, co-founder and CEO of an education company. Perfumes can be comforting too. Kiratsinh says, 'Jasmine was my late mother's scent. Since she passed, I've been drawn to jasmine in a way that's emotional and comforting; it brings her presence back in the most delicate, invisible way.' Things to remember Test on skin, not just paper: Fragrances react with your body chemistry – pH, skin warmth, even diet. Something that smells great on a blotter, or someone else, may behave differently on you. Check the concentration (EDT, EDP, parfum): The concentration affects how long the perfume lasts and how strong it smells. EDT is lighter (3–5 hours), EDP is stronger and lasts longer (6–8 hours), while parfum is the most intense. Understand your scent preferences: Know what you like– floral, woody, musky, gourmand. Buy from authentic sources: The market is full of fakes and diluted versions. A counterfeit may smell similar at first but lacks quality, depth, and safety. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Goa Challengers begins its quest for hat-trick of titles
When Harmeet Desai led the Dempo Goa Challengers to a terrific triumph in Chennai last September, the team scripted history by becoming the first team to win two titles, and that too back-to-back, in Ultimate Table Tennis. As the franchise-based table tennis league returns for its sixth edition, Challengers would be gunning to register a hat-trick of triumphs. Challengers would begin their quest by taking on Ahmedabad SG Pipers, who will hope to see Amdavadis turn up to support it despite the IPL frenzy in town for the next four days. Pipers had a topsy-turvy campaign to its campaign in the last edition. Despite receiving a setback in Manika Batra's late pull-out due to a conspicuous injury, Pipers would be banking on Ayhika Mukherjee to grab the opportunity and Ricardo Walther to absorb the pressure against Harmeet & Co. 'To win it twice was thrilling last year. A hat-trick of titles — that too in my home state — will be an incredible achievement. We know how challenging and competitive UTT is, but we are confident Goa Challengers can repeat history,' Harmeet told The Hindu on Friday. Manika's injury has increased the list of prominent Indian absentees. A. Sharath Kamal hung up his boots in March while Manush Shah, the defending men's singles National champion, and Manav Thakkar have preferred their pro commitments over UTT. The leading Indians' absence, though, will mean rising stars like Payas Jain, Akash Pal and SFR Snehit will have an opportunity to prove their mettle under pressure. The fact that Fan Siqi will become the first Chinese paddler in the UTT arena when she dons the Chennai Lions' yellows indicates the growing acceptance of the league in the global arena. Saturday's fixtures: Jaipur Patriots vs. Dabang Delhi T.T.C. (5 p.m.); Ahmedabad SG Pipers vs. Dempo Goa Challengers (7.30 p.m.)
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Humidity hits peak, puts Ahmedabad in a sweat spot
Ahmedabad: While the maximum temperature at 39.7°C was 2.3 degrees lower than normal, Amdavadis found themselves in a rather uncomfortable sauna on Monday. A thick blanket of humidity, peaking at a muggy 63% in the morning and lingering at 42% into the evening, turned an otherwise mild day into a sweaty affair. The India meteorological department (IMD) warns that this sticky situation is likely to persist for the next few days, thanks to an upper air cyclonic circulation hanging over central Maharashtra. While no significant temperature shifts are anticipated this week, relief might be on the horizon. Starting Wednesday, North and South Gujarat could see light thunderstorms and flashes of lightning, accompanied by gusty winds. Thursday threatens heavier downpours in Chhota Udepur and Narmada, with lighter storms potentially dampening spirits across South and parts of Central Gujarat. By Friday, Navsari, Valsad, Amreli, and Bhavnagar are bracing for heavy rainfall, while cloudy skies are expected to cast a grey veil over several other districts. Interestingly, this summer has been a bit of a roller-coaster for Ahmedabad and Gujarat. After an initial fiery spike, maximum temperatures have remained relatively low, said experts. With whispers of an early monsoon arrival in June, this milder, albeit humid, pattern might stay the same for many regions. Adding to the unusual weather narrative, several districts experienced uncharacteristic heavy pre-monsoon showers earlier in May. Across the state, Rajkot felt the most heat at 40.7°C, closely followed by Kandla (40.5°C) and Surendranagar (40.4°C).
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
SMALL BOX, BIG HIT
In the heart of Ahmedabad, as dusk settles and city lights flicker to life, the spirit of cricket keeps its date with urban ingenuity, exuding a makeshift charm. Box cricket, a compact variant of India's beloved game, has captured the imagination of Amdavadis, transforming vacant plots into vibrant gathering spaces where generations connect and friends bond with each other under the glow of floodlights. The night air carries the sounds of competition and camaraderie, creating a community ritual that has become an inherent part of the city's after-hours culture . Satyen Raval, founder of a box cricket facility near Anant University, has witnessed this transformation firsthand. 'Box cricket has emerged as one of the fastest growing sports trends in Ahmedabad. The concept really took off in the last two to three years. With the scarcity of traditional cricket grounds and declining physical stamina among many players, box cricket offers the perfect compromise. People still have a deep love for cricket but find this compact version far more accessible and convenient,' he says. What sets box cricket apart is its ability to bring the game to the people as the arenas are often set up within residential areas or community spaces. Players range from six-year-olds to seniors in their sixties, though most enthusiasts fall within the 17-35 age group. The business model has proven irresistible for landowners and entrepreneurs alike. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around in 2025 Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Meet Patel, a 27-year-old developer, who invested in a box cricket facility last year, says, 'Cricket is our national passion, but traditional formats have become increasingly impractical for most people. This gap has created the perfect opportunity for box cricket to flourish. As someone already involved in construction with a personal love for cricket, setting up a box cricket facility near Tapovan Circle last year came naturally to me. I invested approximately Rs 25 lakh to create a 120×80 feet space with 42-foot-high nets.' 'The facility is now averaging five hours of bookings a day, with demand steadily growing. Our busiest period is between 8pm and 1am, and we are anticipating a significant surge during the vacation season,' he adds. The business proposition is increasingly compelling for property owners. Many landowners who prefer regular income rather than selling their property are turning to box cricket. 'Developers frequently partner with these landowners, with land typically leased at around Rs 100 per square foot. Initial investment runs into approximately Rs 25-30 lakh, but ongoing maintenance is minimal. Operations are streamlined, requiring just one staff member to manage the facility,' Raval further says. NIGHT OWLS AND CRICKET This nocturnal preference reflects both practical considerations and cultural traditions. 'Most facilities see peak bookings between 8pm and 2am, sometimes extending until 3am. The daytime heat deters players, so evening and night slots are in highest demand. During holidays, bookings start as early as 5pm. Hourly rates typically range from Rs 1,000-1,200, touching Rs 1,400 during peak holiday weekends,' explains Raval. Harsh Padhiyar, a student whose evenings are now reserved for these miniature battlegrounds, explains, 'Box cricket has become much more than just a game for us. It offers a welcome escape from academic pressure while strengthening the bonds between friends. Unlike simply hanging out at cafes, it keeps us physically active and motivated to maintain our fitness. It is the perfect combination of social interaction and recreation. ' For many players, the box cricket experience does not end with the final ball. Several facilities have embraced the concept of a complete entertainment experience, offering cozy cafes where players can refuel and relive the highlights of their matches over refreshments. Bhavya Ojha, a 26-year-old real estate developer, has also recognized box cricket as an emerging trend and recently established a facility on Science City Road. 'I've been passionate about sports since childhood and always dreamed of launching my own sports venture. When I set up this box cricket facility on my land, I knew Amdavadis would love it. We're already seeing full bookings on weekends and good turnout on weekdays. The vacation period looks especially promising, with both children and families eager to play alongside guests and neighbours,' says Ojha. Kalpendrasinh Jadeja, who runs a washing machine service centre, shares, 'For years, I played at the GMDC ground in Vadaj. Now at 40, after hip replacement surgery, playing on open grounds isn't feasible for me anymore. Box cricket has been my salvation. It has kept my passion for the game alive. Our group of about 20 friends meets every Friday at 10pm without fail. No reminders are needed. It has become such a ritual that everyone just shows up at the appointed hour. ' 'Box cricket has become an expected amenity in larger residential communities,' explains Taral Shah, director of a real estate company in Ahmedabad. 'We have incorporated these facilities in three of our projects housing over 300 families each.' The trend extends beyond residential spaces into Ahmedabad's corporate environments. 'We installed a box cricket facility at our office headquarters,' says Monil Parikh, director of a real estate consulting firm in the city. 'Our predominantly young team spends Saturday afternoons playing together for 3-4 hours. It serves as both recreation and a powerful team-building tool that strengthens workplace relationships.' SURAT'S SPORTING GEM In Surat, known for its bustling diamond industry, box cricket has emerged as a sparkling alternative to traditional sports venues. With over 100 facilities now dotting the cityscape, it has become a vital outlet for sports enthusiasts facing an acute shortage of open grounds. 'There are virtually no open grounds left in cities today, and people desperately need spaces to play,' explains Kamlesh Patel, chairman of C B Patel Box Cricket. 'What makes box cricket so appealing is that players get readymade infrastructure. They simply need to show up with a bat. It has also become a social catalyst, with groups and communities organizing gatherings where they can socialize while staying physically active. ' The sport has penetrated deeply into Surat's social fabric, with educational institutions, residential societies and community groups regularly organizing tournaments in the box cricket format. 'First, it's an affordable way to maintain fitness, and second, it provides a meaningful activity beyond just hanging out,' notes Jay Sharma, a cricket enthusiast. 'In most neighbourhoods, people head to box cricket venues after dinner, making it part of their evening routine. ' MODIFIED RULES Rajkot, the birthplace of cricket legends, now boasts between 80 and 100 box cricket facilities, charging Rs 1,000 to 1,200 per hour. What makes the format particularly appealing is its accessibility — requiring less physical exertion and technical expertise than traditional cricket, thus welcoming participants across age groups, including beginners. Pruthviraj Ahir, who runs Infinity Sports Club on Kalawad Road, observes, 'Box cricket is becoming incredibly popular because it is inclusive. Men and women across age groups can participate comfortably. We regularly host groups of doctors, corporate employees, friends and students.' While maintaining cricket's essential spirit, box cricket in Rajkot operates with modified rules for faster, more engaging gameplay: no LBW rules, a limit of two fielders behind the wicket, no wide ball regulations and mandatory straight batting, with left-side hits resulting in an automatic out. For Parth Bagdai, an auto parts trader who plays twice weekly, the appeal is clear: 'We typically play for three hours. With the average cost coming to Rs 200 per person, box cricket is quite affordable considering the enjoyment it provides.' BUSINESS MEETS FUN In Vadodara, box cricket venues, both large and small, have proliferated across the city in recent years with weekend slots consistently booked to capacity. The format has also gained popularity among professionals seeking convenient fitness options. 'Many businesspeople and professionals struggle to maintain regular workout routines due to time constraints. Box cricket offers them an enjoyable physical activity combined with social interaction,' says Sandip Desai, who operates a spacious box cricket venue in Manjalpur. Avi Amin, who owns a 10,000 sq ft facility in Makarpura GIDC estate, points to urbanization as a key driver: 'Vadodara once had numerous open grounds where people could play cricket freely. Even gully cricket was ubiquitous. But urban development has eliminated most of these spaces and vehicles now occupy the lanes where children once played. Box cricket has filled this void.' The format has even entered the corporate sphere, with companies organizing box cricket tournaments as part of their CSR initiatives, Amin adds. The growing trend only shows how thinking inside the box has opened up boundless new possibilities for recreation in space-constrained urban environments. — With inputs from Nimesh Khakhariya, Tushar Tere and Yagnesh Mehta
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Blood philanthropy: Amdavadis give blood every 2 mins, organise camp every 2 hours!
SLUG: WORLD RED CROSS DAYAhmedabad: In the season of T20, the city takes pride in its unique Two2. While Amdavadis may bear jokes about being pinchpennies, there is one area where the city leads the world in giving, and that is blood Patel, chairman emeritus of the Ahmedabad branch of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), says that on average, one Amdavadi donates blood every two minutes, and one blood donation camp is organised every two hours, making it a Two2 May 8 is celebrated as World Red Cross Day, Patel said that the city can take pride in its blood philanthropy. "The city has 138 centurion blood donors who have donated blood or blood components more than 100 times. No other city in the world is on record to have reached even close to this figure. We also have all five women centurion blood donors of India, three double centurions, India's first blood donor centurion couple, and the first blood donor centurion with disabilities," said who donated blood 151 times, is the recipient of this year's President of India's Red Cross Gold Medal for his contribution to voluntary blood donation and the launch of the Thalassemia Care, Awareness & Prevention (CAP) Mission of the Red Cross. The mission caters completely free to the lifesaving transfusion needs of more than 1,200 children suffering from this blood disorder. May 8 is also celebrated as Thalassemia city's IRCS boasts mascots Sherdil and Caredil and initiatives such as blood-o-pedia, thalas-e-media, and Jeevan Utsav. Shatabdi Bhavan in the city is now one of India's largest blood centres. IRCS officials said that the lionhearted Amdavadis ensure that children with thalassemia are never out of blood for transfusion, and it is one of the reasons that many are now leading normal Blood donation in numbers4%: Ahmedabad's blood donor to population (BDP) ratio, against 1% for India and global ratio of 1.5%2.5L: City's annual blood collection5k: Number of blood donation camps in city1963: First blood bank came up in Civil Hospital campus56.6L: Units of blood donated in 60 years2.45L: Blood units collected in 2023, one of the highest
