Latest news with #VarshaRitu
Hindustan Times
06-08-2025
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru's flower power and festive vibes
Barkha Ritu or Varsha Ritu is here, which means rain. For most of us, this time of year involves a visit to the Lalbagh Flower Show from August 7 to 17, glorifying Rani Chennamma and Sangoli Rayanna. I knew the former, thanks to the Rani Chennamma express that I have taken, connecting Bengaluru and Sangli. But I had to read up about Sangoli Rayanna. Preparations underway for the 218th Independence Day Flower Show at Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bengaluru (PTI) It is also the season of Raksha Bandhan so all the shops in my area are lined with Rakhi bracelets alternating with Indian flags thanks to the demand for them as lapel pins on Independence Day. I love this time of year in Bangalore. The air is cool, the skies cloudy, rain sprinkles on rose bushes at all times of day and night. The best way to see all this is to ride the Bangalore Metro which is sprouting new lines, and from which you can see the mandatory march-past practices that happen in schools and army grounds. August 15 is also a time when new things linked to India's history and heritage take shape. To my delight, lots of textile events are happening. Want to learn about Banaras weaves? Head to the Bangalore International Centre where textile revivalist, Chandra Jain is curating an exhibition of Banaras brocades. Running from August 14-20, the exhibit has guided walks to showcase this intricate weave that is born in the pit looms of Kashi. Chandra Jain is one of the textile doyennes of Bangalore, speaking with knowledge and intuition about how to use and enjoy our weaves. Another recent exhibit that was path-breaking was put together by The Registry of Sarees on the Risha, an upper garment worn and woven in Tripura. Founder Ahalya Mathan organised talks and walk-throughs for people like me who didn't even know that such a garment existed. I saw it and longed for it. It makes more sense than the tight blouses that we all nowadays wear with sarees, a Colonial hangover that ought to be forgotten. Bappaditya Biswas, founder of the beloved textile brand, Bailou was in conversation with dance-choreographer Madhu Natraj (on whose board I serve) about Weftscapes, an exhibition sponsored by Ambara, a lovely store in Bangalore, walking distance from where I live. The exhibit showcased indigo-dyed jamdani kimonos. I walked in wearing my Neelambari jamdani saree and was engrossed for an hour of conversation between two maestros about movement in dance and textiles. Movement was the focus of an exhibition of stone sculptures held at Panchavati, Sir CV Raman's red-oxide tiled home in Malleshwaram with its extensive beautiful grounds. Thankfully, its inheritors have not decided to tear down the house and make it a high-rise, unlike the nearby Villa Pottipatti, which used to be a lovely bungalow until its owners tore it down. Here at Panchavati, you can still walk the grounds. This week, there was an exhibition of stone sculptures commissioned by Stonex, a Delhi-based brand. If you are using art to promote your company's name, more power to you. The exhibition is lovely and it has moved across different cities. It has more male artists than female, which is really my problem with it. Wouldn't it be amazing to have an all-women cast of female sculptors work with this ancient medium? That requires getting out of our gender and cultural hangovers. One particular hangover that Bengaluru seems to have shed is the fascination with European chefs. There used to be a time when all the food pop-ups that happened in five-star hotels were by French and Italian chefs. Today, that same space has been taken over by local chefs and restaurants. Recently, Nara Thai of Mumbai did a pop-up in Idyll, a stand-alone restaurant in the buzzy 12th Main Road, Indiranagar. JW Marriott invited Goa's Fireback Thai restaurant for two days. Bengalureans apparently love Thai food, more than pizza or Italian. Part of it is because it is lighter and spicier on the palate when compared to European food. The other part is that it affords a more reasonably priced experience than importing a European chef. I think part of the reason is that Thai food goes well with Bengaluru rains. Alcohol brands have all the money so every week, there are several bar takeovers. Most begin late so I don't go, but recently, Stephano Bussi of The Aubrey in Hong Kong (named number 10 in the World's top 50 bars) was here, brought for a pop-up at Loya restaurant at the Taj West End. Cocktail making is about showmanship and Bussi didn't disappoint, although I have seen much more whirling and throwing among our young and ambitious Indian bartenders. Which brings us back to the monsoon. I think of Mira Nair's movie, Monsoon Wedding and its song, 'Rabba Rabba Meh Varsa' and its poetic depiction of the monsoon. I wonder if Mira's son, Zohran Mamdani, currently New York's Mayoral candidate, has experienced the Indian monsoon. If not, he should come to Bengaluru. (Shoba Narayan is Bengaluru-based award-winning author. She is also a freelance contributor who writes about art, food, fashion and travel for a number of publications.)
India.com
04-08-2025
- Health
- India.com
Monsoon Eye Problems? Expert Reveals Ayurvedic Secrets That'll Keep Your Vision Clear And Bright This Season
As the skies open and the monsoon rains sweep across the land, our bodies undergo a subtle but significant transformation. The cool winds and increased humidity may feel refreshing after the summer heat, but they trigger internal imbalances, especially within the doshas that regulate our health. According to Ayurveda, this shift can particularly affect our eyes, leading to dryness, irritation, redness, or even more serious visual disturbances. The good news? Thousands of years of Ayurvedic wisdom offers timeless techniques to help you maintain eye clarity and comfort during this vulnerable season. Dr Neha Metrey, founder of Shree Jee Netra Arogyam, highlights that monsoon-related eye issues aren't just seasonal annoyances; they're deeply connected to how Vata and Pitta doshas behave during Varsha Ritu. Ayurvedic eye care isn't about surface symptom control; it's about addressing the root causes through rituals, dietary shifts, and lifestyle alignment. Why the Monsoon Affects Your Eyes Dr Neha says, "In Ayurveda, Varsha Ritu (monsoon) is a period of Vata aggravation and Pitta accumulation. Cold, damp, and windy weather ungrounds the body (Vata prakopa), while stored heat and humidity increase internal fire (Pitta sanchaya). Your digestion weakens (Agni disruption), immunity takes a hit, and the senses—including the eyes—become more vulnerable." Alochaka Pitta, the subdosha responsible for vision, primarily governs eyes. She says, when Vata rises and Pitta builds up, you may experience symptoms like: 1. Dry, twitchy, or fatigued eyes (due to aggravated Vata) 2. Burning, redness, or inflammation (due to accumulated Pitta) 3. Thick secretions or blurred vision (from minor Kapha imbalance due to poor diet) To avoid these issues, Ayurveda recommends a seasonal shift in how we care for our vision. Ayurvedic Rituals for Monsoon Eye Health 1. Netra Tarpana (Eye Rejuvenation Therapy) A deeply nourishing treatment where medicated ghee is gently poured and retained over the eyes using a dough dam. This therapy: → Moisturises and soothes dry, tired eyes → Enhances eyesight and strengthens ocular tissues → Alleviates symptoms of screen fatigue or dryness 2. Anjana (Herbal Collyrium) Dr Neha reveals, "Herbal eye applications using Sauveeranjana (daily) or Rasanjana (weekly) cleanse the eyes, reduce Kapha buildup, and combat Pitta-driven redness." 3. Nasya (Nasal Oil Therapy) Instilling medicated oil (like Anu Taila or Shadbindu Taila) in the nostrils nourishes all sensory organs, including the eyes. 4. Padabhyanga (Foot Massage) Dr Neha says, "Massaging the soles of your feet with ghee or medicated oil before bed helps calm Vata and improve vision. Ayurveda notes a deep connection between the feet and ocular nerves." 5. Cold Water Eye Washes Rinsing the eyes with cold or room temperature water (especially in the early morning) can relieve burning and reduce inflammation. What to Eat and Avoid for Healthy Eyes During Monsoon Dr Neha reveals healthy diet recommendations and what to eat and avoid for healthy eyes during monsoon: Pathya (Wholesome Practices): Diet Recommendations: 1. Choose warm, light, and easy-to-digest meals 2. Include Trikatu (dry ginger, black pepper, long pepper) to boost digestion 3. Favour bitter, astringent, and pungent tastes to pacify Pitta and Vata 4. Use ghee in moderation for internal lubrication 5. Sip spiced buttermilk (takra) post meals to soothe digestion Lifestyle Tips: 1. Avoid exposure to harsh winds or rainwater splashes on the face 2. Sleep on time and minimise screen exposure at night 3. Keep your environment dry and warm 4. Use eye-friendly indoor lighting Apathya (What to Avoid): Dietary Don'ts: 1. Steer clear of heavy, oily, and overly salty foods 2. Say no to fermented or stale dishes 3. Be cautious with green leafy vegetables that might carry monsoon infections Lifestyle Habits to Avoid: 1. Overuse of digital screens without rest 2. Exposure to cold drafts or overly air-conditioned rooms 3. Sleeping during the day, which can aggravate Pitta and Kapha 4. Walking in the rain without eye protection Ayurvedic Remedies to Support Eye Health 1. Triphala: An age-old remedy known for cleansing and rejuvenating eyes. Can be taken internally or used as a gentle eyewash. 2. Haritaki: Detoxifying and Vata-pacifying, perfect for clearing systemic dryness. 3. Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry): Loaded with Vitamin C, it supports Alochaka Pitta and nourishes visual capacity. 4. Yashtimadhu (Licorice): Soothes burning eyes when used in ghrita preparations or as eyewash. Dr Neha concludes, "Ayurvedic eye care is more than a seasonal routine; it's a lifestyle of conscious vision preservation. By adapting to the rhythms of nature and embracing ancient wisdom, you can keep your eyes not only disease-free but also vibrant, sharp, and full of life, even in the dampest days of monsoon. Whether it's through Netra Tarpana, nourishing ghee, or simply sipping buttermilk, your eyes will thank you for the seasonal care." So, this monsoon, don't just carry an umbrella, carry wisdom too. Protect your inner vision as fiercely as you protect yourself from the rain.
