THE 10 GREAT SAFEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD IN THE YEAR 2021

Safe means protected from or not exposed to danger or risk. Safety is one of the top priorities for nations worldwide, be it in better protecting its citizens on the streets, guarding them against wrongdoing or even safeguarding them against online crime. This report is published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, “an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to shifting the world’s focus to peace as a positive, achievable and tangible measure of human wellbeing and progress.” A total of 163 countries are featured in the report. There are 23 different indicators used to determine how safe or how dangerous a country is. Main factors are Number of internal and external violent conflicts, Level of distrust, Political instability, Potential for terrorist acts, Number of homicides, Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP. Based on these factors, a score is calculated for each of the 163 nations featured. The lower the score, the higher the nation is ranked in terms of safety. Here is the list of top 10 safest countries in the world.

1.Iceland

cascade cliff clouds dawn
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Land of ice and fire, better known as Iceland has been voted the safest country in the world 13 years in a row now. The Global Peace Safety index looks at crime rates, the political landscape, natural disasters and health risks. The official categories are social safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflicts and the level of militarization. Iceland is a unique place with a strong yet sensible character. Here air quality is exquisite. Iceland is a Nordic nation with a relatively small population of 340,000.Icelanders feel safe in their country, even if they are in a position of power. Icelanders have excellent English language skills. Here the crime rate is very low. Iceland is not inhabited by mosquitoes, ticks, bears, snakes, poisonous spiders or any kind of other hazardous animals. You can roam around the highlands in berry season. The strict driving regulations in Iceland are yet another overlooked aspect contributing to the overall safety of its citizens and visitors alike.

2.New Zealand

cars parked beside mountains
Photo by Ketan Kumawat on Pexels.com

New Zealand is the second-safest country in the world. New Zealand has a very low crime rate, especially violent crime. New Zealand has no deadly animals, unlike its neighbor down-under, Australia, known for having some dangerous wildlife. Corruption Perception Index ranks us the least corrupt country in the world, equal with Denmark. New Zealanders are by and large open-minded and believe people should be free to live the lifestyle they choose. It’s pretty safe and secure, you and your family can feel free to get out and enjoy everything New Zealand has to offer. We can enjoy New Zealand’s open spaces, discover the beaches, have fun in the playgrounds and parks, picnic, explore the bush, climb mountains and cycle to our heart’s content. We can also expect officials and people in authority do what they’re supposed to do without requiring extra cash, ‘service fees’ or favours. police in New Zealand do not carry personal firearms.

3.Portugal

woman wearing black and white blouse and white short standing on forest
Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Pexels.com

Portugal is the third safest country in the world. Portugal has made an economic resurgence, decreasing its unemployment rate from over 17% to 7%. It is second among the countries of the European Union. The issue of security is far from being a strict law enforcement issue. Today, security is a decisive factor in attracting investment, in attracting tourists that we hope to have again, in order to strengthen the country’s global image easily from countries that have great potential like this, in which insecurity limits economic development, investment or tourism”. Portugal is beaten only by Iceland and New Zealand on this list of the safest countries, and is ranked far higher than neighbouring countries such as Spain and France. Alongside climate, safety is an important deciding factor. An increased police presence has resulted in a decreased crime rate in the country. The sun shines for about 3,000hours a year in the Algarve, and the warm sea breeze from the Atlantic Ocean always feels pleasant on the skin. Political climate in the country has been stable for years and crime rates in Portugal are some of the lowest in Europe.

4.Austria

Austria is the fourth-safest country in the world. Austria ranking comes with developed economies and healthcare systems. Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. But there are still some hotspots where trouble may find travelers. Austria earned low weapon imports. The U.S. Department of State has assessed Vienna as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and violent crime is rare. Crime rates generally decreased slightly during 2019. Credit card fraud is less prevalent than in the U.S. because Austrians typically purchase goods and services using cash or bank transfers instead of using credit cards. Cybercrime in Austria generally follows worldwide trends. Due to the country’s political instability, social unrest has increased. Austria is a very safe country to visit. Serious crimes are uncommon, although people should be aware of pick pocketers and purse-snatchers.

5.Denmark

Denmark is considered an extremely safe country to visit. It is a country with almost no risk of natural disasters. Everyone in Denmark has access to healthcare with no additional fees to them, tuition-free education, and the elderly are provided at-home care helpers. There are no risks for women traveling solo in Denmark. We can relax, but still remain careful and stay out of dangerous situations such as finding ourselves alone with strange people, or in poorly lit or empty streets. Denmark has recently experienced a rise in gang violence, especially among immigrant groups. Denmark has a temperate climate, which is characterized by mild winters, coldest months being January and February with an approximate temperature of 1.5 °C (34.7 °F), and cool summers, with an approximate temperature in August of 17.2 °C. Denmark has a high level of equality and a strong sense of common responsibility for social welfare.

6.Canada

Canada also ranked as the sixth best country in the world for women, third in business, and second in terms of citizenship rankings. Safety is one of the top priorities for nations worldwide, be it in better protecting its citizens on the streets, guarding them against wrongdoing, or even safeguarding them against online crime,” reads. Canada is among top ‘safe and stable’ countries for international students. Canada has introduced some measures to allow international students to travel to their desired destination. Canada is considered one of the safest destinations in the world. Crime rates are low, police are trusted, easy to contact, and quick to respond. No matter where you travel some common-sense is an important part of personal safety and the security of your property. In Nova Scotia it’s also common to see wildlife along the sides of highways, so pay attention to the sides of the road.

7.Singapore

The city-state is also the second-safest city in the world. Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, which is due to severe penalties that are issued for even small crimes. Singapore residents felt the highest sense of personal security and have positive experiences with law enforcement. Gross domestic product per capita is high and unemployment is low, making Singapore one of the wealthiest nations in the world. The top three—Singapore, New Zealand and Australia—are able to provide a pre-pandemic quality of life for their populations, with the exception of international travel, which is basically shut down to prevent the virus from slipping back in.” Singapore gained self governance in 1959, and in 1963 joined the Federation of Malaysia. In 1965 it left the federation and became independent as the Republic of Singapore. Safety and security serve as a major point of pride, residents and visitors are subject to harsh penalties. One of Asia’s four economic tigers, Singapore has seen impressive growth in recent years as efficient manufacturing and production practices have made way for free-market innovation in the booming electronics and pharmaceutical industries. Space constraints coupled with rapid population growth contribute to concerns about the rising cost of living and income inequality. Conservation, land reclamation efforts and improved environment-friendly practices amid the urbanization and industrial pollution are also a focus.

8.Czech Republic

Security in the country is a crucial factor for tourism. The Czech Republic excels so well in this respect .Assessment of GPI is based on government expenditure on the military and weapons industry, relationships with neighbouring countries, degree of respect towards human rights, economic and educational situations, risk of terrorist attacks and of course criminality. Most peaceful countries tend to be smaller with a well-developed democratic system and fair economic situation. Crime rates have steadily decreased over the years, especially violent crimes. The Czech Republic also has a low impact of terrorism. Czech Republic is relatively involved high in foreign conflicts, the high ratio of the number of prisoners per capita, and security forces and police assessment. Safety should be one of the factors you consider when choosing a country to study abroad in. the Czech Republic is considered one of the safest destinations. The country’s strongest point was safe communities. The Czech Republic also boasts an efficient health care system – Czech hospitals are clean, the state-run insurance system is relatively inexpensive, and coverage is almost universal. Furthermore, the capital city of Prague is considered one of the safest and most beautiful cities in the world, too.

9.Japan

The ninth-safest country in the world is Japan. Japan is receiving high marks for low crime rates, internal conflict, and political terror. Japan is known for having limited immigration and limited access to firearms. According to the Safe Cities Index from the Economist Intelligence Unit, Tokyo is considered the safest city in the world, ranking first in cybersecurity, second for health security, and fourth for infrastructure security and personal security. The Japanese people are kind, courteous, and respectful, making Japan a must-go for female travelers. Crime is basically nonexistent in Japan. Basically, We can go anywhere in Japan without fear. Japan takes natural disaster preparation very seriously.

10.Switzerland

Switzerland is the Tenth safest country in the world. Switzerland reinvests much of its economic success back into its infrastructure, which translates into dependable and modern transportation, healthcare, communication, and education systems. With its rich green valleys, sparkling lakes, and majestic mountain ranges, Switzerland is not only one of the most beautiful places on earth, it is one of the most safe and stable countries in the world. Switzerland being well-prepared to handle the crisis. Switzerland was able to maintain neutrality through both world wars. Switzerland has so many beautiful, clean, and well-managed cities with extremely low crime rates, many major corporations have their headquarters here. It can boast a low unemployment rate, averaging about 3% over the last decade. This country has effective criminal justice systems and governments that maintain very healthy relationships with their citizens. Switzerland ranked amongst the ten highest weapons exporters per capita every year for the last five years. Switzerland ranks fourth global food security country.

Tagged : / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

TOP 10 COUNTRIES WITH BEST ROADS IN THE WORLD

A road is a wide way leading from one place to another, especially one with a specially prepared surface which vehicles can use. Since the dawn of civilization and the invention of the wheel, humanity has found the need to create paths and improve existing paths in order to facilitate easier and faster movement of people and goods. as the automobile and truck have offered ever higher levels of mobility, vehicle ownership per head of population has increased. Road needs have been strongly influenced by this popularity and also by the mass movement of people to cities and thence to suburban fringes – a trend that has led to increasing travel needs and road congestion and to low-density cities, which are difficult to service by public transport. Quality of roads may change from country to country. Road quality is determined by the extensiveness of a country’s road network, as well and the condition of that network. Countries are ranked based on assigned scores which range from 1 to 7. A score of 1 indicates that the quality of roads is extremely poor, while a score of 7 means the quality of road infrastructure which is extremely good. Here is the list of 10 Countries with The Best Roads in the world.

1.United Arab Emirates

architecture buildings city cityscape
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The UAE has the best road network globally. The UAE may be ranked number one in the world for road quality but it lags behind other nations when it comes to road safety and traffic congestion. The average value for the United Arab Emirates during that period was 6.29 points with a minimum of 5.9 points in 2018 and a maximum of 6.65 points in 2013. The latest value from 2019 is 6 points. For comparison, the world average in 2019 based on 141 countries is 4.07 points. The UAE continues to construct and maintain roads in accordance with international standards, using the best technology that fits the country’s environmental conditions. The roads’ projects aim to improve efficiency of traffic and connect parts of the country with a modern road network. The UAE has a road network, which connects different emirates with each other. This achievement has been attributed to sophisticated road infrastructural projects undertaken across the country, which are in line with the nation’s Vision 2021 program. Ministry of Interior Development replaced traditional lights with power-saving LED lamps on all federal roads spanning 710 km. The LEDs are less pollutant to the environment with less carbon emission than traditional lights.

2.Singapore

city at night through the hole in wire fence
Photo by Leon Macapagal on Pexels.com

Singapore is ranked at the top in Asia and second globally in terms of road infrastructure in the country. Singapore roads may not be as safe. The average value for Singapore during that period was 6.44 points with a minimum of 6.05 points in 2014 and a maximum of 6.66 points in 2006. The latest value from 2019 is 6.5 points. For comparison, the world average in 2019 based on 141 countries is 4.07 points. Singapore roads are so good that they have Grand Prix races on it. There is no need for a special track. The quality of the roads in Singapore have been consistently ranked as among the very best in the world, above even nations like the US and the UK. The cost of parking in Singapore was also the lowest among the top 10 cities. Drivers in Singapore may actually be more dangerous than drivers in other high wealth countries such as United States, Japan, United Kingdom and Canada.

3.Switzerland

aerial view of road in the middle of trees
Photo by Deva Darshan on Pexels.com

Switzerland is ranked third in road quality. The European nation is renowned throughout the world for its excellent infrastructure and also ranks first in terms of electricity supply and second in the quality of its railroad infrastructure. The average value for Switzerland during that period was 6.34 points with a minimum of 5.86 points in 2015 and a maximum of 6.66 points in 2008. The latest value from 2019 is 6.3 points. For comparison, the world average in 2019 based on 141 countries is 4.07 points. The Federal Roads Office FEDRO is the Swiss technical agency for road infrastructure and individual road transport. The motorway network is thus the backbone of mobility in Switzerland. FEDRO is the agency in charge of the motorways, and in this capacity is responsible for the adequate functionality, safety, acceptability and availability of this infrastructure. Every country has its idiosyncrasies when it comes to driving. Swiss roads are generally safe, and driving culture is to follow the rules. Although Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, signs largely follow the general European conventions concerning the use of shape and color to indicate their function. The Swiss road signs are defined in the Road Signs Act, which is based on several laws and ordinances. Here Highways are indicated with green signs, and main roads by blue signs.

4.Hong Kong

aerial view of city buildings and traffic jam
Photo by mali maeder on Pexels.com

Hong Kong has the best infrastructure in the world, the World Economic Forum (WEF). WEF measured the quality of road and rail networks and the quality of the electricity supply in 144 countries. The GCI ranked Switzerland as the most competitive country in the world, thanks to its “topnotch academic institutions, high spending on R&D. The average value for Hong Kong during that period was 6.26 points with a minimum of 6.04 points in 2014 and a maximum of 6.59 points in 2009. The latest value from 2019 is 6.1 points. For comparison, the world average in 2019 based on 141 countries is 4.07 points. Hong Kong public transport system scores high in survey. Hong Kong has been rated as having the most connected, reliable, frequent and well-maintained public transport network against New York and London, but it lags way behind in terms of bike networks and air quality. Hong Kong is a wonderful unique destination for travelers with a surprise around every corner. To create its annual ranking, it looks at each country’s “12 pillars of competitiveness:” institutions; infrastructure; macroeconomic environment; health and primary education; higher education and training; goods market efficiency; labor market efficiency; financial market development; technological readiness; market size; business sophistication and innovation.

5.Netherlands

view on a road in woods
Photo by Anastasiia on Pexels.com

Netherlands has the best infrastructure in Europe. The quality of the road network and access to electricity supply were also ranked highly. World Economic Forum (WEF) declared that Netherlands was ranked best in Europe regarding its transport network. The average value for the Netherlands during that period was 5.9 points with a minimum of 5.29 points in 2008 and a maximum of 6.4 points in 2019. The latest value from 2019 is 6.4 points. For comparison, the world average in 2019 based on 141 countries is 4.07 points. The government is looking at new technologies to solve challenges in the area of transport, the environment and safety. The Netherlands wants to take the lead in new initiatives like the Internet of Things, smart cities and connectivity.

6.Japan

people crossing pedestrian lane
Photo by Abby Chung on Pexels.com

Japan beat the Belt and Road to the punch not only by advancing and financing a large-scale Asian connectivity endeavor, but also by emphasizing the role of quality for more sustainable growth. The average value for Japan during that period was 5.9 points with a minimum of 5.6 points in 2009 and a maximum of 6.1 points in 2016. The latest value from 2019 is 6.1 points. For comparison, the world average in 2019 based on 141 countries is 4.07 points. Road transport is an essential element of the Japanese transport network, and vital part of the Japanese economy. Each level of the Japanese road network has its own numbering scheme. For national and prefectural routes, numbers of lower value indicate greater significance to the system. Japan’s financial position in Asia provided a solid foundation for an upgraded approach to infrastructure investment.

7.France

photo of tram on street
Photo by Lucas Quadros on Pexels.com

France is more touring destination. The average value for France during that period was 6.31 points with a minimum of 5.4 points in 2019 and a maximum of 6.72 points in 2008. The latest value from 2019 is 5.4 points. For comparison, the world average in 2019 based on 141 countries is 4.07 points. The quality of roads varies enormously, however: while motorways are generally excellent and most other main roads are also very good, urban roads and minor roads in rural areas can be poorly maintained. Most French motorways are toll roads and are among the most expensive in Europe. It is very simple in France to spend wisely on Infrastructure.

8.Portugal

empty highway
Photo by Bekir Donmez on Pexels.com

Portugal ranked the best country for road trips in Europe. The average value for Portugal during that period was 6.04 points with a minimum of 5.43 points in 2006 and a maximum of 6.39 points in 2012. The latest value from 2019 is 6 points. For comparison, the world average in 2019 based on 141 countries is 4.07 points. Roads in Portugal are defined by the Plano Rodoviário Nacional, which describes the existing and planned network of Portuguese roads. The Portuguese road infrastructure was considered the best in Europe and the second best in the world by the World Economic Forum in its Global Competitiveness Report for 2014–2015.[1] In the 2017–2018 report, it was considered to 8th best in the world.

9.Austria

forced perspective photography of cars running on road below smartphone
Photo by Matheus Bertelli on Pexels.com

The average value for Austria during that period was 6.17 points with a minimum of 5.9 points in 2018 and a maximum of 6.45 points in 2009. The latest value from 2019 is 6 points. For comparison, the world average in 2019 based on 141 countries is 4.07 points. Investment in transport infrastructure has a huge potential in boosting growth and jobs. Member State performance is measured here in indicators such as the perceived efficiency of transport services and progress towards completion of the TEN-T core network. The safety of personnel involved in road traffic is an increasing challenge for organizations of all types due to its rising complexity. With the introduction of a management system according to ISO 39001 and a corresponding certification, organizations demonstrate the importance of these objectives towards stakeholders and show that road traffic safety is taken seriously. The results of the consolidated European road freight, which includes also the journeys of foreign trucks on Austrian territory, are presented, to give a complete picture of the road freight transport in Austria.

10.United States

modern city with modern skyscrapers and roads in sunlight
Photo by Enric Cruz López on Pexels.com

Transportation represents one-third of the weight in ranking the Best States for infrastructure. The average value for the USA during that period was 5.8 points with a minimum of 5.5 points in 2019 and a maximum of 6.2 points in 2008. The latest value from 2019 is 5.5 points. For comparison, the world average in 2019 based on 141 countries is 4.07 points. Throughout history, transportation has played a key role in the development of the American economy, determining where and when growth happens. This comprehensive subcategory is broken down into four metrics: commute time, road quality, bridge quality and public transit usage. America’s roads are critical for moving an ever-increasing number of people and goods. While traffic fatalities increased annually in the early part of the last decade, they have been declining since 2017.

Tagged : / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

MOST BEAUTIFUL SWIMMING POOLS IN THE WORLD

A swimming pool is a large hole in the ground that has been made and filled with water so that people can swim in it. In-ground pools are most commonly constructed from materials such as concrete, natural stone, metal, plastic, or fiberglass, and can be of a custom size and shape or built to a standardized size, the largest of which is the Olympic-size swimming pool. Many fitness centers, health clubs, and private clubs have pools used mostly for exercise or recreation. It is common for municipalities of every size to provide pools for public use. Many of these municipal pools are outdoor pools but indoor pools can also be found in buildings such as leisure centers. Hot tubs and spas are pools filled with water that is heated and then used for relaxation or hydrotherapy.

1.The Royal at Atlantis, Bahamas

aerial view of clouds
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The Royal at Atlantis is the icon of Atlantis featuring the awe-inspiring mythology of the Lost City of Atlantis risen from the sea. It is an ocean-themed resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It was opened in 1968. The property’s name was changed to Atlantis when The Royal Towers was built. The Royal at Atlantis, Bahamas includes fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools, marine habitats, water slides, and river rides. It features a variety of accommodations built around Aquaventure, a 62-hectare (154-acre) waterscape.

2.San Alfonso del Mar, Chile

San Alfonso del Mar is a private resort in Algarrobo, Chile, about 100 km (62 mi) west of Santiago. The pool is 1,013 m long, covering 8 ha 20 acres. The resort had one of the world’s largest swimming pools. In 2006, it was in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest pool in the world by area. The water is pumped from the adjacent Pacific Ocean, then filtered and treated. Access to the pool is limited to resort residents only. This swimming pool contains some 250 million litres of seawater, with a maximum depth of 11.5 ft.

3.Golden Nugget Hotel, Las Vegas

The Golden Nugget Las Vegas is a luxury hotel and casino located in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada on the Fremont Street Experience. The Golden Nugget was originally built in 1946. Jackie Gaughan at one time owned a stake in the hotel as part of his many downtown properties. Guests staying at Delano Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay can take a dip in the beautiful outdoor pool or enjoy a relaxing massage at the full-service health spa. The onsite health club comes equipped with a steam room, sauna and spa tub. Adults and children alike will thrill to the fabulous Shark Reef walk-through aquarium, featuring 15 types of sharks and over 1,500 species of fish. In the evening, guests can catch a show at the House of Blues, or a Broadway show at the Mandalay Bay Theater. The property is owned and operated by Landry’s, Inc. Steve Wynn bought a stake in the Nugget, then Steve Wynn increased so that, in 1973, he became the majority shareholder, and the youngest casino owner in Las Vegas. Delano Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay features amenities luxurious enough to please the most discerning traveler.

4.Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf, Italien

Terme di Saturnia Natural SPA & Golf Resort is located on the site of a thermal spring dating from before the Etruscan era. Generations of bathers have enjoyed the soothing waters gushing at a rate of 130 gallons per second at a constant temperature of 98.6°F. The wellbeing of the Resort’s guests takes numerous forms associated with the thermal water, the millenary thermal Spring tub, pools and hydro-massage tubs, cascades. The state-of-the-art spa offers a range of luxurious, regenerative therapies that capitalize on the healing powers of the spring water. An overriding philosophy of seeking harmony is reflected in the elegant and contemporary design of the guestrooms and the 18-hole golf course, designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding countryside.

5.Como Shambhala Estate, Bali

COMO Shambhala Estate is located near Ubud, Bali—a true ‘Retreat for Change’ with resident experts. COMO Shambhala Estate offers a private location in Begawan Village, a 15-minute drive from Ubud city centre. Surrounded by tropical greenery, the resort offers a large outdoor pool, spa and free Wi-Fi throughout. On the Island of the Gods, where heaven meets earth, the phrase ‘holiday in paradise’ truly comes to life. The holistic, 360-degree approach offers signature massage therapies and beauty treatments available here. . A state-of-the-art gym and outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing make the most of the Estate’s unique location.

6.Hotel Berg, Iceland

Hotel Berg is a newly renovated four-star boutique hotel on two floors located above a small marina in Keflavík, where most travellers begin and end their journey in Iceland due to its short distance to the international airport. Hotel Berg is only a 5-minute drive to the airport, yet has quiet surroundings, as it is well away from the noises of the airport. All guests have free access to a warm outdoor sitting pool on the hotel rooftop. An ideal place to relax and enjoy the view towards the marina and surrounding area, as well as to catch the northern lights or the midnight sun. Property amenities besides this pool, include a spacious lounge area with a fireplace and a bar, free 24/7 shuttle to the airport for guests who are scheduled to take a flight, 24/7 front desk service etc. There’s an outdoor pool that was added in 2018.

7.Marina Sands, Singapore

Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort fronting Marina Bay in Singapore. The resort includes a 2,561-room hotel, a 120,000-square-metre convention-exhibition centre, the 74,000-square-metre The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands mall, a museum, a large theatre, “celebrity chef” restaurants, two floating crystal pavilions. The complex includes three towers topped by a connecting 340-metre-long SkyPark with a capacity of 3,902 people and a 150 m infinity swimming pool, set on top of the world’s largest public cantilevered platform, which overhangs the north tower by 66.5 m. The resort and SkyPark were officially opened on 23 and 24 June 2010, following the casino’s opening on 27 April that year. The opening of Marina Bay Sands was held on 17 February 2011.

8.Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Thailand

The hotel is set in Thailand’s northernmost province on the Thai side of the Golden Triangle near Chiang Rai in Chiang Saen, bordering the Mekong River and adjacent Myanmar and Laos. Perched on a ridge in northern Thailand overlooking the border with Myanmar and Laos, among the finest Chiang Rai hotels, Anantara Golden Triangle immerses us in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Tranquil jungle setting with three-country views. Award-winning elephant camp, scientific research and conservation programme are available. If we wake up early we can see the surprise and the mist between the Laos mountains. The highlight was the 1.5 hour experience with the elephants including the final bath at the river. It was Established in 2003 as a traditional mahout village, the camp works alongside the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation to perform street rescues, provide employment and a comfortable lifestyle for elephants and their entire mahout families.

  1. The Gilded Iguana, Costa Rica

The Gilded Iguana is the original surfer spot in Nosara since 1988. The Gilded Iguana is located in Nosara, 300 m from the beach. It offering an outdoor swimming pool and à la carte restaurant. Surfers, yoga lovers, and adventure travelers seeking the best in Costa Rica hotels come for direct access to the region’s most famous beach, Playa Guiones, and stay to experience the most consistent surf breaks in the world, a relaxing yoga retreat, and adventurous mountain biking. Especially its most famous beach, Playa Guiones. Beyond the unpaved roads leading to the expansive seven-kilometer-long stretch of undeveloped white sand and consistent waves, adventure seekers enjoy the world’s longest zip line.

10.Lalu Hotel Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan

luxury lodge is a longstanding local favourite and manages to make the most of its perfect setting on the banks of Taiwan’s scenic Sun Moon Lake. The Lalu is perched on a hill along Sun Moon Lake, one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist sites. Even though it is located in a corner easily overlooked by the lake,
it is quiet and has a fishing village atmosphere. Lightly touch the at ease and free lake water shimmer, We can almost touch the obsession and wildness with your fingers. We can freely enjoy this outstanding and unique scenery under the sun and moon.

Tagged : / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

THE 10 GREAT DISTINCT TYPES OF PAINTINGS(HANDICRAFT) IN INDIA

Painting is the expression of ideas and emotions, with the creation of certain aesthetic qualities, in a two-dimensional visual language. Painting is the practice of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a solid surface. The medium is commonly applied to the base with a brush, but other implements, such as knives, sponges, and airbrushes, can be used. The support for paintings includes such surfaces as walls, paper, canvas, wood, glass, lacquer, pottery, leaf, copper and concrete, and the painting may incorporate multiple other materials, including sand, clay, paper, plaster, gold leaf, and even whole objects. An artist’s decision to use a particular medium, such as tempera, fresco, oil, acrylic, watercolour or other water-based paints, ink, gouache, encaustic, or casein, as well as the choice of a particular form, such as mural, easel, panel, miniature, manuscript illumination, scroll, screen or fan, panorama, or any of a variety of modern forms, is based on the sensuous qualities and the expressive possibilities and limitations of those options. In art, the term painting describes both the act and the result of the action. Indian painting has a very long tradition and history in Indian art, though because of the climatic conditions very few early examples survive.[1] The earliest Indian paintings were the rock paintings of prehistoric times, such as the petroglyphs found in places like Bhimbetka rock shelters. Miniature paintings and folk art paintings are an artisan’s expression in pictorial form and have long formed an integral part of India’s handicrafts products. India has a very rich culture and tradition and it portrays it through its amazing art and craft. Various painting styles are prevalent across various regions, each representing tradition, customs, and ideologies passed on from one generation to other generation. Here is the list of 10 distinct types of Indian paintings.

1.Madhubani Paintings

One of the most celebrated styles of folk paintings in India is, Madhubani art or Mithila art which originated in the Mithila region of Bihar as a form of wall art. This painting is done with a variety of tools, including fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and matchsticks and using natural dyes and pigments. There is ritual content for particular occasions, such as birth or marriage, and festivals, such as Holi, Surya Shasti, Kali Puja, Upanayana, and Durga Puja. Natural objects like the sun, the moon, and religious plants like tulsi are also widely painted. It originated from Madhubani district of the Mithila region of Bihar. Madhubani is also a major export center of these paintings. The paintings were traditionally done on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now they are also done on cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings mostly depict people and their association with nature and scenes and deities from the ancient epics. The colors used in Madhubani paintings are usually derived from plants and other natural sources. These colors are often bright and pigments like lampblack and ochre are used to create black and brown respectively. Some of the initial references to the Madhubani painting can be found in the Hindu epic Ramayana when King Janaka, Sita’s father, asks his painters to create Madhubani paintings for his daughter’s wedding. Madhubani paintings were initially practiced by different sects of people and hence the paintings were categorized into five different styles, such as Tantrik, Kohbar, Bharni, Godna, Katchni. But today, these five different styles have been merged by contemporary artists. The designs are characterised by eye-catching geometrical patterns, symbolic images, and scenes from mythology.

2.Warli Paintings

The 3000-year-old tradition of Warli paintings of the Thane and Nasik areas of Maharashtra are closely linked with nature and social rituals of the tribe. Warli paintings showcase daily activities of the local people of that community like farming, dancing, hunting, praying etc. Traditionally, women used twigs to draw lively designs with rice paste on mud walls of tribal houses to mark celebrations of harvests or weddings. Simple geometrical patterns in white against a red or yellow surface are used to depict everyday life scenes. Warli is not just an art form, but a way of life for the Warli (Varli) tribes from the mountains and coastal regions in and around the borders of Maharashtra and Gujarat. This art has an enigmatic appeal. Those from the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra surely have a sense of sentiment attached to the art form as they’ve seen it on the walls of rural schools and homes way before they became popular on modern lifestyle products. Today, the Warli art form is not only popular in metros like Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi, but internationally as well. Today, a variety of colours are being used to replicate these artistic motifs on fabrics, home décor or other artistic forms. From brightly coloured umbrellas to coffee mugs and tea cups, rustic wall clocks, accents for walls and stationery Warli is pretty much everywhere. It uses rudimentary style where circles, triangles and squares are used to depict human forms, animals and nature. Warli women used to paint these simple images on their home walls and this art has now travelled to our drawing room.

3.Kalighat Painting or Bengal Pat

The Kalighat painting style was developed around mid 19th century in the neighbourhood of Kali Temple in Calcutta. These drawings on paper were done by a group known as “patuas” hence the name Kalighata Pata. They depicted scenes of everyday life and mythological deities in a simple yet captivating manner and developed into the popular kalighat style of painting. Kalighat painters predominantly use earthy Indian colors like indigo, ochre, Indian red, grey, blue and white. As India’s unofficial cultural capital, has pioneered several movements and trends in literature, theater, and the visual arts over the past several centuries. Painted mostly on mill-made paper with flowing brushwork and bold dyes, Kalighat paintings are said to have originated in the vicinity of the iconic Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata. The art almost always depicted Hindu gods and mythological characters, or incidents, themes, and characters from everyday life. Legend has it that Sati slew herself after Lord Shiva was insulted by her father Daksha. Following this, Shiva wandered with her body on his shoulder threatening to destroy the universe. Vishnu, the preserver of Earth, intervened and shattered Sati’s body into 51 pieces which fell at different spots across the Indian subcontinent. These sites are known as Shakti Peethas. The toe of her right foot is said to have fallen at the site of the Kalighat Temple, associating it with Goddess Kali- the ferocious form of Sati.

4.Phad Painting

Phad paintings are created on hand-woven coarse cotton cloth, which is soaked overnight to thicken the threads. It is then stiffened with starch from rice or wheat flour, stretched, dried in the sun and rubbed with a moonstone to smoothen the surface and give it a sheen. The entire process of making a Phad painting is completely natural, with the use of natural fibres, and natural paints sourced from stones, flowers, plants and herbs. The paints are handmade by the artists, and mixed with gum and water before applying to cloth. Typical colors seen in a Phad painting are yellow, orange, green, brown, red, blue and black. Phad painting or Phad is a style religious scroll painting and folk painting, practiced in Rajasthan state of India. The narratives of the folk deities of Rajasthan, mostly of Pabuji and Devnarayan are depicted on the phads. The Bhopas, the priest-singers traditionally carry the painted phads along with them and use these as the mobile temples of the folk deities. The phads of Pabuji are normally about 15 feet in length, while the phads of Devnarayan are normally about 30 feet long. Traditionally the phads are painted with vegetable colors. Phad finds its origins in Shahpura, near Bhilwara, Rajasthan. Phad is a type of scroll painting that narrates elaborate religious stories of local deities and gods. The Phad painting would be unrolled, or unfolded after sunset, and the performance in front of village members, would last into the night. This is perhaps why the paintings are called ‘Phad’, which means ‘fold’ in the local dialect.

5.Kalamkari Painting

This 3000-year-old organic art of hand and block printing was traditionally used for making narrative scrolls and panels. Kalamkari derives its name from kalam or pen and is a in Kalahasti and Machilipatnam. The stylised animal forms, floral motifs and mehrab designs predominant in Kalamkari paintings have also found a place in Kalamkari textiles. Kalamkari art primarily involves earthy colours like indigo, green, rust, black and mustard. The unique feature of the Kalamkari art is that it makes use of only natural colours or vegetable dyes. Kalamkari art was the household occupation of several rural women and craftsmen in the ancient times and continues to be passed down from one generation to the next. Andhra Pradesh is still the main hub of kalamkari printing in the country. Craftsmen engaged in kalamkari art had to later modernize some of the ancient, Hindu-mythology inspired kalamkari themes because there was an increasing demand for these prints in the international market. Kalamkari art is available in two distinct styles: Machilipatnam and Srikalahasti: 1. Kalahasti Kalamkari, 2.Machilipatnam Kalamkari . An increasing number of people all across the globe are now discouraging the use of harmful chemicals in production and manufacturing. In such a scenario, kalamkari emerges as the perfect craft because it avoids the use of artificial chemicals and still produces beautifully colored fabrics.

6.Miniature Painting

It developed into a distinct style with a combination of Islamic, Persian and Indian elements. The painting is done using natural stone colors on a paper-based “wasli”. Mineral colors, precious stones, conch shells, gold and silver are used in the miniatures. Fine brushwork, intricacy, detailing and stylization are the unique attributes of miniature painting. Across India, the miniature painting style has developed into distinct schools of miniature paintings like Kangra, Rajasthan, Malwa, Pahadi, Mughal, Deccan etc. to name a few. The Miniature painting style came to India with the Mughals in the 16th century and is identified as an important milestone in the history of Indian art. Miniature art is an intense labour of love illustrated on a range of materials like palm leaves, paper, wood, marble, ivory panels and cloth. Organic and natural minerals like stone dust, real gold and silver dust are used to create the exquisite colors. Even the paper used is special; polished with stone to render a smooth non porous surface. Miniature painting, also called limning, small, finely wrought portrait executed on vellum, prepared card, copper, or ivory. The name is derived from the minium, or red lead, used by the medieval illuminators. Defined by delicate brushwork, a mélange of colors, and graceful forms, miniature paintings are so delicate, that even today, with so much modernization, squirrel hair is used to create the brushes used in this art form. Each painting abounds with fine photographic details, capturing even the hair on a character.

7.Gond Painting

Gond art is a form of painting from folk and tribal art that is practiced by one of the largest tribes in India – Gond – who are predominantly from Madhya Pradesh, but also can be found in of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhatisgarh, and Odisha. These vibrant paintings created with a series of intricately arranged dots and dashes were developed by the Gondi tribe of central India. The tribals recreate mythological tales and oral histories to traditional songs, natural surroundings, important events and rituals in with great intricacy, rich detailing, and bright colors. Traditionally, colors were derived from natural resources like cow dung, plant sap, charcoal, coloured soil, mud, flowers, leaves etc. Gond artists now use commercial water-based colors to paint on paper and canvas. The Gond, who are predominantly from Madhya Pradesh, but also can be found in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhatisgarh, and Odisha. Gond paintings can be described as ‘on line work’. Art is created by lines in such a way to convey a sense of movement to still images. Dots and dashes are added to impart a greater sense of movement and increase the amount of detail. Another very striking facet of Gond paintings is the use of bright vivid colors such as white, red, blue and yellow. A certain sense of balance and symmetry can be observed in the pattern used, such as spiral forms along with trees, leaves, animals and human figures. Gond comes from the Dravidian expression, Kond which means ‘the green mountain’.

8.Kerala Mural

The paintings present a highly stylised version of the gods, with wide open eyes, elongated lips and exaggerated eyebrows, which can be compared to forms depicted in the classical theatre of Kerala. Also, the figures along with animals and vegetation are executed in a technically unmatched manner. The color palette consists of just five colors (Panchavarna) or red, yellow, green, black and white and the colors are derived from natural sources. Ochre-red, yellow- ochre, bluish- green, white and pure colors are predominantly used in Kerala mural painting. There are over the deities who are held in high esteem by the Oriyas and who inspire religion, life and activity of the people also carry with them a tradition of art and painting which is as old as the deities themselves. Kerala mural paintings are the frescos depicting Hindu mythology in Kerala. The murals of Thirunadhikkara Cave Temple and Tiruvanchikulam are considered the oldest relics of Kerala’s own style of murals. The masterpieces of Kerala mural art include: the Shiva Temple in Ettumanoor, the Ramayana murals of Mattancherry Palace and Vadakkumnatha kshetram. Other fine mural paintings are depicted in temples at Trikodithanam, Vaikom Temple, Pundarikapuram, Udayanapuram, Triprangode, Guruvayoor, Kumaranalloor, Aymanam, the Vadakkunathan temple in Trichur, the Thodeekkalam temple in Kannur and the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple at Thiruvananthapuram.

9.Patachitra

Colors used in the Paintings are natural and paintings are made fully old traditional way by Chitrakaras that is Odiya Painter. Pattachitra style of painting is one of the oldest and most popular art forms of Odisha. Patachitra is the cloth scroll painting tradition from Odisha, dedicated to mythological and religious themes. Bold, strong outlines, vibrant colors like white, red yellow and black with decorative borders are some of the characteristics of patachitra painting style,that is admired across the world. Patachitras are a component of an ancient Bengali narrative art, originally serving as a visual device during the performance of a song. The paintings of Odisha can be divided into three categories from the point of view of medium, i.e. paintings on cloth or ‘Patta Chitra’, paintings on walls or ‘Bhitti Chitra’ and palm leaf engravings or “Tala Patra Chitra’ or “Pothi, Chitra’. The painting the ‘pattachitra’ resemble the old murals of Odisha especially religious centres of Puri, Konark and Bhubaneshwar region. The colors are rich and vibrant, the motifs and designs very creative, the themes portrayed being quite simple, the narrative mostly from religious texts, the epics. – The Patachitra painting art is believed to be more than a thousand years old.

10.Picchwai

A stretched hand spun cloth and handmade paper is used as base medium. Natural stones are hand crushed and mixed with natural binder to create natural colors. Imagineers use brushes made of natural hair sources with wooden handles. In all, the entire process followed in creating these illustrative art form at Imagineers Studio is completely environment friendly creating minimum carbon footprint in line with original tradition. The art of Picchwai originated as wall hangings behind the main deity in Krishna temples in Nathdwara. They narrate stories related to Lord Krishna. Gradually with commercialisation secular themes are also incorporated in the Picchwai style of painting. Gopashtami Pichwai is a painting of Krishna playing his flute with cows. They are large paintings on cotton cloth painted with natural colours. These paintings are usually hung on the wall behind the idol of Lord Krishna. They illustrate some of this his leelas. Pichchwais are large paintings on cloth which were typically hung in the shrine on the wall behind the main idol. Picchwai is a sanskrit word, Pich in sanskrit means ‘back’ and Wai means ‘hanging’. Pichwai painting style is an Indian traditional art form which originated hundreds of years ago in the backdrop of Shrinath Ji temple situated in Nathdwara town of Rajasthan. Persons from rural area of India work on a single peace of Picchwai fine arts for weeks.

Tagged : / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

THE 10 GREAT HANDICRAFT PRODUCTS CLASSIFICATION OF INDIA

A skilled activity in which something is made in a traditional way with the hands rather than being produced by machines in a factory. India has been known for its customs. When it comes to art and culture, India is among the most culturally rich countries in the world. Handicraft represents Indian’s culture and tradition. The feeling of home is hidden in the small things and the small stories that every item carries with it. The same is the reason behind buying handicrafts. Every piece of craft has a story, a story of the passion of the craftsmen who created it or his inspiration to make it. That’s why craft pieces make the perfect fit for any house. India is one of the leading producers and suppliers of handicraft products in the world. India has been a large producer and supplier of handicraft products for a long time. In Asian countries, handicrafts are as highly wanted as mechanized products in quality and volume and are a major source of their foreign earnings via exports. The artisanal industry is an important source of income for rural communities that employ more than six million artisans, including large numbers of women and people belonging to the weakest sectors of society. The sector is highly creative and produces a large variety of crafts products that are highly consumed and fond of. In India, the creative importance of these craft products is off the roof making sure that it fits in perfectly with the urbanized decor and connects the urban dwellers with their roots. The days of Indus Valley Civilization, artisans and craftsmen have been respected for their excellence in various kinds of handicrafts. That tradition continued well into medieval and colonial times, and flourishes even to this day. Handicrafts products of India are many and distinct from each other. From the Dokra tribal jewelry for West Bengal to the gemstone paintings by the artisans of Jaipur, handicrafts products of India are distinctly different from each other. The various handicrafts products of India can be classified under the following heads, The handicraft items are made from a variety of things like Wood, Stone, Metal, Glass, Cane & Bamboo and Pottery. Here is the list of classification of 10 Handicraft products.

1.Handlooms and Textiles

Indian hand woven fabrics have been known since time immemorial. The handlooms and textile products range from designer textile items to products of home furnishing. Though India was famous even in ancient times as an exporter of textiles to most parts of the civilized world, few actual fabrics of the early dyed or printed cottons have survived. This, it is explained is due to a hot, moist climate and the existence of the monsoons in India. Handlooms are an important craft product and comprise the largest cottage industry of the country. Millions of looms across the country are engaged in weaving cotton, silk and other natural fibers. In the world of handlooms, there are Madras checks from Tamil Nadu, Ikats from Andhra and Orissa, tie and dye from Gujarat and Rajasthan, brocades from Banaras, jacquards form Uttar Pradesh. The famed Coimbatore saris have developed while imitating the Chanderi pattern of Madhya Pradesh. The states of Kashmir and Karnataka are known for their mulberry silk. Andhra Pradesh has made a significant contribution to the history of hand-printed textiles in India. Printing is native to the land, its pigments being obtained from the flowers, leaves and barks of local trees and it chemicals obtained from clay, dung and river sands. India has been well known for textile since very ancient times. The origin of Indian textiles can be traced to the Indus valley civilization. Still we can say India is textile hub and it has thousands of clusters which beautifully weave and give is the most beautiful fabrics which mesmerize our eyes. Kalamkari is a type of hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile. There are two distinctive styles of kalamkari art in India — the Srikalahasti style and the Machilipatnam style. Chikankari is an art, which results in the transformation of the plainest cotton and organdie into flowing yards of magic.

2.Jewelry

The jewelry products from the handicrafts industry in India range from exquisite tribal jewelry to beaded, metal, lacquer and silver jewelry. Jewelry boxes with intricate tribal work are also in vogue and widely manufactured. Handmade jewelry is jewelry which has been made by hand instead of machines. Drilling, cutting, etc. can be done with the help of machines. In earlier times, members of the royal family had their own jewelers who crafted excellent jewelry with their hands according to specific needs. Types of Handmade Jewelry are jadau jewelry, kundan jewelry, gold jewelry, ivory jewelry, filigree jewelry, bead jewelry, pachchiikam jewelry, Lac jewelry etc. The gems and jewelery industry occupies an important position in the Indian economy. It is a leading foreign exchange earner, as well as one of the fastest growing industries in the country. The two major segments of the sector in India are gold jewelery and diamonds. Gold jewelery forms around 80 per cent of the Indian jewelery market. India was one of the first countries to start making fine jewelery from minerals and metals and even today, most of the jewelery made in India is hand-made. India was the first country to introduce diamonds to the world, the first to mine, cut and polish them as well as trade them. The cutting and polishing of diamonds and other precious stones is one of the oldest traditions in India.

3.Apparels and Accessories

In fashion, an accessory is an item used to contribute, in a secondary manner, to an individual’s outfit. Accessories are often chosen to complete an outfit and complement the wearer’s look. They have the capacity to further express an individual’s identity and personality. Accessories come in different shapes, sizes, hues, etc. Traditionally carried accessories include purses and handbags, hand fans, parasols and umbrellas, wallets, canes, and ceremonial swords. Accessories that are worn may include jackets, boots and shoes, cravats, ties, hats, bonnets, belts and suspenders, gloves, muffs, necklaces, bracelets, watches,[a] eyewear, sashes, shawls, scarves, lanyards, socks, pins, piercings, rings, and stockings. Ladies and gents apparels and accessories with a distinctive traditional flavor are also manufactured by the artisans from all over the country and constitute a major part of India’s handicrafts products. Fashion accessories and costume jewelery are things that are used to complement fashion. Accessories facilitate highlight address or attire. They can additionally facilitate to cover a weakness of a dress. Trends are endlessly set by adding accessories to different outfits. Accessories change a complete look, from purse to shoes to earrings and beaded necklaces to leg warmers. Accessories could also be used as external visual symbols of religious or cultural affiliation: Crucifixes, human stars, Muslim headscarves, skullcaps and turbans are common examples. India is credited as one of the oldest and protracted country for making jewelery round the globe.

4.Carpets

Carpets developed in Central and western Asia as coverings for beaten-earth floors. From time immemorial, carpets covered the floors of house and tent as well as mosque and palace. In the homes of wealthy Eastern families, floor coverings serve an aesthetic as well as a practical function. A carpet is a textile floor covering typically consisting of an upper layer of pile attached to a backing. The pile was traditionally made from wool, but since the 20th century, synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, nylon or polyester are often used, as these fibers are less expensive than wool. The pile usually consists of twisted tufts that are typically heat-treated to maintain their structure. The term carpet is often used in a similar context to the term rug, but rugs are typically considered to be smaller than a room and not attached to the floor. Indian carpets have evolved as an art form over the centuries. These woolen or silk coverings have been in vogue over the years and contribute extensively to India’s foreign earnings. Carpeting adds to the décor by using color, patterns, and pile heights. The carpeting can create the image you want in your home or business. With the hundreds of patterns, cuts, and colors, there are literally thousands of possibilities to “fulfill” the style statement. Carpet can help save energy as it is an important contributor to the insulation of the indoor environment. Carpet insulates floors as it provides a psychological feeling of warmth. Several studies find that carpets absorb sound and carpets with padding further enhance this ability. Carpet traps allergens, dust, and other contaminants, holding them until they can be properly removed.

5.Leather Goods

India is famous worldwide for its leather products. Leather is a prominent industry in India. The main sectors from which its demand is derived are fashion, footwear, furniture, interiors and automotive. While the Indian leather totals upto 13 percent of the world’s total production of skins, around 10 percent of world’s footwear production also comes from India. India’s leather industry is bestowed with skilled manpower, innovative technology, increasing industry compliance to international environmental standards and the support of allied industries. India is the second largest exporter of leather garments and third largest exporter of saddlery and harness in the world. In India, the leather is prepared from the raw-hide skin of different animals like buffalo, goat, cow and sheep. Majorly, buffalo skin and goat skin are used to make leather products that are exported to the other countries. In the past, leather was not only used in the manufacture of clothing and footwear, but also in the manufacture of caps, bags, saddles, shields, etc. Madhya Pradesh is also known for its leather goods such as shoes, bags and clothing. Maharashtra is also famous for its Kolhapuri cocoons. The major production centers for leather and leather products in India are located in the States of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajastan, Kerala. Leather, a material liked by people around the world, has been used over the years by India’s handicraft artisans to produce footwear, bags, belts, cloths and other home accessories.

6.Paintings

Indian painting has a very long tradition and history in Indian art, though because of the climatic conditions very few early examples survive.[1] The earliest Indian paintings were the rock paintings of prehistoric times, such as the petroglyphs found in places like Bhimbetka rock shelters. Miniature paintings and folk art paintings are an artisan’s expression in pictorial form and have long formed an integral part of India’s handicrafts products. India has a very rich culture and tradition and it portrays it through its amazing art and craft. some of the types of Indian paintings are Phad Painting, Madhubani Painting, Warli Painting, Gond Painting, Kalamkari Painting, Cheriyal Scrolls, Patachitra Painting, Tanjore Painting, Kalamezhuthu, Mandana Art, Rajput Painting etc.

7.Garments

The textile industry of India captured the world market with its intricate artwork. Indian garments with its beautiful design and embroideries have long been a favorite in the international market. With a large variety in fabric and richness in their design, the Indian garment industry is flourishing business worldwide. The Garment Industry of India is an Rs -one trillion industry. Overall about 25 % of the volume of its garment production goes into export markets, leaving 75 % for domestic consumption. The Industry covers over one lakh units and employs about 6 million workers, both directly and indirectly in almost equal proportion. The indirect portion helps to sustain the direct production sector in the shape of items associated with the garment industry production including sewing/embroidery thread, buttons, buckles, zippers, metal plates, cardboard sheets, plastic butterflies and packaging material. Fibre-wise, 80% of the production is of cotton garments, 15% of synthetic/mixed garments and the rest of silk and wool garments. Indian sub continent is the second largest manufacturer of garments after China being the global leader in garment production. India is known for its high quality garments for men and most of the garment manufacturers are in the Small and Medium scale industry. India’s Garment Industry isa well-organized enterprise and is among the best in the world. It constitutes of designers, manufacturers, exporters, suppliers, stockists,and wholesalers. Indian Garment Industry has carved out a niche in the global markets and earned a reputation for its durability, quality and beauty. Today’schanging consumer preferences – buying branded apparel and fashion accessories, major boom in retail industry, people shopping at department and discountstores, shopping malls, with rising disposable incomes, government policy focused on fast-track textile export growth, and ambitious goals have created severalinvestment opportunities in India.

8.Paper Products

The paper industry of India was always vied for in the export market and considerably rules a strong position in the world. With varied types of paper products like paper bags, table accessories, and decorative, the industry is sure to enjoy its favorable position in the market. India’s share in the demand for paper across the globe were analysed is growing, as the domestic demand is increasing at a steady pace, while the demand in western nations is shrinking. The Indian paper & paper products market is projected to grow from $ 8.6 billion in 2018 to $ 13.4 billion by 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.8% during 2019-2024. Growing manufacturing sector, requirement of better quality packaging of FMCG products marketed through organized retail and the demand for the upstream market of paper products, such as tissue paper, filter paper, tea bags, light weight online coated paper and medical grade coated paper are expected to drive the paper & paper products market in India in coming years. The Indian paper & paper products market has been segmented into raw material, application and region. Based on raw material, the market has been categorized into waste & recycled paper, wood and agro residue. The waste & recycled paper segment is expected to dominate the market during forecast period, owing to growing concerns about the cutting down of trees for producing pulp. Further, based on application, the market has been bifurcated into writing & printing paper, paperboard & packaging, newsprint and specialty paper.

9.Furniture

Manipuris an important center for Tarkashi, metal thread work, done in furniture. Sankheda in Gujaratis an important center for lathe- worked lacquered furniture. The Punjab regions are famous for their exquisite wooden furniture. Kashmir is famous for its artifacts made of walnut. Chhattisgarh craftsmen specialize in wooden crafts such as doors, window frames, and sculptures. Jharkhand is famous for its wooden toys that are always in pairs. Goa wood carvings are an aesthetic mix of Portuguese and Indian cultures, and the designs are primarily floral, animal and human figures. It is mainly made of rosewood and sandalwood engraved with designs of flowers, vines, birds, and animals. Magnificent female figures are carved from Kumbli wood in Kerala. Woodworking is the skill of making items from wood, and includes cabinet making, wood carving, joinery, carpentry, and woodturning. In Rajasthan,wooden figures of Ghangore, a form of Parvathi is worshipped. Tamilnadu has a well developed tradition of woodcarving used for decorating houses and temples. Furniture products of India are also shares a great favoritism in the world export market. Beautifully designed Beds, Stools, Cabinets, Tables, Chairs, Mirror Frames, Home Temples, Sofa Sets holds a strong position in the market.

10.Zardozi

From the medieval times the art of Zardozi has flourished, reaching its zenith under the patronage of Emperor Akbar. This gorgeous embroidery reveals artistic use of laid stitch with golden thread. It can be seen in wall hangings, chain stitch on saris, caps and other articles with heavy embroidery. As the embroidery is densely performed, designs done are extremely intricate. Initially, the embroidery was done with pure silver wires and real gold leaves. The making of zari thread is a very tedious job involving winding, twisting, wire drawing and gold plating of thread. The embroidery of zari zardozi is performed in a very interesting manner. Gold wire is carefully revolved around a silver bar tapered at one end. Then they are heated in furnace till gold and silver alloy is formed. The gilt wire, when drawn through a series of holes made on steel plates, comes out glittering as gold. The gold-coated silver wire is then flattened and twisted around silk thread to obtain zari. Zardozi has remained as an appliqué method of embroidery. With one hand the craftsman holds a retaining thread below the fabric. In the other he holds a hook or a needle with which he picks up the appliqué materials. Then he passes the needle or hook through the fabric. After hours of painstaking labor, the result is an exquisite gold-veined work of art. The intricate gold designs are made from silk, velvet, and even fabrics famous in the state of Uttar Pradesh. However, today, artisans use a combination of copper wire, with a gold or silver polish, and a silk thread. This embroidery work is mainly a specialty of Lucknow, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Delhi, Agra, Kashmir, Mumbai, Ajmer, and Chennai. The art of zardozi was revived along with many traditional methods of embroidery in the middle of this century. Zari work was mainly done in Madras and zardozi in Hyderabad until a few decades ago. Today, Uttar Pradesh is home to this finest work of gold and silver embroidery. This craft has caught on to a larger region of Bareilly such as Allampur, Faridpur, Biharkala, Nawabganj and Chandpur.

Tagged : / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

THE 10 GREAT HANDICRAFTS OF INDIA THAT WE MUST BUY

A skilled activity in which something is made in a traditional way with the hands rather than being produced by machines in a factory. Tourists visiting India are often enamoured of its superb handicrafts, as much as its people. India has been known for its customs. When it comes to art and culture, India is among the most culturally rich countries in the world. Handicraft represents Indian’s culture and tradition. The feeling of home is hidden in the small things and the small stories that every item carries with it. The same is the reason behind buying handicrafts. Every piece of craft has a story, a story of the passion of the craftsmen who created it or his inspiration to make it. That’s why craft pieces make the perfect fit for any house. India is one of the leading producers and suppliers of handicraft products in the world. India has been a large producer and supplier of handicraft products for a long time. In Asian countries, handicrafts are as highly wanted as mechanized products in quality and volume and are a major source of their foreign earnings via exports. The artisanal industry is an important source of income for rural communities that employ more than six million artisans, including large numbers of women and people belonging to the weakest sectors of society. The sector is highly creative and produces a large variety of crafts products that are highly consumed and fond of. In India, the creative importance of these craft products is off the roof making sure that it fits in perfectly with the urbanized decor and connects the urban dwellers with their roots. The days of Indus Valley Civilization, artisans and craftsmen have been respected for their excellence in various kinds of handicrafts. That tradition continued well into medieval and colonial times, and flourishes even to this day. List of 10 Handicrafts of India That We must buy.

1) Pashmina shawl

Pashmina is considered the finest craftsmanship in the world which transforms the exceptionally warm and delicate Cashmere threads to opulent accessories. The fleece of Changthangi Goat is known as Pashm. This goat is exotic and is only found there, 15000 feet above sea level in Ladakh – Jammu and Kashmir, making the art of Pashmina even rarer and revered all over the world. This art was favoured with royal patronage. Kings, queens, royal families and nobles all over the world knew Pashmina. In fact, they owned a large number of shawls and scarves. It was in the 16th century when the birthplace of Pashmina – Kashmir – was under Mughal rule, that Pashmina was discovered. Pashmina may refer either to the material or to the variant of the Kashmir shawl that is made from it. Both generic cashmere and pashmina come from the same goat, but generic cashmere ranges from 12 to 21 microns in diameter, whereas pashmina refers only to those fibres that range from 12 to 16 microns. Besides employing literate as well as illiterate persons in both rural and urban areas, it acts as a subsidiary source of income for farmers who remain unemployed during the off-season. The most important aspect is that it should be hand spun and hand woven only. All steps, from combing and spinning, to weaving and finishing, are done entirely by hand by dedicated craftsmen and women. The main production center for Pashmina fabrics is the old Srinagar district. To produce a single Pashmina shawl it takes approximately 180 hours.

girl in white crew neck shirt lying on red and brown floral textile
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

2) Woodwork

Woodworking is the skill of making items from wood, and includes cabinet making, wood carving, joinery, carpentry, and woodturning. In Rajasthan,wooden figures of Ghangore, a form of Parvathi is worshipped. Tamilnadu has a well developed tradition of woodcarving used for decorating houses and temples. The Tanjore dolls made of wood form a part of the rituals followed here and they are also used for educating small children. The Tirupathi red dolls are meant for sales for the pilgrims. Kondapalli is famous for its toys. Manipuris an important center for Tarkashi, metal thread work, done in furniture. Sankheda in Gujaratis an important center for lathe- worked lacquered furniture. The Punjab regions are famous for their exquisite wooden furniture. Kashmir is famous for its artifacts made of walnut. Chhattisgarh craftsmen specialize in wooden crafts such as doors, window frames, and sculptures. Jharkhand is famous for its wooden toys that are always in pairs. Goa wood carvings are an aesthetic mix of Portuguese and Indian cultures, and the designs are primarily floral, animal and human figures. It is mainly made of rosewood and sandalwood engraved with designs of flowers, vines, birds, and animals. Magnificent female figures are carved from Kumbli wood in Kerala. Karnataka is specialized in sandalwood carving. Rajasthanmaintains a rich tradition of stonecarving even in the common domesticbuildings.

3) Ceramic

Ceramic is considered the most sensual form of all the arts. The tradition of handmade pottery has been prevalent in India since the time of the Harappan civilization. Pottery in the Indian subcontinent has an ancient history and is one of the most tangible and iconic elements of Indian art. This article covers pottery vessels, mainly from the ancient Indian cultures known from archaeology. There has also been much figurative sculpture and decorative tilework in ceramics in the subcontinent, with the production of terracotta figurines being widespread in different regions and periods. In Bengal in particular, a lack of stone produced an extensive tradition of architectural sculpture for temples and mosques in terracotta and carved brick. In Rajasthan, Bikaner is famous for its painted pottery, Pokhran for its geometric patterned pottery, and Alwar for its Kagzi pottery. Jaipur blue pottery is also very famous. Jaipur blue pottery is also very famous.

4) Leather

India is famous worldwide for its leather products. Leather is a prominent industry in India. The main sectors from which its demand is derived are fashion, footwear, furniture, interiors and automotive. While the Indian leather totals upto 13 percent of the world’s total production of skins, around 10 percent of world’s footwear production also comes from India. India’s leather industry is bestowed with skilled manpower, innovative technology, increasing industry compliance to international environmental standards and the support of allied industries. India is the second largest exporter of leather garments and third largest exporter of saddlery and harness in the world. In India, the leather is prepared from the raw-hide skin of different animals like buffalo, goat, cow and sheep. Majorly, buffalo skin and goat skin are used to make leather products that are exported to the other countries. In the past, leather was not only used in the manufacture of clothing and footwear, but also in the manufacture of caps, bags, saddles, shields, etc. Madhya Pradesh is also known for its leather goods such as shoes, bags and clothing. Maharashtra is also famous for its Kolhapuri cocoons. The major production centers for leather and leather products in India are located in the States of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajastan, Kerala.

5) Jute

India is the world’s biggest producer of jute, followed by Bangladesh. Jute is primarily grown in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Andhra Pradesh. Jute is the second most abundant natural fibre in the world. It has high tensile strength, acoustic and thermal insulation, breathability, low extensibility, ease of blending with both synthetic and natural fibres, and antistatic properties. Jute production is a labour intensive industry. It employs about two lakh workers in the West Bengal alone and 4 lakh workers across the country. Jute can be used: for insulation (replacing glass wool), geotextiles, activated carbon powder, wall coverings, flooring, garments, rugs, ropes, gunny bags, handicrafts, curtains, carpet backings, paper, sandals, carry bags, and furniture. The wide variety of jute crafts includes bags, office stationery, bracelets and other jewelry, footwear, tapestries and many more. The production process in the Jute Industry goes through a variety of activities, which include cultivation of raw jute, processing of jute fibres, spinning, weaving, bleaching, dyeing, finishing and marketing of both, the raw jute and its finished products.

6) Shell

From Conches, tortoise shell and seashell shells crafts are made in India. You can find three types of shells made from shell crafts in India. Different types of products such as bracelets, forks, decorative bowls, medallions, curtains, chandeliers, mirror frames, tablecloths, decorating pots, lockets, lanterns, etc. are products of shell crafts. In specific, shell handicraft locations on the sea such as the Gulf of Mannar, Odisha, Goa etc. are present here and at lower rates in excess. You can also buy shell jewellery and bracelets in West Bengal. It is basically craft making which involves a lot of creativity which will enhance the look of what we do with the shells. Seashell is a gift of nature to man and they are found in a variety of shapes, size and color. It is simply a folk art which is carried out by amateurs, however in some cases, it is also used for business making and the means to livelihood.

7) Brass Crafts

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. A diverse range of brass can be created simply by varying the proportion of these two ingredients. Brass has a yellow color that is somewhat similar to gold. It is also fairly resistant to tarnishing. The discovery of metals made the lives of man easy as the metal products proved to be such a great help for them that they successfully completed some impossible tasks. India is well known for its beautiful brass craft, which covers a wide range of products, ranging from decoration items to utility ware. India, in fact, is one of the largest brass makers in the world. The art of brass craft has been practiced for almost 5 million years. Brass is known for its durability, and this feature adds to its advantage when used as a craft. Various items include the Lord Ganesha figure in different postures, vases, tables, perforated lamps, ornament boxes, wine glasses and many more are widely used in many Indian houses. These craftsmen dealing with brass crafts are known distinctly as “Kansaris”. Advantage of Brass has several characteristic properties that make it the ideal choice for art and craft. Brass is It is a long lasting metal , requires little maintenance and it is similar to gold, gives it a very attractive appearance.

8) Bamboo Crafts

As we all know that excessive use of wooden products can harm our eco system. There is one beautiful and strong supplement of wood which is cane and bamboo. These two are ecofriendly, light weighted, and strong. These have more life than wood, low maintenance, and easily portable. They have unique and elegant styles which are liked by everyone. These two are used to make different items for daily use and for decoration. Although India is famous for its handiwork but the state of west Bengal is pretty much good in their bamboo and cane craft. artisans of northeast India mostly make trays, unique furniture, decorative lamps, fans, hand bags, lamp shades and jewellery. The various other items made from bamboo are baskets, dolls, toys, furniture, mats, tapestries, crossbows, bamboo houses, hats, musical instruments, stools, kurup and khasi umbrella, bridges, smoking pipes, trays, knives, barrels and many more.

9) Phulkari

Sitting on the charpoys (beds woven with jute strings) pulled into the protective shade of a tree, or ensconced against a wall, women in villages and small towns all over Punjab are often busy creating spectacular flower-embroidery on dupattas, shawls or other garments. The word phulkari literally means flowering. It is a form of craft in which embroidery is done in a simple and sparse design over shawls and dupattas. In some cases where the design is worked over very closely, covering the material entirely, it is called bagh. The embroidery of phulkari and bagh is done in long and short darn stitch, which is created into innumerable designs and patterns. It is the skilful manipulation of this single stitch that lends an interesting and characteristic dimension to this needlework. While the stitch itself is uncomplicated, the quality of the phulkari depends upon the size of the stitch. The smaller the stitch, the finer the embroidery. The threads used were of a silk yarn called pat. In the past, the silk threads were brought in from different parts of India, like Kashmir and Bengal. The cloth primarily used and preferred by the women, was the home-spun, locally woven and dyed khadi. It was strong, long-lasting, and cheap and served the purpose of keeping the wearer warm during winters. Another reason was that the embroidery involved the counting of threads while doing the straight darn stitch. The coarse weave made this task easier. First brought to the Punjab state by the migrant population of Jaat, Phulkari is now equally loved across the country. Over time, various techniques and types of Phulkari embroidery have emerged in India, such as Thirma, Darshan Dwar, Chope, Meenakari, and Kaudi Bagh, among others.

10) Zardozi

From the medieval times the art of Zardozi has flourished, reaching its zenith under the patronage of Emperor Akbar. This gorgeous embroidery reveals artistic use of laid stitch with golden thread. It can be seen in wall hangings, chain stitch on saris, caps and other articles with heavy embroidery. As the embroidery is densely performed, designs done are extremely intricate. The gold wire known as zari is the thread used for zardozi embroidery. The making of zari thread is a very tedious job involving winding, twisting, wire drawing and gold plating of thread. The embroidery of zari zardozi is performed in a very interesting manner. Gold wire is carefully revolved around a silver bar tapered at one end. Then they are heated in furnace till gold and silver alloy is formed. The gilt wire, when drawn through a series of holes made on steel plates, comes out glittering as gold. The gold-coated silver wire is then flattened and twisted around silk thread to obtain zari. Zardozi has remained as an appliqué method of embroidery. With one hand the craftsman holds a retaining thread below the fabric. In the other he holds a hook or a needle with which he picks up the appliqué materials. Then he passes the needle or hook through the fabric. After hours of painstaking labor, the result is an exquisite gold-veined work of art. The intricate gold designs are made from silk, velvet, and even fabrics famous in the state of Uttar Pradesh. However, today, artisans use a combination of copper wire, with a gold or silver polish, and a silk thread. This embroidery work is mainly a specialty of Lucknow, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Delhi, Agra, Kashmir, Mumbai, Ajmer, and Chennai. The art of zardozi was revived along with many traditional methods of embroidery in the middle of this century. Zari work was mainly done in Madras and zardozi in Hyderabad until a few decades ago. Today, Uttar Pradesh is home to this finest work of gold and silver embroidery. This craft has caught on to a larger region of Bareilly such as Allampur, Faridpur, Biharkala, Nawabganj and Chandpur.

Tagged : / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

THE 10 GREAT INCREDIBLE PLACES TO BUY HANDICRAFTS IN INDIA

A skilled activity in which something is made in a traditional way with the hands rather than being produced by machines in a factory. Tourists visiting India are often enamoured of its superb handicrafts, as much as its people. However, some, if not all, find the best places to buy unique handicrafts in India quite a challenge. Handicraft represents Indian’s culture and tradition. The feeling of home is hidden in the small things and the small stories that every item carries with it. The same is the reason behind buying handicrafts. Every piece of craft has a story, a story of the passion of the craftsmen who created it or his inspiration to make it. That’s why craft pieces make the perfect fit for any house. India is one of the leading producers and suppliers of handicraft products in the world. India has been a large producer and supplier of handicraft products for a long time. In Asian countries, handicrafts are as highly wanted as mechanized products in quality and volume and are a major source of their foreign earnings via exports. The artisanal industry is an important source of income for rural communities that employ more than six million artisans, including large numbers of women and people belonging to the weakest sectors of society. The sector is highly creative and produces a large variety of crafts products that are highly consumed and fond of. In India, the creative importance of these craft products is off the roof making sure that it fits in perfectly with the urbanized decor and connects the urban dwellers with their roots. The most attractive thing about handicraft items is ecological property. Use pieces of wood, recycled plastics, bottles, and other waste materials that make beautiful pieces of craft supplies. The days of Indus Valley Civilization, artisans and craftsmen have been respected for their excellence in various kinds of handicrafts. That tradition continued well into medieval and colonial times, and flourishes even to this day. List of 10 incredible places for handicraft shopping is as follows.

1.Kripal Kumbh, Jaipur, Rajasthan

The Jaipur handicrafts are famous the world over. The artists and craftsmen of Jaipur have modelled these handicrafts into alluring objects of art. Some handicrafts are used for home décor while others are for daily use. While traveling to Rajasthan in West India, make your way to Kripal Kumbh, a small showroom in Jaipur’s Bani park. This showroom was set up in the 1960’s by Kripal Singh Shekhawat, a famous artist of the time. It is believed that blue pottery made its way to Jaipur from Kashmir under the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II during the 19th century. He was so impressed by its design and appearance that he decided it should be taught at all art schools. Today, the showrooms exhibit a variety of pottery designs, both classical and modern. We can buy a wide range of blue pottery items there, from trays to animal figures. Kripal Singh Shekhawat, the founder of Kripal Kumbh, was conferred the Padma Shri in 1774 and awarded with the title “Shilp Guru” by the Government of India in 2002. There are a variety of blue pottery items available at the showroom. These are sugar pots, Egg holders, cups, dinnerware, visiting card holders, coasters, incense holders, paper weights, jars, vases, trays, crockery, jewellery boxes, serving trays. The pottery stands out with its vibrant blue and golden designs, or animal and bird motifs.

2.Must Art Gallery, Delhi

Delhi boasts its rich tradition and sound cultural values. The rich heritage and culture can be seen in the lifestyle, demography, art, crafts and music. Must Art Gallery is an assortment of great pieces of contemporary tribal art paintings and sculptures, THE GOND ART that originated from the tribes of Central India. Must Art Gallery is renowned art gallery offering various Indian Tribal art paintings including Gond art, Warli art, Kalighat art, Madhubani art and others by popular Indian artists. It is constantly growing and innovating to meet the needs of the changing times lies in the conjunction with true soul of indigenous cultures and its people. The gallery enters into the aesthetic awareness of every life through the assimilation and propagation of GOND ART and other art forms, culturally distinctive with its exceptional ethos. It is an effort to make a typical stage to encourage the tribal artists to rise above social and cultural boundaries and paint the language of the universe in their own extraordinary way.

3.Sambhali Boutique, Rajasthan

Sambhali Boutique, located in the centre of Jodhpur, provides an outlet for the clothes, accessories and handicraft items produced by the women in our Sambhali Graduates’ Sewing Centre. Sambhali Trust founded on 16 January 2007, the organisation aims to empower Dalit women and children in Rajasthan through educational programs, vocational training, and social services. The name “Sambhali” means “rising of the deprived women”. It has a rigorous quality control procedure for every item produced in the Sewing Centre, ensuring that only products of exceptional quality are sold within their Boutique. Sambhali Trust is a non-profit organisation, so any profit accured from the sales of items through the Boutique, after paying for raw materials, wages, and shop overheads, we can directly back into the organization supporting its many projects, helping to make the organization self-sustainable. They feel very fortunate that a number of their international volunteers have been skilled dress makers, meaning their graduates have the opportunity to learn how to produce western style garments. As every product is hand-made, orders can be customized to accommodate the customer’s needs, with variations in color, fabric and style easily possible. Their merchandise includes a variety of Indian and Western-style garments, silk and cotton camels and elephants, block-printed scarves, a selection of shoulder bags, and many other items, each one handmade and unique in their own special way. Located in the heart of Jodhpur, the boutique offers a variety of both Indian and Western-style garments, accessories and homeware, ideal to take home for souvenirs or just a treat for yourself to remind you of time spent in Jodhpur. Sambhali Trust is financed mainly through foreign donations and grants.

4.Kala Madhyam, Bangalore

Kala Madhyam is a non-governmental organization established on March 8th 2002. Kala Madhyam is dedicated to supporting and empowering traditional (folk and tribal) artists and artisans. To this end they run the Kala Madhyam Store that has over 15 exquisite folk and tribal paintings, handicrafts (metal art, pottery, apparel, toys etc) from across India and specializes in wall murals. In India, art and craft are not merely decorative. They are conceived from the creative vision of common people; inspired by their deep devotion to god, their spiritual communion with nature and the wisdom of their traditions. Art is therefore, a reflection of the self and community, a socially unifying force. Kala Madhyam is dedicated to supporting and empowering traditional (folk and tribal) Indian artists and artisans through systematic and sustained development efforts. They seek to ensure their social and economic well-being, nurture creative community enterprises, foster global recognition and collaboration for indigenous arts, and promote, protect and preserve the integrity and diversity of Indian art, craft and culture. The organization is operational in Karnataka, India. Kala Madhyam works in the area of Art & Culture, etc. The NGO works towards the promotion of sustainable development.

5.Raghurajpur Heritage Village, Odisha

Raghurajpur is a heritage crafts village out of Puri district, India, known for its master Pattachitra painters. Apart from that, the village is also home to crafts like Tussar paintings, Palm leaf Engravings, Stone carvings, Wood carvings, Cowdung toys and Papier mache toys, and masks. Whenever someone speaks about “Heritage”, everyone instantly remember about Raghurajpur. Raghurajpur is the heritage crafts village of Odisha. It is not just any ordinary village, it is the heart and soul of creativity. Located around 12 kms away from Puri, Raghurajpur is the home of around 500 Chitrakars. Each household has at least one Chitrakar who is highly skilled and immensely creative. Raghurajpur is famous for Pattachitra: paintings on a piece of cloth. There are many types of Pattachitra like Tassar cloth Pattachitra, Palm leaf Pattachitra etc. With evolution and innovation, now the Chitrakars have started painting exquisite Pattachitras on coconuts, betel nuts, clay pots & bottles. They will welcome you to their home. They will show you their art, crafts & paintings patiently. They will tell you about their tales of struggle. They will explain the process of their trade. The art form is used to decorate none other the Lord of the Universe- Lord Jagannath and his siblings. The attachment with the holy trinity elevated the art form helped it gain prominence.In 2000, after a two-year research and documentation project by INTACH, starting 1998, the village was chosen to be developed as state’s first heritage village and developed as a Crafts village, soon the village had an interpretation centre, commissioned artwork on the walls of the artists’ homes and a rest house.

6.Devrai Art Village, Maharashtra

Devrai Art Village is a non profit initiative to connect with nature and celebrate creativity. A core group of highly skilled Adivasi craftsmen and artists from the naxalite affected areas of Gadchiroli & Chattisgarh find a livelihood and a safe refuge here in Panchgani. The unique and distinctivtive style of our product range comes out through combinations of different mediums such as iron, brass, stone, wood, bamboo and fabric. They believe in empowering craftsmen and not in doing charity.
Todays idea of “development” has broken the link which connects us to the whole. In modern times nature is commodified and relationships have turned into transactions. Devrai Art Village attemps to amend this broken link and make the process of creation a joyous experience. This village facilitates their interaction with design schools and resource persons from other areas to enable a cross pollination of ideas. It also facilitates direct interaction of craftsmen with customers in order to obtain insights into the marketing and sale process. It create an environment that offers opportunities to explore the linkages between indigenous art and nature. Devrai Art Village strives to empower the craftsmen by giving them new design ideas and marketing possibilities. More than that we seek to nurture a way of living where Nature is not looked upon as a mere resource but where plants, animals and humans are seen as interdependent and where art can reflect the sacredness of Nature. In the true spirit of a ‘Devrai’ or a sacred grove They are trying to nurture a variety of plants , shrubs and creepers so that it offers a glimpse into a way of being where the man nature connect is not severed under the onslaught of modernism. The unique and distinctivtive style of their product range of comes out through combinations of different mediums such as iron, brass, stone, and terracotta. What we are known for is Rock Dhokra(Fusion of Brass & stone), a completely new invention which we are getting a patent for.

7.Dilli Haat, Delhi

The DILLI HAAT provides the ambience of a traditional Rural Haat or village market, but one suited for more contemporary needs. Here one sees a synthesis of crafts, food and cultural activity. This Food and Craft Bazar is a treasure house of Indian culture, handicrafts and ethnic cuisine, A unique bazaar, in the heart of the city, it displays the richness of Indian culture on a permanent basis. Dilli Haat, Janakpuri gives ample opportunity for food lovers to savor delectable lip smacking food as there are 14 Nos. of food stalls set up where one will be able to savor the flavors from across the country and 15 food stalls serving cuisines from around the world. Delhi got its third Dilli Haat on 13 July, 2014 as Dilli Haat at Janakpuri was inaugurated in a colorful ceremony by Sh. Parvesh Sahib Singh, Hon’ble MP. Sh. Jagdish Mukhi, Hon’ble MLA and Smt. Rajni Mamtani, Hon’ble Councilor graced the occasion with their presence. Dilli Haat is a paid-entrance open-air market, food plaza, and craft bazaar located in Delhi. The area is run by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), and unlike the traditional weekly market, the village Haat, Dilli Haat is permanent. It is located in the commercial centres of South Delhi, opposite INA market. The 6 acres of land on which this complex is situated was salvaged as part of a reclamation project and transformed into a plaza. Extensive foundation work, small thatched roof cottages and kiosks give the plaza a village atmosphere. The culture and the environment of dilli Haat is very good. People from outside come and visit Dilli Haat. It is a good place to visit with family and friends. Some shops are permanent but other sellers are rotated, usually for fifteen days.[1] Products offered may include rosewood and sandalwood carvings, embellished camel hide footwear, sophisticated fabric and drapery, gems, beads, brassware, metal crafts, and silk & wool fabrics. A number of shows promoting handicrafts and handlooms are held at the exhibition hall in the complex. To sell wares, there is an application process; spaces are allocated according to which state the seller is from.[2] In all, Dilli Haat, INA Market has 62 stalls allotted on a rotational basis to craftsmen for a payment of INR 100 per day for a maximum period of 15 days. Dilli Haat was established jointly by Delhi Tourism (DTDC), Government of Delhi and NDMC, D.C. (Handicrafts) and D.C. (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India and opened in March 1994.

8.Tilonia, Rajasthan

Tilonia is a village in Ajmer district in Rajasthan state in western India. It is home of the NGO, Barefoot College founded by renowned social worker Bunker Roy. Tilonia is also home of eShala.org, Online educational portal co-founded by Kartar Jat. This village has become a model for all remote villages for education, economic and social development. Tilonia is also known as education hub with its meritorious students in Navoday Vidyalaya and village school. At present this esteemed and world renowned college gives training for rural women who are poor from nearly 49 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The Social Work and Research Centre, popularly called the Barefoot College, founded by social activist and educator Bunker Roy, has been working on changing all this since 1972. Working in the fields of education, solar power, electrification and sustainability, the organization aims to, “support a journey to empowerment, one village at a time, one woman at a time.” Spread over more than 8 acres of land, the campus of Barefoot College was built between 1980 and 1986, designed by a team of rural ‘barefoot’ architects, masons, blacksmiths, farmers and members of women groups who sat and struggled through the initial basic designing of the campus. This institution believes in imparting informal, non-structured, on-the-job practical training by identifying the poor, unemployed youth who have been unable to finish their formal education and have returned to their respective villages as dropouts.

9.Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh

Moradabad is a city, commissionary sand municipal corporation in Moradabad district of Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Moradabad is situated on the banks of the Ramganga river, at a distance of 167 km (104 mi) from the national capital, New Delhi and 344 km north-west of the state capital Lucknow. Moradabad was founded in 1625 by Rustam Khan, a Mughal general who built the fort north of the city as well as the Jāmiʿ Masjid (Great Mosque). The city, located at a major road and rail junction, is a trade centre for agricultural products. Industries include cotton milling and weaving, metalworking, electroplating, and printing. Grains, cotton, and sugarcane are grown. Sugar milling and cotton weaving are the principal industries. The Raza Library is a place that holds great historical significance in the city. It has some of the greatest manuscripts and an amazing collection of pictures and inscriptions on palm leaves in many different languages.

10.Channapatna, Karnataka

Channapatana is a city and taluk headquarter in Ramanagara District, Karnataka, India. Channapatna is located on the Bangalore – Mysore highway. It is about 55 km from Bangalore and 80 km from Mysore. Channapatna is also called Town of toys. This traditional craft is protected as a geographical indication (GI) under the World Trade Organization, administered by the Government of Karnataka. The use of Lac (lacquer resin) for wood finish, cosmetics, toys, bangles and dye is much earlier in ancient India. The city is famous for its wooden toys and lacquerware. These toys are manufactured in traditional and advanced small-scale industries. Manufacturing and twisting of raw silk, rice, ragi and coconut is a major product of Channapattana taluk. The traditional ivory-wood, other woods—including rubber, sycamore, cedar, pine and teak—are now used as well. Manufacturing stages include procuring the wood, seasoning the wood, cutting the wood into the desired shapes, pruning and carving the toys, applying the colors and finally polishing the finished product. Vegetable dyes are used in the coloring process to ensure that the toys and dolls are safe for use by children. The incredible streets of Channapatna are filled with the colorful wooden toys which one cannot find anywhere else. The small town produces ample wooden toys which are so unique and showcases the unblemished talent of the craftsmen.

Tagged : / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

THE 10 GREAT MOST DOMINANT AMERICAN ATHLETES OF THE 2016 GAMES

Olympic Games, athletic festival that originated in ancient Greece and was revived in the late 19th century. Before the 1970s the Games were officially limited to competitors with amateur status, but in the 1980s many events were opened to professional athletes. Currently, the Games are open to all, even the top professional athletes in basketball and football (soccer). The ancient Olympic Games included several of the sports that are now part of the Summer Games program, which at times has included events in as many as 32 different sports. In 1924 the Winter Games were sanctioned for winter sports. An ancient Panhellenic festival held every fourth year and made up of contests of sports, music, and literature with the victor’s prize a crown of wild olive. Jamaican Usain Bolt, who won gold medals in three sprint races for the third consecutive time and ended his career, maybe, tied with Carl Lewis and Paavo Nurmi for the most Olympic track and field titles. Here is the list of 10 most dominant American athletes of the 2016 games.

1.Ashton Eaton, track and field

Ashton James Eaton was born on born January 21, 1988 in Portland, Oregon. He holds the world record in the indoor heptathlon event. Eaton was the second decathlete (after Roman Šebrle) to break the 9,000-point barrier in the decathlon, with 9,039 points, a score he bettered on August 29, 2015, when he beat his own world record with a score of 9,045 points. Eaton is only the third Olympian (after Bob Mathias of the US and Great Britain’s Daley Thompson) to achieve back-to-back gold medals in the decathlon. Eaton competed for the University of Oregon, where he was a five-time NCAA champion, and won The Bowerman award in 2010. In 2011, Eaton won the first international medal of his career, a silver, in the decathlon at the 2011 World Championships. The following year, Eaton broke his own world record in the heptathlon at the 2012 World Indoor Championships, and then broke the world record in the decathlon at the Olympic Trials. After setting the world record, Eaton won the gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He successfully defended his Olympic title in Rio 2016 by winning the decathlon gold medal and tying the Olympic record. Eaton ran the 100 meters in 10.46, long-jumped over 26 feet and pole-vaulted 17 feet. His father Roslyn Eaton also played the sport. His mother was an athlete and a dancer.

2.Katie Ledecky, swimming

Kathleen Genevieve Ledecky was born on March 17, 1997 in Washington, D.C.. She is the daughter of Mary Gen (Hagan) and David Ledecky. She is considered one of the greatest female swimmers of all time. She won 7 Olympic gold medals and 15 world championship gold medals, the most in history for a female swimmer. At the 2012 London Olympic Games as a 15-year-old, Ledecky won the gold medal in the women’s 800-metre freestyle. Four years later, she left Rio de Janeiro as the most decorated female athlete of the 2016 Olympic Games, with four gold medals, one silver medal, and two world records. In total, she has won 38 medals (30 golds, 7 silvers, and 1 bronze) in major international competitions, spanning the Summer Olympics, World Championships, and Pan Pacific Championships. she has broken fourteen world records. Ledecky’s success has earned her Swimming World’s Female World Swimmer of the Year a record-breaking five times. Ledecky was also named Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year in 2017, international female Champion of Champions by L’Équipe in 2014 and 2017, United States Olympic Committee Female Athlete of the Year in 2013, 2016 and 2017, and Sportswoman of the Year by the Women’s Sports Foundation in 2017. she is the most dominant athlete in the world.

3.Simone Biles, gymnastics

Simone Arianne Biles was born on March 14, 1997 in in Columbus, Ohio. She is an American artistic gymnast. Biles is considered one of the greatest and most dominant gymnasts of all time. Biles’ seven Olympic medals also ties Shannon Miller for the most Olympic medals won by an American female gymnast. At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Biles won individual gold medals in the all-around, vault, and floor; bronze on balance beam; and gold as part of the United States team, dubbed the “Final Five”.[6] At the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, she won bronze on balance beam, as well as silver with the United States team, after struggling with “the twisties”, a temporary loss of air balance awareness. Biles is a five-time World all-around champion, five-time World floor exercise champion, three-time World balance beam champion, two-time World vault champion, a seven-time United States national all-around champion, and a member of the gold medal-winning American teams at the 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Additionally, she is a three-time World silver medalist and a three-time World bronze medalist. Biles is the gymnast with the most World medals (25) and most World gold medals (19), having surpassed Vitaly Scherbo’s record 23 World medals by winning her 24th and 25th, both gold, at the 2019 competition in Stuttgart. Biles is the sixth woman to win an individual all-around title at both the World Championships and the Olympics.

4.Tianna Bartoletta, track and field

Tianna Bartoletta was born on August 30, 1985 in Elyria, Ohio. She is an American track and field athlete who specializes in the long jump and short sprinting events. At the 2012 Summer Olympics she placed fourth in the 100m race then won her first gold by leading off the world record-setting 4 × 100 m relay team. At the 2016 Summer Olympics she won two more golds, first with a personal best to win the long jump then again leading off the victorious 4 × 100 m relay team. She won three gold medals. She was a winner of the long jump World Championship in 2005 and 2015, plus the long jump World Indoor Championship in 2006. She also was a pusher on the U.S. bobsled team in 2012. In August of 2020 Tianna Bartoletta would be joining SPIRE Institute and Academy as an ambassador. Tianna was named a 2002 American Track & Field Outdoor All-American. became the third athlete in Ohio history to win four events at a state championship meet two years in a row.

5.Maggie Steffens, water polo

Margaret Ann Steffens was born on June 4, 1993. She is an American water polo player. At the 2020 Summer Olympics, Steffens set a new Olympic record for the most number of goals scored by an individual player in women’s water polo at the Olympic Games. She won the gold medal with the United States at the 2012,[1] 2016[2] and 2020 Summer Olympics. Steffens played water polo at Monte Vista High School and helped the team win their league championship in 2007, 2008, and 2009. In 2015, Steffens scored four goals in the semifinal game against USC, which Stanford won, 9-8. In 2017, she scored three goals in Stanford’s 8-7 championship victory against UCLA, including the winning goal with 9 seconds left. In 2015 and again in 2017 she was named the MVP of the NCAA tournament. Steffens graduated from Stanford in June, 2017 with a B.S. degree in Science, Technology, and Society.

6.Helen Maroulis, wrestling

Helen Louise Maroulis was born on September 19, 1991 in Rockville, Maryland. Helen Maroulis’s parents are Paula and Yiannis “John” Maroulis. Her father is Greek. She is an American freestyle wrestler who competes in the women’s 55-kg 53-kg and 57-kg categories. Being too careful cost her a chance to become the first American woman to win two Olympic gold medals in freestyle wrestling. She lost to Risako Kawai of Japan 2-1 in the 57-kilogram semifinals. She was a gold medalist at the 2015 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada and a gold medalist at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil she became the first-ever American to win a gold medal in women’s freestyle wrestling at the Olympic Games. She went to join Missouri Baptist University women’s wrestling team in Saint Louis, Missouri, before ultimately transferring to compete for Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.[6] At the age-group level, Maroulis was a three-time Junior World medalist (bronze in 2008 & 2010, silver in 2011). Maroulis beat Saori Yoshida 4-1 to win a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. This was the first Olympic gold medal for the United States in a women’s wrestling event.[8] Maroulis attributes a large portion of her success to the coaching of Valentin Kalika.

7.Matthew Centrowitz, track and field

Matthew Centrowitz Jr. was born on October 18, 1989 in Beltsville, Maryland. Matthew Centrowitz is an American middle-distance runner. He is the 2016 Olympic champion in the 1500 meters. He became a prominent figure in U.S. running when he won a bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics. A seasoned competitor with a potent finishing kick, he competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the 1500 meters—where he finished 4th by only 0.04 seconds. At the 2013 World Championships in Athletics, Centrowitz improved on his bronze medal performance with a silver in the same event. At the 2016 World Indoor Championships, he won his first major international championship in the 1500 meters. He then won the gold medal in the 1500 meters at the 2016 Summer Olympics[3] in Rio de Janeiro with the slowest winning time since 1932, becoming the first U.S. runner to win the event since 1908. His time of 4:08.38 for the mile at the Penn Relays in April 2007 established a meet record.[10] That same year, he also went on to set the Maryland state record over 1600 meters in 4:04.09 [11] and won a gold medal at the Pan American Junior Championships held in São Paulo, Brazil in the 1500m run. In 2011, he announced his decision to turn professional, forgoing his further participation on the University of Oregon team. His decision to turn professional resulted in his becoming a Nike-sponsored athlete, and he joined the Nike Oregon Project, where he was coached by Alberto Salazar.

8.Michael Phelps, swimming

Michael Fred Phelps II was born on June 30, 1985 in Baltimore, Maryland. Michael Phelps is an American former competitive swimmer. His mother, Deborah Sue “Debbie” Phelps, is a middle school principal. His father, Michael Fred Phelps, is a retired Maryland State Trooper He won total of 28 medals. Michael Fred Phelps holds the all-time records for Olympic gold medals (23),[9] Olympic gold medals in individual events (13), and Olympic medals in individual events (16).[10] When Phelps won eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games, he broke fellow American swimmer Mark Spitz’s 1972 record of seven first-place finishes at any single Olympic Games. At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Phelps won four gold and two silver medals, and at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, he won five gold medals and one silver. This made him the most successful athlete of the Games for the fourth Olympics. He has won 82 medals in major international long course competitions, of which 65 were gold, 14 silver, and three bronze, spanning the Olympics, the World Championships, and the Pan Pacific Championships. Phelps’s international titles and record-breaking performances have earned him the World Swimmer of the Year Award eight times and American Swimmer of the Year Award eleven times, as well as the FINA Swimmer of the Year Award in 2012 and 2016. At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro,[14] his fifth Olympics, he was selected by his team to be the flag bearer of the United States at the 2016 Summer Olympics Parade of Nations.

9.Ryan Crouser, track and field

Ryan Crouser was born on December 18, 1992 in Portland, Oregon. Ryan Crouser is an American shot putter and discus thrower. His father, Mitch Crouser , was an alternate on the 1984 Olympic discus team. He is a two time Olympic gold medalist and Olympic Record holder and the World Record holder in the shot put, both indoor and outdoor. He 2021, he threw 22.82 m (74 ft 10+1⁄2 in) to set a new world indoor shotput record (pending ratification) in Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA. The previous world indoor record of 22.66 m (74 ft 4 in) was set by Barnes in 1989.[2] Crouser also had a 22.70 m (74 ft 5+1⁄2 in) throw in the fourth round that broke the 32-year-old world record. Crouser is the reigning consecutive two-time Olympic champion. He won the gold medal in the shot put at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, setting the Olympic Games record of 22.52 m (73 ft 10+1⁄2 in).[4] He defended the Olympic title at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, improving the Olympic record to 23.30 m (76 ft 5+1⁄4 in). All six of his throws in the competition broke his previous 2016 Olympic Record. In 2020, he was named a finalist for Male Track and Field World Athlete of the Year[6] by World Athletics, the international governing body for track and field. In 2020 he won third on the world all time list.

10.Claressa Shields, boxing

Claressa Maria Shields was born on March 17, 1995 in Flint, Michigan. Claressa Shields is an American professional boxer and mixed martial artist. She has held multiple world championships in three weight classes, including the undisputed female light middleweight title since March 2021; the undisputed female middleweight title from 2019 to 2020; and the unified WBC and IBF female super middleweight titles from 2017 to 2018. As of November 2020, she is ranked as the world’s best active female light middleweight by The Ring[5] and BoxRec,[6] as well as the best active female boxer. Claressa Shields is the only boxer in history, female or male, to hold all four major world titles in boxing—WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO—simultaneously, in two weight classes. She is the first woman to win lineal championships in two weight classes. In a decorated amateur career, Shields won gold medals in the women’s middleweight division at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, making her the first American boxer to win consecutive Olympic medals.

Tagged : / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

THE 10 GREAT BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2021 IN THE WORLD

Books contain information, stories, or poetry etc. of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs and leaders are avid readers. Even fictional novels are praised for their excellence by successful businessman. A great book influences your life. It influences your thought process. Any book that teaches you to be fair to the world is a great book. Reader has a lot of benefits like increase your vocabulary, improve focus and concentration, reduce stress and improve your memory. If you’re struggling to find a career, Advice from an expert, however, might be just the thing is to pick up one of these published career advice books. 2021 has brought us some incredible titles of best books to read. Here is the list of powerful memoirs, page-turning novels, and more.

1.Project Hail Mary
by Andy Weir

Project Hail Mary is a tale of discovery, speculation, and survival that takes us to places we’ve never dreamed of going. Project Hail Mary is a 2021 science fiction novel by Andy Weir. Set in the near future, the novel centers on middle school-teacher-turned-astronaut Ryland Grace, who wakes up from a coma afflicted with amnesia. Alone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this irresistible interstellar adventure as only Andy Weir could deliver. He gradually remembers that he was sent to the Tau Ceti solar system, 12 light-years from Earth, to find a means of reversing a solar dimming event that could cause the extinction of humanity. The film rights have been purchased by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and actor Ryan Gosling plans to star as Grace in the film adaptation. Ryland Grace is a devoted junior-high school science teacher in the United States, having left his former career as a molecular biologist. He is recruited by Eva Stratt, head of a UN task force, to find the cause of a solar dimming event that could end humanity. Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish.

2.Klara and the Sun
by Kazuo Ishiguro

Klara and the Sun is the eighth novel by the Nobel Prize-winning British writer Kazuo Ishiguro, published on 2 March 2021. Klara and the Sun is a thrilling book that offers a look at our changing world through the eyes of Klara. The novel is set in a dystopian future in which some children are genetically engineered for enhanced academic ability. As schooling is provided entirely at home by on-screen tutors, opportunities for socialization are limited and parents who can afford it often buy their children androids as companions. The book is narrated by one such Artificial Friend (AF) called Klara. It is obvious to Klara that they have died, and she is surprised the next morning to see that they are living and that the sun has with his great kindness saved them with a special kind of nourishment. From Josie’s bedroom Klara has a good view of the sun’s progress across the sky, and comes to believe that he goes to his nightly rest within a farmer’s barn that stands on the horizon. With Rick’s help, she makes her way there one evening across the grasslands. Although surprised to find the sun’s resting place is not actually in the barn, she pleads with him to pour his special kind of nourishment onto Josie and to save her life, as he did the beggar. She offers in return to find and destroy the pollution-creating Cootings Machine. Klara and the Sun received favourable reviews, with a cumulative “Positive” rating at the review aggregator website Book Marks. The novel was read on BBC Radio 4 by actress Lydia Wilson, abridged by Richard Hamilton. It was broadcast in ten parts between 7 March and 19 March 2021. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, tells the story of Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, from her place in the store, watches carefully the behavior of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass on the street outside.

3.Effortless
by Greg McKeown

Whereas Essentialism is about choosing where to focus your energy, Effortless is about how you functionally structure your work to make the most essential activities the easiest ones to achieve. Essentialism comes an empowering guide to achieving your goals. Effortless shows that achieving more doesn’t have to be as hard as we make it out to be’ . Million copy selling Essentialism comes an empowering guide to achieving your goals. As high achievers, we’ve been conditioned to believe that the path to success is paved with relentless work. That if we want to overachieve, we have to overexert, overthink, and overdo. That if we aren’t perpetually exhausted, we’re not doing enough. Greg McKeown is a speaker, a bestselling author, and the host of the popular podcast What’s Essential. Best Quotes are
• When we apply effortless actions to high-leverage activities the return on our effort compounds.
• When we invite joy into our daily routine, we are no longer yearning for the far-off day when it might arrive. That day is always today.
• After I complain, I will say something I am thankful for.
• When we are fully present with another person we see them more clearly, and we help them see themselves more clearly.
• Simplicity, the art of maximizing the steps not taken, is essential.
• Most geniuses prosper not by deconstructing intricate complexities, but by exploiting unrecognized simplicities. -Andy Benoit
• There is no mastery without mistakes.
• If you are not embarrassed by your first product launch, you launched it too late. -Reid Hoffman
• The most useful knowledge often comes from fields different than our own.

4.Gold Diggers
by Sanjena Sathian

A magical realism coming-of-age story, Gold Diggers skewers the model minority myth to tell a hilarious and moving story about immigrant identity, community, and the underside of ambition. The narrator of “Gold Diggers” is an endearing young man named Neil Narayan, an Indian American living in Atlanta. The first half of the novel is concerned with Neil’s adolescence, and in particular his relationship with the mercurial Anita, his neighbor and childhood friend who’s been changing on him, which he doesn’t appreciate. Throughout the book, Neil is quietly searching for something that will help him know, a narrative he can fit himself into in this country his parents decided he should grow up in and belong to. He finds one such narrative in the library, where a physicist named Pramesh tells Neil about a Bombayan gold digger in California during the Gold Rush. The story sparks Neil’s imagination: “If I had roots in American soil … if our collective past was more textured than I’d been led to believe, then, well, maybe there were other ways of being brown on offer.” In history, we can find reflections of ourselves, trajectories we haven’t imagined we might fit into. But history is tricky, too, in that it is most often written by those in positions of power, those with the ability to erase the existence or the importance of others. Sometimes the only way to assert a history is to write into it, read between the lines, and add a sprinkle of invention.

5.Luck of the Titanic

by Stacey Lee

The richly imagined story of Valora and Jamie Luck, twin British-Chinese acrobats traveling aboard the Titanic on its ill-fated maiden voyage. Valora Luck has two things: a ticket for the biggest and most luxurious ocean liner in the world, and a dream of leaving England behind and making a life for herself as a circus performer in New York. Much to her surprise, though, she’s turned away at the gangway; apparently, Chinese people aren’t allowed into America. Luck of the Titanic is a historical fiction that works to tell the story of the six Titanic survivors of Chinese descent. It follows twin siblings, Valora and Jamie Luck, two twin British-Chinese acrobats traveling aboard the Titanic’s maiden voyage, which was the same time of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Determined to make it to America, Valora brews a plan that will allow them to get into America before the ship makes it across the Atlantic.

6.Four Hundred Souls
by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain

A chorus of extraordinary voices tells the epic story of the four-hundred-year journey of African Americans from 1619 to the present. This collection of diverse pieces from ninety different minds, reflecting ninety different perspectives unlocks the startling range of experiences and ideas that have always existed within the community of Blackness. The story begins in 1619—a year before the Mayflower—when the White Lion disgorges “some 20-and-odd Negroes” onto the shores of Virginia, inaugurating the African presence in what would become the United States. It takes us to the present, when African Americans, descendants of those on the White Lion and a thousand other routes to this country, continue a journey defined by inhuman oppression, visionary struggles, stunning achievements, and millions of ordinary lives passing through extraordinary history. While themes of resistance and struggle, of hope and reinvention, course through the book, this collection of diverse pieces from ninety different minds, reflecting ninety different perspectives, fundamentally deconstructs the idea that Africans in America are a monolith—instead it unlocks the startling range of experiences and ideas that have always existed within the community of Blackness.

7.People We Meet on Vacation
by Emily Henry

From the bestselling author of Beach Read comes a sparkling new novel that will leave you with the warm, hazy afterglow usually reserved for the best vacations. Two best friends. Ten summer trips. One last chance to fall in love. Poppy and Alex. Alex and Poppy. They have nothing in common. She’s a wild child; he wears khakis. She has insatiable wanderlust; he prefers to stay home with a book. And somehow, ever since a fateful car share home from college many years ago, they are the very best of friends. For most of the year they live far apart—she’s in New York City, and he’s in their small hometown—but every summer, for a decade, they have taken one glorious week of vacation together. Until two years ago, when they ruined everything. They haven’t spoken since. Poppy has everything she should want, but she’s stuck in a rut. When someone asks when she was last truly happy, she knows, without a doubt, it was on that ill-fated, final trip with Alex. And so, she decides to convince her best friend to take one more vacation together—lay everything on the table, make it all right. Miraculously, he agrees. Now she has a week to fix everything. If only she can get around the one big truth that has always stood quietly in the middle of their seemingly perfect relationship.

8.Crying in H Mart
by Michelle Zauner

Crying in H Mart: A Memoir is a 2021 memoir by Michelle Zauner, singer and guitarist of the musical project Japanese Breakfast. It is her debut book, published on April 20, 2021, by Alfred A. Knopf. From the indie rockstar of Japanese Breakfast fame comes an unflinching, powerful memoir about growing up Korean American, losing her mother, and forging her own identity. Vivacious and plainspoken, lyrical and honest, Zauner’s voice is as radiantly alive on the page as it is onstage. In this story of family, food, grief, and endurance, Michelle Zauner proves herself far more than a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. With humor and heart, she tells of growing up the only Asian American kid at her school in Eugene, Oregon; of struggling with her mother’s particular, high expectations of her; of a painful adolescence; of treasured months spent in her grandmother’s tiny apartment in Seoul, where she and her mother would bond, late at night, over heaping plates of food. As she grew up, moving to the East Coast for college, finding work in the restaurant industry, and performing gigs with her fledgling band–and meeting the man who would become her husband–her Koreanness began to feel ever more distant, even as she found the life she wanted to live. It was her mother’s diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer, when Michelle was twenty-five, that forced a reckoning with her identity and brought her to reclaim the gifts of taste, language, and history her mother had given her. Its title is a reference to H Mart, a Korean-American supermarket chain.

9.Malibu Rising
by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of the summer. But over the course of twenty-four hours, their lives will change forever and secrets that shaped this family’s generations will all come rising to the surface. Malibu: August, 1983. It’s the day of Nina Riva’s annual end-of-summer party, and anticipation is at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be around the famous Rivas: Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; brothers Jay and Hud, one a championship surfer, the other a renowned photographer; and their adored baby sister, Kit. Together, the siblings are a source of fascination in Malibu and the world over—especially as the offspring of the legendary singer, Mick Riva.
The only person not looking forward to the party of the year is Nina herself, who never wanted to be the center of attention, and who has also just been very publicly abandoned by her pro tennis player husband. Oh, and maybe Hud—because it is long past time to confess something to the brother from whom he’s been inseparable since birth. Jay, on the other hand, is counting the minutes until nightfall, when the girl he can’t stop thinking about promised she’ll be there. Kit has a couple secrets of her own—including a guest she invited without consulting anyone. By midnight the party will be completely out of control. By morning, the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family’s generations will all come bubbling to the surface. Malibu Rising is a story about one unforgettable night in the life of a family: the night they each have to choose what they will keep from the people who made them.

10.Set Boundaries, Find Peace

by Nedra Glover Tawwab

In a relatable and inclusive tone, Set Boundaries, Find Peace presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life. These techniques will help you end the struggle, speak up for what you need, and experience the freedom of being truly yourself. Healthy boundaries. We all know we should have them–in order to achieve work/life balance, cope with toxic people, and enjoy rewarding relationships with partners, friends, and family. But what do “healthy boundaries” really mean–and how can we successfully express our needs, say “no,” and be assertive without offending others. Licensed counselor, sought-after relationship expert, and one of the most influential therapists on Instagram Nedra Glover Tawwab demystifies this complex topic for today’s world. In a relatable and inclusive tone, Set Boundaries, Find Peace presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life. Rooted in the latest research and best practices used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), these techniques help us identify and express our needs clearly and without apology–and unravel a root problem behind codependency, power struggles, anxiety, depression, burnout, and more.

Tagged : / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

THE 10 GREAT BEST SINGERS IN THE WORLD IN THE YEAR 2021

A singer is a person who sings, especially professionally. The music business is one of the most competitive markets in the world. Some musicians have successfully managed to stay under the spotlight for years, some even decades. Here is the list of the top 20 most popular singers in the world in 2021.

1.The Weeknd

The Weeknd, byname of Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, (born February 16, 1990, Toronto, Ontario, Canada), Canadian rhythm-and-blues singer and songwriter. When he was in grade 11, he quit school and left home, devoting himself to unbridled partying. Tesfaye eventually landed a job at American Apparel and at the same time began writing songs. In 2021, The Weeknd won the foremost 10 Billboard Music Awards, and 5 iHeartRadio Music Awards, including Top Artist of the Year, making him the most popular singer in the world. Starting his career with some mixtapes, he soon achieved the highest order of fame in the commercial platforms. His albums touch the heart of millions of people, his dark and romantic touch brings out the most vulnerable of us. Some of Weeknd’s most successful albums are Beauty Behind the Madness, Starboy, etc. One of the highest record-selling musicians of all time is devoted to making good music and spreading the message of love. In 2012, he signed with Republic Records and re-released the mixtapes in the compilation album, Trilogy.

2.Justin Beiber

Justin Drew Bieber was born on March 1, 1994 in London, Ontario, Canada. Bieber was raised by a single mother in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, and as a child he learned to play the drums, the piano, the guitar, and the trumpet. His mother uploaded his local competition video and other homemade videos, in which Bieber sang popular rhythm-and-blues (R&B) songs and occasionally accompanied himself on acoustic guitar, and they soon attracted attention beyond their originally intended audience. The 16-year old singer’s debut album My Life 2.0 made him the youngest to get on top of the Billboard 200. His success only got piled up over time. Some of the most popular pop songs like”Cold Water”, “Let Me Love You”, “I’m the One” belongs to him. The winner of two Grammys, a record of 21 MTV Europe Music Awards, 20 Billboard Music Awards, 18 American Music Awards, has released 6 albums so far and with the last one Justice released in 2021. Besides being one of the most famous singers in the world, Justin is also a prominent fashion figure with an appreciation for tattoos.

3.Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell was born on December 18, 2001 in Los Angeles, California. Belonging to a family of musicians, she was destined to make a career in performing arts. Her parents, Maggie Baird and Patrick O’Connell, were longtime actors. Eilish is an American singer and songwriter. The song was written and produced by her brother, Finneas O’Connell, with whom she frequently collaborates on music and in live shows. songwriter Billie Eilish became a pop superstar by way of her distinctive musical and fashion sensibilities and songs like “Ocean Eyes,” “Bad Guy” and “Therefore I Am.” Billie Eilish is the latest addition to the list of prominent celebrities in the music industry. The blasting 2001-born newcomer has released singles like “Everything I Wanted” accumulating billions of views. She is one of the very few singers of her generation with near 100 million Insta followers. People first discovered Billie on Soundcloud and once she signed up with Inter scope Records, songs like “Bad Guy” received millions and billions of views and streaming all over the world. The singer who has received 7 Grammys before touching 20, surely has what it takes to become a legendary musician.

4.Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande-Butera was born on June 26, 1993 in in Boca Raton, Florida and she is an American singer and actress. She has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including two Grammy Awards, one Brit Award, two Billboard Music Awards, three American Music Awards, nine MTV Video Music Awards, and 27 Guinness World Records. Grande has sold more than 85 million units in the US, and each of her studio albums has been certified platinum or more by the Recording Industry Association of America. She has been included on Time’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world (2016 and 2019) and the Forbes Celebrity 100 (2019–2020); additionally, she was named Woman of the Year (2018), the greatest pop star of 2019, and the most accomplished female artist to debut in the 2010s by Billboard. Starting her career around 2013, the singer has so far released 6 albums with the latest one Positions being released in 2020. Grande well known for her steadfast stand in social issues is often included in the most influential person list of magazines like Time and Forbes. Billboard named Ariana Woman of the Year in 2018. Her first big break came in 2008 when the 15-year-old landed the role of Charlotte in the Broadway production of 13, a play focusing on life growing up in New York City.

5.Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran was born on February 17, 1991, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, in the United Kingdom. Ed Sheeran is a singer/songwriter who began playing guitar at a young age and soon after started writing his own songs. When he was just a teenager, he moved to London to pursue his music, and his outpouring of creativity added up to several early EPs and hundreds of live shows. Drawing attention for his online performances, Sheeran hit No. 1 on the iTunes chart before he ever signed with a record label. Since signing with Atlantic, Sheeran has sold millions of records and won Grammys for hits like “Thinking Out Loud” and “Shape of You,” as well as his 2018 album. His long list of awards includes four Grammy, an MBE from the British Royal Family, and the second in the list of most-streamed singers on Spotify. Sheeran has sold more than 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the world’s best-selling music artists. He has 84.5 million RIAA-certified units in the US,[7] and two of his albums are in the list of the best-selling albums in UK chart history. His nickname was Teddy and he is a big fan of animals.

6.Taylor Swift

Taylor Alison Swift was born on December 13, 1989 and she is an American singer-songwriter. Her narrative songwriting, which is often inspired by her personal experiences. She has received widespread media coverage and critical praise. 11-times Grammy winner’s playfield includes pop, electropop, alternative pop, etc. The musical powerhouse released two albums in 2020, Folklore and Evermore. The tremendously successful album duo brought Taylor a Grammy and Real Estate on top of the Billboard 200 chart. The legendary singer never ceases to surprise her fans. Taylor started her career experimenting with country songs in her album of 2006. At the young age of nine, Taylor Swift worked in musical theater. This allowed her to perform in the Berks Youth Theatre Academy productions four different times. She was the youngest country artist to write a number one song. Taylor Swift Swift wrote her “Our Song.” only whan she was14 years old. In 2005 to become a country music singer. Taylor Swift the princess of pop music and her performance is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. She has a great experience that helped shape her stage presence. Her inspiration was Shania Twain.

7.Selena Gomez

Marie Gomez was born on July 22, 1992, Grand Prairie, Texas, U.S. Selena Gomez has become one of today’s rising young stars. She’s an actress and recording artist and is most widely known for her starring role as Alex Russo on Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place. She is the daughter of Mandy Teefey and Ricardo Gomez. Her mother is of part Italian ancestry, and her father is of Mexican descent. The girl from Texas started her career in a TV show, The Wizards of the Waverly Place. Her first acting role was as “Gianna” in the popular ’90s children’s television show Barney & Friends (1992), alongside Demi Lovato from 2002-2004. Gomez also had roles in Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over (2003), Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire (2005), and House Broken (2006). In 2009, Gomez released her first album with her band called “Selena Gomez & the Scene,” which ranked #9 on the Billboard 200 album charts. While producing great music and performing in TV shows, Selena has worked in several movies including “Another Cinderella Story”, “Monte Carlo”, and “A Rainy Day in New York”. Out of her three solo albums, Stars Dance, Revival, Rare, each of them has taken her to another level making her one of the most popular female singers of our generation. The singer was named Billboard Women of the Year in 2017. Selena became the youngest ambassador to UNICEF in 2009 at age of 17.

8.Zayn Malik

Zayn Malik was born on 12th January 1993 in Bradford,West Yorkshire, England and brought up in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Born and raised in Bradford, Malik auditioned as a solo contestant for the British music competition The X Factor in 2010. He is of English and Pakistani descent. After being eliminated as a solo performer, Malik was brought back into the competition, along with four other contestants, to form the boy band One Direction, which went on to become one of the best-selling boy bands of all time. Malik left the group in March 2015 and subsequently signed a solo recording contract with RCA Records. Zayn Malik has stated that he started taking pride in his appearance after moving schools at the age of twelve, and as a teenager he took performing arts courses and appeared in school productions. The lead single, “What Makes You Beautiful”, was an international commercial success, reaching number one in the UK and number four in the US. The former member of One Direction has released three albums so far. He has won American Music Award and an MTV Video Music Award for his song. Zayn’s solo career started in 2015 when he left the boy band and joined the RCA records. Since then it has always been an upward curve. The former member of One Direction has released three albums so far. He has won American Music Award and an MTV Video Music Award for his song.

9.Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa was born on 22 August 1995, in London and she is an English singer and songwriter. After working as a model, she signed with Warner Bros. Records in 2014 and released her eponymous debut album in 2017. The album peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart and yielded eight singles, including “Be the One”, “IDGAF”, and the UK number-one single “New Rules”, which also peaked at number six in the US. The album has been certified platinum in numerous countries worldwide and won Lipa the Brit Awards for British Female Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act in 2018. Her first album, Dua Lipa, came out in 2017. Got to number three on the UK albums chart, topped the UK singles chart, even won a couple of Brit Awards. Having successfully established her name in the industry, Dua has so far released only two albums. Second, Future Nostalgia became an international success in 15 countries. Dua won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album for the album. The rising star released several hits in 2021. Dua’s father, Dukagjin Lipa, runs in the music industry too as a musician and founder of a festival called Sunny Hill Festival in Kosovo. Judging by his Instagram feed, we reckon he’s Dua’s biggest fan. She is one of the frontrunners to record the theme song of an upcoming James Bond movie. She was influenced by her singer father, even though she was not pressurized to become a singer.

10.Adam Levine

The lead singer of the band Maroon 5, is one of the most popular pop stars of our time. Maroon 5 has been on the top of pop bands since they started in the early 2000s. Songs like “Girls Like You”, “Payphone”, and “Memories” are crushing it even today, and to speak of the man behind the voice, his talents are too many to describe. Besides being a singer, Adam is also a successful entrepreneur running a music instrument brand and some other businesses. Adam Levine is an American musician, actor, and lead singer of the band Maroon 5. He was born Adam Noah Levine, on March 18th, 1979, in Los Angeles, California, to Fred Levine and Patsy Levine. Adam Levine has been a recurring character on American Horror Story since 2012, a TV show. Adam Levine started a menswear line with K-Mart. Adam Levine says that his mother’s musical tastes when he was growing up influenced his career. He listened to The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and Simon & Garfunkel. Adam Levine says his interest in music began when he was about ten years old when he fell in love with playing guitar. Adam Levine has worked on other artists’ albums including those by Kanye West, Natasha Bedingfield, and Alicia Keys. His favorite musicians are Prince and Stevie Wonder. He refers to Stevie Wonder as ‘spiritual leader’.

Tagged : / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /