tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71443907405620646142024-03-18T21:23:30.207-07:00PhotosIndia.com - Premium Indian Stock PhotosManav Lohiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00421098499804032567noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-19800081953813914902010-05-09T22:39:00.000-07:002010-05-09T22:41:13.586-07:00NamasteNamaste or ‘Namaskar’ is the standard greeting in India. A pair of folded hands is a sight associated with all things Indian. Whether you saw it when you landed at any of our International airports or met Indians that wouldn’t shake hands, please consider this gesture as polite, inviting and affectionately sincere. Namaste!<br /><br />What kind of images conjure in your mind when you think ‘India’? Retorts like heat, dust, poverty are commonplace but that has never been the real India. The real India is the smile on the faces of these hot, dusty and poor folk! India is the essence of ‘hope’. For the last 61 years she has based her entire economy, society and international relations on the ‘hope’ of her 8 billion citizens. So the next time you are asked ‘What do you see when you think ‘India?’, derive your answers from here. India is the ‘power’ within the ‘Bindi’, India is the fluid sensuality of the ’sari’, India is vibrancy of henna, India is the crossroads of culture. India is proudly showcased at www.photosindia.com.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-3868616141818015302010-05-09T22:37:00.000-07:002010-05-09T22:38:44.442-07:00Pushkar - Home of 'Brahma' the CreatorPushkar is a small town in Rajasthan, it is as picturesque as any desert town can be but it has other claims to fame that make it a prominent address on the Indian map. Pushkar, literally meaning ‘a lotus that has bloomed in mud’, and it also home to one of the only two temples dedicated to Lord Brahma. The seat upon which Lord Brahma resides is a blue Lotus also known as ‘Pushkara’ in Sanskrit. Lord Brahma is a part of the Hindu Holy Trinity and he serves as the ‘Creator’ of mankind, the way Lord Shiva is considered the destroyer. Lord Brahma is said to be the son of the Supreme Being. He created the universe and he had several symbols associated with his persona.<br /><br />Mythology states that Lord Brahma annoyed Lord Shiva during a tryst and the curse bestowed upon him was that no man on earth would worship Lord Brahma the way other deities are worshipped. Another school of thought attributed this curse to a demi God who was ignored by Lord Brahma. But it is the practicalities of modern society that have asked for a more plausible explanation. Like the one stated by Mr. Surin Usgaonkar “The true philosophical reason why Brahma is not worshiped like the other deities is as under: Worship involves faith and faith to certain degree means accepting supremacy of someone without questioning. Brahma, on the other hand, represents true knowledge. The knowledge and faith are philosophically antithetical concepts. Knowledge blooms in self-doubt, constant questioning, criticism and discussions and it lapses in faith.”<br /><br />Leaving such heavy thinking aside, let’s go back to Pushkar, where this whole dialogue began. Pushkar has one of the two temples dedicated to Lord Brahma and it is here that one of the largest cultural, trading and religious fair takes place every year. ‘Pushkar Mela’ (‘mela’ literally means fair or carnival) is India’s largest cattle fair. It is a spectacular event with Rajasthani men and women in their traditional attire, ash smeared holy men and more than one lakh people, from all over Rajasthan as well as tourists from different parts of India and abroad in attendance. Apart from the people there is bevy of bulls, cows, sheep, goats, horses and camels for sale and barter. It is not just business here, this week long fair also has fabulous events and brilliant shopping stalls. There are hysterical camel races, where photographers are known to get trampled (objects in the lens appear farther than they really are!!!). Rajasthani gypsies in their vibrant colorful skirts perform dance and music recitals through the days and nights. The shopping stalls glitter all the way with handcrafted leather goods to dainty glass bangles and beautiful textiles. Craftsman from all over Rajasthan and neighboring states bring their wares out for the world to see and appreciate. At Pushkar there is something for everyone. The shopper will find his delights, the trader will get a great bargain and the tourist will see the colorful and charismatic India they were hoping to see.<br /><br />‘Pushkar Fair’ is always held in the month of Kartik. It starts two days before the full moon of the month and ends a day after it. This year the fair is from 18th-24th November 2007, a tad later than usual. It is the Pushkar lake in this city that all devotional activities center around. It has 52 ghats (like cement bleachers/steps) and is the main reason for the confluence of so many people from all parts of the country and abroad. It is considered imperative to take a dip in the Pushkar Lake on the night of a full moon. According to the Puranas (meaning ‘ancient Indian tales’), a pilgrimage to Pushkar destroys all evil and washes away all sins. A person that has had a dip in the lake at Pushkar and worshipped Brahma achieves salvation. For this reason, thousands of people gather here for this great annual pilgrimage and fair. Could there be an easier way??Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-41867934567611948462010-05-09T22:36:00.000-07:002010-05-09T22:37:23.174-07:00Kashmir - The Soul of Mother NatureHow I love Kashmir? Words beseech me and that’s a feat because I am rarely ever gobsmacked! My association with Kashmir is roughly 30 years old but if you consider vivid human memory then I would say 27 years to be precise. My first real trip to Kashmir was at the age of 5. We flew to Srinagar and stayed at the Centaur. We drove all over the state for 2 weeks in an Ambassador (for the uninitiated, this is the most sturdy, rural & iconic vehicle of India). Even as a child all my memories centered on a deep sense of awe. I was perpetually smitten. I fell in love with something new every day, sometimes every few hours. I had never seen these many colors before, that’s what I remember thinking so often. I had been to Baramula Army Base as a 2 year old and that’s where we were headed on the first day to meet old friends. I remember meeting one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen over there. We were visiting a Major General if I remember correctly and his orderly had his family over from a village elsewhere in Kashmir.<br /><br />Her name was Renu and she was exquisite, I asked my mother if she was a film star (she was gardening with a typical Kashmiri head scarf on and it looked so chic). I can still picture mom turning around to tell the General’s wife that the women in Kashmir only get prettier! So it wasn’t just the place, it was the people too. Kashmir invoked feelings of oneness with nature, something city kids never felt and I carried that feeling with me for the dozen trips we took thereafter.<br /><br />It was at age 13 that I had my ‘real’ Kashmiri food experience. I guess the palate is more honed by that age and I was always a self proclaimed gastronome. We had been invited by a Veterinary doctor friend of my parents. The word ‘wazwan’ floated around the car through the drive. We had to spend almost 3 grueling hours discussing possible tension in the region (how gullible we were, looking back that was probably the most peaceful the valley would ever be) and all I could think of was the food. The layout was fantastic, rich and highly exuberant and the flavors were perfect, way more than I had expected. That’s when Kashmir became the ultimate holiday package for me. Through the teens and early twenties I kept a keen eye on the socio political developments in Kashmir, a part of me was constantly saddened. Kashmir became like a first kiss, lovely but you could never go back and feel it again. I was resolved to that idea for a decade and even adopted Goa as my backup piece of heaven till I heard about a group of friends headed to the real and only heaven on earth, Kashmir. This I had to see.<br /><br />I stressed about the Chinar’s on the Dal Lake, they had to be there or it wouldn’t be perfect. I thought endlessly about the florists on shikara’s, the sunsets at the lake, the horse ride to Gulmarg, the river rocks that changed color in water, the glowing ‘kangri’s’, the soothing ‘kahva’, the aroma of burning wood, the sweetness of mountain tea, the crispness of the air, the clarity in vision … oh my God! Kashmir was that ultimate piece of heaven and more! So we took the first flight out that Monday and I prayed, I prayed for peace and more selfishly, I prayed for ‘my Kashmir’, the pretty one! My prayers were answered manifold. Everything was perfect. My nose thanked me for the air, my eyes wept at the beauty, my hands wafted on the surface of the Dal lake for like an hour and I bought the largest, most gorgeous, most exotic bunch of flowers I had ever received, or seen for that matter. The people were wonderful and the women were actually prettier, the serenity was so unusual for the turmoil this region had seen, it tugged at my soul. I saw everything I wanted to see and I felt the fulfillment I had felt years ago, the déjà vu was so unique. The river was exactly like I left it, I swear I knew the horses going up to Sonmarg, the gardens were exquisite and I was once again, smitten!<br /><br />The icing on the cake were definitely the tulips. It was tulip season (which lasts for barely a month according to the hotel manager) and we just had to see it. I can’t help but get nostalgic but my first exposure to a field of tulips was a lovely Hindi movie called ‘Silsila’, were Amitabh Bachchan serenades his heroine in the tulip fields of Holland. I stood here in Kashmir and I could see the whole song unfold in front of me, I was in Holland, I was missing only the clogs. It is inexplicable … you have to go there to see what I mean.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-90269529342357959922010-05-09T22:34:00.000-07:002010-05-09T22:35:57.070-07:00Ajanta & Ellora - Ancient India RocksExcuse that pun, I was referring to some images we produced a couple of months back of Ajanta & Ellora. I had vague memories of visiting these cave shrines as a kid and it saddened me that I didn’t remember their magnificence. I was viewing the images in high resolution and the detail left me flabbergasted.<br /><br />Ajanta & Ellora are the definition of the term ‘cave shrines’. Located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India, these caves have been hand carved and built as far back as 200 B.C. These caves comprise of two sets, Ajanta caves and Ellora caves. Both are equally significant due to their history, architecture and message. The caves were discovered as early as the 19th century during a hunting expedition. All these centuries they lay hidden under the rocky landscape of the Sahyadri hills. They are called ‘cave shrines’ because they are essentially temples. Hand carved temples in man made caves, the sheer task seems enormous and near impossible for the era of their supposed construction. The granite these hills constitute of are still considered a construction nightmare but the faith involved in the Ajanta & Ellora caves seems to be the driving force behind this Herculean task. The rock is considered ‘living rock’ because the formations are a still in a process of development. The structures are prayers halls and monasteries where monks could meditate and pray in complete seclusion. These structures are also a symbol of religious tolerance and harmony. Here Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism co-exist and share their teachings. All three religions were founded in India and this is the only place in the world where their history conjoins. The Jain and Buddhist caves are places of peace and quiet while the Hindu caves exude more energy and divinity. The three construction styles found here are stupas, chaityas and viharas. ‘Stupas’ are generally built of stones or bricks to commemorate important events or mark important places associated with Buddhism or to house important relics of Buddha. ‘Chaitya’s’ are meditation or prayer halls built out of rock and brick and ‘Vihara’s’ are monasteries usually made in excavated rocks to provide a haven away from the rest of the world.<br /><br />The Ajanta caves are a set of 29 caves, hand carved tediously by Buddhist monks. Presumably the only tools available to these hermetic people had to have been hammers and chisels. The figurines depict the tales of ‘Jataka’, ancient text of Buddhists which tell stories about the various incarnations of the Buddha. The craft is definitely impressive but the physical effort involved enhances the beauty of the carvings. It is no wonder that the Ajanta is chosen as a ‘World Heritage Site.<br /><br />The Ellora caves are 34 in number. They are more ornately carved and the structures are more adorned. There are magnificent facades and examples of Indian temple architecture. These caves are carved in the basaltic sides of the hills. The most amazing feat in these caves is the ancient ‘Kailasa temple’, devoted to Mount Kailash which is the seat of Lord Shiva. This temple is carved out of solid rock and is a free standing structure comprising of pillars, podiums and spires, all intricately carved by hand. A website about World Mysteries has listed this temple under ‘mystic places’ because “it is the largest monolithic structure in the world, carved top-down from a single rock. It contains the largest cantilevered rock ceiling in the world.”<br /><br />The best time to visit Ajanta & Ellora caves is from October to March, although the monsoon months of July-August are also highly recommended for the heightened scenic beauty of the area. Indian tourism offer a lot of excursion trips and tourists can engage tour guides locally at Ajanta and Ellora as well as from Mumbai, the closest metro to the caves.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-13835186917985180422010-05-09T22:32:00.000-07:002010-05-09T22:34:16.035-07:00Agra - the land of Love and LossAlmost every Indian kid remembers when they first saw the Taj Mahal. They were still kids, the whole family was there and only the adults were awed by a building that looked like a cross between a temple and a mosque. Most kids were happiest about the hotel stay and the ice cream, the Taj was incidental. The real bonus came when we revisited Agra as adults and I think I can speak for a lot of Indian adults when I say this - it was mesmerizing. Not like the Grand Canyon or the beaches of Bali, those feelings are nature driven; the Taj seemed a more real kind of ‘awesome’. It was manmade and more than that it was love made. The history of the Taj precedes it and I am glad it does because that’s what makes hundreds of thousands visit from all over the world. People fall in love at the Taj, some fall in love all over again, a lot want to get married there and I believe a few have even tried to buy it, most definitely for a lady love. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned it as a mausoleum for his favorite Persian wife, Mumtaz Mahal. In 1631 Shah Jahan, emperor during the Mughal’s period of greatest prosperity, was grief-stricken when his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died during the birth of their daughter Gauhara Begum, their fourteenth child. Contemporary court chronicles concerning Shah Jahan’s grief form the basis of the love story traditionally held as the inspiration for the Taj Mahal.<br /><br />Construction of the Taj Mahal was begun soon after Mumtaz’s death. The principal mausoleum was completed in 1648, and the surrounding buildings and garden were finished five years later. The complex is set in and around a large charbagh (a formal Mughal garden divided into four parts). Measuring 300 meters × 300 meters, the garden uses raised pathways which divide each quarter of the garden into 16 sunken parterres or flowerbeds. A raised marble water tank at the center of the garden, halfway between the tomb and the gateway, and a linear reflecting pool on the North-South axis reflect the Taj Mahal. Elsewhere the garden is laid out with avenues of trees and fountains.<br /><br />The charbagh garden was introduced to India by the first Mughal emperor Babur, a design inspired by Persian gardens. The charbagh is meant to reflect the gardens of Paradise (from the Persian paridaeza - a walled garden). In mystic Islamic texts of the Mughal period, paradise is described as an ideal garden, filled with abundance. Water plays a key role in these descriptions: In Paradise, these text say, four rivers source at a central spring or mountain, and separate the garden into north, west, south and east.<br /><br />The Taj Mahal is generally considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements of Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. While the white domed marble mausoleum is the most familiar part of the monument, the Taj Mahal is actually an integrated complex of structures. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 when it was described as a “universally admired masterpiece of the world’s heritage.<br /><br />For Photosindia.com the last shoot at the Taj was most memorable because we were traveling with a lovely group of teenagers from all over the world for a ‘Tourists at the Taj’ shoot. We made good friends with this one model we worked with last year. Very lovely young lady, she was nice enough to keep in touch way after she received her images shot by us. We got a call from her a while back saying she has a bunch of friends in town and they were all very keen to be professionally photographed. We were already riding high on our 6,000 sq. ft. studio so we asked the whole load of them to come in for auditions. So here we were sitting around waiting for everyone’s headshots to be assessed, when Manav suggested they all make a trip and shoot that. The motley mix of post-teens started discussing every possible drivable location from Delhi. They were all foreigners and each from a different country. This discussion didn’t take long to finalize into an overnight trip to Agra. The home of the Taj, the land of love and loss, the haven of a lovesick king’s biggest accomplishment. Some had seen it with their parents on a day trip, some hadn’t at all. The excitement was electric. The final list read, an Indian girl from LA, a Persian girl from Florida, an all American girl, a Scottish boy, an Estonian boy and finally a Zimbabwean boy. What an awesome bunch they made. So many nationalities and cultures of the world in this group of six. The only thing they shared in common was the age and the generation and that was glue enough to start this trip off very well.<br /><br />The story I am about to tell you only goes to reinforce my crazy obsession with Lennon’s song ‘Imagine’. In my Utopian fairyland I believe that we can live without religion, without possessions and without countries, we can live like brothers and like thinking human beings. Ultimately we are all the same. I read an article by the photographer who shot the famous portrait of ‘the Afghan girl’, Steve McCurry he said to the effect that a farmer in Afghanistan is no different from a farmer in the US. I guess he meant that as people they are the same, their environments and scenarios are different but they share the same worries, the same ambitions and the same dependency on nature. Anyway, back to the story. These guys were on the road with our Art Director (part Portuguese, part Iranian), Photographer (All from the state of Bengal), Make-up Assistant (state of Punjab) and Studio Hand (I would assume Bihar).<br /><br />They stopped at a harmless looking vegetarian ‘dhaba’ (typical Indian roadside diner, usually very rustic). They ordered heartily and sat back and waited. Suddenly the girls started noticing dragon flies, not one, more like one million. So one of the girls got up from the table and crouched on the floor screaming for one of the knights to save her. The lovely Scottish boy got up, swatted away the dragon flies and stepped over her head to get back to the table. She shot up and said “step back over me”! That’s all she said. One by one each person on the table said “ya, my mom says you have to step back over the person if you stepped over them once.” The tempo got louder and everyone, every different person there knew that they had all heard and participated in one of the oldest ‘old wives tales’ ever. Across the cultures and borders they all grew up hearing this one ‘superstition’. The biggest deal wasn’t that they had all been told the same tale by their Scottish, Estonian, Indian, Persian, Zimbabwean mothers; it was how they all suddenly related on another level. This highly infused gene pool of people sat there, ages 19 - 35 years and said in unison - “coz then you won’t grow tall”. Across most of the globe, covering 4 continents, all these people were told the same reason too! When I heard this story, it stirred me in many ways. Are we all essentially the same? Just people. People with stories, lives, joys, pains, fun, work, family, passions, traditions, and the list goes on and it goes on for all of us. The answer is yes!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-41857827523991536552010-05-09T22:29:00.001-07:002010-05-09T22:31:44.358-07:00India - A Backpackers ParadiseIndia has been a backpacker’s delight for decades, maybe even centuries; invaders certainly loved traipsing past the sub continent. Travelers from as far back as the 60’s vouched for the ‘Indian experience’. For some it involved the wholesomeness of an ethnic journey and for others it was more chemically induced, either way they loved it. India never promised just the pristine and the bountiful because it had an innate raw, animal side that was an experience almost as enriching as the mountains of Kashmir and the oceans and seas. The streets had a smell, sometimes a fragrance but it was always unique to that one town, deep inside the heart of India. Travelers found a surprise at every corner. Yes, India was hot but visit anywhere between October and February and you were sure to have pleasant weather for a companion. Yes, India was dusty but so is the whole of the Gulf and Texas!!! Yes, India was poor but she was also always smiling, always giving and always a story. They gathered memories, snippets of Indian-ness and headed back home. Only to return again with friends that wouldn’t believe half the stuff they heard.<br /><br />Photosindia.com has traveled far and wide in the last 3 years and seen every nook and cranny of this magnificent land. Met some amazing people, saw some amazing sites, ate some amazing food and most of all realized how amazing India really is. We had the privilege of traveling in the all Indian, all terrain, all weather vehicle, the Ambassador, some of us got into one after 20 years. Bumped our way across villages and forests, reserves we didn’t know we had. Let’s take a moment here to share a valuable link with you - http://www.indianwildlifeportal.com/wildlife-reserves. Go there and you will be flabbergasted at the number of forest reserves we have and how accessible they really are. Good time to change from the artificial luminosity of shopping paradises and cloned concrete mall structure’s; take the kids to a piece of nature.<br /><br />Few of the strange things we learnt about India weren’t from the years of school and college; it was all from being on the road, on the road in India:<br /><br />1. We aren’t entirely clear on this but there is a law about RV’s (Recreational Vehicles) and not being allowed to lie down on the bunk when the car is on the road???!!! That’s was one main reason we needed one and we thought the whole idea behind a bed in a car was so people could chill while someone drove! We had a 2 month road schedule, so we settled for a minibus with a loo.<br /><br />2. Smoking pot is NOT legal in Pushkar but if you are ash covered, dreadlocked, semi naked and emanating suspiciously thick smoke from your suspiciously bong like pipe, no one will notice!<br /><br />3. Street food is delicious, wholesome and hearty. It is also extremely picky because not everyone in a traveling team gets sick from the same place.<br /><br />4. People absolutely love giving directions regardless of their sense for it. People naturally draw to a car that has slowed down in the hope of learning exactly where it is and where it is headed.<br /><br />5. Bargaining is one of India’s seven wonders. Stay out of the boutique shops, the high end stores and the malls, street shop in India and enjoy discounts all year round. Street shops are abundant all over small town India, selling everything from souvenirs to local arts and crafts. Each state has indigenous crafts that look wild in western homes. So half everything quoted at you and move from there. Please remember the guy isn’t trying to fleece you, he is doing what Donald Trump does best – giving it a shot, if it works well and good, if not at least something will come his way!<br /><br />6. Yes, cows are holy and they are everywhere. They roam the land like lions and unlike lions they can be messed with but shouldn’t be messed with. They hold up traffic all the time and occasionally have been known to loiter on to air strips and graze on railway lines. Ditto for dogs. Stray dogs and cows are some of the friendliest creatures in urban cities. Feed them!!<br /><br />Please don’t let this humor deter you, the journey is fabulous no doubt, why worry about the destination. So come on over and feel India, sense India, smell India, let her get under your skin, it will only make your soul richer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-6922329323907409972009-03-30T03:13:00.000-07:002009-03-30T03:18:15.720-07:00The time is NOW<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5AHSI9ENhBjXfHG0J1Dtg5fBYfyfjH6so163ZaatuheJ3rfD1e9mnS_FhdvKf3dX2dWOgmpiZCylaMgvHq-RwF6j6ab5injvBoXIr1RjVlxh_QzmZLxU-MR2iAs0a6jLMBeM260mDbd4/s1600-h/photosindia_insurance.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5AHSI9ENhBjXfHG0J1Dtg5fBYfyfjH6so163ZaatuheJ3rfD1e9mnS_FhdvKf3dX2dWOgmpiZCylaMgvHq-RwF6j6ab5injvBoXIr1RjVlxh_QzmZLxU-MR2iAs0a6jLMBeM260mDbd4/s320/photosindia_insurance.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318923017906223234" /></a><br />We have all heard about the state of the global economy, we are all living this reality. For all the cynicism you may have collected about the call centers that call you all day, put it all away for a while and seriously consider your savings and investments. The time is now. Simply because the sense of insecurity is fresh and most of us are likely to react only when the times are bad. So we wish all of you better prospects now and forever but that's no reason to be ignorant. For once, listen to what the ad tells you. Sincerely, <a href="http://www.photosindia.com">Photosindia.com</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-50324032600339843022009-03-29T23:33:00.000-07:002009-03-29T23:37:45.203-07:00Photosindia.com in nooks and crannies!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2Td7-L9kWh-gee6ECv8D1VPgTXkvtGqlYKyAO0cf7RtNr6CRW2bW1KVBo-A6CKaA07IM7rao_Eqt9tJInCNSAm-Qym1OnpSkTrlUE23TuGL4POKRHgK9tyXDadSiVjkcH0B4QQn2ED3x/s1600-h/Photosindia_Zaini_Bahrain.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2Td7-L9kWh-gee6ECv8D1VPgTXkvtGqlYKyAO0cf7RtNr6CRW2bW1KVBo-A6CKaA07IM7rao_Eqt9tJInCNSAm-Qym1OnpSkTrlUE23TuGL4POKRHgK9tyXDadSiVjkcH0B4QQn2ED3x/s320/Photosindia_Zaini_Bahrain.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318866219377412546" /></a><br />We are always amazed at where our images land up. I know we are globally available but it is still always a pleasant surprise. This image in particular is an in house favourite, the rest of the set is rich, vibrant and very festive, so I can imagine why the design agency selected this one. Whether they are addressing us or our neighbours, I am glad they found their signature images at <a href="http://www.photosindia.com">Photosindia.com.</a>. This ad is from Bahrain!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-13835715511567957402009-01-19T07:00:00.000-08:002009-01-19T07:36:08.059-08:00Get It Right!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipH-dPM-fI5_Kx342slOhM6i6nDNK6-URLs5pctJsvQbANr4muDjQsFhueDSNUXLANl2dkIKnX7i53h-C76zakfJiSvjoOp-7mSYv2kfIM6WO2vbEBpo_tcxJABB358buHfpnGnwIWOmuA/s1600-h/PI_MailToday_Jan09.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipH-dPM-fI5_Kx342slOhM6i6nDNK6-URLs5pctJsvQbANr4muDjQsFhueDSNUXLANl2dkIKnX7i53h-C76zakfJiSvjoOp-7mSYv2kfIM6WO2vbEBpo_tcxJABB358buHfpnGnwIWOmuA/s320/PI_MailToday_Jan09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293027779916877362" /></a><br />Slick campaigns need the right image to make an adequate impact. If you really want your 'copy' to scream, be sure to get your visuals right. Ideal campaigns ride on a healthy mix of words and visuals, grabbing a larger audience. Some people react to strong sentiments woven into interesting text and some just need a picture to move them. The Best bet is to spend time in selecting or creating the right image for your ad, complimenting it with a powerful message and letting people decide if it gets them in the gut or not. For easy access to high quality Indian and international images, log on to <a href="http://www.photosindia.com">www.photosindia.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-55036594280726872882009-01-05T03:16:00.000-08:002009-01-05T03:27:30.626-08:00Plan it Right<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vE3EmiCuybLudMQ4VEz6WIlN-qHTyJAGha8hp1cbwaqV5cFVM5rE1raIyJGZ0jyBQaNAZ2qZOF7WARq8hrH8eZUEE-k-CaOUBwfhqzoV5lyJ9uNqY_NtkbVwVlyrqj9EUe6-sA4UYzoM/s1600-h/PI_CitiFinancial.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 162px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vE3EmiCuybLudMQ4VEz6WIlN-qHTyJAGha8hp1cbwaqV5cFVM5rE1raIyJGZ0jyBQaNAZ2qZOF7WARq8hrH8eZUEE-k-CaOUBwfhqzoV5lyJ9uNqY_NtkbVwVlyrqj9EUe6-sA4UYzoM/s320/PI_CitiFinancial.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287769759784591826" /></a><br />Time for financial planning, taxes, savings and scrimping. You are likely to see a plethora of financial brands screaming 'choose us' from bill boards and from advertisements. The coming 3 months mean - money, money, money, going out more than coming in unfortunately. For ample exposure and certified eyeballs, these finance companies need that one strong image to say everything they want to say, the copy has almost become immaterial, with images that exude emotion and expression, there seems to be no need for words! Here's Photosindia.com saying it for CitiFinancial!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-30359526892290548042008-12-22T02:29:00.000-08:002008-12-22T02:33:16.459-08:00Aiding the Real Estate boom.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Oj2F85DLXqfZ_bdm23Y7YPwO1kuCqlqCTYHDBf1Kms6OvCuJAoR-N_c78zs0YvD4bmDT8MaClzbEuNqfbOmWY26neEfGbf7PqxY_7vXq3ZUCy80MvWOsonq_AKWnQip9KYR8KUKOzJNn/s1600-h/amrapali.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Oj2F85DLXqfZ_bdm23Y7YPwO1kuCqlqCTYHDBf1Kms6OvCuJAoR-N_c78zs0YvD4bmDT8MaClzbEuNqfbOmWY26neEfGbf7PqxY_7vXq3ZUCy80MvWOsonq_AKWnQip9KYR8KUKOzJNn/s320/amrapali.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282560583554477250" /></a><br />The global economic situation maybe facing a slowdown but the same cannot be said for Indian Real Estate. I don't know the demand statistics or the sales estimates these builders have made but I do know that every week there is a new apartment complex added to the burgeoning real estate layout of a suburb/city like Gurgaon. Here too Photosindia.com provides the ideal picture for the future home of hundreds of aspiring, young Indian families.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-74588397630037672442008-12-22T00:24:00.000-08:002008-12-22T05:17:38.442-08:00Photosindia.com on a bestseller!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8he9Yre9BMk6BXaHYS0gR8A9PAN_rDr02J5Hs6Ct45froKC0bPj4fqHTwJ4ab8ZIUToxdaiIfZeYSZBlBqxzDl8HnGUanZ6e6KmYIGxWBx32uz0DbxLgFNBmrDkwX1sffxK1XRy0ty-Y2/s1600-h/book+cover_final.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8he9Yre9BMk6BXaHYS0gR8A9PAN_rDr02J5Hs6Ct45froKC0bPj4fqHTwJ4ab8ZIUToxdaiIfZeYSZBlBqxzDl8HnGUanZ6e6KmYIGxWBx32uz0DbxLgFNBmrDkwX1sffxK1XRy0ty-Y2/s320/book+cover_final.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282602851497615714" /></a><br />Monica Pradhan has probably had it up to her neck with comparisons to Amy Tan but that just can't be helped. The underlying emotions, the mothers and their daughters, the cooking and the culture within is all so Tan-esque. The Hindi Bindi Club is being touted as the Indian version of Amy Tan's wonderfully descriptive books about her, her mother, their Chinese heritage and the land of dreams, the US. Catch Photosindia.com on the cover of Monica Pradhan's new offering, The Hindi Bindi Club, that name is almost perfect for Photosindia.com images!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-67835293426218087542008-12-01T20:52:00.000-08:002008-12-01T21:12:10.718-08:00Winter magic with Photosindia.com<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DP2JCYgfSJ1_v-b-m4zBQVj09c2PDepbxRzHGignTCGueuBj5LuTx-7l1aizJFx_RBGRmp0nUObYyobT76b7ylXoTOsYNTKtl94fYINYBgMrkuM7pmrRG1OMhg9QdDvxaAM7CfwIncQi/s1600-h/PI_RituWears.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DP2JCYgfSJ1_v-b-m4zBQVj09c2PDepbxRzHGignTCGueuBj5LuTx-7l1aizJFx_RBGRmp0nUObYyobT76b7ylXoTOsYNTKtl94fYINYBgMrkuM7pmrRG1OMhg9QdDvxaAM7CfwIncQi/s320/PI_RituWears.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275053172885073202" /></a><br /><br />Cozy up with warm images of beautiful people. Photosindia.com stocks images to suit every season, be it the hot, hot Delhi summer or the cool environs of the mountains, we have it all. What is interesting is that clothing and lifestyle brands now want an expression, a face, a real person to convey their message rather than a group of mannequin like models dressed in their designs. In an ideal advertising situation, it is better to not showcase designs and patterns as buyers are known to abstain from buying garments displayed in advertisements. Though it is very much the ad that brings the crowds in, it isn't always for the apparel they saw in the ad, it is more for how the model in the ad looks and how he or she makes the buyer feel. Ultimately, you want to feel exactly like the model in those pictures.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-10181969584960731242008-11-17T04:08:00.001-08:002008-11-17T04:10:50.645-08:00We said it for HSBC<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpNEg1ZIBPN0roChEkMKTXcZxwzueToH2lJxjtHfSJJ-pt8GIpOKQkh_Bz84Vn6z5iCERpHjQPJIDm0vRF3QeLP0pw7Tf2bGEk9j4VTY3zSEiNajqI0F2lIk0KTp3q7-4FqriOx3JVuwU/s1600-h/HSBC+Bank.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpNEg1ZIBPN0roChEkMKTXcZxwzueToH2lJxjtHfSJJ-pt8GIpOKQkh_Bz84Vn6z5iCERpHjQPJIDm0vRF3QeLP0pw7Tf2bGEk9j4VTY3zSEiNajqI0F2lIk0KTp3q7-4FqriOx3JVuwU/s320/HSBC+Bank.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269597694541846786" /></a>\<br /><br />As always Photosindia.com offers the perfect image for your to tell your story. Whether it's a service or a product, we offer images that can convey your thoughts as a marketeer into a vision that your consumers can identify with.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-76728528782139097892008-11-06T19:36:00.000-08:002008-11-06T20:12:17.141-08:00Photosindia.com says it for Convergys<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31K3fpNrPkTHXRz-vzhe3oEtlaB4dieOqKcTLJ35pV1g1vTdO_2XwP8WCnudoHeYPyeftzaqmpnKDxPGF-FNI7CX_gJ5WMx9YU095Xld82ADa5sGIsQRIA1HVqpSNZLQ4EiNZw1orzz7z/s1600-h/convergys.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31K3fpNrPkTHXRz-vzhe3oEtlaB4dieOqKcTLJ35pV1g1vTdO_2XwP8WCnudoHeYPyeftzaqmpnKDxPGF-FNI7CX_gJ5WMx9YU095Xld82ADa5sGIsQRIA1HVqpSNZLQ4EiNZw1orzz7z/s320/convergys.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265763415012759394" /></a><br /><br />Photosindia.com is making a niche in imagery that is socially very relevant. Our images have their own agenda too, to promote India and Indians as a nation of achievers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-43987812249424156842008-11-06T19:29:00.000-08:002008-11-06T19:35:27.134-08:00Photosindia.com on Yahoo!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmC2hNeg-7tfoytUA0wKbD3z4gpz7wZfa6m1F-sCNbaL5zJ7X5l7-ysmQPOrkuQPtlu0c_gHbCqlme0y9LgdfYVzJ7tLpl5IAE1sFHVdS4CqBClo7tqwSgwgvTNeRcyiwEwf77DGPPBGH1/s1600-h/Yahoo_Oct08.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmC2hNeg-7tfoytUA0wKbD3z4gpz7wZfa6m1F-sCNbaL5zJ7X5l7-ysmQPOrkuQPtlu0c_gHbCqlme0y9LgdfYVzJ7tLpl5IAE1sFHVdS4CqBClo7tqwSgwgvTNeRcyiwEwf77DGPPBGH1/s320/Yahoo_Oct08.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265753802288440722" /></a><br /><br />That's an image Photosindia.com produced in Goa, it says everything Yahoo.com wants to convey and thats the beauty of stock images, since there are tens of thousands to choose from, you are sure to find the exact image that relays your brand's message.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-63249997933101499112008-11-04T05:07:00.001-08:002008-11-05T00:32:31.794-08:00PhotosIndia launches Rights Managed Collection<script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/4805fc0db4a3562c/4910491bbeb1e397/4805fc0d1a8c9de3/2ec3dec3/widget.js"></script><br /><br /><br />Photosindia.com launches their new Rights Managed Collection. The collection proudly showcases highly cultured images of Indian travel, heritage and lifestyle.<br /><br /><!-- AddThis Button for Post BEGIN --><br /><div><script type='text/javascript'>addthis_url='<data:post.url/>'; addthis_title='<data:post.title/>'; addthis_pub='manav9277';</script><script src='http://s7.addthis.com/js/addthis_widget.php?v=12' type='text/javascript'></script></div><br /><!-- AddThis Button for Post END -->Manav Lohiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00421098499804032567noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-88277956966294362512008-11-03T23:32:00.000-08:002008-11-04T19:48:55.560-08:00Photosindia.com helps educate too!Sometimes its all about pretty faces, simple concepts and an image that has a clear cut message!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYx1uDBgmsH9JWbGYiykSoIPVrd-ZwwalePvw0bpru_1K2jvtx_qlzvvkGSjLFhlUbklXpkV36OGUqwzghXRCpc5KNCTsITUcXi2cwPaFVvc3aviY-7qN9rCaMduK0QKtga7D3PsqtM1X/s1600-h/PI_Nov4-08.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYx1uDBgmsH9JWbGYiykSoIPVrd-ZwwalePvw0bpru_1K2jvtx_qlzvvkGSjLFhlUbklXpkV36OGUqwzghXRCpc5KNCTsITUcXi2cwPaFVvc3aviY-7qN9rCaMduK0QKtga7D3PsqtM1X/s320/PI_Nov4-08.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264702293268382098" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-15303403372070273372008-11-03T21:52:00.000-08:002008-11-03T21:56:37.253-08:00Say it with the perfect image from Photosindia.comWe have been producing Indian imagery for over 3 years, there is nothing that we haven't covered and its always a pleasant surprise when one of our images is selected as the face of a brand. Makes us feel 'bang on'!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskKCk-oHF-HLUyCH-fNQKNYRkVoVXxCQ_NNoZ0sTySUK5_pLn9YiNXTxsQxqZmBM-8M50_-2Nxb8QGYeCarZV92ujqdlqhPsmZtTwcAHwrGzCCyatZEk9buNU2Z_aYSPf7TFbuIv_ZlTO/s1600-h/_DSC0334.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskKCk-oHF-HLUyCH-fNQKNYRkVoVXxCQ_NNoZ0sTySUK5_pLn9YiNXTxsQxqZmBM-8M50_-2Nxb8QGYeCarZV92ujqdlqhPsmZtTwcAHwrGzCCyatZEk9buNU2Z_aYSPf7TFbuIv_ZlTO/s320/_DSC0334.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264676916090760514" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-180079868301986142008-10-17T21:00:00.000-07:002008-10-18T00:04:14.574-07:00BigTV launches Diwali Promotion with PhotosIndia ImageBig TV DTH service of Reliance Communications launched their Diwali Dhamaka Offer with PhotosIndia Image.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNYOpK7wkVU9Lacpfxz1ADOxbR98U9VZQBTfCUGvc70aQ1gvZXcTKQWOU0pEHcP1SA2jVj6Gk3y5AVkk9YsrKsfBoRMBEl4_t-HisUmgjJ4pySKcC_-z48lGOKWi6eMSS5Sk7g4hR0Rg6/s1600-h/PhotosIndiaRelianceBigTV.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNYOpK7wkVU9Lacpfxz1ADOxbR98U9VZQBTfCUGvc70aQ1gvZXcTKQWOU0pEHcP1SA2jVj6Gk3y5AVkk9YsrKsfBoRMBEl4_t-HisUmgjJ4pySKcC_-z48lGOKWi6eMSS5Sk7g4hR0Rg6/s400/PhotosIndiaRelianceBigTV.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258033943354016626" /></a>Manav Lohiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00421098499804032567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-49052605808274068562008-10-16T21:59:00.000-07:002008-10-17T02:58:26.504-07:00Kodak chose PhotosIndia's Image for Diwali Promotion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCMlVDEcQKMvdTvp__0hRz2BbPfIefzED1ATbYWnMIlULLYb4Yzagz0gpOHZxtDT98Ydley_US0d5rizL3TE3GVysqamTp2ZxBZf9bK2TuxPFN3G4qXn9G4-CPvMB2pLVFAUpexZjZ25f/s1600-h/PhotosIndiaKodak.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCMlVDEcQKMvdTvp__0hRz2BbPfIefzED1ATbYWnMIlULLYb4Yzagz0gpOHZxtDT98Ydley_US0d5rizL3TE3GVysqamTp2ZxBZf9bK2TuxPFN3G4qXn9G4-CPvMB2pLVFAUpexZjZ25f/s400/PhotosIndiaKodak.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258031823289919442" /></a>Manav Lohiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00421098499804032567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-76103398190031037362008-10-13T03:06:00.000-07:002009-03-12T21:12:01.552-07:00Winds of Change for this Diwali<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://vir-glo-ny.cache.agefotostock.com/fotos/bajail/cached/512423/PNT-20061009-JH0355.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 540px; height: 375px;" src="http://vir-glo-ny.cache.agefotostock.com/fotos/bajail/cached/512423/PNT-20061009-JH0355.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This Diwali lets pray for peace. Coming from me that is a prophetic statement because like a lot of us I really look forward to the sweets and gifts that pour in at this time of the year. Many times I have wondered if this kind of commercial, wanton greed is healthy but since I share it with so many charged- up-Diwali-loving Indians, my guilt is reduced. So this year the quandary is “to shop or not to shop”, well, shop we all will have to, after all tradition, relationships and ego massaging is very much called for in the urban work and life culture. So the quandary shifts to “what to buy?” I have done a little homework in that area and I would sincerely encourage readers to try and opt for one of these products as their Diwali gift for the year. Budgets aside, a lot lies in the thought, purpose and objective of the gift, if you are a discerning gift giver, you would spend some time on your choices just to be sure the right gifts reach the right recipient. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://vir-glo-ny.cache.agefotostock.com/fotos/bajail/cached/519125/PNT-20071004-sa0343.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 540px; height: 373px;" src="http://vir-glo-ny.cache.agefotostock.com/fotos/bajail/cached/519125/PNT-20071004-sa0343.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The main idea of this exercise is to not only compliment the friends and family in our lives but also to extend positive vibes through our actions. There is no one thing you can do to solve the problems your loved ones face but you can participate in the alleviation of that problem. Kind words are just the beginning; incorporate a small prayer of peace at home, at work, for friends, for family, in your country and let the message manifest through your gifts.<br /><br /><br />1. Potted plants<br />Lucky Bamboos are truly passé, I mean they work and they look good but most of us either have them or have had them. Check out <a href="http://www.greengrowerindia.com">www.greengrowerindia.com</a> for really unique plant gifts. Especially the landscapes, which work very well outdoors and since plants obtain nourishment differently, a landscape miniature garden is actually very easy to maintain. A Jade bonsai on the other hand is said to bring luck and happiness, so that would be thoughtful too. If you want to be really hands on, go get a beautiful ceramic pot and ask your local nursery to suggest a pretty perennial plant and that’s your customized Diwali gift.<br /><br /><br />2. Artwork<br />Look for that quaint artwork shop in your local market; check up with friends to find an artist in the group or simply Google it. Once you have a theme and budget in mind, it’s a matter of identifying the right source and you could well do a range of Buddha portraits as your Diwali gift. I have decided to commission three such pieces for very dear friends simply because I want my gift to be accompanied with blessings too.<br /><br /><br />3. Organic Produce<br />I love and recommend <a href="http://www.organicbounty.com/about1.asp">http://www.organicbounty.com/about1.asp</a>, based in New Delhi; this organic store is online but very reliable and efficient. Try the honey from lychee flowers, add an exotic Rhododendron Jam (yes the plant!!!), mix that up with blood purifying fruits like Pomegranates and I think that makes a pretty healthy basket. Do a little research; most metros have awesome organic stores to choose from.<br /><br />4. Music<br />I have developed a special liking for the ‘Best of Soundscapes’ CD collection available from Music Today, apart from that contemporary music can be as uplifting. After all the idea is bring a new dimension into your friends/family’s lives, introduce them to a new experience, a rejuvenating, happy experience. In western music, Sade has beautifully positive vibes, so try one of her albums. The Buddha Lounge collections are easy listening and good for urban chill time. Again you want to go very personal, then develop a collection of your own and burn it for your friends, take a quick <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/compare/">Photoshop </a>tutorial and make your own CD cover too. <br /><br /><br />5. Literature<br />Here I’d like to recommend the ‘Calm Sutra’, apart from the catchy name, the contents of the book are awe inspiring too. Published by Times of India, it promises simple truths to beat stress. The ‘Festivals of the World’ series of coffee table books are very eclectic and informative too. My personal favorite for this year is however “A Thousand Splendid Suns’ which is definitely going to two of my girlfriends.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://vir-glo-ny.cache.agefotostock.com/fotos/bajail/cached/512423/PNT-20061010-JH2830.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 540px; height: 375px;" src="http://vir-glo-ny.cache.agefotostock.com/fotos/bajail/cached/512423/PNT-20061010-JH2830.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The mood of the world is generally dismal, global slowdowns, recessions, security threats and political instability. Not a lot to look forward to unless you vow to make everyday worthwhile, for yourselves and the people around you. Add a touch of calm, a feeling of serenity and spread joy, for everyday is worth it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-81912631093492484662008-09-29T21:01:00.000-07:002009-03-12T21:28:05.506-07:00Festivals and Shopping<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://download.agefotostock.com/fotos/medi/20090313DnwOD2zxbZTNDOD/PNT-9hp0ha1an02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 376px; height: 540px;" src="http://download.agefotostock.com/fotos/medi/20090313DnwOD2zxbZTNDOD/PNT-9hp0ha1an02.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We are on the threshold of shopping season and I hope everyone is geared up for it. I know two wonderful women that start putting away just 2500 rupees from May onwards and by the time they hit October, they have an awesome booty of Rs. 12,500 from practically nowhere. That tuck is kept for <a href="http://www.durga-puja.org/">Durga Puja</a>, <a href="http://www.festivalsofindia.in/Dussehra/">Dussehra </a>and little bit of winter wasting! <a href="http://www.diwalifestival.org/">Diwali </a>sees it own extravagance and that can be discussed later but the deals that are springing up now are a treat in itself. Brands and products start the wooing process earlier every year, ever since we saw the advent of globalization, 365 days of the year didn’t seem enough for shopping. Markets and stores were flooded with foods, apparel, kitchenware and everything else that’s worth buying, seasonal specials didn’t happen in December like the west, they happened all the way from September till November. For a nation in perpetual inflation, we certainly had a penchant for waste. Maybe that’s not entirely fair; some of us keep genuine requirements for this time of the year. But I do know of one soul that has already ordered a suspicious 1 GB MP3 player, which I keep calling <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod">IPod</a>, but then at $20, I know I am absolutely wrong! Followed by a home décor set which comprised of mismatched block print bed linen that I wouldn’t even use in a $10 bed and breakfast. These trends make me think that this time of the year actually causes a kind of ‘shopping’ fever that few can control. Every morning the newspaper greets you with endless offers, sales and steals, they all seem over the top and that’s when I wonder, if the damn thing is priced this cheap then why did we pay all a premium the whole year through? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://download.agefotostock.com/fotos/medi/20090313DnwOD2zxbZTNDOD/PNT-20061009-JH2356.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 540px; height: 378px;" src="http://download.agefotostock.com/fotos/medi/20090313DnwOD2zxbZTNDOD/PNT-20061009-JH2356.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />All this ranting is in lieu of the first day of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navratri">‘Navratri’</a> which is today, the 30th of September 2008. Today start the nine holy days that Hindu’s observe twice a year. Personally, it is the latter halves Navratri days that I prefer the most, they lead up to the opulence of Diwali, the sensation of complete health, wealth and well being. The weather too starts changing, leaves fall and fresh ones erupt, the sun sets earlier than usual and there is a certain nip in the air, that is so very welcome after months of sweltering Indian heat. These days bring on a sense of oneness with God and nature, it is no wonder that shoppers step out in throngs. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://download.agefotostock.com/fotos/medi/20090313DnwOD2zxbZTNDOD/PNT-20070727-sa0350.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 540px; height: 401px;" src="http://download.agefotostock.com/fotos/medi/20090313DnwOD2zxbZTNDOD/PNT-20070727-sa0350.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This is the time to redecorate the house if you have been meaning to do it; this Dussehra and Diwali month dedicate your space to color and light. As a budget option, pick corners of your house that need perking up and work on those areas only. After you have decided on the nook you want to change, think of the colors that you associate with this season, for me it’s always red and gold, a nice matte bronze like gold. Now set a budget, keep in mind the fact the season lasts almost 2 months and is followed by another month of partying, Christmas and New Years, so your theme corner will stay symbolic for longer than you think. Now to the fun part – <a href="http://www.scrapbook.com/">scrapbooking</a>. Making scrapbooks is not just for kids, it can be amazing grown up fun. Take a thick cover sketch book, glue stick, markers, sketch pens and your imagination. Now think of all the lovely knick knacks you saw in last month’s magazine or that perfect table arrangement showcased in <a href="http://www.cosmopolitan.com/">‘Cosmo’</a> or even the table cloth you know <a href="http://www.mywestside.com/index.asp">Westside </a>has. Wherever you find inspiration try and take a piece of that, a digital picture (my friend still uses her Polaroid), a magazine cutting, a newspaper article and add it to you scrapbook cuttings. I usually divide my scrapbook into sections like bedroom, kid’s room, living room, kitchen etc. so I know exactly where each cutting belongs and once I am on my shopping sojourns I can spot what I want immediately. I use family pictures, cloth swatches, movie stubs, chocolate wrappers in my scrapbook too, so it’s more of a memoir and chronicle than a personal shopping wishlist. The latest corner I made was near my fish tank, I used 3 votive candles (raspberry red), a red glass lantern with a flower and vine pattern painted on it, a beautiful piece of white stone, an incense holder and a tall metal vase in matte red, in which I keep gold painted reeds. That is my festive corner and I hope I have inspired you to make one too. Do this for all seasons, it refreshes the house and it feels good to have something brand new set up for celebration. Watch this space for Holi ideas next!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://download.agefotostock.com/fotos/medi/20090313DnwOD2zxbZTNDOD/PNT-20061009-JH0318.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 540px; height: 378px;" src="http://download.agefotostock.com/fotos/medi/20090313DnwOD2zxbZTNDOD/PNT-20061009-JH0318.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-86621535281226709822008-09-29T09:47:00.000-07:002008-09-29T10:06:22.955-07:00Find Photosindia.com on Every Nook and Corner<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfsDhOiOD-MAGxdvzMMQdpsWTxveSlju6ZYgBbT0Vfsnr-0GhKjd3PwjZxx1xgF6PaD3Sva9EXnFz1yGh08dn9FAcHBpGWmamOiAvrHzOwRah_H4eIUu82riBw2LIkwya97CyjgFJ-PiE/s1600-h/PI_BookCover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfsDhOiOD-MAGxdvzMMQdpsWTxveSlju6ZYgBbT0Vfsnr-0GhKjd3PwjZxx1xgF6PaD3Sva9EXnFz1yGh08dn9FAcHBpGWmamOiAvrHzOwRah_H4eIUu82riBw2LIkwya97CyjgFJ-PiE/s320/PI_BookCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251490454632939314" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.photosindia.com">Photosindia.com</a> has come a long way in three years, it has circled the globe and adorned innumerable billboards, magazines and brands. Each time an image is sold the scope of stock imagery expands. The profile of users is constantly changing and its dynamism is very encouraging. Stock images have come a long way, from random collection of travel and lifestyle pictures, it is now a well researched and organized industry with exceptionally talented photographers and state of the art technology. The Photographs available now are exactly what the market needs, its amazing how easy developing creative's has become. That is probably the reason our image was spotted at a bookstore in Pakistan. The variety, quantity and quality allows buyers to choose from thousands of beautiful pictures and they are bound to find the perfect one for their project.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144390740562064614.post-75360857204687784142008-09-02T07:06:00.000-07:002009-03-13T02:10:24.488-07:00There is always time to renew, relive, rejoice!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://download.agefotostock.com/fotos/medi/20090313DnwOD2zxbZTNDOD/PNT-20070911-sa0293.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 540px; height: 376px;" src="http://download.agefotostock.com/fotos/medi/20090313DnwOD2zxbZTNDOD/PNT-20070911-sa0293.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I don’t know if it’s all these networking sites or the fact that we (30 + crowd) are at an age where we feel the need to reconnect with our youth. But suddenly I am in touch with over a 100, yes over a 100 of my friends from before I was 20 years old. We have all become different people, followed paths we never imagined for ourselves or each other and most of all, most of us are now parents. Monumental changes have taken place and no matter who tries to convince me that we are who we are by the time we are 18 is talking bunkum. We develop way into our 30’s at the most. I just have to look around and notice the nerds who are now millionaires, the bimbos that are brand managers and the intelligentsia that’s gone to hell. As we have found each other, we have gone on to renew friendships and regroup in the cliques of yore. I look at my mailbox and I have been messaging the same 6 girls I was closest to 15 years ago, strange! Yet the surprise has manifested in other ways, the most unexpected acquaintances have more in common with me now than they did over a decade ago. Some of them are in the same profession as me, which is lucrative in its own way and some are doing fantastic things like reform work in Afghanistan and live reportage from the Beijing Olympics. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://download.agefotostock.com/fotos/medi/20090313DnwOD2zxbZTNDOD/PNT-161205-JH1760.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 540px; height: 378px;" src="http://download.agefotostock.com/fotos/medi/20090313DnwOD2zxbZTNDOD/PNT-161205-JH1760.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This landslide of friends has gotten more than my share of reunion invites and though I was apprehensive for the longest time, I have to admit, I attended one and it was fine. I would have loved to handpick the crowd but then I didn’t have that choice 10 years ago, why would I now? So it was a healthy mix of the wackos, the sweeties, the sexies and the rest. I walked in late not because I like to make an appearance (only sometimes!) but because I wanted to make sure I didn’t have to wait for the interesting lot. I stayed for an hour which was another good choice, that way you get just the right dose of nostalgia. I made small talk with everyone, even the ones I didn’t make small talk with before. That’s the strange thing about serious adulthood (30+), you feel obliged to be way more polite than you were in your teens. It’s not cool to ignore after a certain age. In my experience you are likely to need each and every person you ignored for extremely crucial things like passport work, business deals and school admissions. All in all it was a wholesome experience. I felt good for the lot of us. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://download.agefotostock.com/fotos/medi/20090313DnwOD2zxbZTNDOD/PNT-20060513-JH1049.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 540px; height: 376px;" src="http://download.agefotostock.com/fotos/medi/20090313DnwOD2zxbZTNDOD/PNT-20060513-JH1049.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Friendship is a funny thing, it can be deep but you don’t even have to be in the same country and it can be faint living next door to a friend. However relationships work, everyone needs them. I think the pendulum of social interaction sways from family (as kids) to friends (in your teens) and back to family after 30-35 years. It was nice to remake friend’s, it was easier than meeting new people. I highly recommend a reunion to anyone contemplating hosting or attending one. Some people are actually so much better as grown-ups you are bound to be pleasantly surprised. No doubt old friends are gold but new ones have a lot of glitter. So get off the networking sites, the chats and the sms’s and go out there and meet them. Celebrate your accomplishments with the people that walked part of the path with you. Add a couple of drinks, good food and neutral music and you have the makings of an unforgettable evening. Let me know how it went!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://download.agefotostock.com/fotos/medi/20090313DnwOD2zxbZTNDOD/PNT-20070503-sa1036.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 540px; height: 376px;" src="http://download.agefotostock.com/fotos/medi/20090313DnwOD2zxbZTNDOD/PNT-20070503-sa1036.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0