Lucknow Mango Festival

Know Your Mangoes (by LMF)

As the king of all tropical fruit - 'mango' makes our hot summers delicious and as we all know, there just can't be a summer without mangoes and there can't be a better way to celebrate the mango fever than the Mango Festival. The Mango Festival celebrates the scrumptious fruit and everything about it. So, we present to you, The 3rd Lucknow Mango Festival, Farmer's Market and Gourmet Mango Experience on Sunday 14th June, 2015 in collaboration with CISH (Central Institure of Subtropical Horticulture, a Division of ICAR), Mandi Parishad UP, UP Horticulture, UP Tourism and NABARD for a unique Agribusiness Ecotourism Mango event. The Lucknow Mango Festival is a tribute to the popularity and the passion which almost everyone shares for these delicious fruits. No doubt referred as the 'king of all fruits', the mangoes are a treat to all and the mango festival, one of the most delicious of all Lucknow festivals is the perfect time to celebrate this fruit. Like the last years, this year too, the Mango Festival is going to take place at the at 'Saidanpur Mango Orchards' (on 14th June) & also in Lucknow, where the venue is 'UP Paryatan Bahwan, opposite Fun Mall, Gomti Nagar' (on 21st & 22nd June, 2015), organised by the Habibullahs. Also, 21st June being a Sunday, we have organized a special festive day for you having a food fest and cultural events like 'Aam Ki kahaani (for the first time) and 'Shayari on Aam'.

Mango production was never ‘king-size’ in the Saidanpur village of Barabanki due to water scarcity. But in 1965, a young woman of a royal family set out for the fields on a ‘palki’ and started turning around the fortunes of the Habibullah orchards. The begum sahiba advised farmers how to increase cultivation. Consequently, adequate water supply was arranged and words of motivation from the learned lady instilled confidence among farmers who got down to work with all enthusiasm. The orchard began to flourish and yields multiplied year after year. Profits too rose from mere thousands to lakhs within a couple of years.That was Begum Hamida Habibullah whose intellect and enthusiasm changed the face of the mango orchards in Saidanpur. Several varieties of mango, including Maliahabadi, Dussehri, Chausa, Langda and Safeda, were planted by the Begum herself, in conformation with the guidelines of the agriculture university. The saplings sown then have now grown into big trees that are producing quality mangoes. At the Lucknow Mango Festival to be organised in Saidanpur village on 14th June, 2015, you can have an insight into the contributions of Begum Habibullah and several other women farmers who have been nurturing the mango trees with all love and care.

We invite you to relive old memories or create new ones, savour a fabulous selection of Lucknow's finest mangoes with locally grown Beeji Mangoes like Gola, Khushboo Gola, Surkha, Lalbebaha, Ali Gauhar, Sindhuria, Tarifi, Tamancha and more. Buy boxes of Mangoes direct from the farmers to take home or to gift to family and friends, taste the freshness of the fruit in the orchard it was grown and tantalise your tastebuds with Mango delicacies like Mango Pakori, Biryani with Aam ki chatni, Mango Salsa, Rollarappa rolls with a Mango twist, Mango Ice cream and many more. There is a showcase of almost hundreds of varieties of mangoes at this Mango Festival. There are different varieties of mangoes that are brought by different mango growers to be a part of this delicious festival. The visitors here also get the opportunity to taste mangoes for free and savor the delicious experience for the rest of the year. There are the traditional favorite mangoes as well as the new hybrid discoveries of the fruit. There is a wide array of different flavors of this juicy fruit to taste, in different preparations. The mango extravaganza involves not only a delicious feast of this luscious fruit, but also cultural programmes and events such as mango eating competitions and children's shows. The king of fruits has had the fancy of the Lucknowites since quite sometime. So, we have developed some mouth-watering, authentic and unique Indian recipes for mango lovers. With the temperature soaring high everyday, the foodies will get a chance to cool off with either the traditional Aam-Pudina Raas & Mango Smoothie. Some highlights of the 'Aam' menu are dishes like Daal Aur Aam Ke Kebab, Mango Brusceta, Aam ki Biryani, Ambia Murg Tikka, etc. To satiate the sweet tooth, there is also a Mango Phirni and Shakramba.

The festival will include growers of the non-market "Custodian farmers" who are still conserving rare local mango varieties which adorn the plates of the mango connoisseurs in different regions who relish their health benefits, uniqueness and diversified uses. The aim is to promote Uttar Pradesh's most famous product, Mango and to make the mango season a tourist (domestic & international) attraction as well as promote agribusiness and cottage industries around mango by products, attracting tourists and investors. The publicity generated will make people aware of the investment and business oppurtunities that this can offer. Leading to more mango based industries in the future and also to ensure the sustainablitiy of our local agriculture, resources and the economy. We also aim to develop Lucknow as the premier national and international culinary tourism destination and to increase recognition of the same through research, consumer education and product development. Buyers from all over the globe are welcome to take part in this mango festival where there is vigorous trading of the fruit too. We are also giving corporates the opportunity to be part of the festival with a dedicated corporate area for their teams to enjoy the Mango Festival. In collaboration with Taj Hotels we offer an exotic Mango Menu at a secluded area of the orchard with rain dance and other activities for preferred customers or team members. You can also purchase a mango plant to grow in your own backyard.

These real big mangoes surprised many visitors

A cultural dance performance by a young artist at the 2nd Mango Festival

Qawwalli programme at the 2nd Mango Festival 

The first & second edition (in 2013 & 2014) of the Lucknow Mango Festival organised by the Habibullahs saw Lucknowites beating the heat to enjoy a mango-licious day! The days was nothing but 'aam'. Farmers experienced direct sales to consumers more than doubling their sale price. It was 1005 profit to farmers as we did not charge them for participating. Organised at a mango orchard, there were rare varieties of mangoes on display like Chilta Khas, African Apple and Husn Aara, a mango-special buffet for guests to gorge and a host of entertainment options to keep everyone busy. Qawwals from Deva Sharif enthralled the guests with their soulful music, while kids indluged in pottery-making, magic show and a mango-eating contest. Elders also had their share of fun, many were spotted taking a ride through the orchard on a rustic bullock cart. 

Different varieties of mangoes that vowed the visitors

Different mango products available at the festival

The Lucknow Mango Festival is an attempt to grow more mango based industries in the future and also the growth in local orchards and the economy. So, now if you want to buy naturally ripened mangoes direct from farmers and help support our agricultural economy make your way to this part of town any time, you are in for a mango treat with a great variety of mangoes on offer from across other states as well as rare local varieties. 

Road Map to the Saidanpur orchards.

You can also watch the LIVE video map to the orchard HERE.

Find LMF on Instagram and Facebook

~xoxo~

The continual journey of THINK TOTKA

Hi guys, hope everyone's good there!

Firstly, Tons of thanks to all of you for the overwhelming response to my first ever video message that went up on youtube a few days back as I completed one year as a blogger on this blog! (For all those, who haven't still watched my video, do so HERE) To be true, it was like a huge task because I've always been so camera-shy. Well, today I'm going to be introducing you to the creators of my video, which a lot of you had been requesting, plus I myself wanted to do it so that you get to know who could bear me behind the camera, control patience and encourage me to revoke my mood swings! 

From complete mess, to pure magic, a film production company has to face everything at some point of time. But, dedication, hard work and perseverance are the keys to success, said someone long time back! This amazing production house by the name Think Totka has risen up in the last 10 months like a phoenix. Yes, their journey started 10 months back as the members of this formed team passed out of a prestigious film-making college in the town itself. The brainchild of a Lucknow lad, Wamiq Khan, Think Totka was co-founded by three more friends of his who shared the same enthusiasm like him. So, what happens when so many creative minds come together? Yes, magic! This company is the coming together of talented, like minded people who share a variety of skill sets that contribute to cutting edge media creations. Here work is not only work, but is fun, interactive, and a melting pot for good ideas that are forged in the fires of production to deliver quality media solutions to one's communication needs.

Meet The Team

Wamiq Khan : Founder/Creative Director/Screenwriter/Editor/Sound Recordist

Collecting people and forming a team is the hardest job that one can ever think of. The person has to convince everyone that his idea is unique and productive, since not everyone is acceptable to do something like film-making. Wamiq brought together people who inspite of being skilled in their individual fields were ready to learn something new everyday. His idea was to make a strong brand with collective experience of his team members which could handle projects with all possible perspectives to ensure smooth execution of it. To be specific, you can call him the back-bone of the team, who has always visualized to achieve the greatest of all through his exquisiteness. Also, being as versatile as he is, excelling in his field of work, he guarantees flagrancy in everything that he does, giving his clients supreme output.

Abhijeet Srivastava : Co-Founder/Director/Screenwriter/Cinematographer/Editor

It had always been film-making for him, only that fascinated him. Like any other art, it is a very profound means of human communication; beyond the professional pleasure of succeeding or the pain of failing, one wants his film to be seen, to communicate itself to other people. Since, post production didn't really enraptured Abhijeet, which he initially learnt, he went ahead making short films for quite some time and realized that film-making was certainly what he wanted to do.

Yusuf Khan : Co-Founder/Writer/Performer

It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Being asked to join in while forming Think Totka, the founder didn't really need to persuade one man who actually came out be an angel in the team, is Yusuf. Through characters, plot and setting, he creates places where previously invisible truths become visible, or to make it easier for the director to posit a series of dots that the audience can connect. The vision he carries with all his work is to reflect himself in it. With everything he writes, he leaves a part of him on it with a lookout that perhaps someday, he'll recollect all of it on papers and perish forever in a book. On the other hand, as a performer, he maintains the enthusiasm which is the result of protracted study, resoluteness and reflection. 

Ratnesh Pavan : Co-Founder/Photographer/Graphic Designer/Actor

While excelling in graphic designing, Ratnesh really wanted to try his hand into photography, cinematography and acting too. When he joined Think Totka, he knew he needed to give an innovative visual shape to everything the team does. He is available to engage with any kind of still photo shoots and cinematography which also involves the creation of original print communication, corporate identity design, logos, posters, flyers and album art. Other than this, Ratnesh has also acted in a few short films and wishes to continue do so, since its one thing that keeps him enthralled.

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It is rightly said that a company is nothing without a team. Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work. Think Totka has always been a hard working group, each member of the team inspired by various film-makers, has an individual vision of his own as to what he really wants from life and where he sees himself in the coming 10 years maybe. This is what keeps each of them going! The formation of Think Totka has given each of these men a great start to their achievements. Their first ever project 'Revamp', a conceptualized short film was acknowledged by the Toronto Urban Film Festival in 2014, in the US, which gave the team a boost to produce more such stuff. Since then, Think Totka is also simultaneously promoting & online distributing a diverse of short films and documentaries which embraces culture, faith and philosophies. They have a rising YouTube channel where they have uploaded films like 'Awaken' which is a social message appealing the world to save girls' pride, a social interaction video by the title 'India says NO to HATE', another one being a commercial project for Lucknow's best coaching institute and many more (watch HERE). Other than film-making, the team has also covered Hi-profile fashion shows through photography under reputed institutes like AIFT (Lucknow) and NIFT (Raebareily), in the presence of actors like Kalki Koechlin and have been appreciated by many for their exceptional work.  

Be it a brand, a project, a product, a work of art or anything. Think Totka's dedicated and creative crew gives it with the help of the modern digital technology to promote it. They treat every project like a unique work of art which makes their clients grow. They are committed to producing a diverse range of quality entertainment for today's marketplace, with 4 experienced team members, covering live action along with in-house post production facilities, this company provides a full production resource for its clients - right from creative scripting through to broadcast. They bid the project keeping in mind one's budget limitations because their only mission is to deliver effectual and captivating world class films and their long term relation with any esteem organization that will insure the production experience is professional and enjoyable. 

Since I myself have worked with this entire team, I can very well say that they have the best collaborative approach which enables a zeal and zest throughout the project. These guys made me feel extremely comfortable and as passionate as they are for their own work, made me too for mine! It was indeed, a lot of fun while I was shooting for the video with them. Its not often that you get to work with such an easy-going team where the members are really considerate and benevolent! I was overwhelmed by seeing them committed to integrity, vision, passion and excellence in every shot they took.

(pictures taken during the video shoot for Picker at Pace)

Think Totka's journey has been really enjoyable till now. In the founder's words, "We make films. We make promos, commercials, explainers, virals, music videos, shorts, documentaries…you name it, and we do it. What makes us different is, we provide you the best professional work within your budget, whatever the platform is. We have no looking back now, since the vision always was to excel. To go beyond what everyone was doing. We always had it in mind, still do, which will make us different is to be original. We want to keep it real, we want it to be ours, whatever we create, all that we do should scream of originality, non-conformism and of Think Totka as a brand name, be it at the stock market, or the business brand of the year, we dream to achieve it all in the years to come!"

So, now if you have an idea of what you would like in a video, or you just know that you want a video made. Either ways Think Totka is up for it. They can develop an idea for you or run with what you have. Give them an opportunity and they will provide you with the best project estimate with options to enable you opt for the best basis in your creative vision for the projects. 

Find Think Totka on : Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

OR

Call them at : +91 8960575884, +91 7800290615

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Photographed by : (Exposure Imageries)

~xoxo~

Picker at Pace Turns 1

My journey as a blogger began on 28th May, 2014 when I first posted a poem that I wrote for my sister on her birthday. My aim to start writing a blog was nothing much more than just creating an e-book for my friends, to read some poetry that I wrote (also for them). 

I didn't take blogging seriously, more because I felt lazy typing so much on a page which was hardly read by anyone. I stopped posting after the second one. Then, one day all of a sudden I landed on one of the blogs by this girl called Aayushi Bangur (of Styldrv) who is a blogger herself, to be true she is one of the most amazing bloggers I've ever come across. The next day, while searching some more blogs I landed on Bombay Bubble by Anushka Hajela who is again one of the best bloggers in the country. While reading their blogs, I just felt I already have that trait inculcated in myself and I should give it a try by writing about fashion & beauty tips. After writing about 2-3 posts, I started getting feedbacks & I was overwhelmed with the response. It encouraged me more. A lot of other bloggers like Trushna Parekh, Gauri Kulkarni, Aakriti Rana, Malvika Gupta and many more to name, in the country, have been my inspiration in this field of blogging & have always helped me clear my doubts & suggested how to improve on my writing & pictures & everything for that matter. I just can't thank them enough!

Started with poetry, added fashion & then built an interest in writing about the recipes I cook at home, reviews about some books I read & sharing my travel experiences, I wanted to write all of it. And that's the reason I have so many categories on the blog. Also because I wanted to keep something for each one of you, in case you visit my blog, you shouldn't turn back without smiling!  My first year as a blogger has been an experience tale and I've learnt a lot from different bloggers & readers. I just feel there's a lot of information for free on the internet and one should always lay hands on it, most of it is on the blogs, just a click away. As a blogger, everything I do, flows from understanding my audience and seeking to help them as much as possible. After all, Blogging is a conversation, not a code. 

Today, as I complete one year of writing on this blog, I want to thank each one of you out there for the constant love & support you've shown towards me. This video message is only a small token to say thank you to all of you. Hope you like it. :)

Note : A very special Thanks to the Think Totka production team for helping me make this video so that I could connect with each one of you personally. And not forgetting my photography team without whom this journey wouldn't have been possible at all.

I hope all the coming years be as enjoyable as the first one. It was a complete joy ride. Stay tuned for more posts that are coming up on the blog very very soon!

~xoxo~

My Summer Skin Care Routine with POND'S

In childhood, summer meant year end vacations, weeks and weeks of free time to do as one pleases, but sadly, everyone has to grow up, and go to work even when the sun is beating down on us.  We all fear that we’re not quite equipped to deal with the season, and need a helping hand to breeze through the summer months. Strappy shirts and short shorts are pulled out of the closet, but our skin doesn't feel ready! In this season where extreme environmental factors prevail, the sun can actually take a toll on our skin. Our face gets the worst of the impact of the sun, because of the constant exposure to the same. Dirt, pollution and sweat clogs pores and doesn't let our skin breathe in this scorchy weather. All the heat makes us lethargic by the end of the day too! Now, here comes POND'S to the summer skin care rescue with its amazing products. POND'S is a brand which me and my family has been using/observing since years and I have witnessed some fabulous miracles happening to my skin, which is why I refuse to even try any other brand. In last couple of weeks, I developed a particular skin care routine this summer season with the products which I'm sharing with you in this post.

Starting with the cleaning of the face, I use POND'S Tan Removal Scrub (with the pink-white packing) both in morning & night to get rid of all the flakiness, dead skin cells, blackheads, whiteheads & daily tan, which also helps unclog pores, makes my skin breathe and expedites fading of obnoxious scars only to restore a rejuvenated supple skin. It is very gentle and can be used daily. Try as you might, you can’t escape the wrath of the sun, and as a result, tanned skin. Everyone is quite attached to their original skin tone and not a fan of patchily tanned skin, so the suntan needs to leave your skin any how, right? Regular usage of this product helps remove the layer of dead skin cells, dirt and grime from our face. This exposes a fresh layer of skin which can absorb nutrients and moisture. This scrub  has actually revived my skin and also given me a fair, radiant touch.

After the scrub, I use the POND'S Daily Face Wash (with the green-white packing) and every time I use it, it turns my dull tired looking skin into healthy glowing skin. This product from POND'S is suitable for mostly all skin types. I use it twice, daily, which makes my skin soft and smooth, cleaning the remains from the scrub. Irrespective of my hectic schedule and exhaustion, I make sure that I always clean my face twice a day – morning and night. Doing so removes all external impurities and provides a clean canvas to start off. TIP : Always take adequate amount of the scrub or facewash and apply it on the face in circular motion and wash off with plain or lukewarm water.

Once I'm done with the cleaning of my face, I apply POND'S White Beauty Cream, which is a fairness cream mainly for those who have dark circles and a dull skin, like me. This cream helps in the reduction in both cases – lightens, brightens and fades dark spots, while providing instant radiance to my skin. It also helps to cover up uneven patches on my face. Suitable for all skin types, blends with the skin tone naturally making me look a little fairer than my original skin color. The best part about this product is –  1.) It has SPF 15 which is a bonus in all cases. 2.) It has a mousse like fluffy texture which feels incredibly soft and doesn't make my skin feel stretchy or dry at all. 3.) Even though the cream is white in color, it does have a pink tone running through it. TIP : Always dot your face with cream (any cream for that matter), taking small amounts and blend it in the direction of your smile on the cheeks and downwards on the nose.

Now comes the most miraculous product by POND'S which I just fell in love with. It is the All-In-One BB+ Fairness Cream with SPF 30 PA++. Many of you already know I'm not a make-up girl at all. Running away from makeup has been my habit since always, still wanting to look all beautiful and glamorous and this product saves me from using different beauty products like foundations, concealers, etc. saving me from skin problems. As the name suggests, POND'S BB+ (where BB stands for Blemish Balm) cream is an all-in-one product which means it has sophisticated skin lightening cover formula and advanced sunscreen protection, which not only improves my skin texture and effectively lightens skin from within but also provides natural looking instant glow that stays all day long. Being on a duskier side of the complexion scale, I always try finding products that will enhance my complexion and this cream just does that. I use it on a daily basis before stepping out of home, even if I'm not applying the white beauty cream, this one blends with my skin perfectly, also protecting me from the sun (UVA and visible light) just like a sunscreen, while I'm out.

Finally comes the time for moisturizing, and this is the part which I like the most. Some people believe that oily skin does not require moisture. Well, as per my opinion, this dogma is false! Since childhood, I've been using the same body lotion/moisturizer which is by POND'S (even the packing hasn't changed for years now). This product from the POND'S range has provided me with almost 20 years of nourishment and skin smoothening. All summer, all winter, every season! No day of mine passes by without using this lotion on my hands, legs and everywhere (except for my face). It contains triple vitamin B3, E, and C which are the added benefits. It is really thick and creamy, which keeps my skin hydrated and moisturized for good 5-6 hours. It does takes some time to get absorbed in the skin due to its thick consistency but doesn't feel greasy at all. The fragrance is soothing and lingers for long. The updated range of this lotion has UV protection benefit which is the best part now!

Skin pampering is a drudging experience, yet the after feeling of soft and smooth skin is a heavenly outcome. Getting flawless skin is an easy task. It does not require that much hard work but it does require consistency. It’s been a month since I have started following this skin care routine, and I am already noticing the difference. My skin feels more hydrated, pores seem to have reduced a bit and I can barely see any blackheads/whiteheads on my nose or blemishes on my face. I love how skin reprieves from those pimple scars, and invigorates into a soft supple texture. My summer skin care routine with POND'S is going really well and if you ask me, this is something I would highly recommend to all of you as well. POND'S is one of the most trusted brands since years and has launched various products in the recent times. The ones mentioned in this post are my personal favorites, also because they are so handy that I can carry them everyday with me in my bag, to work or outings and keep touching up whenever I get time; specially the All-In-One BB+ cream which is a must have, so you don't need to buy a sunscreen, then a fairness cream, then a foundation, then concealer, etc. which saves a lot of money too. Well, I hope you liked this post and will gain something out of my skin care routine so as to adapt it in your own routines, and yield benefits.

Photographed by : Rhea Ghosh - My senior from school. She is such a sweetheart that she made me so comfortable while posing for pictures in a public cafe, also convincing me so sweetly (with a pinch of strictness) to put that red lipstick on and tie my hair back which I'd always been so shaky about. She turned me into a glam doll and I just can't thank her enough!

Shot at : The Cherry Tree Bakery

~xoxo~