Arunachal Pradesh’s textiles diverge from the common Northeast Indian style. The Apatani, a community residing mainly in the Ziro Valley, is known for its unique weaving skills that use designs of geometric patterns and stripes with a striking combination of colours. Apatani textiles draw heavily on straight lines, horizontal bands, and geometric designs with blue-green, … Read more
This one can be hard to ignore. You know her mood can change quickly, so you start thinking before saying anything. You choose your words carefully. You avoid certain topics. Maybe you even change your plans because you’re worried about how she’ll react. A marriage shouldn’t leave you feeling like you’re constantly trying not to … Read more
Calathea has earned a devoted following for good reason, its bold, patterned leaves in stripes and deep contrasting colours look almost too intricate to be real. It prefers stable, consistent conditions, bright but indirect light, steady humidity, and no sudden temperature swings, which is exactly the kind of environment an unpredictable outdoor season can rarely … Read more
Cutting a hot chilli can make a simple kitchen task surprisingly uncomfortable. The seeds and inner membrane contain chilli oils that can stay on your skin after handling. The irritation may not stop there. If you touch your eyes or face before washing your hands, even a small amount of residue can cause a sharp … Read more
Cracking walnuts without a nutcracker can seem difficult at first. Their hard shells are designed to protect the edible kernel inside, so using too much force can crush the walnut or send sharp shell pieces across the kitchen. Fortunately, you can open walnuts with a few common household tools and a little care. The key … Read more
Some homes have a way of telling you what the family believes in without saying a word. It could be a little shankh in the prayer room, a money plant growing across a balcony, or a small figurine sitting on the living-room shelf. These objects often become part of the home almost naturally. Sometimes they … Read more
Packing for a trip always seems to turn up the same handful of small annoyances, a shampoo bottle that leaks all over your clothes, earrings that end up hopelessly tangled, snacks that go stale halfway through a flight. Most travellers reach for a fresh set of gadgets or specialty pouches to solve these problems, when … Read more
Saffron, often called kesar, is one of the world’s most expensive spices, which also makes it vulnerable to adulteration. The spice comes from the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus flowers, with only a small number of strands obtained from each flower. Because genuine saffron is costly, cheaper materials such as dyed maize filaments, coloured gelatin … Read more
Malai kofta is one of the most indulgent vegetarian dishes in Indian cuisine, with soft, delicately spiced koftas swimming in a rich, creamy gravy. The contrast between the crisp exterior of the koftas and the silky sauce makes it especially satisfying when you are craving something luxurious and substantial. How to make: Mix mashed potato … Read more
A burnt iron pan can be difficult to clean, especially when food has hardened onto its surface. Food may be stuck to the bottom in a thick black layer, while the surface underneath can appear dull and rough. But that burnt food does not always mean the pan is ruined. With the right approach, the … Read more