Life & Style

The Hunza Valley, situated in the northern part of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is a picturesque mountainous region. It follows the course of the Hunza River and is bordered by Ishkoman to the northwest, Shigar to the southeast, the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan to the north, and China’s Xinjiang region to the northeast. The valley floor is elevated at 2,438 meters (7,999 feet). Geographically, the Hunza Valley is segmented into three distinct areas: Upper Hunza (Gojal), Central Hunza, and Lower Hunza (Shinaki)

Known for longevity
The residents of the valley, breathing clean, fresh air, are known for their longevity, with many villagers living beyond 100 years! The rates of chronic illnesses like cancer are extremely low in the valley, which can be attributed to their clean diet, and a special tea, known as Hunza Tea, known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and immunity-boosting benefits. Here’s how you can boil a pot at home, and drink it as and when possible (source: nutritionwithpalaknagpal)

1. In 4 cups of water, add:
•Tulsi leaves: 5-6
•Sri Lankan rolled cinnamon: a pinch
•Ginger: two ¼-inch pieces
•Cardamom (elaichi): 2 pods
2. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the flame. Cover and let it brew for 5-7 minutes.
3. Switch off the flame and let it steep. Strain into a cup.
4. Stir in ½-1 tsp raw, unprocessed jaggery.

How does it help?
Increases immunity: Hunza tea, it is said, stimulates the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses, thus reducing sickness.
Helps in digestion: It’s known to improve gestion and ease discomfort, making it an excellent choice for those with digestive issues.
Can help in weight loss: It is said that Hunza tea can aid in weight loss due to its low-calorie content. It also promotes metabolism.
Antioxidant Properties: This tea is rich in antioxidants, which combats oxidative stress, and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Can help with Skin Conditions: Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea.
Combats Arthritis: Some studies suggest it can be helpful for arthritis.
Diabetes control: The tea may be beneficial for those with diabetes.
Can lower blood pressure: Its antioxidant and diuretic properties can lower blood pressure.
Indigestion: Hunza tea can help to provide instant relief from indigestion.

Can better Hemoglobin Level: Hunza tea helps in maintaining the hemoglobin level and iron.
How do Hunza people live that long?
The longevity of people from the valley have attracted researchers from far and wide, and a 2021 study focused on hypertention included 425 people from the village. The study found out that the people of Hunza, given their rough terrain, have to physically do a lot of labour everyday, since the terrain is surrounded with rough passages, steep ridges, which results in long walking journeys. This in turn, results in excellent cardiovascular health for the residents, that is further amplified by the clean air. This apart, the study also found out that Hunza people:

Ate more plant based food and less meat (though it was unavoidable in winters)
Smoke less – Only 47 smokers in the group
Physically active
Low obesity rates
How can you adopt a lifestyle of Hunza people?
Though the clean, fresh air plays a huge role in the longevity of the valley residents, you too can stay healthy like them, at least to the best of your capacity. To follow this, you must
Consume an anti-inflammatory diet
Exercise daily
Prioritize your mental health

Over 200 residents fell ill within just two days at Ajnana Homes Society in Greater Noida, sparking fear of drinking contaminated water. As per a PTI report, people reported symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It is reported that all this happened because of drinking contaminated water supply in the society. Drinking contaminated water poses serious health risks and can lead to a wide range of illnesses, some of which can be life-threatening as well. Chemical contaminants, including heavy metals like lead or arsenic, can damage vital organs and have long-term effects on the nervous system, especially in children. It can also weaken the immune system and increase the risk of chronic health conditions. That’s why ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water is not just a matter of hygiene — it’s a basic necessity for a healthy life. Take a look at these 9 simple and easy ways of purifying drinking water that can be helpful in the long run.

Over centuries, thread has been an instrument to sew, mend, darn, embellish and create. We female artists are much like individual threads in the fabric of a society’s culture — seen but not noticed. But once you notice us, you will see us everywhere.” This message at the entrance to the ongoing exhibition titled The Female Legacy Project (TFLP), sums up the theme and intent of this event and is a reclamation of narratives.

Usha Rani
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Special Arrangement

The exhibition focusses on three women: Usha Rani, a kattaikkoothu artiste, Seethalakshmi, a shadow puppetry artiste, and Narthaki Nataraj, a Bharatanatyam artiste. The exhibition traces the lives and struggles of these three women artistes, their influences, inspirations, and the people who supported them.

S. Seethalakshmi
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Special Arrangement

Y Nayudamma, the then director of Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), offered Seethalaksmi a job at the institute after watching a performance at Museum Theatre, as he wanted people to understand the cultural associations of leather through puppetry. Seethalakshmi hailed from a family of puppeteers in Kakinada, and was trained by her maternal uncle MV Ramanmurthy. She came to Chennai at the age of nine in 1954 along with her troupe for a show at Island Grounds, and soon after made the city her home.

Narthaki Nataraj
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Special Arrangement

Though she never went to school, it was Usha’s keen sense of observation and remarkable ability to memorise songs and dialogues that helped her forge her career. She was known for the portrayal of the character of Kaikeyi, from The Ramayana. She could hold the audience in rapt attention while she performed. Yet, the world she lived in only referred to her as nadakakaari, and nothing more.

For Narthaki Nataraj, a transgender Bharatanatyam artiste, Shakthi Bhasker, also a transgender, was an ardent cheerleader. KP Kittapa Pillai, the descendant of the famed Tanjore Quartet, took her in as his disciple in Thanjavur and gave Narthaki her name. Over the decades, Narthaki faced numerous rejections and upheavals as a transwoman. The greatest moment in her life arrived when she was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019.

In parallel to the exhibit, 34-year-old kattaikoothu artiste Thilagavathi Palani conducted a koothu make-up workshop. Initiated into the art by her uncle Munuswamy at the age of 11, she later underwent formal training at the Kattaikuttu Gurukulam under P Rajagopal. “Each of us had to learn reading, writing, singing, costume design, play any one musical instrument and also make-up. Artistes have to learn to apply the make-up for themselves, and also make the costumes and wooden accessories,” says Thilagavathi.

Thilagavathi Palani
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Special Arrangement

“Our makeup has to be loud, bright, dramatic and exaggerated as it is performed in open grounds during temple festivals, usually past midnight. Every rasa (emotion) has a colour, for example, aggression, anger and courage is signified by red; for female [characters] we use pink or yellow, and for heroic characters such as Krishna or Arjuna it is dark green or blue; and for neutral emotions, it is a combination of orange and yellow,” she says.

For the first layer, they mix coconut oil and muthuvella (a pearl white colour powder) and once it is evenly applied, they draw lines to accentuate the features and expressions using a thennang kuchi (broomstick). For heroic characters, a moustache is drawn in black but for villains it is attached using a rope. Once the lines are drawn, they begin to mix dominant colours in oil and rub it gently covering all areas. Once the makeup is applied, it is topped with talcum powder. After this, they wear the costume and finally the headgear.

Thilagavathi says, “Each troupe will have just one makeup kit. Pink, orange, yellow, red, black and white are the basic colours, with pink being a recent addition. We mix two colours to indicate certain characters.

@Alliance Francaise of Madras, Nungambakkam. On till April 13, 10am to 7pm. Presented by Goethe-Institut in association with the SNS Arts Development Consultancy, the Kala Collective and in collaboration with Alliance Française.

Get your professional portraits clicked with the most inspiring woman of your life free of cost, April 12, 4pm to 7pm. Make a piece of jewellery from a one-to-five inch image of your favourite female artiste on April 12, 4pm to 6pm.  

As the sky turns from bubble-gum pink to mauve and deep-velvety purple, tall coconut palms lean over the sea to listen to the waves. A cello player strings up melodies as the echoing bass beats throb, and wicker lightshades bob away in the sea breeze. We are on Goa’s Ozran Beach in Vagator, at Zeno by the Sea.

The expansive terrace at Zeno by the Sea offers a scenic setting for sunset cocktails
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Special arrangement

As I off-road towards the beach from Vagator, I encounter a massive concrete establishment, an experiential address spread across 10,000 square feet abutting the shoreline. Ozran, also known as Little Vagator Beach, is a serene retreat, known for coconut palms framing stunning sunsets. The beach is separated from Anjuna and Vagator by rocks on either side, lending an exclusive feel to Zeno.

View from the top

As one enters this private club-like address, it is hard to miss the throngs of tourists clad in branded resort wear, jiving to the tunes played by an in-house DJ.

Designed by Delhi-based Tenzin Design Studio, Zeno by the Sea is set against the backdrop of the ocean
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Special arrangement

Designed by Delhi-based Tenzin Design Studio, Zeno by the Sea is set against the backdrop of the ocean, its expansive terrace offering a scenic setting for sunset cocktails. The well-stocked bar at the lowest level is diagonally opposite the DJ console, with a row of elaborate wicker lightshades.

The well-stocked bar at the lowest level is lined by a row of elaborate wicker lightshades hanging down
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Special arrangement

A flight of stairs leads to a lounge, above which is the top floor with a pool and another bar. A lookout terrace on the side, and another small terrace beneath, with seating, adds layers and dimensions and drama to the venue The gentle trickle of the basalt fountain melds with the distant sounds of waves crashing on the shore. Milky white, Roman-style statues and mirrors present more settings for photo ops. Looking around one can see a few unfinished structures nearby…..possibly, more such sunset-viewing clubs with lookouts in times to come!

 A lookout terrace on the side, and another small terrace beneath, with seating, adds layers and dimensions to the venue
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Special arrangement

Food files

The globally inspired tapas-style menu, curated by chef Nishant Chaubey, features a variety of signature dishes, including mini koobideh or lightly spiced lamb skewers, truffle mushroom cream cheese and Korean chicken wings. Comforting classics, like galouti kebabs and nihari vie for space alongside innovative creations, like a surprisingly umami miso cheesecake we finished the meal with. The truffle mushroom galouti served on baby parathas is soft, succulent and cleverly camouflaged to appear like the kebab’s mutton version.

Korean Chicken Wings
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Special arrangement

Inspired by Nishant’s travels across Europe, Southeast Asia and India, the menu ensures there is something for everyone. Think sushi, dimsums, tacos, pizzas and curries from every part of the globe. Another dessert worth trying is the dense and decadent vegan orange and chocolate pave. The tiramisu, on the other hand, is light, airy and redolent with coffee.

Orange & Saffron Salad at Zeno by the Sea
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Special arrangement

Heady concoctions

I did find the cocktails a bit wanting in terms of flavour, though their presentation and colours certainly qualified for the sunset frames on guests’ Instagram accounts. As always, a good picante never misses my eye, and that made me give the Paan Picante a go. Vegetal and grassy in taste, it certainly could not stand up to the classic.

Sunset Boulevard
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Special arrangement

The gin cocktails, like Black Gold, with fresh grapefruit, thyme, activated charcoal ice and citrus honey is refreshing and balanced, with several notes vying for attention. Whiskey Sour lovers can rejoice in a Blue Pea Whiskey Sour with blue pea and rhubarb foam, while Old Fashioned fans get to dive right into the adventurous Chilli Choco Old Fashioned, replete with the wicked hotness of bird’s eye chillies.

Blue Pea Whiskey Sour
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Special arrangement

This cavernous address, with all the trimmings of a swanky party place bursts at the seams on weekends. Sequined and feathered dancers strut in at intervals doing their customary pirouettes.

Cocktail by the pool located on Zeno’s second floor
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Special arrangement

If, like me, you are dreaming of simplicity, you could be forgiven for being a bit overwhelmed by the scene. But, then again, on this stretch of Vagator, where out of towners come to get their ‘Goa fix’, Zeno by the Sea ticks all the boxes.

Located at Survey No 224/2, near Olive, Vagator, Goa, Zeno by the Sea is open from Monday to Sunday 1pm to 1am. A meal for two is priced at ₹3,000.

All of the women in Iranian model Azadeh’s family have had nose surgeries, each feeling the pressure to conform with Western beauty standards in a country where female bodies are heavily policed.

To Ms. Azadeh, smoothing out the bump in what Iranians would call the “Persian nose” she was born with proved a lucrative investment.

Also read: Sushruta’s description of reconstructing a nose

Since the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iranian women have been required to dress modestly and cover their hair, and the beauty industry has become almost entirely centred on the face.

Having rhinoplasty — a nose job — can make a major difference, Ms. Azadeh told AFP.

“After the operation, not only have I earned myself a modelling job with better social standing but I’m also earning three times more and I’m more respected by clients,” she said.

Ms. Azadeh, 29, asked that her surname be withheld because women models can face social pressure in Iran.

According to the U.S.-based International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), more than 264,000 cosmetic operations were performed in Iran in 2023, with rhinoplasty being the most common.

A cultural trend

Across Tehran and other Iranian cities, brightly coloured billboards advertise beauty clinics and cosmetic procedures, offering promises of sculpted noses, flawless skin and perfect teeth.

Many people with bandaged noses can be seen on the streets, a testament to the popularity of rhinoplasty.

“It has become more of a cultural trend,” said rhinoplasty surgeon Hamidreza Hosnani who performs up to 20 operations a week at his well-equipped clinic in the capital.

And that trend has evolved, becoming more and more tied to social identity and status, especially as more women have defied the strict dress code.

Such defiance became more marked following the mass protests sparked by the 2022 death in custody of 22-year-old Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini.

In Iran, where the minimum wage is around $100, basic rhinoplasty costs up to $1,000 — significantly cheaper than in other countries, Ms. Hosnani said.

Millions of Iranians have long struggled with soaring prices and a plunging currency, driven in part by years of international sanctions.

“I even had to borrow the money required for the operation from my friends and family, but the money was well spent, and it was completely worth it,” Ms. Azadeh said.

Reyhaneh Khoshhali, a 28-year-old surgical assistant, had the operation four years ago, and regrets not having it sooner.

“My nose really did not look good aesthetically and I wanted to be more beautiful,” she said.

“If I could go back, I would have had the operation earlier.”

Unauthorised clinics

For years, Iran has hosted highly advanced medical centres, even becoming a destination for foreigners seeking high-quality and affordable cosmetic surgery.

However, the procedures can also come with risks.

The Iranian authorities have repeatedly warned about the growing number of unauthorised clinics performing cosmetic procedures.

In February, a dozen unlicenced practitioners were arrested and several operating theatres in Tehran’s Apadana Hospital were closed because of unauthorised cosmetic procedures, the health ministry said.

In 2023, three women died in a single day — November 7 — during cosmetic surgery in three separate incidents in Tehran, media reported at the time.

Ava Goli has yet to undergo her rhinoplasty operation, and said that finding a reliable doctor involved some research.

“I saw some people whose nose job did not look good… and yeah, it really made me scared at times,” the 23-year-old told AFP.

Yet the demand for cosmetic surgery in Iran remains high — and the pressure to keep up is not limited to women.

Bahador Sayyadi, a 33-year-old accountant, said he had to borrow money so he could have a hair transplant.

“My financial situation isn’t great, but thanks to a loan I got recently, I will be doing the procedure just in time before my wedding,” he said.

“Men should also take care of themselves these days, just like women.”

In the quest for longer, fuller, and healthier hair, people are increasingly turning to traditional remedies that are both effective and natural. One such remedy that’s been gaining serious traction is rice water—a beauty secret passed down through generations, from the Heian-era women of Japan to the Yao women of China, known for their famously long, luscious locks. But can this ancient remedy do more than just make hair shiny? Can it actually help grow hair in bald patches?
Let’s explore how rice water works for hair, its benefits, and how you can use it to possibly stimulate regrowth in sparse or balding areas.

What is Rice Water and why is it beneficial for hair?

Rice water is the starchy, nutrient-rich liquid left behind after soaking or boiling rice. It contains amino acids, vitamins B and E, antioxidants, and inositol – a compound believed to repair damaged hair and promote hair regeneration at the follicular level.
The real star here is inositol, which helps reduce surface friction, repair hair shaft damage, and even penetrate the hair to protect it from future harm. But its benefits might go deeper: inositol may help awaken dormant follicles when massaged into the scalp, particularly in areas where hair has thinned or is beginning to bald.

Can Rice Water really help bald patches?

While scientific evidence is still emerging, anecdotal evidence and centuries of traditional use suggest that rice water can improve hair thickness, reduce shedding, and possibly stimulate regrowth in areas of hair loss.

Here’s how it works:
Improves scalp circulation: The nutrients in rice water nourish hair follicles, making them more active.
Strengthens roots: Amino acids help rebuild damaged follicles and improve hair shaft structure.
Reduces breakage: Stronger hair means less shedding, making bald spots less prominent over time.
Soothes inflammation: If bald patches are caused by scalp irritation or inflammation, rice water’s cooling effect can aid recovery.

How to prepare Rice Water for hair regrowth

There are two main methods of preparing rice water:
Soaking method
Rinse ½ cup of uncooked rice to remove impurities.
Soak the rice in 2–3 cups of water for 30 minutes.
Strain and use the water for your scalp.
Fermented Rice Water
Rinse and soak rice as above.
Let the soaked rice water sit at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours to ferment.
Once it has a slightly sour smell, strain it and store in a spray bottle.
Fermented rice water has more antioxidants and inositol, making it more effective for hair regrowth.
Tip: Dilute fermented rice water with plain water in a 1:1 ratio to prevent irritation, especially if you have a sensitive scalp.

How to use Rice Water on bald patches

To target bald or thinning areas effectively, follow this simple routine:
Scalp massage
Massage rice water into clean, damp scalp, focusing especially on bald patches or areas with visible thinning. This stimulates blood flow and helps nutrients penetrate deeply into the follicles.
Leave it on
Let the rice water sit on your scalp for 20–30 minutes. You can cover your head with a shower cap to boost absorption.
Rinse
You can rinse it off with plain water or leave it on, depending on your scalp’s sensitivity.
Repeat consistently
Use rice water 2–3 times a week. Consistency is key when trying to regrow hair in bald patches.
Boost it with natural additions
You can elevate the benefits of rice water by mixing in other hair growth boosters:
Aloe vera juice: Adds hydration and soothes the scalp.
Rosemary oil: A proven hair growth stimulator.
Peppermint oil: Boosts circulation in thinning areas.
Green tea: Rich in antioxidants and combats hair fall.
Add a few drops or spoonfuls of these ingredients to your rice water treatment for a more potent solution.

Who can benefit from using Rice Water?

People experiencing mild to moderate hair thinning
Those with patchy hair loss or alopecia areata
Women with postpartum hair loss

Anyone looking to strengthen and lengthen their hair naturally
However, those with severe or scarring alopecia might need medical treatment in addition to natural remedies like rice water.

When stress hits, your body tightens—shoulders tense up, jaw clenches, neck stiffens. The fix? A good stretch. Raise your arms overhead, roll your shoulders back, twist your spine gently while seated, or touch your toes. Just five minutes of light stretching gets your blood flowing, releases physical tension, and sends a signal to your brain: “Hey, we’re safe, let’s relax.” You don’t need yoga-level flexibility. You’re not trying to impress anyone, just loosening up. Do it in your chair, by your desk, even mid-conversation if you need to. Instant physical and mental relief.

Relationships are hard work, and they take time, consistent effort, and patience to evolve over time. But sometimes, emotional distance creeps in, and it can be hard to spot until it’s too late. However, some subtle signs suggest your partner might be losing interest in you. These signs aren’t always dramatic— they’re often quiet changes in behaviour, communication, and connection. Recognizing them early can help you take the necessary steps to rekindle the bond or make healthy decisions for yourself. Here we list some such cues to look out for:

As per him, when you do not touch the food, you do not know what it is. If food is not good enough to be touched, I do not know how it is good enough to be eaten! He also says that when you feel it, you know what to eat and what not to eat. And with a fork and spoon, you do not know who has used it, how they have used it, and for what. All they have to do is wipe it with a tissue and it looks clean.

Despite having busy schedules, happy couples prioritise having clear and honest communication– respectful, of course! They don’t just talk about their chores or schedules— instead, they share their true feelings, dreams, worries, and hopes with each other. Apart from simply speaking, they also actively listen to each other. This helps them understand, support, and bond with each other. Regularly checking in on each other helps them stay connected, even when they’re apart at times.