A cup of Assam Tea

 Visiting NYC  during the holiday season has an experience of its own. The city clad in holiday Avtar and probably you can see the bustling city insanity. Visiting the city year after year, I still get psyched up to visit during the holidays. The lavish window displays of 5th avenue, whimsical lights, arrey of flavorsome food, giant Christmas decor in radio city, huge skating arena to grand central what not to love about NYC's holiday. At 0 degrees, you feel cozy because this is the best time of the year. Shop and eat at the Bryant Park Holiday Market Overlooking the skyscrapers, this outdoor market is for you, with a whole European-inspired feel and festive spirit.  One of a kind jewelry, cool and quirky  Christmas tree ornaments, alluring art, more than 100  NYC  Artisans' pop-up stalls, you will end up amused in this best holiday market in  NYC .  Give your hunger pangs a kick with the city's favorite flavors, such as hot choc...

Looking back at the beautiful bygone years, I transport myself to my Aita's (Grandmom) antique chest, where a neatly folded crisp and slightly golden-hued Muga silk chadar lies. I remember Aita telling me she weaved that chadar. Long back, Assamese women weaved their own clothes, especially mekhela chadars. Weaving muga silk is highly esteemed in assamese culture in the yesteryears.  In the Assamese language, Muga defines the golden hue. Exquisite and exclusive muga epitomizes opulent Assamese weaving culture. Muga is elusive and expensive, whereas Eri Silk is an everyday affair. Muga is reserved for special occasions. In Assamese culture, muga is widely used by Bihu dancers and is a must-buy for the bridal trousseau. With the changing times and rising prices, Muga is not a regular buy for an average person.   Muga is especially found in the form of mekhela chadar traditionally. Muga saree is commonly available in the market too. Indigenous Muga silk is pr...

      Sometimes what you can't even imagine in your wildest dream for your homeland, for your people, can happen. The last few days have been tensed and unimaginable for my homeland Assam and the Assamese people. People are in relentless processions, curfews, roads are closed, at least 6 people are killed in the last 7 days and reports of people getting hurt. Little children to senior citizens, commoners to celebrities have taken to the streets to protest against CAA. CAA or Citizenship Amendment Act is a huge let down for the Assamese people and is a horrific sense of betrayal. The implementation of CAA opens path to millions of refugees from Bangladesh the right to citizenship. It violates the Assam Accord, signed in 1985 which was attained after 6 long years of a bitter battle with the center from 1979 to 1985 with hundreds (800 plus) of Assamese people becoming a martyr to the cause. According to the Assam Accord, all refugees who came before 1971 will be accepted...

While living in New England, I often long for spring, summer and the fall during the winter wonderlands, but can't deny the fact that winter has its own perks. Certain fabrics and certain designs are ideal for winter only. Just a few weeks back while attending a small holiday party I took advantage of that. Silk has been one of my favorite fabric and both my Indian and western closet is glorified with silk dresses, sarees, and blouses. I believe silk is a must in any celebratory closet. The shine and smoothness always redefine the luxury ask for celebration.      In addition, a few weeks back I posted how you can add some unique colors to your holiday dress up. Here I am wearing a burnt orange midi skirt and a blush pink silk blouse. Even though I am a huge accessory person but here I am on the minimal side with a small drop earring and a gold chain with a tiny pendant, the only thing statement is the red lips.

      The weather has been tremendously cold and this restricts us from enjoying outdoor fun but brings friends and family close while eating out together or cookout together. Just a few days back, I and my family visited Spice Venue in Hartford. We didn't have many speculations on what to expect. However, from the last couple of years, the food scene in the Hartford area has changed. There are so many new restaurants and new shopping options available.       The Spice Venue, Hartford with a sports bar is a blend of South and North Indian food and American food. Which is a little rare when it comes to Indian restaurant . As I mentioned earlier, we didn't have any preconceived notions about Spice Venue. When we entered with kids it was a bit awkward with a Sports bar and high volume music, otherwise ideal for happy hours. A modern two-story clean cut with a rustic vibe we were greeted promptly and seated in our table. Located in the heart of Hartford o...

             This whole week I have been thinking about food. And I can't wait for the Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends. Also, I have been wondering about the similarities of food between one culture and another. How the resembles favorite entry's to one another. Where in our thanksgiving dinner I relish mashed potatoes, my assamese taste bud adore aloo pitika, aloo means potatoes and pitika means mashed. How the main ingredients of the entry are the same but the difference is the spices or secondary ingredients. Today I wanted to share the Assamese aloo pitika recipe.       Humble and simple aloo pitika is a quintessential side in assamese cuisine. Like Fish curry , aloo pitika is also an essential entry. Most of the time, even though considered as a side, the place of aloo pitika is nothing less than the main course. In western countries, butter is popularly used for mash potatoes. But, like many other recipes i...

      As the temperature is dropping to zero where I live on the east coast in America, yet I'm all psyched up for welcoming the holiday season. Though the better part of the holidays is occupied by fun, family and, food how can I ignore the holiday wardrobe! Every time wearing those same old colors can be boring and uninspiring. Adding up some unique and unexpected color can amp up your whole holiday dressing game. Not just a holiday wardrobe, but it will perk up your everyday winter wear.  Camel and Burnt Orange - This year one of the most trending colors yet is a classic camel and has spark on its own. On any skin tone, camel work wonders. Team up with the right accessories and brave the world and it is all yours. Either Pistachio or Powder Blue - Once these colors were only reserved for spring, but pick your right shade and with a bit glam glitters you can never go wrong. Lilac and Purple - The same holds for lilac. It is only consid...

 I don't know about you, but for me, the holiday's mindless eating showered me with much love, yeah, a bit of weight gain.  Post- Diwali  celebrations are going on, and I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year.  Last week, I visited a friend for a small, casual post-Diwali celebration and the week of Halloween. Yup, Halloween was in my mind, hence the black. I chose a black a-line salwar with lots of pleats, and it easily hides my Diwali love handles (love handles). Added a pair of silver earrings, a large black bindi, and neutral sandals. The rest of the look is simple, featuring minimal makeup and an easy, natural hairdo. I hope you like the look.

When you are fortunate enough to predict and reach New Hampshire during peak fall  foliage, you will likely feel you landed on a dream of mosaic colors.  The crimson, burnt orange, purple, peachy pink, or mellow yellow in the land of rolling hills, nothing in the world beats the beauty of New Hampshire in fall.  There are several ways you can enjoy the fall  in New Hampshire. It's impossible to pick, but we will do our top four things.  Mount Washington Auto Road : With endless views and vistas, America's 1st man-made attraction, 7.6 miles long, is an experience on its own.  Driving itself is a thrilling experience, and you can stop to take in the amazing surrounding fall views. At the highest wind recorded summit, you will witness the enthralling yet stunning views of the valley and rugged mountain, echoing the beauty and pristine nature.  Driving away on Kancamagus Highway : Breathtaking backdrops with...