WHAT MAKES DESTINATION DUPE TRENDING AND FANCY?

  

Yes, travel destinations change yearly. New destinations gain popularity, while others are less crowded. Travel trends also change, such as the type of travel people choose to do. 

New destinations 

Unexpected destinations: New destinations, like Rwanda, are finding new ways to attract travelers.

Growing markets: New markets, like India, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe, are growing sources of tourism.

Less crowded destinations

Off-peak travel

Travelers are increasingly choosing to travel during the shoulder season or off-peak. 

Lesser-known destinations

Travelers are choosing to visit lesser-known destinations that are less crowded. 

Destination dupes

Travelers are choosing cheaper, less busy alternatives to popular destinations. 

Travel trends

Longer trips: Travelers are choosing to take longer trips to fewer places. 

Skip-gen travel: Grandparents are traveling with their grandchildren. 

PTO hacking: Travelers are strategically planning their holidays to take advantage of paid time off. 

In this way, travel destinations, trends, and styles of travelling change and bloom every year in a different manner

Some of the top travel destinations for 2025 include places in India, Europe, the Americas, and other parts of the world. 

India 

Shillong: A trending destination in India

Ladakh: A beautiful destination with mountains, blue oceans, and natural beauty

Europe

The Dolomites, Italy: A top destination for 2025 

France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Wales: European gemstones that are good to visit in May 

Americas 

Tucson, Arizona, US: A top destination for 2025

USA's East Coast: A good place to visit in May

Other parts of the world 

Dominica: A top destination for 2025

Naoshima, Japan: A top destination for 2025

Greenland: A top destination for 2025

Western Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: A top destination for 2025

Western Australia: A top destination for 2025

Some trends for travel in 2025 include visiting destinations where you feel welcomed and exploring "destination dupes". 

Yes, the destination dupe trend is trending and fancy. It's a travel trend where people find less-known, more affordable alternatives to popular destinations. 

Why is this trend popular? 

Cost: Popular destinations can become expensive due to demand.

Crowds: Popular destinations can become overcrowded.

Discovery: It can be thrilling to discover a lesser-known destination.

Examples of destination dupes

Paros instead of Santorini: Paros has charming whitewashed villages, beaches, and nightlife, similar to Santorini but without the crowds. 

Langkawi instead of Bali: Langkawi is a Malaysian archipelago with beaches and rainforests, similar to Bali. 

Athirapilly Falls instead of Niagara Falls: Athirapilly Falls in Kerala, India is similar to Niagara Falls in the USA and Canada. 

Thar Desert instead of Sahara Desert: Thar Desert in Jaisalmer, India is similar to Sahara Desert in Africa. 

Gulmarg instead of The Alps: Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir, India is similar to The Alps in Europe. 

So, what's your next step, gonna try destination dupe!

TRY THE VERY TASTY VADA CURRY

    

 

After the harvest festival is over, everyone is full after sumptuous meals on all the past three days of festivity. It’s time to have light food with a popular side dish – VADA CURRY – mostly prepared with the leftover vada.

This iconic dish is believed to have originated in Madras many decades ago. Here's how it can be made at home. Vadacurry is a popular side dish for idiyappam, idli, dosa, parotta puris, and rotis in Chennai. It originated as a sustainable recipe where vadas were repurposed to make this curry, hence the name & making it a sustainable recipe; the "Saidapet Vada Curry" is particularly well-known, originating from small eateries in the Saidapet area of Chennai. 

Key points about Vada Curry:

Origin:

Considered to have originated in Chennai's street food culture, particularly in small tea shops and eateries. 

Main ingredient:

Deep-fried lentil fritters (vadas), often leftover, are added to a spiced tomato and onion gravy. 

Serving style:

Typically served as a side dish with idli, dosa, or other South Indian flatbreads. 

"Saidapet Vada Curry":

A famous variation of the dish, associated with the Saidapet area of Chennai, is often attributed to the "Mari Hotel". 

 

Vada Curry is an appetizing main course recipe. Made with pulses and basic spices, this simple recipe is loved by people of all age groups. Try it.

Full details: here 

SHOWCASE YOUR BIBLIOPHILE STYLE STATEMENT

  

 A well-decorated home can positively impact your mood and well-being. Colors, lighting, and decor choices can influence your emotional state and create a more pleasant atmosphere.  Decor can help develop a sense of belonging and attachment to your home.

Stacking your books can be a fantastic way to display them, even in the tightest of spaces. Whether on a coffee table, nightstand, or windowsill, think of areas where you could fill the space with some height.

Part of the fun of decorating is changing it up to keep your interior feeling fresh. Prominently displaying books with darker, moodier covers in the colder months and choosing brighter, cheerier covers in the summer and spring is an easy update for the seasons.

Books can add color, visual interest, and style to a home's art and decor. You can use books as risers to prop up other decor items or display them with other decorative objects. 

How books add color 

Display books with darker covers in the winter and brighter covers in the spring and summer

Use books to set the mood

How books add visual interest

Add decorative objects like sculptures, vases, or framed artwork among your books 

Stack books together to prop up smaller pieces of decor like lamps, vases, or plants 

How books add style 

Make your home feel fresh by changing up your decor

Display books to add style to your home

How to use books as risers 

Stack a few books together on nightstands, bookshelves, coffee tables, or countertops

Use books to prop up smaller pieces of decor like lamps, vases, or plants

 

Books add a sense that real people live here. Bookcases and shelves can sometimes be overrated. Instead, surrounding yourself with stacks of novels gives your house a more lived-in feeling. There's nothing like a beautiful collection stacked to perfection to add character to any space.

Try this style of art &décor using books this new year and make your bibliophile style statement.

AN OPTIMISTIC ADAGE BEHIND THIS NEW TAMIL MONTH

   

"Thai piranthal vazhi pirakkum" is a Tamil saying that "the birth of the month of Thai will pave the way for new opportunities.  It's often used to express optimism during the Pongal festival. 

The month of Thai, which falls between mid-January and mid-February, is known for weddings and other auspicious beginnings. It's also the month when the harvested crops, like paddy, sugarcane, ginger, and turmeric, arrive in abundance. 

The month of Thai begins today with the Pongal harvest festival, which is a major celebration for the Tamil community, especially for farmers. The festival celebrates the sun, the earth, the farmers, and their cattle. The festival's name comes from the traditional dish "pongal", which means "to boil over or overflow". The dish is made with rice, moong dal, jaggery, and milk, and is prepared in clay pots. The pongal is offered to the gods and goddesses, cows, and then shared by the family. 

A four-day harvest festival celebrated by Tamil people begins today. It marks the end of the Tamil month of Margazhi and the beginning of Thai. 

Thai

Considered an auspicious month for new beginnings. It's also a spiritual and social gateway to divinity. 

Thai Pongal

The second day of the Pongal festival, which is the first day of the Tamil month of Thai. 

Comfort elixir

The saying is often used to comfort people who are facing impediments at work, in relationships, or who are suffering from terminal illness. 

 

 Moreover, the Tamil saying, “Thai piRandhaal vazhi piRakum,” means that a way forward will appear with the advent of the month of Thai.

Pongal falls in the 10th month of the Tamil calendar, called Thai, and is a major celebration, especially for the farming community.

The festival is also known as Makara Sankranti, which marks the end of winter solstice. 

The Tamil proverb “Thai piranthal vazhi pirakkum” is a part of the rich culture of Tamil Nadu. It means, “With the arrival of the month of Thai, a path to harmony, prosperity, and joy opens up for everyone”. 

As the saying, Let us hope for the best and look forward to the best in every way.

Listen to a film song that starts with the above-mentioned adage and celebrates the same: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoZc59U0an8

BHOGI - THE DAY OF ANDAL 'S MARRIAGE

Andal's love for Vishnu is central to the celebration of Margazhi, a season that takes place between mid-December and mid-January. Andal was an 8th-century poet and saint who composed the Tiruppavai, a collection of 30 hymns sung daily during Margazhi. The Tiruppavai is considered an Upanishad in Tamil and contains coded meanings of the Upanishads. 

Considering her birth and residing place of SriVilliputtur as the Gokulam and Brindavan, She observed the fasting and devotional practices in the month of Margazhi for the sake of marrying Sri Krishna.

Andal married Ranganatha, the reclining form of Vishnu, and became known as Ranganayaki. The marriage occurred in Srirangam, and Andal was transported there in a palanquin from her birthplace of Srivilliputhur. 

Andal is a 9th-century poet and is considered an incarnation of Bhooma Devi, the consort of Vishnu. She is known for her devotion to Vishnu and her belief that the ultimate goal in life is to seek refuge at his feet. Andal is the presiding deity in the temple in Srivilliputhur.

On Bhogi day which is the last day of Dhanurmasa, the marriage of Goda Devi is celebrated 

WHY MARGAZHI IS TREATED AS SHOONYA MASAM

 

  

 

Shoonya Masam, also known as Dhanurmasam,/ Margazhi is 30 days in a calendar that is considered a pious month for spiritual seekers. It is celebrated in the southern part of India and is considered inauspicious for new beginnings and worldly activities. During this month, it is generally advised to focus on spiritual pursuits and holy functions. 

Here are some details about Shoonya Masam:

Name

The month is called Shoonya Masam, or "zero month", because it is considered inauspicious for new beginnings and worldly activities. 

Dates

It usually falls from December 15/16 to January 14/15 every year. In 2024, it will begin on December 15th. 

Significance

It is a significant month in the Tamil calendar and is also known as the month of Bhakti. 

Other names

It is also referred to as Chapa Mas, Kodanda Mas, or Karmuka Mas, which all translate to "bow" in Sanskrit. 

Importance

The importance of this month is mentioned in the Dhanurmasam Mahatmya of Pancharatragama, Agneya Purana, and Smruti Muktavali. 

What to do

During this month, it is generally advised not to conduct anything other than godly and holy functions. You can also perform holy functions and pay your respects to the Sun God. 

Generally, Tiruppavvai and Tiruvempavai are recited in the early morning hours of the day.

SPECIALNESS OF KOODARAVALLI

    

 

 

Andal’s bhakti endeared her to the Bagawan, who accepted her as his bride. On the 27th day, while singing “Koodaarai vellum seer Govinda…” Bagawan blessed her with the boon of marriage. This day is celebrated at Koodaravalli every year to commemorate this event.

Every year, margazhi 27 is celebrated as "Koodaravalli" hence. On this day, Andal with her friends completed their fasting and started enjoying themselves for the rest three days of the margazhi.

Every Year Kudaravalli is celebrated on the 27th day of Margazhi month (Dec-Jan). On this day Lord Narayana blessed Sri Andal with a marriage boon. Devotees will go to temple, offer Ghee-filled Akaravadisal to Lord Govinda, and end Marghazhi Month Nonbu (fast).

Koodaravalli is a day celebrated on the 27th day of the Margazhi month. It is a day of celebration after the completion of the Pavai Noonu (fasting) by Andal. 

Significance

Koodaravalli is a day to celebrate the victory of Andal over her fasting and to receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu 

It is also a day to pray for marriage and to be united with one's loved ones 

It is a day to celebrate the power of Andal's devotion to Lord Vishnu 

On Koodaravalli :

People visit Andal temples to pray and seek blessings

People prepare and offer sweet treats to Lord Vishnu

People sing and celebrate the glory of Lord Vishnu

On this day, Andal and her friends celebrated by wearing new clothes, adorning themselves with jewelry, and enjoying a meal of milk rice. 

Her devotees too will follow the same pattern of celebration today.

RELEVANCE OF TIRUPPAVVAI IN TODAY'S WORLD

   

Thiruppavai is recited during Margazhi and is often set to music and performed.

 

Thiruppavai is a sacred text that teaches Hindu values and principles. It is relevant today because it can help people understand the ultimate reality, attain salvation, and conduct their daily lives with devotion. 

Thiruppavai is rich in symbolism and imagery, with each verse carrying hidden meanings that convey profound spiritual truths. Andal's teachings in Thiruppavai remain relevant in modern times, offering timeless wisdom on love, devotion, and the pursuit of spiritual awakening.

A TEMPEL WHERE GODDESS LAKSHMI MEDITATED ON LORD VISHNU

 

The divyadesam TIRUKKURUGUR (Azhwar Tirunagari) is one of the important divyadesams of the Nava Tirupathi temples. It is located around 25 Km from Srivaikuntam. The presiding deity is Adinathar in a standing posture, and the goddess Adinatha Valli is also called Kurukooravalli.

The sacred water is Brahma theertham and the sanctum santorum Govinda vimanam. The legend has it that Indra was absolved of the curse by praying to the Lord at this kshetram. It is believed that Lakshmi meditated on Lord Vishnu when He was on a vow of celibacy, and responding to Her request accepted Her in marriage in the form of a garland of flowers (Magizha malar Maalai).

It is also believed that Lakshmi incarnated at this kshetram as a tamarind tree, in which Nammaazhwar resided as a child and meditated on Lord Vishnu. Hence the name Azhwar Tirunagari

HOW DIFFERENT ARE TIRUPPAVVAI AND TIRUVEMPAVAI

   

 

The main difference between Thiruppavai and Thiruvempavai, though they are sung in the month of Margazhi, is that one is sung in Vaishnavite temples and the other in Saivite temples.

The former one is composed by the female saint-poet Andal (885 to 825 CE) and the latter by the male saint-poet Manikkavacakar(862-885 CE).

The former is composed in praise of Lord Krishna and the latter of Lord Shiva.

 Thiruppavai is a Tamil tradition of unmarried girls performing rites and vows, while Thiruvempavai is a collection of songs composed by a poet-saint and can be sung by all.

Thiruppai- Each day of the month is named after one of the 30 verses of the Thiruppavai. Composed in Srivilliputhur. Thiruppavai is considered the root of all the Vedas, and the essence of the Vedas can be found in it. 

Thiruvempavai

A collection of 20 songs composed by the poet-saint Manikkavacakar, devoted to the Hindu deity Shiva. The songs were composed in the temple town of Thiruvannamalai during the month of Margazhi when the town was celebrating the Pavai Nolumbu. In the verses, the saint visualizes himself as a female and sings in praise of the Lord. 

SHARING COTTON CANDY

  

  

Sharing cotton candy,

Oh! It’s a big No! No, Granny.

It's mine, fully mine and it's quite fine.

Darling dear, Sandy! sharing cotton candy

is a joy; you smear color on the other’s face.

Pink glow will lighten your heart,

along with pink gloss on your

tongue, teeth, hands, and cheek,

will be dual, dear Sandy,

sharing cotton candy is fun, dear.

Oh! It’s a big No! No! Granny,

The threads of cotton candy -

a bunch of love I hold.

It’s not just a dessert, Granny,

it’s a fairy floss – my heart lies in it.

Fairy floss or candy floss,

flow of love will fetch you many fairies.

One day she will bring you

your fairy floss

with a surprising feel.

Darling,  Dear! Sharing cotton candy

is sharing love, joy, and fun with

taste of sugar, in the color of pink

for a life of love

Sharing cotton candy!

Oh! It seems like a love for love

Sharing fairy floss, I feel like a

fairy in the hope of another fairy

 

Sharing cotton candy!

I do Granny, for you, my old fairy.