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Tips for Hosting Diwali party

Ideas For Hosting Diwali Party

Diwali is such a wonderful time to host guests! From decorating your home to preparing traditional treats and planning fun activities, there are so many ways to make your guests feel welcome.

You can make celebrations memorable with following tips.

1. Decorations and ambiance

  • Lighting: Set up traditional oil lamps (diyas) or LED versions along with string lights to create a warm glow. You can also hang lanterns or toran at the entrance.
  • Rangoli: Create a rangoli design with colored powders, flowers, or even rangoli stickers at the entryway.
  • Floral touch: Decorate with fresh flowers, like marigolds, jasmine, chrysanthemum and roses, for a festive and aromatic ambiance. Arrange floral petals around Diya’s, use them in rangoli, decorate God’s room and make floating petal arrangements

2. Food and snacks

  • Traditional sweets: Have a selection of Diwali sweets like laddoos, rasagolla, barfis, and jalebi, as these are usually enjoyed by everyone. If you are particular about calorie intake, go for something that is less sweet or restrain yourself from eating too much sweets.
  • Savory snacks: Offer savory treats like samosas, kachoris, and pakoras, or even a snack platter with mixed namkeen.
  • Drinks: Serve festive drinks like spiced tea, rose milk, almond milk or a refreshing mango lassi to add a traditional touch. Serve hot soup or hot chocolate milk that everyone enjoy.

3. Gifts for guests

  • Gift Bags: Prepare small gift bags with items like dry fruits, candles, diyas, or miniature idols.
  • Personal touches: A small handwritten note with Diwali wishes or a tiny piece of jewelry can make gifts extra special. Look for DIY jewelry ideas and exhibit your hidden skills.

4. Activities and entertainment

  • Games: Organize traditional games like cards, carrom, or board games for all ages.
  • Fireworks (if allowed): Sparklers and small crackers can be enjoyed outdoors safely. Watch children and help them to burst crackers.
  • Storytelling: Share stories about the significance of Diwali and the various customs associated with it.

5. Music and dance

  • Traditional Music: Play a mix of devotional songs, traditional bhajans, or Bollywood tracks to keep the energy lively.
  • Dance: If your guests enjoy dancing, a small dance floor with upbeat music is always fun!
  • Karaoke: If you and your guests are interested in singing arrange karaoke and no matter how one sings, everyone can participate and sing along!

Diwali is all about togetherness, warmth, and creating happy memories. With a little planning, you can make your celebration cozy, festive, and enjoyable for everyone!

Image credit: Image by Alexander Roy from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 28, 2024
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Foods and nutrition for eye health

Role Of Various Foods And Nutrition In Eye Health

Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining good eye health and preventing vision problems. Eye health depends on our nutrition intake too, as specific nutrients can help maintain good vision, reduce the risk of eye diseases, and support overall eye health.

How do various foods play crucial role in our eye health?

1. Vitamin A:

  • Role: Essential for maintaining a clear cornea, the outer covering of the eye, and preventing night blindness.
  • Foods: Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale.

2. Lutein and Zeaxanthin:

  • Role: These antioxidants help protect the eyes from harmful blue light and reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
  • Foods: Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, amaranthus, fenugreek or methi leaves), corn, and peas.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA):

4. Vitamin C:

  • Role: A powerful antioxidant that helps maintain the health of blood vessels in the eyes and reduces the risk of cataracts.
  • Foods: Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and kiwi.

5. Vitamin E:

  • Role: Protects eye cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of cataracts and AMD.
  • Foods: Almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, and vegetable oils.

6. Zinc:

  • Role: Helps transport vitamin A from the liver to the retina to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes.
  • Foods: Chickpeas, and pumpkin seeds.

7. Beta-Carotene:

  • Role: A precursor to vitamin A, beta-carotene helps prevent vision loss and protect against eye diseases.
  • Foods: Carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and dark leafy greens.

8. Anthocyanins:

  • Role: These powerful antioxidants found in berries may help improve vision, reduce eye fatigue, and protect against glaucoma.
  • Foods: Blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and grapes.

9. Bioflavonoids:

  • Role: These plant compounds work with vitamin C to maintain healthy eyes and prevent cataracts and AMD.
  • Foods: Citrus fruits, tea, red wine, and legumes.

10. Water:

  • Role: Staying hydrated is important for eye health as it helps prevent dry eyes and maintains overall eye moisture.
  • Source: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

11. Curcumin:

  • Role: Curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric, has gained attention for its potential benefits to eye health due to its powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Curcumin inhibits inflammatory pathways, including the NF-κB pathway, which is involved in eye diseases.
  • Source: Turmeric root

Additional tips:

  • Limit sugar and processed foods: High sugar levels can contribute to diabetic retinopathy and other eye issues.
  • Moderate screen time: Reducing blue light exposure and taking regular breaks can help reduce digital eye strain.

Additional foods beneficial for eye health:

  • Eggs: High in lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, and zinc.
  • Nuts and seeds: Good sources of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Legumes: Rich in zinc and bioflavonoids.
  • Whole grains: Contain vitamin E, zinc, and bioflavonoids.
  • Avocados: High in lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamin E.

General tips for maintaining eye health:

  • Eat a colorful diet: Include a variety of fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens and bright-colored foods like carrots and peppers.
  • Limit processed foods and sugars: These can contribute to conditions like diabetic retinopathy and increase the risk of cataracts.
  • Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses with UV protection and take breaks from screens to reduce eye strain.
  • Stay hydrated: Keep your eyes lubricated to avoid dry eyes and irritation.
  • Good sleep: Get good sleep to give relief from strain to eyes

A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is crucial for long-term eye health and can help prevent common age-related eye diseases.

Image credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/803371 (CC0 Public Domain)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 25, 2024
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Tips to recycle electronic devices

Tips For Recycling Electronic Devices

Not just plastics, electronic items like old computers, phones, TV, mixer etc. should be recycles when these items get old or whenever we replace them with new ones. Reasons for recycling electronic devices is for minimizing environmental impact and to promote sustainable practices.

If you don’t know or not aware how to recycle electronic devices then, here are some tips to help you recycle electronic devices responsibly:

·        Look for recycling options: Look for authorized electronic waste recycling centers or programs in your area. Check with local government authorities, recycling facilities, or electronic retailers to find out about their recycling services and drop-off locations.

·        Check for trade-in or recycling programs: Many electronic manufacturers and retailers offer trade-in or recycling programs for their products. These programs allow you to return old devices to the manufacturer or retailer, often receiving a discount or credit towards a new purchase.

·        Wipe all personal data: Before recycling any electronic device that stores personal information, make sure to back up and transfer important data to a new device. Then, erase all personal data from the old device using factory reset or data wiping tools to protect your privacy.

·        Remove batteries: Remove batteries from devices, especially rechargeable ones, before recycling. Some batteries contain hazardous materials and need to be disposed of separately to ensure safe handling and recycling.

·        Donate or sell working devices: If your electronic device is still in good working condition, consider donating it to charitable organizations, schools, or community centers. You can also sell it online or through local classifieds to extend its life cycle.

·        Participate in e-waste collection events: Stay informed about local e-waste collection events organized by municipalities or community groups. These events provide an opportunity to dispose of electronic devices safely and ensure proper recycling.

·        Follow proper disposal guidelines: If you can’t find a recycling option for a specific device, follow local guidelines for disposing of electronic waste. Avoid throwing electronic devices in regular trash bins, as they can contain hazardous materials that can harm the environment.

·        Recycle responsibly: When recycling electronic devices, choose responsible recyclers who adhere to proper environmental and data security standards. Look for certifications like R2 (Responsible Recycling) or e-Stewards, which ensure that the recycling process meets specific industry standards.

Remember, different regions may have specific regulations and recycling options, so it’s important to research and follow local guidelines for electronic waste recycling. Your town and township offices may have particular days for recycling. By recycling electronic devices properly, you can help reduce the environmental impact of e-waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Intestinal worms

Intestinal worms in children

Inside human body lives intestinal worms that are parasites. Some think that these worms are not dangerous. It is not true. Worms can cause many health issues and make us weak. Loss of appetite and poor absorption of food that leads to weight loss is a common symptom of having parasitic worms inside body.

How do we get worms in intestine?

There are two types of intestinal worms – Flat worms which include flukes and tapeworms and, Round worms. When not taken care, intestinal worms grow inside intestine and can cause problem to health.

These worms produce eggs that hatch to larvae. Either the eggs or larvae or both will pass out of the body in the faeces. They might enter food and water and eventually human body. In the intestine, they feed on our food or blood. The most usual way of worms entering the body is through unhygienic practice, water and food. People who eat meat of an infected animal can get it through meat. Uncooked vegetables and improperly washed raw vegetables and fresh fruits are also source of intestinal worms.  Other causes of intestinal worms are:

Soil transmitted helminths are most common types that cause health issues. Roundworms are transmitted through contaminated feces and soil. Once they enter human body, they thrive on blood and food and grow causing several severe symptoms. Hookworms enter through skin from the soil.

If the stool is left behind, flies that sit on stool carry larvae or eggs and transport them to food, cups, plates etc.

Symptoms of intestinal worms in children are:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
  • Dysentery

How intestine worms affects overall health?

According to WHO in children,

  1. negatively affecting nutritional status (causing intestinal bleeding, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or dysentery, and reducing absorption of micronutrients);
  2. worsening school performance;
  3. causing complications that require surgical intervention (i.e. intestinal obstruction and rectal prolapse).

Small children are more susceptible to intestinal worms due to their developing immune system. Playing with soil, sand in playgrounds will bring them close to these worms.

  • Threadworm: It is common in young children. Children feel tired and bad tempered because of less sleep and uncomfortable feeling due to itching in anus.
  • Hookworm: The hook onto intestine and suck blood. Children get anemia because of the this.
  • Roundworm: Easily can be seen in stools. Stomach pain and no hunger – are two symptoms children face with roundworms presence in intestine. Too many roundworms can block the intestines by farming a ball.
  • Tapeworms: Long, flat worms are tapeworms. Generally eating raw fish, pork or undercooked fish carries tapeworms. Some tapeworms can be very dangerous for children.

In severe cases, intestinal worm infection can cause dysentery with blood or pus in stool, vomiting, elevated body temperature, extremely fatigued and lot of dehydration. This can be fatal too.

Treatments:

  • According to WHO, soil transmitted helminth infections are widely distributed throughout the world. More than 800 million children suffer from these parasites and need treatment. This include Pre-school children and school-age children. With this woman of childbearing age including pregnant women in their second and third trimesters, and breastfeeding women are also at risk of getting infected by intestinal worms. Education on hygiene practice and healthy behaviors are two ways to stop intestinal worm’s transmission.
  • Medical treatment depends on type of intestinal worms. For example; Tapeworms are treated with oral medication that paralyzes the adult tapeworm. The two fast-acting, safe, effective, and inexpensive drugs available to treat intestinal worms are albendazole and mebendazole.
  • Avoid raw fish and meat. Washing fresh produces properly helps. Learn how to preserve or freeze meat properly.
  • Breaking the cycle of transmission of eggs and larvae is very important measure to control intestine worms. Children should be taught how to wash their hands properly after defecation, before and after eating. Personal hygiene is very important to prevent intestinal worms.

Teach children about personal hygiene and let them understand how critical is to wash hands, legs, cutting finger nails, toe nails, taking bath, using sanitizers, soap etc. Educate them about symptoms and risk of having intestine worms. Building a strong immune system helps in getting rid of worms in children.

References:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Sabudanana barfi for Diwali

Diwali Special Sabudana Barfi

Celebrate this Diwali by preparing delicious Sabudana barfi. This dessert is easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

Do you know? Sabudana is not a grain, but a starch extracted from the cassava plant, making it permissible for consumption during fasting, when grains like wheat and rice are avoided in favor of non-grain alternatives. Sabudana is gluten free. And it can be used in a variety of dishes—like sabudana khichdi, vadas, kheer, and burfi—making it a versatile ingredient that can be adapted to different meals during fasting periods.

How to prepare Sabudana Burfi?

Ingredients:

  • Sabudana – 1 cup
  • Sugar (or as per taste)
  • Ghee (clarified butter) -1/4 cup
  • Coconut -1/4 cup
  • Milk -1/4 cup
  • Cardamom powder -1/4 tsp
  • Saffron – few
  • Chopped nuts – like cashews, almonds, pistachio.

Instructions:

  1. Dry roast the sabudana: Heat a pan over medium heat and dry roast the sabudana until they turn slightly golden and crisp. Allow them to cool completely, then grind them into a coarse powder.
  2. Prepare sugar syrup: In a separate pan, add sugar and a little water (just enough to dissolve the sugar). Heat on medium until the sugar dissolves and forms a syrup of one-thread consistency.
  3. Cooking sabudana: In a large pan, heat the desi ghee and add the ground sabudana powder. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until aromatic.
  4. Combine with milk: Add milk to the pan and keep stirring to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, and the milk is absorbed.
  5. Add syrup and coconut: Pour the sugar syrup into the pan and mix well. Add the desiccated coconut and cardamom powder. Stir continuously until the mixture starts leaving the sides of the pan.
  6. Set the mixture: Grease a tray or plate with ghee and pour the cooked mixture into it. Spread it evenly and garnish with chopped nuts. Let it cool for 1-2 hours.
  7. Cut and serve: Once set, cut into squares, or diamond shapes. Your Sabudana Burfi is ready to enjoy!

You can store this burfi for a week or two in airtight containers.

image: www.werindia.com

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 23, 2024
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Hair oil application

Why Should We Apply Hair Oil And How Often We Should Apply Hair Oil

There are many reasons for hair fall, dandruff and thin hair appearance and one of the reasons is not applying hair oil. Applying oil to the hair has been a traditional practice for centuries and offers a wide range of benefits for hair health.  The frequency of applying hair oil depends on your hair type, scalp condition, and personal preference.

Why should one consider applying hair oil regularly? The following reasons will help you to understand importance of oil application to hair.

1. Nourishment and moisture: Hair oils provide essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that nourish both the hair and scalp. They help restore moisture, especially for dry or damaged hair, by forming a protective layer around the hair shaft.

2. Prevents hair damage: Oiling can reduce damage caused by environmental factors like pollution, UV rays, and heat styling tools. It forms a protective barrier that shields hair from dryness, split ends, and breakage.

3. Improves scalp health: Regularly applying oil helps maintain a healthy scalp by keeping it hydrated and preventing issues like dryness, dandruff, and flakiness. Certain oils also have antibacterial and antifungal properties that help maintain scalp hygiene.

4. Promotes hair growth: Massaging oil into the scalp stimulates blood circulation, which can enhance nutrient supply to the hair follicles. This stimulation can promote hair growth and reduce hair thinning or shedding.

5. Strengthens hair: Oiling helps strengthen the hair shaft, making hair more resilient to breakage and thinning. Oils rich in omega fatty acids (such as coconut or argan oil) penetrate the hair shaft and help repair damaged strands from within.

6. Improves hair texture and shine: Oils smooth the hair cuticle, resulting in softer, shinier, and more manageable hair. This is especially beneficial for frizzy, coarse, or curly hair that needs extra moisture and control.

7. Reduces frizz: Oils act as a natural anti-frizz treatment by taming flyaway and preventing humidity from affecting the hair shaft. This can help in maintaining smoother hair throughout the day.

8. Detangles hair: Oiling can make the hair more manageable and easier to comb by reducing knots and tangles, which can otherwise lead to breakage when brushing.

9. Prepares hair for washing: Applying oil before shampooing, acts as a pre-conditioning treatment. It helps reduce the harsh effects of shampoos that may strip the hair of natural oils, leaving it less dry after washing.

10. Relieves stress: The act of massaging oil into the scalp can be a relaxing ritual that reduces stress and promotes mental well-being. This may indirectly contribute to healthier hair by lowering stress-related hair loss.

How often we should apply hair oil? Depending on hair type one should consider how frequently oil should be applied.

1. For Dry hair and scalp: Frequency? 2–3 times a week.  Oiling frequently helps nourish and hydrate dry hair and scalp, preventing flakiness, frizz, and split ends. The oil locks in moisture and restores the natural oils that your hair may be lacking.

2. For Oily hair and scalp: Frequency? Once a week.  Oiling too frequently may lead to greasy hair if your scalp already produces enough oil. Applying once a week can help keep your scalp balanced without overloading it.

3. For Normal hair: Frequency? 1–2 times a week.  Normal hair can benefit from oiling to maintain a healthy shine and nourishment without overdoing it. You can adjust based on how your hair feels after oiling.

4. For Curly or coarse hair: Frequency? 2–3 times a week or as needed. Curly and coarse hair tends to be drier because the natural oils from the scalp do not travel down the hair shaft as easily. Regular oiling helps manage frizz and maintain moisture.

5. For Hair growth: Frequency? 2–3 times a week. Massaging oil into your scalp regularly stimulates blood circulation, which can promote hair growth by nourishing the hair follicles.

Which oils are good for hair health? To enhance hair health, texture, appearance and to protect hair from damaging following five oils are highly recommended.

  1. Coconut oil: Deeply moisturizing and good for hair strength and growth.
  2. Argan oil: Rich in vitamin E, great for shine and hydration.
  3. Almond oil: Contains magnesium, which helps reduce hair breakage.
  4. Castor oil: Promotes hair growth and thickening.
  5. Jojoba oil: Mimics the scalp’s natural oils, great for hydration without making hair greasy.
  6. Homemade hair oil: There are several types of hair oils one can prepare at home.

How to apply hair oil?

  • Warm the oil slightly before applying for better absorption.
  • Massage gently into the scalp to improve circulation.
  • Leave the oil on for at least 1-2 hours (or overnight for deep conditioning) before washing it out. Or if you are comfortable you can leave the oil for 2-3 days and wash.
  • Use a mild shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of moisture.

You can adjust the frequency based on how your hair reacts, but generally, oiling a few times a week can help maintain healthy, strong, and nourished hair.

Image credit: Image by tranhahai37 from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Beetroot rasam recipe

Beetroot Rasam Recipe

Beets or beetroot is a nutritious vegetable with several health benefits. It provides vitamin C, folate, dietary fiber to promote bowel movements and it is recommended for heart, brain, blood, and eye health. There are many ways to include beets in our diet. During winter one can prepare hot rasam and drink like soup before a meal.

Try this simple beetroot rasam recipe at home.

Ingredients:

  1. Beetroot – small cut /grated – 1.5 cup
  2. Grated coconut – 2 Tbsp
  3. Garlic -5-6 cloves
  4. Onion -1 small
  5. Red chili -1
  6. Green chilies -2
  7. Curry leaves – few
  8. Tamarind juice – ½ cup
  9. Rasam or chili powder – ½ tsp
  10. Mustard -1/2 tsp
  11. Cumin – 1 tsp
  12. Asafetida – Pinch (optional)
  13. Salt – as per taste
  14. Coriander -1/4 cup -chopped

Preparation:

  1. Wash and peel beetroot skin. Grate or chop into small pieces. Cook beetroot for about 10 minutes with little water.
  2. After cooling, grind the beetroot with coconut and very little water (2 Tbsp), transfer to rasam vessel.
  3. Heat oil in a deep pan on medium heat– add cumin, mustard, green chili, red chili. Once mustard splutters add crushed garlic, thinly sliced onion, and curry leaves. Fry onion and garlic to golden brown color.
  4. Transfer contents from deep pan to beetroot puree, add tamarind juice, salt, asafetida, turmeric and mix well. Adjust quantity with required amount of water.
  5. Add rasam or chili powder and continue boiling.
  6. Boil the beetroot rasam, garnish with chopped coriander and serve hot with rice or pour to drinking cups.

Image credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1080732 (cc by 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 17, 2024
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