5 reasons to shoot your pre wedding at Lodi Gardens

The Garden of Love To most of us, Delhi is the symbol of power. To many of us, Delhi is a symbol of the long historical legacy that India has. Capital of the country since the early medieval period, Delhi has enjoyed continuous importance as the status symbol even as the governments of the country changed. Bring born and brought up here, I also saw Delhi as a tourist spot. But over the years, I have realised that there’s more to Delhi than these monuments. While Delhi doesn’t have an identity of its own in terms of cultural roots, Delhi is host to a variety of cultures that have blended together to give Delhi the identity it enjoys today. In a city like Delhi, where the hustle and bustle on the roads sounds like melody once you’ve lived here long enough, the silence and peace that Lodi gardens has to offer to the city dwellers can be scaring. But when enough time is spent in this place every morning, the gardens turn out to be the perfect place for peace and solitude seekers. My Interest in Lodi Garden started young when I would be out with my camera. The place had more to offer than one could imagine. I started with photographing the structures around- their old rustic aura attracting you like a magnet. The uneven stairs, the brown walls, the rounded rooftops, the eerie windows and the green bushes that complimented the monuments were my favourite. Today, the park is more than just a weekend getaway for me. As a professional wedding photographer I often get requests to do a pre wedding shoot. Unless my clients have a preference, I suggest that we shoot at Lodi Garden! Here are the top reasons on why to do your pre wedding shoot at Lodi Garden 1) The Rustic Scene The Gardens have so many monuments that their brown uneven stone walls make the perfect backdrop for a couple’s picture. The guards at the Garden are quite hesitant to let you shoot inside the monuments so one needs to be happy with having the monuments in the background. I ask my clients to wear nice and bright shades that compliment the walls in contrast and the combination often works really well

2) The Pond of Love Apart from the monuments, the little pond in the centre of the Garden, makes an excellent element in the pictures. The water brings romance in the pictures in my opinion. Playing with reflections and sitting by the pond are some of the standard ways couples get their pictures clicked at Lodi Garden

3) A variety of landscapes Lodi Gardens provides so many landscapes that at one place itself the couples can get a host of pictures clicked- from curvy paths of the jogging tracks to lush green grass, from the pond to bridges, monuments to palm trees, bamboo sticks to secluded benches- there is no end. It’s a photographer’s paradise and so much can be done here that it is unimaginable.

4) Myriad of angles Because of the many elements available here, there is no end to experimenting with the kind of angles one can click here. I don’t refrain from getting on top of walls or lie flat on the ground. From the bridges to the grounds- the entire area is at your disposal to try so much and make your pre wedding shoot an amazing one!

5) An Established Love Paradise For some visitors, Lodi Garden is the Mecca of love, where there is enough lush and greenery to hide the public display of affection. The place is thronged by lovers of all age groups who come to spend time here as they bunk their schools, college or office, or as they wait for the nearby Khan market to open. During a pre wedding shoot, the same gets reflected in the couples for reasons unknown. Ive done a shoot in the early morning hours and ive shot under the scorching sun, but the enthusiasm of the Gardens gets injected in us and every shoot is a memorable and happy one!

So as a wedding photographer, I would really suggest that you explore the lush green expanse of Lodi Gardens for your pre wedding shoot because you will leave the place with a little bit of Lodi Gardens in your heart! About the writer: Akshita Agrawal, is an avid photographer and Delhi enthusiast. She has now started traveling across Delhi again but with a different perspective. She now looks at Delhi as an opportunity to shoot beautiful pre wedding shoots

Happy birthday to me

The most awaited day, Of the year had arrived. The date was 16th And the month was april. It was my birthday, But I hadnt turned twenty, Yet there was so much of happiness, And excitement in plenty. The day began, With a sweet surprise, When you all came to my place, Before the sun could rise. I woke up With card and flowers, You guys Wished me birthday, And gave me a hug. A precious gift, For me that was, Precious than any Gold,silver or bronze. The six of us met, And the surprises You all gave me I can never forget. A round chocolate cake Was bought for me, With “Happy Birthday akshi” Written on it. With a knife in my hand, I cut the cake, And with a part of it, You decorated my face. A beautiful gift, Was then given to me- A red coloured bag, And some cards , To open and see. For a moment, I did not know What to say, How to thank you all For this beautiful day. But now, Through this ‘thank you’ note, I want to say, Thank you all For making it a memorable day, And for celebrating it, In a very special way. May god continue To bless you all ! And angels of heaven May surround you all ! And all I can say is- I love you all!!

lucky 3

I was always taught 3 is unlucky. And I always believed 3 was unlucky. And so I moved around either in a couple or a group of 4 or more.

In carmel, I made one friend when I joined in 6th. She had another friend, making the group of 3, and it dint make me any comfortable. So like a stupid girl I went out on a venture to make a group of 4 or more. And that’s how I found my 3 musketeers at school. We had a group of 4, happy, jolly, funny, bitchy and sexy girls.

But this post isn’t about the lucky 4. Its about the lucky 3. And this happened in college when I met preeti darling on the 1st day. I was happy. I had found a girl who wasn’t really talkative and initiating. I felt secure that we’ll remain friends, a safe 2. And decided that theres no place for a third person. Call me stupid, suspicious, or even superstitious, the unlucky 3 was always a problem to me.

Little did I know, that on the 2nd day itself a third element would join the group, and that’s when kritika madame entered my universe. I let her in. couldn’t help it! She was simple, down to earth, and sweet. The three of us had natures that hit off instantaneously. We bonded, and we had an unsaid understanding that we were to be friends for the next three years. In due course i shared everything with these girls. From tiffins to secrets, I shared everything except my clothes. But what I never shared with these two girls is my insecurity of unlucky 3.

I would try all day and night, to keep in touch with both of them. Trying to ensure that I was kept in the loop. That I would become as significant a part of their lives as they were of mine. All night I hoped that tomorrow I wouldn’t have to sit alone. All day I would wish I was the ones they would ensure to click pics with me.
For the years I was happy that during the holidays I wasn’t the one who was leaving delhi, that I had 24x7 net connection and a good sms scheme to keep in touch with these 2 ladies. Call me insane, kiddish ot stupid.

But what these 2 girls taught me was that we 3 made a lucky 3, and that these 3 years made a lucky 3. Our friendship growing stronger with every day, with every exam and with every bunk. Our group grew bigger to include pushkar, shreya, mira, sid, nakul and so many people, but we 3 were inseparable. Be it in pics, in outings or night outs.

I saw the good, the bad, the ugly—the good were the trips etc, the bad were a few gloomy days, and the ugly were our marks :p—with them. They kept me going in tough times, they made me stronger and they changed my thinking.

Today I smile when I hear prêeti recounting her sms chat with kritika, or when kritika puts a profile pic with preeti. To me these are my 2 stars, and we the lucky 3.

Gandhi Smriti

Everyone knows about Porbandar, the place where the father of the nation- M.K. Gandhi was born. Everyone is aware of the famous Sabarmati ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi spent most of his life. Everyone has visited Rajghat, where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi lay. But few have the knowledge of Gandhi Smriti- a museum in the Capital, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. This museum is at his residence in Delhi, on 5, Tees January Marg, CP, where Gandhiji spent his last few months. It was at this residence, that Gandhiji spoke his last words ‘Hey Ram’.
On 30th January 1948, 6 months after India received independence, at 5:20 pm, Gandhiji walked from his room in this very house to his garden where the daily evening prayer took place, and thousands gathered to receive his blessings. It was in this very garden that Gandhiji was shot by Nathuram Godse, after he himself bowed down to Gandhiji to receive his blessings. The only things heard in the garden that day were a bullet shot and the words ‘Hey Ram’.
62 years since this incident, Gandhiji remains immortal in the hearts of many Indians, remembered as a man of non-violence, humility and as a fatherly figure. He taught the Indians the virtue of mankind through his preaching on untouchability, virtue of honesty and non-violence
‘Gandhi Smriti’ has tried to keep the essence of the Man alive by preserving some of his personal possessions like his watch, charkha and study table. The museum boasts of beautiful statues made to depict various moods of Gandhiji and a small mini figure museum to showcase the various aspects of his life. The catchiest place in the ‘Smriti’ is the place where Gandhiji was shot. A memorial has been made there, and footsteps have been made to depict him walking from his room to the garden. When one sees the footsteps, the scene of 30th January comes alive. No doubt it’s an eerie feeling to walk across the same path where the most important person for our nation was assassinated.
There is also a multimedia museum which has tried to bring to life the immortal legend. The museum showcases instruments that play the dhwanis Gandhiji used to enjoy. It also tries to preach his teachings and 11 rules that he followed through an innovative and interactive session. The ‘Smriti’ also holds pottery and weaving classes and promotes the active use of khadi, as Gandhiji did. It has shops where khadi garments are sold and also has a souvenir shop.
A word of caution. Do not expect much when making a visit to the ‘Smriti’. There is no parking space available and you need to find a place to park your vehicle in one of the side lanes. Moreover, there is nothing fancy in the museum. The multimedia tools are primitive and the escorts are often uninterested.
But, the place is surely a must visit for it gives you a real experience of being in the very place where his last words were spoken- ‘Hey Ram’.


Place: Gandhi Smriti
5, Tees January Marg
Time: 10am to 5pm
Tuesday to Sunday, Monday Closed

to find fun

My last 2 days were very exciting. I say exciting not from my perspective, but from the perspective of all those who read my blogs in the hope of finding something to laugh on. Monday was about rains, traffic jam, broken umbrella, flooded lanes, stranded mamaji, and fighting friend. Yesterday, Tuesday was about 8 CCD outlets, traffic jam, cribbing cab driver, accident, 3 hours at the airport, silent cousin, unfinished office work and a sleepless night!

On Monday as I started back for home, it poured. It really did. And it was unforeseen. And as I changed buses, I tried my best to save myself from getting wet but obviously got wet. And when I got of my bus I thought, well am wet. I cant help it. Ill have to walk back. Cant help it. Am not stuck in the bus alone. So its not that am the only unlucky person here. I knew I had no choice but to walk back through the flooded lanes. That I had no choice but to manage with that almost broken umbrella. So I decided I am going to enjoy the rain. Its been ages I got wet! And you wont believe how much I enjoyed! While every one ran for shelter, I walked in the rain..peacefully. celebrating the rains, the wind, the cool breeze! It was so so so good. As the rain fell, and the breeze hit me I shivered and smiled.
At the airport also, when the flight got delayed by 3 hours and we weren’t informed because of the stupid Indian working ways, I decided its time ill enjoy! I treated dad with snacks, akku with truffle and myself with food too! It was heaven to be the financer treating my dad 

Today as I work late in office, I see no point in being upset. I am not alone, and people are enjoying their stay backs while sipping coffee. So that’s what am doing. Ive put my earphones, my coffee is ready, blog almost completed and now I am going to enjoy my work.

Signing off :)

makes me wonder

Hey

Ya my DTC oriented blogs are back. I chose not to discuss the agony I went through on Wednesday when I got stuck in the jam because of the rains, and got stuck for more than 4.5 hours. So basically readers who were expecting to get a chance to derive sadist pleasure- sorry!

What I am going to write about today is, about the school children I see every morning getting onto and off a DTC bus. They are typically govt school children, and for obvious reasons. They are students of all age groups—3rd std-12th std.

The 4rd std students are well dresses, their hair neatly tied up, and uniform smartly tucked in. it cannot be ignored that there uniforms have lost their sheen, and brightness. Their shoes are unkempt and their bags torn. Often their books are visible through the torn bags and one can see torn corners if the eyes are strained. The 12th std guys are more of the peculiar kinds. Their hair is unkempt, their uniforms worn shabbily. The white uniforms are on their way to turning into black and the area around the pockets is covered with a layer of black stains. The shoes are layered with dust and the bags are hung around the shoulders casually. They are often abusing and calling each other names. They would run behind the bus and hang from its doors even if theres enough space inside. They move around in bunches, often shouting with earphones hanging from their ears.

The purpose of study seems to be far from the plan, and the agenda seems to comprise only of bunking and not studying.

This makes me wonder..what has led to such an attitude? Even we were in school once upon a time, and though even our agenda often comprised of not studying, we were never as shabby as they are.

Is It because of the family background? Well, it might be an important reason but it can’t be the only reason. If parents are negligent about how their child is going to the school, it’s very obvious. My father never allowed dirty shoes to office. My mom never tolerated loosely tied hair. Amongst these kids that I observe during the morning hours, I do find kids who are well dressed despite similar constraints. So attitude of the parents does seem to be quite important!

Also, the teachers’ reaction would count into it. My teachers at school never showed patience towards eyes full of kajal. 2 pairs of earrings were often the reason of confiscation by the cabinet, and untidy uniforms took us directly to the Prinicipal! Such was the strictness at my school, which is purely lacking in the Govt Schools. Teachers are often perceived to be seen as indifferent people, who don’t really bother about attendance, performance or cleanliness.

In my view the causes and the results are interrelated, and it becomes difficult to establish one way route between cause and effect. But it just makes me wonder..

slow fashion

Years back shopping meant a visit to the market to purchase a few clothes that served the purpose for a whole year. As times changed, even the meaning of shopping did. From what was restricted to a couple of clothes for a whole year, shopping now means a fortnightly affair. Now we need to shop again and again for different occasions-for parties, college, office, get togethers, marriage etc. Different clothes serve different purpose. We need a variety in casuals, semi formals, formals, Indian wear, western wear and even sports wear.
The priority is to look stylish, gorgeous, handsome, classy and trendy. In college, girls want to flaunt jeans, skirts, dresses and shorts paired with a variety of tee shirts and accessories. In office, men want to wear nothing less than Koutons, as ladies show off Sabhyata and Westside. More so, as the season of weddings arrives, there is a rush to the magnificent stores where one can indulge in gorgeous sarees and lehengas. Today, fashion is not just for the grown ups but also for new borns. Mothers want their newly borns to be dressed in Liliput or UCB. Fashion has evolved itself for everyone and for every occasion. It is no longer restricted by age or gender.

Fashion has had such a deep impact on people today, that often the topic of discussion between ladies is what to wear and where to buy. Gone are the days when one suit served the purpose of attending office and a party. Today office means sophisticated suits and parties mean exotic clothes. If someone does end up repeating her clothes at any occasion, then only God save her from being the topic of discussion.

So we indulge in shop holism as the importance of brands increase and end up shopping frequently. We are easily swayed by latest designs and recent collections, and lured by the tag of being a stylish person.

But do we understand the carbon footprint of such an attitude? Do we understand the deep dark side of this habit of indulging in shopping? Even if we do, do we do anything to change it? The answer to perhaps all questions is a NO. At a time when environment has become the centre of all discussions- from industrial activity to commonwealth games, we need to realize that it is also at the nucleus of fashion.
The irony is that while on one hand we buy hoards of clothes every year, there is a large proportion of the world population which does not even have clothes to cover their body! According to World Bank census, around 1.4 billion people worldwide do with only a pair or two of clothes in a year.

With the growing concern of environmental damage and emphasis on carbon footprints we need to analyze if we are doing our bit to save the environment. The answer to this comes in the form of a movement of ‘Slow fashion’. Why do we need to buy different clothes for different occasions? Why do we judge a person only by the variety of clothes he wears? Why do we get lured so easily by the recent collections and changing trends? Why can’t we keep the big picture in mind and understand the impact of such an attitude?

Let’s become smart shoppers and understand that the clothes should be used to their full capacity. Let us join the new wave of ‘slow fashion’. Slow fashion, as the name suggests, is a concept which focuses on more optimal use of clothes. It promotes less frequent shopping. It is a revolution of ideas and habits which encourage a shift from indulging in shopping to restricting the purchase of clothes. In fact slow fashion is also endorsed by some of the leading brands. Levi Strauss & Co. and Forum for the Future have collaborated to form the Fashion Futures which calls for support of the industry to keep climate changes in mind and coming up with more sustainable forms of fashion. Levis hence takes pride in the fact that they believe in making all their garments environmentally stable.

Let us also take pride in the fact that we don’t indulge in fashion just for the sake of it and purchase clothes when in dire need of it. Slow fashion might not be the complete answer to the problem, but it is definitely a beginning. If we do shop less frequently, the consumption of energy for this purpose would also reduce. This energy can then be diverted to more purposeful use like production of food. We need to understand that we are consuming more than the need all in the name of fashion!

As humans we have justification for everything we do, but its time to take a decision now. Just remember keeping environment in mind never goes out of style.