After his hugely successful book, Courtship and Marriage - A Guide for Indian Couples hit the stands, Dr. Vijay Nagawami has been in the limelight and the news across the country. His book, a sell out the first time round has been reprinted and is available at several major outlets across the country.

Ameeta Agnihotri met up with this doctor who has made saving marriages his profession.

Relationships, especially marriages are slowly undergoing a change in today’s urban scenario. Whereas, in the earlier days all a woman did was nurture the family, cook and socialize within a tight circle, today’s woman is pulled in different directions. Her interests are changing and her world reaches far beyond the constraints of an extended joint family.

Continue reading ‘Marriage - The Changing Scene’

The land of Kerala is known for its unique backwaters and green scenic beauty, but little is known of the beautiful, traditional ornaments.

TRADITIONAL JEWELLERY

Down the ages, jewellery has been an obsession with women in Kerala. It has always occupied a special place in their heart since ancient times. Jewellery in Kerala has originated from the age-old customs and beliefs. The designs vary in size and shape and are indeed a treat to the eye. They range from the elaborate and exquisite, to the simple and functional. The nagapadam or Serpent-hood pendant of Nair women, the cherutali necklace of Namboodri ladies, and the mekka mothiram worn by the Christian women are classical examples of, traditional jewellery of Kerala.

Ornaments of different patterns are used by women of all communities and castes. These ornaments are for the neck, the arm, the nose and the ankle.

Continue reading ‘Kerala Glowing with Gold’

There are ways in which a marrige ceremony can be performed. Usually teh religion.

There are ways in which a marriage ceremony can be performed. Usually the religion/caste of the bride or the bridegroom play a key role in deciding the kind of ceremony and the nature of rites. One such way is an Arya Samaj wedding. This kind of wedding is very different from the other types in many ways. The most striking aspect of an Arya Samaj wedding is its simplicity.

Founded by Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, the Arya Samaj doesn’t believe in the orthodox definitions of a caste/ subcaste or a sect/ subsect.

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Times have changed and most Indian women enjoy more freedom than their predecessors ever did. They can choose the career of their choice and marriage no longer relegates them to the dreary role of the housebound homemaker. In fact, it widens the dimensions of their world. But despite popular belief the Indian woman is not really as liberated as she thinks she is.

By the time a woman is ready for marriage, the female psyche has been socially conditioned to categorically accept a drastic change of identity, starting with her clothes. Even swinging singles find themselves replacing their hip gladrags with a more matronly wardrobe. Even today many submissively accept the fact that holy matrimony brings in tow an unspoken dress code.

Continue reading ‘Stylish singles turn married matrons’

You’ve picked that gorgeous lehenga, brocade choli and exquisitely worked veil but you haven’t yet decided on your hairstyle. Well, you better hurry, for your look is far from complete without the right hairstyle. The regular facials and clean-ups are great but, don’t neglect your hair.

Brides-to-be get busy pampering your tresses, if you want your mane to be your crowning glory on your special day.

Start thinking about an appropriate hairstyle at least three months before the wedding and visit your hairdresser to chalk out a schedule and a suitable plan of action.

Continue reading ‘Of curls, combs and coiffures’