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The Delectable History and Modern Delights of Bengali Sandesh

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Modern Delights of Bengali Sandesh

Nestled within the cultural heart of West Bengal, India, lies a confectionery delight that has stood the test of time – the beloved Bengali sweet ‘Sandesh.’ This delicacy, with its milky goodness and delicate flavors, has not only tantalized taste buds for generations but also offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region. Let’s embark on a sweet journey through the annals of history to uncover the origins, evolution, and enduring popularity of this timeless dessert.

An Ancient Affair: Tracing the Roots

Sandesh traces its origins back to ancient India, where it first appeared in Sanskrit literature around the 5th century AD. The name itself is derived from the Sanskrit word sandesh, which translates to “message.” The sweet was initially called pranahara or heart-stealer, aptly describing its irresistible allure even in its early days. What began as a humble mixture of fresh chhena (Indian cottage cheese) and sugar has now transformed into a diverse array of flavors, shapes, and techniques. Traditional sandesh retains its pure form, but creative artisans have infused it with ingredients like saffron, cardamom, pistachios, and even fruits to tantalize modern taste buds.

Cultural Significance

Sandesh isn’t just a dessert; it’s an integral part of Bengali culture and celebrations. From birthdays to weddings and religious festivals, no occasion is complete without these sweet treats. Their mithaas (sweetness) embodies the warmth and unity of these gatherings, making them a quintessential aspect of Bengali hospitality.

Revolution, Reinvention and Recognition

As time marched on, the traditional process of making sandesh underwent changes to adapt to modern times. Innovations in technology and production techniques streamlined the process, allowing for greater consistency and efficiency. However, traditional sweet shops, often run by generational artisans, still hold steadfast to their time-honored methods, preserving the authentic flavors that define sandesh. The charm of sandesh isn’t limited to the borders of West Bengal. Furthermore, as the Indian diaspora spread worldwide, this delicacy traveled with them, introducing its sweetness to global palates. Today, it’s not uncommon to find sandesh in Indian restaurants around the world. And delighting both those with Bengali roots and curious food enthusiasts alike.

Exploring the Types of Sandesh

In the modern culinary landscape, sandesh has evolved into a tantalizing array of varieties. However, each with its unique flavors and presentation. Here are a few noteworthy types:

  • Nolen Gurer Sandesh: This luxurious variant is made with the finest date palm jaggery. Furthermore, infusing the sandesh with a rich caramelized flavor that is distinctly Bengali.
  • Koraishutir Sandesh: A seasonal delight, this sandesh is adorned with green pea paste. Moreover, adding a refreshing taste and vibrant color to the traditional dessert.
  • Chocolate Sandesh: A fusion of tradition and contemporary indulgence, chocolate sandesh marries the classic chhena with cocoa, creating a dessert that appeals to both traditionalists and chocolate enthusiasts.
  • Fruit-Infused Sandesh: From mango to strawberry, sandesh is now available in a medley of fruit flavors that provide a fruity twist to the creamy base.

A seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in media, Jigar is passionate about lifestyle, films, food, and music. Crafting compelling stories and strategies for digital platforms is his forte. With sharp insights into India's media scene, he's always ahead of trends, and has a keen interest in identifying talent, giving spotlight to creators, campaigns, and building connections through impactful content that resonates with diverse audiences.

Lifestyle

Instagram Artists Who Spin Magic With Their Creations

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Artists on Instagram-The Reelstars

India’s art forms continue to evolve while preserving the country’s rich traditions. Talented artists are now taking to social media to showcase their talents. These Instagram artists spin magic with rangoli, paint, cloth and practically anything that’s close at hand!

Here’s The Reelstars sharing a few popular artists, painters, and sketchers who blow the minds of followers with their creations. Take a look!

Dhrisha Suroiwal

Drisha is a rangoli artist who creates intricate designs and faces on the surface of water. Rangoli creations are typically etched on the ground with coloured powders, flowers, or rice. However, creating rangoli patterns on water requires much patience and a steady hand. The results are mesmerizing. Drisha recently created a rangoli pattern that featured stand up comic Bharti Singh and her son.

Punam Choudhary

Punam is an artist and illusionist, who is quite popular on Instagram for her creations. She specialises in executing 3D designs on streets that look almost lifelike.

Maadhvan Goyal

Artist Maadhvan’s paintings are divine to watch. He sketches paintings of deities that convey spiritual and cultural meanings in the narratives of Hindu mythology.

Rob

Rob is a popular Goa based artist known for his dynamic and energetic style, often incorporating vivid colors and bold brushstrokes in his artworks. He is known for creating something unique out of waste products. He recently made a portrait of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar out of soda cans.

Shintu Mourya

Give Shintu some chocolate, gutka, boxes, fruits, and vegetables, and he can create a painting from anything. With 1 million followers on Instagram, Shintu has taken the internet by storm with new creations each time. In this video, he has made a painting of cricketer Hardik Pandya and his wife Natasa Stankovic with the help of toothpaste.

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Senco Gold and Diamonds Collab With Sushant Divgikar to launch Pehchaan Anthem

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Pehchaan Anthem

Senco Gold and Diamonds, the Indian retail chain, has made a significant stride in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community with the launch of the “Pehchaan Anthem” in collaboration with Sushant Divgikar, aka Rani KoHenur. The anthem, a powerful expression of self-identity, not only resonates with the community but also provides a deeper understanding of the singer’s disposition and personality. This Pehchaan Anthem has had a profound impact on the LGBTQIA+ community. Similarly, providing a voice to their struggles and a platform for their self-expression.

Sushant’s Role in Senco Campaign

Being the voice of this campaign has been a significant milestone for Sushant and it displays the underlying declaration of self-identity unapologetically. The simple two-and-a-half-minute video acts as a symbol of a lament as well as a joyous declaration of their personality. The bold lyrics by Rohit Joshi and composition by Nishith Hegde and Ashwin Shriyan. However, summarize the true essence and struggle that the community faces. The symbolically accurate lyrics pay tribute to the fire blazing within and the drive. Moreover, that keeps them motivated to fight for the rights and opportunities that they deserve. The mesmerising symphony of individuality is displayed as Sushant stands tall in authentic glory.  

The Brands Perspective:

The director and head of marketing and design at Senco Gold claims that music united. However, people in the same way that advocacy did, bringing people together to fight for a better world. They drove this campaign with the insight that an individual’s journey of self-discovery and finding their sexual orientation and unique preferences. He added that through powerful storytelling and vibrant sounds of acceptance and self-discovery.

People’s Perspective

The video has already gained 239K views in eight days on YouTube and 617K on Instagram. Although the campaign has received mixed responses, it has also managed to strike a chord. Furthermore, with a progressive-minded audience who chooses to support individuality and respect preferences. The campaign, with its powerful message and vibrant sounds of acceptance and self-discovery. However, has successfully uplifted and empowered the “Pehchaan” of the LGBTQIA+ community. This success is a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and accepting future.

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Lifestyle

DIY Home Decor Influencers You Should Know

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DIY Home Decor Influencers You Should Know - The Reelstars

DIY home decor influencers on social media have hacks that inspire you to transform your homes. Simple transformative ideas and artifacts placed aesthetically go a long way in making a simple home an artistic one. Furthermore, Here are some influencers we love who transform interiors with their hacks. 

Influencers Inspiring through DIY & Decor Hacks: 

Sandhya Majji @pinkpebblehome

Instagram Followers: 90.9K

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Sandhya Majji is a home decor blogger who makes classy decor videos. A former programme manager with Dell.

Sandhya is not just about home decor. She’s a travel enthusiast, documenting her adventures @pinkpebble, and a dedicated fitness enthusiast. Besides, Her diverse interests make her a well-rounded guide to all things home decor. Furthermore, Did we mention she’s a state level hockey player too? 

Easy DIY Home Decor Hack by Sandhya:

Meenakshi Singh @decor_miniz

Instagram Followers: 255K

Meenakshi Singh is a product stylist and content creator based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. She loves DIY home decor and lifestyle blogging and is also a mom blogger for her baby girl. Besides, She does product reviews that enhance her home with beautiful home decor pieces. Furthermore, She has collaborated with Window Deco, Amazon Home India, and Home Monde Lifestyle to name a few.

Here is how she styles her home with this DIY tealight diya:

Sunita Rawat @sunitas_creative_world

Instagram Followers: 66.7K

Sunita Rawat is passionate about home decor, DIYs, art and crafts. She also has a flair for creative jewellery design. However, She loves making aesthetic articles that add to her home decor.

Sunita currently has 258K Subscribers on YouTube. Moreover, where she regularly updates her fans with DIY hacks and artistic ideas to spruce up their homes.

Here is a DIY dream catcher made by Sunita in collaboration with Hobby India Official:

These DIY Home Decor Artists know how to make a home look incredible. Moreover, check their accounts and follow them to get inspiration for your home with DIY hacks. 

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