As the calendar turns and we welcome a new year, it’s a moment filled with promise and opportunity. The transition into a new year is not just a celebration of time passing; it’s a chance to reflect on our journeys, set intentions, and cultivate a mindset that fosters growth and positivity.
So what will 2025 bring to this space?
For starters, it will take a couple of weeks for me to type the year correctly. After a year of tying 2024, it will take me a few weeks to get used to typing 2025!
I have some ideas on where I want to take my blog this year. I am going to consolidate all my memory posts into one that I will call Mumbai Memories. This will be all about my childhood memories, my reflections on growing up, and my memories of my grandparents. I hope to be able to share memories of growing up in Mumbai that were both rooted in the past and were looking forward to the future.
After a short hiatus, I will restart my travel bucket list series with Nepal. I am going to deep dive into the country and try to go to the distant corners of the country. And I am super excited about this.
I am also planning another series based on my resurgent interest in Hindu spirituality, more details later in the year.
My Adulting 101 series will continue with information and tips for young adults. This series is aimed at late teens and those in their early twenties who are either in university or starting their first jobs. This series aims to give them a leg-up in their career they wouldn’t really know until they’ve had experience.
I will continue to write more stories and poems as well as try and find interesting festivals from India. And of course more interesting blog posts on personal development.
So once again, thank you to everyone who supports me and makes me want to write more. If you have any ideas on what I should be writing, please share them with me, and I will try and incorporate your suggestions. So stay tuned for interesting posts in 2025!
Today is the penultimate day of the year, and as always, here’s my wrap-up of the year.
2024 started on a very positive note for me. I was gainfully employed, enjoying what I was doing and looking forward to the year. I also made a trip to India to celebrate my father’s 80th birthday and met my sister after almost eight years. The week we spent in Bangalore was probably the highlight of the year for me.
Then, by the end of the first quarter, I was let go from my job citing structural changes to the organisation. This hit me hard, I was finally starting to feel productive, but letting go made me go into a mild depression. I felt useless, but then after a period of not feeling like a productive member of society, I decided to start looking for something. I also found a career coach who is working with me to finetune my resume and working with me on interview techniques, so a huge thanks to her.
Then, about mid-year, a friend, who was an ex-colleague reached out to ask if I was interested in writing commissioned pieces. This friend shared my interest in writing and we bonded on our shared love for books and writing. I tried a couple of articles and was hooked on it. I loved that I could earn money from doing something that I loved. This was my Ikigai moment and in 2025, I will explore this further. Maybe I can make a living from writing?
I have been meditating consistently for a few years now and my mental health has been the best it has in a long time. Even when I was laid off, it didn’t take long for me to bounce back, full credit goes to my meditation. I also evolved spiritually this year, learning more about Hinduism and going deep into myself to commune with my Ishtadev.
My health and fitness levels are the same as last year, though I’ve had a couple of health scares this year. I am getting old and my body is more than eager to let me know this. Other than my diabetes which is somewhat in check, other parts of my body decided to remind me of my age including my neck and shoulders and my leg. But like everything else, that also passed. My goal for 2025 is to be a healthier version of myself and the first step will be to give up on fried snacks and street food. That’s going to be a hard one, but I am going to try this for myself.
GG has been in school this year and is thriving, for which I am very happy since she is doing something she enjoys studying about. She is very ambitious and wants to do more in her life and has a five, ten and even a twenty-year plan for herself. BB, on the other hand, is still trying to find himself. He started 2024 by completing his Basic Military Training and then was posted to his unit where he is doing something he enjoys – working in the engineering field. This year, he was also sent for a driving course where he learnt to drive cars and heavy vehicles. This is a Singapore Armed Forces license, but hopefully, he can easily convert it to a civilian license. My hope for him is that in 2025, he will figure out what he wants in life and start planning to reach there once he ends his national service around the last quarter of 2025.
I am happy with the way this blog is taking shape. I started writing more than a decade back and after a few years of not writing regularly, for the past eight or nine years, I have been very consistent. And this year I breached the 4 figure mark and am happy that more people are liking and reacting to my posts. So a huge thank you to all of you for reading what I write. I have plans for 2025 which I will share in the next post.
I want to show my gratitude to all those who came into my life this year and enriched it. Even if they did not do me good, the lessons I learned in those interactions will stand me in good stead. And to those who came into my life with positivity, I have immense respect for them and their teachings.
So happy New Year, and may 2025 be a better year than 2024!
The Ranakpur Jawai Bandh Festival is a vibrant celebration that showcases the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and artistic traditions of Rajasthan. Held annually in the Pali district of Rajasthan, this two-day festival has become a significant event on the state’s cultural calendar, attracting visitors from across India and beyond. The festival takes place in the picturesque settings of Ranakpur, known for its stunning Jain temples, and the Jawai region, famous for its unique landscape and wildlife. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, the Ranakpur Jawai Bandh Festival aims to provide visitors with an immersive experience of Rajasthan’s diverse cultural tapestry.
The Ranakpur Jawai Bandh Festival is a relatively new addition to Rajasthan’s festival calendar, having been initiated by the state government as part of its efforts to promote cultural tourism and showcase lesser-known regions of Rajasthan. While the festival itself doesn’t have ancient roots, it draws upon centuries-old traditions, art forms, and natural heritage of the region.
The idea behind the festival was to create a platform that could highlight the unique offerings of the Ranakpur and Jawai areas. Ranakpur, with its magnificent 15th-century Jain temples, represents the architectural and spiritual heritage of Rajasthan. On the other hand, the Jawai region, with its distinctive rocky landscape and thriving leopard population, showcases the state’s natural beauty and wildlife conservation efforts.
The festival was conceptualised to bridge these two aspects – the cultural and the natural – providing visitors with a holistic experience of Rajasthan. By doing so, it aims to promote sustainable tourism in the region, benefiting local communities while preserving the area’s cultural and natural heritage. Since its inception, the festival has grown in scale and popularity. What started as a local event has now become a much-anticipated annual celebration, drawing visitors from various parts of India and abroad. The festival’s program has expanded over the years, incorporating more activities and performances to cater to a diverse audience.
The Ranakpur Jawai Bandh Festival typically takes place in December, marking the onset of the winter tourist season in Rajasthan. The cool, pleasant weather of December provides an ideal backdrop for the outdoor activities and performances that form a significant part of the festival.
The festival is spread across two locations:
Ranakpur: Located in the Pali district of Rajasthan, Ranakpur is renowned for its stunning Jain temples. The main temple, dedicated to Adinath, is a marvel of architecture with its 1444 intricately carved marble pillars. The serene surroundings of Ranakpur, nestled in the Aravalli range, provide a perfect setting for the cultural and spiritual aspects of the festival.
Jawai: The Jawai region, named after the Jawai River and the Jawai Bandh or dam, is known for its unique landscape characterized by granite rock formations. This area is famous for its thriving leopard population and offers a stark yet beautiful contrast to the architectural splendor of Ranakpur.
The dual location of the festival allows visitors to experience two distinct facets of Rajasthan – its rich cultural heritage and its raw natural beauty – within a single event.
The Ranakpur Jawai Bandh Festival offers a diverse range of activities that cater to various interests. The festival begins each day with early morning yoga and meditation sessions. These sessions are typically held in the serene surroundings of Ranakpur, with the majestic Jain temples providing a stunning backdrop. Experienced yoga instructors guide participants through various asanas and meditation techniques, allowing visitors to start their day in a peaceful and rejuvenating manner. Guided nature walks are organized in both Ranakpur and Jawai. In Ranakpur, these walks often focus on the local flora and fauna found in the Aravalli range. In Jawai, the nature walks offer an opportunity to explore the unique rocky landscape and learn about the region’s ecology. One of the most exciting activities of the festival is the jeep safari in the Jawai region. These safaris offer visitors a chance to explore the rugged terrain and potentially spot the elusive leopards that the area is famous for. The safaris are led by experienced local guides who share their knowledge about the region’s wildlife and conservation efforts. As evening falls, the festival area is illuminated with thousands of earthen lamps or diyas, creating a magical atmosphere. This Deepotsav or a festival of lights is a visual spectacle that adds a touch of spiritual beauty to the festivities.
The evenings are dedicated to cultural performances that showcase the rich artistic heritage of Rajasthan. These performances include traditional Rajasthani folk music, including genres like Manganiyar and Langa, that fill the air with soulful melodies, energetic performances of Rajasthani folk dances such as Ghoomar, Kalbelia, and Bhavai that enthral the audience, and traditional Rajasthani puppet shows, known as Kathputli, that narrate folk tales and legends.
Local artisans demonstrate their skills in various traditional Rajasthani crafts such as block printing, tie-and-dye, pottery, and miniature painting. Visitors can watch the artisans at work and even try their hand at some of these crafts. Given the picturesque locations of Ranakpur and Jawai, the festival organises photography tours. These tours are led by professional photographers who guide participants on capturing the best shots of the temples, landscapes, and wildlife. Food stalls offering a variety of Rajasthani delicacies are set up during the festival. Visitors can savour authentic dishes like Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, and Ker Sangri, getting a taste of traditional Rajasthani hospitality. For the more adventurous visitors, activities like rock climbing and rappelling are organized in the Jawai region, taking advantage of the area’s unique geological features. The clear night skies of the Jawai r. egion offer excellent conditions for stargazing. Astronomy enthusiasts guide visitors through constellations and share stories related to celestial bodies.
While the Ranakpur Jawai Bandh Festival is a relatively new event, it draws upon and celebrates cultural elements that have deep roots in Rajasthani tradition. The festival serves as a platform to showcase and preserve various aspects of Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage. The stunning Jain temples of Ranakpur, which form a backdrop to many festival activities, are a testament to the architectural prowess of ancient India. Built in the 15th century, these temples, with their intricate marble carvings, represent the pinnacle of Maru-Gurjara architecture. The festival draws attention to this architectural marvel, promoting awareness and appreciation of India’s architectural heritage. The cultural performances during the festival play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Rajasthan’s folk arts. Many of these art forms, passed down through generations, face the risk of being lost in the face of modernization. By providing a platform for folk musicians, dancers, and puppeteers, the festival contributes to keeping these traditions alive.
The art and craft demonstrations during the festival showcase the skills of local artisans. Crafts like block printing, tie-and-dye, and miniature painting are integral to Rajasthan’s cultural identity. The festival not only provides exposure to these artisans but also helps in passing these skills to younger generations. The focus on traditional Rajasthani cuisine during the festival helps in preserving and promoting the state’s rich culinary heritage. Many of the dishes served at the festival have been part of Rajasthani cuisine for centuries, each with its own cultural significance and stories.
The festival, with its focus on both cultural heritage and natural beauty, emphasizes the traditional Rajasthani ethos of living in harmony with nature. This is particularly evident in the Jawai region, where local communities have coexisted with leopards for generations. The yoga and meditation sessions, as well as the Deepotsav, reflect the spiritual traditions that have long been a part of Rajasthani culture. These elements of the festival provide visitors with a glimpse into the spiritual practices that have shaped the region’s cultural landscape.
According to local legend, the construction of the main Ranakpur temple was inspired by a divine vision. It is said that a Jain businessman named Dharna Shah had a dream in which he saw a celestial vehicle. Following this vision, he commissioned the construction of the temple. The intricate design of the temple, with its numerous halls and 1444 pillars, is said to have been inspired by this divine vision.
The Jawai region is known for its unique coexistence between humans and leopards. Local folklore is rich with stories of the leopards being protectors of the land. Many villagers consider the leopards as guardians and believe that sighting a leopard is auspicious. These beliefs have contributed to the conservation efforts in the region.
Local legends speak of the construction of the Jawai Dam as a feat of human perseverance blessed by divine intervention. Stories tell of how the initial attempts to build the dam failed until local deities were propitiated, after which the construction was completed successfully.
The Aravalli range, which forms the backdrop of both Ranakpur and Jawai, features in many mythological tales. One legend states that the Aravalli range was formed when Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama, drew a line with an arrow to protect Sita during their exile.
Near the Ranakpur temples stands an ancient banyan tree that is the subject of many local legends. Some believe that the tree has healing properties, while others consider it a wishing tree. During the festival, many visitors pay their respects to this tree.
The Ranakpur Jawai Bandh Festival plays a significant role in promoting environmental awareness and conservation efforts in the region. The Jawai region is known for its successful conservation of leopards. The festival helps raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and the unique ecosystem of the area. During the jeep safaris and nature walks, guides educate visitors about the local flora and fauna and the conservation efforts underway.
The festival promotes sustainable tourism practices. By showcasing the natural beauty of the region, it encourages a form of tourism that is respectful of the local environment and wildlife. The festival organisers emphasise responsible behavior during wildlife safaris and nature walks. The Jawai Dam, which gives the festival part of its name, is crucial for water management in the region. The festival draws attention to the importance of water conservation in this semi-arid region of Rajasthan. Through interactions with local communities, the festival helps highlight traditional ecological knowledge. This includes local practices of water harvesting, sustainable agriculture, and coexistence with wildlife. The festival has adopted a plastic-free policy, encouraging the use of eco-friendly materials. This initiative not only helps keep the festival area clean but also spreads awareness about reducing plastic usage.
The Ranakpur Jawai Bandh Festival has a significant positive economic impact on the local communities. The festival attracts tourists from various parts of India and abroad, providing a boost to the local tourism industry. Hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in the region see increased bookings during the festival period. The festival creates temporary employment opportunities for local residents. This includes jobs in event management, hospitality, transportation, and as guides for various activities. The art and craft demonstrations during the festival provide a platform for local artisans to showcase and sell their products. This direct interaction with customers often leads to increased sales and sometimes long-term business relationships. Local restaurants, shops, and service providers see increased business during the festival. The influx of visitors benefits various sectors of the local economy. By showcasing the attractions of Ranakpur and Jawai, the festival contributes to long-term tourism promotion for the region. Many first-time visitors during the festival often plan return trips, contributing to sustained tourism growth.
While the Ranakpur Jawai Bandh Festival has been successful in promoting the region’s cultural and natural heritage, it also faces certain challenges. One of the primary challenges is maintaining a balance between promoting tourism and ensuring the conservation of the region’s natural resources and wildlife. The increased footfall during the festival period needs to be managed carefully to minimize the impact on the local ecosystem. The growing popularity of the festival puts pressure on the local infrastructure. There’s a need for sustainable development of tourism infrastructure that can cater to the increased number of visitors without compromising the region’s natural beauty. As the festival grows, there’s a challenge in maintaining the authenticity of cultural presentations. There’s a need to ensure that commercialisation doesn’t lead to dilution of traditional art forms and practices. Ensuring meaningful involvement of local communities in the planning and execution of the festival is crucial for its long-term success and sustainability. While the festival provides a significant boost during its duration, there’s a need to leverage its popularity for year-round tourism development in the region.
Looking to the future, the Ranakpur Jawai Bandh Festival has significant potential for growth and evolution. There are discussions about extending the duration of the festival to allow for more activities and to spread the tourist influx over a longer period. Future editions of the festival could have an increased focus on eco-tourism, promoting responsible travel practices and environmental education. The festival could evolve to include cultural exchange programs, inviting artists and performers from other parts of India and abroad to participate. The use of technology, such as virtual reality experiences of wildlife safaris or temple architecture, could be incorporated to enhance the visitor experience. The festival could serve as a platform for launching and showcasing research and conservation initiatives related to the region’s wildlife and ecology.
The Ranakpur Jawai Bandh Festival stands as a vibrant celebration of Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. By bringing together the architectural splendor of Ranakpur’s temples and the raw, rugged beauty of the Jawai landscape, the festival offers visitors a unique and comprehensive experience of Rajasthan. More than just a tourist event, the festival plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting various aspects of Rajasthani culture – from its folk arts and traditional crafts to its culinary heritage and spiritual practices. It serves as a platform for local artists and artisans to showcase their skills and find new audiences. Economically, the Ranakpur Jawai Bandh Festival has become a significant event for the local communities, providing various opportunities for employment and business.
As the final days of the year draw near, I pause in the quiet, my heart crystal clear. The clock ticks softly, a gentle reminder, Of moments now fleeting, of memories kinder.
I sift through the pages of time that has passed, Each chapter a story, some shadows, some vast. Laughter and heartache, triumph and fear, Each thread woven tightly, now crystal clear.
The laughter of friends, the warmth of their smiles, The journeys we traveled, the miles and the trials. The lessons I’ve learned, the bridges I’ve crossed, In the tapestry woven, no moment is lost.
Yet shadows linger, regrets softly creep, Whispers of choices that haunt me in sleep. The paths not taken, the words left unsaid, A tapestry frayed, where colors have bled.
But as the year wanes, I breathe in the night, Embracing the darkness, embracing the light. For every misstep, a chance to begin, A promise of growth, a chance to dive in.
With hope in my heart, I look to the dawn, The canvas of tomorrow, a new day reborn. I’ll carry the lessons, the love and the pain, Into the new year, like sun after rain.
So here’s to the moments, both bitter and sweet, To the laughter, the tears, and the people I meet. As the year comes to close, I raise a glass high, To the journey ahead, beneath the vast sky.
As young adults embark on their financial journeys, understanding the concept of compounding can be a game-changer. Compounding is often referred to as one of the most powerful tools in personal finance, enabling individuals to grow their wealth over time.
What is compounding? Compounding refers to the process of earning interest on both the initial principal amount and the accumulated interest from previous periods. In simple terms, it means that your money can grow exponentially over time as you earn interest on your interest.
Where: A = the future value of the investment/loan, including interest P = the principal investment amount (the initial deposit or loan amount) r = the annual interest rate (decimal) n = the number of times that interest is compounded per year t = the number of years the money is invested or borrowed
This formula illustrates how compounding works over time, emphasizing the importance of both the interest rate and the period in maximising returns.
The concept of compounding is closely related to the time value of money (TVM), which states that a dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future due to its potential earning capacity. This principle highlights the importance of starting to save and invest as early as possible to take full advantage of compounding.
So why should one start compounding early? The earlier you start saving, the more time your money has to grow through compounding. Even small contributions can lead to significant growth over time. Starting early allows you to save smaller amounts consistently rather than needing to save larger amounts later in life to reach your financial goals. Early savers often experience greater financial security in retirement, as they have built a substantial nest egg through the power of compounding.
Compounding has many benefits. One of the most significant benefits of compounding is its ability to create exponential growth. Unlike simple interest, where interest is calculated only on the principal, compound interest allows your investment to grow at an accelerating rate. This means that as your investment grows, the amount of interest earned also increases. Compounding is a powerful wealth-building tool. By consistently saving and investing, you can accumulate wealth over time, making it easier to achieve financial goals such as buying a home, funding education, or retiring comfortably.
As your investments grow through compounding, they can generate passive income. This means that your money is working for you, allowing you to earn money without actively working for it. This can lead to financial independence and the ability to pursue other interests or passions. Compounding can help protect against inflation, which erodes the purchasing power of money over time. By earning a return on your investments that outpaces inflation, you can maintain or increase your purchasing power. Understanding the power of compounding encourages financial discipline. It motivates individuals to save regularly and invest wisely, fostering positive financial habits that can lead to long-term success.
Here are some examples of the power of compounding.
Example 1: The Power of Time Consider two individuals, Alice and Bob, who both want to save for retirement. Alice starts saving at age 25, while Bob waits until age 35 to start saving. They both plan to save $5,000 per year until they retire at age 65, and they expect an average annual return of 7%.
Alice’s Savings: Years of saving: 40 Total contributions: $5,000 x 40 = $200,000 Future value at retirement: approximately $1,123,000
Bob’s Savings: Years of saving: 30 Total contributions: $5,000 x 30 = $150,000 Future value at retirement: approximately $761,000
In this example, Alice ends up with significantly more money at retirement, despite contributing $50,000 more than Bob. This illustrates the importance of starting early and allowing time for compounding to work its magic.
Example 2: The Impact of Interest Rates Now, let’s compare two savings accounts with different interest rates. Sarah opens an account with a 3% annual interest rate, while John opens an account with a 5% annual interest rate. Both deposit $10,000 and leave it untouched for 20 years.
Sarah’s Account (3% interest): Future value: approximately $18,061 John’s Account (5% interest): Future value: approximately $26,532
In this example, John’s account grows significantly more than Sarah’s due to the higher interest rate. This emphasises the importance of not only starting early but also seeking higher returns on investments when possible.
What strategies can we use to harness the power of compounding? The earlier you start saving, the more time your money has to compound. Even small contributions can lead to substantial growth over time. Consider setting up automatic transfers to your savings or investment accounts to make saving a habit. Consistency is key when it comes to compounding. Make regular contributions to your savings or investment accounts, whether through monthly deposits or contributions to retirement accounts. This practice not only helps you take advantage of compounding but also fosters a disciplined savings habit.
To maximise the power of compounding, consider reinvesting any earnings or dividends generated by your investments. This allows your money to continue growing rather than being withdrawn, further enhancing the compounding effect. Diversification can help you achieve higher returns while managing risk. Consider a mix of asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, to create a well-rounded investment portfolio. This strategy can help you take advantage of compounding across different types of investments.
Utilise tax-advantaged accounts to maximise your savings. These accounts often offer tax benefits that can enhance your investment returns over time. To fully benefit from compounding, avoid withdrawing funds from your savings or investment accounts unless necessary. Early withdrawals can significantly reduce the amount of money available for compounding, hindering your long-term growth potential. Take the time to educate yourself about personal finance and investing. Understanding different investment options, strategies, and the principles of compounding can empower you to make informed decisions that align with your financial goals.
What are the common misconceptions about compounding? Many people believe that only those with significant wealth can benefit from compounding. However, compounding is accessible to anyone, regardless of their financial situation. Starting with small contributions and allowing time for growth can lead to substantial wealth over time. While compounding is often associated with investments, it can also apply to savings accounts and other financial products. Any account that earns interest can benefit from compounding, making it essential to seek out accounts with competitive interest rates. Some individuals may expect compounding to yield immediate results. However, compounding is a long-term strategy that requires patience and discipline. The true power of compounding is realised over time, making it essential to stay committed to your savings and investment goals.
The power of compounding is a fundamental principle in personal finance that can significantly impact your financial future. By understanding how compounding works and implementing effective strategies, young adults can harness its potential to build wealth and achieve their financial goals. Starting early, contributing regularly, and reinvesting earnings are key components of leveraging compounding to your advantage. Additionally, educating yourself about personal finance and seeking higher returns on investments can further enhance your financial growth.
Remember, compounding is not just a financial concept; it’s a mindset. Embrace the power of compounding as you embark on your financial journey, and watch as your savings and investments grow over time. By making informed decisions today, you can secure a brighter financial future for yourself and achieve the financial independence you desire.
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Memories and Such 