Festivals of India – Shirui Lily Festival

Posted on April 26, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

The Shirui Lily Festival celebrates the state flower of Manipur and is part of the state’s efforts to develop and implement sustainable and responsible tourism in the state and also to save and increase awareness about the endangered species of Manipur’s Shirui Lily found only in the Shirui Hills. The festival is organized every year around April-May. The 5^th edition of the festival will take place between 17 to 20 May at Ukhrul.

In celebration of the stunning and rare Shirui Lily, a beautiful flower that grows only in the region of Shirui Hill in Manipur, the festival is a celebration of the beauty and richness of the local culture and attracts tourists from all over the world to this region.

The festival starts with a parade through the streets of the city, with participants dressed in traditional attire, dancing and singing to the beat of the drum. The parade is led by the Queen of the festival, who is usually a local girl selected for her beauty and grace. The Queen is adorned with a crown made of Shirui Lily, which is a symbol of her royalty and is considered a great honour.

The Shirui Lily grows on top of the Shirui hills in Manipur and cannot be replanted anywhere else in the world. It fills the air with its pleasant fragrance during the blooming season. The festival is observed to spread awareness and conserve the endangered state flower.

Climbing the Shirui hills is one of the most interesting treks in Manipur and a chance to see the rare flower. It is the ultimate treat for nature and adventure lovers.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Shirui Lily Festival is the display of the Shirui Lily. The flower is considered a symbol of purity and beauty and is used extensively in various rituals and ceremonies. During the festival, the flower is displayed in various forms, such as garlands, bouquets, and arrangements, and is admired by tourists and locals alike. Another highlight of the Shirui Lily Festival is the traditional music and dance performances. The local folk dances, such as the Rasa Dance and the Khamba-Thoibi Dance, are performed with great passion and enthusiasm. The music, which is accompanied by instruments such as the pena and the drum, is a fusion of traditional and contemporary styles and creates a unique and mesmerizing sound.

In addition to the cultural events, the Shirui Lily Festival is also a time for people to come together and enjoy the delicious local cuisine. Events during the festival include live music concerts, folk performances, traditional dances, indigenous games and competitions, art and handicraft exhibitions, ethnic food eateries and various adventure activities like camping, biking and a lot more. Shirock, the musical extravaganza of live music concerts and competitions is one of the major highlights of the festival that attracts a large number of crowds not only from different corners of the state, and even from neighbouring states.

The Shirui Lily Festival is not just a celebration of the beauty of the Shirui Lily, but it is also a celebration of the local culture and heritage. Visitors to the festival can experience the traditional way of life of the people of Manipur, and learn about their customs, traditions, and beliefs. The festival is a time for people to come together and celebrate the richness of their culture and to share it with others.

One of the most unique and exciting aspects of the Shirui Lily Festival is the opportunity to trek to Shirui Hill, where the Shirui Lily grows in abundance. This trek is a challenging but rewarding experience, as visitors can admire the breathtaking beauty of the region and see the Shirui Lily in its natural habitat. The trek is also a great opportunity for adventure enthusiasts, as the route is surrounded by stunning natural scenery and offers a glimpse into the rich and diverse flora and fauna of the region.

Poem: Who Am I?

Posted on April 24, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

Who Am I?

I am but a reflection,
Of thoughts and experiences combined,
A tapestry of memories,
Woven into a single mind.

I am the laughter and the tears,
The triumphs and the fears,
The hopes and dreams that I hold dear,
And the secrets I keep near.

I am the sum of my past,
Of every joy and every pain,
The choices I have made at last,
And the lessons learned in vain.

I am a work in progress,
Ever changing, ever growing,
A mystery in the making,
A story that’s forever flowing.

I am the thoughts that fill my head,
The passions that burn in my heart,
The voice that speaks what must be said,
And the fire that sets me apart.

So who am I, you might ask,
A soul still searching for its name,
A journey that will always last,
With possibilities as vast as the sky and the ocean combined.

But one thing is for certain,
I am unique, I am me,
A composition of all that’s happened,
And the person I choose to be.

Earth Day

Posted on April 21, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

Tomorrow is Earth Day, an annual observance celebrated each year to raise awareness and take action for the protection and preservation of our planet. This year is the 53^rd edition that the day has been celebrated.

In the past few decades, our planet has been facing numerous environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, and species extinction. These issues have become increasingly pressing and have underscored the importance of taking action to restore the health and balance of our planet.

Climate change is one of the most significant environmental challenges facing our planet. The average temperature of the earth has been increasing steadily over the past few decades, resulting in melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and extreme weather conditions. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other human activities are the primary drivers of climate change. To mitigate its impact, it is crucial that we reduce our carbon footprint, shift to renewable energy sources, and implement more sustainable practices in our daily lives.

Another pressing environmental issue is pollution. Air, water, and soil pollution are all having a significant impact on the health of our planet. Air pollution caused by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, industrial processes, and transportation, can result in respiratory problems, heart disease, and even cancer. Water pollution caused by industrial waste and agricultural runoff is also a major concern, as it can harm aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems. Soil pollution caused by the use of pesticides and fertilizers can also have a devastating impact on the health of our planet.

Deforestation is another significant environmental challenge. Forests are critical to the health of our planet, as they absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. However, deforestation for commercial and agricultural purposes is leading to a rapid loss of forest cover, which can result in soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and decreased water quality. Species extinction is a major environmental issue. As the human population continues to grow, we are putting increasing pressure on the planet’s natural resources and habitats. This is leading to the loss of wildlife and plant species, which can have a ripple effect on entire ecosystems.

To restore our earth, we must take action at both the individual and collective levels. Some of the steps that we can take to make a positive impact include reducing, reusing, and recycling, using renewable energy, supporting sustainable agriculture, conserving water, protecting wildlife and planting trees.

The theme for Earth Day 2023 is Restore Our Earth. This theme emphasises the need for global action to address and mitigate the pressing environmental issues facing our planet. It is a call to action to take steps towards restoring the health and balance of the earth and its ecosystems. This theme recognises that our planet is facing multiple environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, and species extinction, which are all having a significant impact on the earth’s health. These issues have become increasingly pressing, and we must take action now to restore the planet’s balance and health.

The theme encourages individuals, organisations, and governments to take concrete steps towards mitigating environmental challenges and to work towards restoring the health of the earth’s ecosystems. This includes reducing carbon emissions, shifting to renewable energy sources, implementing sustainable practices, and preserving natural habitats and biodiversity. The theme also highlights the importance of taking action to address the environmental challenges facing our planet and to work towards restoring its health and balance. It is a call to action for everyone to do their part in protecting and preserving our planet for future generations.

Earth Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the impact that we are having on our planet and to take action to restore its health. By taking these simple steps, we can work together to create a more sustainable future for our planet and future generations. By reducing our impact on the environment, we can help ensure a healthy and sustainable future for our planet and all of its inhabitants.

The Ultimate Guide to Realistic Travel Hacks

Posted on April 19, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

Travel hacks are clever tips, tricks, and techniques that travellers use to make their trips more efficient, enjoyable, and affordable. These can range from ways to save money on flights and accommodations, to tips for packing efficiently and navigating new places. Now that the threat of COVID is finally over and people are starting to travel again, I thought of putting together some travel hacks that I have used and some that I found online so that the next time you, or I travel, we can travel more efficiently, save money and have a better time during our travels.

The goal of travel hacks is to help travellers make the most of their trips while minimising expenses and avoiding common travel headaches. Here are some realistic travel hacks that can help you save money and make your trip smoother:

Some common travel hacks include using travel rewards credit cards to earn points and miles for flights and hotels, booking flights and accommodations in advance for better deals, packing light to avoid baggage fees and make travelling easier, and researching local transportation options to save money on taxis and rental cars. Other travel hacks might include downloading useful travel apps, like language translation apps or maps that work offline, avoiding tourist traps to save money, or using local services like Airbnb to save on accommodations.

Use incognito mode when searching for flights and hotels. Websites can track your searches and increase prices based on demand, but using incognito mode can help prevent this.

Use a travel rewards credit card to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.

Book flights in advance to save money, but also consider last-minute deals for spontaneous trips. Usually, flights seem to be the cheapest around 2.5 to 3 months before a trip.

Travel in the off-season. If one is not constrained by school holidays and other popular travel dates, then travelling during non-peak times is better, especially if the destination can still be travelled to and explored. The weather would be still great but the destination would be less crowded and hotels would offer better rates too.

Most people do not purchase travel insurance because their credit card perks cover most of it, but it’s always wiser to have insurance than not. This is even more important if you’re travelling with valuables or changing your plans on the go most days. And today, with COVID still around, it’s better to have insurance so that if plans change suddenly, insurance will be there to save you.

If you have a Twitter account, tweet your travel troubles, and they get solved quicker as companies monitor social media for their organisation’s name and take action when they realise an issue has the potential to go viral, they will immediately make amends.

Visit destinations that don’t have a large tourism board. They tend to be cheaper and less crowded. This means one can explore so much more without going broke and also go someplace where not many have gone to.

If you can do it, book a refundable or changeable ticket so that in case of any emergency, tickets can be changed without much effort and also refunds easily processed.

If there is a chance that your credit card company will freeze your card because of transactions in a different place than you usually use it, then it is a good idea to inform them of your travel plans.

And if you can access it, it may be a good idea to get a multi-currency travel card. This works like a debit and credit card. I use one of these cards when I travel so I can control purchases because payments will be used only after I top up the card and in case of any fraud with the card, only the amount in the card will be compromised and not my usual credit card.

Bring an empty water bottle to fill up at the airport or hotel to save money on buying bottled water.

Use a shower cap to protect toiletries from exploding during flights. I also like to use cling wrap to seal the opening of liquid bottles before capping them to keep them safe while being held in the baggage hold.

Alternatively, invest in some small bottles and decant liquids into them so you don’t have to bring them back with you and finish them while on holiday.

By signing up for at least one travel credit card that includes some sort of lounge access you enjoy waiting at a lounge where you get to eat and relax before you board your flight.

Download movies offline on streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime or YouTube to watch on the flight without internet access. If you are travelling with children, this is a good strategy to keep them entertained for a while.

Always bring a change of clothes in your carry-on, especially if you travel in Europe and America where it is common for luggage to go missing. It’s not saying that this does not happen in Asia, but it’s not so common. So having some clothes with you along with some essentials will allow you to get by until you are reunited with your luggage.

If you’re travelling with kids, it’s a good idea to bring along a busy bag or two. A busy bag is simply a small bag filled with activities and toys to keep kids entertained during travel. Fill the bag with colouring books, crayons, small toys and maybe one or new toys that will keep your child occupied and entertained during the journey.

Babies and young children often cry during flights because the change in cabin pressure can hurt their delicate ears. Children are far more susceptible to this than adults, and they also don’t understand what’s happening or how to relieve the pain. So while travelling with children, carry their pacifier, if they use one or feed them during take-off and landing. A lollypop can also be used for the same reason during take-off and landing to help relieve the pressure on the ears. Even for adults who have issues with ears popping during take-offs and landings, encourage them to chew gum or even yawn and stretch their jaws when they start feeling the pressure to relieve it.

Avoid eating at restaurants near tourist attractions, which tend to be more expensive. Instead, look for local restaurants in less touristy areas.

Download offline maps and travel guides to save on data usage and avoid expensive roaming charges. Google maps allow you to download offline maps, though the offline maps will not have the current traffic situation, it should not matter when on vacation.

Google Translate is very useful in a foreign country so communication can become easier. Also shopping and bargaining will be a breeze if both parties can communicate with each other. Google Translate lets you take photos of text in a different language and translate what it means in real time and works in airplane mode too.

Exercise is a great way to combat jetlag. Light running, yoga or resistance band training helps ward off jet lag. It is also best not to fall asleep after boarding a flight or after reaching the destination to combat jetlag.

Don’t exchange money for local currency at the airport. The rates at airports are usually not in our favour, so exchange money outside, maybe at a money changer who may offer better rates. ATMs are also a better way to withdraw cash at your destination.

Using long layovers to explore a city. Many airlines have a layover programme when you transit through their hub city. So those flying Singapore Airlines, can get a transit visa to explore the city if they have a long-enough layover. Other airlines may have a holiday package in their hub while transiting the city. This is an easy way to maximise a holiday by seeing another city or even country while on transit.

Email a scanned copy of important documents, including passports, tickets, hotel confirmations and these days your vaccine certificates. This is very useful when these documents are misplaced, stolen or just needed when you are outside and don’t have access to them.

This one is something I have never tried, but apparently, putting rechargeable batteries in the fridge keeps them fresher and full of charge for longer. As strange as it may sound, most rechargeable batteries retain 90% of their full charge when kept in cold temperatures.

Roll your clothes for more space. One of the easiest and most effective methods of packing is to roll your clothes rather than to fold them. Not only does this save a lot of space, but it also keeps the clothes wrinkle-free. Rolling clothes is especially invaluable when you do not have access to an iron when travelling.

Carry extension cables or power strips. This is especially true when you are travelling as a family and need multiple power points which are not available. Power strips are also very useful when you travel to a country which has a different plug and voltage system than your home and so you will need multiple adaptors to charge each device. Using a power strip means you can use one adaptor and charge your devices in the strips which have the same plugs as your devices.

When travelling to a new place, it is better to use an anti-theft purse or backpack. These look like normal bags and help blend with the crowd. These anti-theft purses also have features like waterproof lining and RFID-blocking material that protects IDs and credit cards from hacker scanning.

Packing luggage scales inside is a good idea when travelling, especially when you are planning to do a lot of shopping at your destination. This allows you to be careful of your luggage weight so that they are within the airline’s weight allowance.

Using packing cubes help to compartmentalise belongings so that everything has a place, and nothing gets lost at the bottom of the suitcase. Packing cubes are one of the best luggage hacks if one is looking to pack more efficiently. One can simply pull out the cube containing whatever they’re looking for, rather than having to root through the entire suitcase. They’re also great for preventing clothes from getting creased and come in a variety of sizes at an affordable price.

Use compression bags to fit more in your luggage and save luggage space. Using compression bags reduces the volume of air within the luggage, freeing up space for more shopping.

Pack versatile clothing that can be worn in multiple outfits to save space and reduce the amount of clothing you need to bring.

Pack a lightweight, foldable bag in your luggage for souvenirs or laundry.

Stuff shoes with socks or underwear to save space and protect the shape of the shoes.

Use a shower cap to cover the soles of your shoes to prevent them from dirtying other items in your luggage.

Invest in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones if you can. This is very useful to listen to music or watch movies on board. These headphones are expensive, but worth it as they block out the sound of the rest of the airplane so you can enjoy the movie or music or even sleep with them if you need quiet to get some naps.

Travelling is one of life’s greatest joys but there’s no doubt it can also get pretty stressful for any number of reasons. From planning and packing to dealing with jet lag and everything in between, there’s a lot that can go wrong on a trip. But with good organisation and the right attitude, one can avoid most of the stressful situations that travellers often find themselves in. By using the travel hacks above, travel will become that much more enjoyable.

Four-Day Work Week: A Bane or a Boon?

Posted on April 14, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

An idea that’s been around for a while, but has gained traction in the last few years, the four-day workweek is an arrangement where a workplace or place of education has its employees or students work or attend school, college, or university over four days per week rather than the more customary five. This arrangement can be a part of flexible working hours and is sometimes used to cut costs. Typically, employees work longer hours during those four days to compensate for the lost day.

The idea behind the four-day workweek is to provide employees with more time for personal pursuits, such as family, hobbies, or other interests, while still completing the same amount of work. It is believed that a shorter workweek can increase productivity, reduce stress, and improve work-life balance.

The five-day workweek is a cultural norm; the result of early 1900s union advocacy to reduce the six-day workweek, which led to the invention of the weekend. In the early 20^th century, when the average work week in developed nations was reduced from around 60 to 40 hours, it was expected that further decreases would occur over time. In 1930, economist John Maynard Keynes estimated that technological change and productivity improvements would make a 15-hour work week possible within a couple of generations. Other In 1956, then US Vice President Richard Nixon promised Americans they would only have to work four days in the not-too-distant future.

While the idea of a four-day workweek has been around for many years, it has gained more attention in recent years as some companies and governments have experimented with it as a way to increase employee well-being and productivity. Some companies have reported positive results, such as reduced absenteeism, improved employee morale, and even increased profits. However, it is important to note that the implementation and success of a four-day workweek can vary depending on the company, industry, and specific circumstances.

Most advocates for a four-day working week argue for a fixed work schedule, resulting in shorter weeks like four 8-hour workdays for a total of 32 hours. This follows the 100-80-100 model: 100% pay for 80% of the time, in exchange for a commitment to maintaining at least 100% productivity. However, some companies have introduced a four-day week based on a compressed work schedule: in the so-called 4/10 work week, the widely-used 40 weekly work hours are distributed across four days instead of five, resulting in 10-hour-long workdays, hence four-ten.

The resulting schedule may look different depending on the way the four-day week is implemented: in some variants Friday becomes the permanent non-working day, giving employees three consecutive days off over the weekend; some workplaces split the day off among the staff, with half taking Monday off and the other half taking Friday off; sometimes the day off is added in the middle of the week such as a Wednesday, allowing for a mid-week break; and, in some cases, the day off changes from week to week, depending on the company’s current goals and workload.

The push towards implementing the four-day week has remained loosely relevant within the contemporary workplace due to the various possible benefits it may yield. Although mostly untested, these benefits mainly lie within increased cost-cutting, productivity, and work-life balance. The theory behind this is, employees or students who work or attend school one less day a week will have additional time to pursue hobbies, spend time with family, get more sleep, and increase overall morale. Consequently, these employees or students will be more productive and refreshed for working or learning, which will make up for the lost day when they would otherwise be overworked and/or overtired. In addition, by having the workplace or school open one less day a week, the operating costs and environmental costs will decrease for businesses and society alike.

Where four-day weeks have been instituted so far, workers gain a better work-life balance that enables them to live happier and more fulfilled lives, and employers can recruit and retain high-quality and well-rested workers who deliver greater productivity and creativity. More broadly, a four-day week provides opportunities to rebalance employment, decreasing the number of overworked and unemployed or underemployed people and allows for greater gender equality through a more equal share of paid and unpaid work, too, including the caring roles that disproportionately fall on women, and better health and wellbeing for workers and their loved ones.

The four-day week movement has grown considerably in recent years, with increasing numbers of businesses and organisations around the world trialling and moving permanently to a four-day working week of around 32 hours, with no less pay for workers. Most of these businesses and organisations have found that a four-day week is a win-win for employees and employers, as trials have indicated that it leads to a better work-life balance, lower stress levels, and increased productivity. An overwhelming majority of studies report that a four-day week leads to increased productivity and decreased stress.

Other benefits include improved work-life balance as with an additional day off, employees can use the extra time to pursue personal interests, spend time with family and friends, or simply relax and recharge. This can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Research has shown that shorter workweeks can increase productivity, as employees may feel more motivated and focused during their work hours. Additionally, having longer weekends can provide employees with more time to rest and recharge, leading to better performance during the workweek. A four-day workweek can result in cost savings for both employees and employers. Employees may save money on transportation, meals, and other work-related expenses. For employers, there may be cost savings on utilities, rent, and other overhead expenses. A four-day workweek can help reduce absenteeism and turnover rates, as employees are often more satisfied with their work-life balance and feel more valued by their employer. Providing employees with a more flexible and balanced work schedule can lead to increased morale and engagement, as employees feel that their employer cares about their well-being and work-life balance. Evidence shows that cutting working hours isn’t only good for people: it’s good for the planet. It lowers energy use, meaning less pollution and an opportunity for us to live more sustainably and tackle the climate crisis. A four-day workweek can lead to a more satisfied, productive, and engaged workforce, which can ultimately benefit both employees and employers. An increase in remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the desire for flexible work arrangements.

While a four-day workweek can have many benefits, there are also potential disadvantages to consider. Some of the possible drawbacks include longer workdays because to accommodate a four-day workweek, employees may have to work longer hours during those four days. This can lead to fatigue, burnout, and reduced productivity, especially if the work is physically or mentally demanding. Implementing a four-day workweek may reduce the number of days that employees are available to clients, customers, or colleagues. This can lead to delays in communication or project completion, which could be frustrating for stakeholders. With employees working different schedules, it can be more challenging to coordinate meetings, training sessions, or other group activities. This can lead to decreased collaboration and teamwork, which could impact productivity and morale. If employees are working fewer hours, they may receive reduced pay or benefits. This could be a disadvantage for employees who rely on a full-time salary to meet their financial needs. For some businesses, a four-day workweek may result in a loss of income, especially if they are not able to maintain the same level of productivity or customer service during the shorter workweek.

The first large-scale study of a four-day workweek ended recently and not one of the 33 participating companies is returning to a standard five-day schedule. Data released showed that the organisations involved registered gains in revenue and employee productivity, as well as drops in absenteeism and turnover. Workers on a four-day schedule were also more inclined to work from the office than home. The study is the first from a series of pilots coordinated by the New Zealand-based non-profit advocacy group 4 Day Week Global and involving dozens of companies in ongoing six-month pilots. A US and Canadian trial began in October, and a pilot of mostly European and South African organisations begins in February. With each iteration, researchers will adjust their data collection, including long-term tracking of how organisations fare with lighter schedules.

Dozens of indicators, ranging from productivity to well-being and fatigue, all improved as the companies transitioned. One weakness of the study is that all of the participating organisations opted in, meaning leadership was already biased toward four-day weeks. But employees, who did not necessarily opt-in, were won over. Ninety-seven per cent wanted to continue with four-day schedules, with workers reporting less work stress, burnout, anxiety, and fatigue, along with fewer sleep problems. Exercise also increased by 24 minutes a week, putting workers in line with World Health Organisation-recommended exercise targets. Employees also reported fewer conflicts between work and family, and fewer instances of coming home from work too tired to do necessary household tasks. Notably, the extra time off was not used for secondary employment, but for hobbies, housework, and self-care instead.

The four-day workweek is a big step today, especially when the majority of work can be done anywhere. What do you think, is this something you would be willing to do while working full-time? Please let me know in the comments.

Memories and Such

Memories of a very ordinary life

Category Archives: Writing