Musical Vibrations!!

Nehru Park, quintessentially located in the heart of the city, offers us - the Delhi wala's a sense of what Delhi is all about - it's grandeur, openness, & ultra green stretch is symbolic. Its picturesque beauty and serene surroundings are just perfect and add that extra glitz to this iconic Delhi landmark!!

For me, memories of this diplomatic park dates back to atleast 20 years, if not more!!.....not when I used to come here for school picnics or for morning walks with dad, but for times when I used to accompany my parents for classical music concerts. Being a kiddo, I could hardly relate to classical music then but was always a good listener. I am sure, it is only from that time onwards that I have developed this fascination for music & live concerts.

Over the years, it has almost been like a ritual for us to attend the 'Music in the park' concerts. We have been very lucky to catch the glimpses of the Crème de la crème of music fraternity. The Morning Ragas & Evening Ragas by the maestros and legends of Indian classical music have always enthralled us. Our list includes: Pt. Ravi Shankar, the legendary sitarist & India's most esteemed musical Ambassador, the very renowned Anushka Shankar; Santoor maestro Shivkumar Sharma and tabla maestro Zakir Husain; Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, whose name is synonymous to the 'Sarod'; Ayaan Ali khan & Amaan Ali Khan - the magical twosome who need no introduction; Shubha Mudgal - well known singer of Hindustani Classical music; Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Indian vocalist in the Hindustani Classical tradition; Dr. L. Subramaniam, acclaimed Violinst; Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, the internationally renowned exponent of the 'bansuri'; Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, the creator of the Mohan Veena; Ustad Bismillah Khan, the most outstanding and world-famous shehnai player, to name a few!!

The musical notes & ragas by these eminent personalities is as though still actively tingling in my mind. My only regret is that I have not been actively capturing the memories with my camera.....Better late than never!!

Music in the Park: awe-inspiring Shubha Mudgal; a superb performance by Dr L Subramanium; forever captivating Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.

We also attended the very emotional but mesmerising memorial for Pt Ravi Shankar. 

A Tribute to Pt. Ravi Shankar

My very enthusiastic self from East to West....

This year's Jazz Festival, organized by ICCR was truly a treat to the ears for music lovers. I attended the concluding day for the event that saw outstanding performances by India's Toshanbar, South Africa's The New South Africa jazz Collective and a spectacular show by my personal favourite - Louiz Banks. Banks, who is often referred as the 'Godfather of Indian Jazz', very aptly remarked his band's 'fusion' performance as 'Contemporary Indian Classical Music' form.....Yes absolutely ready to go global!! 

Jazzed up Delhi Evenings @ Nehru Park - Jazz Festival 2013

A Lively Performance by Toshanbar 

Magical 'Momentum' by Louiz Banks: Mohini, youngest base player; Phoenix Ramdas on Voilin; the very versatile vocalist - Sharmishta Chatterjee; Gino Banks on Drums

South Africa's The New South Africa jazz Collective 

It was indeed a a jazzy evening with these amazing artists!!

Look forward to many more :)

42 Hours of Classic Fun in London

What better way to end a 3-day hectic official trip with a weekend stay at a dear friend's place in London!! WoW!! Nachiketa Chandra (famously known as Nachi...The Dessert Queen, of CrazyOverDesserts fame), who is in London since a few months now was gracious enough to postpone her Europe trip for my short visit to her new abode. The preparations for my visit were high on Nachi's To-Do list for a long time. She wanted to pack all the fun in the 42 hours that I had in London before my return back home. Though this was my nth visit to London, but it surely was D.I.F.F.E.R.E.N.T and will be a memorable one for times to come :)

From hogging on delish desserts at Yauatcha, to authentic Italian dinner, to watching Shrek-The Musical & The Woman in Black - A Thriller, exploring Borough Market, hanging out in Covent Garden, visit to Le Cordon Bleu, a stopover at Laduree for Macroons, Hot Chocolate shopping at Whittard, & shopping for Chocolates at award-winning Paul A Young - we did all this & much more!! 

Needless to say, chatting & gossiping was unlimited.

The high point of it all was Alice in Wonderland themed Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea @ Hotel Sanderson. I had heard a lot about the British high-teas at fancy five-star hotels and the experience at Sanderson was unique. This Alice in Wonderland tea party was like entering a world full of fantasy with a style and class of its own. Set up in the beautiful courtyard garden of the hotel, the sounds of water in the background gave a peaceful n soothing touch to the ambience. With menus hidden inside vintage books, napkins wrapped with riddles, teapots adorned with kings and queens, hand painted crockery, a very musical sugar box...the inquisitiveness in me kept on increasing.  

What followed was an array of sweet & savoury treats in a a fascinating 3-tiered vintage cake-stand. The sweet & savoury scones with herb butter, jams & cream, sandwiches made with home-made bread, veg quiches, green tea and white chocolate mousse served in a chocolate tea cup, the melting mango cheese cake & the colourful real fruit jellies were all to die for!! 

Not to forget the passionfruit & coconut concoction - 'Drink-Me' in mini medicine bottles. 

Last but not the least, a selection of teas from unusual blends - Apple Pie, Chocolate Mint, Apple Cinnamon was superb.

This high tea party was truly a delight - an unusual culinary experience that keeps on getting curiouser. The magical atmosphere & set up not only adds that extra edge to the whole experience but wants you go back and explore more - with a feeling that perhaps there might be some more fun & fantasy that was missed!!

It would surely be once again on my list the next time I visit London - If my pocket allows!!

Cheers,

A Beginning...Finally!!

Pastel Potpurri.....Ahh!! Simply because I love this naturally fragrant dry flower assortment - the Potpurri n being a printer by profession, I thrive on the shades of CMYK......Pastel shades being my favourite. The primrose yellow-baby pink-soft greens-baby blue-lavender-turquoise combinations remind me of spring & the blooming flowers, the freshness & renewal!!

I am an avid traveller, a foodie, have interest in photography, love to chit-chat with friends, enjoy designing stationery for kids (though that is a professional commitment too), I listen to music-Indian Classical & Indian Instrumental, bollywood & few of my fav Western Numbers, interiors & design fascinate me. Ohh! I forgot to mention that I run away from the kitchen & cooking but eating out is a passion......my friends and family can vouch for my mantra, 'A Princess does not cook'. :) 

Blogging is a new experience. Pastel Potpurri, thus is my personal space of myriad hues......of memories & dreams; of confessions & secrets; of unfolding thoughts; a diary of events; a collection of my feelings, perspectives & interests.

I hope you enjoy reading my posts.