Shiv Sangal's Blog, page 8

So You Call For 'Dry Holi', Then You Should Definitely Read This.

I know, I should've uploaded the blogposts by yesterday but somehow I procrastinated. Exams aren't over till now. I've also got to prepare for that. So you see, why are my blogposts so short these days?Just because, I can't manage to write 1000 word blogposts currently. Not because of the tedium (the thing that interests you is never ever tedious), but the time.
Dry Holi or Wet Holi?My opinions are not binding on anyone but I think that playing with water is not that bad.Don't you wash your car with hose? Don't you water your plants with hose? Don't you visit any water amusement park? Haven't you ever been to any rain dance party? If yes, you're a big water waster. In front of this, do you still call the water used in Holi a wastage?
I suggest you to use water, but clean water. Don't mix harsh chemicals in the water. However, if the wish arises, you can mix organic water soluble colours in the water. Use pichkari more often, even people love to be drenched with it. Balloons can cause accidents.
My sister, Palak Sangal.
Holi is a spiritual festival. We can't imagine our life without colours; Holi makes us realise this.
Many people say that Holi is a disgusting festival, First of all you drench yourself with colours and then bathe to remove them. But actually, It is beneficial. 
In many countries, there are many therapies based on water and colour. You're getting them for free. Though I'm not an expert in this regard, you can checkout many other sites.
During holi, the season can make you feel sluggish. But playing holi can make you feel enthusiastic about life again. Isn't it great? How Was My Holi?This time, my holi was wonderful. I was deeply engrossed in the hullabaloo.
We started our day with glorious photoshoots. My middle sister has gifted me a tripod. Using it was fun. A few drops of rain arrived, which seemed as if God was also willing to play Holi with people.
I visited my paternal uncle's (Dad's cousin's family) who are also our neighbours. I also visited other neighbours with family. Still, I don't have pictures to share with you.
We also visited our maternal uncle's house, a selfie of where I'd like to share. There we played like savage beasts. Holi at granny's home.
How was your holi? Share with me in the comment below.And yes, Holi is my favourite festival.

How It Feels When You Turn 18? (Throwback to My Birthday)

Harsh and I have less pictures but more memories together. This picture is cute, isn't it?I'm sorry for posting about my birthday after so long. Actually my eighteenth birthday was on 19th January 2019, i.e, three months back. I didn't write anything about that because I had my practicals starting from 21st of January, so I had to prepare for that as well.The last time before this that I partied was ten years ago.Even when I didn't party, our maternal uncle's family would give us a visit. But this time he was unwell.Why I didn't party in the previous years?Just like, many classmates say, my parents might be strict, it's not the fact. In fact, more than myself; my parents are interested in getting me partying. But as I told, I'm not particularly interested.Three years back, on my fifteenth birthday, while I was going to school, mom and dad forcefully handed me a sum of two hundred rupees asking me to offer a treat to my friends. I was denying as I wasn't interested. Still I had to take. But that day too I didn't party, instead I gave it as a fee for my maths retest in which I scored bad. Dad was disappointed with this. Though I look a bit wild, still I love this click by my dad.This Year's PartyThis year, mom-dad were really clear about partying. They asked, I should party, for this is the last year in school. Harsh was also joking quite often that he wanted party.Finally, I considered these proposals and thought that I must.I invited Harsh and Akshit. Akshit was busy, so due to some reason he expressed his inability to come. Harsh had his coaching on my birthday which fell on saturday this time. So, finally 18th was decided the party date.Well, isn't it flabbergasting to hear of a party with just one visitor? Well, it is interesting as well.If you ask me, why I didn't call anyone else; then my straightforward reply is that when you call someone, you're also obliged to visit him/her when the chance comes.Though, I'm not shy, I usually befriend with only those, I develop connections with and whose vibes I find amicable. I guess both of them are that.Harsh is a good boy with a sanskari touch. I love his jokes as well.We didn't click many pictures but all those we clicked are beautiful. I've edited them as well. The decor of our home is looking nice. :-p
He's looking good in this picture.You can follow me on instagram @shiv_sangal  and Harsh @s_harsh_panwar

Throwback To Mom-Dad's 25th Anniversary

So, three days back was mom-dad's 26th anniversary. Last year we celebrated their 25th anniversary. I couldn't share it then because I had my economics exam the very next day.It was a good function however.Since, there are around 1000 pictures, the team of photographers clicked for us, I'm showing you only a few of them as it's not possible to post all.We organised the anniversary party at Silver Leaf which is in Muzaffarnagar itself. It has a good decor and can hold at most 500 guests. ( Don't assume this to be sponsored).Enjoy these pictures. Doesn't it seem as if I'm in a sort of fairyland.
Oh yes! I can dance. The song was...I remember..."Boyfriend Bana Le". Before this, I danced on the teacher's day function after which I was heavily trolled. :-P
I'm too bold for them to be pulled easily.
The best picture.
Our Family.
Mom-Dad posing together.
That Disconcerting Incident At The Party.Well, These pictures are great, aren't they? Do you know who clicked them? The Photographer, should be the obvious answer. But do you know, who the photographer was?That's not important for you to know, right?That wouldn't have been important for me too right away; hadn't I remembered that he was following me on instagram.Meeting your unknown instagram followers in real life can be quite awesome, right?But I was a fantod at that moment with a strange gut feeling and a state of conflicting emotions. Still, I suppressed them. Finally, when the party was over, I thanked him for his good job.My family laughed heartily when I told them."Shiv is getting quite popular.", "Wherever we go, shiv's followers accompany." were the statements used to troll me till subsequent days.What Happened After The Anniversary?The next day, during our economics exam, I had a terrible diarrhea and I had to go to the washroom. If you might have known, how bad it feels to use un-maintained Indian toilets.

This Is What Our Farewell Was Like.

This is going to be an extremely small post, because what I'm uploading can't be expressed in words. It's just picture based. A picture is worth a thousand words. Pictures can be seen and felt.Day before yesterday was our school farewell. I'll be passing out of twelfth soon. This school holds a lot of memories with me. I don't have many professionally clicked pictures. All the pictures are clicked using my smartphone. This is the stage with which I've been able to overcome my stage fright.
She's the one who helped me overcome my stage fright. Our School.
Oh! I feel as if I'm a child again. Posing a bit is not that bad. Ain't it? My dearie, Akshit.
The small hall where we used to assemble as little children for prayers.

The school library I'll be nostalgic about.

Teachers.
My friends Harsh and Akshit. Harsh is the person whom I've lectured, taunted and insulted the most; sometimes in love while sometimes in fun. But this thick skinned personality tolerated me with patience and grace. Akshit cooperated with me throughout the 11th and 12th. He is a nice person to talk with. Both have their own jokes. I guess they're the only two of school I joke with.
Paras is the second most decent and polite student of the class. First being me. But he helped me  a lot in academics which I really appreciate.
Shiv Jindal, one more of my friends. We always talk crap, starting from us yelling each other about hairstyles yada yada yada. 
The sweetest teacher of the school.




Our school librarian ma'am. She motivated me to read more books by telling me about names of more titles.

9 Ways To Click Good Pictures, Even When You Don't Travel

I got this picture clicked in Hanumaddham, Shukratal.A few weeks ago, one of my friends messaged me for getting to know of some locations for good photography. At that time, I told him of some locations. This conversation was just an opening statement for my mind to venture into the prospects for the places for good photographs. Photography is an artistic hobby. Even when we're good photographers or not; getting a good picture clicked illuminates our mood.But not everyone has time or money to travel. So today I'm sharing nine tips for clicking good pictures even when you aren't travelling.9 Ways To Click Good Pictures, Even When You Don't Travel1. Look At Your Ideal CompositionTo click a good picture, you must have that picture in mind. Your pose, scene etc.Start looking at your role models on Instagram and save them in a collection. Pinterest can also get quite handy in this regard. I used it to get good pictures clicked in the desert. I clicked this picture in Gandhi Colony.2. Not Every Pose Suits YouEveryone of us have a different body shape and size. Characteristics matter from person to person. This means that a pose made by your friend would not necessarily suit you.Still you must try it and you must be prepared to accept your failures. 3. Search The Famous Places Of Your City.There might be many places in your city, which might act as great locations for your photoshoots.It needs not be any big tourist place. Even debris can act good.Last year, three of my classmates found some medieval age debris of any building near the highway. They got superb pictures clicked there. They attracted the attention of whole of the class but never revealed the true location.Many a times, there are places which because fall in our areas are undermined because of our prejudices. Go and Seek them.In my city, Vahelna and Shukratal are quite famous.
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4. That Ignored Corner Of Your House.Yes, your house is a great location for photoshoots, even if you don't believe it. The biggest benefit of clicking in your house is that you can spread your crap (Uh! I mean your photography props! :-) ) anywhere. You can pose like idiots and there's no one gazing at you madly. You've a right, you're free. For those who're introverts and feel shy posing in front of strangers, getting pictures at home is the best  alternative. Clicked this squirrel on my terrace.5. Busy Markets  Getting good pictures clicked in the markets also have a magical effect. You might be wondering, how do we get clicked in crowd? But every market has it's beauty. 6. Get Out On Streets.Bored of your home? Market? Get out on streets. Yes, it's a good option. Street style is a tending niche these days. Every street has its own view and you can enjoy it.
7. Restaurants Many restaurants maintain an amazing decor these days. If get good pictures clicked there, it will also cheer the proprietors' days. I got this picture clicked in a restaurant in Roorkee.8. Your Vehicle.You can use your vehicle as a good prop for your picture. It's at least better than simply posing sitting straight and smiling like a monkey. 9. Your Dressing SenseWith dressing sense, I don't mean that you dress too abnormally ( Torn Clothes, overshiny clothes etc.). I simply mean that it's okay to wear sober but at least look at the colour combinations. That'll matter the most. If you've got some more time, feel free to share your views in comments.

Places To Visit In And Around Pilani

#shivinrajasthan PILANII recently got an opportunity to visit Pilani with my family. It’s the place where my dad received his primary and secondary education. Most of the tourist places in Pilani belong to Birlas. I really appreciate that. Pilani is situated on the border of Haryana and Rajasthan. It has a sandy soil as it is a dry region with less water. But some farmers here are smart enough to use sprinkler irrigation. The belt starting from our Uttar Pradesh and extending through Haryana and Punjab to Rajasthan is well known for the mustard. Also the carrots of Rajasthan grow to a long size, don’t know why. As we were travelling through the car, we found that People living in adjoining areas of Pilani which itself is a part of Jhunjnu district, use Camels for ploughing their fields. Many people graze sheep and buffaloes for living. We read it in history of class 9th right, grazers and herders communities who roam in grasslands.ALSISAR Alsisar MahalThe greenery was fluctuating. We had to go to Alsisar to see the palace. The reception of the hotel told us that we would also get to see the desert. Hosanna! Mandrella and Malsisar fell in the way. The roads were narrow and I found that they were unleveled too. As a consequence, the car itself was facing ups and downs. The women had veiled faces. I saw that Rajasthanis maintained the system of old water tanks to supply. Amazing!I also saw langurs occasionally . Alsisar MahalFinally we reached Alsisar, which we realized was once the capital of a princely state. There were many havelis. The entry to Alsisar Mahal for which we had gone there was closed. The gatekeeper told that they only entertained online registrations.  We clicked a few pictures and had to return.This incident didn’t dishearten me, because, We mustn’t let the excitement inside us die or else we’ll grow old and die. In the way, we got some pictures in a desert. 
Yeah! It's the desert of Rajasthan. Desert Vegetation
Basically, three types of trees are found, Teent, Kikar and Beri. BITSIn Pilani, we visited BITS Campus. Now you must ask, a college campus? Yes, but it is a tourist place itself. Inside it, you can visit Saraswati Temple, which is straight in front of BITS main building. It’s a beautiful white temple and a beautiful destination for photogenic people. Saraswati Mandir in BITS Pilani CampusNext we visited Shiv Ganga, which was not open then, so I’m not going to post its pictures. But yes, we visited Shiv Ganga Market near it , also known as Connaught Market. There I saw a differently styled Auto. A beautiful auto at Shiv Ganga Market The market is a beautiful arched building. But I suggest you to not to expect anything significant from the commodities the shops offer. Shiv Ganga MarketNear Shiv Ganga Market, there is a garden where we found Peacocks. The pictures are not worthy of uploading as birds are quite swift in nature. Posing with the arches.We visited Dad’s hostel, which made him feel nostalgic about his school days. Dad's Hostel at Birla Senior Secondary school. Mess at Birla Senior Secondary school.Near Pilani, there is a village Chidawa which is famous for its pedas. It’s nearly 15 km from Pilani. But don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you to visit Chidawa, you can find many Halwais selling it in Pilani only. a halwai's shop selling chidawa pede. Chidawa Pede.Returning back to the hotel, I played a lot with the car and got photos with it.  It felt as if I was a child again. Posing atop the car For the first time in my life I saw wood peckers. But before I took a picture they flew away. Outside our hotel, there was a pond which was too polluted. There I found some big black birds which were too beautiful.HARYANAThe next morning we returned back. We stopped at morning in Rohtak at a Dhaba for breakfast, they gave us a large sized aloo parantha , but it was tasty. In Uttar Pradesh , Haryana and Rajasthan there is a craze in the minds of rurals for Hukkah. I saw it in many Dhabas. Cot at a DhabaNext we stopped at Gohana, which is famous for its Jalebas. Jalebas are big jalebis each of which weighs 250gm. It was invented by Maturam Gupta in 1958. From that time, Jaleba has gained even international fame. Every halwai in Gohana makes Jaleba and honours himself as a disciple of Maturam. Jaleba in Gohana.I tasted it. It was like a lava of flavoured sugar syrup flowing into the mouth. Gohana and Rohtak are well known for their Marigold farming. In Uttar Pradesh and Haryana you’ll come across many ponds on the outskirts of every village. In Rajasthan they are replaced with big lakes and baolis. Have you ever visited Pilani? If yes, comment your experience below.

7 Self Nurturing Products From Sidhbali Cosmetics You must try.

I recently started collaborating with many brands. The purpose of my collaboration is not to earn but to unleash those brands and their products which have quality but aren't able to reach the wide subjects. My aim is to provide them with an audience.
So, one of the brands which I found worth reviewing is - Sidhbali Cosmetics.
This is a part of Sidhbali Formulations, a reputed pharmaceutical firm which has established a commendable goodwill in the market since 12 years.
I even ran a giveaway on Instagram of Sidhbali's products ( You see! how well I love them). Though it is now over, still you can have a look by clicking here.
7 Self Nurturing Products From Sidhbali Cosmetics You Must TrySo, here I'm sharing 7 Nurturing Products from Sidhbali Cosmetics you must try. Look serially through the picture. All the products mentioned serially- 1. Sanginee Sunscreen; 2. Cleanax soap; 3. Hands Plus Handwash; 4.Fascia Anti Aging Cream ; 5 Sanginee Almond Hair Oil; 6. Face Plus Facewash; 7.Solaris Lavendar Talc.1. Sanginee SunscreenYou think that summers are over, tanning is over. No, tanning is probable even in winters.
Opt for Sanginee Sunscreen which comes with SPF 30.
It is purely natural and eco-friendly.
It comes in 100 ml pack.
MRP- ₹116.
2. Cleanax Neem And Aloe SoapThis is a wonderful soap which is made of Neem and Aloe Vera Extracts.It has two variants-One is for summers, other is for Winter dryness.It cleanses oily skin and controls acne. It is paraben and triclosan free.It comes in 100 gm pack.MRP- ₹513. Hands Plus HandwashIt is a handwash with a smooth texture composed of neem extract. Using it can also  remove the dryness from your skin.This is the product which I like the most from this collection. It comes in 250 ml pack.Hands Plus Neem HandwashYou can buy it on Flipkart.
Hands Plus Aloe Vera Handwash.It comes in the same pack as that of neem handwash and has the same price. Only the flavours and colours differ. This is also available on Flipkart. Hands Plus Mini Neem HandwashIt comes in 50 ml pack. MRP-₹10Hands Plus Pearly Handwash.This is a deluxe product from the range of handwashes. It is scented and has a pearly white colour. It also has a creamy texture. It also comes in 250 ml pack.MRP-₹65.
Hands Plus Pearly Handwash
Cleanax Hand SanitizerYou don't need a soap or handwash every time , sometimes a drop of hand sanitizer is sufficient.Buy, Hands Plus Hand Sanitizer which comes in 250 ml pack.MRP- ₹120.
Cleanax Hand Sanitizer
4. Fascia Anti Aging Cream.Fine lines on the face is nowadays everyone's problem; even teens, the reason being sedentary lifestyle and growing stress. You can try Sidhbali Cosmetics' Fascia Anti Aging Cream for removing those aging marks from your skin permanently. It comes in a small cylindrical container which can be quite handy and can fit very well in your pocket.
Available on Flipkart.
MRP-₹ 195 5. Sanginee Almond Hair Oil.This is a soothing hair oil with the maximum concentration of Almond Oil mixed with 11 other oils. It promotes Hair growth and nourishes the scalp.Available on Flipkart.MRP-₹51
6. Face Plus Face Wash.This face wash cleanses your skin and removes all the dirt and toxins. It is specialized in treating acne. It comes in 320 g pack. MRP-₹51Available on Flipkart7. Solaris Lavender Talc.Putting this talc is a relieving experience. Talc is useful not only in protecting from heat, but from itching and diseases related to personal hygiene as well.MRP-₹57How To Reach?You can buy some of these products on flipkart. Rest you can buy from it's physical store- Shivalaya, Dwarkapuri, Main Road , Muzaffarnagar, 251002. MOB- 9412423170. This Number also operates on Whatsapp, text us to get inside our premium group.Sidhbali Cosmetics is also on Instagram 

You Must Know About This Less Known Cultural Gem Of Muzaffarnagar (India)

This is basically a throwback post as I visited The Shri Digambar Jain Mandir Atishay Kshetra  in Vahelna in 2014. But, since I live in Muzaffarnagar, I felt obliged to share a tourist destination of my hometown with you.All these pictures are clicked and edited by me.
Vahelna is a small village of Muzaffarnagar which is very well connected to NH58. This place is less known so you'll find less crowd except on sundays.
You can visit many places like
Let me take you on it's tour.
Vahelna Jain MandirThis is the main attraction of Vahelna. In it's campus you'll find a beautiful statue of Lord Parshavnath inside the temple. Also you'll find a 31 feet tall statue of him there. Many paintings and sculptures are made depicting the scriptural tales. 31 feet long statue of Lord Parshavnath.Here you can go for a small boat ride in a small boat with your family. If not, you can sit on the beautiful benches and enjoy the scenery. Two duck shaped motor boats at the pond in Vahelna.

Benches Near the pond. There is a small garden called 'Tirthankar Vatika' where you'll find 24 trees representing 24 Tirthankars of  Jainism.
Gardens of Vahelna jain mandir.Hindu TempleYou can also visit the hindu temple. All the jain temple, a mosque and the hindu temple share a common wall.  Vahelna Hindu Temple.Though you might not find it as glamorous as the jain temple, it's still beautiful. A school is also opened nearby.Ruins Of A CastleHere you can also find the ruins of an old Castle. It's not a tourist spot as it is illegally occupied by some people but you can stand in front and it will act as your photo point. Ruins of a castle in vahelna.Note-The best time to visit Vahelna is either October or March.A grand fair is organised every year on 2nd of October. There you can buy many pomelos(chakotra) as well as star fruits(kamrak).On the same day, matrimonial matchmaking festival occurs.

Exploring The Magnificient Kotdwar

On the day of Goverdhan, the next day of Diwali, Dad gave me two options, either we could go to the Gaushala to see the effigy of Goverdhan made of dung or go to Sidhbali in Kotdwar. I chose the latter.Sidhbali Mandir is a beautiful temple of Lord Hanuman set atop a hill covered with dense forests on the bank of Solani river.There are a number of other places to visit in Kotdwar itself. Let me share with you some pictures of the destination as well as the way. Sidhbali Hanuman Ji
A cart at a railway crossing in Bijnor. Langurs in Sidhbali Temple. A woman lifting a puppy on the gate of Sidhbali Temple. A side of Sidhbali Mandir. Another side of Sidhbali Mandir. The market outside the Sidhbali Mandir.

A narrow passage showing the way to the temple.Durga Devi MandirAnother beautiful place of Kotdwar is Durga devi Mandir. It's a small cave temple on the banks of Solani river. You can see some beautiful wall paintings in the temple too.This temple is a less known place so you'll see less tourists, but the experience would be awesome. The solani river is in the form of a waterfall here. Akhand Jyoti in Durga Devi Mandir.
The locality around Durga Devi Mandir. Solani River.KanvashramThis is also an off the beat tourist site. Here Dushyant met Shakuntala. This place is so popular among the localites that the entire village has been named as Kanvashram. Here you can also see a Shiv Temple.
A beautiful Hut in Kanvashram Village.

The World Around Me During Diwali

The biggest festival of North India 'Diwali' is over now. This is the festival, for which even people of other countries visit to document.
So I'm showing you some pictures which I clicked this diwali.

Diwali at our home was really beautiful.
Clicks Of Flowers.






Diwali is a season for every businessman; of every category. This can be understood from the crowd of the markets as well as from the stock that the shopkeepers have. Moreover even small hawkers and shopkeepers dress so beautiful.
For Puja purpose mom asked me to bring some flowers as well as betel leaves (paan patta). The florist woman told me that it costed twenty rupees. By mistake I handed her fifty, she returned me back honestly.
The Paan walah told me that betel leaves are manufactured in just one city of India,i.e, Maharajpur of Madhya Pradesh. It is even exported to Pakistan.
Returning home I searched about the town on internet filled with utter curiosity.
Craic Of Diwali Anaar Bomb in Neighbourhood.
Posing with the lights in neighbourhood. (badi diwali)
Posing with diya on chhoti diwali.
Lights in Muzaffarnagar
Making Rangoli
I used the glass painting I made as rangoli. I've named it 'Aura'.
Puja
What I Like The Most About Diwali?During Diwali, people exchange gifts by going from home to home. Noone these days has time to visit each other. But during these days, lovely exchange of ideas takes place. When we look at different types of gifts we stay updated with latest trends.How did you celebrate your diwali? Share with me.