Top 32 Business Ideas to Survive Lock Down and Self-Empowerment!!

 

COVID 19, one of the deadliest viruses has incurred unforgettable losses to families, as well as immense slowdown and stagnation to economies worldwide. Till now, more than 18 lakh Indians have lost their jobs during COVID-19. Unfortunately, Coronavirus is here to stay for a while, so do not let this virus stop you from doing what best can be done during these testing times. Do not lose hope and don’t let this virus weaken you. Lockdown is a temporary measure taken by Government of various nations to slow down the spread of virus and to take appropriate steps to combat Corona in India.

Looking at the current scenario of despair and joblessness, one must look at the brighter side and figure out opportunities that the lockdown has given rise to.

Generation of funds is extremely crucial as it not only affects us an individual, but it has a significant impact on our city, economy, country, and even the whole world.

A few imperative options that we can consider and the scope of ideas that we can optimally use, for personal, social, and economic growth is as follows:

The first thing to take into consideration is the Demand in the market. Due to the lockdown, not everything is required, and we must keep the luxuries and comforts aside. Providing necessities and the high demand for them is a major contributor to the market and will generate new business ideas.

New ideas on education, banking, agriculture, furniture, fashion, gifts, weddings, food, taxation, finance, and manufacturing are things that cannot be ignored and are always on the run. The continuity in the above mentioned generates new opportunities for business.

Technology and online work options are trending, and one must keep himself updated with the following options to use them for their upcoming venture. Now is not the time to be physically involved in professions, jobs, or businesses. Instead, we must consider technology as one of the most critical aspects of generating job and business opportunities:

1. Selling Healthcare Products

With the emergence of lockdown, homemade or small scale mask making and hand sanitizer production have increased drastically to meet the surge in demand of a variety of face masks and hand sanitizers. Several entrepreneurs, small business owners, self-employed professionals, SMEs and MSMEs have opted to start face mask manufacturing and hand sanitizer business, shutting down their already existing businesses during lockdown. To sell their products; business owners or manufacturers can directly contact local shops, retailers and wholesalers to sell it further to local customers.

2. Doorstep Delivery Business

In future years, online delivery business will be at boom and customers will prefer buying products online, rather than visiting grocery stores, malls and shopping complexes where there will be more possibility of getting infected. Doorstep delivery is the best alternative business during the lockdown period, in which various types of delivery services can be initiated, such as essential items delivery, grocery delivery, pharmaceuticals delivery and alcohol delivery. Respective licenses shall be required to be obtained from concerned authority to start a specific delivery business.

3. Food Delivery or Tiffin Service

Recently, the Indian Central Government granted permission to restaurants and food outlets to sell food via online platforms and deliver it with the help of delivery vendors. You can also start a new business by starting a kitchen of popular or desired cuisine that is in demand in your area. The initial investment required is minimal that requires purchase of raw materials with skilled and professional staff, including chef, helper, etc.

4. Online Tuition Classes

Students are struggling to reach schools and colleges amid COVID19 outbreak, their education is getting hampered with the passing of time. To make the most of this situation; professionals with knowledge, skills and expertise in any specific field or subject can start online tuition or coaching classes for students. You just need to have a laptop, an internet connection and smartphone to start with online tuition classes.

5. Becoming a YouTuber

People have started earning a decent amount from online social media platforms, among those YouTube is considered as the most lucrative and popular. Yes, becoming a YouTuber is trending, if you are really passionate and possess a unique style or aura to make as many followers or subscribers of your channel. This idea of becoming a YouTuber can churn you as a regular source of income. Earnings from YouTube is based on only one funda that is more the subscribers, more is the earning.

6. Paintings or Art work

Artists have ample amount of time to showcase their talent by their paintings or any specific art form. Artists are well-equipped with the material required and just have to present a virtual exhibition online to sell your art work and further deliver it at the customer’s address. If artists have sufficient space to display their paintings, they can launch an event and exhibit their talent.

7. Homemade clothes

If you are able to stitch clothes using sewing machine and you have a basic understanding about fashion, then this business can work for you. Wake up your inner fashion designer and start making clothes from home.

8. Wooden Toys

If you use wood and have carpentry skills, then your talent can be put to good use for making wooden toys for children.

9. Handbags

The fashion of handbags can never go away. You can experiment with different materials and designs. You can also make stylish and decorative handbags, which are always in demand.

10. Hair decoration accessories

There is also a huge demand for hair accessories. You can easily make hairbands, hairpins, clips, snug pins at home. Then they can be sold online or at any craft fair, etc.

11. Greeting Card

Greeting cards made at home and by hand are always in demand. All you need to make them is paper, pen, stamp, envelopes and some creative words.

12. T-shirts with logo

T-shirts bearing logos are always in demand among the youth. It has a good market value and is sold between Rs 250-500. If you have learned to make it then this business is quite easy. It also has good benefits.

13. Scented Candles

Who does not like a beautiful, fragrant candle. It is not difficult to make them at home. After mastering the candle making craft, start selling your creations online.

14. Gift Basket

Make beautiful gift baskets at home. They are in great demand during every festival, wedding and special occasion. It is also quite easy to make them at home.

15. Pillows

Decorative and hand-made pillows are extremely attractive. Just buy some stylish clothes, cotton and start sewing pillows.

16. Painting and Drawing

If you are a talented painter, you can sell your masterpieces for decoration. These artifacts can be printed and sold by making many copies. The underlined pictures are also in great demand.

17. Become a Business Consultant

Most of the businesses these days operate from remote and as a business consultant, you would need expert guidance for handling digital processes related to managing a business. Make use of these tools for providing expert assistance over how to conduct successful marketing campaigns, etc. and see your business thrive.

18. Take Up Digital Marketing Projects

Offline events and other traditional marketing practices have taken the back seat. You can help businesses reach out to their target customers through online channels and earn money. If you build a decent client base now, you can start with your own digital marketing setup post the lockdown.

19. Start with Freelancing Projects

There is a huge demand for freelancing tasks related to translation, content writing, graphic designing, etc. Join websites like Upwork and Freelancer to get freelancing projects as per your expertise. Build a good reputation with clients today, and you can continue with this small business idea in the future also.

20. Start Your Own Blog Page

If you love to express your ideas through words and know how SERP works, it’s time to start your own blog page. A blog page is a good revenue source, as you can earn through affiliated ads and sponsored posts.

21. Website Development

People are starting their own website, getting into new home-based businesses, making their own blog pages, and a lot more at the time of lockdown. If you are into website development, you can easily take up freelancing projects and help other businesses flourish.

22. Join a Referral Program

Many companies have their own referral programs, which you can join for free. Their business model is such that you earn some amount of commission on every lead you share or product you sell. This is a great earning source for those who have strong networking skills.

23. Sewing & Alteration Help

Whether people shop a lot or restrain themselves from going out, they will always need someone to hem their favourite trousers or to mend the button of a shirt. If you are good at sewing, you can start by offering these simple tailoring services to people in your locality and take your small business idea to another level.

24. Fitness Trainer

While some people are interested in doing Yoga, others need to burn their belly fat and get toned muscles. However, most of them don’t have time to go to the gym daily. You can help them continue with their fitness regime from anywhere, anytime as an online fitness trainer. To attract new customers for this small business idea, you can provide the fitness package for the entire family to build a strong clientele.

25. Career Counsellor

In the time of uncertainty, children often look for an expert advice. This is the time when students are preparing for different entrance exams. As a career counsellor, you can guide them online with the best courses and career options depending upon the subjects they have chosen.

26. Resume Writer

People are looking for new jobs and better opportunities to uplift their economic condition. And, you can lend them professional help as a resume writer. Help your clients make the first impression right with a convincing resume that speaks louder for their skills and expertise.

27. House Cleaning Service

With limited house helps, people are now opting for professional house cleaners. This is an opportunity for you to start a house cleaning business online. This small business idea will never fail, as hygiene and cleanliness matter to all.

28. Online Fashion Boutique

If you are good at designing garments, you can start with your own online fashion boutique. You just need to get your hands at some of the best fashion designing software for beginners to brush up your creativity. And what next, you can make money out of this amazing small business idea!

29. Home-Run Bakery

Birthday cakes, match-maker muffins, ice-breaker cookies and pies for late-night cravings will always be in demand. So, why not start a home-run bakery and serve all sweet-toothed people in your vicinity. As your business grows, you can also integrate with Swiggy and Zomato to take more online orders.

30. Print-On-Demand Business

Quirky posters, cards, T-shirts and wallpapers attract everyone’s attention. You can start selling print-on-demand accessories, such as, coffee mugs, cushions, table lamps, etc. This is one of the best small business ideas to earn a decent income consistently.

31. Start a Non-Profit Organization

Whether you want to do something for street dogs, homeless kids, unemployed adults, marginalized women or lonely senior citizens, it’s the right time to start a non-profit organization or a charity group. This is one of the most satisfying small business ideas, which will help grow both as an entrepreneur and an individual.

32. Interior Designing

People are now spending more time at home and have many ideas to renovate their existing space. You can help in turning their ordinary pad into a snuggly nest as an interior designer. Some might also want to change their traditional kitchen into a modular kitchen or have their own office space at home. If you have ideas, just go for this business!

Conclusion

You can also look for things that are readily available and can be used as per the demand in this time of crisis. Even the smallest of objects can make a big difference in healing the global economy during these hard times. Stay optimistic, don’t lose hope, be aware and have a lot of patience to fight this pandemic. Everyone is combating this deadly virus and the whole world is working together to eradicate COVID19. Treat lockdown as a period of invention, learning and knowledge that shall nurture a bright future for mankind.

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16 Powerful Dohe by Kabir Which Still Stands True In Real Life !!

“Aisee Vani Boliye, Mun Ka Aapa Khoye Apna Tan Sheetal Kare, Auran Ko Sukh Hoye”

Aisee Vani Boliye, Mun Ka Aapa Khoye Apna Tan Sheetal Kare, Auran Ko Sukh Hoye Translation Speak such words, you lose the minds Ego Body remains composed, Others Find Peace Meaning In speech use such words that your ego is eliminated. Don't brag, don't gloat, don't make yourself out to be big, important, rich or anything else that the ego attaches to. Building the Ego takes energy from the body, takes away the bodies composure. If ego is lost in ones speech, the listener finds peace from listening to it.

“Bura Jo Dekhan Main Chala, Bura Naa Milya Koye Jo Munn Khoja Apnaa, To Mujhse Bura Naa Koye”

Bura Jo Dekhan Main Chala, Bura Naa Milya Koye Jo Munn Khoja Apnaa, To Mujhse Bura Naa Koye Translation I went on the search for the Bad Guy, Bad Guy I couldn't find When I searched my mind, Non one is Nastier then Me Meaning This Doha is about observing ones own mind. Kabir says that he searched the world for the bad guy, the real evil person but he couldn't find the evil person no matter where he looked. Then he looked within at his own thinking process, his own mind. The he found the real evil person who lived in his mind, unchecked. When we accuse, condemn another, it is our mind that is doing the finger pointing, the other person is probably innocent or the victim of his circumstances. Were we to inhabit the condemned persons body, live his life, have his conditioning, then we too would behave and act the same.

“Chalti Chakki Dekh Kar, Diya Kabira Roye Do Paatan Ke Beech Mein,Sabit Bacha Na Koye”

Chalti Chakki Dekh Kar, Diya Kabira Roye Do Paatan Ke Beech Mein,Sabit Bacha Na Koye Translation Watching the grinding stones, the Light Kabir Cries Inside the Two Stones, no one survives Meaning: Kabir sees the grinding stones as the duality that we live in. Heaven and earth, Good and Bad, Male and Female, High and Low - all around is duality. This play of opposites, this Chalti Chakki (moving mill) gets everyone, no one is save from in it's powerful grip. Whoever enters this duality is crushed. No one survives. Kabir cries because rarely, if ever, does one see the oneness, the divinity, behind the duality.

“Kaal Kare So Aaj Kar, Aaj Kare So Ub Pal Mein Pralaya Hoyegi, Bahuri Karoge Kub”

Kaal Kare So Aaj Kar, Aaj Kare So Ub Pal Mein Pralaya Hoyegi, Bahuri Karoge Kub Translation Tomorrows work do today, today's work now If the moment is lost, how will the work be done? Meaning Do the work that needs to be done now. There is no other time then now.

“Dheere Dheere Re Mana, Dheere Sub Kutch Hoye Mali Seenche So Ghara, Ritu Aaye Phal Hoye”

Dheere Dheere Re Mana, Dheere Sub Kutch Hoye Mali Seenche So Ghara, Ritu Aaye Phal Hoye Translation Slowly slowly stay my mind, Slowly everything happens Gardner may water garden a hundred times, When the Season comes, there is fruit Meaning Kabir tells his mind to slow down, everything in life happens slowly, in its own time. The fruit only comes when the season comes, so will the fruit of life come in its own time.

“Sayeen Itna Deejiye, Ja Mein Kutumb Samaye Main Bhi Bhookha Na Rahun, Sadhu Na Bhookha Jaye”

Sayeen Itna Deejiye, Ja Mein Kutumb Samaye Main Bhi Bhookha Na Rahun, Sadhu Na Bhookha Jaye Translation God, give me so, so much wealth, that my community is fed I don't remain hungry, the Sadhu does not go hungry Meaning Kabir asks God for wealth, abundance. He asks that his community is fed, he does not starve and the visiting Sadhu (holy man) does not go hungry. He does not ask for a mansion, a mercedes or millions in a swiss bank account!

“Bada Hua To Kya Hua, Jaise Ped Khajoor Panthi Ko Chaya Nahin, Phal Laage Atidoor”

Bada Hua To Kya Hua, Jaise Ped Khajoor Panthi Ko Chaya Nahin, Phal Laage Atidoor Translation If You are Big so what? Just like a date tree No shade for travelers, fruit is hard to reach Meaning Being bid, important, poweful, wealthy is of no consequnce - Kabir likens this to a date tree that does not give shade to the traveller and its fruit is out reach.

“Jaise Til Mein Tel Hai, Jyon Chakmak Mein Aag Tera Sayeen Tujh Mein Hai, Tu Jaag Sake To Jaag”

Jaise Til Mein Tel Hai, Jyon Chakmak Mein Aag Tera Sayeen Tujh Mein Hai, Tu Jaag Sake To Jaag Translation Like the Oil is inside the Seed, Just as the Fire is Inside the Flint Stone Your God is Inside You, If you have the Power to Wake Up, then Wake Up Meaning God is within, like the oil in the seed - wake up if you have the power to.

“Mangan Maran Saman Hai, Mat Koi Mange Beekh Mangan Se Marna Bhala, Yeh Satguru Ki Seekh”

Mangan Maran Saman Hai, Mat Koi Mange Beekh Mangan Se Marna Bhala, Yeh Satguru Ki Seekh Translation Begging is like dying, Let no one Beg It is better to die than beg, this is the SatGuru's Message Meaning Don't beg - give that you may receive. Give time, give some service, give friendship, give love - don't beg.

“Maya Mari Na Mun Mara, Mar Mar Gaye Shareer Asha Trishna Na Mari, Keh Gaye Das Kabir”

Maya Mari Na Mun Mara, Mar Mar Gaye Shareer Asha Trishna Na Mari, Keh Gaye Das Kabir Translation Neither Maya Died, Nor the Mind Died, Die and die again People/Bodies Hope and delusion have not died, so said Das Kabir and left Meaning One of Kabir most meaningful doha's for me. Kabir observes the world from within, and sees the world as Maya - illusion. It is projected by Mun, the mind, the collective mind. Shareer refers to the living body or living person. Shareer's die and die again. There is hope that this will end, that the Shareer will wake up and then Maya and Mun will die.

“Kabira Khara Bazaar Mein, Mange Sabki Khair Na Kahu Se Dosti, Na Kahu Se Bair”

Kabira Khara Bazaar Mein, Mange Sabki Khair Na Kahu Se Dosti, Na Kahu Se Bair Translation Kabira Stands in the market place, Asks for everyones prosperity Neither special friendship nor enmity for anyone Meaning In the market place, Kabor wishes goodwill to all.

“Kabir Man Nirmal Bhaya, Jaise Ganga Neer Pache Pache Har Phire, Kahat Kabir Kabir”

Kabir Man Nirmal Bhaya, Jaise Ganga Neer Pache Pache Har Phire, Kahat Kabir Kabir Translation Kabir Washed His Mind Clean, Like The Holy Ganges River Everyone follows behind, Saying Kabir, Kabir Meaning Kabir cleaned his own mind - for more on cleaning your mind see Mind-Detox Everyone now follows Kabir.

“Pothi Padh Padh Kar Jag Mua, Pandit Bhayo Na Koye Dhai Aakhar Prem Ke, Jo Padhe so Pandit Hoye”

Pothi Padh Padh Kar Jag Mua, Pandit Bhayo Na Koye Dhai Aakhar Prem Ke, Jo Padhe so Pandit Hoye Translation Reading Books and Scriptures everyone died, No one became Pandit Two and Half Words of Love, Who ever reads, Pandit he becomes Meaning Forget about book learning, no mater how many books you read, you won't become wise, you won't became the Pundit. A few words of love and you'll become Pundit. Try it.

“Dukh Mein Simran Sab Kare, Sukh Mein Kare Na Koye Jo Sukh Mein Simran Kare, Tau Dukh Kahe Ko Hoye”

Dukh Mein Simran Sab Kare, Sukh Mein Kare Na Koye Jo Sukh Mein Simran Kare, Tau Dukh Kahe Ko Hoye Translation While Suffering everyone Prays and Remembers Him, in joy no one does If one prays and remembers Him in happiness, why would sorrow come? Meaning The suffering you experience in the world is designed to wake you up. You wake up when you realize God. If you did that during your happy times, then you will not experience suffering.

“Gur Dhobi Sikh Kapda, Saboo Sirjan Har Surti Sila Pur Dhoiye, Nikse Jyoti Apaar”

Gur Dhobi Sikh Kapda, Saboo Sirjan Har Surti Sila Pur Dhoiye, Nikse Jyoti Apaar Translation Guru is the wash man, Sikh is the cloth , God the soap Wash the mind thoroughly clean, Out Comes The Glow of Truth Meaning Life is process of cleansing - hence this site, which is about Mind and Body Cleansing.

“Jeevat Samjhe Jeevat Bujhe, Jeevat He Karo Aas Jeevat Karam Ki Fansi Na Kaati, Mue Mukti Ki Aas”

Jeevat Samjhe Jeevat Bujhe, Jeevat He Karo Aas Jeevat Karam Ki Fansi Na Kaati, Mue Mukti Ki Aas Translation Alive one sees, alive one knows, find your liberation while alive If Alive you do not cut the noose of your attachments , how will there be liberation with death? Meaning You need to wake up while you are alive, it is your only chance. You need to drop the ties of attachments to illusory things that bind you in illusion. This can only be done while alive, death is not a liberator.

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Diwali Quarantine Style: 16 Ways to Light up your Festive Celebrations & Make it the Best Diwali Ever !!

The COVID-19 pandemic has overshadowed all celebrations, festivals and holidays, and now it will impact how we celebrate Diwali. But it will not prohibit us from the most important part of the Diwali festival.

Every year, this month invigorates cities with a festive spirit all around. This quarter is a favourite for many. And why not? It brings excitement, enthusiasm, lights up the mood with social gatherings, festive food, and gives a break for celebrations.

Even as we do that every year, health remains paramount, and people are always ensuring that their families and friends are healthy and safe during these times. As we welcome the festive season with the commencement of the Durga Pooja, followed by Dushehra and Diwali, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more important to lay special emphasis on health and safety.

Diwali is less than a month away so here are some suggestions on how to celebrate Diwali 2020 Quarantine Style for you and your loved ones.

First, let us not forget that the most important part of Diwali is the family Puja, which can still be done in full festivity. Cleanse your home, decorate inside and out, hang lights to impress all your neighbours and illuminate the evening, buy new clothes and jewellery online, wear your best festive attire and enjoy a beautiful soul inspiring puja together at home.

It is essential to lay extra emphasis on following social distancing and hygiene protocols. Here’re five ways that help light up your celebrations amidst the pandemic:

1.  Greetings – 'Namaste, and not handshakes' became the common slogan during the beginning of the pandemic, where people preferred to join their hands and greet others rather than shaking your hands. Using such traditional ways of greetings, especially during the festive season may be a good idea, given how rapidly the virus is spreading.

2.   Go digital – Festivity is all about togetherness and strengthening bonds. People staying away from their family and loved ones are not able to travel due to COVID-19 led restrictions. Getting gifts from markets and visiting your family and friends could not be a safe option this year. 

This festive season, try and adjust to the new normal. Find innovative ways to send greetings and gifts to your loved ones. One can plan for digital surprises like LIVE music night on a video call, personal radio show, celebrity wishes, etc. to make the celebration more memorable for your guests. 

3.   Send Diwali Cards – Make and send Diwali cards to all your friends and relatives across the globe! Perhaps it’s time to get back to the old fashioned joys of receiving a card, as it always brings a smile. Better yet, make the card yourself with your children or, if you prefer a more polished look, take this opportunity to be photographed in your festive Wear and send a lovely photo card. 

4. Refrain from eating outside – While there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transferred through cooked food, it is recommended to not eat from outside during the festive season, not just because of the risk of COVID-19, but because such food can cause other stomach infections, which can affect your immunity and overall health. Also, no food like a home-cooked, traditional meal at a festival, right? 

5.  Plan an indoor romantic dinner –  Travelling to your hometown for Diwali celebrations involves huge risks. People planning to celebrate Diwali with their partner can still feel enthusiastic about the festival. Find out ideas to bring celebrations at home while making it special. Avoid outside food and cook favourite meals for your loved ones. 

To make it even more special, you can get theme-based DIY romantic kits. Create a dreamy setup for a candlelight dinner from the comfort of your home. This will help you create safe celebrations and lifetime memories with your partner. 

6.  Consider DIY decorations – Planning a festive celebration with restrictions and fear of going out to shop for the required stuff is challenging. To ensure personal safety, people avoid going to markets and find it difficult to buy decoration material. Also, travelling to find the required stuff from one shop to the other is time-consuming. However, this should not impact the mood of your celebrations. 

Instead of wasting hours on finding the right stuff or toggling multiple online shopping windows, go for DIY decoration kits. They are custom made and easily available with home delivery options. These kits make your party planning free from hassle and make your space look visually ready for the party. 

7.     Lights, lights and more Lights!

Illuminate every part of your home, inside and out! Make it so beautiful that your children won;t even notice that they are missing out on fireworks.. if your home is a festival in itself! 

8.   Contactless Surprise Treats – Surprise friends and neighbors with gifts and treats left on their doorsteps. A tradition usually done around Halloween, knowing as Boo-ing, can be borrowed on Diwali for gifting! This is a fun and contact-less way to surprise your friends, relatives and neighbours who you would usually visit on Diwali. The less physical contact we have with those not in our home bubble the better, but that shouldn’t stop you from giving out Mithai, gifts and thoughtful treats for Diwali. 

9.  Limit the pax – Larger the gathering, the higher the risk of infection spread. The Government and Healthcare officials have issued standard operating processes to plan exhibitions and events with restrictions. Events like Durga puja pandals, Ramlila pandals, Diwali Mela, etc. have to follow precautions with a cap on the number of people. Thus, it is better to plan your indoor celebration with a limited number of guests. 

To ensure the health safety of your closed ones, plan a gathering with limited pax. If you’re overloaded with party arrangements, get professional decorators at home to deck up your space and make it festive ready. There are party planners in the market that provide decoration services with all safety precautions. The materials are sanitised in front of customers, and vendors wear masks that add safety to your celebrations. 

10. Diwali Car Caravan – Decorate your car for Diwali and do a Diwali Car Caravan with friends and neighbours. From the safety of your own cars, you can all get together in a car parade and drive past friends, neighbours and relatives homes with some music and excitement. Gather a group of friends to do a Car Caravan, and check on the elderly who live in your area who might like some Diwali festivity and enjoyment and be sure to include them in your driving route. You can even have a competition to see whose car is the ‘Best Decorated’ for Diwali! 

11. Charity – Instead of spending money on a needless large party, use the same money this year to make a meaningful contribution to a good cause. Or, do charity with your family in a socially distanced manner. COVID-19 has left so many people struggling with homelessness, joblessness and an uncertain future, creating an even greater need to help our communities. 

12. Arts and Crafts – I used to enjoy making homemade Dias with my children when they were younger, but there are so many arts and crafts you can do with children around Diwali. Everything from Rangoli designs, to drawing their own images of Diwali, to decorating clay dias, to making Diwali decorations for the home by hand. So enjoy and be sure to display your children’s handwork with pride! 

13. Advocacy – Reach out to your local legislatures, magistrates or town officials and encourage them to issue a Diwali Greeting to the community. Advocate for cultural awareness and visibility. This is an optimal time to maximise your towns/cities awareness and ensure that the biggest Indian holiday of the year is recognised. 

14. Follow all precautions – Needless to say, but people are now slipping when it comes to taking precautions for COVID-19 prevention. Wearing masks, washing hands regularly, using hand-rubs, are some of the precautions you must take to ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe. 

15. Do not ignore any symptoms – Studies have now suggested that COVID-19  symptoms may actually not be the most reliable marker of the infection. However, even as many people who have contracted the virus remain asymptomatic, others who have even the mildest symptoms should not ignore them, or pass them as a “seasonal flu” or “common cold”. Isolating, staying home, and taking precautions is very necessary. This is not just because you may put other people at risk, but also because with weakened immunity due to some other infection, your body may be more vulnerable to COVID-19. 

16. Avoid assumptions related to sickness – People from across the country have suffered from coronavirus infection. Though they got recovered, doesn’t mean they cannot fall sick again. Additionally, people assume that their close family and friends cannot catch the virus and it is safe to meet them. Such careless assumptions are critical that affect your safety.

While planning a social gathering for a festive celebration, it is significant to be responsible and take mandatory precautions. If any of your guests have low immunity or recently recovered from COVID-19, suggest them to stay at home. Making your assumptions about the behaviour of a virus can go wrong and ruin the post-celebration memories.

Perhaps the best Diwali ever!

Dress up, decorate, and lift your spirits for the best Diwali you have ever had at home! (And we are all professionals at being ‘At Home’ now!)Try making sweets you have never made before, choreograph your own family dance to share with loved ones across the globe, light up the night sky with tons of lights and colors and give thanks to the Gods for giving us the strength to carry on and overcome even this time of darkness. It is truly a Diwali to reflect upon, as light will always prevail over darkness.

 

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18 Most Beautiful Villages in India: Must Visit !!

India is the land of villages. India comprises more than 6 lakh villages each with a unique identity. Once you visit these villages you get to know the true roots of the country. Whether it’s a room with a view in a desert fortress or a mist-capped perch on the slopes of the Himalayas, India is full of beautiful, surprising places. Most of these jeweled enclaves are happily undiscovered, delightful secrets frequented only by in-the-know locals. Visiting a village may sound like a rustic affair but therein lies the true essence of India. The vast expanse of India’s landscape in these rural setting will surely leave you awe-inspired. Revealed for those with a hankering for exploration, here is our pick of the most beautiful villages in India.

1.    CHERRAPUNJI, MEGHALAYA

Venture up into Cherrapunji in the East Khasi Hills to discover a sign that reads: ‘The Wettest Place on Planet Earth’, qualified by: ‘A land of breath-taking beauty & exotic people’. Both are true. It rains a lot in Cherrapunji, but its misty jungle-smothered mountains are integral to the romance. Traverse a bridge looped with the living roots of a rubber tree, and gaze out across a verdant domain of luxuriously forested cliff tops and plunging waterfalls.

Best time to visit: June to September

2.    ORCHHA, MADHYA PRADESH

Perched majestically on the banks of Betwa River is Orchha, an enchanting jewel-box brimming with exquisite medieval temples, 16th-century forts and grand heritage palaces. Often overlooked for Khajuraho’s charismatic monuments nearby, this charming olde-worlde complex is a glimpse into India’s majestic past and one that’s far less traversed than its neighbour.

Best time to visit: October to March.

3.    GOKARNA, KARNATAKA

Gokarna is a coastal town located in Karnataka and is very close to the state of Goa. The beautiful Indian village of Gokarna and its surrounding lagoons doze beneath a sleepy haze of tranquillity. All laid-back, rustic charm and cheery Lego-bright fishing boats, the draw of this little corner of Karnataka is really its palm-fringed beaches. Sprawl out in the sand at Om Beach before retreating to Swaswara, Gokarna’s most luxurious escape.The village also has a cultural history, it is said that one of Lord Shiva’s Lingam is situated in this village. The village sees a mix of both pilgrims as well as tourists visiting the village to spend some time nestled in the laps of serenity.

Best time to visit: June to August

4.    KHIMSAR, RAJASTHAN

Khimsar is a picturesque, fleeting village located right in the heart of Rajasthan. For a glorious immersion into the vast, sprawling, unspoilt beauty of the Thar Desert, Khimsar never disappoints. Famous for its grand 16th-century military fortress-turned-palace, now a luxury Rajasthan hotel, it has an endless landscape of sand dunes that roll out over the horizon. The village is lined with relics from the ancient past that you can visit and get acquainted with the Rajputana culture. You can also engage in desert safaris that are conducted in both jeeps or on camel tops. Adventure enthusiasts will particularly fancy the village because it gives them a chance to camp out in the sand dunes. The Panchala Blackbuck Reserve is also quite close to the village and can be on your list of places to visit. The surrounding hush of the desert bewitches all who visit.

Best time to visit: October to March.

5.    DISKIT, LADAKH

The most beautiful village in India’s furthest north, Diskit is tucked coyly into the slopes of the serene Nubra Valley. The village sits adjacent to a huge 14th-century Buddhist monastery, and the old town is a quiet haven of stupas and poetic glimpses of village life. But it’s the soaring views, best observed from Chamba Camp Diskit, that set this little remote paradise apart.

The village also plays host to the statue of Maitreya Buddha who is said to have blessed the town. The village also enjoys the serenity of the nearby mountains as well as proximity to the Nubra Valley where you can take a short day trip to. Bird watching is also an activity that is conducted in this valley.

Best time to visit: June to September

6.    LANDOUR, UTTARAKHAND

Landour is a quaint little town in Uttarakhand best known for being the home to the famous author Ruskin Bond. The town is blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year owing to the mountains that envelope the little town. The town also has some British era churches like the Kellogg’s Church, St.Paul and the Methodist church that you must visit. The town also offers some popular trekking routes that will take you through the beautiful valleys of Uttarakhand. If you get lucky you might even have a chance of meeting Ruskin Bond who has a summer house here.

Best time to visit: October to June

7.    MALANA, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Malana is a mysterious village in Himachal Pradesh that every nature lover must visit in their lifetime. The village is said to be the home of a unique clan who are direct descendants of Alexander’s army. The villagers here are said to be very protective of their traditions and customs. The village also happens to be one of the world’s most ancient democracies that still stands to date. The village offers many hiking spots like the Chandrakhani pass, the Rashol pass, and the mesmerizing Jari falls.

Best time to visit: March to June and September to October

8.    NAKO, LAHAUL SPITI

Nako in Spiti valley is blessed with a very unique topography that almost resembles the moon. The village is very close to the Tibetan border and shares certain cultural influences from them. You can visit Tabo, which is an ancient monastery and a UNESCO heritage site that was built in the 9th century. Nako is also quite close to Kibber which happens to be the highest village in the world. You will be acquainted with the true Ladakhi lifestyle and get to experience staying in stone homes and monasteries. People often go to Nako to experience the solitude and reconnect with themselves.

Best time to visit: July to September

9.    MAWLYNNONG, MEGHALAYA

Mawlynnong in Meghalaya is the state’s hidden gem. The village has a strong commitment to promoting eco-tourism in the area, an initiative that is supported by both the local community and the government as well.  The village was awarded the cleanest village in 2003. The most distinctive feature of this village is, however, the living roots bridge. The locals have engineered a bridge of the living roots of the surrounding trees by manipulating its growth. You can try some lip smack delicacies that are prepared in bamboo shoots as well as go cave exploring when in Mawlynnong.

Best time to visit: October to April.

10. MAJULI, ASSAM

Majuli is the largest river island in the world, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra river. The island is spread across 400 square kilometres and is a popular tourist spot. The island can be accessed only by ferries. It is said that the people have adapted to the water habitat and some fishermen can hold their breath longer than the average human. People across the globe come to visit this phenomenon as well as experience the Assamese culture. Majuli also offers activities like boat rides during the sunrise and exploring museums.

Best time to visit: October to April.

11. MANDAWA, RAJASTHAN

Mandawa is a town that was founded in the 18th century by rich Rajasthani merchants. Their opulence and epicurean lifestyle are clearly evident in the many mansions that comprise to become this village. The heritage and monolithic mansions attract a large number of history buffs to this village. You can also explore the beautiful mansions and snap all the beautiful frescoes. The town is also lined with some local markets where you can buy souvenirs to take back home. The village also serves some scrumptious local Rajasthani cuisine that you should definitely try.

Best time to visit: October to March.

12. KASOL, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Although a small village, Kasol is the home to many expats living in India especially Israelis. This little hamlet is famous for the hippie culture and is every backpacker’s paradise in India. The Village is lined with some quaint cafes that serve some of the most delicious international cuisines you will dine upon. The village is known for its ethereal beauty and some trekking trails. You can undertake several trekking routes with Sherpas who also act as your guides.

Best time to visit: March to May.

13. ZIRO VALLEY, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Ziro valley is that unobtrusive idyllic village set in the hidden hills of Arunachal Pradesh. The village is an offbeat tourist spot in India. The village is blessed with some aesthetic beauty like a lush pine forest, snow-laden mountains and some of the rarest exotic creatures you will ever see. There are a plethora of offbeat things that you can do here like wading through the massive rice fields or getting a tattoo from the apatani tribe. If you appreciate soul-satisfying music then the Ziro festival of music will surely touch the chords of your heart.

Best time to visit: March to October

14. POOVAR, KERALA

Poovar is a small town that remains untainted from the rapid urbanization Kerala has seen in the recent times. Although just 30 kilometres from Trivandrum, not many people know about this small town. The village is filled with scenic places that you can visit, the best part about this town is that you need not leave your houseboats and can just ride to those spots through the backwaters that connect the different parts of Poovar. The famous Bhadra Kali temple is located in its vicinity as well.

Best time to visit: October to February

15. AGATTI ISLAND, LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS

Agatti Island is located in the union territory of Lakshadweep Island. The island boasts of clear gold sand beaches that share a tryst with clear blue waters. The island will leave any onlooker spellbound with its captivating beauty. The island also has a diverse aquatic marine life and coral cultures growing in its vicinity. The island also offers various activities like sailing, scuba diving and snorkelling. You can also spend your evenings trekking around the city

Best time to visit: October to February.

16. ALMORA, UTTARAKHAND        

Almora is the most unusual village you will ever set foot in. From the outside, it seems like any other regular village but it offers all the amenities and facilities of an urban city. The village has various lodges that offer you the village experience without cutting down on your luxury. The village also provides an uncut view of the Himalayan range that will surely enhance your tranquil evenings. The rare Surya temple is also located here.

Best time to visit: April to June and September to November.

17. IDUKKI, KERALA

Idukki is set in the highest point of the western ghats in the state of Kerala. The town is known for combining the elated beauty of the hills along with quietude of the small village. The village boasts a lot of natural beauty that includes, lakes forests waterfalls, Jungle trails etc. The village is also known for its various spice plantations that taper down over the surrounding hills. You can also go camping by the Idukki arch dam. Once you are done exploring the village you can relax with the local tribal people of Idukki who will also dish up a simple yet tasty meal.

Best time to visit: October to May.

18. YANA, KARNATAKA

Yana is a town that is hidden away in the forests of Karnataka. It is overlooked by the Sahyadri mountains that provide it with a picturesque scene. The most unusual aspect of the town is the black crystalline rocks that manifest into a Shiva lingam that has baffled many scientists as well as rational thinkers. The rock gathers the attention of several pilgrims as well as nature enthusiasts to this place. You can also visit the nearby Vibhooti falls when in Yana.

Best time to visit: January to March and September and October.

Villages are the legacy of our country. Our entire heritage is portrayed perfectly by such villages. All it takes is to visit these villages to get back in touch with ourselves as well our country’s history. So what are you waiting for pack your bags and get exploring! Let us know of your experiences in the comments section below.

 

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