Karina Pandya

  “Christmas isn’t a day. It’s a frame of mind”.   At least this is the theme that overshadows the movie ‘ Best Christmas Ever’  that has been directed by Mary Lambert.     While former college friend- Jackie Jennings cannot stop bragging about her seemingly perfect life that details  her family's extraordinary achievements,  in her annual newsletter that is published every Christmas.   Viewed with not only jealousy but disdain, her friend Charlotte Sanders is extremely envious of her friend. While Charlotte lives a rather modest life with her husband Rob (former ex-boyfriend of Jackie), they happen to stumble upon Jackie’s grandiose house a few days before Christmas after the wrong address was entered in their car’s navigation system   The story revolves around how the Sanders and Jennings unite after many years and spend their Christmas together. Released in November 2023; although the movie has performed well on Netflix, it has receiv...

Rediscovering oneself is sometimes the only way a person can move forward. That is exactly what Tara Kendell (Emmanuel Vaugier) goes through after a messy divorce and a family breakdown.   This film combines the charm of a small-town life with the deep emotional struggles of individual characters. It is set in the beautiful landscape of Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada, but it is fictionally set in Montana.    A typical Hallmark movie, Big Sky River takes viewers on an emotional journey of love, redemption and finding a home where one least expects it. Directed by Peter Benson, the movie is also based on Linda Lael Miller’s novel of the same name.    Tara seeks solace in Parable, Montana, where she rents a ranch in hopes of rediscovering herself. One may wonder how it may seem so easy to move on, but having a handsome neighbour such as Boone Taylor (Kavan Smith), who is extremely charming with his two sons. Not only is he a rugged, single father but he is the s...

                                                               When you are in your late 30’s....: A dance between chaos and peace of mind; Youth still lingers but is harder to find. The party starts earlier; half past nine; Sleep is our priority and that’s just fine.   Wisdom walks steadily right by our side; Wrinkles if any, are not easy to hide.   Dreams are steady, no longer a chase; Oh, how we miss that once carefree space!   Our career is a reality, not just a dream. The hustle has softened, or so it may seem!   Happiness hides in life’s subtleties;  Easily found with such ease.   Our late 30’s glow with a softer light, Age moves with grace and that too feels right!   The best is unfolding, year by year; No need to rush and no need to fear.

In the cradle of peaks where the heavens descend I march along forward till the journey begins  and ends   The Ganga flows on beautifully, her waters serene and vast She carries on forward dreams of the future and the past   Under the cedars as the silence sways The chants of sages echo in more than just one way.   Temple bells they swing, temple bells beneath the light Guiding all these lost souls through the velvet night    The winds they carry on prayers aloft The winds have soft tones   The time it bows down its weary head, The soul awakens and the silence is spread   Oh Rishikesh your spirit forever stays Oh Rishikesh, you are just an endless maze   Within your arms, the world finds its rest  Rishikesh you are a haven of hope a place for only the blessed.

  Believed to be the birthplace of yoga, Rishikesh holds a significant place in this ancient practice. Yoga is considered one of the most calming and rejuvenating practices for the mind and body.    As I am a relatively novice to yoga, I decided to attend a yoga retreat where I could be guided through enhanced yogic postures and techniques. I came across Aishwarya Sahu’s yoga retreat in Rishikesh and was immediately drawn to it. It was scheduled from November 13th to 17th at Oneness Rishikesh by Ganga Kinare, a luxurious wilderness resort in Byasi village.    This 12-private cottage resort has 2 private white-sand beaches, and the heavenly Ganges river sinuously flows by. It is only accessible by private raft, making it the perfect setting for richly enhancing luxurious yogic practices.     Surrounded by Sal, Haldu, Figs, and Mulberry trees, this resort was the perfect biodiverse haven. Plenty of wildlife, such as monkeys, black bears, special bir...

Providing a gateway to self-awareness, mindfulness, and even a deeper connection with the universe, prana- better known as breath or life force, is the Centre of almost every activity in the misty Himalayan mountains of Rishikesh. Located on the banks of the river Ganga, the clean environment amplifies conscious breathing and practices of yoga and meditation.   The crisp, oxygen-rich air is bound to rejuvenate anyone visiting this serene place. Rishikesh’s location is right at the foothills of the Himalayas and on the banks of the river Ganga is surrounded by thick and dense forests and wildlife.   In fact, in Hindu philosophy, breath is linked to prana vayu, the vital energy of everyday life. Rishikesh is the perfect place for wellness retreats and yogic activities.  Guided breathing sessions help release stress, achieve inner balance and detoxify one’s system.    Breath is symbolised by the metaphor for life that impermanence is the only permanence and ho...

Also known as the Yoga Capital of the World or the Gateway to the Garwal Himalayas, Rishikesh (also known as Hrishikesh) is located on the bank of the sacred and pristine river Ganges. Well known for its unique blend of spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty, Rishikesh beckons people from India and worldwide.    There is something for everyone, from ancient temples to ashrams to even adrenaline-pumping activities. Home to many ashrams, one of the most famous ashrams is known as the Beatles Ashram (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram), which was once inhabited by the popular band The Beatles, who studied meditation and composed some of their best songs. Although it is currently deserted, it is said to have housed 8000 spiritual seekers and even had a bank, post office, school, etc.    In addition, some other popular ashrams include Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Yoga Niketan Ashram, Dayananda Ashram, Madhuban Ashram, Sivananda Ashram and Omkarananda Ashram. In fact, some of...