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5 must-try cooling summer recipes from North East India which are not drinks!

Instead of heavy spices, traditional recipes rely on ingredients like raw mango, curd, and greens that help the body stay hydrated and balanced. Chef Ranjan Majumdar of Mayfair Spring Valley Resort in Guwahati said that summer in the Indian subcontinent requires a culinary change to complement the body’s internal cooling process. He added that the focus shifts “away from heat-inducing spice like cloves or dry ginger, to alkaline bases and natural sours that hydrate the digestive system and maintain digestive hygiene during peak humidity”. Here are five traditional non-drink recipes suggested by Majumdar that do just that. The recipes, as per the chef, highlight the use of traditional techniques, which include “light poaching, raw mashing, and the use of indigenous cooling agents” to counter the rising temperatures.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.1. Masor TengaThis Assamese speciality is served with hot, steamed rice. (Image and recipe by Chef Ranjan Majumdar). A light and tangy Assamese fish curry, Masor Tenga, is known for its refreshing, sour taste, which is often derived from lime or tomatoes. This dish is lighter, mildly spiced and easy to digest, making it perfect for hot days. Fry the fish in oil until it turns golden. Drain and set aside. Then add the onion and sauté for a few moments. Stir fry till light brown. Add the turmeric powder, green chillies, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for one minute. Add the tomato puree, and then salt. Cover and simmer another minute. Add 1 cup water and bring to a rolling boil. Add the fried sardines and simmer covered over medium heat for a minimum of 3-4 minutes. Add the lime juice and coriander leaves when done. Switch off the flame, and transfer the curry to a serving plate. 2. Kaas Kolor PitikaKaas Kolor Pitika can be served with steamed or chapatti rice (Image and recipe by Chef Ranjan Majumdar). This simple and comforting dish is prepared by boiling raw bananas, mashing them, and adding onions, green chilies, mustard oil and coriander. The result is an earthy, mildly spiced preparation that is both filling as well as gentle on the stomach. The mustard oil and minimal cooking give it a distinctive flavour, while keeping it light enough for summer digestion. Story continues below this adBoiling the raw banana with the peel until it is fork tender. You can pressure-cook for one whistle. Set aside for cooling. Peel the skin and mash it well. Add all the ingredients to a bowl. Mix well. Pour a more delicious dish, drizzle some additional mustard oil on top. Serve with steamed chapatti or rice. 3. Lai Ki SabziAssamese pahadi Lai Ki Sabzi served warm with steamed white rice (Image and Recipe: Chef Ranjan Mahumdar)This dish is made with finely chopped mustard leaves and is quickly cooked with minimal spices such as turmeric, red chili, and asafoetida. The greens are only sauteed enough to maintain their nutrients and freshness. It is easy to digest and light, with a lot of fibre. It pairs well with rice, and is a favorite in many eastern Indian homes during the warmer months.The leaves should be washed in water twice or three times to ensure they are clean. To ensure that the leaves are clean, wash them in water at least twice or three times. Chop the greens into fine threads. The finer the cut, the more delicious the dish. Heat oil in a wok with a thick bottom over high heat. Once the oil reaches smoking point, turn the heat down to low. Add the dried red chillies. Fry for about 10 seconds. Add asafoetida, and cook for a couple of seconds. Add the chopped greens and stir to combine. Add red chili powder, turmeric and salt. Mix well and cover the wok. Allow the vegetables to cook on low heat until the greens become soft. It will take between 10 and 12 minutes. Stir the vegetables regularly to avoid burning. The greens should not be liquid in the wok. Cook the greens only for a short time. Lai Ki Sabzi is best served warm with rice. 4. AmluAmlu can be served warm or hot over a bowl plain white steamed risotto, with a drizzle ghee. (Image and recipe by Chef Ranjan Majumdar). Amlu combines cooked lentils and raw mango slices to create a balance between protein and tanginess. The dish is light and comforting, perfect for days where appetites are low due to the heat. Raw mangoes not only provide flavour, but also a cooling effect. This makes this a great choice for the season. Pressure-cook dal in 3 cups of water with turmeric until completely soft. The dal should be whisked until it is smooth and thin. Add the raw slices of mango and simmer until tender, but still firm. Add mustard seeds to a drop of olive oil. The sourness of the mango provides an instant cooling sensation. Beyond dal baati churma: The flavours of Rajasthan’s ker sangri and safed maas5. Dahi Pura BainganDahi Pura Baingan often goes with hot steamed or cumin rice. (Image and recipe by Chef Ranjan Majumdar). This dish combines smoky, roasted eggplant with chilled curd to create a refreshing contrast in flavours. Chef Majumdar says that the dishes are rooted to seasonal wisdom. “The following recipes demonstrate the use traditional techniques…and the use indigenous cooling agents to combat the rising temperatures.” Peel and mash your pulp after it has cooled completely. Fold the smoky roasted eggplant into the curd. Add black salt, cumin and torn mint for a refreshing touch. This article is based solely on information that was obtained from public sources and/or experts we spoke with.

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The Bhumi to Alia effect: How Bollywood is leading the Banarasi revolution

Banarasi used to be a sari that was carefully folded and only brought out when it felt important. It was a sari that carried the weight of family, tradition, and memories, all stitched in silk. But it’s no longer reserved for weddings. Banarasi, the iconic textile of Varanasi, is now stepping out into the everyday. It has been reworked to create corsets and co-ords as well as jackets and silhouettes far removed from their ceremonial past. It is still rich, intricate and deeply rooted in tradition, but no longer predictable. Bhumi Pednekar’s corset-inspired lookThe most obvious change is the way the fabric is worn. Bhumi Pedekar’s boldly structured Banarasi Corset, layered over a crisp shirts fused with balloon trousers, was a departure from the norm. The look combined the Indian textiles’ craftsmanship with the structure of global style. It was not ceremonial, but rather current. What stood out was the sustainability aspect. The Banarasi was not just styled differently, it was reengineered into something that is almost unrecognisable as its sari roots. View this post on Instagram Alia Bhatt softens Banarasi Lehenga for New GenerationThe Banarasi Lehenga has undergone a quiet change. It is no longer associated with bridal excess. Alia Bhatt’s lighter, understated versions are a departure from the heavily embellished outfits that were once worn.This look is perfect for a festive gathering. It emphasizes comfort and value. The emphasis is no longer on grandeur alone but on wearability–signaling a broader change in how festive dressing is being approached by a younger generation. View this post on Instagram Karisma kapoor and the formal rewriteBanarasi has also entered spaces it never occupied before, such as structured, formal wardrobes. Karisma Kapoor’s brocade Banarasi coat paired with tailored pants demonstrates how the fabric can adapt to modern, professional silhouettes. It’s a subtle, but significant evolution. Banarasi’s transition from celebration to everyday expression begins with the use of workwear-inspired looks. View this post on Instagram Sanya malhotra and the experimental edgeYounger actors push the boundaries even farther. Sanya Malhotra’s Banarasi brocade dresses move away from sarees and lehengas altogether, reimagining the textile through entirely new silhouettes.Structured yet fluid, these outfits position Banarasi as contemporary occasion wear effortless, slightly unconventional, and far removed from its saree-first identity. Designers are also driving this shift. Labels such as Raw Mango and House of Masaba transform Banarasi into jackets and skirts. They are pushing it beyond its traditional frame. This is not just reinvention, it’s repositioning. Banarasi has evolved to keep up with the fashion trend towards individuality and versatility.

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From ghee to rajgira: Decoding Rujuta Diwekar’s ultimate sleep tray

Rujuta Diwekar’s nighttime tray essentials for a deeper rest. (Source: Instagram/@rujuta.diwekar)Tossing and turning in bed all night as you struggle to fall asleep? If you are unable to fall asleep at night or you have a dry throat and cramping calves that keep you awake, then here is Rujuta’s nighttime tray essentials. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Dr Abhinav, Consultant, Medical Gastroenterology at Narayana Multispeciality Hospital in Jaipur, agrees that drinking water will help you keep your body temperature under check. Dehydration can cause people to feel hot or cold when they sleep, according to research. Drinking water before going to bed helps you sleep better as it keeps you hydrated and at the right temperature. It may also ease stomach cramps or aches. Warm water increases blood flow and helps your body eliminate waste. It also makes you sweat, said Dr Gupta, adding that sweating can cause some fluid loss during the night. It also helps to flush out any extra salts and toxins.
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2. GheeAyurvedic specialist Dr Ashutosh Nanal explained the benefits of Padabhyanga, or foot massage. The feet contain many pressures points that are connected to the nervous and immune systems. Ayurveda says that stimulating these pressure points can help you relax and calm your nervous system before going to bed. Mishri or khadi shakarHe also mentioned that rock sugar or mishri is a naturally sweet substance made from the sugarcane plant. It is the purest sugar, free of chemicals. Ayurveda says that the traditional method used to make Mishri gives it its medicinal properties. ‘Goli khaana padta tha’: When Asha Bhosle revealed she’s slept only 3-4 hours a night since age 154. Rajgira laddooRajgira or amaranth is a gluten free grain that’s loaded with micronutrients, protein, and fibre. Rajgira has anti-inflammatory properties. According to Dr Archana Bhata, a certified diabetes educator and nutritionist, its seeds are rich in fibre. This not only supports digestion but also prevents constipation. It contributes to gut health. It is a great choice for anyone looking to boost their nutrition and maintain their energy levels.

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How your daily bike ride is quietly aging your skin: ‘One of the most overlooked factors…’

The daily commute may save you time, but it can also be hard on your scalp and skin. Riders face a unique set dermatological challenges, from sweat trapped under helmets, to constant exposure to wind, sun, and pollution. Dr Rashmi shetty, dermatologist, highlighted these concerns in a podcast interview with nutritionist Ryan Fernando. She said, “If you’re a daily rider you have two things to worry about.” You have to worry about your hair, because you wear a helmet everyday. You should wash your hair every day to avoid pimples. Wear sunscreen when riding a bicycle. You are exposed to dust, wind and the sun. It only takes two seconds to apply it to your face. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Dr Priyanka Priyrajani, Senior Dermatology Consultant, explains how riders can protect their scalp and skin. Dr Hemrajani says that riders should wash their hair daily, especially if they have an oily or sweaty scalp. She recommends using a mild, sulphate free shampoo and adjusting the frequency of washing based on your hair type. “Gentle and appropriate cleaning is key. What matters is not how often you wash but what you use.” Your helmet could be causing breakoutsOne factor that is often overlooked in scalp health, helmet hygiene. A poorly maintained helmet is a breeding ground of bacteria and fungi. Dr Hemrajani says that helmet hygiene is important but often neglected. “Sweat, friction, and bacteria thrive in an unclean helmet, causing breakouts, irritation, and itching.” She advises: Clean helmet liners frequently
After use, let helmets air dry
Wear a layer of clean cotton or microfiber underneath
These small habits can significantly reduce scalp issues. Dermatologist shares 4 tips to smell good at all times
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Skincare for ridersWhile hair problems are common, the skin is often the most affected by daily riding. Constant exposure to UV, dust and wind can cause the skin barrier to weaken, causing premature ageing, dryness and tanning. Dr Hemrajani says that riders’ skin care should be focused on protecting against environmental stressors. Continue reading below this ad. A broad-spectrum sunblock (SPF 30-50), even on cloudy days, is a must. Look for formulations that contain antioxidants such as vitamin C or E and physical filters like zinc oxide to provide effective protection. She also stresses the importance hydration. “A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.”DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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‘Main aur meri behen usko pyaar karne lag gaye the’ : Bharti Singh reveals her longtime crush on Karan Kundrra; psychologist reacts

Bharti revealed in a vlog on her YouTube channel, Life of Limbachiyaas 2.0, that she and her sister were completely smitten with him when they were younger. Bharti revealed in a vlog for her YouTube channel Life of Limbachiyaas2.0 that she and her younger sister were smitten by him. “Karan Kundra’s ek imagine TV pe (show aatatha)” Mai aur meri Behen usko Pyar karne lag gaye the. Itna handsome ladka, itne guess-wala bana hai tha. Lekin bad me ye baai material nikla hua hai (laughs),” she said, remembering how strongly they felt at the time. (Karan Kundrra was on Imagine TV and my sister and I were in love with him. He was a handsome man with a slightly angry, intense persona. There was something about him. But later, he turned out to be total ‘brother material’)DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. She also gave a vivid description of the intensity of her admiration, saying, “meri bhen to pagal, wo bartan Aadhe Chorhke Bhagti Thi”. (My sister was in a crazy form. She’d leave half the dishes just to catch a glimpse of her. Many young fans share similar experiences. They’re utterly smitten with a TV or movie character and will drop all chores to watch them. These small, shared moments are often what create lasting memories between siblings.
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Also Read | Kriti Sanon reflects on school crushes and the ‘kindergarten romance’ that shaped her views on relationships: ‘Since I’m a bit taller, I would notice…’Why celebrity crushes feel so real — and what if you and your sibling have the same crush?According to psychologist Prerna Pant from ISIC Multispecialty Hospital, Delhi, such intense admiration is deeply rooted in adolescent psychology.She explains that these crushes are often a result of parasocial relationships–one-sided emotional bonds where individuals feel connected to someone they don’t actually know. Story continues below this advertisement. During teenage years when identity and emotional awareness is still developing, celebrities are often ideal figures. Increased media exposure and repeated viewing can also create a sense of familiarity, which the brain interprets as closeness.Interestingly, Bharti’s story also highlights a common sibling dynamic. Pant explains that sharing a crush can strengthen relationships. It creates lasting memories by giving siblings something to laugh, talk about, and even compete over. What was once intense affection has now become what she calls “bhai-material”. Pant says that this change is a reflection of emotional maturity. Celebrities are often idealised when they’re only seen on television. This change shows that we can redefine and reassess emotional connections. The person is no longer seen as a distant fantasy, but as a real individual,” she explains.Bharti Singh’s lighthearted confession is more than just a funny throwback–it’s a reminder of how our emotions grow with us, turning even the most intense crushes into something far more real, and often, unexpectedly wholesome.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.

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Jacqueline Fernandez’s Big 5: Non-negotiable wellness rituals the actor swears by

Jacqueline Fernandez dressed to the nines (Image source: @jacquelienefernandez/Instagram)Jacqueline Fernandez recently opened up about the five wellness rituals she swears by to maintain balance in her fast-paced life. The actor, who made a Bollywood debut with Aladdin shared her wellness philosophy at the Vogue Beauty and Wellness Honours jury meet. Her wellness rituals focus on both mental and physically well-being. She revealed that each morning she starts on a positive note and that mental health is a major factor in the rest of her day. Staying hydrated is a ritual that she never misses. Jacqueline explained that she takes electrolytes to maintain her energy throughout the day. The actor also stressed the importance of meditation as part of her daily routine. It is very important. She said that it is good for both your energy and your skin.
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Skincare experts share their insights into cryotherapy and explain the medical technique’s benefits and side-effects. The technique can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. The treatment can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. “Facial and body cryotherapy treatments have been marketed by wellness and cosmetic facilities for their supposed benefits, including better blood circulation, decreased inflammation and tighter skin,” said Dr Prabhu. “When the skin returns to normal temperature, the blood vessels dilate and increase the blood flow to the facial area,” explained Dr Deepa Krishnamurthy. The technique is an adjunct to other treatments. Continue reading below this ad. Dr Prabhu also stressed that cryotherapy doesn’t replace regular skincare routines such as sun protection and moisturisation. He said that cryotherapy should be seen as a temporary cosmetic treatment for skin conditions, not an essential skincare procedure. Dr Prabhu also warned of the potential side effects of the method, including the damage to the skin barrier. He explained that the skin barrier, which protects from environmental damage and moisture loss will be damaged when people undergo treatment at excessive rates or receive treatment that does not match their skin requirements. Dr Prabhu also added that cold temperatures can trigger flare-ups in people with skin disorders like eczema or rosacea. “It’s the patients who exercise caution when using treatments because these procedures should compliment basic skincare methods that restore and protect skin barrier,” he said. Story continues below this advertisement.DISCLAIMER This article is based upon information from the public domain or the experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.