I’ve always believed that stories should be told through the people who live them. Growing up in Awadh, I often heard from my parents and elders about how Basant Panchami is celebrated not just in temples but also at Sufi shrines. It fascinated me, and I knew I had to document it someday.
But instead of just narrating the story myself, I wanted to hear it from someone who has lived this tradition—someone who carries it forward through his art. So, we spoke to Arshad Hussain Qawwal, @official_arshad_chishty_18 Sufi Qawwal from Kakori, who has been practicing this for over 40 years. He shared the stories passed down to him by his gurus and elders about how Basant Panchami finds a place in the Sufi tradition.
Have you ever heard about this celebration at Sufi shrines? Let me know in the comments. One story at a time, always.
Every dish cooked in our homes carries a story—memories, traditions, and flavors passed down through generations. If you want to experience these stories firsthand, this is your last chance to book your spot for Butterfingers Menu, happening at @mahmudabad House on 1st and 2nd February 2025.
This is more than just a meal—it’s an opportunity to witness culinary heritage come to life. Just like the story of @chef_afzal_ahmad, who has been perfecting his craft since childhood, learning the secrets of royal cooking from his grandfather. For decades, he has been preserving and recreating the flavors of the House of Mahmudabad, ensuring that these age-old recipes continue to thrive.
A special thanks to @profakmahmudabad, whose dedication to reviving and celebrating these traditions has made this event possible. Through his efforts, these culinary legacies are not just being preserved but are also being passed on to future generations.
And of course, we love capturing and sharing these stories with you. So, tell us—have you ever tried Chai Tukda? If not, this is your chance! Join us on 1st and 2nd February and indulge in an experience that’s more than just food—it’s a taste of history.
Uttar Pradesh is a state rich in art, culture, and traditions. It’s known for so many things, but one of its hidden gems lies just 200 kilometers from Lucknow—a city called Kannauj, famously known as the perfume capital of India.
For a long time, documenting the art of perfume making was on my bucket list. When I learned about @kapoor.pranjal from ML Ramnarain Perfumers, a fifth-generation perfumer, I knew I had to visit Kannauj. Mr. Kapoor was kind enough to welcome us and give us a glimpse into the fascinating world of traditional attar making.
The process of creating these exquisite attars is a testament to the patience, skill, and dedication of the people involved. It’s a tradition deeply rooted in time-honored methods. From carefully hand-picking flowers to skillfully extracting the oils using the traditional ‘deg-bhapka’ method (hydro-distillation), the entire process is a labor of love. It’s incredible to see how these traditional practices are still alive today, especially in an era dominated by modern machinery.
This experience gave me a new perspective—not just about attars, but also about the hard work and craftsmanship of people who keep such heritage alive. There’s something truly special about using a product that’s handmade and carries with it the essence of tradition.
Have you ever visited Kannauj or used attars in your daily life? I’d love to hear your experiences! Let’s continue to support and celebrate local products that carry the legacy of our rich culture. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The of making Pinwheel
The art of making Pinwheel #handmade #artisans
As you all know, I’ve been documenting the culture and traditions of Lucknow, and one of the places closest to my heart is the Mahmudabad House. It’s a space that I feel holds on to its customs and traditions in a way that’s rare to see in today’s time.
Whenever I post videos about it, many of you ask me how you can access it and experience it for yourselves. And now, I feel the right time has finally come.
The House of Mahmudabad, along with Chef Taiyaba, Aarohi, and Afzal, has curated something truly special—a unique ‘Butterfingers’ menu for you to experience at Qaisar Bagh, Lucknow.
So don’t wait—book your slots now and be part of this unforgettable journey into Lucknow’s rich culinary heritage. See you there! To book: call +91 9044412879
or visit https://bookings.airmenus.in/taiyabaskitchen/order
Every Republic Day and Independence Day, the streets come alive with bursts of color, and among the vibrant sights is something that takes me back to my childhood—the humble firki or pinwheel. I vividly remember the joy of watching it spin in the wind, a simple yet magical moment for every child. Today, these pinwheels are seen mostly during these significant national celebrations, especially in tricolor, symbolizing patriotism and unity.
This year, I decided to uncover the story behind these pinwheels, to shine a light on the artisans who create them and the heritage they represent. That’s when I met Manna Nishad and her husband, Tilak Ram Nishad, who have been crafting these pinwheels for the last 27 years. What makes their story so special is that this art has been passed down through Manna’s family for generations, from her great-grandfather to her father, and then to her. After her marriage, Manna taught her husband this craft, ensuring that this tradition continued.
For the Nishads, making pinwheels is more than just a livelihood—it’s a legacy and a source of immense pride. It’s their way of contributing to the nation, of keeping a small yet meaningful part of our cultural heritage alive. But their journey is not without challenges. With changing times and the rise of plastic toys, the demand for handcrafted pinwheels has dwindled, and their craft is at risk of fading away.
Their story reminds us of the value of preserving traditional art forms and supporting the hands that create them. This Republic Day, let’s make a conscious effort to celebrate not just the grand symbols of our nation but also the humble ones that hold so much meaning. Let’s teach our children about sustainability, the importance of handicrafts, and the need to honor our artisans.
By choosing these handcrafted pinwheels over plastic alternatives, we contribute to preserving our environment, sustaining livelihoods, and cherishing our heritage.
Wishing you all a very happ
Whenever we think of a city, we often rely on a pre-made image shaped by social media or mainstream narratives. Take Lucknow, for example – it’s often reduced to its food, culture, and street life. But a city is so much more than these surface impressions. It’s in the details, the stories, the perspectives we overlook.
During a recent conversation with @profakmahmudabad, we discussed how Lucknow has been boxed into stereotypes, limiting how we perceive and appreciate its true essence. It’s time to step beyond the clichés and see Lucknow – and other cities – through fresh eyes, with a broader vision.
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into this conversation and uncover the richness that often goes unnoticed. I’d love to hear your thoughts – how do you break free from the stereotypes of your own city?
Lucknow Chandi ki Chappal
Lucknow’s Chandi ki Chappal.
Artisan: Afiya Khan, Contact: 9453980901
In Lucknow, food travels in the most beautiful ways—kadhi from one home, achaar from another, and often from my house, Noor Aapa’s Narangi Marmalade. It’s not just a spread; it’s a winter ritual, a piece of tradition, and a gift that carries warmth and love.
Noor Aapa’s marmalade has its own story. “This recipe isn’t mine,” she often says, “A friend shared it with me years ago—no paper, no measurements, just her words. I memorized it and wrote it down later.” That’s how this marmalade came to life, a recipe perfected through years of care.
The process is simple yet precise. Noor Aapa works with 1 kg of narangi at a time. The fruit is soaked for half an hour, then dried and chopped, with seeds set aside in water. On a low flame, the narangis are simmered until soft. The sugar-to-fruit ratio is either equal or slightly more, depending on the sweetness you prefer. Once the sugar dissolves and the mixture boils gently, it’s cooled and stored in jars, sealed tightly to preserve its flavors.
Every winter, Noor Aapa carefully ticks off her list of recipients, ensuring no one is missed. This marmalade is more than just a treat—it’s a reflection of Lucknow’s tehzeeb, where food is a language of connection and love.
Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
• 1 kg narangi
• 1.25–1.5 kg sugar
Method:
1. Soak narangis in water for 30 minutes, then dry and chop into pieces, removing seeds.
2. Soak seeds in water separately.
3. Simmer narangis on low heat until soft.
4. Add sugar, stir until dissolved, and let boil gently for a few minutes.
5. Cool the mixture, transfer to clean jars, and seal.
Noor Aapa’s Narangi Marmalade isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition that sweetens our winters and reminds us of the joy of sharing.
I believe stories are everywhere; we just need the right perspective to see them. A few months ago, a viral video surfaced on the internet showing a child replicating a fashion video by Sabyasachi. It caught everyone’s attention, and people were amazed to see how these young kids were designing dresses and uniforms from scratch. Using donated fabrics and clothes, they transformed them into beautiful creations—all self-taught.
This piqued my curiosity, and when I discovered that these kids were from Lucknow, I was even more excited. I quickly reached out to people, and a dear friend, @pareinathapar, connected me with an NGO called @innovationforchange_ . This incredible organization has been working tirelessly with these children, teaching them various skills that allow them to channel their creativity and pursue their dreams.
These kids come from underprivileged backgrounds, often lacking access to basic education and resources. What makes this NGO remarkable is its skill-oriented approach, focusing on modern-day techniques that empower these children to thrive. Their work is truly inspiring, and I believe their efforts deserve more support from brands and individuals alike.
I absolutely love their story and hope more people get involved in helping these kids achieve their dreams. Let me know your thoughts—share them in the comments below!
