The village is divided into five main sections called Kaido (Road to Edo), Shukuba-machi (Inn Town), Shokagai (Market District), Buke-yashiki (Samurai Residence), and Ninja no Sato (Ninja Village). The most recommended of the lot was a town 120-kilometre away from Tokyo called Nikko in the Tochigi Prefecture.. When in Nikko, one must try their special Soba noodles, Maitake Mushrooms, Nikko-yuba (tofu skin) and fresh grilled fish. The natural beauty and the zen-like atmosphere will fill you up with positivity. From glitz and glamour of the capital city, the scenery changed to large mansions on the outskirts of the city, followed by Yuzu plantations by train tracks, clear water streams and striking autumn foliage. One must buy an entry pass to cross the bridge and enter the temple complex to visit the Toshogu Shrine that was built in 1617. River Daiya crossed his path and thus the priest stood there praying to the river god. After a few months, the god raised a giant snake that formed the bridge.Natural Spa TownWhen booking a place to stay at Nikko, I highly recommend looking for a resort with a private onsen on the property. So while the water was steaming hot, there was a nip in the air from the autumn breeze. As the train approached our final stop Kinugawa-Onsen Station, the parallel roads got narrower and quieter. The highlight of the tower is the fact that is built to resist the frequent earthquakes that the country faces. With clear water flowing from underneath, and nature in its full glory, this is a sight extremely surreal. The village is big enough for you to shop, eat and relax for an entire day. But ask those who have been inside an onsen and they will tell you to get over the fear and jump in as this experience is relaxing and liberating!Being a small town, you will find only a few places to dine at, that too by the Kinugawa Onsen Station. But they too shut down as dinner time approaches, so best is to pack a bento box to eat for dinner or let your resort know about it in advance.When I reached the Kinugawa-Onsen Station, little did I know that we would be treated by a loud whistle from a good ol’ steam locomotive! Taiju — the steam engine is Nikko’s pride possession that pays homage to https://www.jindiaocarpet.com/products/kitchen-mat/ the time when the region was called the ‘kingdoms of steam locomotives”, as it operated up to 85 steam locomotives. From the 8th century Buddhist Shrines, hot water baths to a steam engine, most of the city will take you to 17th century Japan’s Edo era. To understand the Japanese culture, I decided to make a trip to the Edo Wonderland at Nikko. Onsen is a natural hot water bath and Nikko’s northern town Okunikko is known to be a spa town because of its Yumoto Onsen. Today that bridge is called Shinkyo Bridge which is also considered a gateway to the shrines in Nikko. This theme park has recreated the society during the Edo Period (1603-1868). The look and feel of the town instantly transported me into a sepia-toned Japanese movie. The premise also sports a 118 feet five-story pagoda called Go-juu-no-toh. Your rider will also stop by and tell you about the other monuments in the area.As someone obsessed with Japanese food and culture, my maiden trip to the country was rather important. This UNESCO heritage site was built by 4,54,000 artisans in just about 18 months. It was an instant change in pace. It is made from sweet azuki bean paste containing both mashed and whole beans, which are wrapped in flour dough and steamed with the onsen water. You will spot the Rinnoji Temple Complex, Kaizando (Sacred Hall for the Founder of the Temple), Takino-o Shrine, Futarasan Shrine - Honden, Rinnoji Shrine - Taiyuin Temple. While spending my time at the Izayakas (Japanese taverns) in Tokyo and sampling those indulgent desserts featured on the top of my list, I also wanted to explore some of the smaller towns around. Nikko is best known for its natural beauty and cultural significance. And it sure stands true.To get there, I had to ditch the famous bullet trains of Japan and hop on to an old-school train with red benches and big windows. But what you can’t leave the town without trying is the unique dessert called Manju. The architecture of the park will tell you all about the life of the local Japanese back then. You can take a joy ride on Taiju between Shimoimaichi Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station on Kinugawa Line. The staff here also dresses up in their traditional outfits and helps you get a glimpse into their day-to-day life.Where it all beganAccording to the legends, the first Buddhist priest attempted to climb the Holy Mountain in Nikko called Nantai. As you make way through the winding roads, the Shinkyo Bridge stands tall to make a statement. The locals here have a saying that goes ‘Don’t say perfect until you have seen the natural beauty of Nikko’. If you appreciate beer, then keep a lookout for onsen beers that are available here. To sit inside an onsen, one must follow a list of rules; the most important was to enter the bath naked, something that can be intimidating to many.This red bridge has been a heritage site since 1999.From the Shinkyo Bridge to the temple complex, hike through the forest and if you are up for some fun, then buy a Kimono from the shop close by and get a ride of a hand-pulled buggy

Another work titled Layers The Surface represents the human under skin and has been created using the hand tufting gun. Last week when I saw the show Fibre Fables where contemporary artists collaborated with weavers to create works of contemporary art, I returned feeling very elated for it is a salute to the nameless, faceless industrial workers of Panipat for the collaborative works have accessed modern techniques and technology to create larger than life works to huge impact. He says, “Observing the dexterity with which the craftsmen use their handlooms and pit-looms, I saw a parallel with which string instrumentalist pluck at their instruments. Shivani says, “During my numerous trips to the factory I was drawn to the various instruments weavers and the factory workers were using. Some have been printed on a metallic finish surface. Using a traditional loom as my base, I reconstructed it to be a musical instrument. Numerous images of the process and material, digitally overlapping each other are on a loop on these digital screens.Sahaya Sharma has created a series of five circular abstract works.”Shivani Aggarwal, created sculptural installations of tools used in the factory, one of which is a large wooden shuttle wrapped in yarn. Together, they come together to form a language, and therefore a culture. Each alphabet has a unique character in terms of phonetics and forms. By creating a unique sound instrument out of the tools of a weaver, my piece aims at expressing the voice of these craftsmen through music. Says Khurana: “The map of Panipat is a physical manifestation of my interaction with the ancient city. Here I have followed every aspect of the process that starts with raw wool being spread over large areas, stuffed in bags, carried to the looms and the hands that work tirelessly through the year, surrounded by the vastness of various material and color.”Nidhi Khurana’s larger than life 26 x 16 foot map of Panipat on the other hand is very modern and incorporates several techniques of weaving. Her works have been created on the pitloom, using the hand tufting gun and chromojet printing.”Sandeep Biswas, a photographer has created photo installations. The other works are a group of five instruments like the trimming scissors, the panja, the kundi , common knife and the reel of thread so commonly seen at the factory. Vibhu Galhotra is a musician who has created a musical instrument that has been inspired by the pit and kilim looms. These sculptures create a sort of historical yet mythologised narrative that is both about the craftsman as well as the craft. It is a layered depiction that strives to discover the historical past and connects it to the present in the form of an interface.”While Abeer Gupta created a sound piece using all the diverse sounds from the factory, Brahm Maira created photographic works that capture the factory ambience using the technique of photo manipulation.”Puneet Kaushik, an installation artist, has created installations using different techniques. Through scale and form, each piece is meant to take on a form that is surreal and yet majestic, these figures are like warriors, traveling through time, telling their own stories.I am an unabashed admirer of our weavers and will go many extra miles in honour of the sheer genius of their artistry, technique, aesthetics, but even more than that I bow my head to the fact that continue to practice their art despite all odds. She says, “Exploring the technique of textile is the new turning point in my journey and a new expression of my newly adapted language - the language of art and I am not trapped within rigid forms and ideas. As these master craftsmen weave visual symphonies in the quiet, I sought to add a sonorous dimension to what they do. Dhvani Behl is a textile designer who created amorphous sculptures on the pitloom and one sculpture using the hand tufting gun. The work attempts to uncover the hidden heart of the city, buried deep beneath the debris of industrialization.

Says Smith: “Each art work has been created using the techniques involved in weaving industry – tufting, braiding, kilim and pitloom weaving to name a few. I have enlarged this instrument to a height of 5 ft in wood and have worked with threads on it.The eleven participating artists Abeer Gupta, Brahm Maira, Dhvani Behl, Durga Kainthola, Nidhi Khurana, Nikheel Apahle, Puneet Kaushik, Sahaya Sharma, Sandeep Biswas, Shivani Aggarwal and Vibhu Galhotra worked almost for a year on it and the effort is well worth it, for it is beautifully conceived and curated by Shailin Smith. These tools have been fabricated in fibre glass and then covered with pieces of namda.”The name Panipat conjures up the images of the three historical battles of Panipat and one of our most creative artists, Durga Kainthola’s works hark back to these where each work is defined by a portrait of the emperors - Babur, Akbar and Sadhashiv Rao Bhau using the miniature style in a very large format. She has painted the works on paper, which were then photographed and printed on carpet using the chromojet printing technique. At the centre of this project is the relationship that two creative individuals share, even though, they come from completely different worlds.” Sumeet Nath of the Raj Group under whose the aegis the show is being held says, “As an industry that survives on the art of weaving, it is imperative to find a way to create tangible memories from a tradition that may cease to exist in the future. He says, “To me, the alphabet is a perfect metaphor for unity in diversity. Among the most exciting was the shuttle, which the weavers were constantly working with. One of his works is an installation that uses a huge charkha on which he has added digital screens. A hand-tufted calligraphy piece, with the words Kar, Kari, Kora, Kaar taken from one of Kabir’s Dohas, depict the weaver, his tool and hands. This piece has been done using wool, metal wire, mirrors and metal mesh.The exhibition can be viewed at The Stainless Gallery, Old Ishwar Nagar, New Delhi from November 21 till December 31, 2015, 11 am to 7 pm.Dr Alka Raghuvanshi is an art writer, curator and artist and can be contacted on alkaraghuvanshiyahoo.”Nikheel Aphale, a calligraphy designer, has used the technique of yarn wrapping for one of his sculptural works. Another body of works are sculptural heads, these heads are inspired by weavers in the factory, Sahaya has created the heads using clay and discarded parts of machinery from the factory. He says, “My work is a visual exploration and journey in to the world of the carpet industry and the hundreds faceless people who create those magnificent rugs that we proudly use in our décor. Her sculptures use raw wool and spun yarn to create texture and form. Then binding, chikan work and bath mat tufting techniques have been done to give texture to the work. Through this creative process, each artist has gained an insight into many new techniques that they hope to use in future as well, while the weavers have begun to look at their daily mechanical chores with a new, respectful gaze, as something that can be used to create a piece of art. One of his works titled Roots has been woven on the kilim loom using metal wire mesh and wool. She has used braided carpets for the base, then on it she has incorporated screen printing, hand tufting, pitloom weaving, kilim weaving, bath tufting, embroidery, applique work and chromojet printing. Their lives are fraught with issues like education or lack of it leading to exploitation, low wages, unavailability of yarn, middlemen, finding markets for the end produce etc. I have travelled to most saree weaving centres in the country and seen their lives are not half as lovely https://www.jindiaocarpet.com/products/bath-mats/fur-mat/ as the dreams they weave

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Parmesan crusted chicken schnitzelMethodFor chicken — butterfly the chicken breast and marinate it with salt, pepper and thymeCrumb the marinated chicken with flour, egg and parmesan cheeseTake a fry pan add butter and olive oil and shallow fry the chicken till golden brown and tende. The dishes are only predominantly inspired by cheese and cream and aren’t too flavorful. Mohit Jaggi, head chef, Andrea’s Bar and Brasserie, too feels the same. I had difficulties in communicating.Keeping up with the trend Yes, it is very essential to keep up with the food trends and to keep evolving in the culinary industry. Several Western techniques that I used and that have inspired my cooking style are: molecular cooking technique and sous-vide cooking in a water bath.Healthy, yummy salad is ready to serve. It is great to think differently but I personally think that fusions only result in confusion of flavours in the dish.InspirationMy biggest inspiration to become a professional chef was my mother.About western cuisineThe most fascinating thing about Western cuisine is the diverse cooking techniques that are used in making the dish. My biggest challenge was to understand the local culture and the language.For sauce — take a saucepan pour in chicken stock and reduce it mix with fresh cream and butter, finish with salt and lemon juiceServe with garlic sautéed spinach, rosemarry potatoes and lemon butter sauceIngredients2 chicken breastsSaltCrushed black pepperFresh thyme - 2 gmsFor parmesan crustRefined flour - 50 gms1 beaten eggGrated parmesan cheese - 100 gmsButter unsalted - 20 gmsOlive oil - 20 mlFor garlic sauteed spinachBaby spinach - 100 gmsOlive oil - 10 mlSaltChopped garlic - 10 gmsRoasted baby potatoes  Baby potatoes - 100 gmsSaltPepperRosemary - 5 gmsButter - 15 gmsLemon butter sauce  Chicken stock - https://www.jindiaocarpet.com/products/bath-mats/ 200 gmsFresh cream - 30 gmsButter - 20 gmsSaltLemon juice -15 mlRecipes by Chef Mohit JaggiSuper green saladMethodTake a mixing bowl and add baby spinach, rocket leaf, avocado, asparagus, edamame beans and pour in honey mustard dressing. Furthermore, people also have misconceptions that western dishes lack freshness and use simple cooking techniques for making food which is not true. It helps me grow, develop my skills and present the best of the dishes on the table.IngredientsBaby spinach - 40 gmsYoung rocket leaf - 40 gmsRipened avocado - 40 gmsAsparagus - 30 gmsEdamame beans - 20 gmsHoney mustard dressing - 60 gmsDried cranberry - 15 gms‘Good for you’ seeds (flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, melon seeds) - 15 gm.Mix well, arranging on a salad plate and sprinkling dried cranberry and good for you seeds.ChallengesI was very enthusiastic and active in learning different cuisines, however, as I chose to specialise in Thai cuisine.Misconceptions about european cuisineThey lack a variety of dishes in the cuisines. Being the youngest child in the family, I spent most of my time with her and helping her out in the kitchen, which is whe-re my love for food began.When it comes to food, it is best served authentic, paying respect to every ingredient, and, most importantly, putting all the love you can into your cooking, to the extent that a chef is not feeding his guests but is akin to a parent feeding his or her children.Fusion or non-fusion?I strongly believe that the authenticity and uniqueness of a cuisine get lost if you indulge in creating fusions in the culinary industry. Unless you can directly communicate with native Thai chefs, you cannot grasp the intricate details of the complex cooking techniques and styles