When the Sand Meets the Sky

THE MAGICAL LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES OF BRAZIL 

Imagine a place where endless white sand dunes meet crystal-clear blue lagoons, creating a landscape so beautiful that it looks like a dream. Welcome to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, one of Brazil's most extraordinary natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on the eastern coast of the Brazilian state of Maranhão, this breathtaking destination is unlike any other desert in the world.

A DESERT THAT COMES ALIVE WITH RAIN 

At first glance, Lençóis Maranhenses looks like a vast desert of soft, rolling white sand. But every year during the rainy season, something magical happens. Rainwater collects between the dunes, forming thousands of sparkling freshwater lagoons. The contrast of brilliant blue and green pools against the white sand creates a spectacular view that attracts visitors from across the globe.

The dunes rise between 10 and 20 metres high, while the park stretches over 1,537.8 square kilometres and runs for about 70 kilometres along Brazil's Atlantic coastline. Nearly two-thirds of the park is covered by this magnificent sea of dunes, making it the largest dune field in South America.

THE FAMOUS BLUE LAGOONS 

Among the many lagoons, Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) and Lagoa Bonita (Beautiful Lagoon) are the most famous. Each lagoon differs in colour, shape, size, and depth. They are filled with fresh rainwater and remain full for several months before gradually drying up as the dry season returns.

A PARADISE FOR WILDLIFE 

Lençóis Maranhenses is not just about sand and water. The park also includes mangrove forests, rivers, and small oases, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem. It is home to many fascinating animals, including four endangered species:

●Scarlet ibis, a bright red wading bird.

●Neotropical otter.

●Oncilla, a rare wild cat.

●West Indian manatee, also known as the sea cow.

More than 110 species of birds live in or migrate through the park, making it a wonderful destination for birdwatchers.

ADVENTURES IN A NATURAL WONDERLAND 

Nature lovers and adventure seekers visit Lençóis Maranhenses to enjoy hiking across the dunes, swimming in the clear lagoons, sandboarding, horse riding, canoeing, surfing, and birdwatching. The park offers a truly unforgettable experience where nature displays its beauty in its purest form.

DID YOU KNOW?

The name Lençóis Maranhenses means "Bedsheets of Maranhão." It was given because the endless white sand dunes resemble giant white bedsheets spread across the landscape.

AMAZING FACTS 

●Lençóis Maranhenses is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

●It has the largest field of white sand dunes in South America.

●Thousands of freshwater lagoons appear only after the rainy season.

●The park stretches 70 km along Brazil's coastline.

●Despite looking like a desert, it receives enough rainfall each year to create its famous lagoons.

Lençóis Maranhenses is a perfect reminder that nature can create the most unexpected masterpieces—where sand truly meets the sky.

The Tiny Pearl That Powers Millions of Indians

SABUDANA

Small, white, and pearl-like, sabudana is one of India's most loved traditional foods. Known in English as tapioca pearls (often called sago in India), sabudana is made from the starch of the cassava, or tapioca root. Although many people use the words sabudana and sago interchangeably, true sago is made from the sago palm, while the sabudana commonly eaten in India comes from cassava.

FROM CASSAVA ROOT TO TINY PEARLS 

Sabudana begins its journey underground as the cassava root, a starchy tuber grown in tropical regions. 

After harvesting, the roots are washed, peeled, and crushed into a pulp. 

The pulp is mixed with water and filtered to separate the pure white starch from the fibre.

This starch is allowed to settle, dried into a powder, and then rolled in rotating drums to form tiny round pearls. 

The pearls are steamed, dried once again, and packed for sale. 

Before cooking, sabudana is soaked in water for several hours until it becomes soft and fluffy.

WHERE IS SABUDANA MADE IN INDIA?

India is one of the world's largest producers and consumers of sabudana. SALEM district in Tamil Nadu is known as the SABUDANA CAPITAL OF INDIA because it has hundreds of factories that produce a major share of the country's sabudana. Other important production areas include Namakkal and Erode in Tamil Nadu, while cassava is also cultivated in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Interestingly, Maharashtra is famous for dishes like sabudana khichdi, sabudana vada, and sabudana kheer, even though much of the sabudana used there is produced in Tamil Nadu.

A FAVOURITE FASTING FOOD 

Sabudana holds a special place during Hindu fasting festivals such as Navratri, Ekadashi, Mahashivratri, and Shravan. It is easy to digest and provides quick energy because it is rich in carbohydrates. This makes it an ideal food for people observing fasts and for anyone needing an instant energy boost.

IS SABUDANA HEALTHY?

Sabudana is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for people with gluten intolerance. It contains carbohydrates along with small amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium. Since it is low in protein and fibre, it is best enjoyed with peanuts, milk, curd, or vegetables to make a balanced and nutritious meal.

DID YOU KNOW?

●Sabudana is made from the starch of the cassava root.

●In English, it is most accurately called tapioca pearls.

●The pearls almost double in size after soaking in water.

●When fully cooked, sabudana turns translucent instead of white.

●Salem in Tamil Nadu is widely known as the Sabudana Capital of India.

A TINY PEARL WITH A BIG STORY 

Sabudana is much more than a fasting food. It is a remarkable example of how a humble root is transformed into tiny pearls that nourish millions of people. Whether served as a comforting khichdi, crispy vada, or sweet kheer, sabudana continues to be an important part of India's rich culinary tradition.

Mukkuruni Kozhukattai

THE GIANT MODAK OF MUKKURUNI VINAYAGAR 

Inside the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, stands the imposing Mukkuruni Vinayagar, a revered form of Lord Ganesha. The deity is particularly famous for a remarkable offering made during Ganesh Chaturthi—a giant modak, or kozhukattai, prepared specially for the Lord.

The name Mukkuruni has its roots in an ancient Tamil measure of grain. “Mu” means three, while “kuruni” refers to a traditional measure of grain. The name is therefore closely associated with the traditional offering made using three kurunis of rice.

A MAJESTIC GANESHA 

Mukkuruni Vinayagar is an impressive idol, standing about 8 feet tall and carved from a single block of granite. According to tradition, the idol was discovered during the excavation of the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam in Madurai during the 17th century, in the period of King Tirumala Nayak. It was subsequently installed in the Meenakshi Amman Temple.

The shrine has become an important place of worship for devotees who seek Lord Ganesha's blessings for wisdom, prosperity and the removal of obstacles.

THE GIANT MODAK 

The most fascinating tradition associated with Mukkuruni Vinayagar is the preparation of a gigantic Mukkuruni Kozhukattai during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Unlike the small modaks commonly prepared in homes during the festival, this temple offering is made as one enormous modak. Reports of its preparation have described a modak weighing around 30–35 kilograms.

The traditional recipe includes rice, jaggery, coconut, roasted Bengal gram, sesame seeds, ghee and aromatic spices. The ingredients are carefully prepared and combined before the enormous sweet is shaped and wrapped for steaming.

INGREDIENTS TRADITIONALLY REPORTED FOR THE GIANT MODAK 

The giant Mukkuruni Modak is prepared using approximately 30 kg of rice, which is ground into flour, and 30 kg of jaggery. The recipe also includes around 25 fresh coconuts, 4 kg of roasted Bengal gram, 4 kg of white sesame seeds, 4.5 kg of ghee, 250 g of cardamom, and 50 g of nutmeg. These ingredients are carefully combined to create the enormous sweet offering made for Mukkuruni Vinayagar during Ganesh Chaturthi.

These quantities are reported for the large temple preparation and may vary according to the year's offering and preparation.

HOW IS THE GIANT MODAK PREPARED?

The preparation of such a huge offering requires considerable care and teamwork. The rice is processed into flour, while the jaggery, coconut and other ingredients are prepared for the sweet mixture.

The rice dough is shaped into a large outer covering, and the sweet filling is placed inside. The enormous modak is then carefully sealed and wrapped in banana leaves and cloth so that it retains its shape while cooking.

The giant offering is placed in a large vessel and steamed for many hours. Reports have described the cooking process as lasting approximately 24 hours. Once completely cooked, the giant modak is taken to the shrine and offered to Mukkuruni Vinayagar during the special Ganesh Chaturthi worship.

After the religious ceremony, the offering becomes prasadam and is distributed among devotees.

AN OFFERING OF DEVOTION 

The giant modak is more than an extraordinary culinary creation. In Hindu tradition, modak is closely associated with Lord Ganesha and is regarded as a favourite offering to the deity. The enormous size of the Mukkuruni Kozhukattai reflects the devotion and reverence with which the Lord is worshipped.

The ingredients and expenses connected with such temple offerings may also be supported through devotee sponsorship or ubayam, in which devotees, families or groups contribute towards religious ceremonies and offerings.

ARE GIANT MODAKS PREPARED ELSEWHERE?

The preparation of very large modaks is not unique to Madurai. Giant modaks have also been prepared during Ganesh festivals and temple celebrations in different parts of India.

For example, Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple in Jaipur featured enormous modaks during its 2025 Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. In Maharashtra, giant modaks have also been prepared as part of large-scale Ganpati celebrations. In Kolkata, an enormous modak weighing more than a tonne was created as a public culinary attraction in 2026.

However, the Mukkuruni Kozhukattai has a special place in Madurai's temple tradition because the giant offering is directly associated with Mukkuruni Vinayagar and the traditional meaning of his name.

A TRADITION THAT BLENDS FAITH AND HERITAGE 

The story of Mukkuruni Vinayagar and his giant modak brings together religion, history, food traditions and Tamil cultural heritage. From the imposing granite idol to the painstaking preparation of a gigantic steamed offering, every aspect of the tradition reflects the importance of Lord Ganesha in the lives of devotees.

During Ganesh Chaturthi, the sight of the enormous modak being prepared and offered to Mukkuruni Vinayagar is a memorable part of the celebrations at the Meenakshi Amman Temple. It is a wonderful example of how India's ancient temple traditions continue to live on through generations.

DID YOU KNOW?

●Mukkuruni Vinayagar is housed inside the historic Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai.

●The idol is about 8 feet tall and is carved from a single block of granite.

●The name Mukkuruni is associated with three kurunis, an ancient measure of grain.

●The giant temple modak is prepared as one large offering, rather than as many small modaks.

●Reports have placed the weight of the giant modak at approximately 30–35 kg, although quantities can vary.

●The huge offering may require many hours of steaming before it is ready for the special worship.

●After the offering, the modak is distributed as prasadam to devotees.

Let Your Money Multiply

FROM SAVING TO INVESTING 

“The best time to start investing was yesterday. The next best time is today.”

Most of us learn how to earn money and save money, but very few are taught how to grow money. Investing means putting your money to work so it can increase in value over time. Instead of letting your savings sit idle, smart investments help you build wealth for future goals such as higher education, buying a home, starting a business, or enjoying a secure retirement.

In today's world, even small investments made regularly can grow into a large amount through the power of compound interest and long-term investing.

WHY SHOULD WE INVEST?

Think of investing like planting a small sapling. With time, water, and care, it grows into a strong tree. Similarly, money invested wisely can grow year after year.

BENEFITS OF INVESTING:

●Beats inflation and helps your money retain its value.

●Builds wealth over the long term.

●Helps achieve financial goals.

●Creates an emergency financial cushion.

●Teaches financial discipline.

THREE IMPORTANT INVESTMENT TERMS 

💧 Liquidity

Liquidity refers to how quickly and easily you can access your money whenever you need it. Investments with high liquidity can be converted into cash almost immediately without losing much value. For example, a savings account has very high liquidity, while real estate has low liquidity because it usually takes time to sell.

📈 Return

Return is the profit or growth you earn from your investment over a period of time. Different investments offer different returns depending on their nature and market conditions. For example, fixed deposits usually provide steady returns, while stocks and mutual funds have the potential to offer higher returns over the long term.

⚠️ Risk

Risk is the possibility that an investment may lose value or not give the returns you expected. Generally, investments with higher potential returns also carry higher risk. Understanding your risk tolerance helps you choose investments that match your financial goals and comfort level.

Popular investment options in India (2026)

1. Savings Account

A savings account is the safest place to keep money for daily needs and emergencies. It offers easy access through ATMs, UPI, and online banking, but usually provides low interest.

2. Fixed Deposit (FD)

An FD is a low-risk investment where money is deposited for a fixed period and earns a fixed interest rate. It is suitable for people who want guaranteed returns.

3. Public Provident Fund (PPF)

PPF is one of India's safest long-term investment schemes. It has a 15-year lock-in period, offers tax benefits, and the interest is tax-free.

Latest Update (July–September 2026): The Government has kept the PPF interest rate at 7.1% per year for the current quarter.

4. Mutual Funds

Mutual funds collect money from many investors and invest it in stocks, bonds, or other assets. They are managed by professional fund managers.

A popular way to invest is through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), where you invest a fixed amount every month. SIPs have become extremely popular in India in 2026 as millions of investors use them for long-term wealth creation.

5. Stocks (Shares)

Buying shares means owning a small part of a company. Stocks can give high returns over time, but their prices rise and fall daily, making them a high-risk investment.

6. Bonds

Bonds are loans given to governments or companies. They generally offer fixed interest and are less risky than stocks.

7. Gold

Gold has been a trusted investment in India for centuries. Today, people invest through jewellery, coins, bars, Gold ETFs, or digital gold. Gold often acts as a hedge during uncertain economic times.

8. Real Estate

Real estate includes land, houses, and commercial property. It can grow in value over time but usually requires a large investment and is less liquid.

SMART INVESTMENT TIPS FOR STUDENTS AND BEGINNERS 

●Start investing early, even with a small amount.

●Invest regularly instead of waiting for a large sum.

●Diversify your investments instead of putting all your money in one place.

●Keep an emergency fund before making risky investments.

●Invest according to your financial goals and risk tolerance.

LATEST INVESTMENT TRENDS IN INDIA (2026)

●SIPs continue to be one of the fastest-growing investment methods in India, with monthly contributions crossing record levels in 2026.

●Government small savings schemes like PPF, NSC, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana continue with unchanged interest rates for July–September 2026.

●Digital investing through mobile apps has made investing easier than ever, allowing people to invest in mutual funds, stocks, and gold from their smartphones.

CONCLUSION 

Money should not simply be saved—it should be given an opportunity to grow. Every investment has its own balance of risk, return, and liquidity. By understanding these basics and investing wisely, anyone can take small steps today toward a stronger financial future tomorrow.

DID YOU KNOW?

●Albert Einstein reportedly called compound interest the “eighth wonder of the world.”

●Investing ₹500 every month through a long-term SIP can grow into a substantial amount over many years, depending on market returns.

●Starting early is often more powerful than investing a larger amount later because of the extra time your money gets to grow.

The Art Movement That Broke All the Rules

DADAISM 

Art is often used to express beauty, emotions, and ideas. But one art movement chose to challenge everything that people believed about art. That movement was Dadaism—a bold, rebellious, and highly experimental art movement that emerged during one of the darkest periods in world history.

WHAT IS DADAISM?

Dadaism was founded by the writer Hugo Ball in 1916 in Zurich, Switzerland, during the First World War (1914–1918). The horrors of war, which claimed millions of lives, deeply shocked artists and writers. They believed that the society and values that had led to war needed to be questioned.

Dadaism became an avant-garde (innovative and experimental) movement that rejected traditional ideas of art. Instead of creating beautiful or realistic works, Dada artists used absurdity, humour, and surprise to protest against war, violence, and the established social order. It was more of a protest movement than a fixed style of art.

HOW DADAISM BEGAN 

After World War I, many Dada artists left Zurich and returned to cities such as Berlin, Cologne, Hanover, Paris, and New York. As the movement spread across Europe and America, each city developed its own unique style of Dadaism. Soon, Dadaism gained international recognition and influenced literature, theatre, dance, music, poetry, and politics.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DADAISM 

Dadaism was unlike any earlier art movement. Its main features included:

●Opposition to war and traditional social values.

●Freedom of expression through art, music, poetry, theatre, and politics.

●Use of photomontage, collage, assemblage, chance, and automatism.

●Everyday objects were turned into artworks with little or no modification.

●Publication of manifestos and magazines to spread their revolutionary ideas.

●Challenging the boundaries of what could be considered art.

Many Dada exhibitions shocked the public, and some were even closed by authorities because they were considered too controversial.

IDENTIFYING DADAISM 

Dada artworks often include:

●Photomontage: Images and text cut from newspapers and magazines and combined into new compositions.

●Ready-made objects: Ordinary objects displayed as works of art.

●Dislocation: Familiar objects placed in unusual contexts to make people think differently.

●A playful, satirical, and anti-establishment approach.

FAMOUS DADA ARTISTS 

●Raoul Hausmann (1886–1971)

A pioneer of the Berlin Dada movement, Hausmann was known for politically charged works criticizing war, nationalism, and authority. He invented photomontage using newspaper cuttings and created The Spirit of Our Time, a sculpture symbolising blind conformity.

●Hannah Höch (1889–1978)

The only woman in the Berlin Dada group, Hannah Höch was a pioneer of photomontage. Her artworks challenged gender roles, politics, and social norms. Her famous work, Cut with the Kitchen Knife, combined text, machines, and political figures to criticise post-war society.

●Max Ernst (1891–1976)

Max Ernst was a leading Dada artist who later became a major figure in Surrealism. He created dreamlike collages that mixed human, animal, and mechanical forms. He also developed experimental techniques such as frottage (rubbing).

●George Grosz (1893–1959)

George Grosz used satire and caricature to expose corruption, hypocrisy, and brutality in post-war Germany. His famous painting The Pillars of Society criticised political leaders and the ruling class.

●The Legacy of Dadaism

Although Dadaism lasted for only a short period, its influence was enormous. It changed the way people thought about art and inspired later movements such as Surrealism, Conceptual Art, and Pop Art. Dadaism proved that art can be a powerful tool for questioning society, challenging traditions, and encouraging freedom of thought.

AMAZING FACTS 

●The word “Dada” was chosen because it had no fixed meaning, reflecting the movement’s love of randomness.

●Dada artists believed that anything could become art if presented with a new idea.

●Photomontage, a technique popularised by Dada artists, later became widely used in advertising, magazines, and graphic design.

●Dadaism is remembered as one of the most influential anti-war art movements in history.

Dadaism reminds us that art is not only about beauty—it can also be about questioning, protesting, and inspiring change.

India’s First Newspaper

📰 HICKY’S BENGAL GAZETTE 

Do you know that India’s first newspaper was published more than 240 years ago?

The history of newspapers in India began in 1780 with a small English-language weekly called Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, also known as the Calcutta General Advertiser. It was started by James Augustus Hicky in Calcutta (present-day Kolkata) on 29 January 1780.

🗞️ HOW DID IT BEGIN?

James Augustus Hicky introduced the newspaper at a time when printing and publishing were still in their early stages in India. His newspaper carried news, advertisements, social comments and opinions about the events of the day.

Hicky was known for his fearless writing. He openly criticised powerful officials of the British East India Company, including Warren Hastings, the Governor-General of Bengal.

His boldness eventually led to serious consequences. His newspaper faced government pressure, and his printing press was seized. Hicky’s Bengal Gazette ceased publication in 1782.

Although it survived for only about two years, it made an important mark in Indian history.

DO YOU KNOW?

●Hicky’s Bengal Gazette was the first newspaper printed in India.

●It was first published on 29 January 1780.

●It was published from Calcutta, now known as Kolkata.

●It was an English-language weekly newspaper.

●Its founder was James Augustus Hicky.

●The newspaper was published for only about two years.

AMAZING FACTS 

🔹 The first newspaper was not started by an Indian. James Augustus Hicky was an Irishman.

🔹 It was not a daily newspaper. It was published once a week.

🔹 Hicky was not afraid to criticise those in power. His outspoken writing brought him into conflict with the British authorities.

🔹 The newspaper had advertisements too! Just like newspapers today, it carried advertisements along with news and other content.

🔹 Its short life had a lasting impact. Hicky’s newspaper is remembered as the starting point of newspaper journalism in India.

FROM 1780 TO THE DIGITAL AGE 

From the first printed newspaper to today’s e-newspapers, news websites and mobile apps, journalism in India has travelled a remarkable journey.

Hicky’s Bengal Gazette may have been small and short-lived, but it opened the door to a new era of communication. It marked the beginning of a newspaper tradition that would eventually become an important part of Indian society and history.

So, the next time you pick up a newspaper, remember that its Indian journey began way back in 1780! 

🇮🇳 DO YOU KNOW?

Do you know how many newspapers and periodicals are registered in India today?

India has one of the world's most diverse print-media landscapes. According to the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI), 1,51,474 periodicals were registered in India as of 31 March 2024.

But here is the interesting part: these figures include newspapers, magazines and other publications that are published at regular intervals. They are not all daily newspapers.

India's newspapers and periodicals are published in many different languages, reflecting the country's incredible linguistic and cultural diversity.

🤯 AMAZING FACT!

From Hicky's Bengal Gazette, India's first newspaper published in 1780, to more than one lakh registered periodicals today, India's print journalism has come a remarkably long way!

From one newspaper to a vast world of print media—that's an amazing journey! 📰🇮🇳

India Showcases Its Culinary Heritage

A ROYAL VEGETARIAN FEAST AT BRICS 2026

When India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, it welcomed world leaders with something truly special—an elegant 100% vegetarian gala dinner. Instead of serving meat or seafood, India chose to celebrate its rich vegetarian traditions, regional flavours, and sustainable food culture. The menu beautifully reflected the country's incredible diversity, from Gujarat and Kashmir to South India and Delhi.

A MENU THAT CELEBRATED INDIA 

The carefully curated dinner featured traditional dishes presented in a modern, gourmet style.

●Khandvi Mille-Feuille

A creative twist on Gujarat's famous khandvi.

●Khumb Galouti

Soft and flavourful mushroom galouti kebabs.

●Gucchi Marmik

A delicacy made with rare Himalayan morel mushrooms.

●Paneer Lababdar

A rich and creamy North Indian paneer curry.

●Gajar-Beans Poriyal

A healthy South Indian-style vegetable stir-fry.

●Millet Pulao

A nutritious pulao made from India's traditional millets.

●Jalebi with Purani Delhi Fruit Cream

A delightful dessert inspired by Old Delhi's culinary heritage.

●Shahtoot Phirni

A traditional rice pudding flavoured with mulberries.

Along with these Indian dishes, guests were also served international vegetarian favourites such as Penne al Pomodoro e Panna, Baked Vegetable Au Gratin, fresh salads, breads, and yogurt-based accompaniments.

WHY AN ALL-VEGETARIAN DINNER?

India's decision to serve an entirely vegetarian menu was symbolic. It highlighted the country's long tradition of vegetarian cuisine, the importance of sustainable food choices, and the nutritional value of locally grown ingredients. Millets, declared a "superfood" in India, were given a special place on the menu to promote healthy and climate-friendly eating.

DID YOU KNOW?

●BRICS is a group of major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and the UAE.

●India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in 2026.

●The gala dinner was completely vegetarian, showcasing India's culinary diversity and sustainable food traditions.

AMAZING FACTS 

●Gucchi mushrooms are among the world's most expensive edible mushrooms.

●Millets are rich in fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

●Khandvi is a famous Gujarati snack made from gram flour and yogurt.

●Shahtoot is the Hindi name for mulberry, a fruit packed with antioxidants.

CONCLUSION 

The BRICS 2026 vegetarian gala dinner was more than just a meal—it was a celebration of India's culture, hospitality, and culinary excellence. By serving delicious vegetarian dishes from different regions, India demonstrated that traditional food can be both nutritious and world-class, leaving a memorable impression on leaders from across the globe.