Crafts Mela

A Crafts Mela 2011 has been organized in The Sheeshmahal , Patiala. The Mela highlights the handicrafts by different Craftsmen from different regions of the area. The handicrafts portray the rural skill Showcasing Indian Culture.Here are some glimpses of the Crafts Mela

Why Butter is better cooking medium?

Butter is the fat of the milk made from sweet cream. It may be sweet (unsalted) butter or salted. Traditionally the butter is made from the cream that has been allowed to stand and sour naturally. The cream is then churned to produce butter. Commercially cream is separated using mechanical cream separators. It is then allowed to ferment under controlled conditions. The butter is the natural fat as component of milk and is produced by the cattle (Cow). The main constituents of the salted butter are fat (80-82%), water (15.6-17.6%), salt about 1.2%, as well as proteins, calcium and phosphorous about 1.2%. It also contains fat soluble vitamins A, D and E. The butter is not pure fat, it is an emulsion. Butter must be handled with utmost care than other fats. Warm butter can be chilled again. Milk solids in butter, burn at low temperature (121 C), and as such butter is not a useful cooking medium. To use butter as a cooking medium, it is heated at low temperature, till butter fat and milk solids separate. The butter fat is then poured off and used as cooking medium. However the distinct flavor of the butter is in the milk solids, so the clarified butter lacks the flavor and taste of the melted butter. Butter is the only fat that is produced by live cattle, unlike other animal fats, where cattle have to be slaughtered in order to produce fat. Butter blends beautifully with sugar and as such is the star of desserts. 

Over the years, our diet has undergone a sea change. We are constantly being reminded, of the fact, that low fat diet is healthy. But as we reduce our fat intake we proportionately increase intake of sugars and carbohydrates. We have substituted fake man made fats with that of animal fats. This has resulted in rise in obesity and diabetes. Fat actually does not make us fat. The good animal fats like butter, is very satisfying preventing cravings for snacks and from over eating. The low fat diet, on the other hand, leaves us hungry, depressed and prone to illness. We forget that fat and proteins are satisfying whereas starch and sugars’ lead to craving and weight gain. Fat is an important cooking ingredient. It is difficult to cook without fat. Fat helps the food to brown nicely, cook evenly and to keep it succulent. Fat is an excellent carrier of flavors. Animal fats are low in polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are best fats to be used in kitchen. They are stable and when heated, don’t turn rancid. Most aromas and flavors are soluble in fat, so unless fat is used in cooking, the flavors are not released.

Highly poly unsaturated fatty acids are unstable. They are not suitable for cooking as when heated they get oxidized. The oxidized fats are harmful. They make us sick and damage DNA of our cells. They also suppress immune system. When poly unsaturated fats are hydrogenated they become full of transfats.

All of us need essential fatty acids to keep us healthy. Using large amounts of poly unsaturated fatty acids, results in increased intake of Omega 6 fatty acid. Increased intake of Omega 6 fatty acid decreases the intake of Omega 3 fatty acid. Low levels of Omega 3 fatty acid can result in cancer, liver damage, learning disorder, weight gain and malfunctioning of the immune, digestive and reproductive systems.

We all need plenty of Omega 3 fatty acid and it is naturally found in the butter and fat from other herbivorous(grass eaters) animals.

How to relieve stress?

One can achieve a balanced existence with a calm mind, high concentration, an energized body, mind and spirit, all round success and well being, by arming oneself with spiritual techniques and philosophies, to face the battle of life. Unlike previous generations, the present generation, does not wait for the problems to overpower them before seeking spiritual solace for health, relationships and career. The path of spirituality is not only about self realization or realization of God but it leads down to success in all spheres of life and finally enlightenment.



Younger generation cheerfully accepts and warms up to the religious teachings. Present day Gurus and organizations offer spiritual cure by teachings/techniques which have been modified to suit the needs of the present day devotes. The techniques are not restricted to any particular culture, sect or religion but are open to all and these work like a magnet for the younger generation.


Spiritual wellness necessarily is not about searching for God, it is answer to all the problems and tensions of life. GenX, mostly, joins these organizations out of curiosity or peer pressure or their desire to do something new. Most join with a fixed purpose or aim in mind and are not afraid to try out new approach to life.



In present day fast life stress is the major problem. Youngsters are more vulnerable to stress. Stress may be due to peer pressure, pressure to perform well academically, adolescent body changes, emotional and social adjustments. Stress increases temptations of drug abuse and tendency to suicide. Spirituality can help to relieve stress.


Spirituality not only relives stress but also leads on to the path of positivity and clarity by deep concentration. Concentration helps to increase energy level, Negativity, confusion, fear, shyness hypersensitivity and anger. Spiritual wellness lets you experience “Dynamism from outside and calmness from inside”.


As physical body requires nourishment so the mind and spirit requires energy. This energy is provided by ‘Dhyana’ and ‘Parnayama’ which keeps the spiritual battery charged. Dhayana and pranayama require regularity and needs to be performed morning and evening.