When life is a ritual

It is a student film on OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder.
It is a mental disorder. Something that can bully you till you can’t take it anymore, but, of course you have to. Otherwise, how will life go on?
Our student project, revolves around what happens to a person with this illness.
While researching, we came across so many stories, that disturbed us to the core.
The script for the movie, is from a personal perspective of the writer.
It’s as if you are at a war with yourself, and you just can’t stop what your mind is making you do.
We shot it completely on OnePlus5. And edited on premiere pro, it was our first film project.
The purpose is to support mental health, so that they may know that we understand
And they are not alone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoIMtPODp78&t=9s

CLASSIC RED VELVET CAKE

Red velvet cake is so much more than a white or chocolate cake tinted red. This iconic cake is a masterpiece of flavors, textures, and frosting. 

This is the holy grail of layer cakes. The most romantic, gorgeous, vibrant cake of all time. The “I can’t quite put my finger on the flavor” cake. Dense, yet soft ‘n light. The sweet marriage of buttermilk and vanilla with a little cocoa on the side. Tall, dramatic, and completely covered in tangy cream cheese frosting.

This, everyone, is one and only red velvet.
                                                  

Ingredients

• Cake Ingredients:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• Frosting Ingredients:
• 1 pound cream cheese , softened
• 2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup), softened
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 cups sugar

Instructions-

1. Cake Instructions:
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
3. Spray three 9 inch cake pans with baking spray. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl, shift together the dry ingredients for the cake. (I usually use my blender mixing bowl for this part to decrease how many dishes I use.)
5. In another large bowl use a whisk to mix all of the cake's wet ingredients together. These ingredients include the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
6. In a standing mixer, combine both the dry and wet ingredients for the cake. Mix the batter just until the mixture is blended. Scrap sides of bowl with flat spatula to incorporate all ingredients into the batter.
7. Pour the batter into each greased baking pan, making sure to put an even amount of the batter into each pan.
8. Place the pans in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick appears clean after inserted into the cake. At about the 16 minute mark, start checking for doneness. While baking the cakes, rotate the cakes halfway during the cooking process.
9. When the cake layers are done, let them cool completely. Once cooled, frost the cake.
10. 1. Frosting Instructions:
    2. Place the butter, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a standing mixer bowl. Mix the ingredients for about 5 minutes on medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. While mixing the ingredients, occasionally scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure that all the ingredients get mixed together.
    3. After the cakes have cooled frost the cake.

    This cake was super moist, and I was in love with the fluffy light cream cheese frosting.  After making this recipe over and over, I have adjusted some of the ingredients to suit my family’s taste.

Rajasthan, the desert state of India is a prime tourist destination in India. Studded with “must sees”, it can be difficult seeing it all in one go, especially if one is short on time.Travelling outside the city limits by only a few kilometers will offer a clear view of just how much influence the Rajput rulers had over the area. These journeys can afford a traveller a sense of connecting to history on a very personal level.

History is very much alive and well in Rajasthan. A stunning array of fortresses, palaces, temples, and other fortifications, the majority of which were built in the 18th century, line the hilltops to protect the area’s many villages as well as generations of royalty.

SOME OF PLACES THAT I WENT IN JAIPUR-

Hawa Mahal: Jaipur’s most iconic landmark, the red and pink sandstone facade of Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds is widely recognized. Within its chambers, hidden from public view, the women of the royal house would secretly observe the activities on the street through the palace’s latticework openings. A fine example of Mughal architecture, the pyramidal design of Hawa Mahal rises five-storeys from the ground.

                                    

Nahargarh Fort: Set on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, Nahargarh Fort is striking in stature. Built as the summer palace for the royal family, the main palace within the fort is known as Madhavendra Bhawan. In addition, there are nine other double storied living spaces within the fort. .  An example of Indo-European architectural style, royal frescos and marble engravings can still be see on the interior walls. Connected to Jaigarh Fort, the views of Jaipur city are stunning from Nahagarh Fort. 

                                   

Amber Fort: The charm of Amber Fort is undeniable. Perched on a hilltop, this 15th century fort is impressive both in size and structure and can be accessed through imposing ramparts and cobbled pathways leading to its gates. Built using Mughal style architecture, the golden frontage is complemented by elaborate interiors complete with ornate archways leading to expansive chambers with hand painted and mirrorwork ceilings and walls.  The fort houses the Diwan-e-Aam, or ‘Hall of Public Audience’, the Diwan-e-Khas, or ‘Hall of Private Audience’, and also the Sheesh Mahal, the ‘Mirror Palace’. The splendor of Amber Fort is heightened during the Light and Sound Show in the evening which is a must watch.

                            

Jantar Mantar: Dating back to the 18th century, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observation site and a testimony of the scholarly brilliance of a bygone era. Among the 20 instruments found at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, it also houses the largest sundial in the world. 

                             

City Palace: Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the City Palace depicts typical Rajput style architecture complete with layers of chambers and halls. While a portion of the palace remains the residence of the royal family of Jaipur even today, visitors have access to other parts of the palace complex including Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas and Maharani Palace. The City Palace also houses a museum with a fine collection of artefacts and a temple.

                        

THINGS ONE SHOULD NOT MISS IN JAIPUR-

Visit an Elephant Camp: Located behind Amber Fort, Dera Amer is a privately owned 160-acre forest and wilderness camp. A natural habitat for elephants, camels and other domesticated animals, visitors can explore the Aravali forest on elephant back. They can also be privy to how they’re cared for and try their hand at bathing these gentle giants.

Shop for Local Handicrafts: The local bazaars of Jaipur are teeming with things to buy. Clothes, shoes, home furnishings, handicrafts, spices, jewelry and pottery…there isn’t anything you won’t love or can’t find. Some of the popular marketplaces in the city are Baapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar. Keep your wallet handy!

Watch a Polo Match: The ‘game of kings’, polo, continues to be widely played and patronized by the upper echelons of society in Jaipur. While invites to an exclusive polo match can be hard to come by, you can watch a match at one of the city’s polo clubs like Ramgarh Resort & Polo Complex or Jaipur Polo Club, free of cost.

Block Printing at Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing: The Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing was established to preserve the age-old tradition of hand block printing. Much of Jaipur’s artisan community still practices this intricate craft. At the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, you can get educated about this endangered trade and witness block printing artisans at work. Visitors can also shop for locally made hand-crafted merchandise.