Latest news with #Khajuraho
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Souza's 4 rare works to be auctioned this week
Panaji: A rare collection of four distinctive artworks by modernist painter of Goan origin, F N Souza, collectively valued at over Rs 1 crore, is set to lead the upcoming online auction by AstaGuru Auction House on July 29 and 30. The artworks include two pieces from his 'Head' series periods (1964 and 1985), a dynamic 1990 landscape, and a 1987 nude inspired by Khajuraho sculptures. 'Souza was a pioneering force in the Indian modernist art movement,' said Sneha Gautam, the director of client relations at AstaGuru Auction House. 'As a founding member of the Progressive Artists' Group in the 1940s, he was instrumental in challenging conventional Indian artistic traditions and introducing a bold modernist sensibility, especially at a time when the country was finding its distinct artistic voice. ' Gautam said, 'His work played a key role in shaping the trajectory of modern Indian art, bringing modernist styles and ideas to the forefront.' The artworks span various styles and themes that the artist concerned himself with throughout his career. The curation also showcases Souza's command of and proficiency in varied mediums. Lot No. 37 and Lot No. 42 showcase his different takes on portraiture and are reminiscent of his 'Head' series. The series featured portraits influenced by European art movements that displayed the artist's inner turmoil through the depiction of distorted faces. While Lot No. 37 is a colourful untitled work executed using acrylic on paper in 1985, Lot No. 42 is a charcoal-on-canvas work from 1964. Lot No. 56 belongs to Souza's vast oeuvre of landscapes. Executed in 1990, the oil-on-canvas work exemplifies his visceral approach to environment and structure. With a dense web of jagged lines and rhythmic brushstrokes, the composition collapses foreground and background into a frenetic tangle of green, ochre, and blue. Lot No. 84 is an untitled pen-on-paper work executed in 1987. It reveals Souza's fascination with creating nude works and the inspirations he took from the erotic sculptures of the Khajuraho temples. Captivated by the uninhibited expression of human desire found in these ancient carvings, Souza drew from their raw physicality and symbolism, particularly in his depictions of the female nude and intertwined couples. 'Characterised by assertive lines, striking colours, and a fusion of abstraction and figuration, Souza's art drew inspiration from Cubism, Expressionism, and other European movements,' Gautam said. 'His paintings frequently explored existential and religious concerns, while also offering sharp critiques of social and political structures.' She said, 'With a distinctive visual language, his use of line and colour imbued his work with dynamic tension, often evoking both intensity and unease. Souza left behind an unrivalled legacy of rebellion, paving the way for generations of artists to come.'
India Today
07-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- India Today
Why Sexual Desire Discrepancy in relationships is more common than you think
That love is enough to keep a relationship alive is a sugar-coated lie that has been passed down from generation to generation. A relationship is more than just love, and intimacy plays a huge role in cementing that bond. You can be a 10 as a couple, but when both partners are not in line with their sexual desires, it can quietly chip away at even the most loving starts small - excuses, mismatched timing, unspoken expectations - but if left unchecked, it can quietly chip away at even the most loving relationship.'Sexual desire discrepancy is essentially the difference in baseline levels of libido between two partners,' explains Dr. Nisha Khanna, psychologist and marriage counsellor. 'One partner might want physical intimacy more frequently, while the other doesn't feel the same urge. This mismatch can lead to one person feeling rejected, while the other feels pressured.'It's not about who's right Desire discrepancy isn't a red flag; it's a reality. As Dr. Khanna puts it, 'It's not a matter of blaming each other, nor is it about some deficiency. It's about different needs and how they're managed.' In clinical literature, it's defined as a gap in the motivation or wish to engage in sexual activity, something shaped by personality, life experiences, interpersonal dynamics, and even society at yet, it's rarely spoken about openly, especially in cultures like ours.'In India, the paradox is real,' says Dr. Khanna. 'We have a history that includes the Kama Sutra and Khajuraho temples, but culturally, there's still a discomfort around discussing desire.' Social taboos, religious beliefs, and even the influence of Bollywood's rose-tinted romance can create unrealistic expectations and unspoken this is where things go haywire, because while one partner wants more intimacy and can feel dissatisfied, the other can always reel under the pressure of not being able to live up to the more common than you thinkThe reasons why desire misalignment happens are surprisingly ordinary: work stress, body image, postpartum fatigue, emotional distance, or simply different libidos. 'We often assume sexual desire should remain static over time, but that's just not true,' Dr. Khanna notes. 'Desire changes. Life happens. Children, careers, illness, everything leaves an imprint.'She adds that it's common for emotional and physical intimacy to get tangled up. 'Some people need emotional closeness to feel sexually intimate, while for others, it's the physical intimacy that sparks emotional connection. When this is out of sync, misunderstandings are inevitable.'The shame of low desire, and the pressure to 'fix' itFor the partner with lower libido, the pressure can feel suffocating. 'They often internalise it,' Dr. Khanna says. 'They feel inadequate, unattractive, or even broken. Society reinforces this by equating sexual frequency with relationship success.'Even when well-intentioned, a partner's repeated attempts to initiate can feel like pressure, creating a vicious cycle of avoidance, guilt, and conflict. And if frustrations get shared outside the relationship, say, with family or friends, the sense of shame and urgency to 'fix' the issue only what do you do?Ignoring the issue doesn't make it disappear. 'If not addressed, it leads to resentment, emotional distance, and in some cases, infidelity,' warns Dr. Khanna. 'The healthiest route is always open, respectful communication.'It's about reconnecting emotionally, cuddling, hand-holding, non-sexual touch, and discussing what each person needs. 'It could be as simple as aligning on timing,' she adds. 'Maybe one partner prefers mornings, the other evenings. Meeting halfway can work wonders.'And for couples with vastly different drives? 'Workarounds are possible,' she says. 'Sometimes it's about exploring intimacy in new ways, sometimes it's about adjusting expectations. But it has to be mutual. No guilt-tripping, no forcing. Just understanding.'So why don't we talk about it?advertisementBecause it's vulnerable. Because desire feels deeply personal. Because society conditions us not to talk about these things, especially women. 'There's still a stigma,' Dr. Khanna says. 'People fear being judged, misunderstood, or labelled as demanding, or disinterested.'But the payoff of open conversation is real.'You can't fix what you don't talk about,' she says. 'Once couples start naming their feelings, they usually find their way to something workable. It's not about having more sex, it's about feeling heard, understood, and safe.'- Ends
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
New sound & light shows in Ujjain, Maheshwar to boost tourism
Indore: The beautiful landscapes of Ujjain and Maheshwar are set to become even more enchanting as the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (MPTDC) adds new sound and light shows to captivate visitors with rich storytelling and dazzling effects. The shows at Ujjain and Maheshwar are ready and expected to start within a month or two. Ilayaraja T, managing director of MPTDC, said, "We are excited to launch these immersive experiences that not only highlight the cultural heritage of Maheshwar and Ujjain but also incorporate cutting-edge technology. Our goal is to enhance the tourism experience in Madhya Pradesh and attract a larger audience to these magnificent sites." The show at Rudra Sagar in Ujjain promises to be a highlight, featuring a remarkable 25-foot tall screen that will rise from the middle of the lake, providing a unique viewing experience alongside the giant Shiva statue. To make the shows attractive, the tourism corporation has roped in technology partners and plans to use water screen, laser, and projection mapping techniques. Additionally, another sound and light show is already operational at the Lotus Pond in Ujjain. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo The sound and light shows in Ujjain are financed by the Ujjain Smart City initiative. Ujjain Smart City has allocated a fund of Rs 30 crore for the sound and light shows in Ujjain. Preparations for the Maheshwar show are also in full swing, with an official inauguration anticipated in the near future. The ongoing Khajuraho sound and light show will also undergo a comprehensive upgrade. Jabalpur is set to receive a sound and light show along with a musical fountain at Gauri Ghat.
The Print
18-06-2025
- The Print
Tourist footfall increased by 526 per cent in MP: Yadav
'The 526 per cent increase in the footfall of domestic and foreign tourists visiting MP in 2024 compared to 2020 is a matter of joy, immense happiness and pride for all of us,' Yadav stated, highlighting the state's natural beauty, cultural richness, and amazing wildlife. He said the 'holy land' of Madhya Pradesh had become the first choice of tourists, highlighting prominent attractions such as scenic hinterlands, a rich religious legacy, and diverse wildlife. Bhopal, Jun 18 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh recorded a 526 per cent rise in the number of domestic and foreign tourists who visited the state in 2024 compared to 2020, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Wednesday. A senior official said the cultural and historical heritage, natural beauty, and diverse wildlife are attracting tourists to 'Incredible Madhya Pradesh'. Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture Department and MP Tourism Board's MD, Shiv Shekhar Shukla, said a record 13.41 crore tourists visited the state in 2024- a significant rise of 19.6 per cent compared to 2023, 50.6 per cent from 2019 and 526 per cent compared to 2020. 'The arrival of 13.41 crore tourists is the testimony to Madhya Pradesh's strong emergence as a favoured tourist destination on the tourism map of India and the world,' he said, attributing the achievement to the visionary policies of the government, development of infrastructure, and active participation of local communities. He said 1.67 lakh foreign tourists had visited Madhya Pradesh in 2024. Among them, 33,131 visited the famous Khajuraho sculptures, while Gwalior and Orchha saw footfalls of 10,823 and 13,960 foreigners, respectively. He said foreign visitors contributed to the development of urban tourism with 9,964 tourists visiting Indore and 1,522 Bhopal. Besides, 29,192 foreign tourists visited Bandhavgarh, 19,148 Kanha, 12,762 Panna and 11,272 Pench. He said that compared to 2023, the number of tourists visiting religious places in the central state spiked by 21.9 per cent to 10.7 crore in 2024. 'Six of the top 10 tourist destinations in the state are religious places. Ujjain topped the list with 7.32 crore tourists–a rise of 39% compared to 2023 when 5.28 crore tourists had visited the Ujjain district. Chitrakoot also received more than 1 crore tourists- an increase of 33 per cent compared to 2023,' Shukla added. He said 1.33 crore tourists visited Maihar, while Amarkantak attracted 40 lakh, Salkanpur 26 lakh, and Omkareshwar 24 lakh. According to Shukla, various projects including Mahakal Lok, Omkareshwar Mahalok, Shri Ram Vanagaman Path, Devi Lok, Raja Ram Lok, and Hanuman Lok have boosted religious tourism, spiritually and economically. He said the rich heritage of Madhya Pradesh attracted more than 80 lakh tourists in 2024- a growth of 25 per cent compared to 64 lakh in 2023. At more than 9 lakh visitors, Gwalior witnessed a three-fold rise in tourist arrivals compared to 2023 when 3.69 lakh tourists had arrived. Sites like Khajuraho (4.89 lakh tourists), Bhojpur (35.91 lakh tourists) and Maheshwar (13.53 lakh tourists) also figured prominently on the heritage tourism map. Madhya Pradesh has 18 UNESCO heritage sites- three in its permanent list and 15 in the tentative list, with Bhojpur being the latest addition by UNESCO, which also recognised Gwalior as 'Creative City of Music'. Similarly, wildlife tourism attracted a large number of tourists. 'Green, clean and safe Madhya Pradesh is known as the 'Tiger State', 'Leopard State', 'Gharial State', 'Cheetah State' and 'Vulture State', with the highest forest area in the country,' the official said. The state has 12 national parks, 25 wildlife sanctuaries and 9 tiger reserves. Tourists arrived at major wildlife destinations like Kanha (2.48 lakh), Pench (1.92 lakh), Bandhavgarh (1.94 lakh), Panna (3.85 lakh) and Madhai (4.34 lakh). The restoration project of African cheetahs in Kuno Palpur National Park has also drawn international attention. He said Pachmarhi, Amarkantak, Bhedaghat, Hanuwantiya, Gandhi Sagar, Tamia, Sailani Island and Sarsi Island are major spots for natural tourism. In 2024, 2.87 lakh tourists visited Pachmarhi, while Bhedaghat attracted 2.34 lakh tourists, with resorts, adventure, sports, trekking and camping facilities adding a new dimension to tourism. The natural beauty at Gandhi Sagar Dam, Sailani Island, Patalkot Valley of Tamia and Sarsi Island brought tourists closer to nature, the official added. PTI MAS NSK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
ASI to restore Raj's ‘mini Khajuraho' Bhand Devra temple
Jaipur: Often called "Rajasthan's ," the 10th-century in Baran district is about to regain its glory. The (ASI) is set to take over the centuries-old historical treasure from the state govt for its restoration. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Built in the distinctive Nagara style and located on the bank of Ramgarh Crater, the temple's architectural kinship with the famous Khajuraho temples is unmistakable. But decades of neglect and govt apathy not only chipped away at its crumbling walls and ceilings but also contributed to its loss of precious idols and artifacts to theft and smuggling. Like the abandoned crater, which was formed due to the impact of a large asteroid about 165 million years ago and is one of the rare geo-heritage sites, the temple's intricate sculptures and detailed carvings too have an invigorating past. "ASI's takeover of the temple brings new hope. The central agency has both resources and expertise needed for such sensitive restoration work," said Pankaj Dharendra, director of Department of Archaeology and Museums (DAM). The temple is currently under the control of DAM. Once the handover is formalised, the ASI is expected to start the conservation work in phases, ensuring the architectural heritage and spiritual significance of the temple is preserved. The temple's architectural features, including elaborately carved idols, are vital pieces of Rajasthan's artistic identity and heritage. "A monument like Bhand Devra requires careful intervention—scientific cleaning, consolidation and protection from further decay. ASI has both the mandate and experience to undertake the restoration. Once restored, it can become a heritage showpiece of Rajasthan," an ASI official said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The temple's origin is as fascinating as its architecture. "It was originally constructed by king Malaya Verma of the Nagavanshi dynasty as a victory monument. The temple found new patronage in 1162 CE when king Trishna Verma of the Meda dynasty undertook its restoration," Dharendra added, highlighting the structure's historical significance.
