Jantar Mantars | Toys from trash | Ant chutney | Indian Parent Trap | Butterfly names
Five unique things from India to discover this week
Jantar Mantars - Five of a kind
Almost everyone has heard of the Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The Jantar mantar is a sundial consisting of 7 yantras or machines that tells time fairly accurately. But did you know that there are five of these sundials located in several parts of the country? The largest one, of course can be found in Jaipur as they were commissioned by Maharaja Jaisingh II of Jaipur in the 18th Century. Here’s a glimpse at them.
Here’s how to make a sundial at home, just like the Jantar Mantars.
Trash toymaker - Arvind Gupta
If you saw the sundial video above, you will have come across the name of this amazing Indian toymaker. Arvind Gupta is an expert in making toys from trash! You can see his works and get inspired. You will learn some science along the way too!
Ant Chutney
It's almost the end of summer and you might be seeing a lot less of our red and black ant friends but did you know that ants are actually a delicacy in some parts of India. "Chaprah" is a chutney made out of ants and their eggs famous in Chattisgarh, Orissa and Jharkhand. Are there any brave chutney fans who would try this unusual delicacy? Read all about it here.
Do Kaliyan - the Indian Parent Trap movie
You might remember the 1998 movie The Parent Trap starring Lindsay Lohan. There is also an Indian movie with the exact same plot made in 1968. Both are of course, based on a German book titled Das doppelte Lottchen. Do Kaliyan starring Neetu Singh as both twins, tells the story of the girls, separated at birth who happen to get reunited, and turn on their parents. Maybe, you’ve heard one of the songs ‘Bacche man ke sacche’? It’s a lovely old movie to watch with the whole family.
Know your butterflies
If you want to take a walk outside or venture into your garden or terrace, you might spot some unbelievable flying wonders. It helps to know their names! Here’s a list of the most common Indian butterflies that you could check out, perhaps even from your own window!