Sabudana + Garam Masala in Cairo

I saw some sabudana and Garam masala on sale in Alfa Market in Zamalek yesterday.

Garam Masala being sold is from the Raj Masala brand.

The Sabudana is a South East Asian brand, it is sold as Tapioca Pearls. There are 2 sizes available. One is the small size that we use in Indian cooking and one is a much larger size, like groundnuts/peanuts/moongphali.

They are on the expensive side comparing to their price in India, but they ARE available if you need to replenish your stock.

Please say a prayer/make dua for my friends in Bombay/Mumbai

A wave of terror was unleashed this night in Bombay.

Before we moved to Egypt, we were based in Bombay/Mumbai for 2 years. We have a lot of friends and family in the city.

The terror attacks were concentrated around the business district of South Bombay where a lot of our friends were working late, living or eating out after office hours.

4 hours of terror: grenades, machine guns, explosions have left over 80 dead (last count, sure to go up) and many more, wounded.

We have not yet been able to get in touch with a lot of our friends. Please pray for the safety of our friends and the people in Mumbai (residents and visitors) - innocents who were caught in the crossfire for no fault of theirs but for the fact that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Thank you.

Buying Garlic Paste in Cairo

The concept of ready made garlic paste does not exist in Cairo while it is an essential in Indian cooking. Until a few months ago, the only option I had was to make the paste myself. But recently I have found that "Gold Alex" offers a passable substitute.
Its a bottle of finely minced garlic preserved in a bit of oil and salt. Costs about 5.25LE. . Its handy to have in the fridge for the days when cooking in a hurry.

Buying Rice in Egypt

I'm often asked which brand of rice I use in Egypt. The answer is best given in a series of points.
1. I do not use Egyptian rice for anything except making rice pudding (kheer/ruz bi laban) or risotto because it has a sticky consistency like arborio or sushi rice. This particular rice needs perfection to cook as a side dish for curries, which doesnt suit my touch, taste, see, smell, feel style of cooking
2. To make Indian dosas (rice pancakes of different types) I bring the appropriate rice back from India
3. To make regular rice for daily use, I buy the "Cooker" brand. This used to come in a green topped box, now it comes in a red topped box.

A 2kilo box costs about 26LE. It is also available in 1kilo boxes and also in plastic bags. If you buy a box that isnt dented already, the boxes are very durable and air tight so they can be reused for storing other things at home.


The bottle in front is a current offer at Hyper One where you get a bottle of Crystal hot sauce with a 2 kilo box.

ICAE Diwali Function at Mena House Oberoi

Had a ball of a time at today's Diwali function held by the Indian Community Association in Cairo.

Met a lot of old friends, made some new ones. The decorations were awesome and felt like being back in India with bright diyas and colorful rangolis all over the place.

Usha Uthup was in town, to perform for the function and she got the crowd on their feet (although some of them were on their feet just to capture her on camera)

Good Indian khana. Over 800 guests. This was a diwali party to remember!

Eid Karim / Eid Mubarak / Eid Sahid

Its holiday time again with Ramdan coming to an end.

Best wishes to anyone celebrating any holidays : Eid / Navratri / Durga Pooja......

Happy Hols to everyone in Egypt - have a great extended holiday weekend. See you all on the 7th!

Yoga Classes

I have written about Yoga Classes before. This is another option from an Indian who is currently in Cairo.

Chirag can be contacted by mail on drchirayuthakkar @ gmail . com (without the spaces of course) or by phone on +201 6063 7001

Dearest Cairo Yogis,

I took some time off to check on the trends and costs of Yoga and Alternative Medicine services in Cairo, that's why the silence.

Before we come to our interests, something about me… I am an Indian National. My study at the University was Yoga and Alternative Medicine,which is a 5 years Medical Course. After the University I joined work in my hometown, Baroda, in a Natural Healing (Naturopathy) hospital.

After which I was employed in Libya with a corporate sector MNC, where the job profile was to work towards stress, health and fitness of the employees.

Also was associated with Yoga in sports for one of the national teams of Libya.

Another good break brings me back to Africa. Here in Cairo employed with a govt. authority in the Heatlh and Sports sector.

Coming to our discussion. (FAQ)

1. What kind of doctor are you? Do you provide consultations and counseling?

I am a doctor of Alternative medicine and Yoga. Yes I do provide both consultations and counseling.

2. What kind of yoga do you practice?

I practice Ashtanga Yoga and Hatha Yoga majorly. Also keep knowledge of other schools of yoga like

Bikram Yoga(Hot Yoga), Iyengar Yoga etc. and various streams of yoga.

3. What is the base of Alternative medicine & what alternative therapies do you offer?

The main approach and base of Alternative medicine (& yoga) is Holistic healing.

The major Alternative therapies I offer are…

Acupuncture

Acupressure

Therapeutic Massage (for relaxation and for healing)

Reflexology

Hydrotherapy (depends on availability of required equipments)

Fasting Therapy (counseling and guidance)

There are other therapies but they require a setup. I have mentioned the ones which are on offer.

4. I am interested in both Yoga and Alternative therapies. Do I come to you or you will come to me?

I will come to you. My stay in Cairo is at a hotel, which is not an ideal place to have yoga or alternative therapies.

5. I am interested in small Group Yoga. Where can I come?

One option is, if some of you are willing to host the group sessions at your place. If so, then we shall collect people of the same area or the near by areas into one group.

Second option, by and by I am searching for a place / room for conducting group yoga.

6. How many people would you consider in a small group?

Four. Maximum five (4-5 people per session)

7. I am interested in Yoga and so is my Wife/Husband. We do not want group yoga. What can another option be?

Private session for couples is your answer. Privacy and personal attention are maintained.

8. What are your charges for Yoga?

Small Group Yoga (per session per head) LE 60 (Students pay LE 45)

Private (one-on-one) LE 250 (Students pay LE 200)

Private (for Couples) LE 400 (2X200)

9. What are your charges for Alternative Therapies?

Acupuncture LE 100 per session (Students pay LE 80)

Massage

Full Body Oil massage LE 250 (Students pay 225)

Full Body Yoga Massage LE 250 (Students pay 225)

Head and Back massage LE 150 (Students pay 130)

Head and Face Massage LE 100 (Students pay 80)

Feet and and Hands Massage LE 100 (Studetns pay 80)

Therapeutic Massage (for aches and pains) (depends on the need)

Hydrotherapy

(depends on the need)

Fasting Therapy Counseling/Guidance

(depends on the need)

NOTE

: Charges for these Massages are based PER SESSION & not on the time/duration of the therapy.

10. I am interested in Yoga. I am a student studying here. Usually I run tight on my budget and may not be able to afford your sessions. What do you suggest?

If your interest is genuine, then rest assured, there always is a way out. We can discuss and come to a mutual agreement.

Cairo Yogis…Now comes an important part... This is for everyone…

Do not hesitate to speak your mind. Do not hesitate to discuss.

At anytime if you have the costs of yoga and alternative therapies stopping you from having them, please feel free to discuss in person or on email.

There is always a way out. There always is a solution, we just need to try. Do not worry… we will not let your genuine interest drown. :O)

I suggest that you mail me.

In Subject type what you'd be interested in (Eg. YOGA - Private one-on-one OR Private Couple OR Group Yoga OR Massage OR Acupuncture OR the combinations)

In body of the mail write your full name, the address and specially the area so that later on it's easy to place you in a particular group in or around your area. Also do mention if you have previous experience in Yoga and a little about it so that we can have groups likewise. Further write something about yourself

That is all for now.
Hope to see you soon in Cairo.
Good Wind.
God Bless.
Chirayu.

Dusshera/Dashera - Indian Celebrations in Egypt on 10th October

A couple of people had asked me about this last year:

To those who were concerned, at the community gatherings there will be absolutely no religious symbols or ceremonies being performed, it is just the party part of the celebration. Especially since these are not the actual dates of the festivals. So please do not be worried on that issue.

The Dushera function on 10 October is reasonably informal with traditional Indian dance (garba & dandiya) being performed by anyone in the crowd who is interested, the more colorful the clothes you wear the better you will blend in (see poster) There is also a high pre-disposition to wear clothes with mirrorwork on them.

The Diwali function will be a more formal sit down dinner at the Mena House Oberoi, which will also be colorful, but in a more understated way.

Dashera will be all about colors, food, dance and fun. Oh and in the dance, men and women may dance in different circles if they feel more comfortable with that or you can just dance in your own group. Or you can just eat the yummy food from the stalls (there will be non spicy food available) and watch the myriad colors swirl and turn. I personally fall in the second category :)

For those who can't read the poster too well. Entry is 20LE for members and 40 for non members. Kids are at half price. This is just entry charge.

You can sign up for membership on the spot (if you are an Indian or married to an Indian)and avail the discounted membership entry for the function. Membership is somewhere between a 50 and 100LE, but we paid up for a family membership a while ago, so I don’t remember the exact amount.

The admission fee includes admission and a few freebies and the chance to dance, enjoy the music etc. The dandiya sticks you can bring your own, or buy on the spot (which may be expensive, since they have to be imported from India and they are heavy) Food pricing depends on individual stalls, because they can price it to their convenience. A lot of home made Indian food will be on offer. I think last year prices per item started from 15LE. I would roughly say that prices would be similar to anything in a food court in Dandy mall or city stars. The Karvin hotel and the Oberoi hotel might have stalls and they may charge a little higher but not as high as eating at the hotels themselves. I have to highly recommend the jelebis made on the spot by the Oberoi chef if he turns up this year and the motichur laddus that the Alexandria Carbon black group distributed last year (don’t know if they will do it this year too)

Do come along, its pretty informal, you can either mix with the Indian community or stick to your group of friends, we are pretty welcoming of everyone

Below is the message from the Indian Community Association in Egypt.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Community Members,

Further to our last mail on Dushera celebrations in Cairo on 10th October, we would like to thank everyone for the tremendous response. We have got a lot of inquiries from people who want to put up food stalls, and also from talents who want to perform on stage. We would like to remind you that if you are interested either in having a food stall or exhibition stall, this would be your last chance to register. Also, if there are any more talented people out there who want to perform on stage, do call us immediately.

Detailed maps to help all of you get to the Dushera venue is attached. One map is for people coming from Nasr City/ Heliopolis area. Second one is for people coming in from Mohandeseen/ Downtown area. Maps will also be on our website www.desiegypt.com. A Dushera poster is also attached,with more details.

Also just to mark in your calendar, the festive annual diwali nite in Cairo will be held at Mena House Oberoi on 14th November night. This is going to be a very grand dine and dance function with exclusive entertainers flown in from India, tickets will be on sale at the Dushera venue. Further mails would follow on Diwali.

Warm Regards,
Infodesk @ desiegypt . com
www.desiegypt.com

Receiving Indian Television Channels in Egypt

I'm often asked this question by Indians (and a few expats from the Middle East) who move to Egypt : "How do I receive Indian Television Channels in Egypt?"

NileSat receiver, receives some of the Indian channels for Free like NDTV Arabia and NDTV Imagine.

To get most of the Indian channels, you need to install something called a "Pehla" card into your set top box. From what I understand, people who migrate to Egypt from the Middle East can bring the same card over and continue to pay the subscription amount in the Middle East. I'm not sure of the legality though.

There are some cable operators who offer "Pehla" subscription in Egypt. I have seen some operators in Maadi advertise in the CSA magazine-"Oasis". I think his name is Tarek and the company is called "Queen"

The Pehla Channels offer Star Plus, Star Movies, Sony, Set Max, Star World and a lot more Indian channels, but the feed is the same as that of UAE not India. From what I have been told, the saas bahu serials in the UAE are running on par with the telecast in India.

You can check which of these options works for you.

Yoga Classes in Cairo

As an Indian in Cairo, I am often asked about the whereabouts of yoga classes in the city.

The following is a list of places that I know offers yoga classes but as I have not personally attended any of them, I cannot recommend anyone against the other.

1. el Sawy Culture Wheel on 26th July Street, Zamalek has Yoga on tuesdays and Thursdays 6pm-7pm at the Word Hall. 012 440 0100, 736 8881 www.culturewheel.net

2. the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Center (Indian Cultural Centre) at 23, Talaat Harb Street runs yoga classes 4 days a week. There are 3 levels of courses and each one lasts about 3 months. Charges are very reasonable. +2 02 393 3396, macic[@]india-emb[.]org[.]eg

3. Studio 206 in Maadi sometimes has yoga sessions. from what I understand they are more of one person leading a group session, than classes per se. Call and check. Villa 18, Road 200, Degla, Maadi. +2 02 2519 5713 nohastudio[@]yahoo[.]com

4. Ananda Marga organises yoga classes in Heliopolis, Mohandaseen and Rehab City http://egyptyoga.info/

Yoga for women:
Mondays at 10:00 -11:30
Tuesdays at 18:30 -20:00
Thursdays at 10:00 -11:30

Yoga for children (age 8 up to 10)
-Saturday at 10:30

Yoga Classes in Heliopolis:
Tuesdays 19:30 - 21:00
Wednesdays 10:00 - 11:30

Yoga in Mohandaseen
Saturday 18:00-19:30

Please kindly register in advance tel. 016 1924763

5. Someone mentioned Studio 21 in Ard El Golf 010 477 7608

6. Heliopolis Sporting Club has classes conducted by 2 different instructors.
Yousri : Sunday, Monday and Wednesday Mornings from 9:30 to 10:30
A Lady : Saturday and Tuesday Evening from 19:30 to 20:30

7. Many clubs like Swiss club, Shams Club organise yoga classes depending on demand. If you are a member of a club, check with them if they offer classes.

8. Golds Gym and Samia Allouba offer yoga classes at some locations.

9. One of my friends in Heliopolis mentioned a Studio called Shake'N'Shape for women in Ard El Golf. The studio offers classes in fitness, abs, yoga, pilates, aerobics. She said they were pretty good and very affordable when she attended a couple of years back. The girl who owns the place is called Noha Hassam and her number is 0106281010.

Added this option on 26 Sep 08.

ICAE (Indian Cultural Association in Cairo) - talent show

Stop 1 on Friday morning was the Swiss Club Cairo

Stop 2 was the Korba Street Festival Heliopolis

Stop 3 was a quick halt to click pictures of the City of the Dead & Souq al Gumma

I later proceeded to the Talent Show hosted by the Indian Cultural Association in Cairo - ICAE for Indian adults and children. There were about 55 participants for the talent show and another 5 or so for the Fancy Dress.

It was fun to see the kids dressed up in Indian clothes and all made up. Over 200 people turned up to support the participants. Yummy chicken biryani, spicy samosas and hot gulab jamuns were on the menu for the hungry few as were a range of chilled drinks.

The stage at the Maadi British International School seemed a little large for the individual performances by the tiny tots, but they did an admirable job.

It was a fun informal way to meet the Indian Community in Egypt especially the bus load of Indians who came in from Port Said for the event.

Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in Cairo this month?

Found this article in the DNA 2 months ago, by the calculations mentioned(and knowing Indian film industries time estimations), Akshay and Katrina should be in Egypt this month to shoot for Singh is King. Does anyone have any information?

A lot of my Egyptian friends are huge fans of Akshay Kumar and his action sequences and I'm sure they would appreciate the chance to see him in person. Personally, I never liked him too much in his action roles, but I have to grudgingly admit, I do respect his comic timing in his latest few movies with Paresh Rawal and others.

I'd be more interested to know if Kirron Kher would be accompanying the group. I'm a huge fan of both her and her husband, Anupam.

Akshay to romance Katrina amidst pyramids
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 11:14 IST

MUMBAI: Akshay Kumar is hell bent on covering the seven wonders of the world. Currently, he is preparing to shoot action scenes on the Great Wall of China and next month he plans a stint in Egypt amid the pyramids.

This time, it's for a song with Katrina Kaif in "Singh Is King".

"We'll be shooting the introductory song of the lead pair. This will be where Akshay first meets Katrina. The film is complete after this," Vipul Shah, who teamed up with Aneez Bazmi for the movie, said.

The last time a romantic song was shot amid the blow-dried pyramids of Egypt, it featured Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in Karan Johar's "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham".

"Not surprising that Akshay wants the song to be canned in Egypt. He wants to better Shah Rukh Khan's success score with Kajol. Most trade pundits see Akshay and Katrina as the next most-successful couple after Shah Rukh-Kajol," the director said.

After "Namastey London" and "Welcome", Akshay really feels Katrina is his lucky mascot.

"But we aren't shooting in all the normal places in Egypt. We want to capture parts of the country other than the predictable pyramids," Bazmi said.

Grand Snacks and Sweets, Chennai

Totally inspired by the masala (blend of spices) given to us by our Tamilian friends Lux & Moorthy, I sent a shopping list to my mom who was visiting Madras for her visa. The parcel has just reached me. YIPPEE!

Karakuzhambu paste, onion thokku, pepper rasam masala, and that tamarind thing - is it Pulikachal?

Also she has sent me a bit of sambhar and rasam powder of theirs to try out.

I don't need to cook anything other than rice for the next one month. Hahahahaha

I'm so kicked with myself. Already tasted all of them. They are awesome!

If you want to buy some yourself or get it shipped to you, the address is:
#24
2nd Main Road,
Gandhi Nagar
Adyar
Chennai - 600020

Phone: 044-24914213

Read more about Grand Snacks & Sweets in The Hindu

India's corporate biggies make multibillion-dollar plans for Egypt

From Economic Times, India

NEW DELHI: Top Indian companies like Essar, Reliance and the Tata group are getting ready to roll out over $20 billion investments in sectors ranging from oil and gas to plastic and fertilisers in Egypt.

"India and Egypt should walk hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder in this globalised world. The Indian economy is growing and so is the Egyptian economy. This is the perfect time for scaling up business ties," said Egyptian Minister for International Cooperation Fayza Aboul Naga.

"The Essar, Reliance and the Tata Group are some of big Indian companies planning multibillion dollar investments in Egypt," Naga told IANS ahead of Trade and Industries Minister Rashid Mohamed Rashid's visit here Tuesday.

"Egypt has multiple advantages for Indian businesses. Indian companies are closer to the cultural mindset of businessmen in Egypt and, therefore, have an edge," Naga said.

Business is clearly now the mantra with the two countries, which were the founder members of the Non-Aligned Movement and pioneers of South-South cooperation.

Soon after the trade minister's visit, a big business delegation led by Aseem Ragab, head of Egyptian Investment Promotion Authority GAFI, will come here to network with Indian businessmen at an investment conclave April 18-20.

Egypt's strategic location that makes it a gateway to the 20-country Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the 27-nation European Union and the Arab Free Trade Area has been a major magnet for globally ambitious Indian companies.

Egypt is determined to cash in on a new strategic and economic synergy emerging with India that will be sharply in focus when President Hosni Mubarak comes here on his first visit in a quarter of a century.

"India is emerging as an economic power. It's a source of pride for us in Egypt. The Egyptian economy is also growing at over eight percent annually. There are a lot of complementarities," Naga stressed.

The Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries, India's largest private sector company, has decided to spend over $11 billion in oil refining, petrochemicals and plastics industries in Egypt.

The Reliance group is no stranger to the shores of the Nile. Reliance Petroleum Limited, a subsidiary of the Reliance group, has been importing and marketing Egyptian crude oil over the last seven years.

The Ruias-owned Essar Group is also brimming with ideas for investment in Egypt. A $9 billion refinery tops their list, which also includes a plan to set up a steel plant in the pharaoh's land.

Tata Chemicals is planning $1.2 billion investment in a fertiliser plant in Egypt. The Aditya Birla Group has already set up a joint venture plant in Alexandria to produce acrylic fibre and is playing with some more ambitious investment ideas.

The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), the Oberoi Group that runs a hotel near the pyramids in Cairo and the Kirloskar Group are already entrenched in the burgeoning Egyptian market.

Bilateral trade between India and Egypt touched $2.2 billion in 2006, compared to China's nearly $3 billion trade with Egypt. India and Egypt are eyeing an ambitious target of achieving $10 billion bilateral trade by 2010.

The two countries have identified IT, oil and gas, agriculture and food processing as some of key areas for closer collaboration.

Puffed Rice / Laiyyan now available in Egypt

Just saw that Isis has started selling puffed rice - laiyyan - the base ingredient for bhel puri.

It comes in a box of 250gms for about 10LE. Saw it at the Metro on Syria street.

I didn't pick it up, because I still have my stock from home. but I can now use it more confidently and liberally since its now available in Egypt

Picture Added on 18 November 08
This is a bit on the sweeter side, doesn't have the neutral taste of laiyya, but one can make do with this.

Sourcing Curry Leaves in Egypt

Curry leaves arent available in the general market in Egypt. A couple of Indian friends grow them in their houses here.

Sometimes when someone has a huge excess of the stuff, they may give it to the guy on Road 9 in Maadi or 26th July street in Zamalek to be sold, but these are very very rare occasions and they disappear faster than the blink of an eye.

I personally get mine from India. I dry them up and then bring them over in huge quantities. This is also the solution used by majority of the Indians in Egypt.

Curry leaves add a unique flavour to Indian dishes, these dishes wont taste the same without the leaves, but they will still taste good.

Basic primer for Indians coming to Egypt

A lot of indians who come to Egypt or plan to travel here : their first question is where do I buy Indian supplies?

I get a lot of my supplies from India or Dubai since my husband and me travel reasonably frequently.

The besan that is available in Cairo is not exactly the same that we get in India, but its manageable.

There's a guy called Nijamuddin in Khan el khalili who sells besan etc. His number is +20122639355 He also stocks some Indian masalas etc. He speaks hindi, so its easy to communicate with him. He will deliver home if its a large order. Otherwise he is on the el muizz street on the el Hussein mosque side.

We have an association for Indian women in Cairo that meets every month called Annapoorna. If u attend the meetings, then u can meet a lot of women who can help with a lot of information. Some of them have been here for over 20 years.

I also run a yahoogroup for Indians called desisinEgypt@yahoogroups.com

Its so that Indians can help each other out with information.

You can join by sending a blank mail to desisinEgypt-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Once you are a member, you can post any questions u have on the group.

India Outsources Outsourcing

From Business Today Egypt

April 2008
India Outsources Outsourcing
With worldwide technology spending expected to approach $2 trillion in the next few years, India’s IT titans are building nests outside their borders and Egypt is a prime destination

By Ali El Bahnasawy

For companies who want to outsource back-office operations, India has developed into the market model. But in a world where high-tech spending by both governments and the private sector exceeded $1.7 trillion (LE 9.35 trillion) in 2007, and the size of the global IT outsourcing industry reached $70 billion (LE 385 billion) with a growth of 30% in 2006, even a huge nation like India, which dominates international IT outsourcing with a 2/3 share of the industry, is facing a talent crunch. The solution? Outsource outsourcing.

India-based companies that were once notorious for seducing call centers and IT departments away from the West are now re-exporting their services outside India. Even with India’s massive population, the demand for IT services exceeds the supply of qualified labor in the country’s human resources market. Fueled by local successes, Indian IT companies are now buying companies in America, Europe and Asia to support their extended operations and cater to more than half of the globe’s high-tech needs.

Egypt has been ranked the thirteenth most attractive destination to set up an offshore service, according to a study by A.T. Kearney, a global management consulting firm. The study, which looked at 50 countries, was based on the evaluation of three main factors: financial structure, availability of skilled workers and overall business environment. As a result of reforms to Egypt’s business climate — such as lowering the cost of employment, the increased availability of attractive business properties like Smart Village and flexible income tax regulations — in addition to burgeoning language and computer skills on the part of the Egyptian population, Egypt is becoming a prime destination for India’s IT giants, who are coming to boost the industry as well as take advantage of Egypt’s underutilized workforce.

Read the Entire Article on Business Today Egypt

Cairo Celebrates holi

Written by my friend Anju and pictures by her husband Anil (we were too scared to take our cameras) :)

Marking the beginning of a warm spring, the Indian community in Cairo celebrated the festival of colors on an exceptionally merry note, on Friday 21^st March. Colors, music and spirits.. created enough mayhem to attract quite a crowd to the venue, by the Nile. In spite of the long weekend coinciding with a public holiday, the Chancery gardens in Zamalek, saw quite a bit of action.

Stomping to a Himesh Reshamiya was a young and not-so-young crowd, drenched in colored water. Chasing one another with splashes of color were the youngest of the lot. There may have been no ‘tandaai’ to pep up the spirit of the festivity but going by the crowds that sang along to the “rang barase..” track from Silsila, there was no reason for tandaai. A few Egyptians attempted to shake a leg or two, but finally gave up in pursuit of the food counter.

As the afternoon wore on things had gotten so warmed up, people resorted to dousing each other with bottles of cold water. Might not be such a bad idea to offer ‘chaas’ and ‘lassi’ on the drinks menu. Hot parathas and biriyani stalls courtesy Kaval’s Masala proved a great attraction for the visitors, both Indians and other expats. A very green looking couple was spotted under the tree relishing the juicy jalebis.

“What kind of a festival gets people to drink from mid morning ..?” one very bewildered Egyptian was heard enquiring. Casualties were reported later, when one of the revelers with purple face and pink hair, while taking the stairs to his flat startled a woman causing a security alert. Another bunch of Jamaicans heard of the party and turned up at the gates at 11 pm, instead of 11 am !

As the party wound to late afternoon, Harish, selling the entry tickets was beaming with success, “we got more than 250 people in today.. !” Coming to think of it.. it was not the numbers that mattered. Every one had a blast, including one of the oldest members of the community Jan. Isnt that what Holi is all about.. ??

By Anjana Das

Photos by Anil Jayachandran

Satyam launches new facility in Egypt

From The Economic Times

BANGALORE: Satyam Computer Services Ltd, the fourth-ranked software services exporter, said on Wednesday it had inaugurated a software development and support facility in Egypt to tap growing outsourcing business.

New York-listed Satyam, which specialises in business software and offers back-office services, said the centre would have 300 staff and serve customers in the Middle East, North Africa and European regions.