Eco-Ganesha
August 08, 2012
Eco-Ganesha Workshop
Half-Day Workshop on Basics Studio Pottery and making your own Eco Friendly Ganesha....
Let’s welcome our favourite God, Lord Ganesha, this year in an Eco-Friendly and Natural Way. Learn to make your own Ganesha Idol using basic techniques of Studio Pottery. We will be using natural clay. You can carry back the Idol of Lord Ganesha that you have made with your own hands.
What you will take back with you
An Eco-Friendly Idol of Lord Ganesha
A handout on basic of pottery and eco-friendly celebrations
Learn Skills on Studio Pottery
A handout on basic of pottery and eco-friendly celebrations
Learn Skills on Studio Pottery
Location:
Mahim Nature Park (Maharashtra Nature Park)
Bandra-Sion Road
Date: September 15, 2012
Batch 1: 9 am to 12:30 pm
Batch 2: 1:30 pm to 4:30 pmCamp Fee:
Rs.600 per head.
For 2 or more persons registering together Rs.500/- per head.Discounts available only to those who register in advance with full payment.
Camp Fee includes Introduction Workshop on Studio Pottery and Sculpting of Lord Ganesh Idol using Natural Clay
Tips on Creating Eco-Friendly Pandal and immersion of Idol in a eco-friendly manner
500 Grams Wet Clay for sculpting
Small Snack
Participants can buy Ready Wet Clay @60 Per KG. (We will make arrangement clay based on advanced order).
Carry your own water bottle and snacks.
Limited seats per batch..Carry your own water bottle and snacks.
Contact: M. Asif - 9619182010 or SMS - 9821081566
email: asif@natureknights.net / ashwini@natureknights.net
Background
All around us we see various pandals and house-holds celebrating the much loved festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. While the celebrations are a happy occasion, the aftermath of the celebrations are quite unhappy with non-bio-degradable material littered all around us.
As an effort to educate the people on the importance to use eco-friendly methods to celebrate festivals, we at Nature Knights have devised this workshop. Nature Knights is a group that promotes eco-friendly activities from nature walks, to workshops with over 20 year long experience in this field.
So to welcome our favourite God, Lord Ganesha, in a eco-friendly and natural way we are teaching participants to make their own Ganesha idols and how to reclaim and reuse the clay after the ‘Visarjan’. Besides this we will be educating them on using recycled, bio-degradable material for decorations.
Schedule
Batch 1 | Program Details | Batch 2 |
9:00am to 9:15 am | A short talk on the importance of eco-friendly celebrations; disadvantages/harmful effects of non-eco-friendly material; need to adapt natural and eco-friendly methods in celebrations and festivities | 1:30pm to 1:45pm |
9:15am to 10:15 am | Participants will learn the basic techniques of studio pottery like coiling, pinching, slab, etc | 1:45pm to 2:45pm |
10:15 am to 10:30am: | Break | 2:45pm to 3:00pm |
10:30am to 12:15pm | Making of the Ganesha idols from natural clay using studio pottery techniques. | 3:00pm to 4:15pm |
12:15pm to 12:30 pm | Tips and ideas for eco-friendly celebration and the visarjan of Lord Ganesha. Reclaiming the clay after the immersion to be used for idol making or gardening | 4:15pm to 4:30pm |
Note: If you have a batch of 15 to 20 participants we can do this workshop in Mumbai at a special cost on any week days as per mutual convenience.
 | |||
| Add caption |
Reflexology
August 03, 2012
Reflexology
Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands utilizing specific thumb, fingerand hand techniques without the use of oil, cream or lotion based on a system of zones and reflex
... areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a
physical change in the body.
A reflexology chart mirrors a reflection of the body on the feet and hands, left foot or hand
representing the body's left half and right foot or hand its right half. In reflexology practice, technique
is applied to the relevant reflex area(s) to prompt a change in the related part of the body. Research has
demonstrated such effects for several reflex areas and their reflected parts of the body, i. e. the kidney
reflex areas and the kidneys ; the intestine reflex areas and the intestines and the brain reflex area and the brain .
Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2013
July 31, 2012
Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon - 2013.
Those who are interested in running the marathon under NGO category .. Kindly get in touch with me at 9619182010 or 9821081566. We have limited Bibs.. get in touch with me ASAP.
if not reachable on phone send email at asif@natureknights.net
Nature Knights is supporting "Trihul" NGO ..
You can register for Full Marathon, Half Marathon, or Dream Run
Registration Fee under NGO Category - Rs. 6000/- per participant , (You may also donate more if you wish to). The amount goes towards Charity Fund for NGOs.
Participants will get 80G Receipt (The amount paid will be exumpted from TAX)
Requirements and Procedure
Prepare a chq / DD drawn in favor of "United Way of Mumbai"
Minimum Amount Rs.6000/-.
Documents Required
Duly filled registration application form (Forms are available with us).Copy of, Pass Port Size Photograph and
Self Attested Copies of Copy PAN Card and Address Proof
Age Proof if your age is less than 18 years old
Procedure
Submit Duly filled Registration Application Form to us along with all required documents, photograph and DD/Chq (as mentioned above).
Trishul website: www.trishul-ngo.org
 |
| One of the greatest runner of Marathon.. Sheer Grit and Determination. |
Waterfall-Rappelling-Kune
July 26, 2012
Waterfall Rappelling and Trek at Kune
Location (Lonavala and Khandala)Waterfall Rappelling and Trek in paradise .. Aati kya Khandala
Event Date: September 2, 2012.
The actual waterfall rappelling would be around 80 feet and trek up and down would be around two hours.
Nature Knights Team will be equipped with seasoned professionals and safety gear to support participating trekkers freshers as-well-as seasoned
About Kune Falls
Kune Falls is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Khandala. It is located centrally within the Lonavala Khandala valley. The Kune Falls is worth admiring. The Kune Falls is surrounded by lush green vegetation. People often hold picnics around the region of the falls. Innumerable number of tourists from various parts of the country visit this famous site annually. The waterfall is divided into 2 sections. Every part of the falls is almost 100 meters high.
In order to reach Kune Falls tourists should catch the Mumbai Pune Expressway and then stop at the Lonavala bypass. From there they should avail any buses or local transport that takes the Mumbai-Pune highway route. On reaching Kune tourists should be able to spot the most eminent landmark, which is the Kune Church. From there tourists can walk the path till they arrive the Falls of Kune.
Camp Fee: Rs.1550/- (Members Rs.100/- discount).
Includes Transport, Road Tolls, Waterfall Rappelling, Trek, Breakfast (Standard South Indian Snack with Tea or Coffee) and Evening (Snack with Tea or Coffee)
Kindly carry your own packed lunch (see suggestion for packed lunch and Water).
Kindly carry your own packed lunch (see suggestion for packed lunch and Water).
Suggestions for packed lunch: (Sandwiches); Thepla; Potato Vegetable; Roti; Boiled Eggs; Ready to eat canned food; home cooked roti / dry vegetable; Puran Poli; Bread / Cheese slice / spread; Potato Vada; Bread; etc..you can get creative; We will have multi-cultural buffet. Carry tetra packed buttermilk.)
Also carry some chocolates; biscuits; salad items; 3 liters water per head for on-the-way in-between meals and water.
Tentative Schedule
6:00am Start from Andheri West, S. V. Road, Near Merwans Bakery, Outside Bus Depot
6:15am Santruz (East), Western Express Highway
6:20 am Bandra Kalanagar Junction (At end of Sky Walk).
6:25 am Sion Station
6:35 am Chembur (Opp. Akbar Allis Departmental Store)
6:50 am Vashi (Station Road and Highway Junction)
8:00 am Breakfast at Khandala
Option (Idli; Medu Wada; Dosa; Bata Wada (With Tea or Coffee).
09:30 am Trek Starts at Khandas
Induction and Introduction before beginning the adventure
Trek and Waterfall Rappelling
Trek and Waterfall Rappelling
Expected windup time at Khandala / Lonavala 5:00pm
5:45 pm Start from Mumbai
9:45 pm Expected Arrival back at Mumbai.
9:45 pm Expected Arrival back at Mumbai.
Check List
Food and Water: Packed Lunch and Water (3 liters per head)
Attire
Track pants or tights or any comfortable clothes (avoid heavy jeans)
Full sleeves T-shirt, (you may carry spare change clothes)
Carry Spare Swimming trunks, light towel
Rain wear (Poncho, or Short light Raincoat), Rain Cap or Hat
Regular Sun Cap or Hat
Hand Towel
Other mandatory items
Flash light with spare batteries
Pack all items in plastic bags before packing it in your backpack or ruck sack
Pack everything in your backpack properly. Light items on top and bottom side of bag, heavy item towards center and towards your shoulder and body. Use compression straps to tighten the bag from all sides so that items inside the bag do not keep shifting.
Optional items
Comb and pocket mirror
Towel
Change Clothes
Towel
Change Clothes
personal medical kit
Mosquito repellent
Camera (preferable all weather camera)
Eco-Adventure Code
We strongly believe in traveling in small groups, and follow the principle leave only footprints and take only memories.
Waterfall Rappelling
July 26, 2012
Waterfall Rappelling by Nature Knights..
Check one of our videos..
Know more about Waterfall Rappelling..
http://www.natureknights.net/2012/03/waterfall-rappelling.html
Check one of our videos..
Know more about Waterfall Rappelling..
http://www.natureknights.net/2012/03/waterfall-rappelling.html
Earth-and-Man
July 25, 2012The Earth does not belong to man; Man Belongs to Earth.
All things are connected like the blood that unites one family.
Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it.
Whatever he does to the web he does to himself.
All things are connected like the blood that unites one family.
Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it.
Whatever he does to the web he does to himself.
Bhimashankar-Monsoon-Trek
July 24, 2012
Bhimashankar Sidi-ghat Trek
Date: August 5th, 2012.
Adventure Trek and Rock Climbing for Amateurs in company of experienced trekkers; Don't forget your swimming trunks and towel.
You and Your Friends Welcome to Join Nature Knights on a Great Eco-Adventure...
You and Your Friends Welcome to Join Nature Knights on a Great Eco-Adventure...
Trek Route:
Khandas Village to Base of Sidi Ghat - [30 to 40 Minutes] (Grade Easy)
Sidi Ghat Climb - Climb [30 to 40 Minutes] (Grade Challenging, Steep slope)
Lunch and Chill Out on Sidi Ghat Plateau [Time Spend 2 Hours] (Grade - Chill Out)
Traverse Across Plateau [Over Sidi Ghat] - 40 Minutes (Grade Easy)
Down Hill Climb via Ganesh Ghat - [Approx 60 Minutes] (Grade Easy)
Swim in Stream on the way back - [60 Minutes] (Grade - Chill Out)
Bhimashankar Altitude: 1034 mtrs
Event: Trek Bhimashankar Sidi Ghat (While Going Up, Return from the Plateau via Ganesh Ghat)..
Link to Photo Album
Event: Trek Bhimashankar Sidi Ghat (While Going Up, Return from the Plateau via Ganesh Ghat)..
Location: 128 km from Pune (via Manchar) or by trek via Khandas (Near Karjat / Neral)
Best Season: Monsoon and Winter
For inquiries on custom packages for Bhimashankar kindly get in touch with
Camp Fee: Rs.850/- (For members Rs.100/- Discount).
Includes: Travel By Bus; Breakfast, Evening Tea/Biscuit, Guide and Tech Support.
Includes: Travel By Bus; Breakfast, Evening Tea/Biscuit, Guide and Tech Support.
Carry your own packed lunch.
Link to Photo Album
More about Bhimashankar
There are three route to Bhimashankar starting from Khandas; one is from Ganeshghat the easiest at the same time the longest; 2nd going via waterfall and the third the shortest but the most adventurous (sidi ghat) route; we will be taking thist shortest but also the most adventurous trail to Bhimashankar.
The trek to Bhimashankar via Sidi Ghat is adventurous and involves a bit of elementary rock climbing. We will be carrying safety equipment like Carnamental Rope (Mountaineering Ropes); Carabineers; Descender; Mechanical Ascender; Tape Slings etc. The group will be a mix of experienced trekkers and also new explorers into trekking (but ready to rough it out in the psychological thriller walk).
Tentative Schedule
6:00am Start from Andheri West, S. V. Road, Near Merwans Bakery, Outside Bus Depot
6:15am Santruz (East), Western Express Highway
6:20 am Bandra Kalanagar Junction (At end of Sky Walk).
6:25 am Sion Station
6:35 am Chembur (Opp. Akbar Allis Departmental Store)
6:50 am Vashi (Station Road and Highway Junction)
8:00 am Breakfast
Option (Idli; Medu Wada; Dosa; Bata Wada (With Tea or Coffee).
10:00 am Trek Starts at Khandas
12:00 pm Reach at First Plateau
Lunch at First Plateau
2:00 pm Start our trek back from Ganesh Ghat to Khandas
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm Swim in the River/Stream
5:00 pm Start from Mumbai
9:00 pm Expected Arrival back at Mumbai.
This is a moderate (Challenging Climb).
There are three route to Bhimashankar starting from Khandas; one is from Ganeshghat the easiest at the same time the longest; 2nd going via waterfall and the third the shortest but the most adventurous (sidi ghat) route; we will be taking thist shortest but also the most adventurous trail to Bhimashankar.
The trek to Bhimashankar via Sidi Ghat is adventurous and involves a bit of elementary rock climbing. We will be carrying safety equipment like Carnamental Rope (Mountaineering Ropes); Carabineers; Descender; Mechanical Ascender; Tape Slings etc. The group will be a mix of experienced trekkers and also new explorers into trekking (but ready to rough it out in the psychological thriller walk).
Check List:
Check List:
Suggestions for packed lunch: (Sandwiches); Thepla; Potato Vegetable; Roti; Boiled Eggs; Ready to eat canned food; home cooked roti / dry vegetable; Puran Poli; Bread / Cheese slice / spread; Potato Vada; Bread; etc..you can get creative; We will have multi-cultural buffet. Carry tetra packed buttermilk.)
Also carry some chocolates; biscuits; salad items; 3 liters water per head for on-the-way in-between meals and water.
Attire:
Important: Smoking, Alcohol, Drugs not allowed in "House of Yoga" and during adventure sports.
Track pants or tights or any comfortable clothes (avoid heavy jeans)
Full sleeves T-shirt, (you may carry spare change clothes)
Carry Spare Swimming trunks, light towel
Rain wear (Poncho, or Short light Raincoat), Rain Cap or Hat
Regular Sun Cap or Hat
Hand Towel
Other mandatory items
Flash light with spare batteries
Water (2 liters per head)
Packed Lunch for day 2 (For those coming only for one day camp).
Pack all items in plastic bags before packing it in your backpack or ruck sack
Pack everything in your backpack properly. Light items on top and bottom side of bag, heavy item towards center and towards your shoulder and body. Use compression straps to tighten the bag from all sides so that items inside the bag do not keep shifting.
Optional items
Comb and pocket mirror
personal medical kit
Mosquito repellent
Camera
Eco-Adventure Code
We strongly believe in traveling in small groups, and follow the principle leave only footprints and take only memories.
Important: Smoking, Alcohol, Drugs not allowed in "House of Yoga" and during adventure sports.
How to prepare your self for any treks?
Go through the “What to carry?” matrix while packing your backpack.
Carry personal medical kit, even though general first aid kit is available with the group.
Rehearse packing and un-packing of your bags with proposed items to be packed (Remember - every item has a place, every item in its place); check the weight of your bag. You have to carry this weight for 4 to 5 hours of trek; do not carry items not required
More About Bhimashankar
The adventure
Bhimashankar is a dream destination for any trekker, a paradise for a Naturalist, a spiritual journey for a religious person; a perfect setting for an exciting eco-adventure.
The excitement begins right at Neral station as you have your breakfast and sip of tea anticipating what’s to come. You start your travel from Neral / Karjat in dugdugies for a bumpy ride along countryside till you reach the village Khandas. We are ready for the trek once we finish our induction and introduction. The trail leading from Khandas village to Bhimashankar goes through all kinds of terrain; the trail start as a flat cross country walk to a semi-deciduous scrubland and as you progress the climber gets steeper and finally ending in a ever-green forest. Few patches also involves a bit of armature rock climbing. You pass through a glimpse of history as you cross two forts Tung and Paddar Killa;
Once on top of Bhimashankar you can’t resist visiting Ancient Jyotir ling temple or explore the mysterious Gupt (Secret) Bhimashankar Ling hidden the cool forest Bhimashankar; We also have the rare temple of Goddess Anjana.
There is a beautiful temple of Lord Shiva which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Lord Shankara after getting angry, killed Rakshas Tripurasura. The heat generated from their war caused the origin of river Bhima. That is why it is called Bhimashankar.
Play a nature detective trying to site the secretive Shekru (Giant Squirrel of Bhimashankar); for anxious bird watchers there is plenty of Bird life, Keep your binoculars; camera and field guide handy. A walk through the old jungle of Bhimashankar is magical experience liven your spirit green and clean. Bhimashankar is conserve red forest area and wildlife sanctuary where a variety of birds, animals, flowers, plants can be seen.
There are Buddha style carvings of Amba-Ambika, Bhootling and Bhimashankar in the hills of Manmod near Bhimashankar. A big size bell in Hemadpanthi structure built by Nana Phadanavis is also a feature of Bhimashankar.
Various places that could be visited in Bhimashankar are Hanuman Lake, Gupt Bhimashankar, Origin of River Bhima, Nag Phani, Bombay Point, Sakshi Vinayak and lot more.
Get cozy in pleasant Climate; put your feet up at end of the day in any vintage Ashrams; If in mood for sweet tooth try the local Khoya Sweets served by warm people; there is lots more to discover for those inquisitive and adventurous.
