Looking for gifts for Diwali? Use our top 10 Diwali gift ideas to come up with the right gift that will make your loved ones feel special. If you are looking for something unique, then we are sure that they will love it. It should also be convenient and easy to use as well!

Top 10 Best Diwali Gift Ideas For Family & Friends

Best Diwali Gift Ideas For Family & Friends

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. It’s also a time for the exchange of gifts as a token of love and appreciation for family and friends. Finding the perfect Diwali Gift Ideas can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re looking for traditional gifts or something more modern and unique, this article will provide you with a plethora of ideas to make this Diwali special for your loved ones.

Traditional Diwali Gifts

Sweets and Treats

One of the most traditional and beloved Diwali gifts is a box of assorted sweets. Indian sweets like ladoos, jalebis, and barfis are a favorite during this festival. You can also consider gifting dry fruits or a basket of fresh fruits.

Diwali GIFTS: 10 REASONS TO CHOOSE HANDMADE JEWELLERY

As the festive season approaches, the search for the perfect Diwali gifts begins in earnest. While the convenience of big-box retailers and mass online marketplaces may be tempting, there's a very compelling case to instead shop small and locally with independent Handmade jewellery makers and artisans to find something special for the women in your life.

Here are our top 9 reasons why we think shopping small with independent Indian Handmade jewellery designers is a great idea when looking for unique Diwali gift ideas for the people you care about. We hope it makes your Christmas shopping a tad easier

1. UNIQUE AND HANDMADE JEWELLERY

2. SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES & COMMUNITIES

3. ECO-FRIENDLY AND ETHICAL JEWELLERY

4. PERSONALISED CUSTOMER SERVICE

5. MEANINGFUL GIFTS & STORY TELLING

6. DURABLE AND QUALITY GIFTS

7. A MORE CONSIDERED GIFT SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

8. ENCOURAGING CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

9. A MEANINGFUL AND IMPACTFUL GESTURE

Top 10 Diwali Marketing Ideas for Fashion Business

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide. It is a time for joy, togetherness, and the exchange of gifts. For businesses, especially in the fashion industry, Diwali presents a golden opportunity to boost sales and connect with customers in a meaningful way. To make the most of this festive season, we present the top 10 Diwali marketing ideas for fashion businesses.

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Diwali Gifts For Everyone You Know

The spirit of Diwali is lit by a number of factors – beautiful diyas, fairy lights, sweets, social gatherings and, of course, exchanging gifts. While growing up, I always wondered why my relatives only gifted us with sweets or dry fruits. I wished for different things. But, after reaching a certain age, did I realise the difficulty in choosing a Diwali Gifts for 2019.  It can be a very tricky task to select a useful and unique gift.  Questions like ‘Will it be useful, ‘what if they already have it’, ‘how memorable will it be’, ‘is it in our budget’ help me in choosing that near-perfect gift.

Diwali is right around the corner and if you have similar questions, worry not.  We have got you covered with many Diwali gift ideas 2019 options that are memorable, cost-effective and most importantly, eco-friendly.

(1) For Food Lovers

Edible items are a safe and favourite gift option in every festive season. But have you considered the number of colours or chemicals that are added to enhance their taste?

This Diwali gift your loved ones with delicious and organic snacks. Choose from organically grown millet-based food, gluten-free cookies, healthy beverages to ready-to-make yet healthy food items like soya noodles, pancake mixes and more.

(2) For Home Decor

Whether it is for your young cousin whose happiness lies in all things pretty, the aunt who will appreciate hand-woven banana fibre placemats or your mom who will associate her childhood with a rustic lamp, there is a home decor item for every personality.

All of these home decor items are hand-made by traditional artisans across India that further ensures the aesthetic value and essence of each item.

If you want something different then opt for plantable seed diyas, diyas made from recycled coconut shells, terracotta aroma diffuser or upcycled lamps.

(3) For Stationery Lovers

In this age of environmental degradation, it is time to remind your loved ones of responsible consumerism by going for responsible Diwali celebrations.  Spread the Diwali spirit to relatives who love owning beautiful and sustainable stationery items.

Check out these amazing pencils made from recycled paper, wooden pens, exquisite pen stands made from jute and more here.

4) Plastic-Free Cutlery  From deciding the guest list, preparing delicacies to be an excellent host, organising a Diwali party can be a daunting task. In hosting a perfect party, people often tend to overlook the volume of plastic waste that is generated through one-time use cutlery.

By gifting eco-friendly cutlery, you lessen the burden of plastic waste and take care of the environment.

Help them replace plastic straws and plates with sustainable copper straws and sturdy plates made from sugarcane waste. Want an all-in-one set comprising straw, spoon, fork and knife? Check out this wholesome biodegradable bamboo cutlery kit.

(5) For Those Who Like To Pamper Themselves

Who doesn’t like to indulge in self-pampering once in a while? And what better occasion than Diwali?  With all the house cleaning and decorating, your loved ones will surely be grateful with a gift that will add a glow to their skin.

Go for these all-natural face packs with ingredients like neem and tulsi known for their healing properties or the one with ayurvedic herbs.  Other skincare products include lip balms, essential oils, make-up removal wipes, face washes, hair conditioners and so on.

Have a Brighter Diwali with the Trendiest Gifts: 18 Diwali Gift Ideas for 2019

Buying state-of-the-art Diwali presents that human beings will love may not appear like one of these chores with our present guide which includes the most up to date new merchandise and Diwali Gift Ideas in the marketplace. What's extra? Our gift hints are smooth at the pocket too!

The pageant of lighting fixtures has quite a few emotions and traditions concerned in it. The rituals of Lakshmi Puja; deep-cleansing families; redecorating houses with diyas, lanterns, and rangolis. The manner of changing presence isn't only observed religiously however additionally with a cutting-edge touch.

Gifts Make Relationships Stronger: The idea of present alternate on festivals, birthdays, special activities, or parties is to like, admire, and pass on one’s warm wishes. Diwali is one of the main fairs of India, and so it an appropriate time to greet humans in our social and expert circle. This thoughtful gesture also builds bonds and enriches the relationship.

Like the whole lot gifting at some point of Diwali has additionally modified. Here are a few top approaches wherein new traits are taking over! Top 10 Best Diwali Gift Ideas

Top 10 gifting items for the festive season

The festive season is around the corner and our minds are racing with thoughts of what to gift to our near and dear ones. As soon as we are surrounded by a series of festivals, celebrations, family get-togethers and visits, the real struggle for finding the perfect gift will begin.

While festivals are not celebrated as usual amidst the global pandemic of coronavirus, the idea of gifting handmade products can be an added advantage in terms of safety, customization and economical upliftment. You can also go for DIY hand gifts to show your love and efforts towards the person.

Gifting household appliances, sweets or crockery sounds good but looks like a repeated practice. This festive season, give a personal touch to every gift be it photo frames to share the warmth of old and delightful memories or a wall hanging carved with a personalized message to bring a smile to their face. The festivals such as Rakhi, Eid, Diwali, Dussehra, and more brings a sense of togetherness to your friends and family. So, why not celebrate it with exotic treats, and exciting gifts beautifully wrapped with a touch of love.

Check out the list of top 10 gifting items during the festive season:

Picture frames: A deginer frame with a lovely family picture in it adds to the overall appeal of the house and proves to be a heartwarming gift for your near and dear ones. A picture frame sums all your old memories with your closest people and helps you cherish them for a lifetime. Surprise your loved ones with beautiful picture frames and help them add a touch of sophistication to their home. It can be the best Diwali gift to ensure a feeling of togetherness among each other and a classy look to their home.

Spiritual candle holder: In addition to diyas, spiritual candles are another gifting items that will enlighten your life on the auspicious festivals. Candles are an essential part of your celebration. A spiritual candle helps lighten up your house and offer a sense of warmth and affection among the family members. You can choose a Ganesha-shaped holder or another divine to enhance the overall look of your Diwali celebration and the decoration of your house. You can place the spiritual candle anywhere on your side table dining table or as a showpiece at the centre place of your living room to draw attention.

Decorative diyas: Lightening diyas will always remain the essence of Diwali no matter the evolutions it brings every year. Diyas never loses its charm. It not only helps to beautify your house during the auspicious day of Diwali but also enlightens your close one's lives. In addition to this, gifting decorative diyas will prove to be an inexpensive, eco-friendly uber personal choice. It is the best way to show your love and efforts towards your close ones. All you need is to decorate your diya with sparkle dust, paints, mirror beads and plenty of creativity.

Silver-plated pooja thali: A pooja-thali is one of the most important things required during the Diwali celebration. It is a necessity in every household for carrying diyas, sweets and more stuff. Diwali is the best occasion to gist a brand-new decorative thali to your friends and family. You can pick a beautiful silver-plated thali combo that consists of a drinking glass, chandanvati, kankavati, agarbatti stand and more.

Sky lantern: Sky lanterns are also popularly known as Chinese lantern that allows to you to light it and leave soaring high in the sky. This is one of the most lovely and classy ways to show your love towards your close ones. This Diwali, enlighten the dark sky with a colourful sky lantern. In addition to the charm of the sky lantern, it also emerges as an eco-friendly way of celebrating the festive occasion with all your special ones in the open spaces. This festive season, make a wish and make the lantern fly high in the sky while it enlightens your life.

Jewellery box: Gifting a jewellery box is something very sentimental and heartwarming. Gift it to your female friends and let them enclose their precious jewel in a beautiful and durable box. The stunning jewellery box is a perfect gift for the festive season for those who want to keep their jewels in a safe and beautiful box.

Laser projection: Diwali is incomplete without a little sparkle, surprise your near and ones with a laser projection light for their grand Diwali parties. It is one of the unique Diwali gift ideas for those that host a Diwali bash every year. It throws light on the targeted surface, whether it is a wall or a floor. This way, it can turn every normal setup into a dance floor.

Sweets: Sweets are an integral part of every festival. Gifting sweets to your close ones is a gesture of showing a sense of love and sweet relation among each other. When you decide to make it a sweet occasion by gifting them something sweet, make it more exclusive for them by baking it on your own. Whether it is cake or some beautifully iced cookies, rather than something store-bought and general. Thoughtful festival ideas which connect with that person at a personal level is what will last a lifetime due to the meeting it holds. Sweets will always remain the best way to celebrate festivals.

Personalized chocolate box: What can be more amazing than a personalized chocolate box on a festive occasion? This Diwali, grab a box of chocolate for your special ones and add a dash of personalization to it. Combine the box with fun messages and quotes to send the warm wishes of the festive occasion to them before it’s too late.

Desk clock: Gift your loved ones a decorative desk clock as a Diwali gift. It is one of the unique Diwali gift ideas for someone who struggles to keep up with time every single day. Make it a point to look for a quirky desk clock that easily amps up the workspace or the look of the study table at home. It will also make your space look more organized and classier.

This festive season, make your best festive season with Handicrafts Home

Episode Reviews - Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 4 (3 of 6)

Having taken longer than planned on the earlier reviews for season 4 of Stark Trek: The Next Generation, I am now going to make more effort to stick to my weekly schedule and get the reviews done more frequently, beginning with those I am posting now.

Episode 11: Data’s Day

Plot (as given by me):

Data, in corresponding with Bruce Maddox, outlines a typical day aboard the Enterprise, making particular emphasis on the aspect of friendship.

 At the start of the day, Data is relieved early from his command of the night shift so he has more time to participate in the wedding rehearsal for Chief Miles O’Brien’s wedding to Keiko Ishikara, a civilian botanist assigned to the Enterprise.  Data is acting as ‘father of the bride’, but when he visits Keiko, he learns she is calling off the wedding as she believes it will make her happy, and asks Data to relay the news to Miles.  Data presumes this will make the chief happy if it is what Keiko wants, but Miles is inevitably upset.  Later, Data talks to Lt. Commander George La Forge, who explains Keiko just has pre-wedding anxiety and the real wedding will still take place as usual.

 As a Vulcan ambassador arrives on board with a secretive mission that takes the Enterprise into the Neutral Zone, Data proceeds on Geordi’s advice to act as if the wedding will still take place; he discusses the concept of wedding gifts and customs with Worf and enlists Dr Crusher’s assistance in learning to dance.  At Chief O’Brien’s request, Data then attempts to convince Keiko to go through with the wedding, but she reacts angrily to his efforts, prompting him to seek advice from Counsellor Troi.  She advises Data that Miles and Keiko need to be left alone to resolve the matter themselves. When their conversation brings up the idea that growing old together is a key component of marriage, Data reveals that despite his lack of emotion, he has never ruled out the idea that one day he might marry someone.  However, given Data’s inability to age, he would never be able to ‘grow old’ with a spouse.

 Data is then summoned by Ambassador T’Pel, who enquires about the Enterprise’s defence systems, but she drops the query when Data mentions he has the same safeguards as the ship’s computers and would be required to notify the Captain.  The ambassador claims she was only testing his safeguards, so Data accepts this on the premise that Vulcans do not lie, though on some level he remains suspicious.

 Later, Data is taught to dance by Dr Crusher; this initially does not go quite to plan as the doctor teaches Data tap-dancing before he explains that his intent was to learn dances appropriate for the wedding. She then begins to teach Data a slow dance, but this is complicated by Data needing to see Dr Crusher’s feet to emulate her steps, and the lesson is interrupted by a crew member going into labour, requiring Data to finish his lesson with a holographic partner.  Data eventually returns to the bridge just before the Enterprise reaches its rendezvous with a Romulan warbird, and the ambassador prepares to beam over to discuss a treaty that would formalise relations between Vulcan and Romulus.  However, an accident occurs mid-transport and the ambassador is seemingly killed.

 After Captain Picard explains the situation to the Romulans, he orders Data to head up the investigation into the accident. Applying the Holmesian method of deductive reasoning, Data discovers that the Romulans actually beamed the ambassador over to their ship while leaving artificial organic matter in her place; in effect, faking her death to conceal an abduction.  Picard orders the Enterprise to intercept the Romulan warbird to try and rescue the ambassador, but when they arrive, they learn the ambassador was actually a Romulan spy in disguise, now returned to her own people.  As more warbirds arrive, Picard reluctantly orders the Enterprise to withdraw back to Federation space.

 With the crisis over, Data seeks out Keiko to apologise for his interference, only to learn the wedding will take place shortly and he needs to get dressed for it.  Keiko and Miles are wed in Ten-Forward with Captain Picard officiating a ceremony based on the Japanese culture.  Later, Data seeks out Dr Crusher to thank her for his dance lessons, but instead finds the captain looking in on the baby Dr Crusher delivered while the ship was confronting the Romulans.  Finally, Data begins command of the next night watch.

Review:

This episode is the start of the one successful long-term romance in Trek history; from the marriage of Miles and Keiko we get a relationship that runs strong not only for all its remaining appearances in TNG, but also throughout the length of Deep Space Nine when O’Brien was made part of that spin-off’s regular cast.  It’s great to see it begin the way it does, because the kind of less-than-perfect romance we see is not only more realistic than if we were seeing two people not fighting or arguing at all, it’s also vital to make a lot of later stories for these characters work.  DS9, as I noted when I review that series years ago on Facebook, often did episodes that were known as ‘make O’Brien suffer’ episodes.  For that to work, O’Brien had to be every inch an everyman with everyday issues, so his marriage had to be equally down-to-Earth. Otherwise, where’s the shock value in whatever’s traumatising him next?

 Of course, the main focus of the episode is Data, and how he deals with the issue of friendship and understanding human behaviour.  In his reasoning and actions, the idea of Data as a metaphor for the autistic mind-set comes across brilliantly.  I can easily someone on the autistic spectrum like myself making similar social errors to Data in trying to navigate the sudden flare-up in the Miles-Keiko relationship.  I say similar because autistic people are not emotionless as Data is, and for those of us “high functioning” (or masking to the nth degree as I think of it) and experienced enough to understand something of tact and diplomacy, we would probably avoid making at least some of these errors.

 I’m also very touched by Data revealing his aspiration to one day marry despite his lack of apparent emotion; for autistic people, any form of relationship that goes beyond friendship and into the romantic can be anything from difficult to impossible.  The social skills required and time commitments necessary are almost the inter-personal communication equivalent of tackling the tallest mountains in the world, and anyone on the spectrum who gets anywhere in this line has my undying respect and admiration.  To see an autistic analogue like Data suggest a desire to one day get as far as marriage, and be treated with acceptance in that regard, is yet another example of Trek at its best.

 My only niggle with this episode is that at one point when noting various events occurring aboard the Enterprise, Data mentions the ‘Hindu festival of lights’.  Given that humans are supposed to now be an entirely secularist society in the world of Trek, why is any religious occasion of significance on real-life Earth being mentioned as if it’s still an on-going concept?  Last I checked, the children on board the Enterprise aren’t going round the crew-quarters trick-or-treating, having Easter egg hunts on the holodecks or hoping for Santa to come down the Jefferies tubes once a year.  That being the case, Diwali shouldn’t be getting a mention in that sort of context either.  As such, the episode just misses out on top marks and ends up raking in 9 out of 10.

Episode 12: The Wounded

Plot (as adapted from Wikipedia):

While patrolling near Cardassian space, the Enterprise is suddenly attacked by a Cardassian vessel. Captain Picard is able to convince its commander, Gul Macet, to stand down, and learns that Macet's attack was in retaliation for a Federation ship attacking a Cardassian science station two days prior. Picard confirms this with Starfleet; he is told that the starship Phoenix, commanded by Captain Benjamin Maxwell, was responsible and ordered to locate the vessel. Picard invites Gul Macet and two of his officers to come aboard as observers to maintain the fragile peace between the Federation and Cardassia. As the Enterprise looks for signs of the Phoenix, Picard is informed that transporter chief Miles O'Brien was a former crewmember under Maxwell on the Rutledge during the Cardassian war, and invites him to join a briefing with Gul Macet. There, O'Brien reveals he still harbors some resentment for the Cardassians, revealing that Maxwell's family was killed by Cardassians. Gul Macet infers that Maxwell must be out for revenge, but O'Brien denies this.

 The Enterprise locates the Phoenix on an intercept course for a Cardassian freighter, but they will not be able to reach it in time. Picard lets Gul Macet relay the position of the Phoenix to a closer Cardassian cruiser, but Maxwell outmaneuvers and destroys both the warship and the freighter, killing over 650 Cardassians across the two vessels.

 Shortly thereafter, the Enterprise rendezvouses with the Phoenix, and Maxwell transports aboard, greeting O'Brien as an old friend. Alone, Maxwell asserts to Picard that the Cardassians are re-arming themselves; the science station was a cover for a military base, and the freighters are carrying weapons. Picard admonishes Maxwell for his behaviour unbecoming a Starfleet captain, and gains his assurance that he will pilot the Phoenix directly back to Federation space. However, en route, the Phoenix breaks course towards another freighter. Maxwell is poised to destroy the freighter, demanding that the Federation officers be allowed aboard to see proof of the Cardassians' deception. The Enterprise crew notes that the freighter is equipped with a field that blocks their scans. Picard prepares to fire on the Phoenix to maintain the peace, but O'Brien requests permission to beam over to the Phoenix, using a transporter trick to sneak past its shield, and talk to Maxwell. Aboard the Phoenix, O'Brien and Maxwell reminisce about their time aboard the Rutledge and sing a song from their past. O'Brien is able to convince Maxwell to stand down. Maxwell transfers his command to his first officer and the Phoenix starts its return to Federation space, while Maxwell returns to the Enterprise with O'Brien, confined to quarters pending return to Starfleet.

 As the Cardassian observers are returned to their ship, Picard cautions them that while Maxwell's actions may have been improper, his suspicions are not without merit; the so-called "science station" is located in a strategic military position with little scientific value, and the shields on the freighters were specifically designed to block Federation scanning. He cautions Gul Macet that the Federation will be watching the Cardassians very closely in the future.

Review:

For the second time in as many episodes, we get more development of future DS9 fodder.  In this case, however, it’s not just about developing Miles O’Brien and his new wife Keiko, though this is a significant part of the episode in terms of Miles.  This time, we get the first appearance of the Cardassians, which substantially improves in time for their inclusion in Deep Space Nine, and Marc Alaimo makes a guest appearance as Gul Macet, setting up for his later long-time role in DS9 as the Cardassian arch-villain Gul Dukat.  Throw in Bob Gunton of Shawshank Redemption fame and this episode really has some great guest actors in alongside the regular cast.

 However, aside from great performances, great guest-cast stars and a lot of fodder being developed for the eventual Deep Space Nine spin-off series, this episode also takes an interesting look at how people react when a war ends and they have to act peacefully with people who they’ve had to view as the enemy for a long time.  It’s another of those brilliant moves Trek started to make around this time as Roddenberry became less involved in producing the show due to his failing health.  There’s only so far humanity will ever improve, and I think if we’re still having to get into wars in the future, albeit with alien species, we’re going to have the same kind of issues that come up here.

 Between the various guest characters, the subject matter gets some interesting exploration; Captain Maxwell is someone so traumatised by the war that he can’t just leave it behind, Gul Macet plays someone feigning a desire to remain at peace while secretly preparing for the next scrap, and then you’ve got O’Brien, who still hates the enemy but for a totally different reason to what you’d expect.  While most shows might have put O’Brien’s hatred down to something the Cardassians did, this show did something truly inspired and made O’Brien hate them for what they forced him to do.  Nowhere else have I come across someone saying they only hate an enemy because that enemy forced them into committing acts of violence alien to their personal identity.  In fact, I think this might even be Trek’s first stab at doing a ‘make O’Brien suffer’ episode even before creating DS9.  After all, what could be greater suffering to a gentle man like O’Brien than to be faced by those who forced him to act against that gentle nature?

 Honestly, I can’t find a single flaw in this episode, and so for the first time in a while I offer up top marks; 10 out of 10.

Episode 13: Devil’s Due

Plot (as adapted from Wikipedia):

The Enterprise receives a distress call from Dr. Howard Clarke, the leader of a Federation scientific delegation on Ventax II, where the population is in a state of panic, because they are convinced that their world will soon end. After the Enterprise arrives, they rescue Dr. Clarke who brings them up to date. A thousand years ago, according to Ventaxian history, the population entered a Faustian deal with Ardra, their mythology's devil. In exchange for ending wars and restoring the ecological balance, and improving their heavily polluted planet, the population would become the personal slaves of Ardra a thousand years later. As the millennium is about to come to a close, the planet has recently begun experiencing mild earthquakes, as well as seeing images of Ardra. These were said to be signs of her arrival.

 As Captain Picard and Lt. Commander Data discuss the matter with the Ventaxian leader, a woman appears in the chamber, announcing herself as Ardra. She demonstrates her identity by starting an earthquake at will, and transforming into the Klingon devil-equivalent Fek'lhr of Gre'Thor. Ardra states that she has come to claim the planet. Picard is instantly suspicious and orders Data to examine the contract that supposedly was signed by Ardra and the leaders of the planet a thousand years earlier. Picard returns to the Enterprise afterwards, and Ardra appears on the bridge, sitting in the Captain's chair. Lt. Worf fails to remove her. Data returns just then and confirms the language of the contract as well as Ardra's claim to the planet and anything in its orbit, including the Enterprise.

 Later, in a meeting with the senior staff, Picard expresses his belief that she is a confidence trickster and points out that all of her alleged powers can be recreated with theatrically delivered technology. After the meeting, Picard goes to bed for the evening. As Picard sleeps, Ardra appears and tries to seduce him, but he rejects her. She transports him to the planet dressed in his pyjamas. Data comes to collect Picard by shuttle after Worf is unable to transport him back the normal way. When Picard and Data attempt to return to the Enterprise, the ship disappears. In light of this, they return to the planet.

 Citing old legal precedent, Picard calls for a Ventaxian arbitration hearing, to which Ardra agrees, provided Data acts as the arbitrator, as he will act with impartiality. Picard explains to the leader of the planet that the people had actually improved their planet by themselves, through their own gradual hard work, ingenuity, and dedication. However, continued demonstrations of powers further the claim that Ardra is indeed whom she says she is. During the course of the hearing, Chief Engineer La Forge and Clarke discover that Ardra has a cloaked ship nearby, that she is indeed using technology to simulate magic, and that she is a known criminal. Picard sends an away team, led by Commander Riker, to take control of Ardra's ship, giving Picard control of her powers. He demonstrates the technology-based fraud and she is taken into custody by local authorities.

Review:

This is an episode I find fun because among its various plot elements is a bit of a dig at buying too readily into certain aspects of organised religion.  Here, we see someone is basically a criminal try to exploit and enslave the population of an entire planet by twisting its beliefs to her own ends.  This is not unlike many real-life followers of many, many religions that will twist those religions to excuse and fuel bigoted and divisive viewpoints, often leading many to assume they are a true reflection of that faith when they are not.  Frankly, I think many people ‘of faith’ could learn a valuable lesson about taking care to really learn their religion to avoid just this sort of deception by watching this episode.

 However, the episode is really meant to be more about how technology can appear to be magic if it is sufficiently advanced, and to be fair it’s a fun exploration of that idea.  However, the same thing was done the season before with ‘Who Watches The Watchers’, and it’s also been used with greater theatricality by the Marvel Cinematic Universe to explain the likes of Thor and Doctor Strange in an otherwise science-based superhero action universe.  By and large, the idea of ‘believer beware’ seems to hold the greater weight than the intended focus, and it’s got some decent comic relief-type moments in places.

 However, I disagree with the assessment some others have made that the episode is somehow ‘Picard trying to act like Kirk’. Kirk, being the degenerate woman-of-the-week phaser-happy space cowboy that he was, would more likely have given into Ardra and then stunned her with a phaser when proving her deception. Picard acts like Picard from his resistance to Ardra right up to the court-room scene.  There’s nothing all that Kirkian about this episode, even though it originated as an unproduced story from that era, and to believe otherwise is to be as gullible as the Ventaxians.  Overall, I give this episode about 8 out of 10.

Episode 14: Clues

Plot (as adapted from Wikipedia):

The Enterprise investigates a T Tauri class star system with a single Class M planet that was picked up on a long-range sensor scan near the Ngame Nebula. As they approach the planet, the ship encounters a wormhole and everyone except Lt. Commander Data briefly loses consciousness. When the crew regains consciousness, some of the ship's sensors suggest it has been nearly a day since the wormhole encounter, but Data states they were only out for moments and the ship's instruments were affected by the wormhole. Following Data's suggestion, Captain Picard decides to send a probe into the system to avoid further harm to the ship. The probe reports only the presence of a frozen gas giant instead of the Class M planet from before; again, Data attributes this to the effects of the wormhole.

 As the ship moves away from the system, the crew begin to find evidence that does not support Data's claims that they were unconscious for only 30 seconds. For example, Dr Crusher has found moss samples that show a full day of growth, and has found that Worf, complaining of a sore wrist, actually had his wrist broken and reset by a medical professional. Picard begins to suspect Data's claims, and believes the rest of the crew is suffering from missing time syndrome. Picard confronts Data on the issue, but Data cannot provide a rational answer. Further studies of the crew by Dr Crusher show that Data's explanations are impossible; they have lost a day from the wormhole encounter, and there is evidence that Data tampered with the probe's readings to mask the Class M planet. Picard recognizes that Data's actions may be for the protection of the Enterprise, but orders the ship to return to the system.

 When they near the Class M planet, ounsellor Troi is taken over by a mysterious energy pulse from the system, and starts to speak to the crew with a different voice. The entity that has taken over Troi informs Data that the plan has failed, and that their people will prepare to destroy the Enterprise. Picard learns from Data and the entity that they are in the space of the Paxans, a highly advanced but very xenophobic race who have kept themselves hidden by firing a stun beam at any ship that nears their system and then moving it away; crews of such ships normally associate it with the effects of a wormhole. However, in the case of the Enterprise, the stun beam did not affect Data; Data had revived the crew as the Paxans were attempting to move the ship, and forcing a physical encounter that led to Worf's wrist being broken. Picard was able to offer the Paxans a deal as to attempt to conceal their previous meeting, using memory-wiping technology from the Paxans to forget their encounters with them, and ordered Data to behave as he did to protect the ship.

 Picard is able to convince the Paxan in control of Troi that the previous plan failed because they left too many clues on the Enterprise that piqued human curiosity to solve the mystery and that if the Enterprise vanishes, it will cause others to come investigate. The crew of the Enterprise, with the help of the Paxans, work together to completely eradicate any possible clues; once completed, the crew is stunned again, and the ship moves away from Paxan space. When the crew revives this time, they accept Data's explanations without question and continue on their mission.

Review:

In addition to this episode having a lot of similarity to ‘Thanks for the Memory’, an episode from the second series of British sit-com Red Dwarf, it’s also notable for bringing us a little more Picard-as-Dixon-Hill.  However, in this case only in the opening teaser segment is Picard doing this as a fantasy on the holodeck.  The rest of the episode has Picard, and indeed most of the crew, playing detective in the ‘real world’, making the episode a kind of exploration of the human fascination with mysteries and puzzle-solving.  It’s not a bad episode, by any means, but it’s fairly shallow in its issue exploration, and the whole alien possession thing near the end is kind of a needless bit of weirdness.  This was a bottle episode, granted, but would one guest actor in a bit of prosthetics really have killed the budget compared with the visual effect they used? Overall, I’d give this 7 out of 10.

Episode 15: First Contact

Plot (as adapted from Wikipedia):

The humanoid race of Malcor III is preparing to develop warp drive technology. Captain Picard and Counsellor Troi suddenly visit Science Minister Mirasta Yale, lead researcher on their warp experiments. They calm her and explain that they come in peace. It is normal Federation policy to make first contact with a world when it reaches this level of technology. However, they have had to move ahead of schedule because Commander Riker, disguised as a Malcorian, has gone missing. After touring the Enterprise, Mirasta agrees to help and arranges a private meeting with Chancellor Durken. After the meeting, Picard returns with Durken to the Enterprise and explains the benefits of a relationship with the Federation. Durken expresses some concerns, most notably with the Federation's unwillingness to share their technology, as well as how their arrival will change his society. Picard assures him that how contact proceeds will be up to him, and if asked to leave, the Federation will do so.

 Meanwhile, Riker has been detained by security forces in a hospital, where he is barely conscious following an accident. Differences in Riker's physiology make the hospital administrator believe that he is an extra-terrestrial. Riker is aided in his escape by a nurse who expresses her wish to "make love with an alien". Riker accepts her offer, but the escape attempt fails: he is spotted, and the guards catch and beat him, worsening his condition. Riker's presence at the hospital is reported to Security Minister Krola, who accuses Durken of hiding the truth about the "alien" presence. The Chancellor expresses his concerns to Picard about the Federation's covert intrusions, but accepts Picard's explanation of why the Federation does this. Krola, fearing a hostile invasion by the Federation, endangers Riker's health by reviving him prematurely so he may be interrogated. He tries to frame Riker as a murderer by shooting himself with Riker's phaser. Meanwhile, Durken is made aware that Riker is in danger of dying and tells Picard where he is. The Enterprise crew bring both Riker and Krola back to the ship. They are able to save Riker's life, and discover that his phaser was only set to stun, so Krola was in no real danger.

 After Krola is returned to the planet, Durken regretfully tells Picard that he feels Malcor is not ready for first contact. He fears his people are not mature enough to handle the startling announcement that they are not alone in the universe. He requests that the Enterprise leave the planet, in hopes that they may be able to return at a later time. He agrees to delay Malcor's development of warp drive technology until its people are ready. With Mirasta's project postponed, she asks Picard if she can join his crew, and Picard agrees.

Review:

Apparently, this episode was only possible by breaking one of the ‘rules’ of Star Trek established by Roddenberry, namely that episodes always take place primarily from the point-of-view of the main cast. This time, however, the episode takes the point-of-view of the alien race who is being approached by the Federation as they reach the point of warp travel.  It’s a great episode, and not only because of the superb guest actors (including George Coe, who had a notable guest presence in The West Wing as Senator Howard Stackhouse, and Bebe Neuwirth who played Lilith in Cheers and Fraiser).  It’s also great because it’s the first look at not only how first contact missions actually happen, but the point-of-view of the aliens is probably not too dissimilar to how humanity would act right now if we were ever in that situation.

 The episode runs the gamut of possible reactions; the positive reaction of the forward-thinking scientist, the negative and regressive attitude of the xenophobic and paranoid security minister, the even-handed and considered approach of the head of state, and everything from general panic to alien kink among the general population.  Right down to the whole thing ending up being dismissed as a conspiracy theory while social reforms are brought in to try and enlighten the population, it all says ‘yes, this is just how humanity would react in that same situation’.

 For me, all that spoils this episode is that bit where the alien nurse seduces Riker and he agrees.  I mean come on Will; I know you’re the one member of the TNG crew who is frequently obligated to act like Kirk and have a woman-of-the-week moment every chance you get, but frankly I think it would have been more appropriate to go for a low phaser stun burst on her and the guard, then hop in the guard’s uniform and slip out.  Overall score here is about 8 out of 10.

We all know, it is a tiresome task and has thus, curated a list of 13 such Diwali gift ideas which you can definitely give away to your folks this Diwali!

TOP 10 PERSONALIZED GIFTS FOR DIWALI - UNDER 4000/-

Top 10 Personalized Diwali Gifts 2018! Crackers are getting ready for Diwali with the Gifts, We know deciding upon a thoughtful gift for a loved one is a difficult thing to do, especially with our busy schedules. So, don’t worry! We have come up with a list of 10 Best Diwali Gifts of 2018 for you!! After all, the monsoon is Coming! 

 Amazon  Fire Stick

Amazon fire Stick PRICE: Rs-3999/ his Diwali, gift your loved ones an Amazon fire Stick which is an HD Streaming Just connect this to your TV and enjoy endless hours of Top movie and TV streaming services, including Amazon Prime, Voot, Hotstar Play, Netflix, zee5, HBO, and 3,000 more channels. Nothing brings...

 a  3D Printed Selfie Figurine

 2 iKix My3D PRICE: Rs-3999/- 

This My3D Personalized 3D Printed Selfie Figurine is an awesome Diwali time surprise gift. Surprise your loved ones with their very own 3D Printed miniature that looks exactly like them! The best thing about it is that they do not need to visit the store. Just upload 3 photographs of a sweet moment and that’s it! 

 Fashion  jewelry

 3.Fashion jewelry PRICE: Rs-3999/-

This is one of the Diwali traditional ideas which normally people follow. this gift gives happiness of wearing on the occasion .there are number of shops offering handmade jewels so, gift your loved one something unique without burning ur pocket balance 

 Set  of 6 Cup with 6 Saucers Velvet Box

 4. Gold Polished Silver Plated PRICE: Rs-3999/-

Set of 6 Cup with 6 Saucers Velvet Box, Serving Tea Tableware Home Hotel Diwali Gift Item Gold Polished Cups with Saucers Set

 Personalized  Colour Changing with Remote LED Night lamp

  5. DESIGN ELLE PRICE: Rs-3999/- 

Personalized Colour Changing with Remote LED Night lamp (Multicolour)

 Wooden  Base Horse Pair Statue Showpiece

6. 24 K Gold Plated PRICE: Rs-3999/-

Wooden Base Horse Pair Statue Showpiece Vastu Decorative Figurine Home Interior Decor Item Feng Shui Love Couple Table Decoration Idol - Handicraft Pet Animal Figure Antique Gift Items

 Set  of 2 Copper sigri with One kadhai

 7. Prisha India Craft ® PRICE: Rs-3999/-

Set of 2 Copper sigri with One kadhai, One handi casserole, and Two Serving Spoon, copper sigdi set Kitchen Cookware accessories - Diwali Gift

 Warli  Handpainted Wooden Decorative Wall Hanging Set

8. ExclusiveLane Dhokra PRICE: Rs-3999/-

Warli Handpainted Wooden Decorative Wall Hanging Set -Wall Décor Home Decorative Gift Item

 Ganesha  Wall Clock Canvas Home Decor

 9. Giftsmate Diwali Gifts Artsy Ganesha Wall Clock Canvas Home Decor, Religious spiritual Hindu gifts 36 x 48 inches PRICE: Rs-3999/-

 De'Arco Chocolatier

10.De'Arco Chocolatier Price rs 3999/+

De'Arco Chocolatier CHOCOLATE GIFT BOX, DARK CHOCOLATES, PREMIUM CHOCOLATES, LUXURY PREMIUM CHOCOLATES, 44 P

If you haven't ordered diwali gifts for your loved ones? Then no need to worry. We have shared the top 10 last minute Deepawali gift ideas for 2021 to surprise your family & friends. We are providing same day diwali gift delivery across India.

10 best ways to celebrate this Diwali at your workplace

Diwali is the Hindu jubilee of lights, which signifies the palm of light over darkness. This time Diwali falls on November 4th, so we allowed it would be a good time to partake our top 10 ways to celebrate this Diwali at your plant. The fests are an excellent chance for workers to get near to each other while participating Indian culture!

Then's a list of ideas that would make Diwali fests special.

Gift- wrap your office

Wrap a gift for everyone at work. You can do this on the dusk of Diwali or indeed a many days before. Go around with a commercial Diwali gifts card and hand out unique Diwali gifts aimlessly to people you want to mark the occasion.

Organize a potluck lunch

This is easier to manage if your office is in the same megacity, but you can also arrange for this by traveling to one position where you can celebrate Diwali with all yourcolleagues.However, ask for unplanned particular leave for this day, If your company doesn't give perk leave.

Produce a gleeful air

Still, make sure that the place is lit up with candles or lights, If you're hosting the lunch. You can also try threading up some nets on your office with various lights in them. Play Diwali-themed songs on the Bluetooth while celebrating it with your platoon

  Play capriccios

Play jokes on the office next to you, platoon up with your associates and play capriccios. Cracking up jokes and laughing together is the stylish way to celebrate any jubilee. Also, you can arrange a treasure quest and play it together.

Embellish your Office

Prepare pooja for the occasion and embellish your office withrangolis.However, visit it after work hours and spend some time in prayers, If your office is close to a tabernacle. You can also prepare manual sweets rather of going out for regale or lunch.

Shoot substantiated cards

Still, you can shoot your Diwali wishes to people by giving a substantiated touch in the form of a card, If you can not get time to put together substantiated gifts. Get in touch with a paper- craft company and ask for customized cards to reach out to your musketeers and associates. Individualized cards are the stylish Diwali gifts you can give your associates.

Organize a fireworks night

Still, make sure that the place is lit up with candles or lights, If you're hosting the lunch. You can also try threading up some nets on your office with various lights in them. Play Diwali-themed songs on the DTH while celebrating it with your platoon. Eventually, organize a firework night on your office demesne.

  Cushion deals

On this day, Goddess Lakshmi showers all her blessings to everyone who lives with honesty and verity. You can have a small competition within your department or between departments where you try to vend the maximum number of products to celebrate the day in the stylish way.

Watch a Diwali movie

Partake your cinema experience with your platoon by watching one together if you can not make it to a live theater webbing of Bollywood blockbusters. You can indeed put up an open bean for this, and people can do the selection themselves. Make sure you have a projector in your office.

Host a quiz night

Remember when you went to academy, which was one of the most awaited periodic days? Host a fun quiz game for all your musketeers at work and treat them with succulent snacks, after which you can enjoy an early Diwali festivitytogether.However, shoot them home with online Diwali gifts, If possible.