THe History of Lahore Gates

The Walled City of Lahore, also known as the "Old City," or "Anderoon Shehr and has 13 gates.
The origins of the original Lahore are unspecific. According to carbon dating evidence of archaeological findings in the Lahore Fort, the time period may start as early as 2,000 B.C.E.

1) Sheranwala Gate

It is also known as " Khiziri gate ", the river in former times followed by the city walls and the ferry was near this part. The gate was, therefore, named as Khiziri after the name of Khizz Elias, the patron saint according to the Mohammedan belief. Ranjit Singh kept here two domesticated lions in a cage, and the gate came to be called as " Sheranwala gate" Or " Lion's gate".

2) Kashmiri Gate

The kashmiri gate, so named, because it faces the direction of Kashmir. A big retail market of children shoes is located in this gate. There is a big beautiful girl's college is also located here. This college is built in an old haveli of a shah. Which is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture.

3) Masti Gate
The Masti gate , the name is the corruption of " Masjidi " or pertaining to a mosque. The mosque of Mariam Makhani, the mother of Akbar, is in its immediate vicinity. The people here love to eat heavy food and there are many shops of foodstuffs located here. Milk shops of this area are very famous and the milk available here is full of taste as they add many things to it, which make its taste a lot better then the original milk.

4) Taxali Gate
The Taxali gate so called from the " Taxal ", or Royal mint, having being in its neighborhood during the period of the Mohammedan emperors.

There is a very famous shoe market located here known as Sheikupurian Bazar. There are a variety of foodstuffs available in and around this gate. In which most famous are Sri Pai of Fazal Din commonly known as " Phaja". Among sweet stores Taj Mehal and Shahbudin Halwi are famous.

5) Mochi Gate

The Mochi gate, the name is the corruption of the Moti, a pearl. It was called so after the name of Pandit Moti Ram, an officer of Akbar, who resided here at that time.

The most popular place of Mochi gate is the Lal Haveli. Mochi gate is known to be the " Heart of the Lahore city ". It is the biggest political place of Lahore and many political processions have taken place here.

The people of this area love to fly kites. It is a big market of dry fruits and fire works of every kind are available here. Rafiq Sweet House is the well-known sweet shop of the area. The owner of this shop started his business here with only one shop and now there are 12 branches of Rafiq Sweet House. Among the foods available here " Kabab's " of this area are a real specialty.

6) Akbari GateThe Akbari gate named after ' Jala-Ud-Din Muhammad Akbar ' , who rebuilds the town and the citadel. Close to this gate the emperor also founded a market, which was named " Akbari Mandi ". It is the biggest retail market of Lahore, in which food grains of all kinds are available.

7) Delhi Gate

The Delhi gate is named as Delhi gate because of its opening on the high road from Delhi to Lahore. A big cloth market is located around Delhi gate. It is a big retail market of clothes. A variety of other shops are also located near the Delhi gate, known as " Chota bazar ".

8) Yakki Gate

The Yakki gate, originally known as " Zaki Gate" , that being the name of a saint. Who, according to a tradition, fell fighting against the " Tataraies " who invaded Lahore. Zaki Pir fought them with great courage and bravery . During the fight his head was cut off from his body at the gate but his body kept on fighting for some time, and at last fell in the quarter of the city closed by. One tomb of this great saint is build where his head fell and the other tomb is where his body fell.

There is school for blinds situated near Yakki Gate. There are a number of havelis located in and around the gate. A number of temples are also located in and around Yakki Gate.

 

9) Raushnai Gate

A strong brick wall of great strength bound the city Lahore. There were 13 gates for entering the city. These gates were made of wood and iron, they were closed in the evening. Below is the brief description of these gates.

It is located in North. The " Raushnai gate " Or " Gate Of Light " is located between the Royal palace and citadel. There is a very famous gali / street commonly known as the shahi mahala. The name shahi has been given after the Shahi Qila. People living here are simple. There are various food shops located around the gate. Now-a-days people are making good use of gate as they have established a public call office under the gate.

10) Bhatti Gate
It is named after the Bhattis, on ancient Rajput tribe, which invaded the quarters in old times. the most popular market here is the Hakiman wali bazar as the name suggests there are a number of Hakim shops here. A museum is also located near Bhatti gate, where there are a number of ancient remains of different old times.

Old house of famous poet and philosopher (Allama Mohammad Iqbal ) is also located in Bhatti gate. He used to live here when he was doing his graduation. An old school named Victorian school is also located here; it is given the name Victoria after the name of Queen Victoria. People of Bhatti gate are lively and they love to eat heavy and good food mainly Sri pai, halva puri and lasi. The favorite sport among the people here is wrestling. Famous wrestler Kala Maro also belongs to Bhatti gate.

11) Mori Gate
It is the small of all gates of this great old city. It was an outlet for the refused and sweepings of the city. It is known for its big fish market and surgical goods, that is the biggest surgical market of Lahore. Another specialty of this gate is furniture polish commonly known as " Lakh ". It is the best polish for wooden furniture and the one produced here is known for its quality. People of this gate love to fly kites and a big kite market is also located here. During the Basant season there is a tough competition among the shopkeepers about the quality and sale of kites.

12) Lahori Gate
This gate is commonly known as the Lohari gate. When the city was rebuild by Malik Ayaz during the time of Mahmud, the quarter of the city first populated was about this gate, which together with Lahori mandi was named after the city.

A beautiful mosque names as Muslim Masjid is also located near this gate. Biggest optical market of Lahore is also located here. Many flower shops are situated here, in which flowers of every kind and specie are available. The people here are co-operative and lively. They love to eat heavy food. The tomb of Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak is also situated in Lahori gate, adjacent to Anarkali bazar.

13 Shah-Alam Gate
This gate is named after Shah Alam Bahadur Shah Zafar ( the son of successor Aurangzeb). This is the biggest electronic market in Lahore. This is the known to be the biggest retail market of electronic goods. Rang Mehal is situated in this gate and in Rang Mehal " Sua bazar " is located which is well known for its jewelry shops.

The Soneri Masjid is also located in this area, the name soneri has been given to the Mosque as the tombs of this beautiful mosque are Golden ( soneri) in color. Lal Masjid is also located in this area. The 'Kulfis' of this area are really delicious in taste and are very famous among the Lahoris. 'Potoras' of this area are well known for their taste and quality.

 

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Take Good Care of your lawn

Spring is here and it's a time when the grass on our lawn just seems a little greener. In order to maximize the coming of spring, here are a few lawn care tips:

The sight of new grass growing often leads the homeowner to run out and spread fertilizer to help the young blades along. This is actually the opposite of recommended practices for fescue and bluegrass lawns. The proper time to apply fertilizer is in the fall, when the roots that will sustain the plants through the following summer are actively growing. Even if the fall feeding was missed, any spring feeding should be limited to a light feeding (1/2 pound of actual nitrogen, i.e., 5 pounds of 10-10-10, per 1000 sq. ft.) after the initial flush of growth has subsided, probably sometime in May or early June.

When spring comes, then should the lime. But this should only be done if the soil deems it necessary. Most lawn grasses grow best at a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0, so have it's good to occasionally have your soil's pH analyzed every two to three years to be sure you are staying in that range. Horticultural experts always say that the soil test result should include recommendations on how much lime to apply on your lawn soil.

- Horticultural studies have also proven that seed sowing efforts will have a good chance of getting optimum results during spring as long as your lawn is well watered and cared for with the right amount of fertilizer. It is a good idea apply fertilizer on newly seeded grass using a high phosphorous fertilizer (for example, 25 pounds of 5-10-5 per 1000 square feet when patch seeding) which will foster root growth. The grass will be stronger and healthier if you can water daily until the plants are established. Water approximately once a week throughout the summer, for the tops of the grass may look great, but the roots are not as long and dense as those of the grass in an established lawn.

Avoid cutting too short when your lawn requires its first cut. Mow to about two inches during the spring, then, raise the cutting height another half inch when summer arrives. Mow frequently so that no more than one third of the grass blade is removed at one time.

Now, when it comes to herbicides and pesticides, it is recommended that you apply pre-emergent herbicides between the middle of March and the middle of April to control crabgrass and the emergence of bull worms. Crabgrass generally emerges about the time of dogwood bloom, and the pre-emergent herbicides used to control it will not affect crabgrass that is already up and growing. The pesticide will stop the spread of more bull worms. March is still a little early for dethatching and actual pesticide application, so after taking care of the few necessary lawn chores for early spring, you can relax and save your energy for summer mowing.

Trees and shrubs surrounding your lawn will also need extra attention. Make sure you apply some amount of fertilizer on surrounding trees and shrubs so as not to allow them to absorb the nutrients meant for your lawn.

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Kashmir Beautifull valley

Kashmir also known as Switzerland of the east because of its natural beauty and land of cherry blossoms and saffron fields, of sparkling rivers and serene lakes, of stunning gardens and stately chinar trees, of flowering meadows and snow-capped peaks. Kashmir is the most famous tourist destination of the india which offers so many attractions such as lakes, monasteries, pilgrimages of Kashmir, wildlife of Kashmir and many other things. It is said that a visit to Kashmir divides your life into two parts – before and after Kashmir. For indeed, once you visit this enchanted land, you are never quite the same again.

Azad Jammu & Kashmir is very rich in natural beauty. Its snow-covered peaks, dense forests, winding rivers, turbulent foaming streams, wheat-scented valleys, velvet green plateaus and climate varying from arctic to tropical, all join together to make it an excellent tourist attraction. Valleys like Neelum, Jhelum, Leepa, Rawalakot, Banjosa, Samahni & Baghser unfold delight full scenic beauty and provide a feast of pleasure to a discerning tourist’s eyes.  Azad Jammu & Kashmir is a fascinating land of people, languages & culture.  Kashmir and adventure are simply inseparable. Go on a Kashmir Tour and explore the most celestial destination of India which is tantamount to heaven. Its incredible beauty and amazing adventure sports facilities make it a big hit with both national and international tourists. Truly, if you have not seen Kashmir, you have not seen India. Although there are several enchanting destinations in Kashmir but the most famous ones for beauty and adventure are Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg and Drass.

Kashmir Culture

Distinct from the rest of the country, Jammu and Kashmir sports a multifaceted, multicolored and unique cultural blend. Not only the geographical conditions of the state are different but it can also be set apart demographically with varied ethical and social entities, diversity of religions flourishing in the area, different language and cultural forms and heritage albeit with an over-reigning harmony that blends in with the serenity and beauty of the region. One gets dazed by the sheer diversity and richness of art and architecture, fairs and festivals, rites and rituals, seers and sagas, languages and mountains that thrive amongst the unparalleled cultural cohesion, which is exemplary.

 
Kashmir Climate

 The state of Jammu and Kashmir stretches between 32.17o to 36.58o North and the altitude rises steeply from 305 metres to 6910 metres above sea level. There are the hot plains of the Jammu Province and coldest dry tableland of Ladakh. The area has different weather conditions at different places because of the lofty mountains like the Pirpanjal, the Zanskar and the Karakoram that check the moisture-laden from entering the valleys.

In summers, the outer plains and the outer hills receive rainfall from monsoon winds while in winters, winds from the Mediterranean cause snowfall and rainfall in the Valley of Kashmir. The moisture-laden winds cause rainfall in the forests on the hills making the temperature to fall in suma4

People Of Kashmir

According to historians, the ancestors of Kashmiris are early immigrants from India proper. With the spread of Buddhism, many scholars came to Kashmir from far-off lands for research and study. The contact of Kashmiris with the Roman, Greek and Persian civilizations resulted into a fusion of cultures. Most of the people claim their descent from the Indo-Aryan stock but one can easily find people belonging to diverse and different races inhabiting Kashmir with distinct looks, dresses, food habits, customs, speech and traditions. Kashmiris have made remarkable contributions to the arts of story-telling and mystical poetry, the Shaiva philosophy, grammar and the sciences.

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Introduction of Defence Housing Authority Lahore

 

LCCHS (Lahore Cantt Cooperative Housing Society) was established on 19 March 1975 with the Registrar Coop Punjab. The business of the Society was carried out through a Management Committee (MC) consisting of 11-15 members. During 1989, in the general meeting of the members a byelaw, authorizing serving army officers to cast vote through postal ballot for electing MC members and making policy decisions was passed. This did not suit to some members due to their vested interests. Therefore they challenged the decision in the High Court. In 1991 High Court suspended the MC and entrusted all the power of MC to Commander Lahore Corps. In order to improve the efficiency of LCCHS, the Society was converted into Defence Housing Authority on 2 Jul 1999. first through a Provincial Ordinance and finally through Federal DHA Order of 19 September 2002.

Lahore is a city that is historically glorious, culturally rich, and commercially vibrant. It exudes a spirit that is ever alive, every moment. The Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Lahore makes this city even more wonderful by giving a beautiful and contemporary side to it as well. DHA Lahore is today the finest place to live in Lahore. The Defence Housing Authority (DHA), Lahore is a housing society located in northern Lahore, Pakistan. It was originally built for army officers, but is now a popular destination for potential residents and businessmen. DHA is a popular residential area for the affluent of Pakistan.

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Lahore Beautiful City is the heart of pakistan

Arial view of Lahore City

Lahore is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab. After Karachi it is the second largest city in Pakistan. The city lies along the Ravi River, located approximately 25 kilometres from Wagah border crossing and is 32 kilometres from the Indian city of Amritsar. As the Historical point of view Lahore has been a center of cultural heritage for many civilizations. In the 11th century, Lahore is  successively served as regional capital of the empires of the Shahi kingdoms.  the Ghaznavids in the 12th century, the Ghurid State in the 12th and 13th century, the Mughal Empire in the 16th century, the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century, and it was the capital of the Punjab region under the British Raj in the mid 19th and early 20th century. There are so many historical Mughal structures such as the Badshahi Mosque, the Lahore Fort, Shalimar Gardens, and the mausolea of Jehangir and Nur Jehan are popular tourist attractions for the city.

About 75% of residents have their own conveyances. The Lahore Central Railway Station, built during the British colonial era, is located in the heart of the city.The roads in the city are well maintained and are broadened when needed to meet increasing demand. Pakistan Railways is headquartered in Lahore. Pakistan Railways provides an important mode of transportation for commuters and connects distant parts of the country with Lahore for business, sightseeing, pilgrimage, and education.  It is ranked 40 in the most populated urban areas in the world.According to the 1998 census, Lahore’s population was 6,318,745. A mid-2006 government estimate now puts the population at approximately 10 million.

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Lahore Gawal Mandi Food Street

The Food Street is located in Gawl Mandi Near Meo Hospital Hospital any body who visit lahore he tends to enjoy Delicious foods as food street open after 1900 hrs to mid nights with tradtionaly foods and taste.

Food Street. Lahore is Pakistan’s true food centre. Lahorites have access not only to a large number of Pakistani dishes and Punjabi specialities, it has fast food restaurants, Western dishes, steak houses, pizzas, Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Afghani, Thai cooking and even Indian Thali and Dossas.

T

hey say we are food experts. They love Mughal-style Pakistani curries and Punjabi Barbecue and Karahis. In the curry category, the best choice is available at Village, Shezan Oriental, Bellpepper, Kabana, Paradise, Ziafat etc., where you can get reasonably good quality Curries, Biryanis, Nans etc.

Dum Pukht (PC) serves some Westernised curries. Most dishes are very expensive and lack the true Mughal curry taste. It seems the dishes are made for foreign customers. For the real Delhi-style taste, turn to wayside shops like Paradise Canteen (near GPO) which serves the tastiest curries, Payas, Batairs and Biryani in town. I also visit Nanbai shops like Abdul Rehman’s in Old Anarkali, Mian Restaurant (off Canal Bank, Gulberg), Baghdadi (Shadman Market), Labha (Davis Road) and one or two outlets in Sadar, Main Market Gulberg, Liberty etc. Khan Baba (Chauburji) is popular for its Pakistani dishes well-cooked in Desi Ghee.

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Punjabi Culture of Pakistan

The Punjabi people are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group from South Asia. They originate from the Punjab region, which has been host to some of the oldest civilizations in the world including one of the world’s first and oldest civilizations, the Indus Valley Civilization. The Punjabi identity is primarily cultural and linguistic, with Punjabis being those whose first language is Punjabi, an Indo-European tongue. In recent times, however, the definition has been broadened to include also emigrants of Punjabi descent who maintain Punjabi cultural traditions, even when they no longer speak the language.

Punjabi Girls in their cultural colors are worth looking. Girls in both Indian and Pakistani Punjabi are very beautiful and energetic. Their Culture is the culture of the Punjab region. It is one of the oldest and richest cultures in world history, dating from ancient antiquity to the modern era. The Punjabi Culture is the culture of the Punjabi people who are now distributed throughout the world. The scope, history, sophistication and complexity of the culture are vast. Some of the main areas include, Punjabi Philosophy, poetry, spirituality, education, artistry, music, cuisine, science, technology, military warfare, architecture, traditions, values and history.

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Death threats for actress who ‘shamed’ Pakistan

 Pakistani celebrity Veena Malik. — Photo by AP

LAHORE: A well-known Pakistani actress Saturday said she had received death threats from militants after appearing on the Indian equivalent of hit reality television show “Big Brother”.

Veena Malik, 27, incurred the wrath of hardline Islamic clerics for her performance on “Big Boss”, during which she indulged in several intimate scenes with Indian actor Ashmit Patel that included massaging his head and neck.

Clerics accused her of shaming Pakistan in rival India and she also received a letter threatening to “punish” her.“I am quite shocked after receiving this letter. First I got only verbal threats but now it is in writing,” Malik told AFP by telephone from India, where she is hosting cricket World Cup show “Big Toss”.

“Security is a concern and the Pakistani government is responsible for my and my family’s security. I hope that the government will provide me that security,” Malik said.

The actress said people with tight security details had been killed in Pakistan, referring to the January assassination of Punjab governor Salman Taseer over his opposition to a draconian blasphemy law.“What can I say except that I have firm belief in God and life and death is in his hand,” she said.

Malik said she would return to Pakistan despite the threats.“To live in my country is my right. I am a daughter of this soil. I guarantee that I will come back to Pakistan and will live in my own country,” she said.“My hands are clean. And I have done nothing wrong. I am not the person to back out after such threats.” Sohail Rashid, Malik’s media manager, said she had received a letter from the little-known Maulana Ahmed Masood, who claims to be a leader of Tehreek-e-Taliban, or the Taliban movement.

The authenticity of the threat letter or the credentials of its writer could not be verified and the spokesman for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan was not immediately available.“The letter says that Tehreek-e-Taliban has taken a decision as a Muslim to punish Veena Malik soon,” Rashid told AFP.

“We want our daughters and sisters in our homes only and Veena Malik, who is humiliating Pakistan’s name in India, will be punished soon,” Rashid quoted from the letter.“We are soon going to punish Veena Malik so that our future generations may be afraid of going to India. It is the responsibility of all Pakistanis and Muslims, but now we are going to accomplish it,” Rashid quoted the letter as saying.

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Ziarrat A Place To Visit In Pakistan

Tehmina Zaman Khan is the student in Quetta university, her home town is Ziaratt and she likes to celebrates her birthday in Ziaratt every year. Ziaratt is also known as the Juniper Valley. The name Ziaratt means ‘shrine’. A local saint, Kharwari Baba is believed to have rested in the valley and blessed it. After his death, he was buried here. People visit the saint’s shrine, which is 10 kms by jeep from Ziaratt town. Ziaratt is situated 133 kms from Quetta in the province of Baluchistan at an altitude of 2449m above the sea level. Ziarat is a hill station in the Sibi district of the province of Baluchistan. It remains quite cool during summer and receives enough snowfall during the winter. Light woollen clothing for the summer and heavy for the winter are recommended. Ziaratt is a holiday resort in the Sibi district amidst one of the largest and oldest juniper forests in the world. It is said that some of the juniper trees are as old as 5,000 years.Ziaratt and the Juniper valleys around offer good opportunity of trekking and hikng.

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Shopping in Karachi

Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and commercial capital of the country, offers a variety of shopping options for its travelers. This metropolitan city is home to every genre of shopping, from traditional Pakistani markets to upscale malls. Here is a guide of essential information to have while shopping in Karachi. It is necessary to be careful of pickpockets while shopping in Karachi, especially in a busy street market. Another precaution to take note of at street markets are mosquitoes. Just because you are shopping does not mean Pakistan’s dangerous mosquitoes aren’t as well. Always wear bug spray or rub while outdoors in Karachi. Recognize that appearing to be a western tourist leads to being up-sold. Most Karachi residents make the assumption western tourists must be millionaires. Always attempt to negotiate down if a price seems unreasonable, and remember that the city is known for its bargains.

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Mangos Of Multan

Types of Mangoes

The Indo-Pakistan mangoes are mono embryonic and seedlings differ invariably from each other. The wide variations among the seedling progeny have been responsible for the evolution of several choice varieties in both the countries which have been further multiplied by vegetative means and grown on large scale. These varieties have thus been called as “Horticulture Varieties”. That is how a large number of standard varieties have come onto being and is cultivated in the different parts of Indo-Pakistan. The varietals nomenclature is so much confusing that one variety carries many names at various places and some cases on name is applied to several varieties.

·

·    LANGRA

·    AMAN DUSEHRI

·    ALPHANSO

·    SAMMAR BAHISHT

·    FAJRI KALAN

·    MUHAMMADWALA

·    CHAUSA

·    RATAUL(ANWA R)

·    SINDHRI

·    BANGANPALI

         ·    NEELUM

 We are preparing the list of Types of Mangoes. There are 450 known Varieties of Mangoes in Pakistan. We are listing them with their History & Variety Owner.

LANGRA            
  

It has originated as a superior chance seedling near Benares. Size medium to large, ovate, base round to slightly flatten, shoulders equal. Beak minute but distinct, sinus slight to absence, skin green and thin, flesh fibreless, yellowish brown in color, scented, highly melting, very sweet. Stone very small, flattened, oval. Weight of an average fruit is about ¼ kg. Fruit quality very good, bearing heavy. Season (Early to mid Sea on). 1^st to 3^rd week of July. Heavy yielder.

AMAN DUSEHRI       

It derives its name form village between Luckhnow and Malih abad where it was originated as a superior chance seedling. Size small to medium, oblong, ventral, shoulder higher than dorsal, beak and sinus absent, color yellow when ripe, skin thin, pulp fibreless, flesh firm, very sweet, flavor nice. Stone very small, oblong, variety good to very best, bearing heavy, mid season (July), keeping and peeling quality good.

ALPHANSO, BOMBAY                                                                                 

This is a leading commercial variety of Bombay State and is one of the best in India. Because of its better adaptability to humid climate it has not been able to maintain its esteemed position in the dry districts of Pakistan. The Alphanso is successful in some districts of Sindh. Size medium, ovate, oblique, base obliquely flattened, Ventral structure boarder and much higher than dorsal, beak just a point, sinus not prominent, color of the ripe fruit yellow or brownish yellow, skin thin, pulp yellowish brown, flesh firm, taste very sweet, flavor excellent, almost fibreless. Fruit quality is good. Mid season variety harvested in July.

SAMMAR BAHISHT   
 

It has originated as a superior chance seedling in Muzaffernager U.P. It got its name because of its pleasant flavor. Fruit medium, base slightly flattened, shoulders equal, sinus very light, beak point prominent, skin greenish yellow, thin, pulp yellow, very sweet, sparsely fibrous, flavor pleasant to delicious. Stone medium and oblong, oval. Quality of the fruit is very good, keeping and peeling qualities well. Ripening season July-August.

FAJRI KALAN

It has originated as superior chance seedling in Bihar and gor its name after the name of lady Fajri who selected and brought up its trees. Size big, oblong, obliquely oval, base rounded, shoulder unequal, with ventral higher than the dorsal, beak distinct, sinus very shallow with rounded apex. Skin thin, pulp color pale, fibreless, taste sweet with pleasant flavor. Juice moderate to abundant. Stone large, oblong. Fruit quality good to very good bearing late season August, Keeping quality good.

MUHAMMADWALA       

Size small to medium, skin thick, yellow brown, pulp sweet, juicy, stone medium sized, fiber very little. Very hard variety. Season early August.

             

SAMMAR BAHISHT CHAUSA       

It is originated as choicest seedling in a village Chausa in Malihabad, Tehsil of Lucknow. It is also known as “Kajri” or “Khajri”. There is resemblance between the foliage of Fajri and this variety but there are marked difference in fruit shape and quality. Fruit medium to large ovate to oval, base obliquely flattened, ventral shoulder raised than the dorsal, beak distinct, sinus shallow, apex round, skin medium in thickness, smooth, flesh firm, fibreless with pleasant flavor and sweet taste. Juice moderately abundant. Stone somewhat large oblong. Fruit quality good, bearing heavy, keeping quality medium to good. Ripening season in August (late).

RATAUL (ANWAR)                                                              

It has originated as a chance seedling in “Shohra-e-Afaq” Garden in Rataul. Now is has become popular in mango growing areas of Punjab because of its high flavor. Fruit medium, ovate, base flattened with equal shoulders, which are rounded, beak not prominent, absent in some cases, sinus absent, and apex round. Skin medium thick. Flesh firm, fibreless, flavor very pleasant, with very sweet taste. Juice moderately abundant. Some medium oval. Fruit quality very good. Ripening season in July (Mid-Season). Keeps well in storage.

SINDHRI                                                                          


It is a leading variety of Sindh. Fruit shape ovalish long. Size big, length 15 cm, breadth 8 cm. Thickness 7.4 cm. Weight 14.0 oz. Base obliquely rounded, cavity absent, Ventral shoulder rising and round, dorsal ending in a curve. Skin color lemon yellow when ripe. Surface smooth. Pulp color Yellowish cadium. Texture fine and firm fibreless. Stone medium size. Flavor pleasantly aromatic, taste sweet. Heavy yielder, early season.

BANGANPALI                

Another variety of Sindh. Fruit shape is obliquely oval, Size is big, length about 14 cm. Breadth 9.1 cm Thickness 8.2 cm. Weight 22.0 oz. Base obliquely flattened. Cavity not prominent. Stalk inserted obliquely. Shoulders ventral typically razed, broader and much more higher than dorsal. Back almost rounded. Skin color dark green and glazy when unripe. Yellowish light green with very light crimson patches when ripe. Surface smooth, shining. Dots small distinct. Glands small, crowded.

NEELUM                                                  

Quality variety of Sindh. Fruit shape ovate, size small, length 7.7cm breath 5.9cm thickness 5.6cm weight 5.0oz. The base is rounded. Stalk inserted squarely. Cavity slight to absent, Shoulders unequal. Ventral is higher than dorsal, back rounded. Sinus slight to shallow, Beak acute to obtuse. Apex rounded, Skin color sea green when unripe & yellow with reddish tinge when ripe. Surface smooth. Small dots with numerous small glands.

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10 Ways to Cut out Salt and Sugar

1. Drop that salt shaker


It’s no secret that too much salt and sugar in your diet can do damage to your health. Reducing your salt and sugar intake can be a difficult task but it is possible to cut back without feeling that you’re missing out. Here are 10 simple ways to keep salt and sugar out, while keeping big flavor in.

2. Wash away salt
Rinsing canned vegetables under cool running water reduces their sodium content by about 40 percent, according to The American Dietetic Association’s Complete Food and Nutrition Guide. The same holds true for other canned foods, including beans, tuna and chicken.

3. Add seasoning while you cook

Roast veggies by tossing them with a few teaspoons of olive oil, some lemon juice, a small pinch of salt and a few dashes of pepper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F, or until lightly browned, stirring every 5 minutes.

4. Try a fresh twist on eggs

If you sprinkle a little dried thyme into your scrambled eggs, you won’t be tempted to pass the salt shaker over them.

5. Cut back on taco seasoning

Use only half the packet that comes with a kit. Then punch up the dish with chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder or your favorite spice mix.

6. Mix and match for the perfect sauce

Along with your regular spaghetti sauce, buy a low-salt variety. Mix them together, then gradually phase out the saltier one.

7. Sweeten up breakfast
Add cinnamon and dried berries or apricots to your breakfast cereal.

8. A fruity alternative to syrup

Instead of using syrup on pancakes and waffles, make a raspberry sauce by mixing 1 cup berries with 1 tsp. cinnamon and cooking until thickened.

9. Add a hint of flavor to rice

To add a new dimension to this plain starch, throw a cinnamon stick or a pinch of cardamom or ginger into the pot before the water begins to boil.

10. Substitute fruit in recipes

If a dessert recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar, swap in ½ cup fruit puree (make your own using apples, prunes or pears, or use jarred baby food).

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Improve Your Singing Voice Instantly

 

1. Keep your arms slightly away from your body. Clasp your hands out in front of you or bring your arms to your sides and a bit forward, raising them about 6 inches in a flexible, relaxed fashion. This will allow your ribcage to fully expand and your lungs to fill to capacity. More air allows you to project your voice more strongly and clearly.

2. Keep your feet about shoulders’ width apart. If you like, one foot can be further forward than the other. Make sure you’re solidly balanced, but still flexible. Slightly bend your knees. If you must sing while sitting, make sure both feet are flat on the floor, with 12 inches or so between them, and that you’re sitting up straight, but not stiffly.

3. Relax! Tension destroys vocal tone. Try not to let your shoulders hunch up and keep your neck from tensing. Don’t force your chest up and out when you breath in. This will actually constrict your air flow. Stay in motion, however slightly. This will relax your body and your tone will sound more natural. Try gently swaying from side to side with the rhythm. You’ll look better, too!

4. When you inhale, push your stomach out. This will allow you to more completely fill your lungs. As you exhale, bring your stomach slowly in, using the muscles of your diaphram (which is just under your ribcage) to control your tone.

5. If you have to hit a high note or you hear yourself singing flat (that is, if your notes are a tiny bit too low), raise your arms a little higher and smile slightly. For very high notes, try closing your eyes and turning your face up slightly.

About Author:

This article sent by Aksa Nasir. She belong to Islamabad Pakistan.  Aksa Nasir is a student of first year in FG College Islamabad. Aksa is also a good singer. She always likes to sing songs in school, college and marriage parties. Her voice is as brilliant as her personality.

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History of Chitral

 

Little is known of the early history of Chitral and rock inscriptions and early traditions give little evidence on this subject. This mountainous country which was first referred to as Kohistan or land of the mountains was said to be inhabited by a race called “Khows” speaking a separate language Khowar, or language of the Khows. Some people say that it was Khowistan – the abode of the Khows. Separate parts of the country came to be called Torkhow – Upper Khow, Mulkhow – Lower Khow, names which persist to the present day. An early Sanskrit inscription at a village called Barenis (27 miles away from Chitral) of about AD 900 records that the country was Buddhist, under King Jaipal of Kabul. It is believed that Upper Chitral was under Buddhist influence in the past and even today there are a few rocks in Torkhow area known as “Kalandar-i-Bohtni” (Mendicant of Stone). It is a figure of a stupa; the upper part of which has been cut into the figure of Buddha and may be of Chinese origin. No records of this period exist.

Marco Polo, who passed through the Pamirs, referred to the country as Bolor. History relates that first a Chinese army and then an Arab (Mongols?) army invaded Chitral from the north by the Broghal pass when the upper part of the country is said to have been converted to Islam. The southern district remained non-Muslim till very late and were then converted to Islam. A Mongol tribe called Yarkhuns invaded Chitral via the Broghal pass and may have given their name to the Yarkun valley. They were opposed by Somalek, leader of the Khows. Another incursion is attributed to Changez Khan and his Tartars.

In the 16th century, the Shah Rais dynasty ruled Chitral. Shah Rais had an adviser by name of Sangin Ali, who apparently came from Khorasan. On the death of Sangin Ali in 1570, his sons ousted Shah Rais and gained control of the country. It is from the second of these sons that the present royal family of Chitral is descended. The highest class, Adamzadas (Katoras), take their names from Sangin Ali’s grandsons. The Katoras are believed to have been descended from Moguls. Headed by Baba Ayub in the middle of the 16th century, they have been ruling the country with varying fortunes for the last 350 years, 350 years of war with the nearby states of Gilgit, Chilas and the Pathans.

About Author:

This article is sent by Nimra Khan. Nimra Khan is currently living in Chitral. She is studying in 2nd year in Chitral City Girls College. Nimra’s father is doctor and she also wants to follow her father profession.

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Do You Understand Friendship ?

Do you know What is Friendship? The author writes, FRIENDSHIP is a gift of God. Some of us are blessed with good friends. But as it happens, these friendships are taken for granted in some cases and not valued. It is similar to a case of two couples. As one has no child even after many years of marriage and the other has many children , more than they can manage. What do you think? Will the couple with many children value the children as much as the couple which has none? Every thing is relative in life. We value what we don?t have and give less valuable to what is feel available with us. Friendship is one such relationship. Why should we value friendship? What qualities does a good friend bring in our relationship that makes the friendship so valuable?

A friend can be depended upon to share all our problems and sorrows. This sharing may not reduce the impact of loss but helps us to unburden ourselves. During our times of trouble, only a friend comes forward and give us encouragement and hope. At times in life when we feel totally devastated and hopeless, and when our self-esteem reaches a big low, a friend helps us regain confidence in ourselves.

About Author:

This article sent by Asma from Sargodha. She is a excellent and quality writer. She writes multiple articles for different sites.

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Social and Ethical Values of Pakistan

Pakistani Culture is very unique in terms of its social and ethical values. These values are something which are given due importance. This culture revolves around the religion of Islam which teaches equality among every human being that exists on this planet. Pakistan’s culture is very diverse. It has been invaded by many different people belonging to different races. These people include the white Huns, Persian Arabs, Turks, Mongols, and various Eurasian groups. These groups differ in there way of dressing, food, religion. Pakistani culture consists of different cultures starting from the Punjabis and sindhis to the tribal cultures of the easternmost Pakistani provinces. Now these cultures have strongly been influenced by surrounding cultures of India, Central Asia and the Middle East along with other places.

Pakistani society is largely multilingual and multicultural. There are some similarities than differences that can be found as most Pakistanis belong to Aryan heritage. Like sindhis and Punjabis obviously have a language difference. Traditional family values are known every where in this multicultural environment. The rural areas of Pakistan are still dominated by their own tribal customs dating back hundreds of years.

About Author:

Rafia Abbasi sent this article through email. Rafia is studying Fashion designing in  National Textile College Faislabad.

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Home Decoration

Home decoration can bring a different environment for your home. It freshens the look of your home and gives your eyes the soothing comfort. Do you want to If you are tired of the same old color of your house walls, you can brighten it up by adding additional colors to your walls. Instead of putting only one color, try adding two or more colors maybe darker or lighten than the present color. This will give life to the room and will brighten the color combination. Avoid putting colors that contradicts one another like brown and yellow. You also can use Mirrors to decorate your home. Mirrors can be a good addition to your home decoration. Mirrors are used to brighten up the room. It reflects the light from the sun during the day giving your room a natural light.  Large mirrors are better. Try putting it across your windows or doors for an even light color distribution. Curtains can also be a good for home decoration. Walls and windows can be added with curtains for more dramatic look. In fact, curtains are used my years ago. Until now, it is still one among the important material in home decoration. It is also used as a drapery for privacy. Open doorways can be added with curtain if you want some privacy. Choose a color that will complement the color of your walls and windows. This will give your room a better look. Flowers can also be a nice home decoration. It is like bringing your garden inside your house. Put a vase in the center table and place varieties of flower in a very stunning flower arrangement. It can be placed anywhere.Plus, finding flower is never a hustle. There are many flower stalls around your area. Choose the fresh flowers that can stay for days. Aside from that, also consider the colors of the flower you will be putting inside your house. These are some of the simple home decoration tips you can follow and easily beautify your home.

About Author:

These useful home decoration tips share by readers Arooba Zeeshan. Arooba is lives in Faisalabad. Arooba have completed her graduation recently. Currently she stay at home.  She spend her leisure time in doing creative things.

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Burj al Arab is The Most Beautiful Skyscraper on Earth

  

It would be true to say that Dubai is quite possibly, the richest and the most luxurious holiday destination in the world. Grown virtually out of a desert, this oil rich state has created some of the modern world’s architectural wonders. Dubai attracts people from around the world to see this unique state and its synthetic structures. With sky scraper hotels being erected across the coast and even in the sea, Dubai is unlike any other destination bringing so much diversity to one place. With Jumeirah beach being the most popular for sun worshippers, luxurious hotels dominate the coast line offering the infamous and only seven star hotel in the world; the Burj al Arab. The Burj al Arab stands on its own island off the coast and offers contemporary accommodation, sumptuous menu’s and service like no other. If you can tear yourself away from your room, jump in a taxi or chauffer driven Rolls Royce if you’re staying in the Burj al Arab and head over to Dubai city. The city offers the fantastic, traditional souk where you can find many bargains, restaurants and hotel bars where you can relax after a hard days sunbathing, Mosques where you can sense the strict Muslim orthodox, where the people come everyday to prey.

About Author:

The author of this article is Sabrina Ahmed. Sabrina basically belongs to Karachi. She has shared her recent experience of Dubai holidays, particularly she has described about  Burj al Arab.

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Mardan – The City of Hospitality

Mardan is a city and headquarters of Mardan District in the Khyber pukhtoonkhwa Province, Pukhtunkhwa of Pakistan, Headquarter of Yousafzai tribe,the second largest populated city of NWFP. It is located at 34°12’0N 72°1’60E with an altitude of 283 metres  lying the south-west of the district. Most of its land is agricultural. It has one of the world’s best irrigation systems, which was laid down by the British government during British Rule of the subcontinent (1857–1947). It was part of the ancientn Gandhara Civilizatio. There are still remains of the Gandhara Civilization, scattered in different areas of Mardan.

About Author:

The sender and writer of this article is Nadia from Mardan. Nadia is the doing bachelors of Science from Khyber college Mardan.

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