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The UK Bhangra Awards 2016 take place this weekend!

Bhangra originates from the Punjab region in India and Pakistan. In its earliest form it was a celebratory folk dance, but after a movement in the 1970s’s by UK-based Punjabi bands, it is now a fusion of the traditional sounds of Punjab and contemporary British music.

The UK Bhangra awards is an annual red carpet event that celebrates not only music, but all of the contributions by British Asians in the entertainment, editorial and online media industries.

The event takes place in the luxurious Regency Suite, Birmingham on Saturday 19th November and will feature live performances from the likes of Bhangra All Stars, Holle Holle and Jassi Premi.

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Here is a full list of the nominees:

(1) BEST PUBLICATION

  • Apna Des Weekly UK – UKBA101
  • Asian World News – UKBA102
  • Asians UK – UKBA103
  • Eastern Eye – UKBA104
  • Jagatwani – UKBA105
  • The Asian Today – UKBA106

(2) BEST WEBSITE

  • com – UKBA201
  • com – UKBA202
  • com – UKBA203
  • com – UKBA204
  • com – UKBA205
  • com – UKBA206

(3) BEST RADIO PRESENTER

  • Amarjit Amar (Radio XL) – UKBA301
  • Dipps Bhamrah (BBC Asian Network) – UKBA302
  • Jagdeep Rainu (Sabras Radio) – UKBA303
  • Mick St. Clair (Raaj FM) – UKBA304
  • Paramjit Pammi (Asian Star Radio) – UKBA305
  • Vishal Johal (Panjab Radio) – UKBA306

(4) BEST TV PRESENTER

  • Abrar Mughal (Geo News) – UKBA401
  • Asad Shan (Zing) – UKBA402
  • Jagdeep Rainu (Venus TV) – UKBA403
  • Mohanjit Basra (Akaal Channel) – UKBA404
  • Nitin Ranpuria (B4U Music) – UKBA405
  • Sukhi Bart (BritAsia TV) – UKBA406

(5) BEST ACTING PERFORMANCE

  • Bambi Bains (Road) – UKBA501
  • Zeus (Road) – UKBA502
  • Roach Killa (Road) – UKBA503
  • Shide Boss (Amar Akbar & Tony) – UKBA504
  • Shin DCS (Laila – The Musical) – UKBA505
  • Shizzio (Gangsters Gamblers & Geezers) – UKBA506

(6) BEST DJ ROADSHOW

  • Calibar Roadshow – UKBA601
  • Dhol n Bass Roadshow – UKBA602
  • DNA Roadshow – UKBA603
  • Jags Klimax Roadshow – UKBA604
  • Kudos Roadshow – UKBA605
  • Sting Roadshow – UKBA606

(7) BEST DHOL GROUP

  • Beat Alliance – UKBA 701
  • Dhol Blasters – UKBA 702
  • Drumline Entertainment – UKBA 703
  • Eternal Taal – UKBA 704
  • Ministry of Dhol – UKBA 705
  • Team Dips – UKBA 706

(8) BEST DANCE GROUP

  • 4×4 Bhangra – UKBA 801
  • Asli Baharan Punjab Diyan – UKBA 802
  • Gabhru Panjab De – UKBA 803
  • Haripa Dance Group – UKBA 804
  • Lions of Punjab – UKBA 805
  • Nachda Sansaar – UKBA 806

(9) BEST MELA

  • Big John’s Birmingham Mela – UKBA 901
  • Glasgow Mela – UKBA 902
  • Leicester Mela – UKBA 903
  • Luton Mela – UKBA 904
  • Manchester Mela – UKBA 905
  • Sandwell & Birmingham Mela – UKBA 906

(10) BEST SONGWRITER

  • Amrit Saab – UKBA 1001
  • Balkar Laltonwala – UKBA 1002
  • Jandu Littranwala – UKBA 1003
  • Satti Khokhewalia – UKBA 1004
  • Sohan Bhokriwala – UKBA 1005
  • Taari Banwalipuria – UKBA 1006

(11) BEST MUSIC PRODUCER

  • Aman Hayer – UKBA 1101
  • Zeus – UKBA 1102
  • Manj Musik – UKBA 1103
  • Manni Sandhu – UKBA 1104
  • Tigerstyle – UKBA 1105#
  • Tru-Skool – UKBA 1106

(12) BEST MUSICIAN

  • Bally Gill – UKBA 1201
  • Ranesh Bhutta – UKBA 1202
  • Steven Sahota – UKBA 1203
  • Sunil Kalyan – UKBA 1204
  • Trav Panesar – UKBA 1205
  • Tubsy Dholki Walla – UKBA 1206

(13) BEST BAND

  • Bhangra All Stars Band – UKBA 1301
  • Jaz Dhami Live Band – UKBA 1302
  • Jazzy B & The Boys – UKBA 1303
  • RSVP Bhangra Band – UKBA 1304
  • The Entourage Live Band – UKBA 1305
  • The Legends Band– UKBA 1306

(14) BEST RECORD LABEL

  • E3UK – UKBA 1401
  • Envy Worldwide – UKBA 1402
  • Moviebox – UKBA 1403
  • The Soundpipe Records – UKBA 1404
  • UK Music Records – UKBA 1405
  • VIP Records – UKBA 1406

(15) BEST MUSIC VIDEO

  • Banger & MoneySpinner ft Sudesh Kumari – Baari Barsi – UKBA 1501
  • Benny Dhaliwal ft Harj Nagra – Desi Yaar – UKBA 1502
  • Jaz Dhami & Jatinder Shah – Munda Like Me – UKBA 1503
  • Manj Musik ft Amy Jackson & Raftaar – Lak Hilaade – UKBA 1504
  • Roach Killa & Jazzy B ft Dr. Zeus – Dynamite – UKBA 1505
  • Sukshinder Shinda – Selfie Craze – UKBA 1506

(16) BEST SINGLE

  • Jaz Dhami & Jatinder Shah – Munda Like Me – UKBA 1601
  • Malkit Singh & DJ Vix – Selfie Boliyan – UKBA 1602
  • Panjabi MC ft Sahib – Picha Ni Chad De – UKBA 1603
  • PBN & Raj Bains – Billi Akh – UKBA 1604
  • Roach Killa & Jazzy B ft Dr. Zeus – Dynamite – UKBA 1605
  • Sukshinder Shinda – Selfie Craze – UKBA 1606

(17) BEST ALBUM

  • Achanak – Game Set & Nach – UKBA 1701
  • Balbir Bhujhangy – Suit Tera Sona Lagda – UKBA 1702
  • Desi Dark Child – Reggae Feast – UKBA 1703
  • Jagz Kang – Resurrection – UKBA 1704
  • Manni Sandhu – Welcome to the Future – UKBA 1705
  • Tru-Skool/Ashok Prince – One Time 4 Ya Mind – UKBA 1706

(18) BEST NEWCOMER

  • Anna Heer – UKBA 1801
  • Harry Sandhu – UKBA 1802
  • Jagz Kang – UKBA 1803
  • Jeet Kaur – UKBA 1804
  • Lucky Rai – UKBA 1805
  • Sukh Cheema – UKBA 1806

(19) BEST FEMALE SINGER

  • Jaswinder Jassi – UKBA 1901
  • Mani Kaur – UKBA 1902
  • Rameet Kaur – UKBA 1903
  • Roma – UKBA 1904
  • Sakina – UKBA 1905
  • Sona Walia – UKBA 1906

(20) BEST MALE SINGER

  • Badal Talwan – UKBA 2001
  • Banger – UKBA 2002
  • Benny Dhaliwal – UKBA 2003
  • Jaz Dhami – UKBA 2004
  • Malkit Singh – 2005
  • Sukhshinder Shinda – UKBA 2006

(21) BEST URBAN SINGER

  • Hard Kaur – UKBA 2101
  • Mumzy Stranger– UKBA 2102
  • Navin Kundra – UKBA 2103
  • Roach Killa – UKBA 2104
  • Taz Stereo Nation – UKBA 2105
  • Zack Knight – UKBA 2106

(22) BEST INTERNATIONAL SINGER

  • Diljit Dosanjh – UKBA 2201
  • Gurdas Maan – UKBA 2202
  • Jazzy B – UKBA 2203
  • Lehmber Hussainpuri – UKBA 2204
  • Ranjit Bawa – UKBA 2205
  • Sudesh Kumari – UKBA 2206

(23) SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION AWARD

  • Apache Indian – UKBA 2301
  • Azaad – UKBA 2302
  • Holle Holle – UKBA 2303
  • Kanika Kapoor – UKBA 2304
  • Malkit Singh MBE – UKBA 2305
  • Panjabi MC – UKBA 2306
  • Premi – UKBA 2307
  • Shaktee – UKBA 2308
  • Shava Shava – UKBA 2309
  • Shortie – UKBA 2310

(24) LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

A.S. Kang (UK) – UKBA 2401

  • Balbir Bhujhangy – UKBA 2402
  • Channi Singh MBE – UKBA 2403
  • Jandu Littranwala – UKBA 2404
  • Kuljit Bhamra MBE – UKBA 2405
  • Mangal Singh – UKBA 2406

 

Good luck to all the nominees; it is a certainty that the night will be fantastic one! Who do you think will take home an award? Let us know in the comments below!

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Birmingham Food Festivals – November

Everyone loves a chance to sample the best food and drink from local producers. Food and drink can be a symbol of a culture or used to help with big celebrations. So where is best to celebrate these great things? At special events local to you!

We’re compiling a list of the best food and drink events to go to in November, so you know where you need to be this month!

 

German Market – 17th November-29th December

The largest German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria is back again for the Christmas holidays. From the 17th November, Victoria Square and New Street will come alive with lights, wooden huts, and with free entry, it’s a great family event!

For the first time, the German Christmas market will run throughout Christmas, all the way through until the 29th December. With stalls opening from 10am and closing at 9pm each day (excluding Christmas Day), you’ll never run out of stalls to look at!

Find out more here!

BBC Good Food Show – 24th-27th November

The NEC is playing host to this year’s BBC Good Food Show at the end of November. There’s book signings, food demonstrations, shopping from local to international food producers and more. There’s even a special Christmas food show, with experts guiding you through to create Christmas masterpieces.

Tickets are on sale now, starting from super tickets at £25, ranging all the way up to VIP Luxe tickets for £200 (but with a lot of added bonus goodies!). If you book online and quote WEB15 when booking, you get 15% off your ticket.

Find out more here!

Birmingham University Farmers Market – Every 4th Wednesday of the month

Nothing beats a good farmers market, especially one at a central hub of your community. That’s why Birmingham University’s Farmers Market is the place to be. Held in University Square, and catering to local producers from up to 50 miles away, it’s a great regular place to find the best in local food.

The free entry event is held from 10am to 3pm on the 4th Wednesday of every month, so in November, make sure you’re at University Square on the 23rd November.

Find out more here!

Digbeth Dining Club– Every Friday night

Every Friday from 5pm, a mass collection of venders delve into Digbeth for the weekly Digbeth Dining Club. A multi-award winning event fronting the alternative food scene, it’s definitely the place to be on a Friday evening!

Hosting a variety of food and drink vendors, as well as live music and entertainment, you’ll never have the same week twice! You’ll be spending anywhere between £3.50 and £8.50 per dish, but it’s definitely worth the price!

Find out more here!

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Is Indian food vegan friendly?

The Indian diet caters very well for vegetarians but what about vegans? For those who don’t know, vegans refrain from eating or using any animal products.

It is a previously unexplored subject matter so we contacted Simran Panesar for an interview.

Simran is a student at Birmingham City University studying Interactive Entertainment i.e. she’s learning how to make video games.

Asian Indian Vegan Food

Simran (far right)

She is also a straight edge-vegan which is a rare double whammy of lifestyle choices. Straight edge individuals refrain from using alcohol, tobacco or recreational drugs.

As you have probably already ascertained by this point, Simran is a conscientious and genuinely interesting human being which is why she’d make the perfect interviewee.

So without further ado let’s get to the questions:

Hello Sim, can I call you Sim? Ok Great. So first question. When did you become a vegan and why?

I became a vegan in March this year because I didn’t want to eat animal products anymore. From a moral standpoint, when there is other options available, it just felt wrong.

I wouldn’t eat humans and I wouldn’t suckle on a cows nipple so why would I consume animal products.

How did you family react to your change in lifestyle choice? Are they supportive? 

Yes, for the most part they are extremely supportive. My mum always makes sure I have vegan dishes prepared if I come home for the weekend.

Dad, however, doesn’t always get it. We went to a wedding not too long ago and there weren’t any vegan options for me on the reception menu. He then asked if I could “take a break from being vegan for the day.” Highly annoying.

My brother sometimes teases me because he’s about gym life and we have protein banter, I just say you have fun eating your flesh and dead carcass.

Does the Indian diet adequately cater for the needs of the vegan?

There are a few vegetarian dishes that vegans can eat but it is difficult because the majority of dishes are usually cooked in butter.

So whether it be home food, restaurants or a take away, it is difficult to find good vegan options.

So how do you survive?

Haha, I hunt down down vegetables with spears and nets. I jest..

I either have to get food from specialist shops or cook myself. The specialist shops don’t stock much, if any food, of a South Asian variety either which is a great shame.

There are no South Asian Vegan products, even in the specialist stores?

It’s extremely limited to small snacky things, not proper meals.

I cook every day and have had to become quite experimental with my cooking to keep my taste buds interested.

Ok. So it’s a bit of a case of DIY. What are the staples in your diet would you say?

Dhal, chickpeas, beans, rice, pasta, nuts, seeds quinoa and loads of vegetables!

Do you miss a lot of South Asian food? 

You can cook a lot of Vegan friendly South Asian dishes but the main issue is time. My course is extremely intensive and I’m part of a lot of uni societies so my cooking time really eats into any free time I have left!

 

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Yoghurt face mask for beautiful skin

Being rich in a protein, calcium, vitamin D and probiotics; yoghurt is well known for its health benefits but did you know this household staple will also aid the pursuit of a great complexion?

Yoghurt is also a great source of lactic acid which moisturises dry skin, tightens skin pores, destroys dead skin cells, prevents breakouts, battles acne and pimples, fights against lines and wrinkles, reduces discoloration, reduces sunburn and restricts premature ageing!

Avoid buying any flavoured yoghurts as they can cause skin irritations and aggravate existing acne, pimples or rashes! It is best to go for plain unsweetened yogurt which will yield the best results and put you on the correct path to attain clear, glowing skin.

Why spend unnecessary amounts of money on beauty products when you can achieve the same results with natural household items? Here is a brilliant yoghurt facemask you can try:

The Yoghurt Strawberry Honey Face Mask

Strawberries are stocked with vitamin C and salicylic acid; the combination of these micronutrie
nts lighten and cleanse oily skin whilst honey has anti-bacterial qualities to destroy acne!

Ingredients:facemask-cartoon

2 strawberries

1 teaspoon of raw honey

1 teaspoon of plain unsweetened yogurt

Step by step guide:

  • Compress the strawberries using the back of a fork in a small bowl.
  • Add the honey and yogurt and mix thoroughly.
  • Using clean fingers, apply a thick coat of the mixture onto your clean face
  • Sit for 15 minutes to let the mixture settle and dry out.
  • After the time is up, gently scrub off the face mask using warm water.
  • When the entire mask is off, splash cold water on your face to close up your pores. Pat dry with a soft towel.

If your low on your yoghurt supply, feel free to check out Mr Mango’s amazing prices on plain natural yoghurt here. Good luck to gaining gorgeous skin Mango Minions!

 

 

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Win a free Mehndi design and a beautiful Henna decorated candle!

Mr Mango, the authentic Asian grocery delivery service, has partnered with Aiyshah’s Henna Artistry to bring you this amazing giveaway!

Aiyshah is a professional mobile midlands based mehndi artist and her expertise in her trade is second to none.

Be it for brides, parties, fairs or events, her beautiful designs are perfect for all occasions.

Sidra Chohan – “Thank you so much for doing my bridal mehndi, it came out really pretty. The colour came out so dark! I recommend Aiyshah for doing any type of henna, whether party or bridal, she is certainly very talented!”

She also crafts very elegant Henna candles. Just look at some of her amazing work below.

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To win a free mehndi design on the outer sides of both hands and henna decorated candle, all you have to do is answer this question:

Where did Henna originate from?

A – India

B – Pakistan

C – Egypt

Post your answer in the comment section below and maybe you could be the lucky winner!

As Aiyshah is mobile she will come right to your doorstep to deliver your prize at a convenient time for you.

The deadline for the competition is October 31st and the full terms and conditions can be viewed here.

Good Luck!

1) Warm the vegetable oil and cumin on a low heat and wait until the cumin turns dark brown. 2) Add the salt and chilli powder and stir. 3) Once the sauce begins to thicken add the chickpeas and mix well. 4) Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and the onions and cook until soft. 5) Remove the pot from the heat and serve immediately.

Mr Mango’s Kitchen – Spicy Pakistani Chickpeas

Serves 5

Taking a break from meat recipes; this dish is for our Vegetarian customers. Chickpeas are brilliant as they are high in protein, dietary fibre and are rich in vitamins and minerals such as Manganese and Folate. They help support bone development, wound healing and are important for carrying out metabolic reactions. They also taste great which is a bonus! Get a bit more spice in your life with this Chickpea recipe:

Ingredient:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 (400g) tins chickpeas, drained
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 onion, chopped

Steps:

  1. Warm the vegetable oil and cumin on a low heat and wait until the cumin turns dark brown.
  2. Add the salt and chilli powder and stir.
  3. Once the sauce begins to thicken add the chickpeas and mix well.
  4. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and the onions and cook until soft.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat and serve immediately.
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Coriander for Beautiful Skin

Coriander for Beautiful Skin

For most, Coriander is somewhat of an afterthought ingredient in cooking; that thing you sprinkle on your dishes at the end to make them look pretty. Who would have thought this herb, also known as cilantro, would have so many beauty benefits? Coriander is stocked with antioxidants, skin-friendly minerals, Vitamin C and is also an antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and cooling agent. The combination of all these attributes makes coriander great for…

  • Battling Hair Loss
  • Acne and Blackheads
  • Dark Lips
  • Restoring Skin Elasticity
  • Face Lifting
  • Skin Smoothing
  • Wrinkles

Here are a few treatments you can try out with ingredients you can probably find in your kitchen but, if you are running low on a few supplies, check out Mr Mango’s Online Shop to grab any missing items!

facemask-cartoonThe Coriander Face Mask Recipe

For this mask, blend fresh coriander leaves and extract its juice. Then, mix the juice with a pinch of ginger powder or and apply to your face. Be careful though, using an excess amount of ginger may leave stains on your face.

The Coriander Lip Balm

All you need for this balm is 1 teaspoon or lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of coriander juice. Apply this on your lips before going to bed and leave it overnight. Wash it off the next morning and repeat the process for a few days for pink lips.

 

Coriander Paste for Itchy Skin

Create a paste using coriander seeds, a teaspoon of honey and just a little bit of water. Applying this to the itchy area of skin will lead to instant relief.

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Mr Mango’s Kitchen – Tarka Dhal (Lentils)

Lentils are a staple in Asian cuisine; this cousin of the pea contains ample amounts of protein and carbohydrates whilst also being rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, soluble fibre and vitamin B. Eating lentils will yield the benefits of a healthier heart, better digestive health, stabilised blood sugar and lower cholesterol. Try out this nutritious and tasty dish:

Ingredients:

  • 400g red lentils
  • 2 tsps turmeric
  • 2 knobs unsalted butter
  • 2 tsps cumin seeds
  • 1 small onion
  • 2-3 cloves garlic
  • 1-2 fresh green chillies
  • 2-3 tomatoes

Steps:

  1. Place the lentils into a pan along with a couple of inches of water.
  2. Bring to the boil and reduce to a simmer.
  3. Add the turmeric and a knob of butter.
  4. Leave to gently cook at the simmering level of heat.
  5. Meanwhile, in a separate pan fry the cumin seeds over a medium heat for two minutes.
  6. Remove them from the pan and put to one side.
  7. Using the same pan fry the garlic, onions, chillies, ginger and tomatoes (all of which should be chopped) with the second knob of butter.
  8. When the garlic is golden brown, add the cumin seed.
  9. Remove from the heat when the lentils have completely softened.
  10. The lentils should have the consistence of porridge. If not, either cook for longer or add water if necessary. Add the fried mixture to the lentils.
  11. Season to taste and serve with paratha or rice.
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The values of Mr Mango

Who is Mr Mango you ask? Well, ask no further as we would like to show you what we stand for in this very snazzy letter by letter format. May you soon become a Mango Minion!

M – More

We do more than just deliver; we allow you to spend more time with your family. You’ll never have to miss out on special moments or memories because of having to spend hours each week doing grocery shopping. All you have to do is choose your items, pick a delivery slot and we’ll be there.

A – Authentic

Mainstream supermarkets still don’t stock essential authentic goods, meaning Asian families are forced to do two shopping trips each week. One to a mainstream supermarket and another to a specialist store. Well, not anymore! Mr Mango stocks all of the specialist brands any Asian household would desire.

N – Natural

Our products are natural and of the highest quality. We stock HMC approved Halal meat and even offer the choice of Organic Halal meat which is extremely hard to come by for the health conscious out there.

G – Grocery  

Be sure to be on the lookout for new deals on the Mr Mango website so you can get your items at rock bottom prices! The combination of low prices and the convenience of having groceries delivered to your door is what Mr Mango is all about.

O – Options

Life is full of options! You’ll be spoiled for choice with 1000’s of products on our website as well as when to choose your delivery. Mr Mango delivers 7 days a week making your shopping as laid back and stress free as humanly possible!

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Mr Mango’s Kitchen – Indian Spiced Salmon

Salmon is the ultimate low carb food. High in protein and high in healthy fats; salmon will not only keep you trim around the midriff but will also keep you feeling full. Let’s not forget to mention that salmon is arguably the most succulent fish in existence. Paired with Indian spices this is an unbelievable dish that you must try!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • Dash of kosher salt
  • Dash of ground red pepper
  • 4 (6-ounce) skinless salmon fillets
  • Cooking spray

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees
  2. Combine the first six ingredients in a bow
  3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over each salmon fillet
  4. Place a sheet of foil over an oven tray and space the fillets out over said tray
  5. Cover each fillet with additional foil and place the trey in the oven for 7 minutes
  6. Remove the additional foil and place the salmon back in the oven for an additional 4 minutes.
  7. Serve immediately