Timepass, as many of us from India would know, means engaging in an activity which is considered aimless or not ‘productive’! Taking out time in our day to do some leisurely activity without feeling guilty for it is what we bring in this section. Where timepass is perceived as ‘less productive’ and leisure often has gendered and classist connotations. Let’s defy all that and take out time from our work and responsibilities to just chill here – with no apologies!

Quickies

Here are ideas for quick ways to break ice during work meetings, some of which we have been doing in TARSHI’s virtual staff meetings during COVID-19 times! These break the monotony and give us a chance to know each other better – a fun way to connect and laugh! For more ideas, here is a PDF you can download. 

Bites

Creating things that are tangible – things one can see, touch and enjoy – can be a satisfying and a pleasurable act.  

Out of many such things, cooking can be a joyful act for some. It is also often seen as a daily boring chore and can become a laborious task especially in a patriarchal world where women are responsible for making sure that everyone at home is well fed.  Nevertheless there are some who enjoy cooking and feel connected in the act of bringing ingredients together to explore creating something.  

According to Here’s Help, cooking as therapy is effective because it encourages creativity. Cooking also makes people feel good about themselves because it’s a way for them to nurture others. For most dishes, there is also a sense of immediate gratification. 

Food can also be a means of joy, if not keen on making it, one can always enjoy relishing it.  Sometimes the very sight of food pictures can boost one’s mood. Here are some comfort foods of India.

When the whole world went on a lockdown during the pandemic in 2020, many people took to cooking, revisiting their long lost passion or adopting a new found hobby.