Tuesday, 31 March 2015

Butterfly Conservatory At Ponda

Image result for butterfly conservatory of goa

Visiting the Butterfly Conservatory in Ponda is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Goa. This sanctuary is in stark contrast to the usual perception about Goa.

Apart from beautiful beaches and fun filled parties, the land is also home to the Butterfly Conservatory in Ponda which showcases the best of the state’s natural beauty. The conservatory was first started by a couple who were worried about the future of the butterfly population of Goa.

With more and more commercial development taking place here, the beautiful creatures were facing a setback in terms of habitat. The couple started this conservatory to preserve the endemic species of butterflies in the region.

Visit the Butterfly Conservatory, Ponda


Visiting the Butterfly Conservatory in Ponda is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Goa. This sanctuary is in stark contrast to the usual perception about Goa.

Apart from beautiful beaches and fun filled parties, the land is also home to the Butterfly Conservatory in Ponda which showcases the best of the state’s natural beauty. The conservatory was first started by a couple who were worried about the future of the butterfly population of Goa.

With more and more commercial development taking place here, the beautiful creatures were facing a setback in terms of habitat. The couple started this conservatory to preserve the endemic species of butterflies in the region.

 

The couple who started it all . The park is the brainchild of Dr Jyoti Heblekar . A practicing Homeopath , she finds time to manage two children , three dogs , a few cats ( too nomadic to keep count ) and a few hundred of butterflies . Yashodan , her husband , adds to those logistics.


The design and layout ( or lack of it ) is credited to Yashodan , while keeping the place up and running is Jyoti’s headache .


Tanmaye and Shrusti, their children, are the Resident experts!

A successful executive, Animesh Sahay has joined this effort in 2010 . Besides helping increase the area under conservation , his marketing acumen has helped the conservatory to work out a self sustaining commercial model. Jigisha , his better half , hopes to put to good use her hospitality industry background . She has plans to set up some eco friendly cottages in the near future.

 


Initially only 25 species of butterflies were present in the conservatory. However, at present the number has risen to 133. Optimum soil and air temperatures have been provided in order to promote breeding and growth in population. Initially named the Mystic Meadows Conservatory, it is one of the most beautiful places in Goa.

Image result for butterfly conservatory of goa

The ambience is refreshing and you will feel closer to nature. Beautiful butterflies in a myriad shades can be seen fluttering about adding to its beauty and serenity. The place has been designed in the form of a park where you can walk around and observe the different wonders of nature. If you are someone who prefers a quiet holiday in oneness with nature, do visit this amazing Butterfly Conservatory in Ponda.

 Butterfly conservatory run by the Butterfly Conservatory of Goa (NGO) is an interesting place for nature enthusiasts.

Summary

Category- Butterfly Conservatory Visit

Open From

10 AM to 5 PM

Destination

-Ponda (1 Kms), Madgaon (18 Kms), Panjim (29 Kms.

 Image result for butterfly conservatory of goa

Butterfly Conservatory of Goa

The couple who started it all . The park is the brainchild of Dr Jyoti Heblekar . A practicing Homeopath , she finds time to manage two children , three dogs , a few cats ( too nomadic to keep count ) and a few hundred of butterflies . Yashodan , her husband , adds to those logistics.


The design and layout ( or lack of it ) is credited to Yashodan , while keeping the place up and running is Jyoti’s headache .


Tanmaye and Shrusti, their children, are the Resident experts!

Image result for butterfly conservatory of goa

Animesh Sahay

A successful executive, Animesh Sahay has joined this effort in 2010 . Besides helping increase the area under conservation , his marketing acumen has helped the conservatory to work out a self sustaining commercial model. Jigisha , his better half , hopes to put to good use her hospitality industry background . She has plans to set up some eco friendly cottages in the near future.

The House

Roof top garden in Goa

The “About us” section would not be complete without a mention about “The House”!


While it continues to draw more attention than the park itself, the home of Heblekars is the umbilicus of the park : The harvested rain water being the source of water to the park.

Image result for butterfly conservatory of goa

The garden on the sloping roof replete with Bamboos, canes and ficus trees… 

 

Initially only 25 species of butterflies were present in the conservatory. However, at present the number has risen to 133. Optimum soil and air temperatures have been provided in order to promote breeding and growth in population. Initially named the Mystic Meadows Conservatory, it is one of the most beautiful places in Goa.

The ambience is refreshing and you will feel closer to nature. Beautiful butterflies in a myriad shades can be seen fluttering about adding to its beauty and serenity. The place has been designed in the form of a park where you can walk around and observe the different wonders of nature. If you are someone who prefers a quiet holiday in oneness with nature, do visit this amazing Butterfly Conservatory in Ponda.

 

Monday, 30 March 2015

Oceanic Yoga School

Analytical Training of Asana Practice and Teaching with Benefits and Precautions
Basic Yogic Warm-Up and Suryanamaskar with Variations
1. Before doing the asanas it is advisable to first warm up with gentle exercises and the Suryanamaskar (Sun Salutation) to avoid muscle injuries.  While performing the Suryanamaskar, nearly every muscle, organ and tissue of the body is activated, stimulated and awakened.Synchronizing one’s breathing while performing Suryanamaskar is essential.
2.    Standing and Standing Balancing Asanas
Standing asanas promote confidence and empowerment because they help a student become more grounded and physically stable. Students learn how to distribute their weight when the arms are moving through the standing and ncing poses without disturbing the position and shaking the entire body.
 3.    Sitting Poses, Forward Bends and Hip Openers  
In the sitting poses students learn the correct placement of the legs in order to bring mobility and flexibility to the legs, hip joints, and ankles.  Padmasana, Sidhasana, Sukhasana,and Virasana poses have major importance in Yoga for practicing Pranayama and Meditation. Forward bends are cooling, quieting and introverting poses. Basic hip openers help to release lower back tension, knee and sciatic discomfort, and increase blood circulation to the pelvic bones, lumbar vertebra and spinal disks.
4.    Sitting Twists and Inversions    
Twists are a great way to massage and tone the entire visceral system and also bring improved circulation to the spinal muscles and disks. Students learn how to support the twist with proper alignment.  Inversions work on the respiratory, circulatory, nervous and glandular systems.
5.    Back Bends and Hand-Balancing
Back bends create physical flexibility and give the feeling of youthfulness and lightness. The muscles of the back, legs and shoulders are particularly strengthened.  To practice hand-balancing asanas the upper body requires strength and overall power. Teaches will demonstrate how to assist students while doing hand-balancing. 
6.    Supine and Restorative Asanas
People who are suffering from back pain will get relief from practicing supine asanas. Restoratives are the poses that can be held for longer periods without strain or distress. Most restorative asanas rely on use of props such as blankets, bolsters, belts, benches, chairs or wall to support the body.
7.    Using Yoga Props Safely in Asana Practice
Safety is very important in Yoga practice. Some asanas should be avoided or modified for people who are suffering from certain kinds of illness, for pregnant or menstruating women.  Learning to use Yoga props safely is important;for example, by using a block in trikonasana, a student can achieve this pose without compromising the correct body alignment.
Yoga Teaching Methodology
A.   Principles of Demonstration and Observation
Demonstration is an essential part of teaching.  Position yourself in the room so that all the students can observe you. It is best that you first demonstrate the final pose and then the modification. Have the students perform the actions as you demonstrate.  Then analyze and discuss the demonstration.
B. Principles of the Observation
Regularly check on students who have injuries, special needs and other conditions such as pregnancy, menstrual period, unbalanced blood pressure and so on. Observe attitude, alignment and action in the asanas as well as other practices such as Pranayama, kriyas, bandhas and mudras.
C.   Principles of Assisting and Correcting  
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While keeping safety in mind, check that students are not doing any practice incorrectly or in a manner that could be harmful to them.  Immediately correct if so. If a student cannot perform a certain pose, give a modified alternative pose. Use props if necessary.
D.   Qualities of a Good Teacher, Teaching Style, How to Conduct a Class, How to Give Clear Instructions, and Finding Your Voice as a Teacher
Becoming a good Yoga teacher is an art that can be developed by study and practice.  Knowing how to sequence a Yoga class is an essential skill to learn.  Delivering instructions clearly is very important to avoid any confusion in the students’ understanding.  Also the voice has a major role in teaching. The tone should be enthusiastic, inspiring, commanding and yet kind.
E.   Proper Alignment and Safe Movement of Asanas in the Class
To make the correct and safe alignment one has to use the knowledge of anatomical structure in the poses. For instance, if someone is experiencing back pain while doing a pose, they can be helped to adapt and recover faster based on understanding proper anatomical alignment.
Yoga Class Teaching Practice
A.   Teaching Asana Class in Presence of E-RYT                    
During the final week, YTT students will be teaching a Yoga class with anE RYT instructor observing. After the class, the instructor will give helpful feedback to the student teacher.
B.   Assisting Students While Principle Yoga Teacher is Instructing  Image result for yoga schools
Using the skills of hands-on adjustments, YTT students will assist a principle Yoga teacher with a class. This is an excellent way to learn from an experienced Yoga teacher.
C.  Observing a Principle Yoga Teacher Conduct a Class        
You will observe a class in progress and make notes about the instructor’s teaching style, corrections, voice, demonstration, etc. At the end of the class, you will give feedback to the teacher based on your observations.
D.   Giving Constructive Feedback
Constructive feedback involves appreciating what someone has done well, being specific and detailed in what you say, and also pointing out in a non-judgmental way the specific areas that need improvement, and offering clear suggestions on how to achieve the desired goals. 
Anatomy and Physiology
The human body can be divided into several systems according to their functions. For the sake of study, we will look into one system at a time while realizing that the body is a living organism, each system influencing and being influenced by every other system. The main systems are the skeleton system, muscular system, respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, hormonal system and immune system.
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A.   Skeletal system – includes major bones, the spine, Inter vertebral disk, spinal movements, ribs, and joints. 
 B.   Muscular system – includes voluntary and non-voluntary muscles, tendons and ligaments. We examine the effects of safe movements and precautions in Yoga practice.  C.   Introduction to respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, hormonal system, cardiovascular system and immune system in relation to Yoga practice.
D.   Applying anatomical principles to Yoga practice–it is very important to understand basic anatomy to practice and teach Yoga effectively. Knowing the effect on the body of practicing certain Pranayama exercises or asanas is critical. 
E. Introduction to Seven Chakras and Kundalini Energy
Chakras are the energy channels in the body. We study the location and function of the seven chakras in the body. Every chakra has a unique color, bija mantra, element, and animal ruler associated with it. Kundalini energy is coiled and dormant cosmic energy and is the supreme force in the human organism. Awakening the kundalini energy is the highest value in Yoga practice. We study the transformation that occurs during kundalini awakening and itsprecautions.
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F.   Connection to Seven Chakras and Kundalini Energy in Yoga Practice
Long training and preparatory disciplines are undertaken for the awakening of kundalini.  When kundalini awakens it passes through the first six chakras and merges into the seventh chakra. That is called union with the Divine.
G.    Three Nadis, Five Koshas, Five Pranas, Function of Energy and Purpose in Yoga Practice
Nadi means flow or current. Ancient texts say that there are 72,000 nadis in the psychic body, and these nadis correspond to nerves in the physical body recognized by science. The three most significant nadis are Ida, Pingla and Sushumna Nadi. There are five koshas (sheaths) in the body. We study the five koshas and their relation to Yogic philosophy. In the body there are main five pranas. We look at the pranas’ functions and how to unite them through Yoga practice.
Prananyama, Mudra’s and Bandha’s
Pranayama means expansion and control of breath. Breathing efficiently can positively influence physical and mental well-being. Pranayama utilizes breathing to influence the flow of prana into the nadis or energy channels. There are four aspects of Pranayama: 1) pooraka –inhalation, 2) rechaka –exhalation, 3) antarkumbhaka-internal breathe retention, and 4) bahir kumbhaka –external breath retention.Students will practice Pranayama breath techniques and be given detailed explanationsof each including their benefits and contraindications.
Mudras – explanation of classification of the mudras, importance of mudras in Yoga practice and their benefits. Students will learn to how to make correct mudras.
Bandhas are used along with the mudras to unite the prana and apana.  The purpose and benefits of mula, uddiyana, and jalandhara bandhas in the practice of asana, Pranayama and Meditation will be taughtwith contraindications for each bandha.
Shatkriya’s

Kriyas –
There is discussion, practice and explanations of how to teach the Yogic cleansing exercises known as kriyas.  They are collectively called shatkarmas.  The shatkarmas cleanse and activate all the vital organs of the body, particularly the digestive, respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems. These processes are known to be both preventive as well as curative. The six kriyas are:
1. Jalneti (nasal cleansing) — cleansing the nose with water. We demonstrate how to perform jalneti in front of students and giving attention while they perform jalneti.  We explain the technique, the quantity of the water, salt and also its benefits and contraindications.
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2. Vamana or Kunjal Kriya (the practice of vomiting water).Vaman is particularly beneficial for constipation, gastritis, dyspepsia, indispositions of the stomach and spleen, phlegm and bile disorders.  It also increase digestive fire, improves kidney function and invigorates the liver by cleansing parasites from within the system. People suffering from obesity and those of a flabby and phlegmatic constitution will find this kriya especially beneficial. Vamana shouldn’t be practiced if a person has stomach or intestinal ulcers, hernia, heart problems, and high blood pressure.
 3. Kapalabhati Pranayama cleanses the respiratory system and the nasal passage and removes the spasm in bronchial tubes. Carbon dioxide is eliminated on a large scale and impurities of the blood are thrown out. The tissues and the cells absorb a large quantity of oxygen. The heart functions properly and the circulatory and respiratory systems are toned to a considerable degree.
4. Basti is highly beneficial because it stimulates Vata. It delivers excellent results for all kinds of stomach and intestinal disorders, gastric problems, rheumatic joint pains and chronic headaches. Basti is contraindicated for all types of diarrheas, dysenteries, rectal bleeding, diabetes, severe anemia, and breathlessness.
5. Nauli is the Yogic technique of massaging the whole abdomen and stomach by rolling and contracting the abdominal muscles.
 6. Shankhaprakshalana is the most advanced and popular kriya technique.  It cleans out the entire gastro-intestinal tract by drinking salt water and performing special synergistic cleansing asanas together in sequence. If someone cannot do shankhaprakshalana then they can do laghushankhaprakshalana (short version). This diet should be observed for three weeks.
Chanting Mantra’s 
We discuss the meaning, purpose and practice of chanting mantras in Yoga. Different sounds have different effects on the human psyche. A soft sound like wind rustling through leaves soothes our nerves, the musical notes of a running stream enchants our heart; thunder may cause awe and fear. The sacred utterances or chanting of Sanskrit mantras provide us with the power to attain our goals and lift ourselves from the ordinary to the higher level of consciousness. 
Yoga Philosophy
A.   Introduction to the History of Yoga, Different paths of Yoga
Without a study of Yoga philosophy and its history, Yoga practice is incomplete. Knowing the origin of Yoga and its philosophy is as important as practicing the poses.  Although there are many Yoga styles, their goal is the same–to reduce suffering, to bestow a permanent sense of well-being, and to lead peopleback to the Source through the path of Meditation.
 B.   Introduction to The Bhagavad Gita
The ancient text known as the Bhagavad Gita was delivered by Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield. Krishna explained various Yoga paths to Arjunato make him understand the highest goal in life.  Krishna spoke to Arjuna aboutbhakti yoga, karma yoga, the law of karma, sin and virtue, reincarnation, etc.
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C.   Introduction to Yogsutras of Patanajali   
Patanjali was the first person to compile Yoga practices and philosophy into a comprehensive volume. For centuries, hisYogasutras has been a major influence on Yoga practice and teaching. It is divided into four chapters: Samadhipada, Vibhutipada, Sadhanapada and Kaivalyapada.
D.    Ethics for Yoga Teachers
It is a great responsibility and joy to share Yoga with others. To do this properly ad professionally, one has to adhere to certain ethical guidelines both in one’s personal life and with students, in and out of class. Patanjali’s yama, and niyama to Samadhi teachings form the basis of a Yoga teacher’s ethical guidelines.
 E.    Yogic Lifestyle and Yogic Diet
What we eat has a huge influence not only over our physical health but also on our mental, emotional and spiritual states. We recommend vegetarian diet for the studnets before, during and after the course.
F.   Introduction to Ayurveda for a Healthy Lifestyle
It is said that Ayurveda developed in same period as Yoga. According to Ayurveda, the body stays healthy when the three doshas–vatta, pita and kapha—are in proper balance. Ayurveda recommends a diet for each dosha and different diets for different seasons.  Ayurveda treats illnesses with specific herbs, oils, massage, and panchkarma treatments. 
H.   Yoga Shatkriya’s – Theory, Benefits and Precautions
We discuss and practice the Yogic cleansing exercises known as shatkriya’s, including their benefits and contraindications. Students will be able to practice basic shatkriya’s like kapalabhati, jalneti and vamana by themselves.
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Osho Meditation
Introduction to Meditation and importance of meditation practice on the path of yoga. Practicing few Osho 
meditation techniques in the course.  “Meditation means pure awareness, a mirror-like quality of consciousness. Being utterly present in the here and now, fully aware, unclouded by the dust of thoughts, emotions, desires, past or future – just being!”- OSHO
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Meditation means reaching a state of no thoughts or ‘no mind’ as it is known in the Zen tradition in order to experience the Truth behind the limited ego-centric mind. There are different methods to reach this state. Everyone can find a Meditation practice that suits them. When mind becomes silent, one experiences tranquility and peace. Osho meditations are very effective because they bring you fully into the present moment. It is only in the Now that Truth can be experienced.  Osho meditations are both active and passive in nature. After practicing an Osho active meditation you will more naturally drop into a calm and settled internal energy, making it easy to sit silently. You become the witness to internal pure consciousness, allowing you to consciously connect to the innermost divine being that is at the core of every living creature. It is in this state that real lasting transformation and healing occurs. 

Meditation (Dhyan) is seventh step in Patanjali’s Yogsutras. The whole Yoga process leads to the state of Dhyana 
(Meditation).  All the other steps are means to reach the seventh or eighth steps in Yoga practice.
Meditation is beyond techniques, beyond doing; it is a state of relaxed awareness. However, once we have 
experienced the state of meditation, any action that arises out of this state of pure awareness becomes a meditative act. This kind of action is called ‘effortless effort’ by the Zen masters or ‘Karma Yoga’ by eastern mystics. Meditation teaches us to be fully involved with our activities in the world while remaining inwardly unattached. Meditation is the art of living in the world, fulfilling all our responsibilities, yet remaining unaffected by success or failure, gain or loss – like a lotus in the mud.
Yoga as a Business
Studying and discussing Business aspects of yoga, maintaining strong ethical slandered while making career in yoga.
We discuss the practical business aspects of teaching Yoga. To run a successful Yoga business or studio one should know about marketing, networking, registering with Yoga Alliance,web sites, following ethical standards, and other useful guidelines for running a Yoga business.
Requirement for the Certificate   
·         Your admittance in the course is not enough to qualify for the Yoga Alliance endorsed Teacher’s Training Certificate. Full attendance of all classes and sessions, discipline, sincere behavior, willingness to study sincerely and passing all the exams with satisfactory display of knowledge and performance is necessary.
·       Successful completion of exam on teaching Yoga, pranayam, mudras, bandhas and Meditation. Completion of a writing assignment    

·       Image result for yoga schools
100% attendance is mandatory. Missed classes, if any, must be rescheduled by you after the completion of the Teacher’s Training Course at an extra cost to you to qualify for the certificate. (certificate may delay).
·         If at any time you feel that you are not ready to take the exams and assessments, and your participation in the course is sincere and committed, please speak to the teacher. We will issue a participation certificate. If you would like to qualify at a later date, a suitable arrangement will be made.
·         Always be on time for all the classes. Respect the place where you practice yoga, meditation and study about yoga. Keep the place clean and after using the mats or yoga props take them to their original place. No food, tea or other drinks are allowed in the Yoga Hall. You can only carry water bottle and your small bag. 
·         The evaluation will be done in an assessed yoga class conducted by each student and a written exam covering all theory and practical subjects will be given in the fourth week of the course.
·         Disciplined behavior is expected from the students. Rude or arrogant behavior with fellow students, teachers and management  will not be excepted.  Be respectful to yourself and to others. Remember that you are on path of yoga and meditation.


Contact Info :- Oceanic Yoga

Junas Wada, Near Sol Beso Resort,

Mandrem beach. North Goa.

Post Code – 403527 India.

Mob : +91 9049247422 / 9552751313

Skype Name: oceanicyoga

Email:oceanicyoga@gmail.com



Carrying Alcohol From Goa

As per B-3 of Import/Export/Transport/Possession of Excisable Articles Procedures, he/she can obtain transport permit from authorized dealers to carry liquor bottles for his/her personal consumption while leaving Goa State.
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The person concerned can obtain transport permits from authorized dealers or from the Office of the Commissioner of Excise on payment of permit fee of Rs.10/- per permit. The application for transport permit will surely indicate the amount of liquor that he can carry for permit.  

As regards demand of bribe or confiscation of liquor being transported with transport permit, the person concerned can lodge complaint with Excise Superintendent of the concerned area and vigilance department of the State Government.
Tourists from Gujarat and Maharashtra cannot be issued liquor permits to carry some hot stuff back home, but they take it anyway, posing as tourists from overland territories of Daman and Diu.

While this has been going on for almost five decades, the excise department has now decided to curb this misuse of permits, and has sought information from all states seeking to know whether they permit import of liquor for personal consumption by their residents.

The state excise department issues permits, on payment of 10, for transport of liquor to such states, as permitted under rule 19/B and 88/B, and as per quantity permitted under the Goa,
Excise Duty Rules, 1964. The states to which permits are issued are Delhi, Kerala, Rajasthan, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, and Daman and Diu.
Tourists from Gujarat and Maharashtra cannot be issued liquor permits to carry some hot stuff back home, but they take it anyway, posing as tourists from overland territories ofDaman and Diu.
Image result for carrying alcohol from goa

While this has been going on for almost five decades, the excise department has now decided to curb this misuse of permits, and has sought information from all states seeking to know whether they permit import of liquor for personal consumption by their residents.

The state excise department issues permits, on payment of 10, for transport of liquor to such states, as permitted under rule 19/B and 88/B, and as per quantity permitted under the Goa,Excise Duty Rules, 1964. The states to which permits are issued are Delhi, Kerala, Rajasthan,Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, and Daman and Diu.
Though tourists from several states, including Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, are seen making a beeline at liquor shops for permits, they cannot, by law, be issued these. They are given permits allowing them to take the liquor to Daman and Diu.

Excise department officials confirmed that most tourists from Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra are given permits for Daman and Diu. "How they later smuggle it into their own state, I have no idea," a wholesaler said.

"Often, tourists from other states take home liquor without permits and are harassed at the check posts in their home states," a wholesale dealer said.

Keen to upgrade the antiquated 48-year-old excise duty rules and allow the transport of liquor to more states, excise officials said they have initiated the process to amend the rules and include other states in the list of those that permit import of alcohol for consumption.
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"We don't know if the other states have amended their laws to allow import of liquor for personal consumption. If they have opened up their boundaries then we can amend our law to permit the transport," excise commissioner Menino D'Souza told TOI.
 

The excise duty rules have been in operation for nearly five decades and the quantity of liquor allowed to be carried from Goa by visitors has remained unchanged. The wholesaler pointed out that a visitor from Kerala is allowed to carry home just half a pint of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL). In case of some other states, it ranges from one bottle to two bottles.
 

In the case of New Delhi, the rules state that the visitor is allowed to carry one bottle of IMFL (of 750 ml) or one bottle of a particular brand of cashew liquor. Excise department officials are clueless about this preferential recommendation for the purchase of this particular brand.
 

Excise department collects about 40 lakh annually by way of revenue though issue of liquor permits. The collection will rise further if more states are added to the list.