Category: Did You Know?

Did You Know?

The Crown That Never Left Iran: The Secret Story of Farah Pahlavi’s Jewelled Masterpiece

Tanisha Cardozo

Did you know that one of the most extraordinary royal crowns in history was created inside a vault and never left the country it belonged to?

In 1967, Farah Pahlavi was crowned empress in Tehran, marking a historic moment as she became the first consort to be officially crowned in centuries of Persian monarchy. But what made the occasion even more remarkable was the crown itself—designed exclusively for her coronation.

The responsibility of creating this masterpiece was given to Van Cleef & Arpels, one of the world’s most prestigious jewellery houses. However, there was a unique challenge. The gemstones selected for the crown were part of Iran’s national treasury and could not be taken out of the country under any circumstances.

Instead of moving the jewels, the jewellers brought their craft to them. Van Cleef & Arpels set up a workshop inside the treasury, effectively working within a secure vault to bring the crown to life. Over several months, they made multiple trips, carefully selecting and assembling the stones to create a design that blended royal tradition with modern elegance.

The final crown was nothing short of breathtaking. It featured 1,469 diamonds, 105 pearls, along with emeralds, rubies, and spinels. At its centre sat a magnificent carved emerald weighing approximately 92 carats, making it one of the most striking elements of the piece.

On the day of the coronation, Farah Pahlavi wore the crown with a gown by Christian Dior, reflecting a deliberate fusion of Persian heritage and global couture. In a defining moment, the crown was placed on her head by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, symbolising both power and continuity.

What makes this crown even more fascinating is what followed. Unlike most royal crowns that are passed down through generations, this one was worn only once. After the fall of the monarchy in 1979, it was never used again and remained in Tehran as part of the nation’s state-owned treasures.

Today, it stands as more than just a piece of jewellery. It represents a fleeting moment in history—crafted in secrecy, worn for a single occasion, and preserved forever within the country it was made for.

Did You Know?

Why Every Indian Hill Station Has a Mall Road

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Did you know that the reason every Indian hill station seems to have a Mall Road dates back to colonial times? It’s one of those details you might overlook while sipping chai or browsing through souvenir shops, but once you notice it, you can’t unsee it. No matter where you go—be it Shimla, Mussoorie, or Ooty—there it is, a familiar stretch of life unfolding in the hills.


There’s something comforting about stepping onto a Mall Road. The air feels lighter, conversations slower, and everything seems to move at a pace that cities forgot long ago. Tourists stroll without urgency, families pause for photos, and somewhere in the background, there’s always the smell of fresh snacks and hot tea. It feels timeless, almost like the town is inviting you to slow down and stay a little longer.

But this wasn’t always a space for everyone. Back during the British Raj, hill stations were designed as escapes from the heat of the plains. Places like Darjeeling and Nainital were carefully planned to resemble English towns, and the Mall Road was at the centre of it all. It wasn’t just a street—it was a social stage. British officers and their families would walk here in the evenings, dressed in their finest, exchanging conversations and maintaining a sense of familiarity far away from home.

Interestingly, the word “Mall” didn’t originally mean shopping. It came from the idea of a promenade—a place meant for walking and socialising. Over time, the meaning evolved, but the essence remained. Even today, when you walk down a Mall Road, you’re participating in a ritual that’s over a century old.

Geography also played its part in making Mall Roads a staple of hill stations. Building in the mountains isn’t easy, and flat land is rare. Instead of spreading markets and activity across steep slopes, planners concentrated everything along a single, accessible stretch. It made life easier then, and it continues to make sense now. That’s why, even today, the Mall Road is often the most walkable and lively part of any hill town.

What’s fascinating is how these spaces have evolved. What started as exclusive colonial walkways are now open, democratic spaces buzzing with life. Street vendors, local artisans, tourists, and residents all come together here. In places like Manali, the Mall Road feels almost like a festival every evening, while in others, it retains a quieter, old-world charm.

And maybe that’s the real magic of it. Mall Roads are not just about shopping or sightseeing—they’re about shared experiences. They’re where you pause, observe, and become part of the town, even if just for a day. They carry stories of the past while constantly adapting to the present, blending colonial architecture with modern cafes and local culture seamlessly.

So the next time you find yourself on a Mall Road, take a moment to look around. Notice the buildings, the people, the rhythm of the place. Because what feels like just another street is actually a piece of history still very much alive, quietly connecting generations of travellers through the simple act of a walk.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? In South Korea, Love Has 12 Official Dates a Year

Tanisha Cardozo

Did you know that in South Korea, the 14th of every month isn’t random — it’s romantic?

While much of the world circles February 14 as the only date that matters, South Korea has quietly stretched the idea of love across the entire calendar. Instead of one annual crescendo, romance unfolds in chapters.

January 14 begins softly with Diary Day. Couples exchange planners — not flashy gifts, but something symbolic. It’s about shared schedules, shared goals, shared futures. Imagine starting the year by saying, “Let’s write this together.”

February 14 follows a custom that surprises many outsiders. Women give chocolates to men. Not just to partners, but sometimes to friends or colleagues. Then comes March 14 — White Day — when men reciprocate with sweets or gifts. The back-and-forth creates anticipation. It builds momentum.

And then April 14 flips the script entirely.

Black Day belongs to singles. Instead of awkward silence about relationship status, people gather to eat jajangmyeon — black bean noodles — turning independence into a communal event. It’s ironic, playful and empowering all at once. Imagine a culture where being single gets its own social holiday.

By May 14, roses and yellow-themed dates dominate. June 14 is Kissing Day, openly celebrating affection. July 14, known as Silver Day, often marks the exchange of silver rings — subtle symbols of commitment without the weight of engagement.

August 14 encourages green outfits and nature dates. September 14 becomes Photo or Music Day — capturing memories or sharing meaningful playlists. October 14 leans into wine and red symbolism. November 14 sends couples to the cinema for Movie Day. December 14 closes the year warmly with Hug Day — and sometimes even Sock Day — practical gifts wrapped in emotional meaning.

What makes this fascinating isn’t whether every couple participates religiously. It’s that the rhythm exists at all. Twelve built-in reminders to pause. To acknowledge. To celebrate. Or simply to reflect.

It also reveals something deeper about modern Korean dating culture — how symbolism, commerce, social media and genuine emotion intersect. Cafés create themed menus. Gift shops stock color-coded items. Photo booths fill up. Instagram feeds align with the mood of the month.

Now imagine this: what if your calendar nudged you toward connection 12 times a year? Would relationships feel more intentional? Would single life feel less isolated? Would gratitude become routine instead of occasional?

In South Korea, the 14th quietly suggests that love — in all its forms — deserves more than one day of attention.

And here’s the final question: if you had to pick just one of the 14ths to celebrate, which would it be?

Did You Know?

Because White Is Too Boring: Why the French Love Pink Toilet Paper!

Tanisha Cardozo

Did you know that in France, pink toilet paper isn’t just a cute bathroom accessory—it’s a quiet expression of elegance? While most of the world reaches for plain white rolls, the French have turned their bathrooms into spaces of charm and personality.

For decades, pink toilet paper has been the preferred choice in French homes, especially among those who value design and luxury. The soft pastel hue is often associated with cleanliness, warmth, and romance—a nod to the country’s enduring love for aesthetic beauty in even the most ordinary details.

In the mid-20th century, when colored toilet paper first became available, France embraced the pink shade for its visual softness and pleasant appearance against tiled walls and marble bathrooms. Over time, the color became a symbol of refinement, often seen in boutique hotels, stylish apartments, and upscale stores.

Cultural experts say that the French appreciation for pink toilet paper reflects a broader national mindset: beauty in everyday life matters. From the way they serve a cup of coffee to how they fold a napkin, the French find joy in detail and design. Choosing pink over white is a simple but elegant act—a way to make even mundane moments feel just a bit more special.

So, the next time you spot a pink roll in a Parisian home, know that it’s not just décor—it’s a cultural statement. In France, beauty belongs everywhere, even in the bathroom.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Did You Know?

Rare Celestial Spectacle: Planetary Parade Illuminates Night Sky on January 25

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A rare and breathtaking celestial event, known as a planetary parade or alignment, occurred on January 25, 2025, as Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune aligned in the night sky.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this extraordinary event was a result of the unique configuration of the planetary system and the different revolution periods of the planets. The alignment made it possible for observers to see Jupiter and Mars on the eastern sky, Saturn and Venus on the western sky with the naked eye, and Uranus and Neptune through a telescope.

The IMD described this event as “one of the rarest astronomical events,” highlighting the exceptional nature of this celestial spectacle. The planetary parade was a rare opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts and the general public to witness a breathtaking display of celestial harmony.

This extraordinary event has sparked widespread interest and excitement among stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts, inspiring people to gaze up at the night sky and appreciate the beauty of the celestial world.