After sleeping (in nidra) for the four-month Chaturmas period, Lord Vishnu is said to awaken on probodhini (awakening) ekadasi, also known as the devutthani (Lord's awakening) ekadasi. This is an auspicious day, not only because the Lord is awakening from his slumber but also taking charge of his duties...
Three regions, different religions, different landscapes are all connected by one singular fact: beauty. Jammu & Kashmir is one of the most strikingly gorgeous places you will ever see. Territorial conflict may dissuade some from venturing to this northern Indian state, but it’s done little to diminish its alpine...
Christmas is a wonderful time in this part of the world. Everything turns into something magical - London transforms into a living testimony of this magic, with Christmas trees and decorations adorning many famous landmarks of the city. From Christmas shopping to Christmas markets, special goodies deck every nook and...
Tucked away in the quiet suburb of Chembur in Mumbai is this new delectable Sindhi cuisine eatery, finding its way into people’s hearts and stomachs. It’s called Duma Dum Mast Kalandar – quaintly named after the famous Sufi spiritual song, whose beats travel with the wafts of soft breeze...
For centuries, we have been an agrarian country rich with indigenous and sustainable practices. As the topography of our vast countries varies from plains and plateaus to hills and coasts, so do farming practices and indegenous crops. One such community that has been able to retain its unique indigenous...
One of the eight northeastern states in India, Arunachal Pradesh is often sidelined by more well-known and 'touristy' destinations like Assam and Meghalaya. Yet, like many places not overwhelmed by tourism, it has an untouched beauty that’s just waiting to be discovered. The green landscape is home to a...
Holi – that wonderful festival that conjures up images of rang, bhaang, gulal, abeer, and water pichkaris. It also reminds one of the childhood days, the complete abandonment with which kids play Holi and their oblivion to any notions of health or environment, as may be the case.
In India,...
Life Of the Bhavai dancers in Rajasthan and Gujarat
India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions. Many of these cultures have their own dance forms that are representative of their unique way of life. Bhavai is one such representation of the culture of the western Indian states of...
Maharashtra is blessed with rolling Western Ghats, Arabian Sea, Godavari and Krishna rivers and heritage sites of Ajanta & Ellora caves. They say if you wish to live a dream-fulfilled life then Mumbai should be your Karma bhoomi! It’s in this lofty megapolis of Maharashtra that people come to...
A common thread that binds together a spiritually awakened former prince, a religion, an empire, inscriptions on pillars, and millions of devotees is but an ancient language, Pali. Buddha’s sermons carried its sounds, Buddhism carries its spirit, the great King Ashoka’s Mauryan Empire gave momentum to its usage, and...
In the north-eastern region of Kerala, God’s own country, is the serene Wayanad district. Nestled in the lush green Western Ghats, this region will soon complete forty years of being officially recognised as a district. However, this region’s history dates all the way back to the Neolithic age which...
