Varalakshmi is the Goddess Lakshmi who grants boons. On a Friday of the Shravana month, women across many southern states of the country prepare to perform the Varalakshmi Vrata or a special puja that is held to worship Goddess Varalakshmi. Believed to be equivalent to worshipping the Ashta Lakshmi...
It is that time of the year when the pleasant February air BECKONS travellers who enjoy winter breaks much more than the summer ones. Usually, people run to warmer locales in winters (running away from the chills) but Himachal Pradesh is another story. It makes you fall in love...
I was fortunate enough to finish with my Vaishno Devi yatra just in time because immediately after the day I returned to Mumbai from Jammu, there was a lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus, which has wreaked havoc in many parts of the world already.
When I came...
Colorful dances, multicultural extravaganza, classical music, spiritual teachings, mouthwatering street food of aamchi Mumbai and dilwalon ki Dilli, puppet shows depicting stories from the Ramayana, Bollywood music, and loads of enthusiastic people enjoying the revelry – that’s what Diwali in London at Trafalgar Square (also known as DOTS for...
In the wake of the recent and rapid outbreak of the coronavirus, and the World Health Organisation's declaration of the disease COVID-19 as a pandemic, various countries have taken precautionary measures to contain the spread of the virus. The most widely recommended and followed precautionary measure has been that...
18th September of 1950 in Hyderabad witnessed the birth of an extremely talented actress that Bollywood and the theatre have seen. Born to a poet and an actress, Azmi graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, in 1973 and signed on to her first gig, Faasla....
Transcending all standards of beauty that even nature provides, this spiritual haven is set against the jaw dropping view of the Himalayas. Whether you seek adventure, or you simply want to unwind and get away from the city noise, your trip to Uttarakhand is guaranteed to leave you feeling...
Close your eyes, think Switzerland and lo! The visions that come to your mind would be lofty snowcapped Alps, decadent chocolates, and rich, creamy cheese – not necessarily in that order – you can jump to yummy drool-worthy Swiss chocolates first and if it's Switzerland, it must be chocolate!
7th...
A land of many cultures, several factors over the centuries have influenced the architecture of India. From the artisans who came to the country and built monuments of grandeur to the distinct seasons of its regions, inspiration from diverse sources resulted in unique and spectacular buildings that have stood...
What is Kolkata famous for? If we were to ask you this question, then we are pretty sure your answer would have at least two heritage dishes: rosogolla and macher-jhol.
Well, that is a conventional right answer. Even a recent report indicates that only 4% of the entire population in...
One of India’s biggest springtime festivals, Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the new year for communities in Maharashtra and the Konkan. The word padwa, derived from Sanskrit, refers to the first day of the lunar fortnight when the moon is at its brightest. Marathi and Konkani Hindus observe...
