Chhath: A prayer for society and a quiet act of resistance
Each year, as dawn breaks over the ghats of Bihar and eastern India, the riverbanks shimmer with the golden light of the rising sun, mirrored by thousands of diyas floating on the water’s surface. Men and women,…
My saree stories: Part 18 (Ode to the Laal Paar)
This edition of my saree stories is a Durga Puja special. It is an ode to the laal paar saree. Red bordered sarees or laal paar sarees embody the quintessential Bengali woman. Red symbolizes fertility, while white…
Bhai Dooj: The Bihar version
On the second day after Diwali, several communities in India celebrate Bhai Dooj. It is called Bhai Teeka, Bhau Beej or Bhai Phota in different states. The usual way of celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters…
My Saree Stories: Part 9 (Navratri Special)
The ninth edition of my saree stories celebrates the nine colours of Navratri. These stories have been written one day at a time for Navratri on another forum and this is a compilation. Navratri celebrates the victory…
Pola: The bullock festival
Pola is a two-day traditional festival celebrated in Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Telangana at the end of the Shravan month, which is usually in the last week of August or in the early part…
The legend behind Holika Dahan
Tomorrow is Holi, the festival of colours. The whole country will be bathed in vibrant colours and the air will have a strange headiness all morning. But tonight, on the eve of Holi, we will all celebrate…
Colourful spectacle at the International Kite Festival
I had hear about the International Kite Festival from my friend, Chetna, several times, but travel plans never seemed to work out. However this year finally, I was lucky to be in Ahmedabad right in the middle…
Fading traditions
There are things you take for granted. And before you realize it, people are gone and there is no one else to carry forward the tradition. Durga Pooja was always celebrated with traditional fervour at home. My…
Discovering the pinnacle of love
On one of my visits to Pondicherry, after my mandatory visit to the Aurobindo Ashram, I stepped into their book shop and brought a laminated poster. It was called ‘Radha’s prayer’. It was originally written by The…
