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…
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…
Satuani: A ritual to mark the beginning of summer
Although I originally belong to Bihar, I did not grow up there. So I’m always on the lookout- trying to gather little details of the unique customs and traditions of the place. On Friday, that is on…
Chhat: When Bihar worships the Sun
Today Bihar and its adjacent areas celebrate their most important festival — Chhat. Since a lot of my friends here, don’t know much about the significance of this festival, I thought I should explain why it is so…
