The story of Kachchi Dabeli
I remember first buying a packet of Kachchi Dabeli masala in a supermarket and wondering why it was called Kachchi. It took me a few moments to discover that it was not कच्ची or ‘raw’ but कच्छी…
The dazzling Sun temple at Modhera
I couldn’t have chosen a more significant day to visit the Sun temple in Modhera. I was there on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti. The temple’s intricate architecture dazzled my eyes, as much as the sun…
Photo-op on the Tropic of Cancer
On our way to the Rann of Kutch, I spotted a blue signboard which said: It caused me to yell at the driver to stop for a photograph. I was even more excited as it was Makar…
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…
Deadlines which leave you dead
Deadlines are looming large. Some have come and gone, and I have given up trying to keep up. I have a vacation coming up. Vacations are supposed to be stress-busters. But even the thought of packing my…
Naina da kya kasoor
It starts off slowly. As the lilting music emerges from the piano, your fingers start tapping. And when the guitar strings, piano keys and the percussionist begin belting out the peppy rhythm, your heart wants to start…
A grandmother we all know
She is half asleep. Her dentures are immersed in a glass of water. Her earpiece and spectacles are placed on the side table. You can’t take your eyes off her, as her quivering lips inflate and deflate…
On the tiger trail in Tadoba
Tadoba is Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park. I had lived on the edge of the Tadoba forest for over six years of my life. The magazine area of the ordnance factory campus where we lived, was…
Winter special treats
As children growing up in Pondicherry, we hardly owned any sweaters. I distinctly remember 1984 when Dad was transferred to Chandrapur in autumn. The first winter caught us unawares and there was a rush to buy navy…
