Culture

A little girl from North East once asked Dr Kalam an innocent question during his typical Q&A with School children. Dr Kalam has quoted this question many times thereafter as an anecdote to bring home a point to Indian adults. The Qn…

On the first floor of my parent’s house is a locked room, beige on the outside and yellow-ochre inside. It’s unlocked only when we visit —  ma says she never lets anyone use the room, or its attached bath, even when the house is…

There is a call from the rhythm devine That ripples and I follow Not as a wagabond though Its just those beats Which creeps within & merges with my heatbeat Those illusions and expressions Oh what a visual treat! I twist and turn…

For the crown that she wears And the burden that she carries With blends of shades And splashes of colours Patterns and doodles Hues and scratches Blacks and whites highlights and contrasts In the most remarkable command! The blending…

Shailaputri Navaratri begins with a night of worship and celebration in honour of Durga's avatar Shailaputri, whose name means "daughter of the mountains." Also known as Sati Bhavani, Parvati, or Hemavati, she is…

Every year I waited in anticipation for this day. I never realized if it was a family tradition or an annual ritual. “My boat is bigger than yours”, my elder brother would say. If I managed to get a similar sized boat next year he would…

While whole India celebrates Navratri, eats veg and has dandiya and garba nights, one particular city duels in dhunuchi naach, pandal hopping, dhaak beats and utterly delicious non veg food. Yes I am talking about Kolkata’s Durga Pujo. The…