India, often portrayed as the land of snake charmers and serpent worshippers, is steeped in centuries-old traditions surrounding serpents that go beyond mere exoticism. This cultural affinity, known as ophiolatry or snake worship, is not a relic of the past but a tradition woven into the spiritual and social fabric of India. This article delves […]Read More
When we think of India’s independence movement, certain names immediately spring to mind: Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose. These towering figures, along with a few others, are often celebrated as the architects of India’s freedom. However, a significant part of this historical narrative remains untold – the role of women in the […]Read More
We use words every day, without giving them much thought. Language, in all its various forms, is certainly one of humanity’s most outstanding creations, yet. So how did we end up with thousands of languages spread all around the world: each representing a distinct set of sounds and meanings? So let’s trace the story of […]Read More
Imagine living a life in which your identity flows like water, constantly reshaping itself over the course of centuries of migration, echoing the whispers of far-off ancestors. Who embodies this fluid existence? For one, the Romani people, by which term I have come to refer to those often called Gypsies. We have seen their culture […]Read More
We hear it all the time—yoga is good for you. It’s calming, it improves flexibility, it helps with mindfulness. But let’s be real, it’s become a buzzword, a global phenomenon that’s taken everything from fitness to wellness by storm. However, beneath all the trends and fancy yoga studios, yoga is deeply rooted in a rich, […]Read More
Nyaya, a system developed to facilitate reasoning among the six systems of the Indian philosophy finds a place of pride in the Indian history. Also known as the ‘school of reasoning’, it deals primarily with the principles of logic, epistemology and realism which eventually formed the essential foundations of systematic investigation and controversy in Indian […]Read More
An interesting tradition from Nepal, with a history believed to be over 300 years old- the kumari – is the worship of a living goddess, an avatar seen in a prepubescent girl who is chosen by the communities of Nepal. The tradition began with the story of King Jayaprakash Malla and Goddess Taleju. When the […]Read More