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
Killa-making refers to the craft of building tiny-scale models of forts. In Maharashtra, this is one of the dissolved customs associated with Diwali celebrations. The Killa, or mini fort, is built by children and their families to depict historical bastions built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the iconic ruler of the Maratha Empire. This tradition not […]Read More
Bhoot Chaturdashi is an important festival mostly celebrated in Bengal and some places in eastern India. Called the “Night of Spirits,” it takes place on the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik, one day before Kali Puja and Diwali. This distinct celebration encompasses […]Read More
Jaishankar Prasad is one of the great figures in Hindi literature. he made unrivaled contributions to poetry, drama, and novels. Through deep and introspective works, Prasad has managed to encapsulate Indian spirituality, love, and patriotism. His Chhayavad style, part of the movement, made the traditional voice of Indian themes come across with a modern touch, […]Read More
The Garuda Purana, one of the eighteen Mahapuranas of Hinduism is a revered Hindu scripture that provides a profound understanding of the world, human life, and the path to spiritual liberation. Narrated by Lord Vishnu to the celestial bird Garuda, the Purana deals with a variety of topics including cosmology, mythology, Dharma, karma, and the […]Read More
Narak Chaturdashi, or Chhoti Diwali, has a special place in the elaborate cultural and religious festivities of Goa. It is celebrated on the eve of Diwali, signifying the victory of good over evil. The important celebration is found, yet the manner of celebrating it in Goa is unique and deeply tied to local lore and […]Read More
Kali Puja, also called Shyama Puja is considered to be one of the largest festivals to worship the goddess Kali, whom people in the Hindu faith revere as an embodiment of ferocity. It mostly takes place in the eastern region, such as in West Bengal, Assam, Tripura and Odisha, almost coinciding with the Diwali celebrations […]Read More
Dhanvantari is the god of Ayurveda and is highly respected in Hindu mythology and Indian culture. He is mostly worshiped during Dhanteras, the festival that marks the beginning of Diwali, prosperity, and good health. Since he is the celestial healer and the god of health and medicine, Dhanvantari manifests the principles of healing and rejuvenation. […]Read More
The Mandagapattu Tirumurti Temple, located in the Viluppuram district of Tamil Nadu, is an ancient Hindu temple created from solid rock. This temple, attributed to the Pallava ruler Mahendravarman I, represents a significant development in early Dravidian temple architecture. Mahendravarman I, who ruled during the 7th century, was a pioneer of rock-cut architecture, and the […]Read More