Folk dances are an integral part of India’s tribal communities, reflecting their cultural ethos, social traditions, and way of life. One such dance is the Gaur Maria Dance, performed by the Bison-Horn Maria tribe of Bastar, Chhattisgarh. This dance, inspired by the spirit of hunting, is energetic, theatrical, and deeply symbolic. It is performed on […]Read More
The Harlem Renaissance was a monumental cultural movement that began in the early 20th century in Harlem, New York City. Spanning roughly from the 1910s to the 1930s, it marked an extraordinary flowering of African American intellectual, artistic, and literary achievement. The Harlem Renaissance reshaped not only African American culture but also had a profound […]Read More
Yakshagana, a traditional theatre form from Karnataka, is an intricate blend of dance, music, storytelling, and performance art. Rooted in the Bhakti movement, it evolved between the 11th and 16th centuries, flourishing as a unique cultural expression in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Shimoga, Chikmagalur, and the Kasaragod district of Kerala. Often referred to simply […]Read More
Kolattam, a vibrant and rhythmic folk dance from South India, holds a special place in the cultural fabric of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Deriving its name from the Tamil words kol (stick) and attam (dance), Kolattam is a traditional art form that combines music, movement, and ritualistic devotion. Typically performed by women, this communal […]Read More
Imagine a resonating bow, strung not for arrows but for stories—a captivating sound that sets the stage for tales of gods, heroes, and common folk. This art form, once echoing through the vibrant villages of Tamil Nadu, now fades into whispers. Can you guess what we’re talking about? Let’s unravel this musical mystery one clue […]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
The Saraswati River is one of the most important and sacred features in Indian mythology, history, and culture. It has always been written as a mighty river of the Vedic period. Though it’s no longer there in its physical form, ancient scriptures talk of it as a vital channel that flowed between civilizations. Saraswati has […]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
The golden nightingale of the golden age of Indian classical music, a radiant beauty draped in feisty opulence mesmerising the eyes, dropping jaws, getting the feets dance at her rhythms, tunes, songs and pioneering the epoch of recording in India and asserting the right of a performer to protect, own and exploit one’s identity, what […]Read More
In the rich tapestry of Indian history, few stories captivate as much as those of the maharajas and maharanis whose opulent lifestyles and exquisite tastes left an indelible mark on the world. Among these luminaries, Maharani Yashoda Devi of Patiala stands out not only for her grace and charm but also for her legendary collection […]Read More