Posts from the culture category.
I remember the first time I curled up beside my grandmother on a chilly winter evening, the aroma of simmering kahwa filling the room, as she spun tales that danced between the real and the magical. There was always a hush in the air, punctuated by the crackle of the fireplace and the occasional shiver of delight or fear. Opening Dadi, Dantkatha and the Djinns by Avanti Sopory felt like stepping b...
The word ‘modak’ comes from Sanskrit, approximately meaning “a small portion of bliss.”Having lived for almost 20 years in the eastern side of Maharashtra, the Ganapati festival we celebrated at home—thanks to my mom’s unending enthusiasm—always had ‘fried modaks’ as offerings.I don’t remember tasting ‘steamed modaks’ in those years. Each time we ate the fried ones, my mom would mention the steame...
Death is one of those subjects we instinctively tiptoe around. We talk about it in hushed tones, if at all. Yet in India, where faiths, customs, and communities are so diverse, the way we say goodbye to our loved ones is as telling as the way we live. Minakshi Dewan’s The Final Farewell pulls back the curtain on these final journeys — not with gloom, but with empathy, curiosity, and a deep respect...
Every year, the rhythmic beats of the dhol-tasha, the aroma of freshly made modaks, and the chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya fill the streets of India. Ganeshotsav, the festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is not just a religious occasion—it’s an emotion that unites millions.Celebrated with grandeur, especially in Maharashtra, the festival marks the arrival of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles an...
Lately, the language politics in our country have been disturbing. But in the midst of it all, there are still people who live across states, languages, and cultures — happily and harmoniously.The hosts are warm and welcoming.The guests are curious, open to learning new languages, ideas, and customs — without burden or resistance. 🌍💛 Today’s story is about how she found connection beyond words w...
What happens when the soulful ghats of Banaras meet the techno beats of Berlin? When tradition collides with modernity? When a girl raised with Indian sensibilities falls for a boy born amidst European liberalism? In Banaras Meets Berlin, Dr. Yojna Sah Jain doesn’t just tell a love story—she paints a cross-cultural, emotionally textured, and socially aware portrait of what it truly means to belong...
Today is Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian new year festival. We eat neem leaves with jaggery on this day. The neem leaves don’t feel bitter anymore.
Another celebrity is the latest victim of India’s true culture.One that binds us and unites us. One that we swear by and kill for. Personal taste. Pet Peeves. Judgement.Its a basic human trait, to be fair. No part of the world, however unexplored, is untouched by it. But I am yet to find a people who use it for as many different purposes as Indians. From concluding what one wants to eat, to getti...
Inspired by the success of their sessions, Arjun proposed a second festival, this time celebrating the village’s cultural richness and shared narratives. The villagers eagerly agreed, brainstorming ideas that reflected their diverse backgrounds. They envisioned a vibrant tapestry of stories, art, and music—a testament to their unity in diversity. As preparations began, excitement buzzed through th...
As the seasons changed, the storytelling sessions adapted, celebrating the diversity within the village. Arjun invited villagers to share their unique cultural traditions, inviting an array of voices to the circle. One evening, a newcomer shared a tale from her distant homeland, bringing flavours of her culture to life. The stories intermingled, creating a rich tapestry that honoured their differe...