Category Art & Culture

Buddha and Bodhisattva: what is the difference?

The simplest way to understand the difference between a Buddha and a Bodhisattva is this: a Buddha is one who has awakened completely, while a Bodhisattva is one who is dedicated to attaining Buddhahood and helping others along the way.…

The pigeons that became an obsession

Walk through the older parts of Hyderabad, and you may hear the flutter of wings before you notice the pigeons. They gather around mosques, dargahs, parks, bridges and old neighborhoods, sometimes in astonishing numbers. Dedicated kabutar khanas, or pigeon houses,…

Ganesha idol with durva grass

Why is Lord Ganesha offered durva

Among the many offerings made to Lord Ganesha, durva grass holds a special place. Its association comes from the story of Analasura, an asura whose name is derived from anala, a Sanskrit word associated with fire. According to traditions found…

M S Blue saree

MS Blue: the saree that became an icon

September 16 marks the birth anniversary of M.S. Subbulakshmi (1916), one of India’s most celebrated Carnatic vocalists. Her music carried Carnatic tradition to audiences across India and the world, while her distinctive stage presence became equally memorable. The sari, flowers,…

idol of clay Ganesha

In search of Ganesha beyond the celebration

There was a time when Ganesh Chaturthi carried a bigger purpose that went well beyond the rituals of the day. In the late 19th century, India was under oppressive British rule. Political meetings were watched, public gatherings faced restrictions and…

Indigo: the dye that made farmers rebel

Indigo is a dye obtained traditionally from plants of the Indigofera genus. It has been used for thousands of years to color textiles. While we often associate indigo with deep blue color and, of course, with blue jeans, there was…