Storyteller, Quizzer, Marcom Pro.
Storyteller, Quizzer, Marcom Pro.
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.…
Step into Cave 1 of Ajanta in Maharashtra, and you will find one of India’s most celebrated paintings: the serene figure of a Bodhisattva holding a lotus. Commonly known as Padmapani, meaning “lotus-bearer” or “one who holds the lotus,” the…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
Few Carnatic compositions capture the spirit of Lord Ganesha as beautifully as “Vatapi Ganapatim Bhajeham.” Its opening phrases are familiar to generations of music lovers. Yet behind this popular kriti is a fascinating story that brings together music, mythology, history…
Have you ever been told, “that never happened,” when you clearly remember that it did? Or been made to feel that your memory, judgment or perception cannot be trusted? This form of psychological manipulation is known as gaslighting. The word…
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…