Batashe ki Mala (these are just sugar cubes in a garland) is an integral part of the Holika Dahan (the holy fire that is lit before Rangapanchami or Holi festival). These are quite popular in Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. While playing Holi (with Gulaal or Vermilion), batasha-malas are said to ensure cordiality with brother and…
Tag: Festivities
Celebrating Life
Now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story no one on earth has ever read, which goes on forever; in which every chapter is better than the one before. ~ C. S. Lewis Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back,…
The Sweet Sound Of Tradition
In India, married women wear anklets made with silver, or gold as a sign of their marital and social strata. Traditionally, young girls and married women were only allowed to wear anklets; spinsters and widows were barred from this privilege, but not any more. Although an anklet or payal (or golosu in Tamil) is an…
Fairy Tale Romance
Like folklores that most of us grew up with, fairy tales are a more westernised way to depict the social mindset of its place of origin. While this shot was a part of a popular local Christmas crib, what inspired me to share this picture today was an insightful Freshly Pressed Post, which you can…
Krishna Leela!
I don’t know the significance of this idol, but yes I have seen this often at Satyanarayan Pujas around my locality. If you know what this means, please do enlighten us too!
Wish You a Very Merry Christmas!
The last holiday of the year has finally arrived!I can’t believe (how relieved I am) that the year is over. As we count the year down, and celebrate to our heart’s content, let me take the opportunity to wish you, your family and all your loved ones a very colorful festive season!
Santa Doremon?
OK, So Christmas is just at the end of day break, and Santa Clause will come soon. But this Santa Doremon was flying high to catch my attention quite well. I love that cat from the future, and I sure hope he comes home for a cup of tea and parts some of his wisdom, and…
Harmony in the Mind!
Growing up, my mom never forced religious beliefs on us. And being Hindus studying at Convent Schools, we learnt to practice our religion and respect beliefs of another too. I remember picking up small plastic decorations for a shimmering little fake Christmas tree. In fact it was a practice to add at least one new…
Eid Mubarak!
The Independence Day celebration in India is observed as a national festival, and marks the beginning of the cultural festivities across communities in India. It starts with Narali pournima on the full moon night, avaniavatam, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, and today the country celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr along with the entire world. As I understand, it means in Arabic means festivities that follow after breaking of…
Snapshots of my World 