Navratri is my most favorite time of the year. As a crafter and lover of all things miniature, this festival is the highlight of the year for me, as my house prepares to get decked up and the celebrations culminate into nine days of devotion and fun. this was also the first time we set…
Tag: Indian Artifacts
Mahalaksmi Ashtakam
Namasthesthu MahamayeSree Peede, Sura PoojitheSanka Chakra Gadha HastheMaha Lakshmi NamosthutheReverential Salutations to You, the Primordial Cause of Creation; Who Abides in Her Transcendental Abode and is Worshipped by the Suras,Who is adorned with a Conch, Discus and Mace in Her Hands; Reverential Salutations to You, O Devi Mahalakshmi. Namasthe GarudarudeKolasura BhayamkariSarva Papa Hare DeviMaha Lakshmi…
Festive Food
Food and festivities go hand in hand. Festivals in India are actually aligned to the seasonal changes that happen in the region. As an agrarian country that is the 7th largest in the world, every part of the nation has a different season and flavor to celebrations. Navratri for us is a was to celebrate…
Navratri Fanfare
I LOVE stories.. it is the butter, jam, jelly, caramel and pickle to my bread. As a story teller, Navarati is most certainly my most favorite festival of the year (well, second to Diwali, which is usually birthday time!). For the past few years, especially since I moved to Bangalore, I look forward to setting…
Mysuru Dasara
As the cultural center of Karnataka, the Mysuru Dasara procession is a major tourist attraction. In fact, the city becomes a cultural focal point, as the 10-day festival brings the best of the state’s performers in one city. It reminds me of the Kala Ghoda Festival from back home in Bombay. Apart from the Golu…
Going Full Throttle
Highlighting the connection between the Arabs, Indus Valley Civilization settlers and Kerala is the Maritime Museum in Kochi. The museum brings out some very interesting history of ship building in India. This is one of the speed dials on the iconic ships that the navy manned back in the days. The museum also has interesting…
The Feast Is Laid
Golu or Kolu is a display of dolls on odd numbered steps or padis depicting scenes from Hindu texts, royalty, weddings or everyday scenes. While the practice dates back to centuries, it is still a huge part of Navarathri celebrations in South India. Although I have lived in western India for most part of my…
The One That Got Away!
The beach is probably the best place to carry your camera to, however you do have to be extra careful considering the humid winds and salty water. Anyway, my husband usually seems fascinated with the monkey man balloons that are usually sold here, although he’s never really purchased one. But this one even caught my…
Keeping Evil Thoughts Away
Totems are generally placed outside houses to ward of evil spirits or thoughts. In India, there are various kinds of totems you would find, based on different cultural, regional and religious beliefs. This particular totem is famous in the Kolhapur state of Maharashtra. Legend has it that if some one steals your shoes, you are…
Raining Blessings
After marriage, we moved into our new place, and we received a lot of warmth and good wishes as presents from all our loved ones, both friends and family. While some close to us, gave us exactly what we need, others ensured that we have the blessing of God in our humble dwelling too. This…
Snapshots of my World 