Indian Cultural

Katyayani: The Fierce Warrior Goddess of Justice

In the tapestry of Hindu mythology, we often find stories of gods and goddesses battling demons, each tale a lesson in the eternal struggle between good and evil. But some myths go deeper, reflecting a profound shift in power dynamics, a challenge to the very status quo. The story of Goddess Katyayani is one such […]

Skandamata: The Nurturing Mother of Courage and Compassion

The demon Tarakasura was clever. He got a special boon from the gods. Only Shiva’s son could kill him. Since Shiva had no children, Tarakasura thought he was safe forever. The demon’s rule brought darkness to all three worlds. People suffered. The gods were helpless. But there was hope. Parvati saw the world’s pain. She […]

Garba: From Gujarat’s Villages to Global Dance Floors

Navratri’s just round the corner, and with this festival comes the sound of the dhol, the sparkle of sequins, and the sight of thousands of feet moving to a rhythm. But behind the colours and the music, lies a story that takes us through time, history, and mythology. Near the UNESCO world heritage site of […]

Kushmanda: The Cosmic Creator of Navratri’s Fourth Day

It is the fourth day of Navratri, and the celebrations are in full flow now. Today, devotees turn their prayers to the Godess, praying to her in the form of Kushmanda, the radiant mother who is said to have created the whole universe. How the Universe went dark Long ago, two devotees of Shiva, Mali […]

Mahalaya: The Great Arrival of Goddess Durga

Mahalaya—Maha (great) and Alaya (abode/arrival)—is both the great arrival of Durga and the great offering that completes Pitru Paksha. The day is a threshold- sandhi- where we remember our ancestors by offering our gratitude. And invoking the divine feminine. This day also marks the beginning of new harvest season. It’s a day when we welcome […]

Golu Festival: When Dolls Come Alive in South India

During Navratri in South India, something magical happens. Homes transform into miniature kingdoms filled with hundreds of dolls. This is Golu—a beloved tradition that turns the nine sacred nights into a celebration of art, devotion, and community. What is Golu? Golu goes by different names across South India. Tamil families call it Kolu. In Karnataka, […]

When Anxiety Knocks, Let Chandraghanta Open the Door

Fear. It’s the uninvited guest that sets up shop in our minds. In a world defined by a relentless news cycle and an algorithm that seems to know our deepest insecurities, fear and anxiety have become the defining emotions of our generation. We worry about our careers, our health, our financial stability, and even our […]

Brahmacharini: The Goddess of Penance and Purity

The second day – When Penance and Celebration Walk Together Today is the second day of Navratri, and by now, people have settled into the rhythm of the festival. Fasts are being observed with more focus, garba nights are in full swing, and families are more punctual for evening aartis as compared to the first […]

Shailputri: The Goddess of Navratri’s First Day

The Journey Begins with Shailputri on the first day The first morning of Navratri gives you a different feeling. The air is heavy with the scent of incense, and you hear temple bells echoing through the streets, as well as lamps flickering everywhere. But, behind all of this, lies a story that begins with Shailputri, […]

Mahishasura: The Buffalo Demon Who Took On The Whole World

Mahishasura and His Dream of Immortality Once upon a time, somewhere on the summit of a mountain, a strange figure sat in meditation. On his head, sat two horns, like a buffalo. This was Mahishasura, an ‘Asura’ or demon, with a single dream. He wanted to rule over all three worlds; Heaven, earth, as well […]