Category Archives: Uncategorized

(A chance and unexpected discovery of a serious, insidious and intractable malady can be deeply shattering. The inevitability of death, despite a conscious cognisance, needs a trigger to prepare for this moment of reckoning. And once this realisation arrives, life assumes a different meaning, deflating and depressing. But for many, it becomes an opportunity toContinue reading “Peace in Pain”

Bamboo signifies simplicity and continuous growth. Bamboo is also hollow on the inside, and it grows quite simply, elegantly. This reminds us that we should never be too full of ourselves and to make sure we keep an open mind and stay open to possibilities of exploration and growth. Bamboo thus becomes a symbol ofContinue reading “Lofty and Mighty-The Majesty of Bamboo (Part-II)”

(Nestled within this exquisite abode, a captivating spectacle unfolds: clusters of emerald bamboo, standing tall and regal, grace the periphery of this beautiful landscape. They encircle the sylvan expanse with intermittent but unabashed elegance. During the early morning’s hushed serenity and the late afternoon’s tranquil grace, they transform into a haven for an array ofContinue reading “The Majestic Bamboo”

“Silent, bamboo shadows,Bamboo breezes,Whistling bamboo,Bamboo leaves and bamboo stems,Bamboo poetry, bamboo verses,Bamboo groves, bamboo forests.” — ‘Bamboo’ by Lin Zhao One of the most enticing sights so generously on offer in this beautiful house are the clumps of green, tall, stately bamboos standing majestically around the boundary of the sprawling landscape. They ring the borders ofContinue reading “Mighty and Lofty: The Majestic Bamboo Part-I”

Salphi, a fleeting muse of intoxication, dances gracefully in the lush forests of Bastar, leaving no lingering trace of its presence. Crafted as a delicate brew, fermented instantaneously, the ivory liquid refreshes and rejuvenates. Salphi’s Ephemeral Symphony Salphi is as ephemeral as the morning mist that often shrouds the Bastar forests and its intoxication, lightContinue reading “Salphi: Bastar’s Signature Drink- Part III”

“In heaven, Lord Ganesha will establish the predominance of gods, on earth, that of people, in the nether world, that of serpents and anti-gods” ~A Hymn from Sri Bhagavat-Tathva~ In the illustrious pantheon of Hindu deities, Lord Ganesh occupies a truly extraordinary place. He defies conventional expectations, sporting an elephant’s head, a less-than-shapely physique, andContinue reading “Understanding Ganesha: Seeking True Eudemonia”

The Gotmar Festival of Chhindwara But how did this blood-soaked rivalry even begin? The local lore, passed down through generations, provides some insight, though the true genesis remains uncertain. The Defenders And The Aggressors The Many Stories of Origin The true genesis of this blood-soaked rivalry may forever remain shrouded in uncertainty, but local lore offers severalContinue reading “A Bloody Tradition That Endures Part-II”

The Gotmar Mela of Chhindwara The River, The Tree, The Victory Flag Defying Logic, Celebrating Brutality Nestled along the serene banks of the river Jaam in the heart of India’s Chhindwara district exists a tradition that defies all logic. It is a ritual that has endured the test of time, a celebration that transforms into a brutalContinue reading “A Bloody Tradition That Endures-Part I”

In the heart of Bastar, a land where tradition and wilderness intertwine, lies an institution that has captured the imagination of many—the Ghotuls. These unique sanctuaries belong to the Muria tribes of Bastar, and they are nothing short of enchanting.  If ever there were to be a marriage between the carnal ecstasy and a delightfulContinue reading “Salphi-Bastar’s Signature Drink -Part II”

Bringing Cheer to Everyday Life “Wine is sunlight, held together by water.” —Galileo India’s famed diversity is a tapestry of multiple forms, many of them enigmatic and esoteric. But  one diversity that is truly outstanding is the tradition of local beverages. Whether nestled in the mystical hills of Manali, the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, the lushContinue reading “Salphi – Bastar’s Signature Drink: Part I”