When you step into a Hindu temple, the first sound that greets you is often the clear, resonant tone of a temple bell. Known as Ghanta in Sanskrit, this bell is not just an ornament or a ritualistic formality. It carries deep spiritual, psychological, and scientific significance that has been revered for centuries. Let’s uncover…
Author: NEERJA BHATNAGAR
Sattvik Eating: The Yogic Diet for a Balanced Life
In today’s fast-paced world of quick meals and processed foods, returning to mindful, soul-nourishing eating habits is not just desirable—it’s essential. Sattvik eating, rooted in India’s ancient yogic and Ayurvedic traditions, offers a holistic approach to health and inner balance. What is Sattvik Eating? The term Sattvik comes from Sattva, one of the three Gunas…
Rajputana: Valour and Legacy
The tales of Rajputana valour and legacy echo through the sands of Rajasthan like whispered oaths of courage, honour, and undying pride. The word Rajput itself stems from the Sanskrit word Rajputra, meaning “son of a king,” and Rajputana—literally “the land of Rajputs”—stands as a timeless symbol of heroic resistance, cultural richness, and indomitable spirit….
Qissagoi: The Art of Telling a Tale
India has always been a land of oral traditions. Before books were printed or screens took over, tales travelled by word of mouth—from village courtyards to royal courts, from Sufi gatherings to temple mandapas. One such tradition, lesser-known yet powerfully evocative, is Qissagoi—the soulful art of storytelling that lived in the rhythms of the people….
Panchatantra and Life’s Lessons: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times
Panchatantra life lessons have guided generations with their timeless wisdom on leadership, strategy, and human behaviour. In the grand mosaic of Indian storytelling, few works have stood the test of time quite like the Panchatantra. Composed over two millennia ago by the scholar Vishnu Sharma, this collection of interwoven animal fables was created to impart…
Odissi Dance: Grace in Motion
Exploring the divine rhythm of India’s classical legacy India is home to a rich tapestry of classical dance forms, each deeply rooted in spirituality, mythology, and cultural storytelling. Among them, Odissi—a dance form originating from the eastern state of Odisha—stands out as one of the most graceful and spiritually profound art forms. Odissi is not…
Mangal Dosha and Marriage Rituals: Understanding Astrology’s Role in Indian Matchmaking
In India, marriage is not just a union of two individuals but a sacred bond between two families and their karmic destinies. One of the most crucial elements considered during matchmaking in traditional Indian families is astrology. Among the various astrological concerns, Mangal Dosha (also known as Kuja Dosha or Manglik Dosha) is one of…
Lost Languages of India: Endangered Indian Languages and Efforts to Revive Them
India, the land of a thousand tongues, has always been a vibrant mosaic of cultures, dialects, and languages. With over 19,500 mother tongues spoken across the country, linguistic diversity has been one of our greatest assets. But, hidden beneath this richness lies a quiet tragedy — many of India’s languages are vanishing. The Silent Disappearance…
Kolam and Rangoli: Sacred Geometry in Everyday Life
In the quiet moments of dawn, as the first rays of sunlight kiss the earth, a sacred ritual unfolds in many Indian homes — the creation of kolam or rangoli. What may appear as mere decorative floor art to the untrained eye is, in fact, a profound expression of sacred geometry, cultural continuity, and spiritual…