Indian festivals Archives

For My Mother, the Biggest Indian Festival of All Was Republic Day

The Republic Day Parade celebrates the Constitution, itself an expression of the spirit of our country and its diversity – of dances and songs, physical features, historical characters and incidents; the countless stories that make up this glorious republic.

Vijayta Mahendru July 24, 2016

First Person

Why My Atheism Takes a Backseat Every Ganesh Chaturthi

I was brought up in a religious household, where Ganesh Chaturthi was the celebration we waited for all year. After my father passed away, I stopped praying and developed a disdain for religion. But I make an exception during the Ganesh festivities, where I suspend my atheism.

Sumedh Natu July 15, 2016

POV

Kolkata’s Durga Pujo: The Best of Times, The Worst of Times

I am back in Kolkata, caught in the centre of the rotating carousel in the great carnival of Durga puja. I hate it and love it in equal measure.

Runa Mukherjee June 23, 2016