Holi Beyond Colours: A Glimpse of Regional Flavours

by Sudhalekshmi M. Most of us visualise Holi as a vibrant festival of colours. While it is true, there is more to the festival beyond colours. Come, let us dive into some regional flavours of Holi which would prompt us to look at the festival with a fresh pair of eyes.  Manjal Kuli or Ukuli from Kerala:  Amidst a festival […]

Keeping Mother Tongues Alive

by Keya Gupta Often, the first words we ever speak are in our mother language. As we grow up, due to school, work, and the internet, we end up going about our daily lives in more ‘useful’ or ‘global’ languages. Slowly, the language of our childhood falls silent. We still understand it, but we might hesitate to speak it.   The fear of such loss led to the creation of International Mother Language […]

AKASHVANI: The Voice that United a Nation

by Shree Sauparnika V For nearly a century, a single sound has resonated through the diverse landscapes of India. Long before the era of glowing screens and instant notifications, there was a wooden box that brought the world to our doorsteps. This is the saga of All India Radio (AIR) — known to millions as […]

The Sound of Service: Military Bands of India 

by Shree Sauparnika V.  Each year on 26 January, the sound of military bands marks India’s Republic Day celebrations along Rajpath (Kartavya Path). From the opening notes of the parade to the final march-past, music sets the rhythm of the nation’s most important ceremonial event. These bands do more than accompany the spectacle—they embody discipline, […]

Uttarayan Skies: The History of Kite Flying in India

by Shree Sauparnika V  Makar Sankranti marks a special moment in the Hindu calendar: the day Surya, the Sun God, begins his northward journey, known as Uttarayan. This celestial shift is deeply significant, symbolising the return of light, warmth, and hope. As the days lengthen, the harvest is gathered, and life moves toward renewal, making it an auspicious time […]

Myths Behind India’s Harvest Festivals

by Keya Gupta The end of winter is when winter crops such as sugarcane, wheat, and sesame are harvested across the country. The harvest of these crops is traditionally celebrated across the country, as Makar Sankranti in many North and South Indian states, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, and Lohri in Punjab […]

Christmas Through India’s Historic Churches

By Keya Gupta Christmas in India is a mix of vibrant lights, carols, and family gatherings that light up late winter nights. It blends global faith with local cultures and warmth. Going beyond carols and Santa Claus, it wraps around our streets with processions, community feasts, and midnight masses that draw in people from every corner, turning faith into a warm, shared feeling of joy and peace, no matter where […]

Christmas in India: What’s cooking around the country?

by Nidhi Murthi  December is here, and so is Christmas, our favourite winter day of the year. Food and stories are the important ingredients that connect us in a celebration. Let us explore how different Indian regions celebrate Christmas with their unique festive foods.  Bebinca  According to legend, a Portuguese nun named ‘Sister Bebiana’ from […]