Kolkata’s Durga Pujo is an emotion woven with nostalgia, culture, art and devotion. From Kumartuli’s artisans and heritage Bonedi Bari rituals to spectacular contemporary pandals, the festival celebrates creativity, community and womanhood. Beyond the festivities lies a deeper love for Uma, who embodies both the tenderness and indomitable strength of every woman.
This article examines how Disney princess stories shaped our understanding of romance, often teaching women to associate love with suffering, rescue and external validation. Through modern princesses like Mulan, Merida and Moana, it explores the shift towards self-worth, emotional independence and healthier relationships built on mutual respect rather than the desperate need to be chosen.
This article challenges myths around exercising during menstruation, offering a gynaecologist’s perspective on balancing fitness with self-care. Through practical workout examples, it explains how women can adapt exercise to their energy levels and symptoms, emphasising that menstruation need not mean rest or intense training, but listening to the body.
At Kerala’s Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, the fierce Kaavu Teendal ritual challenges conventional ideas of devotion through blood, blades and profane songs. Rooted in legends of Bhadrakali and Kannaki, the festival transforms anger into divine power, challenges caste boundaries, and reveals a Mother Goddess who embraces humanity in its rawest form.
My maternal aunt (Mami) hired temporary domestic help in the kitchen because their regular staff had gone home for a month-long vacation. The new help’s
Helicopter parenting describes an overprotective style where parents constantly hover over their children, monitoring and managing every aspect of their lives. Through the example of Mrs Sharma, who arrives with food, juice and an umbrella for her capable school-going child, the piece highlights how excessive care can undermine independence.
This review explores Circe by Madeline Miller and Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, translated by Deepa Bhasthi. Through Greek mythology and everyday lives of Muslim women in Karnataka, both books examine patriarchy, power, resistance and transformation, giving voice to women navigating oppression while reclaiming agency, identity and the freedom to live on their own terms.
ASI Babita Singh Reporting becomes a lens to examine the invisible ways women are silenced – through emotional abuse, humiliation, unpaid labour, financial control and expectations. This personal reflection explores how women can disappear within prescribed roles while appearing perfectly fine. It asks a crucial question – are women truly heard, respected and free?
This thought-provoking piece explores parenting beyond restrictions, arguing that children need responsibility, emotional resilience and critical thinking to navigate relationships, rejection, peer pressure and digital spaces. It stresses consent, boundaries, accountability and gender equality, while cautioning against victim-blaming. Ultimately, it calls for raising children who can make responsible choices when parents aren’t around.
Self-care is often mistaken for selfishness, especially by women conditioned to prioritise everyone else. This reflective piece explores embracing the unfettered 40s, rediscovering oneself through travel, art and solitude, and learning to let go of expectations. It is a gentle reminder to listen to your soul, protect your wellbeing and choose yourself.
