Ravana is traditionally portrayed as the ultimate villain, yet mythology and literature reveal a more complex character – powerful, devoted, ambitious, and flawed. His downfall involved arrogance, betrayal, deception, and divine intervention. Through Ravana’s story and other mythological boons, the narrative explores how no power or blessing can ultimately prevail over Dharma and cosmic order.
A deeply personal letter to Krishna, blending devotion, love, mythology and admiration. The writer revisits his childhood mischief, courage, compassion, strategic wisdom and acceptance of karma, while reflecting on his role as protector, friend and divine guide. More than worshipping a god, she longs for Krishna as an eternal companion, muse and beloved.
A deeply personal reflection on Arundhati Roy’s Mother Mary Comes to Me, this review explores the complicated bond between a daughter and her mother, and the ways trauma, love, freedom and feminism shape a writer’s life. Through memory and language, Roy transforms pain into literature, introspection and acceptance.
This heartfelt story reimagines Ganesh Chaturthi through the simple act of giving. Instead of traditional offerings alone, children donate notebooks, pencils and school supplies to those who need them. What begins as a small offering to Bappa becomes a blessing for another child, showing how generosity can turn everyday objects into hope, education and prayer.
Thrissur Pooram is Kerala’s spectacular annual festival, bringing together music, decorated elephants, colourful umbrellas, fireworks and massive crowds. Rooted in a 1798 tradition created by Sakthan Thampuran, it is both cultural pride and personal emotion for Thrissur residents. The author celebrates its grandeur while urging safer crowds and greater compassion for elephants.
Ganesh Chaturthi has a deep connection with nature. Traditionally, idols were made from shadu clay and natural dyes. Today, eco-friendly celebrations promote clay idols, natural colours and smaller sizes that dissolve easily. Plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns and water conservation initiatives further reinforce the festival’s message of respecting and protecting the environment.
Vishwakarma Puja evolves from childhood memories of factory visits, decorated bicycles, hot khichdi and simple celebrations into a deeper reflection on work, gratitude and changing traditions. Through a doctor’s eyes, the festival also reveals the dangers of reckless celebration. Ultimately, the author longs for simpler festivities where memories, connection and feeling matter more than grandeur.
The festive season doesn’t have to derail your fitness. Skip the perfectionism and toxic detoxes: keep moving, prioritise protein and vegetables, enjoy the treats you genuinely love, avoid mindless grazing and leftover traps, and don’t panic over temporary post-festival weight gain. Celebrate freely, return to your routine, and let fitness fit into real life.
This deeply personal story challenges India’s colourism by highlighting the contradiction of worshipping dark-skinned Krishna and Jagannath while judging dark-skinned children. Through her daughter Megha’s experiences, the author reflects on inherited prejudice, motherhood, and self-acceptance, ultimately celebrating the beauty, confidence, and divinity of embracing one’s natural complexion.
Festive food is never just about eating – it carries memories, traditions, emotions, family, and the warmth of celebrations. The leftovers become a delicious reminder of moments shared with loved ones. Rather than feeling guilty about indulging, the piece encourages us to savour these little pleasures and hold onto the festival just a little longer.
