Patriarchy and shame often come in the way of early detection of breast cancer. And this is not limited to women; men are also deeply embarrassed by what is perceived as a women’s disease. This October, on the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this article serves as a gentle reminder that you are never too young or too old, and it’s not just women, as we have been told, for breast cancer affects men too.
This piece explores the ancient festival of Chhath – a celebration of the Sun, simplicity, and spiritual endurance. From its Vedic roots to its modern-day observance across India and the diaspora, it highlights how faith, nature, and community intertwine in one of the subcontinent’s oldest and most eco-conscious traditions.
As Bengal celebrated Mahalaya, Assam mourned the death of beloved singer Zubeen Garg. His tragic passing on September 19, 2025, created a stark contrast between festive joy and deep sorrow. For the author, his music, especially “Baro mashey tero phool phutey,” was a catalyst for personal liberation.
Set against political turmoil in Nepal, Remembering A Mahalaya of the Past reflects on a Bengali mother’s nostalgia for Mahalaya traditions and the fading legacy of Chandipath. Amid grief, loss, and generational gaps, she finds solace in autumn’s arrival and Durga’s symbolic return, embracing Mahalaya as both remembrance and renewal.
Despite progress, gender bias still haunts girls in sports, as seen in a young cricketer’s daily struggles. Idolizing Smriti Mandhana, she faces stereotyping and ignorance. A powerful ad and the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 highlight changing tides. It’s time we support women’s cricket as passionately as men’s.
Durga Pujo is more than a festival—it’s an emotion for Bengalis, symbolizing the Goddess’s homecoming. Marked by dhak beats, kash ful, dhunuchi nach, pandal hopping, bhog, cultural programs, and sindoor khela, it blends devotion, art, and community. A vibrant celebration of faith, femininity, creativity, and Bengali identity.
The Chottanikkara Temple in Kerala, home to the powerful and compassionate Chottanikkara Amma, is renowned for healing mental trauma and warding off evil. Encompassing Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Durga, the Goddess offers daily solace to devotees. Sacred rituals like Guruthy Pooja reflect her fierce protection, mysterious power, and maternal love.
Through a teacher’s lens, Three Idiots glamorizes rebellion, mocks educators, and glorifies suicide while unfairly blaming parents and teachers. Rancho, hailed as a hero, is portrayed as toxic and manipulative, misleading friends and ridiculing authority. The movie’s influence on students raises concerns about discipline, respect, and the dangers of misplaced hero worship.
Suicide, often rooted in mental health struggles, trauma, or life pressures, is a permanent response to temporary pain. The narrative blends data with lived experience, stressing that recovery is possible through support, self-care, and professional help. Compassionate intervention and helplines like KIRAN and AASRA can provide hope, safety, and healing.
Responsible tourism is about traveling mindfully—protecting the environment, respecting cultures, supporting local businesses, and safeguarding wildlife. By choosing eco-friendly options, honoring local traditions, and helping communities thrive, we ensure that tourism enriches both travelers and hosts. Sustainable travel creates joy today while preserving destinations for future generations.
