On the 6th Day after the new moon (Diwali) in the month of October – November, some regions of India celebrate Chhath Festival which is a 4 day worship of Sun. It is done twice a year sometime between the…
Boat Ride on the Ganga during Sunrise in Varanasi
Varanasi, the oldest city in the world, teeming with activity in every lane and by lane, has its own special charm. When I stepped out of Varanasi airport on a surprisingly warm February evening, I was looking forward to exploring…
Significance of 108 in prayers and rituals
During my growing up years, I would often accompany my grandmother to a variety of religious functions. Some people would have their prayer beads wrapped around their hands while they murmured away. I managed to set my hands on a…
Kumbh:12 year wait for the Pot of Bliss…
I used to always wonder about Kumbha Mela asking questions about its significance Why? When? so much so that my curiosity forced the elders to take a quick nap :). Much later, when I was on a work assignment abroad,…
Celebrating the birthday of Sun – Ratha Saptami
At the break of dawn every day, I count my blessings in gratitude for my family and friends who have been at my side through ups and downs. I look up at the sun and try to absorb the warm…