A versatile actor and brilliant comedian One of Malayalam cinema’s most versatile comedians, Innocent Vareed Thekkethala was born in Irinjalakuda in Kerala on February, 28, 1948 as the third of eight children. He was not academically inclined and during the Emergency, he shifted base to Davanagere in Karnataka where he along with his cousins ventured into business. He later tried his hand at several businesses and came a cropper. That was when he had a brainwave and decided to chance his luck in the film industry. And the rest, as they say, is history. Innocent joined a film production company…
Author: shubhangi
Nature and its elements hold a significant place in the rituals and festivals. Living creatures and other entities like the sun, wind, rivers, mountains, etc. are also considered ‘beings’ that have a role to play in this universe and that maintain the balance that ensure life in this space and are worshipped in their original or a different form and as part of the many festivals, says Nandini Rao. The cultural heritage of Indian society is deeply intertwined with its profound mythology and history. It is safe to say that most festivals in India have a deep-rooted and logical connection…
Recalling the country’s long history of war triumphs, Nandini Rao points out festivals celebrating victory reflect the rich cultural heritage and diversity of India. They not only teach us valuable lessons about life and morality, they also remind us to uphold our values and virtues against all odds. They come across as inspiration for us to overcome challenges and difficulties with courage and faith. India, through the ages, has been the epicentre of battles starting from the epic Mahabharat. As a result, battleground and victory customs, before and after battles, form an integral part of the cultural ethos of India.…
Ruchi Verma enlists the festivals celebrated round the year and says India pays homage to nature’s gratuity through a spectrum of festivals. These celebrations are rooted in agrarian traditions, rain rituals and a deep-seated respect for the flora and fauna that sustain life. From the monsoon festivals that welcome life-giving rains to the harvest festivals that honour the fruits of labour, these cultural expressions mirror the intimate connection between humans and nature in India. India is a country that has a deep connection with nature and this is reflected in the many festivals that celebrate the elements of nature. Tales,…
Worshipped in myriad manifests, Goddesses in India are considered as supreme feminine power and are therefore fittingly celebrated through festivals. As a “Mother” associated with piety and virtues, she is regarded as a creator of universe and devotees pay obeisance, love and gratitude all through the year with colourful fervour and pomp, says Kriti Kalra. Devi is the Sanskrit word for goddess, and it refers to the supreme feminine power or Shakti in Hinduism. Devi is worshipped in various forms, names and aspects, reflecting the diversity and richness of the culture of the region. Devi is revered as the mother…
Anushka Singh observes that Indian festivals punctuated with tales and anecdotes of love, serve as a reminder of the intrinsic divinity that permeates all aspects of life. They provide an opportunity for devotees to connect with the sacred feminine energy. In their colourful rituals and fervent devotions, these celebrations echo the timeless wisdom that recognises the eternal presence of the Devi in the hearts of all. One of the strongest human emotions is that of love and Indian mythology is full of tales and anecdotes of love — romantic and devotional, both. Consequentially, Indian culture is ripe with festivals, especially…
Nimisha Lakhia avers that festivals celebrating nature or its produce or harvest are not mere ceremonies. They are expressions of a profound understanding of the delicate balance between human population and the natural world. Through these observances and customs, one pays homage to the life-sustaining elements – the rain, the harvest, the crop, the wildlife, the rivers, the mountains, the plains and more. India is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, where many festivals are celebrated throughout the year. Some of these festivals are related to nature and crop harvests, where the beauty, bounty and balance of…
Known as the gateway for the ‘Chota Char Dham’, Uttarkashi, a picturesque town resting in the pristine Garhwal Himalayas, is a place abounding in stunning beauty. Visit to this virgin destination offers an opportunity to experience its mystical presence. Famous for its religious heritage, this exclusive destination is preferred by thousands of tourists to spend their leisure time. The majestic mountains, breathtaking valleys, serene lakes and rivers, dense forests, beautiful temples and more, make Uttarkashi a perfect place for trekkers and nature lovers to explore. ‘Kashi’. The utterance of this one word carries a mysterious yet peaceful vibrations that touches…
“You need a lifetime to master one raag” At 17, Karan Deogaonkar is still in his teens, but has already made a mark as an upcoming Hindustani classical vocalist from Pune. Music to him means the entire Universe. His hobbies include cooking, cycling and travelling. In fact, he has the timetable of numerous trains at the tip of his tongue. The teenaged prodigy does not prefer to be confined to any one particular school of music although his ‘sur’ have unmistakable strains of the Patiala Kasur Gharana. As someone who believes that Hindustani vocal music is all inclusive, he opines…
Nature and its elements hold a significant place in the rituals and festivals. Living creatures and other entities like the sun, wind, rivers, mountains, etc. are also considered ‘beings’ that have a role to play in this universe and that maintain the balance that ensure life in this space and are worshipped in their original or a different form and as part of the many festivals, says Nandini Rao. The cultural heritage of Indian society is deeply intertwined with its profound mythology and history. It is safe to say that most festivals in India have a deep-rooted and logical connection…