Scientifically Illiterate Thinking behind Diwali Restrictions
“You have more firecrackers than the Indian Army. This can burn the whole country,” observed Justices Madan Lokur and Deepak Gupta of the Supreme Court during the hearing about banning crackers during More...
It is time Celebrities stop telling us how to lead our lives!
[contextly_sidebar id=”bUMLFe1JwQjGXxozul7RwqNaKFyI3lwx”] What is it these days with all the celebrities who never really respected Indian traditions, have possibly never read Hindu texts, nor pondered More...
Diwali Cracker Ban: When pseudoscience guided decision-making
[contextly_sidebar id=”v7YT9Pum7rOjhRHY6o8NuGtteNu5FqmJ”] How to build up a negative narrative without any basis? Here is a small illustration. Media reports like this one said Diwali 2015 was responsible More...
Musings on Reason, Religion and Reform
A few months back, around Diwali to be more specific, we heard/read/watched all sorts of ‘concern’ about environment and pleas to ban firecrackers. Soon we will be again hearing similar voices, this time More...
From Darkness to Light
Deepavali or the festival of lights is one of the most important festival in Hindu tradition, with many important events, such as the slaying of Narakasura, returning of Rama and Sita to Ayodhya, Nachiketa’s immortal More...
Kālī: The Mother of vīra-s
Diwali is arguably one of the most prominent Hindu festivals across India with various associated stories that speak of its importance. Some believe this was the day Rama returned back to Ayodhya, others link it More...
Krishna and Narakasura: The Tale of Dharma Asserting Over Adharma
Naraka Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of the darker fortnight of the month of Ashvayuja is celebrated as the day of Narakasura’s deliverance in the hands of Lord Krishna. As children, we have all heard of this More...
Mahabharata and Charity
When trying to opine on an epic like the Mahabharata, perhaps the most appropriate way to keep one’s ego in check to be reminded of a verse from Ch 279 of the Shanti Parva, Moksha Dharma, which describes among More...