Hindu festivals at crossroads

Never has Hinduism been at such crossroads with incessant attacks mounting from within and without, with a section of left-liberals joining the Breaking India forces and now employing judicial activism, all baying More...

How castiest readings of Holi trivializes the festival

I must confess that with the current climate of distinct Hindu hatred, my expectations of peacefully celebrating my festivals were misplaced. This year, with a charged electoral climate, a decisive mandate and favourable 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...

Is Pakistan Embracing Its Indic Roots?

Since its formation Pakistan has been working hard to separate itself from its Indic roots. Some recent events augur a small beginning towards a new trend, Pakistan returning to the idea of Vasudaiva Kutumbhakam More...

Exploring the history of Hindu festivals: the ancient strands of Holākā

In Hindu tradition there is a clear demarcation of at least three distinct classes of ritual observances: 1) The most conservative of these are the śrauta rituals that deviate little from their Vedic prototype More...