A Glimpse of Banarasi Sari Weaving – 1
A little abouta visit to the handloom weaving centre in Banaras through which I learnt a few things. Since I have not learnt about textile design I had no idea … Continue reading
Mahashivrati at The Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Devout Hindus say that going to the Kashi Vishwanath temple happens when you are called. They say that it is one of the holiest places a Hindu could visit as … Continue reading
Rang Bhari Ekadashi & Holi at Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, Banaras
Ready to throw Abeer on the Shiva-Parvati Gauna Procession just as they enter the temple. Happy Holi ….. Shots of Rangbhari Ekadashi – the Gauna of … Continue reading
The Musician
Indian Classical Music has a special style called the Banaras Gharana that originated in this magical place. And most students in the city learn Hindustani classical music in some form … Continue reading
Ganga Arti – Banaras Diaries
The consciousness in Banaras is focussed on two events – Sunrise – when it is time to do the Sunrise Arti, and Sunset – when it is time to do … Continue reading
Life & Death & Thanatology
The first trip to Banaras in 2016 had a spiritual purpose: to immerse the ashes of my grandma in the Gangaji. Death brought me to Banaras the first time. And … Continue reading
Blessings of Banaras – 2019
Sometimes real life is so intense that I forget to leave its shadow on the internet in the form of posts on the blog or on facebook. And then on … Continue reading
The City of Benaras
“Yeh Benaras Hai” Literally it means “This is Banaras” but the tone included pride and an assurance – a way of saying “Don’t worry – it’s okay – this is … Continue reading
Cultural Fusion & Hybrid Art – 1
In the olden days textile-art hybrids came about when a woman married into another group and brought with her art-memes from her parental culture. Today the world has shrunk and … Continue reading
The Holy River Ganga
A few sunrise photos captured on the phone camera of the important Ganga whose significance to Hindus is as deep as its waters. This may seem obvious – but … Continue reading
Benaras Ganga Diaries
An unplanned visit to the Ganga came my way. For spiritual reasons. For filial piety reasons. For ceremonies that complete the cycle of life & death. Measured in the number … Continue reading
Antique Colonial-Era Saris
Two rare & unique saris from a bygone era. Rare because of their age. Unique because of the unique English motifs woven into the borders of the sari – woven … Continue reading