Planning a trip to Vietnam with family? A recent trip to Vietnam made me realise how popular the destination is, especially with Indians. Nearly everywhere we went, there were at least a half dozen Indian families speaking in different languages. And yes, we make airport spaces so noisy that people stop and stare! [READ: A Visit to Busselton in Australia]So, if you are wondering whether to go or ..read more

Wondering what is happiness? Here's a question: How happy are you? From January 2024, it seems as though everyone's on a rollercoaster ride. I've talked to so many people, Nearly all responses were on similar lines: "There's so much change happening in my personal and professional lines; it's crazy!!!! My whole life is changing so fast I can't keep up...." Have you been feeling the same way too ..read more

"Manjummel Boys is the movie I want to watch," Adi, my son, told me on the day his last exams got over. Seriously, the only time Adi likes to watch Malayalam movies in theatres is if its a Fahadh Faasil film or a film directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan. When it came to Manjummel Boys, he wanted to see the film before I did. We didn't like the trailer though. Surprised as we were when we began ..read more

Wondering how to offer water to Surya Dev daily? In India, it is a common sight to see people offering Surya Arghya in the mornings. On my trip to Sydney last year, I was amazed to see few Indians offering Surya Arghya from the terrace of their apartment society every morning. This shows us how significant Surya Arghya is for Hindus. See below a stunning sculpture of Surya Dev at Sun Temple ..read more

What does lighting the lamp signify? And what is the concept of 'Nilavilakku'? In Kerala, most Hindu households light the traditional brass lamp in their puja rooms. This brass lamp is called as 'nilavilakku'. In most Malayali homes, it holds a sacred place. On special occasions such as Vishu and Onam, the Nilavilakku is decorated. [READ: How To Light Deepam At Home]Taking a closer look at what ..read more

This year, Delhi's winter season has been a challenging one. The only things that keeps me cheerful are hot chocolate and books. I have written about my reading vow in my Substack newsletter - you can subscribe now.My yearning for warm golden sunshine grows warmer by the day! Can't help sharing the beautiful poem by Wendell Berry which reads:I know that I have lifeonly insofar as I have love.I ..read more

New Year 2024: How exciting it feels to start the New Year and experience the vibe of exploring new goals and new beginnings! We can make every day feel special and here's how! [READ: That Time Of The Year]This is a good time to find new and smart ways to excel at something that you haven't done before - it could be as simple as starting a new fitness regime or a new diet plan or creating new ..read more

The year 2023 has been full of surprises. My birthday this year was almost spent in the hospital and it was not an easy terrain to navigate, at the time. So, yes, it has been a year of precious lessons that taught me to surrender to the Divine Mother. I am still learning to take the baby steps, falling and getting up again while the Divine Mother watches.[Read: Kalyanam Celebrations, Temple ..read more

Dhauli Shanti Stupa in Odisha: A visit to Odisha's much revered Jagannath Temple this year has been one of my happiest moments in 2023. I still feel tear in my eyes when I remember my first darshan at the iconic Puri temple in more detail, but I will come back on it another time, perhaps.[Subscribe to my newsletter on Substack] Why is Dhauligiri Famous?Located about 8 km from Bhubaneshwar, this ..read more

Kollur Mookambika Temple: Wondering what is special about Mookambika Temple? Wondering where is Mookambika temple situated? Established by Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, the Mookambika Devi temple is located in Udupi district. Wondering who is Mookambika Devi? What is the power of Mookambika Temple? Read this blogpost to know more![Subscribe to my newsletter here] Curious to know what are the ..read more