Women In India
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"You are IT...!"
There are many interesting games and pastimes that Indian women, especially little girls, play to while away the time; usually they are the spontaneous fabrications of a native mind and have been handed down through the ages.
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A Time to say Thank You
Nearly every culture has its own harvest festival and a Thanksgiving day unique to its society. So does the South Indian state of TamilNadu.
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GANGES: The River Mother
Westerners know the mighty Ganges to be just another one of the holiest rivers in India. But there is much more than meets the eye. Explore the myths and legends that surround this living river.
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The Legend of Kannaki
Not all Indian wives are silent martyrs, pushed into matrimony by well-meaning parents. Nor are they mute bystanders when misfortune befalls or immolate themselves on their husband’s funereal pyres. The legend of Kannaki is well-known for its fiery passion and search for justice.
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The Light that is God
Fire has always held a place of divinity and awe in man’s mind throughout the ages. It has been common tradition to worship fire in it various manifestations; as a household lamp, as the sacrificial fire, as lightining…
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The Laws of Manu
Manu, the ancient Indian king rivaled Nebuchadnezzar in laying down the law of the land. Here are some of his laws more relevant to the women of his society.
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NAVARATHRI: A celebration of womanhood
Woman is a creature of many passions. She nurtures, learns, teaches, protects and at times, destroys. Navarathri or The Nine Nights is a festival that celebrates the essence of feminity through three powerful goddesses.
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NAVARATHRI: A celebration of womanhood
Woman is a creature of many passions. She nurtures, learns, teaches, protects and at times, destroys. Navarathri or The Nine Nights is a festival that celebrates the essence of feminity through three powerful goddesses.
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AVVAI, the Virgin Saint
She was a scholar, she was a saint, she was respected by kings and poets, she was loved by children. She was Avvaiyar, the legendary Tamil poet.
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TULASI
All plants and trees hold a special significance in the Hindu pantheon. Especially, plants like the holy basil and the wood apple. Tulasi is associated with the divine protector, Lord Vishnu and the wood apple with the fearsome God, Lord Shiva.
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The Princess who wed a God
Even today, a married man in South India is asked what city rules in his household: Madurai or Chidambaram. It is well known that the Princess of Madurai was as strong and powerful a ruler as her husband, the dancing god Nataraja who ruled over the city of Chidambaram.
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KARVACHAUTH
It is a fact of life that Indian, especially Hindu culture gives the utmost importance to matrimony. A girl’s life is not considered complete until she marries and becomes a proud mother. To ensure a long and healthy life for her husband and keep her married life auspicious and joyful, the fast of Karvachauth is observed.
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Crowning Glory
Well, we have celebrated our very special day. We have proved time and again to the world that women are the Crown jewels in the Kingdom of God (I am going to get thrashed for that, I’m sure!!) But on a more serious note, here are some great Indian natural tips to keep your crowning glory and wonderful mane of hair healthy and squeaky clean…
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A TIGRESS ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE
If there is a field in which women still have not proved their prowess, it ought to be the dog-eat-dog world of stocks and shares. But its intrigues and complexities have not daunted Parvathy Palaniappan. Here are her experiences.
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The Festival of Lights:
This month, I am going to tell you about Diwali, the festival of lights. My fellow countrymen will feel that this article is way overdue. Actually Diwali falls in the month of October or November. Then why am I talking about it in January?
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KARVA CHAUTH: For the life of my husband..
A woman, in Indian society, is traditionally not considered complete unless she is blissfully married. Here is an interesting practice that evolved to safeguard the menfolk of the clan.
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A SWEET-N-SOUR STORY
It’s an interesting fact of life: drop-outs in school go on to achieve the most in life and are blazing successes. Weird, isn’t it?
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Straight Track
Ok guys. Here’s another woman who has made it to the FIRSTS list. Surekha Yadav is chugging off into the horizon as the first ever motorwoman to man a train in Hamara India.
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THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE…
…is the hand that builds houses. Here is the story of an Iron lady who has donned the mantle of a mason.
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CYCLE SAVITRI
This is a world where girls are not safe when they walk out on the streets alone after 7 p.m. There are prying wolves who're ready to pounce on any unprotected girl. Among the timid, however, is one woman who has the guts to pooh-pooh away the Romeos on the road.
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CYCLE SAVITRI
This is a world where girls are not safe when they walk out on the streets alone after 7 p.m. There are prying wolves who're ready to pounce on any unprotected girl. Among the timid, however, is one woman who has the guts to pooh-pooh away the Romeos on the road.
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Sitala, the Guardian deity
This week, too I am going to talk about a potent and powerful village Goddess. She is Sitala Devi who holds sway over most of North India.
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The Goddess of Anger
Indian tradition and the Hindu religion- both are replete with folk goddesses who symbolize the earthly desires and emotions of Man; fertility, revenge and passions. One such is “Angala parameswari”
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The Nightingale of South India
What is Indian food without chutney? What is an Indian wedding without sarees and sweet jaangiris? And what is an Indian film without songs and dances?
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The Triumph of a Rustic Belle
This is a short and endearing incident of a woman from the hinterlands of Southern India who made her mark at an international gathering and in the hallowed halls of London.
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Raksha Bandhan
The relationship between a brother and sister is the most unselfish of all and transcends the barrier of age or position. It involves a close and intimate bond- one that the ancients symbolized by the ritual tying of the Raakhi .
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Varalakshmi Nonbu: Part II
Here is the next instalment on the Fast for Married Women.. In this I tell you how the fast should be observed.
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Varalakshmi Pooja
It is the festival for married women. It is during this time they ask of Mother Goddess long lives for their husbands and themselves. What are the legends behind this very popular festival?
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Everyday Fashion
What do women in India wear to work? To party? To the temple? Here's a sneak peek into their wardrobe.
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Everyday Fashion
What do women in India wear to work? To party? To the temple? Here's a sneak peek into their wardrobe.
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Music hath no boundaries: Part II
I am continuing my thoughts on music this week also. Well, not exactly mine, but the thoughts of someone else with a burning passion for music-someone who has given of herself mind and soul to the love of music.
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Music hath no boundaries...
Until now, all my articles have been about Indian women and their activities set in a very Indian milieu. This week, for a change, I am going to share wiht you the experiences of a foreigner drawn to India in one of the most charming professions of all: Music.
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A Princess for Today: Gopika Varma
Modern day fairy tales have exciting storylines. Read about Gopika Varma, the most colourful and vibrant royal personage of South India
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The Art of Kolams- II
Catch the second part of the Kolam series. Here's where you know more about the scientific aspects of this traditional art form
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The Birla Saga
A challenging life need not only be the burden of the poor or underprivileged; it can also influence and shape the richest and most powerful people in the land. Case in point- the daughter-in-law of India’s foremost business families: Avantika Birla.
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Notes of Harmony
It was purely by accident, that Rajam, a South Indian, went to the North to learn Hindustani music. But it was the talent and her sheer genius that enabled her to shine as a violinist who excelled in classical Carnatic music.
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Part I :The Art of Kolams
Among the many traditional practices that are unique to the women of India, is the art of drawing Kolams. It is fascinating to watch them draw intricate designs on the floor with powdered rice. Why, there are even contests to judge the most beautiful designs.
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Taslima: The Voice of Rebellion
Some would say it was the voice of truth. Taslima has certainly made people sit up and take notice. How does it feel to be a writer who tells it like it is? Especially if the writer happens to be a Muslim, a woman and living in a barely tolerant society?
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The Spirit of Survival
This is the extraordinary story of a woman who was dealt a cruel hand by fate. But, who fought and survived against all odds. She not only survived, but made a success out of her life. Meet kalpana Munshi, woman and businessperson extraordinaire.
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A FIGHT TO THE FINISH
How successful can a single-handed, illiterate woman be when fighting the canons of the law? Very successfu, as Gauramma of Karnataka has proved.
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JOHINI - In the Service of the Lord.
Dedicated at a tender age to serve Lord Shiva, these young girls grow up in a world of deprivation and know only men with perverted minds and scared women. Learn more about the Johinis of India who sacrifice childhood dreams to enter an exploited adulthood
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GANGA: The Salvation of India
No discussion on India would be complete without a mention of the mighty river Ganges or Ganga, the ultimate pilgrimage centre. The river has come under fierce debate for its polluted waters and cremation activities on its banks. But in my article I’m just going to touch on the myths of Ganga who is revered as a Goddess.
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The noblest profession of all...
It takes a rare kind of aptitude to be in certain professions. An undertaker, for instance. And when a woman is forced by circumstances to turn into such a professional, how does she view her duties? Meet Gomathiammal.
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The Whistling Grandma
Carnatic Music is the most important form of classical music in the Indian sub-continent. Though, it is structured to the core, a few creative souls have experimented with the way it is rendered. And one among them is Mrs.Vasantha Mani Iyer, whose complete concert consists of whsitling !!
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A Day in a Suburban Train
To understand real middle-class India, particulary its women force, all you have to do is take a train on the commuter route in any major metro in the country.
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Are you really beautiful...?
If you have three folds on your waist, why then you are the most beautiful woman on earth...! That is according to Saamudrika Lakshanam . It is the age-old treatise on physical beauty and was almost the Beauty Bible of most Indians in the ancient past.
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The New Goddesses of Justice
Here is a brief and racy interview with the recently appointed Chief Justice of Madras High Court. She is smart, sassy and knows her place among the powdered wigs of the profession.
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More about Marriages...
I am back to the most popular event (and the most harrowing experience) in our lives- the wedding ceremony. Nothing can excite you more and nothing else can make you wish you had never agreed to walk up the altar. Here are some more interesting sidelights to Indian weddings.
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Dakshayini of the Fire
Here is another legend of India that serves to highlight the marital traditions and attitudes prevalent in the country.
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Mumbai: From Goddess to giddy heights...
Mumbai, the most happening city in India, is paradise and hell rolled into one. But did you know that its history began with a benign goddess?
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The Myth of Beauty.
What is it about Beauty contests? You can neither ignore them nor agree with them. What do the Indian beauty queens say about it?
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The Princess of Tabla
Her fingers fly with amazing speed and elegance over the tabla drums. They are sure in their melody and in their shattering of a predominantly male bastion.
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The Language of Pearls:
Here are some handy tips on how to take care of these white dreams nestling
in your jewelbox..
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Crowning Glory of the Indian woman
What DOES she do to that silken mane of hers? How on earth does she keep it long and glowing? Nope, this is not an ad for shampoo; it's really the way
most Indian women look after their hair. And they trust Nature to give them that glow of beauty.
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Women and the Vedic Chant:
Women are taking over the world - ancient as well as modern. And today, they have set foot in the hallowed turf of religion also.
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Color me Red, Color me Blue....
Disclaimer: This is not a psychological essay, not even pop psycho-babble. This is more like an eclectic mix between Cosmo magazine and some practical character analysis. This article does not claim responsibility if you fire your hairdresser, fashion coordinator or burn down your favorite dress boutique. That being said and out of the way, let’s get down to the real fun...
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Divorce: The Not-So Great Divide...
Not for couples in India the quick-fix remedy of a court granted divorce. There is taboo attached to the "D" word- social as well as familial. And husbands and wives are rethinking their priorities.
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SATI: A Burning Issue
It's still taboo to talk about it . . . But is Sati really happening in the rural hinterlands of India?
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Shopping , Bharatiya style...
Here's a look at the mind of the Indian shopper and how she combines value with looks.
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Epic Heroines
A peep into the past of how women were in the days of yore..
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Andal, Beloved of Lord Vishnu
The woman who married the Lord is considered a divinity herself. Know more about Andal, the beloved of Lord Vishnu.
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Indian Ornamentation: Part 4 The Anklet
What goes “jingle-jangle” and “clink-“ and tinkles musically at every step you take? Why, it is the anklet. of course! Join me on the concluding part of the 4-part series on Indian ornamentation as we explore the origins of the bejeweled anklet.
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Indian Ornamentation- Part III: The Saree
Can 5 yards of cloth totally transform a woman? A
saree can. It turns a woman into a sexy siren, a
spiritual figure, a matron, a blushing bride and more.
Read on.
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Indian Ornamentation: Part 2. The Waistband
Take a look at Indian charms and amulets that ward off the evil eye.
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Indian Ornamentation- Part I: The Bindi
The ancients had it. Now, Madonna has caught it. What are we talking about? It's all here, in the mystique of India.
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BARIPADA RATH YATRA
A new slant to women’s lib? For the female devotees at Baripada, Orissa, it is religion at its best. Read on to know more.
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INDIAN WEDDINGS
How colourful is marriage in India/
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