Cool Reads

Brij Lakshman Sagar, Pali: Ethos of slow living

A meticulously restored 19th-century hunting lodge of the royal family of Raipur, Brij Lakshman Sagar unfolds across 32 acres of untouched countryside. Here, Rajputana grandeur meets sustainable design, creating an immersive retreat beside a tranquil private lake. Twelve independent cottages, crafted from
March 11, 2025

Jewellery and the Indian bride

Have you ever looked closely at an Indian bride walking into the Mandap, sparkling from head to toe in her wedding jewellery? In India, bridal jewellery isn’t just about looking beautiful…it’s a symbol of heritage, blessings, and new beginnings. When she steps
March 11, 2025

Kulfi: Ice Cream of Kings

Kulfi is no ordinary dessert. It is India’s original ice cream, rich, velvety, and steeped in history. Born in the royal kitchens of the Mughal era, its name comes from the Persian word Qulfi, meaning “covered cup,” a nod to its traditional
February 14, 2025

New beginnings: India’s festivals of hope

January dawns across India, ushering in a season filled with hope and renewal. From the frost-kissed north to the sun-drenched south, the country’s harvest festivals mirror its agricultural roots. Celebrating the harvest The onset of the new year is woven deeply into
December 24, 2024

Zakir Hussain: Tabla virtuoso par excellence

Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro, was a global ambassador for Indian classical music. Born in Mumbai in 1951, he inherited his rhythmic prowess from his father, Ustad Allah Rakha, a distinguished figure in the Delhi Gharana tradition. Zakir’s immersion in the
December 24, 2024

Gandhi: Shaping a nation’s destiny

The name Gandhi has been synonymous with India’s fight for independence and social reform since the early 20th century. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, or Mahatma Gandhi, championed Satyagraha, a philosophy rooted in non-violence and truth. Through movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) and
November 19, 2024

Paan, the post-meal indulgence of India

One of India’s most iconic offerings is a fresh, glossy green betel leaf carefully folded into a small, aromatic parcel. Sweet, spicy, and fragrant, the Paan is a treat and a gesture of hospitality. It is often served at weddings, festivals, and
November 19, 2024

India’s storybook scenery: A filmmaker’s dream

Whether it is dramatic monuments, bustling urban centres, or untouched landscapes, India’s rich cultural and natural tapestry has captivated Bollywood and Hollywood. The country’s vast and varied terrain, from bustling cities to rugged mountains and sacred rivers, has provided a perfect canvas
November 19, 2024
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