Reflections

Stotram is a sanskrit term which means 'hymn of praise'. It is a poetic composition on a form of divinity which is meant to be sung. Devi Stotrams are dedicated to the Divine Mother. Stotrams are a magical way to connect to the unseen power that takes care of us and the world. A popular stotram that is chanted on all the Navaratri days is Lalita Sahasranamam . Lalita means Divine Mother and Sahasranamam means thousand names. It is considered auspicious to chant thousand names of the Divine Mother on every friday. It brings peace, clarity and prosperity in the lives of people. Homes where Lalita Sahasranamam is chanted, never experience any shortage of basic necessities of life. It purifies the whole atmosphere and fills the person with positive energy. Lalita Sahasranamam is from Brahmand Purana and dwells on her different aspects and qualities. Devi Kavacham is another popular stotram that can be sung or heard everyday. Devi means Divine Mother and Kavacham me...

It’s only recently that I have taken to wearing Bindi and considering that we live in a country where women have been putting Bindi for generations, it feels odd to make that statement.I t’s actually amusing to notice people reaction and prejudice to wearing a dot on your head these days, especially in North India.  Incidentally, where I live I used to wear it only on family gatherings and festivals and weddings. And though I was never questioned or forced for wearing a Bindi in my family, it made me wonder that all these years I have seen my mother wear Bindi everyday and somehow I don't wear it.. why? Bindi, I feel has become more of a fashion statement these days rather than being a part of daily attire as in my mothers generation. And Bollywood has a great role to play in it, considering I grew up watching films like DDLJ, or Kuch Kuch Hota Hai or Yes Boss etc. shot mostly in foreign countries po...

Nava means nine and ratri means night. Like we spend nine months in our mothers womb, these nine nights are a time for self referral, a time for reflection, a time to go inwards and celebrate. In West Bengal, people celebrate Navaratri with a lot of artistic fervor, their is feast and celebrations. People get together for the famous Dhanuchi Naach - where women dance with the earthen pots filled with coconut husks, shells and incense lit on fire to the traditional beats of 'Dhaks'. People dress up in the best of traditional attires and take part in the festivities which is a way to show reverence to Goddess Durga. In north India, people set up 'pandals' or exhibitions with huge statues adoring Ma Durga in her various forms slaying the demons. But has anyone ever wondered that did those demons really exist? Where did all the fight happen? Who were these demons troubling the common people? As per Vedic knowledge, the first three days are the days of tamo gun...