Navratri: From Worship to Spectacle?
Anjali KanojiaNavratri celebrations today often look very different from the observances of the past. Pilgrimage sites have become places for selfies and reels, and temples are seen as tourist attractions. Garba…
Christian Pride vs Dharmic Hesitation: A Leadership Contrast
One of the most striking political moments in recent history was evident in Secretary Marco Rubio's speech. It solidified the ethos of White Christian leadership in the West, particularly in…
Reclaiming Iran: Tracing Indo‑Iranian Heritage Beyond the Islamic Republic
Iran stands at a historical crossroads. For decades, Iranians have protested against the authority of the Ayatollahs, demanding greater political freedom, decent women's rights, and an end to Islamic rules…
From Tamilakam to Thebes: Tamil-Brahmi in the Valley of the Kings was No Surprise
The recent identification of Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions in Egypt's Valley of the Kings has important implications for understanding early Indian travels and participation in Afro-Eurasian exchange networks. When compared with canonical…
Decolonizing Validation: Why Indian Art Needs No Oscar
Decolonizing Validation: Why Indian Art Needs No Oscar Recently, social media in India has been buzzing with claims that Akshaye Khanna should win an Oscar. While the praise for his…
Path Dependencies in Bias Against Indian Professionals
Despite the United States being a nation built on native and immigrant sweat and blood, a persistent bias exists toward certain immigrant groups, mainly Indian professionals. Especially those on H-1B…
Stolen Breath: The Rebranding of Yoga in the Rise of Pilates
"I don't like yoga but I like Pilates." Where does one begin to understand such sentiments? Pilates, widely recognized today as a Western system of physical conditioning, is often presented…
Naga Panchami: Serpent Worship Beyond Ritual
The Spiritual Significance of Naga Panchami in Yogic Tradition Naga Panchami holds profound spiritual meaning in the yogic tradition, far beyond its ritualistic aspects. The serpent, or Naga, symbolizes the…
Ghee, Grace, and Generations: Naivedya and Kuladevi Worship in Saurashtra, Gujarat
After completing my second solo book, by Devi's grace, I found myself filled with gratitude and a longing to give back. That is when the thought took root: What better…
Before the Gods: Shiva & Yoga in Ancient Greece
A few days ago, a memory from Kos, Greece, popped up on Facebook. I visited ancient hospital ruins, which were not traditional hospitals as we know them but also temples…