Culture

Spreading Light and Love: Diwali festivities unite communities in Bareilly and beyond

Celebrating unity in diversity, from Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya’s Dargah to Diwali fairs in Syana and Bareilly. Through shared prayers, festive lights, and acts of kindness, India’s rich tradition of interfaith harmony continues to inspire, bridging divides and fostering peace across cultural and religious boundaries

Art must mirror an urgent need, the personal and the political: Asmit Pathare

In this powerful essay of self-expression, theatre and film director, Asmit Pathare explores the challenging world of a young artist challenged by deep schisms in society, driven deeper by a politics that thrives on division and repression.

Lord Ram, in my sixth letter I appeal to your diverse forms

This is the sixth letter in a series: the writer's point is to emphasise the importance of diverse perspectives, critical thinking, and open discourse when portraying Lord Ram and discussing his significance in Hindu culture. The writer criticises the limited perspective in a recently released film and contrasts it with the nuanced portrayal in the Sanskrit play "Uttara Rama Charita." The writer advocates for embracing multiple interpretations of Lord Ram's character, highlighting the dangers of dogmatism and the need for inclusive dialogue to safeguard societal harmony and progress.

Chokhamela’s Bhakti: the past transforms into a radical present

A poet-philosopher of an inclusive tradition, Chokhamela experienced the bitter exclusion of caste, yet persisted in his questioning spirituality, adding to the rich variety in this centuries’old tradition, the Warkari (Varkari) devotional movement of Maharashtra

Muslim bullied at Madina for his Indian Islamic practice

Noticing a thread tied around the old man’s wrist, the protagonist, Shaikh Muzaffar Madni, ridiculed the practice and said it was a “non-Muslim practice” he had imbibed

Hindu temple faces backlash for demanding removal of Kazi Nazrul Islam’s picture from dance institute’s program

After this decision backfires, an apology was issued, the chief of the temple authorities said it was a “wrong guess” on their part

Political Power & narrow vision demonising Muslims, destroying harmony & defaming Varkari tradition says Sant Suhas Maharaj Phadtare: Trimbakeshwar row

The dhoop arti tradition at the Trimbakeshwar mandir is being demonised by narrow vested political interests, a cruel Brahminical tradition that cannot tolerate social harmony and syncretic culture says the renowned Varkari saint-philosopher from Satara, Suhas Maharasj Phadtare

SIT to probe Muslims offering respect from steps of Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra ?

A controversy has been created over a ritual being...

Reflections on a newly opened ‘cultural centre’ by the Ambanis in Mumbai

A walk through the newly opened Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre leaves the author with more questions than answers

Eid Mubarak: Mussalmans & a United Nation- India

First published on: 11 Nov 2016The Musalmans and a United...

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Fierce backlash grows against Yati Narsinghanand’s Dharam Sansad as fears of incitement to violence escalate; plea moved in SC

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SC Collegium summons Allahabad HC Judge, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav over remarks on Muslims

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Uttarakhand: Retd. Muslim Army Officer Faces Ire of ‘Hindutva’ Forces; FIR Filed After 2-Yr Legal Battle

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Tipu Sultan birth anniversary rally gets green light from Bombay High Court

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Supreme Court issued stay on suits on survey against religious places, interventions had highlighted the Act’s intent to preserve India’s secular character

Various political and religious leaders had intervened in the Supreme Court, emphasising the 1991 Act’s critical role in preserving India’s democratic fabric and preventing communal strife.