Let me open doors to tales of my grandmother’s ancestry, the Poonjar Gods and the love of food hidden in a tiny hamlet of Poonjar in Kottayam district, Kerala.
On being a mountain soul and more: Manifesting my dream life in the Himalayas
What brings me to the Himalayas? That’s a question I am asked often. I sigh; an inexpressible deep love for it. A lot of people ask me what makes me live in the mountains, despite being a city girl. To tell you the truth, I don’t have all the answers Continue Reading
CHEW JETTY: A walk through Penang’s Chinese Heritage Village
Georgetown – Penang’s capital city is a storytellers’ paradise. Every little nook and corner whispers a story. Those who have the eyes and ears for it are sure to fall in love with Penang. To immerse yourself in the Penangian way of life, keep walking or cycle down its past Continue Reading
Quan Yin Teng: Divine tales of yore at George Town’s street of harmony.
The island state of Penang is a magical mixed bag offering you everything from a laid-back beach break to a cultural indulgence. Its capital George Town – a UNESCO World Heritage city is home to the legendary Quan Yin Teng – also known as ‘the Goddess of Mercy’ temple. Standing Continue Reading
SAIRU SAJJA: Celebrating harvest in Jagatsukh village.
In the land of Gods, the passing seasons play a significant role in their deep-rooted traditions. Living in a little home perched atop Jagatsukh village for half a year now, I had a chance to explore the lives of the Himachali community closely. I learned that their traditions are deeply Continue Reading
THE WEAVING HEARTS OF PANBARI, ASSAM.
The spirit’s spider weaves the web of life Connecting impenetrable mysteries Trailing its gold from wisdom to wisdom; Enwrapping one with another; Into colours of love, Weaving us in infinite cycles The intricate threads of our life Shape themselves into beautiful patterns Weaving each strand little by little Making Continue Reading
The catcher of African dreams
I am a believer of dreams. There is something magical about them and its meaning certainly can’t be derived in logic. Dreams are the visions of the soul. They have been the sole reason for every journey of mine. It was a starry night at Mcleodganj. The moonlit sky had Continue Reading
Journeying through fairy tales of the Moon.
It was the starriest night at Komic – Spiti’s highest inhabited village, overlooking golden mountains and brown pastures. Hot cups of Loon Cha poured in as we spoke of the tales hidden in the hearts of Spiti. I was alone on my journey across the tribal circuit of Himalayas starting Continue Reading
A call of happiness
“Dhaara jo gaana” said Amma, whose eyes sparkled with love. Her face wore a broad smile as she readied cups of chai for us. Amma was inviting us to accompany her for a journey to ‘Dhaar’ in the upper mountains with her small cattle family. Amma was to stay at Continue Reading
The legend of the mystical Dzi.
Far away in the mountains of Ladakh, the prayer flags fluttered from a distance, while I indulged in many a Gur Gur cha’s listening to this 90 year old grandmother spin mystical tales for me, as her prayer wheel chanted ‘Om mani padme hum’ in circles. The Ladakhis, Tibetans and Continue Reading